Seems unreal to me...

Size 14...eek How freaking awesome is that???

13 weeks ago I was 18/20, and now a 14/16, more on the 14 side of things(without a muffin top). At first I thought it was the brand of pants, and even when buying the second pair of 14, thought it was the brand...but its not the brand, its me!!!

On a side note, I took my last shopping trip at Torrid. Which is where I had to shop for decent looking plus size clothes. I bought the smallest size shirt they have and its loose on me, and the smallest pant size is roughly 14. So, I'm not upset at all, this relationship lasted entirely too long, and this time I'm done for good...peace out Torrid, please stop sending me coupons, and 'special' offers, I will not take you back.

Thanks for readying my WHOO HOO of the week!

xoxo

My letter to Anytime Fitness...

When I first made the appointment to go to Anytime Fitness, I was terrified. I didn’t know what I was doing, the gym environment was intimidating, and well I felt I didn’t belong because I was overweight (Which is ridiculous). Honestly I was surprised I even went to the appointment, normal me would have no called no showed, and just went home and sat on the couch, but some how I made it in.

I met up with Angie, and she seemed to put me at ease right away, and I told her exactly how it was. I didn’t know what I was doing; I was intimidated by the ‘gym atmosphere’, and really didn’t know where to begin. She gave me a tour of the gym, went over pricing as well as personal training options available to me. Without hesitation I joined, and signed up for some personal training sessions.

When I first started going, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t really know how to use any of the equipment, and I didn’t know what to do. Justin came and showed me how to work the treadmill and overtime as my interest peaked, the trainers showed me how to use the rest of the equipment. I mostly would just walk on the treadmill. I figured that was better than nothing. Then I met Becky…and well that changed everything.

What a genius idea to have a trainer who has been there, done that. Someone who has faced a lot of the same struggles that I was about to face myself. She has truly been an inspiration to me. She is an everyday reminder that it CAN be done, and more importantly for me without pills, surgery, and fad diets. Becky has taught me a lot, and continues to with each session. I can now create a workout routine so if I can’t make it to the gym, I can workout in my living room, I am making better food choices, I still have a ways to go, but I’m learning, and most importantly I can run!!!

Since joining, I believe back in October of 2008 I have probably lost at least 53 pounds. Approximately 25lbs, 4% body fat and about 10inches of that has been in the last 13 weeks, as part of the Human Billboard Program. It’s absolutely incredible how I look and feel compared to when I first walked in there. My whole outlook on everything has changed and I will never go back to how I was before.

Big thanks to the staff at the gym Becky, Justin, Keith, Angie, and Annette. I don’t have much support at home, so to have you guys be so supportive and welcoming to me it’s incredible. Thank you!!!

Brandi Chinn

I suppose an introduction is in order...

Good afternoon everyone,

I wanted to create this blog so my friends and family can keep updated on whats going on in my life without having to filter through face book and what not, and also so I have a place to journal the things going in my life. I imagine that most of this will be fitness related since right now, other than my kids, that has taken #1 priority in my life.

So since this is the first we'll cover everything from me, to kids, to fitness.

Start with my kids. They are getting so big! Aaron started 6th grade this year, its crazy to think how big he is getting. He is in orchestra playing the viola this year, and he also is trying to get into the morning choir, which is awesome. I am proud of him that he is willing to give up his morning time with friends to be in choir, I'm so happy that he is so passionate about music. Also as part of CAFE(the after school program), he is trying to be a Junior Staff, which basically just helps the younger kids with homework, and helps the teachers with any tasks they need. He is excited for the program again this year!

Marissa is doing good as well, she is in 4th grade, with Ms. Farrell. I love her teacher, she has a lot of qualities that I like, one being how much homework she gives. In the previous years Marissa was given a weekly packet that she could knock out in about 20 min, now she is given nightly homework, that seems to challenge her. Things are looking good for her!

Aiden, well he is Aiden. He is 3 years old now, potty trained, and I'm working on getting him into preschool I think he could really benefit from being around other kids his age on a daily basis. He is probably at the cutest stage ever right now, I always enjoy my time with him.

and Me...

I started school again yesterday, full time. So now between working full time, kids, school, and the gym I'm sorry if I slack on 'us'. I promise I'll come around sometime, but its kinda crazy right now. I only get to raise these kids once, only get to live once, and I can't trade this body in when I'm tired of it like a car, otherwise I would have years ago, so I'm gonna treat it right and take care of it and myself.

As far as my fitness, today is the official 13 week weigh in, and I am down 25 pounds. It's something I never thought I would accomplish, its also something I never thought I would be so passionate about, and many thanks goes to Becky who has been an incredible inspiration to me. I have completely changed my view on things, I'm constantly finding new muscles, and discovering new curves. I'm lovin' it!!! Crazy thing is it was so much easier than I ever thought. Small changes made the biggest difference in this, buying fat free or sugar free, not wasting my calories on beverages such as soda and juices, eating more...yup thats right MORE, I feel like I'm always eating, and making it a point to do something physical everyday.

So anyways, that's my life in a nutshell right now...

Love you all...XOXO

Just want to make one thing clear before really busting out some blogs...

Brandi's general warning: These are my thoughts and feelings, I am not pushing them on anyone I am simply expressing myself as I see fit.