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.

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 Well I take that back, 5 were and one was homecoming 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 ). Julie - maybe today is a 'exercise off day' for you.....you deserve one!

Jen - Okay so I'm gonna work on that pose with the guys at work today They will probably think I'm trying to show off my 'droopy' boobs Oh wait, that was on the LAWL-April thread..... 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 - 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 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.