Now, if someone were to tell me I was going to be posting strength training progress pics of my stomach back in Sept. 2016 - I may have told them they were not playin' with a full deck and to come and talk to me when their elevator isn't skipping floors! And, yes when I'm in a mood this little Buddhist can be that blunt! LOL. This has been almost 2 years in the making.
When I first began exercising, it was 20 minutes on the recumbent bike at level 9 and about 15 minutes, give or take of 4lb weights and some mild strength training exercises. It all lasted a total of 35-40 minutes. And, that was it! Of course, there's no picking up a weight or doing any type of exercise without inevitably wanting to push and challenge oneself. I was compelled to peel off the layers to find out what is underneath there. It's what makes strength, weight, and resistance training so addicting - LOL
Oh, yes there's some loose skin. I'm 45 people, there's going to be some loose skin regardless as I age. It happens, and I'm okay with it. Ironically, the a lot of the loose skin is around my thighs. I don't care, it's a beautiful reminder of an "old story" about who I thought I was supposed to be. The ultimate reminder that transformation is not only possible, but inevitable but we can have a bit of a say in just what kind of transformations happen :-)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the indentation that is happening around my obliques. I've never ever had those before. I'm not looking for washboard, or a 6 back. I'm not the body builder, but the "lay" person the body builder trains in their off hours. The one that says, "no, I'm not training her for competition - but she's a pride and joy to work with nonetheless"
I am happy and thankful I get to continue expanding this...but, doing this reminds me just how amazing the human body can be if we give it the chance to show us. I've learned this body wants to accommodate every single one of my whims, whether I'm eating too much or increasing lean muscle and releasing fat. However, I've learned to treat this body with more respect than just my minds whim to eat all the foods, all the time. This form is worth being loved to the greatest measure of its health and vitality, even if that means passing by the donut and saying "not today" or not until we plan for it.
I have a doc appt. next Friday with my MS specialist and care team. I don't honestly know what any of my health markers are at the moment and a blood test will definitely be happening. But, for better or worse I love this form - it's gone above and beyond for me - so we're just gonna keep on, keepin' on :-)
