My Transformation Story - 5 Years in the Making

I really hesitated sharing this story on the forums because I didn't want people to think I was bragging or whatever. I initially shared this with my just my friends on the feed. But I'm proud of my success and maybe it will inspire others when they read my little story.

I was never overweight but rather out-of-shape. From the ages of 15-35, I was about 30% body fat. I'm 5'6" and my weight during that time period fluctuated roughly between 110-125 lbs. I was a so-so eater and sporadic exerciser. I relied mostly on bouts of steady-state cardio and calorie deficts to keep my weight in check. I wore a size 8-10 dress during that time frame. Again, not necessarily overweight but in a bathing suit, you could clearly see I was frumpy and not fit.

Fast forward to 2007 and I went through a rough time with an ailing parent. That was my wake-up call. It was now or never to get into shape once and for all. I was confused at first. How would I do this as a SAHM who was fast approaching 40? I had no gym membership, trainer or knowledge of what it took to get fit. I started with some DVDs and did mainly cardio for the next four years. I reduced my body fat to 25% by moving a little and eating slightly better. Yet minimal progress at best. My weight still was in the range mentioned above and my dress size was now a 6.

At the beginning of last summer, I went full-throttle with exercise. 40 was around the corner and I was bound and determined to see my abs come hell or high water. The easiest thing I could think to do was start running. I'd always been an endurance junkie when I did exercise previously so I bought myself some running shoes and started. I was running about 15-20 miles weekly and actually quite good at it. But I was severely limiting my calories. By the end of last summer, I was 110 lbs - down from 125 and very weak, dizzy and sick most of the time. I could see my abs but at what cost? Something had to change.

August 2011 was when the word "weight training" was thrown my way more than once by multiple people. I was skeptical not because I thought I'd "bulk up" but because I thought I was too old. I was 39 years old at this point and felt weight training was for someone much younger than me. Plus, I had absolutely no idea where to even begin. Someone pointed me in the direction of NROL4W and I owe them a debt of gratitude because the book LITERALLY changed my life.

It took me 8 months to complete the program, at home and without a trainer. I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I also was bulking at this point to put some weight on. I have continued with the weight training and recently stopped bulking. I now weigh ~129 lbs, my body fat is below 20% and I am a size 2. I have lost body fat, gained ~19 lbs and experienced nice body recomp. I NEVER had a womanly figure (always boyish) but now I feel I do. I'm eating more healthy now. I feel so much better about myself; strong and fit. I will be 41 in November and I can honestly say I'm in the best shape of my life. My profile pic was taken about 2 weeks ago so that's pretty much what I look like.

And that's my story. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell it. :bigsmile: