What 7 Pounds Means to Me #RealYouYMCA

I am participating in The Real You program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.

It's the end of week four of Real You Weight Loss Program at the YMCA!

242,235 steps, 25 days, and seven pounds are gone!

This is the first time that I've attempted to lose weight with diet and exercise. I hate working out and sweating.

I'm surprised to learn that I start to get anxious if I can't get to the Y by a certain time. Not because I don't want to go. In fact, it's the opposite. I want to get to the gym! This is an altogether new feeling for me.

I still don't love it. But, battle ropes are pretty awesome for getting rid of stress.

#Week4of8! Weight-in day and battle ropes plus row machine, squats, planks, and free weights at the @clevelandymca today. 💪🔥 This is certainly not a flattering video and definitely not cute but it shows my determination to go from #fattofitincle! 👊❤ Today I learned that I prefer battle ropes to rowing and I'm down three more pounds - only 77 more to go! 😂 #fattofit #fitness #clevelandfitness #eatplaylivecle #ymca #busymom #instamood #lunchtimeworkout #fattofitmom #weightloss #weightlossdiary #sweaty #bemomstrong @tjmaxx

A video posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on May 9, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT

And, stationary bikes are pretty fun!

The hardest part, besides Denise's workouts, is being patient with myself.

It's so aggravating looking at pictures from just last October. I was losing and just gave up. I'm also not going to beat myself up about it anymore. That's what battle ropes are for.

Besides, I'm on the right track now. Plus, I only cried once while watching my husband eat a bacon stout brownie. I may have overreacted. But, allowing myself a little treat each day helps keeps the cravings (and crying) in check. Sometimes it's dark chocolate, sometimes it's a big bowl of fruit, and other days a glass of Guinness. It's just not all of it at the same time.

So, what do seven pounds mean to me?

Seven pounds means that I can ride 4.4 miles on a stationary bike and like it.

Seven pounds means my jeans are a little looser.

Seven pounds means I can take four flights and not be winded.

Seven pounds means that going through sugar withdrawal is paying off.

Seven pounds is like carrying a pineapple and a two liter of soda then putting them down.

Seven pounds is so close to ten pounds.

Seven pounds is not enough for other people to notice, but it's enough to get my butt into a yoga class.