I'm 30 years old and only taken a real interest in getting in shape and eating better within the past 4 years. I've been vegetarian since high school, vegan for over 5 years, but had never really thought about keeping in shape or exercise. A few years back I finally discovered that I loved walking outdoors, but found little motivation for much else. I've finally decided to turn that around, and began with my Jillian Michaels dvds. My mother then referred me to Richard Simmons dvds, stating that they were quirky but that she really had a lot of fun with them, so I just requested Sweatin' to the Oldies 2. Waiting for it to arrive, but looking forward to adding a little fun into the current routine, even if I feel goofy dancing along with it. I've heard others say it's actually a lot of fun.

My current goals are simply to get the toned body I had in my earlier twenties back, and I'm finding that having groups of like-minded people to talk to has really helped to keep me motivated. Right now I want to stick to daily 40 minute walks outdoors, one Jillian Michaels dvd per day, and hopefully add in a Richard Simmons each day to keep things fun & a little more lighthearted. I've also been trying to keep all processed foods out of my diet, and sticking mainly to home-cooked meals where I can really see what goes into my food.

@ Rubberbiscuit: Glad to meet you & it's great to hear more positive comments on these workout dvds. I'm actually really looking forward to them with all the great comments I've heard, and am hoping my library zips the first one over in a jiffy. I had never really taken them seriously until now, but I guess that was actually the point of them, to simply let go & let loose. & I love the motivation this site has to offer with as well. There is such a range of people with such varying goals, & it's really encouraging to follow real people along their fitness journey. I noticed you have lost 60 pounds so far, which is absolutely amazing to me. Seeing stories like those is a great reminder that our goals are definitely achievable, but that we have to push through it if we really want to succeed.

@ cydthesquid: You have more than one of his dvds? Can I borrow one on Sunday to get started?

Welcome Joreanasaurou. Glad to see that there are a few others with an interest in the Richard Simmons workouts.

Two more days until the November Challenge officially begins, and again, anyone who would like to can feel free to start early. There's really no set schedule, just hoping to enjoy these with a group of like-minded people. Those who aren't doing any other routines can try for one per day, & I'm sure others will be incorporating them into their own personal fitness schedule.