I'm in. Starting next week. I am just getting back into exercise after a lazy month or so from mid June. I am doing a half marathon at the end of August so I have to start doing more exercise.
My aim is 3 runs, 2 spin classes and at least one weights session. And maybe a stretch/balance class

I am not too bad at exercise not I am back in a routine (now school is back here) but am going very badly with the food and my weight is again at an all time (non pregnant) high. But I am pretty stressed about something I am doing on Sat so I'll get that over with and then try and be more sensible with the eating.

Abie - holding kids in the water is something I got tired of REALLY fast. I know where you are at - definitely try to get some proper swimming in on your own.

Beautiful Rae, I feel better reading all of these. Thank you for the therapy as I realized that the YLFers - the most fashion-forward and together ladies on the internet - share my anguish of being less than fit!

I applaud all of you for wanting to be healthier, and I'm so IN!

Our bodies will love us for this. Inner fashion - here we come!!!

I'm in! I have been back in the gym in the last month and I'm really enjoying it. My goal is to hit the gym three times this week although tomorrow is Wednesday and it will be the first time. Last week I decided that my diet needed more focus - so my new mantra is "Fruits, Veggies, Water, Vitamins."

I like the idea of being part of a team. Let's do it! Let me know if I can help organizing in any way.

I'm in too! I wrote out this big long post, but then decided it was all kind of "TMI", if you know what I mean.

I've had a tough time lately, and a Healthy Habits check-in would be a good thing for me

In the meantime Rae - remember that whatever's going on is temporary and that you really are well and truly 'on your way' even if it doesn't feel like it right now.

Count me in, I may open up a wee bit more in later threads about the 'goings on' for me - just battling gluten issues - and am not sure that kind of stuff is all that useful for most people. That said though, I'm definitely interested in a check-in/support thread for Healthy Habits.

Exercise has been a non-starter lately, but I *am* trying really hard on the food front. That said though, the 'trying hard on the food front' has been sporadic at times, because I've been sick lately (stupid gluten), and sometimes I feel like saying, "Forget it...I can't be bothered, it doesn't work anyway..." and so on. Not good, eh? Just being honest here.

So yes...a check-in thread might help a whole lot

I'm definitely in! We recently had a few health scares and tragedies that hit too close to home. My sister's SO died from heart disease, and he was only 54. A close friend of mine was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes. Things like this made me realize how important it is for me to get a handle on healthier habits for me AND the family now instead of later.

I've been looking up newer recipes and exercising more, although we just returned form a short get-away where we ate terribly. I need to exercise and eat better not just to look better, but to be healthier and to feel better.

My DH knew before he ever met me that comments about a woman's weight are completely off the table. If I ever complain about my own weight (and I've had reason to lately), he just says, "You're beautiful." That's his only response to any comments I make about my exercise routine, eating or weight. Bless that man.

Hi Rae, I'm new to the forum but I would definitely love something like this. I've got baby weight that I'm still hanging on to even though baby has hit toddler-ville. Really my exercise habits have improved greatly over the last month or so, but my eating habits are off and on. I will do well for a day or two and then... oh that chocolate donut is so quick and easy to grab. Funny thing is that I don't ever end up liking the junk food I eat but with writing all day (my job) and chasing a two year old in between every fifteen minutes or so sometimes I just don't have the energy for a healthy meal. But I really really really want to get back to the healthy habits I had pre-baby. And of course the slimmer body. So I would love to join!!!

Wow, this thread has exploded since I left work! Thanks everyone for joining in, offering up your stories and solutions, and sharing your struggles. We can do it!

VC and Echo, I am sorry you are going through tough times. Gluten allergies, heart disease, diabetes... all very tough, especially when resulting in the loss of a loved one. You are reminding me not to take anything for granted. *hugs*

Rae, thank you for starting this thread. You totally motivated me to get off my couch and do a workout this evening. Apparently watching people perform amazing athletic feats on TV during the Olympics makes me want to veg out on my couch and eat cheese. =P

Anyway, am going to try to get back to exercising every other day. Lately it's been more like every 3 or 4 days.

Rae I am in.... Staying with my mom before moving to join my Dh got me gaining about 15 pounds... I have lost about 8 of them...

But you know what, here I feel like I am fragile... Everything seems to upset me ... Emotionally and physically so I am in Lets do it

Ok, gang! I woke up his morning completely unmotivated, and was thinking of every excuse I could to NOT workout. My husband turned off the pool pump/heater last night so the pool will be chilly, there might be a thunderstorm, I have a lot of work to do today, I'm distracted and worried because I found out yesterday I may need surgery, yadda yadda yadda.

And I dragged my butt out to Quiet Waters and ran the four-mile loop. In 80 degrees with 80% humidity. Well, actually, I got a stubborn cramp in my side, so after the first two miles, I alternated running with brisk walking. I felt like I was cheating a bit, but it's been two weeks since I ran, and it was awfully humid, so I figured why kill myself? My face was beet red when I was done, and I'm covered in mosquito bites, so I'm reminded why I dislike running in the summer.

But bottom line? I did it and I'm happier for it! I think of all the people I know who, for one reason or another, are physically unable to do what I just did, and suddenly some sweat and discomfort are put into perspective, and I'm thankful.

So there's a little encouragement for all of you!

Way to go, Janet! Reminds me of something I saw on Facebook recently:

"I really regret that workout!" .... said nobody, ever.

I am sorry to hear you are facing surgery! Good luck and keep us posted!

When I have trouble dragging myself out of bed for 6 a.m. boot camp class, I always think about how 6:45 a.m. MaryK is going to thank me for it, and sure enough, she is always very grateful to 5:40 MaryK for making the effort!

And indeed, I made it to boot camp this morning so I get to feel accomplished all day!

Wow, where is the "inspiration" tag?? Janet and MaryK, you are phenoms!

You know what? I'm going for a run when I get home today, even if I have to go alone. There, I have said it, and you must hold me to it!

I may not regret my own workouts, but I've been regretting a few of my hubs's recent exercise forays

I'm in a structured nutrition and exercise program now, but you can never have too much accountability. I basically just want to hold myself to pay more attention to portion sizes, especially in the evenings. And try and get my workouts done before noon (before 10 am, even better) as much as possible.

I'll do one better than hold you to it Rae - I'll go for a run too. Sounds like it will cool off enough by evening and I'll just pop a bandaid over that stubborn blister.

So we're on then???

I'm in. Once I start making working out a habit, it's so much easier to follow through. I really need to start again. The past year and a half has been so hectic and I've hardly visited the gym at all, and it totally shows. And with as miserable as I am at work, I badly need the endorphins.

Another good saying is " You are one workout away from a good mood."

It reminds me that whenever I don't wanna (stamping my feet) that if I do lace up and take that first step out the door I am in a great mood when it's all done.

@ Janet, be careful running in the heat. The heat and humidity drive your heart rate up all by themselves, without any exercise added. You reach maximum heart rate a *lot* quicker in the heat (without feeling it necessarily) and the humidity does not let your body cool like it's used to. I dump water over my head from my water bottle during longer humid runs.

Run by perceived exertion, not speed during these times. Walking is also recommended during the heat (run/walk/run is what I always do). They even recommended at the Boston Marathon last year for the elite athletes as the weather was so hot and humid.

If it's good enough for Boston Marathoners it's good enough for me! LOL

Great thread!

I am training for another half marathon - fortunately, it is not too hot here, I am absolutely unable to run when it is above 70-75F (end up with a splitting headache). The challenge is to fit in runs before or after work. I always listen to podcasts when I run - I find that a combination of moderate exercise with moderate "mental activity" leaves me energized both physically and mentally.

I also figured out that when I run, I have to do core exercises, otherwise my back starts hurting. So I am alternating running days with 20-min core workout days.

Shannon, it's a date! Looking forward to congratulating one another later tonight, running buddy.

Thank you to those posting the fab workout tips here. Kim, I never thought about the heat much, but it makes perfect sense. And Makrame, thank you for reminding us about the importance of the core.

You are all so inspiring! Isabel was posting a similar thread a few months back and it helped keep me honest.

I would love to re-join a gym but feeling like a can't commit unless I stabilize work schedule a bit better. There is a 24 Hr Fitness next door to work but I would need to be able to find one close to home as well and then use both - not sure that is option.

For now, I think I will go for a nice walk today

Kim, you are absolutely right! No question I take it easier on H&H (hot and humid) runs. Even so, I sweat very easily and turn red very quickly during exertion -- it doesn't take much. My dad was the same way. I do not tolerate H&H well, which is why I prefer swimming in the summer -- somehow it's just easier in the water, even though I still get my heart rate up!

I took a snap of my red face today after my run/walk. Whew! I always get curious looks after a run when I stop in for a cup of coffee or run into the grocery store for some milk or bread or something. Like people are wondering, "Is she OK?" LOL

I'm in, come September. August is just about the worst month for me to start anything, in terms of free time, and on top of it my chiropractor told me to lay off the running for a bit while I get my sciatic nerve issues under control. After finally getting back into running after last December's surgery, I got over-enthusiastic and caused a flare-up of my pesky sciatica (that has come and gone since my first pregnancy....grrr....I wish the process of bearing children didn't trash your body so much).

So anyway, I'll join y'all in September, when the kids are back in school.

Congrats, Janet, on braving and conquering in the H&H I have a yoga buddy who gets beet red in the face from a hot yoga class. She gets lots of stares afterwards too, even by other hot sweaty yogis!

Well, no extra exercise for me today, but I DID get off my duff and tackle an overdue to-do item: giving my Dr. Seuss shrub a haircut. It was as hot as a hot yoga class out there and my dripping sweat was the same, so I hope it counts. It does improve my fame of mind

So, small setback. My plantar fascitis decided to act up badly yesterday, so I think doing the elliptical as planned today is not a good idea. But I am going to try this workout I saw on Already Pretty last week.
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....rkout.html

(Posting this here to keep me accountable tonight!)

I am on day 2 of no running. But every 3rd day will work out for me, so it's okay. Last night we had fajitas and a margarita . . . not the best, but you gotta live, too!
Today will be a much more mindful food intake and some push ups and planks inside in the cool a/c

Janet, I totally get the trouble with H & H. I have tachycardia anyway, but add the weather to it, and things can get out of control quickly. I sometimes go off the chart of max on my HR monitor watch. Be careful out there and drink so much water you think you'll sprout gills!

Checking in with 20 minutes of weights yesterday and a Zumba class this morning.

And I just got off the phone with my doctor's nurse. My abs still aren't flat, but my lab results are stellar! *prances around room happily*

Bragging:

Cholesterol: 192
HDL: 93
LDL: 91
Triglycerides: 40

Oh, and the nurse said, "You must exercise a lot" *beams*

HOORAY!!!

Nice job Alicat. Lots of reasons to beam! You runners are amazing. I think it is one of the best ways to stay fit.

Alas, I am NOT a runner. (I have some issue with my lungs not holding up to the intensity of running.) I am also super busy at work and would never consistantly exercise after work. So my form of exercise is aerobic DVD's in the mornings. But since I leave for work at 6:15am, I don't have much time during the week - really 30 - 40 minutes at 4:30am - with more time on weekends if I'm not at a dog competition.

I need to work on the food intake side. When I am at competitions, I tend to not watch what I eat as much. I also "need" my dessert.

I think that getting more sleep would actually help. I notice that if I get less than 5.5 hours of sleep there is no benefit gained from exercising.

With all that said, I'm in.

I'm in! I am definitely noticing that as I get older my body gets less and less tolerant of the foods that disagree with it, and my metabolism goes pretty wonky when I don't exercise enough on top of that (thanks hypothyroidism :p ), which it's doing at the moment, so weight packs on way faster than it should >< Definitely not being as picky about what I'm eating lately because summer finally hit so there is just so much good food and company on the weekends. I started hitting the gym again last week though, hope that's OK

EDIT: My work has been realllyyyy stressing me out lately, and boy has the gym been a great way to get all that out before heading home!

I'm in! Knees and hip/leg hurt like the dickens today, so I cut my exercise walk very short today, and cut it down yesterday as well. Tuesday, I didn't walk because if I'm out at dawn, the skunks are still out on the track. I want/need to go out, and it was tough last fall when a pulled groin muscle kept me out for over three months. I am reporting to make/keep me accountable.

Eva - I agree with you on the sleeping. I find I am often doing a cost benefit analysis, on which would be better - sleep or exercise.
Yesterday was a big exercise day for me - up at 5:15am, 6 km run, additional short run with DD cut even shorter by rain, spin class plus some upper body weights.
Today, because I am travelling a few hours to the city tonight, and have a big day where I need to have my wits about me, and because I am busy and have things to do to prepare, I purposely slept more and didn't exercise.
Not going great on the eating but until Sat is over I am letting that lie. Despite my business I just had to make a lemon cake yesterday!

Wow, everyone is doing STELLAR! High fives all around. I didn't run tonight because we had tickets to a movie, but y'all inspired me to do some squats and knee lifts on our pullup bar.

Aida, sorry you are stressed, but happy the workouts help!

And Eva, yes! I need my dessert, too.

Any suggestions for how often we want a check-in thread? This one is getting pretty long, but maybe it's better to have a few long ones vs. too many short ones clogging up the forum?