It’s March 13th, and my non-resolution to lose weight/get in shape is catching up to me. I’ve barely been keeping to a gym routine, and this desk job is further flattening out my already pan-cake-shapped behind. One positive thing I’ve noticed: the wider my ass gets, the smaller my waist looks. Ha!
I’m in two weddings this year, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. It also means that I’m going to be in lots of photographs in short cocktail dresses, and I have a few beach-themed bachelorette parties creeping up. In short, it’s time to get my act together–for real.
To keep myself on track, I’m posting the measurements my mom took last time I was home, and I’m going to measure again every few weeks, to see if I’m making any progress. I think it’ s healthier than just tracking the scale (although I’m doing that too).
I spent (or wasted, depending on how you look at it) twenty minutes of my day putting together a “Be Thin” motivational collage using pictures from the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition (Note: If anyone would like my issues of SI, apparently my subscription is through October 2011…I swear I didn’t order it!). I admit that this is a little bit of a regression to my less-confident adolescent days, when I had a sign over my bed that read something to the effect of “You’re Fat: Get Up and Exercise.” I don’t recall the exacting wording. But it was made out of crudely ripped orange construction paper and black sharpie, with a big red “no” symbol going through it. Not the most uplifting thing to wake up to.
This time, though, my expectations are a bit more realistic. I just want to make it through bathing suit season without fighting tears in the dressing room. For once in my life.
Here’s my starting point:
As of February 27th:
- Weight: 122 lbs.
- Bust 37 1/2″
- Under Bust 29″
- Waist 29″
- Abdomen 37 1/2″
- Hip 38 1/2″
- Right Thigh 23 1/2″
- Right Upper Arm 11″
- Left Thigh 23″
- Left Upper Arm 10 1/2″
My mom says that is a perfect hourglass figure: 37 x 29 x 37. So the object here is to keep the hourglass–just make it smaller. And try not to lose too much boob in the process.
Here’s the dress I just bought for the wedding in August:
Bridesmaid Dress, Wedding #1
Obviously, I need some serious work on my upper arms/chest. It’s a really pretty, deep “Horizon Blue” from David’s Bridal. I’m not sure if it needs to be hemmed, now that I’ve seen it in my size. (I don’t want my knees to show.) Thoughts? This is what it looks like on the model.
Anyway, if you notice that I haven’t posted updates about diet/exercise or happen to talk to me in real life: please motivate me, and keep me on track!
Thank you.
of sugar and spice 
You look GORGEOUS my dear! That dress is stunning on you. I love that you’re using measurements to motivate yourself- I have a feeling that you’ll see better results that way.
I remember in high school I used to not go to bed until I had done twenty tricep dips off the seat of a chair in my room. If I was already in bed and I had skipped it, I would get up. I did it no matter where I was and even though it was one of the only exercises I actually did, the consistency worked. When the gym gets away from you, I vote you try something simple like that. Come to think of it, I might have even gotten the idea from you 🙂
I know that no matter what, you will glow everywhere you go this spring and summer.
You go girl! It is definetly better to measure than concentrate on the scale. My gym coordinator was telling me when she starting she was a size 10 pant and 110 pounds….once she started working out and lifting she gained 20 pounds, but went down to a size 4 pant!!! I know nobody believes it, but muscle DOES weigh more than fat!! I think you look gorgeous but I know it is how you feel inside! Go get ’em!!! Love you!
I have been doing the same and we measure every four weeks!!
Here is where I am:
Week 1 Week 4 Change Week 8 Change compared to week 1
Weight 153.4 150.6 -2.8 146.8 -6.6
Neck 12 12 0 11.75 -0.25
Shoulders 41 40.5 -0.5 39 -2
Chest 35 34 -1 33 -2
Biceps 10.5 10.25 -0.25 10 -0.5
Waist 29 28 -1 26 -3
Abdomen 33 32 -1 31 -2
Hips 41 39.5 -1.5 38.5 -2.5
Thigh 24.5 23 -1.5 22.25 -2.25
Calf 13.5 13.25 -0.25 13.25 -0.25
Don’t know how you could possibly be more perfect or beautiful~I know the excercise is good for your health so hope you can stick with the routine for that reason. The blue dress is lovely on you and I’m sure you will be the prettiest bridesmaid in both weddings!
Love, Mom xoxo
Adrienne, as far as I’m concerned (and I know I can speak for all the Boutwell Hill Biddies) you already are the beautiful Ivory Soap girl. Perfect just the way you are both inside and out. . . . . don’t go tweaking anything too much! Kathy Davidson
Adrienne! You look absolutely stunning! In my opinion you don’t need to change a thing, but I do know exactly how you feel about the swimsuit weather! Summer is my favorite time of year and I love going to the beach, but ever since I’ve gained all my weight I refuse to not wear a cover up unless I’m in that “I don’t feel like impressing anyone, and I know the man of my dreams is not at this beach right now!” mood! Haha, your measurements plan sounds like a great way to track your progress, let’s do it together! I miss you so much and look forward to a future beach trip with you this summer!