From a size 20 to a size 8 with strength training, in one year! PICS!

Thanks guys, hope you all are having a great weekend so far!!

I'm super excited right now because on Monday, I'm going to be starting a split routine at the gym that I'm putting together for myself. It is based on my favorite, most effective exercises, focusing on the reverse pyramid training style.

As you may have already read in this thread, I usually do full body workouts 5-6 days a week, versus working certain muscles groups at a time and taking rest days in between.

Working out at home these days, I am at a point where my equipment doesn't allow me to lift heavy enough to require taking a day or two off to rest and I'm beginning to feel like I have done what I can here..

I have started back up at the gym recently (making sure to carefully monitor my food and energy levels so I don't digress and adjust accordingly, if needed). Still working out 5-6 days a week, just changed the routine to split days instead of full body. I'm seeing strength improvements in almost every exercise that I do so it was definitely time to start going again regularly! I'm so proud every of myself, every time I can lift a heavier weight than before.

As far as weight on the scale goes, I had been stuck at 140lbs (I am 5'3") for about 8 weeks (since the end of March), but in just 2 weeks or so of being in the gym again and really pushing myself, I'm down almost 4lbs with smaller waist measurements and improved strength. I feel like I am right where I need to be for now and that's super exciting!

Remember to always challenge yourself, you're usually a lot stronger than you think. And be consistent, every good day adds up. Happy Saturday all!

jules6669mfp wrote: »

Congratulations on sticking to this. It shows that hard work really pays off. You look so good.
What do you think about strength training for woman like me( just turned 56)?
So far I've lost 24 lbs and need to lose 30-50 more. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you. Congrats on the 24lbs lost, that's great! I think strength training is important for ANY age but especially, for woman over 40. Unfortunately, our bodies lose muscle over the years and as we get older, that process accelerates.

Strength training helps preserve your muscle mass and keeps your bones positioned properly, helping with osteoporosis and bad posture. The muscles tell the bones where to go, not the other way around.

I'd encourage you to pick up a pair of 5lb dumbbells and start doing 3 different exercises for your upper body and 3 for lower. You can google "dumbbell exercises for beginners", there are a lot of great instructional videos out there that can be of help!

Never too old, too inexperienced or too disabled to get healthy.