Okay, I will pitch in here. Had lost 50 pounds as of March of 2012. Breezed through the summer, lots of walking, easy to eat healthily.
Then had some "stuff" to deal with in the fall and suddenly cookies and candies were my new best friend!!
I cut out alcohol three months ago and I feel much better for it. Eating pretty well again and have lost half of the 12 to 15 pounds I'd gained. I figure I should have it licked by the end of April and I am determined not to repeat the same thing.
It's a struggle but worth it. It won't get any easier putting it off.
Heathpack, your exercise regime is amazing!! I am seriously analyzing my schedule to try to fit in some strength/weight training. It's just the time commitment that has me worried as I can do my pole walking for cardio any time, whereas I have to schedule more closely going somewhere to actually work out. But it's inspirational, that's for sure.
Walking is actually my biggest calorie burner- I have the kind of job in which I wear sneakers to work. So I can literally walk whenever without needing a shower or taking much time out from my day. Walking to/from train station is 40 minutes round trip, and if I can sneak another 20 min in somewhere during the day, suddenly I have walked an hour without even noticing.
The Y is a 5 min drive from my house or a 15 minute bike on the bike path, so I am lucky there. Our Y has this computer system for the weight room. Your trainer goes in with you on your first visit and sets your weights and range of motion. Then the computer beeps when you are at the top of your ROM and then again at the bottom. It also tells you if you are lifting too fast or too slow. The computer tallies total weight lifted at the end of the session, which is why I know how that I am now lifting 10,000 pounds per session.
I didn't use to like weights but now I find it very repetitive and zen. I also like the zen of lap swimming and I find yoga very mellow mentally (but not physically).
The Y in my town is a very good deal- $35/mo. That includes unlimited classes (I just do yoga), unlimited meetings with your trainer, a weight room, cardio room, pool and computerized fitness tracking system. I also joined the Masters Swim program which is $7.50 for a 90 minute coached swim work out. I am lucky to live in a town with a really nice aquatic center (way better pool than the Y, $4 per session for lap swim) and a gazillion bike paths. I can leave my house, ride 1 block to the bike path and then ride on bike paths for many hours.
I work 11 hour days (+/-), but only Mon-Thurs. I go to the gym usually 3 work mornings per week for weights, swimming and elliptical. Friday is yoga/weights in the morning and later a bike ride if I have the time and feel up to it. Sat is the 90 min coached swim. Sunday is the day for a long bike ride.
It's all pretty doable really.
H
