Leaning Out

First, the measurements showed great progress. From a scale perspective (yes, I know, I'm not supposed to by paying attention to the scale), I'm only down 2 pounds since the last measurement 5 weeks ago. In my defense though, my weight is taken as part of the BMI measurement so it DOES factor in! My BMI went down over 1% in the last 5 weeks (from 26.4 to 25.2%). Which, it pretty darn close to the BMI the dietician had at the end of January (25.3). Just a smidge more (.3) to be considered "healthy".

The biggest changes were in my arms. My bicep checked-in at 2mm smaller, my tricep and shoulder at 1mm smaller. Hip and thigh were basically the same. I've actually noticed the change in my arms. I have 3 'fitted' women's shirts and I noticed that the arms were looser than the used to be. The shirt in general is a little big but there was proportionately more extra room in the arms.

The new routine was super challenging. It's a whole different type of fatigue, or at least it feels different to me, than when I do lower reps with heavier weights. We also had a new core exercise (Pike on a ball) that was super hard - but I liked it. But, that doesn't really surprise me as I generally like core/ab exercises. I was pleased that Renee wanted me to be able to do 3 sets of 8 and I was able to do 3 sets of 12. I'm going to try to get to 3 sets of 15. It's labeled an ab exercise but it's really your whole upper body. When you're in the pike position, your tippytoes are on the ball, your butt is pointed straight up and you're supporting most of your body weight with your upper body - basically in a hand stand position. I felt it tons in my shoulder and upper back. Might be one of my new favorite core exercise.

I'm starting to get stiff. A sure sign of a good workout!