the most unexpected NSV, while in China!

I just returned today from a business trip in Beijing, and there are many NSVs that tickle me pink!

Before going to China, I made it my goal to return more fit and healthier. I really didn't know if I was going to accomplish it, especially given all the eating out and yummy meals/snacks served at hotels, but at least I was going to try! I packed my HRM, interval timer, workout DVDs, swimsuit, and I even portioned out some snacks. That I even planned ahead was amazing. Considering the last time I took a business trip, it was to Singapore, and I gorged a lot on the amazing breakfast and lunch buffets, and returned a few pounds heavier. I was determined to not let that happen this time.

I also set a goal of exercising every day, and I actually did this! Most days I even worked out twice a day, with my cardio/strength training in the morning, and a late night swim to relax my body before bedtime. I am completely not a morning person but I'd ask the hotel to give me wake up calls at 6 am. The day I climbed the Great Wall, I felt on top of the world. The steps are rather steep, so when I finally scaled the final segment of the wall, I felt grateful to have strong legs to carry me this far. It was amazing view to enjoy and it just felt great! Nutrition-wise, I made a conscientious effort to track my calories while in Beijing, and I indulged in one splurge day which was completely worth it. =D

However, the BEST, most unexpected NSV happened when my colleague and I got a full-body massage. My masseuse was a very slim girl, like typical local Chinese people. In contrast, I consider myself a big-boned Chinese gal, and when I first saw her, I felt a bit self conscious because I thought she'd think I was really big. But that went away quickly as the relaxing massage took over and I'm about to succumb to sleep. Later as she's massaging my legs, we have a conversation like this:

She: "Wow, your muscles are very tight."
Me: "Oh really? Isn't that bad?" (I thought she was implying that I had a lot of kinks that needed to be massaged out)
She: "No! It's good to have tight muscles. Almost all women who come in here have loose muscles"
Me: (doing an inward "yay" because I figured out what she's trying to say)
She: "Yes, your muscles are very tight. What type of exercises do you do?"
Me: "Oh, running, dancing, swimming..."

It just felt SO GOOD to have a very very petite Chinese gal compliment me on my leg muscles! Who would have thought? I've always felt like a giant when traveling in Asia, and to receive such a nice compliment and for her to even ask me what kind of exercises I do made me feel so proud!

I don't know if I gained or lost weight from my business trip (will find out tmrw), but either way, I just feel thrilled with these various NSVs while in Beijing. I hope all of you take pride in your NSVs along the way. They are just as important as seeing the scale move, because they are testaments to the awesome progress that you have made and to the dedication you have to better health. Here's to non-scale and scale victories for all of us! =D