Sharon-Wonder-Woman - My same sister-in-law who told me about BFL told me about Tosca Reno three or four years ago.  That was the last time I was in my size-4 pants and it was my goal to be able to fit into them again by the end of this challenge.  When she told me about Tosca, I immediately went out and bought all the eat-clean books and loved them.  I was already eating well, but started eating more, like Tosca said to, and it worked for me.  I got lazy about preparing meals and having six ready to go.  It really does take a lot of effort, but it was worth it, and I'm not sure why I slipped.  Then I was complaining to my sister-in-law again about not understanding why all my efforts in the exercise department weren't paying off and she told me about BFL.  I love the structure of BFL combined with the clean eating.  I still struggle with eating six times a day, though.  I have a health issue currently that robs me of my appetite, so eating is a struggle in general.

PatriciaK - Eating clean definitely becomes routine.  The BFL exercise schedule became routine very quickly and now it's a habit, part of my daily schedule.  I love the time I spend in my gym.  I've collected some good equipment over the years, so I only have to go downstairs to keep my routine.  I don't know how some people do it, getting up at 3:00 or 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning and then driving to a facility.  If I had to go out to the gym, I don't think I would ever weight-train.  I struggle to roll out of bed at 6:30 a.m. on a workday, and that's allowing just enough time to make my smoothie and get ready for work and get out the door an hour later.  I would love to be a morning person and get my workouts in before the sun comes up, but I've tried that and it didn't work.  I'm not ruling it out, but my habit is, I work out in the afternoon and that's the way it works for me right now.  Maybe once this health issue is no longer an issue I'll be able to tweak my routine and make it better.  Some days I get up and think there is no way I'm going to be able to do my workout today, so as soon as that window opens where I think I can, I'm there, getting it done.

I'll be doing another twelve weeks following this challenge; in fact, I'll probably just break my year down into groups of twelve weeks and do BFL forever.  It would be so fantastic to look and feel so great that I would dare put myself in the position of entering a figure competition!  Sharon, you are amazing!

Islandersfan - I can totally relate.  I love my treadmill!  It's so easy to just stumble onto it and let it force me to keep up.  By the time I'm finished the 5-25, I am dripping sweat, soaking wet.  I love it!

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I will be 52 in Dec. Going to start the BFL program 10-17.  I have read and re-read the book and am looking forward to making a change. The comments and pictures are definitely inspiring. I am currently 5'11 and weigh 255. Want to get down to 180 eventually. The after work cocktails will be the biggest challenge, but I know how good I feel WHEN I AM IN CHARGE!  We choose what we put in our bodies. I want a healthy, fit and kick ass looking bod...more than that vodka tonic!!  I will stop by daily for more inspiring words!!  Thanks gang. 50 ROCKS!!!!

Hi there 1moretime!

I'm glad you're joining us. It's been very nice having others who are doing the same thing. Good to have people to ask questions of, check in with and encourage each other.

That's great that you've familiarized yourself with the book so well. Are you new to the program or have you done it or anything similar?

The week before I officially started the challenge I did a practice run at the gym, went four days and got back  in the swing of it. I also organized a notebook, printed out all the pages from the website and got my clipboard out so I could bring the page to the gym. I enjoyed it and it got me all the more excited about officially starting. Are you planning on putting together a notebook or using the success journal or some other way of tracking?

I'm only on week two so you're not far behind . Islandserfan is only about a week ahead of me so we're all in the beginning weeks still.

Let us know if you have any questions that any of us can help you with. In the meantime, hope you enjoy your week as you anticipate starting such a great, life changing twelve weeks.

Patricia

Hi PatriciaK!!

  Thanks for the info. I have done this program...a little "haphazrdly" in the past....not serious...or really committed.  I tried other programs, but really missed the straight forwardness of BFL... You KNOW what you need to do. You just have to do it. I live for structure and this to me is the program.  Cleaning out cabinets and shopping this weekend.  Apples, protein, veggies, supplements....I'm there!! Bring on a better body and BETTER HEALTH!!!

Hi PatriciaK!!

  Thanks for the info. I have done this program...a little "haphazrdly" in the past....not serious...or really committed.  I tried other programs, but really missed the straight forwardness of BFL... You KNOW what you need to do. You just have to do it. I live for structure and this to me is the program.  Cleaning out cabinets and shopping this weekend.  Apples, protein, veggies, supplements....I'm there!! Bring on a better body and BETTER HEALTH!!!

Hi!  I was wondering if I could join?  I am 43, a mom of a special needs child, menopausal after cancer 8 years ago (so my body doesn't respond like a 35 yr old).  You all are doing wonderful!! I am finishing my first challenge, starting my last week today.  I am feeling great, super energy, loving my muscles and loving wearing all my clothes again!  

Of course you can join, Twinmom!  Welcome!

This group of 50+ women can do ANYTHING the younger ladies can!  We make no excuses for our age!  We are awesome and unstoppable!

Hi there Twinmom165!

We'd be delighted to have you join us!

How exciting that you are finishing up your first challenge! It sounds like it went very well. I look forward to hearing more of how it all went. Of course, I wonder if you were one of the women who had to wait untill that eight week miracle or if you were able to see changes sooner. Will you be posting before and after pictures?

It will be very nice to have you here to talk to since you finished a challenge and are excited enough to want to do another right away. I think I can understand that though, why would a person want to do anything differently when it pays off so well.

It's interesting that you're menopausal even though you are younger than those of us who are in our fifties. Hormonal changes do change our bodies. I haven't heard much mention of the differences here though ... I think we all know that we can talk about them if we want to and we assume that others here will relate ... but from what I've seen, we're all excited about what our bodies are still capable of doing and looking like. And, of course, the many other benefits that come with doing the program.

Looking forward to getting to know you.

Patricia

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I checked out that video--she is AMAZING!!  Very inspirational!  

Thank you all for the warm welcome!! I had just kind of let myself go, taking care of everyone else, blah, blah, blah.  My husband is not discouraging, but he is a little intimidated by my loss/strength gains.He laments that we don't go out to eat like we used to.  We actually do, but I order different things!  He has never done weight training, is 45 and almost resigned to looking like an old man!! I am trying to inspire him too without nagging him.  

I am sorry if it was TMI about being menopausal!  I just blurt it out there!  I had cancer and had to have a hysty at 34 so here I am!  My metabolism stopped at 40, and I was on that slippery slope.  I used to have a tiny waist, but got up to 35 inches. I had lost weight before, only to regain over the holidays.  I did not have a true understanding of the importance of putting on muscle.  Boy, am I glad I finally got the hang of that!   I had lost my mojo for several years, especially after my son's diagnosis with autism.

But now I am kicking it hard, ladies! Lots of protein, eating clean except for my free days (and maybe a very small slip-up or two through the week). I am feeling great and putting a couple of girls at the gym who are 15 years younger to shame! And some of the men with my leg presses!  I am just tickled that I didn't just give up and let myself keep gaining.  I think I am now becoming a role model for my son.  He was giving us superhero names, and named me Superhealthy Spinach Girl!  I feel very honored.  

Get out there and make it a good one!  

Sharon,

I can't believe you let yourself down like that.  OK, you know what to do, you've done this before.  I would ditch the trainer, just go do it.  Why set a weight reduction target?  I just surrendered, adopted BFL whole-sale as my lifestyle. Guess I'm lucky, the trash food turns my stomach now.   2.5 years later, I wouldn't trade it for a million dollars.  You can't buy health.

I wish you the best, and I know you can do it.

Jacium

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