Update April 2020: Robin lost 7 more pounds for a total of 92 pounds gone.Β She shared with us how she has worked hard to maintain her success.
Iβm back! In my previous submission, I spoke about how I lost weight and why. Now, I want to share about the real hard part: MAINTAINING. My current weight isΒ 158 pounds.
For the last year, Iβve been running. April 15th, 2019 was the first time I stepped off of a treadmill to hit the pavement. It was hard as heck for a while, but I was determined to participate in a 5k that I was invited to for someoneβs birthday. Who does that?
I mapped out routes to take every day after work. I connected with other runners. I read books and watched YouTube videos as we. I also decided to become active in Black Girls Run. So, I surrounded myself with like-minded individuals. I run through inner-city neighborhoods speaking to folks about health and hoping to be an example.
My first 5k took me 36+ minutes to complete, but I did it. Since then, Iβve run many 5kβs and only do them for fun. Iβve also run two 15kβs (9 miles), and three half marathons (13 miles). I ride my bike at least 10 to 12 miles once a week. Iβm currently up to running 20 miles. I did this all within a year while training for a full marathon (26 miles).
I have to admit itβs pricey to buy the correct running gear, pay for races, going out of town, and buying a good bike thatβs comfortable for me. However, I look at it as an investment in myself. Therefore I feel good about my purchases.
My primary purpose is to remind my Sistas that after the weight is gone, we STILL have to maintain, or it will come back. Thatβs why it is important to make this a lifestyle change and not a trend. I wish everyone a stress-free life filled with good health and happiness!
Transformation of the Day: Robin lost 85 pounds. For this grandmother of four, health is the number one priority. With a made up mind, she transformed her eating habits and made sure that her gym membership didn’t go to waste. This Glamma put in work. Check out her story.
I started my journey in February 2017, and Iβve come further than I ever imagined. My first step was to make up my mind. Once that was official, my body followed. I never gave up, even though I didnβt have a work out buddy or anyone to hold me accountable.
Motivation: Being 5β3″ and 250 lbs, I was fed up with being in denial about being overweight. I had become a Grandmother of 2 at the time, and I felt like one. When I looked in the mirror, I never connected with who I saw.
One night, while lying in bed, I prayed to GOD to show me how to find me. Shortly after, I couldnβt think about anything but my health and how to make it better. I constantly felt the need to become an example for my loved ones who were at high risk for hypertension, diabetes and other diseases associated with black women’s high mortality rate. Eventually, my sister/best friend and I decided to remove an obsession from our lives. Mine were chocolate turtles and losing ten pounds. Her’s were Mountain Dew and gaining some muscle.
Eating Habits and Exercise: Once I made up my mind to take my health seriously, I knew I had to change my eating habits and start exercising. So, I gifted myself a gym membership for Valentineβs Day 2017. Determined not to waste money, I went to the gym EVERY DAY, some days twice a day. I also removed fried foods, pasta, bread, and sugar from my diet. After several months of doing cardio and being dissatisfied with my results, I decided to tweak my eating habits once more and removed fruit from my diet. After 7 months, my results became visual. I began strength training and doing less cardio, which brought me to 165 pounds. Now Iβm strong, and I love it. I use to wear workout gear for style NOW, and I wear it for a purpose.
I can now say that I honestly have a truthful body image about myself. After years of believing that I was β big boned β or β thick,β I now can admit my perception wasnβt good for my longevity. I never had any medical issues on paper, but my body often ached from my neck to my feet. I was easily tired and had poor sleeping and eating habits. Now that Iβm a Granny to 4 beautiful, brown children my health is my first priority.
Now, it’s 2019, and I’m approaching my 2nd year Fit anniversary. I’m visiting the gym 5 days a week, going out dancing twice a week, and doing yoga when I can fit it in. I’m also an assistant coach 3 days a week for a youth dance squad. All of this has become my normal way of life. I can now proudly and confidently say Iβm living life and no longer letting life live me. Iβve learned to find happiness within myself and in new experiences vs. finding it in people and food. My sincere prayer is that EVERY BLACK WOMAN feels the daily euphoria that I feel, along with being fit and NOT to just losing weight.
You can find me on Instagram and Facebook at @GlammaFitness
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Crystal M. says
Congrats to getting fit and looking good. My stomach is bigger than your “before” stomach due to over eating and 3 c-sections. How did you get your stomach down? Ive been told that i wont be able to because of my stomach muscles being cut but i have hope.
Lori says
Robin,
Your initial assessment and motivation to be the healthiest you, was spot on! Iβve watched your videos and heard you reach out to others that may be dealing with weight, eating, and lifestyle issues. Kuddos My Sista! Enjoy the Marathon of a Healthier and more productive life; for not only those Grands but for GAMMA too…Smiles!
Robin says
I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to read and listen to my post. Iβm overwhelmed that you took the time to write a comment.
Detra says
Excellent!!! Very inspiring! You look fantastic!
Robin says
Iβm thankful for your comment. My purpose is to inspire others
Shalonda says
Omg as I say this tears or rolling down my eyes. I started working out doing cardio but it just seemed like I wasn’t going anywhere. But to see your motivation Robin all the things you cut out of your diet. Here Im still eating fruit to replace my sweet tooth. Today Im taking it back I am going back to the gym and start over. Stay tunned Ill defiantly be going back to the gym as soon as they open. Ill start back over. Thank you for sharing your story. Just watch your motivation has truly motivated me to just get up and do it. I have to I have many health issues.
Latesha Ward says
You Got This!
Latesha Ward says
Get It Glamma! Great job!
Shondell M Brown says
Thank You & I appreciate your story! Way To Go Ladyπ!
Malissa says
Congratulations, you’re beautiful!