Hi! I hope it's ok, but I'm trying to find a way to stay motivated to kick butt for the next 2 weeks before I go on my cruise. I currently go walking with my mom for 45 min to an hour 5-6 days a week, so I am pretty active. Wow, I can't believe I just said that....

My goal is to lose 1 pant size. From 18 to 16. My plan of attack is to work out as much as I can stand and stay on track with the eating (I'm on WW). I'm going to try to post daily on what exercises I have done and how many calories I've burned. I received a heart rate monitor with a chest strap from a friend that tracks calories burned based on height and weight and I am completely obsessed I know it's only 16 days, but if anyone else would like to join me in pushing their weight loss up a little more than normal (hopefully) for at least the next 16 days, please don't hesitate to post your results as well!

Monday 9/21:

60 minute walk with Mom: 708 Calories
25 min 30 Day Shred w/Jillian Michaels: 411 Calories
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Total calorie burn: 1119
Total Pts eaten: 29 out of 29

I don't like the Big Loser. Remember when "feel the burn" was so popular and it was found later that this was harmful to the body and counter productive? If you don't have a trainer, get a good book that's not written by some TV star thats trying to make a buck on her 15 minutes of fame.

If you just follow your regular exercse and food plan in the long run you will weigh less than if you try to lose it fast, maybe damage your body, and eat your way though the cruise as a reward. Been there, done that.

Oooo a cruise, how lovely, enjoy!

I admire your exercise zeal, apart from walking, I'm such a pudding.

A vacation/weightloss tip I find useful - I pick a (realistic) weight to aim for - for a week after I'm back. That way I don't get too stressed if I don't lose every ounce before I go, and I do stay on plan while I'm away. This really worked earlier this year when I was in Spain: by the week after I got back (to allow for travel waterweight) I was 3lbs lighter than before I left! Big mental breakthrough in the teeth of friends who Kept saying, You're on holiday, relax. I had a great time by the way, and ate lots of great food, just not high cal crp!

Bon voyage!

Hi guys! Thanks so much for all the helpful hints!. Just to put this in there, I really don't think 1 size in 2 weeks is really so out of reach or unhealthy considering even the kellogs people tote 1sz in 2 weeks if you eat cereal lol. Also, I am ok with it if I don't reach the complete goal. We have tons of excursions so for the last few months I've been kicking up the execise so that I won't be exhausted seeing all the sites we have planned. Some of them are marked as more strenuous in nature, but so fun!!!. Only difference really in my workout last night being the 25 min tape I did last night. That was my kickup. Usually I will do 30 min on the stationary bike instead of jillians butt kicking 25 min after my walk when I have the energy and I know it sounds stupid, but my big motivator to try to lose that 1 more size is so I don't take up some of someone elses seat be it on the plane or a bus. I feel so bad making someone else uncomfortable. I haven't travelled since I was 45 lbs heavier so I'm positive no matter what it'll be ok so if I don't hit my goal it's ok. I'll know I tried as hard as possible and getting more in shape on the way and who knew exercise could actually be kinda enjoyable

Getting in more exercise sounds great. Don't hurt yourself by over doing it.

Wow, today was really hectic. Then my mom couldn't make it for our daily walk. I never realized how boring it was to walk alone until I got used to walking with someone and then had to go alone iPod is great but it doesn't really talk back.


45 minute walk: 643 Calories
25 min 30 Day Shred: 423 Calories
15 min stretching: 150 Calories
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Total calorie burn: 1216
Total Pts eaten: 27 out of 29

It was actually a little cooler today. I notice when it's not as hot I don't burn as many calories on our walks, but it's so much more comfortable especially when the sun isn't shining right in your eyes

45 minute walk: 573 Calories
25 min 30 Day Shred: 399 Calories
15 min stretching: 130 Calories
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Total calorie burn: 1102
Total Pts eaten: 27 out of 29

This is not yet my exercise update but just had to say that I was able to put my 16's on today!!!! Ok, granted, I had to lay down to button them up and had to stand really straight to breathe but it's progress .

That's about where I am on fitting into 16 misses, the no-breathing thing. I got 16 women's covered, no problem. Best of luck!

Hi Selenan,

I just started my healthier lifestyle on the 21st. I will join you! Looking at your exercise journal, it doesn't seem like you are over exerting yourself. You are doing a great job!

I just got back from a Disney Cruise with my family, and I know the feeling of wanting to lose a certain amount of weight. There is nothing wrong with setting a goal, yes 1 pants size is alot in 2 weeks, but each person is different. I lose a pant size every 15 lbs (some people it is less or more). You just have to be ok, if you don't reach goal. Where are you going? Do you have a eating plan? I know you will have a blast!!

I love Jillian!! How do you like her workout? I have been thinking about buying it. Do you have Slim In 6, or Power 90? I have both of them, and will be starting SI6 tomorrow. Tonight will be day 1 of the gym, I will post my workout later.

DCHound- thanks so much! I can't wait to be able to breathe too! Kinda like that bodily function. Good luck to you as well!

JackieG- welcome! How was your cruise? I'm really excited about going! Our destinations are Egypt, Italy, Israel, turkey and greece! I get giddy just thinking about it
I'm definitely ok if I don't hit the 16's in a breathable way, I just want to be able to say " hey I tried, and I'm more in shape than when I began". Still hoping though

I really do like Jillian.... She really really works you out but she explains everything and it makes you feel you are actually changing and getting in shape. I've also done the power 90 and slim in 6 and between the 2 I liked p90 better just cause it was a little easier. They call Debbie the little evil pixie very lovingly on their message boards if that tells you anything
Have fun at the gym!

Your cruise sounds awesome!! I can't wait to hear how all about it. This was our first cruise, wasn't sure how I would like it, well let me tell you, I am addicted!! LOL We had an awesome time, it was a 3 night Bahamas cruise, just enough to test it out. Dh and I booked a Disney Western Caribbean cruise for our anniversary (Oct 2010), and I can't wait!!

I agree, P90 is a lot easier. LOL I did both of the programs a few years ago, and it is time to get back on the wagon.

Hi everyone! Once more logging in to update my progress, and actually have to share a YAY story! We have an elliptical in the house and I use it....sparingly, but I use it. But I haven't used it in the last almost 2 months since I've been walking. Before that, I could get on the Elliptical for about 2 maybe 3 minutes before I'd have to take a quick breather and then keep going...I would take breathers every minute or so until I'd finished one of those laps they show on the monitor. So I get on tonight to supplement my calories a little bit. I was able to keep going without stopping for 12 whole minutes. I finished the ENTIRE lap without stopping. This is an incredibly funny thing to be so jazzed about, but I'm completely giddy!

Ok, gid fest over...lol.

45 minute walk: 517 calories
25 min 30 Day Shred: 391 calories
10 min stretching: 95 calories
12 min elliptical: 206 calories
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Total calorie burn: 1209
Total Pts eaten: 28 out of 29

That is great!!

Day 6 and I feel really good!

Todays workout:

30 mins on treadmill
25 mins weight machines (arms, shoulders, back, stomache, chest)

My weigh in days will be on Sundays...but I was curious, and I am already down 6.8 lbs. For my first week, I am very happy! I know future weeks will not be as good, but it is a great start!

JackiG- Congrats on such a great loss! That is fantastic! Great workout too! I'm always surprised how invigorating a tiring workout can be

Raining here today so didn't get to do a walk. Was able to get on my stationary bike though and watch a movie...pros and cons to walking and biking Don't have anything to report for Friday. It was my day off of exercise this week. Back to it today though!


42 minute stationary bike: 551 calories
25 min 30 Day Shred: 433 calories
12 min elliptical: 207 calories
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Total calorie burn: 1191
Total Pts eaten: 29 out of 29