Day 30: Half Way Check In

 Before Papa L and I began on this journey, I recorded "before" photos of myself as well as documented my measurements. Not exactly a proud moment in my life. Yes, through hard work and perseverance, I was significantly less than the 210 pounds I weighed the day my daughter was born but I was still well over my ideal weight for my build, my self-esteem was non-existent, I was struggling to breathe under the overpowering pressure of postpartum depression...all told, I was in a miserable, dark place.

Today, July 30th: It's just thirty days later and yet I have experienced such a dramatic change I've half convinced myself that it simply must have been longer. My thoughts are no longer constantly dark and clouded; My self-esteem is coming back in great, rushing waves of excitement and confidence. And, to make it all even better: I love my job as a Beachbody Coach. The joy and satisfaction I experience knowing I am helping others along their journey to being happier, healthier and even financially independent is, well, incredible!

I wake up and start the day feeling excited, passionate about my plans and goals, thrilled to kick off the (very early) morning with the day's PiYo workout, knowing I'll come away from it feeling strengthened, rejuvenated and wonderfully energised (even if I'm shockingly sweaty and panting as if I had just completed a marathon.) My body is stronger and more flexible than it has been in, quite literally, years.

For the first time in years, I can finally say I am beginning to feel like my "old self." That same "old self" I gave up hoping for a very long time ago. That "old self" who actually happily gets out of bed at 5AM in order to workout before Little Bear and Baby Tiger brighten the morning...that says it all, doesn't it? (Especially as anyone who knows me is aware of how very much I am not a "morning person.")

Proof? You ask for evidence, you say? Very well. While posting photographs of one's postpartum self is a decidedly humbling experience, yet I am so very, very proud of myself. Four weeks of PiYo workouts for six days a week, Shakeology every single day...and these are my 30 Day Results. :)

I don't own a scale. For two reasons, really:
1) There was just no way I was going to sacrifice vital, precious packing space for a scale when we were moving overseas.
2) Personally, I'd rather go by how I feel, how my clothes fit, my energy level and those sorts of "natural" indicators rather than a number on the scale to tell you how I'm progressing.

Basically, that's just a roundabout way of explaining why I can't tell you how much weight I have lost. What I can tell you is that, as of this morning, I have lost nine inches off of my body. 9!

What does that mean? The day Papa L and I began this program, I pulled out the tape measure from my PiYo box and dutifully recorded the measurements of my chest, waist, hips, left and right thighs and left and right arms. And, today, that tape measure revealed that I've lost 2 1/2" from my waist, an inch from my hips, half an inch from my arms...all of these seemingly small numbers add up rapidly...and putting those two photos side by side means I can really see it, now, too!

Having such a "tangible" method of observing progress has been invaluable. The day-to-day changes, as we all know, occur on such a minimal level that it is hard to truly have an idea of how we are actually improving. But that tape measure, these photographs, the fact that I put on AND buttoned a pair of pants I haven't been able look at (let alone put on) without straining the seams since I was newly pregnant with Carmen...well, that's something that can't be denied. Thirty days! And there are still four more weeks ahead of me!! I can't wait to see (and share!) the results on that final day.

And do you know what the very best part is? Anyone and everyone could do this! Anyone and everyone could achieve these results! Anyone and everyone could decide to do this, commit to the eight weeks, and succeed! And you should! Whether it's because you want to be a strong, healthy example for your children, a mother struggling with postpartum depression and waning self-confidence as I was, a runner looking for a cross-training tool, or finally realising you're unhealthy, overweight and need help...you can and you should do this. 

Hard work pays off, people. A 20, 30 or 45 minute PiYo workout six days a week...a scoop of Shakeology a day...it all adds up, and quickly!

If you're interested, get in touch ASAP to take advantage of the promotional discount in the Challenge Pack I've been using! July 31st is your last day before it goes back to the full price! Or, if PiYo just isn't your thing, let's explore your other options and find something that does fit you. You'll appreciate it in a month, I promise. ;)