I first saw the Thinking Out Loud posts on A Merry Life, and I liked the concept so much that I decided I’m going to join in on the fun. Be sure to check out Amanda’s blog, Running with Spoons, to hear all the thoughts.
Here’s what I have milling around my mind this morning…
Today is my 9-month surgiversary, so my weight loss is definitely on my mind. I’ve lost 124 pounds from my highest weight, and my life has completely changed. I am so glad that I made the decision to get VSG and stuck with it through the 2 1/2 years it took me to lose the required pre-op weight. Some people think weigh-loss surgery is the easy way out, but I can vouch for the fact that it’s anything but. It takes diligence, planning, and consistency. The surgery has helped me tremendously in terms of portion control, but every single day I make the decisions about what I eat, how I’m going to workout, and whether or not I’m going to log it all into MyFitnessPal. The surgery is a dynamic tool, but I’m the one making sure I continue to lose weight.
I’m going to a Zumba Step class at 11am this morning, and I’m really looking forward to trying this new class. I love Zumba, and I used to really love step classes, so this combo should be interesting. It could also be a recipe for disaster – I can easily imagine tripping over the step as I try to samba to the beat. LOL. Look for a new AIF post soon, describing all the details.
I’ve been calling this week off my Fitness Staycation because I’ve taken advantage of the fact that I can hit the gym any time of day to take a bunch of classes that I’ve never done before. I’ve always been a fan of getting lots of variety in my workouts, and I love taking fitness classes, but lately I’ve gotten out of the habit. I’ve been so involved in my run/walks, and having the hybrid elliptical/recumbent bike at home makes it so convenient to just hop on it. But there’s nothing like the jolt I get from taking a class at the gym. I love the music, the energy, and the social aspect. I’m going to aim to take a couple of classes a week at the gym from now on: definitely Spin, and then maybe an alternating pattern of Turbo Kick, Body Combat (depending on how that class goes tomorrow), and Zumba Step/Zumba.
Bathing suits have been on my mind a lot lately. I’m going to Hawaii in early April, so I’ll definitely need a few for that trip, but I’ve also been missing swimming. Since my gym has a pool, the only thing stopping me from swimming regularly is the fact that I don’t have a suit that fits me anymore. And this time the reason is that they’re all too big!! My problem area has always been my thighs, so swimsuit shopping has always been a bit tricky. In the past I went with a skirted swimsuit, but after all my weight loss, I’ve decided that my skirted swimsuit days are behind me. But my thighs are super-jiggly, and no one needs to see all of that.
So I’m on the hunt for board shorts and a bikini top. And not shorty shorts, but bermuda-style board shorts to cover everything I need covering. Choosing the separates will be smart for me, because I’m still much bigger on the bottom than I am on top. I found these on Land’s End that might work well. It’s weird to think that it’s late February, but I’m already looking at buying swimsuits. Another example of the good changes around here.
Music really motivates me, whether I’m working out, cleaning the house, or grading papers (which I really should be doing right now instead of writing this blog post). I’ve been having some issues with iTunes and getting my music on my iPhone lately, so I decided to upgrade to Spotify premium. I love how easy it is to access so much new music, and so many sites and blogs I follow post new playlists there all the time. What’s a playlist/album/song you think I should check out or follow? Let me know in the comments.
And because she adds joy to my life daily, why not post a quick pic of Sofi? She’s such a cuddle bug this morning!
What are your thoughts this Thursday? If you have a few to share, you should write up a quick post and link it up on Running with Spoons.
Bella on the Beach 
Your dog is so cute! What breed is she?
Your swim suit idea should work well. How I envy you going to Hawaii. It’s nearly 12 months since we were there, March/April. I was a little disappointed with my shopping ….. the mainland is cheaper especially when it comes to fresh food. The restaurants were good though …. lots of real food. We are waiting for mt mother’s estate to be settled and that means selling her house. As soon as that is sorted I’ll be booking flights.
You’ve one a great job. I’m impressed but then you always have great discipline. I think you have probably passed me. I weigh in around 190 pounds which is a lot less than 2 years ago but it seems I’m now stuck. I probably need to get more exercise. Great to see you enjoying the gym classes. I want to learn the Hula but am still looking for the best videos.
Stay excited love your enthusiasm.
Blessings
Thanks for linking up this week, Bella! And 124 lbs?! Holy.wow. A huge congrats to you! That’s amazing! 😀 Also amazing? Hawaii. I went last March and I’ll be going again this year, and it’s seriously paradise. You’re going to have blast, so don’t spend too much time fretting about bathing suits — be proud of the body you’re rockin’ 🙂
Love your blog and blog name. I like Zumba too, the energy, the vibe, the music. It’s all good. Why not try a tank-ini. Thighs are my trouble spot too, and when I was losing weight, but still not ready to reveal my thighs, the shorts of a tankini came in handy. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for the kind words about my blog!
A tankini is more about covering up a stomach, right? And that’s not really my issue. I’m super comfortable with my top half, and a bikini top will be just fine. The shorts will be perfect to camouflage my thighs.
I think tankini bottoms are more like shorts, and less skin is exposed.
I’m definitely interested in any bottoms that expose less skin, so I’ll look into them!
Congratulations on your achievement! Funny enough, I am in the process of bathing suit shopping for my upcoming trip to Hawaii in mid-April! This will be my first time there. I hope you find a rockin’ suit to celebrate your success! 🙂
Congratulations on the weight loss. That’s a huge accomplishment. I’m pretty sure bathing suit shopping is kinda awkward at every weight. Alright maybe not a size zero, but most weights. The good news is you’ll be wearing it in Hawaii!! That is equally as awesome.
I’m a big fan of fitness classes. I do them on my lunch hour and really like the midday break. It gets me away from work, and it allows me to blow steam and unwind. Plus, I don’t have to drag myself out of bed to do it.