Ginny's Skinny Challenge Reflections

Pre-Challenge—Lots of excitement and enthusiasm at being chosen. In recent years I’ve been plagued with a number of health problems that could be alleviated or even eliminated with proper diet and exercise. I’ve bought all kinds of exercise videos, equipment and diet books, but just couldn’t go the distance on my own—lots of false starts, lots of videos and exercise gear never even used. But I knew, if I could participate in the program with others, the commitment and drive deep within me that thrives on a good challenge, and the over achiever in me that has brought me success in my work life, would kick in and carry me through this personal challenge.

Let the Challenge Begin—Enthusiasm coupled with sheer exhaustion. You want us to climb how many flights of stairs? Again? Then there was those nasty sit-ups, the ones where you lie flat on your back, arms stretched out above your head and you’re just supposed to lift your upper body up and, with arms still extended, touch your toes. The fact that my abdominal muscles had been in hibernation and practically nonexistent, and a mountain of toxic omentum fat around my middle proved to be an insurmountable obstacle in reaching my toes. Try as I may, I couldn’t even do one of those sit-ups. I could barely get my shoulders off the ground.

I had to make a number of modifications along the way, marching in place instead of jogging, half-jacks instead of jumping jacks, and lots of other low impact variations. But I kept moving, kept pushing myself. Exhausted and drained of what little energy I had, I relied on grit, sheer determination and lots of support and encouragement from Rick and fellow Skinny Challenge and Fit Camp participants to get me through the first two weeks.

Outside the gym, I was making better choices about the foods I was consuming, avoiding the high sugar, high fat stuff and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins. I knew it was important to stick to the high-grade fuel if I was going to survive the fitness challenges.

"What a Feeling!"—Then, after just a few weeks, there were these “Eureka” moments when I marveled at various fitness accomplishments, like when we had to climb up and down the stairs of the Gateway Office building, non-stop for the first 30 minutes of class. My first thoughts, “no way!” After three rounds of stairs I looked at Rick and said “again?” “Oh yes,” he said, “You've got plenty of time left. Keep going.” I remember thinking, “how in the world am I going to do this?” But I kept trudging along, and at the end of the 30 minutes I had climbed up to the top level and back down six times! Something I didn’t think was possible, I was doing. I could barely do one round of stairs in week one. Then there was the time when we had to do those awful sit-ups again. The type I couldn’t even do one of in week one—I managed to do twelve! Awesome!

With my increased fitness came increased energy in and out of the gym, along with decreased body fat, and three inches gone around my middle by week six.

And then, at the end of week seven, there was the Al Toll Masters 5K Race. It had been 25 years since I participated in a 5K race, but I remembered how much fun they could be and I signed on for the race, knowing I would be doing a brisk walk, at best. But the feeling on the day of the race, despite the chilly 30-degree temperature, was magical. What fun and excitement. I found myself jogging a few spurts of the race route, and amazingly, I managed to finish third in my age group. Incredible!

Incredible—That word pretty much sums up the entire 11-week experience. What a wonderful gift it has been. I’m stronger, healthier, and a whole dress size smaller! I now have more energy to get back into life and so much more of the things that bring me joy. I’ve even started cooking again, actually opening my “light” cookbooks, and trying out leaner, healthier recipes. But my fitness journey is not over, it’s just begun. I’ve already signed up for another round of Fit Camp. I plan to keep the challenge going and making some lasting lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, I think the following lyrics from Irene Cara's "What a Feeling" from the movie "Flashdance" sums things up beautifully—

First when there's nothing, but a slow glowing dream,
that your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind.
All alone I have cried, silent tears full of pride,
in a world made of steel, made of stone.


Well, I hear the music, (actually, Rick's shouts)
close my eyes, feel the rhythm,
wrap around, take a hold of my heart.


What a Feeling! Bein's Believin',
I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life.
Take your passion, and make it happen.
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life.

Thank you Rick Cain, Chris Horne, Gateway Fitness and the Eleventh Hour for providing the music and rhythm that showed me how I can have it all. I will always be grateful!

Priscilla- No Cain No Gain

I am mid way through my last week of the Eleventh Hour Fit Camp Skinny Challenge.
How 11 weeks have flown by is beyond me. I recall talking about it to friends before starting, planning events, and going through my SoChi life in general. Now all those things are behind me. Events occurred, festivals had, cocktail parties attended and of course 11 weeks of intense workouts. I am left with a blur.

I decided to take a stroll down those stairs I have been climbing for 11 weeks, to the blog postings that started it all.

My PHAT is turning to FAT. Well that pretty much said it all. While my life is still busier than ever, I did lay off the grape for the first few weeks. But as I became more fit I decided to reward myself with a few glasses of my favorite vin from time to time. Lo and behold my muffin top is nothing more than a crumb now.

Sleep deprivation- While it is a good thing that I hop right out of my delicious bed at 5 AM when I have a morning workout, it is NOT a good thing that my body clock tells me to wake up at that hour when I don't. Especially after one of our MANY late night parties. No this isn't good at all! And as far as Vanity being a bigger bitch that me, we hashed it out and it's a tie.

Who is paying those water and gas bills? Well considering that we HAVE running water, I guess "Jimmy Leg" does or I'd be bathing in the neighbor's pond. I still stand under the scalding water with aching muscles but I find that I have to work SO much harder to attain that same level of pain. I know, it's nutty of me to WANT that soreness.

Did you hear that? When JL first made his cheeky comment to massage my thighs, I shot daggers at him through my eyes. It was the only thing I could muster given my total exhaustion. Now 2 a days are just part of the routine, and along with them came an increased energy level. I find I am the one offering the massage now! (Sorry you had to read that kids! No one wants that mental picture of Mom and Dad)

Gold bricking- I stuck through it. No excuses. Some nights I came home and the "Cankle" was grotesquely huge. Some days it was just tomato sized. But I learned to change somethings up if I knew certain exercises were going to irritate those torn ligaments. I'm am still no goldbricker. I won't ever be.

25 things- What has changed and stayed the same? I can now jump rope and do a plank for longer than a minute.
A 4 point push up is still the devil. Stairs are terrible but doable. People still fart when squatting. Rick Cain really is my friend. It takes 11 weeks to be rid of the muffin top. And strangely, I actually LIKE doing certain exercises because they are "fun". It's cuckoo!

6 inches...yes I can even take 6 inches now. Thankfully Rick never walked by and placed a sand ball on my ankles.
But now after writing that I am assured he will and even that's ok.

My ears are bleeding- I guess in those early weeks of working out I was so focused on the physical exertion and muttering under my breath that I didn't pay heed to what was on Rick's Ipod. Although I swear he has since changed the play list from the beginning of Fit Camp. Where as before it was insipid rap and metal, now I am finding Veruca Salt,the Fixx,the Specials,INXS and Linkin Park. Who knew, all bands I like.

I can keep going on about all the changes that have occurred over these past eleven weeks. From grabbing 7 pound weights now to actually liking those long treks across town (sometimes in the rain). I found that in having to write about what I was experiencing during these workouts, that I like to write! So the blog will continue in the "Fabulous SoChi Life" and so will the Skinny Challenge. Only now it won't be the 11th Hour's but my own personal Skinny Challenge. I am signed up for Round 2 and looking forward to it. But first I need a much deserved two week hiatus and a trip to the beach...then I'll be back at Gateway amongst my friends.


Thank you Eleventh Hour and especially you Rick Cain for the priceless gift you have given me. I have really tried to make the most of it and I hope I've made you proud.

Katy- Random Thoughts on our Last Week

I am…thrilled that I can ALMOST do the plank for one minute.
I think…that the stairwell of the Gateway Building is Macon's best kept workout secret.
I know…that I can always do 10 more seconds.
I want…to be able to run up the stairs.
I have…too much fun watching people to attempt the hula hoop.
I wish…I started this whole fitness regiment before January.
I hate…the jump rope.
I miss…Zaxby's. and Chick-fil-a. :)
I feel…more energetic.
I love…the 1 1/2 hour sessions!
I care…about my health now.
I always…enjoy the workout stations.
I am not…graceful when doing crab walks or spiderman crawls.
I believe…I'm on the right track.
I win...my health and my life back through this experience.
I lose…my fat and some inches.
I never…thought I could carry weights up the stairs.
I listen…for Rick to call out "3-2-1 and stop."
I’m scared of…doing the plank on that ball.
I forget…to set my alarm for am workouts.
I just…can't believe that I'm almost 10 lbs. down after this experience.

Thanks, Chris, Rick, Gateway, and all of my fellow "skinnys" for your support, encouragement, and giving me the chance to do this in the first place! It's been a GREAT 11 weeks!!!

Priscilla-Can You Spare Some Change?

It is so crazy to think this 11 week ride is coming to a close. It really does seem like yesterday that I went for my first weigh in. I think back to all that has transpired since Week One.
Has my lifestyle really changed that much?

In some ways YES!

I have ended my day at 5AM many a time. NEVER would I have thought to start my day at 5AM! Not even when we had tiny babies did I get up during the night or the wee morning hours. That was always Jimmy Leg's job (one of the perks of bottle feeding!) Now I hop right up and I am out the door by a quarter til six. Nutty!
When did green juice take the place of a cocktail? Well in all honesty it hasn't. But it has become a beverage I reach for more and more. Shocking!



Me lacing up my trainers everyday as opposed to strapping on a pair of heels? Preposterous! Before trainers were only worn when wearing cute velour jogging suits. Now it seems it's sports bras more often than push up bras.



With so many changes, I still would rather toss on a gown as opposed to workout wear.
Somethings about this girl will always stay the same!

Priscilla-Fit Camp Social Club

For a while now fellow FCers have wanted to have a little get together. Given my "Holly Golightly" ways I am always one to jump at the chance to entertain. So of course I offered to host. It took a while to narrow down a date given my crazy schedule of late. Following the MaGa Film Festival seemed like the perfect time to get together, relax, and enjoy talking with one another. Talking without the threat of being subjugated to the "Talking Step"!



So last night we gathered. How lovely seeing everyone in real clothes, the kind without the underwear sewn in. We ate some wonderful food, drank plenty of wine, and saw a "lighter" side of everyone...including Rick and Michelle.
I for one am delighted to be a part of such camaraderie and look forward to hosting our little group again.

Katy- Bye Bye IVP, Chick-fil-a and Mac & Cheese

After a week of nonstop eating (and it's funny how I think of it as nonstop eating when just 2 months ago, these were my regular habits), I was plenty nervous stepping on the scale at today's Weight Watchers meeting... I mean, I had a week of MAGA after parties, Happy Valentine's, Happy Anniversery & Happy Birthday celebrations nonstop- thanks to the BF who was in town for one week! Surely the scales were NOT going to be in my favor... there's nothing like a weekly weigh in to make you question your food choices. I was heavily regretting the garlic knots I enjoyed last Friday at Ingleside Village Pizza, AND the Chick-fil-a biscuit (10 points to fellow Weight Watchers!!!!) Adam suprised me with Monday morning at work.... so I wore my lightest clothes (leggings and a cotton T) and stepped on the scale...

.6 down!! I can't believe it! Even with the heavy indulgences, I'm 1/2 pound down this week...whew!! This makes 6.6 lbs since joining WW one month ago. I was sure this week was going to be a downer, and am now even more convinced than ever that these happy little foods are NOT worth the sweat and worry over a 30 minute Thursday meeting that includes the scales which have not been my friend for a LONG time. So, it's with gladness that I say goodbye to the biscuits and garlic knots (and the mac and cheese I scarfed down yesterday).... it's not worth the heart attack of nerves waiting for my time on the scale!! Thanks to Fit Camp, and FINALLY taking a serious look at food, I think I've found a balance of healthy living that is working for me!! The road is still uphill, but these little weekly victories have done wonders!

Priscilla- Spring

It has been a long winter. As the weather slowly warms, the first sure signs of the changing season have begun to emerge. Like flower bulbs buried deep underground, pushing through the cold earth towards sunlight, my burgeoning hip bones are beginning to peek out from under the layer of FAT that they had been nestled under.

Aahh, Spring has finally sprung!

Priscilla- She Ain't Heavy...It's Just Her Head

It is really very frustrating not to be able to lose weight. Especially when one is working out like crazy and existing on green juice,tomato,and cottage cheese. My trainer tells me not to look at the scale. Ha! He obviously doesn't fully know me, so that is easy for him to say! He also doesn't know how obsessive I can be with those numbers. I hear others in class around me saying how much weight they have lost and it makes me crazy. Oh, I know the drill... muscle weighs more than fat. I've heard it a million times before. But what I want to know is why can't MY muscle be weightless and why can't I subtract the weight of my head from my body weight?

Priscilla- Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome is a strong psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed. I am almost certain I have developed this. Simply because in the past 7 weeks I have endured such physical pain at the hands of one man, yet I keep coming back for more. Now I even consider him a friend!
Being at the midpoint is even harder for me than when I first started this challenge. As "my captor" tells us, we must push ourselves if we are to see any results. Being highly competitive (with myself)I find myself reaching for heavier weights and am almost embarrassed to think of the day I grabbed those two pound dumbells. I have not reached the point of hitting two a days (yet). However it is crossing my mind more and more. Once my schedule lightens a bit, I am sure I will at least attempt them. So while I am no Patty Hearst, I am definitely hooked.

So as we pass over the hump - From Rick

Notes from the Badger!


As most of you guys know by now, I have decided to leave the blog alone and just sit back and read and watch each of your stories develop on the way to fitness. I thought if I chimed in all the time that it would seem that I was trying to control the flow of information and perhaps make some of you feel like you couldn't be honest on here without retribution from me. While I am not going to say that some blog post haven't found a way into our workouts, I will say that it is so interesting to go back and read the post and see the changes in attitudes as time passes. Keep up the good work and remember this is just a little over half way, don't quit on me now!

Here are some results after seeing most of you for measurements -

Attendance - I know that this is a horrible thing to take into account but the relationship between success and showing up is undeniable. Being consistent and taking this seriously is something you have to do if you want to see results. I think it is obvious the ones that see they have been given a $250 gift and understand the sacrifice that is for a small business and in return you have brought more than money can buy into each class.

Pricilla Esser - 27 classes
Ginny Cooke - 19
Maureen McCullough - 17
Pat Topping - 17
Deborah Horne - 17
Pat Judd - 15
Charles McCullough - 14
Mary Saltz- 12 - dropped out
Kim Wold - 12
Katy Thompson - 12
Chris Horne - 9
Amina Brown - 2 - dropped out

Results so far -

Down 35 pounds!
Down 8.6% Body Fat
Down 7.5 of collective Body Mass
Total loss of 20 inches!

These results are looking great and I can't wait to see what will happen over the next 4 weeks! I am so impressed with those of you that are seizing this opportunity to really change and improve your lives and I am so lucky to be a part of it!

Stay Strong we are only half way to the end of a never ending climb of well being!

Rick

Kudos from Ginny

I've had so many successes over the last six weeks watching my fitness improve by leaps and bounds (actually by stairs, planks, squats, etc.)! What a feeling! To climb all the way to the sixth floor and down four times in 15 minutes—I could barely make it to the 6th floor once during the first week. Awesome! I can feel my body getting stronger, my energy increasing and see my tummy shrinking—three inches as a matter of fact! (Rick measured and weighed me this morning). What an incredible experience! I'm so very thankful to Chris/11th Hour and Rick Cain/Gateway Fitness Studio who made this all possible, and to my fellow skinny challengers and boot camp participants who have lifted me up with encouraging words, enthusiasm and friendship. The tune playing in my head right now is a song from the movie "Flashdance" — WHAT A FEELING!

Katy- I love you, Rick Cain!!

Thank you Rick! Thanks for being there and pushing us so we can take our workouts to the next level. Last night's class was an hour of sweat, steps and cardio, and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not addicted to working out (yet), but there was a point in last night's class as I was trying to do the knee kicks quickly that I realized I was the one pushing myself- not just you. I couldn't believe it- I was jogging in the parking garage, and my stepping inside was in tune to the music- sometimes even faster- and when you said push, I actually pushed! I look at some of the fitness people who have obviously been at it a while, and they have the right thing going- they are working their bodies at 100%, and I'm excited about doing that too. For the first few weeks, it just seemed like if I could get through class without passing out, that was a victory. Last night I realized it's time to up the ante, and I feel great about my new goals. So, THANKS RICK CAIN! Your encouragement and persistance has rubbed off on me, and I'm ready to go to the next level!

Priscilla- Classifieds

Muffin Top, free to good home.

Owner has physically moved on and won't feed it anymore.
Relatively well behaved. House broken. Needs some discipline.
Does well in social environment. Consumes cocktails and French food.
Has been known to growl. Does not like to be confined in jeans.

Please consider adopting before it must be taken to the "pound"

Kim-Wanted:

One new (or slightly used) immune system. Must have ability to fight off simple infections and colds.

I swear, put me in a bubble! I absolutely refuse to miss another week because of being ill. See you all there today with kleenex in hand.

Priscilla- Mush (but not on my thighs)

Week 5

Normally I try and write something a little funny. A little wise crack here and there is just who I am. This blog is about as heartfelt as I get. I don't like mush, especially on my thighs.

Lately I have been snowed under with projects and events. The months of January through March have always proven to be swamped for me. These past few weeks have been crazy busy. Aside from all my regular SoChi duties and being a mom of four, I have managed to take on a few extra responsibilities.
MaGa being one. (By the way, a giant thank you all my Fit Camp volunteers!) Being an "agent" yet another (grrr...gp), and hosting a French family of 3 for one month is the icing on the cake. But somewhere in all the crazy that is my booked calendar, I have managed to find the time AND energy to make it to the gym 5 days a week. What has really kept me focused,aside from my upcoming beach trip, is the progress everyone has made. I really am so proud of you! (Kim you rock!)

I must say that after 5 weeks the stairs are not as daunting, especially when Ashley is pushing me on. What a doll she is!
And last night Coco my 17 year old daughter said, "Turn around Mom, I think you are getting a donk". HUGE!

This really has been a great experience. I am so glad to be a part of it. I am especially grateful for the friends (and donk) that have resulted.




This is the last bit of mush you will get from this girl.

Katy- loving week 5!!

I agree with Kim! Last night was a breakthrough for me! After missing class the week before and just trying the "home" workouts (by the way, Jane Fonda has nothing on Rick Cain!!!) I was nervous about this week. Lo and behold, last night was a revelation. After climbing the levels in the parking garage, squatting, kicking, etc. I was able to JOG all the way back to Gateway! WHAT?!!? JOG?!?! I can't believe it! That got me so excited I barely noticed the minute mark on the jumping jacks, and even the plank did not cause the anxiety that it normally does. Seeing the newbies start week one, it reminded me where I was and where I am now. So, now it's time for me to seriously look at what else I can do. I bought a (gulp) calorie counter and am going to do a full examination of food intake... if I can conquer the plank, I KNOW I can conquer my food. Is there anyway Rick could record his voice telling me "NO" every time I open the refrigerator???

Kim's 5th week = success

Tonight I did jumping Jacks for a full minute with no stops. I held The Plank, as well as both versions of the side plank, no stops there. I Glute kicked my way up the third floor of the parking deck and kept up with Rick and Amy, and I lead the way on the 6 flights of stairs, at which time I almost stopped, but didn't (thanks to Amy).

Endorphins have nothing on this rush. Honestly, after tonight, I don't care about my measurements as long as I keep this up.

Last week when I couldn't work out I really missed it, and I was so anxious when I started back this week. I didn't eat well last week, and my self-confidence was bust. I just knew that I would start back from scratch. Now I know that it's like riding a bike, and I'm not nearly as anxious.

It's about the go, not the show. Right? Right.

San Diego and back

Charlie here….sorry for tardiness on the reply; work has been calling...

Hanging in there….in San Diego all last week but Maureen and I walked the hills big time…..pretty intense for three days plus all the other strolling. Perfect weather. We burnt our candles at both ends doing everything Southern California had to offer. Ever get a chance to do San Diego, don’t miss it! After exhibiting at a trade show and playing all week, we returned late Sunday exhausted but resumed our sessions with Rick Tuesday. In fact, Maureen stayed for the second hour. A few injuries…wonder why? Maybe our bodies aren’t what they were 50 years ago…
But, have never felt better – twice the energy. Pretty good comments from a couple of old folks.
Last night was good; crunches are so tough for me but can you believe it, I can actually jump that stupid rope a little bit. I think I figured it out : it is all about rhythm. Can I purchase some stamina anywhere? Maureen’s knee has seen better days so she rode the bike machine for three miles while, you guessed it, we did the stairways to hell. The “yahoo” wall sitting and kicking screams were a nice addition by Rick. I cannot imagine what Rick has in store for us tonight.

Chris, now that the “Dooley Chat” edition is done, you have no excuse. Maybe try to limit the beer to only 8 a day.

Charlie

Priscilla-Stairway to Heaven

I woke at 4:45 AM still "Grrr...y" from the previous night.
A little physical exertion was sure to get my anger out. So off to the gym I went. Where I was greeted with 18 spots on a circuit, 2 of those being stairs. It never fails though. No matter where I start out on a circuit, it ALWAYS seems that I come back around to the stairs one time more. Today however instead of swearing like a sailor as I ascended them I said a rosary. Granted it was a little huffy and puffy, but I managed to get through a good bit of it. I don't think God minded the heavy breathing. Who knew 24 flights of stairs would actually bring me some much needed peace of mind.




I guess this must be what Led Zeppelin was singing about.

Priscilla and the Duke

I am a John Wayne girl. I always have been. Something about the swagger, the voice and those hands just makes me swoon. Fall over, head over heels, knees to mush SWOON.
I was reminded of my JW this morning. This was the first sunny morning we have had in a while. I knew we would be going outside by Rick's cryptic facebook status.
Upon arriving to the gym, my deductions proved to be correct, we were going outside. Nice, I thought.
Then I found out where we were going. The Indian Mounds. Which is totally far away!
I thought of the many field trips the kids had out there and how I always got out of going. For some reason walking up a big mound has never been my bag. Now here I was,not only going but walking there! Double Yikes!

Then I started thinking about Indians and of course those thoughts naturally segued into the Duke.
Ok, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad walk. I thought of The Searchers, Ethan Edwards, and of course Debbie. I always wanted to be Debbie. Before I knew it we had gotten to the Mounds. Don't ask me how, I don't pay attention where I am going...I just follow. About the time we passed the "sleeping puppy" my legs began to feel that this was in fact becoming a work out. Suddenly my swoony thoughts of John Wayne left my head. I began to focus on the burning sensation in my thighs as we walked up a hill. And then there was another, and yet another hill before me. Before you knew it we had trekked around the entire place and I knew my decisions all those years ago NOT to go on those field trips were the right ones.

Walking back, my thoughts went back to JW. Not to The Searchers though, but to The Quiet Man, my all time favorite movie. In particular the line where Mary Kate tells Sean they are walking the 5 miles into town.

"Just a good stretch of the legs." she says.



Just a good stretch of the legs...indeed. Now all this girl needs is for Jimmy Leg to grab and kiss me like that when he comes in the door. SWOON

Things Kim has learned this week

The cold that wasn't so contagious was, in fact, contagious.

Trying to do situps when you have sinus drainage is not smart.

Having the cold that only rest and time cures is hard to remedy when you have a four and a two year old.

Aforementioned children get sick only when the parent finally starts to feel well.

Running with a sore throat and an achy body is quite unpleasant.

A major upside of having no sense of taste is that I can drink all of the protein shakes without prolonging it.


:)

Katy- has been absent, but is still in it!

OK, the real world has dumped all kinds of mess that's screwing with my workout schedule, so I'm not going to be able to get my 3 sessions in this week!?!!? BUT, I've been working at home (gotta tell you, though, doing tapes, walking, etc. is not as fulfilling as sweating with all of my new buddies!!!). I'm really missing my accountability this week from all the skinny peeps!! I did do a "Dancing With The Stars Workout Tape" last night (yes, Dancing with the Stars has a workout tape, and yes, I bought it) and have to say that my legs are in AGONY today after an hour of the Jive and Samba!! That's gotta count for something, right? I can't wait for Saturday when I can get back with the groove of sweating together, though!

Priscilla's Ears Are Bleeding

Week 4-

What I dislike most about these workouts, aside from the stairs (that is a given) is the awful music we must listen to. I don't like like metal, rap or anything remotely close to those genres. Insane Clown Posse is not my bag. Clowns in general are not my bag. My guess is that Rick plays "music" that will get us moving. It does make me want to move, right out the door into the warm embrace of Chet, Stan, Ella, or Freddy. I not only leave class feeling the burn of a workout but with my eardrums singed as well. Yet listening to that is the price I must pay to be able to crack a walnut with my glutes.

Katy- running is in my future!!

Woo hoo!! After Saturday's intense workout session, I decided to try a little experiment. My parents live in a wonderful "run/walk-friendly" neighborhood, so I started out on a light jog- just to see how far I could go. The bad news is I'm not ready for any 5K's just yet... the good news is that I didn't quit at the first stop sign! I'm guessing I ran maybe 1/2 mile and walked the other 1 mile of my mini-journey, but this is a big leap for me! I don't like to run AT ALL. But I thought since we were through with 3 weeks of the skinny challenge, let's just see where my endurance is...
So what do we think? Is this good after 3 weeks? Pathetic? I'm not sure myself, but I'm ready to "test" myself often to bump the distance up a bit.

What Priscilla Learned Today

A 26 station workout circuit is not very fun.

Dumb bells have the combined weight on them. They are not that number on the end each. (who knew?)

My scale at home is wrong...VERY wrong. This is highly upsetting to me.

Saturday board meetings are worse than a 26 station workout circuit.

I love a friend TONS to run back up 6 flights of stairs to take a photo of a paint splotch which looks like a heart.

A 15 year old girl NEVER wants to be asked if she and her mother are sisters.

And perhaps the most important thing...



Do not stick a wire coat hanger down the drain of a 100 year old sink.
It will get stuck.
I have a only a few hours until "Jimmy Leg" returns to try and correct this situation. I can hear it now....

Luuuucy!

Raquetball calls

Charlie here - Years ago, I played racquetball several times a week; then, I got so outtashape that I quit playing. Last night I played hard-core racquetball for two hours; what a workout! I used some muscles even Rick hasn't tortured yet. Seriously, had I not been involved in the Gateway/11th Hour training, I could not have stood my ground on the court. Thanks Rick! See everyone Saturday.
Charlie

sometimes all you can do is laugh. - Kim

Rick Pain (Cain) is a wonderful, loving, kind-spirited person. And his workouts are suprisingly easy. I stared at him and thought only good things. The plank is the greatest workout move ever, and it causes absolutely no gut-wrenching pain.

Now, take everything I've said and plug in the antonym of each adverb, and the opposite of each statement.

It's all in good fun, right?

Priscilla- Mmmmmm Stew!

stew
1   /stu, styu/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [stoo, styoo]
–verb (used with object)
1. to meld a mixture of things by simmering or slow boiling.
–verb (used without object)
2. to undergo cooking by simmering or slow boiling.
3. to fret or worry.
4. to feel uncomfortable due to a hot, humid, stuffy atmosphere, as in a closed room; swelter.
–noun
5. a preparation of meat, fish, or other food cooked by stewing, esp. a mixture of meat and vegetables.
6. Informal. a state of agitation, uneasiness, or worry.
7. a brothel; whorehouse.


Origin:
1350–1400; ME stewen, stuwen to take a sweat bath < MF estuver, v. deriv. of estuve sweat room of a bath
French estuver, possibly from Vulgar Latin *extūpāre, *extūfāre

Take your pick of any of the above definitions. That would describe tonight's class.
How, you may ask? I'll tell you.

I went to class this evening already wondering if I was going to be able to make myself workout hard, given the fact that I was so sore, achy, and stiff from the week. (stew definition 3 & 6)

We were informed at the very onset to be ready for a hodgepodge. A veritable olio of exercises.The rational being that since our entire bodies were already sore, we should make them sorer. So with trepidation I grabbed my mat, my step, my jump rope, AND my weights. This recipe called for a pinch of cardio, a dash of abs, some arms and a whole lot of leg work. (stew definition 1 & 5)

As we started, and the doors were closed, and it became very warm in the room. The air conditioner was not set at it's usual frigid temperature due to the chilly days we had been having. My ears began to burn. My ears have a tendency to get beet red and become uncomfortably hot. I began to swelter.(stew definition 2 & 4)

As the workout continued and I soldiered on, I began to notice the sounds coming from around the room. Grunting, panting, and moaning sounds. Heavy breathing and pained sounds. I lay on my mat and started giggling. It sounded like...

stew definition 7

Priscilla- Busted Chops

This morning started out much like the past two Wednesdays. The alarm going off at 5 AM. Today had a slight variation though. My best friend "Hair" was meeting me to work out. For the past two weeks he has read my blogs, heard my tales, and has been busting my chops. Calling me on those early morning workout days asking me "Are you up yet?". Mind you, this is at 9 AM, when he knows all too well I have been up for the past four hours.

So this morning I was hoping for a hard class, to punish Hair for his taunting and chop busting. Hoping he would come to recognize my efforts and give me the props I deserve for enduring so much. To my chagrin, class wasn't as difficult as I had wanted it to be. It was challenging but not painful. Not that I am complaining at all! Despite that, I know that Hair had a taste of the pain that is Cain.

Tonight Hair and I had a dinner meeting scheduled. While we waited for our meal we talked about the morning and how our legs still ached. I showed him how I could barely do a squat (yes we were in the middle of a restaurant and I was in a pencil skirt and 3 inch heels). We talked business and friend stuff.

Then dinner came, the waiter placed our entrees before us. I looked at my salmon, Hair at his ribeye, then we looked across the table at each other,that knowing look in our eyes. Reading each others thoughts as best friends do. It was obvious what we were thinking. If we thought this morning started out tough, it was nothing compared to Hair's steak.

I'm feeling the burn!

So first off, I have to tell all of you thank you for your show of support to me tonight. Your words of encouragement and just letting me vent helped me more than you would begin to think. Rick; thanks.

Tonights workout was fantastic. I upped my weight to six pounds, and even though I was seriously feeling the burn, I lasted through all of the exercises (yeah, me!) and didn't moan and groan. Until the abs.. oh, the abs. Even though we did some hard exercises today, we did not do The Plank (from hell) or The Grapevine (sounds harmless, right? hardly). Not only did I try every single exercise, I did them all for the most part. We had alot of laughs, alot of "oy"'s from my corner, and I left the workout quite happy.

Tomorrow my goal is to stick it out through both sessions. Try? Most definitely. Succeed? It may very well happen.

The stairway to hell

Charlie here - A few weeks ago when Rick first told us to walk up the stairs, I said silently to myself, "Self, that's a piece of cake. Stairs I can do." Little did I know what I was up against. But you know, compared to some of the other tortures Rick has devised for us, give me the stairs anytime. Even the the 550 stair steps (yes, I counted) we did last night is still easier than jumping that stupid friggin' rope. The stairs are indeed a piece of cake.....and getting easier. Where does Rick get these moves he prescribes? He's got me trying to put my limbs in positions they were never designed to go. In all my 63 years, I have never been required to move like this and the only reason I do it now is because the rest of the class is doing it. I mean like Rick says "touch your toes"...Ha! I can barely see my toes much less touch them...but I try. And, the tempo? Geeze Louize! Some of my classmates move like the speed of light; I try to catch up and sometimes I do catch them but then, they leave me again. Rick, how long did you study the methods employed during the Spanish Inquisition? Not so bad though; I'll be back.
Charlie

Katy- week 3

I love the stairs...I love the stairs... that's what I chanted (panted) last night as we made our way for the 16th (ok 3rd) time up. I love the stairs...I love the stairs...
Still, got through the stairs which I'm starting to see as a major accomplishment, AND I was even able to run (what!??! I ran some too?!??!) the last 45 secords of relays. So I feel great!!! Not addicted to working out yet (sorry, Rick!!), BUT I think I'm catching on to what he talks about with pushing yourself at the right times. I saved some energy to be able to deal with the awful stairs but pushed at the end with some jogging!!!
So, today, I think I've hit a mini-milestone, and that is really exciting! And I won't even complain (at least out loud) if stairs are on the agenda again tonight (please let it be upper body!!!!).

Now if only I could get my food under control... HELP! Someone send me some recipes quick! I'm tired of Special K bars and plain chicken!!!

Priscilla- Confessions

I've had this ever growing suspicion for the past 2 weeks. It started innocently enough, a little small talk, a few pleasantries, some joking around. Suddenly the mood shifted, he became a little more demanding every time I saw him. I gave in and did what he wanted.
It bordered on the obscene and masochistic. But it was new and exciting for me and he left me in a state of exhausted invigoration.
Tonight though, he was completely different. He had even shaved off the beard that I was so accustomed to seeing. There was a glint in his eyes. One I hadn't seen before. It made me a little afraid of what he would be asking me to do for him tonight.
When our session was through, after all the pain I endured, after 22 flights of stairs, he stood there grinning. It all became clear to me.


Rick Cain is trying to kill me.

The tenth time is the charm. - Kim

I woke up this morning with the determination to write something for you all. I wanted to write something funny and light-hearted, but I just can't seem to. You see, my brother is in the hospital with a blood clot in his lungs, on blood thinners, and unable to move from the hospital bed.

Last night, during our workout I just kept thinking of him. I kept thinking that even though I am exhausted because I haven't slept in two days, and worry and stress are abounding, I am so thankful that I can get up and move. I am so thankful that I havent had to have two open heart surgeries in the space of two weeks. Also, I am soo sad that it has come to this for him.

The irony in the situation lies in that he is thin, in good shape, and has no heart blockages. In fact, despite the history of obesity in our family, we have no history of heart attack or stroke below the age of 60. He has been diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrome (the condition that olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has) which caused his aorta to swell and thrombose into a large aneurysm. He had to have his aortic root replaced and as a result of the surgery and all of the blood he lost afterwards, now has a pulmonary embolism.



So where am I taking this? I am taking this blog to show that I've discovered that working out this week will be more of an outlet for me. Instead of freaking out and not leaving his side, I am stepping away for time to myself. I am going to let these classes be my chance to blow off steam, and really put all of my worry and stress into this.

Charlie-

Charlie here...Omigosh! Another session with Rick tonight....it is getting better...the exercises are all good except this ole man cannot do some of them....I mean my abs cannot even hold up my belly much less lift my entire torso. "entire" is same as "massive, enormous, flabby, weak". But as the sign says..."gotta try". And try I do. I never thought anything could be as bad as the "stairways to hell" but I was wrong. Who is the world even could have imagined I could jump rope? Well, I cannot but I'll keep trying. But, believe it or not, I'd rather do the stairways thing than jump. And, I know the rest of you will agree, Wow! I feel terrific. See y'all tonight.
Charlie

Priscilla- 25 Things

25 things I have learned since working out.


1. A four point push up is the devil.
2. Green juice starts to taste good after a week.
3. My toes go numb mid way through a workout.
4. I can't keep my legs 6 inches off the ground very well.
5. Hip bones don't reappear after two weeks.
6. Muffin tops don't go away either.
7. There are no cute work out clothes.
8. Doing side squats up stairs looks retarded.
9. Medicine balls are still around.
10. I have forgotten how to jump rope.
11. That "plank" move should be deemed criminal.
12. Rick is not Satan.
13. Sports bras give you a uni-boob.
14. Leg lifts and squats make some people fart.
15. Some exercises are actually fun.
16. Most are not.
17. Going up 6 flights of stairs with a weighted ball over your head is scary.
18. Giving up wine with dinner is hard.
19. A Roma tomato has 17 calories.
20. Noodle arms and legs is not a good feeling, especially when driving.
21. My shoes weigh 1 pound, my fat does not.
22. Getting up at 5 AM is not any easier after 2 weeks.
23. V8 juice only tastes good with vodka in it.
24. I am not as big of a ninny as I thought.
25. No matter what, going up those stairs is NEVER easy.

Gym Class Heroes

Opening the door this morning felt like a slap in the face. A cold hard slap in the face! I went through my mental checklist. Water-check, ankle brace-check, car warmed- check, Facebook status updated-check. Having everything important done, I bundled up and headed to class, excited to be going after a 2 day absence.

Class reminded me of ninth grade gym without the kid that always smelled like BO. We were given a number and matched up with the person having the same number. Who doesn't remember having to do that as a kid? I always got stuck with Richard Thomason Jr. (see photo posted) Let me tell you, I got the raw end of the deal in ninth grade. After having to endure a year of PE with Richard, the Gym Gods smiled upon me and gave me the BEST partner today! Class was fun yet we were still challenged. Stairs were limited to ONLY one trip up! Albeit whilst holding a medicine ball over your head. And the best news was given to us at the end! Next week is bring a friend to class week! Now comes the hard part, having to pick who gets to come with me!

Debbie: Bootcamp Ain't for Sissies (from Jan 9)

Boot camp ain't for sissies so why am I going to one? Therein lies the rub - I'm trying to do something I'm totally under qualified for. I've been three times now and it isn't getting easier - yet. The first night was awful. I was having a terrible time trying to keep up with the trainer. Trainer, that's Latin for Evil Spawn of Satan.

The first night I'm thinking we would be doing this stuff at a level appropriate to our abilities - not so much. ESS had us up and down the step things, doing crunches, then up 6 flights of stairs, then stretches, push ups, step things again, crunches, push ups, and again with the six flights of stairs! Only one or two "water breaks" - 2 minutes which he timed! Oh yeah, and no smoke breaks - not a single one!

The second night wasn't quite as bad, by then Chris had told him about my previously broken bones and related injuries from the car wreck, so he modified what I had to do so it wouldn't hurt so badly. Mind you, it still hurt - just not as badly! We had to do lunges, weighs, more lunges, more weights, skipping rope, lunges, squats, crunches, push ups, and again with the six flights of stairs. Yeah we were feeling the burn!

The third night was freakin ridiculous - which is ridiculous squared. This time we had a bit of stuff from the previous nights, weights, lunges, stepping things, jumping ropes, crunches, throwing a heavy ball back and forth to a "fitness partner" (broke 2 nails on that one),
running relays up and down the hallway and of course those damn 6 flights of stairs!

There was a difference the third night - ESS came over to me and modified things that may hurt my previously broken bones, told me to slow down on a couple of exercises so I don't hurt myself "too much" and complimented me for sticking it out so well. He was actually very nice to me, quite compassionate in fact. It made me sort of bad about pushing all those long hat pins in that Rick doll I have. I pulled out a few of them when I got home - I can be compassionate too.

I've learned a lot of things since beginning this boot camp. Things I never knew before, like you have muscles in your arm pits, sports bra come in low, medium and high impact, and even your ear lobes can sweat. Anyway, that's how its been going. Thanks for all the support, encouragement and kind words. Its meant a lot and guilted me into trying a little harder and sticking with it a little longer.

Goldbricking

Noun: goldbricking 'gówld`bri-king
Usage: N. Amer

1. The evasion of work or duty
- shirking, slacking, soldiering, goofing off [N. Amer]


I don't believe in making excuses. The second I hear one coming on from someone I stop listening. Now mind you, I realize some are valid. But most of what I hear is goldbricking.

In all the years of watching my boys play sports, I found there is one on every team. A "goldbricker".
One in particular comes to mind. A boy on my "little guy's" wrestling team. This kid would always go out on the mat and eventually just give up early into the first period. He would then storm off the mat gesturing and throwing a tantrum making comments like "I almost had him". I would sit there and think what baloney I was watching and it would just get me mad. If this kid put a little more effort into wrestling and less in the after show he might have gotten a pin. One thing I have always told my kids is don't EVER be a goldbricker.

Careful what you say because it might come back and bite you.

When I started this Skinny Challenge and was filling out the required paper work, I mentioned to Rick that I was just coming off having a cast on my ankle for six weeks. Torn ligaments are no picnic. The thing that irritates my ankle most...steps. So here we are approaching week three and let me tell you those steps seriously kill me. When I feel like I want to make an excuse, I think of that kid on Stein's wrestling team. I won't be that kid. Ever.

Who new Commodore lyrics could be so prolific?

She's a brick----house
Mighty might just lettin' it all hang out
She's a brick----house
The lady's stacked and that's a fact,
ain't holding nothing back.

This brick house isn't made of gold.

Kim's update to Chris. (also, what happens when she gives herself 100%)

Morning, Chris!

So far things are going quite well. I have not been eyeing my measurements yet because I don't want to get discouraged if I haven't lost any inches (or centimeters, for that matter). However, I will tell you that my energy level has shot up over the past week, and I'm doing things that I wouldn't have dreamed I could push myself to do (EG: six floor parking deck). Even though I haven't measured myself, I can tell you I have lost two pounds and I have more curve in my waist than I did two weeks ago! All of this combined has me incredibly pumped.

I have to give serious kudos to Rick, who is being incredibly encouraging. I don't think that normally I would be nearly as positive about this; but because he is, it is truly rubbing off on me and instead of dreading my workouts, I actually showed up 15 minutes early yesterday, which is something I would not normally do. Fashionably late, who me? Not now.

I cannot thank you guys enough for this, even though the second week is supposed to be the hardest, it is definitely the most exciting.

- Kim


As an aside from the email, I want to also state that last night was a serious turning point for me. I was sore from Tuesday nights workout, and we did the six floor parking deck. Rick gave us this opportunity to push ourselves as little or as much as we wanted to. I ended up pushing myself more than I thought I would, and as a result I had a serious reckoning with my abs. I tried so hard to do the exercises, and accomplished some, but my body betrayed me on some of the more challenging moves. As I lay panting on the mat, I realized that this is not a permanent condition. My body will tone, my pain will lessen, and I will see more results.

They say the second week is the hardest. If that's the case, I can't wait for week three.

Priscilla- Six Inches Is More Than I Can Take!

My morning after...a two hour workout from the night before brought me much more huffing and puffing than I anticipated.
It brought an hour of cardio. But packed in those little sixty minutes was an hour of step, a step twice as high as I had been using. Yipee, I had graduated! It also included the ultimate gift, a whopping 15 flights up (and eventually) down those stairs. All done on little bird legs that aren't used to such rigors. Walking on cobblestone in 4 inch stilettos, no problem! The workout mentioned above, "Houston, we definitely have a problem"!

The cherry on the little pain cupcake was the final cool down. "Cool down" in Rick Cain's vocabulary means ab work. Who knew I would learn a new language on top of losing pounds? (Don't forget "Water break=6 flights") I am well on my way to being quadrilingual!
But I digress, back to the refreshing sounding cool down. Ah, nothing says relax like lying on your back and keeping your legs elevated 6 inches off the ground for 1 minute. Excruciating! My legs however, were a bit higher than the required six inches. I had this pointed out to me by my trainer crawling underneath them saying "That's the biggest six inches I've ever seen". (Insert joke here)

Debbie: WTFO - that's Air Force for WTF - Over!

So now I've completed, a term I use loosely, 2 more sessions and I'm rethinking going for a third. In the meantime, I did hear back from the Geneva Convention folks and they turned down my request for a review - apparently if you are free to leave its not really their definition of torture, details!

Monday night was all about the cardio. I had forgotten to pack my sports bra (high impact) so I was trying to squeeze one more hour out of my 18 Hour bra. We did the nothing but cardio which means non stop motion with varying degrees on intensity sprinkled in just often enough
to keep you from EVER catching your freakin' breath! During the thing called mountain climbers, when you're down on all fours as you alternate which leg is in back - my left shoulder seized up and died. It knocked me to the floor for a nano-second or five. First I just sat there in
the sitting fetal position, rocking back and forth, fighting the stars in my eyes, sirens in my ears, the room spinning, the lights going on and off for no apparent reason and trying not to puke on anyone I like.

(Chris was in front of me and Pat was on my right side which left the stranger on my left as my only possible target). That's a lot to grasp all at once! Pat had to help me up, my body just wasn't responding to my commands but I think I mentally shot about 5 more pins in my Rick
doll. ESS came to check on me, and again he was being nice, even compassionate. But I digress - long story short - the rest of the session ESS told me to go easy so I slacked off a bit. When it was finally, mercifully over I went home, took drugs, a hot shower and crawled into bed, to sleep perchance to dream. . .

Tuesday I started feeling bad for having slacked off on Monday so, after finding out that Pat was going to the 5:30 session, I suited up (including my high impact sports bra) and went on down there. ESS seemed surprised to see me, inquired about my shoulder and said he'd modify his planned session so as not to hurt my shoulder. His weirdly timed compassion is really starting to grate on my nerves! The guilt over the Rick doll and the long pins passed quickly though. We worked on legs and abs. Squats, lunges, crunches, leg lifts, walking lunges, stair climbing squats, stretches, squatting stretches while you lunge - the pain was magnificent, I know he was proud! He was bouncing around with that big ol' smile of his, talking about how much this is helping
us, how its gonna improve our health, our looks, blah, blah, blah - made me want to slap that smile right into next week! When my arms don't hurt so bad I may just do it too!

Katy- Steps, Squats & Jump Ropes & Stairs, Oh My!

Wow. This morning was a killer. And by killer, I mean that when I was climbing the 6 flights for the 3RD TIME, I truly wondered if I was going to pass out and die in the stairwell between the 3rd and 4th floor only to be discovered tonight by fellow "skinnys." I don't know what I was thinking leaving the warm comforts of my Ikea bedding to die in the stairwell at 6:00 in the morning. Wait! Good health, better lifestyle, that's right, back on track. The road to wellness has it's hills, valleys and plateaus, and this morning was a most definite "valley" in my journey. But I will stay on course, for I've now found that not only do I want to succeed for myself, I don't want to dissapoint my other "skinny challengers" who are in it to win it.

Kim - Good morning, sunshine! (Or, is coffee with real cream truly cheating?)

Last nights workout was alot of fun for me, we concentrated on the upper body and since that is my strongest spot, I started out with 5 lb weights. I knew that as my muscles fatigued that the weights would get heavier, but I figured that 5 lbs would be just fine. Once again, my ego got me into a situation that I completely regretted by the end of it. We worked muscles that I had forgotten I have, but now I'm pretty sure I remember clearly...

And then the circuit training started. The circuit training with medicine balls that went up to 25 lbs. The circuit training that included throwing a medicine ball and balancing at the same god-damned time. As I told Rick, "This? Is the equivalent of a blonde trying to chew gum and walk at the same time. If you haven't noticed, I'm blonde." (I know, I know, I'm hilarious. ) I left the workout with limp noodles for arms.

Other things that I'm noticing since I've begun working out are that I'm sleeping better and now that I'm getting more energy I don't feel like a drained battery every morning that I wake up. Sure, I still need my morning coffee, but I can actually get up and do what needs to be done even after being up a good piece of the night with my yongest daughter, "Lydda". I think this more than anything gives me good reason to keep going.

Priscilla- Did You Hear That?

Day 10-

Yesterday was a long day. Between meetings, and dealing with a not so pleasant person, it put me in a mood.
A hunger induced bitchy mood. A head bashing, trash talking, I am jonesing for some pate, crabby kind of mood. Green juice just doesn't replace the loveliness that is a crusty baguette smeared with some fromage du chevre and a beautiful glass of port.

On the bright side it was also my baby boy's birthday. By "baby boy" I mean he is twenty three. My baby opted to go out with his little lady as opposed to spending the evening with mother. He's normal that way. So I found myself free for the evening class. Why not, I thought. Plus knowing that "Jimmy Leg" and I already had plans to attend a little cocktail soiree Thursday night it would make up for missing Thursday night's class.

Being the glutton, I prepared myself to stay for both sessions. The first hour kicked my ass literally. Glute kicks will do that to you. Squats and lunges up stairs will really do that to you. The second hour was a "cake walk". We were going around in a circle and performing the torturous exercises Rick had laid out for us. Needless to say I didn't win a cake yet I still walked away with a muffin top (not my idea of a prize). But I did manage to get some of that anger out by visualizing the aforementioned not so pleasant person's head in place of the 25 lb medicine ball we were hurling at the ground. Eek! That hunger rage was really kicking in!

Back in the welcome respite of home, nestled in my lovely bed, talking over the day's events with "JL", facing complete exhaustion, it happened. The following words rolled off of my precious husband's lips..."Do you want me to massage your inner thighs?"
It was the scream heard all over Macon. A resounding "NOooooooo.....!!!!!".

Priscilla- Week 2 is better than 2 Weak

What a difference a week makes-

Last Monday morning was filled with dread. The anticipation of the unknown coupled with having to depart my little warm cocoon at 5 AM was such a terrible feeling.
This Monday morning I still hated leaving my warm bed. As I lay there, I was mentally preparing myself for starting the morning off by running up the 6 flights of stairs. (The gods above must have heard the collective pleas of all us Fit Campers and took pity upon us. We did not ascend nary a stair in any way shape or form!) I was also reluctant to get up simply because I knew the bathroom tiles would be like tiny ice cubes under my bare feet. But I hopped up and was almost dare I say, looking forward to what pain Cain would bring.

As class progressed and we did some of the same things as the previous Monday and I reflected back. Last week, I was thinking "WTF am I doing here!". Today as I lay on that mat still in pain, I thought "I can do this". Mind you I don't enjoy that awful burning feeling I get in my little noodle arms and in my still non existent abs. But it does feel good to actually get out and DO something! Maybe my "milf" isn't turning sour after all.

Chris: Addicted to weights that are too heavy for me

It's ego. I know it is. Whenever Rick tells us to grab some weights, I go for the ones that I think will make me look like I'm stronger than I am.

But that's not my only problem. It's that I'd really rather be asleep... or watching a movie... or eating dinner... or having my skin buffed with a sand-blaster and dipped in a pool of alcohol that's filled with electric eels. Well, that's just part one of my problem. Part two is that I can't pace myself when I'm doing the workouts, so I go a little overboard. By the end of the hour, I'm drained.

I read all these comments from my fellow bootcampers and I hear it during the torture we endure, and I think, "Why did I ever start doing this?" But just like their stories inspired me to get back on the fitness wagon, their reasons for doing this keep me going.

If it weren't for the mother of two doing this as a way to do things for herself... or my own mother gutting it out every class... if it wasn't for the couples doing it for each other and their health... or the cancer survivor of six years... or any one else in there, I'd have put down those heavy ass 15lb dumbbells, which are way heavier than they look after an hour of use, and walked away. When, at the end of 11 weeks, I look and feel better than I ever have, I'll probably have a lot of nice things to say about these folks.

But for now, I'm cussing you under my breath as hard as I am Rick since it's your "inspiration" that got me into this painful mess in the first place.

(Seriously though, thanks.)

Classifieds

Lost-

1 set of abs and 1 pair of jutting hip bones
If found please return to Priscilla Esser. Family heirlooms!

Big REWARD offered!

My name is Katy...

...and I'm a couchaholic. I love sitting on my couch in my cozy apartment watching PBS specials and West Wing reruns and munching on popcorn. Buttered popcorn. This lazy habit has become too much to bear, so when I heard about this "11-step program" to a better well-being, I hopped off the couch and ran to the gym. I was also a few days behind in the schedule, being in NYC and Philly for the first few sessions, so I'm playing a fast game of catch up . It's been one week, and my legs are killing me. My arms are killing me, and the thought of those 6 flights of stairs with the 5 lb. weights in my hands makes me break out in a nervous sweat. Still, I'm almost one week into it, and know I have to stay strong. My trip to Kroger last night did NOT include the PopSecret Movie Theater Butter box I normally enjoy- and that is a victory in my corner!

As I mentally prep for the Saturday morning session, I can't help but feel very grateful for all the other "aholics" who are in the trenches with me. Whether it's the couch, the food, or just normal life that has put us where we are, I'm glad we can make this new journey together.

Priscilla is just wondering...

Day 4

Today was my first evening session. I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew the STAIRS would be waiting. Taunting me with their cementiness. They didn't disappoint! But just like women put the pain of childbirth out of their heads, I am doing the same tonight when it comes to the stairs.

Earlier this afternoon I had decided I would commit to both sessions. I did this despite having a gallery cocktail party to attend with OPEN BAR and FOOD! That is HUGE for me! I am a bit of a "party girl". Not in a Crazy Brit Brit or La Lohan way though. I was told by my fab friend Terrell that I was SoChi's "Holly Golightly". A title I covet! But I prefer to add without the crazy and not married to a Buddy Ebson type. "Jimmy Leg" is no yokel!

I made it through the exhausting 2 hours. I only swore mildly (I was in too much pain to hurl profanities), and I didn't see Satan whenever Rick spoke.

Upon returning home I thought brown rice and fish NEVER looked so good. But then I really do like brown rice and fish.
Then as I was standing in the shower for a VERY long time, scalding water soothing my achy muscles, I thought to myself...

"I wonder if the 11th Hour is going to pay our water and gas bill these next 3 months?" and
"Can I get a stair epidural ?"

Kim - road block number one.

I think that the major reason that people have problems keeping their New Years resolutions is that life tends to get in the way of us keeping ourselves healthy. Family, work, activities of all sorts get thrown at us and tend to fall into our laps. We are then faced with either working out or doing what is necessary to other people and not necessarily ourselves.

I had this happen today. My brother has finally returned home from a long stay in a hospital out of state, and a day early. I took the day off of the boot camp yesterday because I wanted to go jogging at The Riverwalk, and I found out earlier that my brother is returning home and wants me there.

So, what choice is there to make? The empathetic part of me says that there isn't one. The cold, hard, logical part of me that doesn't want to be fat anymore is screaming at me to get my butt into camp. The only problem is that I won't be able to even get the full workout in. When I'm torn, I go to the advice guru who is also my spouse. He told me that we could go running at The Riverwalk again to at least get cardio in after I get back into Macon tonight, and a trainer at Gateway concurred with the opinion. So, back there again tonight. (Did you know that it's three miles from beginning to end?) (I can't believe I jog/walked that last night!)

I'm holding steady on my diet, and even though my husband came home with Zaxby's for lunch today, I chose a baked sweet potato and a seared chicken breast. Even though life is getting in the way right now, I'm learning that there will be time to keep it up later. Good for me.

Priscilla-Purgatory is 6 flights of stairs

Day 3

I awoke at 5 AM Wednesday without the trepidation I carried on Monday. Still sore, but feeling optimistic especially since "Jimmy Leg" was relatively quiet the previous night.
I had survived 2 whole days without my limbs snapping off. An accomplishment for anyone!

Walking into the work out room I took my place and then was told to pick out some hand weights. Mind you, I am not strong at all.
The heaviest thing I lift is a shopping bag and a cocktail. So with that in mind I did the only sensible thing, I chose 2 pound weights.
We started out with the usual warm ups and then lifting the weights over our heads and up and out...you get the drill.
I grinned to myself thinking how clever of me to get 2 pound weights. No sooner than the grin left my face, Rick (our trainer, drill master, and tormentor) called me out!
He asked "Wouldn't you like to get heavier weights?".
I politely replied "No thank you".

Then there was a blur of circuit training, a 20 lb medicine ball (I hadn't seen one of those since PE class 1976), waving weights over my head, and 3 trips up those damn stairs.
Damn those stairs. I'll be the one with the jimmy leg tonight.

Kim - Cake is not a stop in the Game of Life

So Monday and Tuesday were absolutely grueling, and I realized that the Grim Reaper's alter-ego is actually Rick Cain, or vice versa. The major diet changes that I've made so far have been giving up soda (Coca-Cola, I mourn thee) and re-introducing whole grain substitutes instead of regular bleachy carbohydrates. These types of carbs burn more slowly, thus keeping my blood sugar on an even playing field, which prevents the munchy attacks.

Yesterday I realized that being late to Rick's class, no matter HOW late (3 minutes my watch, 5 his) earns either a locked door or six flights of steps. Seriously, ya'll. I've never been more winded in my life. During the third trip up at the end of our workout when I was seeing the Pearly Gates, Rick was right there with me. This has taught me two valuable lessons: 1. to never, ever, be late again; and 2. that I've really gotta concentrate on the cardio.

Today I didn't have time to get to the class so I went to the riverwalk and ran (jogged) and walked the entire way. I'm really feeling it, and knowing that even on a day when I couldn't make it to class I was still able to get a workout in makes me feel all the more positive.

Post again soon!

Priscilla is Home Schooled

After walking around like the Tin Man on Tuesday morning I figured I needed to keep my non existent muscles loose. So I did what any glutton for pain would do, I hopped on the elliptical machine. It seemed like a good idea at the time. After 3 minutes my legs were burning as if I was approaching the gates of Hades. I stuck with it though thanks to a repeat episodes of The City and Bromance (who doesn't love Whitney and Brody?)

I was swelling with pride for my accomplishment and gloated about it to anyone that came near. Not many did though because I stunk!

Priscilla says "My PHAT is turning into FAT!"

Sleep deprivation can lead you to do strange things. For example the presence of a hacking holiday cough and a 200 lb man snoring next to me who also is cursed with a "jimmy leg" must have caused me to respond to the Fat Camp Challenge in the 11th Hour.

I was thrilled when heard I would be one of the participants. But as I lay in bed this morning waiting for that 5 AM alarm to ring, I found making excuses not to get out of bed. I decided I would go to the evening class instead. Then the "jimmy leg" next to me kicked in, making the departure from memory foam and down all the easier. Driving in the foggy darkness I knew this would be no "piece of cake", or in my case, it's a hunk of cheese. But I wasn't prepared for the serious ass kicking I would receive. I found myself wondering why I thought this public humiliation would be a good idea?

As I lay on the gym floor, doing all kinds of crazy "scissor" motions with my legs, the reality of these next eleven weeks hit me, much like the searing pain I was feeling in my abs.
So after muttering a barrage of obscenities, I tried to focus on how it would all get easier over time. That, and thinking about the banging bod I would hopefully come away with didn't hurt either.

Public Humiliation is a great motivator, and Vanity is a bigger bitch than me!

Pat: the Early Bird

Session 1 down! cardio and abs for an hour, brutal. Can barely lift my arms above my head and don’t know how I’m going to hold my fork tonite at dinner. Rick says it gets better, good. I’m in for the long haul. Oh yea, the ‘water break.’ Didn’t know you had to climb 6 flights of stairs to get your water. Cruel.