Confession Time, Healthy Living

Lindsay Eichelman
Project & Promotions Manager

So I have a confession to make: I try to be extremely honest in my blog about my journey — especially my struggles and roadblocks. It’s time for me to come clean about one of those struggles.

I have not been to the gym in seven weeks. Yep, you heard me right. Seven weeks.

Now, I know you must be thinking, How can this woman write a weight loss blog when she isn’t getting her butt to the gym? And that is exactly why I’m coming clean.

Now hold on tight for the curve ball. I’ve lost more than 12 pounds in that seven weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I keep a busy schedule, and am definitely not a couch potato. As for an official workout? None have occurred in seven weeks. By making this confession, I’m bringing to light a problem I struggle with, as I’m sure some of you do as well. Hopefully by talking about it, we can find a solution.

When I’m engaging in a regular fitness routine, it is virtually impossible for me to lose pounds. Now, of course, like with the fitness challenge in the fall, my body changed in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I was fitter and more toned. I lost inches and body fat percentages, but I did not shed ONE POUND.

If you are at a healthy weight this is not a problem, but the truth is, I’m NOT at a healthy weight, and I need to get some pounds off this body of mine in addition to toning up and becoming more fit. I do, however, have great success shedding pounds when I stick to my diet routine and don’t hit the gym — even though this makes absolutely NO sense. So I made a pact that I was going to skip out on the gym until March 1 to see how many pounds I could shed.

But, honestly, I’ve been in this game long enough to know this is not the right or healthy way to accomplish my healthy life habits and goals. I wanted to come clean with my loyal readers because I’m sure some of you struggle with this as well.

All of our bodies function differently, so I think it’s all about finding a balance where your body functions the best. I like to refer to this as the “magic formula.” For some people, they need to eat more when engaging in a great fitness routine to reach optimum metabolism. For others, simply eating less and working out more does the trick. I’m not sure what my “magic formula” is yet — but I’m going to find it. I’ve consulted an old friend who just happens to be an expert in this arena. I’ll let you know what we come up with together.

But most importantly, if you hit the gym hard and don’t see the results you want on the scale, don’t quit! I know it’s hard, but the change will come when your body finds its magic spot. Know that you aren’t alone and keep up the good work. Regular exercise is so important to a healthy life.

As for me? You’ll find me back at the gym. I’m sure my muscles will punish me for not coming clean sooner.