Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

My challenges are about half way through. You might recall that I'm in a challenge in the Torrington YMCA, doing the Fit Commitment Challenge and a stepping challenge in Bridgeport with co-workers. I walk and exercise everyday, but it's all the extra things to keep track of that are overwhelming!

The challenge in Torrington is definitely the most time consuming as it requires weekly challenges, different tasks we must do each week to receive points. This week, I've had to swim 5 laps and walk on the treadmill for a half an hour. I did the treadmill easily, but I'm not much of a swimmer so I struggled with that one; anyway, I completed the laps!

There have been some pretty great changes since the last time I was on here to write an entry. I have, since, become a Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor! My family & I have relocated to Saratoga Springs, NY & are LOVING it here! Sometimes, a change of scenery can be a great thing! I have been actively searching for a position at area gyms so I can utilize my skills that I have learned to help others. I have managed to land a "substitute" position at the 5 area YMCA's. Hey, it's a start, right? I have also started up my OWN mobile & online personal training business, New Beginnings Fitness (the name suits me & my situation PERFECTLY & also applies to those wanting a fresh start in changing their lives)! I am SUPER excited about this new adventure & know the possibilities are endless. Sometimes, if you want something bad enough, you have to go & MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! If you have the time, head on over to my Facebook page to "Like" & "Share" my new venture! And if an online workout & coaching plan is what you are searching for, I'm your gal!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Beginnings-Fitness-Saratoga/1537438526472649

When I graduated college, I've had jobs that required sitting all day at the computer. I would sit hours and hours getting my work done without any movement at all. At lunch, I would hardly exercise at all. It's no wonder that I eventually got very obese.

There is nothing wrong with working an office job if you remember to get up and move every once in a while. If you just sit still for too long, not only are you getting little or no exercise, but you put yourself at risk for getting cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

I'm getting closer to my goal of 13% body fat. Today, my trainer figured out what my body fat percentage is. When I first started the training, I believe my percentage was about 23%. I am now 16.76% and that's so awesome to me!

I've gained a lot of muscle, as my weight has been fairly consistent. I did lose about five pounds in the process but that was to be expected. I'm currently at about 215 pounds, which is still up from my lowest in December of 2012 at 212 pounds.

Matt Manning made the national news a month or so ago, when he won $50,000 in a bodybuilding.com contest. I contacted him because I wanted to learn more about his incredible transformation and how he did it. He agreed to do an interview for the blog. I thought his story could inspire others who think they can't get in shape because of age, work or other issues. Matt proves that with hard work and determination, you can transform your body and improve your health.

Matt's story inspires me on a personal level as I'm trying to tighten my skin with the strength training. He didn't have as much weight to lose as I did, and I know my skin was stretched out for many more years than his. But still, it gives me hope that maybe I too will have tighter abs after all this weight loss.