Throwback 2007 to 2011

Hello Friends and Followers!

It is crazy how I look back at the photos from 2007 and its feels like I don't even know this girl anymore! During the time my 2007 photo was taken this is when I was going through an abusive relationship. You can tell in the picture just how unhealthy I looked. It makes me sad to see that person but I know its only made me stronger. I am not that girl anymore, I have changed in more ways than one. Today marks 11 months on this weight loss journey and I am not giving up I will continue pushing along until I reach the top. I will be running my first 5k race two months from today! This is an exciting and nerve racking experience, I really want to run the entire thing but it all depends on my ankles. Occasionally from being overweight my ankles have taken a beating and become very sore and swollen. So I will start my training today and see how far I can go, I am taking it one day at a time. Just remember friends and followers, to always keep fighting for your dreams and make sure you see the big picture and what really matters most to YOU!
Thanks for reading!!!
Ashley M.




 

Second Round of Hot Yoga....

Hello Friends and Followers!
I am determined to keep trying hot yoga, so I attended my second class at The Yoga Joint and needless to say it was HOT and very challenging!!! But I was determined to find it in myself to try, for those of you that are unfamiliar with Hot yoga here is some information on it- hot yoga is held in a room that is heated to 105 degrees with 30 to 60% humidity. I know what you’re thinking, “Way to take it easy on your first day back,” but I have to say it was AMAZING. I immediately fell in love. Afterwards, I read up on the benefits of hot yoga. It helps reduce stress, improve muscle tone, increase energy and stamina level, increase circulation and that’s just naming a few. We even started  meditate and chant OM!!! I had finally found a workout that exercised my body, mind and my spirit. So I purchased  four more classes and I am excited to keep trying and hopefully get better and better. Mentally, I felt more relaxed when I left there and  I felt a sense of ease as well. Even though I was the heaviest women in the class ,  I realized that its not about EVERYONE else its about ME. I give myself credit for going out there and trying it and the way my body reacted to the heat was insane, the sweat was dripping off of me and even dripped into my eyes a few times. Thru the poses I pushed myself and took breaks when needed but all in all its an amazing experience!

I am even posting some poses I did at home to show my husband some of the stuff I learned in class! :)


Meditation



Child's Pose

Thanks for Reading!
Ashley M.

Never Stopping....

Hello Friends and Followers!





Recently, I have been at a standstill on the scale but that doesn't mean I've stopped! I have come to terms with the fact that no matter what my scale shows I will not give up on a healthy lifestyle!! I have been working out 5 days a week, attending school full time, working a full time job and making time for family and friends. Its not an easy task but I figure if I have ten extra minutes to get up and go in the kitchen for food or watch ten minutes of TV then I have ten minutes of time to work out! I still have my critics and the negativity around me but I know that I just have to keep pushing myself and try my best to ignore them. I love the fact that I have a great support system in my life who just keep pushing me along and won't let me give up. I am thankful for them in so many ways. My husband has been great over the past 11 months with helping me along this journey- he has had to see me cry several times, helped me when I got injured with some workouts, hes helped me prep my meals and has even had to deal with my new eating habits.

My Husband Eddie and I on our wedding day- May 2011

Some of my other supporters are my workout buddies- Rob G. & Jaime, Rob G. is such a huge inspiration in my life he has his own weight loss journey of losing 300 pounds in one year. He is right on track and hes such a great friend to me. He puts things into perspective when I need that extra kick and he has taught me when I feel like giving up on a work out to say to myself "FINISH" and I now use this when I work out it seems to help most when I workout alone and maybe sometimes I want to give up but I don't! Jaime is also on her own journey as well,  I am lucky to have these two people to assist me in my journey and to be apart of their journeys as well. My trainer Duilio has been kicking our booty's during our workouts and we are grateful & sore but we know that this is exactly what we all need.



Jaime, Me and Rob G.



Rob G.,Jaime, Trainer-Duilio and Me :)



Rob G. & Me

Jaime and ME

In ending this post remember when your life seems to be a little hectic or stressful that working out will help you have a better mental health state. I know I always feel better after working out espically when I have my partners to help me push along. I saw this quote online the other day-

Thanks for Reading!
Ashley M.

Interesting Find...

Came across a picture of My husband and I from December 2010 (Christmas) and I did a comparsion picture....Can you see a difference???

Working Out with a Partner....

Most of you know I have been working out with my good friend Rob G. and let me tell you in my opinion having a workout partner is quite awesome! We feed off of each other and are able to push each other and Rob is so motivational he is trying to lose 300 pounds and his quest is quite attainable. I am so proud of all his accomplishments! I just want to say ROB G.- YOU ARE AWESOME!

Another Shout out to My trainer Duilio-I just want to say thanks for pushing me to my limit and helping me make my dreams to soon become a reality.

Family and Close Friends: You all are just so wonderful, you truely push me to become my best and I am so blessed to have each of you in my life! I LOVE YOU!!!!


Here is a picture of my smaller torso--- its getting there!!

Ashley M.

I'm Back- Have you missed me???

Hello Friends and Followers!
Sorry I haven't blogged in a few weeks, I recently started  back to finish my Bachelors Degree in Human Services and so thats been keeping me quite busy lately. However I have been sticking to my workouts and making time for them because I know now that this is a must do. I feel if you have ten minutes of free time make sure you are working out. I have been feeling that i am at a stand still for several weeks now so I made the choice to go back and speak with Principle Nutrition this past week for my first appointment. I go back this Tuesday for another weigh in and a review of my food to see if i need to make any changes. This past weekend I went out to dinner for my good friend Manuela's birthday and even though I agreed  to no cheat week this week I was still able to have a good time and support my friend. Here is a new picture of me from Saturday: 

Then I came across a picture of me from October 2010- on a night I was going out... tell me can you see a difference- I was only 1 month in to working out and eating right.

Ashley M.