bambooda

I have always been pretty active, but I have never been considered "Skinny". Skinny girls think I'm big, and Big girls think I'm skinny - lol!!

I've spent that past 3 years in and out of hospitals undergoing cancer treatment, and it wasn't until recently that my port was removed and I can now get back to exercising regularly.

A few things I have learned from my experiences:

1. I have been anywhere from 150 lbs, to over 230 pounds - (took me over a year to get back down to 170-180) to now 135lbs and the key is patience and giving yourself a break. Don't starve yourself, (I love to eat) substitute for as much activity as you can. Every little bit helps and makes you feel great. Be conscious of what you are eating, find a few staples and stick with them.

2. Make sure to include some kind of core workout along with your cardio, because your skin and muscles will thank you (and tone as you lose. I started to have alot of "hangy" skin and it wasn't until after talking to a few folks who knew what they were doing that I took the advice to lift those weights). Do a few sets, and your body will start looking like you want it to.

3. Enjoy your exercise!!! You aren't going to stick with anything you don't REALLY like to do, and you aren't going to want to pay for it either. I kept "skipping" my gym night because things came up, but once I found a good core and cardio routine I liked, I found I could do it anywhere, and with anything I could find! Instead of my weight set i would grab gramma's bottle of laundry detergent, my pair of roller skates, or whatever felt like a good weight and did my sets. I discovered the "Turbo Jam" workout DVD set through a friend and my discs are now over 5 years old and I have a copy on every harddrive on my computers, and every DVD player in the house, so I can get my groove on anywhere, even the hotel room when I travel. I burn on average 400 - 500 calories a day just doing the "Cardio Party" workout, and my abs and legs can feel it. Because it is FUN and I always feel great when I'm done.

4. DO IT FOR YOU. Make a lifestyle change and spread the word on what works for you. Be true to yourself and what YOU want. Love yourself and you will love others more. Be Happy!!!