[Vaughnde]

WTG JoEllen and I was laughing over your hoping that the pants would stay up....Some of my sweats are like that now too You do look good my friend!

[ScrappingForever]

JoEllen! Look at you! You look awesome! Way to go!!!!

[StephRN]

Hi Everyone,
Jenna, I'm glad to hear you're plugging away at X. I have to admit that the yoga workouts are not my favorites simply b/c she repeats many of the moves more times than I like. I keep doing them so I can increase my "strength potential". I suspect it's working 'cause I've increased my flexibility quite a bit already.

Jan, Rev Abs sounds great. So many great programs. It's no wonder you look so awesome.

JoEllen. I love, love, love those photos. I suspect God would have forgiven you if your assets had accidentally been displayed. I'm so proud of you. A size 12 is awesome. That's my next size down and I'm really looking forward to it. Like you, I don't own more than one pair 'cause I'm not stopping 'til I hit hottie status.

V, it's good to hear that your sweats have gotten loose. WTG.

I fell off the wagon these last two work days. Saturday was okay. I ate well but was totally exhausted after work and fell into bed. Sunday we had a potluck and there was only one healthy dish present. I really, really fell off the wagon. Then they asked me to stay an extra 4 hrs. So, my 17 hr day ended at midnight.

I did Lean Circuit 3 and it was hard to get back in the groove but it felt so good to get it done. All that junk food is really making itself felt today. I'm tired and achy. That'll teach me to stick to my guns.

My goal for tomorrow is Burn it Off & Recharge.

[jeschaff]

I got my workout in today, although I had to take a couple of long breaks before I finished. Two weeks on the sick list really did a number on me. But I am not discouraged! I'll be up and at 'em again tomorrow.

Thanks for all your kind words, and thank you too for not critiquing my self-portrait efforts. It's kinda hard to hold out acres of excess fabric, aim the camera, and have it come out OK. You will notice that I cut my head off in the jeans photo - does that count as part of my weight loss???

Anyway, good to see everyone keeping at it. I know it's a hard time of the year with other stuff getting in the way. Have a great day tomorrow, ladies!

[ScrappingForever]

Steph, you are awesome! So many people would use those two days as an excuse just to stay off the wagon, especially at this time of year. But you're getting right back on and moving forward. I am so proud of you! I'm so proud of all of you! You're making the smart choices to exercise and eat right, and when you can't eat right, you don't berate yourself and get down. That is the way to do it!

And Steph, I think a 17 hour work day was enough of a work out for your body! Give yourself a break, sweetie!

It's supposed to be fairly nice today, in the 50s for a high, so I'm going to head out for a run today. Gonna do the cardio routine from Rev Abs first to warm up and then get my bootay out there!

Hope you all have a splendiferous day!

[StephRN]

Hi Everyone,
JoEllen, I'm with you. I have a cold and ear infection. I had to give myself a couple breaks during my workout to get enough air flowing into my head. I did finish and I'm really glad I made the effort. I love your self-portraits. Maybe you could train the dog to pull on your pants while you snap the photo. LOL. I wish liposuction was as easy as cropping a photo. The elevators at work are really fast (as they should be) and I've had my butt slammed by the doors a couple times. I keep hoping that will work. Or, if nothing else, the ensuing embarassament will burn some extra cals.

Jan, I hope your run went well. Rev Abs is sounding better everytime you mention it.

I did Burn it Off & Recharge today. On Monday the scale went up 1 lb from my bad day at work - I expected it to go up at least 3 lbs. Today it was down again with a little extra too. I can't believe it. The more I do CE, the more I love it. This has beem my healthiest holiday season in a long time.

Tomorrow is a rest day & a work day. I'm planning on just resting so my cold & ear infection can get better. All the sugar I ate on Sunday really exacerbated it and today it's getting better again 'cause my eating is back to normal. Sugar is so hard on my body. My immune system really takes a huge dive.

Stay safe & healthy. I'll see you back here on Thursday.

[jeschaff]

I managed to get all the way through my workout today with only a few short rest breaks and a couple of times when I half-heartedly did the moves. Had a little trouble with the floor work because there was so much perspiration on the mat I kept slipping! But some movement is better than no movement, right?!?

Steph, I continue to be amazed at your perseverence. And don't hurt yourself on the elevators!

Jan, I love that you're still running. I know that wasn't in the plan when you started all this, but isn't it great to be able to stick with it? IMHO, fresh air is better than indoor air for your health.

Hope everyone's having a great day!

[StephRN]

JoEllen, that slipping & sliding definitely counts as core work.

I did Lean Circuit 1.

My goal for tomorrow is TJ cardio and Ab Burner.

[jeschaff]

I've worked out four out of four days this week so far. Planning to do another session of "Burn It Up" today. DD#2 came home Wednesday night and didn't notice anything (might have had something to do with my wearing a jacket at the airport), but Thursday she had to do a double-take when she caught me in my workout wear. Hurray for me!!! I've had to resort to keeping a towel next to the mat to keep from sliding out and I have conquered the pushup problem by starting out at the top rather than the bottom and only going halfway down. NOW maybe it won't be long before I'm lifting myself up off the floor.

Have a great Friday, everyone!

[PBarnes]

It's been over a week since I checked in I think. I'm being good (mostly ) though. I was down just a half pound from last Friday. Just another 1/2 lb. to reach my goal of 10% of my starting body weight. That is my goal to reach before my physical on December 29th. Gonna have to be really strict with myself through Christmas!

We went to a party last Saturday and I tried to be good but I know I ate more than I should because the scale was up on Monday. I'm continuing with my exercise. I got started with my balance ball DVD. I'm going to have to take that one on the easy side for awhile. Trying to do everything as presented in the video left me really sore afterwards. I'm also walking on the treadmill most days.

I apologize for not taking the time to read through everybodies progress. I need to go clean house before family arrives on Sunday. That burns calories too. I already cleaned out a draw in the dresser in the guest room. Took out all the shorts that are too large now and will definitely be too large by the time it's warm enough to wear them.

[StephRN]

JoEllen, I'm so glad DD#2 noticed. Great job with the push ups. I can only do 2 on my toes starting at the top (on good days).

Pat, congrats on that 1/2 lb. I am totally confident that you can make your goal before the 29th. Go Pat Go.

Well my ear infection and cold are really a sinus infection and tonsilitis. I'm on antibiotics. Sigh. I'm not contagious. So, I've been going to work and drinking coffee to keep myself alert and moving.

I did TJ Fat Blaster & Ab Burner today. I can almost do all of the Ab exercises. I have to pause during the oblique twists. Those really get my sides and back burning. Soon....

My goal for tomorrow is Lean Circuit 2.

[StephRN]

Did Lean Circuit 2.

My goal for tomorrow is Burn Intervals and Extreme Abs.

[Laurie in PA]

I've been too ashamed to show my face here. I've only been getting exercise in one day a week. Trying to get back into it
Yesterday, I did the Kathy Smith Long lean - 40 minute aerobic workout

I've really managed to stretch this 12 week program into what seems like a lifetime

[Blesha]

On Thursday I did 20 minutes of Core Wellness exercises. Will do them again on Tuesday, and then again on Friday. Would do them between Tuesday and Friday if it wasn't for Christmas celebration.

[StephRN]

Laurie & Blesha, welcome back. Some movement is better than none.

Today was the first day I've felt well in over a week. I did Get Lean Intervals and I've Got Abs. I can't believe how much sweat I generated in my 63F house. Wow. I've joined the JoEllen slip-n-slide club. It was great. I was getting a bit discouraged yesterday. Today, I'm back to being hopeful.

My goal for tomorrow is Lean Circuit 3 after work. I might switch it up for some TJ cardio if my day runs long at work.

See you back here.

[ScrappingForever]

Well, you'll be glad to know I got plenty of fresh air today, JoEllen! We spent 3 hours shoveling the snow off our driveway today. Ugh, am I sore! I really wish WOWY had shoveling snow as an option, because it was definitely a workout. And since I didn't do any other workout this weekend, it's a good thing!

Will be back into the routine tomorrow, I'm sure. The snow kind of made the weekend into a mini-hibernation/vacation thingy! lol

Glad you're starting to feel better, Steph! Being sick and trying to work out is no fun!

[jeschaff]

Great to see you back, Laurie! Don't worry about how long it's taking you. My Slim In Six is turning into more like 13 weeks because of a recurring virus. I hope you've at least been having fun while not hanging out with Kathy! "Some movement is better than no movement": that's my motto and I'm sticking to it!

Blesha, it's good to see you here again. Hope you're feeling well.

Steph, glad you're feeling better. You continue to amaze me with your persistence!

Jan, I hope you aren't counting today as a rest day! Gotta love that fresh air, though! At least I hope you love it.

I'm very proud of myself. For the first time since I started this program, I worked out six days last week. No interruptions, no excuses, just get up and do it! I'm now sporting a "two-pack" - got some work to make it a six-pack! Woo Hoo! The jeans I bought last week were slightly snug when I got them, now they're just right. And the tape measure showed 1/2 inch less in the waist. I am really happy about all this!

Hope you all have a great Monday!

[StephRN]

JoEllen, you are awesome. And it's so great that you're setting a fabulous example for your DDs. Congrats on the 6 days, the looser new jeans, your 1/2 inch loss and the 2 pack. Those are all incredible accomplishments. Then throw in that we're a couple days from Christmas and you're achievements are stellar in size. WTG. I want to be prez of the JoEllen fan club.

I did Lean Circuit 3---for the LAST time in this "90 day" stretch. I also did Extreme Core Circuit. OMG, my abs are screaming. It's an amazing workout. I haven't been a fan of stability ball workouts until now.

My goal for tomorrow is Burn It Off and some TJ cardio.

[jeschaff]

OK, Steph, now you have me blushing ! My secret for resisting the goodies? I baked a lot of stuff over the weekend and made myself sick with the sampling. The goodies no longer hold their appeal. I will be working out today as soon as DH is done with his endless conference calls. For some reason, they don't like to hear heavy breathing and peppy exercise instructors in the background. Go figure! DD#1 didn't get home until yesterday afternoon because her flight out of Boston was canceled due to blizzard conditions. She hasn't seen me in my workout duds yet, but I'm hoping for a suitable reaction when she does.

I'm planning to order my next program around the 1st, and I'm debating between Chalean Extreme and RevAbs. Anyone have any suggestions? Or recommendations for something else?

Steph, I'm very proud of you! It always amazes me how much you do!

Hope everyone is having a happy, healthy day!

[ScrappingForever]

JoEllen, I would definitely go with ChaLEAN Extreme. I like RevAbs, but not nearly as much as I like ChaLEAN. I think you will get more out of it, and are ready for it.

Way to go, at completing the program and seeing awesome results! I am SO proud of all of you!

I have been a total slacker this week with the exercise, and I am finding that that's okay. Talk about a stress-filled week! The huge snowfall over the weekend has just thrown everything off. The boys were supposed to have school yesterday, today and tomorrow, and they didn't. I was going to get out and finish my shopping, and I couldn't. There were so many things I was planning on getting done this week before they were supposed to be out of school on Thursday, and it just didn't happen. So I find myself getting up early to get things done and then racing out to the stores before the nuts get on the roads and the crowds get too heavy. UGH!

But anyway, I am stressing out enough over everything else. I'm not going to stress out over not exercising. Time enough for that next week!

[StephRN]

JoEllen, I don't know why the heavy breathing and peppy instructions would be a problem. Maybe they need to get some of that in their homes? I smell some green-with-envy stuff going on. I think DH should tell them that you're practicing for him. That ought to stop any further discussion. I totally expect DD#1 to notice. Just wait 'til their favorite store becomes "mom's closet".

I haven't done RevAbs but I love CE. I know my metabolism has increased which makes the slips less dramatic on the scale. I also feel really strong. I truly do feel like a thin person. It'll just take a little while for the outside to catch up. I'd rather have it this way than the reverse. The best part is that I am practicing what I advocate to my patients and their families. Life is good.

Jan, I'm glad you're taking it easy on yourself. You look fabulous. A week off won't break you. Besides, that snow shoveling was definitely paying it forward.

I had to get up at 0230 this morning to take some ibuprofen. My shoulders, triceps, abs and thighs were keeping me awake. How awesome is that. It really highlights for me how much more I can do when I'm healthy.

I did Fat Burn Challenge---which is an amazing workout & Recharge---which my body desperately needed.

My goal for tomorrow is some TJ cardio & an Ab workout.

[jeschaff]

Jan, I think stress burns calories, although I don't think it counts for cardio

Steph, I know there's a skinny person inside you! I think muscle is built "under cover", then melts the fat from the inside. One day you're going to look in the mirror and see the results of all your hard work emerging! Can't wait to hear about it!

DD#1 hasn't said a word about my shape. Of course, she's a computer geek like her father and usually has her eyes focused on the laptop every waking moment, so she may not have taken a look yet. DH's conference calls lasted about 5 hours yesterday. The only exercise his cohorts get is lifting the beer stein! Anyway, I finally got to my workout mid-afternoon, which is really not my best time of day. I've decided that I'm going to continue at my current level until 1/8, then do the 2-day fast, then start CE.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

[StephRN]

JoEllen, your plan sounds great. I'm looking forward to your review of CE.

I did TJ Fat Blaster & Extreme Abs. I'm getting better at the ab work. Yay.

Okay, today is the end of my goal setting month. I know it's a funny date. I chose it b/c the 23rd of Nov was the first day I was cleared to workout after surgery.

So my weight loss goal was 8 lbs. I lost 8.3 lbs. My other goals included eating every 2.5 to 3 hrs; drinking a minimum of 8 cups of water everyday; stop eating at least 3 hrs prior to bedtime; listening to Chalean Extreme Motivation when I'm in the car. As a result of writing my goals down and reading them often, I'm on my way to having some very healthy habits as part of my everyday routine.

Merry Christmas everyone.

My goal for tomorrow is a rest day.

[StephRN]

I ate too much at the Christmas potluck today. It was mostly healthy food but in quantity.

So, I did Fat Burn Challenge and TJ 20 minute party train. Hopefully I scorched off most of the excess cals.

My goal for tomorrow is Burn Circuit 1 after work.

I hope everyone had a great day.

[ScrappingForever]

Woo-hooo Steph! WAY TO GO!!!

I'm so proud of you, girlfriend! You are doing such an awesome thing for your life! Isn't it a great feeling!

Woooo-hooooo!

[StephRN]

I got home late yesterday. And some young guy keeps texting my phone & woke me up several times. So, I slept in this morning.

It's day 1 of Lean for Life. I did Burn Circuit 1. I really wasn't looking forward to it. As it turns out, I really enjoyed it. I went down on weight on one exercise to keep my form good and I went up on all the others. What a great feeling. It was really wonderful hearing her remind us of why we're doing the exercises and the extra motivation was so nice to have today.

By now I should know that I'll love working out and getting stronger. So, no more kavetching from me.

My goal for tomorrow is cardio & abs. I'm on a mission to burn off my holiday 2 lb gain.

I hope everyone is having a great, healthy & safe holiday.

[ScrappingForever]

It's time for me to get back into the groove, too!

I am kind of mixing and matching at this point, since the cardio in Rev Abs isn't doing it for me. Yesterday I did Pure Cardio from Insanity. Boy could I tell I've been eating crap and not working out. It wasn't a pleasant experience at all! (Not that Insanity workouts were ever a pleasant experience, but I didn't feel like I was going to throw-up throughout the entire thing before! lol). For today, I just finished ChaLEAN's Fat Burn Challenge and Rev Abs Fat Burning Abs. Great workout and now I'm ready to hit the day. Gotta call Body Bugg's customer support today and get that thing up and running. Can't wait to see what that does for me!

Have a great day everyone!

[StephRN]

Yay Jan, I'm looking forward to being at the mix & match stage too. I hope you love the Body Bugg. I'm sure you'll utilize it to it's fullest.

I did Bum Bum & Extreme Core today.

My goal for tomorrow is Push Circuit 2 after work.

[Jenna]

You'll have to tell us how you like the body bug - I'm not sure I even know what it is supposed to do - I just have seen it on biggest loser. LOL

I have been bad-bad-bad. I intended to workout the whole week last week, but didn't get any of them in after Tues. My mom was here & in addition to visiting & hanging out she put me to work. In the 4 days they were here I finished Aspen's Christmas dress & made a fleece jacket, a fleece shirt, a knit top, & finished some jeans. Basically there just wasn't time for much else. LOL Not to mention they were sleeping in the gym so my floor space was non-existent.

Ah well, back to P90X - I planned to start new yesterday, but got busy catching up with the hoopla (oops!) so today I am hoping to get it in after the kids hit the hay. I might try to get an extra cardio in later this week to make up for it... maybe. So I'm thinking that the workouts I did get in last week are just extras & I will call this week 3 instead of week 4. Sort of a do-over. LOL

I had considered Rev-Abs but am more interested at this point in getting the add-ons for CE (which I can't find all 7 of them apart from the extra equipment that I don't need). I am also kinda looking at Insanity, but probably not till after another round of the X.

Glad to see the rest of you are doing so great! Fantastic progress, JoEllen! Can't wait to be in a 12 again - I am in a 14 right now. Tired of being tired, ya know? To think that almost 3 yrs ago I was down to an 8 (it was the stress of our ordeal when we moved that caused the re-gain of about 70 lbs). Oh well, can't keep looking back, I must press onward & that size 8 is in my future again, hopefully even sometime in 2010! So I'm off to grab my water & a towel so I can head upstairs & "BRING IT!"

[StephRN]

Jenna, go girl go. Those 8s are in 2010 for sure. I have some fab jeans in 8 and can't wait to get back into them. I'm so impressed that you are doing the X. It's great that you're jumping back into your routine.

I did Push circuit 2 and Cardio Axe tonight. The Push was great fun. I lifted heavier on every exercise, my form is so much better this time around and my hammies & glutes are talking to me. As far as the Cardio Axe, I'm not nearly as coordinated as the girls on the set. But I have faith that it will come as the fat around my middle releases.

My goal for tomorrow is High & Tight & Cardio Axe after work. Wish me a good day at work so I have enough energy to push play.