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July 13: Day 27 of the 10+ Minute Fitness Challenge

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

July 13: Day 27 of the 10+ Minute Fitness Challenge

Today's Fitness
I did 16 minutes of fitness yesterday (July 13).

Today's Highlights
Another light day yesterday with a long day at work, but again kept the streak alive!

The best highlight was going to the concert – but I still want to write a full blog about that – hopefully some time tomorrow!


Member Post

Today's highlight is a SparkMail I received from a member. She said I could share it. This is a great example of what we're all doing together!

****
Chris,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything that you've done to change my life. I don't know you. I'll probably never meet you, but your website and your book have made such a drastic impact on the way I view the world that I never want to look through the old glasses again. Excuse the reference but I feel like I was living with beer goggles on. Nothing really looked the way it was. I only saw the size and the number on the scale. Even though I haven't lost a significant amount of weight yet, I know it will come off eventually because I've made those small changes.

I've been telling anyone and everyone about Spark People. As a hairdresser, I see lots of people a day that come in the salon. Anyone that mentions the weight I've lost, I tell them about your website and your book. I just finished it, so I plan on lending it to each of my coworkers. I have to admit, it took me a while to read it. I ended up in tears a lot--kind of like I am right now as I think of how I've struggled the same way so many other people have. It's hard to be overweight. I've always been 'the fat girl', but now, thanks to you, I'm finally going to change that.

Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me.

Linda Davis

****
When I asked her if I could share this publicly, she responded with this note:
****

Chris,

I would be honored! (and honestly, there's so many Linda Davis's that that doesn't really bother me:) )
I'm glad I made your day since you've pretty much made my every day worth living again.

Keep up the amazing work. I'll keep doing my part to spread the spark you've started.

Linda
****

The key here is that I just started this – now we're all an amazing team doing this together with our members such an important part of this.

How was your day? Did you get at least 10 minutes of fitness? What's your highlight?

SparkCheers!

Chris (SparkGuy)
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

THEIS58 8/31/2011 3:17AM

    Am managing at least 6 days/week for between 15-60 min per day!!

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CALIDREAMER76 7/15/2011 2:24PM

    Got my walks in yesterday and today - am up to 329 on my strength training streak - today will make it 330! Woo Hoo -
I love streaking with you Chris - in the good, clean way! emoticon

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UUCEEJAY 7/15/2011 12:44PM

    I've been doing some reading in the area of motivation and goal setting for a class I will be teaching in the Fall. I have to say I have found your book and this web site one of the best examples of the application of motivational theory I have seen. I'm also reading Daniel Pink's book, Drive and it seems to me that your business is a good example of the new "Operating System" for work and business in the new economic age. emoticon emoticon

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JENNIKANDU 7/15/2011 10:41AM

    I did W5D2 of C25K last night and finished with energy to spare, so I also did half of Week 1 before I went home :)

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GRANDMASHOUSE 7/15/2011 10:16AM

    Chris:

I want you to know that I am so grateful for all of the support that you, your team, and all the lovely people here at Spark People have given me over the past two months.

My story:
I am a 60-year-old lady. Both my husband and my mother never made it to see their 60th birthday. I spent the past five years in fear that I would follow their 'lead', so to speak. The fear was palpable - resulting in higher than normal blood pressure readings and a up and down healthy diet.

Two months before my 60th birthday I joined Spark People. I figured that if I wanted to live, I needed to live healthy - and be an example to my children and grandchildren.

It's taken me a lot of stops and starts to create a healthy diet. Some days I miss the mark, but I examine what I've eaten and make the adjustment for the next day.

And exercise! Oh my! After so many years of being absolutely paralyzed with fear that I'd suffer a heart attack if I pushed myself, I now mark with joy every single minute that I've moved my body, even if it's just for 10 minutes!

All in all, my BP numbers are down, my healthy eating habits are going strong, my body feels at least 15 years younger, and ...

I am no longer AFRAID!

Thank you so much. I can't say that enough. Spark People has given me back a life!


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TANNERZ 7/15/2011 9:52AM

    I got in 30 minutes of running yesterday :)

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NANCYLEE46 7/15/2011 9:47AM

    Thanks Chris - see you in 2 weeks.

Nancy

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LSGRIF 7/15/2011 9:45AM

  I cryed reading the blog, I'm there with you Linda, I know and have lived most my life as overweight and unhealthy.
I have experinced being disrespected due to my being overweight,
being called names... Chris you are a total blessing to me and all of us here, I have not been able yet to get a copy of your book, I will and look forward to reading it.. Please keep up the wonderful work that you are doing and to all of your staff, I too will spread the SPARK.... emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon

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LOSINITBY30 7/15/2011 9:40AM

    You have changed so many lives by changing your own...and I know that with you the world is going to change and we can reverse the obesity epidemic in America...while I don't get my 10 min every single day...i get it in at least 5-6 days a week and the greatest thing is...my 4 year old daughter works out with me! on her own choice...i love being able to teach her a healthy lifestyle from the very beginning so she can remain healthy all her life, because i was always the fat girl when i was younger and I don't want her to experience that. It's been a harder struggle with my son since he has lived with my parents for a long time and well frankly...they live the typical "american lifestyle" of processed foods most of the time, but I know once he sees me get to the finish line it will inspire him eventually. I have managed to spread the spark to at least my overweight mother who is now logging 15 minutes of exercise everyday on the new bowflex treadmill thing....she hasn't lost weight but she knows she's making progress because she's complaining about her clothes falling off lol...once again i couldn't have done this without you so thank you very much from the very bottom of my heart and if I ever do get the chance to meet you or even speak with you personally expect a big hug and some tears emoticon

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SEPTEMBERSPIRIT 7/15/2011 9:03AM

    You are the true SPARK Chris!! We are very lucky that you are who you are!!!! emoticon !! emoticon emoticon

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REMONIAT 7/15/2011 8:47AM

    I did 30 minutes riding my bike on yesterday! Bonus was having my husband join me. emoticon

Comment edited on: 7/15/2011 8:49:39 AM

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BURRITAELITA 7/15/2011 8:24AM

    Chris, We should all thank you personally for this great social networking site which inspires and supports so many of us on our journey to optimal health! I particularly enjoy the Eat to Live team! Thank you!

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LOVESLIFE13 7/15/2011 8:01AM

    I got in 30 minutes of circuit training.

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LOVESLIFE13 7/15/2011 8:01AM

    I got in 30 minutes of circuit training.

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PARISTASAI 7/15/2011 7:59AM

    "I'm finally going to change!" You probably hear that often. But this is how I feel too! It isn't just the obesity--it's not what you eat, but what is eating you. What is behind my unhealthy habits? That is what I am able to change, too, thanks to all the help on this site!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!

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GTANYA 7/15/2011 7:18AM

    Thanks for the share - it has pushed me to work harder to acheive my goals...

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MSANITAL 7/15/2011 7:02AM

    Her letter was moving, it really reminded me that yea because of this site I am were I a today... and people like Linda are great assets to this site as well
Thanks Spark Guy

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RITAROSE 7/15/2011 6:08AM

  Chris, thanks for sharing that letter. I could say ditto as Spark People came into my life at just the right time, when I was finishing a Diabetes Prevention Program, but not ready to be off on my own. I've kept coming back to SP daily and it helps. Thanks you so much for caring for those of us who have a weight problem! Losing weight has been the best thing I've done as an adult for my health and fitness! God bless you!!

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NYARAMULA 7/15/2011 5:01AM

    I think Linda's letter is like the letter from all of us here on SP, she just thought of it first. I totally agree - you are doing an amazing job and you are changing lots of lives, one life at time. Thank you!

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CLAIREINPARIS 7/15/2011 4:40AM

    Linda's letter brought tears to my eyes... Thank you so much for sharing it!

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MADAMES 7/15/2011 4:37AM

    emoticon Great letter from Linda!

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SABRINALONDON21 7/15/2011 1:42AM

    My highlight was Expert Zumba yesterday !!! It has been 87 days since I decided I did not want to continue leaving as I was, and it is difficult for me to believe that beginner levels are no longer good enough for me. I was so accustomed to not doing anything and when I did I quitted because I was too tired...who would have thought Sparkpeople has created a monster emoticon

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SBHPATRICK 7/15/2011 12:36AM

    Thanks so much for sharing Linda's wonderful letter!

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SUNNYWBL 7/15/2011 12:13AM

    I'm a little late starting this challenge, as Monday July 11, was my first day.

I am walking every day and sometimes spending time in the garded. I have restarted logging every bite that I eat, the goal is to have a minimum deficit of 500 calories a day. So far I have logged 45 , 55 , 45 , 35(so far) minutes of aerobic walking as measured by my Omron Ped. for the first four days.

Today, I won't have a 500 cal deficit as I went out to dinner with a good friend, so My deficit weill be only 200 calories. I'll take it!

Thanks for getting me restarted! emoticon

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LYNDALOVES2HIKE 7/14/2011 11:53PM

    Thanks for posting your 15-min progress reports - because of you, my 'rest day,' which had turned into a 'lazy bum day,' ended as I thought about how you are working a million hours and still getting your activity worked into your day. Here I am with the rest of the summer off and I hadn't gotten outside all day when I thought of you - so out I went for 'just 10 minutes' - but after I started walking, I decided to make it 'just a little longer' - 45 minutes later I was back home.

So thanks for posting your blogs - they 'give me the goose' to get moving, even when I think I don't want to do it!

Lynda


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PRAIRIECROCUS 7/14/2011 11:51PM

    This was a nice blog to read !
I got my 50 Fitness Minutes in, today !
The highlight was enjoying the sunshine, while having
my walk !

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IRISHBEANERGAL 7/14/2011 11:42PM

    I second everything Linda Davis said -

I finally get it and I'm losing the weight-- but more importantly -

I'M CHANGING MY LIFE

SPARK ON EVERYONE!

~Irish (aka The Incredible Shrinking Mom)

July Mantra - PLAN to work and WORK your plan!

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GINGERPAWZ 7/14/2011 11:39PM

    I too tell everyone that I know about Spark People. My husband needs to lose 150 and told him. He said that he is already a member. This site has changed the way that we look at food. Thanks for sharing and spreading the spark.

Sharon

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ONLYTEMPORARY 7/14/2011 11:32PM

    fANTASTIC emoticon

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SUSIEPH1 7/14/2011 11:28PM

    I started my day with Chair Exercises then my Hubby and I went out to deliver the friday paper ..
He uses his scooter with a trailor and boxes on the back to carry his share of the Papers .
I take the car, then transfer the papers in to a box he built to put on the seat of my Wheelie Walker ..
I then walk around the streets pushing my Wheelie Walker and deliver the papers ..
It took me Two and Half hours this morning....

Not bad for a nearly 70 year old that was so disabled and big 118 kilos, I could hardly get out of bed for years.
Then I found Sparks and I got my life back
Thank you so much Chris ...... Awesome ! emoticon emoticon emoticon

Comment edited on: 7/14/2011 11:39:02 PM

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MARGOTANN 7/14/2011 11:24PM

  I have been going to the gym 5 days a week- 30-40 minutes of cardio, and weight training. I have been with SP for over 4 years, and I can honestly say that it's changed my life. Thank you Chris, for the site and for your book.
I too tell everyone about SP- I wore my SP shirt to the gym and a trainer told me she also recommends it to people.
I feel better than I did 20 years ago. emoticon

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CASSIOEPIA 7/14/2011 11:19PM

    Was up at 5:00 AM to try and beat the heat/humidity for my run today. And although it was hot and humid, the run got done, and I even took my son's dog for a walk after work. AND I didn't melt away (although if you had looked at my face after the run this morning, you could have sworn that's EXACTLY what I was doing)!

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REVSERENA 7/14/2011 11:11PM

    I walked the dog instead of just letting him out in the yard this morning. It wasn't earth shattering, but every step in the right direction helps!

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