I’ve lost 80 lbs, and started resistance training about 3 months ago. The difference since beginning to lift weights astounds me!

[edenworkshops]

Progress Photo (slightly NSFW, bra and leggings)

235 lbs to 205 lbs

A couple years ago I was 280. I dropped down to 235-240 and got stuck. All I had changed was my diet. I still felt unhealthy, and felt like I didn’t see much difference in my body.

A couple months ago I hired a trainer and began working out with weights. I’m still not as consistent as I’d like to be, but am getting there. I was reflecting on my progress and here are some wins!
1. First day of training I could barely hold a 20 second plank. I can now do a 60 second forearm plank.

1. I was bicep curling 5 lb dumbbells. Now I curl 20lbs. I did box jumps on an 18 inch platform the other day, a few months ago I was scared to use the 6 inch platform.
2. Still don’t have awesome running endurance, but I could barely jog for a minute 3 months ago. Now I can jog easily for 8-10 minutes before I give up.
3. I feel much firmer and toned. And my resting heart rate is down to 53 bpm from 85bpm.
4. Most importantly... I’m LOVING MYSELF! Buying cute clothes when in the past I covered up with baggy sweatshirts and sweatpants. I used to feel like I wasn’t worthy to take up space and basically apologized for my existence. No longer. I feel so proud, and can’t wait to continue this journey!

 

[liamg]

@edenworkshops I am 29 and 231lbs. I just started working out and eating better, and lost 6lbs already! But it’s hard and I’m sore a lot. I’m just tired of feeling like crap and not being able to move without huge amounts of effort. Do you have any tips?

 

[convertere]

@edenworkshops The change in your resting heart rate is truly phenomenal. Great job! You have a lot to be proud of.

 

[kaddy]

@edenworkshops May I ask you how old you are? I need to drop about 30 lbs to be a healthy weight, but at 44 I'm not sure that I can do it.

 

[edenworkshops]

@kaddy I’m 29. And I’m sure you can do it, just take it slow and be kind to yourself along the way. And if you need an emotional support/motivation buddy, let me know!

 

[christianinthewilderness]

@edenworkshops Excellent work! Keep it up!

 

[anna345353]

@edenworkshops Amazing! You’re an inspiration!

 

[mitchellh]

@edenworkshops Good health beats skinny any day! Keep it up, make new goals and reach new targets

 

[nessa76]

@edenworkshops Heyy girl you have accomplished so much. I have lost 48 lbs this year, cycling in the summer implementation of weight workouts this fall. I have also made great progress with tone and strength. Cardio alone although some swear by it, will not keep your loss sustainable. Stick with the weights... I have now added a punching bag workout and am seeing flab disappear where I didn't think it would. Lol. Being strong, I feel great.

 

[christianwarrior123]

@edenworkshops This is so great!!! I love lifting, it makes me feel so powerful. And it wears me out so I can sleep lol. Best of luck in your journey!!!

 

[bryanj]

@edenworkshops Wow! You know what I see in those photos? I see a woman with so much increased confidence! Your posture says it all! Cheers!

 

[edenworkshops]

@bryanj You know, I was out for a walk today jamming to La Vie en Rose lol and smiling ear to ear, and a guy smiled and waved hi to me, which didn’t use to happen. I think I’ve become a lot more approachable, and I believe it has more to do with radiating joy than my weight

 

[rrztop1]

@edenworkshops Did your bra size change?

 

[edenworkshops]

@rrztop1 Yeah I was a 44DDD before, now I’m wearing 38DD

 

[jaydequinn]

@edenworkshops You look so wonderful. I’m happy for you.

 

[eyeh8yahweh]

@edenworkshops Awesome work! Congrats!!! Was the first picture of you before you started to loose all the weight or just before you hired a trainer? Just curious.

 

[edenworkshops]

@eyeh8yahweh The first picture was when I was 235lbs. My starting weight though was 280. I don’t have many pics of me at that time, wish I did so I could see the progress!

 

[eyeh8yahweh]

@edenworkshops Omg!! That is you progress from just hiring a trainer?!? Holy F$x#! That is amazing!!! Wow!!! Congratulations once again!!! Keep up the great work!!!

 

[edenworkshops]

@eyeh8yahweh Thank you so much!!!

 

[md15668]

@edenworkshops This is awesome and motivating!