[HealthyChick]

Hi--I've just joined. I'm getting to this site a little late in the game! My highest weight was 175 pounds, about two years ago. I'd gained weight through college, then got married and cooked lots of fattenting foods.

I lost fifty pounds, then regained about twelve. I'm getting back into gear--keeping a food log, exercising 5-6 times per week, and trying to stay motivated. Everyone here seems really friendly and it'll be great to get to know you!

[sjdphc]

Hi HealthyChick! Congrats on your previous weight loss! How did you do it? How do you motivate yourself to exercise 5-6 day per week?!? Exercise is my BIGGEST downfall right now! What type of exercise do you do? You'll find lots of motivation here! Welcome aboard!

[HealthyChick]

Originally Posted by sjdphc

Congrats on your previous weight loss! How did you do it? !

I followed the 90/10 Plan, which lets you have about 250 calories a day for "fun foods," so I wasn't tempted to binge. It worked out really well for me because it was so flexible.

As far as exercising, I know everyone says it, but I keep a log. I've just started the Thin for Life daybook, and it has you plan out your exercise for the week. I'm much more likely to get out there and do it if I know I'd have to explain why I didn't in the log. I just started taking Spinning classes a couple weeks ago and really love it--it's easier to push that hard when you're surrounded by other people!

[sjdphc]

[QUOTE As far as exercising, I know everyone says it, but I keep a log. I've just started the Thin for Life daybook, and it has you plan out your exercise for the week. I'm much more likely to get out there and do it if I know I'd have to explain why I didn't in the log. QUOTE]

Good morning! I'm still curious... Do you do a different exercise everyday of the week? What would a sample week look like for you? Are you a member of a gym?

[HealthyChick]

I do belong to a gym--the local New York Sports Club. I like it a lot--there are plenty of machines and they offer classes.

Here's a pretty typical week:

Monday--40:00 elliptical trainer
Tuesday--45:00 Spinning class
Wednesday--45:00 Spinning class , strength training (6 exercises, 2 sets of each)
Thursday--60:00 elliptical or arc trainer
Friday--rest
Saturday--45:00 Spinning class , strength training
Sunday--45:00 Spinning class or equivalent time other cardio

Hope that helps!

[sjdphc]

Thank you for being such an exercise inspiration! I went to the gym today and did a one hour step aerobics class! I left the class feeling like I accomplished something! I'm almost ashamed to say that exercise was holding me back because the gym/classes are FREE!!!! I made myself believe that it was too long of a drive (NOT! ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME ), that it was too cold outside to leave the house (NOT! IT'S NOVEMBER AND UP UNTIL TODAY IT'S BEEN IN THE MID TO HIGH 60s ), and because I didn't have a buddy (now this is true, but I met some nice people at the class and I have to realize that I don't need a buddy for everything! If I always relied on others, I would be going no where fast! ). I'm going to incorporate logging exercise in my food diary. My goal/plan is to exercise at least 30 minutes to an hour at least 3 times a week. So easy, right?... So again, thanks for the motivation!

[LoveThyBody]

Congratulations HealthyChick on the accomplishments you have met this far into your game!!!

I have been working out consistently since August 2005. I joined my gym in November 2004 but only went 2...maybe 3 times a week and I was not motivated at all. Since August this year I have been working out pretty hard (too hard I think) for about 5-6 times a week. I am not seeing any change on the scale at all but my clothes definitely fit better.

When I was 19 I ran a marathon and I got it in my head that I wanted to run another one! So, I was working out almost everyday and every Sunday I would do a long run. A couple weeks ago I injured my foot. So, I have been resting it and it is turning out that I will not be participating in the marathon. I am not too disappointed about it. A week ago I really was disappointed but I am getting over it.

One lesson I have learned......Slow down! LOL! I am proud that after 4 months of training, I can easily run a half-marathon. LOL! Right now I am taking it easy and letting my foot heal. I am finding that the stairclimber at the gym does not hurt so bad during my healing process as well as the elliptical trainer!

I very much admire your hard work! I am sure you will meet your ultimate goal. I can too and we all can here in the forums!!!

I am now incorporating many types of workouts so that I can avoid injury. In the near future I hope to continue my training and do my 2nd marathon!

Once again! Good Job and we are all cheering for ya!

Tonya - LoveThyBody

[HealthyChick]

Good for you for trying a new class, sjdphc! The only class I've taken at my gym is spinning, but maybe I'll try something new again soon.

And thanks for your comments, Tonya. I'm so impressed by anyone that can run a marathon--with that kind of dedication I'll bet you've got the willpower to lose weight! I hope that your foot heals and you can get back to training before too long!