Julie - About sweating more. I think once you get the basic 'nuts and bolts' down of a tape,routine,etc. you can actually work those muscles better/harder becuz you don't have to concentrate on what goes where. Does that make sense? You always seem to know what I mean and say it better......lol
It's true about 'newbies' or 'born agains' seeing results faster.....lol Matter of fact, once your body gets use to a certain level of fitness you have to do more to continue to improve. Now that's the part that I'm not so thrilled about..
hey - it's 63 degrees here - whoo-hoo..........

Julie - I was thinking about the sleep thing when I got home a little after 10:00, but I watched about an hour of TV with DH and then konked right out. In fact, DH was trying to talk to me after we turned out the light and I'd only catch about half of what he'd say because I kept drifting off into Happy Sleepy Land. :cloud9: :lol:

Fiona

64 Degrees - As I type.....I'm counting the bikes out on my way home. And crying in my Beer.... :devil:

Star - I think you're right - I concentrate more on form and speed now, and I'm actually moving more than when I started the tape - is that what you meant.

I am sure that when you get back up north, the weather will be terrific for that bike!

BEER??

Julie - Yes little miss smarty pants - that is exactly what I was trying to say. I guess I mean you get more cordinated and workout harder......you know silly....lol
Beer? Figure of speech - I never liked beer, it makes me feel bloated (even one)....I'm a vodka/cranberry, margarita chick.....yum

Star - to be honest, there is really no form of alcohol that I spit out - esp if it's mixed with something I like - like diet coke .. .

About the workout today - it was tougher today. Maybe because TOM is this week? Do you think a drop in performance and coordination around then is normal?

Still lots of sweat. ..

Fiona, what's your gym schedule like?

Sy - what's your training like for the bike thing?
Julie

Julie - I'm sure TOM effects exercise, but since he doesn't visit me anymore - I'm at a loss. I can tell you that TOM or no TOM exercise difficulty will vary. I have never looked for the scientific reasons (it's a blonde thing). 95% of the time I love working out but maybe 5% it's just not as good or harder. I just do it and go back the next day, I figure it can't be 'great' 100% of the time right? Actually I've never really thought of it like that before you brought it up......lol

Star, you are right - it is all just part of being consistent. And eventually, I'll notice the peaks and valleys. Some days it just flows better than others.

One thing I was wondering about weights. I'm doing these upper body and lower body tapes. I usually run out of steam about halfway through the second side of the body - you know, start on the right, then on to the left. Since i'm supposed to do them twice a week, should I switch the start side? Or could it be that I'm just that much stronger on my right side. Or am I thinking too much? (it's a brunette thing -Fiona will understand)

Julie - Very good point, if I were you I would alternate start sides, I do that also.....
Becuz at the start you are naturally stronger........
Thinking too much can be a very good thing........

Thanks - I'll do that for the second set of workouts - that means I have to be conscious that it's the LEFT side to start off with for the second set of the series. . .

Julie - I know you are thrilled to put something else into your thought pattern/process....lol
You, Fiona and Rusty are similar in 'major thinking.'
I really wish I were more like you.....

Hello,
I'm really inspired by you guys. I just can't seem to get motivated to work out. I'm looking in to get the Kathy Smith Project you DVDs, but am broke right now, so will probably have to wait about a month to get them. What made you guys get up and start exercising the first day and what has helped you stick with it? I know that I really need to be exercising. I really want it to be a part of my life. Especially after I reach my goal. I don't ever want to have to lose this much weight again and I know that along with proper diet...exercise is very important.

Mandy

Mandy,
I have some good news for you. My personal trainer told me that body composition is 90% what you eat and 10% exercise. Good news for you bad for me right now...lol
I love exercise fat or thin. I was a cheerleader in HS and then started working out at a gym when I was 21, afer my first baby. I quickly became addicted and loved the way it made me feel, as well as look. If your lucky, when you start and keep it up for atleast a month, you will get the bug and there will be no stopping you.
Start out slow and just add on as you can. If you do half as well with exercise that you have with doing LAWL plan - you will see great results! (I am still in awe of you!)

Mandy-I would start out with small, very small periods of time and work your way up. In the past when i've started to exercise it was all or nothing, so i would do too much too soon and hurt or exhaust myself, then I would dread it that much more when it was time to do it again. Start with 5 mintues a day of anything, a workout tape or walking. Do that for a week, even if you feel better, even it you feel like doing more stop at 5 minutes, no guilt, no negative self talk, just a satisfied feeling that you just did something good for yourself. The next week set a new goal, 7 minutes or 10 minutes, gradually increasing your time each week until you're where you want to be. Anyway, that's my 2 cents :-) I started LAWL at 234 lbs, i'm right at 180 now and have worked my way up to walking/jogging 5 miles/day at least 5 days a week. You can do this...the first/hardest step is to get started.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Jen

Jen - HI chick!
After reading your advice to Mandy I remembered how I started out jogging. We jogged around the neighborhood. We would jog from one street light to the next and then walk for one and jog to the next. Then jogging for two, walking for one. We did that and in no time we were straight jogging for 3 miles. Your right you can't do as much as you want at first. On the other hand it depends on your level of fitness, becuz I'll bet Mandy can start out walking for more than five minutes (JMO).

Mandy - One thing I did that REALLY got me motivated to start exercising is to set a goal...I picked a biggie, to do the 50-mile MS Challenge Walk in September. So I don't think of it as "exercise" or "working out," I'm TRAINING for my event. I didn't train properly the first time I did the walk three years ago, and I ended up with an injury, and that's a mistake I don't want to make again, so it helps me stay focused!

Julie - I don't really have a schedule yet. Right now with everything so crazy I'm just trying to get in about 3 times a week whenever I have a spare hour. Hopefully in 6 weeks or so when DH is done with school, our schedules will level out and I'll be able to get in on a more regular basis. :crossed:

Fiona

Mandy - It took me 5 months of Star trying to get me to move my body to start regularly. I am not sure what did it except that I was internally ready to start. I felt that regular exercise would make me lose a little more consistently (not sure if that is really true or not). Then, I found something that was integrated and a challenge, and sort of all laid out for me - so I didn't really have to think too much to start out with.

The last time I was thin, I started with cardio. I bought a stairstepper from Sears. I could only do 3 or 4 minutes at a time. But I added minutes whenever I could. It only took me a few months to get up to 30 minutes and more. Then, the nutrionist I was seeing suggested that I start doing weights. So I found the Denise Austin tapes. The thing is with the hard cardio workout -it was amazing how much better I felt afterwards - almost like I could tackle those bears that live by Beverly. And then I got out of the habit of regular exercise. . . And there are still some days I have to convince myself to Just Put The Tape In The VCR.

BTW - today there are contractors working in my backyard doing maintainence on the townhouse next to me - and I really don't want to work out with them looking in . ..

Julie

Hello,

Jen-Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't so much not being able to do it for very long... it's just getting motivated to get up and get moving. Although I do agree that sometimes I do have the all or nothing approach.

Star-I had heard that before too (the 90% 10% thing). I think that is why I haven't really worried about exercise until now. Thanks for the confidence in me. Maybe that is what I need to do.. put as much energy into it as I put into lawl. If I can lose this much weight I can do anything! Right?
I know what you mean about the bug. Before I got pregnant with my son. (about 3 years ago) I was seeing a personal training and working out all of the time. I loved it. Now since my DH just went back to school our budget is pretty tight, so I need to try to work out at home. I think I need a plan to follow or else I won't do it. I think that is how I used to be with trying to lose weight also. That is why the LAWL plan was so good for me. I have been on a couple walks this spring. I was able to walk 3 miles! I was really happy with that because I hadn't been walking since I was at my highest weight of 235.8. It was amazing to see the difference. I didn't get winded on the same little inclines and I could go so much further. Since I hadn't been walking in a while it was like it had happened overnight or something. It was cool.

Fiona-That is so great. You are so brave to pick an event like that. That is so out of my comfort zone. I should do something like that! I just read your post again and realized that it was a 50 mile walk. Wow!! I'm impressed!. Maybe I'll start with something smaller. :)

Julie- You are so funny. "......almost like I could tackle those bears that live by Beverly." I feel so great after cardio too. I guess I just need to make a plan write it down and stick to it. I guess my main thing is wanting to make sure I'm doing it right or I'm doing it enough.

ok my son is crawling all over me and wants to play is computer game... I'll talk to you guys later.

Mandy

Mandy,
With working out and motivation, simple things work for some of us. Like everyday I work out I put a big hi-lited X (pink, blue, yellow) in my Month by glance Day Planner. Since I keep my life in the Day Planner everytime I look in there I can see how many days that month I've worked out. It's alot of X's and it makes me feel good just to know I'm doing so good. (Is that too simple? Maybe it's a blonde thing...lol) I have also used a calendar on the wall....

I just got back from the video store. I rented "The FIRM Cross trainers". Looks like a cardio workout that includes weights. It also shows some sort of step stool thing. I hope I don't need that. Anyway, I'm going to give it a go. I have this rental for 5 days, so I'll give it 5 days and If I like it I'll buy it and try to stick with it (a long with other things. I don't want to get bored). It says it typically delivers visible results within 10 workouts. I don't know about that, but I'll give it a try. To tell you the truth this video is really intimidating me. I hope I can do it.... Oops I just read in fine print that I need a short and tall step. hmmm??? Oh well, I'll try it without.

Star-No that's not too simple at all. I think I will do that on my wall calendar in the kitchen. That will give me a sense of accomplishment and help me stay on track with my workouts. At least I hope so. Wish me luck.

Mandy

Hi Fit Chicks!
Mandy - It sounds like a great tape! You certainly can do the routine without the step and if need be you can find something around the house/garage to use (make sure it is safe though). Don't be intimidated - I'll bet not one of the fitness models on that tape has lost 75 pounds. Besides it's just you and the tape, go at your own pace. Let us know how it is. Way to go chick!
Julie - I have on a sleeveless top today. I noticed that I think my left arm (less toned) looks better than my right arm (more toned) now???? Can that be possible? I have also noticed that my arms look really good when I'm holding my hair dryer over my head and brushing my hair with the other arm rasied also (lol). Now my question is, how can I take advantage of that position outside my bathroom?????????
Hi Fiona - What's up? How's training going?
Also, my slight cellulite on the back of my legs looks much less noticeable with this tan. Or maybe it is becuz I have been using Avon's Cellusculpt all winter?
I'm I full of questions today or what?
Hugs...

Star-There is a guy at work that stands around and talks to you with both hands behind his head...unfortunately he usually has sweaty pits and it's pretty nasty, but there's an option for you to show off thos beautiful arms :-)

Jen

Hi fit chicks!

The TOM monster has given me a headache today, and I have NO energy (I call it no snap, crackle or pop) - I've taken aspirin, and hopefully things will get better.

Mandy about the step tape - you should be able to do the moves without the step, just to get the movements down. Also, try looking at someplace like Goodwill or Salvation army - I bet they have used steps for sale. If you like the tape!

Now, Star, all we need to do is get you in a parade somehow, and you can wave to your heart's content. About the hairdrying - I am the worst at that double handed mirror stuff - truthfully, I usually let my hair air dry. About the cellulite - I am sure all your buds in California are going to be GREEN with envy at how terrific you look! How many days are you going to be gone?

Jen - LOL!

Fit Chicks......

Julie - I'm leaving next Thrusday and I will be gone until the following Thrusday. I am already tanned - cool! It ends up there are only gonna be three of us this year, there are usually 6 :( We were all cheerleaders :cheer: Well I take that back, 5 were :cheer: and one was homecoming queen :queen: Anyhow, the two that will be there; one is ultra skinny, her diet is smoking and wine - very little food. She's 5'7" and weighs about 115. The other one is more normal, a college professor, 5'6" and 130.
So no they won't be jealous, but they will be very happy for my progress. They have seen me from 115 -216 thru-out the years and always comment when I have lost or look better (to their credit they still loved me no matter what size I am :grouphug: ). Julie - maybe today is a 'exercise off day' for you.....you deserve one!

Jen - :rofl: Okay so I'm gonna work on that pose with the guys at work today :lol: They will probably think I'm trying to show off my 'droopy' boobs :o Oh wait, that was on the LAWL-April thread..... :dizzy: And thank goodness I don't have sweaty/stinky/hairy underarms....

Mandy -Like Julie said, for a used step try Goodwill. I see them at garage sales all the time too.

Bye Fit Chicks...

Okay, Star, I won't beat myself up too much -and see how I feel later in the day.

Well, I popped the tape in this morning to see what I would be doing and I don't think I picked a good tape for someone that is starting off. The moves looked really hard. Not hard on the muscles or body, but hard on the brain. :) I have a tae-bo tape. Maybe I'll start off with that and do a little bit of weight training on the side.... Ok that is my plan. I'm going to do it.

Star- I loved your post with all of the cute little smileys. :)

Ok so I took a look at the parts of my body that I'm most unhappy with last night. It's my thigs, front and back and my stomach. Anyway, I thought my thighs were a lost cause, but now I don't think they are. I'll never have super model legs, but I really think they could tone up and look pretty decent. I just lifted them up a bit and they looked tons better. So I guess that means that working out is a must for me. If I get these legs toned that will do a world of good for my self confidence. Anyway, I hope that all made sense. I will talk to you all later.

Mandy

ps I had the TOM headache and cramps yesterday and today I have the crankiness. Can't wait until this is over. :)

Mandy - :shrug: that is so strange about when we survey our body. I do the same thing and just when I improve the part I've been working hardest on......BAM I notice another one. I think the deal is that no matter how much we improve :strong: we will always want more :( We will always want to be thinner, toner, richer. So for me, I need to work on all of that and learn to love the skin I'm in ;)

Mandy, I also want to add one thing, you are lucky to still be in your 20's, since your skin still will 'shrink to fit'. It will take some time, but as you maintain your weight, it'll happen.

I also agree with Star that just when we think we like one part, we start to focus on the next thing, and we've only got one skin, so we should learn to love it. (just tell that to my legs. . .)

Hugs,
julie

Thanks for the advice ladies. I do just need to learn to "love the skin I'm in" and Julie I hope you're right about the shrink to fit thing.
When I was 235 I would have loved to look like I do now and now that I'm here I just see the things that I don't like and wish I could change. I need to get over that. I need to just work on being healthy and fit, but love myself at the same time.

Mandy

ps didn't work out yesterday because of a horrible headache and today I'm just not motivated enough. :(

Mandy,

Julie is right about you being young enuf for you skin to shrink back to the right size. After yo-yo dieting for 30 years the poor skin can only stretch/shrink so many times,like a rubberband. By the time someone reaches 40 or 50 no matter how much they work out that skin is done and all elastisity (sp?) is gone. I do think however that people who exercise compared to non-exercisers somehow look better.
What I mean to say is your young and your 'skin' should go back to where it use to be.
Let us know...............lol
About loving yourself - your a young married mom, with a great son and DH, smart, pretty and nice - what more could a chick want?

awww :o thanks Star, your comment just brightened my day!

Mandy

Well, chickies, my living room floor met my aerobic feet again today - I got both the aerobics and upper body in today !!!!! I have learned the trick of moving down to a lighter weight when the reps get too tough - then I can at least complete most of the set. .

Mandy - I agree with Star, what more could a gal want?? However, I do think all of us suffer from continual disatisfaction with ourselves, and have to work on counting the good things in our lives!

Julie

Hey fit chickies - Well I haven't been to the gym in a week - yikes! Between scheduling and just not wanting to go (lol)...the place is super busy during the right-after-work rush - it's nearly impossible to even find a parking space, much less an open treadmill! So I don't like going then...but I also have to take DD or wait until she's in bed which makes it like 9:00 at night before I can get out the door...sigh. I think I'm just going to have to grit my teeth and fight my way over there along with the rest of the rush hour crowd...:p

I also need to finally coordinate a schedule, since I've got to get to the gym 8 times a month (twice a week, basically, although more than that now since I skipped a week already...) and also get out to play with my new horse a couple times a week, which I will NOT take DD along for, it's just too hard to concentrate on what I'm doing while also trying to make sure she's not getting in people's way or getting trampled on and having to listen to her whine about when it's going to be her turn...aaaagh! :lol:

I think I will gym Mondays and Wednesdays, and ride Sundays and Thursdays, and fill in Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as the spirit moves me. (For example, I think I'm going to be out by my parents' to look at another house on Tuesday evening, so I will probably swing by the barn, too.)

Busy, busy, busy!

Fiona

Hi Fit Chicks......
Julie - Good for you figuring out to lower the weights. It isn't really the correct way to do it, but I do it that way too sometimes.....they say you are suppose to start light, go medium and heavier......Sometimes I start light, go medium and stay at medium. Besides we aren't gonna be professional weight lifters right? These are just things we learn as we go.....the main thing is we are 'going'....lol
Fiona - It is hard to schedule with DD, but sounds like you know what has to be done. Explain it to DH so that he will know how important it is for you to get you 'training' time in.
Later Fit chicks.......

Morning Fit Chicks.....
Went to the gym this A.M. did a circuit of weights - it is a good program and takes less than an hour....The hard part of going back to the gym is lugging all the 'get ready for work' stuff......
So one more day of working out and then I'm off to CA. The other chicks that will be there work out on a regular basis, so that should be alot of fun. Our workouts will consist of; walking, condo gym, shopping, tanning and dancing.......lol
Where are you chicks at anyhow?

Hi, Star, I am here-

Found it tough to keep up the intensity of the cardio tape yesterday, too - amazing the difference of a few days "rest". Hopefully I'll be better today.

Your week in CA sounds like so much fun! Will you be by the water at all? I am getting jealous. ..

Julie

Julie - yes, when you first start out afew days off can be touchy.. Just jump back in!

I'm flying into LA and then we are doing some sight seeing, hopefully to a beach somewhere.....My friend's condo is in Palm Desert (with a pool&cocktails).

:lol: :lol: :lol: ;)
Most of you have read the scare-mail about the person whose kidneys were stolen while he was passed out.

Well, read on. While that was an "urban legend," THIS story is NOT. It's something that is happening everyday.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night of August 3rd, about four years ago. It was just so quick, just during one night! I went to sleep in my own body and woke up with someone else's thighs. The new ones had the texture of cooked oatmeal! Who would have done such a cruel thing?

I finally had to resign myself to living out the rest of my life in jeans and "Sheer Energy" pantyhose.

Then, just when my guard was down, the thieves struck again! My rear end was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear end (although badly attached at least three inches lower than the original) to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier.

Now, my rear complemented my legs, lump for lump.

Frantically, I prayed that long skirts would stay in fashion.

It was two years ago when I realized my arms had been switched. One morning, while fixing my hair, I watched, horrified but fascinated, as the flesh of my upper arms swung to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush.

This was really getting scary. My body was being replaced, cleverly and fiendishly, one section at a time.

Age? Age had nothing to do with it. Age was supposed to creep up, unnoticed and intangible ~ something like maturity.

My poor neck disappeared more quickly than the "Thanksgiving" turkey it now reminded me of.

It amazes me that none of this parts-swapping has caused any actual physical pain.

This is NOT a hoax! This is happening to women in every town, every night.

Warn all your friends!

PS: I feel much better knowing my body parts have been stolen by an actual thief. I thought I was just getting old!

I must say, that last year, I thought someone had stolen my breasts. I was lying in bed, and, suddenly, they were gone! As I sprang from my bed, I was relieved to see that they were just hiding in my pajama bottoms. From now on, I will keep them safely hidden in my (elastic) waistband

Help! I've fallen and can't get off the couch!
 

Hello all! OK, time to refocus and get in gear. I just started LAWL last week and today is my first day on the program so I am going to go home tonight and go to a Yoga class to begin working out! I look forward to getting updates from you all on how to include other items into my workout too. Thanks!
Amy