Just 13 lbs - Lots of inches! (Pics)

I'm currently training for a 10K in 13 days and a Half Marathon in October, so I run 3 days a week. I typically work out 5-6 days a week for 60 minutes. Strength training at least twice a week. I also do a lot of plyometrics (squat jumps, plyo jumps, step ups, etc.). And I also will do a kickboxing class about twice a month. I like to switch up my workouts to keep myself from getting bored. The most important thing is to find something you enjoy!

Nice work! Congratulations on your success! I really need to start doing strength training - can you tell me what you're doing? I'm struggling w/ how to get started! Do you have a specific routine that you follow? Thanks!

I don't really have to specific routine. I just try to work all my muscles at least once per week. Biceps, triceps, back, quads, hamstrings, abs. I use free weights, but you can certainly use machines at the gym if you don't feel comfortable with free weights. You could also ask someone at the gym how to use free weights, or if you don't have a gym, google would probably be a good resource too!

A lot of people say that women should use less weight with more reps to build lean muscle and not "bulk up". I lift as heavy as I can and do 10-20 reps for each exercise. I haven't had any problem with "bulking up", but I have gotten a lot stronger and lost a lot of body fat % too!

You can also do old fashioned push ups for a great strength move!

The sad part is , I showed this post to my mom and she was very skeptical. She thought that your 'before' picture was blown up and that you were paid to sell something, because the 'after' picture right next to it doesn't match up in size. I explained to her that this was posted on a forum supporting people on myfitnesspal and how you were addressing those people that have lost some weight but don't feel like it's significant when really they are losing inches in different places that do make a difference. She was still doubtful, which made me annoyed, but I could definitely see the difference. You're doing a fantastic job!

LOL. Well, I promise you that those pictures are completely authentic!! I will admit that the before picture is bigger, but that's just because they were taking at a different zoom.