Those of you who’ve been hanging out here for a while know that I’ve had an on and off habit of posting little tidbits that I find inspiring. Sometimes it comes with a bit of snark, often with a healthy bit of self-reflection.
Erika of A Heart More Focused, the talented woman responsible for my blog redesign, and overall a really lovely lady, recently started #aHeartFitFriday.
What is a heart fit Friday?
You can check out her launch post here to get it straight from the source, but a heart fit Friday isn’t just about reducing the size of your posterior, or squeezing into a pair of skinny jeans, it’s about being healthy.
And right now, I could really use that. And, you know, a smaller booty.
Since my early 20′s, I’ve had various strange health issues, varying from frequent migraines, to nausea that made my tiny apartment feel like I was on a whale watching expedition in the midst of a hurricane.
Except there weren’t any cool whales swimming by to make the pukey feels even slightly worth it.
I was doing much better for quite some time, but recently I can feel my body sliding back on to that ship. It’s not a good feeling, ya’ll.
Prego, and surprisingly healthy, me
It’s one thing to ignore your body and your health when your single and 21 and fairly invincible (wait, we weren’t invincible?!). But when there is an adorable little person depending on you, it’s an entirely different thing. I was probably at my healthiest when I was pregnant, because I knew every choice I made wasn’t just a choice for me.
I need to get back to a place where I treat my body as well as I’d treat someone else’s.
So, I decided that I would join Erika in her efforts to be healthier and fit. She is posting every Friday, so while the focus of my Friday posts may not always be about how I’ve succeeded (or failed) in my efforts, it will be included.
And this is the big post.
Because this is the one where I get to put on my big girl pants and give you the numbers. And a photo.
Why?
Two reasons.
One. Public accountability.
I have a kinda crazy schedule. I have a day job, a toddler, a newly released novel, a house to clean, a family to cook for…I know plenty of women who have it even tougher in the busy department, but suffice it to say that I am busy enough to easily excuse myself from things like exercise and making smart food choices.
Two. I kinda hate when I try to find fitness inspiration and all I see is skinny girls. Sorry skinny girls. I promise, I’m not a “weightist”. It’s just a bit deflating when I’m excited about the pound I lost, only to hear you complain about how your thighs almost touch.
I don’t hate you. Really. But in this case, you just make me want to go eat a bowl of chips and try to remember if my thighs ever weren’t on speaking terms. (We’re a friendly bunch in this body.)
And I’m sure that I’m not the only woman who feels this way. So if sharing the numbers will make another woman participating feel encouraged, like she can do this too, then its worth it.
I think.
Plus, Erika set the example. (Thank you, Erika.)
So…
::deep breath::
Here are the measurements, folks:
Weight: 183 lb
Bust: 44
Waist: 35
Hips: 45
And yes, that is a fairly recent picture. Before I chopped all my hair off. With an especially dirty mirror.
And I may have posted it in a rather small size.
Hey, baby steps. I have an aversion to being in front of the camera. I’m still getting over that whole soul-stealing thing.
Plans for how I’ll get myself to a happy place with my health will follow, and hopefully progress reports.
Or at least hilarious tales of how winded I get after 2 minutes on the exercise bike, or how I manage to injure myself trying to walk the dog and the kid at the same time.
Oh, the stories I shall tell.
If you’d like to join Erika, myself, and many others for #aHeartFitFriday, please check out Erika’s post. You don’t have to blog about it, or post photos or measurements. It’s just about supporting each other. Do you have any special fitness goals you’d like to reach?
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I just want to say I LOVE the ‘prego’ pic! So cute! Funny thing, when I was pregnant both times was the only time I really felt totally comfortable with my body and my weight. Which was probably a good thing because something about being pregnant removes any filter people MAY have had about commenting on your weight and appearance. But anyway this post reminds me that I’d like to get active again. Being in Florida I hate going outside when it’s hot, but I have nothing to really do inside, and then when it gets really cold my house is so freezing I feel like never leaving my bed. So I need to get myself up and get motivated as well. I think as Moms we’re the last to be taken care of in some respects, but if something happens with us, things all kinda fall apart so I’m thinking maybe it should be the other way around.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to hearing how you progress!
Aw, thanks! It’s one of the rare photos I like of me. And I know what you mean – I was probably the most secure about my body when I was pregnant.
Florida KILLS me. You have to get in your car to get most anywhere, so forget getting exercise that way. And yeah, the heat. Oh, the heat. I can’t even handle it.
So, I must find a way to get myself moving. We shall see how it goes!
Congratulations on taking these brave steps. I had fallen off the fitness wagon for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. But it sucks. I have felt less strong, have felt the pounds pack on and the muscles disappear and just am less proud about what my body is capable of doing. I want to be a strong grandmother one day. I will hopefully be able to throw a ball at jog around with my kids and their children. I know that sounds like a reach, but it will be an even bigger reach if I don’t make the changes I need to make now.
And the one other thing I haven’t really mentioned is that working out and eating healthy helps me battle depression. I don’t know if it’s the endorphins that are running through me or the confidence I gain, but i LOVE, LOVE the rush I get. It takes a while to get there, but once you are ‘in the mode’ it makes all the difference.
Good luck, Amber. I am here if you ever need some words of encouragement or want a virtual work out buddy!
Kiran
It’s funny. We all have these reasons. And it’s not like they are awful reasons. I need to work and support my family. I need to clean my house. I need to…
But when it comes down to it, I also NEED to take care of myself. Beyond the vanity stuff, I need to FEEL good.
And you make a very good point, exercise is super good for mental health and hormonal balance. I need to do it enough to get past the sweaty “ugh” stage, and on to the glistening (read: still sweaty) “this hurts good” way.
Thanks for the encouragement, Kiran. I’ll be updating every Friday, so feel free to join me (and everyone else). The more the merrier!
I’m so glad you are doing this. Let me just say that I think it’s a little ridiculous that people only make a conscious decision to lose weight, aka be healthy, myself included. But like you wrote, this isn’t just about being a few lbs. lighter, it’s about being healthy. So, with that said i’m going to jump onboard with you. I’ve already been looking into juicers so I can do a detox and cleanse my body of its toxins. So good luck! Yay!
I meant to say that we only make this.decision at the new year.
I usually don’t start making plans as the year starts, because it seems like I am setting myself up to fail. This isn’t about 2013. This is about changing the way I do things.
I’ve had a month of two of getting used to a newish schedule, so I figure now is the time to adjust and make time for my health.
Let me know how the juicing goes! I may incorporate that at some point soon.
I think it’s awesome that you’re going for healthy. But I want to say I think you’re beautiful already. Good luck on your goals! 2013 will definitely be my year to get healthier.
Thank you, Rhonda! That is very sweet. I said the same to Erika, who started #aheartfitFriday.
I’m not looking to walk a runway or anything, I just want to feel healthy. And I know a few pounds shed will help on that path.
Feel free to check in with us on Fridays if you need a little extra encouragement!
Dude, you are super brave to put those numbers out there. Way to go!! I was just looking at my gym card on my keyring and mentally calculating… what’s it been… three weeks? a month? EGADS. Sounds like it’s time I saddled up.
I credit Erika for doing it first. It’s out there, man. Now I have to do something about it.
And yeah, the gym? That just doesn’t happen. At least not for now. But I could use that exercise bike that has been serving as a place to hang my dirty clothes for something more beneficial, couldn’t I?
Oh my, Amber, my weight is exactly the same as yours! I haven’t taken measurements in a LONG time, but I bet they are about the same, too.
I’ve been talking on my blog about how I found out in December that I had diabetes. That really opened my eyes about how close we can be to a health crisis and not even know it. I’ve really started some good habits. I’m not perfect by any means, and I do slip up, but my life depends on being as good as possible. I’ll check out Heart Fit Friday.
BIG. HUGS.
My mother is Type 1, although she didn’t find out until late in life. I keep waiting for a doctor to tell me I have it to. Yet another reason to make changes NOW.
Even if you don’t blog with us every Friday, feel free to join us in the comments. It will be nice to know that our efforts are helping all of us get healthier!
How tall are you? i think this is great. i will be secretly following you and Erika!
I’m only 5’5, yet another reason I’d like to see those numbers change.
Glad to have you with us – even if it is secretly!
Yay Heather!
You always make me laugh. I LOVE this post! I think you have awesome goals and I’m so excited to do this with you. I also think you look beautiful, but it’s how you feel that matters most. You said it all so well, as usual.
Here’s to treating our bodies better so we can feel better and our body parts getting a little less friendly while we’re at it! ::imaginary toast in the air::
Your post really did it for me. I was thinking of blogging about getting healthier, and then there you were. It was perfect timing!
I’m excited. This will be fun. And my thighs are welcome to continue their friendship, just maybe a slightly less close one.
um, wow, I didn’t say that right. Upon closer inspection of my words, mind -> gutter… at least you got what I meant!
You know I didn’t even think about that until I re-read it! Yes. I knew what you meant, for sure.
I had an aha moment when the stylist trimmed my beard. A neck that needed trimming was exposed. In the mirror I looked like the fat character actor who plays the bulky, skittish music professor. It’s time for the weight loss I deserve. So out with the chocolate and junk, in with veggies and exercise. I’m dealing with a wonky heart valve and diabetes. I want to live to 100 or maybe 99.
I’ve had wonky heart valves, too, and there is diabetes in my family, so I need to be on this. I had everyone joining in here will help inspire you!
I think you look kinda awesome in that picture.
Jared’s been trying to get me to use his new exercise bike, and I keep saying if he ever sees me SIT DOWN for 30 seconds, then maybe I’ll consider it. But MAJOR props to him to making it a regular nightly thing! (Done while I’m busy convincing L to go to sleep.)
My new “resolution” is to keep the house cleaner / decluttered (inspiration: flylady). Good on you for adding fitness/health to your routine. Maybe one day I’ll join you!
Admittedly, I went with a photo that wasn’t an awful angle and I was standing properly, etc… but thank you all the same!
Way to go to big bro for getting on the bike! Do you guys still live walking distance from a lot of things, are do you drive more now? I loved that about Philly – I think I lost weight when we visited you guys, even if we ate more.
I know having the house in order makes me feel better about doing other things, so maybe you can join us when you find your “happy place” with getting organized.
We don’t really live within walking distance of things anymore.
I no longer schlep to the grocery store with a stroller, then shove it back home with all crevices filled, a 30+ pound child in the seat, and a million bags hanging off my arms and shoulders. (That was especially fun when pushing the stroller over snow and ice.) But that’s a work out I don’t miss AT ALL.
But I still work in Philly, so instead of walking to work from our apartment, I’m walking from the train station. It’s about half the walk it used to be.
And we usually walk to the playground here on the weekends.
I’m not sure any of that really counts as exercise though.
But I’m far far away from my “happy place” with regards to getting organized, so that really will keep me busy for quite some time.
Amber! So brave and SO inspiring! I too am on a mission this year and…I was just thinking about making it public too. I think you’ve given me the push I needed… off the cliff.
you’re going to do great!
Typing those numbers made me a little woozy, but I feel good that it’s out there now. And I have all sorts of interesting things I want to share with everyone, and hopefully, over time, there will be lower numbers too!
I do hope you’ll join us – even if it’s not posting on Fridays – at least come check in here and on Twitter!!
I’m one of those women who has always been on the puny side. I got those “you’re so thin, you could blow away” comments when I was younger. (By the way, not a compliment. But I suppose it sounded that way to them.) I craved that hourglass figure, even though I was mostly in the Twiggy camp.
Now post-childbirth, in my 40s, sedentary lifestyle…and I’m still small, but with a generous bowlful of belly that I camouflage as much as possible with untucked shirts and flowing dresses. Having added about 10% more weight just in 2012, I’m getting serious this year too. I am also very motivated to NOT finish climbing a flight of stairs with gasping and looking around for a heart defibrillator just in case.
Go you, Amber! I’ll be cheering you on and trying to get more active too.
I have some really great girl friends who are TINY. Genetically, it’s just how they are. But they have their days when their clothes feel tight, or they feel blah about not eating right – I hope I didn’t make it sounds like thinner people don’t have a right to want to be fit or talk about it! Everyone is welcome here.
I just wanted to be honest about what it takes to motivate me – and that some days, I need to know that someone in my same boat size-wise is making progress.
Please keep checking in – we will all keep each other motivated!
Not at all, Amber. I admit to having a fast metabolism and wanting to share it with others! But I also find myself out of shape and not looking my best. In that way, many of us gals–of all different sizes–can relate.
What I now find disheartening is the 17 year olds with flat tummies. I want to scream as they’re shoving pizza into their mouths, “Enjoy it now, chickie-babe, because it ain’t gonna last!” Of course, I don’t. LOL.
You know I’m super proud of you for lots of TRVM and everything else you juggle, but this is a whole new level of proud! “It’s so hard to make time to take care of yourself,” she typed, carefully balancing the laptop on her toilet-perched lap. -___- So, count me in. I was actually planning on making Tuesdays my “health and wellness” blog days…cut to me adding lots of arrows on my whiteboard. WE GONNA GIT IT GRRRRRL.
DOOO IT! After all, if you are just me on the West Coast (or I’m you on the East Coast) then we both should be doing this, right??
While I am excited about looser-fitting jeans in the future, the health part is my big motivation right now. Enough of being 80 too soon.
Let’s do this.
Good for you for being brave. And funny about it, too!
I’m so excited to be doing this with you ladies. Not only do we offer each other support, but we meet new friends, too.
Shelli, I love how supportive every one has been on this first post. I know it’s going to help be stick to some goals. (Or, you know, make them in the first place
)
See you on Friday (or in between if you need support)
I read your post earlier in the day on my phone. Then came back after Elena’s. I am so proud of you for being brave and putting your numbers out there and setting a goal for yourself. If there is one thing I know about you, it’s that you get things done. So I know, if you start something, results will follow. It’s the way you roll. You amaze me daily. Truly.
It was not something I wanted to do. About ten pounds ago I told my mom how much I weighed and her response was, “Nooo. You can’t be.” It was meant as a compliment, but you still can’t help but feel self-conscious, even if you don’t look as “fat as you sound”.
I’m so impressed! You’re so brave!! I’m giving you a major high-five right now, and maybe squealing a little bit. You know, ’cause I’m excited for you, and everyone! I’m rooting for you! I also need to get back into a routine of exercising (instead of sitting in my bed commenting on blog posts while eating cookies). I can see the elliptical from here. No joke. It’s right there. So maybe I will run on it for 15 minutes. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! And good luck!
You win. I love this comment. So. Much.
That is seriously one of the most beautiful pictures of you I have ever seen. And, I couldn’t agree with you more — I need to treat my body the way I would treat someone else’s. You are brave for making your information public and I applaud you. Know that I am behind you and supporting you in every way. And, I will join you in doing everything I can to improve myself in 2013. Starting with that bike upstairs that’s collecting dust…
We both have those bikes. We need to start using them. I’ve got your back!
Oh! Amber I have been doing this for a while now. I’m at around 183 on my scale (school scale says I am more but you know how that it). We should join forces!
-K8
http://froze8.blogspot.com/
Definitely!! The more the merrier!