Why I Love to Lift

The first time I went to the gym I was 13 years old. It was a snow day and I went to our little small town gym with my sister and her BFF. We did step aerobics (circa 1992 or 1993). Throughout the next couple years, my Mom would "encourage" me to go to the gym. Besides, I wasn't involved in any sports anymore (I was much too mischevious to cheer in high school as I did in middle school) so I needed some activity. I came to love the gym and have been regularly involved in fitness for about 20 of my 33 years. I have always and will always be a runner. I don't like distance running. I regularly run 2-3 miles twice a week while pushing about 55 pounds of stroller and child. But I have also participated in kickboxing, spinning, yoga (Bikram, hatha, ashtanga, and power to name a few), swimming, biking, hiking, HIIT, step, long periods of time burning calories on random cardio equipment, walking, exercise DVDs, and moderate weight lifting. In my adult life prior to child, I would spend about 90 minutes most weekdays at the gym. I did a *kitten* load of cardio, stretching, some abs stuff and targeted for 2 days a week, 30-45 minutes of upper body lifting and lower body lifting.

I have never been a large person, but have continuously tried to improve my physique. I started heavy lifting right before I got pregnant in 2011 (delivered 1-25-12), and picked heavy lifting back up May 2012. I've been at it ever since, aiming for 3 days a week of about 20-25 minutes. I had a small break while training for a mini last spring, but have been pretty consistent. I did a KISS routine from Bodybuilding.com. I made up my own routine for most of that time, focusing on 3-4 TOTAL BODY moves with usually 4 sets: 12, 10, 8, 6 increasing weight each time. I started the Stronglifts 5x5 program a couple months ago and really like this style of lifting. 5 set of 5 reps: heavy weight. I sub out some moves (I don't want to squat 3x a week.....) and even add in some lower volume, higher rep stuff (1 legged deads, Bulgarian split squats) and I try to do a lot of plank stuff as I need to strengthen my core for previous injury reasons, and to get nice abs.

I am not what I would consider "perfect", but I am probably happier now with my body than I ever have been in my life. Sorry for the picture size. I struggle with posting pics....

About a year ago. I was still nursing my daughter so at the low end of my weight; about 126-127 and I am 5'2"
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Me this morning. I weighed 132.5 Wednesday.
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My least favorite part. I know abs are made in the kitchen and I like to eat and drink wine so.......give and take.
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