Believe In The Impossible

Hey everyone!

I want to share something that you’ve probably heard a zillion times already: You can do way more than you think you can — you just have to believe. I know that sounds a little preachy, but I’m reminding myself as much as I’m sharing with you.

At Live in Fitness™ I’m reminded every day of two things: weight loss is hard work and that the hard work is totally worth it, but sometimes, when things seem a little tougher than others, I need to remind myself to keep going.

It’s been a rough week of workouts here in South Carolina. It’s brutally hot outside and this Michigan girl is way out of her comfort zone. It is weeks like this that remind me how big of a role your mentality plays in everything you do.

My alarm goes off at 7:45A.M. every day, and every day I am faced with the same decision: get out of bed and work hard or stay in bed. I know that six hours of workouts awaits me. I know my body is aching, my muscles are sore and I’m tired. But every day I make the decision to get up and go, not because that’s what I feel like doing but because the rewards massively outweigh the difficulty.

As many of you know, I make noise in the gym lifting some heavy-ass weights. I often have older ladies standing around me, jaw dropped, wondering how it’s possible. Well, here’s my secret. It’s not that I’m ungodly strong (even if I act like it); it’s that I believe I can do it. I am not saying that everyone can lift the exact same amount of weight as me, but if you approach a weight or exercise and think it’s impossible, you’re right.

If you want to reach your goals, you have to believe in yourself. Day after day I watch ladies pick up 2-3 pound weights. Well ladies, I have news for you — you are stronger than that! Coach A.J. often says, “You can’t get a training effect off of lifting a pencil.”

Today several ladies were standing around watching me during CrossFit Quickie, amazed at the 95lbs on the bar. Afterwards, several of them gave it a little tug, trying to do a deadlift. All of them immediately said, "I can't do that." One by one Nick got them in proper positioning to deadlift, and they each lifted it. It was the coolest thing and truly touched my heart! One of my favorite things about LIF, is watching people do the "impossible." 

Getting in shape isn’t supposed to be easy, but it is simple! Exercises SHOULD be challenging and if the last rep is as easy as the first one, you can do more. So explore your limits, push the envelope and get out of your comfort zone. Oh yeah, and believe in yourself — the results will amaze you.

OMG Collarbones!

Weeks ago, losing weight at Live In Fitness seemed easy. I stuck to the routine, ate the food as scheduled, and did all the workouts. It was (and is) that simple. Funny, because people think that there's a secret to weight loss, but here, it's no secret - it's science. It's the most amazing thing; I do what they tell me to do, eat what they tell me to eat, and the pounds disappear.

But after 23 weeks of following the program, I was starting to feel a little discouraged... not because I wasn't losing weight, but because I wasn't losing it as fast. It wasn't because the program stopped working, or even that I stopped working, it's just that the lighter and in better shape I got, the pounds just didn't melt away quite as fast.

I needed a little boost... a little milestone to get excited about, and this week I got it. It wasn't a number on a scale or a compliment or anything like that. It was better.

I got out of bed, looked in the mirror, and saw something I've dreamed of seeing since I was sixteen: my collarbones. I'm sure there are some of you who can completely relate, and others who think that's pretty simple, even insignificant milestone, but to me it was huge.

I remember about a month into my program, I looked at Coach Nick and told him that the day I saw my collarbones, was the day I would go home because that's how exciting it would be. I'm definitely excited, but I'm not going home. I'm excited that I can see my collarbones, but I'm also excited to reach all my other body goals before I leave.

The collarbone sighting was a great reminder that my goals aren't just numbers on the scale, but the changes I see and feel in my body... and knowing that, with every positive thing I do, I'm moving in a positive direction. I may not be the skinniest I've ever been, but I look the healthiest.

Losing Weight & Gaining Friends

There are many things I love about Live In Fitness; the results, the coaches, but most of all, the people.

Every week has me building new relationships with people, young and old, from all over the world. Our group is ever changing as people come and go, but there’s one person who has been there for me from the beginning. His name is Anaahat.

I didn't know much about this 19 year old genius from Canada, but I knew we would become good friends. One week into our stay, I was showing off my super strength by lifting a log at beach boot camp. He didn't waste any time giving me a little friendly competition and trying to show me up!

Through these friendly competitions, he became one of my favorite people at Live In Fitness. We bet and compete on everything. From weigh ins, to work out times, to silly random things, it keeps me motivated.

But as fun and helpful as it is to see who can best whom, Anaahat is much more than an opponent who pushes me. He’s a true friend who offers support. If you know me, or if you read my first few months of blog posts, you know that I was an emotional wreck who wanted to eat her feelings away but knew that I had to stay on my program if I wanted to succeed. Anaahat made it a lot easier.

Things have gotten better and easier, and the pounds are disappearing for both of us (Anaahat’s lost almost 90 lbs.!), but it still helps to have someone I can count on for extra encouragement when I’m having a rough workout…or someone I can text who will remind me that a fast-food bender is a bad idea…or someone who won’t hold back when I need to be reminded that I’m slacking off.

Sometimes I don’t like being reminded of these things, but I love the fact that I have a new friend and accountability partner. I also love that there are others here, like Anaahat, that have felt the way I feel, that face the same struggles and are achieving the same goals. And I also love all of the coaches and staff at Live in Fitness™ who have given me a great program and the support to follow through with it.

That’s a lot of love…and a lot fewer pounds.

Never Too Old!

Hey everyone!

I’m happy to be back in Hilton Head, grinding out workouts day in and day out. I’m recovered, rested, and ready to go!

Naturally, when Sunday came around, I hit the ground running. I usually take it easy on Sundays, but this week, I decided to do Beach Bootcamp with Kelly.

I’m happy I went. We did a partner workout consisting of 16 stations. While one partner was working, the other person was running.

Every time it was my turn to run, I passed by a group of older (50-60s) ladies, all overweight. One stopped me and told me how much she admired all of my hard work, and the conversation went from there. Each time I’d pass her by, she would ask me another question… My name, where I’m from, how much weight I’d lost, how old I am, etc.

She was amazed that there was a program that enabled me to lose 80 pounds in so little time, but immediately downplayed it, attributing a lot of my success to my youth.

No joke, I stopped in my tracks. I explained that yes, I’m blessed to be so young and able to work out as hard as I do. I’m glad that I’m conquering this at 23 and not at 53.

But I also explained that, week after week, I watch masters (40+) come to the program and reach their goals. They work hard, and I admire them so much. There are far more older adults than there are young people at Live In Fitness™, and people here come in all different sizes, shapes…and all have different kinds of goals.

One of my first roommates, Laura G., was 70 and her goal was to be able to walk up stairs! By the time she left, she could! She was getting around so much better.

For the first two months of my stay, one of my best Live in Fitness™ friends, John (42), lost 68 pounds in only 8 weeks. Although he was older, he kept up with us “young folks” and got the results he wanted.

Yesterday my friend Laura Ross left, and she saw amazing results! At 57, she stayed at Live In Fitness™ for almost 4 months and lost 65 pounds. What’s even crazier is that she went from a size 28 to a size 16.

This week, we celebrated Bob (69), who is a grandfather! When he got here 2 weeks ago, he couldn't walk 30 seconds on the treadmill. Yesterday he walked 2 miles.

As you can see, all sorts of people come to Live In Fitness™ with different fitness goals but with one common goal: to live a healthier, fitter and happier lifestyle.

And all of us, young and old, are reaching those goals every single day!

"You're never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream."

What it Means to be Normal (5 MONTH PROGRESS PICS)

This week has been amazing; rest, recuperation, family, sleeping in, quality time with my favorite dog… It’s been exactly what I’ve needed.

Earlier this week I wrote about what I’m doing to stay on program, but what I haven’t told you is the way this week has made me feel.

For the longest time my “normal” consisted of struggling to get by in school, working in food service, lifting weights, eating fast food, and isolating myself.

I’ve always considered myself a fairly confident person, but during my last few months before LIFE, I found myself in a pool of self-loathing.

I didn't want to go anywhere, even church. I avoided places with people that knew me for a long time because I was ashamed of my constant roller coaster of weight loss and gain. It seemed like everyone had their shit together but me. High school friends were graduating college, getting married, and even having kids. There I was, struggling to find what I wanted in my future, living in my parents’ basement, and eating my life away.

Believe me, I was never happy with my situation but the problem was, I had no way to get out of it. Live in Fitness™ gave me that way out.

This week, normal has been enjoying shopping with my family, and even feeling good about what I tried on. It’s going for long walks and my feet not hurting. It’s going to a movie and not buying popcorn and candy. It’s eating for fuel, not comfort. It’s working out a couple hours a day, feeling good about yourself and then having the rest of the day to be happy. It’s throwing the ball with my dog outside in the sun, not binge watching Netflix alone in my room.

I have 4 more months at Live in Fitness™ and I’m so excited, because they are giving me my life back, the life I should experience, a happy one. Every pound I’ve lost has given me one more ounce of confidence. I don't know where I’ll be after this summer, but I won’t be sleeping my life away. I do know that I’ll be enjoying a free, active lifestyle filled with biking, running, friends, and sunshine.

Have a great week friends!

- E

Also, here are my 5 month progress pictures. The first was taken January 4th, the second March 30th, and the third May 25th!

I’m Not at Live in Fitness™, But They’re Home with Me

Hey y’all,

Last week I mentioned taking a short vacation to give my body rest and recovery time. I was excited to get a break but was also scared to experience life in the real world, on my own, away from the accountability. The truth is, I was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

What would it be like driving past fast food restaurants every day?

What would it be like preparing food for myself?

Where would I workout?

What would I do without Nick & AJ keeping me motivated?

Well, I am happy to report that I have survived the first four days. I’d be lying if I said it hasn't been hard.

In true Lizzy Cargile procrastination fashion, I wasn't able to get a food scale to bring home with me because I waited till the last day, and they were sold out! Oops…

But I’ve made do, it just takes me a LONG time to prepare each meal. I have to sit down about 30 minutes before and go through the nutrition labels, measuring everything out, adding it up to get my meals to equal 25g of carbs and 25g of protein. Let me tell you, it’s not easy, but it’s totally worth it! I have made everything: fish, chicken, quinoa, fresh veggies...even desserts and snacks. I have made things that I wouldn't have even thought of eating before I went to Live in Fitness™.

I wish I could say that fast food is no longer a temptation, but that wouldn't be true. It is still extremely hard to have the freedom to eat foods I know I shouldn’t, even knowing how bad they are for my body.

Case in point, a while back I screwed up and had McDonalds. After, this is what I wrote in my journal:

“Today I ate fast food. I’m laying here in bed. I feel like I’m going to puke. I feel awful and it wasn't worth it. It definitely wasn't worth the calories of TWO burpee nation classes. The flavor didn't last and the stomach ache has lasted so much longer.”

When I am tempted to eat fast food, I look back on this entry and try to reason with myself that it’s NOT worth it. It reminds me of something I learned at Live in Fitness™: I am stronger than my desire for food.

As for working out goes, that’s the easy part. I have talked to at least one of my coaches every day since I left, and their continued support, even away from the program, means the world to me.

Every day I have gone for a run and it feels amazing to find pleasure in something I used to not be able to do. It’s very freeing, especially on our beautiful farm.

All in all, my stay at Live in Fitness™ helped me have the confidence that I can be home and stay on a healthy path. It’s not easy and it never will be, but it is 100% possible! 

Push Yourself...But Don’t Push Too Hard

Two weeks ago, I hurt my back. I’m not really sure how and I cant pinpoint the moment that it happened, but slowly but surely, it became a big problem. 

I approach training in one way, hard. I’d say when it comes to working out, my mental game is my biggest strength. I don't like to quit and I don't like to slow down. When I have an injury, it’s hard for me to “take it easy.”

Last year when I was preparing for University Nationals, I got a stress fracture in my foot. I showed up every day and trained anyway, however I could. Sure, this may not have been smart, but it’s always been my way of being dedicated.

Two weeks ago, I continued to try to plow through workouts, thinking about the amount of weight I needed to lose that week. But at the end of the day, I’d be left feeling emptier and more broken than the days before. Ignoring the problem wasn't working.

I couldn't help but beat myself up over the fact that I couldn't work to my full potential. I couldn't do all the level 3 classes and be the athlete I’m used to being. The mental game I often brag about wasn't pulling through for me.

Three days ago, I started getting blinding headaches and my entire body hurt. I’ve been tired all the time and I’ve tried to put on a good face, but with a 101-degree fever and not being able to eat much, I’m just exhausted.

Then I got a text from Coach AJ, reminding me that I have been kicking ass for over four months day in and day out. Maybe I deserve a little rest. This is the journey I chose to be on, and I want to give it my all every single day. Perhaps what my journey needs the most is some R&R?

So I decided I need a break. A break away from the program that my mind is fixated on, the program that I’m obsessed with, the program that's changed my life in at least 100 positive ways. I decided to go home for 10 days. Unfortunately not to Michigan, but to my family’s farm in Alabama. The farm has always given me a certain peace. The cows in the pasture, the land to walk around on, and memories to last a lifetime.

Through my journey at Live In Fitness, I’ve learned its not about getting the fastest time on a workout, lifting the most weight, or even burning the most calories in a day. Its about being healthy, loving, and truly listening to your body.

 I’m putting my pride aside and allowing my body to rest. That way when I come back on May 23rd, I can come back refreshed and ready to roll. Until then you’ll find me walking, not running…stretching, not lifting, and probably laying around with ice and heating pads.

"Tough times don't last, tough people do."