From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

[Lulu.11]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

WOW! You look amazing!!!! Keep up the good work!!

[MarkE]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Great job. Now I know that my goals are achievable. I will think of you when I want to start and wander from the plan. You look great!

[creamsoda]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

You look totally AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[island-weel]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

You have been my inspiration for ages!!! I guess that tells how long I have been lurking and not livin! Anywho...I have a question for you too..how or what made you want to start making excersize a part of your life? That is the craziest part about your journey for me, like how you just DO it! Any tips from you would be much appreciated. As always, I admire your strength! Cheers!

[julirama723]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

First off, thank you EVERYONE for all of the kind words and fantastic complements! It really makes my day to see all of these posts. It's also sort of surreal--I remember when I first started, I looked through the before/after pics with shock and awe...

Island-weel--Well, with Atkins, exercise is "non-negotiable," it's just part of the program; in the beginning, I did it because it was required. I started with perhaps 3-4 workouts per week, things like long walks, the elliptical machine, and water aerobics. Soon I was getting smaller, getting fitter, and really losing weight, so I added another day and started exercising 5x/week. I also changed my workouts--I started going to boot camp classes and kickboxing classes. When I started lifting weights, I noticed AMAZING changes in my body, more drastic changes than all that cardio ever gave me.

In the beginning, I exercised because I had to; I continued to exercise because I love it! I enjoy that trembly-sweaty-spent feeling after an amazing class. I love being able to lift those same heavy weights as "the boys" in the weight room. I take pride in increasing my distance or speed or time when I run. It's *fun* to exercise! I wouldn't do it if I hated it, and I think that's the most important thing to remember--to be healthy, you've got to get moving, and it's crucial to pick something you enjoy.

In fact, I enjoy it so much, that last year around this time, I became an instructor at my gym, teaching aerobics, strength training, and yoga. This year I'm teaching circuit training and two different yoga classes, and I also teach yoga at my school as part of the community ed. program. Two years ago I never would have dreamed about *attending* all of these classes, let alone TEACHING them!

Start small, and gradually build the intensity and duration of your exercise, and most importantly, do something you enjoy!

[Tampaman]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Wow what an inspiration. i hope i am as sucessful as you. Keep it up

[bayoumom]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

O M G!!!! Do I need to say more???

You look amazing, awesome, I could go on and on!!! Truly an inspiration to all of us!!!

[Big Papa]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Before and After pics are so inspirational. You look awesome and I'm sure you feel great too.

Big Papa

[DEJA19]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[ImREADYImREADY]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Wow, You look AMAZING!! Congratulations!!

[Siren]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Wow you've done so well!

I really like the green shirt btw

[pork chop]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Wow!!!

[qatil.haseena]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

These pictures were taken in July of 2006 in Glacier National Park. This was about a month before I started Atkins.






These new pictures were taken this weekend, February 17 2008, and show at least a 100 pound difference from the pictures above.

YOU LOOK AMAZING! BEAUTIFULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what is your workout routine? Your pic inspires me soooo much....Congrats on the weight lost!

[pork chop]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

WOWWW!!!!

[selfreinvented]

Re: From 270+ to 170+ pounds!

Julie, You Inspire So Many People Including Yours Truely!