fitting in

[muppet]

I sure hope I don't sound like I'm dissing anyone or their methods. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to invest in gym memberships, trainers, etc. and then have the discipline and dedication to follow through. I think it's great. I think I would be one of those who would buy a membership, and never go. Or but a treadmill and hang my clothes on it. I have had exercise equipment before ( exercise bike-- one of those 'strider' things -- forget what they're called) and I've use it, but hated every minute on them. So that's why I've said 'No' to a treadmill. It probably wouldn't be any different. Time just drags on those things for me. Every mile seemed like 3.
I'm not against any weight loss program, except those that use unhealthy methods and make unfounded claims. Which ones are they? I don't know because I haven't researched any of them. I just know that none of them are for me. I've just seen too many people go on one of these, and then go off, and gain back everything they lost and then some. Which would be the most depressing thing to go through! I think some of these programs are getting better now, and having a 'maintenance ' program. Which is probably the most important part.
So you guys who are on these programs, either through a company, or with a gym membership or trainer---if it's working for you it's great. For me, it' s not about money, or what I can and can't afford. It's about wasting money. And that is what I'd be doing if I signed up for any type of weight loss program. And that's just me. I used to belong to the YMCA. I took my kids to tons of classes there, but never once went to an exercise cl**** which were all included in the membership. I guess that's just not how I roll. I'm better off doing it on my own.
So anyway -- I'm sorry if I offended anyone. That was not my intention. I think the most important thing I've learned about weight loss, and weight management through the years is that the basic formula is simple. But the way we acheive it is as individual as we all are. There is no 'one size fits all', nor is there any ' one diet fits all'.
I was feeling a little bit like I was the only one not enrolled or doing some 'mega' workout, and on a strict diet. But I see that there are more like me than I realized.
Ok -- I've babbled on enough, and I haven't even done my journal yet. So it's adios for now.
Carol

[Missy]

It's okay, there's nothing wrong with expressing your feelings and getting them out in the open. Awhile back I would have agreed with you 100% because I joined a gym, went for a few months, got sick of going and then quit. It was a waste of money.

I feel like I am in a different place now than I was then...I wasn't "fat" when I joined the last gym...I was 144 pounds at that time...but now I feel like I need to dedicate myself to going because I have a lot more to lose this time around. For me, I just feel like my trainer gives me that extra push that I wasn't able to do on my own.

It definately is a waste of money for people who have busy lives and don't have the time to go...I'm 25 years old and I just decided I wanted to go full-out right now and get this under control before I start to develop health problems and have difficulty getting around. I wanted to be fit before I had children as well so I'd be able to do things with them.

I have done the workout videos and walking on my own in the past...I always gave up on it because I wasn't seeing the results I wanted. It's obviously working for you though because you are doing a great job. I think it's wonderful you have the willpower to go it 100% alone. When I started back in December, I didn't feel I could do it by myself.

You do fit in. Perfectly I might add. You are a wonderful inspiration and you always have nice things to say. I'm just glad I have people who I can relate to and who can understand what I'm going through.

[muppet]

Missy, it's obvious that your trainer, and the program you're doing now is working for you. Look at the amazing amount of weight you've lost! And I think it's highly beneficial to have someone explain, and help you understand the inevitable plateaus we all get stuck on.
You're smart to do this while you're young. It just gets harder as you get older. You're metabolism slows in your 30's. And having a family does tend to put weight on people. Not necessarily the pregnancy. I did put on a bit more than I should have with each of my kids, but I'm not going to blame my excess weight on them. ( especially since my youngest is 10! ) But your life does change and it's hard to find the time to work out as you'd like. But you're making fitness a habit. I think that's the key. You have the means now to ingrain this into your head. It will become as natural and necessary as brushing your teeth. If it's already a part of your life, it will be easier to keep in your life once you do start a family.
Going off topic here -- these stars that have their babies, and then show up a few weeks later looking all slim--- drives me NUTS!!! How unrealistic. And then all the celeb magazines, and entertainment shows fawn all over them, comment, and gush about how great they look. I always feel so bad because I know there are women at home who've just had a baby too, and they're looking down at their stomachs, which still look like they're about 6 months along, and they're feeling so bad about themselves. I have so much respect for the stars who don't push themselves to get back into shape. It shouldn't be a contest to see who can get their shape back the fastest. That actress from King of Queens -- Leah somebody -- I like her, because she had the guts to go back on her show, noticably heavier, and just take her time getting her body back. She said her daughter's health and happiness came first, and she wasn't going to worry about the extra pounds. They would come off in time.
ok -- That was a tangent I'm not sure we needed, since I don't think anyone who posts here regularly, except Phil, is expecting a baby. And well, that's not quite the same!
As I said, I have lots of love and respect for all of you. For what you've gone through, for what you've accomplished and for what you've shared.
Carol