Hi, I’ve been listening to Scott and reading the forum for about 6 months now. Finally made the plunge into the forum, you are all so incredibly kind and supportive - I am a little intimidated and worried that I won’t have enough time to respond. I’m a single mom, have been for 15 years, my two fabulous daughters are 17 and 21. Last year, I had a “wake up call” and was encouraged to reduce the stress in life, my doctor suggested lots of self care and exercise. Luckily, I found Scott and Motivation to Move.

Just finished the first week of Start Moving, Stay Moving for the 2nd time. First time was very haphazard, couldn’t seem to find a rythim and get into it. Since my “wake up call”, and listening to Scott, I’ve embarked on a major life change. If you look up mid-life crisis in the dictionary, I’m sure you will find my picture   I’d like to lose about 20lbs and get stronger.

I’m an avid sailor, and have found that I don’t have enough upper body strength, at times to reef lines, tack, etc. I like to work out at home and use a Gazelle (arc trainer) for my cardio, I’m up to 50 minutes of the LSB and need to get some weights into my workout. Does anyone have suggestions to increase my physical strength ie: arms, shoulders etc that I can do at home. I’ve searched the net and have found some exercises with free weights but I really don’t know what to do in that area, were to start, amount of weights, what do I buy - help! I can’t seem to locate a beginners type program, most of the stuff is for racing and serious competition sailors, which kinda scares me - would love to be there someday, but I gotta start out slow and easy.

My daughters are both dancers and have suggested I join their dance classes, no! - your 45 year old out of shape mother is not going to class with you - but I look at how strong they are and wonder? Does anyone know of any DVD’s for dance classes that have worked? I’d rather take a recommendation from someone who’s tried it, than start buying stuff with no idea.

I love the 12 hour diet, as a former Weight Watcher leader, I know how much sense it makes. It has totally “clicked” with me, I’ve been doing the Weight Watcher program for 20 years and needed a new take on it. It’s jumped started my diet and I’ve adopted Scott’s simple plan, 2 choices for breakfast, 2 for lunch and 2 for dinner - a simple plan that has reduced the stress of “Mom, what’s for dinner!”

Enough for now, I don’t think I’ve ever written something with so many “I’s” in it. I just want say MTM is where its at! - for mind, body and soul.

Hi Dragonfly -

Welcome to the forum! I’m glad to see you’re jumping in to this supportive atmosphere. And don’t worry about how much you do or don’t respond - we’re here for you regardless. We’re just happy to help out when you need it.

It looks like you’re already doing pretty well with your cardio and diet so far - but you’re right about the need to add in some weights. I think that will really help give you a boost to shed those pounds and gain the strength you need for sailing.

A few months ago I started using “The Firm” DVD series as a way to do my weight workouts at home. They’re very well structured workouts that really teach you the proper form for weight lifting and OH will you feel the burn!! I bought my set of Firm DVDs at Target, but I’m sure you can find them at all sorts of places. Most DVDs require just a couple sets of dumbells - 3, 5, and 8 pounds.

I also wanted to pass along my vote for a dance-type DVD - “Yoga Booty Ballet”. They’re so fun (for me, at least) and I really like the ballet dance sections for the all-over toning they provide.

I hope that helps a bit in your search for good home workouts.

If you’re thinking of keeping a “journal” of sorts on here, or just want a place to keep all your thoughts and questions, check out the ”Journal of Your Journey” section.

I look forward to hearing more about you!

Hi Dragonfly, welcome to the forum.

I work out on a Gazelle type machine too.  I did not know it was an arc trainer.

Congratulations on finishing the first week of SMSM take 2.  I managed once but could never stay with it the second time.

DVDs are great but I have had better consistency with class.  Talk to your daughters’ instructor and find out if there are any begining adult classes.  I really enjoy my Jazzercise class, I am much more of a social exerciser.

It is great to have you here.

Hi Dragonfly,
Welcome to MTM. Sounds like you are already doing very well. Visit as often as it is convenient for you. We’ll be here every step of the way. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. I’m really glad you found MTM and decided to bring it into your life. Please look around the forum at what some of the other members are doing. You will be so inspired by what you will discover!

Hi Dragonfly,

Welcome to MTMLand!  The volume of posts around here can seem kind of overwhelming sometimes, but just participate at whatever level you can.  I’m sure you’ll find that it really reinforces all of the great changes you’ve been making in your life.

I’ll echo what Carlyn said about Yoga Booty Ballet (usually known as YBB around here).  I’m not much of one for exercising with DVDs (I’m kind of addicted to my treadmill!) but the so-called “Light and Easy” (HAH!) YBB DVD that I have is a lot of fun. 

As to building upper-body strength at home, there’s always the good old push-up!  Quite effective and it requires no equipment!

I’m glad you’re here!

Thanks Carlyn, mb, Emmi and Judy, I really appreciate your help and feel better about not being able to post everyday. I’ve order the YBB off the internet and will give it a try, going to look for The Firm DVD’s this weekend, if I can’t find them I’ll have to order them too. I’m really looking forward to starting some weights. I’ll see ya in the forums

Welcome, Dragonfly! I also loved the YBB dvds, you’ll have a blast with those. Judy is right about the push-ups, that’ll work your whole upper body. I also love yoga for total body toning.

There is a total body toning withing the YBB set, it’s a great workout with or without the weights. Let us know how you like them when they arive!

Bree