The End...or is it?

I am coming very close to the last session at bootcamp. Another 2 classes to go and I am done with my course. What have I learnt? How much have I lost? What will I do now? and so many other questions are coming to my head...In the beginning I really did not imagine that I would be unhappy to be done with these classes.. but I am.. 

What have I learnt...

I expressed my disappointment with my instructor that I haven't lost as much weight as I hoped for in the beginning and yet I am a couple of sizes down. He laughed at me ( I don't see why it was funny though). He explained to me that there is a difference between being lean and weighing less.. Being lean does not essentially mean you have lost weight. It puzzles me as to how you have shrink in size and yet the scale wont budge!  He gave a long and gruesome explanation about muscle and fat, their differences and how converting your fat to muscle should be your ultimate goal. Build muscle and that burns more cals.. sounds great.. but I don't want to build muscle.. all I want is to loose weight.. I don't want to train to go win a body builder's title.. really.. I DON'T! (Apparently that's the part he found funny). It so happens that when you say "build muscle" it doesn't mean you become a giant ass body builder.. who would have thunk! He asked me to choose what I want.. to look leaner and toned or to weigh less! I still can't accept that they mean different things and I guess after this "enlightenment".. I am not sure what I want.. yet..

How much have I lost...

If you are expecting me to post numbers and claim how much I have lost.. well.. I am not! I guess its obvious at this point that I haven't lost much.. and so the frustration and confusion and disappointment etc etc.. but I did shrink sizes.. does that count? I dunno!

What will I do now..

Honestly, at this point..I really need to sit down and think what is it that I want really.. look lean or weigh less.. (How on earth can they be different!!!!!). I know one thing for sure... I am not going to stop what I started. I will workout just as religiously as I was.. except that I would balance out both weight training and cardio. End of the day.. I am human.. and I want both things.. why should I choose and settle for one ;)

As far as my diet is concerned.. I have such major plans for Christmas and New Year's that I can't afford to indulge now. So, am stocking my pantry with "healthy" food options.. 

Biggest realization: Loosing weight is not for the weak heart.. It requires a lot of patience and every single pound lost is an achievement.. If there are any of you.. who are struggling just as I am..then.. pls.. don't give up.. If I can manage to do it.. anyone can.. (yes..I am that lazy ;) )

Just Not Enough!

I was beginning to wonder my self when I would go to my next class. Because of the over-whelming response to bootcamp.. almost all classes last week were over booked and I got into only one.. :( I got wiser this week and made reservations for all my classes :)

6 classes later my weight loss is really not as remarkable as I had hoped for and honestly, I am to blame for that. I had an out of the world weekend, less than considerable workout last week and more than required cravings. Sometimes I wonder, why having control over your own self and your cravings is sooo difficult.. but I guess in theory that's just the sign of a weak mind.. and in reality.. thats just human.. My workout for the last two days was remarkable. I can see how much I changed (not in terms of lbs... though). I can run a little longer before am gasping for breath, I can enjoy the aching muscles without cribbing, I can walk by a place with Indian food aroma and not give in, I can buy donuts and cupcakes for work and not have any.. I'd like to think.. thats considerable.. 

Honestly, seeing the way I was sweating my way through bootcamp, I really thought weight loss was going to be much faster than it is now.. Its disappointing to see my body, being a total bum about it. I was watching this show "The biggest Loser" last night and was shocked to see how much people achieved. 100lbs lighter in 8 weeks.. thats unbelievable.. but true.. It was inspiring to see people who weighed beyond imagination.. and at a age of 43-45 to have that kind of a will power. I'd like to think that its easier for me and less strenuous for me to achieve a target.. but that just sounds like am going easy on myself. 

I happen to realize that... the amount of work I am putting in with bootcamp and the diet regulations I have made is just not enough. It took me 25yrs to get to where I am... and although I wish the results showed overnight.. its not going to happen. On that note, I went and flashed my credit card at the closest YMCA here. One hour workout at bootcamp.... at the end of which I walk out with a sweaty shirt and a feeling that it was an awesome workout.. is just not enough.. I need to do more to weigh less. Its been a disappointing week for me to know that whatever I thought was remarkable.. was just not enough. 

For all those of you, who are struggling with their weight.. hang in there.. picture abhi baaki hai :)

Here's an article I thought was interesting, if you are thinking the way I am.. 

http://www.crossroadsbootcamp.com/resistance-training-separating-fact-from-fiction/

Cheers :)

Three is a crowd

Third day at bootcamp :) I think with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up.. almost everyone in town has gotten health conscious.. Wasn't fun to watch a huge crowd panting and sweating.. kinda grose infact. Either ways, the session was a real good one.. I am getting a grip over my own body and how far I can push myself without an injury. I am loving it :) 

Piece of free advise to those who want to check-in for such workouts.. you'd rather want to prepare yourself a little before this jump start. A simple jog for 10 mins a day would also do the trick. If you are more an indoor person... try spot jogging/running in your room or even better walk up and down the stairs couple of times a day.  You end up being sore a little bit but atleast your body knows what to expect. For most people, I would assume the most difficult part is to get started.. and then things happen like a charm and so is the case with me.. I think this is where the whole determination part fits in.. you have to "want" to do it.. or you'll just end up quitting the next chance you get. 

So three sessions later, I went and bought a new pair of jeans :) Am down a size.. and god it feels good :) Although, I must admit..it wasn't all the bootcamp that did the magic, I had to and still am watching what I eat very carefully. Its important. Apparently, it takes 3500 burnt calories to lose one pound.. so it goes without saying that you want to.. have to.. get to the 3500 mark despite your usual diet. 

Well, end of the day.. I am a size down and am thrilled.. :) and that is all that matters.

Happy Diwali :)