Ahem, Ahem,- Announcement- (Update)

Dang, those pikes are tough. I can barely do one.

I know--they are really hard for me too. I've been able to do the headstand for a long time with no problems but going up from the arms was impossible. First I had to strengthen the arms and then learn to access the lower abs. The upper ones in the abdomen are nice and strong but I was having trouble accessing the lower ones, so we've been working on that. It's nice to see and feel progress. I finally decided to spend the money to go to her twice a week instead of just once since I progress so much faster with her than on my own...

Thanks, Gail!!

L.

Yesterday, my trainer had me using a ball to do the pikes. I think it is my lower abs that are the weak link. I couldn't do very many. Actually, it may be easier with the TRX straps. I'll have to try them when I go to TRX on Sunday.


Gail

And, P.S., you can shop for lots of cute workout clothes that will look adorable on you!
L.

GOOD for you!  You've inspired me, Elina.  I'm going to make the call to my gym today and do that myself.  I need someone to PUSH me ! :)  Good luck and can't wait to hear how you do!

OMG.......

Watch out !!!!!

Elina is on it !

Setting the bar even higher !

frisco

Wow--big step. Keep us totally updated on all the gory details. ^_^

Strong is the new skinny!

You won't regret it.  I've been working with a trainer for a year. While I was in weightloss it helped me maintain my lean mass for which I'm really greatful, but I didn't make a lot of progress. When I was forced to up my calories at the beginning of this year and go into 'maintenance' , I started gaining strength in leaps and bounds once I got above 1300 calories a day.  Don't be afraid to eat! 

I understand your fear..  Since you're further into maintenance than I am, I'm sure you'll cope while I'm battling my own head a bit. Regain is my deep, pathologocial fear.  What If I wrote a check for $18K, and I just gain it all back like last time?  I know it's a risk and the fear is niether insane or irrational,  but the gut  level reaction is a bit over the top right now. I spent an hour last night trying on my tightest pencil skirts to make sure I wasn't getting 'fat.'  Some of this plays into my being the 'big' athletic girl in high school with muscles rather than being a wraith.  I'm fighting the urge to drop my calories way back. My head knows that I _CAN_ because of my sleeve.  It's all part of the transition process from 'losing' to 'living.'  

My best defense is objectivity, and that's my advice to others. Set some objective measures that aren't related to the scale.  I'm lifting a lot 'heavier' than I was, I know I've gained lean mass. that's part of the 'gain' I've seen over the last few weeks 

Good luck!

 Elina,

Way to go!!! This is going to be fun and inspiring to watch, I can feel it. Make sure you take some good before pics of your "muscles" so it will be so much fun to see progress pics!!!

Woo hoo!!

Congrats for taking that huge step Elina!

You're a brave woman. Personal trainers are so aggressive. I haven't met one that I liked thus far.