This is not a noose to hang myself. Rather, it is a giant rubber band for me to step into so I can manage to do three sets of 10 pull-ups. I'm glad my gym had them for me to check out because even with four weeks of weight training under my belt, I wasn't going to be able to manage. Theoretically, with practice, the rubber bands should get smaller and smaller until I don't need them anymore.
The completion of week four also marked the completion of phase one of Jamie Eason's 12 Week Challenge. I feel more toned and more energetic, though I still feel like my digestion is a bit off.
Here are a couple of low quality pictures that I took in the gym from the start of week one and the end of week four. We're always making fun of those guys who parade around in the gym spending more time looking in the mirror than working out. I would die of embarrassment if anyone caught me taking a photo of myself. Thus, the low quality. The one I took today isn't even in focus. But, I think it's okay for comparison.
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| Phase 1 Before and After |
Can you see a difference? Maybe not just yet. I love this image that is floating around Pinterest and Facebook.
It has only been four weeks so maybe you don't notice yet.
I've only lost a pound and a half but I've lost 6.5 inches, measuring only one arm and one leg. I'm glad I'm seeing results with the inches otherwise I would get discouraged with my weight. I know I'm building muscle, and I know my digestion is erratic, but still I have happy numbers and unhappy numbers in my head when it comes to weight. I think most people probably do. I think that if I'm really watching what I eat and exercising aggressively then I should get closer to my happy number. I pinned this image as a reminder of what this plan is really about.
So it's on to phase two. I got to start some cardio today. Going to the gym for an hour and a half for strength training and cardio was a lot but it felt good to run again.
I'm excited to see what the next eight weeks will bring!
