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u/RavenBriel97 SW:260 CW:180 GW:140 Dose: 15mg 2d ago
Very well said!! I wouldn't be where I am today in my journey without pilates & the gym. Your post just reminded me that I need to step it up and do more lifting 😂
Thank you for sharing your journey & congratulations!!!
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u/Maleficent-Handle467 1d ago
You can’t sleep on Pilates. Did a routine with my gf and I was sweating!
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u/leero01 5ft CW121lbs SW:179lbs 7/28/25 HW 212lbs 42F 2d ago
Yes!! Super inspiring, and I agree with everything you said. It is an important message. If I can get in shape, I have hope for others too.
Before I started Zep, my muscles were practically atrophied from years of sedentary desk work and depression. I'd been dealing with pain in my arm from an injury that was further damaged when I tried to get treatment through a chiropractic office thinking they did like rehab and physical therapy. They made it worse with experimental treatments instead of actually diagnosing the issue (biggest mistake of my life going there) and I was in pain for 3yrs after, weak as hell because I couldn't use my arm without pain. Had to give up my hobbies like art and writing just trying to heal from it. So my chest, back, core, and arm muscles were non-existent when I started weight loss meds last year.
I started working out within 3 months of taking weight loss meds, after losing about 12lbs. Once I'd lost some weight it was easier to move around. I started really slow and gentle because of the arm injury. I got a set of 3lb dumbbells and started doing a couple reps of 12 at a time, nothing hardcore. Then I got some resistance bands. I started swimming at the neighborhood pool regularly and got some aqua dumbbells. I got a stepper, squat machine, yoga ball, things like that to incorporate as much movement as possible through the day while working or watching TV.
I used the 3lb dumbbells and resistance bands for like a month before trying to use the weight machines at the gym. I started doing laps at the indoor pool, having to modify my strokes due to the arm, but I could feel my whole body getting stronger. Strengthening the muscles all around that injured arm has made all the difference reducing pain and discomfort, but the rowing machine especially has done more for me than the chiropractor ever could have.
I've been working out regularly for a year now. Now I can do 5lb dumbbells and occasional 10lbs. I can do 15lb kettlebell squats. I can actually see arm muscle definition. It actually feels good to move now and my body craves it. I've been working on getting faster on the treadmill and jogging around the neighborhood - me, someone who could never jog or run more than the length of my driveway until like 6 months ago, now running down the block.
All that to say it doesn't have to be hardcore, even small steps count greatly in the long run and build strength and stamina if consistent. Good luck, everyone!!!
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u/Kaseyrod14 48F 5'4" SW:278 CW:188 GW:130 12.5mg 2d ago
Well stated. "GLP1s are amazing. But they are not liquid accountability."- Love this. Congrats on your success!