Fitness Fridays #6: When you expect success, your mind focuses on success.

[christa]

before & after
(about 55lbs lost)

[Rachel]

Wow, Christa, that is an amazing difference, but I have to say that you look beautiful in your *before* as well as your *after*. I know you feel a lot better at the *after* weight though and the difference it will make in your health now and in the future is beyond calculation.

In respect to sheer outward appearances, even those who look beautifully plump, beware: As one ages, fat can turn to flab, and flab is never attractive.

On a positive vein, I did manage to lose another pound last week. I did a lot of physical work over the weekend which was good, but I made a number of poor choices in my eating, probably because I was so hungry. I think my mistake was to try to continue with my much smaller portions when I really needed a bit more due to the extended physical activity. Then the hunger got the best of me and I ate some extra things that weren't the best selections.

Christa, you mentioned two weeks ago that sometimes it takes a while to get started. I like to refer to that as *building a base*. I know that not everyone runs up on that, but for those who (like me) do, the idea is not to give up. Just keep plugging at it, and like Christa says, eventually the weight will drop.

[christa]

On a positive vein, I did manage to lose another pound last week.

Congrats on the pound lost . . . just keep up what you're doing & you know that it will pay off. How many times a day are you eating? Try to eat more often - just stick with the SMALL portions. It's best to eat small portions about 6 times a day!!!

[christa]

Calf Raises are a great exercise to strengthen, tone and define the calf's and lower legs. You can use a chair to balance during the exercise if you like. Remember to stay in your comfort zone and move the legs slowly and smoothly.

• Stand behind the chair with both hands on the back of the chair.
• Keep your legs straight and body upright.
• Slowly move onto your toes lifting your heels off the ground until you are on tiptoes (as long as this is comfortable for you).
• Hold yourself up on your toes for 3-4 seconds.
• Slowly lower your heels back down and return to the starting position.
• Repeat the exercise 5-10 times at first, but this can be increased if you feel comfortable.

Make calf raises a HABIT! Do them while you're brushing your teeth - while you're cooking - while you're doing the dishes!!!

[Rachel]

Calf Raises are a great exercise to strengthen, tone and define the calf's and lower legs.

Love it! It's one even I am not intimidated by - simple and doable. Thanks for the suggestion.

[cyber-sibes]

before & after (about 55lbs lost.

Wow, you look great! How long has it taken you to loose it?

[christa]

Wow, you look great! How long has it taken you to loose it?

Started in Feb of 2004. I know - that seems like a long time, but it was more of a lifestyle change for me - I wanted to get HEALTHY more than I wanted to look skinny or athletic. Concentrated on eating healthy & exercising and I am finally to a point where I am really proud of myself & really happy in my skin. Sure, I still have some problem areas, but who doesn't?

[RobiLee]

Well, another weekend of eating all the wrong foods. I have been so hungry and I still am today. Its driving me crazy! I've gained 3 or 4 pounds back. I just don't think I will ever be able to do this and finally look like a normal person. I really don't like myself right now. Sorry to be such a downer but that is how I feel.

[Cataholic]

Well, another weekend of eating all the wrong foods. I have been so hungry and I still am today. Its driving me crazy! I've gained 3 or 4 pounds back. I just don't think I will ever be able to do this and finally look like a normal person. I really don't like myself right now. Sorry to be such a downer but that is how I feel.

This is known as a set back, Robin, nothing bigger or more significant than that. So, lace up your tennies, and hook up the dogs (though, I might have seen something in doggie about this?), and W-A-L-K! A set back can't be a set back any longer if you do ONE positive thing forward. So, get out there and move!!!

[christa]

Robin, Cataholic is right! You can't give up!!! . . . It took me 2 years to get to where I'm at! That's a long time and you've got to remember that your goals won't happen over night. You can't expect them to.

Just keep in mind that you want to be healthier.

Set realistic goals for yourself.

Do something for yourself every day - so you'll feel energized.

Just DON'T GIVE UP!!!

There were so many times that I wanted to give in to my temptations - and so many times that I did! But I didn't fall off the wagon or give up - I kept trucking and I feel so much better for it.

Just keep doing this for YOU. Do this for your health! And we're all here to support you in every way we can.

[popcornbird]

I know I said I was starting days ago, but I didn't.

The good news is...my husband and I have decided to start out on our exercising spree today!

This morning, we both woke up, and went to the gym together. We worked out for about an hour...first on the elliptical, then worked with weights, then, did stretches. We also ate a light but nutritious breakfast, AND...I packed him a salad for lunch. Of course I got salad for lunch too. So...hopefully, I will now be back on schedule. Its great having someone to work out with. Makes things so much easier. We had to start today. The LAST thing we want is to gain weight right after marriage. That isn't fun at all.