Hi,

I'm a 34 single woman who lives in the Pacific Northwest. I was chubby in high school - OK overweight due to yo-yo dieting with my friend for "fun". About ten years ago, I decided to get into running which I loved. It helped me go from 175 to maintain my weight of about 143 plus or minus a few pounds. My weight normalized there for about 5 years.

Then 3 years ago, as a newbie, I had a mountain biking accident which required surgery and months of bedrest. I lost most of my fitness I had gained and gained about 15 lbs back. Then last year was stressful and I dealt with the stress by putting all my time into focusing on work. As a result I chose to eat out most of the time, eat convience food, hitting the vending machines when I needed an energy boost and not taking time to exercise regularly. So I gained another 15 lbs on top of the extra 15 lbs, being 30 lbs over my substained weight.

I've been having a great adventure travelling through Central America in the fall but I want my old body back. I want to be able to fit into my jeans and pants that have been in my drawers since 2003. OK, they may be out of fashion but I want to be fit again!

What worked last time was exercising 3 times a week, just 20-30 minutes of running and being active, like cycling to university, etc. I also took care to prepare my meals in advance, like making a big pot of vegetable soup on Sunday nights, making healthy muffins and having a rotating salad. Wow, I'd forgotten how organized I was. I really fell out of that when I moved in with my roommate 4 years ago.

Anyway, I found an exercise buddy and I'm slowly losing the weight (1 lb a month). This is partially due to a month long course I was taking, I dropped the exercise. A familiar routine, I'm noticing.

I'm glad I found this forum and I'm happy there are others on the same journey with similar struggles.

Hi there, Dulce! Welcome! I'm new around here too. Just found this place today, actually!

I think it's great that you've got an exercise buddy. My husband's decided to be my exercise buddy, and I'm really excited about it! These things seem a little easier when you have a friend at your side.

Again, welcome! It's nice to meet you!

Hi and welcome. I think you've hit the nail on the head with that comment on being organized! Good work!
Read and post, read and post ... make yourself at home.

Hi DulceDuck!

Welcome!

I'm glad to hear that you have recovered from your accident! Any accident like that can really throw you for a loop physically but also mentally and emotionally. Have you tried Pilates or yoga to build strength and stamina? I know that most active people would rather get out there and bike or run or swim, but yoga and Pilates can truly cause you to work up a MAJOR SWEAT, will help build flexibility AND burn plenty of calories! I couldn't believe the workout I got when I first began! Holding the poses and repeating the movements took more out of me than I ever thought they would! I got stronger and more flexible to do every other activity as a byproduct! I use DVDs and do these in my living room. What a difference they have made in my overall strength and balance, too!

It takes awhile to find a food plan and an exercise plan to match your own personal needs and style. Try going to www.fitday.com to log your food and exercise. It is free! Also, try to get in some kind of exercise every day. Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and before you know it you'll be fitting into those jeans and SMALLER ONES as well!

Cheryl

Thank you all for your warm welcome! I'm really looking forward to being on this journey with you. I made it to the gym but even though my exercise buddy called me at 6:30 this morning, she didn't arrive. Hee hee, just got a call - we got our wires crossed and she ended up at yoga and me at the gym.

Daisypeach, what a lucky chick you are to have your husband involved too.

Cheryl, thanks for the advice re: pilates and yoga. I just signed up for yoga with my exercise buddy and we've made an agreement to go 3 x a week. If we don't show up without cancelling before 11 PM, then we pay the other $5. Tomorrow is our first early morning class so we'll see how that goes.

Cheers,
Dulce

Hi Dulce!

That's GREAT to hear that you and your friend will be starting yoga!

Here are a few tips!

Eat a little something before you go. Yoga should be done on an empty stomach, or at least not for a couple hours after eating, BUT after not eating ALL NIGHT and going to an early morning class you guys probably need SOME nourishment! Also, don't forget to have some water.

If you can, take a warm shower before you go. Stretch out a bit after your shower. This will help your body get ready!

Go only as far as is comfortable into the stretches and poses. Yoga is NOT a competitive activity! Each time you do your practice you will be able to go into the poses further. Remember that the Instructor has probably been doing yoga for MANY years! Don't try to compete, just do YOUR BEST!

Above all, ENJOY your time doing yoga! It is responsible for helping me lower my bloodpressure and has helped me practice calm in stressful situations. It's a wonderful addition to any weight loss program!

I'd love to know how you like it!

Cheryl