[Mellissa]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?

Come on out everyone. If you're lurking it is because you at least WANT to be back where you were physically and the first step is admitting it to yourself!!!

Mellissa

[mom2emnkate]

Great poll! Thanks!!!

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )
I would say I am about 3.5 or maybe 4. Keep in mind that I was a varsity athlete in high school, so I was in pretty good shape then.

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?
Just one? How about a few? I would love to run and have it feel comfortable. Somehow, it's always a struggle for me--one I suspect is more "mental" than "physical". I would also love to be able to ice skate. Weak ankles. Ugh.

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?
I want to get toned up...and I want to NOT lose my momentum through the long cold winter and winter holidays. Usually quite a trap for me, as I love comfort foods.

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?
I try to eat much more healthily than I used to--spinach salad for lunch instead of a giant sub, for instance. One thing my Dh and I used to do before we had kids that just makes my stomach turn: we'd get up on Sunday morning and get big puffy cream-filled doughnuts and we'd eat 2 or 3. We'd do this about 3 weeks of every month. I am sick just thinking about it.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?
After I had my last miscarriage I realized that there were going to be any more children, that it was time to take control of my life and get my act together. I "slipped" a bit last winter, which is why the impending cold weather has me a little nervous. Also, I watching a number of older family members deal with health issues that could have been prevented or lessened by taking care of the body they were given.

Kristina

[Mellissa]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; ) Well considering I haven't been exercising regularly since July, I would say I am currently at 3. I'm not in the worst shape I have ever been but definitely not the shape I was in at this time last year. I need to recommit in the worst way!!

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do? I always wanted to do Tae Bo when it was the popular thing. It seemed like so much fun but I was way too heavy and uncoordinated to do it.

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months? I want to get back on the treadmill 4-5 times a week and get back into Pilates the same amount. I have a lot to catch up on and need to get serious. The half marathon is coming up in less than 3 months

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now? I started WW in October 2004 and my habits have changed so much. I used to sit down and wipe out a whole fast food meal for lunch and then again for dinner. I would feel so bad about it but then graze on the kid's leftovers as well. I can't imagine doing that again.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating? My motivation was finally realizing that I had spent the majority of my life overweight and miserable. I wanted to be happy and needed to be healthy to do it. I 'fessed up to the fact that food was my biggest reason for that and decided that it wasn't making me happy. Once I had all that in place I was ready to lose the weight. I have slipped lately but I am realizing that it doesn't mean that I have to let go of my grip on this and need to climb back on.

[Jess_jugs]

Fun poll!!!! Thanks, Mellissa!!

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )

Haha, ok I guess I'm a 5!!

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?

Tough one... does skiing count??? I've tried it before but I just can't get it, I end up falling down the whole time!!

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?

Complete P90X and complete my challenge of 10,000 pushups by the end of the year. Mainly just get fitter & stronger!!

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?

I've gotten so much better at not eating processed food. I eat very *clean* whole foods, I've cut way back on the splenda & artificial sweeteners. As for eating something strange, my favorite breakfast is oatmeal w/ protein powder & cottage cheese. I know, sounds weird but my body craves it in the morning now!!

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?

My kids. I wanted to get healthy so I could be a good, healthy Mom. And I know if Momma's not happy, no one is so I strive to do things that make me happy. Nope, I'm pretty motivated.

[colnken]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5?
5


2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?
Swimming. I never had access to a pool on a regular basis. Now it just intimidates me.


3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?
Hmmm.... believe it or not, trying to cut back a bit. I had an MRI a few weeks ago that showed an extreme case of Bursitis in my hip. I have a cortisone shot scheduled for next Friday. If that doesn't work, the Dr. said I should consider surgery. DH keeps telling me I don't HAVE to work out everyday, so I am trying to take it a little easier for a while at least, until I can get over this.


4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months?
They haven't really changed. I'm not the *best* eater, but not the worst, either. I don't overeat, but some of what I do choose could be healthier. I've never had a weight problem, thanks to my height, and I think that is why I don't always think about my food choices. I'm sure as I get into my 40s (soon!), my metabolism gravy train will come to a lurching halt and then I'll be SOL, so I'm trying to gradually change some of my habits now. I am trying to add more fruits and veggies, and watching my refined sugars and carbs. My one rule, however, is never to deny myself anything. It would just make me want it more. If I say "I will not eat another donut ever!" then you can bet I'd be down at the Handi Mart buying a dozen, LOL. Moderation is key in this way of thinking. I'll allow myself a cookie or two, but I won't eat six or seven. I hate that stuffed, icky feeling.


5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?
I admit when I was in my 20s I worked out to look good. Now, as I approach 40, I just want to be healthy so I know I'll be around to see my kids grow up. I have friends that are now just starting to have to take meds for high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. and I don't want to be that way. I've also seen what little to no exercise over the years has done to my parents. Like me, they are naturally thin so they've never really exercised regularly. But now, my dad has lung disease and my mom has lots of back issues and the beginnings of oestoporosis. That is not how I want to live my golden years, so keeping up with a healthy lifestyle now is my best defense.


Great questions Mellissa! Thanks!

[Jamie]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )**well,I have always had a weight problem so I'm in better shape now than I ever have been.But I still have a very long way to go.I'd say a 4.

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?**run.I can jog a little but I have always wanted to be able to run.

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?**To fit in more exercise and to get under 200 pounds.

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?**I measure everything now and keep track of what I'm putting into my body.I used to eat big plates of pasta and bread sometimes.I can't do that anymore.I would get so sick! I would get a large blizzard or milk shake from DQ .I can't even imagine eating that right now.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?**I want to feel better and look better.When I'm eating right and exercising I feel good.I can keep up with the kids..most of the time and I feel better about myself.Diabetes and hb pressure run in my family and I want to be healthy for myself,dh and the kids.I want to be around for my children and not just sit and watch them.I want to be involved and play with them.I also want to be a good role model for them so they know how important eating right and exercise is.
I usually stay motivated but there are times when I don't see results and I get frustrated.I have weak moments too and crave foods I shouldn't eat and need some help staying on track.

Great questions!!!
Jamie

[rachinaz]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )
5......my cardio is great and I've been consistently doing strength work for about a year now.

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?
Anything involving choreography type coordination. I am absolutely terrible at step aerobics/jazzercise. It looks so cool when I watch people who are good at it, but I have no business doing that stuff. I'm not a very self-conscious person but this is one thing I'm embarrassed to even do when I'm alone and would never dream of trying it again in a class setting(there's a couple humiliating stories behind that, believe me!).

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?
Keep running and be even more consistent with strength workouts. Jess roped me into P90X and I really like it. But like I told her before, my version is more like P45X (the half-assed version). But even half-assed it's a really good workout!

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?
Well, I still have a lot of room for improvement here. I suppose I can claim I don't do any late night snacking anymore, but that's because I fall asleep at 9pm while snuggling with one of my kids after reading stories. Still not doing it, though, so I'll claim it's due to my incredible will power!

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?
I've been very active my entire life. I played a lot of sports and started running when I was probably around 12. But the eating is where I need to improve. My motivation is both vanity and health related. I'd like to lose about 5-10 lbs but more importantly, I want my kids to eat healthier and move into teenage years and adulthood with good nutrition habits.

[sages]

Mellissa, on Oct 19 2007, 09:34 AM, said:

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; ) I would say I about a 4 these days. I can do a lot of things I never thought I would be able to do, but I am not in shape the way I was when I danced in high school.

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do? I have never been able to run (bad knee from dancing) or water ski (bad knee from dancing )

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months? Mostly I want to maintain. Last year while getting in shape for our big 10th anniversary trip I lost about 15 pounds, since then maybe 5 has crept back on (and I'm not too unhappy about it). I just want to continue feeling good for now.

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now? Mostly I have just learned how to make better choices (water, working out 3-4 times pe rweek even if I don;t want to, whole grains, water, fruit, etc.), and that it is not the end of the world if I have a bad day or a bad couple of days. There is nothing that I can't imagine not eating now. In fact, one of the things I refuse to do is deprive myself of anything. If I want to have some birthday cake at a party I will. Life is too short to go without sweet treats every once and a while. That being said I have learned to eat/drink in moderation. One piece of cake every once and a while tastes better than the whole thing any way.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating? Well, as I said before, our 10th anniversary trip to St. John was my biggest motivator. Now it is just lking the way I look and feel and never wanting to not feel that way again--if that makes sense.

Come on out everyone. If you're lurking it is because you at least WANT to be back where you were physically and the first step is admitting it to yourself!!!

Mellissa

Amanda

This post has been edited by sages: 19 October 2007 - 12:34 PM

[Peace~Karen]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; ) Pitiful. I'd say a 2.5. I went through an exercise slump after Evan was born. I started to turn the corner on that the end of last year and did well until early this summer. Lately I've been a slug and eating way too much. I think I've put on over 5 pounds in the last 3 months.

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do? Can't think of anything.

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months? Get off my butt and watch portion sizes.

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now? Over the last decade my eating habits have seen a massive improvement. I eat more vegetables in a single day that I used to in an entire year (if you don't count the french fries and potato chips I used to eat). I can no longer imagine going a day without eating fresh veggies, fruts and beans. Over the last few months, though, I've been eating too many calories and too many floury/sugary sweets.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating? I feel better when I'm fit and healthy. I look better and feel better about myself. That's my motivation. I still have it, but inertia has had a strong hold on me recently.

[momski98]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been I'd say a 3.5

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do? Swimming. I'd love to get better at swimming. Sure would make the triathlon a little easier. LOL

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months? To get back into a fitness routine and to purchase a treadmill

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now? I used to be a total wonder bread type girl. LOL. Now I eat more whole grains and more fruit than I used to.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating? With an eating disorder history and severe body image problem it has been an ongoing battle for me for as much of my life as I can remember, so it started out as a weight/size thing for me. I am now really working at focusing on the "health" part of it rather than the weight/size part of it, but it can be very hard sometimes. When I was able to go off of my inhalers for my asthma, that really was a pivotal point for me in seeing how healthy was what was most important. It's still an everyday struggle, though

[pejkug3]

1. How do you rate your current fitness level on a scale of 1 to 5? 1 being lowest and 5 being the highest it's ever been (Yes Jess, you are a 5 ; )
I'll admit it. I'm like a -5. Yup, MINUS five. I currently weigh more than I ever have (even being pregnant with twins who were 7lbs 6 oz and 7lbs 14 oz! Oy....)

2. What is one form of exercise you have always wanted to do but have never really been able to do?
Swim. I can only doggy paddle. LOL

3. What are your fitness goals for the next few months?
Consistently track food and ease back into exercise. I bought a brand new elliptical in January and I've used it exactly TWICE!

4. How have your eating habits changed over the last few years or months? What is one thing you used to do (eating) that you can't imagine doing now?
I use protein powders now. I still cannot say I enjoy them but I use them to help add protein to yogurt. Otherwise, I run hot and cold on eating. Either I'm too scared to eat or I binge. Neither is good but I'm working on regaining control.

5. What is/was your motivation to get healthy? Do you still have it or need remotivating?
I need remotivating. Badly. With DH and I both going to college part time, DH working 60+ hours, four kids and all their activities and being heavily involved in church - well, there are still only 24 hours in a day and I cannot keep up. I'm not very high energy to begin with and it's all about balance. We're running out of balance as a family and I intend to regain balance before the end of the year by disciplining myself, eliminating some activities (us and kids), and really taking to heart that there are many great things to be involved in - but I do not have to be in all of them!