My workout history

I'm feeling compelled to share my workout, exercise story today. I haven't always been into exercise. In fact, when I was taking hormones, my weight spiked up so much, I decided to get a personal trainer and get some serious help. By the way, I was 20 years old. Being trained by a professional was awesome. I trained twice a week and was boxing. I felt great. Then I got into a car accident and really damaged my knee. So 8.5 years ago, I had to stop training hard. The injury has followed me. I am limited in how hard I walk, run, or how long I can be on my leg. Last year, when I went Paleo, I decided to start walking the dog, every morning, for at least 45 minutes. It got easier as the time went on. I worked my way up to an hour and a half. Through the divorce, the dog went to live with her other mom, so my workouts became few and far between. Then I went back to the fitness center, biking and lifting. I found both were easy on my knee. Through my therapist, we decided I'd try something else, something just for me, outside of the community in which I live and work. I bought myself some Pilates classes at the beginning of December. I consulted with the owners beforehand because my knee has always been a problem. I could do something for a few weeks, then I get injured and quit. Well I found out my studio has physical therapists as instructors so this seemed ideal.

I started Pilates in December and haven't looked back. I was scared, let me tell you. I was so worried. But my instructor always asks about my knee. Since I began, I have had NO issues with my knee (knock on wood). In fact, my legs are stronger than ever before and my chiropractor is impressed at the strength and flexibility my right leg now has.

I have not always been fit. I have not always looked forward to working out or sweating. But now I do. I love my Pilates studio and really was unsure how my body would react, especially to the jump board. Because Pilates is so low impact, my knees are gaining strength without being compromised. I don't swell the way I use to in my joints (could also be because I am not consuming gluten) and I sweat but not a crazy amount.

I've only done the jump board twice and I was worked hard this last time but I feel great. Because it's a private session, I get very individual attention and we've formed a bond. She checks in on my knees and makes sure my form is good and that I am maintaining my body. 

I just want to make folks aware that I have not always been physical and since starting Pilates, I have not changed my diet. I still eat the way I did before hand but the exercises are transforming my body.

I've shown in pictures the difference in my core and after a month (Jan 8th) I'll post another before and after. It's remarkable how this low impact workout can change a body so drastically in such a short amount of time.



Motivator:
Don't be afraid to work your body in a way it hasn't been done before. Try new things. Remember, cardio is not the only way to loose weight. Burning fat by weights is a faster way to melt the pounds off than cardio alone. Do your research on studios, gyms, fitness centers, trainers. Ask questions and don't be afraid to disclose your fears, injuries or things you are apprehensive about. It's your money, time, and body, you need to ask questions and go all in.