Sherri says "WOW!"

Wasn't last night wonderful? I did not expect to get emotional over any of this but once Anna and Lori's spot in the video came around I turned to mush. Everyone looked so beautiful and happy. I will remember last night for a long time to come.

Yea for you Carolee!

Yea for all of US!!

I'm so proud of all that we have accomplished!!!

It has been a awesome experience and a great journey. I have learned so much and I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to make some much needed changes in my health. I could not have asked for better women to have participated in this challenge with. Each and every one of you is phenomenal!

I'm so looking forward to running into everyone at LP. (That was so awesome of them to extend our membership another 3 months!) We definitely need to keep in touch and keep each other accountable and on the right track.

Here's to our hearts, our health and our lasting happiness!

SMONI

WE DID IT, LADIES!!!

Congratulations to all of you!

Can't wait to see you around LifePointe these next few months.

Tonight is the Night!!!

I don't know about the other BetterU participants, but I'm betting they are just as excited as I am... and a bit nervous too! Tonight is the American Heart Association Banquet/Fundraiser where the participants of the BetterU Challenge will have their results highlighted and the winner of the challenge announced. You too can join us in celebrating the last 12 weeks of our challenge... the first 12 weeks to our improved lifestyles, and learn how you can help bring awareness about the Number 1 killer of women. Contact the American Heart Association (402.489.5115 ) for details on tonight's event. The banquet will be from 5:30 - 8:00 (2/11/10) at the Grand Manse in Lincoln Nebraska.

Hope to see you there!!!

Still Workin' It....

So, although my gym activity has slowed this last week... I'm still workin' it at home!

Last night my daughter and I came straight home after work/school to work out. A friend let me borrow one of Jillian's DVD's (trainer from the Biggest Loser). It's called "trouble zones", which for some of us is virtually everywhere! :) When we were getting set up to work out I remembered that my free weights were still begging for attention in the attic of the garage. But I didn't have time to unearth them, so we used cans of Fat Free Refried Beans and canned Vegetables! It was really pretty funny working out with cans of food, but most of the moves were using our own body weight anyway. And truth be told, I'm feeling it [workout] today! I have to tell you, it was such a riot to see my athletically built daughter struggle to keep up with me! Ah, the little pleasures in parenting... Now I truly don't want my daughter to fail, but a little humility goes a long way. And I'm definitely trying to teach her that just working out every once in a while isn't ideal, that it needs to be done on a consistent basis to have lasting results for your health. I could tell that the talk about that last night went out the window, because when I reminded her that we had a workout date again today, she sighed "Again!?"... guess I'll just have to keep at it! :) I'm pretty sure as long as I don't ask her to do anything I wouldn't do... that she'll have a hard time saying no.

Here is a photo of those awesome Spring rolls that you may find the reciept down below...HHMMMM

I had my assessment for the last time with Tracy on Wednesday. (sniff) I was pretty surprised with my results and Tracy made me feel so good! I had wanted to lose more weight, however the inches and strength were a pleasant surprise in my results. I can not believe that I can do 3 x the amount of push-ups, tri-cep dips and sit-ups then I could when i started. My energy level is incredible. I can squat down without falling or cringing in pain and holding my knee...those lunges really do the trick! (even though I really hate them soooooooo much!)

I've heard a lot of you say that you're gonna join a club...Lifepointe or other after this. I expect to see you all around. It's been an amazing journey. Insightful and life changing on the INSIDE as well as the OUTSIDE! A big part, I think is in attitude. Change is truly, 10% inspiration, 10% perspiration and 80% ATTITUDE!

I totally agree with Jeanette, that the staff at Lifepointe was ultra fabuloooouus. I thought it was impressive that not only did I get individual attention from my trainer, but everyone else's trainer was kind and attentive to all of the Betteru ladies, I thought. I could ask questions of anyone and always received a "can-do" attitude, even if the answer was not handy. I signed up for an amazing massage too with Steve...wow, really loosened my tight muscles! Very soothing...almost was to cozy on the heated pad on the table...could have slept for days! Finished with yoga...really helps with balance. Glad I had an opportunity to experience all types of exercises from Zumba, to biking, weights, machines....even the accidental Boot Camp or was it Body Combat...where I got my BUTT KICKED! (see I still get them mixed up!)

I look forward to celebrating with all of you and the BetterU staff....in a size smaller RED Dress! I am so grateful for this opportunity and will promote it to my friends if they offer the program again! (I've used my little red bag a lot!) Hasta La Rojo Fiesta!

Can't believe it is almost over....

I am really sad that this challenge is coming to an end. I know I will keep going on my journey to a healthier lifestyle and lose the weight I want to lose (it is a long, hard road, but so worth it). I have really enjoyed getting to know you ladies and wish you healthy blessings.

I have learned so much from the great staff at LifePointe. Katie is the best dietician I have ever met!!!! She has so much knowledge in that pretty little head of hers and she doesn't judge. When I screw up and tell her about it, she just tells me that it is okay and to not beat myself up and gives me new ideas to continue to move forward. KATIE ROCKS!!!

I have also learned so much from Rob - the tyrant trainer!!! LOL!! He knows his stuff, that's for sure!! I will take everything he has taught me and continue on - some of the things he had me do, I will NEVER do again (blurpies-really? Just the name of that exercise is retarded - won't do that one anymore) but it has been great to try exercises and machines that I had never tried before and probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been for Rob. So, thank you Rob!! YOU ROCK TOO!!

I have to say - I sure have been spoiled at LifePointe!!! What a fantastic place!! All of the staff is so friendly and helpful!! I love it!! It is like going to a spa every time instead of a health club! I might just have to continue my membership!!! Thank you for everything!

Okay - this is long enough and I don't want to get too mushy. These 12 weeks really did go by fast and it was easier than I thought to stay motivated - even if I'm not exactly where I hoped to be - it has been great!! I love all of you ladies and can't wait to see you all dressed up in your red!!!

Motivated to keep going

Well we are on our last few workouts as a "group". I can't believe I am finding myself still motivated or not bored with the routine. I plan to continue on with the workouts. I did see Sherri this AM "getting her butt kicked" as she said. All I did today was balance and core stuff and I was sweating more then ever. I did not realize until yoga the other night (with Anna) how bad my balance was. I had planned on doing yoga again tonight, but instead I got in for a massage while I have the chance. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you over the past three months and hopefully we can keep in touch and help each other stay motivated. See you all in the next couple of days for post interviews.

Here is my Spring Roll Recipe

Spring roll skins (round rice paper wraps in ethnic isle)- they are thin sheets of dried (not moist) rice paper
Variety of vegetables- I use carrots, celery, cucumber, jicama, diakon, bell peppers (all colors), green onions, cilantro, fresh ginger and avocado, mango
Crab or shrimp (cooked)
Peanut sauce

Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger 6 small or 4 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup peanut butter
2 TBSP sesame oil 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 TBSP crushed red pepper flakes

Place all ingredients in blender (helps to put vinegar in first) and blend until smooth, may use hot H20 to thin if needed. Store in fridge

Vegetables
Cut into thin julienne strips

Spring rolls
Fill a shallow dish with very warm water, a tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tsp of sugar. Place a wrap in the water until it softens and is pliable enough to roll, but not too much that it will tear.
Fill wrap with vegetables of choice, add crab or shrimp or both and roll eggroll style. The wrap will stick to itself to seal.

Dip in peanut sauce and enjoy.

Judy's advise - Keep Bouncing!

Hi Ladies,
I have not taken time to read all of your updates but each time I come to this site, I am reminded about how special you all are. I love hearing about your commitment to making yourself better.
Some of you may know that the past couple of months have been very difficult for me.
My mother-in-law and my dear aunt (she took the place of my mother for the past twenty years) both had strokes and never recovered. They both struggled through their last days. I was able to spend time with each of them and I am grateful that they both were alert and able to communicate those last weeks. Add in the snowstorms which kept me stranded in my house for two weeks and my gym time just didn't happen. I was so excited when I was chosen for this challenge and have been feeling sorry for myself for the last week.
My trainer Sarah was such a blessing for me. She understood when I had to cancel appointments and was always encouraging. I have finally realized that regardless of whether or not I succeeded in accomplishing all of the goals I had made, I will come away from this experience armed with so much knowledge and awareness of what a healthy life is supposed to be, that my life from now on will be better. I am still excited about making positive changes for myself! Maybe it wasn't these particular eleven weeks but it will happen for me. We aren't always in control of life as you know, but that doesn't mean we have to give up our dreams. In the letter I wrote to apply for the challenge I said that I am a "bouncer". I WILL BOUNCE BACK AND CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GET BETTER AT BEING HEALTHY!!!!
If anyone else feels discouraged about their progress, please remember that like "Tiger" you can be a bouncer too!
What lucky ladies we have been!
Here's to us - always remember we are all amazing women!
Smiles,
Judy

And now the end is near...I did it my way-F.S.

A good time was had by all at the Sunday evening gathering. Big Low-Cal gratitude "whoo-wh00" to the ladies who brought yummy, but healthy treats. Janet brought these amazing Vegi Spring rolls which I've got to make sometime....the peanut dipping sauce was addictive! Jeanette brought a cool trail mix which I enjoyed some the next day at my desk on break...to tied me over to lunch!

Good job ladies in the pool! The Aquatic work out was attended by 5 of us last night. I enjoyed the company, however, I didn't feel that intense work out like I get from the weights, lunges, spin classes, elliptical and treadmill workouts. I feel more driven now to make my body push! I realise now, that in the past, I may have been one of those people who...go to the work out, didn't apply effort and wondered "why, am I not making progress?" Ya, know which ladies I'm talking about? Fluff work outs.....put in the "show" at the gym...but don't really challenge yourself. I think that a "trainer" has helped me realize where my "push point" really starts and ends. I think a personal trainer is well worth the investment.

Is everyone finding that perfect "RED" outfit...can't wait to see you all dressed for success at our grand finale! GIVE IT YOUR ALL THIS WEEK! I wish you all the best, my fit friends! Cheers!

Count Down

Really sorry that I had to miss last night at Anna's. I had a committment that I couldn't get out of. Hope everyone had fun.

Have still been doing my favorites....Zumba and Body Pump. I can't believe it's the last week. I was worried that 12 weeks would be tough to stay focused but I really look forward to going. I had my meeting with Katie last week. She gave me great ideas to help see weight loss. I know I have lost the inches but would like to see more on the scale. So we will see how that goes in the next couple of weeks.

See ya tonight at swimming.