transformation

One of my Jazzercise instructors (who has also become a good friend) paid me an incredible compliment last night after class:

"You've really transformed your body"

Wow! I was almost speechless. I see results in my body from my commitment to fitness, increased weight training, increased yoga, all around increase in exercise, but that hard work doesn't often get recognized by others. However, a fitness instructor has special insight into their students' bodies and I imagine that they are more tuned in to subtle changes.

This got me thinking - I should really take stock in my successes instead of only focusing on goals. I think it will be easier for me to stay on track when I identify where my successes have been!

Here's a little visual timeline for you...

  Here I am in March 2008 during a service trip to Kentucky. At this point I was dancing (ballet, modern, jazz) about 10 hours a week, going to Jazzercise 5 - 7 times a week and occasionally fitting a yoga class in.

This is me in May 2009, a senior in college. Still doing the same exercise regimen, but I became a vegetarian and started cooking for myself (I'm no longer a vegetarian...). I feel like you can better see where I hold my weight in this photo (hips, thighs, butt).

Here I am in August 2010, a year and three months after I graduated from college. Definitely put on some weight here - my exercise routine was nearly nonexistent (I moved and didn't have any attractive fitness options near me...) and I was recovering from a bad break up when this was taken...

This is October 2011...part of the problem with this picture is the dress, but I often think of this photo when I think of not looking my best. This was taken in the midst of my job's "travel season" when eating out is at a maximum (read: 3 meals a day) and exercising is at a minimum. I was also coming out of a relationship with someone who was very overweight and unhealthy, which led to me making similar choices.

During my second 5K in July, 2012. My legs are definitely looking a little thick here...

Most recent photo of me at my race this weekend. Check out my recap here!

I think increased running and yoga as well as weekly BodyPump classes are mostly the reason for the change in the way my body looks.  The biggest things that I notice in my body are thinner legs and more toned upper body (arms, shoulders, chest). Only a few actual pounds have disappeared, which is fine by me!

Looking at all these photos is really motivation for me to keep going. Keep running, keep eating well, keep pushing myself and keep transforming!