What's Your thing?

After talking to some amazing women last night I started thinking about the 'thing' that has kept me going with my weight loss journey.

For you to truly be successful with your weight loss journey you need to find your 'thing' that keeps you going.

For some people it is running. When you get out there and run the rest of your world floats away and its you, the pavement and sometimes your music.
I've done the C25K running program, and while I did it, I really enjoyed it. I found that if I was outside I was more likely to enjoy myself, so I didn't go crazy staring at a wall while I was running (unless I changed my music playlist EVERY time, and even then I was often 'clock watching'). Unfortunately, my body doesn't like me running. I injured my foot 2 years ago and haven't been able to run the same since. (Trust me, I tried, and ended up hurting my foot again). One day I could get back to it, but at the moment, its not my 'thing'.

For some people its cardio. Be it aerobics at the gym, or any number of the cardio equipment. These people like to go fast and hard.
I am defiantly not this type of person. I've done Zumba and enjoyed it, but I cannot handle being in a aerobics class or going full ball on the cardio equipment until 50% of my body's water supply is flooding the floor around me. I love the x-trainer and the rowing machine and even the bike, in moderation. But not to the point of physical exhaustion. It just not my 'thing'.

For some people its Water-based activities. The pool is great for people with injuries who still want to have an amazing workout, but are concerned about their backs, knees, ankles etc. There are lots of different activities you can do in a pool that will improve your fitness level and help you lose weight.
I enjoy going into the pool (especially when I'm at TBLR), but I don't think it is something that I could say I could do everyday. I know for my mum that this is her 'thing' and I'm sooo happy that she has found it.

For some people its Weight lifting style activities. Lifting weights be it lots of reps or a small amount of reps until your muscles are exhausted, weight lifting generally keeps your heart rate down, but burns fat over a longer period of time.
This is definitely my 'thing'. I LOVE going to x-fit multiple times a week. I really enjoy going to body pump. And even though I often feel like i'm going to puke at the end of it, I really love being there. I've started a weekly routine where I'm doing. Sun: Body Pump, Mon: x-fit, Tue: Body Pump, Thurs: Body Pump, Fri: x-fit, and I love every minute of it. Even thought my weight loss on the scales is slowly going down, i feel fitter, leaner and stronger doing this type of activity. This is definitely my 'thing'

I've just covered 4 different types of training, there are plenty more out there as well. The point of my post is. Find your 'thing'. It is what can make your weight loss journey a success! You want to enjoy the physical activity that you are doing - if you don't, it will be easier to make excuses and fall off the rails.
(FYI: your 'thing' could change as you change. So make sure you are always trying new stuff to challenge yourself.)

Now ask yourself.
What's my 'Thing'?

-- Jackie

Reflection

If someone told me in May I would have lost 16kg in 5 months I would tell them that they were crazy!

Below there is a photo of me at the end of April           and then a photo of me just one week ago.
I know the photos aren't the same size, but you get the idea.

and here is one that is a close-up of my face

This is all thanks to a combination of the 12wbt and staying 3 weeks at The Biggest Loser Retreat (once in July and once in September)

I know I have a long way to go, but its great to reflect on what I've achieved.

--Jackie

The Biggest Loser Retreat DEAL

I've had a few people ask me how much it costs to stay at The Biggest Loser Retreat, and a few people wish they could stay but they are concerned about the cost.

(for those interested in the cost here is the website http://www.biggestloserretreat.com.au/reservations/rates-packages/ )

I've just seen this on Bidnow.com.au

The Retreat has just put up
- 10x 1 Week's accommodation for one person and
- 5x 1 week's accommodation for two people

The bonus is, that you can use the voucher anytime between now and the 30th June next year.

Hope it helps those who really need it!

Single Stay: https://bidnow.com.au/the-biggest-loser-retreat-for-one-a-44771.html
Twin Stay: https://bidnow.com.au/the-biggest-loser-retreat-for-two-a-47522.html

-- Jackie

TBLR #2 Week 2

Monday

Another awesome day at the retreat. 
This morning I went on 2 green walks, had x-fit style training with Mick in his sand pit and played water polo. All up I burnt 1056cal in those 3 activities. 
I'm already at 15,800 steps and its only 2 o'clock.

Sugar levels are good today, lets hope I can keep them good for the week!
I'm gonna rest for the rest of the day cause my foot is hurting.

For dinner we had a yummy salmon dish with sweet potato salad. Yum! (photo below)

Tuesday

Another great day at TBLR. Started the day with a bush walk (see photo below)
Then we did the Chalet Shuffle, followed by TBL triathlon. We rod, jogged/walked and swam for 10mins for each of the three activities. 
The afternoon I just took it easy cause my foot was throbbing (even on super strong pain killers).
Tomorrow I'm getting a massage (yay)

Wednesday

I woke up really tired!

This morning they had a deep water running class in place of the bush walk (for those who wanted to do it). It was a great way to start the day. And GOSH it tires you out!
We had breakfast and then I went up to the room for a nap (I was exhausted) when I woke up I felt heaps better!! 
I had another workout with Mick, this time in The Hanger (I love The Hanger!!) The workout was intense!!!!
Fist pump moment! My heart rate monitor couldnt read my heart rate because I've lost 2 much weight under my bust so Breanna had to tighten it up for. Yay!

I was really really buggered after Mick's workout!
We then did 30mins of boxing (yay!) I was partnered up with Bree, we had lots of fun, and again I was really tired afterward.
After Lunch mum, Jenny and I went for a walk in the bush  to see how mums knee went. She did good, but she was limping afterward.
I then came back to the room, did a stretch and then had a massage. It was amazing!
No calorie count today since I didnt have my heart rate monitor on for deep water running, and it didnt work for the first 1/3 of Mick's workout.
10881 steps so far (again low due to the pool instead of a bush walk)
Only 2 training days left!

Thursday

This morning we did training with Seref, it was really good. 

Photos Below: Seref and I (Left) and Mick and I (Right)

We made our own lunch and had a group challenge. We had a map and needed to go to all these different places all over the retreat and do certain activities. While we were walking around the retreat we needed to carry a bucket and a tyre. It was a tough task, but we did it and actually won! 

My foot is really sore after it though!

Photos below: Us and the beautiful Vicki and us with Andrew (Manager)

Friday

I did a walk with Nancy this morning, we did 3x Green walks together. (Below: Emma & I (Left) and Nancy and I (Right))

When it came to training, I decided to go with the group who had injuries since my foot was really sore from yesterday's activity. And that was a HUGE MISTAKE. The workout that I was given made my foot worse, and I ended up having a sugar low. 

I had a massage in the afternoon and after dinner I went to another guests room with Vicki for a facial. It was GREAT! An awesome way to spend Friday night after a not-so-good morning.

Saturday

Weigh In Day!

Mum and I knew how stressful weigh-in day is for Vicki so we decided to wear skeleton onesies to make her smile. When she saw us we said 'look how much weight we've lost'. She couldn't stop laughing.

I left the retreat 5cm lighter than I did when I arrived but I lost quite a few cm

9cm from under my bust
10cm from my waist
4cm from my upper belly
12cm from lower belly
11cm from butt/top of thigh
and 3cm from my arm

My clothes are looser, I'm fitter, and I feel great. Make sure you don't just rely on the number on the scale. MEASURE YOURSELF, it makes a HUGE difference!

I spent the afternoon packing my bags to get ready for my flight home.

I ended up getting home at 11:30 Saturday night.

It was an amazing 2 weeks! Seriously, if you want to lose weight, if you want to be fitter. Come to the retreat. If you can afford it it is soooo much better to come for 2 weeks rather than 1. You won't regret it!

I'll be going back the second week Jan.

TBLR #2. Days 4-7

Day 4:

Today has been my absolute FAVOURITE day at TBLR. I started the day with a walk by myself in the bush to calm my mind and soul before another big day!
We had two of my most favourite activities for our morning fitness, boxing and rowing (we also did a mini spin class, which I also enjoyed). I was also super proud of my mum getting into a Rower by herself and being able to get on a spin bike for the first time. 

I've burnt around 750 cal in the designated workouts. Step count will follow soon!

I learnt a cool thing today, when you sigh when you are eating, it means your tummy is full, the sigh is your body trying to expand your tummy. Good to know! So when you sigh, stop eating!

Day 5: 

Thursday Started with another lovely walk in the bush. 

Then we had our talk with Andrea. We then needed to make our own lunch to take on a picnic. 

While I was waiting for my turn to make my lunch, one of the other guests ran to me and said 'your mum just fell down the hill, I don't want to alarm you, but I thought you would wanna know'. I threw off my drink bottle and began running toward the hill. I then saw mum in one of the golf carts. She needed both myself and Emma to help her into the dining room so she could sit down. 
I ended up making mum's lunch for her, and helped her as much as I could, and then I went off to do my morning activities. 

We walked up to the top of the grounds and were broken into two groups. One group started with Vicki to do a 'mystery' activity in the bush, and the other started at Andrea to do a 'mystery activity that spells F-U-N'. (then we swapped). I started with Vicki, and we walked into the bush. We needed to do a hill interval activity, where we walked/ran up a hill, took our heart rate (either manually or with our heart rate monitor) and then walked down the hill, around the bottom and started again. We did this for 20mins. A good, but hard workout. We then walked out of the bush to meet Andrea. We played a game that was a combination of Netball and Frisbee (I can't remember what she called it). It was lots of fun. Unfortunately my team lost. 

We then were joined by the other group for a BIG group 'water activity', but not in the pool. There was a range of activities that all pretty much involved sponges and a bucket of water, and pretty much all of them had the hidden aim to get us as wet as possible. (which was good, cause it was a REALLY HOT day).

We then had a picnic lunch on the top oval. Which was lovely.

I had to rush down my lunch as I was asked to participate in the ad that the Retreat was filming. We need to pretend we were playing water polo. It was lots of fun. We did about 7 takes. Looking forward to see what they get out of it.

After the filming, I returned to my room to get dry and to get ready for my massage, I was told that after I have my massage, I needed to take mum to the doctors. I had a good shoulder and neck massage. It was GREAT! I felt like I was on a cloud afterward. 

I drove mum to the doctor, we were told that we needed to go back tomorrow for an X-ray and a scan. 

Dinner was good, mum was soooo funny on her meds. She was totally off her face!

We were excited to come out of the dining room to be greeted by a snake. (3rd snake we have seen in 3 days). Vicki drove mum up to our room and I helped mum to the room and then we went to bed.

Day 6:

I decided that I would do interval cycling this morning instead of a walk, so I went to the Hanger and timed myself on my phone. 30secs riding Fast (on the hardest resistance the bike had) and then 30seconds riding slow (reducing the resistance) for 20mins. I then spent 25mins exercising in the pool.
We had breakfast, then Mike chatted to us about our goals.
I then was able to do the first half of the morning activities before I needed to drive mum to get her scans done (see below). We got back to the retreat just in time for dinner. While we were out we had subway for lunch (with strict instructions from Emma with what we could order) and I was proud of myself that I didn't buy any subway cookies!

We found out that mum had a baker's cyst on the back of her knee that burst. She was told that it would take at least 2 days to heal, so she wasn't allowed to do any activities for 2 days. He also gave her Panadine Forte and Voltaren to take to help with the pain.
What a busy 2 days! Hopefully mum will be much better tomorrow.

Tomorrow is weigh-in day!

Day 7: 

Started the day with interval training of cycling and rowing (instead of the walk). I then did a class of water aerobics/ deep water aerobics. (photo is of my view this morning while on the bike)
After breakfast we had a talk with the beautiful Dr. Cris about women's stuff.
Then it was weigh in. I said to myself that if I didnt burn muscle I'll be happy (since I lost 700g muscle last time I was here due to my sugar levels).
When I got on the machine I was pleasantly surprised. I lost 2.7kg in the week. And 2.5kg of that was body fat! (The other 200g was water) I'm very impressed with myself! Following Duncan's plan to not let my heart rate get over 160 worked! 
I'm soooo happy!
We had prawn salad for lunch (OMG it was amazing!!)

Then Mick explained our body scan sheet to us.
I relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, since I have a big day at Movie World tomorrow.
For dinner we had mango dessert and a filo pastry thing for dinner (picture above)
Another fabulous day at The Biggest Loser Retreat!

TBLR #2 Day 2&3

I really love this place!!

Monday: The first day of scheduled activity!
The girls got a treat today, cause Mike (resident Commando) took off his shirt to put on a different shirt that was given to him as a gift by one of the guests. (Sorry, I dont have a pic)

I did 2xGreen Bush walk this morning. It took me 58 mins and I burnt 444cal

I then had the privilege of spending an hour with Mike in his 'Commando Pit'. We did an hour of interval training. I LOVE this sort of training, you work hard for a short amount of time, and then rest for equal time.  This style of activity is just like what u do every Monday and Friday night at my gym (minus the sand). The sand was the only thing I didnt like about the pit.
We then went up to the Top Pool for a water activity. In the two activities I burnt 686 calories

I had an easy afternoon as I had a low during the pool activity.

I'm just gonna take each day at a time

Tuesday: I went on my lovely morning walk and burnt 251 calories (I only did 1xGreen walk as my sugars were playing up)
Here are a few pictures

We had a wonderful breakfast of omelet and diced fruit

We then did our morning exercises which started with the Chalet Shuffle, and concluded with deep water running. During those 2 sessions I burnt 594 calories.

Lunch was rice with chick peas in it, with a side of an amazing salad (I know I've just said how much I like a salad)

I then did yoga in the afternoon, I burnt 297 calories. I was shocked to see that I burnt more calories in an hour of Yoga than I did in 35mins of walking in the bush.

We finished off the day with a yummy dinner with spring rolls, with nutty vegetables.

I cant wait for tomorrow!

TBLR #2 Day 1

So we finally arrived at the retreat.
I was pleasently suprised to see some changes, like the amazing signage around the place

It was lovely to see Andrew, Duncan, Emma and Sariff again. Lots of hugs :-)

The group is quite big this time - setting TBLR record for most guests 44 :-)

I went on the green walk this arvo, which made me feel like I was home (well, second home). Then I had a little swim to cool down before my body scan.

Dinner was AMAZING (as usual).

Sheriff spoke tonight. The thing that stuck with me the most from his talk was: "There are no losers in this world, just people who give up". And another part that stuck with me was 'you dont have to do it all in one go without stopping, it doesnt matter how long it takes you, just get it done' (paraphrased)

There are some lovely people here from a range of ages and sizes. I'm going to enjoy spending the next two weeks here with them.

--------------------------------------

Daily step count (excluding the pool): 15400
Floors climbed: 63

We can do this, we just need to take one step at a time!!

The Biggest Loser Retreat - Take 2!

So on Saturday mum and I are heading for our second dose of The Biggest Loser Retreat

This time I'll be there for 2 weeks and mum will be there for 4.

We leave for our road trip up the coast on Saturday to start at the retreat on Sunday.

We'll keep you updated on how we are going at the retreat :-)

Music to Encourage You #1

Pink - Try

I'd like to put some posts of songs (or parts of songs) that can be inspiration to help you lose weight. While at the gym I heard this song. Now I know most of the verses are about relationships, but the chorus and one of the verses also works with exercise/weight loss. Take a read. I've also attached the song to the bottom of the page if you don't know it. My favourite line is 'but just because it burns doesn't mean you're gonna die' I know that I feel that sometimes when I'm working out :-) But 'You gotta get up and try, and try and try'

Ever worry that it might be ruined
And does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing
Are you just getting by?
Tell me are you just getting by, by, by?

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try
You gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

This is It by Dannii Minogue

As I said in my first post 'This is It' By Dannii Minogue is a great song to encourage you that this time you are going to achieve your goals. This is it!

This is it
Oh This time I know it's the real thing
I can't explain what I'm feeling
I'm lost for words
I'm in a daze
Stunned and amazed
By your open ways

Group training classes

On Monday I bit the bullet and signed up for a gym membership.

Every 6-12 months I get an urge to go to a gym for some reason or another. So lets hope this time it sticks. 

I have heaps of equipment at home, but I'm currently really interested in group fitness Classes. So I thought I'd give a  perspective of the more popular group fitness classes from a beginner's point of view.

During this last week I went to 4 different group fitness classes. 

Day 1: Cross fit/Boxing: 

This class started very overwhelming, everyone there knew the warm up routine, so the instructor just yelled out what to do while he set up the room.  Me? Well I had no idea what some of the moves were, so I tried my best to follow on. 
He assigned us pairs of similar ability, and we started by doing 5 sets of 2 mins of two activities.  One was push ups (the more advanced people did handstand push ups) and the other was lying down with a kettle Bell staying high in the air, and the standing up again, not letting your arm drop with the kettlebell (no idea what this actual move is called). The good thing about this activity is, you go hard for 2 mins, but then your turn is over and your partner would go for 2 mins and you could rest (and encourage them).

The next was a list of activities. Luckily there was a beginner and an advanced option. Between the two of us we needed to complete X reps of each activity. So the first person goes until they are tired and the next one goes until they are tired, and the two of you keep going until you have done your reps. Each activity (for the beginner was 80-100 reps, depending on the activity). The Activities were : Kettle Bell Swings, 400m row, push ups, sit ups & squats. It was good, because even if you could only do 10 of an activity your partner was there to help you through it. My partner did over half of our allocation, except the rowing, where I smashed it (I could have done the full 400m, but I thought I'd let him have a go). We were really proud of ourselves when we finished, and it made you feel really great about yourself - and its a great way to actually interact with other people in classes (especially when you don't know anyone).

Finally, we did 15mins of boxing. The boxing included cross over punches, upper cuts and hooks. Then shuttle running in between reps. By the time I got to boxing (which I love!) I was totally buggered!

Verdict: I really enjoyed this class. Even though it started out overwhelming, I think it is great for a range of fitness levels. The team exercises allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment, without feeling overwhelmed. A must for those starting out at a new gym (at least a few times to see if it is your thing).

My Calories Burnt this session

Day 3: Sh'Bam

This is a LesMills designed workout http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/shbam/about-shbam/

 Now, one of the reasons why I wanted to join up to a gym was to do Zumba. I used to do it at my old gym, I've done it at The Biggest Loser Retreat and I even have the Wii Game. I really enjoy Zumba. However, when looking for a new gym I noticed that all the gyms near me don't do Zumba anymore, which was really disappointing. I was told that Sh'Bam had replaced Zumba and if you like Zumba you will LOVE Sh'bam.

Now going into the class, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of ability in the room. There were teenagers, there was a 70 year old lady (she told us she was 70), there were larger people (like myself) and there were the 30 year old slim fit girls up the front (no boys today, but we were told that there are usually a couple), and pretty much everything in between. 

The class used very simple dance moves like the grapevine, step forward, step back, combined with a range of arm movements (some people did them, others focused just on their feet).

I felt that this class was very simple, and it was up to the individual to increase the intensity they worked at (putting more effort into each move VS just walking through the steps)

Verdict: This class is much more accessible to beginners than Zumba, but my personal opinion is that I like Zumba more - I really enjoyed the style of dance Zumba was. I can see myself going again - maybe it will grow on me. But in my eyes, Zumba burns more calories and forces the 'lazy' individual to burn more, whereas Sh'Bam appears to allow you to breeze your way through it if you don't have the drive. But for beginners -- Sh'Bam is WAY more accessible for all ages, fitness levels and injuries. 

(sounds like I am a bit on the fence)

I guess what I'm saying is they both have their strengths, it is purely up to the style of dance you like and your overall level of fitness.

Day 3: Body Balance 

This is also a LesMills designed workout http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/bodybalance/about-bodybalance/

Now, I've done Body Balance before around 12 months ago at another gym, and when I did it there I loved it! I felt that it was great to stretch out your muscles when they are sore from workouts that week. I used to go every week at my old gym. There was a range of movements you could do depending on your flexibility. But this class was different...

Now, everyone else in the class would have been no bigger than a size 12, most would have been a size 8-10. Other than me...

Most of the moves that we were asked to do required you to not have a stomach - Like I would try to do the moves and physically can't. Now I've been told that I'm very flexible, and I've done Body Balance before - but during this class I was holding back the tears not to cry... The moves he was asking us to do were impossible, and it was very frustrating that there wasn't an alternate option for me to do. I closed my eyes and held back the tears, and tried to find my own version of the workout.

Verdict: As I said before, I've done Body Balance before and I have loved it! But, I can't see myself going back to a class until I know the routine has changed. If you are a larger person, I honestly believe you will be better doing your own stretches. I was very disappointed :-(

My Calories burnt after the two sessions

Day 4: Body Pump

This is also a Les Mills designed workout : http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/bodypump/about-bodypump/

Now after my bad experience I didn't really want to do another class that was far beyond my ability. I went to the gym to go over my beginner program (the one they give you when you start at a new gym), and I spoke to some of the ladies about my experience with Body Balance. I told them I didn't want another experience like that, but wanted to know what classes would be good for a lower ability. They suggested I went to Body Pump that night. Before I went home, I spent a bit of time talking to one of the instructors (for another class) and she eased my mind a bit about Body Pump.

I got to the class and the instructor I was talking to earlier, introduced me to the instructor for the class, I told him that I was a beginner and he found the bar and the weights that I needed for the class. He told me to keep it light for my first session, and always go up to more weight next time.

The class was basically moving a weight bar in different positions, from standing to laying on a bench. It worked a range of muscles and wasn't a very difficult class to feel confident in (the weight of your bar was the only thing that could hold you back).

Verdict: I LOVED this class. When I left I told the instructor that it was the best class I had done this week. I left feeling confident that I could come and do this every week and easily see results. Now, at the end of the class my muscles were shaking cause I'd worked them so much, but I felt amazing! This type of class (low intensity) is GREAT for beginners because you feel like you have achieved something, you don't feel like your weight is limiting you and you know you will get results since your muscles will burn your fat long after the class has finished. It also is really obvious to see yourself improve, when you go to a higher weight.

I didn't take a photo of my watch, but I think it was only 300cal for the hour session

Overall:

My overall opinion of the classes that I've done this week. In order of how much I liked them.

1. Body Pump is a MUST for beginners - it allows you to do the exercises, without the issue of rising your heart rate up and feeling out of breath. It builds your muscles so you can burn fat for longer and see results.

2. CrossFit/Boxing - Can feel overwhelming at the start, but great when you get started. You are able to share the load with another group member and it allows you to actually interact with another person, where most classes have you facing the front and keeping to yourself.

3. If you are new to exercise Sh'Bam is really accessible for all ages and fitness levels. But if you are at a slightly higher fitness level, you need to push yourself to get the same results as you would in other dance style classes.

4. Body Balance can be a good class - but is really difficult for a larger person. If you are unfit but slim, this class could be really useful, but if you are a larger person I would go to the class very aware that you may not be able to do the activities they ask.

I'm going to try a few more classes over the next few weeks. I'll let you know what I think of them as a first timer.

-- Jackie

The Quote … I now live by

This is something that has echoed in my head since I did a walk with Brad at TBLR

 & I was struggling to breathe up the hills.

He was teaching me to control my breathing.. 

 the old me puffed & huffed &  panted & stopped, when I got out of breath …

but he kept saying to me..

“ it doesn't matter how slow you go just don't stop…slow your breathing down & keep going…..

What a difference it has made…

 I use to avoid hills…

now I just slow down my breathing & go  not stopping …

Kim

You're the Winner

Sometime in May about a month after starting 12WBT,
 I was watching the nightly show of The Biggest Looser TV show & they advertised that they were giving away  a weeks accommodation, flights, meals, personal trainers at the new Biggest Looser Retreat on the Gold coast for 2  valued at $6,000. 

So after sobbing through another episode I completed the application  and filled in  25 words why I should win.
What did I write…I really have no idea… I think it was something about  stoping obesity in my family & I wanted to take my daughter with me…
I really didn't think twice about it  as I am often filling things in online hoping I would win something.

Then in June, I arrived home late from work, around 9.30pm  & decide to check my emails.

My hubby had gone to bed as he gets up at 4am for work.

In my emails was an email saying;

“ Congratulations, You have been selected as our deserving winner,
I believe you are wishing to take your daughter on the experience. The package includes return airfares to QLD, a weeks accommodation for two, gourmet spa cuisine and daily health & wellness experiences.

 At first I thought great after a long day, a hoax email telling me I have won something…
then I read it again… & again..trying to work out if it was a hoax…
so I printed the email out and left it on the kitchen bench for my hubby to read & went to bed.

I posted  a message on Facebook to family & sent a text message to Jackie saying, “ I think I have just won us a holiday to the New Biggest Looser Retreat”. I still wasn't sure.

In the morning I rang hubby & asked him what he thought …he said  yea you one of ten possible winners…ok so I didn't win..he then said, “ I gave them your phone number didn't they ring you yesterday” I said, “ no,  but their is a number on this email to ring” “I’ll try & ring it today but I’m really busy today”.

Arriving at work I showed the email to my colleagues asking what they thought….I think they were more excited than I was.

Then I rang Channel 10 & asked to speak to Joanne, well what excitement, when I finally asked her did I win & she said yes, yes  we were so touched with what you wrote …hahaha little did she know I had no idea what I wrote ..still not believing I said so its not a hoax…No  No she said “You have won” …wow how my world was about to change…

I message Jackie & said  get ready we have won…
her words were “ wow  mum can you imagine the gym…
well no…. I didn't even think that…..
I thought wow I’ll be able to get a massage,  meals cooked…
I didn't even think of what their gyms would be like  cause I am really not into exercise at all.

Then the reality started to set in of what I had won..OMG they are going to kill me with exercise…
2 month ago I could barely  walk 100 meters without stopping puffing & puffing..
if they exercise like they do on the show I'm going to die….
                                
The Biggest Looser Retreat open their doors at the Gold Coast at the beginning  of July.
 I hadn't heard anything  about my prize other than I would be contacted to select a dates to go.
Jackie & I had the first 2 weeks of July on holidays.. we are both teachers, she went of to Melbourne for  a break & I was cooking up a storm with meal planning from 12WBT & walking. 

Then I got another email asking when we would like to come to the  Retreat …
we have a vacancy for next week if you would like to come then …
well, I would like to wait till I can move a better & have lost a bit more weight cause you guys are gona kill me ..is what I was thinking..

but I didn't say a thing & asked Jackie what she would like to do…
"we need to go now mum.. now" …. so 3 days later we were at The Biggest Looser Retreat on the Gold Coast.

Jackie has posted her experience there, mine post  is coming.

                                     

Kim

PS I didn’t die

Kim’s Journey

This  is about how I got to where I am today.
I started this current  phase of my journey 15 weeks ago when my daughter Jackie  ask me to do Michelle Bridges 12WBT with her.
My first  reaction was I don't think I can cope with failing again.
I have been on one  diet or another  for nearly 40 years and have manage to weight 163.5kg at my heaviest. For someone who is only 163cm  or 5’4” tall that's a lot of weight. Some  diets like weight watchers  I have done several times. I have done them all!!! from ever type of restriction diet like;  no fat, no sugar, no carbs, to: just soup diets, one food type each day, pre-package, meals, Lite n easy,Jenny Craig, protein only diets, Protein shakes, acupuncture, Hypnotherapy - where you think you have had lapband surgery..Its hard to remember them all. All were successful in getting me to loose 10 kilos or so  but all I could not maintain the diet   for one reason or another & I’m afraid I never really got into exercising regularly. Time frame  for sticking  to these diets  was also about the same time each time. I  would be brilliant first 2-4 weeks  seeing weight come off then slowly  I would start waving with old habits and by 6 to 8 weeks I would be lacking motivation to stick to it missing all my comfort foods. Sometimes I lasted longer  but eventually I would  gain the weight back  and a bit more as well.  So I am the classic yoyo dieter. Resulting  in  going from 80 kg (the smallest I ever remember being)  in my early 20’s to 163.5kg  in my 50’s.
At the time  when Jackie ask me  to do 12WBT, I  was at the end of 2 difficult years for me with my health. I had a workplace accident where I tore the tendon that goes from your big toe to your heel. When it happen I was still on one of the many diets & weighed about 140kg and treatment for nearly 12 months was have me sit with my foot up waiting for it to heel & putting me on a drug called Duromine- to stop me feeling hungry. What a mixture …. Duromine is basically speed  so here I am sitting not being able to move around, trying not to eat too much & having all this energy I could not get rid of.  By the time they agreed that sitting wasn't fixing the problem  I had put on another 10 kilos and  fitness wise, I could hardly walk anywhere without panting. After the operation I had no more pain  which was excellent  but now I had another issue. No pain but my heel was numb  which meant when I put it on the floor I cant not feel the ground…its a very strange feeling. So I learnt to walk again  with a numb foot and extra weight…I tried a few more diets & hypnotherapy, constantly at chiropractors  trying to fix my gait when walking. Then at the beginning of this year  I could hardly breath  and doctors  thought I had developed a clot on my lung, but  after testing  & being scared out of my life & seeing several Doctors, I was diagnosed with a twisting rib…it was like the straw that broke the camels back .. is this how life is going to be now…just pain all the time. I think looking back I was probably on the verge of a break down & I turned to comfort eating through the pain. Then through lots of treatments by caring medical professionals including my GP giving me  laser acupuncture, massages & chiropractic visits  my rib went back in…& I weighed 163.5kg. How could I be that heavy..scales must be wrong…
During this time I was watching  Biggest Looser  series on TV with parents and children with obesity problems and during most episodes I would just sob relating to so many things. And that's when Jackie asked  “do this with me mum…” I said  let me have a look at what it involves but I knew I would be doing it with her not wanting her to fail.  I would do it for her…I hated seeing her struggle with the same weight issues. Little did I know at the time it would change my life forever.
Our obesity  problems in our family go back through the generations. My father died at 46 of a massive heart attack when Jackie was only 3 months old,he was a big big  man, his father died 12 months before him also obesity related, my youngest sister also struggles with her weight and now my daughters have had weight issues. There has to be a better way other than having surgery, which I have had 3 doctors tell me I need to go have.
I am an intelligent educated woman why can I not  get my weight under control.
So we signed up to Michelle Bridges 12WBT that was 15 weeks ago

this was me

 

& this is me today 

after 12 weeks of healthy eating & walking

I have released 15 kilos-
bust = -10cm, waist = -24cm, hips= -7cm,
thighs = -9cm, arms = –2cm
& have just signed up to do another 12 weeks with 12WBT.
Jackie & I are going to document our journey hoping that our struggles and successes help others put an end to obesity.
I did not fail,  It was the diets that failed me…
This is not a diet we are on, its a lifestyle change with health eating and we are getting healthier and fitter every day.

Kim