3 Years of Lifting Heavy

This month marks 3 years since I reversed my fitness strategy. Prior to this change, I’d been a fan of light weights and tons of cardio. I was in pretty good shape and had good endurance, but was unhappy with how slowly my body composition was changing.

I started following a fitness coach on social media, Jordan Syatt, who put out enough free content for me to become educated about how to change my approach. I learned how combining heavy weights and high protein would help me get leaner and stronger, build more defined muscles, reduce my body fat percentage, and so on.

My fitness journey has come in layers like a pyramid. In 2016, I began tracking calories. Through this I lost weight in a sustainable way, and kept it off long term. I did not worry about macros. But by achieving a very healthy weight I mitigated some issues associated with my PCOS.

In October 2019, I started tracking my macros. I made sure I wad prioritizing protein and also trying to get more fat. I ate in a calorie deficit but began lifting as heavy as I could and before long I could see changes happening that I’d never seen before. In my fitness log, my first day of dead lifting had me lifting less than 100lbs. In 2020 I hit 300lbs and in 2021 I hit 330lbs.

All while keeping my own weight down.

In 2022 I’ve focused more now on building another layer on that pyramid. I’m focused also on micronutrients. Getting enough iodine, magnesium, selenium, and so on. Taking a holistic approach to healing my body. Using turmeric and omega 3 to manage inflammation. I’ve also had several non- gym related injuries to overcome this year (7 months with bicep tendinitis, and then re-injuring my tailbone and getting hip bursitis from excessive cycling), but have learned how to keep moving forward even while taking care of myself.

To celebrate I put together a fun little video of my years of progress. There has been some criticism about how I’ve changed my body and my goals but the fact is, I’m extremely happy with this. I’ve surrounded myself with people who celebrate strength with me. I am also invigorated and excited that whatever anyone thinks, I made this. I did it myself and I feel great in my own skin!