Hi everyone! These are my progress pictures. They are taken every 4 weeks, starting 3/11 through 5/12. The past two months, the scale hasn't moved very much at all (and that's ok), but I have definitely gotten stronger.

3/11--8/11


9/11-2/12


3/12-5/12

Wow mj5! That is so cool to see! And in the last couple of pictures, you are looking so toned, you look amazing!

Martine--Thank you! I have really shifted focus to more strenghth/muscle development. I still have a little bit of weight I would like to lose and I will, eventually. No rush, though. Last night I wore a tank top out with friends for the first time EVER. (That was one of my first goals....to feel comfortable in sleeveless shirts)

Great job!

That's so awesome!!!

WOW, just WOW! Thanks for posting, such an encouragement.

thanks ladies! Let me tell you, it took me a looooong time to be ready to actually focus on me. I had every possible excuse in the book. Anyone can do this. The key is to NEVER give up. I lost and re-gained several times, but always came back to working at it. I hated to exercise, with a passion. Now, I love my workouts. They are the one time of day I get just for me. That won't happen for everyone, but keep going on your journey. Find what works for you. that's what matters!

You look incredible and the changes in your strength are especially obvious. Those guns look awesome. And I can SEE your quads through your exercise pants.

Excellent progress, your hard work has definitely paid off.

You look awesome MJ!

Great progress and every reason to be proud!

Thank you! I actually JUST bought some sleeveless shirts and a dress. I've worked HARD on my arms (still working on them)...now it's time to show them off a bit

Taryl--Thanks! Funny you mention my quads. I actually have a bad knee. Two years ago, my orthopedist told me it was time for a total knee replacement. Umm..nope. That's what REALLY kicked me in the booty to make some serious changes. It took me a while to figure out what was going to work for me, but I did. I saw my orthopedist last month and besides being absolutely thrilled with my progress/weight loss, he told me two things: your quads are strong (they have always, always, always been super weak) AND he was glad he didn't operate. Sure, I may need to have more knee surgery someday, but not anytime soon!

You look wonderful, both lean and strong!
I like the many photos of your progress and am inspired to do the same.

Congratulations on your success!

I love the monthly photos. Congratulations, you look great!

You have done an amazing job! Congratulations!

I'm so glad you posted! Besides being an inspiration, you motivated me to take "before" pics....even though I don't want to do it, I know I'll want to be able to do the comparison "after".

Awesome job!