Hey Melissa-
I grew up in Helena...I see you are from Missoula? Do you ever eat at Staggering Ox?? lol

Hi! Everybody :wave:

Wow! This board has really taken off! I'm sorry that I wasn't able to check in yesterday but I was catching up on some of the posts this morning and all i can say is "WOW" you gals are incredible. What a wonderful group of ladies! Everyone seems to be doing GREAT! KEEP IT UP! :cp:

I loved watching biggest loser last nite. You just had to love the older guy's determination. I'm rooting for him lol. I cried when that one woman didn't get picked and she said it was like being rejected all over again ahhh broke my heart for her. I was so thrilled when Jillian came and introduced the black team. ( speaking of black team isn't it great that one started on here, Have you noticed how their chat has taken off also. Good for them! ) I also loved when the blue team won the weigh in. I love it when something looks hopeless and comes out victorious. I think this season is going to be very interesting :D I'm cheering for the blue team on the show but...

It's red all the way on here ! Go Red !:cheer2:

Hi Ann!!! Way to go on that workout!!!

Emily...I havent ever eaten at the Staggering Ox just because I dont like that much meat on my sandwich LOL, but I know lots of people who just LOVE that place!

just get it done.....I always cheer for Bobs team too! I havent watched the show yet but plan on it tonight!!

~melissa

Hey gals -

What fitness program have you done that you've found the most change in your body? For me it was exercising at all. Hah... so I noticed changes just from walking briskly, but I noticed a huge change in my core doing DVDs. I hope to try running after the holidays (trying to get more weight off before pounding on my knees)

That is a really really good question muse. Unfortunetly for me, I've never stuck to an exercise plan long enough to see good results. I can say that I do notice alot more muscle definition in my thighs since I've been riding my bike. The other exercise I do is the elliptical and that tends to be just cardio so its all over weightloss. I would LOVE to pick up some weights or even pilates to really see those body transformations!

I have to confess to you guys... I didnt ride my bike to school today as promised. When I went out to do it, it was just too smoky out. Too hard to breathe when its like that. But the good news is that the wind has kicked up and cleared the air ALOT so my girls and I might go for a bikeride as soon as dinner is over...which I will make as soon as I can finish my homework...as soon as I can stop looking at the boards!! I'm so burnt out today! LOL!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful evening!!

~melissa

Good evening ladies! How's the Red team faring today?!? I hope you've all had another successful day under your belts and are ready to do it all over again in the morning! :D

just get it done- its great to see you here, I hope you're doing well! There is a wonderful group of women here, isn't there? I hope we will see more of you in the coming weeks, it's gonna be a fun ride!!

Ann, you're doing such a great job! It's great to see you today, my friend. :)

Muse, hhm, well when I actually was sticking to an exercise regime, I was doing alot of WATP tapes mainly for cardio, but then I did alot of weight training on my own for toning and saw dramatic results in my arms and legs! Nothing fancy, no foof, no fluff. :D The Leslie Sansone pilates and exerball workouts are good for core strengthening too.

Melissa, well we certainly don't expect you to be riding that bike in the midst of smoke! Good thinking about not going! There's always tomorrow, and hey, if you can do it tonight all the better but I wouldn't sweat it. Hey, maybe some elliptical'ing will do the trick! ;)

I have had another awesome day girls! Part of that I owe to this thread/challenge because coming here and reading how great we're all doing is really keeping me going, BIG TIME! You're all such an inspiration to me! So if there ever comes a time when you question whether to post or not, feeling like you have nothing to say.....post post post..what you say may either help someone else pick themselves up to try again, or just motivate/excite soemone to just keep on going!! You all are rockstars!!! :p :yay:

Ugh.... university is sooo frustrating... I am usually an organizational freak (I mean boardering on obsessive compulsive lol) but there are just too many things piling up all at once.
I'm proud of myself today though, instead of eating because I was stressed I went for a 40 minute run :) Let's just hope that for the rest of university I continue to de-stress through exercise!!! ;)

Way to go red team!!! I am so excited that everyone is doing so well... keep fighting ladies!

Oh.... almost forgot, I weigh in tommorow!!!!!! I have been working my butt off... I wanna see some progress :)

Hun -

Yeah I hear you. I haven't been able to keep up anything longer then 4 months... but the good news I just hit the 4 month mark again, so as far as diet and exercise I'm hitting new terrirtory as far as dedication and this should be a forever thing this time. I'm only 8 lbs away from the most I ever lost (50lbs) too. Although I have been as low as 220 at the time my high was 270 about 5 years ago.

Good evening ladies!!

Danielle..you are just kicking butt and taking names arent you!! Seriously you are just a huge inspiration to me! You keep me going every single day in more ways than just losing weight!

Taryn....oh lemme tell ya, I feel your pain!! The homework is just killing me this semester! But, I've got 2 more semesters and I'm done...well unless I decide to get my masters anyway LOL! Way to go for choosing exercise over food to deal with that stress.....good for the mind and body!! Keep it up! Good luck with your scale meeting tomorrow...remember its just a number!

Muse...4 months!!!! that is awesome!! And you are quickly closing in on that 50 lb mark!! you are simply amazing!!

Such inspirations you ALL are!! I'm so happy to be on such an amazing team of losers!! Way to go everyone!!

Ugh! I'm ready for bed hoping I can sleep tonight, dont you just hate tossing and turning. Really makes for a long next day. Plus sitting at the computer doing homework all day long really grates on my neck! I need a built in massager!

Didnt get that bike ride at all tonight, just ran out of daylight. tomorrow is a super busy day for me I hope to be able to check in at some point, but if i dont...just remember I'm thinking of you all and hoping you are having a VERY successful day!!

C'mon Red Team...we want to hear from you!! Let us know how its going please! We cant support you properly if you dont let us!

I'm getting in here late because I 've been hanging out with my friend most of the day because her husband is out of town. Girls Night!! I did some pre planning and we made two WW recipes and I had one drink which knocked me out. Whew I'm getting old but I rarely drink anymore so I am a light weight now. So I was within pts because I knew this day was coming. She has an elliptical so I'm planning to try and get on it. We will see how long I last. I haven't been on one in so long. I will start without the handles first. I'm sure I will have to do it in spurts. I will start out with 5 minutes with a goal of 15. We shall see.

You know its late so I definitely don't remember who pointed out about the trainers being there for the weigh in...but I like it too. What's funny is I didn't even think about that until it was mentioned.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...Animation1.gif

I'm feeling a lil' better so far this morning, so I am either going to brave the pavement again to day for my walk or so a WATP's here in the house. I took a tumble last week because of some rude a-hole in a truck and I haven't been inspired to go back out there since.... But the knee seems to be healing nicely and it's like 57 degrees out right now!!! http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...sc/WooHoo2.gif That's my kind of temp's right there!!!!

I stayed within calories yesterday too! :)

Have a Great day girls!!! http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...67/Misc/29.gif

Good Morning Red team!!! dont have time for personals as I'm running late but had to come wish you all a wonderful day!!! Be good to you!!! You deserve it!!

~melissa

Diva.....I'm really glad you are feeling better!

Good morning all!
Just checking in. I hope everyone has a great day.

Hellllllllooooooo Red Team!!!!! :wave:

I am ready to rock 'n' roll today! I got almost 12 hours of sleep last night and slept like a rock. Felt really good to wake up today so refreshed!!! :carrot:

Mel, I hope today doesn't get sooo busy you forget about YOU. No, it is you my friend who is the inspiration! :hug:

Diva, glad you're feeling better today! Sorry about the mishap while walking. What is this world coming to! Hopefully you will be able to get back out there but in the mean time those WATP dvd's will do nicely! :)

Muse, wow almost 50 pounds!!! So proud of you! :cheer: I seriously cannot wait til I get to that mark! Heck, right now even 20 lost would be good! lol

like no other- I hope you enjoyed your girls night! Definitely like the trainers being there for weigh-ins! I think it adds a certain kind of emotion to it, if that makes sense?

bee optomistic- I hope weigh in was a good one! Hon, don't let things get to you, do your best and think positive! You will get thru this! :hug:

Where are all our lovely ladies? Keep those posts coming ladies, strength in numbers!!!!! :cheer2:

Oh Oh Oh! I forgot to tell you guys! I am getting an elliptical on Saturday!!!! :dance: :dance: I am SOOOOO excited! As if you couldn't tell? lol Mel, you're sick of hearing about this already, but I had to share with the rest of our team! ha!

DH bought it for me for my birthday after he realized how much I wanted it. We'd gone to a Sports Authority to "look" and I hopped on one and he couldn't get me off. :D There I was with my sandals on, and my pocketbook hooked on my elbow! I was truckin'! Felt REALLY good!

So that's my bit of good news today!

**stay tuned for your regular scheduled programming**...........

♥danielle

Treadmills?
 

Hi all, hope you are having a great week. So far I'm the biggest loser at work since the other ladies don't seem to be changing anything to lose the weight. It makes for a hollow victory seeing as most of my weight was the first 3 weigh-ins and I've been going up and down 1 or 2 lbs since then. I'm doing what I can to keep up my exercise but Sunday night I did "something" to my right knee and it has been all I can do to walk up til yesterday. Squatting down is still very painful (and I need to do that a lot at work). That puts a big damper on the exercise department. :( I'm going to

I want to start saving up for a treadmill come winter and need to know what people recommend. I have no clue what to look for but it must be under $400 and easy to move or store. Can anyone help? TIA Missi


Hmm, I think I am going to scrap the treadmill idea. I found a site dedicated to treadmills and was blown away. Seems as if the better treadmills are around
$1,ooo! Yikes! Maybe I should get an eliptical instead.

Missi, hello! I'm sorry you're having problems with your knee. I did something to mine about 2 months ago at work and it's just now barely starting to feel better. I hope you're feeling better quick! Yes, treadmills are very spendy not to mention very bulky. I live in a condo so space is limited, what with 3 kids running around too. Elliptical's are nice, some even have a space saver option where they fold up, not sure how much those run.... there is tons of info online to help guide you, but also have to watch who's ad's are paying for what if ya know what I mean? Just look for good quality and sturdiness and that it has at least a few options that you really want. I count the one I'm getting as a "starter" and maybe in the future when I've reached goal I'll opt for a more fancy schmancy one..who knows! The one I got runs about $800, I think?

Best of luck on your journey, you CAN do this!

BTW, we have very similar stats! ;)

Diva--Glad you're feeling better, way to go sticking to your calorie restriction!

likenoother--Way to plan!! I wish I could plan as well for outings and such. I love the elliptical and Iknow you will come to love it as well. I hope your first workout goes well.

beeoptomistic--40 minutes of runnning ? WOW! Exercising when stressed is a good healthy habit I wouldn't mind developing myself.

cmbmom05--Yes treadmills cost a lot, at least a good one does. I did a lot of research on them a few months ago when I started running. A lot of the ones below 1000 dollars have mechanical trouble, especially if the user is heavy or if it gets a lot of use. Best bet would be to buy one that cost over 1500. Ellipicals are nice too. We ended up not getting one and I hit the walking track instead with a jogging stroller.

I was looking into Elliptical's & treadmills too for Christmas but they are way too pricey for our budget. Both are. Yeah you can get an Elliptical for $100 but it won't be a good one. It seems if ya really want to get a good quality one you have to spend a pretty penny. I used to own a Gazelle I got from Walmart but had to give it up a long time ago, but I've decided to upgrade and get this one for christmas. I actually think the Gazelle work out is better than a treadmill because you are working your arms too. i know the first time I used mine, the next I was hurting in places I didn't know muscles exsist!
http://www.homefitnessclub.com/buy/A...elle_Freestyle

Also, here is one og many threads about the Gazelle. lot's of peeps like them :)

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101073

Good Afternoon ladies!! Just had to pop in and check on you! I'm not forgetting anyone I promise just had to address a couple of things I saw....

Danielle...I will NEVER get tired of hearing elliptical from you, in fact I'm looking forward to hearing about it almost daily in the form of....I did my elliptical today!

Missi...I have an elliptical and its not a fancy expensive one. I got it at Sports Authority for I think $300. It works like a charm, very smooth, very quiet, i get a great workout on it. It has the arm movements and the tension is adjustable, heart monitor also. So you dont have to spend a ton of money and get something that is gonna work out out! Of course I'd love to have a nicer one but its just not in my budget, so this one is just perfect for me!

Okay I'm off to buy more cookies for open house tonight! No I wont be touching a single one of them! Not on plan and SO not worth giving up my goals for.

Tomorrow is weigh in for me! I'll check in on you guys later tonight and do personals then!

~melissa

I had bought a treadmill from Wal-Mart and after using it for a while I started to run on it. The belt would slip forward on me in mid run. I gave it to my sister who just uses to walk on. I am within the weight requirement. So, I bought a new one at sports authority for $410. It was a clearance model. Making room for the new models. It was originally $1199. Yes it folds up and is easy to move I have no problems with it slipping either. So, you can find a good cheaper treadmill just keep looking.

Hey Red Team! I did a bunch of walking today and yesterday, you ladies have definitely inspired me to keep up with the exercise.

Sugar-n-Spice - I'm so jealous of your new elliptical machine, I would love to get one! You must have some DH!

Keep up the good work everyone!

Good evening ladies! I just had to tell you, I beat the cookie monster! I had to stand over a table tonight filled with cookies and juice and I didnt have a bite, like or taste!! Man was it tempting though some people brought home made chocolate chip and the homemade sugar cookies were still warm from the oven!!!The smells were enough to drive a woman mad! Oh man was it hard but I did it!!! No cookies for me!! should made for a nice meeting with the scale in the morning!

~melissa

Veronica...way to go on that walking!!! 2 days in a row!! WOOHOO!!

Natalie...I definetly think that for running a better quality treadmill is the way to go. You got a smokin deal didnt you!! Excellent!

Missi...I'm sorry that your work BL club isnt holding up the bargain on the weightloss, that is so frustrating to be a part of a group that doesnt participate. But! The good news is that you've got us!! Right behind you cheering you on and fighting those battles too!

Renee...great to see you today!! :wave:

Danielle...you rock!! thats all i've got to say! LOL!! Its almost Saturday!!!

Mercee...Hello!!! :wave:!! How's everything going? So great to see your sunshine here today!

Diva...dont you find its okay for bob to try to kill you as long as he's standing there smiling! LOL!! You are doing GREAT despite almost being run over and being sick!! Way to go!!

Likenoother....almost missed you today!! How did it go on the elliptical?

~melissa

GO RED TEAM


Today I kept my calories in check and did some weight lifting. Tomorrow is the jogging/walk combo followed by pilates. I will have to try and get up just a bit earlier than I did on Wednesday, DD was almost late for preschool. Well my date with Old Chicago was cancelled. A lady that I work with called in, a ususal occurance, and I had to cover her shift :mad:. Looking on the brightside I didn't need all those extra calories.



Bridgette.

Muse, I'd say weight training (and I include body weight things like pushups and bodyweight squats, lunges etc. in that category) gives me noticeable changes in body shape, even with layers of fat on me. Ballet and modern dance classes have also been really effective for me. I haven't done them in many years, but when I used to, they were absolutely killer.

Bridgette....way to go the today!!! You are just rocking it! And a plan all set for tomorrow...excellent work!!! I've never been able to do that morning workout, so I really admire those of you who can!

Ann...ooh dance classes! Fun!! Great to see you girl!

Here we go RED TEAM This is the RED WINS challenge we will be doing for Week 2!

This Challenge runs from Sunday 9/16 to Saturday 9/22.

What you do for this challenge is to try and spell out RED WINS each day of the week. You get the letter for each step you accomplish. Here is how you earn the letters:

R - Ready yourself (making a plan of attack for the day)
E - exercise (even if its just 15 minutes)
D - daily affirmations (look yourself in the mirror and say something nice)
W - water (drink your daily goal)
I - inspiration (either by inspiring someone else, reading a success story, or posting some inspiration to the red team)
N - try something NEW (either a new food, exercise, walking route..anything!)
S - stretch (even 5 minutes in the morning makes a big difference in your day)

Next, you need to post up what you got each day. For example, say I didnt exercise or try something new I'd get RDWIS for the day.

The goal is to see how many RED WINS we can get for the week!

There will be a new thread on Sunday for checking in and reporting your RED WINS progress for each day of the week. Keep and eye out for it!!

We can do this Red Team!!! Good luck!!!

Any questions before we get started?

~melissa

Red Team, I am jealous, I haven't had a chance to see TBL yet, because things have been insane. I am determined to do see it weekend, though!

It sounds like people are doing great with sticking with their plans! I took a long walk today and tomorrow I am doing my WO that makes me cry and whimper along with intervals. I have the day off, no class, so my plan is to exercise in the morning, then go visit a friend who's in the hospital and get groceries and do errands. WITHOUT my kids, they drove me nuts today. Tell me, why can't a 13-y-o remember to go to the bathroom before we leave the house???? She's a great kid, but some days! :dizzy:

OK guys, keep going! Do something good for yourself tomorrow. I got my hair cut today and that always makes me feel great!

Why can't this be the RED WINE challenge??? That's what I think every time I read it.

Seriously, I am so looking forward to this just for the WATER part. It's a great reminder.

Good evening ladies! How'd you all do today?

LawMomVeronic, yes, I do have a pretty incredible dh. He spoils me, more than makes up for the times he drives me nuts! :D Great job on the exercise, you can do it!!!

Melissa, GREAT JOB on dissin that cookie monster! Who needs 'em, right? Yay for you!!!!! Weigh in is going to be fantastic, I can feel it! :carrot:

Ann, it's good to see you! You had me cracking up at the mention of your 13 y/o. They try so hard to act so old....really just lil babies aren't they? Enjoy the time out tomorrow despite all the running around. Feels good to just do it alone! I was contemplating a new haircut too but decided to let it keep growing, I may get some new bangs instead. At least that'll make me feel "different"? You always do SO well with that exercise, you're an inspiration!

Bridegette, Well I guess you saved yourself some calories today, didnt ya? ;) Worked out in the end, huh? Good job on the exercise!!

Can't wait to start our mini-challenge! It is perfect because it targets all aspects of our journey. Thanks Melissa for all your creative effort you put into keeping us going! :hug:

Ladies have a great rest of the night and I will see you in the A.M. after weigh in!!!


Psssstt, Mel...its almost Saturday! :D

Red Wine. hah!

Hi everyone. I just finished working out and I feel great. Yesterday I messed up with my diet and didn't exercise :(

I am back on track today.

Good Morning Red team!!!

Ann...BL was REALLY good! I dunno if its because I'm PMSing or what but I think I cried through the whole thing! Sorry to hear that your friend is in the hospital. You know I have a 12 year old and I swear to God if that girl makes it to 13 it'll be a miracle!! Gotta love this age huh? LOL!! Great plan for the day!!

Danielle....ONE MORE DAY!!! LOL!

Muse....Good morning!! :wave:

Tera...Way to start the day!!! Right back on that wagon and strapped in!!!