RAYLINSTEPHENS   152,202
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RAYLINSTEPHENS's Recent Blog Entries

Welcome Some New SP Members, please!

Saturday, January 02, 2010

I joined the SP Community Team - Business Only Spark Team some time back.

One of the Team Goals is to "Post in the Introduce Yourself forum on the Message Boards 3 times per week" and this is most important now because of all the New Years Resolutions that pertain to diets and dieting.
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageb
oard_topics.asp?imboard=14


I have already made this a Team Goal on one of my teams to welcome someone new once every day and I would ask those reading my blog to do the same. January is probably the heaviest month for new members and we all know how "invisible" we can feel sometimes when overweight. The Goal is not to let anyone go unwelcomed!

But you can welcome new members even without joining the team.

Thank you, "says she," as she steps off the soapbox!

Love y'all,
Linda

**I am now asking how new members join if we have no way to invite them into the team.

***edited again: I was correct in my original wording of this blog - here is what Spark_Coach_Jen had to say in the Community Team Posting:

To join the Community Team (and join this SparkTeam),you have to be a member of the site for at least 3 months. Then when you click on the green CT icon next to any CT members posts, you can join from there.

Hope that helps!

Coach Jen

So, to the 2 people asking about it, perhaps neither of you has yet been a member for a full 3 months? Please, by all means, keep trying! We really need you!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MEADSBAY 1/3/2010 9:51AM

    thnx for the reminder!
I will do 5-6 every day
(finally figured out how to cut and paste most of it so it goes quicker)
and I put a reminder in my status update.
xoxo
elizabeth
emoticon

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ETHEL_MERMAID 1/2/2010 7:06PM

    emoticon Linda! I've always tried to welcome new people now and then, but I was unaware that one could click on the green Community button on members' posts to join. There really is quite an influx of new SparkSters, isn't there? - Susan

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CAROLFAITHWALKR 1/2/2010 6:49PM

    Linda, where is the thread you are speaking of in second paragraph? Is this in the Cafe thread or something?

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MSMAKEOVER 1/2/2010 6:19PM

    Great idea...thanks Linda...

Way to Spark.... emoticon

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EMMABE1 1/2/2010 4:55PM

    I do!! I honestly do!!

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LOPEYP 1/2/2010 2:49PM

    Good idea! Thanks for the reminder.

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RAYLINSTEPHENS 1/2/2010 2:35PM

    To the 2 members trying to join the Community Team, I was unaware that the procedure to join has changed.

I have let the Team Leaders know of your desire to join by also asking how we can invite new members.

I do hope someone will be getting back to you shortly.

Marty is right! Many new members never return after their initial posting introducing themselves. All we can do is continue to try and make them to feel welcome.

Since I didn't come back for 2 years after joining, I know this is typical. I just try to reinforce that SparkPeople is here - I remembered and I came back. I guess it's the best we can do?

Hugs,
Linda

Comment edited on: 1/2/2010 2:39:31 PM

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MIKIIO 1/2/2010 1:49PM

    Great reminder! Good luck to the team leaders of January SP Class!

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GRANDMAAMIE 1/2/2010 12:06PM

    WILL DO!

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BELIEVE-IT 1/2/2010 10:31AM

    Thanks what a great reminder!!!

I just tried to join the team and it said it was private??? Tha I had to be asked to join by a team leader?

Comment edited on: 1/2/2010 10:34:11 AM

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CICI510 1/2/2010 10:05AM

    This is an awesome goal! I was very good about doing this for awhile but the holidays have made me lag in this area so I will definitely make a more conscious effort to welcome new members. :)

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ASTORRES1 1/2/2010 9:54AM

    Linda....good idea....I always like to make everyone feel welcome. That makes everyone feel like they are part of the family here at SPARK!!!


amy

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MARTY19 1/2/2010 9:31AM

    I want to make everyone who joins feel wlecome. But (as she gets ON her soapbox) by the end of February many of these new members will have diappeared. I want to do something to prevent THAT.

Love you
Marty

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CLOVER6266 1/2/2010 9:25AM

  Hi there. I clicked on the icon as directed above and received a message that it was a private group requiring an invitation?

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Jan 1, 2010

Friday, January 01, 2010

Today I have a bit of sadness - my mother passed away 6 years ago today so I am allowing myself to mourn for a few minutes in her memory.

There - done that.

My regrets start with the fact she passed away before I found SparkPeople. How much fun we would have had doing the Spark Program together. We made a great team, Mom & I, fat together and always having fun.

I do not believe in New Years Resolutions. Never have, never will. But I do believe in myself and I believe in SparkPeople.

I will encourage more people to join us in this fabulous journey to better health. I resolve to carry my SP cards wherever I go so I am always ready to hand them out when anyone asks me how I lost this weight.

This year I resolve to really work my body - I reached my goal weight in 2009 emoticon but I really didn't do the strength training the way I should so I must get more serious with it this year, starting with this month's Spark BootCamp!

I also resolve to not worry about the number as long as my clothes still fit!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRALLEN 1/1/2010 11:09PM

    Not worry about the numbers as long as the clothes fit. That's a good one.

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MEADSBAY 1/1/2010 9:40PM

    We will always miss our mom when she is gone.
It would have been fun Sparkin' her along!
Have a great 2010, Linda, and thanks so much for all you do.
xoxo
elizabeth
emoticon

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SKYGIRL21 1/1/2010 9:19PM

    Rejoice in the love and special times that you shared with your Mom. emoticon


I will be doing the bootcamp too. Little bit scared about it as I am not physically active and I wonder if it will be too much. But I am willing to give it a try and who knows what I might find out.
Have a happy New Year.

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ASTORRES1 1/1/2010 9:00PM

    You have a great attitude....it will serve you and all of us very well. Thanks for all your support and guidance......to a start of a great new year!!!!



amy

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GINILEE4 1/1/2010 8:02PM

    Sorry you have to have a day that should be spent preparing for the newyear where you are sorrowful. My DH's dad died New Year's Eve and he too has an ' in your face' reminder every year. On to happy things. You did reach your goal and I am still rooting for you. It helps me to know that you weren't all perfect while you got there in that you did not do all the exercising and dieting and everything all at once. I find strength knowing that little bits at a time will work. That I don't have to do it all NOW. Thanks for supporting me and being such a great friend.

Gini emoticon

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GLOBALKEEWEE 1/1/2010 7:41PM

    Excellent start to the new year.
We are with you!


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LAURAANN821 1/1/2010 7:33PM

    I believe that the ones we love live on through us. I bet that your Mom is looking down on you and smiling!! She's been with you through your journey and I think she will continue to be with you!

Your goals for 2010 are fantastic, and I have a funny feeling you will reach them.... look at how far you've already come.

emoticon

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MARTY19 1/1/2010 7:31PM

    There are so many "what ifs" in our lives. But we mourn for them for a bit and then we move forward because we cannot go back and change anything.
I'm with you on the boot camp and strength training. Although I will probably groan alot.

Love you,
Marty

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WALKINGANNIE 1/1/2010 6:40PM

    How proud your mother would be of what you have accomplished - not just the weight loss and maintenance but the way in which you are encouraging others and sharing what you've learnt.

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KNITTABLES 1/1/2010 6:37PM

    Yes, it is how the clothes fit and not what you weigh, Good luck with the bootcamp, you can do it and you will, I wish you a very Happy New Year,Sandra

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What a Christmas!

Friday, December 25, 2009

My gift to me today was to totally enjoy tasting all the goodies! I decided not to track today and I ate so many "forbidden sweets" that I am totally stuffed!

So, I had to get my sparkpoints - I attempted to log my foods into the Nutrition Tracker and am sure I am woefully off, but probably pretty close.

I ate close to 2 days food, salt, carbs, fat - you name it, I ate it!

Do I have any regrets?

No! I don't have a single regret for over-indulging today. This was my Christmas present to myself and I not only ate like I enjoyed it, I enjoyed what I ate.

Could it have been worse? Oh my yes! But I was just too full to eat another bite, lol.

Will I weigh tomorrow?

Oh my yes! Because I need to see the number on the scale, no matter what it is.

I know my weight will be up tomorrow but I also know I didn't really gain a pound let alone the 2+ that the scale might show.

Now to flush out all the fat, sugar and salt I consumed during the remainder of this weekend. Fruits, veggies and lots of water. Can you say "soup"?

I only hope that everyone reading my blog also had a great Christmas and no regrets. It is one day a year, a day to celebrate my saviors birth and like it or not, we celebrate with food. It really doesn't matter what religion you follow; most religions celebrate with food and it never seems to be low-calorie foods.

Today I celebrated my life.

Tomorrow is another day and I return to my Spark Program.

Love life! emoticon emoticon emoticon

**edit: 12/26 -
weighin 123.7 - still within 5 lb range from 120 but higher than I would prefer.
Already did the treadmill for 2 miles and had a sensible fruit-filled breakfast!
Did some ST already too, more to follow later today along with mega-veggies!

***edit: 12/27 -
weighin 122.0 - still doing my ST and eating my freggies!

12/28 122.1 - but still doing ST!! and eating my freggies and drinking my water!!

12/29 121.7 - coming down again! Still doing ST! No veggies today emoticon but 4 fruits emoticon

12/30 121.9 - still doing ST. Circumstances made leftovers the only choice for very late lunch - eating fresh fruits instead of veggies this week. Got to use them up!

12/31 122.0 - ending the year up a bit but doing so much more ST that I don't care! See y'all next year!!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

USARUNNERGIRL 12/29/2009 12:56PM

    Sounds like a great present to me. Glad you enjoyed.

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KNITTABLES 12/27/2009 10:20PM

    Glad you enjoyed your cheat day, I did too!

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CAROLFAITHWALKR 12/27/2009 8:39PM

    Good for you! Glad you CELEBRATED. It is a special time, once per year.

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ANNIEONLI 12/27/2009 6:56PM

    Teeheehee....came to pay you a blog visit too...Loved the blog! Fudge? of all things!! CHUCK CHUCK CHUCK!!

Glad you had a great holiday....I'm off to food shop tomorrow morning and cut up all of the fruits & veggies for the week; even on our trip upstate, I'm bringing fruit.

Rock on!! emoticon emoticon

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GRALLEN 12/27/2009 3:10PM

    Out of the entire year, we have to have at least one cheat day. Glad you enjoyed yours.

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SOPHIADARE 12/27/2009 12:12PM

    Merry Christmas!

With almost six months at goal weight, one holiday isn't going to return you to a constant overeating habit or stop your exercise habit.

Good for you for a great attitude -- one I really admire!

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TRYINGHARD1948 12/27/2009 6:58AM

    Christmas is all about celebrating being alive, and you are certainly one very lively being. So glad you shared your Christmas, Hugs.

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WATERMELLEN 12/26/2009 7:27PM

    Sounds very sensible to me! Also fun! And fun is essential!

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LAURAANN821 12/26/2009 1:04PM

    You are so cool! I'm glad that you had a fantastic Christmas, and a tasty one too!!! I did cheat, but I kept it to a minimum.... I guess if you think that 10 Anise Cookies is a minimum! Love them, and I enjoyed.

I do think that we celebrate Christmas with food, and I think we can all enjoy small indulgences once or twice a year.

Hope the New Year brings good health and happiness to you and your family!

Laura emoticon

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MARTY19 12/26/2009 11:14AM

    What I love about you is you don't whine and blame everyone and everything for what you did. I'm so glad you enjoyed every bite you ate. Way to go. I didn't track but as soon as I get home I will be back on my scale. I too enjoyed and if there is a price to be paid I gladly pay it because it was worth it.

Love you,
Marty

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WALKINGANNIE 12/26/2009 9:49AM

    As ever, you have such a balanced and sensible attitude. I'm glad that you enjoyed Christmas. You deserve every treat that you had!

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LOPEYP 12/26/2009 7:41AM

    Glad that you had a good day and indulged. I did the same. Overall I did much better than I did last year. That's a victory.
Now to hit the treadmill!

emoticon emoticon

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JULIETFOX 12/26/2009 6:59AM

    Delighted to hear that you had a lovely Christmas

I had a great one too, with a delicious dinner

But today it is back to the exercise :)

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MIKIIO 12/26/2009 3:27AM

    I'm glad you had a great day with your family, and guilt-free in the food department.
All family gatherings involve food, and you're right it is never a "light meal"!

You go, girl!

emoticon

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4A-HEALTHY-BMI 12/25/2009 11:23PM

    I did eat more than usual yesterday and today, but it was a matter of dropping the restriction from a calculated -8 lbs/month to -6 lbs/month. (300-400 more calories than I usually eat)

I tracked everything and did my exercise. Tomorrow it's back to the -8 lbs/month intake.

I considered it part of the experimentation I need in order to slow down the rate of loss as I get closer to goal (less than 10 lbs left). And yet I did get to taste more things than I would have otherwise. So for me it was a way to get close to the edge without actually going out of my comfort zone.

I did gain .6 lbs between yesterday morning and this morning. Tomorrow will be interesting.

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ETHEL_MERMAID 12/25/2009 10:48PM

    emoticonTHAT'S the spirit, Linda! What you had was a planned holiday feast, a healthy way to celebrate life - especially on Christmas! I take mental notes on how you deal with all these challenges, and I'm glad you met this one with joy and enjoyment! - Susan emoticon

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STEPHANIE0904 12/25/2009 10:21PM

    Love life is right!!!! I believe their own times for everything. Today was a day your chose to eat what you chose - good for you - I see nothing wrong with it. You will get back on track and be just fine. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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MEADSBAY 12/25/2009 10:08PM

    You are, once again, my hero.
That's what I did today, too.
I had a wonderful ONE DAY indulgence and loved every minute of it.
Merry Christmas!
xoxox
elizabeth> emoticon

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SLENDERELLA61 12/25/2009 9:38PM

    Thank you. It's good to know just how you did it. You'll be just fine.

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MSMAKEOVER 12/25/2009 9:04PM

    Awesome blog. Thank you for sharing Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and had a good "guilt free" day. You've worked very hard and you surely deserve it! emoticon

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JOHNMARTINMILES 12/25/2009 9:03PM

    A great attitude. Why spoil a perfectly perfect day my beating yourself up. Like Bob Crachit told Ebenezer Scrooge, "It's but one day a year". You earned today and you enjoyed it. Good!

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The new Me wants some new low-impact exercises too!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

So I checked out a new team yesterday and after perusing the "quickfire" exercises, I decided I can do this! But I can do this without needing to add another team.

I did find a new easy-to-do exercise www.fitsugar.com/1853022
and went further by also doing the kicks to the front and the front-side. Felt like I had really worked my muscles when I had done 20 of each with each leg.

Then I went further and searched to see how many "no equipment needed" exercises there are and found quite a few! www.fitsugar.com/tag/no+equipment+ne
cessary

Bring on 2010, I am so ready!! emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SLENDERELLA61 12/26/2009 9:05AM

    Thanks for the info and inspiration!

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GIRLTRUCKIN 12/24/2009 1:29PM

    So glad that QuickFire could help you in changing up your workout :)

Merry Christmas to You and Your Family :)

Wishing You Much Success In Your Journey

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MIKIIO 12/24/2009 7:01AM

    Way to go for shaking your routines!

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LOPEYP 12/24/2009 6:51AM

    It's good to try new exercises keeps us from getting bored.
Sometimes I do the SP quick 10 minutes videos. Did you ever try those?

Thanks for sharing the link. I never heard of that site. emoticon

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ETHEL_MERMAID 12/23/2009 8:46PM

    You're very resourceful, Linda :) The first exercises are ones I do, though I have to hold on to something. They really are "booty-ful," too! You're going to be a-MA-zing!!! - Susan emoticon

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KNITTABLES 12/23/2009 8:07PM

    Thanks for the link, Merry Christmas and great job.

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ALEXSGIRL1 12/23/2009 2:54PM

    way to go you are awesome. emoticon

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MRS.DOYLE 12/23/2009 2:34PM

    Great link. Thanks.

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FAKESNOW 12/23/2009 2:10PM

    Thanks for the link. :D

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MARTY19 12/23/2009 2:01PM

    So you need another Challenge? You amaze me with your strength and determination. Thanks for posting the websites.

Merry Christmas!

Marty

Comment edited on: 12/23/2009 2:05:56 PM

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ONMYWAYTOGOAL 12/23/2009 12:34PM

    Sounds like you're finding all that you need to firm and tone. Way to GO!!!

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CAROLFAITHWALKR 12/23/2009 11:52AM

    Thanks for these links, I will check them out. Carol

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MESSENE 12/23/2009 11:48AM

    Hi Linda, those legs lunges used to kill me! emoticonBut I have gotten used to them. It took me three whole months though. When I push to hard, I start screaming! And my husbands wonders what's going on? I started out pretty slow, but before I knew it my body was just asking for more. emoticonLow impact exercise sounds emoticon I'll be checking the websites. Thanks for the info... emoticon emoticon
Best wishes!!!! emoticon emoticon

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4A-HEALTHY-BMI 12/23/2009 11:31AM

    Both the "old" AND "new" me require(d) low impact exercise.

Hence the:

1) cycling & spinning (at high RPM)
2) swimming
3) water aerobics
4) kayaking

^%$#@ arthritis. LOL

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I'm ready for the new Me in the New Year!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

I know that our needs are all different so I am posting this here for all to see.

My goals may not be the same as your goals! This is OK! There is nothing wrong with going for your own goals.

In keeping with my goals for 2010, I have decided to join the Spark Your Body Bootcamp Challenge and Contest Spark Team
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=37611
because I really need to get serious about Strength Training. I need to make time for some serious muscle making! I also need to get over the weight thing - 120 feels great, but muscles will feel even better!

Love you all,
Linda

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SOPHIADARE 12/23/2009 7:35AM

    Dear Linda,

Good for you, and thanks for your encouragement about my goals.

Love,

Soph

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ETHEL_MERMAID 12/21/2009 6:52PM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon on joining the Spark Your Body Bootcamp Challenge and Contest Spark Team!! You're going to be as fit as the proverbial fiddle, between your walking and this new team - good for you!! Lots of emoticon as you take on this new endeavor. - Susan emoticon

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CAROLFAITHWALKR 12/21/2009 11:21AM

    Strength training is a great gift, great focus, great goal.

emoticon

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MEADSBAY 12/21/2009 10:34AM

    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat idea!
I am ready for a challenge.
I'm going to drop a team or 2 so I can add this one. emoticon
Merry Christmas, Linda!
xoxo
elizabeth

emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon

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MESSENE 12/21/2009 9:15AM

    Ones you get going with strength training, you won't be able to stop! emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticonI have become almost an addict, and always look forward to strength training days. emoticon emoticonI even add a few extra not shown in the spark page. It sure get's me sweating like crazy! emoticonI just love it! emoticonThe ten pounds weights sure came in handy, but I still use the 5 pounds for the lateral raises. emoticon emoticon emoticon
emoticongoal for 2010 emoticon emoticonBest wishes!!!! emoticon emoticon

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MARTY19 12/21/2009 6:43AM

    I am still thinking about joining. The past 2 kicked my butt, but you might be right. Here we go again!

Marty

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GINILEE4 12/21/2009 12:16AM

    Linda. I am glad you are seetling into your new weight now. I know the number is an issue but with weight work, your weight will move to where you want it most. Great goals my friend.

Gini emoticon

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GRALLEN 12/20/2009 9:07PM

    120 is good but yes, you need some meat on those bones.



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KNITTABLES 12/20/2009 8:46PM

    great news.

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SLENDERELLA61 12/20/2009 8:34PM

    Great! Let's get strong together. See the body fat percentage go down while the muscles grow. I'm ready, too.

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