Okay, as we gear up for our 1 year Band Anniversary, and focus on hitting our goals (some of us are at goal, and some are still trying to get there), it time to make exercise a part of life.

Challenge begins January 7th, 2008 (Monday). I would recommend taking a before picture, just so you can compare it.

You can weigh in and post your weight here, or keep track of it yourself, that is your option.

Also, take your measurements, a lot of time with exercise, you will lose inches first. I would recommend measuring every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks so you can compare your results.

What to measure:

Chest area - I measure around my breast area -just be consistant on where you measure

Waist - I measure around my belly button area

Hips - I measure the largest part of my hips

Thighs - measure your right or left, just be consistant

calves - again, the left or right and be consistant on where you measure and which side you measure.

Okay - there you go. If you want to join, just chime in and say your in the challenge.

We can update every day, or once a week, or whatever. Remember, this is a challange to ourselves. We have to keep our promises we make to ourselves and our commitment. You deserve it!

The challenge will run for 12 weeks - Begins 1/7/08 to 3/30/08.

If you exercise at least 4 to 5 days a week, I promise you, when 3/30/08 comes around, you will not stop. It will become a part of your life and you will learn to LOVE IT.

Best wishes to all, now put down that piece of pumpkin pie, or whatever leftovers you may have after xmas, and get to the gym, or something. :rose:

WoW! I woke up this morning and the scale finally started moving again. I am still on track. I had hurt my back for a few days but I didn't give up. Went to the Chiraprator and I am feeling better.

Isn't that a great feeling?!?

I started with a new personal trainer this morning to help me redirect my strength training efforts. As I suspected, I was doing several counter-productive things, and avoiding some things that would get me to my goals quicker. Also, the "science" of strength training has changed and evolved, and I found her advice and explanations very helpful and motivating. I will work it her way for a while, and then maybe meet with her every other week to keep my focus. .. After today's workout, new muscles were barking, so I feel like it will do some good!

What is everyone else doing? Talk! We need to encourage each other!

Cindi - how cool, a personal trainer! I am thinking about getting one myself, but talking to a few of them I work with, I might be able to get a good deal from a friend. He is a PT in his spare time (usually 5 am and on weekends) so he is giving me some pointers. However, I thinking working directly with one, so much better!

Loser - good job, I know that is exciting when the scale moves. Unfortunately, mine has moved the WRONG way.:thumbup: But, it was wake up call for me. I need to quit making excuses, I have to be true to myself! I have to quit breaking promises to myself! I have to quit waiting on the band, I mentally think "when I get the right fill", well, the right fill might not come, so its time to take contral and keep it.

I do great for a week, then blow it for 2! I must quit the insanity!

So far, made it 2 days to the gym, will continue going!

You will soon get to your right fill. I think after about 12 I have mine. The last one about 2 weeks ago is really restricked. I have been throwing up. I been doing protein shakes and can barely put those down. I don't know about you guys but I can eat better at night. During the day it is very hard to even put liquids down. It took about a week for the last fill to kick in. That is so weird how that works. Well keep up the good work.

9 days since a post here???

Like someone said, we must all be out exercising!

I'll break the silence. My workouts have been good, but I missed one day last week due to dr.'s appointments. It's strange how much that bothered me. I've become very protective of my "club time". I felt like I was missing something all day!

This week includes 5 days of workouts, which seems my new average. M-F, weekends off. Still doing between 1-2 hours every time...interval cardio and strength/core training. I really, I mean REALLY enjoy mixing it up on the treadmill and elliptical, and make a game out of the hills, speed and levels each time. There are other cardio machines (bikes, cross trainers, stair steppers, arc trainers) but I haven't tried them seriously yet. Wonder if I should, so my body doesn't get too used to my routine. Anyone else use these other cardio creatures??

Did I mention I hate CORE training? I know, it's important. I bought the stability ball at home, and it rests comfortably in the corner....

My trainer hi-5's me every morning, and I know I need to schedule a new group of sessions. It's really too expensive...I think I'd rather just spend it on home improvemnets or a vacation. I can gleen from many trainers just by working out near them and other clients.

Post, January bandsters! We need to keep this up!

An aside...sweaty wet hair sucks.

Does anyone notice a difference/benefit when they work out at different times during the day??

Just checking in. I have been really bad the pass few days. I had a sweet tooth and ate things I shouldn't have. Been working out about 2 times a week. I have been bad on that too. I just hate the cold weather and can't wait for it to leave. I'm such an outdoor person. I will be getting more active as it warms up here. Hope everyone is doing great!

An aside...sweaty wet hair sucks.

Does anyone notice a difference/benefit when they work out at different times during the day??

I notice a big difference in my energy thru the day when I work out in the am. However, I've not been good at doing that lately.

Gotta get back on track and working hard to do it, but just have not accomplished it yet.

Loser - I'm kinda the same way, I've been a total recluse the past few weeks. I'm hoping it warms up soon and I'm ready to get active again.

Sounds like everyone is getting Spring Fever! We're so confused here in Texas...78 degrees on Sunday (hit 80's day before I think), then yesterday some areas got 2-5 inches of snow!! Could see it on the rooftops early this morning, then near 60 this afternoon. The old saying is if you don't like the weather, wait a minute. Too true here. All the Bradford pear tress were already in bloom, jonquils up...then snow. Dang! 2 days ago we mowed the yard, yesterday people built snowmen!

I will say that the temperature at the gym is always consistant tho...it's my temperment that isn't!

Still hitting the gym 5 days a week..trying to speed up my sluggish metabolism due to my spotty eating habits. I like mornings too...was grabbing at strwas wondering if mixing times up would help!

I know I have spring fever! I can't wait for the weather to break. We are currently having a hail storm! Last week it was in the upper 70's!

Still working out 4-5 times a week. I find that if i work out in the morning, my energy level is increased.

Val

I know I have spring fever! I can't wait for the weather to break. We are currently having a hail storm! Last week it was in the upper 70's!

Still working out 4-5 times a week. I find that if i work out in the morning, my energy level is increased.

Val

Good job Val!

I made it to the gym last night! Yay! Now, I've gotta keep doing it!

Scary thing happened at the gym this morning...some woman (didn't see her) was having difficulties on the floor, eyes whacky, etc. All the trainers were running over to her, called 911, they made a "code 100" announcement on the loudspeakers, and when I left the firetruck and ambulance were there. Hope she was ok, will find out tomorrow morning.

I think I need a slight unfill. I have been having acid reflux, really gassy and can hardly eat meat at all. I havn't been being faithful to my exercise program either. I don't know if I have a gallbladder problem or I'm just to tight but I don't like the feeling I'm having.

I'm proud to say, I've been at the gym everyday this week! Each day I go, my workouts gets more intense. I'm sitting her at work this morning and counting down the hours so I can head to the gym. I feel like I really am going to conquer it this time. I want the old gym lover back. I used to be so addicted to it, then my accident happened and I'm trying to get that feeling back. I think its coming, I really do!