Hi everyone,

I can't believe the variety you guys are getting in your workouts. I've been thinking of trying a cardiobox class at the Y, but have been too chicken as of yet 'cause I have no endurance & will fizzle out fast if we have to do laps of the gym or something. Am very self-conscious in a public setting, and I don't have any workout clothes that fits. lol. I usually just swim. I saw some gym pants for $10 at the store, might spring for those. Of course I can get away with baggy t-shirts. I just don't know if it's worth it if I don't like the classes.

Tried a yoga class a few months back and felt really uncoordinated. Could be that I'd get better with practise, but it was really difficult to get balanced & of course I was the biggest one there, which made me uncomfortable. I also don't have a lot of physical strength, so I can't do much in terms of holding poses. I just feel like I'm paying so much money to the Y, that I should do more than just swim.

How did you guys get the courage to start group classes? I want to learn how to do things properly (technique) but at the same time, I'd feel really badly if the instructor kept calling me out on stuff 10 times per class. What should I do? Is it okay to ask if I can "just watch" a class (without looking like a weirdo)?

-Yello.

Yellofly-You probably realize I go to weight training, Pilates and Zumba classes at the Y. If I had to recommend just one it would be the Zumba classes because they are the most fun. I am with you in not wanting to be corrected in class. I have even stopped attending classes if I feel harrassed. Most instructors don't usually correct individuals much at our Y anyway. They just generally go over form alot. Even though I go often, I am always tweaking my form. I can't imagine it would be a problem to just watch a class either but it is usually more fun to give it a try. Just don't over do it at first. I recommend modifying at first whenever possible. I still do that when I have new instructors. I don't know how much is going to be asked of me and I don't want to have to stop because I'm pooped. A drink of water from the water fountain is also a good excuse if things get too much. I'm like you though. I want to try spinning classes sometime but I still haven't done it because I don't know how the bikes work. I will one of these days.

Melissa (Hun) – I don’t get Fit TV either. I wish I did because I tend to get bored of workouts after awhile and like to mix it up. I’ve been renting some from NetFlix, but I’m finding that I really like them and then go out and buy them. Hopefully it will take a while to tire of the ones I bought recently. Oh and by the way, I’m finding myself using the expression “Scales are for fish” in my non-3FC life! And hula hips -

Cathy – I’m sorry you have the funk too. I definitely think the weather is a huge contributing factor. I hope the spring weather makes it your way soon! I know what you mean about kicking up the exercise a notch or two. I started this portion of my weight loss journey with WATP almost every day. While I like it and it really helped me begin getting back in shape, I’m beginning to explore other avenues. I think your body can get used to certain types of exercise and then not respond as well. I still do WATP a couple of times a week, but am starting to do some different things the rest of the week. I noticed that when I started to increase the amount of exercise in a week, the weight came off easier. Now if I can get my eating back under control, I’d break through this plateau (or as I’m fearing the newest bumper number) I think my plateau is mental (self-sabotaging) and I need to change my way of thinking again. And, I would not say that you suck as a supportive teammate. I’m glad to have you here! Be a debby downer anytime you need. Get it out of your system and let up help you through it. I’ve been looking at things about Jillian’s 30 day shred video. I’m curious how you’ll like it. Let us know.

Counting and Rennie – While some people may not agree, this challenge is more about support than numbers for me. I love having you both even if you don’t need to lose as much as the rest of us. Your one pound losses will have a higher % of loss for us. I can’t wait to celebrate with each of you as you reach goal!

Counting – I hope you have a good time with your family. We’ll miss having you hang around.

Rennie – you said “Sometimes I feel I am not much good for the team except funny stories lol.” I would have to disagree. I think you contribute a lot more than just funny stories (which I enjoy by the way) You are very encouraging & positive, and I appreciate it!

SoulBliss – thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts on self-sabotage. I am the princess of self-sabotage in both weight loss and other areas of my life. I have printed off your thoughts and will sit down and ponder it. I have a positive self-esteem program that I’ve been meaning to work on. Actually I started it and then quit because I felt anxious, fearful, unmotivated…… I’ll need to restart it taking your thoughts into account. Thanks again!

Terapet – Improving at your exercise is a great accomplishment. Good luck at getting the exercise under control. I, too, started out Zumba not doing any arms at all for the first few months – more because I am uncoordinated than due to intensity issues. Our class has a wide variety of sizes and ages too.

Tina – Enjoy your day! Sounds like a lot of fun.

Yello – I understand your reservations to starting a new class. I am very shy by nature and don’t like to have attention drawn to me. For that reason, I don’t like situations where I don’t know what to expect. When I started my Zumba class about a year and a half ago, I was very uncoordinated and self-conscious. I stood on the back row. I began to realize that most of the people in the class where so self-conscious too that they were more worried about themselves than about what I was doing. I’m sure there may be those who might giggle at me behind my back, but I’m to the point where I don’t let the worries bother me. I am doing this to make my life and health better. If someone is of the childish mindset to be making fun of me, then they probably have the character that they make fun of everyone. I find that I really admire the women who come class after class and maybe can’t do every step exactly as done by the instructor. They are bettering themselves. My instructor always tells us that it doesn’t matter if you are doing the steps exactly right as long as you keep moving. I don’t know how it is at the Y because I take my class through our town’s Parks and Recreation department, but I know that we will frequently have people come to one class to try it before they sign up for the next session to see if they like it. It won’t hurt to ask. They may have you pay a couple of dollars for that one session, but if it keeps you from wasting your money on something you are going to not like, then it’s money well spent. Also, keep in mind that whatever you choose to do, you will only get better at it and stronger the more you do it. P.S. – I now stand in the front row in my Zumba class, get into the moves a little more than some of the other people in my class, and couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks!! Good Luck!

Today is day 4 at POP for me and I was hoping to post a decent loss this week. TOM is here so that may not happen. I would love to get to the 160's for the end of this challenge. We'll see. Today is my really bad cramp day (I usually have one really bad day) and I have my nephew's 4th birthday party tomorrow. I'm undecided on if I'm going to resist cake. I will probably eat lunch over there, and they don't tend to eat as healthfully as I would like. If I have an off day on Saturday, I will get right back on plan when I get home!

Oh, and I have a funny-ish story. On Monday, I got into my night job and there was a mini-easter basket with some candy and fun little presents (i.e. nail file, mini-nail polish, notepad) on my desk. I share a desk with another lady who is there during the day. I was pretty sure it was for me, but not entirely sure. In what I realize now was a PMS attack, I ate all of the candy. I was so out of control. When I got to the end I realized that there is a small possibility that this may not be my basket. OOPS! So in a panic, I go to the community candy dish and fill the basket back up with candy. They next day (my first POP for this week), they basket was still there untouched. I didn't go in on Wednesday, so last night when I realized that the basket was indeed mine, I put all of the leftover candy back in the community dish because I knew I didn't want it. Darned TOM!

Hey guys! I am so sorry that I haven't been posting like I should. I post on the Metabolic page and in the 20somethings, and I just have a hard time keeping up with this thread but I am going to do a BETTER JOB!!

I have been doing well this week. Last week was a low loss for me (1.5 lbs) but I think it was because of TOM and I was sick and taking cold medicine that had sugar it in (a no-no on my plan). I'm hoping this week will be great! I weigh in tomorrow at my center. Last week I got to sign the 40 lbs board, and I am 7 lbs away from being in ONEderland. Tomorrow is my birthday too! I am going to celebrate my weightloss and my birthday at a spa next week.

I am so proud of everyone on this team - everyone is doing so well! I think that anyone can lose the weight, once they DECIDE that it is what they want to do!

MSTeacher - Have a wonderful Birthday tomorrow! Congrats on the 40 pounds! Onderland is so close I bet you can smell it! Enjoy the spa!

Good Morning Red team!!

Muse...With the way you've been kicking butt lately I wouldnt be a bit surprised if your body needed a week to catch up!

Terapet...OMG!! Way to go on that exercise!! That is fantastic! When it comes to the eating just try to make your changes slowly. Dont expect perfection all at once. Even if you can cut out 100 calories a day you are on the track to success! Be proud of all you've accomplished!! We all are!

Tina...I love that era too, its so sexy! I hope you and your family has a wonderful time at the play, I'm so jealous I want to go! LOL!

Rennie...you and I are on the same mindset when it comes to money! I grew up a welfare child myself. Single mom with 4 kids living on welfare it was rough. I think growing up like that played a big role in my weight issues I face as an adult. Once I got out on my own and was making my own money I tended to go excessive especially when it came to food. And food is ALWAYS a reward because we never had the "special stuff" growing up. We never ate out, never got to have a candy bar all to ourselves. It was slim pickins, alot of foodbank stuff and govt cheese(anyone else remember that?). Dont get me wrong I think it helped to make me the the person I am today, and I really like that person. It just had its good and bad, like all childhoods I suppose. Oh and I wanted to reassure you...you are a FANTASTIC teammate! The support you offer is amazing! Our team wouldnt be complete without you so never doubt your role for a second!

Yello...I think something we all need to realize is that NOONE is looking at us as much as we think they are. I think of exercise classes I've gone to and honestly I dont remember a single person in there beyond the trainer. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Get a spot by the door, if you absolutely hate it then just leave. You dont have to stay. But you'll never learn what you can do until you try. You never know, you just might be better at something than you are giving yourself credit for! You can do it!! Take that first step!!

Karen...I think when it comes to birthday cake you cant make it a forbidden. Allow yourself a few bites. My experience with cake is while it looks so good..it generally doesnt taste as good! But when I tell myself I cant have any then I'll eat a whole piece! LOL that is so funny about the basket! TOM will get ya everytime! At least you didnt finish off the replacements LOL! I hope the cramps subside soon!

MSteacher..... It is so fantastic to see you again!!! Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! And congrats on the 40 lbs, that is so amazing!! So close to onederland I bet you are just floating right about now!! Way to go on all your amazing successes!! You are doing GREAT!! keep it up!!

OMG, yes. We used to have it at the grandparents. I don't think it was technically cheese though.

Hey ladies! Well little man has a stomach bug that's going around. He was throwing up last night. I am hoping today is a bit better. I bought him some pedia light and some pedia sure. So far so good. I did my grocery shopping yesterday for the next week while ex DH is here and I have my menu planned for the week as well. So hopefully I can keep my eating in check. Just have to throw out all the Easter candy...lol

Well ladies, have a great day and I'll try to check back in a little later!

LOL Karen...it made good grilled cheese though, maybe it was all that salt!

Kari...I'm sorry your little one is sick! I hope he feels better soon!

Cathy...today is going to be a FANTASTIC day!!! You can do it!

That's funny because when you mentioned the gov't cheese the first thing that came to my mind was grilled cheese. Maybe that's the only way it's edible. Now I want grilled cheese!

LOL...well I'll suggest the WW cheese singles, they are only 1 point a slice and they actually taste really good! Add a little FF shaved ham and you got yourself a really yummy sandwich!

Mmm... grilled cheese.

(Goes out for a run to ignore grilled sandwich urges)