130/120 Club?

I'm looking for a 130/120 club, but I don't see any topics started.

If anyone knows of the proper topic, would you mind letting me know?

Thank you :)

chairmanmeow -- yay! new low :)  I am so happy for you. keep it up.  Not sure why you are thanking us, it is YOUR hard work and dedication.  You earned it.

brianneo -- Yeah, it takes a while to get into the swing of things after vacation.  Here is to next weeks weigh in.  May I say, though, that I am impressed how steady your weight has been despite the vacation.

Collins — Congrats on the weight,  I bet if you drink a lot of water, you will settle in on that lower weight.  (The more water you drink the less you seem to weigh).

Smiles— Hang in there for that TOTM. I know you will make you weight goal (just ignore the scale this week).  And thanks for the positive feedback, I really enjoy posting with you guys.  It is such a fun, supportive group and I get so much out of checking in each day.  So thank you.  And good job eating a protein filled breakfast, very important.

Simi --  YAY! 127!! That has to feel so good.  (I have totally done the scale double/triple back thing too, when I did not believe a new low).  And good job with the protein filled breakfast, it is funny how much of a difference it can make.  If you are making your protein and calorie goals I would not stress about the yolks too much either.  And we ARE so proud of you.  And the next five # will be hard, it gets harder the closer you get but there are always tricks.  And if you are dedicated and do it right, you will totally make it.  I can not offer much advice about the elliptical b/c I do not like it.  (Note:  I think the “calories burned” read out by the elliptical is artificially inflated.)  I prefer running because it works your core, back and abs as well, not just your legs.  I also really like the stair mill, it is brutal but very nice for the booty and calves.

Burnyh – still below 130 though, that is nice.  I bet next week you’ll be back at 128.5.  I would not worry about the walking, cardio is only a tool to meet your calorie goal.  So eat less (still net 1200 calories or more) on the days you just walk.  I think the walking with a backpack is a great idea, if you do this eat more though.  A good hiking backpack should not mess up your back and you should be able to load it up with 30# or more (if you were so inclined).  Othwerwise, if you decide not to use weight, I would just use these walking days as your “days off” from working out.  Such as schedule them the day after a brutal leg day at the gym and use the walks as a great way to get out that lactic acid from the day before.  I think supporting your friend is important and really nice; and two days a week should not mess up your workout schedule.

Whew!  There was a lot of catching up to do.

Now for my update: Well I have a announcement to make, drum roll please…  I rep’ed pullups last night for the first time, I finally did two pullups back-to-back.  It was not back day last night but I felt like screwing around and giving it a try and whaddya know??  I did them.  So my goal of doing 5 pullups by May is back on! Maybe too ambition but I do not care, I can taste it now.

I also did not tell you guys that last week I started doing dips for the first time (ever in my entire life) without any assistance.  I did five sets of 5-4-4-3-2 and made my husband stand there a critique my form through the whole thing.  Because I did not want to do them unless I did them right and went all the way down.  I am so happy to have finally graduated to the big-boy pullups and dips.  And I will be doing them once a week from now on. 

Just wanted to say...

Jen - congrats on your 'big boy pullups' which also oddly makes me think of toddler 'pullups'..haha!* um...anyway.....and great job on doing your first dips! *The dips can certainly be killer *I've had to do a lot of them from time to time in my group classes at the gym*, but I think they certainly help work the triceps and those are sooo hard to tone being a woman, etc. :/

Keep up the awesome work! :D

-Margo

 

 

Jen - you're on your way to 5 pullups!  wooohoo! congratulations.  I echo Margo's sentiments that you have such great adivce, you're like our ring leader!@ 

Margo - dont sweat being on the higher end of 130's --- I was there when I started this thing, so soon you'll be to where I am, and then hopefully, we'll both be where the other girls are!  =)  What's your ulitmate goal?

Greta - I may have missed you on your way to LV, but we just returned from there.  We spent 3 days there at the end of our honeymoon.  While there, we got to catch Howie Mandell's comedy act at the MGM. He's the host for deal or no deal.  We went on a recommendation from the half price ticket ladies (since he's not there permanently, just there for short while). He's actually very funny, andvery different from his hosting on deal or no deal.  I highly recommend him.  We also saw the Cirque Du Soleil show, Ka, at the MGM. That was ok. The stage theatrics was great, but the acrobating wasn't the best. I'd reccommend another cirque show instead of Ka. 

Simi - congratulations on  your 127!!!!  Cant wait till I can report those numbers (again -- got there for my wedding in november then of course gained w/o the motivation).

And now - I've lost almost 2 pounds since yesterday!  Yay! I weighed in at 131.8 today (compared to 133.2 yesterday). So my water drinking worked. I've also begun a new mini goal to cut out sweets (except for one cheat day).  I'm guessing that's helping as well. 

Wow! So many posts in the past few days and such good news from everyone!

Simi - CONGRATULATIONS!  It's amazing how those protein breakfasts can make a difference. As far as the eliptical problem - I use that machine at least 4 times a week and at first, I was getting strange cramps/sore muscles on only one side and I figured it is because the sore side is compensating for the unsore side.  So, in other words, you are putting more pressure on the sore side when working out.  To correct this, I really focus on my food position and switch between grabbing the arm moving thingees (technical term :)) and keeping my arms stationary to focus on how my body is moving.  Hope that helps a little...

greta - enjoy your trip to Vegas!  I used to live there a couple years ago and I go back often because I LUV it.  Just remember - acoholic drinks add to your calorie count (I often space that fact when I am partying and then am rudely reminded when I get back home and step on the scale)

Heather - congrats on fitting into the suit!  That is one of the best things about losing weight is fitting into those clothes that have just been sitting in the closet waiting.

Margo - Great job on politely declining the offer of sweets at the office.  That happens to be one of my weaknesses and you have given me encouragement that I can just say no as well :)

Burnyh - I agree with Jen, can you use these walking days as off days and still hit up the gym other days for more strenous workouts?

Jen - awesome on the pullups and dips - practice makes perfect - you will get to five pullups in no time!

Brianne - congrats on your loss!  I am also trying to consume more water so I can kick out the sodium and try to keep my weight from bouncing around lately. 

Whew, that was  lot of catching up.  I hope to hear just as much good news on next weeks weigh in as well!

 

Here is a nice review article about women nutrition and weight training.  Essentially they summarize what I have finally learned by trial and error.  That is lean mass = weight lifting + plus eating lots of protein and good fats.  And they acknowledge that men and women DO metabolize fats and glycogen stores differently.  a good read. 

http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/40/9/742

Hi Brianne..:D

Thanks for the encouragement! :D This forum is really great...it's nice to hear that I'm not alone. :D

My ultimate goal is 120lbs. :) Though my more short term goal (for the end of May) is 127lbs.  (There's $100 on the line for me to get to 127 by May....since I have my own sort of 'Biggest Loser' Challenge going w/ my stepdad. :D  I reallly don't want to lose $100, I could certainly use it.)

P.S. To anyone here...

I'm looking into branching out fm. my current job....and doing something in the health care field.  I'm looking into taking courses for Medical Office Admin. (I know that it's still office work, like I do now (as an Exec. Admin. Asst.), but it's in a different industry/field and would hopefully give me more job opportunities...

I'm even considering Med. Billing & Coding *heard it's a good $ making job...etc.)...Maybe even looking into being a Dental Asst. or something....

Options are pretty open....just not sure I'm cut out for the hands-on nursing field or medical asst. type job....not b/c I'm not a ppl. person, but b/c I'm not sure I could handle the drawing blood, bodily fluid interaction, crazy long, long hours whole aspect. haha.

Anyway, just curious, if anyone has a job like that right now or know someone that is in that sort of field? Thanks!

-Margo

It is so great to log in here and read about all the awesome stuff that is going on.  Even you Brianne!  And you were so bummed about how you weren't losing anything.  Jen I'm so excited that you can do the stuff the guys can.  In my gym I stay in the upstairs part where all the women work out and there is a ledge where you can look down at all the bodybuilders below and I get so intimidated!  Way to go you!

Burnyh - I am in complete agreement there as well.  I would work out the days in between and use your walking days to cool your body down, if you have the time that is.  Walking always seems to help you heal too.

Margo - I would be stuffing my face by now.  How do you have that kind of patience!  I have always been a lover of sweets, maybe thats why I love to eat fruit now on this 'diet'.  Anyways, I would probably have eaten some and stashed more to bring to my office ;)

Heather - Doesn't it feel good to look sexy?!  I am so proud of you for being able to fit into that suit, you should go out and celebrate in it!  Like to a fancy place for cocktails... only.. they have calories, but if you can't celebrate with a cocktail once in a while then what is the point :)  Everything in moderation.

BTW - isn't beer better for you than the sweeter liquor drinks? That's what I've always heard.

wow lots to catch up on. I have a random question for you guys.  The other night my husband and I went to one of the local bars down the street from us and I had two drinks.  Mind you two years ago I could down six or seven and still get home on time, but my tolerance has lowered quite a bit since those crazy days.  I was a little tipsy I won't lie but that evening when I went to bed I felt fine, then I woke up, wide awake at like.. 2 am because I had a headache.  So I got a glass of water, took some medicine and sat and watched TV.  After about thirty minutes I had the most extreme urge to throw up ever.  I went to the bathroom did my business and felt fine and went back to bed, woke up with no hangover or anything.  My question is, because I've been eating healthier and working out these past three months, did that change my tolerance for alcohol?  And why would it have such a delayed reaction, usually if you are going to get sick you get sick right away, not six hours later. (Literally, we got home at like 8pm) 

Margo - I currently work for a psychiatrist at a hospital.  Although what you are talking about doing could turn out very different let me tell you a bit about what I ran into.  When I was hired I thought I was going to be a receptionist. I found out later that this doctor didn't use receptionists.  Instead I became his office manager but he pays me nearly half of what the going rate is.  I signed no contract, I had no job description, and I immediately became in charge of everything in his practice.  No kidding.  (which is why i'm trying to get out)  My doctor also has the god complex and demands utmost respect (including working over time without getting paid) simply because he is a doctor.  You may run into this since some doctors feel they are superior.  

I'm located in Alabama, but my family is from Chicago and the doctor I work for made a big deal about this saying " in this city, in this state you owe me the respect I deserve, and if I ask you to stay longer you will do it because I am a physician" etc.  So maybe it's because he's a 'Good old boy'. Either way... one week and counting baby!!  And good luck, I think it could be a great job, esp. in an office where there are other people to interact with and where your job is outlined clearly.

ornella- awesome job ornella getting to goal! you look amazing, but more importantly, will kick ass in the air force!!

greta- enjoy vegas!

it seems like everyone's suceeding all over the place! jen- rock out those pullups, 5 is around the corner. simi- hitting lows on the scale is sooo gratifying. it takes me awhile to wrap my head around it too!
also jen, nice article link. while i love when male bodybuilders encourage women to lift seriously, i hate when people refuse to belive men and women do have differences with their bodies.

Elipticals- ok, i read recently that the angle of your foot w/ most ellipticals actually DOES cause strain to the knees (over treadmills) and this is being worked out. (i personally do not experience this, i feel more strain after jogging on the treadmill (plus shins), so i rotate) but the best way to do your elliptical if you want to sculpt that booty is to DRIVE THE FORCE THROUGH YOUR HEELS. i don't know the effect of that on lessening knee strain though. plus, some ellipticals are just harder/ suck. i hate this one brand at our gym and will not use. too hard, not nearly long enough stride.

anyhoo, new low today... 123.4!!!! even writing it now i'm like, did i switch that 3 & 4 accidentally? sunday there'll be a lot of drinking w/ the South Side Irish Parade. tonight i'd like to go out for thai, but maybe i should limit the weekend splurge (plus $$) to sunday... So i may have a 70's Themed (afros & hotpants) Roller Skating party for my birthday! doesn't that sound fun? but 1. i'd have to find my rollerblades, and 2. there's all those darn kids (which put me in serious danger of tripping/falling) 3. no drinking (i'm thinking of my guests), though there's always after...

Smiles –  It seems almost everyone I know is in the medical field.   My mom did medical transcriptionist from home for years is a pretty good gig too and wonderful for a mom to be able to do.  My mother-in-law is a nurse at an allergy clinic and she really likes it but she is a people person.  My dad was a medical technologists – do NOT do that, overworked and underpaid and really dull thanks to advances in technology.  I have two other very close friends in medical school.  One loves it, the other hates it – so it depends on your personality.  One enjoys the challenge, the other thinks it is “just memorizing facts and not challenging.”  I would also keep in mind that many (not all) M.D.s have a god complex, so that is something to keep in mind if you are going to work for them.  And a thick skin helps.  I find MDs even cop an attitude to PhDs, which is really annoying because the PhDs have actually had MORE schooling than them.  *sorry personal peeve*   I have another friend who is a dental assistance and likes it but her daddy owns the office and she is also a people person, (she works a lot though 50+ hours a week) so I can really tell you what it would be like if you did it.  But from what I hear they make good $$$ for the schooling trade off.  So if you have any Qs about these jobs I could try and answer them.  I personally work as a graduate research assistant in a biomedical research laboratory at a teaching hospital and LOVE my job/schooling but it involves a lot of school. I am in my 7th year of college right now and still have 2-3 years to go… (so I better like it, right?)

Simi – I have never had much tolerance to alcohol, so I can not help you.  One pint of beer and I am buzzed, two and I feel yucky…  But I have never been a big drinker, I just always assumed, though that is was because I never built up a tolerance like most do in college.  While others partied, I was home studying (I was just old before my time I guess).  I wonder if you were dehydrated, though.  

Hbbroadbent -- If your shins hurt when running, make sure you have high enough arches in your running shoes.  And make sure that you replace your good running shoes every 350 miles or so.  Your shins should not hurt when you run with proper shoes, proper training (ie do not increase mileage too fast) and stretching.  Shin splints are a bitch and can actually lead to hairline fractures if not cared for.  (Massage, ice and rest)  I second your suggestion of “driving through the heel” great for the booty.  And congrats on the new low!!  Way to smash that goal of 125#!  You are going to look great in some hotpants and rollerblades.  You will have to post pictures.

Thanks Jen and Simi for all your info. and advice regarding the medical field. :D

I do have a bunch of questions...but at the moment now I can't think of them..haha!

Anyway....I guess it is figuring out where and when and if I can afford to take the courses that I want to take. I'm looking into Medical Office Admin. - which I guess is basically being able to do office work for a medical institution, which varies I know.

It's all still up in the air, no real concrete things yet, still searching, though I appreciate everything! :D

I know it depends on where you work and your personality.....I have a friend that was treated pretty 'yuck' when she worked for a dental office in GA. 

It's all relative, but I'm taking it all in anyway! :D

Have a great weekend everyone! Keep up your awesome progress! Won't be posting over the weekend....so...see you all Monday! :D

Heather ~ CONGRATULATIONS on the new low!  So what's your game plan on weight loss (diet and exercise)? I'd love to know, b/c you're getting awesome results!!!

Simi - not sure where the sickness came from. Seems pretty tough to get a hangover from just two beers, no matter how low your tolerance (unless you've never drank before in  your life and you are a child).  Perhaps it's food poisoning or some type of stomach bug?

Margo - good luck on your weight loss competition with your dad!  I'd love to see 127 by May too!  Maybe I'll join in on the weight loss competiton (informally), so that I can push myself to get results too. 

Ok, gotta run to an appointment.  Have a great weekend ladies!

Brianne,

Thanks for the add. :D

Of course you can be in on the competition! :D I think the more the merrier can help keep me on track. :D Whoohoo! Go 127 by May! :D

Btw, your pics. on your profile are great!! :D Europe..yay! I lived in Germany for 3 years (in Berlin just before and then after the Wall came down...interesting to be a part of crazy history like that...:D) when I was in middle school..hehe...my Dad (not my stepdad :) to clarify) was in the Air Force. :D It was definately interesting.

ANYWAY..have a great weekend!

-Margo

I'm in the club!  I'm 5'2", turning *40* on St Patricks Day!!  I've been struggling to get below 129 for about a year.  Usually been running 130-131. Just when the scale gets down to 129, 128, my monthly friend shows up and I'm right back where I started.  I am shooting for 120, but just not sure my "old" metabolism will let me.  I've been on CC for a month.  I'd done Atkins in the past, had good results but for a lifestyle its a bit too restrictive.  So I've been buckling down at the gym since New Years, and have been counting calories like crazy.  I've lost about 3 pounds.  Arg.  Not much!  I started out the year thinking that I'd make it to 120 by my 40th.  *sigh*. I'm definitely stronger and seeing some definition in my arms and abs, but no big weightloss.  I, too, get the snarl from my coworkers when I mention I"m trying to lose a few pounds. I know I'm in the healthy BMI but I really want to get rid of these "vanity pounds".  I really feel awful today because I took my son to Quiznos and had a Baja chicken on wheat and when I looked it up on CC it was 800 calories!!  Well, this is my first post, been lurking for a month.  It sure is tough to lose the last 5 pounds on a small frame.  Its good to read all your posts and see that I'm just normal.

Mango - you are super normal!  Don't let anyone snarl at you for wanting to loose a little weight, thats why we're here too by the way!  I can't wait to hear about your progress, I know that many of us are in our 20s and 30s and I personally would love to see someone in their 40s reaching these same goals (it gives me hope for when I'm forty!)  Welcome to the site. We do weekly weigh in's on Wednesday to track our progress.  I'm sure the other ladies will be saying hello soon :)

Heather - I snooped and read yoru journal although I am guessing that is why it's on a public site. You sound like you have one of the most interesting lives ever!  It was very inspiring just to read the bit that I did.  Thank you for writing.

Note for the whole throwing up thing when drinking, the past few times I've had to throw up after drinking because my body just can't take it anymore I guess, I've just never had that big delayed reaction, it's usually like... I've had a bit too much... vomit and then I'm fine, not ... drink.... HOURS later puking.. anyway enough with the yucky stuff, I'll try to watch myself next time and start out slower. 

For some strange reason I love myself even more today.

I have been feeling really uncomfertable with my weight of 126 for the past month. I dared to go on the scale today and it read 124...woohooo btw im 5'7. I got a makeover done yesterday at the mall by a smashbox brand make up artist...this cute model who happened to be one of my moms friend called me beautiful when i had no make up on (he didnt know I was going to get my first makeover done at the time).....and he came to see my mom and  told me I was gorgeous after he saw me with make up on

I never really knew how to put on make up..and never really liked it but My mom says make-up only enhaces my beauty.

 Im really hoping modeling works out for me in the end :)

btw sorry if it seems like im braging..but im not really..for once i just feel really pretty (on the outside).

Edit: If anyone wanted to know what my work out is:

I run about 6-8 miles every week ...and weight train :) 45 mins in total (running and weight training) a day 4-5 times a week and right now im eating 2050 calories but to gain weight i ate 2300. [=

OOOOOOOOOO and im still going to the Air Force But Im going to give modeling a shot in my homeland (Ecuador) and see how that goes before i go to the USAF.

Thanks for the welcome.  I'm glad weigh in once a week.  I get obsessive and sometimes get on it daily, which isn't great for my mental health!  I should just get it out of the bathroom but my hubby uses it almost as much as I do.  So I'll swear off the scale except on Wednesdays.

Just got back from working out, so feel a bit better about my Quiznos blowout.  I am trying to stay around 1300 cals per day.  Some of these forums keep pounding on the EAT TO LOSE theory, but I just don't think that at my height/weight I should be eating 2000 cals a day.  I'll never lose anything.

Can't wait to see how Wednesday goes.

BTW...was reading back over previous posts..I'm a RDH (registered dental hygienist) so if you are thinking about going in to Dental Assisting, I'd be happy to answer questions!  Its a great job, but definitely gets yucky.

I've only been gone a few days and there is so much going on! 

Heather-Awesome 123.4!  That is way low--you should be psyched :)  You will need to post some update pics soon!

Simi-That kind of stuff happens to me too, that's why I almost always have to eat healthy and why I hardly ever drink.  I think you body gets used to the good food and it just can't tolerate it.  I haven't actually read anything that backs up my theory, but I have had plenty upset tummy days after eating junk or drinking to come to my own conclusion.  But, only two drinks probably shouldn't make you throw up....maybe you ate something bad too.

I weighed myself upon returning from Vegas, where I definately ate my share of very good (but bad for me) food. I shared every meal with my mother in law, so portions were actually okay. I weighed 125 pounds this morning, so hopefully no gain....just my normal fluctuation. 

I did absolutely no drinking on my trip, so no extra calories from alcohol.  I must confess that I am pregnant!  Crazy, huh? It's really early (like 5-6 weeks), so I'm not going to be overly confident about the outcome for at least 6 more weeks.  But, nonetheless, I won't be losing anymore weight for awhile, but will also continue to calorie-count so my gain stays in check and so I know I'm eating the right calories and not going over.  I hope it's okay with you ladies for me to stay in this forum, because I love it and I look forward to coming here every day!  I should still be in the 120s-130s for at least three more months :)

gretamarie - Huge Congrats!  I know it's still early but wow!  I am so excited for you and props for not drinking on your trip (esp. since you're expecting).  I hope that everything goes well for you and the baby!

Heather - 123.4!!!!  That is awesome. I was reading your bio and you have come a long way from 150 back in July last year!  Congrats!  I agree with Brianne, I would like to know what your diet and exercise plan is because your results are great. 

Mango - Welcome.  That's great that you are still in good shape and care about your health and physique.  I think it is no problem at all that you want to lose the "vanity" weight.  I think you will find some great inspiration on this forum.  Good luck!

simi- a note on your throwing up situation after two beers.  I am thinking you must have also ate something bad or....dare I say... your preggers.  I'm not sure if tolerance can change due to diet changes, but I notice that when I am focused on eating healthier I try to eliminate as much alcohol as possible then when I do go out with friends and throw some back I am affected much sooner than I used to be and have to watch how much I drink. 

greta - congrats on your news!  Will this be your first?  Of course you can stay on this forum, I want to hear how things are going!