Alright!!!! You've hit the nail on the head. You seem to be taking this Very Seriously! And thats a good thing.

Having a buddy is a great idea!!! You can lean on each other when needed and have a great source for encourgement. BOth of these things can be vital when we don't seem able to keep upwith ourselves.


1.6 MILES? Have you noticed that your getting any stronger? thats its starting to get any easier?

Keep it up and good luck!

Okay, today I walked to the Y by my office and did 30m of strength training for my upper body. It felt good, but boy am I feeling it now.

The jogging, however, is not any easier. I'm an asthmatic so it feels like my lungs are constantly on fire. I've been down this road before so until I build my endurance back up, this is how it will feel for a while.

Tomorrow, I'll be working legs and I'm going to go to a step interval class after work. I'll let you know how I do if my upper body still lets me type.

Goodnight everyone.

You Are Doing Awsome!

Bella, do you do Cardio and then the strength training? I'm a little hesitant on leifting with any serious weight becouse I don't want to build any muscle right now, But I don't want to condition my muscles to keep moving in the desired motions.

Just curious about your approach.

So yesterday, I chopped off my hair (10 inches) to donate to locks of love. I have to say that I'm glad I did it, but I am mourning my hair. I have no idea what to do with short hair.

Anyway, it's like a fresh start for me. New hairdo, working on the new attitude, and new lifestyle changes. Speaking of that I've been doing good with the strength training. I worked out my legs and butt.

Everyone needs a cheerleader now and then so thanks.

B A Rabbit - to answer a few of your questions.... I typically keep my cardio workouts separate from my strength training (not necessarily different days, but different times). I find that I am better able to focus and put in more effort when doing just one type of workout. So I'm trying to get in some strength training during my lunch break and then cardio workouts in the evening. However, everyone is different and has different schedules and different bodies.

That being said, I do believe everyone should do some form of strength training while trying to lose weight be it with free weights, machines, resistance bands, their own body weight, or even a place like curves. Why? When you are losing weight, you are not only losing fat, but you're also losing muscle. This is especially true with someone who is a yo-yo dieter. In addition, with more muscle mass your metabolic rate is higher at rest so people will see faster results when they add it in.

My next step is to keep working on my cardio endurance. I'm thinking about signing up for a 5K run in September so that I'll have a deadline to help keep me focused.

it's funny how one little word can mess up the whole message. I didn't mean that I didn't want to condition my muscles to NOT move, I ment that i (DO) want to keep them moving.

That begin said, I think you understood what I was trying to say.

You really have a head on your shoulders there. don'tcha..? I mean a brain inside your head.. I mean, you really seem to know what your doing. I really hope you can keep it up.

I'm sure you know what foods to feed your body based on how it reacts before hand also.

I've also thought of signing up for some of those five k's but as yet haven't. what I really like is when you see people who haven't seen you in a long time that take notice.

Hi there sounds like you are doing really great especialy with your exercise, gee I am impressed I really need to get that happening for myself. I totaly agree with you on the strength training as well. Last year I was working with a personal trainer and she said it was important as it muscel burns more cals so it definintly helps you get there quicker. I also know what you mean about your hair lol. I recently cut mine all off and now dont quite know what to do with it. How weird is it when you wash your hair and you poor out all the shampoo only you dont need so much anymore lol. Anyway keep up your great work you are doing so well.

When I was changing at the gym, I noticed that the waist on my size 18 jeans is now too big. Yea!

I also realized that I never posted my full stats - so here goes

Starting Weight - 217lbs
Neck - 13.5"
Chest - 43"
Bicep - 13.5"
Forearm - 10.5"
Waist - 39.5"
Hips - 49.5"
Thigh - 31"
Calf - 18"

April 16, 2006 Weight - 213lbs
Neck - 13.25"
Chest - 41"
Bicep - 13.5"
Forearm - 10.5"
Waist - 37.5"
Hips - 48"
Thigh - 30.5"
Calf - 18"

So I'm making progress. Slowly but surely.

Here's the really annoying part - I used to have a 24.5" waist - I'm determined to get there again!

As a treat for myself, I purchased a sexy new pair of shoes.

Thanks Zoila. I did that exact same thing with the shampoo the first time I washed my hair after I cut it. It feels so different.

I have convinced my coworker (that is also trying to lose weight) to start going with me on our lunch hour. That really helps b/c I'm now committed to going with someone else.

Accountability is really what I needed. It also helps that I post my weight each week on here.

Wow! It has been a crazy week. I'm really lagging behind on my posts.

My A/C broke this week and it has been so hetic just trying to get it fixed. BTW it won't be fixed until Monday. It has been HOT! So I've been sweating just sitting in my house.

Also, we just rescued a dog and we are fostering it until the rescue group can pick it. It has been nutso with four large breed dogs running around me - wanting to see everything I'm doing and going everywhere I'm going.

And I've had to work a lot of overtime this week trying to finish up first quarter close.

Long story short - I didn't get in any exercise except for a few minutes of walking on my lunch break, but I've tried my hardest to keep my calorie count in check.
I maintained at 213 this week, but given everything that went on - I'm quite happy with that.

GOAL FOR NEXT WEEK: Exercising for 30m on my lunch break and 3 aerobics classes.

Well, I haven't weighed myself for a while and when I did today, I was pleasantly surprised. I now weigh 210.5.

Hi Bella Welcome to the Forum!
Ah-Ah-Ah*****Dont say the "D" word******
I know how stress full it can be to see yourself as this "fat" person. And no matter how happy you want to be with yourself. (Your Not, thats how I was...) Congratulations on wanting to choose a better life for youself. I started working out slowly night after night on my gazelle at home-I went from 15 mins of cardio to 1 hr straight! And boy did I see results. I also felt comfort in knowing that I was burning off some of those calories that I ate during the day, and that would mean I would lose the weight that much easier! I love aerobics! I used to do it as well, when I was in collage. Now with work and all, it's virtually impossible to get away. So, I exercise when I can.
This journey will definately be a tough one. You have to prepare yourself mind and soul. It's a really a mental challenge. But remember, you are worth it! I had to keep telling myself that, and here I am 25lbs. lighter!

You have a great attitude! You will do just fine reaching your goals! Good Luck...and once again....welcome!

That Is Awsome You Go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, as you can tell, I have lost focus for a while. I can come up with a lot of excuses, but I'm not going to. I just got off track with my exercise and my food.

I'm back now, and I'm ready to go. Here are my measurements as of yesterday.

7/8/06 Weight - 216.5lbs
BMI - 37
Body Fat - 43%
Neck - 13.5"
Chest - 42.5"
Bicep - 14"
Forearm - 11"
Waist - 38.5"
Hips - 49
Thigh - 30.5"
Calf - 18"

Clearly, I gained back all the weight I lost and went up a pound. My new heavist weight ever is 218lbs. I've lost 1.5lbs, and I'm determined to lose the rest this time, but I need a little help.

In fact, I'm going to a Weight Watchers Meeting today at 2:00pm.