I get my measurements done about every 6 months by the PT at the gym. Today was the day, and it was all good news. They gave me a copy to bring home with me, and it lists my measurements from the first time I had them done about a year ago (3/7/12). Here are my number...

3/7/12 - 3/4/13
weight: 223 169
Heart rate 82 66

Biceps 15 1/4" 12 3/4"
Chest 42 1/2" 35 3/4"
Waist 40 7/8" 35 3/4"
Hips 49 7/8" 41 1/8"
Thigh 26" 22"

Body fat % 45.2% 27.6%

27.6%!! That is fantastic! The PT wanted me to get below 30% body fat, and I have succeeded. It feels marvelous! My next goal is to get to 25%. That is a lot of inches lost too. I read somewhere that the waist measurement should be below 35" for optimal health, and I am almost there. The weight loss is terrific too. I have now lost 151 pounds. Holy Toledo, that is a lot of weight! I can't carry that much weight more than a few paces, and I was carrying that much with me everywhere. I can hear my heart and lungs saying a big "thank you" for getting rid of all that weight. So, I only have 9 pounds to go and I will be half the woman I was when I started this journey.

Today's 5% challenge blog topic is about encouragement to develop and maintain our new habit. With awesome numbers like these I am VERY encouraged. I can imagine how much healthier I can get still... it looks good on me!