12-Week Challenge Check-in for New Year's Eve!!!!

Hi All

I really need this commitment. I'm much like Karin who posted above. I have knee issues and I'm awaiting an MRI scan (January 6). My physio thinks I may have torn my cartilage in my left knee. My cardio and leg routines have been very much affected. As such I haven't been able to do much in the way of high impact cardio or weighted lunges.

Amazingly lately my knee has been alot better. I've been able to do alot more cardio as long as I modify. I have been eating badly over Christmas lots of sweets and alcohol. My goals for 2008 are lose inches and gain muscle mass. I'm not too concerned on the scale, although I know my fat has increased. I've generally been doing 3 days cardio and 3 days weights. One body part per week. I want to stick to weights three times a week, but do upper body twice a week and lower body once a week and alternate. In this way I want to see if I can increase my strength.

But mainly I want to heal my injured knee, drink more water, cut carbs and lose fat. I cooked a high protein banana cake today. I've never cooked one before so If its okay I'll post my recipe later. Also I did IMAX3 Step only Premix and All Step workout from Cross Train express. I had to modify alot of jumps but I burned up a sweat. Heres to 2008 and wishing us all good luck and Happy New Year.

Sorry to waffle.
Take Care
Laura in the UK.
xx
:)
 
Hello, everyone! I kept seeing the thread on OD about this challenge and couldn't decide if I wanted to join or go it on my own again. Well, since going it on my own hasn't worked for awhile, I'm hoping the inspiration from all of you will help! :)

To introduce myself, I'm 43, married and work full-time. I have 2 kids, ages 10 and 12. I've been doing Cathe workouts since 2000 and originally did BFL in 2000 and lost 20 pounds. I went from being a coach potato to working out 6 days a week. The weight training totally reshaped my body and got me hooked for life. Since then I've gained back the 20 pounds and more. x( I've always enjoyed working out though and that's the reason I don't weigh even more than I do.

I plan on eating BFL style (EFL) but my workouts will vary. I just finished a week of BBC and will continue that for another 2 weeks or so before switching to S&H, GS or 4DS. I workout in the morning so some days that means getting up at 4:30 a.m. to get my workout in before driving DD to jazz band practice before school. Sometimes workouts get cut short or I have to change plans last minute. The important thing for me is that whatever time I have should be time well spent. Oh, I also take Tae Kwan Do lessons 2X week. DH and kids and I all go together as a family. My kicking form has really improved. :7

I am starting Day 3 of my challenge today (12/29 was my start date) and will do a fun cardio but haven't decided what yet. I'm thinking KPC or RS.

Overcame my first challenge last night - DH took the kids shopping to spend some of their Christmas money and I was home alone with CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES in the kitchen! I had all 6 meals already so couldn't cheat and call one of those cookies my "carb" for meal 6 (I know someone who actually used to consider cupcakes and cookies her carb - funny huh?). It was probably better than I was done eating and just avoided the kitchen entirely.

Look forward to getting to know everyone over the next 12 weeks.

WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Sue
 
Morning everyone,

This challenge has come at a good time as I need to keep motivated and in control. I don't have a problem with exercising but the eating is a different story. I will do good for a couple weeks then bam, back to the old ways.

My goals are:
Eat cleaner (can't wait for the clean eating mag to arrive)
Lose some weight to show off the muscles :7

I am going to try a modified BFL plan.
M,W,F weights
T,Th,Sat cardio

This morning I did Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight for the lower body, the ab workout, and Denise Austins yoga for legs (from her new yoga DVD). My legs felt worked. Switching up each week from 2 lower, one upper to 2 upper and one lower.

Cardio will be spinning with spinervals and treadmill using iTread mostly. Saturday I plan to do a longer cardio workout with the T, Th sessions not being over 40-45 minutes as that is all the time I have in the morning before work.

I only have one Cathe DVD as I got rid of the others. To hard on my knees. I am looking forward to more information on her STS system.

Happy New Year to everyone!!!

Rhonda
 
Hi All!

Gayle, thanks so much for the open invite to this challenge! I have been looking for a way to join a check-in. My name is Becca and I am a 34 yo SAHM to 4 kids (10 ds, 4 ds, 3 ds, 3 dd). I weighed in this AM at an all time non-pregnant high of 136. I am 5'6" and 6 months ago I weighed 117. Since then, I went off anti-depressants (gained almost 20 pounds in 6 weeks!) and had a hysterectomy. DH and I went on a cruise for our wedding anniversary and I got asked 3 times if I was pregnant! x( I gain weight all around the middle and am small boned and flat chested so I have a lovely belly pouch.:(

I have been working through the beginner's rotation and am now on week 7. I have seen no weight loss, but I am definitely noticing some muscle definition. Working out is the easy part for me, I exercise in the afternoon when my little ones take a nap. My biggest challenge is my diet. I am going to use Leanne Ely's Body Clutter Menu Mailer and add extra protein ( www.savingdinner.com ). I have been eating horribly, chocolate is my biggest weakness. Also, I tend to do great until about 3:00 PM then I have a feeding frenzy from 3:00 to 7:00 with a snack before I go to bed. I need to focus on eating consistently through out the day.

My workout today was LIS. I am still struggling with some of the choreo, but I was able to complete it today on a 4" platform.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you! Good luck to all!:+

~Becca:)
 
OK, I'm joining in!!! I have been doing P90X since April of last year and loving it!! I just got P90X+ and am going to do a rotation w/ the X+/ X workouts along w/ my beloved running & swimming. I am planning on 2 sprint triathlons (one in April, one in June) and *possibly* a half IronMan in September!! :eek: We'll see after the first sprint tri if I feel ready for that challenge!! ;-)

I've been eating clean for a while now, I keep a running tally of my food during the day.

As for goals, I'm going for strength more than losing weight. I'm lifting heavy, doing real pullups, and gaining more strength. I don't want to focus on the scale so that works well for me. :)

This morning I did the new P90X+ Total Body + and Abs/ Core +. I'll be sore tomorrow!!! }( Y'day was a 12 mile run w/ my buddies that are marathon training.

Good luck to everyone!
 
Hi, Everyone!

This is my first check-in participation and boy do I need the encouragement :)

I've been a committed exerciser for over 6 years now and am obviously a Cathe addict. The workouts are not the hard part for me--it's eating healthy. For the first time ever in my life (not including the birth of a child) I've got 20 lbs. to lose. It crept on this year and I'm trying not to feel defeated! I've certainly set out to lose a little weight before, but usually could accomplish it fairly quickly---not this time x( So that's going to be the struggle for me--long term changes to eating habits to get me back into my clothes.

An exciting note! I've got my husband into the challenge with me and we've set up a system of "rewards" and "punishments" for doing our workouts and staying on our healthy eating commitment. He is a complete non-exerciser, so I'm really hoping he catches the fever and we have something new to do together.

My husband and I know The South Beach Diet really well, so we're going to use that to get us going--but I'm starting tomorrow because we want to take the kids out to dinner tonight :) Nothing too bad.

Looking forward to sharing our success!

Kelly

ETA: Forgot to share my numbers goals!

This morning the scale said 151 and my ultimate goal is to be below 135 (as long as I continually lose, I'm not going to set a specific number for the end of the 12 weeks--I have to be careful mentally)

Waist: Natural 29.5 in--goal is 26 in. (same rules apply as above)
Low 35.5 in--goal is 31 in.

Hips: 40.5 in.--goal is 37 in.

All of these goal numbers are where I was at last summer when I was looking great and felt wonderful in my clothes.
 
HELLO TO EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like Cheryl said, a 12 week committment is easy to MAKE, but can be hard to actually DO, all at the same time.

But I feel that TOGETHER, we'll be able to trudge on thru all 12 weeks to SUCCESS. It might not be a PERFECT 12 weeks, but the EFFORT and the COMMITTMENT is what this is all about. CONSISTANCY!

I don't want ANYBODY to feel intimidated by the number of members we've got committed to this 12 weeks. NOBODY should feel pressured to do daily personals or comment to everybody about everything. I could only WISH to have that kind of time! But if we all hang in here for 12 fulls STRONG weeks, I really believe you guys will feel COMPLETELY different at the end, and you'll be ready for the NEXT 12 WEEKS!

OK...just got back from the grocery store and I'm going to make a few things for the week: Beefy Chili, Mini Veggie Egg White Quiches, a few baked potatoes, and some tuna wraps. Stock the fridge, so it's EASY to just grab something CLEAN and healthy!

Happy Afternoon!

Gayle
 
I'm in! Hi everyone. Thanks to the kind invitation I'll participate in my first ever challenge / check-in.

2007 was a good year for me. I set goals at the beginning of the year and have been consistent with moving in the right direction. But I know that I could work harder and eat cleaner.

I'm 5'1" and about 130. Last year I averaged a little over a pound a month weight loss even in months I did very little in the way of exercise. I attribute that to following BFFM - even loosely the 5 small meals a day with attention paid to protein seems to really work for me.

So, for this challenge I'd like to lose 3 pounds (or more), get in 4 workouts a week with either a 4DS rotation or subbing Timesaver workouts for days I don't have time, and really spend some time focusing on cleaning up my eating and following the BFFM plan more closely.

Tonight shouldn't be a problem since I don't drink much and SO is supportive. I plan daily small treats to keep myself in line and away from binging.

Looking forward to this challenge! :7
 
Good morning 12-weekers! I really need this challenge. As Gayle knows, I used to check in on a daily exercise thread on the Weight Watchers boards, but our group fizzled this year and I've been needing a replacement - and there Gayle was again! Thanks Gayle!

By way of introduction, I'm 41, married w/ 2 kids (DS-10YO and DD 5YO) and I work full time. I've lost 40lb in 4 years w/ WW and would like to get the last 20 off this year! That's the BIG goal...

The small goals...
1. stick w/ WW program - it works WHEN I FOLLOW IT
2. exercise at least 4 days/week, preferably 5 or 6
3. DON'T FORGET THE ABS (they're always the 1st to go when I'm crunched for time)

These small goals all have incremental parts, of course and I will try to focus on 1 or 2 of these small parts each week until I have the whole package going.

For exercise - I'm recovering from a chest cold and haven't decided on a rotation yet. I typically use Cathe's rotations as a guideline. Today I did 20min moderate cardio on the elliptical and then CoreMax 1. Tomorrow will likely be PUB (LOVE that one!).

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better over the next few months! Have a great day everyone!
 
Count me in!!

Thanks Gayle for starting this challenge. I also lost weight several years ago following BFL and running almost daily.

I've been carrying around and extra 20-30lbs for the past few years. Running always kept the weight off but due to several surgeries on my feet and a nagging stress fracture, running isn't an option anymore. Although I continued doing Cathe w/o's, elliptical, stepper etc, it was not enough to counteract the weight gain.

My goals are to lose weight (bodyfat) and inches. I will weigh and measure later today.

Food is my downfall. I will be cleaning up my diet and drinking plenty of water. Chocolate is another downfall, but with a cheat day I should be okay.

My workouts for today are GS Legs and Absolute Kickbox. I haven't decided on a rotation for January but have all the Cathe w/o's and more. I like to w/o 2 times per day when possible, splitting cardio and weights. I prefer cardio in the morning and wt training at lunch or in the evening.

Through motivation and determination we will all succeed with this challenge.

Diana
 
Hi, challengers! I'm on my 2nd day now, and feel good. I'm aiming for about 1800 to 2000 calories a day. 5 to 6 meals a day. Hi protein (180 to 220gms), reasonably clean!
Workouts for the week:
Sun)half hour of cardio, gym style chest and triceps, bootcamp abs
Mon)40 min. cardio, gym style back shoulders biceps, muscle endurance abs
Tues)Butts and guts plus all bonuses
Wed) Cardio fusion and body max 2 abs
Thurs)40 min. cardio, JL Slim and lean,Cardio and weights abs
Fri) Low impact Circuit
Sat) Yoga and stretch!!!
Have a happy new year, everyone! Nancy J.~~
 
Hi everybody!

I am 62 and have been using Cathe's workouts for the past 6 months with good results. I need to lose some excess fat from my waist and abdomen. My big impediment to losing weight and keeping it off is emotional eating. My goal this year is to find more productive ways of dealing with stress than eating junk.

I will be working out 6 days a week alternating some kind of cardio with a full body workout. My eating plan will be around 1650 cal with at least 7 fruits and vegetables a day and 100 gms of protein. I need to take care to drink enough fluids during the day.

Today, I will be doing LIS.:D
 
Good Afternoon Ladies,

I am excited about the 12 week challenge. I have tried many different things over the years but haven;t stuck with anything. This is exactly the kind of support system I need. I just wished I lived close to any of you guys so I wouldn't have any excuse not to stick with it:)

I did start my program today. I did PUB and my eating has been clean. I am picking up Eating for Life at the library in a few minutes and them hitting the grocery store. I got a few receipes from Gayle and can't wait to try the Protien pancakes:9

Gayle, Thank you so much for inspiring and encouraging all of us. I feel like you and I are a lot alike in body shape and I am very jealous of you right now:p. My goal is to lose 20 lbs and many inches from all over. (I will take measurements in the morning since I forgot today).

Also, Gayle I know you followed BFL to the T in exercise and nutrition, but do you think doing Cathe's workouts will deliver the same results? I am definitely following the eating plan.

Thanks and Good Luck to everyone!!

Carolyn

P.S. Hello Melissa:) :p
 
Carolyn-YES! Without a doubt, Cathe's workouts will deliver RESULTS! ABSOLUTELY! My mantra these days is the single word CONSISTANCY...although I'm not sure I'm spelling it correctly or not! lol I really believe that ANY program will work, as long as the workouts and nutrition are consistant.

GREAT JOB EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

The day is not over, so stay on top of your eating and keep it in control. Like SO many of you, eating is MY hinderance as well! But I'm top of it today....focus on each moment, each day!

GREAT JOB!

Gayle
 
Hi, everybody!

I'm in too - the other Cheryl - and glad to see that our fun Cheryl Maroney from the RT is also here.

Gayle, you can be our coach and cheerleader here - love it!

So happy to be in on the party, and thanks to all for your enthusiasm. I fully expect we'll all be hitting our goals.

Happy New Year's, everyone!

Cheryl
 
CONSISTENCY!!! Yes, that is the key! I know that in the past my best results came while I was being consistant.

I am actually starting tomorrow. I will not overindulge tonight but my eating won't be *clean* either and I won't have time for a workout as we are having our *final* Christmas celebration.

Happy New Year everyone!
 
Hi Everyone~ I am so glad to be part of this 12 week challenge check-in. At this point, I need the structure and support of others to help me achieve my fitness goals. After being in the best shape of my life last summer, combining Cathe's heavy weights, cardio and running, I got off-track this fall and have not been able to stay committed since. A little bit about myself: I am 48, a mother of 3 boys (not including my DH) ;-) and a full-time college student. I exercise daily at 5:30 A.M., before my kids are off to school. My issue is not the exercise, I do that without fail. My problem is staying committed to clean eating. I'm an emotional eater and tend to go to food during times of stress. This last college semester was very stressful :-( However, that is all in the rear-view mirror now and I am determined to be kinder to myself by making nutrition and fitness a priority.
I'm starting my journey with all of you tomorrow, Jan. 1st. Today, I need to map out my goals and put them on paper.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and supporting you in your goals.
Happy New Year,
Sarah :)
 
Hi everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself and thank Gayle again for setting us up with this! I haven't had time today to set up my specific goals, so I'll do that tomorrow morning and will post them soon after. I'm also in the Melters group (an amazing group of women!), but we'll just be going until February.

As a bit of background, I'm 36 and married, but with no kids. I work full-time, but teach so I have nice vacations at certain points in the year. Exercising usually isn't the problem for me -- it's eating clean and staying focused! I discovered Cathe in March of 2007, and have been hooked ever since! I've lost 14 pounds since August by committing to her weight-training DVD's, and hope to lose a bit more body fat.

I may not have time for daily personals, but will try my best!

Happy New Year!:)
 
Did Slim Series Tear it Up today!! Nice to read everyone's backgrounds and goals. Have to run now--guests due in less than an hour and I still need to take a shower. EEEK! "See" you all tomorrow and Happy New Years to everyone

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
Hi everyone. Although I'm not officially starting til tomorrow, I wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I'll be 45 in March. I live in Texas. I'm married and have a DD in college. Although I have seen some improvement over the past year, I lack discipline. I would really like to see some consistancy in my eating and workouts which will hopefully result in some weight loss and toning. So I am hoping that by joining this challenge, I will commit to continue to make improvements in my live. This group sounds like the perfect place for support. We can do this.


Jean
 
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