Because of health limitations, I can only do upper body, arm and swimming exercises for the next month. Basically any activity that causes my calf muscles to bunch up is out. That leaves out a lot of stuff.

My July goal is to go to the gym at least once a week for a total of 5 times by July 31.

If you knew how mind numbingly boring I consider the gym, you'd know what a big deal this goal is. Usually, my cheapness encourages me to show up at the health club a few days a month. But when the weather is gorgeous and I can just hop on my bike to check out new trails, I'd rather be anywhere than a funky old sweatbox.

I broke down and bought a swimsuit so I can give swimming a try since my gym has a pool. I think I was younger than 15 years old the last time I was in a swimsuit in public. Happily, being an older lady, the expectation of how I should look in a swimsuit has dropped quite a bit. I'm taking full advantage to wear shorts and t-shirt over the suit. In fact, I got a swimsuit with built in shorts called Aquatard.

BTW: Culo....way to go on buying the suit...that is so scary...I love swimming, but I don't fit in to my suit right now and I am really trying to run. As far as the goal being going to the gym 5 times by the end of the July........THAT IS GREAT!!!!!!!!! I too hate going to the gym, but sometimes it is a neccessary evil for me to get stuff done. I don't go much during the summer because I want to be out side, but I do pay my dues just in case the weather does not do what I want it to do. So, GOOD LUCK with your 5 times. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, Warrior Sisters! It's 2 days until July and I think I have my July fitness challenge worked out. I want to continue burning at least 3500 calories/week + start lifting 3x/week.

Are you going to do one of those programs like 5x5 (I think that's what one is called)? I know there're a lot of YouTube videos on the topic but working with a trainer is a good idea to get started.

My goal for July is to continue doing Zumba 2 to 3 days a week, bowl league once a week, continue tweaking my calorie intake (been slowly upping it), and work in a walk one or two days a week. I had eliminated my walks (5 days a week, 2 miles (with one mile completely uphill), but would now like to fit some walking back in. I'm just afraid of overdoing it and having another halt in weight loss, monthly cycle, etc. Ultimate goal (for July) - get to Onederland. (I'm currently at 201, so it shouldn't be too difficult). I'd like to fit in some strength training, but not sure when I would fit that into my schedule at the moment without giving up Zumba. Maybe just some simple stuff I can do at home: push ups, hand weights, resistance bands, etc.

Such great, inspiring goals, everyone. Culo, I hope you enjoy the swimming. I always feel so great when I go, but continue to struggle with getting there. Jodi, that's fabulous about the running. Be sure not to push the running time up too quickly and to take rest days, as it takes your body some time to adjust and you don't want to get injured. I think meeting with a trainer and getting a weight program going will be great for you. (Would be for me too--I sort of had a program and need to get back to it, although I finally decided for certain that I'm ditching my old horrible gym and probably going with this new one I'm trying out, which I will actually use.) Diana, I'm sure you will make Onederland any day now (depending on when you are weighing) and you totally should reward yourself. I'm thinking of playing with my calories, but simply trying to earn more is working for me currently, so I'm disinclined to change too much right now.

I have a few goals for July that sound more ambitious than they are. My experience currently is that I do better with some goals to aspire to and work up to rather than more ambitious weekly ones, since it's having life interfere with the weekly ones that tends to mess me up by me overreacting and getting unduly disappointed. If I challenge myself to do something hard (for me) and don't, but try hard and make lots of progress, that's usually something I deal with better, and so far I've surprised myself on being able to accomplish a lot of them. I had some really focused activity goals through the end of May (3 month goals made in February, shortly before I started actually using MFP) and since then I've felt a little at loose ends as far as what I specifically am doing although summer plus this group meant that I increased my activity quite a lot anyway. So these are my goals that I will try to accomplish during July:

(1) I am signed up for a 10K toward the end of July that I figured I would have to miss due to my knee. But the PT is really helping, I'm finally feeling like I could run again (waiting for the go-ahead, however), and I feel like my mechanics will be a lot better even though I probably lost some running fitness during this time off. Also, I remembered that it's a 5K, as well as a 10K, so I should certainly be able to do the 5K, even if I can't do the whole distance. So one of my goals is to run this race. I want the shirt!

(2) Work up to biking 50 miles in one ride.

(3) Work up to swimming an hour at a time -- I love swimming, it makes me feel great, but it's too meditative (one reason it's good for me) and so I have trouble doing it long totally apart from any physical issues. I am going to work on this.

(4) Try new things. With the new gym plus some opportunities to try some group rides and walks that go on around town all summer, there are lots of possibilities, but I get nervous about trying even things that I know will be fun, especially if I worry that I'll stick out as not sufficiently in shape compared to everyone else, etc. So I want to get over this and also discover some new fun activities. Thus, my biggest July goal which I will report on here is to do one new thing each week.

(5) Oh, almost forgot. And do this pushup program.

Do you all count coffee as part of your dail water intake??

I am so excited about this week I can hardly stand it!!! So many things going on in my healthy world, my muscles are breaking down and growing, I am getting stronger every day...I can FEEL the strength that I am gaining and my muslces building...I wish I could open a window in to my quads and watch them because I know they are just becoming awesome!!!!! I will write more later after my meeting with the trainer tonight....sooooo freaking excited about life right now I could just scream....totally different attitude than this AM....I was walking up the stairs at work when I notice my muscles and that "I" felt different and I have just been rejoicing ever since. :drinker:

Good morning!! You are all so inspiring! It has become my morning ritual to get to work and read the latest posts in the group. Starts the day off great. Have a great one, and a Happy 4th!

Does anybody know some sit at a desk for 8 hours excercises? HAHA! I mean, things you an do while just sitting here...without looking like a fool to anyone that may walk by.

I will find the link from MFP and email it to you. It has like 20 awesome things to do!!!!