Progress sometimes requires taking a step back and looking at things from another perspective before advancing again towards health.
Last week, I had the chance to meet the ladies from Markant Aalst again. Markant is a group of women who organize social activities for women in Belgium. I joined it last year and I loved the experience.
Before the beginning of the activities, there is an introductory event during the calendar for the next year is presented and we have the chance to get to meet each other again as well as the new members.
[Tweet “Don’t be afraid of getting back to #health. #fitforlife #fitness”]
It was my very first social event since surgery and I am not going to deny that I was anxious. I almost didn’t make it since I left my enrollment for the last moment. I could not stay until the end, but I truly enjoyed myself (as usual).
With that said, before the event I went through a dilemma that women know very well: what to wear?
After all those months of inactivity, my body has changed drastically. I may not eat the cleanest, but I stay away from crap food at least 90% of the time. Still, the lack of exercising is showing its results. I was lucky to find a friendly dress who fit me in spite of the weight change (mainly fat addition).
“Progress is impossible with change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw⎜Image source: WeHeartIt
I’m not going to lie to you. I felt that first reaction of anger. After working so damn hard for years to achieve a certain shape, it was all gone. I couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. I did experience self-image issues and even regretted signing up for the event. I guess it makes me human in modern society.
[Tweet “An outfit got me back on track. What are you waiting for? #health #fitness #fabulousat40”]
Despite the negativity inside my head (and a chat with my beautician helped me wonders!), I realized what was really important. I am healthy because the thing in my head is gone. Yes, I am not looking the way I would like to, but it is all temporary. In fact, my ideal weight and my ideal shape are unknown to me at this point. There are things that I want to accomplish in terms of living a healthy lifestyle and that’s what matters most to me these days. I’m not concerned about reaching a certain number on the scale anymore.
“Always be a work in progress.” – Emily Lillian⎜Image source: WeHeartIt
Why am I telling you that? I have friends who are also working hard to get healthy and in shape. I am beyond excited about their efforts. I’m so excited that I decided to get my back off the couch once and for all and join the action again.
Even though there is a lot of an impulse but plan, I am not going to procrastinate. I am not waiting for next Monday, next month or next year. The time is now and I got to get things going. With time, I will be able to set a realistic and sustainable plan that will get me closer to my objectives.
“Slow Progress is better than no progress.”⎜Image source: WeHeartIt
What I want (in no specific order yet):
- cut the fat percentage (33% at the moment according to my scale)
- gradually regain muscle mass
- get fit (cardio) again
According to standards (and considering my scale as correct), I am already overweight. While I am not proud of it, there’s no reason to feel guilty and ashamed. It’s a fact and if I want to change it, I have to do certain things.
“Don’t compare your progress with that of others. We all need our own time to travel our own distance.” – Jerry Corstens⎜Image source: WeHeartIt
If you want to understand more about body fat, I found an interesting article on Oxygen Magazine. Please alway have in mind that those are general numbers and do not necessarily reflect you. Never start any diet or physical activity before consulting your health care provider.
[Tweet “It’s never to late to get back on track. Go for it! #fitforlife #fabulousat40 #health”]
Muscle mass requires proper nutrition and strength training. I will be working on getting it set soon. Personally, I put strength training before cardio. Both have their functions in achieving a shape and health, but working with weights will also help me gain muscle mass.
Status picture: front and back. September 13th, 2015.
I have to be sincere with you and say that it is not easy for me to share these status pictures. I guess we all want to be seen only at what we consider our best. However, I am not alone in this journey and should these pictures inspire or help someone, so be it. It was also thanks to progress pictures taken back in 2010 (a little more than 5 years ago) that I realized how much work I had ahead of me.
What is your health goal for the moment?
For more tips on Personal Improvement read also:
- The Surprising Value of Listening To Your Body For Health
- Hidden Treasures of the Fit Life
- The Fit Journey
Please check the list of link parties I join here.
How An Outfit Got Me On The Path For Health Again
Get it done!
#DebbieinShape
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Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Debbieinshape/ (em português)