Posts by alissaberglund

I live in a neighborhood that has lots of squirrels. In the fall when they are scurrying about collecting nuts there are TONS of them. I pass the time counting squirrels. We even have 5-6 albino squirrels, and challenge myself to see all of them if I can.

I can relate but want to offer some advice. I was the same way and then some one a few months ago posted on CC about weighing yourself in kilograms. Your scale might have a switch on the back that allows you to change from lbs t kgs. I did this and now the number doesn't matter! Sure you can do the math in your head but honestly it doesn't scare me to step on the scale anymore because the number has no meaning to me. Every few weeks or so I will switch it back just to get a reading in lbs but I've found it to be a lot less stressful weighing myself in Kg. than lbs.

I've learned to stop measuring my success by the scale and use other methods such as how my clothes fit, if my inches have changed, or how I feel about myself. I think these can be more important measures than a number on a scale. Since I've done this I feel more free and not scared or addicted to stepping on the scale each week.

I hope this helps, and maybe gives a different perspective

It's 3 days of lifting heavy weights and 2 days of cardio. There are also 2 intense ab routines that you add to the cardio days. What I like about the program is you don't have to invest in the weights if you don't want to. They show you how to modify the workouts using resistance bands and lifting the weights very slowly. I invested in the adjustable weights and so far the investment has paid off. I haven't gotten bored of the program yet. I don't think the program is extreme as P90X, but I also haven't done P90X so I can't give you a fair comparison.

The concept is that lifting heavy weights builds muscle and burns fat. I was skeptical because I'm a girl and didn't want to bulk up. But I can tell you that I am lifting heavier weights than I ever have. I've gone down in inches all over and I started out this program as very fit person. I didn't have a lot of weight to lose (if any) but the results I've seen in the first 30 days are really encouraging. I haven't bulked up at all and am getting very nice muscle definition in my arms, abs, back, and legs.

I just started this program too about 3 weeks ago! Burn circuit #2 KILLS my forearms about half way through. Here is how I've adapted... I bought some weight lifting gloves that keep my palms from slipping on the weights. This helps me not to grip the weights as tightly and Waaalaa..... the forearms don't tire as quickly. They still get tired, but allow me to use the heavier weights. Hope that helps you out!

I am starting it today!! I also started the recommended diet plan and so far have been impressed by all the fresh veggies and non-processed food that I will be eating. I took pictures, measured myself and the whole 9 yards so we will see what I look like in 90 days.... 

Hi There! No you are not alone! I am the same way. I can remember dreams I had as a child and I'm 27 years old. I find that often times if I witness something that is profound, odd, or frightening during the day, I will dream about it at night. I often amuse my husband and coworkers with my detailed stories that play out in my dreams.

For me scary or disturbing dreams come and go. You could just be going through a cylce. Have you changed or diet at all? Added a type of food that you wouldn't normally eat? I've heard that certain types of foods or spices, such as nutmeg, can intensify your dreams or cause them to be more vivid.

You mentioned that you can literally write out your dreams. Maybe as a suggestion writing out your disturbing dreams might help you to let go of them so that you can get back to dreaming about the good and pleasont things.

One last suggestion would be to try visualizing what you want to dream about just as your falling asleep. It might help direct your thoughts away from bad or frightening things.

I hope things get better!!

I totally was just complaining to my husband the other day about things that annoy me at the gym! I definitely can identify with you especially your comment about the person who has to workout right next to you when the gym is empty. Anyway, here's my list:

1. The person who sits on the weight machine that I want to use not lifting any weights but messing with thier ipod instead FOR 5 MINUTES!

2. The person on the treadmill/elliptical or whatever machine that's next to yours who thinks you're in a race with them and will adjust their speed every time you adjust yours.

3. The guys in the weight room who think that it's theirr domain and no woman should even think of stepping in; and when a girl walks in the weight room she instantly becomes a piece of meat.

4. People who insist on watching you while you work out.... no let me clarify, those people that insist on staring at you the entire 45 minutes you are working out.

Thanks for the post! I know some nights when I struggle the most with wanting to take a sleep aid I remind myself how much better I will feel in the morning when if I don't. It is amazing though that even after a bad night of sleep, if I don't take anything, I still feel ok in the morning.

This has been a very good week for me. There was only one night when I had trouble falling to sleep, but once I did I woke up just fine the next morning. I am learning that it's mind over matter!

Peanut butter and chocolate chips are fabulous in oatmeal!!

I would suggest taking a kettlebell class. They teach you the correct form so that you don't injure yourself. It's been three days since I took my first class and my muscles are still sore!

Not that I am aware of.

I am from St. Paul MN. I think it's Russian kettlebells. The lady teaching the class is working toward getting kettlebell certified and is teaching the class to keep up her strength for when she has to test for the certification. I am REALLY excited for the class! If I like it enough I am going to sign up for the remaining sessions that are being offered. Thanks for the response and the the tips!

I love turbo Jam! My arms and abs have really started to get more defined. It's a super fun workout that doesn't feel like working out.