The OG (Original Gangsta) Hunger Games...
Bathing Suit Season
Ok...for the FIRST TIME in my entire adult life, I haven't been completely dreading swimsuit season. Perhaps it's the fact I've been preparing for a better me (and bathing suit season) since February! Now don't get me wrong, I've still got a ways to go, but the important thing is that I'm GETTING there!!!!!
I actually tried on some bathing suits from a few years ago last weekend (I have a upcoming trip to Jamaica in August) and guess what??? They didn't look half bad... and they FIT!!
Seriously... this was this LAST time I felt comfortable in a bathing suit.... doesn't mean I didn't look decent, but I've never felt comfortable in my own skin. And i'm finally turning that corner.
And you ask, Gee Amy, how are you doing it??
What's your advice for a newby, like myself??
It's taken me damn near 40 years (how'd that happen?) to get here... but, I think I've finally figured it out. And believe me, I'm no saint. I love me some wine, cheese, chips, guacamole and MORE cheese. But, I've learned a few things along the way...**
- Protein, protein, protein
- Weights/ Weight bearing exercises... and A LOT OF REPS...
Think about when your arms wanna fall off... When you get there- keep going. - I am a group exercise girl from waaay back. I like to suffer with others... encourage others...support others... be held accountable to others... and that's what I've found in my gym... small group personal training. LOVE IT!!! My gym (North Dallas Anytime Fitness- seriously, tell 'em I sent ya) and my trainer (Jacob) are amazing. You have to have the want and the drive-- but they will help you get there.
- Protein builds muscle. Muscle burns calories. So... the more muscle we have, thus, the more calories we torch... WHILE WE DO NOTHING. Seriously, this IS one of my motivators.. burn more, while doing nothing.
- Get a step tracker ( I LOVE my Fitbit Flex... I'm holding out for a Tory Burch bracelet...) I want the hinged bracelet, in case anyone wants to buy me one... for real...
- Water, Water, Water... did I say, that? (I've never liked water, until now). Trust a sister-- Toss in some lemons... and pony up to the water.
- Seriously, don't be afraid of weights... you won't look like someone from WWE (don't hate- my husband LOVES the WWE wrestlers.. therefore, I end up knowing a lot about wrestling...again, don't judge. He's CUTE, FUNNY and SMART.)
Seriously, start with these pieces.. and then, eventually, work on the diet. You'll get there. It's all about a bunch of small modifications, over time, and (this is the biggie) CONSISTENCY.
Seriously... make a few small changes for the next 6 weeks... and be consistent!!!
Keep it real, keep it frugal and keep it FUN!
** Legal Disclaimer: I'm NOT a trainer, nutritionist, or anything important. Just a girl that wants to look cute in her jeans, get rid of her back-fat (WTF?), feel good about herself, look better naked(!!), and most all, be HEALTHY.
