emgel - way to go on the push-ups and for getting to 2B. I really liked the BSS once I had my form right. I had to get my food in "just" the right position though. I also ended up using a plate instead of dumbbells and I liked it much better. Re: flexion - don't know. The only move I ever did was the sideways sit-up.

April - I want to hear how IF went this weekend. Did you try it?

livlovra - Good luck - you CAN do it. Get thee to the gym!

Jessica - sorry you had a bad week. We've all been there. Just don't give up. Every day is a new day (not to sound cliche) and a chance to do better.

Brie - hi. Good luck finishing up Stage 1. You're so close!

As for me, I lost THREE -- count 'em three -- pounds this week. I am still in shock. It may have just been time, since I had plateaued for a few weeks. But also I ran more (I will take my points for the 7-week challenge) and I started IF over the weekend. I'm not sure how long I can sustain IF, but I will try it for a week (a huge part of it is just psychological and wanting to eat with my family). I bought some BCAA powder at GNC and that plus coffee is getting me through the morning. Anyhoo, I am stoked to be a tenth of a pound away from the 160s!!! Haven't been this weight for about 5 years.

Beeps - not sure if I ever clarified my challenge, but it was to start seriously training for my 1/2 marathon in March. It will require me running 3-4 days/week. I will personally be happy with 3, but know I'll be much stronger and prepared if I run 4 days.

Point goes to ME this week for my pull ups work.

I did all right with the IF on Th/F last week, but I was starving each morning, even with a protein shake. This weekend I blew it eating breakfast with the family. This week is going to be crazy, but I will try to keep it going. We are leaving tomorrow evening on a 500 mile drive to my mom's for Thanksgiving. My brother lives just over half way there, so we are stopping at his place for the night, but it'll be late. Then being at mom's for the week could prove to be difficult to stick with any plans, eating or exercise.

kmsai - congrats on the WEIGHT LOSS! I think that is *awesome*!

I've got some weird 'pinch' going on in my left hip! I'm still going to go weight-train, today....if it really bothers me, I'll dial down the weights. It only seems to 'pinch' when I walk, actually. Ugh.

Remember, we are NOW into "Week 2" of the SEVEN-WEEK-CHALLENGE, so go out there and get in your (extra) exercise!

New Year's is 6 weeks away....which means Xmas is only 5 WEEKS AWAY!

Beeps, I did declare. I'm doing posture exercises - I've found a full series of exercise ball with and without weights and resistance bands that I am rotating out daily. Is this ok or do I need to declare something more standard - I could certainly do pushups or planks, both are huges challenges to me.

K, CONGRATS on the loss! Who care what it is from- it is a LOSS! I really think IF is what got me over my plateau.

Week 1: NEW Read that as NOT ANY WORK. I cannot seem to cram any workouts into all the other things I need to do. Gonna just try to do some push-ups and squats this evening. I have GOT to join the gym this week. I'm going to have to go down on weights at this point.

I know it's not Sunday, but I did 2/A today and was able to crank out 20 pushups even tired after the first few lifts!! I couldn't do 20 for the next set, but...I impressed myself because my arms were already tired, and 15 is usually my max. AND I was exhausted today. Yet the workout was great!

One point for me! I upped my time on both my regular planks and side planks by 15 seconds. Not a major increase- but an increase just the same.

Gretchen - my understanding of BCAA's is that they are amino acids that replenish your muscles. So I bought some (very expensive - grr) powder at GNC called Cellucor BCAA. I put a scoop in about 10 oz of water and drank half after my workout and the rest up until noon. It tastes OK -- very sweet. According to the container, you can take it before, during, or after a workout. They have 0 calories.

ETA:
Forgot to mention that I completed another Stage 3 B workout today totally made up for the FAIL workout from last week. I make myself take all 105 seconds of rest. I feel like it helps. Does everyone take the full rest recommended in the book? Just curious.

One point for me! I upped my time on both my regular planks and side planks by 15 seconds. Not a major increase- but an increase just the same.

who are you kidding! 15 seconds longer on both is outstanding!! Congrats!

Just a heads up, I can already tell you all this week will be a NEW week for me. On Sunday I had no appetite and by Sunday night was feeling pretty sick. Turns out I have appendicitis (apparently this can actually be treated with antibiotics if not too advanced), but it means my stomach is super tender and I am not at all hungry...It also means no work outs =( I'm def bummed bc for me my am workouts are an important part of my routine, but I guess Thanksgiving week is as good a time as any to take a break! MAYBE I'll be back in the gym on Friday, if not then def Monday.

I'm gonna keep reading on all your awesome progress though!