A few years ago, I was shopping for books and stumbled upon one called “Be a Loser” by Greer Childers. It introduced me to aerobic breathing, a technique that allows oxygen to quickly flood your body. The premise behind it is that oxygen burns fat and by breathing in so much of it, your body will lose fat. The book was very informative, but Greer’s method was a bit challenging for me. I started looking around for alternatives and found Rashelle Haines’ Life Lift video. Rashelle’s approach is very gentle and she is very soothing to listen to.
Unfortunately, I never stuck to it long enough to see results. I sorta got discouraged because years ago there were no before and after pictures from other users. However, a few days ago I decided to revisit Rashelle’s site and was blown away by Steffi Power’s testimonial. This woman went from 190 pounds to her current weight of 130 pounds. Her routine was to do her aerobic breathing exercises, drink plenty of water and not skip any meals. A bit challenging for some of us with bad habits, but very simple and doable.
So, I am on a mission. One of my New Years Resolutions for 2008 is to lose 40 pounds and I believe that aerobic breathing may be the method for me. In case you’re wondering, I have tried more traditional methods. I’ve done the changes in diet, typical workout and even lifted weights. My problem is that I don’t do well with too much restrictions. Whenever I hear “You should or should not do that..” I want to do the opposite. And so you can imagine how challenging it was for me to try and follow a weight loss plan.
The difference with this is that I don’t feel restricted. I don’t have to stop eating my favorite foods and there are no memberships to joins or pills to take. I simply have to:
- Make a small commitment to do my breaths everyday
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Eat when I’m hungry
I already started doing aerobic breathing exercises on Wednesday morning. I also measured and weighed myself.
Here are my stats and future plans:
Stats:
- Weight: 197 lbs.
- Chest: 42.5″
- Waist: 35.5″
- Hip: 46″
- Left Bicep: 12.25″
- Left Thigh: 27.25″
Plans:
- I intend to post videos with more details on how aerobic breathing works and what my routine is going to be.
- I will be weighing in and posting the results every week.
- Once a month I intend to post updated “after” photos. If I see a dramatic result sooner, I’ll post the picture at that time regardless of the time span.
I am both excited and nervous at the same time. I’m tired of feeling heavy, so the possibility of finally losing this weight gets me fired up! At the same time, I am revealing my size and weight to the world which is kinda scary to me. Will people judge me for weighing as much as I do? Will I be disciplined enough to stick to my goals? These questions and more are running through my mind as I type this.
Ah well, I’m going forward anyways. I believe this is a year of change – does that make me sound like a politician? Anyhow, stay tuned.
12 comments
Best of luck to you! I recently organized and participated in a weight loss challenge to benefit charity, and all the participants did well. Each one chose their own method of weight loss, and it was interesting to see that the method was less important than the commitment. (Well, it seems that way anyway). The challenge was 2 months long, and during that time, I lost 12 pounds. Even though the event is over, my eating style changed completely, so I’m still dropping weight (which is good since I have another 20 or so to go). The best thing about it all is that I feel better. I don’t hurt as much since I’m carrying around less weight, so that makes me very happy. Good luck and stick with it. People are rooting for you.
I started my own weight loss challenge. last mo. I found a TV series on TLC “I can make you thin” (without dieting) You can check out the website. You can read the steps without joining. http://www.mckenna.com/ It’s working for me:0)
[…] those who are visiting for the first time, I started a Weight Loss Challenge on Wednesday, January 16, 2008. My goal is to lose 40 pounds of fat this year, so I decided to […]
Nicole –
Thanks for your comment. 🙂 I also considered doing a group challenge and actually signed up for one. In the end, I ended up doing my own thing. My intention and prayer is to meet my goal and inspire others to do the same.
Catherine –
Thanks for your comment. 🙂 I was very nervous putting my picture up, but then figured this is where I’m at, take it or leave it. My intention is that by being public about my weight, I’ll finally stick to my goal.
Hi Natasha – I found you through Barbara at Blogging Without A Blog.
This sounds interesting. I checked out the site you mentioned and the woman in the testimonial has lost a whole heap of weight.
You are brave putting your measurements up. I am still too much of a wimp to even have a photo on my blog!
Looking forward to watching your progress and also hearing more about aerobic breathing.
Catherine Lawson’s last blog post..Blogging Thieves Get Total Of 127,169 Years
I’ve tried a Fitblog once.
Didn’t work out.
Had a few people signing up but that was it.
I love that you go for your personal goal and keep it posted here!
Am looking forward to the videos.
I’m trying to loose a bit over 20 pounds, but without much effort going into it :S
Maybe you’ll be my motivation 😀
Visualizing without work is fantasizing. Visualizing with the work is a motivator. It worked for me, that’s why I shared it with you. 🙂
syari’s last blog post..Hungarian famous graffitis.
Syria:
Thanks for the comment, I like the idea of adding a chat box. 🙂 As for visualization, that has never been something that was easy for me to do. It may have something to do with the fact that I have a hard time seeing visualization as anyhting more then fantasizing, which I do all the time anyways. In my mind, a fantasy isn’t enough to bring about real change.
Zenobia:
Thanks so much for your comment and I agree. My intention from this point forward, is to work on enhancing myself as apposed to creating a new me.
I’d just like to add a little comment to Natasha, myself and anyone else accepting this challenge. This is not about taking a journey to “create” a new you; but it is a journey to “enhance” you. To often, we get caught up in the media hype and have allowed it to dictate what we should or should not look like. As a result, we spend too much time and energy condemning ourselves for not meeting the “standards” that they have set.
If you dont’ mind, I’d like to add to the challenge that has been issued. I challenge anyone taking this walk with Natasha to remove the blinders that they have been handed by society and see the God-given beauty that you already possess. In doing so, you may find that your goal will seem less stressful and much more achievable. Accept this challenge with the idea of obtaining the best “you” as opposed to the best “them”.
Ladies (and gents) work what you got and LOVE what you got. If you want (or need for health reasons) to make improvements along the way, so be it. Just do so with the right heart and attitude. Because, until we do, we will never be satisfied and will always find flaws. We are already beautiful….embrace it!
With much respect,
Z
Zenobia’s last blog post..Appraising Your Home
Hiya natasha… Should get one of those chat boxes 🙂
Anyways, good luck for your weight loss challenge. Another one tip tasha, visualization. See yourself with the weight that you want to have. Find pictures of slim people to help you with the visualization if you like.
syari’s last blog post..Hungarian famous graffitis.
Thanks Z. 🙂
Natasha,
I commend you on your courage. Not only are you making a commitment to yourself; but you are also encouraging others to take this journey with you. I have a feeling that you will be a great tool used to touch and change the lives and lifestyles of many…for the better. Keep it up lady! I’m proud to know you!
Zenobia’s last blog post..Outside of My Box…