"Athletic"

This week was my fitness test again. I have to admit, I was extremely nervous based on my slower progress this month. If I had only lost a couple of pounds, could I have dropped much in my measurements and/or have increased my performance on the fitness tasks? Time to see.

When I weighed in that morning, I had reached 168, a new all-time low...SEVEN pounds from my goal! Then as Darren took my new measurements during the test, he compared each one to the last test at the beginning of February. Each one had stayed the same or dropped...yahoo! When I took the VO2 max test, my number had skyrocketed. I'm sure that is as a result of Darren increasing my target heart rate zones last month. While I have been an absolute sweaty mess during workouts (not that that is new...I've always been a sweaty mess, but now I'm an even SWEATIER mess!), it has obviously paid off. I was able to do 42 push ups this time (one more than last time), 51 sit ups (one more than last time) and reach farther during the sit and reach. As a result, I felt like my fitness test was already a success. And I didn't even know the body fat/lean muscle mass results yet!

After the test, Darren did my calculations and my body fat was now 21.11%...in the "Athletic" category! Now, people who know me would tell you how absolutely hilarious that is. I've NEVER been what you would call "Athletic" in any way. Now I am. How cool. I continue to be amazed at all the ways in which my life has changed.

This week, I talked with a class at our school about weight, body image and fitness. I challenged each of them to think of something they felt like they needed to change about themselves and develop a plan to change it. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. If a 320 pound woman can get to the "Athletic" range of body fat percentage, you can do anything!


Today, I weighed in at 167. I cannot believe how close I am to my goal. Who knows? Maybe now that I'm "Athletic," I'll become a runner like Steve. I'll let you know!