I'm new

[dgreist]

Wow! I'm so glad I foung this site. I was looking for recipes and stumbled on a gold mine of info.

I start SB 1/1/05 after stepping on the scales (I thought they were broken and came to work to reweigh) guess what? I really was 200lbs. I couldn't believe it. I heard about the plan from a college friend so decided to give it a try.

I've lost 27lbs so far and 2 dress sizes. It is just an amazing plan and very easy for me to follow. Right now I'm doing what you guys refer to as Phase 1.5-it is working for me.

I need to start an exercise program and just can't seem to get as motivated about that. Any suggestions?

Again, thanks for the advice and the great recipes!
Dana

[Mamacita]

Hi Dana! Welcome to the Beach!

Congrats on your wonderful success!! I'm so jealous! I'm a member of the TOV club (Turtles on Valium or slow losers)

For exercise I joined a circuit training gym that's similar to Curves, called Contours Express. I like it b/c it's just a few blocks from my job and I can do it before work. So, no excuses. I don't have to sign a contract and I like the ladies I work out with.

Take a look around. Right now, a lot of gyms are offering free trial memberships...and if you live in an apartment community, many of them have fitness centers. It's just a matter of finding something YOU like and feel you can stick with.

But definitely DO get your body moving, it will thank you for it.

Mamacita

[dgreist]

Thanks Mamacita, I've thought about Curves, but have spent so much $$ on unused gym memberships in the past that I've been a little reluctant.

[Bamiegurl]

Hey! Welcome to the beach!

[ellis]

Wow, Dana! You're doing so well!
Welcome!

[Heidi]

Hi Dana, I've been having the same problem getting motivated to exercise. Even a nagging dog doesn't always get me out the door. I started doing Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight tapes. They work for me because they split upper and lower body workouts into separate 20-minute routines. It is really difficult to come up with a reason not to fit a 20-minute routine into my day, so most days I get it done. Now that I'm feeling stronger from the tapes I'm working other forms of activity into the day as well - and the dog doesn't look at me with those baleful eyes as often!

[amb_lyn]

Have you lost 27# since Jan. 1st?? That's alot and just absolutely amazing.

[Barb0522]

Dana,

You have done great! I'm not sure where you live so the weather may play a role, but in the summer, I like to take long walks. We have some nature trails here. I also took my son to the city pool to practice his swimming. As I got more fit, I added bike rides around the neighborhood. These worked great for the weekend when I had more time but as it got dark earlier, I found I needed some indoor exercise. First I dragged out the old treadmill I had been ignoring. Then I renewed my old gym membership that I let lapse. I bring a book and read while on the treadmill. I can read a magazine on the elliptical. The weights are great and I finally started taking some of the exercise classes. I had always been too embarrassed to take them before but they get a lot of beginners (especially this time of year) and I found I really enjoyed them. Now I miss it when I can't get to the gym.

[AZLowcarber]

Welcome! I think you just have to schedule exercise into your day and make a commitment to yourself that it is a priority Walking is great exercise and free!

[beach bum]

Hi Dana: Welcome,Your doing great,big congrat on your 27 lbs. I ocassionaly do Phase1.5 but find that I add too many fruits and the natural sugars do-me-in hehe. I agree with AZ that walking is the best exercise and its the easiers on your joints and knees. Besides walking I use the WATP's 1,2,3 & 4 mile Walk Away the Pounds Tapes with Leslie Samsone. Hugs BB

[beachgal]

Dana, welcome and congrats on your great success!

I, like you, wasn't too motivated to exercise when I started. Reasons for exercise aside (try looking for an excellent article posted in the forum last week...I've forgotten the title, but I'll try to link to it after I post this), it was tough to get going! But once I did, I found that the results (bye-bye weight, hello toned muscles!) and the endorphin boost really kept me going! Some hints:

Try lots of things at first...it'll help you find the ones that really empower you and keep things interesting! Try some classes and some work alone, though working with a buddy does help you stay on track. I do strength training (the Ladies Who Lift forum is a great resource!) and use the elliptical, but I also go to a Jazzercise class (so fun!) and a yoga/pilates class. I also have tons of tapes at home...bellydancing, yoga/pilates, country line dancing, and that keeps it interesting too!

I hope you can find some things that inspire you!