[BelovedHeather]

PYGFO Sisters:

I am still here! I am so happy to see this thread. I started checking in with the Peeps, but I want to keep checking in here too. Y’all are very special to me!

This was an unplanned recovery week. I have been spending my free time curling up with a heating pad and cramps this week. I wanted to do Muscle Max Tuesday morning, but I had a sharp pain in my left knee when I attempted to do any kind of squat or lunge. I am learning through intuitive eating to listen to my body, and I am applying that to exercise as well. I have been enjoying the CTX cardio segments this week (modified for impact and on the floor for the step combinations). I have a general game plan for a rotation, but my goal is to keep moving and have fun when my body has other ideas. Even 30 minutes of cardio is better than nothing at all!

I had fun at my Zumba class last night. My feet were crying after class, and it was not because of impact. It is time for new shoes. I do not have any money in my fitness savings since STS was so expensive, so I need to take some old shoes to the consignment shop before I buy new ones. The shoes I wear to work need to be replaced too. I can always tell when it is time for new shoes because my feet are sore all the time. Losing this extra weight I am hauling around would help too.

Why is it that I can gain 30 pounds in 4 weeks, but it takes 4 months to lose it? I read an article earlier this week about needing 3 hours of exercise a day to conquer genetic obesity. I believe it! The only time I have weighed less than 200 pounds since I started my fitness journey was when I was exercising 3 hours a day or after a 40-day juice fast. Fasting is not the answer because it results in a temporary loss of mostly water weight that returns as fast as it left when I start eating again. If I spend most of my workout time in the pool or on a recumbent bike, I think I can handle twice daily cardio without hurting myself. This is not about vanity or the size of my butt. I want to feel good, have consistent energy, and be free from constant pain in my feet. I have been hauling this weight around for too long. I am thankful that I am making consistent progress in the right direction. I lost 20 pounds between the 4th of July and my birthday and another 6 pounds last month. If I keep taking baby steps in the right direction, I will reach a healthy weight and size. I need to keep my focus and game face on and keep pressing on.

My friend who stays in touch with former contestants from The Biggest Loser shared with me that many of them continue to devote hours a day to exercise to maintain their weight. I am facing the music and accepting the truth that there is a big genetic element to this battle. This is war, and this weight is not going down without a fight! I want exercise to be a joy and not a job, so I want to start by adding more fun activity like water jogging, rebounding, and dancy hi-lo workouts to my rotation. There are creative ways to add more physical activity to my lifestyle while enjoying the journey and maintaining a healthy balance.

Laura, I hope you had a fun holiday! I love Supersets! It is a light and fun workout.

Robin, have fun with your new fitness toy!

Gin, I hope you feel better. Did you visit the state fair this year?

Hugs to Lara and Finley!

Blessings,
Heather B.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).