[Wxchic]

I have been absent lately, and I apologize. I had a few personal stuggles this past summer, but I never stopped exercising and I never stopped thinking about YOU. For that I am GRATEFUL!!

I want you all to know that I'm back and ready to support you all! It has been a few months, but I want to know where you stand. Are you ready to make more goals for 2009? Our collective goal will be to MAKE OUR GOALS! So let's go, ladies!

It is TIME to get fit!! It is TIME to drop the pounds! It is TIME to put ourselves FIRST!!!

Who is in with me?

Sign in! Tell me your goals. Tell me what you are doing. Tell me how I can get YOU motivated!!

[ScrappingForever]

Yaaay Theresa!

My goal is to get in the best shape of my life by the time I turn 45 in March. I'm almost half-way to my goal.

My work-out routine is now the Beachbody Master Series videos. But I will be switching to a new one called ChaLEAN Extreme as soon as that's released...hopefully some time this month. It's another Beachbody video program, I'm thinking it's another 90 day program with focus on creating lean muscles. I've seen several previews and it looks awesome!

And of course, my family and I will be continuing to eat clean and healthy.

Let's go, Scrap Girls! Let's make it through this holiday season better than ever!

[Wxchic]

I'm going to get me some kettebelles at Target this week!! I'm excited to try them.

You go, Jan!! So glad you are with me!! You look great already, by the way...

[lorac]

Hi Theresa,

I'm finding it very hard to get back on the schtick and get back to Jenny Craig, or at least some sort of weight control regime. When I was living in Los Angeles and working, I went to Jenny Craig constantly and bought their food and lost about 60 pounds. I walked at least 1/2 hour every day and sometimes twice a day. I have about 30 pounds to go to reach my next goal and then another 20 after that to reach my final goal.

I just moved back to New York after a very stressful 8 months being out of work. I am currently sharing my sister's one bedroom apartment with her seven cats and my one. I've been very stressed and of course my poor cat has been so stressed that he started spraying around the house and so the vet put him on Prozac. He and one of the other cats were fighting and that cat has also been put on Prozac. They seem to be doing better, but it's been rough. So my stress level has been high and of course, what do you do when you are stressed, YOU EAT. I am also diabetic and need to keep my carb intake under control, which of couse it hasn't been. I've been eating too much pasta, Italian bread, ice cream etc. I try to get out for a walk every day, but don't always manage it as I just get too depressed and figure why bother. I'm sitting here right now and crying, just because.......

I need some motivation for getting back into watching my diet and getting out and walking more often. There is a beautiful park across the street from my sister's house and then there is The Bronx Botanical Gardens only a few blocks away. White Plains Avenue is just a few blocks away, but it's not much to look at. Just a lot of stores and I've seen them all plenty of times now. In Los Angeles, there was always the beach to go to and walk there and along the bluff on the coast highway. I miss that very, very much. It's not the same here in New York. Of course, I do go into Manhattan and walk around there. That I enjoy very much. I walked 1/4 of the way across the Brooklyn Bridge and it was a beautiful day and I had a nice time. Went down to Seaport Village and that was great just being near the water.

Any help and motivation that you can send my way would be very appreciative. I didn't mean to write this much, but once I started it just came out.

[Wxchic]

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling...

You had it going great! Let's pick it up where you left off. Can you find a Jenny in NY? THere must be a ton of them. Or, does she do a program online?

Here is what I would do about the exercise. Get yourself a second hand jogging stroller...the kind you can close. Take your cat with you on a walk in the park! It would do you both good. You can both get some stress relief. The stroller can be far from perfect, since it is for your cat. Think about it!! The weather is going to turn in a hurry in the NE so if you can get this going, you can get in a good month before the weather gets too cold.

I'm here for you. Let's work this day by day. Get yourself some healthy snacks. Go to Vitalicious.com and order some of these muffin tops. You can store them in the freezer and they work GREAT for carb cravings!! Get salad bags and make a big salad for lunch. Soup is also a great craving fighter.

Don't give up on me Carol! Let's get it going!!

[Shelbi]

Well I would LOVE to lose about 30 pounds.
But that sounds like sooo much.
I keep telling myself that now Dev is in kindergarten I can start working out.
But it never seems to actually happen.

Maybe we can all motivate each other.

[April Showers]

Finally, my thyroid numbers are normalizing! My diet and exercise really didn't change that much over the last year, but wow, my weight did! It was super-frustrating. But now with the numbers approaching normal I'm starting to lose a few pounds, so it is quite encouraging. I leave for a WW weigh-in in a few minutes. My goal is to get back to my "lifetime" weight which is 40 pounds less than I was when I weighed in last week (33 of which I gained in the last year). It has been a really hard year. I'm looking for 2009 to be WAY better.

[lyoung04]

Theresa,
I just picked up a small kettlebell at Target last week. I have read about the kettlebells on
another thread that Mel had. It is awesome how much they really work your body!
I started really slow as I really need to get back in to some exercise program. I need to lose
at least 20lbs. We have been in apartments for the last year and I have
limited access to any areas to safely walk. Back home in WI I could
use my treadmill but here in S.C. I couldn't bring all that with me.
I am excited and know you gals will encourage me. So I started with
a very simple workout. If anyone has any suggestions for a workout plan or have experience
with the kettlebells please let me know. I am pretty novice about this so any suggestions
will be very appreciated.
I am 58 yrs. old. 5'2" and have had 2 bypass surgeries.
20 lbs overweight and have been unfortunately too sedate in the last 8 months or so.

Thank you for listening and thanks Theresa for starting this thread.

[sarabethp]

lyoung04, on Nov 3 2008, 09:15 AM, said:

Theresa,
I just picked up a small kettlebell at Target last week. I have read about the kettlebells on
another thread that Mel had. It is awesome how much they really work your body!
I started really slow as I really need to get back in to some exercise program. I need to lose
at least 20lbs. We have been in apartments for the last year and I have
limited access to any areas to safely walk. Back home in WI I could
use my treadmill but here in S.C. I couldn't bring all that with me.
I am excited and know you gals will encourage me. So I started with
a very simple workout. If anyone has any suggestions for a workout plan or have experience
with the kettlebells please let me know. I am pretty novice about this so any suggestions
will be very appreciated.
I am 58 yrs. old. 5'2" and have had 2 bypass surgeries.
20 lbs overweight and have been unfortunately too sedate in the last 8 months or so.

Thank you for listening and thanks Theresa for starting this thread.

I am so with this. I was just thinking yesterday that I needed a support group. I just moved away from all my support and gained another 5 lbs. My ultimate goal would be 50 lbs, but I like to make small goals. I want to lose 10 lbs by New Years. I think I am going to go get a kettleball, but I have really bad knees (makes walking and jogging hard). Can anyone recommend some program that is easy on the knees?

[sheriL]

Well, my goal was 15 pounds by Christmas - I haven't made much progress, and Christmas is a lot closer than when I started - I'd have to lose about 2 pounds a week to make it. I'm still working towards that, but as long as I make a lot of progress in the right direction, I'm good with that. I usually do tae kwon do 2x a week, and try for kettlebells 2-3x a week. Last month was crazy, so I didn't make it to tkd hardly at all, and they the last 10 days I've had a miserable cold, so I really didn't do anything. Life should be settling down, and my colds almost gone, so now I'm getting back on that wagon. I'm also trying to watch what I eat - keeping the sugar limited, watching my portions, trying to have healthy, small snacks regularly. I kind of gave myself "permission" to blow the healthy eating for a few days last week, so now its back to trying to be more aware of what goes in my mouth.
My goal right now is to lose between 10 & 15 pounds by Christmas, and lost the rest of my extra (5-10 pounds) by next summer.

[lorac]

Wxchic, on Nov 3 2008, 10:17 AM, said:

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling...

You had it going great! Let's pick it up where you left off. Can you find a Jenny in NY? THere must be a ton of them. Or, does she do a program online?

Here is what I would do about the exercise. Get yourself a second hand jogging stroller...the kind you can close. Take your cat with you on a walk in the park! It would do you both good. You can both get some stress relief. The stroller can be far from perfect, since it is for your cat. Think about it!! The weather is going to turn in a hurry in the NE so if you can get this going, you can get in a good month before the weather gets too cold.

I'm here for you. Let's work this day by day. Get yourself some healthy snacks. Go to Vitalicious.com and order some of these muffin tops. You can store them in the freezer and they work GREAT for carb cravings!! Get salad bags and make a big salad for lunch. Soup is also a great craving fighter.

Don't give up on me Carol! Let's get it going!!

I have one of those cat strollers for Martini. I bought it for him for the plane ride from LA to NY. However, he is 17 pounds and very long and the house part of the stroller is too small for him. Besides, he would freak out if I took him outside. The first time that I took him out for a car ride, he pooped in the carrier and howled all the way downstairs to the car. He had to be sedated for the plane ride to New York. He freaks out at the littlest noise, and when someone comes in the house, he runs and hides. He's not what you would call an outdoor cat. However, he did like sitting out on our terrace in Los Angeles. Of course that took weeks for me to get him outside on the terrace. I don't think he will make a very good walking partner. I think it will be me and my camera going for walks.

I'm checking out Jenny Craig here in The Bronx. In the meantime I'll try and watch my food intake and just use Weight Watchers dinners and Lean Cuisine.

[JoannB]

I was on the treadmill this morning and thinking about you, Teresa, AND about the weight loss challenges! I'm so glad to see this pop up!

I just started Weight Watchers - online - and I'm looking to lose 20 lbs. I gained way too much weight this year -- stress & too much computer time -- and I'm going to LOSE IT! WOO-HOO!!!

My plan is lots of running/walking, and counting those points, and using that kettlebell, and being more active! I did so good last week -- it's nice to have a guideline, instead of eating whatever I feel like. Although.... I do like the freedom of Weight Watchers, because if I want to eat a corn dog, I can... I just have to starve the rest of the day. LOL.

(ewe. Why did I mention corn dog? Yuck. My youngest ds is on a Corn Dog kick; maybe that's why I did. Or maybe it's subliminal, because I really don't like them, but maybe deep inside I do... ewe. yuck.)

Go everyone!!

[KBT]

OK Sheril! I am RIGHT there with you! I have been carrying baby weight for 7 years now I too want to lose 10-15 pounds by Christmas. I do NOT want to get a peice of luggage again from my mother because she didn't know what size to buy me and she knew I was trying to lose weight! (She is the only person who buys me clothes... including me!- Its too hard not to recognize the person in the mirror... I still think I am a size 6P!)

This thread is so timely. I am on it now ladies! Thanks!!!

[Becca]

Well, well, well. My ultimate goal is to lose 50 pounds. Let's say by next October. That's 6 months a month. Very reasonable, right?

How do I want to do this? I've jumped on the Kettlebell bandwagon, and that's where I'm going to start my exercise routine at. I still have the elliptical machine for every other day as well. I've toyed around with the idea of doing Weight Watchers online. I have to keep meticulous records of Chaislynn's (my youngest DD's) food each day, including weighing it out and such, so WW should be a fairly easy jump for myself.

But from past experience, I know to start slow or I'll give it up. This week's goal is two Kettlebell workouts.

[Wxchic]

Hey, hey, hey!! It is WEDNESDAY! What did YOU do today for exercise? I'm on the treadmill. I do 50 minutes working up to 3.6 mph at level 9 (random mode). It is hard, and I work up a huge sweat...but I feel like a million bucks afterward and don't feel guilty when I indulge in a treat after dinner.

What?!? You say you don't have time? Well MAKE the time! Get up an hour earlier...give up your lumch hour...doing housework? Then work in 5 extra trips up and down the stairs. Tomorrow make it 6 trips. Add a trip everyday until you reach 20 trips! That is a calorie BURN, baby!!

Let's hear about your day! Want to start tomorrow? That is fine, but you better check in with me and let me know what you did!

[ScrappingForever]

I did a program called Plyo Legs, which basically means a bunch of intense leg exercises that really works the quads, gluts, hamstrings and calfs. Can you say OUCH! OUCH! But as you said, Theresa, I feel like a million bucks when I'm done, and I know I did a good thing for my body and my health.

Go Scrap Girls, Go!

[JoannB]

Oh, Theresa - I'm almost feeling guilty that I haven't got on the treadmill for two days. I woke up this morning with a burning desire (yeah, right!!!) to finish up my applesauce (the apples were rotting..... had to do it today), and just haven't had the time. I will do it tomorrow, though. I will! I will walk up and down the stairs lots of times, though. That's a good idea. I'll do it every time I think about it. Break up the exercise into segments. Yep. That's what I'll do.

Thanks!!

[April Showers]

Yesterday, I walked to the optometrist to pay a bill, probably a mile and a half or two. This morning I did my regular 5:30 am step class at the gym. And I lost 1 1/2 pounds last week. Halloween and all. Helps that I didn't buy the candy.

[ScrappingForever]

Way to go, April! That's fantastic!

[Becca]

I did nothing today. Nada. I wanted to, then spent the morning on the phone. By the time that was all cleared up, I had a headache and was in no mood for a workout. But yesterday I did do my kettlebell workout - start to finish. Tomorrow's another day, and I should be able to get in another KB workout in without any trouble.

[Wxchic]

Ok, girls!!! GET OFF YOUR BUTT!

How are you doing on this THURSDAY?

I got my kettlebells but ordered the DVD on line so I have to wait until Monday to start them.

In the meantime I picked up 5 lb ankle weights and have added them to my workout. Oh, I'm DYIN' here! Great GREAT workout! Doing the treadmill as normal but with the weights.

Let me know what you did today!

[April Showers]

Cleaning the house is exercise, right?

[MaryJo]

I am so glad you're back !!! Well, I am an absolute physical mess ! Since the accident, I gained back the 40lbs, I lost plus I added another 10lbs. I have a Drs. Appt on the 19th this month and hopefully he will allow me to start a more vigirous routine than just a short walk here and there!

So at 5ft. 4ins, I'm 190lbs, lets talk about what strain that puts on my back. I have started to watch what I eat, but when I do anything physical at all, I am just exhausted and have to rest for the rest of the day. I feel like I'm as weak as a kitten !

Since the surgery was in August, I was hoping, I'd be farther along than I am. So, I really need support and any ideas that you may have !! I know I was in a depression as well and scared out of my wits to even be a passenger in a car, but I am driving myself now and I don't have that hazy film over myself that much anymore. There are times when my back is so painful that I just sit and cry , feeling like this is all I'll ever have, but I know deep down inside that isn't true, but it still feels that way !

So, for 2009 my goals are pretty simple :
1) To be positive and not give in to the depression
2) get back on a diet of some kind
3) most importantly, I need to start a routine of exercise, slowly at first but by Feb. I'd like to be up to at least a 1mile walk a day. Before the accident I was up to 3miles aday whether on the treadmill or outside .

Pretty simple but its not for me !

[lyoung04]

Well I have done Kettlebell workouts Mon & Wed. I should be doing them every
day but am starting at everyother! I am trying to ease into this as it wears me out fast.
(I am too out of shape)
Anyone have a routine with the kettlebells that works good?? I think I am doing ok
but this is new to me so I am not sure. Any suggestions??

MaryJo-glad to hear you are feeling better. Just take it very slow and don't overdue!
Slowly you will get your strength back and then be able to do more.

[soozlou]

Theresa, this is such a good idea! I have never struggled with my weight until this year. I don't have that much to lose, but I've definately noticed for the first time that I can't just eat whatever I want. The ponds WILL creep on.

I'm a runner, but during the winter I do the eliptical. Unfortunately, lately, I'm very erratic in my workouts. This will get me motivated to do it every day. I just want to be healthy!

Jan, did I see that you are doing Beach Bodies P90X workout?! If so, you are hard core and I'm impressed! My husband does that program with a friend of his, and it kicks their butts! (And they are both in shape.) Keep it up!

Thanks for the support, Theresa!

[MaryJo]

lyoung04, on Nov 6 2008, 04:03 PM, said:

Well I have done Kettlebell workouts Mon & Wed. I should be doing them every
day but am starting at everyother! I am trying to ease into this as it wears me out fast.
(I am too out of shape)
Anyone have a routine with the kettlebells that works good?? I think I am doing ok
but this is new to me so I am not sure. Any suggestions??

MaryJo-glad to hear you are feeling better. Just take it very slow and don't overdue!
Slowly you will get your strength back and then be able to do more.

I know I need to work back into it ! I just can't stand this weight anymore ! Its just awful, I hate to be seen in public !!!! icky

[April Showers]

I know how you feel Mary Jo. I've never been this heavy in my life. (Nope, not even before I delivered any of my babies). I do a double-take when I see myself in the mirror. This thyroid problem has been one of the most frustrating things I"ve ever had to deal with. I know how to stay in shape. I know how to eat right. And when you're doing it and gaining 10 pounds in a month, it just makes you cry. You can't not eat anything. Just like you can't get up and start running tomorrow. Sometimes we just have to deal with the challenges life throws at us the best we can.

[Becca]

I was supposed to work out today, but the girls' playdate turned into an all-day affair. So no official workout for me, but we did spend quite a bit of time outside, raking leaves over and over to jump in the piles. That counts for something, right? Oh, and we took a walk, too. Played Frisbee with the dog.

I guess I did get something worthwhile accomplished today after all.

[debbiek]

Help! A couple of years ago I met--and exceeded-- my WW goal and became a lifetime member. Then, I went through a bad depression went on medication, then quit smoking, and put on 30+ pounds. My husband lost his job while I kept working (that in itself is stressful!). I broke my foot in March and am having problems with it even now, in November, so exercising is difficult. I need help! I went back to counting points, etc. for WW, but the nearest place to weigh in is 35 miles from here and it's too far to travel at night so I fluctuate--weeks counting points and weeks just not caring. I sound like I'm making excuses, but I really am trying. It's miserable not being able to wear any of my clothes from a year ago! We moved to a new state, and my husband has a job with a start-up bank (in today's economy, who's investing in new banks??) and I have a parttime job (the first time in 32 years I haven't worked full time). My body is just out of control. Help me get on track!!

[SandiC.]

OK, I'm jumping on this bandwagon too. At the medical conference I went to last week, there were several talks on women's health issue, especially cardiovascular stuff. It hit me really hard about what terrible shape I'm in. The nice thing was the conference was held at Marco Island and the hotel I was staying in was about a 1/2 mile from the hotel the conference was held in so I walked back and forth a couple of times a day, ON THE BEACH. It was so great!. No beaches to walk on in Kansas City, but I do belong to the Y so I'll be there more often now. One of the cardiology papers reported on showed the best weight loss and cardiovascular benefit from exercise with periods of intense exercise three times a week. Their recommendations are 4, 4 minute intervals of cardiovascular exercise at 95% maximal heart rate with periods of 50-60% maximal HR.

I also got the small kettlebell at Target the day before I left for Florida, so I'll try that tomorrow.

And I've ordered Tosca Reno's book and cookbook. My goal is to lose 25 pounds in 6 months, starting tomorrow.