©02 The Media Desk
Commentary on a Commentary -from a Friend of the Desk(Doc- you are free to post this to your site- it's commentary on your recent article about body weight- LadyDi)
Thank you Lady. Consider it posted. And, Happy Birthday!!!
Leftover.
One of the more positive actions in my life recently (aside from ditching a very bad relationship) is to begin weight lifting. I started with small dumbbells in January. I spent many nights lying in bed, sore and tired but noticed improvements in my back where I had so many problems in the months before.
When I read your article today, I had to laugh. I have been so close to 200 for so long and much of the time, just over. I got back down under 200 again, and began to notice differences immediately. I have a large bone structure. My DO is concerned about me getting enough calcium because I have a skeletal frame that rivals most dinosaur exhibits. It's not that it's grotesque or deformed, I'm just one very sturdy girl, I have the hips an Italian Mama dreams about. "Strong hips...She birth a lot of good babies..." and I did.
I am resigned to the fact that I will never be dainty. I came to that conclusion back in high school. Only for one summer back then, did I ever enjoy being 118 pounds with a perfect 36C bust. I wore a bikini and little clothes that covered next to nothing and had a body that rivaled most cheerleaders. The problem was- most of my family was into an "anorexic" look and I just didn't have the muscle to avoid looking a little flabby still.
There is no consideration for people with large bone structures, like mine. I have been told (by my doctor) 130 would be "Far Too Thin" and I am only 5'5". Tough cookies to the folks at the Institute... I am never going to weigh 118 pounds again. I would be way too thin. But, Muscle weighs more than Fat. Let's really complicate things... I started doing more than just weight lifting. I upped my protein and started pushing myself for that extra burn in my exercises and started blowing up some muscle.
I started doing all over exercises- different parts of my body on different days. Each segment got work, and two days rest. I started drinking a minimum of a gallon of water a day and upped my protein. The little weights got easy, so I upped it to 5 pounds. I started noticing my clothes fitting better- but the scale didn't budge. The acid test was the tape measure- I lost 2 inches off my waist.
A month ago I upped the weight to 10 pound barbells and 2, 5 pound leg weights on my ankles. This is getting easy, now. I made a realization that there were more changes than I realized when I was shaving and nicked myself. I was examining my leg for little bumps that might have caused it and found that I was going to have to be much more careful- there were several big bumps in my legs, muscles!!
Noticeable differences: my bra straps rest at the base of my deltoids- rather than cutting a rut into flabby shoulders. I stand straighter. I sleep better. I am stronger. I don't get winded by going up the stairs at work. I am in better shape now than I was when I was a teenager. I have flabby spots still but I like what is replacing the flab. I am not ashamed to go out and get my tattoo now. There are women I know that I have seen some men claim are "sexy", but in looking at them critically- they are flabby.
Downsides: I get numb spots because there are parts that are not as well padded as they used to be. I also get "weak" after a workout. One morning I tossed around the 10 pound dumbbells until I got the classic "Failure" in several different exercises. Later, a simple NOTEBOOK was almost impossible to lift. I have to up my protein intake and dramatically increase water to keep my kidneys healthy. 16-20 ounce rare steaks at Lone Star are really good... 2 pounds of shrimp in one sitting... a pound of salmon... half dozen egg white... protein bars... a quart of milk here... beans of all types. And I have to really change around the exercises I do so I don't get bored.
The last downside is not really a bad thing. I was just getting into a "Ladies" off the rack Large when I got into the weights. As the muscle became more pronounced in my arms and shoulders, a couple of the tailored shirts became too tight in my biceps and across my shoulders. This is where I know the institute is full of hot air. I don't mind being a big girl anymore if I know what is muscle and what is NOT flab.
I am also going to be doing weight lifting and other work or exercise like it for the rest of my life. I don't care as long as I am healthy. I have an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. The weights only require 1/2 to 1 hour a day 4 days a week (unless I get into some hard competitive training- which I don't see happening.), and there are Gods that are less demanding.
But... I plan to be the cutest and tightest thing on two wheels.
Oh...BTW... that is my birthday present (Friday) to myself. A Motorcycle. I am saving for it now... I figure if I have $500 to a grand of money saved up, I'll get a much better deal bartering with cash in hand. Will I end up as cute as Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider) on that little 250CC? Ummm...no. I don't think I am ever getting that small- she might be a size 3, and that is a size 3 bike. My style is going to be more of a Yamaha 650 Special.
Yea... there is a little mileage on my chassis... but the chassis is getting to be in really good shape. The institute can kiss my Glutes.