Recently I've been struggling with my motivation. I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. My workouts stalled (poor diet, lack of discipline and no sleep). Then, today, I hopped on the scale to a solid 116.0 lbs (was literally 117.8 yesterday at the same time). I think the two pints of Guinness I had to celebrate St. Patty's with my girlfriend and the bar appetizers I shouldn't have eaten may have given me the "Whoosh" that Martin Berkhan speaks of.
"By the way, a nice bonus after a night of drinking is that it effectively rids you of water retention. You may experience the "whoosh" effect, which I've talked about in my two-part series about water retention. That in itself can be motivating for folks who've been experiencing a plateau in their weight loss."
In any event, I'm pleased at my results so far and look forward to seeing how I will look in another two months - just in time for Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore.
March 18, 2011 (now we're getting somewhere!)
"By the way, a nice bonus after a night of drinking is that it effectively rids you of water retention. You may experience the "whoosh" effect, which I've talked about in my two-part series about water retention. That in itself can be motivating for folks who've been experiencing a plateau in their weight loss."
In any event, I'm pleased at my results so far and look forward to seeing how I will look in another two months - just in time for Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore.
Here they are - Pics from my IF journey over the past two months. I started in mid January and took the last pics this morning. All in all, only two months so far, but I can see some results already. Looking back at how soft I was just a short while ago has had a bonus. The fire's been lit! I have been improving and I have a fresh motivation to keep it up.
February 15, 2011 (1 month in)
March 18, 2011 (2 months in)
March 18, 2011 (2 months in)
March 18, 2011 (those close-grip chins are working!)
January 15, 2011 (no muscle tone to speak of; chicken wings and yuck...)
March 18, 2011 (now we're getting somewhere!)
March 18, 2011 (A bonus! - getting obliques and lats)
My abs are still hidden under a nice insulating layer of fat, but I'm sure that will be the last to go. Only two months of IF and I'm down to 116 lbs from 128 - and, while I have no reliable bodyfat measurements - I've definitely lost fat and gained some lean mass.) I still have quite a ways to go to get lean, but this is a marathon, not a sprint!
Comments
I don't know if you do already, but incorporate a bit of sprint work (especially with directional changes) to your training routine and you'll move to the next level.
The problem with sprints/HIIT is it's very taxing on the CNS as is the type of strength training I'm doing. There's just not enough rest time to do both in the same week.
That said, I am adding about 30-mins of light jogging (6 mph) twice a week for the next few weeks and will re-evaluate based on energy level and strength gains (or lack thereof).
Thanks for the post!
About the jogging part, I know what you mean. I enjoy running now but it can really interfere with muscle growth/strength gains if done regularly. I generally give myself a week dedicated to cardio after doing a muscle mass/strength gaining routine. Just to make sure I can still run 4 miles without keeling over.
You look awesome! I haven't been doing any cardio. At first it was on purpose but lately I just haven't had time.
I am subscribing so I won't lose your blog again :)
What does your training program look like?
I read through past posts but didn't see it outlined anywhere. Did I miss it?
Ada
http://formerveg.wordpress.com
thanks/Brian
You are a very strong woman with great motivation. I am impressed!!!
James
I have been following your blog for a month and a half, and those progress picks are awesome! it's inspiring to see another girl make progress, as even though Martians site is the best and I look at it every day, being of the lady gender, one doesn't really identify with the progress a guy makes. It seems to happen sooo much faster for them. anyway...
I'm onto my 4th week of following IF and no slip-ups on any sort, and although I really cant see the difference in the mirror yet, my clothes feel a little looser on the pants side and a little tighter in the shoulders.
just keep doing what you're doing Jenn, your the inspiring kick up the arse I need.
Thanks a ton!
Jaylene
Thanks!