strudelfit
Height: 5’3″
Starting weight: ~140 lbs.
Current weight: ~ 125 lbs.
The picture on the left is from June of 2014. I saw exercise as a punishment for eating poorly and I hated doing it, so I would go for long periods of time without exercising at all. I was convinced that exercising did nothing for me anyway, because I hadn’t been blessed with the genetic potential for a “good body.” My limited attempts at exercise and healthy living were totally inconsistent, and I always had excuses ready for why I couldn’t do it. I was struggling with depression and would spend entire days laying in bed and eating my feelings. I remember the day I took the photo on the left because I was on my third attempt at completing C25K and I wanted to keep myself accountable by taking progress pictures. When I looked at this picture, I cried. I felt helpless, like I could never change and like I would never be happy in my own skin. You can see in my posture how defeated I felt.
At this point, I decided to start getting serious about my health. I signed up for my first 5k, and although I was too sick to run that day, I started running 5k on my own three times per week. I pushed myself to remain consistent even when I was stressed or tired. I made time for exercise in my schedule and I stuck with it. I pushed myself to make healthier food choices whenever possible, but I never restricted or denied myself anything. As time went on I noticed a gradual change in my attitude. I was happier, more energetic, and less stressed. I started to feel more confident and sexy. I noticed my strength and stamina increasing. The aesthetic changes didn’t seem that significant to me, but I felt happier and better about myself than I ever had before. I actually started to look forward to exercising.
The picture on the right is me now. Since last June I have continued running, started strength training, started commuting by bicycle, started swimming, run a 10k, and signed up for a sprint triathlon. While I haven’t lost a ton of weight and there hasn’t been an enormous change in my physical appearance, I have made so much progress. This isn’t a before and after picture. This is a “then and now” picture. Because this is a lifestyle that I am committed to maintaining. Not just for the sake of physical appearances, but because I love myself. I love my body. I love challenging myself and seeing what I am capable of. This journey has shown me that I am capable of so much more than I thought I was.
I hope to one day become a trainer and help other people realize how much they are capable of as well. Follow me and my continuing progress at http://strudelfit.tumblr.com/ . I would also love to follow your journey, encourage you, and see your progress!
strudelfit
Height: 5'3"
Starting weight: ~140…
Tags: Weight loss, Fat loss, Before and after photos.