Musings...

Despite this gray, dreary day, I find myself in lovely mood (if not a little sleepy).  I love the way I feel right now.  For one thing, my mood swings have been greatly reduced.  I still get a little crabby and cranky occasionally, but not as frequently and certainly not as severely.  It makes me feel like I'm not entirely batshit crazy.  I'm finally in a good place physically and mentally, and it is such a relief.  When I look in the mirror, I'm able to look past the cellulite and see the changes I'm making for the good.  I'm not focused on what used to be so much as I'm focused on creating a stronger me.    

Thanks to a metric shit-ton of squats, goblet squats, barbell squats, dumbbell squats, and wall sits, I'm seeing definition in my thighs for the first time in years.  I've also lost an inch in my legs!  I was horrified when I put on my festival boots, and they did not fit.  I'm going to try them on again this weekend in hopes that they lace up without any gaps.

And pull-ups!  I'm so very close to being able to do a full pull-up!  My head almost reaches the top of the bar!!!  My upper body strength is finally getting there.  In aerial class, I'm able to stay in the air long enough to get my foot locks or double dance wraps.

I'm gonna go ahead and blame my dear friend Whit for keeping me competitive and motivated.  Since she introduced me to Fitocracy, I've not had a problem making myself workout.  I'm looking forward to my daily workout sessions.  

Some who shares the blame for this new me is my aerial instructor, Maria.  She's fatastically supportive.  She's had more faith in me than I've had in myself, but has allowed me to go at my own pace.  I owe her so much for allowing me to live my dream and coaching me through it every step of the way.  

Staying motivated...

I've always found it difficult to stay motivated when I start a health and fitness routine.  This time, I seem to be having better luck at it than in the past.  Since I've started aerial, a long-time dream of mine, I've have a tangible goal to work toward.  

I know I need to increase my upper body strength substantially, so I've set a goal to be able to do an unassisted pull-up.  I'm reaching my goal faster than expected since I've been doing my bastardized pull-ups (standing on a chair and lowering myself to the ground as slowly as possible).  I started with one set of 8 reps and am currently able to do four sets of 8.  I also discovered this week that I am able to pull myself halfway up instead of just dangling there like a worm on a hook.  

Fitocracy is helping me stay motivated, because I have an entire community of people holding me accountable.  Every time I get a notification that someone has given me props, it makes it that much easier for me to do the next workout.  The point system certainly doesn't hurt.  I'm constantly striving to reach that next level.  

I've even been able to get off the plateau I'd been stuck on, and I'm closer to losing the last few pounds to get back to where I was before I gained 30 magical pounds this winter.  

AND!  I can see definition in my abs again!  I feel great about that.  I need to check my measurements, because I'm curious to see if I'm any closer to being able to wear my hugely expensive Ren Fest boots.  

I feel good, I have more energy, and I love what I see when I look in the mirror.  It's a great feeling.