For Women...

7 rep

AlumniSmyrna, DE

I am new to AF and to the site, and was just looking for a place for "us girls" to chat. I didn't see any. I am a 32 yo single teacher, and am looking to lose about 100 pounds. I was an athlete growing up, all the way through college, and didn't start gaining until shortly after. I guess if anyone wants to rant or question, even give me tips and encouragement, feel free. Not necessarily that these have to be only women, but just thinking that there should be a little "Women's Corner" or something. Maybe I am going too "Curves" on you all here...

6.4k rep

AlumniMeridian, MS

Aww, hi Katie_Lou! The "Curves" comment made me laugh. Anywho, I'm hoping to lose about 35 pounds FIRST then we'll talk about more, ha! I need smaller goals or I know I'll just get frustrated with being so far from my ultimate goal.

Here's a little rant for you (thanks for asking! )

I took my first Spinning class last Thursday and managed to sprain both quads so I've been behind on my workouts because my doctor said I shouldn't do more than typical daily walking for a few days or until my legs feel significantly better. Well, it's a week later and I'm still hurting something fierce. I'm trying to stay focused so I signed my AF contract yesterday so now I'm done with the trial and officially a member! Yay...but so ready to get back in there and get going toward my goals!

Glad you're here!

Manda

7 rep

AlumniSmyrna, DE

Well, thank you so much for replying Manda! And you can call me Katie if you like. Not too many people call me KatieLou anymore...at least since I hit 30. Anyway, your injury totally SUCKS!!! And I'm just wondering...are you the kind of girl who doesn't like to quit exercising even though her body is screaming out in pain? Or was your class training for the Tour De France? Jesus, girl! be careful! I read in my membership contract that you can get a 2 week "freeze" on your membership if you have an injury. I would look into that if I were you, or you are going to end up not being able to walk. I know that injury well because I had it in college and I couldn't play field hockey for half a season because of it. Mine only hurt when i lifted my leg up to kick the ball ( I was a goalie), and then I felt like someone was stabbing me with a knife. Maybe just upper body lifting reps for a while? If you are anything like me, you are raring to get in there and gitrdone, but you need to listen to your body and not your obsessive mind telling you to keep at it... I'm here if you need to talk.

Katie

6.4k rep

AlumniMeridian, MS

Katie,

Thanks for the quick reply! And just for the record - some people still call me Manda Gail even though I'm quickly closing in on 30, ha! I'm pretty stubborn, but this particular class definitely seemed like a race for the yellow jersey! I was incredibly impressed by the other women in the class! Although my body was screaming out at me, I just couldn't swallow my pride and get off the bike...that and my feet were locked in, ha! I'll have to read that in the membership contract! I just signed mine, like I said, yesterday, so I'll get it out and take a look. Thank you for the information. I'm kinda walking thanks to the muscle relaxers, but it's not cute. By the end of the day I'm ready to cut both my legs off from the pain, but you know how strong we are as women - we just keep going anyway! I had the same thought as you - maybe just upper body for a little while? Or slow walking? I am dying to get back in the gym and start moving, but I don't want to end up in worse shape than I was when I first signed up. I hate you had to sit out half a season! I'm glad to hear there is recovery in my future, though - since sometimes this pain makes me think I'll never be the same.

I definitely have some OCD tendencies and keep thinking - I HAVE TO WORKOUT. But right now, my body (and doctor) says that's a NO GO.

Let's keep in touch!

Manda

7.8k rep

MemberIndianapolis, IN

haha 4 comments in a 4 hour span and then the convo dies for a month and a half? How sad. I had to put a freeze on my membership for 2 months because I was so busy with work and school and had gone a couple months where I maybe got to go once or twice in a month span or so. So anyways, try again ladies? Anyone?

529 rep

AlumniSchertz, TX

Hey gals -- I've been a member of AF for sometime -- but just started using the website. I need to lose 30 lbs -- just started working out with one of the trainers (again) -- she definitely pushes me in the right way. I've signed up for a half-marathon in Nov -- so my goal is to lose 15 by then and then more by Dec (when we are going to Disney World with a bunch of friends). It's definitely not the working out that is hard for me -- it's controlling my eating -- so I'm logging everything!

3.2k rep

MemberHaughton, LA

I've been coming to AF since Jan. & I love it!! I need to lose about 50 lbs. so I have to have my workouts or I'll really never get there!! I love working out (after my workout is done... lol)!! Hope ya'll are all healthy now & can get busy!! Good luck to all!!

7.3k rep

MemberCleveland, OH

Hey ladies:

Well, last weekend I had the flu, and at my first training session after that (when I still barely felt human again) I pulled muscles in my shoulders and upper back so badly that I could barely be touched for three days. A few massages later, thanks to a co-worker who is a LMT, and lots of Advil, I feel almost normal again, but have completely lost my motivation! I was doing great, lost 15 pounds in about two months, have defined muscle in my arms and my gut is smaller, my face looks thinner, etc. But after taking a week off to recover from all of my ick, I just want to keep laying in bed ): Any suggestions/kicks in the rear end to get me moving again? I still have a long way to go, and have at least 80 pounds until I reach my ultimate goal. My short term goal was to look noticeably thinner by my big family vacation in October, and technically I've reached that goal... I don't know what's wrong with me!! Someone come kick my butt and drive me to AF and put me on the treadmill! (:

529 rep

AlumniSchertz, TX

Here's a "kick" -- set a goal to go back by the beginning of the week -- and stick to it!

267 rep

AlumniLacey, WA

Hi girls!

I have not even begun to figure out what the heck I am doing on this website but I am sure I can at least post a reply here and make it work.

I just joined AF the beginning of this week and I am going in with my best friend tomorrow to start my workout plan. I am down 36 pounds since early this year and it is time to kick it up a notch and work on muscle building.

Hope you are all having a fabulous Friday!

:-)

7.8k rep

MemberIndianapolis, IN

I love working out but it makes my appetite skyrocket and between that and loving my various foods that don't fall into the healthy category (not all but definitely some), I still have like 20-25 lbs I could lose. Although working out motivates me to eat better at least the day that I had a good workout, there's still the occasional craving that wins out. I hate that I love food so much... but it's delicious.

6.7k rep

AlumniEl Mirage, AZ

Hi Everyone!

I joined my local AF in June and shortly after that broke my finger/hair line fracture to my hand (non-AF related!). Per MD orders, no exercise through July! NOW I'm getting back into it. It definatly feels good, though I was pretty sore after my first weight session! My poor muscles didnt know what was going on! I can get a little too OCD with my exercise routine, so I'm trying hard to keep it in check. I go back and forth between being starving after a big workout or not being hungry at all. According to my AF food tracker, I'm under in my calories, but I have a hard time mentally eating more! My weight hasn't budged much and I have a good 30# to go .

My goal for the week is 4+ workout sessions for 60 minutes+ each. Anyone with me?!

74 rep

AlumniRedmond, OR

Hello ladies!!! First - THANK YOU KATIE!...for creating this dandy little post!!!

I'm a married mother of 2 in Central Oregon. I have a 5 year old and an 8 month old. I gained weight after my 5 year old was born and before my 8 month old was conceived. Since then I became very depressed and continued to gain. I've always been very active and upbeat...until several months ago - all I have wanted to do is sit around and do NOTHING.

Anyway.....my goal is to lose at least 40 pounds...but rather than focus on a NUMBER, I wanna fit into a size 5 or 7 jean comfortable and not have the 'muffin top' hanging over the belly! My short time goal is to get into a size 9 jean by end of September/beginning of October.

I work with a personal trainer at ATF at least once a week and I'm able to get in to the gym 4 times a week but I have a hard time getting thru my set program. It's like I get there and will do my cardio for 25 mins, some abs, a few arms and maybe a leg exercise or two and I'm ready to go.

Anyway - everyone, GOOD LUCK!!! Let's stay in touch and keep each other motivated!!!! - - - - GO US!!!

194 rep

O₂i | OwnerWinona, MN

This looks like it could be a fun place to be! I have battled with my weight FOREVER it seems and I go up and down year after year. And yes, I know what you're thinking...but she's an owner...yes, but i still struggle every day to make the right choices. I love AF because it's all about real people with real struggles and I feel like I fit right in. My hubby is a gym rat and that is how I came to be an owner. It has been awesome so far!

7.8k rep

MemberIndianapolis, IN

Even owners are entitled to struggle. I think it would be awesome to take part in that aspect of AF but it'd be at least 5 years before I can get to a spot where I could approach that neighborhood. And as much as I like food, I can guaruntee there's always going to be at least a little struggle where I'm concerned.

I have some ideas for little add ons to it as well but I don't know how all that would work out. If I end up staying with the guy I'm currently with he'd probably have a more significant role in ownership but I think it would be much more beneficial to both of us than what we are currently doing. He's the reason I even started going to the gym in the first place. I also have 2 towns that I would like to see have an AF, then it'd just be a matter of would anyone else open in either place before we could get there.

6.4k rep

AlumniMeridian, MS

aislynn: this is me cheering you on -
on a side note, i managed to injury both quads right after joining AF and sometimes i can tell i'm hesitant to work on my legs due to the memory of the pain from the injury. you just have to mentally kick your own butt, i think. but i have a personal training consultation session tonight so let's hope that kicks me into gear!

yay for the online cheering section motivating me AGAIN!