Well, it’s been six months since I started this weight lifting journey, and I’m calling it – I’m done with the NROLFW program! Oh, it’s in my back pocket – I would certainly consider doing another round in the future.

My last check in was two months ago, and in that time I did two workouts of Stage 6 and decided for my goals, I would skip it. I did four of the six workouts for Stage 7, and holy moly they were tough. I think I sweat, cursed, and struggled more on the last stage than all of them combined. I wouldn’t have been able to get through ANY sessions without building up in the first 5 stages. But after that fourth workout, a series case of wedding mania took over my brain and I went a little crazy. After a week or so eating like crazy and skipping the gym entirely for yoga videos on Hulu, I realized I could either continue like this in fear of those last tough workouts, or get back in the gym and do what felt good to me. So that’s what I’ve been doing – a mix of lifting, strength moves like push-ups and planks, a bit of running/HIIT, and yoga. I’m getting married in 14 days and I feel so happy about my progress and all that I’ve learned. I’m no expert, but here are some of my most valuable lessons:

1.) You’re stronger than you think you are, and you won’t know how much until you test your limits.
2.) This is a slow-going road. It’s taken me six months to lose almost seven pounds. But, it’s seven pounds that I am confident won’t creep back without a fight. It’s not about the scale, or even the dress size. It’s about admiration of your muscles in the mirror, the comments from co-workers about your hard work showing, the way your posture improves, and the way your clothes make you look like a million bucks. And also, how you feel just fine taking them off for your significant other.
3.) Consistency wins in the end.
4.) There is a way to improve your health and fitness while still drinking wine and eating cheeseburgers. If I had cut them out, I’d have lost more, and faster. But this method felt tolerable for me and I believe I’ve practiced something sustainable.

What’s next? Hit the gym a few more times before the wedding, focus on eating well, getting rest, being sweet to my fiancé in our final days of engagement. After a week in wedding town and a week honeymoon, I’ll be back in time for Thanksgiving and ready to focus on my winter workout schedule. I did buy Drop Two Sizes and I’ve actually been following the meal plan pretty closely – for those who are interested, it calls for about 1400-1500 calories a day and has well-balanced macros and tasty foods. I think the workouts look awesome, not as “heavy” per se, but very challenging. I’ve also considered Strong Lifts. So – who knows?

Stats (since beginning):
Weight: 159 → 152.4 – total loss of 6.6 pounds
Triceps: 13 → 11.5 – 1.5 inches lost!
Chest: 38.75 → 35.75 - 3 inches lost!
Ribcage: 33.75 → 31 -2.75 inches lost! Time for new bras ☺
Waist: 32.25 → 29 – 3.25 inches lost!
Abdomen (navel): 36.5 → 33 - 3.5 inches lost!
Hips: 40 → 38 – 2 inches lost!
Thigh: 24.25 → 23 – 1.25 inches lost!

That’s a total of 17.75 inches. Pretty cool. Go lifting!

Picture time!
Front before


Front now


Side before


Side now

Back Before


Back now


As always, thanks for all your support and kind words. I will definitely stick around this group because it is filled with a bunch of badass women. Have a great weekend!