Shelli Belly

Here’s Alex!
Today was my last session.  I’m sad.  He was the perfect trainer for me.  He was so very kind and such an encourager.  I was able to get copies of all of his reports so my next trainer can see what I can do.

So here are the facts of what I lost from
7/5-7/25
-1″ – Neck
-.5″ – Upper Arm
-1.2″ Waist
-1″ – Hips
-1.3″ Thigh
.
Finally, drum roll please… I lost 5%  Body Fat.

         I so didn’t want to go to the gym yesterday.  I prayed right before meeting Alex for the right spirit and strength.  I was a slow starter because my knee twenged on the first exercise but Alex showed me a few modifications and I was on my way.  I appreciate Alex demonstrating the correct techniques.  Just an extra move or different extension really adds so much to the exercise. Then while walking to our next lift I told him about my prayer.  Wouldn’t you know my whole mood had changed and I was lifting more weight than before.  Alex just  laughed. I can’t believe I only have 1 more session.
     Like I said my whole attitude had changed and before I knew it I decided to take Tina’s Pilates class.   I thought it would be nice to have a good stretch after my workout.  Mind you this was my first Pilates class ever.  I had no clue!  Alex has been real kind to find exercises that didn’t involve me being on the floor.  I told him that every thing shifts when I’m on the floor.   Well Pilates is almost entirely on the floor.  I had to make certain modifications but it was good.  It wasn’t pretty but I worked it. 

    Today I went on a hike with three new friends of Hawaii.  I met T at the Women’s Conference.  She found a hike to a secluded water fall.  It was about a mile hike to the falls.  The hike was gorgeous right through the forest.  These old growth trees were incredible.  The branches intertwined in all directions creating a canopy over the trail while the roots created steps along the path in areas.  Everything was so lush and green except for the orange clay underfoot.   We had wonderful conversations along the way. T h adbrought a friend as well as I.  We just completely enjoyed each others company.   So remember how I said secluded well we over shot the path for about a half a mile.   At one point two Eco Tours passed us on the path.  One tour had been to the falls and the other hadn’t been to the falls.  Hmmm I think we missed the path. We had to turn back. To this point most of the hike had been at an incline.  Remember that canopy well that creates mud in places and slippery rocks.  I’m not the most surefooted traveler so I held onto T’s back most of the way back down the path.  Oh but when it opened to the falls it was marvelous.  Just beautiful!  The best part of this hike was the beauty of the people I was with. 

      After parting ways B and I headed to Ko Olina to stalk Jonny Depp and to see the Black Pearl.  We found the Pearl but no Depp. 

     We then headed to the lagoon to snorkel.  It was so nice to cool off after the hike.  To be weightless after a long hike was fantastic.  The snorkelling was very good. We saw plenty of Hawaii’s State fish the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa.  Say that 5 times fast.  Nah just say it once.  

     Well this day was like no other.  I’ve always wanted to swim with dolphins.  I had a seal steal a wave I was body surfing on before but I’ve never swam with a dolphin. 

     All the overweight worries never came to pass today.  They had a life vest that fit and looked like everybody elses.  I was able to get in and out of the pool with ease.  I was able to hold on for a dorsal swim. Finally, the dolphins were able to Foot Push me across the pool with no problems. 

     I’m such a fish.  After swimming with the dolphins I put in another 30 minutes of Water Aerobics.  Oh and Solomon even walked to the park twice today!

It was a great day!

    So yesterday I arrived at the gym to join in an Agua Swim class. I was a little late because the parking is horrible.   Friday someone parked so close to my car that I couldn’t get in through the driver’s side door.  I looked around hoping that someone could pull the car out for me but to no avail.  I was also way too embarrassed for that so I just decided to climb in from the passenger side.  When all of a sudden a brilliant idea.  I reached over and put the convertible top down.  In two shakes I’m standing in my car and sliding into the driver’s seat. 

     So back to yesterday’s class.   Once I got in the water the group told me that the class had been cancelled.  Ten swimmers missed the posted sign on the counter.  So we held the class anyway.  Most of us had been there for Tina’s class the day before and many were regulars.  It wasn’t as intense but we got the job done.

    Today, however, was an intense day a the gym with Alex.  He said I was really pumped today and asked if I had any coffee.  I was just willing and ready for the next move.  He advised me that after 2 lift sets I have to pause for recovery.  I like the plan, 2 moves or lifts and then repeat 3 times.  The format is perfect for me.  A couple of times Alex increases the weight on the 2nd lift and then lessens the weight on the final lift.  I’m so excited to see what comes next that Alex has to remind me to relax.  I only have 3 more sessions with Alex so I want to make the most progress possible. 

     So after my sessions with Alex I escape into the locker room.  I then sit for about a half hour drinking water and staring off into space. The TV is on so I don’t look strange.  I’m usually so tired.  In the locker room I’ve met some really kind people.  I get the typical smiles and “Good Mornings” but recently a few older Asian women have really been apt to strike up a conversation.  I like to believe that maybe they’ve seen how hard I’ve worked and want to encourage me but then in few cases they’ve shared that they’ve known someone who has lost a lot of weight either way they are the sweetest women.  One woman is bringing me some green tea from China Town and another woman, Sunny,  is bringing me a food scale.  She gave me some good advice about eating 8 ounces of food and Whey Protein for after a workout.  I did notice Sunny during my workout and when I had my ugly lift face on she was just smiling at me.  Funny to think that just a couple of weeks ago I was so nervous about even walking into a 24 Hour Fitness Gym.  I drove around the parking lot many times checking it out.  I was the one making prejudgments about the facility and people coming and going.  This experience has been nothing but positive. 

Positive Effects Water Challenge
 P.E.W.C. Update

The water routine has been great.  I just keep rolling one 8oz bottle into another.  I have a gallon jug in the frig so I can keep track of the refills.  Can’t believe how dehydrated I’ve been.   I’ve noticed that my fingers feel skinny.  I find myself rolling my fingers together over and over like a mad scientist.

Thanks Sean and Kenz for running this challenge. 

 
Here are some sunsets for ya

Day 31 -  Week 44

 I lost – 6.4 pounds this week.

 Starting Weight : 365.1
Current Weight : 342.6

Total pounds lost: – 22.5 lb.

 All I can say is WOW! 

      Today I went to Aqua Swim with Tina. She’s tough.  The other swimmers were saying that she just rolls one excercise into another, whereas, the other trainer, Staci, is a little bit more leisurely with the moves.  I’m trying Staci’s class tomorrow.  

      My eating has been good.  I’m still stuck on the prepackaged meals though.  I like the Eat Right Meals and when you’re only cooking for one its just so easy. It’s also easy to keep track of the calories.   When I’m back in my own kitchen I need to try some recipes. I want to eat fresh as it were.

      I went to  Waimea Falls yesterday.  It was a wonderful hike into the  Waimea Valley.  The lush trees and botanical gardens were just beautiful.  There was one huge hill that I took real slow with my knee.  By the time I got to the falls I was hot and winded and couldn’t wait to jump into the 30 foot deep pool of fresh water at the base of the falls.  It was amazing.  Just the refreshment I needed after the hike.  I was giddy because I couldn’t believe I was there. So thankful, so thankful. 

OK all you LOST fans these are the falls where Kate and Jack swam. I know how cool is that?

 The falls were not raging today because there is a drought.
Click on the link to the website to see how it roars during the rainy season.

     Had a wonderful workout with Alex today. Can I just say how much I can do and how much I think I can do are worlds apart.  Sometimes the same distance between my thoughts in my head and heart.  I will have a trainer from now on.  Alex has pushed me to a point that I want to see what I can do next.  Today he had me on a rowing machine.  When Alex pointed to the machine I shrugged and said “Ohh Kay.”  I just didn’t think I was flexible enough to even get into the machine and before I knew it I had the correct posture and for 3 reps I rowed 200 in a minute.  I’m a rower now.  I can crew.  Why not?   The lunges still are when I’m the most worried because of my knee and before I know it with the correct stance I’m on my way.  I feel the strongest when I work with my arms.  After each 3rd rep I’m completely spent but excited for the next set. ” What’s next Alex let’s go!”   I keep taking mental notes of the exercises so that I can redo them in Alaska.  What’s next?

     So Solomon is still not walking very far except for last night when he got out.  That little sneaker.  I threw the ball  just beyond the front fence.  He was completely engaged in our game of catch so I thought I could open the door for him retrieve the ball.  That little rascal saw his chance and took it.  Good thing we live on a cul-da-sac.  I had him cornered and then he’d sprint.  There was a neighbor sitting in his car and I just yelled “Help!”  He walked over and grabbed his collar.  Good grief Solomon was just playing keep away with me.  Grrr.   So today I loaded him into the car and drove him a 1/2 a mile away.  I thought he would walk back to the car but no.  He walked straight home.  I then had to walk back and get the car.  So after working out with Alex and Solomon I had burned 1,700 calories and it wasn’t even 10 a.m.  Great start to my day.  After a nap I’m going to head to Waimea Falls on the North Shore.

Here’s what I did yesterday.

     I went to Hanauma Bay to snorkel in a flooded crater. It is a very protective wild life sanctuary.  What was nice about this snorkeling spot is that we didn’t have to scale any lava rocks.  I could just walk right in.  I bought an underwater camera so we’ll see if any shots tuned out.  It was a real old school camera.  I didn’t see any turtles this time but the fish were beautiful. It was a wonderful day at the beach. 

     I then decided to drive around the island instead of sitting in traffic.  I hadn’t seen much of the Windward or Eastern side of the island.  In fact where I was cruising yesterday it’s actually closed today because they’re filming Pirates of the Caribbean.  As I drove I found a beautiful beach that had a Wahoo’s roach coach selling fish tacos.  Wahoo’s is one my families favorite restaurant in California so I had to stop. 

     I then headed to Pali Lookout.  I was going to visit the lookout last week but I got lost on the way to the Sheila Walsh conference.  I had found the Pali Lookout but didn’t take the time to visit it because of the conference.  It was also raining so yesterday was a perfect time.  I had to laugh when I looked over the edge because as you can see in the picture the conference hall is right in the lower center surrounded by the golf course.  So close and yet so far away.

Click the links for more information about each location. 

When I was 25 years old I went on the Jenny Craig diet.  I was successful to the point that when one day I was subbing and the co-teacher said that I needed to buy new clothes.  I didn’t have the money for that.  Hmmm guess what?  I started cheating here and there and started to gain.  I then told the counselor that I found this new way to stop eating I’d brush my teeth anytime I had the desire to eat.  Right then I should have known I was done.

I tend to give up at certain points.   I gave up on a diet once again when I was 40 years old.  After a significant loss I stopped when a friend that hadn’t seen me in a long time commented about how good I looked. Then just in October a friend noticed my face thinning.  That caused me to stop my forward momentum once again.      Why would a compliment make me stop pushing forward with good choices?  You’d think it would motivate you to continue with the good choices that actually got you to that point. (Something to think about… Why do the comments here on the blog make me feel so great but I brush off compliments in person)? 

Another time when I give up is when I feel that I have it all figured out and that there is no turning back.  I hear myself report to my friends about all the wonderful things I’m doing in order to conquer this weight issue. A few days pass and once again I settle back into my old patterns.  I get boastful about what I have accomplished and then the fall.  Proverbs 16:18 really comes into full focus here:

First pride, then the crash—
   the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
(The Message)

So recognizing where I am right now is so very important.  I have made some great choices right now but, that does not give me the right to go have a binge.  I  always have these little debates in my mind.  I hear, “You deserve it you worked so hard today.”  “Just one meal won’t be so bad.”  This is the battle I face.  I’m going to trust in the Lord that he will help me.  I have said in the past that I adore the image of a prideful Father acknowledging the good choices of His daughter. I can see the Father saying “Look there goes my daughter.” I will be trusting that as I make these decisions the old voice will become even more distant.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Look what I’ve done.

So what’s different this time?  I’m dealing with choices for today only. I have a plan for the day and at this point I can’t stray to far from it.  I will not justify my poor decisions with immature excuses.   I will learn to take a compliment for a job well done.  My New Years motto is still very relevant and once again comes into play, “People don’t believe what you say. They believe what you do.” Finding the balance in each of these areas will allow me to keep it going.   Finally, I have been a witness to His peace when I know that He is proud of His daughter and I will find joy there.

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good:
and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.(Proverbs 16:20)

Time to get busy!!