So what are my results gonna look like? I am sure the scale has not changed (or changed much). I have been avoiding the scale because with a strength training program, the scale does not like to move. I am building muscle. Muscle is much more dense than fat. A pound of muscle with take up far less space than a pound of fat. Although I clearly know that fact, because of the weight gain I have experienced over the past year due to health related issues, I get easily frustrated by the numbers on the scale. Turns out that if I don't step on it, I don't get frustrated...problem solved! I will step on the scale next week for my final weigh in, but I don't expect it to be a good indicator of my progress.
What I CAN tell you is that I have REALLY toned up!! Even though I still have the annoying belly fat lurking around, I can see where the beginnings of a six pack abs are. There is definition along my obliques! It is probably not very visible, my the strength in my back and shoulders has increased tremendously!! In the past 8 weeks, I have gone from being able to do only a few push ups on my toes before dropping to my knees in order to still STRUGGLE through a minute of push ups, Now I can hold out for about 7-10 push ups on my toes before dropping to my knees....AND I can complete that minute of push-ups. My legs are SOLID. With previous programs, I often ended up bulking up my thigh muscle with the leg exercises. With Hammer and Chisel, my leg muscles are solid, but not bulky. They are not quite long and lean, but I am loving my leg strength!! I was really able to challenge myself with my weights for this program. For most upper body exercises, I use a 12-18 pound weight. With any type of reverse fly or tricep kick back moves, I can only manage 8 pounds for a full minute of exercises...but that is up from struggling with only a few reps holding my 5 pound weights. With most leg exercises, I find myself using between 20 and 35 pounds.
Over all, I just FEEL stronger. My clothes are fitting more comfortably (most days). I was following the Hammer and Chisel meal plan for month 1, and then kind of followed my own plan for month 2. Why? While the Hammer and Chisel meal plan is generally a great way to help someone find a good, well rounded approach to healthy eating, I have found that the approach does not work well for me. When I HAVE to get in a certain amount of containers (Hammer and Chisel uses the portion control system) each day, I end up overeating at the end of the day to fit in all of my containers. In addition, I find myself making food choices that do not mesh well with my food intolerances (too much dairy and gluten), which make me feel bloated. I know there are ways to adjust my eating to make the containers work, but I just find the calorie counting a little easier. That being said, I STILL follow the idea of more fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and a few healthy carbs. I am mindful of where my calories are coming from, and I strive to stick with better choices. The portion control system DID help me get back on track with my eating. I NEEDED that. Being clearly back on track with my eating got me to a place where I can modify to meet my specific needs.
I have also continued to use the Beachbody Performance line - especially the Energize, Hydrate, and Recovery. I truly believe that the Recovery drink has helped me to avoid muscle soreness after workouts, so I can still put in 100% to my next workout. On really tough workout days, I also use the nighttime Recharge.
I am really excited to take my progress pics and measurements next week, so that I can really see what kind of progress I have made with Hammer and Chisel. Stay tuned for a post next week!!
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