jljohnson Member

I have the cheaper Gold's Gym version from Walmart (only $50 for 5-25lbs, $100 for the pair). They look like they work a little differently - pull and slide pin, instead of a dial. Not sure how smoothly the actual bowflex ones work, but I have a hard time getting mine changed while the DVD is rolling. Also, my plates often…

Computer Information Systems/Management Information Systems - I loved my studies, but most of it does me no good in my job. The degree, however, did help get me my dream job, so it was totally worth it.

Tuna, cauliflower, eggplant (I'd be willing to try again, if I could find a good recipe). Some things I've never even tried, but have no desire to... beets, mushrooms, olives

True, but even so, isn't it pretty obvious that she lost a significant amount of fat and is in much better shape in the 'after' photo?

I have everything from a 4 to 11 in my jeans that currently fit. I agree that it stinks, and I'd much rather buy a 4 than anything more, but it's better to get something that fits than to sausage into something too small because of the number on the tag. Even within the same brand makes it all the more frustrating! I…

I did the exact same thing... I am 5'4", got down to 132, did 30 Day Shred and didn't lose a single pound, but lost about 4 inches off my waist alone. Hopefully you're taking measurements, because it was the only thing that helped me stay positive during that process. Currently I'm at 142, and want to get back to at least…

I believe the guide that come with the program says not to extend any phase more than one extra week, because of the "muscle confusion" aspect. However, I'm not sure if I'm sold on the whole concept, or if that takes your missed days into account. As long as you're still getting results, and not in a hurry, I think one…

How old is your nephew? My boys are 3 and 16 months. Sometimes one wakes up, sometimes the other one does. Some days it's ok, some days you feel like you're gonna crash and burn. I'm in a crash phase right now, so I feel your pain! Have a fun week :tongue:

I get my body fat tested in a Bod Pod. Normally, it costs about $40 each time, and some places give you a discount if you buy a package of testings. However, it's a really good idea to look for colleges that have one. We have one nearby that only charges $10, and when I actually went and did it, the student forgot to…

Outside after it rains Campfire Lilacs Babies There are lots more, but those are the best non-food smells for me!

That makes me sad! I thought she seemed so nice :frown:

I love Erik... he looks like he's actually having a good time doing Plyo! My crush is the lawyer that looks like Tony... Bobby, maybe??? He can defend me anytime :wink: Girl crush is Mirene(?) - the "German potato soup" girl from Chest and Back... I want her abs! So... seriously, I haven't done my workouts in a week.…

No crane for me yet, but I love the idea of starting with the "good part" and add 5 minutes each week until I'm doing the whole thing.

Welcome! As far as the diet goes, I'd suggest either following Level 2 or Level 3 in the nutrition guide, or if you're using MFP, set yourself at least maintenance, if not to gain weight. You can't gain a significant amount of muscle while in caloric deficit. Keep the protein high (50% of your total calories or 1g per…

Bob's right... you have to want it. Also, you have to make it work for you. I found that if I "scheduled" my workouts in the evening, I'd skip them. I work a full day, cook supper, take care of 2 babies, clean up the messes of the day, and by the time those babies are in bed, I want to rest too. Now, if I get up early, I…

I don't like Yoga either, but if you can get through (or skip over) the first 45 minutes, the last 45 minutes is WAY better. I know the stretch/strength combo is really important, so I'm trying to make myself do it, and like it.

I started with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred before jumping into P90X. It was a good warm up because it got you in the mindset of working out everyday, gave enough strength to be able to do a full pushup, and presented some basics on using weights. However, I know of people that went from zero (couldn't do a push up even…

I use the Blue Diamond unsweetened vanilla almond milk (40 cals for a whole cup) and Stevia In the Raw sweetener (0 cals).

I don't know what others will say, but I vote yes. The reason for changing the diet in Phase 2 is because of the intensity. You get increased carbs to keep you going. That being said, I truly think everyone is different, and as long as you're feeling ok, you really can stick with whatever diet is working for you. If you do…

Happy Monday, everyone! I made it through the weekend, and rocked Chest/Back this morning. While doing my pushups, I had some really bad pain start right where my c-section scar is. I'm pretty sure it's just because my abs are so weak, but I wasn't about to risk tearing something, so I skipped ARX for now. I'm hoping to…

Last night was a semi-success. I skipped Yoga X in the morning (getting up at 4:30 just isn't worth it to me), but I decided I would do it in the evening, and I did! ...kind of. I only got about halfway through. My boys decided to climb on me, hang from my arms, crawl "under the bridge" during downward dog, etc. so I…

Duplicate post... oops!

I have hypotyroidism, but not PCOS. I found out I was hypo because of lumps discovered on my thyroid- they were large enough to feel externally. I had the same trouble with hormone levels acting wildly. Because of the lumps growing (not cancerous, but concerning), I decided to have my thyroid removed. Since then, it has…

Me too! I'm still sore from Chest/Back/ARX on Monday, so it was tough, but made it through.

You're probably right on. I'm 5'4", and about 145. According to my HRM, I'm usually in the 300-400 calorie range. Some workouts, like Plyo get up up around 500 calories burnt. It wouldn't hurt to double check your settings in your HRM, to be sure you have everything right. Mine has a setting for type of activity...…

Oh, Plyo, how I've missed you! It totally kicked my butt today, but loved every second. This is one of my favorite workouts, and look forward to it every week. I'm sore today, in a good way - just enough that I know I worked hard yesterday, but not so much that I can't move :tongue: How do people like using the resistance…

Almost didn't get out of bed this morning, but I did! I'm so glad because I feel awesome after Chest and Back/ARX. I upped my weight and reps on almost everything, compared to last round, but totally blew it on ARX. I can't believe how quickly I lost my strength from last round. kellyhr77 - I had to learn to be a morning…

Cinnamon!!! I never would have thought of that! I'm so glad I asked this. Everyone is so helpful here :flowerforyou:

I'm ok with a little bit of carbs. I just don't like that with my 10g of protein, I'm getting 17g of sugar! If you do fresh/frozen fruit, or the preserves, how much do you use? I'm a stevia user too, so I might try that with a little frozen fruit mixed in.

I hadn't thought of this... awesome idea!