[Elegant Departure]

Sno- I discovered how easy it is for the body to get used to a certain exercise through my job. Even though I walk over 10k a day at my work, the fact that it's always the same route has left my body completely used to the workout, thus not really burning too many calories from it. I've adopted running up the stairs of my buildling twice a week which has been a nice way to keep my body guessing. I've also noticed some nice lift in my butt! I'll have to keep in mind that i should also switch up my ab routine!

As for my frame size. I always just assumed I was a medium-large frame. I think most overweight people assume this. I should have perhaps realised this may not be the case considering what a small frame both of my siblings have.


RULE OF THUMB FOR DETERMINING FRAME SIZE (pun intended!):

To measure your frame size, put your right thumb and index finger around your left wrist. If your fingers overlap, you're "small"; if your fingers touch, then you're "medium"; if your fingers do not touch, your "large" framed!

[seasoning]

Sno/Elegant, I totally agree about how you need to keep changing up your exercise routine. I have been in a pattern for the last couple of years of doing stationary bicycle 3x per week because that's practically the only aerobic exercise that doesn't aggravate my foot. I broke my ankle a long time ago, and arthritis has set in over time. Anyway, even though I was working hard and really sweating, I wasn't losing much weight. I'm working out at the rec center now on the machines, and even though I'm majorly sore in my foot the next day, I think it's making a difference.

Elegant, I learned the same rule for body frame, except using the middle finger and thumb.

[Elegant Departure]

Well today is my 6-month anniversary so I did a mid-week weigh in. Still stuck at 135. But i'm okay with that!
Since it's been 6 months since I started this weight loss journey I made a list of accomplishments.

a) 51 pounds gone forever!
b) Improved endurance/speed
c) Muscle that can be seen to the human eye!
d) 3 dress sizes down!
e) Car? what car? (I now walk EVERYWHERE!- well except when I visit my mom in the burbs)
f) I don't need alcohol as a staple for going to the bars with my friends!
g) Liking what I see in photographs
h) I've learned to enjoy cauliflower and celery!

I'm sure theres more but it's too early to think of anything else! I'll take my 6-month photos next weekend, as it's my 2 year anniversary with my b/f so I know photos will be taken. It might also take a little searching to find some pics that are neck up with me at my starting weight. What can I say, I didn't really want my body shown in photos.

I hope everyone is having a good week out there. I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone in these challenge threads. You are a huge part of what has kept me going these 6 months and I'm really proud of all of you for what you have acheived. Thanks again!

[dcapulet]

I am so in! I never finished one of these to goal.

I'm going with a nice, simple goal: 17 lbs and a daily yoga practice.

[Snowbrocade]

Hi all:

it is great to hear all the enthusiasm and wisdom on this board. I am so looking forward to the next 16.5 weeks with you all--you help me so much!

Exercise almost had a miss yesterday. I was busy all day and then when I went out to walk it got dark about halfway thru. Put on an exercise tape when I went inside but then my fave show was on so I did my own version of aerobics watching that and completed my 40 minutes. then did my leg and ab exercises!
So I made it.

I have been so hooked on those 15 cal popsicles lately with it being so hot--they are such a great treat and very satisfying. I have two a day.

to capulet. It is so great to hear from you--keep posting even if you are disappointed--it helps us get back on track!

Elegant: on your six month anniversary! It is so cool that you listed all the things you have learned--I think it helps to emphasize them. We are both at exactly the same amount of weight loss! 51 lbs rock!!! I think the fact that you kept posting no matter what kept you focused on your goals.

Seasoning: I know what you mean about having to accomodate and injury--and doing the same exercise. I am hoping that slowly increasing my walk with help with my body getting used to it and will keep my knee from acting up. I should go swimming but it is a trek to get there.

have a fantastic day all!

Sno

[tleef]

Sno! You are such a star putting together these challenges! Thank you for keeping track of us all.

I would like to lose 24 lbs by New Years. That is about 1/2 of what I'm looking to lose for my wedding June 1, 2008.

I commit to stay on plan, go to the gym at least 3 times a week, keep drinking lots of water and not beat myself up when I have a treat!

My starting weight is 204 and I want to be 180 by January 1, 2008!

Cheers, Tamara

[helpmelose]

Yeah it looks like there is going to be quite a few of us! I have had strep throat since Sunday so my exercise has been lacking! I hope tomorrow to pick it back up full swing. From reading other posts I also agree that your body gets used to the same exercise but I have not changed mine up yet. For my cardio I was walking and jogging. I am going to add in Kathy Smith's kickboxing dvd at least once a week. When I was 129 I was only able to get through the dvd once, it kicks my BUTT!! I hope over the next few weeks to be able to make it through more than once! I will be happy to start off with at least 20 minutes, I will let you all know how that is going. Does anybody have any suggestions for ab workouts, I need to mix it up. I have just been doing crunches pretty much every day but looking for new ideas even dvd's are cool!

Capulet -- I look forward to getting to know you over the upcoming weeks!

Snow- I also want to thank you for keeping up on this! It really helps me to stay motivated and I LOVE to come on here at least once a week to post my stats!!!

Elegant - Congrats on 6 months, what an accomplishment!! I bet it feels great and you look great as well!!!

[40 before 40]

Cool about your 6 month anniversary Elegant I like the 51lbs gone forever. You've done great and your determination is contagious.
Beachbody.com has lots of good dvd's Turbojam has a fun ab workout. I'm lucky my gym offers an awesome abs and back class and I try to get to it at least once a week. I so agree about not getting into an exercise rut. Doing differents things keeps the muscle and metabolism guessing.
I'm on track for eating today but still nursing a stiff knee so did a 20 min ab workout and will hit the sauna for 40 minutes this evening.
I'm feeling very motivated this time and think my little lapse this summer was a wake up call about the lifetime lifestyle changes I'm trying get right. I'm not on a diet this time.
I'm going to a Caribean wedding in April of next year and would love to be and will be in the best shape I've ever been in by this time. It's great having a goal like this but the ultimate goal will to be in shape for life not just a one week vacation.

Cheers,

Nina

[Snowbrocade]

Ha!

I weighed myself after the above post and I am now down 52 lbs! Yay. It just keeps going.

Today a pair of jeans I had ordered, DKNY size 16 arrived. They fit! They were too snug to wear but it wont be long--maybe next month. I love that.

Tamara: so glad you made it. Thanks for the kudos. I admit I am a little selfish creating the challenges. It motivates me so much and keeps me on track. I need lots of support to change the way I think about food and my body.

Helpme: strep throat is not funny. You better not be exercising. And make sure you take all your antibiotics and get lots of rest. drink lotsa water.

Nina: that is so cool that you are understanding what happened this summer and how you need to eat. And that it is a lifetime thing! So true! I was reading some of the maintenance forum to day and I always get inspired by this wonderful woman named meg. Here is the link to her story.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121964

Have awonderful evening!

Sno

[Luxorbea]

It is unbearably hot here, and since school starts tomorrow, I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get everything ready. Oh, and it's soccer season. Which means soccer practice. I always forget how much I hate soccer practice. But I really love watching my kids play soccer games. LOL My son's first game is Friday, so hopefully watching him play will make practices more bearable next week

My one daughter started pre-school today. Big moment. I'm on the verge of tears, she's going to make friends without me, be on her own, all that. It's HUGE, right? /sigh She doesn't think so. I got a "bye, Mom" and a little wave over the shoulder and she was off to be with her new friends. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that she was fine. But I could have used a hug, you know? My other daughter was the same way, too...And this one has the same teacher the other one had, so she knows her. And it's the same room. So, it's just like 2 years ago when we took her sister. She wanted to stay that day too ROFL

Well, enough rambling. I have some stretches I need to do. I haven't been to the gym yet this week, and it doesn't look like I'm gunna make it tomorrow either. ANYWAY, since it's my b-day tomorrow, I am letting myself off the hook for going to the gym this week, but only if I do some stretches. So far, I'm doing good! And the gym will still be there on Monday when my life is a little less hectic I might take the little one to the mall and do some power walking if she's willing to sit still and enjoy the ride (she's 2 1/2 and most of the time HATES the stroller, cause she wants to walk everywhere....it's just sooooo slow walking with her that it's actually more difficult and hurts more)

Food wise I'm doing ok.....except for today. I forgot to pack my lunch, and then was gone from the house until dinner, and then only home long enough to make dinner but not eat it. So, I was soooo hungry when I got home and was able to eat dinner. BUT I Think that was actually good, because lately I've been feeling hungry all the time. Only after today, feeling that true hunger feeling, I don't think I was actually hungry. I think over the summer I let myself forget what it feels like to be hungry. And I think I was just thirsty or something.

So, I'm adding back into my plan that before I eat anything, I will drink a bottle of water.

And I'm going to try and post more. It seems everytime I've gotten a chance to sit and read, I start to post and something interrupts me. Usually one of the kids.

<---- Doing the Back to School Dance!!!!

[Snowbrocade]

Morning all!

I'm trying to wake up enought to do my walk--fortunately the hot weather has broken and it was actually cool this morning.

Bridget: I knwo what you mean about mistaking thirst for food. I have learned if I am hungry to have a big drink of water and wait a while to see if I am really hungry. It helps me eat less and I get more water that way.

Have a great day all!

Sno

[40 before 40]

Bridget so true about water and hunger. Today was pretty hot (low 90's with high humidity) and I was outside alot. When I finished work and hit the air conditioning I though I was hungry but two glasses of water and a light salad did the trick. We're at opposite end of the school spectrum but I'm still glad my teens are back into a routine that doesn't include staying up to all hour of the night every night.
Thanx for the link Sno. I need to explore 3FC more. I know I'll be a maintainer one day soon.
I've been on track all week so far and heading for the weekend challenge. It's hot hot here and there will likely be some kind of weekend party happening.

Goodnite all,

Nina

[sockmonkey70]

Sno I wouldn't put those size 16 jeans too far out of sight. I had a pair of capri's I bought a month and a half ago that were a LITTLE too tight, but when I put them on the other day they are way loose... So don't forget to keep on trying them on every week LOL.

[rswlchic]

Hello everyone,

So this week was a complete bust. There were good days and bad. First the good.... I managed to get two 3 mile runs in. Now the bad eating, eating, and more eating. I don't know what my problem is. I'm actually at the point where my fat clothes are getting tight again. Mind you I am still 60 lbs lighter than I was two years ago but I am getting frustrated with myself. I cannot let it all fall apart now. Especially since I gave away all my fat clothes. I have nothing in my closet bigger than a size twelve which, is only 2 pairs of slacks which are now tight. My DH will freak if I start buying new clothes. Especially in a bigger size.

Well enough of my rant. I start my first official training towmorrow (oops today since it's almost 1:30 am). I guess I need to add another goal. What you ask? I must start getting my tail in bed at a decent hour.

That's all for now. Congrats to those of you who stayed on plan.

[IlerJo]

I'm in!!!! I have only 56 left to go to be at my goal.