The $100 challenge
 

I am starting a new challenge for myself and a friend. I'm setting aside $100 as an additional prize. I am going to challenge her to lose a higher percentage of body weight than me by Christmas (yes, I know, "weight" isn't the important part here, but that's a lot easier to measure than body fat percentages, lean muscle mass, and general fitness, for two women who are completely different body types). 6 months is a good amount of time to make positive progress. We both go to different gyms (not as often as we probably should....). I know what workout I'll be using (The Body Sculpting Bible for Women), and I'll suggest the same for her. BTW; there is one stipulation for the prize money; the winner has to spend it on herself. A piece of jewelry, a new pair of jeans or shoes, a bottle of scotch, whatever. No buying Christmas presents for other people!

That sounds like an awesome motivator!

Here's where I'm at currently: I'm 28 yrs. old, 5'5", and I weighed a flabby 165 lbs. this morning. My daughter is over 2 years old, so I definitely can't call it "baby fat" anymore. I'm just fat. I look pretty good at 125 lbs. So, I'm aiming to lose approx. 40lbs./ 25% of my current weight. I'm using weight training (free weights), cardio, and a moderate diet (specific daily caloric intakes, moderate fat/carb/protein, high fiber).

Sounds like lots of fun and lots of motivation! Good luck!