lmbigsby

Thanks Mary, forgot to mention those "size 9's" are from you. I finally am able to wear a few pairs that you gave me. Next are the 8's. And I noticed after my post that they are CK not Levi but still.

That is fantastic progress. I have been using MFP for almost a year for recording my calories and exercise but kept plateauing and not progressing. In September I found Venus Index, a lifting program with the most amazing community of supportive women ever. During my first 12 weeks I lost 20 lbs and gained muscle and the…

I work in Albuquerque but live in Belen. Just found this post.

Thanks Ro, this is a great read. Adding it to my journey library so that I can also help others.

Bobbie, you are truely and inspiration. I have shared your story and photos with many friends to help me in my motivation and journey. Thank you for sharing yours.

I just bought one by Bowflex from Big 5 Sporting goods, got a great deal $50 regular $130. My biggest recommendation is to make sure you get one with a chest strap as well. The ones that are just a watch aren't very accurate and the Sportline that I had before required you to constantly check your heartrate which was very…

Thank you so much, you hit the nail on the head with this and with your reason for writing. I had put my family (husband and children) first for so long I didn't even know who I was. Now that my kids are grown I want to find me. I started at 208 and am down to 174 and would love t see what 135 feels like. For now, being a…

It is the Blue Moon ice cream you ate silly, blue cake icing does it too.

I just reached 2.5 miles without stopping or walking so I am right there with you and totally impressed. Your right we do have to start somewhere and each day I push myself a little farther. I am training for the Dirty Dash (similar to the Warrior Dash) in September. Keep it up.

Ran 2 miles non-stop, fit into a size 10 dress have been a 12 for 2 years.

Steam engines (elbow to opposite knee), started doing them as part of P90X, great core/ab exercise standing.

So how did you break the long plateau? You look fantastic!!!

I tried the shots, inserts in my shoes and MBT's all a waste. Ended up having the surgery in both feet (not that the same time) it was the best thing I have ever done.

Wow, you don't look 40! What an inspiration. Your wall mentions "weight loss program" do you mind sharing what program you are doing that has helped you lose 30 lbs in 2 months?

When my metabolism is working I am cold, when I hit a plateau I noticed I was no longer cold, not is working again (broke the plateau) and today I am sitting at work wearing a jacket. I am thrilled to be cold because its a sign to me that my metabolism is up and running. It is referred to as the thermo something or another…

I set up each level (1, 2 &3) individually under Cardio. I wear a HRM while I do the video and usually burn between 250-400 calories. Believe me, yes it is enough. I am just finishing up and haven't lost weight but I have lost inches and gained a ton of muscle. I couldn't do pushups to save my life and now can do 10…

Congrats on the baby, how exciting and to think you thought you had hit a plateau.

Just planted my first 2 stevia plants yesterday.

Couldn't agree more...scale sux. Need someone to take mine away from me so I can break the daily weigh in habit.

Thank you soo much for posting this, I needed this so much today it isn't even funny. I have been plateaud for months, now I have gained a few pounds and am ready to just give up and cry. I do Zumba 2 days a week for a hour, JM 30 day Shred daily, walk for an hour at lunch Mon, Wed, & Fri and eat healthy but nothing. The…

Agreed Dean is hot.

I added each level individually as an cardio exercise and use my HRM for calories burned.

I eat breakfast at 6 am, am snack around 10:30 then off to Zumba at noon and lunch after. Some days it depends but for the most part that is my schedule.

I started last Thursday (4/12) have attempted all 3 levels and love them. I have already noticed a huge improvement in my upper body strength, finally able to do pushups. I don't have my measurements with me as I track them at home but when I record them this Thursday I will post starting and current.

Zumba, you can take classes or it is available for the WII and XBox. I love it, it is the most fun I have found to burn 500-1,000 calories in less than an hour. The toning is also amazing, a good instructor will add abs, arms, etc.

Purchase a HRM that calculates your calories burned. I average 800 doing a 55 minute class. I find it pretty accurate when I do Zumba on the Wii or run on a treadmill because it calculates on your heart rate. I love Zumba, totally addicted. Attending class is so much better than doing DVD's or games but I do enjoy my Zumba…

Sugar Free gum was my best friend, I smoked for over 20 years (started in 6th grade). I quit 6 years ago and never went back. I called the New Mexico Quit line, they provide you with either gum or the patch for free plus great support. I only used the first box of patches then decided I didn't need them and just quit. I…

If you have an Android or other smart phones you can use the bar code scanner. I love that feature then you can just adjust your servings but it gives you all the accurate counts.

I am a Zumba addict, go to classes 2 days a week used to be 5 but now do it at home on the Wii and go to the gym. My suggestion is to get a HRM and make sure you check your heart rate through out the class so it gets accurate calculations for calories burned. Then you can add it as an exercise and records your calories…

Wow we started at the exact same weigh and are the same height. Right now I am at 176 and would give the world to get down to 135. You look amazing and are my inspiration. Thank you for sharing.