The Mule Made Me Do It! (Updated Post)

FeelingFroggy13

Losing weight; some people do it for their family, a spouse, for self esteem...I started because of my mule. I hate to take up too much space on the site, so my original post and story can be found here:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/561947-the-mule-made-me-do-it-40lbs-down-40lbs-to-go-pics

From now on, as I have new progress photos, I will just add them onto this thread. Might not be the most efficient way, but I hate to take up several threads!

My Stats:
Starting Weight: 262 lbs
Current Weight: 212 lbs (50 lbs lost)
Goal Weight: 180 lbs (personal goal for going to the Canyon)
Goal Weight: 140-150 lbs (ideal range for me)
Height: 5’ 6”

Starting Size
Pants: 20w (and those were getting tight)
Shirts: 2x-3x

Current Size
Pants: 16’s and 14’s (depending on the brand)
Shirts: XL (in the regular size clothing sections!!!)


Me and Marshall
[img]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/feelingfroggy13/Going going gone/May42011245lbs3.jpg[/img]


48lbs lost!
[img]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/feelingfroggy13/Going going gone/WeightLossonMule48lbslost.jpg[/img]


Along with my mule riding, I am also a belly dancer. I acted as a troupe director and instructor for 6 years, even during my heaviest weights. Belly dance is a great activity, but like all forms of exercise, you need to do it regularly and eat healthy to gain its full benefits. At one time, I was easily consuming 4,000-4,500 calories a day. I no longer teach (took a much needed break!), however I have started attending class as a student.

[img]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/feelingfroggy13/Going going gone/BellyDance48lbslost.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/feelingfroggy13/Going going gone/BellyDance48lbslost2.jpg[/img]

Thank you for reading! I sometimes add folks that also have an interest in belly dance or equines and are working towards becoming healthy. Please add a message telling me a little about yourself though…I don’t usually add if you haven’t introduced yourself.

Huge, and I do mean HUGE thank you to NueroticVirgo for the photo tutorial!

Curvimami

Congrats on your loss!! I love bellydancing too. I suck at it, but I do have 2 bellydance workouts, that make think I know what I am doing.lol

FeelingFroggy13

Belly dance vids are a great way to begin! No pressure and no one to feel self-conscious in front of! I wish they had been out in full force when I started dancing. There are so many great ones out there now...some that are more fitness related and some that are more dance related. If you ever want to see some awesome belly dancing, check out "Rachel Brice" on YouTube. There are so many great dancers, she is not even the 'best', but her movements are so snake-like and mesmerizing!

FeelingFroggy13

Yay! I hit my 60 lbs lost mark finally. Of course, I had to have my son take a quick photo for me before I went out on a ride. I wish he had stood more to the side, instead of behind me! It's so fantastic to look down, and see my saddle seat instead of my own belly

The most exciting thing? In two-three more lbs, I will in the 100's, and I will be right at the 200 lb limit for going on that Grand Canyon Mule ride!!! I would like to be at least 20lbs under the limit when we finally go, but knowing that I am so much closer puts a giant smile on my face.

[img]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll314/feelingfroggy13/Going going gone/WeightLoss60lbs.jpg[/img]

yelpat

You look awesome :flowerforyou:

FeelingFroggy13

Thank you!

MaraDiaz

You're looking amazing! Love the bellydancing pics, too, looks like a really fun way to lose weight and get in shape. :drinker:

dhiammarath

That is awesome!!!

I, too, started losing weight when I realized that there were weight limits on horse back riding. I love horses and got to have a ride in Canada last Fall, but was severely disappointed to realize that most places require a certain weight before going.

Now, I can ride again and it's awesome! I'm seriously considering lessons!

Congratulations and have fun on that Grand Canyon ride when you go!!

amymiler

Way to go. I'm new to this. I too have a 'riding ' goal. Hope I do as well as you!

FeelingFroggy13

That is awesome!!!

I, too, started losing weight when I realized that there were weight limits on horse back riding. I love horses and got to have a ride in Canada last Fall, but was severely disappointed to realize that most places require a certain weight before going.

Now, I can ride again and it's awesome! I'm seriously considering lessons!

Congratulations and have fun on that Grand Canyon ride when you go!!

That is wonderful that you can ride again! It's such an awful feeling to be limited by your own body, getting back that freedom is such an incredible thing. I think taking lessons is a great idea...you should look up the amount of calories riding burns, that make you take the plunge! I was shocked when I saw the calculations, not to mention the core muscles you use riding.