600 days on MFP - pic heavy

BerryH

First I was like:


Then by doing a lot of this:


And this:


And eating a lot of this:


I ended up more like this:


And this:


Problem is, I'm still a long way from my goals. I'm 7lb up from my lowest MFP weight and 13lb away from my first goal, and after a series of breaks for illness and injury I'm finding it hard to get back into any kind of exercise routine - in fact I'm a bit scared of hurting again. Diet-wise I think I'm sorted - just actually stick to MFP's recommendations and track properly again. It worked well before. But as far as the exercise goes, I feel like I'm back to square one - not necessarily in fitness level but in setting goals and working towards them. One thing I'm pretty sure on - I'm not interested in entering any more running races. Does anyone have any tips?

Aperture_Science

A great post and a great MFP friend.

Barbell_Jules

You look great! Congratulations!

Merithyn

A great post and a great MFP friend.

^^This.

As for suggestions, have you looked into the less-impact exercises like Yoga?

AnninStPaul

Congratulations! I'm in the same place with falling off the exercise wagon - though your reasons are much better than mine!!

Personally, I'm planning to KEEP races (5K's) on the schedule -- I need the deadline to keep me motivated!!

Scotland_forever

First off, congratulations to you for 600 days! Second, if you feel like you are starting at square one, go with the tried and true method of doing things you love. Exercise goes from that point Fantastic job!

stephiegirl1215

Awesome job on your progress, you look great! Keep up the good work!

KCramer12

Awesome progress!!! Keep up the great job!!

LondonEliza

Who is gorgeous ?!

If you are not into running, maybe try cycling.

Keep walking but maybe add to it by wearing ankle weights?

Sounds like low-impact is the way to go for you - have a look for youtube low impact workouts.

and of course the old chestnut ..... lift stuff

jrich1

Awesome job!

Pedal_Pusher

Great post........congrats!

Squiggs67

WOW! You look amazing. Good for you

allifantastical

Great job!!

Yanicka1

You look awesome.

You know that I suggest lifting heavy lol. And for cardio maybe the elliptical but I hate that with a passion.

KeepGoingRhonda

Wonderful results of hard work! Wish you all the best as you keep on keeping on!

cmbneeley

if you have a local pool, water aerobics can be amazing! i do water aerobics when i'm pregnant or injured and it's great, low-impact, and can be a real calorie burner if you put your full effort into it. (though i've seen some people that seem to think water aerobics is just piddle around in the water for fun ... that's not so effective.)

also, lifting weights does wonders for your metabolism and body. it can make you feel incredible! can build healthy lean body mass, too.

lizziebeth1028

Awesome job Berry! Your witty posts keep me motivated, inspired and smiling:laugh: :laugh:

nursenae1

You look amazing!!

asticoral

KUDOS!

Check out Diamond Dallas Pages YRG workouts I recently pickedup the Fountain of Youth and RAW DVD's can't wait to get relocated and start working on them.... also don't forget swimming is a great option if available to you!

fit_librarian

I love Tracy Effinger's Squeeze dvd. I know I say that on a lot of posts, but it's a workout I really believe it. I have noticed a big difference in my core strength, arm definition, and inner thighs. It is best for toning though, and not cardio.

You look great though! Keep up the good work!

BerryH

Thanks for your comments and suggestions everyone, much appreciated.:blushing:

I'm actually thinking about quitting my (very expensive) gym because I keep feeling like I should go there rather than do the exercise I would enjoy on any particular day just to make it worthwhile, and end up hating it! However, getting the pool to myself half the time (why doesn't anyone else use it?!) is priceless.

It's an odd back thing that's niggling me at the moment - an overly long fast walk stride can set it into spasm, as can turning oevr awkwardly in bed, so I do need to take it easy. but it's been two weeks now and I can feel my bum spreading!

buzzcogs

You look great and you should be really pleased with yourself. I don't have a lot of running advice..I'm in a different place. Limbs are fine but I still have pleurisy so I feel like I'm running on "half a lung". Sort of discouraging. What I can offer is that walking, pilates, and weight training are excellent ways to keep fit. Throw in a little bike riding for fuin too!
You are in inspiration to me!

kelbell685

Great post!! Thanks for sharing:-)

_AllieCat_

What a clever and adorable post.

You look fabulous and about 10 years younger. Thank you so much for sharing!

kschu22

Honestly start slow. Go for 30 minute walks everyday just to get some sort of exercise going. I've been there with injuries all throughout my life with sports, and I understand how that goes. Then maybe add in a day of more rigorous cardio, but again, build up to it. You may not see dramatic results, but you will rebuild energy. Also, giving yourself some sort of concrete goal (buy a cute top that is one size smaller than you are) and hang it where you see it every day. Another thing that works for me is creating a checklist besides MFP for exercise goals. Checking those things off every day after doing the exercise really is fulfilling and a great motivational tool. Good luck and I wish you the best!

jjgirl76

Awesome job Berry! Your witty posts keep me motivated, inspired and smiling:laugh: :laugh:

Absolutely this! ^^
I like the suggestions I see of lower impact stuff like yoga and lifting.
Great success story! I love picture books.

mommy3fit

love your post! Great job!

kyle4jem

From flab to FAB in 600 days ... you are such an inspiration Berry :happy:

If you don't use the gym, then probably best you save yourself the price of a good meal out per month and quit, but if you mostly use the pool - then it's probably worth it. That's the only reason I pay for gym membership (LA Fitness) and it's worth every penny having the pool practically to myself. I had to use the public pool for a couple of days this week and it's not so much having to swim circuits, rather having shared facilities.

I know it much be frustrating having to cope with all the niggles, but there are plenty of low impact exercises - like swimming - and however long it takes, you'll reach your goal!

HappilyLifts

when my back is giving me some gyp I find the elliptical and walking on a gradient don't give me too much trouble. How about focusing on upper body work and mat toning with low impact exercise? Those are two other things that don't give me any trouble (apart from toe taps and the like). I also like Youtube, there's always something on there when you want to try something new.

Great job Berry, consistent and in it for the long run, and it worked. Gives me faith that I'll shrink my belly if I just be patient and keep on working out!

stuffinmuffin

A great post and a great MFP friend.

I second this.

NewLife_11

Love this post! So creative, great job!!