Before I get into it...
I've been inspired by so many amazing fitness women on Instagram, including TheSimpson_Sculpt https://instagram.com/thesimpson_sculpt?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==. If you're looking for some help getting started on your fitness journey, I highly recommend getting a personal trainer or fitness guru like her. They can help you create a plan that's right for you and keep you motivated along the way. Check out her page for some great workouts and fitness tips!
Alright sooo let's get into it!
As I learn more about style and fashion, I felt inspired to share a little personal story about my health and fitness journey and how I went from a size 10 to a size 8 in just over 7 weeks. Not a lot for some, but considering all of the struggles I've had, it felt like a major accomplishment to me. Along the way, I've learned that my body looks and feels better when I am my own version of fit and toned. Plus from a fashion perspective, my clothes fall and fit differently as well. What's wild is that I weigh the same 173 in both pictures. The difference( although subtle) is the recomposition. I lost fat (especially around my abdomen) and gained muscle. Now I am 167 heading towards my goal of 165.
First things first, I'm so SIIIICK of hearing about "body weight." I think it's such a superficial measure of health and fitness. What really matters is your BODY COMPOSITION. That's the ratio of fat to muscle in your body. Coming from someone like me, who has struggled to keep and build muscle and shape my body, and let's not forget that my body used to naturally stores more fat than muscle, I have learned a few things about body composition, and I am here to share how I have been leaning into this rather than weight loss. Although I'm not a professional fitness expert or trainer, I have learned through trial and error in my own lived experience a few things about body re-compositioning.
What is Body Re-composistioning
Body Recomposition: Ditch the Scale, Embrace the Shape
Ever stepped on the scale and felt frustrated seeing the same number despite all your hard work? Here's the secret: weight isn't everything. Body recomposition is the key to transforming your physique without necessarily changing the number on the scale.
Why It Matters:
Imagine two people with the same weight. One has a high percentage of muscle, giving them a toned, lean look. The other has a higher percentage of fat. Muscle is denser than fat, so the person with more muscle will appear slimmer, even at the same weight.
The Goal: Build & Burn
Body recomposition focuses on building muscle while burning fat. This creates a leaner, more sculpted physique, even if the overall weight stays the same (or might even increase slightly due to muscle gain).
Benefits Beyond the Look:
It's not just about aesthetics! Muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even at rest. Additionally, muscle provides strength and support for your body, reducing your risk of injury and improving overall functionality.
Ready to Recompose?
Forget the scale obsession. Focus on building muscle through strength training and fueling your body with a balanced diet rich in protein. You'll see and feel the difference – a stronger, healthier you, with the physique you desire.
Here are a few things that I did to improve my body composition that you can try:
Lift weights. Strength training is the best way to build muscle. I aim for 3-4 strength training sessions per week.
Create a Cardio Routine. Cardio is excellent for burning fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of cardio 3-4 times per week, but I lifted more than cardio.
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and minimal whole grains and protein. It should also be low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Some argue for more protein, and I agree; this just worked for me.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for muscle growth and repair. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sounds so cliche, but when you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more Ghrelin, a multifaceted gut hormone that activates its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin is famously known as the "hunger hormone" It essentially makes you more hungry, and you'll crave more sugary and salty foods. So sleep is essential for curbing the cravings. So whereas I may have rolled my eyes at this before in my 20s, in my 30s, I can fully appreciate 8 hours or a nap here and there.
7 Weeks to Wow: My Body Recomp Journey
Forget the scale! Here's the story of how I transformed my body in just 7 weeks, ditching the weight focus and embracing body recomposition.
Seven weeks ago, I embarked on a health and fitness challenge fueled by frustration. Stuck at 179 pounds for two years, despite my best efforts to shed baby weight, I felt defeated. The scale simply wasn't budging.
Then, a YouTube video about body recomposition changed everything. It was a revelation! Who knew that weight wasn't the only measure of progress? My focus shifted: building muscle while burning fat for a leaner, stronger me.
From Frustration to Freedom:
Let's be honest, battling the scale can be demoralizing. Especially after four kids, with a pre-pregnancy high of 240 pounds, I knew I needed a healthier approach. Body recomposition offered a path forward, a way to prioritize health and ditch the weight obsession.
The Results? Amazing!
In just over 7 weeks, I went from 179 pounds to 167 pounds. But the most significant change wasn't the number on the scale. My body began to transform. I felt stronger, more defined, and way more confident.
This is just the beginning! Join me on this journey of body recomposition. Let's ditch the scale, embrace health, and build the strong, confident bodies we deserve!
From Curves to Confidence: My Fitness Evolution
I've always embraced my curves, but lately, I've craved a little more definition – a toned back and some seriously sculpted glutes. After four incredible kids (and a pre-pregnancy peak of 240 pounds!), bouncing back wasn't always easy. Now, with my eldest at 19 and my youngest at 7, I'm feeling motivated to snatch my waist and build a stronger, more confident me.
A Year of Frustration:
Last year, I hit a wall. Despite 4-5 workouts a week and a pescatarian diet, the scale wouldn't budge. I was stuck at 179 pounds, and my booty dreams seemed out of reach.
Time to Level Up:
Enough was enough! I revamped my routine, bumping up my workouts to 5 dedicated sessions a week. But it wasn't just about sweat; I also fine-tuned my diet for optimal results. These changes were the game-changer I needed!
The Payoff is Real:
In just a short time, I've shed 13 pounds of fat and seen some serious booty definition emerge. It's incredible to finally see my hard work pay off! More importantly, I'm feeling stronger and more confident than ever before.
This is just the beginning! Join me on this journey of self-discovery and body love. Let's embrace our strengths and work towards the healthiest, most confident versions of ourselves.
My Top 3 Secrets to Shedding 13 Pounds in 7 Weeks
Let's talk results! Here's how I finally unlocked the fat loss and muscle gain I craved in just 7 weeks:
1. Listen to Your Body (and Your Doctor):
As a Boulder native raised in a health-conscious bubble, I believed in natural healing. But sometimes, a doctor's insight is invaluable. A blood panel revealed borderline fatty liver, thanks to my love for eggs and shrimp (both high in cholesterol!). This kickstarted a dietary shift.
2. Fuel Your Body Right:
My go-to breakfast? Two eggs on arugula. Delicious, but not optimal. Now, I start my day with a cholesterol-friendly bowl of oatmeal packed with blueberries, chia seeds, and Manuka honey. Greek yogurt adds a probiotic boost, and nuts like almonds or pistachios provide protein and healthy fats.
3. Plan Like a Pro:
Gone are the days of aimlessly wandering the gym. Planning my workouts prevents decision fatigue and keeps things interesting. I curate a list of inspiring workouts from my "fitness" Instagram board, blending them with my usual routine. Bonus tip: Pilates/Barre twice a week has been a game-changer for my pelvic floor! (Check out Peloton's free trial with my code for some awesome home workouts: https://tr.ee/O59C1phoqt)
Ready to Recompose Your Body?
These are just the highlights of my journey. Body recomposition takes work, but the results are worth it. Remember, you can transform your physique even at the same weight – it's about swapping fat for muscle. Let's get started together!
The Takeaway: Embrace Recomposition
Body recomposition is a rewarding journey. Remember, you can transform your physique even at the same weight. Focus on building muscle and ditching fat for lasting results.
Feeling Inspired? Let's Get Started!
This is just the beginning of my journey, and I want you to join me! Sign up for my blog for more tips, inspiration, and stories from other amazing women who are transforming their lives. Share your own fitness journey in the comments below – let's empower each other!
I'd love to hear about your own journeys and learn how you stay fit; feel free to share under this post.
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