First post in here

[penny]

Hello Ladies. I thought it was finally time to introduce myself and tell you my story. First, I want to thank you all for being such an inspiration to me this past year and a half.

Two years ago, I was in the best shape of my life. It all went downhill when I broke both of my ankles at the same time in September 2009. I tripped on a pile of rocks that were covered with leaves in the woods behind my house and didn't go to the hospital immediately. By the time I joined this site in Decenber 2009, I had already gained 10 lbs. When the casts/crutches came off in June 2010. I couldn't wait to start working out. I was up to a whopping 167 lbs.

Silly me fell backwards off my sit up machine. My neck was wedged between the floor and the wall. I injured my cervical and my thoratic spine. Pinched a nerve in my neck, had a bulged dick at C4, and three more at T1, T2, and T3. So, I spent last summer in physical therapy. When that didn't work, I started cortizone shots in September 2010. They continued with no relief until December 2010. By that time, I had enough, and underwent what's called a rhizotomy. They burn the nerves that go into your spine. My last treatment was in January this year.

February 2011 I weighed 178 lbs and was thoroughly disguested at myself.

I started my plan of attack in February. I do cardio 5 - 6 times/week for a minimum of 30 minutes per session. I am now down to 153 lbs and still going.

My diet is in check. I eat mostly protein and fresh vegetables. I get my carbs from fresh fruits.

This past week I started picking up weights, but haven't developed a routine for myself yet.

I do not know my bodyfat. My height is 5' 4" age 43.

I still have a lot of work ahead of me, and just wanted you to know how much you motivate me to keep going.

Thanks

Penny

 

[zedhed]

Welcome to EF Penny.
Dam gurl what a story!
And even better what a gr8 start for a comeback.

Just a few quick things for you...
Your veggies have all the carbs that you really need. The fruit has sugar which makes it more difficult to loose unwanted fat, just fyi.
As you get into lifting more, you could cut back on the cardio. Weight training burns more cals for a longer period of time then cardo will. But if you like doing the cardio then keep on sista.
I very much hope to see you posting more here. And always feel free to ask questions.
Best regards and good luck!

 

[penny]

Thanks Zedhed. It feels great to making a come back.
I didn't even think about the sugars in fruit. It's going to be hard to cut back on fruit, it's my addiction, but if it means more success for me, then so be it.
Thanks for the tip

 

[zedhed]

 

[rollergirl2]

Good luck and welcome to the women's section

 

[Mrs_P]

I've been reading some of your posts Penny and have really enjoyed them... You've been here longer than me, but ~Welcome~


First off that is a very inspirational story, you are determined and that's a great thing !, this is one of my favorite quotes "Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. ~Arthur Golden "

I think in adversity and when we really realize how strong we could be, life can really derrail us from our path sometimes, but as long as we get back in track, that's all that matters.

I'm glad to hear your doing better & on the right track ! Congrats on your weight loss

Like Zedhed said, becareful with fruits, they are a healthy addition to a balanced diet, I just wouldn't eat them after late afternoon.

if you know your bodyfat, you can calculate your BMR and see how many cals your should be aiming for, and then break it down to percentages for protein/carbs/ & good fats..

Is all about having a balanced diet, and training routine... I agree you should add strength training to your routine, so you could take advantage of what strength training can do for you,
Like,
Increased metabolic rate, by increasing the calories you burn on a daily basis.
The more calories you burn, the more chance you have to drop body fat.

Increased lean muscle mass, You will not get big and bulky by strength training (we don't have the testosterone needed for this to happen)
for every pound of lean muscle mass that you have, you burn 35-50 calories per day!!

So I really suggest you incorporate this into your training..

Best of luck to you Penny

 

[brad1224]

welcome

im new here myself

 

[dmk777]

Welcome Penny ,
Sorry you have had such a bad time glad to see you picked your self up from this, "well done" you achieved so much so far ,
My determination comes from the feeling I get after a work out y can't beat it! And also when I started out seeing the progress in front of me as the weeks went by made me so proud and from there it drove me through tough times as well as the good, I also find music works wonders lol .
Once again well done
Donna

 

[zedhed]

"My determination comes from the feeling I get after a work out y can't beat it! And also when I started out seeing the progress in front of me as the weeks went by made me so proud and from there it drove me through tough times as well as the good,"

Very well said sista!
Hey penny where you at chika?
Post up we wanna know how you doin!

 

[dmk777]

Hey thank you Z guessing you can relate to that yeah!
Who needs drugs the buzz I crave is off working y ass off!! Haha lovin it .
Keep safe
Donna