Challenge Deborah

Keeping the commitment to work out has never been a challenge for me. I recognize, especially as I’ve gotten older, the value of weights in maintaining muscle mass, helping bone density and staving off osteoporosis. The superslow method of working out has allowed me all the benefits that I used to get in lifting weights 3 hours a week with a personal trainer, and condense it into 30 minutes per week.

When I undertook this challenge, it was to see if I could get myself to the next level of fitness: to lose those last stubborn 15 lbs, to eat better, and to feel better. Over the last 12 weeks, with the support of the challenge, I lost 15 lbs, but more importantly, I lost 12.5 inches, 3 of which were around my waist! And I went down 2 sizes in my clothes, and 3 points in my BMI. I kept a food journal to become more mindful of my eating habits, and a sleep journal to keep track of my sleep and nap patterns. As the weeks went on, I found myself automatically making mindful choices about everything that went into my body, and about how I nourished my body with food and rest.

All of which are wonderful, measurable results. But throughout all of this, I have been going through a painful, messy divorce. What I have learned is that a fit, healthy body will carry you through the worst of times, refocus your energy, and help you accomplish something positive when life is not always what you want it to be. At my darkest moments, when I came in to do my workout, I would leave 30 minutes later feeling empowered and renewed. I found that negative thoughts and anger could be transformed into strength, movement, and release. My workout became more than a commitment, but rather a gift to myself that transformed me. I literally have been changed by this challenge, and the physical transformation is only the outside manifestation of something larger and deeper.

This is a gift to myself I will continue to provide, and I thank all of you who participated and shared and took the journey with me.