Wow! I'm so glad I foung this site. I was looking for recipes and stumbled on a gold mine of info.

I start SB 1/1/05 after stepping on the scales (I thought they were broken and came to work to reweigh) guess what? I really was 200lbs. I couldn't believe it. I heard about the plan from a college friend so decided to give it a try.

I've lost 27lbs so far and 2 dress sizes. It is just an amazing plan and very easy for me to follow. Right now I'm doing what you guys refer to as Phase 1.5-it is working for me.

I need to start an exercise program and just can't seem to get as motivated about that. Any suggestions?

Again, thanks for the advice and the great recipes!
Dana

Hi Dana! Welcome to the Beach!

Congrats on your wonderful success!! I'm so jealous! I'm a member of the TOV club (Turtles on Valium or slow losers)

For exercise I joined a circuit training gym that's similar to Curves, called Contours Express. I like it b/c it's just a few blocks from my job and I can do it before work. So, no excuses. I don't have to sign a contract and I like the ladies I work out with.

Take a look around. Right now, a lot of gyms are offering free trial memberships...and if you live in an apartment community, many of them have fitness centers. It's just a matter of finding something YOU like and feel you can stick with.

But definitely DO get your body moving, it will thank you for it.

Mamacita

Thanks Mamacita, I've thought about Curves, but have spent so much $$ on unused gym memberships in the past that I've been a little reluctant.

Hey! Welcome to the beach!

Wow, Dana! You're doing so well!
Welcome!

Hi Dana, I've been having the same problem getting motivated to exercise. Even a nagging dog doesn't always get me out the door. I started doing Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight tapes. They work for me because they split upper and lower body workouts into separate 20-minute routines. It is really difficult to come up with a reason not to fit a 20-minute routine into my day, so most days I get it done. Now that I'm feeling stronger from the tapes I'm working other forms of activity into the day as well - and the dog doesn't look at me with those baleful eyes as often!

Have you lost 27# since Jan. 1st?? That's alot and just absolutely amazing.

Dana,

You have done great! I'm not sure where you live so the weather may play a role, but in the summer, I like to take long walks. We have some nature trails here. I also took my son to the city pool to practice his swimming. As I got more fit, I added bike rides around the neighborhood. These worked great for the weekend when I had more time but as it got dark earlier, I found I needed some indoor exercise. First I dragged out the old treadmill I had been ignoring. Then I renewed my old gym membership that I let lapse. I bring a book and read while on the treadmill. I can read a magazine on the elliptical. The weights are great and I finally started taking some of the exercise classes. I had always been too embarrassed to take them before but they get a lot of beginners (especially this time of year) and I found I really enjoyed them. Now I miss it when I can't get to the gym.

Welcome! I think you just have to schedule exercise into your day and make a commitment to yourself that it is a priority Walking is great exercise and free!

Hi Dana: Welcome,Your doing great,big congrat on your 27 lbs. I ocassionaly do Phase1.5 but find that I add too many fruits and the natural sugars do-me-in hehe. I agree with AZ that walking is the best exercise and its the easiers on your joints and knees. Besides walking I use the WATP's 1,2,3 & 4 mile Walk Away the Pounds Tapes with Leslie Samsone. Hugs BB

Dana, welcome and congrats on your great success!

I, like you, wasn't too motivated to exercise when I started. Reasons for exercise aside (try looking for an excellent article posted in the forum last week...I've forgotten the title, but I'll try to link to it after I post this), it was tough to get going! But once I did, I found that the results (bye-bye weight, hello toned muscles!) and the endorphin boost really kept me going! Some hints:

Try lots of things at first...it'll help you find the ones that really empower you and keep things interesting! Try some classes and some work alone, though working with a buddy does help you stay on track. I do strength training (the Ladies Who Lift forum is a great resource!) and use the elliptical, but I also go to a Jazzercise class (so fun!) and a yoga/pilates class. I also have tons of tapes at home...bellydancing, yoga/pilates, country line dancing, and that keeps it interesting too!

I hope you can find some things that inspire you!