So, I go to the gym today and take the "Core Toning" class. Let me start by saying from 1996 - 2001, I gained 100 lbs. 2 years ago I had a son via c-section. When you think of my mid-section, think of one of the scenes from Alien where an alien bursts through a stomach. The other day my son pressed on my tummy and said "squishy! squishy! squishy!"

In the last two years, I have made SO much improvement on my core strength, but I am SO far from where I would like to be. And as I was laying on the mat STRUGGLING to do the moves, unable to do all the reps... I started to have some negative self-talk. Thought about how "dumpy" my stomach is. And how I let myself get this way... etc. I stopped myself and I said "no!" I do not want negative talk in my head!! I am working hard to improve! I am working hard to feel good about myself! I should not talk mean to myself.

I started just thinking "I am awesome. I am awesome." Then I started singing "Unicorns, I love them. Unicorns, I love them." Why? B/c it is a happy little ditty. And I was in a panic b/c I was drawing a blank for positive self-talk. (TG people can't hear what goes on in my head!!)

So... let's go. What do you tell yourself that is positive? What do you say to yourself that makes you feel good/better?

I love that you were singing about unicorns!! How hysterical!! Glad I'm not the only one that sings to myself to get through things!!

I give myself little pep talks in spin class like, "the song is almost over, stick with it," "you are doing great," and when I get frustrated because it hurts, I tend to yell at myself like, "you freaking sissy, get through this!" Or I just think random things like you did and put them to a beat like, "I...like...my spin class, I like my spin class!" as we're going along with the music. It just depends on my mood, I guess.

I say " you are done ten sizes, just keep going".

I say "you can feel your hip bones!! WTG!!" There's been a few moments where I just feel so amazing to have lost this weight, I stop myself with whatever I'm doing (it might not even be negative, but just to take a moment) and I thank myself for working on getting healthier and losing weight. It's such a gift. If negative thoughts do creep in...like "wow, I didn't think at this weight I would still be so BIG" I quickly tell myself to cut that kind of crap thinking out! It works most of the time.

During the last two minutes of a tough workout, I think about when the Saints are in a close game after the two-minute warning. I think about the monumental physical effort it must take to play football, the preparation it takes both mentally and physically, the guts it requires to put forth that effort after a three-hour game.

Drew Brees and Marques Colston are my inspiration; if they and the rest of the offense can win a football game in two minutes, I can finish my puny little stationary bike ride.

If people could hear what goes through my head during a workout, I think they would commit me to the pysch ward lol

I am a little bummed that there isn't more positive self-talk around here!

Okay, get ready to giggle alot. I listen to the the meanest heaviest music I can find and practically growl the words. Yeah maybe it's the positive "You can do it!" attitude people should have but it works for me. You say tomayto I say tomahto kinda thing.

Yep, we are tummy twins! I had the C-section two years ago this month. Then in June, I had to be re-opened to repair an ectopic pregnancy in emergency surgery and lost a fallopian tube. The emergency surgery left a scar that is still noticeable. I've never had abdominal strength. I am an apple shape, and have the jelly belly to go along with it. I started doing Jillian Michael's six-week six pack and I am amazed at the changes in my midsection. Also, going from 210 to where I am now, I have noticed a big change in this area, so keep giving yourself the positive talk, and keep going to core class.

Just imagine the muscle building up under the squishy fat, then that fat layer on the top disappearing as you get stronger and stronger with each workout. Go you!!!

YES!!! LOL! Or they would never let me work out again with an instructor, because she would fear for her life.