A Letter from a Reader and an NSV

Last night, I went to my Thursday night Candlelight Yoga class... Seriously, this class is my favorite part of any week.  The instructor always has a unique message to share with us and it’s just a great way to let go of the week and honor yourself.  If you’re a Colorado reader, seriously… there are a lot of candlelight classes all over the city.  Find one, and go!!!!  So amazing!

I’m still working to perfect my half moon. I can only do one side… I guess, I’m more of a quarter moon still. (Source)

Walking into my class today, I had a realization and an NSV that I wanted to share with you guys, but it also tied back to a question from a reader.  So, I figured I would combine the two stories…

Hi Kelly!
I am a good friend of (one of your sorority sisters) from college; she told me about your blog and I love it!! I am also trying to lose weight and I have a question for you. I was hesitant to ask because it’s personal but my friend said you wouldn’t mind:) when you lost all your weight did you have a lot of loose skin? I am so afraid of that! You don’t look like it at all but I was just wondering:) 

I thought this was a GREAT question.  It was something that I’d wondered about before I started to lose my weight.  Would my body bounce back??  I’d carried about 100 extra pounds on my frame for years.  To make matters worse, I’d lost and gained and lost and gained and lost and gained… my skin is probably exhausted at this point.

So, what gives?  Here is the answer I sent over to this lovely reader:

Overall, I’m VERY lucky.  And, I definitely don’t mind the personal question.  I sort of see it as part of the process…  So, I have a few spots that I’m not nuts about, but I’m not giving in to plastic surgery. I’m pretty sure I can tone them up by working out/building muscle.

I carry my weight in my thighs/hips/butt and apparently in my upper arms (geesh). I’m not a huge fan of my left inner thigh now… I think it looks sorta saggy and my triceps are also sort of flappy (if you will).

What I would ultimately suggest is to begin weight training IMMEDIATELY. I hated working out, so I waited until I was about 65-70 lbs gone. Yeah, not the smartest of ideas. I think that is my prob. I definitely try to target the areas now through strength training. I think you can combat it that way or at least minimize as much as possible!

I wrote this response several months ago…

And, I just CAN’T share pictures of my bod that are that detailed.  No need to gross you nice people out… but I’ll tell you about the progress I’ve seen in the past few months.

My Arms:  They’re looking better.  Not great, but better.  The bicep definition is definitely quicker to develop than the tricep area (which will always be a problem, I have a feeling)

Belly:  If I would only do crunches… I know this situation would be a lot better.  Still I’ve lost 15 inches in that area… so I don’t stress on it so much.  One of these days I’ll start working that area.  Yoga works it a little bit, but I could use a little more.

I’ll never have these thighs… and frankly, it’s ok.
(Source)

Thighs:  Holy hannah – – My thighs have been a-changing!  A few fun things… and I share these because it’s REAL, so bear with me.  My thighs used to be VERY full and frankly they’re still thick (and will likely always be.)  But… maybe you should sit down for this…. and let’s keep this between us friends.

They No Longer Rub Together When I Walk

I wish I knew exactly when this happened… but I just noticed it last night.  No more swishiness of my slacks rubbing together, no more strange wearing of certain fabrics that couldn’t stand the friction, and I can almost sneak up on people!  That’s my Non-Scale Victory of the month… and one I’m VERY proud of.  Also, that saggy-ish area I reference above – – GONE!

Now, don’t let me confuse you… they still touch, but the constant rubbing together and extra flesh has disappeared.  I still have a lot more leg work to do, but results… we’re seeing results!

I honestly attribute it to my Couch to 5K Training, all the yoga I do, and just walking.  It’s an amazing feeling!!!  It’s also motivating to see results like this and makes me want to tone more… lift more weights and just get the rest of the bod in order.

I love when little things you never thought would happen become a reality.

Just another sweet moment in my little life.  Happy Friday, my dears!