I work out 5 days a week. M-W-F I do 20 minutes on the treadmill and 40 minutes of weightlifting. T-Th I do a 45 min all over body workout DVD with light weights (mix of cardio and weights).

I am trying to increase my muscle mass. I am sore all the time, but it's a good sore I guess...

I am also interested in what you are all doing for exercise. I hope to be on maintenance soon and looking to begin some sort of routine. I've thought about working with a personal trainer at least for awhile. There are several gyms close by who provide that assistance although I need to check into the cost. I have never really enjoyed aerobic type exercise. I am thinking at age 65 I need to work on strength and balance. I know walking should be part of it, and I already do a bit of that, but I've never been particularly motivated to exercise--I think that's one reason IP was so appealing! :lol: I would rather be spending my time reading or playing on the computer. I'm the classic couch potato! I hope this old dog can learn some new tricks! :dizzy:

I run 2-3 times a week...usually around 7-8 km. I don't 'up' my eating really much, sometimes just extra fruit and I always eat protein within 30 minutes of my workout. Sometimes I eat a strawberry wafer but most of the time I'm eating supper not to much after I run. I am not using it for weight loss but if I pay attention to my intake I could use it for weight loss. I'd rather just do another day of Phase 1 though and run without worrying about using it for weight loss.

...so I tried on a dress yesterday...and the lady said "wow, your waist is TINY in this one"....I hugged her...the style of dress I was hoping would look nice...does :D! ...SO YAY!!!

Hello...I've been reading this thread for quite a few weeks now. I've learned a lot from everyone here!! Anyway, I am getting close to my goal. In fact, I'm wondering if I should be there already. I feel happy with the way I look & feel, I would just like to get down to a size 4. I comfortably wear size 8's and some size 6's. I have not worked out since beginning the program (11 weeks ago). My plans are to start working out once I start phase 3. Do you think that I will drop a size or two once I do start up my workouts again (I've done (P90X with great results in the past with additional 1 hour cardio workouts)? Just wondering if I should consider moving into phase 2 & then 3 now...or wait 3 more weeks to phase off as I initially planned. Thanks for any info! :-)

Working out should flatten and tone, so you might drop a size.

I am surprised you aren't in a 4 at 120 and 5'5". I can wear a 4 at 5'8" and 145...

If you are satisfied with where you are you should consider phasing off. Your weight will fluctuate, but trying to maintain at a really low weight can lead to a lot of frustration.

Note-you may see some water weight gains when you start working out. Give it some time before you react!

This is so interesting. Thanks for all the responses.
So far we are ranging from running a couple of times a week, to consistent 5 to 6 times a week stuff.

Glomor--definitely recommend the trainer if you find one you connect with. It is a crazy expense but when you compare it to 3 boxes of IP a week, you might be able to budget in 2 to 3 sessions for the same money. He/She should understand your age, your laptop potato (oh wait, that's me) tendency, and your goals of balance and strength. I go thru these spells where I overdo it until I get hurt, the last one being in 2007 or 2008, after which I did not get back at it until June 2012. The difference between June and now in strength, balance and even endurance is remarkable. Pretty much on a 5/6x per week schedule with a week off in July and in August. If you like the class set up instead or in addition to, try one of the Silver Sneakers classes that many gyms offer. Commit to a month and I am sure within that time you will have that endorphin rush when you realize how good you feel.

fitgirl 2012: Tough call on the goal weight. Really consider phasing off now. I am experiencing what momto2cs wrote (How do I maintain this weight? What is the future balance of eating & exercise?). I think shaping the last 5 lbs with a combo of cardio and weightlifting is the way to go and might look better than dieting it off, depending on where your bodyfat % is now. I understand about the size thing; I love wearing those low numbers, too. Realistically, though, there has to be sizes left for our shorter, smaller-built friends that are not negative numbers.

Originally Posted by Ishbel:
I run 2-3 times a week...usually around 7-8 km. I don't 'up' my eating really much, sometimes just extra fruit and I always eat protein within 30 minutes of my workout. Sometimes I eat a strawberry wafer but most of the time I'm eating supper not to much after I run. I am not using it for weight loss but if I pay attention to my intake I could use it for weight loss. I'd rather just do another day of Phase 1 though and run without worrying about using it for weight loss.

...so I tried on a dress yesterday...and the lady said "wow, your waist is TINY in this one"....I hugged her...the style of dress I was hoping would look nice...does :D! ...SO YAY!!!

YAY, indeed on the tiny waist! What a difference shopping now must be from 18 months ago.

And those strawberry wafers...sometimes now they are too sweet, but I still have them for P1 days. The chocolate drink mix is my IP hold out.

I usually do 3 days of weights, 2 of cardio and one of yoga, but it varies. I've been working out consistently for 25 years. I don't think it makes much difference to how I look; I do it because it makes me feel good.

Originally Posted by Momto2cs:
Working out should flatten and tone, so you might drop a size.

I am surprised you aren't in a 4 at 120 and 5'5". I can wear a 4 at 5'8" and 145...

If you are satisfied with where you are you should consider phasing off. Your weight will fluctuate, but trying to maintain at a really low weight can lead to a lot of frustration.

Note-you may see some water weight gains when you start working out. Give it some time before you react!

Agreed. I am a 4 @ 5'-2" and 135.

I met with a running group for the first time today, 6 miles @5:10am...sounded crazy when my cousin suggested it, but I felt fantastic, kept up with the group easily, and the rest of the day started off right. I am going to meet up with them tue, thu, & sat - its the only time I can squeeze it in my new schedule and not take time from my son. Sundays I am taking a Step & Bodypump class.

Running a 5k on Saturday, the San Antonio Half Marathon on Nov 11, and an 8-mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and a Dallas Half in Dec. My race card is filling up!

Liz - I can't believe you can handle all that running with your back problems. I am too scared to even try!!! My Dr's told me to never run or jump with my bulging discs.

Ugh, I got the belly bloat/gas tonight. I had potatoes for the first time. I won't be eating those again...

Mooselover: 12 degrees below zero is cold. We have snow on the mountains! I am back to layers to keep warm. Hope you feel better.

Lizr: Your runs are motivational! Do you get t-shirts for the runs? I may do a Turkey trot walk.

Infoplease: I have found that my loose skin firmed up on my legs and arms..but my stomach still has loose skin..I am older so you might be different and have more resilient skin!

Locopollo: great picture: You look toned and thin!

Ishbel: so nice to have someone tell you that you have a tiny waist!!!!

Fitgirl2012: Working off the last 5 pounds with cardio and weights in the next Phases might be helpful..on your way to maintenance..or you could delay it and stick to Phase 1 until you reach size 4. I stayed on Phase 1 until my goal and then lost weight on Phase 2/3.

Glomor: I exercise 6-7 days a week..walk, eliptical, weights.

I am at the upper limit of my 3 pound range. Here is to another day of exercise and Phase 1.

Hi everyone!

I am pleased to be joining in on this thread. I am phased off but still losing at this point. At this rate I will probably hit my original goal which doesn't seem as realistic to me at this point because I am getting pretty boney. I am getting ready to introduce a jogging into my life. Liz inspires me. :D

Glad to some of my favorite people from the 100% in this thread. :D For those of you I don't already know I look forward to getting to know you and share the maintaining journey. (((HUGS))) to you all.

infoplease actually...it's hard...I don't always know what will look good on me...which is why I was excited to try on a wedding dress that I hoped would look good...and DID :D So at least the style I'm after is 'ok'...highly worried about it. The lady at the shop said "my sister lost 160 lbs and you have the same diease she does, you don't know how small you are". I find now I go into shops and walk out with nothing more often then I ever did before.

liz Holy Smackers girl! That's a whole lota running...WELL DONE!! I'm not into it like THAT...I'll do a 10k one day but training for 10K means I have to run 16K to get the time I want. Too much work right now, maybe in the spring. Right now it's "how do I dress for this weather" as I find I squirm a lot on a treadmill from the bordem.

fitgirl If you're comfortable, then phase off...:)

maile good luck on your extra day of Phase 1!

meadow WELCOME TO MAINTENANCE! :)

cap Yoohoo!! :) We miss you! :)

...Ok everyone...I find in maintenance I can say no to chocolate...SO easy! There's been a high quality chocolate bar in my fridge for months and I'm not interested...but I'm having difficulty with the SALT now...my tastes have changed and I love salt just TOOO much.

Anyone else find that? Cause I was NEVER EVER a salt person, always sweet.

...anyone...anyone...anyone?