QUESTIONS FOR MY OH FRIENDS

I have not started exercising.  I know I need to so that I won't be so flabby and so when the honeymoon is over I will be in the habit and it will help me keep losing and keep the weight off.  My problem is that I am one of those people that gives my best to everyone else...my job and my family...and myself last.  I have always been this way and it is the hardest thing I have to face right now I think.  I think I am going to have to work out before work or before coming home after work. I am going to check out some gyms that are women only or have a women's only areas with my best friend.  I am only going to do month to month and won't do a contract unless I see that it is a place I am 100% sure is right for me.  I have to be comfortable enough to go on my own if my friend quits going.   Do any of you do gyms?  What is your exercise program? How do you keep the busy-ness of life from pulling you away from exercising? My friend wants to check out Curves.  Have any of you been there?  You can't really get a lot of information online about it.  There is a 24/7 women's only club 2 blocks from my house that has massage chairs, tanning and all the machines and free weights...but no pool or whirlpool.  I love the pool and whirlpool. So many choices....hmmmmmm

I found I wasted money on a gym.  I bought myself a mini-stepper machine and have been using it and trying to build up my endurance.  I plan to get a treadmill with an upcoming bonus as I found that it was easier for me to walk on it for longer periods.  Having them in my house makes it easier to work them into my life.

Diana-working out and becoming healthy is going to benefit your family as well as you, so in the beginning, if you need to, do it for them too.  Also be a good role model for family and friends-find activities that you can all do together-don't just go to the gym and meet the rest of the gang afterward-include them in.  Of course, the gym can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of day to day life-but keep it a positive experience and make sure your friend has the the same goal.  It's all too easy to become the "therapist" trapped by your friend on a treadmill-remember, this is for YOU.  Now, we all need someone to talk to, I'm not saying be a scrooge, but 3 x's  week for one hour is too long to listen to anyone gripe...and won't help you at all.

I used to go to Curves and it was okay but I got board with it.  I LOVED Fit For Her which is a 24 hour ladies only club with no contract.  But I was paying 50.00 a month also.  My husband got a really good rate at All American so we go there now.  I also bought The Biggest Loser DVD's so Ic an work out to them also.  I try to do that in the mornings so if I don't feel like going to the gym at night... I already got my work out in for the day.  I bought an Ellipical but I might return it because I would rather have a treadmill.  The Ellipical is okay but I can go allot longer on a treadmill.  I can use the Ellipical at the gym.  The trainer mentioned at the gym that the treadmill would be hard on my knees because of the extra weight.  But I have lost 102 pounds and I prefer it.  If you watch the Biggest Loser they are bigger and they run forf hours on one.  So it's my personal decision to get one.  I like to walk in the spring and summer but if the weather does not permit... I would have a treadmill. Woooo....  I'm long winded tonight. 

The gym that is 2 blocks from my house is a FIT FOR HER.  I have wasted alot of money on gyms in the past but I had babies and toddlers then and I didnt have half the self esteem and motivation I have now.  The thought of having some ME time away from the house and work is very thrilling to me. (that sounds so funny!) 

I belonged to Tan and Tone in Enid for awhile and loved it. I plan on going to Tan and Tone America starting this week. I own a treadmill, but I get bored with it easily. Tan and Tone does work if you apply resistance. I lost 3 dress sizes while I was going in Enid. It doesn't look like exercise because you're lying on tables, but it does work. It is also easy on the body without jarring anything. That was important due to my arthritic back and hip (which have resolved since surgery!).

Oh, I used to know someone who had those "toning beds" many years ago.  I just tried them out one time...

Dianna, I just started exercising last week. I don't belong to a Gym just yet, because everytime I ever join, I don't go through with it. I know this time should be different. Right now I am just doing walk away the pounds and my stationary bike. I'm just taking one day at a time and hope for the best. You are right though, you need some time for you and you so deserve it. I am like you also and always put myself last. It's time that we take a stand and be kind to ourselves. Best of Luck, Rita

Diana, I have belonged to numerous gyms - Pacer, Lighthouse, Madamoisselle (sp?), Tan and Tone, Curves, etc.  Each time I have great intentions of going daily, but something happens and before I know it I haven't been for a month and the money was wasted.  I have decided not to do the gym scene anymore.  DH and I purchased a treadmill for Christmas and I have tons of exercise videos that I use two to three times per week.  Right now my exercise of choice is the new Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds 2 mile walk with interval training during the walk.  It is getting easier now, but I'm not increasing it until after my recovery.  I usually do my exercise on my lunch break or after work before DH gets home from work.  That way I don't feel like I'm taking away form our time together. I know you will choose the best fit for you.  Start slow and build up to it over time.  Take care of yourself and Vince.

I have dumped so much money into gyms and never gone. I had the most success with walking. I either take mile or longer walks or do my walk away the pounds videos.