OFFICIAL WOMEN'S CHALLENGE: Weekly Motivation etc Thread 5/26 - Page 2 - JP Fitness Forums

kfisherx · 02-05-2008, 10:34 AM

So far I am loving the journey overall. I have learned how to eat in a very healthy way and with that have learned that all those cravings that I get are related to not eating healthy. If I keep my body fueled with the right foods I have absolutely no desire to eat anything that is not healthy. It is really weird and very empowering. I have also learned that I do have the power to make changes to my body. Right now I am gaining and overcoming my fears about gaining weight and eating. In addition I have learned that cardio is NOT the end-all exercise for my body. A combination of lifting and cardio is. I haven't figured out the exact right combination but am getting there.

ToniL · 02-05-2008, 10:59 AM

I am very proud of myself for the progress I have made this month. I finished Hypertrophy I and started Hypertrophy II this morning. Hiccups in the road of life did not set me back weeks, maybe a workout or two but not the usual month(s) long binge and slacking.
The challenge this month included learning how to increase the poundage and still being able to do the required reps and sets. There is a learning curve!
It's hard to say what 3 things I know about myself this month that I didn't know about myself last month. Perhaps just knowing that I am an active participant in an online challenge and 'keeping up' is a great motivator. I accept that I will have occasional cheats at foodies however have enough knowledge and willpower to step on the scale and determine what my course of action will be and then take it! Lastly, taking care of myself my spirit. I'm discovering that aspect of life now.

missjane · 02-06-2008, 04:12 AM

This month I have no obstacles except for work and school, which I've been successful in working around; however, I just found out I will have to go on a business trip the first week of March, so I am already thinking ahead on how to handle that, find a gym, etc. So, this means I will be gone the first Monday in March, so I need post my pics/stats that prior weekend....probably Saturday the 1st at the latest.

sharonr47 · 02-06-2008, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefever

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I am struggling with this one too. When I met my husband he was big and strong a had an amazing body he was 5'11" and ripped at 220lbs. And now although still 5'11" he is easily 30-35lbs heavier and had no issue with it. I am trying really hard to not let it get to me, or to put pressure on him with my new lifestyle choices but it is so hard. I try and put myself in his position on what it must have been like when I went over board with my weight gain while pregnant but so far it's not working.

I guess we cannot put pressure on them to make that change. My husband did not say anything when I was obese at 255 lbs. I needed to do it for me and he needs to do the same. I hope for his health that he will.

rem1956 · 02-06-2008, 01:09 PM

Gals....gotta say this....I am sitting here, getting a tad bit emotional from all the positive energy and motivation I am reading. God bless each of you....and keep at it! I love you all!!!

GinnyLou · 02-07-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rem1956

Gals....gotta say this....I am sitting here, getting a tad bit emotional from all the positive energy and motivation I am reading. God bless each of you....and keep at it! I love you all!!!

Thanks so much for the encouragement! This board is so helpful and I just love it here. The support and just hashing out questions is awesome.

Last night at the gym, I was doing the "special" workout A and I thought of you ladies. The class room where I normally hide to do the jackknives was in session, so I did them in the main gym. I always get the giggles when I am getting on the ball, because I know it isn't graceful at all. Now, I do know I have majorly improved on my stability with these, but I just had to share.

Natalia · 02-07-2008, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GinnyLou

Last night at the gym, I was doing the "special" workout A and I thought of you ladies.

Wasn't that fun?! Did you record your progress?

GinnyLou · 02-07-2008, 06:49 AM

Yes, it was fun! I didn't get as many reps in as I would have liked, but that is my own fault for not taking a rest day in between.
I need to head over and check out your log!

Bluefever · 02-08-2008, 09:46 PM

I have one more workout to do before my special work outs. A week ago when someone posted about weather or not to take the week break I was thinking that I would definatly skip the break and keep going. But this switch to 8 reps has really kicked my ass! I feel bad to say it but I am actually looking forward to taking a couple of days off. I'm Beat.

AnnetteW · 02-09-2008, 08:31 AM

What I've really noticed about the program is that because it's always a little bit different (workout A vs workout B,) the weights increasing, the reps decreasing, my body is always a little bit sore. Not killer sore like the first few times, but sore. Plus now I'm trying different cardio types, I ran yesterday on the treadmill. Then yesterday afternoon I had a massage. But I can tell everyday that my muscles have been worked, and worked hard.

I have to read up about the rest week, I'm not there yet, and haven't even read ahead in the book. But I definitely think at least a few days will be in order.

And I always want to thank everyone for their support. Just reading through the threads every day, being encouraged to log my diet and workouts, etc. has helped tremendously.

And knowing people like Cassandra are coming to the board to answer our questions, well, to me that is so helpful. I'm enjoying reading what she has to say about diet, have been listening to podcasts with her on it, and I look forward to more information from her as we get more fit and strong.

Thanks again to all of you just for being in this challenge.

LadyNoir · 02-09-2008, 01:43 PM

How's it been going? Great until this week when I got sick, so it puts me a back a little. But I know I have to give myself some rest.

What challenges have made it difficult for you to move forward toward your goals? I'm not eating as clean as I can. I ate super clean last summer and since then have lost some of the dedication it requires.

What have you overcome that was easier than you thought it would be? Moving onto exercise that required me to use the barbell. I was intimidated at first. Now I prefer it!

What 3 things have you learned about yourself at this point?
1. My left hamstring is tighter than my right. I discovered this when I started taking a yoga class on my non-workout days.

2. My glutes may be stronger than my lower back, so trying to find a good starting weight for deadlifts was hard at first.

3. That I can really do this!