Before and After

  Hello blog world! I haven't been around since June and that's been okay with me. For a while there really hasn't been anything worth blogging about. Things are mostly the same here. I go to work, Michael goes to work, we figure out what's for dinner, watch some shows and go to bed.
  But there have been some recent changes worth talking about, including the new workout program I'm halfway through that has seriously whipped me into such shape I've realized I hit my goal, and am now working towards that last little bit that'll leave me in the best shape I've ever been in, period.

Excuse the messy room, but otherwise check it!

  I started logging workouts in September 2012. I hadn't found any programs yet, and I was trying, but it wasn't sticking. I started doing P90X and it was hard but by the end I knew I had accomplished something, even if I wasn't near my goal. It had really gotten me started and I was beginning to enjoy working out. I picked up little habits along the way and this year it snowballed in a serious way, and I noticed a big difference from January to March alone.
  I've slimmed down so much. I can't describe how miserable I was before when my clothes were too tight, I always felt sluggish and weak; now I feel the complete opposite. My clothes are loose, I'm strong and my stamina is ridiculous. My day doesn't feel right if I don't workout. I'm lifting weights, doing exercises that were next to impossible a few months ago and always trying to improve. Not to sound like a commercial, but I have to thank Chalene Johnson and her Chalean Extreme program. Turbofire was good in a different way. It helped me shed some fat for sure. But then I plateaued and I needed something new.
  Chalean Extreme has three phases over three months: Burn, Push and Lean. I'm currently halfway through the Push phase. Each phase consists of four weeks of three weightlifting circuits, two cardio days and one specific ab day (added to a cardio day). You work on endurance, flexibility and strength. It's really working for me!
  I want to jot down a quick disclaimer, I'm about to post two photos that make me semi uncomfortable, one being because it's the worst photo of me I have right now. I hadn't started working out yet, I was all chunky and awkward and I hated it and didn't have the motivation to stop it yet. The second I took the other day and I look fucking fantastic, but I am a little half naked. Who cares, it shows how far I've come!

  The angles are different, yeah, and one is closer up and you can't see my legs in the first (but I'm seriously okay with that because ugh) but I mean damn. I've come a long way. It's taken me over a year, but it's been worth it. I'll tell you one thing I'm definitely due for some new pants. I have a bunch of all difference sizes and at the moment none that fit me perfectly. Most are too big. It feels kind of great though. Two and a half sizes gone, tons of muscle gained. Super excited to see how I look after the Chalean Extreme challenge!