Body Juxtaposition

I have been on a gym spree lately.  Ever since I joined UFC Gym, I've been working out non-stop.  My previous gym wasn't doing it for me anymore.  I was working so hard and I wasn't seeing any results.  Plus, the drama at the old gym to get into the classes was getting ridiculous so I'm glad I left.  UFC has such a different atmosphere;  it feels like they're pumping endorphins and adrenaline into the air to make you want to work out.  I've been at the gym for 5 weeks and the top picture has shown my progression thus far.  I'm working out to get my body back down to the size I was prior to my relationship (not that I COMPLETELY blame my relationship for my overeating, but relationships DO make you gain weight).  I'm actually quite embarrassed that I let myself go a bit.  It's funny because I didn't look 157 lbs. in my clothing, but I sure did feel it.  I can't even believe I stopped working out.  As a personal trainer, I shouldn't have even thought about becoming lazy!  I was so stressed over working and studying that I took exercise out of my schedule.  The end result was a lazy slob who could not run or work out.  Luckily for me, I began pushing myself because I began to love the gym more and more each day I came.  Let me break all of this down for you.

Week 0 - Aug. 5, 2013/ 157 lbs.

I look at this picture of myself and I'm so embarrassed about it.  I can't even believe how disgusting and wide I looked.  I thought I looked great before I took these photos and realized how wrong I was.  I was working out at my old gym once every 3 weeks or so and I thought it was enough to keep me going.  Apparently, I was wrong.  I was also training clients and giving them advice while not taking any of my own.  I wasn't watching what I was eating and I just indulged on everything and anything.  Wafels & Dinges is my favorite spot in the city and I think my boyfriend and I had it every other week. My legs weren't toned and I hated running.  This photograph of me was the turning point of my lack of physical activity throughout the month.  This first week was the first week I'd start training again every day and taking every single class that appealed to me.  I knew it would be really hard to get back into it, but I had to try.

Week 1 - Aug. 12, 2013 - 156 lbs.

After the first week of training, I noticed my stamina increasing and my body starting to SLOWLY slim down.  I lost a pound and you could see the size of my body starting to take shape.  My legs are slightly more toned in this photograph and my arm drastically decreased in size.  The fat on my face was shedding, which was nice to see... but I still had a lot more work to do.  I cut down on the sweets, but I did have an ice cream sandwich or two because it was warm those days.  What I hated in this photo was the fact that my "love handles" were wrapping over my shorts, and muffin tops aren't pretty sights to see.  My first week at the gym included cardio classes (20/20/20), some plyometrics, hip hop dance, circuit training and calisthenics, yoga, and a ton of push ups.  My eating habits weren't up to par yet, but I did have less carbohydrates than my normal intake.  My sugar levels were also decreasing a bit because of my deal to myself about not having sugary foods.

Week 2 - Aug. 12, 2013 - 156 lbs.

My stamina has started increasing and I started seeing more muscle definition in my hamstrings and quads.  I still haven't really shaken off the muffin fat, but I've been noticing a difference in front.  The upper part of my abs were starting to shrink from all of the core conditioning.  It didn't really look like it, but I was sort of starting to feel better about myself.  At this point, my boyfriend and I were going to the gym every day and we were incorporating all different types of work outs, until we were offered a deal we couldn't refuse.  It was during this week that I upgraded my membership to the "Ultimate Package," which opened a brand new door for me.  My body was so used to regular circuit training and class conditioning, so doing this was like leaping off a cliff into uncharted waters.  I took my first Muay Thai class with a great instructor that Friday.  I almost died and I loved it.

Week 3 - Aug. 19, 2013 - 155 lbs.

Not much has changed because I didn't really start my MMA conditioning until that week, but diet seemed to be getting better.  My butt was lifting up nicely and I began to see a lot of definition in my legs from squatting and jump roping.  I think UFC really likes to jump rope during their classes because that's what they usually do for a warm up.  Moving on........

Week 4 - Aug. 26, 2013 - 154 lbs.

After one week of the new conditioning routine and trying new classes, I started seeing real results.  Muay Thai and boxing started whipping my arms into shape and the abs we do in those classes are killer.  We really work on obliques and try to flatten them out.  Crunches, burpees, and push ups are always a must so I sweat and get my butt kicked every single time.  My shoulders also have broadened since I started working out and punching.  Learning form and how to kick properly through the hip has been developing my "rectus femoris" muscle and my glutes.  My calves are the size of footballs.  I guess I won't be wearing any knee high boots this winter.

Week 5 - September 2, 2013 - 154 lbs.

I actually didn't work out much this past week because I was sick and having stomach cramps, but since I've changed my diet, my body has started shrinking more.  What I did notice, though, was that I was not actually losing any weight, but gaining more muscle.  My stomach has flattened out but I still have a bit of a "pooch."  My legs, thighs, and glutes are toned and muscular from the running, squatting, and jumping we do in class.  My arms have been sculpted to look more toned.  Disregard the funny icy hot patch on my foot.  I kicked too hard in class and bruised the top of it.  All in all, things are looking pretty good.

Week 6 - Sept. 9, 2013 - Current Weight - 154.5 lbs.

My body has taken shape nicely.  I really love what that gym has to offer.  I'm currently going to the gym twice a week and working out for about 4 hours a day, mixing in various workouts to keep my body guessing about what will come next.  I still have a little way to go before I hit my ideal goal, but in the meantime, I'm happy I don't look like that slobby mess from last month.  I've cut out a lot of sweets from my diet and carbohydrates.  My meals are looking colorful, with leafy greens and whole grains.  I injured my right wrist in class last week, so I'm keeping it light in case I have to do push ups and spar with other members at the gym.  The trainers are always around to help me in case I have any issues or problems, which is great.  They are so knowledgable and I aspire to become like them.  Joining this gym was probably one of the best decisions I've made thus far and I'm going to keep working hard and pushing myself to become a better example for others.

If you want to try any of my workouts, you can find them here.  I'm always looking for new followers and people who are willing to keep up with me.  UFC Gym is probably the best gym I've been to thus far.  They have trainers who are exceptional at what they do and how they train.  I'm just excited to train among some of the coolest people around.