The Before Pictures

The New Rules of Weightlifting

I mentioned two weeks ago that I started The New Rules of Weightlifting for Women and hinted that I might be up for showing progress measurements and photos.

To be perfectly honest, while I love reading about others progress with exercise regimens, I secretly hate the thought of sharing these things for myself. I’m terrified of committing to things, only to fail and have it here for the world to see.

But at the same time, I know that I can complete this program.  It’s basic, only three days a week, and its really what I need right now.  When I did the 30 day shred two months before my wedding during the summer of 2010, I learned that my body responds really well to weightlifting. I’m feeling a little pudgier than usual.  Even though, I did a sugar detox this month, I still feel like I’m eating more than I should and let’s be honest, my sugar detox hasn’t gone exactly 100% according to plan.

I feel the need to take control and do it now.  Everyone has these little peaks and valleys with diet and exercise.  I’m kind of going through a valley right now, but I’m trying my best to start crawling out of it.

I don’t know why I feel the need to say this, but I do.  This is not easy for me.

I’m not crazy about the way I look right now, so sharing full body shots is one of the last things I want to do.

But I’m doing it anyway.  Not just for you guys, but so hopefully so I can come back to this post as a reason to get my tail to the gym, think more mindfully about what I’m eating and drinking, and have a more balanced sense of health.

So here goes…

The New Rules of Weightlifting Before Photos

I admire people who will show their before photos, bathing suit clad.  Well, more power to them, but this girl is keeping her butt covered.

There’s one area of my body that I’ve especially experiences some extra…well, some extra padding…more than usual, that is.

And that area is my stomach.

So for comparison’s sake, here goes.

The New Rules of Weightlifting Before Photos (Abs)

Okay! Whew.  That’s over.

Don’t I look completely pissed off in these photos?  The way I see it, you have to look pissed off in before photos.  Of course, I’ll be in full makeup beaming in my after photos. 😉

And just to mortify myself just a bit more, here are my “before” measurements:

Waist: 28 1/2 (No wonder my 27 waist jeans are super snug)
Right Thigh: 21 1/2
Left Thigh: 21
Hips: 38
Right Bicep: 10
Left Bicep 10 1/2

There you have it.  So far, I’m five workouts into the program and can already tell a slight difference in my strength.  I’ll update my photos and measurements at the end of each stage and…fingers crossed…we will see a difference.

Wish me luck!

***To follow my day-to-day workouts, “like” Foodie Fresh on Facebook, where I post them daily!

24 Responses to The Before Pictures

  1. Dave Hardin

    More power to YOU, Kelly. I really admire this total approach to reporting on the changes you want to make. I have absolutely no doubt you will reach your goal!

  2. This would be the hardest post for me to ever write… good for you! I hope you achieve all of the goals that you set!
    And yes, please SMILE in the after photos! 🙂

  3. You go girl!!!!!! First of all, I think you look great but I totally understand wanting to get in better shape and just feel better about yourself in general! I go through phases where I’m lazy and don’t feel like running or doing an at home workout – but once I make myself get back on track…I feel so much better! So then I think “why the heck do I ever stop?!?!” Who knows, ha! Anyway, good luck with it all and can’t wait to follow you through the work outs and results!!!

  4. Good luck! I’m excited to read about how it goes. Strength training is SO good, and I think it really helps build confidence…not just as the way you look changes, but getting stronger. It gets exciting to try and beat your best each day.

  5. way to put it out there! There’s something about lifting weights that feels good – and when you can actually see some definition!!! YES! It’s all worth it!! Get it girl!!

  6. You are beautiful just as you are! But I’ll wish you good luck anyhow, and be cheering for you 🙂

  7. You look great, and I am sure you are going to see results you are happy with! My sister followed this program over the Summer, and she looked a lot thinner and more toned, but she didn’t lose a lot of weight. Good luck! I can’t wait to see the after photos.

  8. You look fine, but it’s all about feeling fine! I’m right there with you. And yup, you look totally pissed 🙂

  9. agnes

    Thank you for sharing these. I am sort of at exactly same point as you are. And same story with tricky stomach area. Good luck to both of us – you inspire me to do something as well!

  10. Danielle

    Good luck! 🙂

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  12. Michelle

    My book should be here today or tomorrow and I am checking out Flex and Fit this afternoon and searching for a gym to join. I currently do yoga 4-5 days a week but need Cardio and Weights.
    Any good gym recommendations for Charlotte?

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