Two months ago, I decided I needed to do something to help with getting healthier, so along with a friend, I started working out at the local YMCA.  Many of you have seen that first post where I made the decision to start working out.  If you haven’t, you can see it here. Many of you have been following the journey through the pictures I have posted nearly daily. How is it really going and has it helped any?

The answer is a resounding YES!  I have noticed huge changes in the way I feel, my energy level, and I’m not nearly as breathless when I’m walking and can even jog and run small distances without becoming breathless or getting severe pain in my side.  I even raced Leslie yesterday down the street from her friends house and didn’t have to slow down… and I beat her!  Two months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that!  Every day after my workout, I reward myself with some time in the sauna.  It’s the only time that I can get warm and I don’t feel the pain that I get when it’s so cold.  It also helps all the stress dissolve when I’m sitting there, relaxing and in prayer.

When I started working out, I found that I had very little strength in my legs, and even less strength in my arms.  I was barely able to life 15 pounds, could only pull about 20 pounds and in my lower body I started out at 25 pounds.  Today, my upper body can lift 50 pounds, I can pull up to 70 lbs and my lower body exercises are between 75 pounds and up to 110 pounds for some of the machines.  I have also lost about 10 pounds in 2 months.

On days when I don’t go work out, I find a huge difference in my energy levels.  I just drag around and have to force myself to go, compared to the days when I do work out and have so much more energy.  I also find myself eating less on days when I workout.  After working out, I get home, have a couple handfuls of peanuts or an early lunch and then don’t eat again until supper time.  On days that I don’t work out, I find myself snacking all day.

I am so glad that I made the decision to work out!  I feel like it has been good for me, and even though sometimes I get there and have a hard time getting motivated I push myself to anyway and even if it’s only half of my normal workout, which lasts an hour, I still feel so much better afterward, and always look forward to my 30 to 45 minutes in the sauna.  It’s my reward for pushing myself to work out.