On progress and positivity

It’s been about five months since I started working out at the gym. Since then, I’ve made exercise a part of my daily life. In addition to strength training, I’ve been steadily improving my diet, and I’ve added Zumba and running to my routine. I can even run 5K! I’ve started to crave the moment during a particularly difficult workout when I feel like I can’t lift my arms one more time, or I can’t stand to do another burpee, and then I crank out five more reps. I’ve made a lot of progress, not just in my level of fitness, but in my attitude. I’ve proven to myself that I can do more than I ever thought possible.

Here’s the thing: none of this has been reflected on the scale. I’ve lost about five pounds, but that’s it.

So how should I feel about this? Should I give up because I haven’t lost the weight?

Heck no.

I’m in the best shape of my life. I can run farther, dance longer, and lift more than I’ve ever been able to before. I’ve gained strength that I never knew I had, and friends and family are noticing that my body is changing. I’m even learning to cook (something I never, ever thought I’d do!).

So no, there’s no way I’m giving up. Sure, it can be frustrating when the scale barely moves, but I’ve achieved way more over the past few months than just losing a few pounds. I’ve changed my life, and I’ll never look back.

I am not a number on the scale, and neither are you. Never forget that.

    Step it up: you got this.