Six weeks check: I lost!

I never thought I’d be so happy to lose something. Yes, I lost weight! Finally, after many years feeling unable, incapable, not strong enough… it started.

Six weeks ago I was able to go back to the gym, which reopened with a safety and cleaning protocol. A dream: less people, reservation is mandatory, and it’s compulsory to clean the equipment after each use. Can we please keep this even post Corona?

I have a six-weeks program custom made from a personal trainer, which lives in another country and is distant-coaching me. During these 6 weeks, I only skipped one workout; I went regularly three times a week, pushing like crazy, sweating my ass off, being exhausted.

The results were not as good as I hoped they would be, but it’s definitely a start. I lost 2,5 kg, 3 cm of waistline, 1,5cm around the hips and 1 around the arms. It’s progress.

During these 6 weeks, I could have certainly handled nutrition better: too many cheat meals, drinking a bit too often, some struggles with portion control. Even though I’d cook something healthy, I’d make a too big portion of it and the calories intake is what it is.

How to move forward acting upon this period’s learnings?

1. Better nutrition. I started a food diary, because often I don’t even realise how many small ‘exceptions’ I allow myself during the week. Keeping a food diary helps keeping things under control;
2. Portion control. I bought a kitchen scale, and as annoying as it could be, I will start weighting everything I prepare;
3. Workout plan. I have a more dynamic workout program, full of circuit, multi-muscle exercises aimed at improving resistance and building strength in a functional way. The goal is to reduce the average workout time and concentrate it in shorter, higher intensity sessions.
4. Better sleep. One of the reason for the slow progress is my quality of sleep. I should go to bed earlier, and avoid too much night time tv and computer. One solution is going to the gym earlier as well: I would avoid busiest hours, and I love working out late, but coming back home at 9:45 is no longer sustainable, I have to start earlier and finish earlier.
5. Keep things in check. I’m going to do a weight and body fat check every two weeks rather than every six weeks.

Overall, I’m feeling great. I’m not smoking, I’m exercising regularly, and eating better. I can see gigantic differences in my energy and focus levels, and many people already told me that they see something different in me, even if the changes are too small for them to notice.

Hey, in the end, if you love yourself, it shows.