Motivation To Move | Community

Let’s Track the Power of MTM

2008-06-19T11:39:33-05:00

Hey everyone, after a long hiatus from the site, a move under my belt, quite a bit of travel, and sadly a few additional pounds put on, I am now ready to get on track once again in my new home town.

To kick that off I have done two things, one being that I joined a gym here in the Seattle area. The second and I think what might be the coolest thing is created a MTM group on Gyminee.

What is Gyminee? It’s a workout and nutritional tracker, which allows you to track your goals, food intake, and workouts, and share that with your Gym Buddies (Friends), and groups. Now I am in no way affiliated with Gyminee, I think it’s just a great tracking tool!

So the reason I am writing about this is that everyone that joins the MTM group over there will contribute to the total number of pounds and calories burned off for the group as a whole and we can track what kind of a difference we are making here while providing a little friendly competition between members.

There is a screen shot below, hope to see everyone there soon!

Motivation to Move Group on Gyminee

Hi from North Carolina

2008-06-24T18:11:46-05:00

I’ve been listening to MTM for four months but this is my first post ... I admit to being a little shy, especially around the topic of “self improvement”—I’m sure I’m’ not the only one who gets the “eye roll treatment” when discussing this type of stuff with friends/acquaintances.

Most of my adult life I’ve been pretty good about asking for help when I need it (unlike the proverbial “typical male,” I even ask for directions when I’m lost while driving). But lately, I know I need to change, and bad, but at the same time am very skeptical—not so much about methods, but more because I feel like I’ve done it all before. Read all the books. Been through therapy for years. And on and on.

But I feel that I’m at a crucial point (who isn’t, right?), and that I have to some big changes soon (within the next few years). I’d been on a real “high” in my professional and personal life for five or ten years or so, then, two years ago, lost my job and began a downward spiral. I’m glad to say I’m spiraling back up, out of the worst depression, but am stuck in many ways --

-eating poorly
-very low self-confidence/self esteem
-unmotivated
-lack of direction
-have been thinking “goal-setting” for a few months now, and can’t think of any goals beyond the basics—being a good father and husband, trying to earn some money.

That’s a way-long introduction, I know. Thanks for reading. I’m glad to be a part of this, and have been moving (for sure), and I hope that by contributing to these forums and listening to the podcasts and by occasionally asking for help, maybe I’ll find out what direction I really want to move in.

Jeff

Hello from MA

2008-06-03T23:34:43-05:00

Hi All,

It’s June of 2008. Seems the last few years have flown by and now it’s seven years (!) since I felt good about my physical self. How does that happen? I suppose is different for each person. For me it has been a journey of the mind with too little focus on the body that carries it around. First it was applying to law school then it was working full time during the day while attending law school full time in the evenings for four years. Eating became the break, the pleasure in each day. Far too many nights of studying ended with a pint of ice cream. Then when law school was done it was study for the bar exam and then the great new job opportunity that called for working late nights and weekends. And the hard work led to a plum job assignment that had me living in a hotel for three weeks at a time in a foreign country and still working the crazy hours. I was away from home three months in 2007 and every night of that three months was full of rich foods and cocktails with co-workers. Now I’m in a different role and don’t have to travel anymore. Still long nights and weekends now and then but not all the time. And I realize that the years fly by and no one is going to fix this for me - the only way to improve my health and well being is to prioritize time for healthful activities and eating. No great job is going to compensate for a body that breaks down from poor care.

I’ve always been curvy and probably a bit overweight since college but now my 5’4” frame is carrying 200 pounds. I miss feeling energetic. I miss feeling attractive. I’ve had some health issues that I am sure are aggravated by the extra weight.

Last September I bought an iPhone with a bonus from work. With it I discovered podcasts and one of the first was The Daily Boost. At first Scott’s voice annoyed me - seemed to ‘sales-y’. Being a contracts lawyer I have to work with Salespeople all the time and their smooth tone usually means they are trying to slip something by me, sell me on doing what they want, for their benefit.

But I noticed that when I listened I felt better. Sure there were times the tone seemed patronizing or a bit sexist to my ears, but still it was a nice bite-size message of encouragement and I found myself downloading more of the free iTunes posts. I started taking walks at lunch and listening. Then in December I started going back to the gym and working out, doing an hour of cardio every day for 40 days and the weight circuit twice a week. I’ve been a fairly healthy eater for some time but started really working on portion size and more raw vegetables. And what happened? nothing. Mentally I was in a better place, but I did not lose a pound. This of course was discouraging.

So I went looking for more information. And that is when I decided to become a premium member. I have a lot of work to do and I’ll need lots of podcasts to listen to as I embark on a renewed effort (this time with a lot more weight training and an eye to keeping my heart rate in the right zone.) Although carrying too many pounds I have lots of stamina and I was pushing myself too hard during the cardio. I’ve got a heart rate monitor now and a few good guides for weight training and the next two months should be less busy at work so it’s a great time to set new patterns, develop new habits and complete the 28 day program. I am hopeful and so glad to have the resources here at Motivation to Move to keep me going and remind me that I can do this. I don’t need to feel old at 37. Scott is an inspiration and I’ve come to find that there is method in his presentation. It is great to have a voice in my ear that is positive, upbeat and unfailingly optimistic.

Here’s to a great rest of the year!

Hello!

2008-06-08T10:13:36-05:00

Hey there! I got the urge to join this website after listening to the podcasts.

I lost 40lbs 4 years ago after joining football and here lately it seems to be coming back rapidly so I’m hoping this site gives me the motivation to help shed the pounds again.

Just introducing myself

Hello from Rockford, IL!!

2008-05-10T18:56:19-05:00

Anyone out there from Rockford, IL or the surrounding area? Sure would love to make some friends and share this journey we’re on.

Any other quilters out there??

Taking The Plunge

2008-05-24T11:01:40-05:00

Ok, this one is a follow up to the post I responded to for Deb ......

I’m taking the plunge and introducing myself.

My name is Cleda. I have been on the forum since January. I am a premium member. I listen to MTM when/as much as I can. I read the forums for motivation. I purchased the Vault programs. (Wasn’t around the first time they were available).

I have not gotten the click yet.
I know it has to come. I know I have to keep at it.
My goal has been to tread water and hope that I don’t drown in the process.
I’ve had many more badder than gooder days.

I would like to say I’m hearing the click and that’s why I’m posting. It’s not. It’s sort of cuz I said I would in the other thread. (Deb - this one’s for you!)

I have a tremendous amount of weight to lose (probably close to 125 lbs.) ... but I really, REALLY can’t look at it that way or I will become paralyzed with “can’t do” fear.

Unfortunately, I’ve done it before (3x?) and each time it’s come back. I can’t honestly say that I"ve ever maintained for longer than a couple of months.

I am an emotional eater, I have a bottomless pit (can eat forever), am a carb/sugar/salt junkie and tie them all together with the love of food ... and ... well. . . here I am! I am a graduate of many diet programs. I am a walking book of calorie counts, fat grams, points, etc, etc.

I am a cyclist. (long distance is my love). I enjoy exercise. I have everything from an elliptical, treadmill, rebounder, BOSU, weights, barbells, dvds, vhs tapes, kettlebells, bikes, Ipod coaching sessions, etc, etc. I am still at it. So, the weight has not stopped me from doing that. But heck - the hills have GOT to get easier if I get rid of a few pounds. And to be brutally honest, I am quite embarrassed to be seen out cycling. I always get the, “You gotta be kidding me” look from people. I always tell myself, “Ok, stop it self! at least you’re out here doing it.”

I also am making excuses to only work out a few times a week now instead of what I should be doing. I need to dig out my heart rate monitor and do some LSB.

So that’s my story.
And now I have to go post to the 100 days of exercise and stick to it.
Cleda

Greetings from London, England

2008-05-02T18:43:21-05:00

Hi, everyone ! I’ve been a member of MTM for several months now (I started out as a Charter Premium member, cancelled that, stupid me, and re-joined as a Premium member a few months later), but this is the first time I’ve plucked up the courage to introduce myself.

I’m a life-long fatty, now in late 50’s, who’s always been ashamed of her figure. And while my parents were alive, THEY were ashamed of my figure too, and boy did they let me know it!! I’m 28 lbs overweight (would like to be 35-40 lbs lighter, though, for maximum fitness), and joined a weight loss support club nearly 2 years ago. I lost 28 lbs in a year, put 14 of those back on again in 3 months and am having a terribly hard time getting back down, let alone reaching my goal. Still, I’ve kept the first 14 lbs off, I suppose that’s something…

I got into listening to MTM podcasts in the hope of getting some… well… motivation to move! Guess I came to the right place, huh ?

I know what I need to do: eat less; eat healthy foods; exercise waaaaay more than I do at present. But it’s getting the motivation to do all that which is so difficult. I’m a comfort eater who loathes exercise, I enjoy all the ‘wrong’ foods, and seem to be able to keep in the dieting strait-jacket for only a limited time before I burst out again. So… I pick myself up and start over… and over… and over… And I’m determined that THIS time, I’ll really shoot for being healthy, and will get there!

Other than that, I’m early-retired; I love sharing my life with my wonderful husband (who’s slim to the point of being almost underweight, grrr!! ), photography, enjoying the company of friends, reading and travel. Aside from weight-loss, my goals are to become bi-lingual in French - I’m pretty good at the language, but I’m aiming for 100% competence; and to live out my motto (nabbed from Shakespeare ) ‘To thine own self be true’.

And… to keep coming regularly on this forum, to get to know you guys better and to pick up some more of the great tips I’ve noticed here !

Hi from Atlantic City

2008-05-13T11:03:25-05:00

Hi everyone. I always have been fat. I paid monthly for 8 years for a gym for membership but never went. In Feb 2007 I had Lap Band performed. As I tell everybody Lap band is a TOOL and not the cure. In fact it prevents me from eating the right foods and allows me to eat easily the wrong foods. In December 2007 I changed my gym memmbership to a diifernt gym with more modern equipment. I now go 5-6 days a week trying to burn 1000 machine calories (150 lb person) each day. That translate to 1600 calorie for my weight. I dropped 60lbs since Feb 2007. I bought a Creative Zen to watch TV at the gym which has FM transmitters for sound. I count calories each day. I still do cheat at times. I got my wife to join me at the gym because she also has a weight problem. Every 1/2 lb is a struggle. I find the podcast (Zencasts) very motivationg to keep doing what I need to do. I hope I do not lose the urge to go to the gym. I went from 287 to 227

I wish everyone well and be able to buy clothes at the regular store and not the big shop.

Hello from Colorado

2008-05-01T13:18:37-05:00

Its nice to be back to MTM land. I have been very busy over the last few years and have also gained alot of weight back from working 2 jobs and going to school full time. My body was on the survival diet (eat anything) and my mid section looks like it. I hope you all can help me to stay motivated and accountable so I can lose 50 lbs and keep it off for a lifetime.

Living in Colorado the weather is awesome and we have plenty of things to do to stay active now I have a little more time to work on my health.

-Kurt

Hello from British Columbia, Canada

2008-04-29T23:06:06-05:00

Hi Guys!

I am so excited to be here. I LOVE the pod-casts from Scott and feel so blessed to have found them. I have learned that what I feed my mind… grows, and Scott’s message is sure to help me in my growth!! I am a former group fitness instructor, nutrition consultant and trainer at a local gym who almost competed in a figure show not to long ago (ok...awhile ago) and remembers that phenomenal feeling of being in the best shape of my life…

I occasionally make excuses for myself and Scott’s messages put some “real” perspective on my whining. I have gained 15 lbs since then, and would like to see some of that melt back off....but more than that....i want to feel vibrant again. I want to NOT hit that 3pm wall....but keep on going.

I still run at least 2 times a week, and own a gym quality elliptical (which i don’t use) and alot of weights and an incline bench (also with dust) and a stability ball....so no “I can’t make it to the gym” just .... lazy.

I am going to rebound! Right here ...right now. One step at a time....then repeat.

Scott....I don’t know if you read these...but you are about to help me change my direction....you already have. Thank-you. My kids without knowing it will thank you, my husband who notices that I am happier when I am active thanks you without knowing it And I thank you....

Looking forward to the journey!