Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: exercise

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for December 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for December 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – December 1, 2015 – What summer is to the blockbuster movie, winter is to the blockbuster album. With record labels competing for your holiday loot, the marketplace is flooded with new releases from the biggest acts on their rosters. While this wealth of new music is great if you’re hitting the mall looking for gifts, it’s just as great if you’re hitting the gym and looking for new tracks.

    In the mix below, you’ll find new singles from Top 40 regulars like Coldplay and Missy Elliott. There are also remixes of smash hits from Selena Gomez and The Weeknd. Elsewhere club favorites like Audien and Rudimental create cross-genre collaborations with Lady Antebellum and Ed Sheeran. Lastly, you can hear Megan Trainor break from her signature style with a tropical tune from The Peanuts Movie.

    The strength of this month’s mix is its simplicity: big acts, catchy choruses, good vibes. The end of the year is plenty hectic on its own—without additional challenges in the workout music department. So, don’t overthink it. Just try a few tracks below, then make a few tracks through the snow.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.

    Missy Elliott & Pharrell Williams – WTF (Where They From) – 120 BPM

    Daya – Hide Away – 95 BPM

    Grimes – Flesh Without Blood – 156 BPM

    Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime – 113 BPM

    Selena Gomez & A$AP Rocky – Good for You (Phantoms Remix) – 119 BPM

    Audien & Lady Antebellum – Something Better – 126 BPM

    Rudimental & Ed Sheeran – Lay It All on Me – 123 BPM

    The Weeknd – I Can’t Feel My Face (Martin Garrix Remix) – 127 BPM

    Meghan Trainor – Better When I’m Dancin’ – 128 BPM

    Andy Grammer – Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) – 120 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • Top 10 Workout Songs for October 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for October 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – October 6, 2015 – In a workout playlist, balance is key. Too much familiarity can be boring. At the same time, too much novelty can be jarring. Getting the right ratio often takes a little work, but the songs voted into this month’s top 10 list manage the feat naturally.
    Starting with the familiar side, the list features singles from Macklemore, Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, and Pharrell—all of whom shot onto the charts following their performances at the Video Music Awards. On the fresh side, there’s a masterpiece of sass from Tink and a lightning-fast rocker from Fenech-Soler. Somewhere in the middle, you’ll find hits from Andy Grammer and X Ambassadors reinvented as a country song and a club track, respectively.
    Not every month produces a mix varied so perfectly for a workout. Moreover, as we edge closer to winter, the days fit for moving outdoors will start getting scarce. So, don’t let October’s bounty go to waste: grab some new tunes and get out among the leaves.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz – Downtown – 110 BPM

    Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean? – 125 BPM

    Kaskade – Never Sleep Alone – 127 BPM

    Tink & Tazer – Wet Dollars – 124 BPM

    Fenech-Soler – Last Forever – 171 BPM

    Nick Jonas – Levels – 102 BPM

    Pharrell – Freedom – 95 BPM

    Andy Grammer & Eli Young Band – Honey, I’m Good. – 123 BPM

    Zedd & Jon Bellion – Beautiful Now (Big Gigantic Remix) – 148 BPM

    X Ambassadors – Renegades (Astrolith Remix) – 115 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • If It Wasn’t For Weight Watchers….

    If It Wasn’t For Weight Watchers….


    Dearest Readers:

    As you probably know, I am a Weight Watcher. As a ‘weight watcher,’ I lose slowly — EVER SO SLOWLY! I have weekly weigh-ins where I cheer, and I have many weeks at weigh-in where I want to scream…beat myself up…run into a brick wall…or — QUIT! But — I cannot do this. Beating myself up – like I did as a child — is not healthy for me. Getting depressed and quitting – just isn’t who I am now. Years ago, I quit things that challenged me. Now, as an adult — at least I think I am — I like a challenge, and for me, Weight Watchers is a challenge.

    Today, thanks to a beautiful, encouraging friend I am back to a wonderful, intimidating and fun challenge — walking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge!

    A few years ago, I briefly discussed the bridge:
    To those of you who do not know, “The bicycle and pedestrian lane is 2.7 miles long (14,400 feet), measuring from Patriots Point Road to East Bay Street. Measuring only the part that is on the bridge structure, the walkway is 2.4 miles long (12,750 feet). Most of the bridge is limited to a 4.1% maximum slope. On the Charleston side of the
    main span, the long approach is a 1.8% slope. On the Mount Pleasant side, there is a section three-tenths of a mile long that has a 5.6% slope.” http://www.cooperriverbridge.org/bike.shtml

    When plans for the bridge were in the discussion stages, a high school group got involved, suggesting adding a pedestrian, bicycle lane. I am so happy those plans were included in the bridge plans. Now, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is one of the favorite spots for active walkers, runners and bicyclists to work out. Speaking only for myself, I find it invigorating just to walk on it. You must remember, I am asthmatic. Exercise, stress, and illness activate my asthma. Today, I forgot to pack my inhaler – in the event I had an attack. On Monday of this week, I had an attack – thanks to my mini-schnauzer, the oldest of our pets. He chose to ignore the command of ‘stay’, darting out to the road. I rushed after him, and he ran faster. The little brat! A police officer drove by, stopping to get Sir Shakespeare Hemingway. On the way to the house, my asthma kicked in, so I must be careful. Nevertheless, I refuse to allow asthma to stop me. As a child, I was told I could not run or play or dance, like the other kids because I had asthma. I listened. Grinned, and danced my way outside. Stubborn? Independent?? Opinionated??? Wanting to do things MY WAY????? You betcha!

    I’ve always believed in breaking the rules. After I had accomplished my first adventure on the Ravenel Bridge, I walked it two to three times weekly. For those of you who have Fitbits, the incline records the steps, floors, miles and active minutes. Today, I paid attention to these records when I got home. I moved on 16 floors today. Walked for 50 active minutes, for a total of 3.66 miles, and I had over 7,000 steps recorded before 10:00 am. Today, I will surpass my goals to walk for 10,000 steps, 30 minutes active. I cannot wait to share this information at Weight Watchers tomorrow.

    When you walk the bridge, you feel like it will be an easy journey. For those who haven’t walked it, or those who are not accustomed to walking, it might be a bit difficult; however, since I am a walker, and I walk the treadmill, today’s journey was not as difficult as it has been. My friend, Melanie did fine too. You must remember, as you begin the journey up the bridge, it continues to incline. Remember – Charleston, SC does not have any mountains, so we in the Lowcountry are accustomed to walking the ‘Lowcountry!’ The bridge has a 4.1% incline. Many people who have walked the bridge say it bothers their legs, but it didn’t for me, and Melanie tolerated it well too. I think she and I will be good walking buddies!

    Now, that I am home, I feel inspired. There is something so special about getting outside to walk. The sun beams down onto your skin. The breeze kisses your face, and the walk gets your entire body moving. Arms are swinging. Legs are moving to the beat. Your heart is beating while the breeze conditions your body to keep moving. I didn’t mention the view, and it is spectacular. You look down to see the view of the Charleston Harbor. Perhaps you see a ship or a cargo ship floating by while the breeze refreshes your face. This is Charleston, SC. A Holy City where we do our best to enjoy this life we are given. God has given us a beautiful, historical city to enjoy the lifestyle we so enjoy and new friendships to cherish.

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  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for May 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for May 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – May 5, 2015 – While every month brings with it a crop of new tunes, May’s releases bring an unusually high number of fast songs and remixes. Both are ideal for your workout as quick tunes naturally lend themselves to momentum and remixes give proven hits a second wind.

    On the uptempo end of things, you’ll find songs above 140 beats per minute (BPM) from pop phenom Meghan Trainor, rockers Florence + The Machine, and breakout star Katy Tiz. In the remix department, you’ll find a club cut from Kelly Clarkson, a collaboration between Maroon 5 and Nicki Minaj, and a version of “Uptown Funk” that dials up the intensity of an already boisterous track.

    Just as a remix can breathe new life into a familiar favorite, a few new songs can liven up an entire playlist. So, take a listen to some this month’s highlights, see what moves you, and put the winners to work.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.

    Natalie La Rose & Jeremih – Somebody – 105 BPM

    Meghan Trainor – Dear Future Husband – 158 BPM

    Mumford & Sons – The Wolf – 153 BPM

    Maroon 5 & Nicki Minaj – Sugar (Remix) – 121 BPM

    LunchMoney Lewis – Bills – 126 BPM

    Florence + The Machine – Ship to Wreck – 142 BPM

    Tove Lo – Talking Body – 120 BPM

    Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song (Nebuer Remix) – 135 BPM

    Katy Tiz – Whistle (While You Work It) – 162 BPM

    Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk (Dave Aude Remix) – 124 BPM


    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for April 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    The Top 10 Workout Songs for April 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – April 1, 2015 – Spring is in full swing, the weather is warming, and April’s top 10 songs will bring the heat to your workout as well. This month’s picks provide a steady rhythm with most of the mix clocking in between 122 and 130 beats per minute (BPM). Within that range, you’ll find chart returns from both Carly Rae Jepsen and Ricky Martin and the latest from Ariana Grande and Andy Grammar.
    On the warm-up and cool down fronts, you’ll find an upbeat tune from Jason Derulo and a remix from Skrillex and Diplo’s Jack Ü side project featuring Missy Elliott. Lastly, while pop and dance hits generally rule the gym, the most popular workout song of the month actually came from Kid Rock. At 132 BPM, the title track from his new album First Kiss is also the fastest song in this month’s playlist.
    While some months’ selections vary wildly, April’s favorites make a virtue of their consistency. Along those lines, the mix features plenty of quick tunes, an emphasis on good vibes, and a few surprises to keep things interesting—everything you need to get up and moving.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Jason Derulo – Want to Want Me – 115 BPM

    Carly Rae Jepsen – I Really Like You – 122 BPM

    Ricky Martin – Adios – 128 BPM

    Zedd & Selena Gomez – I Want You to Know – 130 BPM

    Madonna – Living for Love (Dirty Pop Remix) – 129 BPM

    Ariana Grande – One Last Time – 126 BPM

    Deorro & Chris Brown – Five More Hours – 128 BPM

    Andy Grammer – Honey, I’m Good. – 123 BPM

    Kid Rock – First Kiss – 132 BPM

    Jack Ü & Kiesza – Take Ü There (Missy Elliott Remix) – 80 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for March 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for March 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – March 2, 2015 – This month’s top 10 workout songs cover a wide array of tempos and styles that will complement an equally diverse range of workouts. For low rep exercises that strengthen your body—crunches, weights and so on—you might start with one of the slower tracks from David Guetta or Flo Rida. For a cardio routine—running, ropes, and the like—consider one of the faster numbers from alt-rock favorites Bleachers or club stars Yellow Claw.
    If the feel is more important to you than the tempo, there are tracks spanning 100-128 beats per minute (BPM) and a variety of genres. The mix includes the latest confection from Maroon 5, a remix of Big Data’s crossover hit, and a collaboration between X Factor alumni Fifth Harmony & L.A. rapper Kid Ink.
    There should be something here for every taste and routine. If you’re looking for a few new songs to spruce up your existing mix, you’re in luck. Alternatively, if you need a clean break, you can swap in this entire list—since it blends a variety of speeds and sounds that will get you moving and keep you guessing.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    David Guetta, Afrojack & Nicki Minaj – Hey Mama – 86 BPM

    Flo Rida, Sage the Gemini & Lookas – GDFR (K. Theory Remix) – 73 BPM

    Big Data & Joywave – Dangerous (Spacebrother’s Electro Stomp Remix) – 126 BPM

    Fifth Harmony & Kid Ink – Worth It – 101 BPM

    Madonna – Living for Love – 123 BPM

    Imagine Dragons – I Bet My Life (Alex Adair Remix) – 117 BPM

    Bleachers – Rollercoaster – 163 BPM

    Maroon 5 – Sugar – 121 BPM

    Yellow Claw & Ayden – Till It Hurts – 146 BPM

    Penguin Prison – Calling Out (Elephante Remix) – 128 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • My Weight Watchers Saga…

    My Weight Watchers Saga…


    Dearest Readers:

    I’m back! Have you missed me? Frankly, I think I’ve missed myself. Allow me to explain. Three weeks ago, I awoke on my Weight Watchers weigh-in day with a bit of a stomach bug. I stayed home. Jumping on my scales, it appeared that I was gaining — again!

    RATS! I screamed, choosing to return to bed to sleep off the stomach bug. Sleeping is something I embraced since I have a rather serious case of insomnia. Last week, I promised to return to Weight Watchers for the dreaded weigh-in; however, my body decided I needed to stay home. I awoke early Wednesday of that week with a dreadful migraine headache. For those of you who do not recall, I have suffered from migraines since nine-years-old. I was hit by a car as a child. All I recall about that incident was feeling a gush of wind escaping my body as I hit the hood of the car. Reportedly, I bounced around like a dog, flying through the air, landing 60 feet across the highway of a “Dead Men’s Curve” landing on the sidewalk. Don’t ask me…I wasn’t there! When I did awaken, I looked into the beautiful blue eyes of a medical technician. In those years, we didn’t have EMS, or EMT’s, only ambulances. I remember attempting to turn my head, noticing a crowd of people overlooking me. I struggled to move – but I couldn’t. I saw my parents. I do remember saying, “I can’t move,” and the medical technician with the gorgeous blue eyes picking me up. My response was, “Mommy, he’s cute!”

    Yes, at nine-years-old, I was checking out the guys. Silly me. I remained in the hospital for two or three days. The doctors said I had a brain concussion and needed to take it easy for a while. I do remember touching the crown of my head, feeling it squashing like a sponge as I pushed it. The pain it created was almost unbearable! No playing. No bicycle riding…skating…dancing…Nothing! The driver of the car that hit me was only 17-years-old and drunk! I do not know his name, nor do I know what happened to him; nevertheless, I do hope he learned a valuable lesson that afternoon about drinking and driving. The only thing I do remember about this accident were the severe headaches where my head throbbed, feeling as if someone was beating my skull with a hammer. I could not stand bright lights (still have trouble with them and probably will for the rest of my life.) I could not tolerate loud noises, and when I did get a headache, I was sick to my stomach. Friends have told me they can tell when I have a headache simply by my voice. Apparently, my voice is raspier than normally. I do know that when I have one of these headaches, it is difficult for me to focus, comprehend and make simple sentences. Yes, a writer who cannot communicate due to a headache. Duh! Fortunately, those severe migraines have ceased. Rarely do I get one, but when I do — it is truly a headache from Hell! Last Wednesday, my headache remained all day and all night long, leaving me to be not too nice to everyone around, including my four-legged friends.

    It appears I am rambling a bit, doesn’t it? Today, I returned to Weight Watchers after a three-week absence. Much to my surprise, when I slipped on to the scales, I maintained my weight. No loss…No Gain! I was stunned and so proud!

    Next month will be four years since I joined Weight Watchers. “And you’re still going,” my friends say. “Yes…still going…and still maintaining…” BUT — not reaching my goal yet. I confess, I have not discussed my goal weight with my leader, but I will say — for me — I have a goal in mind and that goal is only about 35 pounds away.

    Meanwhile, I still exercise weekly. My NordicTrack treadmill is blessed with my presence at least four days weekly. When I started on the treadmill two years ago, I used one that was purchased in 1998 for my husband. After his zipper was placed in his chest — The infamous Zipper Club — he bought a new treadmill to use – to keep active. To be honest, the only activity he gets is a remote control, to exercise his thumb so he can watch TV and the golf he plays. So, two years ago, I decided the treadmill needed to be used for something besides a place to hang clothes to air dry. In mid 2014, that treadmill said enough, when the belt decided to split. Attempting to be conservative with our funds, I bought a roll of duct tape, to repair the belt. Guess what…It didn’t work! The belt continued to split!

    Fortunately, I have a generous husband. He bought me a new treadmill. “One of my choosing,” he said. I chose the NordicTrack. Now, I have it inclined at seven degrees, walking at a speed of 3.2, for 50 minutes at least four times weekly. My right leg is fighting me now, wanting me to quit, but I ignore it and move! Not so bad for someone with asthma!

    Today, when I returned to Weight Watchers, I was ecstatic that I did not gain. I really expected to see a two or three-pound gain. I think I’ll take a “maintained” as opposed to a gain, shooting to lose maybe one or two pounds next week. Meanwhile, the inches are melting away and I am proud of who I see now in the mirror.

    The question I have for myself is — “Will this be the year that I achieve goal and lifetime at Weight Watchers?”

    I certainly plan to. Stay tuned!

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for February 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for February 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – February 4, 2015 – Remixes rule in this month’s workout music round-up. Exactly half of the songs voted into the top 10 appear in re-worked versions. As always, this is a blessing for folks in search of musical inspiration, since these uptempo updates take existing gym favorites and accentuate their beats and momentum.
    Songs getting a makeover include the latest from from Gwen Stefani, a club anthem from David Guetta, and the three way collaboration between Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea, and Pitbull. Meanwhile, the other half of this month’s list includes a Taylor Swift song you might recognize from a Target commercial, a Fall Out Boy track that pays tribute to a scene from Pulp Fiction, and the follow-up to Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne’s breakthrough hit “Rather Be.”
    By combining new music from Top 40 regulars and updated versions of recent hits, this month’s list strikes a fine balance between fresh and familiar sounds–both of which will come in handy when you’re ready to get moving.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Gwen Stefani – Baby Don’t Lie (Kaskade & KillaGraham Remix) – 100 BPM

    Taylor Swift – Style – 95 BPM

    Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea & Pitbull – Booty (Bali Bandits Remix) – 129 BPM

    Robin Schulz, Lilly Wood & The Prick – Prayer in C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit) – 123 BPM

    Fall Out Boy – Uma Thurman – 149 BPM

    Jessie J & 2 Chainz – Burnin’ Up (Aero Chord Remix) – 100 BPM

    Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song – 74 BPM

    Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Real Love – 125 BPM

    David Guetta & Sam Martin – Dangerous (David Guetta’s Banging Remix) – 128 BPM

    Pitbull & Ne-Yo – Time of our Lives – 124 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • Finding True Happiness With Myself and Weight Watchers

    Finding True Happiness With Myself and Weight Watchers


    Dearest Readers:

    Like many women, there have been many road blocks and detours in my life. Marrying at a young age — much too young — I recognized that happiness does not come from marriage, or from living with someone, or from the temptations of food. I have battled with weight problems all of my life. You probably know the drill. Diets…Diets..and More Diets. I tried high protein diets…Lost weight, only to gain again. I found success for a while after going to a doctor. I lost weight, only to gain again. Over and over I found myself on an endless spinning wheel of weight loss and weight gain.

    In 2005, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. My doctor suggested losing weight, and so I stepped onto that spinning wheel once again. Three months later, I went back to my doctor, discovering a weight loss of 14 pounds. “I’m eating healthier now,” I said, ever so happy of my weight loss and A1C levels.

    “I’ve got this,” I whispered to myself on the way home. “I want to lose 30 more pounds.” Little did I know how difficult weight loss would become.

    I remembered the last time I joined Weight Watchers without success. Going to the meeting, I saw a beige curtain, with a doctor’s scale. When someone entered the curtained area, they closed the curtain, weighed and hopped off the scale, but the number on the scale was still revealed. Yes, everyone could see the weight of the previous person. I was mortified. I went to one meeting, never going back. If my memory is correct, liver was one of the foods recommended to eat once a week. Since my family would not eat liver and we rarely ate in restaurants, I knew I could not be successful with Weight Watchers; nevertheless, I wanted to continue my weight loss.

    On March 3, 2011, I turned the TV on, watching a new commercial from Weight Watchers. Jennifer Hudson was speaking about how she has lost 80 pounds with Weight Watchers. Staring at her, I was envious. I remember saying to myself, “I deserve to be happy, and I deserve to lose weight. Maybe I should go back to Weight Watchers. I want to be slim. I want to wear clothes that compliment my body instead of covering and hiding my body. I can be slim – one day –someday. Sitting at my computer desk, a voice spoke to me. ‘Go to Weight Watchers…Go to Weight Watchers…’ I Googled Weight Watchers, reading about how they had new programs – with ‘confidential weigh-ins.’ I was curious. Just what is a ‘confidential weigh-in?’

    Confidential weigh-ins…I decided it was time to start the journey. Rushing to get dressed I decided…today is the day…My first day in a long time…I will be the REAL ME…the one who enters a building with a gigantic smile on my face. I will lose weight. After all, I am SOMEBODY!

    At 9:45, I entered the meeting area of my local Weight Watchers. I wanted to cover my head with a grocery bag. I prayed I did not recognize anyone at the meeting. Never did I establish eye contact. The leader approached me, introducing herself as Kathy.

    “I’m new,” I whispered. She reached for my hand.

    “Welcome to Weight Watchers.”

    I thanked her, found a seat in the back row, holding my head down. Listening to the meeting, the tightness in my body eased. I left the meeting a bit confused. Just what could I eat?

    At home, I read the literature, discovering all I needed to do was track my food intake, making certain to have 26 points daily. “Sounds easy enough,” I said.

    Yes, I am still a member of Weight Watchers. March 11, 2015 I will celebrate four years as a member of Weight Watchers. Have I reached my goal?

    Absolutely not. I haven’t even discussed my ‘goal weight’ with my leader — Yet! For now, I am somewhat in limbo. Bouncing back and forth. The holidays were a nightmare for me. I gained almost 10 pounds and was so furious with myself, I missed meetings due to the holidays and a cruise to the Bahamas.

    When I did force myself to return to the meetings, I discovered a weight gain of two pounds – not the 10 I thought I gained. I missed the meeting last week due to a stomach virus. Tomorrow is my regular weigh-in day. I think I have gained; nevertheless, if I have — I will face the music and get back on track.

    Losing weight is easy for some people. For me, it is a struggle. Nevertheless, I am determined. I have changed my eating habits considerably and I work out every week – usually five days weekly. My exercise routine includes walking on the treadmill, inclined at seven degrees, with a speed of 3.3 for 50 minutes. By the time I finish, I am dripping wet! My goal is to incline my NordicTrack to 10 degrees. You must realize, I have asthma and if I push myself, I end up gasping for breath. After the treadmill, I do aerobics. My exercise routine is a slow progression. I must say, the inches are melting away. I am able to wear clothes I never thought I could. My shoulders are slimming down, and a few weeks ago, I discovered I actually do have ribs and collar bones! Rejoice! Eureka! “Yes, I’ve got this!”

    If you are curious about Weight Watchers, go to the website, https://welcome.weightwatchers.com/ and read all about it. I encourage others to consider joining at a meeting, not online – however, if you are the type of person who can work alone and do it all by yourself, then online might work for you. When I joined in 2011, I started to join online. Fortunately, I listened to that little voice in my head, deciding to go to the meeting — just to see what ‘confidential weigh-ins’ are all about. At our meetings, the confidential weigh in consists of two small scales sitting on the floor. NO BEIGE CURTAIN! As I approached I thought — that can’t be confidential…all the people have to do is move a bit closer to the line up and read what he or she weighs.

    Surprise! I was incorrect! When I got on the scales, I expected the scales to moan or groan, so I looked down to read the number – but –the number was not visible.

    I glanced at the receptionist writing on my card. “Where’s the weight?” I asked.

    “We’re confidential now. Only the person behind the desk can see the number.”

    I laughed. “No beige curtains?”

    “Nope…not anymore.”

    Silly me. She was familiar with the beige curtains!

    After almost four years with Weight Watchers what have I learned? Simple. I’ve learned so much it might take an entire chapter to discover all that I have learned. I’ve made friends — loyal, supportive, kind friends, and I’ve learned that all of us who enter the Weight Watchers meeting have felt the same way. The first visit, I recall walking in, just wanting to be invisible. I did not want others to discover what I weighed, nor did I want them to laugh at me. No one did. I’ve discovered all of us at the meetings, even those at lifetime, have walked in those same shoes. The dreaded shoes of weight gain, and together, we join hands to encourage everyone. When we see someone returning to the meetings after a few absences, we smile at them. Many times I embrace them, telling them I have missed them…and many times, they will hang their heads in shame. I smile and say, “But you’re back…”

    Together we can do this. So for now, smile and welcome to Weight Watchers! Together we are on an amazing journey!

  • Moving On — With Weight Watchers…

    Moving On — With Weight Watchers…


    Dearest Readers:

    I apologize for not posting much this month. Let’s just say, it’s been a most unusual month for me, starting with getting so frustrated with weight loss, the holidays and my lack of interest in losing weight, combined with a cruise we took on the Carnival Fantasy. I promised myself I would be good on the cruise…the reality is – I’m human and I blew it big time! Arriving home from the cruise I hopped on the scales and almost cried. A ten pound gain! Yes, I beat myself up — not physically, just mentally…and then, I decided it was time to return to Weight Watchers and face the music.

    From January 8 – January 13, we were cruising from the Charleston, SC port to Freeport and the Bahamas. Every day, I ate breakfast, ever so careful of what I ate. Fruit. Cheese omelet. No toast. Coffee. When I tried to log in to e-tools of Weight Watchers, I could not — unless I wanted to pay the outrageous rates for “Cellular by the sea.” I got lazy. Never writing any of my food intake in my journal. Lazy…LAZY…just downright a Lazy Lion. After all, I was on vacation! At lunch, I treated myself to cheeseburgers and fruit and — the dreaded — french fries!

    I said a prayer that God would motivate me. He replied it was time for me to find my motivation, and so I did. On the cruise, I took the stairs most of the time, clocking over 500 steps in five days. Yes, occasionally, I huffed and puffed on the stairs, but I refused to stop. Breathing a bit heavily (thanks to asthma) I refused to give up. I did the jogging track, walking 15 laps – daily, with exception of the day it rained. Back at home, I hopped on the treadmill, increasing the speed and incline. I huffed and puffed my way with a newfound determination. I was so angry and disappointed with myself.

    Although Weight Watchers does not encourage it, I weighed daily, watching those dreaded pounds decreasing! “Eureka,” I shouted to myself. My four-legged friends popped their heads up to see why I was so excited. Those uninvited pounds were going away! I was so proud.

    Today, I decided it was time to face the music completely, get on the scales at Weight Watchers and get rededicated to my new healthy eating weight loss style. “Hello, NordicTrack…You are now my best friend.”

    Using the treadmill five days last week, I think I actually heard it moaning from overworking. I suppose that treadmill had a nice rest while I was out-of-town, and now, I am a workout queen!

    Arriving at Weight Watchers this morning, I could not find my weekly pass booklet, so I opened e-tools to show I was a member. Believe me, everyone at Weight Watchers knows this ‘totally shy and reserved’ woman that I am not, so they were happy to see me returning to face the music. My weight gain that was over ten pounds? Now, according to Weight Watchers, it is only a 2.2 pound gain! Think I’ll do a happy dance, just to get a few more steps and movements going!

    WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS AND WEIGHT LOSS/GAINS?

    According to Weight Watchers, the average gain of a person during the holidays is only one pound. Okay…So, I’m not an average person – or normal! I am me. Determined. Stubborn, Opinionated and Gregarious. I simply LOVE being the center of attention. Anyone who knows me can attest to that statement!

    This year, even though I told myself I would not gain — I would lose, and on the cruise, I would not gain — I sabotaged myself! Like most women who cook during the holidays, I found myself nibbling and not counting those infamous “B-L-T’s.” BITES…LICKS…and TASTES. I baked cookies and cakes. Some of you who read my blog regularly might remember two years ago when I went on a binge with “Christmas cookies.” I do not know what caused me to be so weak during the holidays of 2014, but something certainly sent me on a downward spin. I am so happy that I had a talk with myself, telling myself I could not afford to gain ten pounds, and I could not afford to quit Weight Watchers.

    Today was a good day for me. Although at Weight Watchers it appears that I only gained 2.2 pounds. The reality is since last week I have lost eight pounds!

    Yes, I am using that NordicTrack and I’m certain it is a bit tired from all the workout…and I do aerobics, so I am back on the move — ready to attack this year of 2015 with a force. I do plan to make my goal weight this year and become a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers. Will I accomplish this?

    Don’t laugh! Of course I will. After all, I am a stubborn, opinionated, determined woman who does not believe in the word No! Think I’ve proven that over the holidays and at the cruise. No is not an option! This I WILL achieve!

    You JUST WAIT!

    DREAM…

    BELIEVE…

    ACHIEVE…

    My bracelet reminds me of this daily. After all, today is a new day…and I AM BACK!