So ever since I have started my journey, with each progress picture I get the same question and thats ¨how did you do it?¨. So, today, I finally decided to give an in depth description of the steps I took to achieve my body goals. Obviously, no matter what I am doing, consistency is key and I have been in the gym the whole time (just doing different things). I started at the gym in September and spend almost everyday there for at least an hour minus my rest days, obviously. I did not start to see huge changes though, until I started meal prepping and eating right. I have only meal prepped for about two months and the progress ever since has been completely miraculous.
The Start / September - October
- Low intensity cardio training
- Low/minimal weight training
- No food restrictions
- Low protein intake
- Minimal water intake
- Fast & processed foods
My routine was simple - I would go into the gym and do the same exact thing every single day, causing slow results. I would get bored quickly. I simply didn't know how to properly workout each muscle group and I was paranoid about looking like a fool on any machines I had no idea how to use. I was pretty shy at first, but trust me, after you get in the gym and know what you're doing, the shyness will quickly fade away.
NOVEMBER - December
- High intensity cardio training on elliptical
- High weights
- Occasional HIIT training
- Cut fast foods
- Moderate protein intake
- Moderate water intake
This is the point where I started getting more comfortable with my workouts, switching up my routine, and exploring my options in the gym. I started watching fitness gurus on Youtube and learning each machine. This is what pushed me even more and made me even more excited to get into the gym. I still ate whatever I wanted, making small changes to my diet like cutting fast foods but still enjoying processed foods which lead to bloating. This was a frustrating time because I was losing fat in all of the places I wanted it (the booty) but after I started gaining muscle I quickly realized it was going to be okay. My number on the scale was going down at this point but I could see muscle gains in areas like my quads and my upper abs.
January - February
- High intensity cardio training
- HIIT 3 days a week
- High weights
- Designated muscle group days
- High protein intake
- Strict meal plan
- High water intake
This is currently my ultimate high and I am doing better than I ever have before. I started meal prepping each week, hitting the weights hard, and throwing in HIIT 3 - 4 times a week. I also started getting adequate sleep and rest between workouts and stretching more. I break up my workouts throughout the week and let each muscle group rest as needed. I also started to drink my required amount of water each day which has made it even easier to curve my sweet cravings. I decided not to completely deprive myself and still enjoy chocolate here and there, but I have found many healthy alternatives and have been eating good. I have the mindset that food is medicine and it can either build you or break you. I have began to take each workout extremely seriously and I do not allow myself to skip the gym. This is my most serious point and my healthiest point.
Though I feel as if I have came a long way in just a short five months, I still have A LOT of work to do. This is just the start and writing this has shown me how much I have improved not only Body wise, but knowledge wise. I've even started learning more about supplements and broadening my horizons. I love having an open mind in the fitness industry for that is when I see the most results. I am so happy I began my journey and I know that I am so much further now than I was September.
If you've even thought about beginning your fitness and health journey then I say start now. The time you push is the time you could be making progress and let's get real, Summer is just around the corner. Once you make significant changes with your fitness and health, you will see such a positive change and impact on your life that you will want to keep pushing and going until it no longer feels like work, but something you're passionate about.
Besides that, I hope you're all having an amazing Thursday and don't forget to follow my fitness IG to follow my journey and keep up with your girl in the fit world!
If you've even thought about beginning your fitness and health journey then I say start now. The time you push is the time you could be making progress and let's get real, Summer is just around the corner. Once you make significant changes with your fitness and health, you will see such a positive change and impact on your life that you will want to keep pushing and going until it no longer feels like work, but something you're passionate about.
Besides that, I hope you're all having an amazing Thursday and don't forget to follow my fitness IG to follow my journey and keep up with your girl in the fit world!