The most noticeable difference between now and when I first started boot camp is that I no longer have to stop in the middle of the class so as to avoid puking. I've always been one of those people whose first reaction to extreme physical exertion is to barf. Even as a kid I can remember biking up a really big hill in the middle of summer, losing my lunch at the top, and then biking on home like it ain't no thang. The boot camp trainer seemed really concerned about this, but I found out (thanks to google) that it's pretty common. Also, eating small snack with a bit of protein an hour before class seems to help. (OMG cheese strings! LOVE.)
The second thing I've noticed after a month of bootcamp is that my legs are stronger. I work in an office on the 3rd floor of an old building, and the stairs are killer. When I first started working here back in January, I'd practically collapse at the top of the stairs in a winded, sweaty heap. Now I can climb all the way to the top, carrying my heavy laptop AND gym bag. Progress!
My calves have never looked better!
As for weight loss, I've only lost 5 pounds. That seems kind of small, doesn't it? I think I expected I'd lose about 8-10 pounds in a month. Me losing 5 pounds is a bit like throwing a deck chair off a cruise ship. But hey, I'll take what I can get.
I don't think I look very different. I wouldn't expect to, having only lost 5 pounds, but I think I notice a tiny difference around my face. (My double chin is a bit less pronounced, I believe.)
So that's month 1! Hopefully I'll be able to report more success next month!
So proud of you! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!!!! Keep it up! You'll be in a bikini this summer!
ReplyDeleteI wish, Anon! My tummy hasn't seen the light of day since 2004, when I felt brave enough to wear a bikini, but sucked in the entire time. :P
DeleteKeep it up Kiki! You will become fitter for sure, but not necessarily slimmer by working out alone. Unfortunately, excercising is secondary to changing eating habits in terms of weight loss.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! I've made some good changes in eating habits, like making a healthy lunch instead of buying something from the food court. (There's nowhere to buy lunch nearby my new office.) But you've reminded me that it's time to implement phase 2 of the eating plan: Cut down on my cereal intake! :)
DeleteKeep it up! Exercise is a great first step, but as has already been mentioned... Diet is probably as important. Personally, I'd go low carb. Studies have shown it to be more successful then traditional calorie restriction diets.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208184651.htm
Little but constant progress is better than losing much and regaining it shortly afterwards. 5 pounds is significant enough, especially for a first month. The goal of any fitness program is to build more muscles, those are heavier than fat but consume more of the latter. So the longer you work out, the more progress you should see. Or something.
ReplyDeleteScrew reduction of cereals, just get one that's low in artificial sugars and high in fibre. You'd be surprised at how persistent I can be to promote my dear Dorset müesli!
Second Tenor, who got his 5 lost pounds back since coming back from China half a year ago