My coach told me I could go ahead and start exercising again! Yay! I really missed it. She also told me I need to have an extra packet right after I finish my workout. My questions are as follows: What is the purpose of the extra packet after exercising? How often do you ladies exercise? What intensity? What duration? TIA

The extra packet is to ensure you have enough protein that your body doesn't start using your muscles for protein.
I exercise for approx 1 hour 6 days a week. I do high intensity bootcamp like training and strength training mainly. With some spin or Zumba for fun!

I eat my bar before my workout and my dinner right after. I don't always have the extra packet as it doesn't always fit in my schedule!

I recently started up running by using a program called Couch 2 5k. Teaches you to run a 5k in around 8 weeks. On days when I feel the need for the extra protein I usually have a chocolate drink right after or split it to have half before I run and half after. Keeps the munchies away until I get to my next meal.

I hadn't thought about trying C25K again, I had started it last summer but never stuck with it...hm...I'm walking a lot now, 30 min every day at lunch, could start to incorporate jogging for a stretch at a time...

I just started the other day too, 30 minutes of walking whenever I feel like it

I take 10 minute "mini-breaks" in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the afternoon to walk on the treadmill. Can't go outside right now, my allergies are KILLING me!

I have done 2-2.7 mile walks ~4x/week throughout IP, but I stay very low intensity (taking my son to the park) and leisure and didn't do an extra packet. I just restarted a 3x/week weightlifting class and find I need that extra packet as my hunger has increased with the intensity.

ETA: tue/thu class @ 6:30pm, sat class @ 8:30am.
Tue/thur: breakfast@8am, lunch@12pm, snack@4pm, walk@4:30pm, snack@6pm, bodypump@6:30pm, dinner@8pm
Sat: snack@8am, bodypump@8:30am, breakfast@10am, lunch@12pm, snack@4pm, dinner@8pm
With the weightlifting I find I need to eat soon to control my hunger monster!

I tried getting back to body pump but it affected my WL and I didn't lose any BF that week...actually gained a tiny bit. Based on that, I'm sticking with 30 min on the elliptical up to 4 times a week for now.

I would LOVE togetback into running - we will see

I actually am expecting a gain my 1st week back at bodypump...although last week I went 2x (sat & tue, WI on Fri) and had an okay week, but I think enough time had elapsed for muscle repair by then. I skipped the next thu & sat class, but restarted this tue & thur. The initial muscle tear & repair causes some water retention, I am giving it at least 2 weeks of 3x/week to overcome the initial muscle repair (not counting last week -that was an awful allergy week!). I am slowly stepping up my weights, feeling the soreness all over again!
Tom is starting in a few days, so not expecting great numbers anyways...oh well, the water will flush out eventually!

Omg, I hear you - I was crazy miserable last week! Finally feeling human again!

I can personally attest that Cto5K works as I did that 6 years ago. Although when I did the 3 miles, I'd end up taking about 45 minutes. LOL.

I have always wanted to try C25K...maybe with IP I'll actually be able to do it! Does anyone do the Slow Burn weight lifting method? I bought the book but haven't started it yet...heard that it can be good along with IP.

I began exercising when I began maintenance. I do 45 minutes of brisk walking on a treadmill 4 - 5x per week and lift free weights on alternating days. I've just started doing ab workouts too...

I am going to be starting the C25K program in a few weeks. I have started it 3 times now and never gotten past day 3 LOL but I am hoping that once I have another 10 - 15 pounds less to drag along it will be a little easier and I will be more motivated. I would like to start it now but schedule just doesn't let me ... but I NEED the stress relief!!

I've been doing the same amount of exercize during the program as I was right before I started...I walk my dog a mile every morning at a very comfy 20-25 minutues. I cut out the random extra walks or classes, which I was never very consistent with anyway.
Just last week I added back long walks on the weekends, 3-6 miles. So far so good!!!