The gym - I finally made it!! .... And the shopping trip

I have never liked the thought of going to a gym. It scared and worried me a bit that people would be looking and thinking that I didn't fit in there! I didn't want people seeing me sweat and struggle and have bits wobbling all over the place!
I have only just started to feel comfortable jogging when a car drives past or I am approaching people, so going to the gym was a big move for me!
Thankfully I had lovely Claudia helping me out and encouraging me along the way. I had no idea how to set the computers on the machines, but Claudia set it up for me, and away I went!
I did enjoy the variety on the treadmill. Claudia had suggested the 'random' option, so I was walking and jogging up and down hills!! I was able to increase the speed when I wanted to have a bit of a jog. I certainly got a good sweat going and found the treadmill keeps you at a good pace. No chance for miandering along to look at the scenery!!!
I do still prefer being outside to walk and jog, but will definately go to the gym again. It is a good option when the weather is bad, and when I need a bit of variety!
So thank you heaps Claudia for looking after me at the gym.

After the gym I went shopping. I was very excited when I tried on a pair of size 18 pants and they were too big!!! A shame they didn't have any 16's left!! Then I wanted to try on a denim skirt in another shop, but they didn't have any 18's, so I thought, no harm in trying on the size 16. Guess what I bought!!!!! A denim skirt - size 16!!! It is from My Size, but still a size 16!!! A long way from the 28 - 32 sizes I was wearing 2 1/2 years ago!!!
It takes me a lot longer to buy clothes now! I have more choice, plus I never know what size I am. Every shop and brand is different! I still tend to take the bigger size with me to try on, and then have great delight in asking the sales assistant to get a smaller size for me!!! I have never had that experience before!!!! It is so nice choosing to not buy clothes because they don't suit me, rather than because they don't fit me!! In the past, I have bought so many clothes just because I was lucky enough that they fit me!
We were out on Saturday night, and I was given many compliments from people on how great I looked! Even the guys are noticing and saying something!!!

So all in all, a very enjoyable Saturday!!

Motivation!!!!

So often people ask how do I stay motivated. Or their comment is "wow you must be so motivated!"

I decided to share some of the things that do keep me motivated. But it isn't always easy and some days I just get so sick of having to watch what I eat. I can get very cross at the thought of others who don't seem to have to worry about what goes in their mouth. I get jealous!!

But then I tell myself, well this is my life, and I only have to worry about my life!!!

So, the things that keep me motivated are:

I have a photo board on the fridge. I have regular head shots to see my progress.

I love new clothes!!! Being able to buy a smaller size is just so exciting! I've been wearing size 16 tracky dacks today and I think I am a princess or something!!!!

Oooohhhh the sex just keeps getting better!!!

I remind myself of what I can do now; do up any seat belt, have the kids and cat sit on my lap without them slipping off, jog for more than 10 seconds, walk up stairs or a hill without being scared I won't be able to breath, see my whole leg and foot when I look down when walking, wrap a towel all the way around me............there are so many more...........

I have also worked hard to weigh less than my partner! That was a huge motivator when I thought of chocolate.

Speaking of chocolate, staying motivated to me, didn't mean giving up everything yummy. I have pretty much given up potato chips coz I just love them so much and can't stop at one, but chocolate I can have a small amount and then stop. So I believe that motivation is helped by not depriving ourselves of everything we enjoy.

I love what my body can do when I am exercising. So I keep telling myself that exercise will be even better with a lighter body.

Every day I try to have a mini goal, such as, I will exercise longer, or I will have more vegetables than usual, or I won't have as much bread or I will make sure I have enough water. Its always nice to feel I have achieved something at the end of the day.

One of the important things is to not be too hard on myself if I have had a day of indulgence. We are allowed to have nice things, but in moderation. I do still feel a bit guilty if I eat something that really wasn't good for me, but I make it up to myself with a longer exercise session, or a stricter day the next day.

It's about finding what works for ourselves and building on those things.

Two and a bit years ago..............

It was February 2005 when I started my change of lifestyle. I was too afraid to weigh myself when I started, but about 4 weeks in, when I could notice small differences, I weighed myself. I was still more than I thought I would be. The scales spun around to 180kg!!For most of the first year I concentrated on changing my eating habits. About 10 months in I added exercise. Just before the 2 year mark, I joined Weight Watchers to regain focus. I am so glad I joined!! I have been able to keep my changes going, and finally see the scales go under 100kg!! I can't remember the last time that happened!! I would have been in high school! I finished high school in 1986, so we are talking quite a few years ago!

I can't believe I love exercising...........

I like to exercise everyday. During the week I get up at about 5.30am to do about 1 hour of a combination of aerobics and hand weights. I do my exercise at home with DVD's. I enjoy the walk/jog aerobics and a step class DVD. I also use my exercise bike. I try to do something different everyday.

If I get a chance after work, I will go for a walk /jog.

On the weekends I love to be able to have about 1 1/2 hours to go for a long walk / jog. I can now jog for up to 1.5km before I need to go back to walking. I try to jog at least 3 or 4 times throughout my walk. I find this has kept the weight moving. I find the aerobics DVD's I do are fairly easy now, so I like to be able to challenge my body on the weekends.