maryesser

Well, I would strongly (pardon the pun) suggest strength training. As females, we tend to lose muscle mass after age 35 at a faster rate than our younger counterparts. I realize there is a lot of debate on lifting light versus heavy weights, so I suggest you try both methods and see which one you prefer. I always say the…

Great job! Congratulations on your success (and 'boo' to the jerk that was 'joking' with you about your appearance). It is an inspiration to see your story and I'm sure you have totally motivated a bunch of people with your post. Thank you :-)!!!

As much as I started out wanting to lose weight and look better [naked and in clothing :-)], I was surprised to find recently that what I truly missed about being fit (other than looking good) was how much better I FEEL. This comes down to everything from depression to simply feeling better about being able to walk up…

People tend toward one end or the other: overeating or undereating during stressful times. Congratulations to you for identifying that maybe there are some underlying psychological issues that might be impairing your ability to do your personal best when it comes to your health. Addressing those things will definitely…

Yay!!!! You look awesome! So inspiring! My fitness journey began with Zumba, as well (though I now have mixed it up so I am essentially doing something different every day). Thanks for sharing your story!!

Congratulations, Michele! You must feel wonderful - and thank you for sharing and showing how all the hard work pays off in SO many ways. Keep up the fantastic work!

Yum! Thanks for posting this. Salads are a big part of my lifestyle and these were some great ideas!

You ROCK! So excited that you took this step...not just the post...but the journey itself. I will be looking to you for more motivation and inspiration in reaching my own goals. You should be SO PROUD of YOURSELF and the HARD WORK you did :-)!!!

Wow! You look fantastic! I have heard the Insanity program basically gives you back what you put into it. Good for you for making that commitment to go all the way with it. Keep up the great work, too :-)!

Awesome! You look great! Congratulations on your progress.

Always a great feeling when that happens :-). In terms of the 'concerns' of others, just remember that these are YOUR goals. Sometimes, when people see what they may consider a sudden weight loss, they may think you are doing something unhealthy to achieve it. As long as you know differently, keep on keepin' on :-).…

This is a great idea. I am in! Could be tough on weekends; but alcohol is the one occasional vice I have that I know is getting in the way of even greater progress. Let's do this thing!!!

Excellent! You should be so proud of yourself...and I love your attitude. Keep it up. We are all her to support you!

Congratulations on your success! That must feel incredible to reach your goal after wanting it for so long. You inspire me :-)!

Thanks for responding! I was beginning to think I was the only one who appreciated this classic series. I just did Volume 3 last night (with Sandahl Bergman). After I got through the giggles of seeing the leotards and full makeup, I realized how much I missed these workouts. I foolishly thought there would be mostly…

I hardly ever weigh myself, because I am strength training and know that the number on the scale will not reflect the changes in my physical shape. I think I have weighed in twice in the last 3 months (I am due, actually). Your weight can fluctuate as much as 5 pounds per day, which can be extremely frustrating if you are…

OnDemand - through your local cable station - has LOTS of fitness options (I do everything from kickboxing to step and Pilates). Hulu has some free videos through Gaiam TV Channel Finally, Netflix is well worth the investment. Most of the CRUNCH series and 10 minute trainer series are available instantly. Other vids can…

For squats, have you tried placing the dumbbells on your shoulders? That's what they do in some of the FIRM videos and I find it works better for me. I have carpal tunnel, so I understand it can be frustrating to feel your progress might slow down as a result of an injury or pain. A weight strap is another good idea. But,…

bump...anyone?

I have the same problem :-(. When I look at my food diary for breakfast, I am often dismayed that my coffee calories dwarf my food calories. I recently discovered Whole Foods new non-dairy creamer (I prefer the hazelnut flavor), and it is only 35 calories per tablespoon. For some reason, I tend to use less of that than…

Wow! See what great advice and support people here can give? Very inspiring! As far as my own story goes, many years ago I lost a LOT of weight. Though I have struggled since then with gaining and losing maybe 20 pounds here and there, I have managed to make enough lifestyle changes that the bulk of the weight I lost never…

I agree with the others who have said you are likely not getting nearly enough calories. I know Insanity has a nutrition guide that offers 100- and 200-calorie snack options. If you are following the diet properly, you should be getting far more than 900 calories. You have gotten a lot of great suggestions from people here…

Yikes! That certainly can affect your motivation to get through the workout (props on even DOING the Insanity regimen...it looks like a killer). I hope I am not alone in suggesting that you consult your physician about this pain. I was an ACE-certified trainer many moons ago, and this type of pain needs to be checked out.…