Seven months of (admittedly inconsistent) strength-training

LorinaLynn

Actually, more like six months of admittedly inconsistent strength-training, plus slacking big time during the entire month of January while recovering from a stress fracture. But I'm about ready to get back into it, and this is just the motivation I need.

In June, I reached my initial goal weight of 135#. Since then, I dipped down to 125# and after going on maintenance officially in October, my weight fluctuated back to 130#. But my clothing size was smaller, so I didn't care about the scale. Between the holidays and my (so far) month of recovery, I tend to average around 132-133# now. So the actual weight difference in these pictures is only about three pounds.



But here's the part that really amazes me... I had a Freudian typo putting my image tag... I typed "omg" instead of "img." It fits.



I haven't been following any structured lifting plan... so far I only do weight machines. I was all set to start Jamie Eason's Livefit in January when I got my stress fracture and couldn't do any squats or lunges. (And no running! :sad: ) So I'm excited as all get-out at what I'm going to be able to accomplish when I'm fully recovered.

GreekByMarriage

I really want to start adding some strength to my routine as well... are the machines ok to start out with? I am not even sure what to do at this point and I don't have the $$ right now to get a trainer.

How do you split up your workouts between the different muscle groups?

GreekByMarriage

And by the way, although it is quite apparent from your photos... YOU LOOK PHENOMENAL!!!!!!

LorinaLynn

I believe free weights are better, but the machines are much less intimidating. Plus, I belong to Planet Fitness and their free weight options aren't that great.

I typically do (did) full body twice a week... making a round of all the machines, doing either 2 sets of 12, or 3 sets of 8, as heavy as I could. Start with about ten minutes on a treadmill, bike or elliptical to get warmed up, then hit the weights for about thirty minutes, then I'd do more cardio just because it's a pain in the butt for me to go to the gym, so I don't want to spend more time commuting to and fro than I spend there. :happy:

VVEXVVEX

OMG is exactly right. Same weight, two different bodies. Beautiful results!

sarah44254

Glad to hear stress fracture is healed up and you are ready to go!!!

catherine4211

I've already told you this but you are my inspiration!!!

foster59803

Wow! I hope you are not offended, but I have to say your *kitten* looks like it belongs to a 19 year old! Amazing! I am going to hit the weights tonight! Thanks for the inspiration!

Fitwam

You look amazing! Way to go!

My ulitmate goal is 135# too, but I am still trying to get the mini goal of 140#.

LorinaLynn

Wow! I hope you are not offended, but I have to say your *kitten* looks like it belongs to a 19 year old! Amazing! I am going to hit the weights tonight! Thanks for the inspiration!

:blushing: There is no 39 year old in the world who would be offended by that. :happy:

MrsRobertson1005

Not to sound weird just like the other people said, your bootie looks amazing! I'm 22 and my butt doesn't look that good, hasn't since I was 17. Jealous! Great job!

ttkg

Yeah - have to echo the others, one of the biggest differences is your butt. WTG!!

penny39

You are such an inspiration! You are at the weight that I want to be at I have about 30 pounds to lose to get there. i have to buckle down and get my act together!

MinnesotaManimal

OMG lifting weights made your hair shorter....

on a more serious note..... you look great, thanks for sharing!

Annette_rose

Wow...awesome results!!!

fitmomma23

I really want to start adding some strength to my routine as well... are the machines ok to start out with? I am not even sure what to do at this point and I don't have the $$ right now to get a trainer.

How do you split up your workouts between the different muscle groups?

If you want to lift you should do it in lower and upper body sections. When you do your upper body work on your Back, chest, shoulders, biceps and triceps. Then for your lower body do your quads, hams, calves and abs. This is what is said to do in the "Body For Life" lifting work outs. And I think its great =-) Hope that helps!

kdiamond

I can definitely see an increase in your shoulder area (wow!) and a huge decrease of cellulite in the back of your thighs...exactly what happened for me!! Strength training rocks!! Good job!

NovemberJune

Love it! I think I remember seeing your weight loss success pics before? Anyway I love to see stories that show that it's not just about weight loss. You look great!

suztheq

Thank you for posting these pictures! More motivation for me to keep lifting. I have serious "butt envy" right now! :laugh:

BrandyontheRun

Awesome Job !! I love seeing/hearing womens success with strength training!!

LorinaLynn

I can definitely see an increase in your shoulder area (wow!) and a huge decrease of cellulite in the back of your thighs...exactly what happened for me!! Strength training rocks!! Good job!

Thanks! I'm amazed at that because I've had cellulite since I was a teenage, and I was under 110# then.

porffor

Fantastic! Can really see the definition in your pose facing away from the camera / back view. your arms are great, and legs much smoother. You must be thrilled!

now.. If i could get a bikini body it'd be amazing! lol

LorinaLynn

I've gotten many miles out of that bikini! Here's the full progression...



I wish I had back view photos from the beginning. But I have from the end of March onward.



March 141#, June 135#, August 129#, January ~133#.

yankeedownsouth

You look fabulous! And I'm so encouraged to read that you did this with weight machines rather than free weights. I'm still so leery of free weights, but I'd be thrilled to get results like yours from the machines!

kardsharp

You are my hero. Thank you so much for posting your photos. What an inspiration.

Congratulations. I think you have done an amazing job, you look healthy and fit. What I want to be.


Namaste, Kristine

melrose09

daaaang! You look AWESOME!

Spamee

You Sure do Look Awesome! Thanks for posting, very Inspiring

albinogorilla

I believe free weights are better, but the machines are much less intimidating. Plus, I belong to Planet Fitness and their free weight options aren't that great.

I typically do (did) full body twice a week... making a round of all the machines, doing either 2 sets of 12, or 3 sets of 8, as heavy as I could. Start with about ten minutes on a treadmill, bike or elliptical to get warmed up, then hit the weights for about thirty minutes, then I'd do more cardio just because it's a pain in the butt for me to go to the gym, so I don't want to spend more time commuting to and fro than I spend there. :happy:

i use a planet fitness as well, strength training is all what you make of it, you can do it with anything, any where. But the results don't lie........I do little to no cardio. Its unecessary for weight loss. A little bit is necessary for general health. Great Work!

katmix

Bump

Anomalia

Nice! Keep up the good work!

taunto

hrm. How do I say this without sound like a disgusting pervert. Nice tushie!!