i've been lazy lately and it really doesnt help that my kids keep trying to get up my butt. i'm down to 203 and its TOM so usually i get about a 5 pound gain then its gone in a few days this time i dont think so but heck i'll take what i can get

Kelli - I went back to find your post, and I apologize for not seeing it earlier.

Yes, I think $40 is worth it for a gym membership. My theory is if I spend money for a gym, I'll go because it'd be a waste if I didn't and since I'm strapped for cash as it is, I make use of it. Besides, you'll get spinning classes, hotties to look at it, free weights, yoga, pool (sometimes) and all sorts of goodies.

As for calves, calf raises help, running, squats (a little), lunges (a little). Anything that works your legs basically.

Kelli, I agree I love my gym membership! Mine's more expensive about $70 a month but it's totally worth it. I don't do the classes, because they're all at odd times. It seems like it caters to the yummy mommy crowd, but I use all the other facilities. I couldn't imagine not having my membership. It gets me out of the house, and can totally shake me out of my funk when I need it. Plus, they make the best lattes (and grilled cheese with bacon.....but I try not to think about that one too much)! I'd keep my membership for the lattes alone! Seriously, it's well worth it. Ask, if you can do a trail membership. Some places will give you a week free so you can see if you like it. In my mind gyms are a bit like jeans, you need to try a couple before you find the one that fits you best! I can guarantee you that once you find the right gym, it will be money well spent!

Kelli....I go to Planet Fitness and pay only $10 per month, so it is definitely worth it to me. I go on a pretty consistent basis (5-6 times a week), so I definitely get my money's worth and then some. There aren't any classes available to take, but I'm ok with that. I get by with the cardio machines and the weights.

And yay for another girl who has a unique spelling of their name!!! Mine always gets spelled wrong (Michele) since everyone else in the world seems to spell it with two L's. My kids at school are always impressed that I remember if their name is spelled differently. But I know what it's like to never have your name spelled right on things, so I always make sure to be extra conscious of that type of stuff!

I have gotten many awards and whatnot through the years at school with my name spelled wrong. They even spelled it wrong on my college yearbook...which I paid for and which I made sure to tell the person like 15 times that my name is spelled differently. Ugh!

Chele - your PF offers classes? I feel so left out!

Chele- lol now I am going to stop saying your avatar in my head like Chay-Lay. What book are you reading? I need a page turner like that to keep me on the elliptical.

Aliquot- hope you find something to do at the gym that you like!

Forest - I won't. I hate moving.

Sam - find a hot guy that distracts you like I did the other morning. :)

i think i just blew any progress i made i finished half a pint of ice cream....but it was good and i have no more so i cant eat no more lol

i'm blaming TOM and i'll get my hula hoop out

Sam- LOL then yes, like Feral, i hope you find a good distraction to keep your mind off the actual exercise.

Lissa- yum! when I do that (eat more than a serving of ice cream) i just take the extra calories out of the next day. Or I just say screw it, that was totally worth it ;)

Alright! So Mary's having a pledge challenge kind of thing, so it's time to do a 10K. I'm going to see if I can make it past 5 miles. If I finish the 10K, then I'm about half-way to half marathon point!

I'm not saying you should go to the gym for guys... I would just like to clear that up. It just happened to help the other morning. HAHA.

I work out for me.. and ONLY me.

Lissa - at least it's gone right? What's done is done... I agree with Forest.

Jess - go girl!!!!!

i dont even think i eat enough calories in a day for it to be an issue i gotta start eating better

Just got back from the hockey game tonight. Awesome game, we won! However, I don't think it will be enough to get us in the play offs :( Still had a good time catching up with a friend.

Saw 139 on the scale today! My cycle of low up up lower is bang on! I also had a NSV today as well. I was cleaning out my closet and decided to try on a pair of pants, that I was hoping to wear to easter brunch this sunday. They're an 8 petite so they fit small. I put them on and they FIT!!!! I couldn't believe it. Then I tried on my favourite pair of shorts and they fit as well!

I'm super excited about the shorts, because my school does a big party day on the last day of classes. It's called bermuda shorts day or BSD and everyone, even the professors wear shorts to school no matter what the weather is. It's basically a huge drunk fest - beer gardens, live bands etc., done while wearing shorts. It starts with a free pancake breakfast in the morning and then the booze starts flowing......I'm just happy to have a pair to wear!

These are a couple of pix for last years BSD
http://www.danscapers.com/albums/Ber...y/DSC00693.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/12...2c51e3.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/...1513fe79fa.jpg

I did it! 7.53 miles in 90 minutes. Ran for all but a minute. I was going to walk after I hit 7 miles, so I did, but then I wanted to break 7.5 miles so I ran. Now I'm gimpy.