The inspiration for this blog post comes from the Fitness Blog World community.
How Did I Get Where I am Today?
If you ask any fitness model, professional bodybuilder or other fitness enthusiast why they’re so into living the fit life, chances are there’s some kind of story behind it. If people didn’t have a reason to want to be fit, they likely wouldn’t be.
Now, lemme just say that I’ve never had a real problem with my weight. I’m not some huge weight loss success story either (although being in better shape post-two-babies than I ever was before I had kids is a great accomplishment!). I did battle eating disorders during my first couple years of high school but was fortunately able to overcome it. The problem though? I’ve always been skinny fat. I wanted to change and actually BE fit and strong. Skinny doesn’t automatically equal healthy, strong OR fit.
With that said, my story begins in 2007. I started dating this hunk o’ man with big, tattooed arms and a bubble-muscle butt. (He’ll kill me when he reads this! haha!) This man is now my husband. He’s a dedicated weightlifter and I thought I’d give it a try after we had our son (my second biological child). I saw how dedicated he was and clearly this weightlifting thing was working for him, so why wouldn’t it work for me too?
Fast forward to May 2008 which is when I began lifting weights for the first time – by choice. I can remember doing a weightlifting unit in high school which I loved, but never pursued it beyond that. I guess I always thought girls would get “bulky”. Shame on me! And shame on those who think that way today. It’s so not true.
Within just a few months I had built a good amount of muscle and the definition was noticeable in my arms, my back and my legs within just a couple of weeks. I even started to see my abs and I had just had my second child in March! You could say that I fell in love with lifting from my very first workout. It’s so empowering!
The Beginning of Melinda’s Fitness Blog
For those who don’t know, I started this fitness blog in July of 2008. I started by adding my daily workouts just to hold myself accountable. Before I knew it I was receiving comments from people cheering me on. That motivated me to keep going and pushing myself. Now I continue to post on this blog for my personal benefit and also because I want to help motivate and inspire other people that you can build your dream body at any age – even if you’ve had kids!
Keyword = “build”. You can’t get the fit, toned body that you desire (and deserve!) if you don’t strengthen your muscles with resistance training. Dieting won’t tone you. Eating less won’t tone you. Muscle building WILL. In order for muscles to grow, they need resistance.
3 Reasons Why I’ll Continue to Live the Fit Life & Never Turn Back
- It’s been a miracle cure for depression, which I battled for over 10 years off and on (mostly on).
- I’m able to be strong and healthy for my kids.
- It inspires my kids (and others!) to be healthy. The kids love to workout and they always let me know when I’m short on almonds, tuna and yogurt!
What or Who Has Had the Most Influence on Your Fitness Life?
The two largest influences on my fitness life are my husband and this blog. This blog has grown to be bigger than I ever imagined and I’m so happy that people are liking it. I love reading the comments, the questions and the advice that other people have to share.
Now you, my readers, inspire me to keep chugging along – even on the days I don’t wanna – and I’m so thankful for that. My husband got me into living the fit life and this blog has kept me going. So THANK YOU.
Keep living the fit life!
Melinda
Kristy says
November 4, 2011 at 10:06 pmGreat story and so true! I love his tattoos, when do we get to see the butt?
Kristy (FBW Friend)
Dawn says
November 4, 2011 at 10:26 pmIts great to see that you have the support of your husband in what you love to do. My husband supports me but is not able to workout with me due to a back injury over 20 years ago. You are very lucky to have that support and the support on here.
Felix Frank says
November 5, 2011 at 12:07 amIt’s always great to see the different motivations people have for bringing fitness into their lives. It’s also good to see people who incorporate fitness into their busy lives a positive aspect of their lifestyle rather than mere “exercise”, which can have a negative connotations of dread and “work”. Thanks for sharing!
Melinda F says
November 5, 2011 at 1:28 pmLOL!!! I’ll work on that. :)
Melinda F says
November 5, 2011 at 1:33 pmIt definitely does make it easier. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without him. Just wish I had started sooner! Keeping a fitness blog really helps me and I hope it will help you too. You have a great blog!
Allison Siemens says
November 5, 2011 at 9:31 pmSo true…everyone has their own story of how we got here, but really we are all so much alike! Great post – and wonderful to have such great support in your family! Very inspiring – thank you!
Melinda F says
November 6, 2011 at 7:52 pmThank you and good luck to you on your journey!
Carl Colburn says
November 7, 2011 at 7:54 pmHi Melinda,
Awesome. My turning point was having a “shelf”. You know, I would sit on the couch, and my belly was so big, it made a shelf that I could rest my coffee cup on. Also, I was wired, my blood pressure and cholesterol were through the roof, and I too was in a new relationship. Well, now I’m off meds, down over 50 lbs and can do a whole lot of stuff I couldn’t do not so long ago.
Keep it up.
Melinda F says
November 8, 2011 at 7:52 amVery inspiring Carl, way to go!!!
Victoria says
November 9, 2011 at 10:39 pmLove ur post especially “Skinny doesn’t automatically equal healthy, strong OR fit.” I wish more people understood this! Thank you for sharing your “turning point” =)
Melinda F says
November 10, 2011 at 5:50 pmThanks for reading Victoria! By the way, I love your blog. :)
jessica adam says
November 11, 2011 at 3:09 pmThis is great.you are lucky to have a support because it always become easier when you have a supporting partner :) your work is a good source of information for all those who are looking forward to health and fitness program.
Melinda F says
November 13, 2011 at 8:43 amThanks Jessica! :)
Hatch says
November 25, 2011 at 3:21 amWomen with a higher testosterone will actually gain muscles and get bulky as well. I like reading your story.. Thanks for sharing it! Just don’t stop being fit..:-)
Melinda F says
November 26, 2011 at 5:46 pmIt really takes a lot to get bulky though, you have to not only build muscle, but eat a lot to feed those muscles to help build them. My husband has a hard time eating enough to actually get “bulky” and he’s trying to. I definitely don’t wanna be anything BUT fit – working out helps me stay sane. (I think) Lol! ;)
Nick says
December 10, 2011 at 7:32 pmGrowing up playing sports, Arnold, Sylvester, Jack Lalane, my brothers.
Heather says
December 12, 2011 at 1:52 amMelinda,
I am so excited to find this blog. I am skinny fat too and ready to be strong!! I am beginning my lifestyle transformation in many areas of my life and your blog is going to help me with that!! I can already tell that your sense of humor is right up my alley!!
Heather
Melinda F says
December 12, 2011 at 7:02 amWelcome Heather! I’m glad you like it here! :))
Lynn Montoya says
December 21, 2011 at 1:03 pmVery inspiratiional story Melinda! You are so right when it comes to women and lifting weights. I don’t know how many women I have run into who have fallen for this myth. I am a cycling instructor who constantly reminds women and men at times that “going heavier” will actually have you buring more calories and tone out the body. As long as you have a decent diet, the likelihood of one becoming bulky is very low. Keep up the good work Melinda!!!
Melinda F says
December 21, 2011 at 2:55 pmThank you Lynn!
Melinda F says
December 21, 2011 at 2:57 pmLol! I’m willing to bet you’ll be amazed at the strength gains you’ll make while following this or any consistent weightlifting program. Keep at it! :)
Tracy Wright says
March 2, 2012 at 7:13 amnice to hear about your turning point Melinda , great work but its hard now a days to get the husband like you have got . Wish you happy life ahead .