Labor Day Challenge 2015

[GoneForARun]

Hello and welcome to the Labor Day Challenge 2015. 

We welcome all newbies and the awesome achievers from our 4th of July Challenge. 

This new challenge starts on July 5th and ends on Labor Day, Sept 7th.  So please feel free to post your Labor Day weight loss goals here and we'll be sure to provide lots of encourgament and support along the way.  I've listed my goals below.  Hoping to ready for my Labor Day Disney vacation.  For the newbies, here is a short key: SW = Starting Weight, CW = Current Weight, GW = Goal Weight, UGW = Ultimate Goal Weight.

SW: 200 (Jan 5)

CW: 173.3

GW: 159 (Labor Day)

UGW: 150 (Oct 13th, Wedding Anniversary!)

Trish

[WordWhimsy]

Hope it's ok that I'm jumping in late. 

SW: 163

CW: 163

C GW: 149

GW: 139

Plan to go through and read the thread for more motivation, and tips.  Accountability is key!

[mcfloozy]

Hi all,

thanks for the updates. I signed up to walk the Camino in Spain on walking4fun. Thanks for that link. Your comments and updates are motivating and helpful.

Right on about TREATS. That's how I got into this mess. Every day is special. It's somebody's birthday, graduation, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, or whatever. If we use a Food TREAT to celebrate each one, well.... the pounds go on. 

I've been party to that concept much too long. Let's change the thinking. Celebrate with a long walk, meditation time, go to a concert.

Thanks all. Keep up the progress.

[praises4him]

I just wanted to share my progress so far.  My weight has always fluctuated.  I was at a healthy weight when I got married 9 years ago but then I kind of fell off the wagon so to speak.  I have been going up and down with my weight since then.  My husband and I had our first kiddo a little over a year ago and I have to lose this weight!  The fitbit has been a really good thing for me and I am trying to stay super focused.  I have been using the fitbit for almost three weeks now and I am started to see results.  Fingers crossed I can stay motivated.  

SW: 204 (Jan 13)

SW with fitbit: 194 (June 24, 2015)

CW: 185

GW: 170 (Labor Day)

UGW: 135 or whatever feels comfortable

[Sandpiper800]

dancefoxtrot

I am with you with injuries.  My main goal in exercising these days is not to get injured, because at MY age, it takes forever to heal.  That said, my knee is in a brace with a small miniscus tear.  I am trying to avoid surgery.  It is gradually getting better.  Patience is a virtue, but it sure isn't fun.  Hang in there.

Martha

[luvkoalas5373]

Good morning everyone! I thought I'd throw in my results so far...

SW:193.9

CW: 189.0

GW: by Labor Day - 175 or a bit less

UGW: 145 or less

I was excited to see the 189 - (even if it was only ..4+ pounds)  I'm realizing this Gazelle was a fantastic investment (yay Amazon - and the Pandora Bubblegum Oldies Station) 🙂 Went to the fitness center at 730 this morning - whew - but it felt good - - that Octane 'eliptical' like thingy really gives you a workout!!!!!!  I've got to remember to do that first, before the machines - -legs don't want to do it after all the other stuff LOL   Reading on here is a great motivational tool!!! Wishing a glorious day to all!

[luvkoalas5373]

I agree with mcfloozy - - all the 'low carb' treats got me into trouble - - don't misunderstand, I still do the lower carb stuff, but I was making low carb treats and eating them . . .all . . . .too fast 😞  Then there's the bread - - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE bread - I could eat a whole loaf of toast - WW, rye, white, whatever..that's hard for me. I have started buying Sara Lee's 100% Whole Wheat (I think thats what it's called) and then I only have 1 slice at breakfast - then I actually hide it in the fridge (out of sight, out of mind) and logging it sure helps. I should really be doing my Florida Keys Walking 4 fun  .  .shortly . .

[ginnyjones09]

SW 178

Starting Body Fat %: 33%

Challenge SW 150.8

Challenge Starting Body Fat %: 23.8%

CW: 149

Challenge Goal: 135

Goal Body Fat %: 20%

I had gained some weight during the 4th of July holiday so being down almost 2lbs is good for me.  I'm leaving for Jamaica on Friday and hoping I don't gain too much weight, but since we're going to an all inclusive resort that's unlikely.  My weigt was down to 146 earlier this week, but I think I was dehydrated.  Keep working everyone! 

[work_it_out]

Okay, time to update with my week 1 progress. I had a minor setback over the weekend due to my husband's birthday and lack of working out but I am still happy with where I am at and close to my 2lb weekly goal. I plan on switching my workouts this week too (note: I LOVE youtube for videos!)...

• Monday 7/13 - 30 minute Spinning (burned 208 calories)
• Tuesday 7/14- 30 minute Spinning (goal 200+ cal burn) followed by a 40 minute Ellen Barret Pilates/Yoga fat burning workout
• Wednesday 7/15 - rest day
• Thursday 7/16 - 40 minute Spinning (goal 300+ cal burn)
• Friday 7/17 -30 minute Spinning (goal 200+ cal burn) followed by free weights for arms/legs and body weight exercises for toning
• Saturday 7/18 - Julian Michaels Shred it with Weights workout (30minutes with 10lb & 15lb kettle bell workout)
• Sunday 7/19 - Ellen Barret burn and firm Pilates (45minutes with 2lb hand weights)
• Monday 7/20 - 30 minute spinning (goal 200+ cal burn)  

SW: 175 (July 2013)

Challenge Start Weight (7/7/15): 155.0

Week 1 Weight (7/14/15): 153.3 = 1.7 loss

GW by 9/7 (my wedding anniversary!): 137

UGW: 130

[work_it_out]

@ginnyjones09 What I try and do on vacations (especially all inclusives!) is take a walk on the beach before every meal as well as after. I find that I eat less and feel less sluggish when following that rule and walking on the beach doesnt feel like a workout because it feels so nice/relaxing. Good luck, I am sure there are plenty of fresh fruits and veggies too for snacks

[WordWhimsy]

@work_it_out Looks like you are getting some great exercise in!  I enjoy Pilates, how is the Ellen Barret burn and firm? Is that a dvd or is it online?

[work_it_out]

@WordWhimsy you can find her workout videos on youtube.com to try out (just go to youtube and type "ellen barret workouts" and you will see them, look at times though because some are only clips of the videos). they are also available on DVD. I have tried these ellen barrett videos - they can be tough at first but she is so encouraging! I also find them to be relaxing and help relieve my stress after long days. Right now my favorite (for after a bike workout) is her pilates yoga blend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EzbAAJnWYc (Crunch Fat Burning Pilates)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqp9iWsvbeQ (Pilates Yoga Blend)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CpuDuXTrQ (Pilates Burn & Firm)

[WordWhimsy]

@work_it_out thank you so much for those links! I will have to try them out.

[dancefoxtrot]

Work it out

Thanks for the videos. Very rigorous pilates and yoga even for us fairly fit older adults! Most of the poses reguire balance. I did a little of it with her and will incorporate some of the easier moves into my older adult fitness classes. Most folks are in their 70's and some in their 80's so we are not quite as flexible as those awesome young women in the videos. I like that she pulses in Warrior pose. 

Very nice gift from you to us.  

I suggest if people are new to this and/or older that you stand near a wall or sink or something solid at first so you have back up if you have trouble balancing. A ballet bar would be great if you go to a gym. 

Happy fitness all,

Barbara

[dancefoxtrot]

Sandpiper,

I have a complex menicus tear in the left knee and had surgery in Dec 2005. Avoid it if at all possible as studies say that PT and RICE=rest ice compress and elevate work just as well for most peeps.

So we get to see Scotland a little more slowly and breathe deeply. I'm 74 and want to be active until 104 if possible. 

See you on the trail.

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

McFloozy

You absolutely nailed it about celebrating in a different way. Go dancing to celebrate, walk in nature, get a massage, etc.. We have been sucked into dessert cos. advertising so they get rich and we get sick and fat. Yuck. Celebrate a healthier life with a lovely ripe piece of fruit. If going to a party with nothing healthy bring your own!

Health is sooooo vital to a good life and attitude. We can reverse some chronic diseases with diet and exercise. 

Make ever day National Health Day.

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

GinaBee

Husband needs reeducating to learn how to support health.  I love what you said about Treating yourself to a healthy life.  We have to change our thinking about how to reward ourselves. Change thinking, change habits, change addictions, change your health and change your life. Wonderful to have wise people on the journey.

Barbara G

[work_it_out]

@WordWhimsyno problem! I hope you enjoy the workouts!

@dancefoxtrot I agree that her moves in the pilates/yoga do require balance which is a great core work without realizing it! I love the pulsing warrior pose too. It took time for me to be able to do the entire video without using the modified versions and "water breaks".

As a note - I always watch videos before actually doing them, so that I can see the flow of the workout before attempting to do it myself. There is no shame in building up to doing an entire video (don't forget to cool down though) and understanding your limitations vs. not pushing yourself to reach your full workout potential.

Another great source of videos (youtube) are from Chris Freytag who does a great job encouraging you throughout the workout.

[Getsgirl]

Hello! I hope that it's not too late to join this challenge.

SW:      246.4

CW:      246.4

GW:      236.0

LT GW: 200.0

[Bobbinyc]

Very impressive group! I didn't quite make my goal for July 4, with relatives staying with me, some short trips, etc. but i didn't really gain either. Hovering around the same no. In the past few months i have gotten off sugar and processed carbs, upped the veggies including large delivery from organic farms every week (if you have acess to a CSA check it out), and have healed my foot priblems as much as possible. I've also started doing strength training, balance, and agility. (Not much progress yet) Now it's time to step it up.

I'm going to try tracking food on fitbit. I've never tracked meals before, but, well, we'll see. I'm not sure how that works if you eat in a restaurant, but, I'll try.

SW (Jan). 185
CW 173
GW for Labor Day 163
Ultimate Goal - fewer health problems, more energy

[Bobbinyc]

Several weeks ago I had mentioned doing a virtual hike together, and we looked at a few options. I ended up chosing walking4fun and a few of us tried the Key West walk. (Boring). We recently started on the Pacific Crest Trail. If anyone wants to join, that would be great. It's just one more thing to make walking fun, keep the motivation up. If you join, you that walk you should come into the group. If interested, we can add you in. There are other groups but look for the one with Bobbi, Joy, and some others from here. We use a discussion group to cheer each other on, etc. The site is good, not great, but once you chose a trail it's a little tough to switch. If you have trouble joining in the group, let me know.