The Kari Diaries: Back When I Was A Beast

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

I could name a few of my more fit friends who would question that statement, but for me, that's what it felt like. A little over two years ago, I was a beast in the gym. I felt fit, and strong, and confident - something I hadn't felt since my junior year of high school. Until I began doing gymnastics competitively, fitness was a struggle for me. My parents are phenomenal but balanced dieting and forcing feeding their children vegetables wasn't exactly their strong suit. I have the silver fillings to prove it! And once I stopped competitive sports, I triggered my weight gain button - hello 70+ pounds! I tried to control my weight in college to the tune of success and failure, but it's in law school where I finally got it together and went into #beastmode.

So it's a new year, and although I'm sure "getting fit" is on everyone's resolution list (including mine for the past two years), I'm looking to enter #beastmode again, because honestly, it's one of the times I've felt most alive.

Last year, I attempted and failed miserably at a fitness challenge I called "Sweating for Summer". I failed. But what's that saying? Try, try again? So here we are a year later. A workout challenge by another name but just as sweet: #beastmode. (Oh, and yes, I will continue to use #beastmode because it makes me feel cool.) The challenge will be similar to my previous one. It's 24-weeks from January 12th until June 29th, and I'll be checking-in every two weeks. Check-ins won't necessarily be full posts, although some posts may be fitness-themed, but I'll be updating with a line or two on designated days. If you're also looking to firm up this year, I'd love it if you left comments about your progress so we can commiserate together. Also, feel free to use the tracker I created for myself below.

Click here for fillable .doc format.

So, in honor of the memory and as a bookmark of inspiration for myself, I'm flooding this post with pictures of #beastmode Kari (many of which are mirror pics, eep!) to remind me that I did it before and I can do it again. And if it inspires any of you as well, well that's just the frosting!

Last photo on the right is quite possibly my favorite photo of myself!

Sure, we all make them, but I'm interested to know anyway! What are some of your fitness goals for the new year?

6 comments:

Cece @Mahogany DriveJanuary 7, 2015 at 11:14 AM
I used to be a competitive gymnast also. Club and then all through high school. I think it's the only reason I remain relatively fit even when I have quit working out. Fitness is a struggle for me too because I often lose my motivation and find it hard to fit in work outs around work. Just keep trying. Eventually something will stick and you will get where you want to be. That last pic in the red dress is cute!!
KristenJanuary 7, 2015 at 1:06 PM
i was in the best shape of my life in early 2012 as well. i've been trying to get back in it ever since!! girl you know i think you're gorgeous and look amazing, but seriously the photos of #beastmodekari especially that gorgeous red dress - hot damn girl you should have been a model. can i kiss your forehead? hahaa. i have GOT to get back in shape (i literally have to wear my wedding dress next month) and i'm just sick of not feeling alive, like you said. if you need a buddy, you have my number!
Pamela @ alittleglitter.comJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:17 PM
Stop it! You look GORGEOUS in those pictures!
UnknownJanuary 9, 2015 at 5:25 PM
I've never been athletic or into fitness, but since gaining more than 50 pounds over the span of six months, I've had to rethink my approach to food and fitness. Although losing weight is a concern, it is not a primary one for me, as I just need to first get into the habit of making better food choices and exercising regularly (for me that means several times throughout the week). I'm hesitant to set a specific weight loss goal because I fear that will be the only thing I'll focus on, and once the weight is lost, I'll revert back to my old eating habits. So, my fitness goal this year is to cultivate a mindset of conscious eating and exercising.

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Kay R.January 10, 2015 at 9:26 PM
We've discussed this ... I was a beast as well and then I dont know what happened. Im back at it and we can message each other encouragement to go. We will both get back there. And girlie YOU'RE HOT!
Christina at soldoutarenas.wordpress.comJanuary 27, 2015 at 8:22 AM
Toward the end of 2014 I fell off the fitness wagon hard and gained about 15 pounds. I said I was going to do better this year but the first few weeks of 2015 didn't really go any better. Yesterday I started to track my food and my weight again. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish. Can't wait to read your posts as well!