Losing again-joined a gym

 I was discouraged last week. Lost 1.5 pounds, so felt like I was slowing at less than 3 months out.

I joined a machines only gym. I paid for a trainer on Monday. Feel much better. Like I am getting what I need. More muscle and balance. She showed me how to use the rowing machine. I can't believe it works, because I actually like it. Did 15 minutes today and was not miserable.

The weight machines feel good. I was sore yesterday from Monday's workout, but better today. I plan on going Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

For anyone considering going the gym route, I think a personal trainer to show you how to do things is necessary. I plan to use her again in a couple weeks to make sure I am not picking up bad habits. I don't want to go through the work and not maximize benefits.

It seems like a lot to spend, but I am counting it as part of my surgery, a needed medical expense, like my vitamins. I was down .5 pound this morning after 3 days at the same weight. Yeah!

Wendy, I have found a personal trainer to be wonderful and she has helped me so much with improving my balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. When I started in December, I couldn't do one push-up or sit-up. Now, I can do 3 sets of 10 full push-ups, alternating with ab work. I can feel that I am developing more muscle, which is wonderful for keeping ones metabolism operating efficiently and staving off osteoporosis.

Please note, that when you are exercising and building muscle, your weight loss might slow down, since muscle weighs more. Measure yourself, because you will definitely have a loss of inches and feel a marked difference in how your clothes fit. I haven't had any major slow down in weight loss, other than the further out I get, the loss is slowing, but still averaging 1-1.5 lbs/week. Please don't be discouraged with 1.5 lbs/week. During month 3, I started slowing down, but slow and steady wins the race. Any loss is good, even if it is 0.5 lb. The closer that you get to goal, it does slow down a bit. If you are getting discouraged, look at your total weight loss for the past month and where you were a month ago. That will usually help you to feel better and put a smile on your face.

I also consider the personal trainer, gym, and vitamins part of my medical expenses for getting and staying healthier.

Gail

 Gail, thanks for reminding me this is a lifetime process. I am enthusiastic again, which is important for me. I see my surgeon tomorrow. Have to organize my questions list, but feel I am on track, at 38 pounds lost since surgery date.

I did 100 ab rollers today, and could barely do 10 when I started. Lots of rest between, but still did them. Haven't even contemplated a pushup. You go girl!

Way to go! Keep up all the fine work and you will be toned in no time!

Good job Wendy!!  I can only wish for a gym close enough to get to.  No such thing is in my future.  When I went back to College, I took Weight Training and absolutely loved it!  From not being able to bench the bar by itself (12 lbs. I think), I worked up to pressing 75 lbs.   It feels so good to feel so strong!!

You go girl!!

Awesome, Wendy!! Congrats on the loss, and I just want to say I agree 100% with Gail and with you that it's important to get a trainer to show you how to use the machines. Keep up the awesome work!! 

Abby

Hi Wendy,

I'm so glad you enjoyed working with the trainer.  YAY on the scale moving.  Gail is right, there will be days when it moves and days when it doesn't.  Keep a pair of pants to try on because even if the scale doesn't move, you may be able to get into smaller sizes.

Zach always updates my weights/machine workouts when he comes home.  He makes sure I don't hurt myself.  I like what we're doing in Pilates and Yoga for my core.  Yesterday there was a Social Deals, deal on 5 Pilates reformer classes for only $49.  Four of us signed up for it.  I think it's going to be great fun!  I love how active we all get to be.  :)

Congrats on the scale and the gym. I have thought about a trainer but right now, the Curves program and Zumba are enough for me. I spend a lot of time with the ponies and that is pretty good exercise also.
You will probably have several more "3 days at the same weight". It takes our bodies a while to make adjustments and those days of the scale not moving are just part of it. My 5th month was my slowest so far only 4 lbs for the month, then this month has been good.