Fat Lady on a Diet

I have not fallen off the wagon!

2012-01-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe, but I have been at this for a year already.

Planet Fitness, Modesto CA

My progress is not as good as I would have liked it to be. But I have lost 35 pounds. Not great (gee just watch The Biggest Loser and they lose that and more in just a few weeks!) but not bad.

While I do not go to the gym every day like I did the first few months, I still go on average 5 days a week.

My routine? I have been spending 65 minutes on the eliptical. During that time, I pedal close to or dead on 6 miles, and burn just around 900 calories (or so the read out says). Then I go and work on some of the machines for arms, abs and legs, changing up the routine a bit from day to day.

Back in October, I did the hike to Tiger's Nest Monestary in Bhutan. Those who are fit would probably say its nothing. But for me, it was. Two years ago, I could not hike at that altitude (around 10,000 ft). This time, I did! Sure I was huffing and puffing. But I did the hike. I was very pleased since that was the reward of all my hard work at the gym!

A new gym, Planet Fitness, has opened in my neighborhood. So just last week, I sent in my cancellation for InShape and joined Planet Fitness. The price of $10 per month versus $39 was enough to make me think. Also, I really like Planet Fitness. The equipment is tip top shape (ok...it is NEW so gotta expect that), plus I like the atmosphere. It is much more open and airy.

Here I am...looking mean and sweaty after a workout!

So...one foot in front of the other...I continue on!

Week 29

2011-09-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I posted. I have not gone away, or given up. It’s just been the same old routine, and slow, slow, slow progress. I could bore you with the details, but I won't. Not this time.

I have a question. Why do we say we “Lost Weight” when our poundage decreases? I know I say this too, “I have lost X pounds”. It’s just that recently it struck me as odd, saying I “Lost” weight.

When the scale says I weigh 5 pounds more than the last time I weighed myself, I don’t say I “Found weight”.

To say I lost weight implies I did not mean to have it displaced from my body. I did not mean to displace it like I always seem to lose my keys. I WORK to have the weight dislodged from my body, hopefully to never be found again. It is not a loss, but an ACHIEVEMENT!!

Since my last post, my weight has dropped 4 pounds.

Week 25

2011-07-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Days 177-183

This week has been a little better than last. The pound and half that found its way back to me has packed up and left. And I dropped another 2 pounds, I think.

I say “I think” because now these 2 pounds keep coming and going, going and coming.

My workouts this week are still a little guarded. Especially if it requires any pressure on the front of the leg that took the brunt of my fall a few weeks ago. It still smarts. It doesn’t hurt to put weight on it so I am ok on the elliptical. Just no kneeling, or working on the leg lift machine which puts slight pressure on my shins.

Go to the Doctor you say?? HA you don’t know me. They have to come and haul me away under force. I hate going to the doctor more than anything else in this life.

Enough of that…

Gym sightings:

There are these two guys who look like they might be brothers. Both of them are HUGE. I am guessing 400+ pounds each. They get on the treadmill and walk briskly, then they work out on the machines. I’ve noticed them for a couple months. They are steady consistent gym rats much like myself. They give me inspiration.

There is an older man who must be in the mid 300’s. He too is at the gym every day when I go (now 5-6 times per week). He is hoofing it on the eliptical just like me. He struggles for about 30-45 min and sweats up puddles. He too give me inspiration.

I got on the treadmill a few times this last week for something different. I am still afraid to bump it up to a jog. Mostly now because of my sore shin, but even if that was not an issue, I think I would still be fearful of being flung off the darn thing.

Up and down these 15 times without a stop!!

On a positive note, Holly had me go up and down the stairs 15 times during training this week. I could hardly believe it!! I did it all without stopping and at a fairly fast pace at that!! Last time I did that exercise, I could barely do 3 sets without a break!

Oh yes!!! Improvement even though the scale begs to differ!!

Week 24

2011-07-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Days 169-176

Ugh...I have not lost a single pound in 2 weeks.

Not one ounce.

Worse than that, I GAINED a pound and 1/2.

Just how can that be?

I went to the gym faithfully. On the days this last week that I didn't go, I really didn't need to since I was lifting heavy boxes and furniture helping my daughter move from my home to her second floor apartment. I can't tell you how many times I went up and down her apartment complex stairs. 19 up, 19 down. Up with heavy item, down with screaming leg muscles.

My diet has been fairly good. Not perfect, but good. Lots and lots of salad. Dressing? Sure, a squeeze of fresh lemon, with a drip or 2 (not even a tablespoon) of olive oil , my favorite way of dressing a salad.

And I GAINED weight?

My daughter said she lost 4 pounds this last week. I think some of her homeless pounds came to live with me. They say matter cannot be destroyed. So her 4 pounds had to go somewhere, right? Nothing like keeping it in the family.

I hope I will have progress next week!

Week 22

2011-06-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Days 149-155

Last Thursday, Hollie had me work my legs. She TORTURED me!! Lots and lots of squats and lunges.

Friday, I was sore but went to work out anyways.

Saturday, I felt sorer yet. I did not go to the gym. Not because I was sore (I did go on Friday despite my soreness). But my daughter, husband and I decided to go to Berkeley and had a lot of walking planned. Berkeley is hilly so I figured that would be a great form of exercise.

And it was until I unwillingly flung myself to the ground on a very busy intersection. Yes....there I was having an unwanted lie down, an mini nap right on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley. My trip to the ground was as graceful as a swan hurtling its snow white body against a glass building. SMACK!!

Now I was even more sore.

I took Sunday off from the Gym.

And Monday.

Tuesday I went back very gingerly. I wouldn't want to fall again. I might start a new trend.

Wednesday, I had my training session. NO LUNGES!! NO SQUATS!! We worked on biceps and abs. My poor knee is still swollen and in pain. But at least I am not giving up.

Today, I went to the gym. Did my hour on the eliptical. I stayed away from the stairmaster since that would be too tough on my knee.

Despite my setback, I still lost 1 pound YIPPEE!!

I thought I should include progress photos.

Here I am in February 2011, at the start of my work outs!

27 pounds lighter at the end of June, 2011
See my bruised knee/black and blue leg??

Week 21

2011-06-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Days 142-148

The Smell of New Clothes

I am at the point where I am in between sizes now. My old size is getting a tad loose. The next size down is still a tad tight. At a total loss of 26 pounds since I started at the gym, I am slowly starting to feel the difference in how my clothing fits.

Should I wear clothes that are baggy? Some of my pants need a belt to keep them from falling off me.

Here is the problem. Some stores have clothes in my (new) size that fit just right!! I am soooo excited.

Other stores have clothes in my (new) size that I need to lose 20 pounds in order to fit into.

So, I am in the no man’s land of a 20/22.

I guess that’s ok for those stores that label their clothes 20/22. In this case, I have not changed sizes. But some stores size their clothing 18/20 and 22/24. Now I have to choose.

I have been opting for the smaller size. Hoping that I will continue my downhill trend on the scale and the smaller size will get more and more comfortable.

I like the smell of new clothes. I guess it is the equivalent of the new car smell that guys go all crazy for. I love the fresh from the store feel of new clothes. The crisp newness that leaves as soon as it is worn never comes back. There is something about a new shirt/pants/skirt that is so exciting, especially if it is a smaller size.

I treated myself to a few new goodies in my "new size" to encourage me to stay on track!!

I can hardly wait until all of my old size is too big for me.

I changed up my work out at my trainer’s suggestion. She wants me to do at least 20 minutes on the stair master.

I worked up a compromise. 45 minutes on the Cybex Eliptical Trainer and 15 minutes on the Stair master. The 15 minutes in the Stair master kill me. I climb slowly, but I sweat puddles. So much so, that I half expect there to be miniature figures of a man with a long white beard building a wooden ship and animals lined up two by two.

It kills me!

This week’s weigh in is a standstill. No loss, no gain, despite my extra sweat.

Week 20

2011-06-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Days 135-141

Does sweating while sitting count as exercising?

Summer has finally arrived in California, after a long cool spring. The weather up until this past week was fabulous. Just warm enough. Our 90 degree temps have arrived.

I don't know about you, but hot weather saps my energy. I don't want to do anything.

Just thinking about doing something makes me sweat a bundle.

I did drag my sweaty butt to the gym every day but Sunday.

It was torture.

How do you gather up the energy to go when it almost hurts? Do you give up? What keeps you going?

I have gotten to the point that I feel guilty when I do not go. Even taking just one day off this week made me feel guilty. I think about the calories I will use in my workout. At 1100 calories for the hour on the instrument of torture, that's a lot of calories, not counting my weight training for 20-30 min afterwards.

I sweat puddles. You should see the wet spots on the floor around the machine. You should see my dripping wet T shirt. Yes it is literally dripping wet.

I keep telling myself it is worth it, even though my progress is slow.

Weigh in -1 pound.

Week 19

2011-06-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Days 128-134

Get two drinks in me, and I lose control. I will do things that had I not downed those two drinks, I would not think of doing, let alone actually do.

I will even take part in the unappetizing, the unappealing, the things I would normally find disgusting and distasteful. Yup, two drinks in me, and it’s all good.

I become a food slut.

Sans drink, I turn up my nose at chips. Nah…I won’t put those grease laden, salt infested excuses for food past my lips. Who needs empty calories? A gratification (if one is to be had) that lasts what? All of the few seconds to scarf them down?

I discovered this about myself this weekend. It was Saturday. I was in the mood for a fruity little rum libation. I had been good all day. I just wanted a little snooker. It was good. Fruity, sweet with just the right amount of rum. It was so good, I thought, why not just one more? So I had another. Hey, I am over 21, I was not planning on driving anywhere, so what’s the harm?

I’ll tell you what’s the harm! On a relatively empty stomach that rum finds the fast track to my brain. There was no loaf of bread in my stomach to absorb the rum. There was no bowl of soup with a cheese laden Panini to distract the rum pirates who set sail to bushwack my brain.

So, there I sat. Sipping on my second rum concoction when out of nowhere appeared a bag of party mix that belonged to another family member. With a brain, I would have ignored it. But since my brain walked the short plank to I don’t know where, I reached in for just a nibble.

Just a nibble. Really. That’s all I wanted. Maybe one of those sesame seed coated bread sticks. And definitely one of those dark brown rye bread thingys. Those are the best. Pop one of those rounds in my mouth, suck off the flavored salt and fat before crunching it. YUM!!

Sip of my rum…

That bag of party mix is now smiling at me.

In goes my hand.

Again.

And again…

And yet again…

Now I am thirsty. Too much salt. The rum goes down quicker.

Should I have another?

No…two is more than enough for me.

But what have I done?? The party is over in the party mix bag. More than half of the partiers are gone. I rolled up the top of the bag and put it out of sight.

No more fruity rum drink for me. No more party mix for me. I am finished being a food slut for one day.

I feel so dirty.

I promise to behave more respectably from this point forward.

This week's weigh-in: Down 2 yes 2!! pounds!! Horray!! Not a Biggest Loser Number, but great for me, the one pound at most per week loser!! I could almost say 3, but I think that was "fluctuation pound" so I won't count it. Maybe it will go away for good for next week's weigh in!

Week 18

2011-06-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Days 121-127

I am obsessed with the scale.

I think that the scale has a magnet that attracts sweat. Since I am covered in it by the end of my workout, I go to the scale like a moth to the flame. Every day.

I know I shouldn’t get on that scale every day. I understand that the scale is not the end all in measuring progress of my goal to become more fit and in losing weight.

But still, I find myself weighing myself every day at the gym after my workout. This week, I saw the biggest fluctuation ever. A full 3 pounds! I was thrilled on Sunday to see my weight drop two pounds. I was suspicious that it might only be one of those losses of fluid that will come right back. And then on Monday, I was down 1 more. I thought, WOW!! Even if 1 pound is a temporary fluctuation, I still have the two! Maybe my increase in workout intensity is WORKING!!

Then I was horrified on Tuesday, to see that those 3 pounds were BACK!! Every single one. What changed?

I had the same type of clothing on. My work out shorts, a T-shirt, while different, they were of the same weight. I always have the same pair of athletic shoes. The scale is one of those balance scales like they use in a Dr’s office so it is pretty reliable.

I guess the difference was the time of day and what I ingested. It was the only other variable. On Sunday, I was at the gym first thing in the morning. On Monday, I was at the gym in the afternoon, but the scale showed another pound off my weight. So, that doesn’t make sense.

Then Tuesday afternoon (same time as Monday), when those 3 pounds came back to visit, I could have cried. I did not eat a large meal. I didn’t drink a lot of water (or more than I normally do) before my workout/weigh-in. If anything, I am trying to cut back a little more on food each day, especially things I know that can cause problems.

I should only weigh myself once a week. Pick a day, any day. I don’t know if I can do it. Would it be possible for me to walk past the scale after my workout (as I must to leave the gym)? I would feel like I missed out on my “Reward”. It is my ritual. To see the scale budge even a ¼ pound gives me hope that I am on the right track. Seeing it the same, or jump up as I have experienced it this week makes me frustrated, but more determined to beat it.

Maybe I should try some happy half-way ground. Maybe I should avoid the scale every other day.

Maybe….

Or Maybe not....

Weigh in was all over the place. But I will call it at its least number....- 1 pound.

Week 17

2011-05-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Days 114-120

Out of Shape? Me??

I am not out of shape. I have a very well defined shape, thank you very much. It may not be an hour glass figure that many lean women have. No, I am not even close to having that desired shape. At least not yet.

Nor am I pear shaped. I don’t have a bottom that is pronounced with a much smaller top.

I would not even call myself apple shaped. That shape would bring to mind something firm, round and juicy.

None of those shapes would describe me. My shape does not keep the sands of time nor does it invoke a luscious fruit.

I have come to find my shape with my monthly measurements as taken by my trainer at the gym.

I am a square. My measurements, all three of them, are nearly the same. That’s right. Top, bottom, middle, measure one, you just about have all three. Look at it as a time saver when taking measurements.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, if my boobs weren’t the double-D size as they are. Why couldn’t I be a nice B or even C with a square shape? No…I have to be a double-D. That in itself is a pain to deal with. But to have two other measurements be nearly the same. Now, that’s bad when we are talking about a large chest.

When I stand, my squareness is not so evident. I guess my middle is able to spread out more (read hang south). It is when I sit that it all comes together, so to speak, to equalize my midsection.

I am getting better though. My middle measurement is slowly becoming less than my other two end measurements. It was really bad when my middle was stuck out further than my double-D top. It got so I didn’t know if I should put my bra on my top third, or around my middle.

Anyways…I feel some improvement. Soon, through diligent work I will have that hour-glass figure, and you won’t be able to call me a square!

Work out this week has been bumped up. Not longer, just harder. 1 hour on the Cybex arc trainer for 1100 calories and various weights for arms, 200 crunches for 5 days this week. Yes…I had to take 2 days off from the gym for life.

Weigh in -1 pound.

Week 16

2011-05-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Days 107-113

The other day, when I was huffing and puffing on the Cybex arc trainer ( 15 down…45 to go!!), I was watching Dr. Oz.

I think my twin sister was on the show. No, not biological. But a sister in spirit. Someone who understands my food weakness.

On The Biggest Loser, the contestants talk about the foods that cause them grief. We see them chow down on burgers and fries from the drive thru. There are tacos making a mess on their tables. Pizzas by the score. Even some pretty tasty looking baked goods.

Oddly, none of the above cause me trouble. It is quite rare when I stop somewhere for a burger and fries. Most times, I have to say, I can’t stand the idea of it. Same for tacos. Pizza from any of the chains is a once or twice a year rarity for me. Once in a while, we will make our own.

The baked goods…well…now we are getting close. Off the shelf grocery store pastries or packaged cookies? Nope. I will turn up my (foodie-stuck-up) nose at those imposters. A GOOD artisan bakery. Now, you can tempt me. But even with this temptation, it is rare for me to have that temptation.

But I do bake goodies from time to time. My daughter, Jasmine, loves to bake. And since she is living with me presently until she finds a job again, there are more of those goodies around than there were before she had to move back home.

Yet, none of these are what my “twin” was crying about.

Bread!! Glorious Bread!! Good artisan bread. Especially warmed in the oven, or home baked. That is what I could relate to her about.

My twin described her obsession with bread. She talked about not being able to start the day without her bagel. Here is where we differed. I find it hard (almost impossible) to eat anything much until noon. I will have coffee or tea. But I have to force myself to eat anything until lunchtime. However . I could relate to her weakness of warm bread. How she could eat a whole loaf if it is right out of the oven. Hot, crispy crust, tender inside.

Yes, I can relate to her.

Dr. Oz relates this to a carb addiction that is much like a heroin addiction.

Wow. I am a bread addict.

I need a 12 step program. Walk away from bread one step at a time.

It’s enough to make me cry.

It’s enough to make me shake.

What would my life without bread be like?

That thought scares me.

Will I eliminate it?

I am not so sure I can.

Can’t you just take away the burgers and fries? I won’t even ask to keep the hamburger roll.

This week’s weigh in – 1 pound. I still have not started a food diary! Has anyone does this? Does it really help (and scare) you?

Week 15

2011-05-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Days 100-106

Wierdness at the gym

Sometimes I wonder about people at the gym. There are some really odd types that come to work out.
The current sighting is a 40ish lady dressed in black gaucho pants in VELVET. A frilly ivory blouse with lace near her neckline, a string of pearls and dressy strappy shoes with low heels (3/4 inch or so).

Ms Dress-up is on the treadmill in front of me. Walking at a fair clip. Ok...I think, maybe she works for the Traffic court next door to the gym, or one of the other nearby businesses. Maybe she wants to get a quick walk during her break in a climate controlled atmosphere. Maybe she was thinking of joining the gym and just giving the treadmill a try. Maybe....WHO KNOWS??

After about 10 minutes Ms Dress-up gets off the treadmill and goes on one of the elipticals 2 down from me. I TRY not to gawk. I can't help it. She is working up a sweat. Must be she does not exercise much. Even I don't have sweat on my brows at this point and I am working much harder and longer than she has been.

After 5 minutes, Ms. Dress-up abandons the eliptical. She goes into the lady's locker room. AND COMES OUT IN SHORTS AND A T-SHIRT!! I kid you not. It was the most bizarre thing.

I asked my trainer if she ever noticed Ms Dress-up. She told me she noticed Ms Dress-up the other day on the treadmill. She must not have had clue of how to operate the controls. Apparently Ms Dress up ramped it up too high and had to break into a run, grasping the rails with legs barely keeping up with the conveyor. Luckily, she managed to turn it down before she was flung off the treadmill.

Damn! I missed that piece of entertainment.

The next day, I saw Ms. Dress-up again. Same velvet gauchos, this time she wore a lightweight knit sweater, the same strand of pearls, and a different pair of strappy dress shoes. And again, she went into the lady's locker room to change into shorts and T-shirt before leaving.

I wish I had a small spy camera to take photos for occasions just like this, since I know you won't believe me. I just can't make this stuff up!!

This week...I am holding steady. I have been down one pound, back up the same pound all week long. So I will call this week a big fat goose egg for weight loss.

Week 14

2011-05-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Days 93-99

Last Saturday, I dragged out a pair of summer pants that I have not worn since last summer. They are Capri jeans with some pretty embroidery along the bottom of the legs. They are 1% spandex (Who would think that 1% spandex could cause such trouble?). Yes they are the ever popular “stretch denim” that fat lady jeans seem to come in. It seems that it is getting harder and harder to find jeans in my (fat lady) size that are not stretch denim.

I don’t like stretch denim. Oh, I know that they are supposed to make us feel comfortable. They are supposed to stretch so that the fabric (especially at the waist) is not too tight, and moves with us. They should provide a “customized fit”. Stretch denim is supposed to be more forgiving of our ample forms.

What I hate is that stretch denim jeans fit nicely when I first put them on right after a wash. They fit just as they should, for a couple of hours. Then they are too big. Much too big. They have stretched out. The stretch is one way. Unlike elastic, the fabric does not pull back.

These pants I put on felt a little loose at the onset. Maybe they were always a little loose to begin with. I can’t remember for certain. Or maybe the few pounds I did lose have made a difference in how they fit, although I don’t really feel much of a difference in my other clothing. Nonetheless, I put on these pants, without a belt since I don’t have a belt.

I should invest in a belt.

I should REALLY invest in a belt.

After I got dressed, Jasmine and I went around town running errands. We went to the pet store, then the garden store. By this time, the stretch in the stretch denim had reached its end. There was no stretch left. The jeans felt like they were not just one size too big, but three sizes too big.

I hope my quasi bared butt is nowhere in a photo like this!

By the time we went to Target, I was pulling up my pants with every 10 steps. By the time we were ready to check out, I was wishing I had a different pair of pants on, or that I had looked at belts in this store. (Oh don’t bother wrapping that up! I will wear it right now, thank you!)

I was rummaging around in my purse for my wallet, then moved over to the card reader, one hand on my purse, the other putting in my code. That’s right, no hand to hold up my stretched out stretch denim that is now three sizes too big.

In a flash, the waist of my pants found itself at my knees.

In a flash, I had become a flasher.

In a flash, I pulled them back up.

The checker looked at me with a stupid bewildered look.

Jasmine looked at me with a “Oh-Mom-You-Should-Never-Leave-The-House” look.

I looked at the exit, wondering how fast I could get out of there while clutching my jeans at the waist so that I would not trip over myself should my pants find themselves around my knees again. I was afraid to look around to see who might have noticed.

Was the security camera trained on me at that moment?

At least they can’t suspect me of having stolen goods stowed away in my jeans.

Anyone know where I can find a nice belt?

Daily workout 1 hour on “The Machine” for 60-65 minutes for 900-910 calories.

Weights for arms, legs, 200 crunches daily, 30 push ups (modified) daily.

Weigh-in -1 pound

Week 13

2011-04-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Days 86-92

I stepped up my routine. I am now up to one full hour (sometimes one hour and 5 minutes) for a total of 900 calories on "the machine".

My t-shirt is soaked by the time I am done. My shorts feel like I peed in them at the end of my cardio. There is a puddle of sweat that dripped off my arms directly below the hand grips. I am working out like a maniac.

Well, not really. I could go faster, I guess. I am on a resistance of 12 and incline of 11. I log in over 7000 strides and just under 5 miles per session.

I have bumped up most of my weight routine too. I am pushing a lot of weight on the machines. Holly is making me work on push-ups. Not very good at them yet. I am almost on the floor level. This week I had to do them on risers use for step aerobics. They were about 18 inches high. It is a huge difference from doing push-ups on the railing.

Weigh in - 1 pound.

I guess it is slow and steady!

Week 12

2011-04-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

Days 79-85

I am starting to get a little unhappy with my progress. I am working really hard but I feel that the scale is not moving fast enough for me. It seems to be all over the place. Up . down, up, down 1 or 2 pounds during a week. I weigh myself on the medical scale at the gym. I don’t even bother with the bathroom scale at home since it reads differently if you step on it three times in a row.

They say you shouldn’t weigh yourself every day. I confess that I do, right after I work out. So, it is consistent. Except for Saturdays and Sundays, it is pretty much the same time of the day.

This week’s weigh in was a fat 0. I think I need to ramp up my work out just a tad.

And although I have been watching what I eat, I think I need to start writing everything down.

I really wish I had more support and people around me who were into what I am doing.

If only I could be at the Biggest Loser Ranch for even 1 month!!

Week 11

2011-04-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Days 71-78

For this week’s high point of gym entertainment, I got to work out next to a Stepford Wife. If you don’t know what that is, The Stepford Wives is a movie. The wives of this particular town are all just a little bit too perfect. Beautiful, doting on their hubbies, keeping a perfect house, perfect kids, dinner cooked beautifully. There is just something not right. Well….they are not fully human.

So there I was on THE MACHINE, quite human. Almost enough of me to make another human. Looking like crap, so much so I should not leave the house, let alone be seen in public. My hair is pulled back in a sloppy pony tail, my work out outfit is unfashionable. No color coordination, blue socks, with pink T-shirt I have had since 1990. It is stretched out and has holes, the design is faded. And too boot, I am COVERED in sweat. It is literally dripping from the tip of my nose. My arms have beads of sweat just laying on top of them.

So, there is Ms Stepford Wife. She steps onto the treadmill next to me. Her blonde hair (would it be any other color?) pulled up into a neat ponytail with spangly stuff hanging from the rubber band which was color coordinated (dyed to match) her t-shirt. Socks to match, and even the design on her athletic shoes matched. She wore a base ball cap to pull her look together.

She grasped the hold-bars on the treadmill. I noticed that her nails were long and must be just done. All flashy with some sort of multi colored design with sparkles. The type of nails that scream “I am a kept woman. I never do housework. I never do dishes. I don’t do much of anything but look wonderful.”

It was not long, 2 minutes and 34 seconds (or 30 colories as marked by the calorie counter) before Mr. Suave stepped onto the treadmill on the other side of Ms Stepford Wife. Figures.

Apparently, they knew each other, but hadn’t seen each other in a while.

He says: “Hey! How are you”

She: “Hey! How’ve you been? Haven’t seen you in what? About 2 months?”

He:: “You look GREAT!” You been keeping up with your routine?”

She: “Yeah. Been tough though, keeping up with it all. But I have to keep up with my workouts, I would not want to get out of shape. That would be the worst thing ever!”

Wow….Here I am huffing and puffing, sweating puddles literally, looking like shit. There she is, taking a walk in the park so not to mess up her appearance. Probably scared shitless should she ever remotely resemble the likes of me. Maybe that is why she got on the treadmill next to me, not 2 or 3 down from me. My disheveled appearance only made her glow all the more.

Maybe I should dress more to impress. Maybe I should take more care in how I look when I go to the gym. Maybe I should get my nails done, my hair dyed to hide the grey, and get some decent looking work out clothes….

Nah. Forget it. I go to work out. Not to become decoration or a poster child for the gym.

So…this week it is status quo. About 50 min per day on The Machine for about 800-825 calories a pop. Then the weight machines for arms, abs and legs.

Weigh in: -1 lb

Week 10

2011-04-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Days 64 - 70

My work week was tough. I had a training class every day in Sacramento. It is an 85 mile drive. So that meant I had to be on the road early to get there on time. And my return was late. This made for 12 hour days. I could have stayed up there, but I do like my own bed.

So gym clothes were in the car. I wore a T-shirt, and did a quick jean-workout pants swap in the car in the parking lot. I can't tell you why I didn't just change in the ladies room. Switching pants in the parking lot had a naughty feel to it, sort of like dating in high school...but I digress.....

Sometimes, this is how I feel at the gym!

Anyways, I did stop at the gym on my way home except for Monday. Mostly to prove to myself that I could do it. That I was tough. That I was dedicated.

Also, I needed it. Lunches with a coworker, that I used to work with in the San Jose office before I transfered to Modesto were much heftier than I am used to, even though I tried to be "good" with a salad at Panera on two occasions and a soft fresco taco on another.

Ok...Starbucks vanilla latte on two mornings just to keep my eyeballs open.

Still, my chow was more than I am used to.

I did not meet with Holly this week because I could not predict when I would arrive at the gym. But I thought of her. And what torture I might be missing.

Does extra time pushing on the gas pedal count for leg exercises? And time steering the car count for biceps?

Nice try, you say??

Anyways, I was at 1/2 mast all week with my energy. I still put in the time, but not quite the usual effort.

Weigh in: Big Fat 0. No gain. No loss Maybe next week I will have better luck!!

Week 9

2011-04-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Days 57-63

After Monday’s training, I hit the treadmill for 30 min at speed 3.9. I am reluctant to break into a jog. Maybe because I am afraid I can’t do it. At least not for any length of time. What if I get flung off the back of the treadmill? I am sure I would be embarrassed, if not hurt.

On Tuesday, I was a bad girl today. I went to Panda Express for lunch. It was a much larger lunch (or any meal for that matter) than I have had for a long time. I forgot how much food they give you. Enough for two, really. And to think that there are people who eat like this quite often. Even pre-diet, I could not eat that much on a regular basis.

It was good though. That is until I weighed myself…up two pounds! I am sure that is because of my heavy lunch and 2 cups of iced tea to wash it all down.

But the guilt set in. I eased some of it by working on the Precor for 60 minutes /850 calories. Then a session of weights for the arms , legs and 200 “crunches”.

The next day, I was a little sore through the shoulders from the two consecutive days of working those muscles. But after my 800 calorie goal for the cardio work out, I put myself through the same paces as yesterday.

Weigh in was a disaster. Those two pounds I gained a few days ago from the Panda Express and gallon of iced tea decided to take up residence in the empty fat cells I had newly created. What does that food think? That I am a hotel? Will extra pounds make reservations on Fat-Cell-Hotel.com and spend 10 years with me?

I am sooo discouraged/upset/disappointed with myself. I didn't miss one day at the gym. Each day 55 minutes on The Machine at 800-850 calories. Only one thing to do…work harder, eat less! Please…someone send me the The Biggest Loser Ranch!!

Week 8

2011-03-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Days 49 – 56

Ah… a usual week. No change in my routine. 800- 850 calories burned every day on either the Precor or the Cybex machine after 55 minutes. Then I continued each day with my crunches, and arm exercises on the machines.

One day , during my huffing and puffing on the Precor, a Britney Spears look alike planted herself on the treadmill in front of me. Her husband came over with their little (4 year old?) Miniature and was talking to her. Meanwhile, the Miniature was hanging all over the treadmill her mom was speed walking on.

I looked on in horror. What if the Miniature stepped on the moving belt and was flung straight into my machine? What if the Miniature splattered blood, and emitted ear piercing cries of pain? I feared the event. I braced myself for it.

Britney and her husband prattled on, oblivious to the Miniature’s doings. Along came a buddy, making Britney and her husband even less (if that was possible) attentive to their Miniature. Minutes went by…at least I was not fixated on my time on my machine or the calorie count, I was waiting for the horror to occur.

Then, the Miniature started playing on the Precor next to me. The Precor is a tall machine with foot pedals. I could see her falling and cracking her spoiled skull open on it. I glared at her. I told her not to climb on the machine and to go back to her mom and dad.

The Miniature looked at me with big fearful eyes. She slinked back to her mom and dad, never taking her eyes off me, incase I might pounce on her and eat her.
After all, I did look HUNGRY, didn't I? Or if I did not look hungry, I am sure to the little Miniature I looked big enough to think of her as being a little snack!

Britney and her husband were still oblivious as to what their Miniature was doing. But at least they decided to pack it up, and leave towing their Miniature behind them. All the while, those little eyes were still on me, fearful that I might bite.

At least the "entertainment" passed 20 minutes with the blink of an eye. Mine, that is. Not the Miniature’s. I think she forgot how to blink.

Weigh in… a big loss of 1 pound. I guess that’s ok, right?

Week 7

2011-03-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

Day 42

The gym was nearly empty this morning (Sunday 8am). I prefer going in the morning when I can so that I have the rest of the day to do what I need to do. But sometimes, my blood is not pumping, and I am not in an energetic mood.

I felt sluggish this morning, but after a few minutes, I had what I consider a middle of the road work out. I still hit 812 calorie mark at 51 minutes on the Cybex.

Day 43 Training

"No more leg lifts!" I cried.
"Oh yes you will!" The dominatrix laughed.

Oh that Holly! She can be tough. She made me feel pain! Oh those abs! I thought I was going to die. And I have a feeling she thinks its quite entertaining to see this old fat lady in agony.

Day 44

I am sooooo envious of those people on The Biggest Loser show! I am so hooked on that show, it’s crazy. I would love to be on that show. Not so much to be on TV, but to be in that environment. To be working out with Jillian and Bob and to have that friendship and support. I would sign up in a heart beat if I had the chance. I would be so thrilled to be part of that.

With the show in mind, I worked hard today. I tried to do most of the exercises that Holly put me through yesterday.

812 colories on “the Machine”, plus I don’t know how many with the weights.

Day 45

I am working away hard. Breathing hard. Inhale , exhale. Breathing deep and fast, in rhythm to my pedaling on the Cybex machine. Then I notice a lady, long before I see her coming closer to me. It was the scent of her (very strong) perfume.

Is something wrong with me? Am I not feminine enough? I don’t care what I look like at the gym. I don’t care if I smell like a locker room, as I know I do by the time I leave. Why is it so many women act and dress like they are going out to a bar instead of a gym?

The lady’s perfume was nearly enough to leave me gasping for breath. That, I did not need help with. I was gasping just fine before her scent came into my space. The guy next to me, who just saddled up into his Machine kept looking at me like a dropped a smelly fart. I knew he thought I was the perfumed one. He left after a few minutes.

Luckily, so did I, as I was nearly done.

Day 46 Weigh In

The usual work out.

Weigh in: -1 pound. Not much, but ok, I’ll take it.

Day 47

A Friday night. The gym is fairly empty. You know, I have not seen that guy that dresses in his PJ bottoms and work boots who walks REALLY slow on the treadmill in a couple of weeks. Wonder what happened to him?

Day 48

A morning work out so that the rest of my day is for whatever I need to do. I don’t have a lot of zip in the morning, but it is good to “get it over with”.

The usual work out. I am thinking I might need to step it up soon. 50 minutes of The Machine for 800 calories, 200 crunches, some arms and the rest of the day is mine.

Week 6

2011-03-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

Day 36 My First Day Off (Unwillingly)

I called in sick at work. I called Holly to let her know I would miss my training. I am a wuss and this cold got the best of me. I HATE being derailed. I rarely get sick (900 sick hours saved at work to prove it). Most of the sick time I have taken over the years have either been for Jasmine when she was little, or for Steve to run him to the Dr appointments.

So I stayed home. I did a few exercises on my Wii. Michael Jackson’s Dance game is a lot of fun and you can really work up a sweat. About 20 minutes of it did me in.

Already I feel like every pound I shed has come back…

Day 37

Back at the gym!

I am still a little “under the weather” but feeling better than yesterday. I put myself on the Precor because it is a little easier than the Cybex. I dialed in 11/11 for resistance and incline. For some reason, it felt easy! Maybe because I was getting so used to the Cybex. I sailed through for 50 minutes, 712 calories.

Having plenty of energy left, I spent some more time with weights.

Day 38 An Emergency

Another missed day at the gym, but not by choice. Ozgar called me at work to tell me that he found Steve unconscious in his room.

I came home from work, and spent the next 4 hours in the Emergency Room with Steve. It only amounted to a dangerously low blood sugar. But this sort of event is happening a bit too often.

Poor Ozgur was the hero of the day. He is still new to this country, and is still adjusting to life here. He dialed 9-1-1 as he needed to (and called me at work). The first time he dialed 9-1-1 they told him to call back in a few minutes as they were too busy. The second time, there was no answer after many rings. Success was had after the third.

Is that CRAZY or what!!??

Day 39 Weigh in

With a week as bad as this one, what could I expect? The scale would not be my friend. I would be sorely disappointed in myself. I felt like I gained 4-5 pounds. I CAN do that you know, without trying, with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back.

I went to the gym, set myself on the Precor, set it at the 11/11 resistance and incline. 55 minutes later, I burned 750 calories. Then a set of crunches, squats and weights.

Then it was time for weigh in. I can’t believe it 3 pounds!!! HORRAY!!! I am psyched to work harder and try harder! Funny how a little success can do that to you!

Day 40

Enthused with yesterday’s results, I decided to ramp up my daily goals. 800 calories per session.

I put myself on the Cibex set the incline/resistance to 8/25 and hit 800 calories at 55 min.

InShape sent out a progress report on the challenge. Of course, I am nowhere “in the pack” of leading contenders. I am in awe of those who are!

Day 41 ZUMBA

I had a 15 minute warm up on the Precor at 10/10 for 210 calories, then off to Zumba Class.

This week, I was a little more in step. Not graceful but in step. Or at least I felt I was. Maybe I felt that way because 2 rows in front of me was an 18 or 19 year old guy who was flailing all over the place. Not that I would expect him to have the grace of Michael Jackson, but gee…jumping around when we were all “marching” moving side to side when we were all stretching our calf muscles. It was all really entertaining to watch.

The class went fast. I really like the music and the “dance” routine.

Week 5

2011-03-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Day 29

A new week!

Precor 50 minutes, 650 calories. A set of squats, arm exercises and crunches.

Day 30 Training

Ok, today I am ready! Bring it on Holly!! I can handle it!

Oh such were the words of a foolish fat lady: ME!. Holly has more tricks up her buffed muscular arm than that scantily dressed floozy on the corner downtown has in her little black book, know what I mean?

I know, these 19 steps do not look like much.
But YOU try running up and down them 15 times
in a row!!

After the usual running up and down stairs, squats and arm weights, Holly had me jump rope. I groaned. What!!?? At least I should have fair warning if I am to do any sort of jumping. My bras do not support long sustained periods of jumping. As I am going down, my boobs are still going up. It is far from a pretty sight. Nor is it comfortable.

I think Holly is not that sweet kind gal I met on the first session, but some sort of evil vixen with evil intent.

But I still love her. Someone has to.

Day31

Last night, I watched the Biggest Loser. So today I am inspired.

Still feeling frustrated because as of yesterday, the scale has not budged. It is really discouraging after all this sweating and eating really responsibly. I doubt I can cut back much more and still function.

Weigh in is tomorrow. I am NOT looking forward to it. I am afraid of no progress for the second week in a row.

Oatmeal for breakfast 140 calories

Cottage cheese for lunch 200 calories

Kashi bar 120 calories

Dinner: salmon burger with bun 400 calories

Salad

2 oreos

mint tea

Pretty typical of what I have been eating.

Precor set at 11/11 50 min 700 calories

Arm exercises with 8 lb weights, squats, and tricep bench presses

Day 32 Weigh in #4

I am so tempted not to go today. I fear the scale, since yesterday when I went on, I was still not down one single pound (discouraging). And I have no energy. I can’t decide if I have the beginnings of a cold or an allergy. I have a bit of a sore throat and sniffely nose. But I REFUSE to give up or give in.

Today, I tried a different machine. It is an elliptical type of machine with a brand name of Cybex. Standing foot pedals, and handle bars that move like you are cross country skiing. I like these type of machines as you get a really good workout for the time you put in.

Every machine has a different intensity to the numbers you dial in. This one, I had an incline of 7 and needed a resistance of 33 to “feel it” in my legs. Let me tell you, by 30 minutes I was dying. I so wanted to ramp down. I didn’t. I kept my mantra up ”Don’t give up…Don’t give up…”

I made it to 40 minutes before I dialed it down to a resistance of 20.

My total on this machine: 50 min, 727 calories

I added 3 sets of 50 crunches

Weigh in result: Loss of 1 pound! Not much, but it is one pound less. I will take that over a stand still. I have never been so pleased to lose one lousy pound. I left the gym feeling quite happy, and with new encouragement.

Day 33

After a long day at work, and despite this cold that makes me feel like I am dragging my butt on the ground, I stopped at the gym on my way home. I decided to take it easy. I got on the Cybex again. I put the incline at 8 and the resistance at 25. I was dying at 20 minutes. I pushed through to 30 minutes. I called myself a wimp. I continued on to 40 and thought of hiking in Nepal. I have to get in shape!! I struggled on for another 5 minutes, then “cooled down” for 5 minutes.

Total: 50 minutes, 756 calories.

How’s that for taking it “easy”?

I went home and collapsed…sort of. The beads were calling me to work, so I played with them for a little bit, and then I collapsed!

Day 34 ZUMBA

Pre Class: Precore set at 10/10 15 min, 125 calories

I love the Zumba class. The time goes really fast! The music is great (makes me think of being somewhere in the Caribbean, on the beach with a fruity rum drink). It’s impossible to be anything other than happy, it’s impossible not to want to dance.

I was all left feet today. What was easy for me to follow last week with some semblance of grace, had me nearly falling over my own feet. Still, it was fun and I still felt like I had something of a workout.

Day 35

I still have a cold. My head is pounding. When I got up this morning, I contemplated not going to the gym. I have not taken a day off in 34 days. Missing one day won’t throw a wrench in my progress, slow as it is.

Then I felt guilty. I HAVE to go…

I got dressed and went out the door before I could change my mind.

I climbed on the Cybex, set the incline to 8, resistance to 25 and pedaled at a slower than usual speed. I figured that just my effort in being at the gym was enough. Anything I could do was better than not going.

I cut my workout short by 5 min. Calories expended : 615 at 45 minutes. Still not bad for feeling crappy.

Week 4

2011-02-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

Holly, the Demonic Trainer, Don't
let her Sweet smile fool you!

Day 22 TRAINING

Session #3 with Holly.

I think she is a dominatrix with evil intent. I think she likes to see me grimace in pain. Where did that sweet gal I met a couple weeks ago go? I am noticing a demonic gleam in her eye when she sees me!

Holly had me do squats with the big ball behind me, while lifting 8 pound weights in each hand. 3 repetitions of 20. Then I had to do squats on this space ship looking contraption. Squishy in the middle, about 12-14 inches tall. Squat, stand (one foot on this instrument of torture), while raising a 5 pound weight over head in each hand. I wonder why she let me take the 5lb weight instead of the 8 lb?

After several more implements of torture, Holly had me run up and down the stairs. Run….ha!! I walked up and down them. 19 stairs. 1^st session was 15 times up and down. Single steps. Session 2 15 times two steps at a time. Session 3 15 times up and down with single steps. This last session would have been a relief after the double stair killer, but no, we could not make it that easy. Holly threw in a bar that I had to hold over my head. It probably weighed 8 or 10 pounds. It felt like 20. All I could think of was Ozgur (my son-in-law) telling me how when he was in the military, he had to run while holding a rifle over his head.

Good thing Holly didn’t give me a rifle. I might have shot her..

Exhausted. No idea of how many calories I burned. But I felt each one.

Day 23

The scale has not moved. Weigh in is two days away. I am working hard. So I know I need to cut back on the chow. More than I have already. I have a healthy diet. I am not a chips/fast food type of person. I know I have a slower metabolism than average.

But I love to cook. Mostly because I love the results. You just can’t get good food from a box, or from fast food. And so much of what they give you at the standard chain restaurant is 1. Too expensive, and 2. Can be made much better at home.

For those who live with a hobbyist cook, there is nothing that strikes fear and panic in their hearts more then when the “Cook” announces “I won’t cook as many fancy meals as I am putting myself on a diet. From now on…LOTS of salads……”

You should have seen the faces! I wish I had a camera. I might as well have told them that I was putting them on a desert island and they would have to survive off of grubs and snakes for a month!

Precor 11/11 45 min 650 calories

Day 24

Precor 11/11 45 min 650 calories

Day 25 Weigh In

Gee…how can that be? I have not missed a day. I have been a good girl. I even limited myself to only 3 small cookies that Jas baked (over a 4 day period). That took a LOT of will power. You gotta have a little treat now and then right?

The scale was not my friend this week. 0 pounds lost.

Wish I could blame it on water retention, having way too good of a time with pastries and things I should not have. But that was not the case.

Sigh…. Maybe next week will be better!

Precor 45 min: level 12 for 30min, ramp up to 20 at 2 intervals for 6 min back down to 12, then 10 for 5 min cool down. 652 calories.

Day 26

Today I feel utterly exhausted. I do not want to go to the gym. I have not missed one day since I started. What would be the harm to miss a day?

It would mean giving in. Not giving up, but giving in. I need to fight my tiredness and continue.

I am also ravenous. I feel so hungry I could the eat petrified fries I saw on the floor of my work car. They must have been there for a year. Even the package of ketchup was tempting. I don’t know why I feel so hungry. I had my usual oatmeal for breakfast. By lunch time my hunger was ready to control me. I fought back. I had a small tortilla with 2 tablespoons of black beans and a sprinkle of cheese, water with lemon.

I wanted to eat at a feed trough.

I escaped work early. I dragged my tired, still hungry but still fat body to the gym.

Precor: 45 very painful minutes incline/resistance 11/11 for 30 min, increase both to 20 2 levels per min, then back down…cool down. 625 calories.

3 sets of 50 crunches.

Staggered out of the gym like a drunkard. But I did it!!

Day 27 ZUMBA

It’s Saturday morning. I awake at my usual time. I think about going to the gym. I rather go and get it over with so the rest of the day is clear to do whatever else needs to be done. I am at the gym at 7:55. The receptionist tells me that there is a new beginning ZUMBA class starting at 8:15. Would I be interested?

Jasmine has been wanting to go to a Zumba class with me. But there have been other obligations that kept us from the evening classes. She will be disappointed that she missed this one as she couldn’t go to the gym with me this morning. So I signed up anyways. It’s good to mix things up now and then.

Since I had 20 minutes, I hopped on the Precor to warm up (what else was there to do anyways?).

11 minutes at 11/11 156 calories

ZUMBA CLASS.

Zumba is based on Latin/Caribbean music and dance steps. I consider myself middle of the road in coordination. I don’t have two left feet nor do I have the grace of a ballerina. I managed to keep up with most of the routines.

It was the fastest 50 minutes of exercise ever!

Day 28

Last night, we all went out to dinner to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. It has been a long time since I have gone out for dinner. We went to a Greek restaurant. I had a Greek salad and Mousakka.

And of course, there was Birthday cake that we bought from the local bakery. I had a small piece (1/2 the size of when I was not so diet crazed).

So today, I had to work off some of the excess of yesterday, even though I did not have that much energy. Jasmine and I started off with the weights, squats and crunches. Then my usual cardio.

Precor at 11/11 45 min 625 calories.

Then some house cleaning, and ½ hour of Wii Michael Jackson dance workout in the afternoon.

WEEK 3

2011-02-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

WEEK 3

Day 15 Training

Session #2 with Holly. Holly ramped up my training a bit. I had to run up and down the stairs for 3 sets of 10. I nearly died. Then of course there was squats. 3 sets of 20 while hoisting two 5 lb bar bells over my head. More abs finished me off. I think I am beginning to see a sadistic side of Holly.

Day 16

I set myself on the Precor. I dialed it up to 11/11 resistance/incline. At the 30 min mark, I bumped each up by 2 after each min until I hit 20/20, then back down to 10/10.

Total: 45 minutes 650 calories

Day 17

A repeat of yesterday. 45 minutes, 650 calories. I threw in some squats with arm weights, and crunches.

Day 18 Weigh In

Weigh in. lost 3 pounds!

Precor at 11/11 for 45 minutes. 645 calories

Day 19

Precor at 11/11 for 30 plus the same ramp up as I did on day 16. A total of 45 mnutes, 650 calories

Crunches , squats and weights to finish.

Day 20 SPINNING

Jasmine talked me into taking a spinning class. I thought it would be good to break the routine and do something different. I could adjust the intensity if I can’t keep up with everyone else.

The class was small. 8am on a Saturday is early for most folks. Only the hard core would think of showing up that early on a weekend to go to the gym. I looked at my fellow spinners. I did not fit in with them. They were lean, muscular, sinewy and more fit that I could imagine myself being. The leader did not have an ounce of fat.

With all the boney asses in this class, how could any of them stand being on that bicycle seat for nearly an hour? As padded as my own butt is, my butt bones felt like two boulders trying to escape. My rear was in agony.

There was some relief. We had to stand and cycle. Fine…now that agony was transferred to my elbows and wrists as they now bore a significant portion of my weight. I don’t know which was worse, a sore butt, or sore elbows and wrists. But I kept smiling. This was fun, or so I kept telling myself. I did my best to keep up. I pretended to increase the resistance when told to.

“Increase the resistance to 10!” our leader commanded.

I made it to about 6. Huffing and puffing. Thighs on fire. Butt feeling sore. Why hasn’t the clock moved in at least 5 minutes?

The cyclists around me barely broke a sweat even though they were pedaling fast enough to be in a race. By comparison, I looked more like I was cycling in the park on a family outing keeping pace with a 3 year old.

So what? I was at my pace, and I was sweating. That was an accomplishment.

Day 21

I went back to my Precor. Have they put an a metal plate with my name engraved on it yet? I am on this machine enough to call it my own.

Time to ramp it up just a tad. 11 resistance/11 incline. 45 minutes 640 calories

WEEK 2

2011-02-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Inside of my gym

Day 8 Training Session

Today is my first session with Holly. It is the first of my weekly sessions lasting an hour. She would put me through my paces. I could hardly wait to start.

I think I will like working with Holly. She is a really sweet gal. She seems to enjoy doing what she does.

Holly had me do squats with the big ball, lift weights with various arm exercises and crunches. The session was challenging. And now I have some good exercises to throw in with my cardio. I don’t think she will be too tough on me. But I do think she will inspire me.

Day 9

After yesterday’s tips from Holly, I put some into action. After my 40 min on the Precor at 10/10 with 560 calories burned, I did most of the exercises she showed me. I am jazzed and liking this.

Day 10

An exact repeat of yesterday. Tomorrow is weigh in. I hope the scale is my friend!

Day 11 Weigh In

Since I had the day off from work, I worked out in the morning. 40 minutes on the Precor, 560 calories burned. About 15 min doing some of the exercises that Holly showed me. Squats, arm weights, and crunches

Later that evening, I returned to the gym for my first weigh in.

I held my breath. 4 pounds lost!!

A good start...but now I am just back the the 8 pounds lost on the tracker that you see on the side bar. So now from this point, I can add to my tracker when more pounds decide to leave!

Day 12

Encouraged by yesterday’s results, I ramped up my time on the Precor. 45 minutes at 10 resistance/10 incline. 630 calories burned. More crunches.

Day 13

Another day on my machine of choice. I am beginning to notice who the “regulars” are, now that I have indications of being a “gym rat”. The trainers who live at the gym have noticed that I have become a regular fixture too. Not bad for a fat old lady, huh?

I still need respectable workout shorts. I have some on order. I think they are coming via carrier pigeon. Not that it really makes a difference that I wear the same 2 shorts all the time. Gee…one of the regulars, a 30 something lean man I’ve noticed ALWAYS wears PJ bottoms, T-shirt and get this, his yellow-orange work boots while on the treadmill or Precor. He goes REALLY slow. Once he was next to me, he had his Precor set at 1/1 while I am on 10/10. He is going REALLY slow. One step for every 6 of mine. On the treadmill, he is the same way. One step for every 3-4 seconds. Perhaps he has an injury and can’t go faster, I thought. Yet when he left, he walked at a normal speed (much faster than his “Workout” speed).

It’s not that I am nosey. It’s just when I am on my machine, I need to have something occupy my mind to make the time go by. Even being hooked up to the TV audio doesn’t keep me from noticing these things.

Day 14

Two weeks with not one day missed!!

Precor 45 minutes at 10/10. 625 calories burned. Arm exercises with 5lb and 8lb weights. 3 sets of 50 crunches.