Iris Workman Lost 8 Pounds and 3 Inches  Off Her Mommy Belly ~ “My energy levels are soaring, I feel fabulous, I feel free!”

“I didn’t think that I would last a week, much less 12!

This has been a long hard road in physical changes, self reflection, and a healthy new me. At the start of the challenge I 38.2 lbs, now I am 130.4 lbs. I have learned that these numbers, in the grand scheme of it all, do not matter as much as the physical, nutritional and internal changes that I have made and will continue to make for the rest of my life.

My Initial Goals
1. Energy, energy, energy! Got it!
2. To finish the FTC with a sense of accomplishment. Yes, yes, yes!
3. To wave bye bye to my saddle bags. Still working on this one.
4. For the courage to run, not walk, my first 5K. Not quite ready yet.
5. To see my transformation through my hubby's eyes, when he comes home on R&R in October. This was awesome!!!!

Why do I want to do this challenge?
I want to be healthy for my family and for myself.

Mini goals
1. Going to bed earlier/getting up earlier. Done!
2. Writing a journal. Done! Still going!
3. Giving up my potato chips. Done!

My first stop on my long journey is the physical changes.

When August 3, 2009 rolled around, I was hesitant to do the challenge. I didn’t want to be held accountable for something I wasn’t sure I even wanted or could do. But, down deep inside, I knew that if I didn’t do the challenge I would regret it! So, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it all I had.

There were lots of baby steps involved, such as getting to bed at a reasonable time, consistently writing in my journal, which I hated at first, but then loved. Lastly, giving up my potato chips, that was hard!

I am stronger and I can see muscle definition in my legs, arms and a little in my abdominal area. My clothes fit so much better now. My shirts are not tight around my bust line anymore and I can actually fit into my skinny jeans again. I almost fit into my size 6’s. Just a little more to go!

 

FTC Stats
Height 5'6

Weight 138.………….130 = Lost 8 pounds
Waist 31 in……………28 in = Lost 3 inches
Hips 40 in…………….38 1/2 in = Lost 2 ½ inches

As far as my workouts go, I exercise 3 to 4 times a week. I have gained strength and the ability to recognize when my body needs rest, which is something I never did in the past. Some of the exercises I have mastered while others, are a work in progress. Burpees were so hard for me, the only 4 that I could do, has now turned into 10. My close grip push-ups, on my knees, went from being 3 sets of 5 to 3 sets of 9. I can only do about 2 regular close grip push-ups (a work in progress.) The fact that I have stuck with something long enough to even see results, is what motivates me to keep going. And some day, I will master the SB jack knife!

Nutrition has been a tough one for me. Clean eating, is a formidable opponent. Trying to fix years of unclean eating was extremely difficult and sometimes, I fall off the wagon, but I have the strength and will to get back on again.

One of my moments of triumph was when I stopped opening the door for my old pal Juan Valdez (coffee). This was tough! But as tough as this was, it was my pivoting point! Oh my gravy! I was such an ogre the first week after I decided to quit.

Then something great started to happen, my mood changed and my energy levels soared.

I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, only it wasn’t the end, it was the beginning, the beginning of my new and healthy life. The new me was about to be born and I knew it! Finally, I had the ammunition I needed to put my life back together, clean eating!

This was my first transformation challenge and the stepping stone for the internal changes that I have experienced. As I mentioned above my energy levels have soared. Confirmation of my increased energy level came from my wonderful husband, Ron.

Let me give you a little bit of back ground information. Before, FYM and the challenge, I was in a depressed state, and to make matters worse Ron had deployed to Afghanistan. I did not want to leave my house because I didn’t want to be seen. I had gained so much weight and at 147 lbs, I felt so uncomfortable in my own skin. Short of going to the supermarket or my mother’s house, I would spend my time on the couch watching TV and eating.

I didn’t have any energy to do anything not even to take my son outside to play in front of our house. The routine was simple, but sad; 8:30am wake up, fix the coffee, eat breakfast an hour later, and sit on the couch watching TV until 12. By this time the little energy that I had from my coffee was almost gone, so I would need another cup to get me going again, so I could do the bare minimum of chores around the house. It was a viscous cycle! I’d stay up until 2am watching TV and do it all over again the next day. Not, much of a fulfilling life.

FYM and the FTC changed all of that for me. My interval training helped with my depression, I want to leave the at home comfort zone. If Noah wants to play outside in front of the house, not a problem, I don’t care if people are looking at me anymore. But, most of all I am now comfortable in my own skin.

The transformation challenge has also helped me with my mood. I am happier, less grumpy, this is not to say that I don’t have grumpy days, but they are few and far between.

I have a positive attitude toward life, now. I feel free!

Free from the bondage of my old unfulfilling life. I am healthier and cleaner inside. Especially, since I just finished up with the ED. It was challenging, but doable. I want to be healthy and live a long life for me, my 4 year old son Noah, and for my husband. I never want to go back to what I use to be!

Why would I? I feel so good!

No I feel fabulous!

At the beginning of my essay I had mentioned how hard my journey was, but in actuality it still is because I’m still learning and growing.

I have received so much from this transformation challenge, Holly, the wonderful ladies in FYM. It’s been well worth the bumps and bruises along the way. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about myself and my body. I have also acquired a different mindset, no more beating myself up for my mistakes. Now, when I fall, I can get up, dust myself off and keep on going! I am stronger now, physically as well as mentally.

I will continue on this wonderful life’s journey with Holly and FYM by my side.

There is no stopping me now! I have regained my health, my self esteem, my control, but most of all, I have regained my life!”

 

~ Iris Workman, Age 38, Mom to 4 year old son, Fayetteville, NC

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