Now that all of you are back from the Vegas Bash, and the rest of us Pity Party goers are up off the couch - is anybody willing or interested in participating in an exercise challenge?

I'm not thinking anything drastic - just more than what we're already doing. I think the goal should be for a 'heart healthy' 30 minutes of activity a day, at least 3 days a week. Anything more is a bonus and worth an extra woo-hoo from the group!

Anything counts - weights (Darcy), walking, bike riding (Marie), playing tag with the kids (all the Moms out there), dancing your a** off (Leatha and Lisa).

I know Penni wants to do a 5K here soon, and this would be a way we could all get going with our exercise.

I would love to hear suggestions, comments, any type of feedback.

Do I have any takers?

Penni-I hope you have a safe and RELAXING trip. Don't guilt over anything! My prayers are with you.

Hi everyone -- the late October days have been so gorgeous that it's been a pleasure to walk. I've been going to the park almost every day for a two-mile walk or longer. The best change? I now WANT to get up and move instead of thinking, "Damn, I haven't exercised in days, so I guess I have to do something, even though all I want to do is reach for the remote." It's been fun to follow everyone's progress (and tribulations) on this thread.

I'm celebrating my two-month bandiversary today. While I'm still nervous about my minimal restriction, I'm full of energy, my clothes are baggy, and people are noticing a change. I've gotten compliments not just from friends but from co-workers and neighbors who see me out with the dog every day. Most of all, I have hope again, no more resignation and despair about being fat forever. I can't wait to get rid of the next 25 pounds! (That's another big bag of dog food my body won't have to cart around.)

I feel as if I have a group of friends here at LBT who know exactly what I'm going through and are rooting for me and for everyone else here. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Zoe - You are doing a great job. You contribute a lot to this board and I appreciate all you do.

Thanks for your nice message, Betty. It's wonderful to see that you're off to such a great start!

Me too, I'm always looking for Zoe-isms here!

25 minutes on the treadmill

Dug through my closets for smaller tops - found some too big already, some just right, and some a little too small. They told me today at work my blouses were too big and I looked like I was wearing a dress instead of a blouse.

I'm here... just trying to keep myself busy and out of the fridge! Come on Friday... Mamma needs a fill! I worked out in the yard for 4 hours yesterday raking leaves... but spent today working on a quilt and surprisingly didn't even break a sweat. Lokks like everybody is movin and groovin... WTG guys!

Darcy

Zoe-Way to go! I know what you mean about feeling like you have a group of friends here. I feel the same way. I look forward to the day when I don't want to stay in bed and just watch TV. I must say that since I have been on this site, I get out of bed and check to see who is on and what I am missing. You are all my inspiration right now. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!!!!!

Betty-I am so proud for you! Keep up the good work.

Well, Brittany (my 14 year old) just asked me if we were going to Curves. So....I guess I will work out twice today.

8am Curves :banana 6pm Curves :banana Wahooooo

Thanks for the inspiration!

Way to go Lauri! You'll be fit in no time!

I walked 30 minutes today.

Thanks Betty! How are you doing? Have you lost any weight? Ive heard some people lose alot at first and some actually gain until their first fill.

I'll be glad when I look more like a dancing banana than a dancing orange!

8 miles bicyling.

I waved at my neighbor today and was horrified to see my upper arm continue waving after I stopped. What exercise is good for that?

Oh, Marie, stop making us laugh! You remind me of my friend Marcia, who says that in a strong wind her entire body starts flapping. Seriously, you might be able to work on your triceps; one simple exercise involves lying on your back, knees bent, and grasping a weight (say, 5 lbs.) with both hands over your head, cupping the flared end of the weight between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. (Wish I had a picture of this; it's easy to show, but hard to describe.) You then slowly lower the weight behind your head. Repeat as necessary.

Finally an opportunity to share about my muscular upper body! When it was still hot and I was wearing tank tops, I'd always stare at my upper shoulder in the rearview mirror of my hubby's motorcycle (when I rode on the back.) I have this amazingly muscular and sexy shoulder/clavical bone when we're on the freeway. It's just like a rock hard woman's body, when we're on the freeway... See, when we're on the freeway doing 65 into blasting wind, the wind blows so hard that it dimples my upper arm in, and that makes it look like this sculpted piece of art. So I stare and admire my rock hard upper body, till we come to a stop and it all sloops back down. So I totally relate to my whole bod flapping in the wind all slurpy.

I am dying here!!! You guys crack me up!!!

Leatha- so glad you were able to get to Curves with the rain and all. Now, that is commitment. I always feel great when I am there. It's a blast. I am trying to make myself go at least 5 times a week.