... to look like at goal, lol.

Now, mind you, I am not complaining. My body looks 110% better than it did 38 lbs ago. But, I look in the mirror... and I still have that big ba-donka-donk and those big thighs. And I still have cellulite. And I still have that silly-looking "pouch" on my lower belly.

Not quite what I had fantasized about at the beginning of this journey. But, I see myself and my body as a constant work-in-progress. So... Here's to another 9 lbs. I am hoping that 120 will bring me closer to the body I envisioned in January.

I also foresee a lot of toning and weight-resistant exercises in my future. I think my biggest problem is that I just need to tone up more.

I don't expect to look like a model... but, where before, 120 seemed impossible... 120 now seems perfectly attainable. I have the tools, I have the knowledge... and I have 3FC for support. So, onward and downward... here's to banishing another 9 lbs.

Welcome

I think you'll find that strength training really makes a big difference. Sometimes the scale stays the same but you start dropping sizes and changing your body.

While I think you look great- I think that you are right that toning will definitely help you out

Oh and one thing that also helps with cellulite is just lotioning up- you don't need fancy and expensive creams- just a good hydrating cream with vitamin E (The NIVEA stuff works well and is cheap too), what helps is the rubbing motion on your legs- I remember reading once somewhere just lotioning up once a day for a few minutes helps reduce cellulite in like 6 weeks (I know that's a lot of lotion but I noticed a difference for myself in two weeks).

I've read sooo many times about the importance of keeping our goals flexible! You make a very good point!

First off, you look GOOD!!

Second, I know what you mean about reaching your goal weight but not looking exactly like you want, even though you know you look awesome and healthy.

Third, I too think weight lifting is what you need. And I think you'll see results really quickly, because you don't have much weight left to lose.

Plus, it will make you feel strong and empowered! That's how it makes me feel... like I could (maybe) defend myself if someone attacked me or if I had to carry someone in an emergency, I could. I like to think of "real world" reasons for being strong, it keeps me motivated.

Congrats on your loss so far!

Thanks everyone!

Beerab- Thank you so much for the information on the lotion and cellulite. Honest-to-goodness I had never heard of that... but if you say it works, I am on board! I'll give it a shot and see what happens.

Julie- I agree, losing inches should be more of a target for me. I don't really care what the scale says anyways... I just wanna look and feel great!

SusanB- I had also heard about many people reaching goal and then re-evaluating... but I never thought that would be me. I always thought I would just be so happy to get this far, I wouldn't have it in me to go any farther. However, my success up until this point has only motivated me MORE! I have seen what is possible, and I have faith in my abilities to achieve the body I want.

ChickenNugget (cute name!)- Weight lifting does make me feel strong and empowered. I just managed to fall into a 3 month hiatus on it *embarrassed*. I have had a pretty active job, so I am burning more calories daily than I used to... hence to continued drop in weight. But, I really need to tone! And you are right, there are so many real world reasons to build muscle and be strong!

LMR -- Weight training would change your shape into something you would like a lot better.... Mel, a long time member here, also didn't like her shape when she lost her weight, she started weight training and changed her shape completely, went down a size although the scale did not reflect any weightlosss... So I really do think that weights are your future

Well I think you look great and congratz on your progress so far..
Keep up the good work...

LittleMoonRabbit, congrats on getting so close to your goal. Those last 10 lbs make a HUGE difference so don't fret, things will definitely change. Regarding weight training, that is what jump started my whole journey. I took a weight training class at work and fell in love. At 46, my body looks nothing like it did in my early 20s. I've spent the last 25 years either morbidly obese or obese. My body is no where near perfect, but clothed I look awesome!

You DO look good! High fives to you. I'm 5'2" as well, though, and I can tell you that even at my lowest weight (125 pounds) I still had a little pouch belly and flabby thighs, because I never worked out. Working out might help a lot. Anyway, just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one who can be at 125 pounds and still have some weight you want to get rid of. I'm going to remain flexible too but my final goal is around 115-120 because I wasn't satisfied at 125 either. Best of luck to you!

Exercise makes a big difference. When I first got down to this weight at the very beginning of this year, I had two or three less tummy inches than I do now, after not exercising all summer. And an inch less on the hips. And I was only doing yoga and running 9 miles a week.

LMR - I hear ya! My original goal was 150, but what was really unexpected was how huge a change the last couple of pounds made - I started to see it come off the trouble spots (thighs/butt). I'm building a lot of muscle again with swimming, and if I can swap a couple last pounds of fat out, I should be pretty content. It IS exciting to see hints of the possibilities, isn't it?

I too never thought I'd be one of those people who re-evaluated their original goal. My first 'excuse' was to lose a few more so I had a 5lb 'cushion'. Having done that I'm still not sure I want to stop here. I know I don't want to lose anymore on my face, shoulders and boobs but there's room for improvement on my lower body. I don't think my lower tummy pouch will ever go and I'm not concerned about that. However the little roll above my waist, just under my ribs only appeared a little while ago and I hate it. I'm toning and have dropped nearly a full size with only 4 or 5 lbs lost. People around me are telling me not to lose anymore but I don't know.

Kitty

What I've learned from my weight loss experience in the last 15 lbs, Sometimes if you work your upper body a little bit, the lower body will take care of itself. Try push-ups on the wall or on the floor. It looks like you just need to balance out muscle strength. And remember that you may gain a pound or two working out! Smoothing out body is a different goal than scale weight, so don't be discouraged!!! Muscles weigh more. Go for the feel and the fit in your clothing if your scale weight goes up a bit. Try some hip-opening exercises too. We tend to "wait to exhale" in our hips.

Hi I am new here and I just wanted to add that bodyweight training(such as V-ups) is really good. is till have 40 lbs till goal but I have been doing these exercises and my stomach is definetly tightening up as I loose. I had a baby so I also have a pooch but it is no longer hanging over and I know if I continue and loose weight it will be flat. Hope that helps,
P.S. you look awesome!