Thanks the rib is sore, but I have been worse!

I also have back problems and was thinking about one of those balls, but not really sure what you do with them. I have been unable to find a good way to do abdominals without bothering my back.

261/226/215?
Started Atkins on 6/12/03

Since the weather is doing well I walk 3 times a week for 45 minutes to an hour. I have a Tony Little Machine but it hurts me knee. I have both body by jake machines I do abs everyday and bun and thigh every other day. I just started this routine I hope I can keep it up.

Stacy

Stacy 29lbs to go

I use a treadmill for 6-7 days per week at home. It has 4 programs ranging from 20-40 minutes and I alternate the programs every day. I do the following 3 sets @ 15 reps/set: weight train with 4 - 8 lb. weights 3 times per week (at night in front of the TV)for about 1/2 an hour(if you weight train more than that your muscles don't have a chance to regenerate)and also crunches, front lunges, pushups, & other calisthenics on the same 3 days per week for a 1/2 hour. And (believe it or not) I multitask while brushing my teeth in the morning by doing 100 side lunges, it only takes a few extra minutes - my teeth are really clean! My 14 & 16 year old daughters are pretty impressed by that.
I've kept up this regimen for at least a year and my stomach, arms, thighs, and behind are very tight (as tight as it gets after 3 babies!)
I hope this helps.

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Karen
147/135 LF
135/127/117 LC

I don't have the luxury of a gym nearby so my bedroom is it. I have a variety of dumbells, 5,8,10 and 15 lbs. I have one set of adjustable ankle weights, a stability ball and a step bench that doubles for a weight bench right now. I also have a stationary bike for cardio. For the most part I do weights every 4th day and cardio on other days. I use either the Street's intermediate DVDs, Cathe Friedrich's 'Slow and Heavy' series, or Kathy Smith's Upper Body and Lower Body workouts.

I have found that having a variety of things to choose from has made it much more interesting and I am learning a lot. It also has made walking through our bedroom rather hazardous!

DH and I bought a CrossBow trainer, which is resistance, and we love it - recently added an elliptical, and we love THAT too - and I am a die-hard "I hate exercise!" gal! I love to walk and bike, but this time of year it's iffy, so I'm actually surprised and pleased that I come home from work and change and then hop on the elliptical - me 'n Oprah! LOL! Her show keeps me going for a good 30 minutes a day.

I had a gym membership but it was just too easy to talk myself out of going - so I quit it. This works out much better for me, personally.

Char

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Veni, vidi, velcro. I came, I saw, I stuck around.

Save the Earth - it's the only planet with CHOCOLATE!

I have a stationary bike that I use everyday (almost) for 35 minutes. This way I can exercise and still watch my reality t.v. shows.

On weekends, I do Denise Austin's Pilates, Kathy Smith's slow interval aerobic, Kathy Smith's kickboxing, Kathy Smith's Latin Dance, and once in a while one of the Richard Simmon's Sweatin to the Oldies tapes. I have just started some weight training as well. I only have 5 pound weights, but I do Kathy Smith's Upper and Lower body weight training. I have only done these twice, last weekend and this....but I bought her book ...Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight and I think the key for me is to learn the routine without the tape...this way...after or before I bike, I can do the sets while watching t.v. This will hold me accountable. Like the biking, I tell myself, I am not allowed to watch let's say...The Apprentice..unless I bike and now add in lifting weights. I hope it works!!!

Road King, I don't know if this will help, but I bought this weird apparatus....um...how do I explain it? It is a curved metal double bar with a head cushion. It helps you do crunchies. It cost $19.99 at Target. I love it!!!!!!
I thought about buying 6 second ab machine, but that cost a lot more and I am cheap.
Maybe I will ask for it for a birthday present.

BTW- This morning my twenty year old daughter and I did the whole aerobic, pilate, kick-boxing, weights, and latin dance routine. We had a blast! So, I think having fun is one of the most important parts of whichever exercise plan you choose!

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Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/245/130

I'm just starting to get a schedule in place but it will be Mon., Wed., Fri. - pilates + weight training. Tues., Thurs. and Sat. - 30 minute treadmill. My routine is short because I have to get up at 4:45 am to make my former 5:20 wakeup time.

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181/165/135
1st Day of Summer Challange 169/160
Re-started Atkins 12/29/03