...but like you Teri, I want to feel good in my own skin. Kudos to you for taking the first big step by stating your intention. :)

What I have found, part of the struggle is just getting to the gym. Once I am there I have no choice but to get it in gear. So every morning, after I take my son to school, I hit it. I have also found that having a workout buddy really helps. She and I hold each other accountable, plus working out with someone is a lot more fun. If she is not going to be at the gym, I put on my MP3 player and crank up my tunes. Getting lost in the music really helps. And while I do not like to exercise, I always feel so much better for it after I am done.

Hey, what if we were to start a virtual exercise club? Anyone who is interested could be a part and we could check in with one another regularly (provide motivation, share exercises and tips, etc). Whatcha think? Might make it a bit more fun.

Pam,

I love this idea. I have 2 friends that I joined the gym with, but like me, they have kids, one works, one volunteers and we all hit the ground running (you know the feeling). I love having the opportunity to encourage each other online.

I met with my personal trainer Saturday for the first time -- he's so young -- good, but in my mind, I don't know how he can comprehend the post childbirth middle-aged woman's body (my stuff, clearly, not his). I cannot move today (2 days later) I'm so sore!

Off to the gym and training this morning. . .

Peace and Light,
Teri

Good for you for going on Saturday and again today. Keep it up. :) I just got back from the gym -- gotta tell ya I was sucking wind today. Boy, does it feel good to be finished though. Since I did weight training today, tomorrow it is just cardio. Keep me posted as to how your workout went today.

Who else would like to join our virtual exercise club? The more the merrier. :)

Hey Ladies,
Count me in! I signed up to do a 5K in November and I am not a runner, unless I am late, or hungry or utterly stressed.
I like to exercise but hate the gym. I opt for what I like to call 'free exercise': power walks on the beach, wall tennis, hiking, swimming in the ocean.

Most days I do this first thing in the morning otherwise it doesn't happen. Although I have found that if I have my workout clothes in the car or are in them already, it makes the gym happen much easier.

To feeling better!
Beth

OK workout team. I have a lot to learn. Lesson #1, must eat more protein before lifting--had to cut a few exercises short as I thought I was going to throw up. The thing about me is, I would rather stick myself in the eye then be productively sick. Lesson learned!

Lesson#2, all that lifting of babies and car seats doesn't stick with you. My should muscles (or lack of muscles) need work.

Lesson#3, sore muscles can be worked with (although I hate the foam log).

I'm still in it, but boy do I have a lot to learn.

Am I the only exercise novice out there? Come on, join us -- we'll all get physically fit together.

Hey Guys...err..Gals! :)

Beth, great suggestions and kudos to you for entering in a 5K. I know you can do it. When I was not working out at the gym, I was power walking twice a day. It made such a difference.

Teri, good lessons to learn -- thank you for sharing them. Hey Girlfriend, you may just be starting out, however, I think you are doing great! Hang in there; before too long you will be a pro!

OK, I have to admit I ate awful last night. I was craving massive carbs so I indulged. I did manage to make it to the gym today to do my cardio (since yesterday I did weights)however, it felt like I was slogging through cement. Here is a lesson for me, stuffing yourself the night before, while it may taste great, leaves you feeling heavy and low on energy the next day.

Well, Pam, I had to chuckle. The day you had your "cheat" I took the kids to TCBY and while I made them get the kids size frozen yogurt, I indulged in a full 16oz. Shiver with White Chocolate Mousse WITH mini m&m's. I too was feeling a little like I was in a food induced coma.

But week one is fully over. 2 days of training, cardio 6 days out of 7, and I'm beginning to feel it--although I found myself a little distressed this morning because a pair of jeans still didn't fit!

However, I have to say that a new tool (see my blog, "it's all in the bug" has really been helping me change my beliefs about food, how my body burns calories and my relationship with food is changing regularly! Yeah! How's everyone else doing moving towards their goals? Keep us all posted!

Teri, I love your choice in binge foods...yummy! This last week was my week to eat (thank you hormone changes!) -- although, I really did not binge too much and I did work out hard at the gym. Friday's workout was a killer. My workout partner and I hit the weights, the bands, and the cardio HARD. As a matter of fact, I am still feeling it today.

Tomorrow begins a new week and it is my goal to keep the food cravings in check and continue hitting the gym. I have personally found that I am much better at working out five days a week, as opposed to six. I really do need two days to let my body rest.

Here's to a great and productive week for all of us. Can't wait to hear how you all did.

I have to smile as I realize our support blog functions a little like our journey towards better fitness --strong at first with a waning middle!

Week 2 was horrible--fat and ugly days everyday! I want results and I want them now. I'm tracking my nutrition I'm working out 6 days a week, I'm operating at a minimum 450 a day calorie deficit--I WANT RESULTS!

OK, week 3 is almost over. It was a slightly better week, but I'm a little embarassed that it's taken me until yesterday to pull my emotions out of the "feel sorry for me I cannot indulge and lose weight zone."

I may not see a great deal of physical changes, but I am feeling better. More energy, more enthusiasm, and a better attitude about giving up things that only provide instant gratification.

I get re-measured on Monday. I'm a little nervous. I sure would like to hear from others about fears and struggles in the world of getting fit. My workout buddy has different goals (building muscle and I just want to know I have a muscle) so it can be difficult as I compare (I know I'm not suppose to) her success with my own.

Teri, how did your date with the tape measurer go? I understand the fear and nervousness -- that is a wonderful indicator that this is important to you. :)

I had a great week the week before, but not such a hot week last week. I was only able to get to the gym three times as a opposed to my four or five. Looking at the positive, three is better than none, right?

Today I am off to Long Beach for the ICF Conference and I made sure to pack my gym gear. I am going to commit to working out in the early AM each day! Fingers crossed!

Cannot wait to hear how things are going for everyone!!