Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

It's been a couple weeks, so I thought I would show what my arms look like as I continue the strength training. I think my arms and my legs look in great shape… I still need work on my abs.

I've been hitting the weights five times a week as my trainer gave me tougher workout routine this time around. I work different muscle groups every other day, with two days off from the strength training. I'll see him again on Monday for a new workout routine. In addition, he's planning on checking the body fat percentage. I'll let you know how it goes.

I went to my doctor last Friday. Mat, my personal trainer, wanted me to ask my doctor about what he thought it would take to tighten my abs. According to the doctor, the abs could tighten, or they may not. Some people opt for surgery (tummy tucks) but insurance likely doesn't cover it.

The good news about my appointment, I don't have high blood pressure at all and I'm not pre-hypertensive. I have normal blood pressure without the use of meds, which makes me proud. Others may go along with doctor's advice and go on medication right away. I went a different route and am so glad I did! No medication is necessary, just keep doing what I'm doing!

I met with my personal trainer today. He measured the body fat and I am now in the teens. That's great as he wants it to be around 13 or so. My legs and chest are getting muscular but my abs still have excess skin. I think the abs have tightened some, but it still has a way to go.

My belly was stretched so far when I was obese, it's going to take some time to get it back to normal. I know that the majority of the fat went to my belly so it will be the hardest area to tighten. I'm proudest of my legs as I've done so much walking, they have very little fat on them and are muscular.

The other day, I wrote about my team in the latest challenge I'm doing for the Northwest CT YMCA. Part of the requirements of the challenge is strength training. Many people do not get adequate protein, but body builders especially need extra protein in order to build lean muscle. Also, if someone doesn't have enough protein, they could lose some of the muscle they already have.

It's difficult to find the right balance of protein that you need. I've seen so many different guidelines but I'm listening to what my trainer advises, which is one gram of protein per pound of weight. Oftentimes, this means having a supplemental protein shake as it would be difficult to get enough protein from food alone.

I thought I was done with wellness challenges. I did two challenges at the Northwest CT YMCA, two walking challenges sponsored by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and even a triathlon challenge at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, all in about two years.

Now I'm in another challenge at the Northwest CT YMCA, this one being titled the "Fitness Commitment Challenge". The only reason I decided to join this challenge is that it focuses on something the other ones didn't, that being body fat percentage. My trainer wants my body fat to be around 13 so I still have a way to go.