I have become one of those people

During the last quarter of 2015, I caught a nasty bug. When I finally went to the doctor, I found that I weighed much more than I thought I did. While I didn't weigh enough to be on My 600-lb Life, it was definitely more than I was comfortable with. So I decided to do something about it. I signed up with a personal trainer in February.

My trainer, Tammy, is pretty awesome. At the first appointment, we took some body measurements and tried a few exercises to see where I was starting. The next week ramped it up a little bit but not enough that I was ready to quit. But by the third week, Tammy kicked it up. A lot. But never to the point where I couldn't do anything. If something hurt or I had too much trouble with a specific exercise (damn you, push ups), we would modify it a little bit. I have yet to not finish a set.

But the part I like the most about Tammy? She makes me feel like I'm not working out. When I come in, she'll write the night's "assignments" (OK, they're sets) on the board and show me how to do each move properly. Once I get started, we spend the rest of the time chatting while I work out. I may not be able to respond with words (mostly because I'm trying to count in my head) but it's enough to distract me from what I'm doing. Before I know it, the night's workout is over and I'm heading home extremely sweaty.

On March 23, we took my measurements again. This was after only four weeks of training with her. (I had to take two weeks off due to a migraine and some school commitments for my daughter.) I lost an inch off my waist, three inches off my hips (which is my worst part), and an inch and a half off my thigh. In addition, I gained three-quarters of an inch on my bicep due to muscle.

For the record, this was almost entirely exercise based. My diet barely changed. I drank a little less soda, I added some more protein, and I tried to eat less fast food. I still don't measure or weigh my portions. The only real change is that I drink smoothies for breakfast instead of a bagel slathered with cream cheese. But I can still have a bagel once in awhile if I want!

I never thought I would be one of those people that enjoyed working out. Dancing has always been my "workout" but I don't do it nearly enough to make a difference in my body. Thanks to Tammy, I look forward to my trainer appointments. I've even purchased a kettlebell and a dumbbell to use at home in between our weekly appointments. A good trainer really does make a world of difference.

Favorite Friday

My sister and I have decided to take a Zumba class. In case you don't know what Zumba is (I didn't until I looked it up), it is a dance fitness class. Something like hip hop cardio. The class is 45 minutes long so I'm sure I'll be quite sore by the end. With any luck, my sister and I will be little fat burners by the end of the 6-week session. I'm hopeful!

Game reviews: Fitness Frenzy

In Fitness Frenzy, you play Vicki. She has recently gotten herself into shape and she wants to share the joy of exercising with everyone. So she opens her own gym. You need to help all of your members find a good routine, learn how to use the equipment and cheer them on when they need it. Of course, sometimes the equipment gets sweaty so you'll need to wipe it down occasionally too. I know this sounds like a terrible game but I actually found it to be quite fun. It's a basic time management game so you aren't actually using the exercise equipment, just pointing people in the right direction. You'll find yourself addicted in no time!

Wii Fit

My husband puchased the Wii Fit the other night. We've only had it two days and it's already killing me! Yesterday morning, we set up our fitness sheets. It asks you how tall you are then it weighs you and asks you to do some balance exercises. Based on all of this, you are told your BMI (body mass index) and your "fitness age." You can also see your weight if you wish.

However, BMI is a very flawed system. It doesn't take into account how much muscle or what type of body you have. As a result, I was listed as "obese" when I am definitely not in that category. Overweight? Yes. Obese? No. It would be nice if there was a setting for body type at least.

Yesterday night, I started my official workout schedule. I did a bit of yoga, some aerobic exercises and some balance exercises. I did not do the strength section. My favorite exercise, by far, is the aerobic step section. It's almost like Dance Dance Revolution but on a stair! I also enjoyed the hula hoop aerobic exercise as well. In the end, my half hour left me a little sweaty but not out of breath.

Last night was night two of my workout schedule. I warmed up with the yoga stretches before moving onto strength exercises and finishing off with some light aerobics and balance. I could definitely feel my "core" muscles working. My back is a little sore today as a result. It's nothing terrible but I think the yoga exercises, which is supposed to work on your posture and balance, have forced my back muscles to work a little bit harder.

Overall, I am really enjoying using the Fit so far. I'm planning on doing at least a half hour workout every day. I'll try my best to keep all of you informed of my progress!