February 16, 2010

Workout Update

I am super excited about what exercise is doing for my body. It really is quite helpful. Imagine that...those health nuts were right all along.

I began going to my gym about 2 months ago. I was experiencing some major anxiety/depression. For some strange reason I felt drawn to workout. The only way I could make myself feel better was to do something physical.

Although I did begin a medication for the anxiety (which has helped tremendously) I have to believe that the regular exercise is doing its part as well. There is a bunch of scientific stuff to prove that, but I'll leave it to you to go searching for it.

The important thing is that I feel great! And even though I am still in Twoville, my body is changing and you can see that in these pics:

about a month ago

tonight

By the way, I never wear my shirt tied in a knot like that, just for this blog.

In crunching news: After much deliberation and with the help of all your thoughtful input, I decided to go ahead with crunches but not spend too much time on my abs. I took the advice of someone to really focus on all core muscle groups. However, I am spending the majority of my activity time on cardio at the moment.

Today I ran 1.5 miles (ahead of my schedule) at a 4.7 pace. I think by next week I will be up to 2 miles and that is going to put me at my goal 6 weeks early! I will have to come up with another goal.

It feels so weird to type that. I am not a "goal-setter." Especially when it comes to exercise. We are talking about a girl whose idea of upping her activity level was to scrub a little harder in the shower that day. That was me two months ago. Looking like this:

Fat. Sad. Miserable.

But today...


I know it doesn't have to be like that. Life is not SUPPOSED to be like that. Praise the Lord Almighty for pulling me out of the pit I was in!

Here's to staying out of the pit...
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11 comments:

Julie, The Accidental Fat Chick said...

Exercise is a wonderful thing, for body & mind. Just yesterday I was having such an emotional day, I cried all through getting ready to go to the gym (wondering how I was gonna dry my eyes to avoid huge embarrassment while I was there). Once I got in there & climbed the stairs to the top of the StairMaster, I immediately started feeling better. An hour later, when I left the gym, the urge to cry had completely left.

Your progress in these first couple of months is AMAZING! You look fantastic! Keep it up!! :)

SkinnyMeg said...

I'm new to your blog and I just have to tell you I LOVE it! I started working out again a few months ago after having my first child and it was so depressing at first b/c I had lost all my stamina from not working out my entire pregnancy. Slowly it's coming back and I actually get pretty upset now if I don't get to the gym at least 4x a week! Good for you and keep it going!

Kerri & Katie said...

God is so great. Praise Him for giving you the energy and will power to help you do this! You look amazing! keep it up?Are you giving anything up for Lent?

Keelie said...

Hmm. I have never really practiced lent--not something I gre up doing. I will have to give it some thought.

Annette said...

Congrats!!! How are you losing besides the excercize? I started a weight loss blog and scrapped it! :P Im about to start back to losing and excercizing so your story is encouraging and inspiring!!!! Thanks!!!!

Taylor said...

4.7??!!? Wow! For the entire time??? I am impressed. I go 5 for 2 minutes and then 4 for 5 minutes. I have no drive though. You are doing great and looking great! Keep it up

Lean & Green Mama said...

YOU LOOK WONDERFUL! And more than that, I can tell by your writing, you feel wonderful...you exude wonderful-ness...that is what your journey has done for you in just two short months. And you are right...we aren't meant to live life the way that we did 'back when'. Thanks for your post...reading it in combo with the great music you have on your site got me a bit teary-eyed b/c you are so right...but also put a fuel to my fire to keep on doing it because it's worth it! Thanks girl!

Unknown said...

You look awesome! I can definitely see the changes! I am also impressed with your 4.7 for 1.5 miles! WOW. I'll get there...
As always, I look forward to reading your blog. You make it so fun to read! Keep it up girl!

Stacey said...

Praises and more praises to God for pulling you out of the pit!! I can see the joy in your eyes in that last picture.

Great work on the running! Do you think you are ready to find a 5k? I do. I know you can do it!

Can do mom said...

Keelie, You're doing so great! It's true that exercise is a great antidepressant. In fact, a while back I read that the benefits of exercise continue to boost your emotions even after you exercise unlike antidepressants that you have to take to keep your mood up. I'm not knocking antidepressants, for some they are a lifesaver. I'm just saying that exercise can help lift your mood and the benefit stays with you. Plus, as you know, there are a lot of other great benefits as well!

Keep it up!

BikiniBound said...

You look fantastic and healthy! Keep up the fabulous work!