JMBR Final Results & Progress Pics - Motivation Monday

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Four months ago I ordered Jillian Michaels Body Revolution on a whim, hoping that I would finally find the motivation to lose the weight and get my health back. Day 1 of JMBR, I weighed in at 195.6

Approximately 195 lbs

I've faced some set backs with injuries and illnesses causing the program to take a little longer than expected, but I pushed through to the end. In Phase 1, I was skeptical. I struggled to force myself to get up and get the workout done. But, the pounds were falling off, so I continued on. It's hard to find an excuse to skip a workout that's only 30 minutes long. I lost 10 pounds in the first phase and was starting to feel a little better. My clothes were fitting more comfortably and I was beginning to enjoy my healthier lifestyle.

Towards the end of Phase 2, I started seeing a lot of changes. Not just in my physical appearance, but changes in who I am. I found myself smiling more and had more confidence than I've felt in a lot time. Instead of coasting through the day to day, I started to feel passionate about things again and enjoy the little moments. The old me was returning.

In Phase 3, I found a love for fitness. The scale slowed in the last phase, which I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating. However, it's no longer the most important factor to me. I became more concerned with what my body is capable of. How far can I run? How fast? How heavy can I lift? How many reps can I do? My focus has switched. Am I at a healthy weight? No. Do I still plan on losing? Heck yes. Of course I do. I can't wait for the day I am at a healthy weight, however, my overall health is my main focus. For me, I am judging that by my endurance and what I can achieve in my workouts. By doing this, I have seen the biggest changes in my body this phase. Even though the scale doesn't reflect it. 

So, on to the JMBR - Final Results

Left: End of Phase 1. Middle: End of Phase 2. Right: End of Phase 3

Left: End of Phase 1. Middle: End of Phase 2. Right: End of Phase 3

Also, as these pictures reveal... I've had a break in my plateau! I am finally down 1 pound this week for a total of 26 pounds lost. This is the first time I've seen the 160's in over 3 years. Here's to hoping the 160's disappear faster than the 170's!

I'm a few days into my 4 week program from efitmama and I am LOVING it. It's a bit higher intensity, which is exactly what I was needing right now. Eventually, I do plan to come back to JMBR and repeat it using higher weights and the more difficult modifiers. 

I'm a work in a progress, but I'm amazed at how far I've come. I have tears in my eyes looking at these pictures. Tears for letting myself get so unhealthy and be unhappy for so long. But most importantly, tears of happiness. Because I'm actually doing it. I stopped looking for excuses and I just did something about it. I put the negativity aside and ignored the part of me saying "Someday" "There's not enough time." "Maybe when Wyatt gets a little older." "Eating healthy is too expensive." "I'm too tired." "I'll start tomorrow, or Monday." I'd listened to her for far too long and clearly she wasn't making me happy. Choosing to ignore the excuses was one of the best decisions I've ever made. 

I've said it a thousand times, and I'm sure I'll say it a billion more: Your body is capable of so much more than you ever dreamed of. Push yourself past your "limits" because that is where the magic happens.

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Also, I'm guest posting for the beautiful Carolyn over at Fitnasty for Life today. Go check it out!

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