Maggie...you make me laugh....no I do not remember that show, but I have heard that joke before. In fact my husband is in law enforcement and all the agents have nick names...his is the sisco kid.


Just finsihed my walk. I did 5 miles with the weights and it hurt cosiderably more tonight.

Keep up the great work all...August will be great!

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Good luck all!!
Seesko


242/217/135 (pre-pregnancy)

254/234/150 (current)

Go Cubbies!!!

"What my mind can envision; my body can master!"

Had to chime in here on the Curves thing....

Maggie, Curves is very different from the standard gym, and you're unlikely to see any spandex in the place...and definitely no thongs! In fact, there aren't even any mirrors, which is one of my favorite aspects. You need to wear something comfortable enough to move freely in - sweats or shorts or even jeans if they're not tight. Basically, you need to be able to raise your arms up over your head, and you need to be able to flex your knees about half way, so wear something that allows for that. I have seen women do the circuit fairly effectively in street clothes. Most places want you to bring along "indoor only" shoes, or work out in your socks.

In my humble opinion, Curves is the perfect organized workout for couch fauxtatos. It can be pretty strenuous if you want it to be, and as with all exercise, you get out of it what you put into it. But you can also waltz through it without much effort and still see some results. I have found that when I don't feel like exercising, I might actualy go to Curves, whereas with any other exercise, if I'm not int he mood, forget it. It's sort of habit forming, and I bet you'd really like it. Most places will give you a free trial period to see how you like it, and they all encourage guest visits, if you know anybody who's already a member.

The only gripe I have about Curves is that their hours are limited, which is inconvenient sometimes. But for the most part, I think it's a very good deal for the price, and the atmosphere is completely non-threatening and not at all intimidating or competitive. Give it a whirl, girl!

Sky

Thanks, Sky!

I surely do not know anyone who is already a member, but I feel much reassured that I won't have to wear an "outfit." The hours thing could be a problem, but my hours are a bit flexible - as long as I plan them several weeks in advance.

You're pretty persuasive. No mirrors and non-threatening sounds good.

Maybe I will look into it. In this case, looking into it is going to count as some kind of activity for me ... given my known pre-disposition.

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what I like about it most (although now it has become a habit and a social outlet when I need it) is the fact that it is a 1/2 hour workout. Okay, there is stretching after - but I get there and back to my office within 45 minutes. I can manage that on a regular basis.
It is exercise, but it is fun and simple to do. I like simple. They work with you when you have health issues or limitations - and you do what you can, and adjust what you can't.
I'm on the curvesforum.com also - there is a lot of activity/information there if you want to check it out.
Obviously, I love it there. I can do the workout and feel good about it.

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Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Thanks, MaryKay.

Simple appeals to me almost as much as respecting my cruddy knees, along with various spinal anomolies!

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Yep, it's a no-brainer!!!! The machines are situated in a circle with the "Recovery Station" in between each machine. You work the machine for 30 seconds and then the RS for 30 secs. There's a recorded voice that announces when to switch. (There's also snappy music playing too.) If jogging in place would be hard on your knees, you could hula, that is if they have the hoops there at the one near you. It's great because there's no impact on the knees and you work your mid-section while hulaing. There is a right way and a wrong way to do the machines, and they train you how to do them properly. Most Curves have a one week free membership so you can try it out. Definitely ask them about it. If you like to gab while you exercise, you will get to know people if you go around the same time every time. I'm all over the place, so I've gotten to know most everybody I think. And of course, once we get on a subject to talk about, I never shut up until I walk out the door. LOLOLOL Some people don't LIKE to talk while they are there, and when that happens, I do keep quiet. But I find that the time passes sooooooooo fast while talking, it seems like I've only been there for 10 mins instead of 30.

I agree Sky, their hours are really stinky. But I manage to get it into my schedule no matter what. My Curves is open something like this: M-F approx. 6:30 am - 11:30 am and then again from 3:30pm to 7pm. They all seem to have that type of 2 session time frame.

That would be AWESOME if you went there. Mine does either a $29 per month if done through automatic checking OR $39 per month if you want to pay as you go. Sometimes they have a half price special on the sign up fee. I got mine for $75 bucks as opposed to the $150.

I think it's well worth it. And I wear sweat pants and a tee shirt. But I have to admit, I have spandex shorts that I wear, mainly because they hug the thighs which eliminates embarassing exposures to the others while on some of the machines, if ya catch my drift. LOLOL. When it's hot out, I don't care, I wear my spandex shorts. Of course, one could wear the spandex shorts under another baggie pair of shorts. (for a little extra cover up, but still with bare legs when it's so nasty hot out.)

Afterward you stretch for about 5-10 mins. The stretching is really important to preserve the exercise work you did on the machines and it keeps the pain level down afterward.

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The hair issues may limit my ability to realistically use the pool as a daily activity...so ... I am thinking I maybe will stick to hand weights for reading, every chapter requiring activity, or maybe I could do it while I read? Hmmm.......
I will still use the pool and the weights on the home gym, just don't wanna commit to a certain amt of time, then not be able ot follow through. I will 'commit' to some type of physical activity everyday for this month, with at least on real work-out each week.

I gotta tell you guys, I had a major breakthrough this last week! A co-worker surprised me by bringing me a no-no from Starbucks, sort of a "it's been nice working with ya" kinda thing. His vacation starts Monday. I have told this guy before that I don't eat sugar anymore, but he just doesn't get it. It was actually a sweet thing to do, except that I don't eat sugar anymore, lol. I didn't wanna hurt his feelings, he is a sensitive type, so I took it with me to the staff lounge and gave it to someone else (poured it into a different cup). Then I walked back to my desk, sipping the 'last' of it (actually I poured some regular coffee and heavy cream into the empty cup!), and thanked him very nicely for the treat!
I was so surprised that I really did not want it! I think I should get a little more 'extra-credit' for this, don't you? This was a major first for me! *grin*

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Cynthia

Cyn, not wanting it SURELY counts for credit.

But I'd really take issue with this being a nice gesture by a sensitive guy. Bringing sugar to someone who has repeated said "I don't eat it" actually sounds mean. Then again, maybe he's just a sweet, sensitive (to himself, not others) moron. LOL!

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Is it really August already????!!!


I am in my happy place...back on nights. I need a couple days to get my dogs, house, and yard in order, then it's back to the gym at least every other day. I swear, one of these days I'm gonna make that am workout a reality.

Softball game yesterday...we won. The field was covered, and I mean covered everywhere with goose poop (which was comparable to something a small dog would leave). Disgusting! Off next week, then a playoff game the following week. But I'll be on vacation so who gives a flip about softball

Maggie...good luck with the curves thingey
Cynthia...I agree. 'Not wanting' sure does count!
Seesko...keep it up, we're gonna have to call you 'Rob Jr.'
Rob...Geez, 180 miles for the month! You sure are a hard act to follow. How's your dad?
Barb...get that hula hoop...then make us a video!
MK...Ha! I told ya you'd be past that 'bathing suit phobia' once you got into your activity. Doesn't that feel great?

Took the dogs to the park this am. Going to cut the grass (ugh, not looking forward to this!) BF and I may end up going to the wave pool today. Then back to work tonight.

Hey...wanna see something cute? Click on the traffic light on this page to see BF's little girl doing her booty-shakin' dance. She insisted on wearing those damn snow boots everywhere for 2 days!

**The video may take a while to load**

Cute.

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"Live strong." ~ Lance Armstrong
SLEEP BE DAMNED! GET THY BUTT TO THE GYM!
Start Atkins 9.1.03
225/198/130ish

Sorry, I have no tiem to address each person. HAve been running around all day and Now I need to be off in 15 minutes.

Did a 4 mile walk at the lake starting at 6:30 this morning. I knew what a hectic day I was facing so I had to start then or skip ot for today.

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So I did a drive-by on the way home from work to check out this curves. NOT THERE! There was a gas station at that address. (the address & phone no. came from the "find a curves near you" page on the curves international site.) So I called the number and asked where they were. Turns out it was a couple of blocks away on a different street. Yeesh.

I was told I couldn't come over then to scope the place out. I had to make an appointment to come in and look the place over (Wednesday) and was "warned" that they had a "special offer" but it would only be extended on my first visit, so I'd better be prepared to make up my mind then & there.

I really didn't like this lady very much. First of all it was like trying to make an appointment with someone from bizarro world. She asked me when I'd like to come in. I said I could probably get there at 4:30 on any given weekday. To which she replied:

She: "I have a 4:30 tomorrow."

Me: "Fine. I'll take it."

She: "I said I have a 4:30 tomorrow."

Me: "Yes, and I heard you, and I said that would be fine with me."

She: "I have a 4:30 appointment with someone else tomorrow, I can't see you then."

Me: <<under my breath>>> "What the f...?????"

She: "Hello?"

Me: "Ok, tell you what. Let's try this. Instead of telling me what OTHER appointments you have, how about you just tell me what times you have AVAILABLE on any day, after 4:30.?"

After offering me a couple of 3:30's we finally got to Wednesday at 4:30. Then she launched into her "warning" about the special that would only be offered one time.

I don't think I'm going to get no free week from this franchisee.

If I have to interact with this woman on any level to use the place, I don't think this particular plan is going to happen.

We'll see.

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Oh BROTHER, Maggie. Maybe she's deef or something. You don't HAVE to interact with the staff there once you know the ropes. It's totally independent. Although, they DO encourage you to weigh in and measure once a month. Then you have to deal with them. But if you can put up with Ms. Bizzaro once a month, that's not too bad.

What was the special about or did she keep that a secret????

Cyn, GOOD GOING!!!!

Rob you are such a trooper!!!!

Tara, glad you are back on a shift that works for you!!!!

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Maggie -
Unfortunately, Curves are franchises, and sometimes they aren't the same 'atmosphere' as others. I hope this isn't a nasty omen, but it could be. I also belong to the Curvesforum, and there are a lot of Curves out there that aren't exactly liked by the people going either.
Find out for sure if that is the owner or just an employee. If thats the owner, it doesn't sound too good. Or maybe she was just distracted.

but, if you don't feel good about it - don't go into it. I love my Curves, but have heard others who aren't. and that doesn't help much.

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Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Barb, the "special offer" is a secret ... of course. LOL!

MaryKay, whether or not this was the franchise owner, I'll find out when I go for my "special appointment." I suspect she is. Maybe she's just blonde (no offense, Barb, since you're one of my "anti-blonde" friends - the exception that proves the rule. Or maybe you're more like Dolly Parton who's not offended by blonde jokes because "I ain't stupid and I ain't blond. LOL!" )

As for the "one time offer" ... I never take 'em. If I decide - on my own time - that I can stand going there then she'll either re-make the offer or she can kiss my royal (half irish) arse. There are two other curves, not nearly as convenient - but not impossible - that I can check out.

Glad you're back on your preferred shift, Tara! Those pics are great! I loved the dancing movie! The boots reminded me of the movie "Mermaids."

Rob, hope your tomorrow is not as pressured as your today. ... geeze, and you walked anyway. What a man!

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Hi Taters!

I had a fairly good day. Did not swim as I recently re-did my hair, and do not want it to turn red(orange) again! I could get in and just not wet my hair, but it is sooo hot, I know I would wind up thinking, "It won't really turn my hair orange.", but it would!

I did a little with the weights , and drank my water, all 95 ounces!!
Barb and Char, What ever happened with the hoola-hoop challenge!?
Sounds like everyone else is off to a great start for this month! I am hopeful that THIS will be (finally) the month that ends this ridiculously looooong stall! I will be thrilled if I can finally dip down into the lower 170's!! (fingers crossed and water bottle in hand) . I am still committed to this woe, even if I stay at 180 for a lot longer, but, it sure would be nice to lose again!

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Cynthia