Hi Cate, Pilates and Yoga are fantastic for toning and flexibilty. It is also very good for the mind. I prefer yoga and l recommend it for anyone who is interested in looking after themselves physically and mentally. There are beginners classes that usually go for 6 to 12 weeks and are wonderful. Everyone is new and it is not daunting. For me it takes awhile to limber up and even though it is gentle movements you will sweat!! After a few weeks you really start to notice how much more movement you will have. And you will tone up in no time at all.
Always let the teacher know of any injuries that you may have. They will help you and let you know if there is any movements that you should not be doing and usually have a modified movement that you can do instead. I hope this helps you and you give it a go! Swimming or water aerobics is another fantastic way to get fit, toned and radiant! It is very gentle on your joints and water aerobics is fun! Stay Vibrant! Dwali

Hi Cate,

Funny you should mention pilates, I was only thinking about doing pilates just yesterday! I've done quite a bit of reading up on it and apparently it's fantastic (especially winsor pilates)

It's low impact, and very good for toning...Check out this forum Does Winsor Pilates Work?
Everyone seems thrilled with the results!

I'll be starting monday (will have to see whether it triggers hunger though!), so i'll let you know how I go!

And yes Dwali is right, yoga is also very good, for both mind and body!

Have a great weekend!

Annie-. Thanks but enough of the 5yr talk!! (Sending Annie a short, sharp kick up the butt!) I'm not sure if we have Curves in Tassie but I think we might. It's too far to travel to Devonport or Launceston each week (60km L, 40km D) but could do Pilates from a dvd or yoga locally (11km). I have heard that Curves is good though.
Dwali- Thank you. I thought yoga or Pilates would be the way to go & I think my instinct is telling me yoga. I used to do yoga when I was younger & living in Melbourne & I just loved it. I would love to have that feeling again. The meditation at the end, the feeling of being calm & at peace with the world. I was so supple & flexible. I think you've talked me into it!! I guess I've felt that it won't be as good as it was then & I won't be able to do what I could then, but that is not like me at all to think that way. I'll take the plunge & try the local yoga class & see how I like it. I had a pamphlet about 2 months but changed my mind (lost courage) & threw it away. The woman who runs the classes recommends a private class (one on one) first before you start a course so I'll call her soon & book a class. The thought in itself is good, but still a little bit scary.
Diary
I've had a bit of a nerve-wracking day today so had better explain myself. I do come in here to relax quite often or to tune out to everyday worries. Not that I have many these days!
At 10.15 this morning I got a call from our YS (younger son) on his way home from England. It was a call for help from Singapore airport, lost! He had decided to collect his bags in Singapore, so that he could pack his shopping(which he hadn't done yet) away in his bags, rather than just having them checked through to Australia like every-one else did. He had to go through Customs of course & got separated from the rest of the Australian team, his mobile phone had died, he couldn't contact them & he did not know which hotel they were staying in. He asked me to ring some-one in Tas who might know which hotel & said he would call me back in 20-30 minutes.
I rang the guy he told me to but he had his mobile switched off & was not at home. I then rang some-one else I know who gave me the mobile numbers of 3 of the Aust. 8-ball team. I sent each of them text messages asking if they had found him & that he was ringing me back. I didn't hear back from any of them, nor my son!! At all!! Still haven't, almost 6 hours later.
I hate to tell you folks but being a parent does not get easier as you & your "kids" get older. You worry just as much, if not more & they contact you when they need something more or are feeling down, & less when they are feeling great or happy. It's part of the deal! Our boys are lovely & it's just how it is. When I think about it it's what we have done as well & you just don't realise how much anguish we must have caused our mothers!! We can't turn back the clock but do have to learn to take it when it's ours coming back to bite us on the bum!
Hopefully it means they alll found one another & are off shopping & it hasn't even entered his head that I might be the slightest bit worried about him.
I decided to come in here, even though it ties up the phone as we only have dial-up internet as I needed to.
I also met a friend for coffee this afternoon & that was really nice. We are really good friends, very easy breezy. I am hopefully going to get some information this week that will make her life a bit easier. I am up to a bit of organising now & feel like I am getting stronger & stronger. I am learning to share my feelings, be more open about myself. Putting up barriers is not healthy & friendship is great.
I weighed myself this morning as I felt lighter & I almost don't dare say what they said. I don't feel confident that they will say the same tomorrow or Monday (official weigh-in day). Please, please be the same!!
I'm going to take a Metamucil capsule morning & night from now on until after re-feed as I can't stand having no BM for days (3!!) Hopefully I won't need to forever. I will see a naturopath later if I'm still having trouble. It could be because I am almost at goal weight.
In the support thread I think it was BeeG who said she is getting over the embarrassment of people carrying on loudly about how much weight she's lost & learning to take compliments. I have found I am getting much better at it as well. I can now accept compliments quite graciously & move onto something else fairly easily. If anyone wants the details I let them know that they can call me or email me if they want more details or I give them a pamphlet, sometimes with my phone number on it.
It's nice to catch up with friends & not obsess about Cohen's. I think when you commit to the program if you don't obsess about it or think about it almost all the time it would probably be too easy to lose focus. I'm glad I have obsessed as I feel fantastic! Come on Spring! Come on Summer!!
I'll have a quick look around the forum now & might be back later,
cheers, Cate

Crystal-You posted while I was typing. Thanks for that! It just goes to show how much time it takes me to type in my diary. I'm a gas-bag! Be careful about starting Pilates now won't you. I have been too scared to do anything that might bring on hunger during the program as I think it would have sabotaged me. I hate being hungry & without hunger I was able to stay focussed. The fat will melt away without exercise & there's plenty of time to tone up later. Windsor Pilates is meant to be very good. A Bowen's therapist/masseuse recommended it for my back a couple of years ago.xoCate

My YS rang me at 10.15pm would you believe? So much for "ring you back in 20 minutes Mum." 12 hours!! He had caught up with the others & instead of shopping in Singapore he slept the day away. He had separated from them because he had taken his bags through customs so that he could add his shopping & pack it away, rather than just carry it on as hand luggage.
I do have to learn not to worry about him if I can. It's hard though. I hope he finds a really earthed girl-friend who can also help him get organised. It's a big ask. He is lovable though & has a good heart & is cute. Not that I'm biased of course, being his Mum!
I weighed again this morning & gained a little bit, which I half expected. Yesterday's weight seemed to be too good to be true. 71kg today so hopefully it will be that or better tomorrow. Those 60's are beckoning!
I bought a couple of Mexican mangoes the other day as I was missing them. They are not as nice as when they are in season here in Aus. but I have enjoyed them with my yoghurt in the mornings. I only have a little each day. I find this so much more filling than egg with vegies. I think I'll continue with yoghurt breakfasts apres Cohen's. In fact I think I'll continue with almost all of the program with extras added.
I bought some chicken breasts yesterday & have made a few soups. I think chicken soup is a great winter comfort food. I never tire of it. I have been studying my re-feed & don't think I'll find it too hard to organise. I will wait until at least next Monday to start as we will be away for most of next week-end in Launceston again as my LH is playing in the final week-end of the state 8-ball championships, along with our YS who will travel up from Hobart & maybe stay with us on Friday night.
I find I can follow the weight-loss Cohen's program, without giving it much thought these days but had better concentrate hard on the re-feeding program as I would hate to mess it up.
MY LH is playing golf today as he has been called in to work Mon & Tues. He had planned to play golf on Tuesday with the 'old foges.' I call them that just to tease him. He put a rabbit stew on the fire to cook while he was away & I've been stirring it for him & turning the meat over. The smell is driving me crazy as it's beautiful. He has this ability to throw things together that work perfectly. He's a fantastic cook.
It's a beautiful sunny day today, after another thick frost. I should get outside & go for a walk & also bring some wood in. I'll count to 10 ( well maybe 20 or more) & head off shortly. It's so good to be nearing re-feed & knowing that I will be able to start eating different foods. I am going to be a social animal this spring & summer & am planning already for it. I am going to get this work around the house organised this week "by hook or by crook."
The nagging starts soon!
Ok, I'm out the door. Might be back tonight, cheers, Cate

71kg & another 5cm!
Arms still 66cm (33x2)
Bust still 97cm
Waist lost 2cm this week-89cm
Hips lost 1cm, 104cm
Thighs lost 1cm off each- 110(55x2)
It's funny how you are much more aware of your body as you go along this journey. I know when I have lost cm's & can tell when I've lost even 1kg!
I am so excited to be at this stage, but still not going to jump into re-feed.
I tried on my new bra & panties & wrap last night & showed my LH who was duly appreciative. He gives me nothing but praise. It's just lovely.
I asked him yesterday if he's not sick to death of me talking about Cohen's & the forum & what's happening to me but he said not at all & seemed genuine. I think I bore myself sometimes! I just find it all really exciting & want to share my enthusiasm with others. I honestly can't believe what's happened to me! I look in the mirror in the bathroom & look in absolute disbelief that it's me!
Just glancing back through my exercise book I see that there has not been one week where I didn't lose either weight or cm's. I don't have a record of weekly weight loss as I did initially only weigh every 4 weeks. This is a good thing to do as I'm sure it helps with motivation. My weekly cm loss varied from only 1cm 1 week to 13cm first week (&14th week!).
It's a foggy, wet, winter's day today so have decided not to venture out. It's a good thing I pushed myself to do some work yesterday & brought some wood up to the house. I think I have found someone to do some fencing for us, by ringing around some friends. I'll give him a ring tonight. I also rang another friend who is going to organise our patio/verandah extension & spoke to his wife. I left a message for him to call us. Hopefully he will soon. Ill give him a couple of days before I ring back. It's not the weather to be doing that job but would like to start the ball rolling at least.
She asked what I've been up to & I told her that since she saw me on 21st January I have lost 33kg & quit my job & she sounded shocked & said I would have almost disappeared! Haha-as if! I do like it when someone hadn't noticed just how big I was before, especially when they are slim & attractive, as she is. I have always thought she seems like a very nice person & they do seem very well suited. I wish I hadn't told her about my weight-loss as it would have been funny to see their reaction, but it doesn't matter.
I had waited until a bbq at their home on the Sunday before I started Cohen's on the Monday, back in January. We'll have them up for a meal soon to discuss the work, even if I'm on re-feed.They say that if you want something done ask a busy person & I have.
My lap-top is being tricky today & the touch-pad is not working. I might finish up & turn it off. I'll possibly come back later but maybe not. It's our GS's 8th birthday today & they have a "pupil-free" day at his school & he has some friends coming around. I'll wait until my LH gets home from work & we'll visit him this afternoon to wish him HB & give him his present.
It's pouring down & sounds lovely on our roof. I might have a look at a Windsor Pilates DVD I have & give it another go. It was impossible 34kg's ago! Cheers, Cate.

WOW, Cate, I'm so excited for you!!! You are soooooo close! You must feel and look so fabulous! Do you have pics to post?

Crystal, You made me laugh! Fabulous! I feel fabulous but look fabulous? Let's just say "not bad for an old chook!" I am really excited though & I will try to get the courage to have some photos taken soon. I also have to scrounge around for a before photo from others as I used to rip them up!
Today I did the Winsor Pilates 20 minute work-out & managed to do it. I could actually do the things I found absolutely impossible before!! I did adapt a few movements to make allowances for a bad neck/shoulders but not many. I will tell you how I am tomorrow, but today I feel very proud of myself. I will have to do it a few more times to be able to do the exercises without having to constantly look at the screen. A screen on the ceiling would be handy!
Will head off tonight as I'm going to watch Andrew Denton & then get an early night, cheers, Cate

Cate,

Cool about doing the Pilate's. You are awesome, always inspirational. I am going to need to start refeed this week, as I am 1/2 pound from goal. I am more hungry... but not starving... so I could probably go longer, but I am a size 8. A size 6 would be nice... when I was this weight before I was a 6...but I guess age has expanded me a bit. I think as an 8 I look healthy and that is what is important. I weighed 133.6 as of this morning, Cohen's had set my goal at 124-130. I told them my goal was 133 and they accepted that. Ugh... enough about me.
Let's compare refeed. My days are 2-8, 10,12,14,15,18,20,24,26,28,29. How about you? I am really nervous...what if I gain weight right away. It is so intimidating. Are you nervous?

Hi Cate, so how did you feel today after the winsor pilates? I've heard sooo many great things about the 20 min workout, alot of people I know have had great results from it! I was thinking I may do 1 or 2 pilates equipment classes a week (if I like it), and winsor pilates most other days (I have the 20 min dvd, and the accelerated body sculpting which is pretty full on! I have the accelerated body sculpting on a file on my computer (couldn't find it at the shops) I can try sending it to you if you want it

Hi Lam, congrats on being so close to your goal!

Have a great day Cate!!!

It's the first time today that I have been able to connect to the Internet & it's 4.15pm!
Lori- I, too, am hungrier but not starving so am holding off, hopefully until next week. Cohen's set my goal weight at 66-69kg & I'm currently 71kg. At the time I thought 66-69 was impossible & way too low but I think they're right. My re-feed has just been given to me as 19 days, not as an overall one with certain days selected. I typed it up as a Word file so can email it to you. I'm not sure if I should post it in here as it doesn't seem ethical, for some reason. They earn every cent I reckon.
I am really nervous, but mostly excited about re-feed. My consultant thinks I will still lose a couple more kg's on re-feed. Fingers crossed!
Crystal-Thanks for the offer re the advanced sculpting DVD. I'll stick with this one for the minute though & I think I will give yoga a try again. I have a few little twinges today but not as many as I thought I would, thank goodness. I was so pleased to be able to do the exercises & will do it again tomorrow. I don't want to do too much as I don't want to confuse things re hunger. I want to know that my body is ready for re-feed & doing too much exercise will cloud the issue.
I had a really mixed day today, as we all do sometimes. I felt a bit miserable for half the day & put it down to the miserable, cold, wet & windy day. I listened to the relaxation CD that the counsellor had given me & then chilled out with a book for a couple of hours. I'm ok now & am going out with my LH tonight to his 8-ball comp as I had promised him last week that I would. He had a bad day at work & came home feeling stressed. His job is not easy. Our GS is here & they are watching "Free Willy" on DVD. I had better go & make him a cuppa. I'll be back tomorrow, Internet Gods willing. Cheers, Cate

Way to go Cate you are truly inspirational, keep up the great work and let us know how your refeed progresses. Almost at the finish line..Exceptional work.
Cheers Genie

Cate, I am sending you my email... it should be in your private messages later. Maybe I'll try to add a photo too. I need to take my daughter to an orthopedist because her foot and leg are more swollen then when she had her accident. She had already had xray's which didn't show a break...who knows what is going on in there? Anyway I will send you the message when I get back this afternoon. Take Care.

Hi Cate!
You seem to be doing so well! Congratulations! It really is an encouragement to know that other people have ups and downs (in their lives) and yet can stay focused! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! I look forward to seeing those photos and hearing more about your journey post Cohen's!
Bless ya
Kath

Genie- I haven't started re-feed yet but will def. let every-one know how I go with it. There isn't much to read anywhere about re-feed so I will try to be fairly specific & detailed with how it goes. Thanks for your encouragement. We do all help one another & it's great!
Lori-I'll have a look for your message in a sec. Let me know how you go with your daughter won't you? I'm not at all hungry today which is funny so I have decided to wait until at least Monday to start re-feed. I may start then, regardless as my brain is telling me to. I feel that it is probably my last go at getting really slim but maybe my eyes & brain have not caught up to my body. I still see some fat..Mmm I'd better be careful. I don't want to be scrawny!
Kath-Thank you! You are just as inspirational & have very strong willpower. I have been too scared to tackle the temptations that you have. You may be a lot braver I think! I have been searching for a suitable "before" photo & still haven't found one. I will have to ask around. I asked my DIL one day if she had a photo of me looking fat & horrible & she got upset with me!
I'll have to have a look at her photos & I'm sure I'll find just the one. She wouldn't have ripped any up!
I've had a good day today. I've made many phone calls & got some good results. I've made an ap't to see the specialist re my varicose veins & found out, if he can help me, it won't cost me much at all as the Government will pay for most of the treatment. The bad news is I can't get an ap't until October! I said that I've waited a long time to have this done, so what's a bit longer! She said to fill out all the info she will send me, in case they get a cancellation & can get me in earlier. It's so funny that life just seems to be just cruising along & things are falling into place. I feel so positive that I won't have to wait until October. Even my doctor did not know that the treatment is covered by Medicare. I could have had it done years ago! It doesn't matter though. I've had these veins since my first pregnancy in 1980! I would love to be able to wear a dress in summer (& bathers)
I have found out where I can get the sleepers that I need to make my raised vegie garden & they will deliver. I'm going to ring the fencing bloke tonight & see if I can tee up the 2 by ordering the fencing materials as well.
One of my SIL's visited briefly today which was really nice. I gave her a copy of my relaxation DVD to listen to on her day off tomorrow. She has a very stressful job & also they are in the process of building their home, whilst living in a shed. She's incredible but doesn't know how to slow down. I don't want her imploding like I do as I really do love her!
I also made a few calls, regarding an elderly friend,but that's a long story. I feel like I'm my old self again. This project is to take some pressure off a very good friend of mine. I rang her and had a nice chat & told her the outcome of my calls. She told me not to worry but I have let her know that it's doing me good. Even though the outcome was not good at least I got some answers & know that I need to pursue another direction. "Never say die" are my middle names, I often say. That is the usual, old me. Not the one you have been hearing about until just recently.
Enough for one day. Too much probably but I haven't even covered half my day. I have taken time to read, done lots of housework (well some!), listened all about my LH's day (it was much better today)& decided to type while he was having a "grandpa nap." Apparently he didn't sleep too well after his bad day at work yesterday. I had better give him a bit more attention. He has tomorrow & Friday off so that will be nice. He also said if they ring him he will say he's not available for a couple of days. At the week-end he is then playing in the final week-end of the state 8-ball team try-outs. Our YS will be there as well. I'm looking forward to seeing him after his trip away.
We're going to go for a drive tomorrow which will be nice. I'll say bye for now, cheers, Cate.