Workin' It Wednesday

Hi Friends!

Well, we are halfway through the work week!  Woot! Woot!

Actually, today begins my first day of "summer".

I couldn't wait to link up with my friend Corinna at Surfin' Through Second for her new linky party 

So I thought I'd start my first "Workin' It Wednesday" by sharing a personal goal I have been working on since the start of the New Year.   

My New Year's goal almost EVERY SINGLE YEAR is to lose weight and become more fit.  I have to say that I tried every year.  I even began running a couple of months after my youngest was born.  NOTHING seemed to work to help me lose the weight.  I tried several different weight loss plans over the years. It was so discouraging.

This year I was determined to try something different.   I got a personal trainer.  Another teacher friend and I met with him one hour every Saturday.  He also shared with us a healthy eating plan and helped me with a strength training work out.  We were measured once a month and our body fat percentages were calculated.  

It was HARD WORK!  BUT getting a personal trainer was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself in the area of health and fitness.  I understand the importance of "clean eating" and sticking to a low carb diet.  That first month was the hardest for me just getting used to the weight equipment.  I was always a cardio girl and never thought once about using weights.

I also had to juggle my schedule at home to accommodate this new lifestyle.  I prepared meals ahead of time on Sunday for myself and my family to make things easier during the week.  My husband was and still is so supportive.  I would work out each day after school.  I didn't go home first because if I did, I knew I wouldn't make it into the gym to work out. 

So after 4 months of working out and healthy eating, I have lost 21 pounds, 17 1/2 inches, and 11% body fat.  BUT the best thing for me is that I have so much more energy to keep up with the demands of my busy family and those of my students.  I also notice such a difference in my ability to handle stress and react to it.  

Here's my "before" photo:

AND here's my "after" photo

AND one more for Workin' It Wednesday

I'm loving that it's sundress season.

Here's my new favorite sundress that I wore to celebrate the last day of school.

It's from Old Navy.

Have a fabulous rest of the week friends!!!  Thanks for stopping by!