"Sham Wow" I thought that was funny :)

I'm sure learning a lot about my body and how it works, how it moves, how it acts/reacts to activity and food. Sham has really impressed me with his knowlege and ability to educate and motivate me to be healthy.

Tonight we set up some core exercises that I can do on my own and he showed me how to use the foam roller to loosen up my muscles before I work out. That hurt, but in a good way! He gave me some exercises to correct some posture issues and we focused on strengthening some weak areas. I have been practicing all night and it feels so weird to hold my body correctly- I wonder how long before it feels normal? Oops! I just caught myself slouching again!

Sham is showing me how everything I'm learning correlates to everything I do outside of the gym like work, posture, standing, sitting. Basically I'm learning how to live an overall healthier life not just things to do in the gym but all facets. I'm excited at the prospect of enjoying a long healthy life!

I've also ordered a seven day cleanse and mulitvitamin product that he recommended (which I haven't been taking). Can't wait to receive them!

Baseline testing

I had my baseline fitness tests yesterday with Sham. We did a variety of tests to be able to measure my progress against later. I rated ok on the tests, but my quads are sore today and my achilles/lower calf too.

I just got back from the gym- only jogged a mile though. It's late and I had a busy day... Looking forward to working out with Sham tomorrow.

"Before" Inspired Wellness Stepped in

Yep, this is me, this is how bad it's gotten. I'm really embarrassed about it too, and this is humiliating to post. Shhh, don't laugh. I hope one day soon I will proud of how far I've come. Right Sham?

Get Real

I got real tonight. Really real. Scary real!

I took my "before" photos in 1. a workout outfit and 2. an old swimsuit I saved that I hope to one day fit into again. Whoa, that was depressing. I'm amazed at how 'off' my body image has gotten and to make it worse I remember being shy about how that old swimsuit fit me 10 years ago when I wore it last. What an idiot I was! I have so far to go that it's depressing.

HOWEVER, I have come up with some mantras that seem to help: I ask myself what New Shelly would do in a particular situation- I'm fond of New Shelly, she's just a better version of the old, not a replacement. I also remind myself that God is Bigger. He is bigger than my frustration, or my situation, or my hurts, or anything I find myself up against. HE is BIGGER.

Oh, and when I get to my goal, I might feel proud of these hideous photos and share them with you. But not til then!

Ugh. Food.

Had a nice little 30 min. walk on the treadmill tonight after my consult with Sham. We talked about food and nutrition. Sham is a very scientific guy and gave me some great info about what certain foods do to our bodies physiologically. Very interesting! Not my background and even though I knew the no-no's I didn't necessarily know the "why" behind them. I think it will be very helpful in moving forward and re-training myself. I appreciate his education and his ability to sort through the false or trendy information to get down to some solid science with proven results. I'm really looking forward to more of his coaching. I think Monday we begin training though! I have to take some before photos tonight before I forget- thanks Sham for the reminder and for keeping me accountable with your emails and texts.

Reality Check!

Man, I had a great meeting with Sham today to get prepped for my new changes. But, ouch! He took measurements, weighed me and tested my body fat and BMI. Not good. It appears that if I continue on this path I will have health problems for sure. I haven't had a realistic body image for myself and I know that. So now I have to reconcile the way I feel on the inside with what others see on the outside.

Sham asked me to journal and take "before" photos so when I reach my goal I can be proud of where I came from. Sounds horrible because I'm still in the "before" stage! Sham is very sure of the results we can achieve and asked me to write my goals. So here goes...

My Goal: My ultimate goal for myself is to understand what got me to this place and let God heal those areas that make me self-destruct. I want to be completely whole inside (confident, content, happy, etc.) and physically strong, healthy and beautiful on the outside- a testimony to God's grace and love for me and anyone else looking for wholeness and healing. We are who we choose to be. I will meet my goal when the inside of me matches the outside and I am content in that place. I don't exactly know what that size is, but I have set a goal with Sham so he knows where I think I'm headed. Later, I may share those numbers with you but right now, that makes me feel a little vulnerable!

My 'goal' and what I feel are realistic expectations are two different things- but he sees my goal as realistic so I am encouraged.

I just got back from exercising for 45 minutes on my own- watching the Steeler game while on the bike then some lower body exercises on the machines. I sure can't wait to have some purpose for my time at the gym and actually see results! I think that is the most frustrating part of exercising on my own...lack of progress. It must be the food but who really knows. Sham and I are sitting down tomorrow to make a game plan for this journey- I can't wait!

My trainer's info: He has a blog going at http://inspiredwellness-net.blogspot.com/

The Beginning of Something New

Wow, my first blog. Not the only beginning for me...but the record of the beginning of a new lifestyle. Starting Monday, Jan. 19, under the direction of my fitness coach Sham of Inspired Wellness, I am going to begin a journey to finding health again. The crazy years of raising children, owning businesses, and putting my family first have taken their toll on me emotionally and physically and it's time to take charge! I intend to track my progress- my ups and downs- here in full view and with full accountability from everyone... embarrassing no doubt!

Well, I am like clay in the potter's hands, Sham, let's do it!