When "just three pounds" is more than "just three pounds"

LorinaLynn

I can't believe there's only three measly pounds difference in these pictures.





Granted, that's the abbreviated version, and the reality wasn't that I just dropped three pounds and it made that much of a difference.

In the "before" pictures, I was already down about 20 pounds and really happy with my results thus far. These were the first real set of progress photos, because prior to these, I was too embarrassed to take shots from multiple angles. At the time, I was running for exercise, having just finished my 2nd race a few days before, and doing EA Active Sports 2 on the Playstation, which combined cardio and mild resistance training (body weight and 5 pound dumbbells... similar to 30DS kind of stuff).

About a year ago, I started heavy lifting. Still running 3-4 times a week. Damn, do I wish I started that sooner!!!

I actually got down to about 125 before going on maintenance in October. Since then, I continued heavy lifting and running, then got sidelined for about 6 weeks with a stress fracture around Christmastime. Between that and the holidays, I gained a few pounds. But my clothes still fit just fine, so I didn't care what the scale said.

I don't by any stretch believe the 13 pounds I gained since October is all muscle. I know it's not. I'm pretty sure at least 3-5 pounds of it is water weight from going over on sodium plus muscle soreness because I've stepped up my lifting after taking a brief hiatus. Some of it is a little extra body fat. But I don't care. I actually like it... I'm 40 frickin' years old, and when my BF% was a little lower, it showed a little too much in my face. More people see my face than my abs. :laugh:

So in short... I'm happy with how I look, absolutely amazed at what strength training has done for my bum, and the number on the scale is meaningless.

For the EVEN LONGER version, check these blog entries:

How I Did It (Dec. 2010 - Aug. 2011) http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/LorinaLynn/view/how-i-did-it-timeline-with-photos-133754

How I Did It Part 2 (Aug. 2011- Mar. 2012) http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/LorinaLynn/view/how-i-did-it-2-electric-boogaloo-226007

LorinaLynn

Ack... for got to add the photos. Hold on a sec!

meerkat70

You are so amazingly beautiful. You look great in both shots, but in the second, the lightness in your legs, and the great definition make you look even better.

You're a real inspiration Lorina Lynn. (And that's not a term I throw about lightly.)

Yanicka1

You are a great inspiration.

Sapporo

That is pretty awesome. Good inspiration for weight training. I picked up the New Rules of Lifting for Women (or something like that) from the library and I think I'll start it soon.
Having some muscle looks much nicer eh. Not many 40 year olds have a butt like yours!

hothodgie

I am a very happily married straight woman. But I have to say it. You have a great *kitten*! LOL. Congrats on your hard work! And yes, 3 pounds is an amazing difference. You look great!!

elisa123gal

that was all I need to stop worrying about getting that number on the scale to move and just work out to shape my body. thanks for posting.

Jules2Be

YAAAAAAAY!!! i love your posts.

dbrightwell1270

wow.

kickers19

You look amazing! Great inspiration to us all

sixtyinchesoffury

sweet! i'm noticing my measurements getting better but my weight goes up and down. this is a good reminder that the ultimate

goal is body sculpting not just dropping weight :-)

QueenChar75

LOL! Laugh in the face of 3 lbs! YOU LOOK AMAZING!!! Thanks for your inspiration! Because I was just sitting here upset for only losing 3 lbs for the month of July and you have made me feel soooo much better! I have started running and weight lifting, so I know I have to keep it up!!!
Hell, I hope to look like that at 40! Thanks!

Purplegal

Wow you look amazing!! Especially your bootie...WHAT exercises did you do for that? Wow!!

Molly_Maguire

I am a very happily married straight woman. But I have to say it. You have a great *kitten*! LOL. Congrats on your hard work! And yes, 3 pounds is an amazing difference. You look great!!

I couldn't have said it any better than this! ^ You look fantastic! Congratulations!

sweetpotatofry

I love all your posts. Are you lifting at home? You look amazing!

TiffanyDeanee

wow you look amazing! awesome work.

Jennacita

Thanks for sharing. You look amazing.

tuffytuffy1

I am another woman here who loves seeing your inspirational photo posts. You look fantastic, and that is insane that it was just a 3 pound difference! I'm thrilled to be lifting weights and changing my body shape and although the weight loss is sllllllooooooowwwww, I know that my composition has changed drastically. Great work!

crystalslight

WOW!!
Nice reminder the # on the scale isn't as important as the way you look in the mirror. You are :smokin:

nicehormones

You look great

LorinaLynn

I love all your posts. Are you lifting at home? You look amazing!

I am now. I was doing machines at the gym, but absolutely hated GOING to the gym, so I got an inexpensive bench and barbell for home about a month ago. I'm doing lower pounds now that I'm doing free weights (IE, overhead press 30 pounds instead of 50 on the shoulder press machine), but I think I'm getting a much better workout.

mrpurdy

You are my hero!

Are you using a lifting program? I'm currently working through New Rules of Lifting for Women. My back, bum, and arms look loads better, but my core is in need of some help!

I also run 3-4 times a week, lift heavy 3 times a week, and add in some fun classes throughout the week (Zumba, step aerobics, etc.).

Feisty_Red

Oh my gosh..you have no idea how this helps me today... I have been at the same weight for 4 MONTHS. I'm just obsessed with that number not moving...but I also started heavy lifting.. ..and people keep telling me I am shrinking..but clothing is still the same.. maybe tone is sometimes more important?

Woot...you look awesome!!!!!!!!!

mushroomcup

You're right, the scale is pretty darn misleading sometimes. And oh my gosh, your LEGS! They are sooo smooth. You look awesome!!

fugaj01

truly inspirational!! great work and dedication!

LorinaLynn

Bumping because there's too many people who care too much about the scale and think they're not making progress if the number isn't falling.

If you're not seeing progress, you're not looking in the right places. Track your fitness, take measurements, go by how clothes fit, take pictures. Don't get hung up on the stupid scale.

silvergurl518

lorina, you show us consistently what PERSEVERANCE means!

BABetter1

Bump