Is there any such thing as fun workouts?

I don't like to workout.

There.  I said it.  I admit it.

Working out is so repetitive. It's boring.  The instructors are skinny and for goodness sakes: they're talking while their doing their fancy little moves.  And they're barely breaking a sweat, while I'm about to go into cardiac arrest and drenched from head to toe! I tried Jillian for a while but hated that DVD after about 10 days.  Every time she would say "We're all in the same boat together."  My heart rate instantly went up and I'd all but yell "NO WE'RE NOT!!!  I'M OVERWEIGHT AND YOU'RE SKINNY!!!!!!"  Ugh.  That woman got my dander up.

The reality of it all?  When you read the motivational stories... the ones that got the fat off and kept it of... well, guess how they did it?  Exercising.  Working out.  In some form or fashion.  They worked their booty's off... in every sense of the word.  Seriously.

When I've had the most success, it's because I incorporated some type of regular activity.  So I know I've got to do it again.  I know I've been walking with the boys, but honestly, I know it's not getting my heart rate up for a long enough period of time.

I'm in search of a 10 minute workout.  I can do pretty much anything for 10 minutes... I hope.  YouTube is my source for now. I'm going to try a couple... at least one a day.  If I can get one a day in, that's better than nothing, right?  Then hopefully, I can work up to more time... At least that's my intention.

Anyone have suggestions?  What are fun workouts?

Week 4

It's nearly been a month since I decided to take a step towards losing my excess weight.   I was thinking I hadn't made any progress at all, but after looking over my MFP progress chart, I realized I had lost a total of 5 pounds!  I have to say, I'm pretty happy about that.  My chart looks kinda like a yo-yo but as long as it shows a loss, I'll take it. 

I've been walking most evenings.  The boys both love to walk around town - what better motivation?  G rides along in the stroller, usually humming.  E likes to ride his bike.  Each night he rides up to the sign on Main Street, points to the sign that says "No Bikes or Skateboards" and asks "Mom, can I ride on the sidewalk tonight?"  Of course, I let him because we live in a very small town.  After 5:00 PM, Main Street is pretty much a ghost town.  As long as there is no one on the sidewalk, he rides it.  After all, he's only four...

I had decided I couldn't bear to post pictures of myself in my current condition... but I'm going to after all.  I look so frumpy and well... fat.  But I need something to keep me motivated... maybe knowing I'm going to be posting these online will be the spur I need??  I honestly don't see a difference in my figure... but I'm going to focus on non-scale victories such as sleeping better, feeling better, less bloating, more energy!!

Support and More Motivation!!

Go me... total weight loss at the beginning of Week 3: 5.8 lbs!  Yay!  Although the celebrating (our 15th anniversary) caused a slight gain, the real problem was getting the scales to move again.  Period.  I hadn't seen a gain or loss for several days.  Although I'm grateful there were no gains, I was super happy to see a loss this morning!  Yay! Yay! Yay!

My sister created a small Facebook group for plus size people wanting to lose weight.  It's fun to have the extra support.  People to share the victories and who understand the struggles.  Support is so key in my weight loss.

I've ran across two really neat motivational stories this week:

1. Tory Johnson from Good Morning America.  I don't usually watch the morning show and I'm not sure why I even turned it on yesterday... but there it was: her story of her weight loss.  Of course, she has a book you can buy, etc etc.  But something she said really struck a chord with me: "Being fat when you don't want to be fat has -- it's like being in shackles. It's like being in a prison and you can't escape. You feel like there's no way out." That is so true.  I can really relate to that.  What makes it even worse is when you have no motivation, no desire, to be out of those shackles.  So I keep googling success stories and tracking my favorites - anything to help me stay motivated. 
2. Amanda, a 26 year old woman who has lost 88 pounds! Someone created a time lapse of her photos showing her progress in 5 seconds.  I've watched it over and over and over.  The difference in her is amazing - but I'm not just talking about the physical evidence.  You can totally see a change in her face.  Her self confidence change is so incredible.  You can see it in her face, her posture, her eyes!  Wow! Just incredible!

I know there are so many more incredible stories out there.  I plan to write my own someday!!

Inspriation

I have to keep myself motivated... Have to!  One of my favorite ways is to read other's success stories.  Today, I was reading this article about Hannah Curlee from Biggest Loser.  Wow.  I love her story and the fact that she did it with her sister.  She now has her own website and weight loss betting game.  I'm not interested in the betting, but it does look fun and motivational!  

Another big motivational moment was this morning when I watched Mandisa debut her new music video on GMA.  As soon as the music video makes it's way to YouTube, I'll be adding it as a permanent link to my site.  So encouraging and inspiring.  I love the verse that she's using in the song:

1 John 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Another verse that has been instrumental in helping me through the past week is: 

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.

Praise God, from whom all blessings, and strength flows!  I can, and I will, do this!!

Another big momument today is Chris and I's 15th anniversary!!  I'm really happy about this day... You can read more on my other blog.  Man! I love that man!!

Week 2

One week down, week two is beginning.  I'm pleased to report an official loss of 3.6 pounds.  I'm really happy with that.  My normal weight loss, during the first week of Weight Watchers, was 3-4 pounds.  So, yes, I'm very pleased.

I went through Labor Day and didn't track a thing.  I was at my sisters house for the weekend and we pretty much ate what we wanted.  She made these awesome, healthy, muffins that were just great.  Sweet enough to satisfy that need for something sweet, yet healthy enough they weren't just empty calories.  Loved 'em.  I'll have to get her to send me the link to the recipe (again!).

I met with an old friend yesterday for lunch.  We chose Chick-Fil-A because they have an indoor play place for our four kids to play in.  CFA has an amazing salad: The Asian Salad! With all toppings, it's a whopping 500 calories, but it really is delicious.  I splurged because I'd (unintentionally) skipped breakfast and had the extra calories to spare.  The salad is made with romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, mandarin oranges, and crispy chicken.  Optional toppings are wantons and roasted almonds; I chose the recommended Honey Sesame dressing.  Delicious!  Even my 14 month old son loved the flavor.  Definitely something I'd eat again!

Tomorrow is my husband and I's 15th wedding anniversary.  I'm grateful God gave me such a great guy - my best friend, my confidant, my shoulder to lean on in the tough times.  I still can't believe it's been 15 years though.  I know to the general American population, that number is staggering.  But in reality, our lives together have barely begun.  I love you, Dear! (More about him tomorrow!)