Once again, I'm having a little trouble posting the spreadsheet for the Christmas Challenge. I've tried 2 days in a row with no luck. Sorry for the inconvenience ladies but I assure you that you're all doing wonderful and we are all rocking the challenge! The important thing is that we are all staying accountable and really, that's what the challenge is all about. If you've managed to turn down one cupcake or seconds at dinner or if you've jumped on the scale even when you've convinced yourself you just can't face it, or if you've hit up the gym for an extra session through the week, the challenge is working for you! Staying accountable is really the hardest part, especially during the Holidays. How easy is it to sneak in those extra chocolates without anyone noticing? Too easy. But if we all stay honest with ourselves and each other, we're accountable and FAR less likely to fall off the wagon. So Thanks ladies for helping me to stay accountable. It means the world! You've prevented me from overindulging on SO many occasion, you don't even know!
Thanks to Randi too who gave me the brilliant idea (she's got a ton of em over there!) of making a side goal for the Holidays that doesn't involve the scale. I think I'm going to center my goal around the gym since I've been finding that a little tough lately. For the past few weeks, I have been finding it hard to drag my butt there 3 times a week. But there really is no reason why I shouldn't be going 4 times a week. I have the time, I have the membership, I just need the motivation. I'm constantly fighting the gym, right up until I'm actually on the elliptical or the treadmill. Even when I am walking through the door, I'm am just looking for an excuse to not workout. Do any of you ladies dread the gym? Where do you get your motivation from?
I KNOW what the benefits of the gym are:
1. Way more energy
2. Burn extra calories
3. Results show on the scale
4. Feel better about myself and more confident
5. Sleep better (at least I do)
6. Stress reliever and time to wind down after work
7. Makes me feel fit and healthy
So why is it that everyday at 3:45, just before I get off work do I instantly search for a reason not to go to the gym??
So here it is ladies. I'm making a commitment. My goal is to get to the gym at least 4 times a week every week from now until Christmas. 4 times. Every week. NO excuses. Hold me accountable ladies!
Anyone else have any goals they'd like to throw in for these last 4 weeks before Christmas?
Thanks to Roni who gave me a shout out in her blog yesterday. Kinda made me feel like a little mini blog celebrity. I'm always so surprised when people comment on my blog that they've been following along for months or that they've found motivation in some random rant of mine. I guess this blog helps ME out so much with my journey and with staying accountable that I often forget that other people may find motivation here. It always amazes me! So Thanks to those of you who have been de-lurking lately and welcome to those who are just joining in!
Since I was out of town today for work, I haven't been keeping up to date and can't wait to see what's going on with you ladies!
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Thanks for the opening paragraph - it's just what I needed to hear. You hit it bang on, it is definitely so easy to forget about the 10 chocolates that I pop in my mouth or the little bites, few chips here and there. I'm going to keep your words running through my mind over the holiday season no matter if I gain anything - it could have been worse. And sorry for not checking in with you on Monday, thsi week has been crazy!!!
ReplyDeleteRoni left a comment on my blog the other day and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I saw she had mentioned your blog entry and I was so happy for you...she's pretty impressive...but then so are we, huh?
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI think a new goal for the last four weeks before Christmas is a great idea--especially since I have reached my weight goal. I already do the gym 3-4 times a week so I'm thinking that my goal needs to be kicking it up a notch. I keep saying I'm going to start a pilates class, so maybe that will be my goal. I will go on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next four weeks starting on Tuesday. I can't go tomorrow because of a prior engagement. If I think of something else to challenge myself, I'll let you know. Thanks for putting together this challenge. It has been very encouraging and motivating!
What motivates me to go to the gym? Not thinking about it! If I sit and let my mind wander, I'll talk myself out of it every time. But like Randi said, don't even think about it! Put your body on auto pilot and go straight to the gym. There isn't any other option -- just go.
ReplyDeleteThat's really hard for me. I love talking myself out of going to the gym! lol. But I find her advice does work.
And it should come as no surprise that people follow your blog - you've accomplished so much! You *are* inspiring.
I found your blog from Roni's blog. Yay for more inspiration!! I've been on WW for 4 weeks now and lost 7 pounds total. Only 40ish to go.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to think about a goal, something I KNOW I can stick too.
Also, I love to see before and after pictures, do you happen to have any?
Hey Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteJust as a reply to the workout video comment, when we lived in a town with no gyms for just over a year, I bought the Turbo Jam workout dvd collection, and it is AWESOME. I have done a lot of workout dvds and this one is the only one that I actually got addicted to. I did it for pretty much the whole year we were there. It's all kicking and punching, and there is a strength training video in the collection too!
It's not cheap, but it's definitely high quality. You can order it at beachbody.com
Yay! Love it! But can I make a suggestion? Why don't you say work out for so many minutes/week instead of days/week. That way if you know you can't make it because of other things going on, you can just stay on the elliptical for longer on a different day to make up for it. Plus it's easier to see how good you do. Like if you're goal is 175 minutes of cardio/week you could do about an hour 3 times a week or 1/2 hour 6 times a week or whatever, more flexible. Plus you can be like at 85% success or 120% success etc and it's easier to see progress. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteRe: your monday post - there is NOTHING wrong with feeling fabulous about your accomplishment and you ABSOLUTELY should. Just know that whether or not you lose the 'last five pounds', you're freakin' hot and an inspiration to so many people!
ReplyDeleteAs for workouts. Word. I've made a similar commitement to myself for December. I want to maintain my weight and I KNOW exercise will be the key.
So glad you picked a fitness goal. Plus being active is such a great stress reliever and we could all stand to be a little more relaxed these days!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - you really are an inspiration, and I love your blog! I always feel like I've got a new kick of motivation after I read whatever you've written - so THANK YOU. I'm not surprised that Roni gave you a shout-out - you're great!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of new goals before Christmas - that's what I'm going to blog about later.
I can't remember if I ever officially de-lurked on your site or not but if not, I have now! (Feel free to visit my blog at browneyedmaris.blogspot.com) You are always saying the most motivating and encouraging things!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Randi on setting an amount of time versus number of times. I found that if I set an amount of time for a goal I have much more success than setting a number of times goal. If I set a number of times goal, it's too easy to slack once I get to the gym and leave earlier than planned but with amount of time, either I worked out for xxxx minutes or I didn't. Just my two cents! Feel free to disregard!
Great inspiration! Just wanted to put in my vote on DVD workouts! I am going to eventually buy Turbo Jam as I have heard such great stuff about it but my current vote is for HIP HOP ABS! Those DVD's rock - especially the dance party ones. I've lost 15 pounds in 1.5 months by eating very well and working it 6 days a week to HHA. If you have any dance background at all (like took "jazz" and "tap" when you were a girl) you will LOVE these workouts.
ReplyDeleteOh Carolyn, I do exactly the same thing at about the same time every day! "Now what can I say to make it ok that I don't go to the gym tonight?" Everyday I try this. And for the past week, it worked, but not anymore. The only thing that makes me go is knowing that I feel like crap if I don't go, and I don't want to lose all the progress that I've made thus far. So I drag myself. I love that someone else feels the same dread even up until you are on the treadmill, etc. I totally do that. And sometimes I even try to come up with reasons to get off the treadmill and go home. I never let those thoughts win, thank goodness. But thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in the dreading of the gym. I don't dread it all the time, but when I do, it's BAD!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!!
PS, you are totally a blog celebrity, you know how many people have your blog link on their blogs? TONS!!
My WI says I'm down 0.8 to 158.2
ReplyDeleteOh I could have said just what you said about the motivation and getting to workout. I think its almost as it gets colder I want to bundle up inside, not go outside and freeze. It seems like in the summer I have no problem but winter go ahead and count me out. I hope you find some motivation to go workout I know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck going to the gym. No matter how hard I try, I never make it. :(
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how close are til Christmas!!
I found your blog from Roni's site. I just spent the entire morning from 5am reading it from start to finish. You are such an inspiration. I loved when you said that you werent ready to have kids because you didnt want to share your husband, too cute !! I will be following your journey. BTW, could you post your recipe for your homemade pizza? Also,Do you know if we can get those cadbury thins in the states or if they sell on-line?
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the temptations at the holidays. I've decided this holiday season my real goal isn't to lose weight (even though I wouldn't get mad if i did lose a few!), my goal is generally to get through the holidays without gaining anything and enjoying it and gearing up for some serious weight busting come January 1!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the mini challenge. Exercise is always a good one. I actually love the gym. My favorite thing to do there is the weight room. I use to be so intimidated of it, and then one day I made myself do it (on a slow day), and it became my instant obession. Are you bored with the things you do there, or really just don't like it? I know my husband hates the gym, but likes working out, so he doesn't have a gym membership. I prefer a gym.
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me! I'm starting a blog today. I've been reading Roni's and living through her success for quite some time now. I came over to you when she mentioned your site. I started reading yours and I feel so much like you have felt. I wanted to let you know this! I'm looking forward to reading daily! Great job! Oh and by the way - I love Grey's Anatomy, but it doesn' seem as good this season as the last few. I'm opsessed still though!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteUsually for me going to the gym is a "break." from the chaos at home. (I said usually, not ALL the time! especially when I've got to drag my butt ut of bed at 5:30) It's my time to focus on me, not little people. Maybe on those days where you're just dragging you're feet just remember you're doing this for you! Maybe just once or twice, changing your perception might help you to not try to get out of it. (And think of all of the other bloggers who probably don't want to be there either! I always think of you guys at the gym :)