Hi all! Another "newbie" here!
 

Can I pretty please join your lovely group?! :) I've been involved in other forums (various types), but I'd really like to be a part of yours. This looks like a wonderful group of people that just might help me accomplish my goals.

A tiny bit of background:

I've always felt overweight. Ok, I HAVE been overweight a lot of my life!

There were a couple of times when I lost the weight. But, even then, I still saw myself as fat. I think a lot of that has to do with the makeup of my body. My thighs and butt are naturally bigger than others' might be at a certain weight. It's genetic; my Mom and grandmother passed the "big thigh" gene along to me - weight makes no difference!

Anyway, I've tried everything through the years. Weight Watchers (loved it and did lose weight) as well as other things. But, I've gained everything back that I've lost through the years - plus.

Last July, I fell in my home. I completely tore the MCLs (medial collateral ligaments) in both knees. I don't know how much you know about this kind of an injury, but it's a major one. I was in a wheelchair for several months (which did not help my weight - there wasn't a way to really exercise much in a chair).

I got into physical therapy and learned how to walk again! Yea! However, my quads still weren't quite strong enough, so in November, I fell again, and broke my ankle. DARN! :D Back into a wheelchair for a few more months.

I've worked really hard and am walking unassisted again (no cane, no walker, nothing!) - you can imagine what an accomplishment this is!

But, my physical therapy's coming to an end in 2 weeks. This was my exercise time during the week, so I've got to find a way to replace the time I was spending in PT getting my quads (and rest of the legs) strong. So, two days ago, I joined Curves. I figured this would be a fairly low-impact way of getting exercise and protecting my, still delicate, injured legs. The exercises at Curves can be modified to fit the needs that I have right now.

But, I'm also intrigued by the stories I'm hearing about the inches lost by ladies who go to Curves. So, in addition to getting my legs strong, I can lose weight and inches, too?! That's a wonderful idea!

Anyway, so my story wasn't short after all! Sorry!

But, I'd love to have a group of people who are with me on this journey that I can talk to and learn from. So, I hope you'll allow me to become a part of your group. Any suggestions or advice you might have would be terrific.

:coffee: (I love this smiley! This is definitely me in the mornings!)

:cry: Sniff! I feel so alone!

Someone talk to me!

:bravo: Hi DottyG,

Hows it going? I just posted a couple of things in Singles Supporting Singles. I live in Melb Australia and its 2am in the morning. I really should be in bed but here I am. What an achievement, god I admire what you have done. Well done!!! These smilies are great so I am going to have to use them as much as possible. :bravo: :mag: Thats me checking out my cellulite that I have been complaining about.......lol.

Oh my goodness Dotty!!! Sorry if you feel alone!! Don't want that.....let me welcome you to 3FC....

WELCOME! :wave:

I believe there is a thread somewhere in the Exercise Forum for people who go to Curves. I think you will find a lot of support and advice from any of the women who are posting there currently. And with you starting with Curves I think that would be a great place to visit and check out. I haven't gone to Curves, I had thought about it, but I actually like the big gyms. The one I used to attend (must get my membership back) had a great layout and I knew the best hours to attend (when there wasn't that many people!!) :D

Don't feel like you have to stick with just one thread though! Browse around and pop in anywhere, especially if you have a question that the thread may be addressing......everyone here is very helpful and kind.

Enjoy this site and have fun!! And good luck with your goals!!

Take Care
Marti

:wave: Hello!! Glad you joined us. I'm a newbie too and have joined in on the Race to 199 thread...So far this board is great and I've learned a thing or two :D Lurk around and find a place to hang out, I guarantee you'll meet some great people!! :)

Hello Dotty. You will never be alone with us, we will always be there for you. Hope your injuries are better. We do not have Curves here so I can't say what kind of place that is, but I say go for it! Good Luck and God BLess.