30 Days into weight training ... results! pic heavy

peasantsong · March 2013

On February 2nd, I started the NROLFW. I just had a thyroidectomy at the end of December and I had gained quite a bit of weight. I was very unhappy with my body, but very inspired by all the weight training success stories I've seen here and elsewhere. So, at 171 lbs and having never lifted a barbell in my life, I began. 30 days later (and 2 workouts away from the end of stage 1), I have my first progress pictures!

Day 1 (5'5", 171lbs):
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/1C00179B-0845-42EC-B80B-0B04E210B446-3484-000005766F394AA4_zps3c0032f0.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/A9AB15A2-93EE-47CE-85ED-E091AB89DC94-3484-0000057461419312_zps5acea44f.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/A8E5DBB5-461E-42B9-A579-FFF686B0A228-3484-00000574643AECBD_zpsaa424822.jpg[/img]

AND.... Day 30 (159 lbs)!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/6550430D-0F54-4315-A18A-B03C54E9C2B7-3484-0000057464F0757C_zps4acf9a33.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/49CC036B-AB09-4DD7-92C3-942968E42321-3484-00000574685CD948_zpsa36c2695.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/6685C138-7B38-4188-A8B6-90A7E63DC8F9-3484-000005746BCB8AB4_zps59b6a6ce.jpg[/img]

You wanna see something crazy? In the pics below, I was 2lbs LESS than I weight now. I was 157 lbs. But this is what I looked like at 157 lbs with NO strength training. Amazing!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/157lbs.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/LizzH/body and face/157lbsside.jpg[/img]

I hope I posted these pictures right! I know the changes are small... for now... but I am very excited to see them and I am excited to share them with you guys! I look at the success stories threads every day for my inspiration and any change, big or small, inspires me to continue. I hope mine can do the same!

apexgtp · March 2013

Congrats on your success. There is quite a bit of change!

Spindigo1 · March 2013

You look great! Thank you for reminding me that I can't slack on the weight training.

melisslp · March 2013

The changes are so noticeable!! Weight training is totally making a difference in your overall appearance and tone!! Sooooo freaking proud of you!!

kate2707 · March 2013

Amazing results. What was your diet like over the 30 days? Did you eat at much of a deficit?

Kath712 · March 2013

Great job so far! I love that program - really helpful to get you started with weight training! Good luck reaching your goals!!

invisibubble · March 2013

Great progress, and a good example for people too fixated on scale numbers.

Annelies11 · March 2013

Great job! Inspires me to do more weight-lifting!

p.s. You have a really cute haircut

jjmnet · March 2013

Wow! Great job!!! I have the exact same body shape as you and I'm just going to start lifting again.....it's been about 3 years since I've tried. I can't get over the difference between your Non-Lifting pic and your Lifting pic around the same weight!!!

peasantsong · March 2013

Amazing results. What was your diet like over the 30 days? Did you eat at much of a deficit?

Yes, I did eat at a deficit, although I don't know how much of one. I don't follow the diet plan set in the book or the TDEE - 20% followed here. I don't feel like it applies to me since my thyroid levels are so out of whack and all over the place. I eat between 1300 - 1400 cals a day depending on how much I work out and how hungry I am. Usually it's right around 1350. I eat 45% protein, 35% fat, and 20% carbs, except on cheat meal days.

peasantsong · March 2013

Wow! Great job!!! I have the exact same body shape as you and I'm just going to start lifting again.....it's been about 3 years since I've tried. I can't get over the difference between your Non-Lifting pic and your Lifting pic around the same weight!!!

I know, right?! I had forgotten about those last pictures. I took them back in October at the beginning of a failed attempt to lose some pounds. I can't believe I weigh basically the same now and then but I look so different. Strength training is awesome.

M_lifts · March 2013

congrats! huge changes especially in your mid section!

julies79us · March 2013

congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....................thanks for the info

tiffy8411 · March 2013

Great Progress and motivation to keep strength Training!!

MicheleWE · March 2013

Wow, I am so encourged by your progress. I am following the Livefit program on Bodybuilding.com and just finished my first 4 week phase. I've not had the kind of results number wise that you have. I've only lost about 3 lbs and only 4 inches lost. I am currently at 171.6 lbs and I am 5'5" and I think I have a very similar body type to you. I am going to take some pictures later today to help me visulize my progress, but unfortunately I didn't take any at the beginning. I am really interested in what you are doing since I am always trying to learn so I can improve myself, would you like to be friends on MFP?

peasantsong · March 2013

Wow, I am so encourged by your progress. I am following the Livefit program on Bodybuilding.com and just finished my first 4 week phase. I've not had the kind of results number wise that you have. I've only lost about 3 lbs and only 4 inches lost. I am currently at 171.6 lbs and I am 5'5" and I think I have a very similar body type to you. I am going to take some pictures later today to help me visulize my progress, but unfortunately I didn't take any at the beginning. I am really interested in what you are doing since I am always trying to learn so I can improve myself, would you like to be friends on MFP?

Absolutely! I log all of my food and workouts daily, including my weights and reps so you can check that out anytime! I do have to warn you though that I eat less than many people here would suggest because I have thyroid issues.