The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.
Harper’s Bazaar March 2012, Harper’s Bazaar February 2012
Note to self: attempt to look this good in my 40s. Actually, attempt to look this good now. Ok, I know, I know, these ladies are Hollywood actresses with a plethora of resources and are expected to look amazing. I won’t look at the extreme examples, but I do admire Gwyneth’s dedication to staying fit. I remember reading an interview where she stated that she could wear a bikini after having two kids because she works out diligently and has a very strong workout and work ethic.
I’ve always been naturally thin and have a small frame. But I gained at least 10 pounds when I moved to London almost three years ago. I was eating all those wonderful new flavors of crisps (potato chips – seriously, the English make amazing chips!) and didn’t really exercise though I loved walking around the city. When I moved here, I had an unfortunate epiphany while looking the mirror one day. I had a paunch! I also couldn’t fit in an old pair of jeans (ok, they were really old but my weight had always been the same for years) and was pretty upset about it.
But I didn’t want to start feeling sorry for myself.
I didn’t want to make excuses.
I also didn’t want to buy new clothing.
I just started hitting the elliptical and changing my diet (less carbs and sugar). I love power pump and kickboxing class now (such great stress relief!) and started bringing gym clothes on my trips abroad. I never had a goal weight in mind, but I did want to be stronger and become leaner. I may not be a Hollywood actress, but I can still learn something from one. I just had to start trying and know that if I want to change my body, I could do it.
I’ll be rocking a bikini when I’m 40 too.
Have a lovely week!
very pretty. I do the rowing machine and play sports. I remember when I moved here from the US, I discovered their array of crisps flavours – so many!! But, now I limit myself and try to eat more healthy. You can do it 🙂 x
Good for you! And these photos are gorgeous. I’ve never had a bikini body, but we can all strive to be stronger and leaner. I’m still keeping up with the gym between 4 and 5 times per week, and that’s a huge accomplishment for me. It really helps to find an activity that you enjoy, so it doesn’t seem like a chore.
Please send some of your motivation my way, I strongly dislike any sort of exercise, I’d rather skip out on carbs. Gwen looks unbelievable in the first image.
I also admire Gwyneth’s commitmet and dedication (I even bought Tracy Anderson’s DVDs…i) I’m on a constant battle with myself to get more disciplined with my fitness routine. Love spinning, and Tracy’s toning excersices are great too. Now, for me, what it really makes a difference on the scale is the dinner (or the lackofthereof) Darling, you are not alone on this! 🙂 Good luck! xoxo
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I think it’s great that you shaped up, I did the same about 4 months ago and it makes so much difference how you feel lin your clothes. Thank you for the sweet comment on my bag line, I really appreciate it 🙂
xo Mary Jo
It’s such a struggle for me. J & I are totally up and down people. We spoil each other too much and like to eat and drink whatever we want, whenever we want to. Especially in the summers at the beach.
I was determined to be in the best shape of my life for 40 which was this past July. I started off strong but then I got Lyme Disease back in May and that knocked me off my feet until right before my bday. Go figure, right? Well I’m past 40 now but that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to keep trying. Our plan is to get back on track once we’re healthy again. Hopefully that will be by next weekend. Good for you for being strong! 🙂 xoxo
You are in great shape and I know you can keep it up!
Well, now I just want to get off my butt!
I love how proactive you are in getting in shape. Inspiring!
You look amazing and dance so beautifully – you are always an inspiration!
I have an elliptical that has gotten lots of use up until recently(just too sleep deprived and exhausted). However, I do try to watch what I eat. Good for you for sticking to it. Like you, I definitely want to be able to rock a bikini at 40!:-). Oh, i also have the P90X which is quite dusty too from lack of use. However, I intend to change that soon:-). Happy Monday, XX
i like that you don’t have a set goal body weight. you exercise and know what feels right for your frame. i truly think that is smart. plus you know what causes your weight to fluctuate and can control that. you will be great when you reach 40!
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I admire your determination! I try to work out and eat well, but over the last three years I haven’t managed to triumph. I have been making excuses, comfort eating and skipping some gym classes due to chicken pots or the like (more excuses). Though I will keep trying and trying ;-))
Ugh I totally need motivation, send some my way please!
She’s something else. I mean…this is the best G’s ever looked!
Right, she looks amazing and has worked really hard for those amazing legs!
my goodness! i like you would love to look like this! gorgeous pictures, definitely worthy of inspiring someone (coughs.. me) to get off her butt!
xox P
phiphisblog.com
Way to go! It is a life long struggle for me. i am glad that you took charge of your body.
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try and umph. so good! i have begun eating more fresh fruits and veggies, and now must be more active.
I am in dire motivation of getting back on my walking routine…it has been so cold and laziness has taken over….eek!
Ha, LOVING the quote up top – that’s fantastic, never heard that before. I totally see where you’re coming from on this, I go through peaks and troughs in terms of exercising – currently on a peak though so shouldn’t jinx it, ha. I would also like to look like that in my 40s…!
some days I need a little ump lol
love the first photo
xo
MOSAMUSE
http://www.MOSAMUSE.com
Just don’t go too thin! It’s easy to get hooked on endorphins! 🙂
Funny, I’m the same! I don’t want to gain weight mostly because I cannot possibly re-haul my entire wardrobe to buy bigger size!
Saving money and staying healthy is a great motivation, non?
oxo,
ML
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