jcc

KICKING IT UP

2008-06-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

It was fun kicking it with you guys this morning! Looking forward to Sunday. I'm going to be at the gym after 10:30 tomorrow. Pls. don't forget not to email me at my home email -- cause they're not getting to me. See ya! Goooooo Blue!!

Back and Psyched for Sunday's Challenge!!

2008-06-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

Hey Blue team! Even though I haven't seen all of you since the weekend doesn't mean I haven't been in the gym! I just want to let you all know that I am ready and pumped for this week's challenge! I've been doing spinning with Mike D. and I saw Erika in spinning on monday! I have been doing workouts outside the gym, like dancing as well! I love to dance and it is a great form of excercise, fun and challenging! My challenge to everyone on our team, is to find a form of excercise that you really enjoy! I found that dancing can be fun and a great form of excercise! What about anyone else? Has anyone else found an activity outside the gym that is good excercise and they enjoyed it? I hope so! I miss you all and I can't wait to see you tomorrow morning!! Happy Belated Birthday Sherry!!!!!!!

OVER 115 Lost!

2008-06-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

You guys are awesome! Your commitment to yourself and the team is shining through. I know you have had challenges with injuries, family and work obligations, and the battle with scale, but I don't see it getting you down. I love your spirit and enthusiasm! I am having fun with you guys! I hope you are too!

Sherry, you could have bagged last night because it was your Birthday but you didn't. We appreciate that! Hope you had a nice time at dinner!! Happy Birthday! I hope everyone gave you gift certificates for all the new clothes you're going to need for your new figure!

Crystal, what could I say....you inspired everyone by keeping committed throughout your wedding planning - hope you are feeling less stressed! Enjoy these last few weeks of Largest Loser as your honeymoon!
xo!

Congratulations Mark!!!

2008-06-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

You did it! We are so proud! Now - come back!!!

Endure!

2008-06-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

You are increasing you physical endurance to activity. You are also creating mental endurance by keeping your commitment!
I'm posting this here too to serve as a reminder.

What if the scale doesn’t budge?

Even if you’re eating less and being more active,
your weight might stay about the same for a while or “plateau.”

What are your thoughts and feelings when the scale doesn’t budge?

If you’re frustrated or discouraged by a weight loss plateau,
ask yourself these questions:

Am I self-monitoring my fat/calorie intake accurately?

Are my portion sizes accurate?

Based on my current weight, am I restricting my calories enough to lose weight?

Am I keeping my fat intake to less than my fat gram goal?

Am I meeting my weekly goal for physical activity?

Did you answer “no” to any of the questions?
If so, what could you do to tighten up
your weight loss program?

Sleepy Giant Hike

2008-05-29T17:14:00.001-07:00

Crystal, Debbi, 2 of Crystal's friends and I had a beautiful hike tonight at Sleepy Giant! Thanks for coming ladies!

It was nice chatting; I think all the talking made it go by fast -- Debbi said it was "the quickest walk to the top ever!"
Now, I was NOT in front keeping the pace up; it was Deb and Crystal leading the way...no slowing down!
Their fitness levels have increased over the past 3 weeks!

We hope to do it again soon!!!

Mark at Ironman!

2008-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our leader, definitely the most in-shape guy a lot of us know...

In this photo he is suited up to train in a t-shirt given to him and signed by the Blue Team.

Go Mark!

http://www.ironman703hawaii.com/

Thursday May 29th!!

2008-05-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Blue Team! No one has posted in a while....?? Where is the team?!? I just want to remind everyone that we are going on a hike today at Sleeping Giant State Park! Don't worry Debbi, no rock climbing!! Haha! There are paths that are marked out and its a beautiful day for it! It will be a great excercise that we can do outdoors and enjoy the day- that doesn't include running a hill!!! I think we'll have a great time! I hope we get a lot of Blue to show up today! Bring your families and friends, we will all have fun!! Can't wait to see you there! I will have my cell phone if anyone wants to meet up! (203) 500-3776

Memorial Day

2008-05-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Crystal - great tips, thanks- saw alot of blue this morning which was nice -- Sam put me through the paces this morning but his workout was great (highly recommend you hook-up with him). I was planning on being at the gym to swim at 8:00 and then our workout but I just found out that I have both my kids are suppose to march with their baseball teams in the parade tomorrow and they have to be at the airport in Bethany at 9:15.

Wish I knew about this sooner but my husband just informed me. Wish you guys could march with me -- I'm sure Mark could help us with some drills as we marched down Route 63 showing off our Blue. Anyway, I will step it up as I march along with them so at least I'm getting some exercise (of course there's nothing like a run up and down the hill at the JCC!!)

I still want to come at 8:00 to squeeze in some time before the parade . I'm probably going to have the kids with me though since the reception at home has not improved.

Go Blue!!!!

Memorial Day!

2008-05-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

So that no one cheats, I have a little advice on the hot dog/hamburger situation..... Hamburgers, can be made with lean ground turkey or beef ***(93%LEAN)*** If you make them with these specifications they aren't that bad for you. But you should still limit yourself to one, two at most. Also for cheese, either FAT FREE CHEESE, or it sounds bad, but my mom tricked me and I ate it and loved it....SOY CHEESE (it melts much better than the fat free cheese!!) Instead of a regular bun, try STOP AND SHOP BRAND LIGHT WHEAT BREAD!!! It's not bad if you only have ONE bun!!! If you are somewhere where everyone is having french fries, slice up a potato with a TINY bit of olive oil and bake the potatoes....Its really not bad, and remember, ketchup is fine to have!! You can add seasonings to make the potatoes even better, but LAY OFF THE SALT BEFORE OUR WEIGH IN MONDAY!! As for hotdogs, the good tasting ones that we can actually have are HEBREW NATIONAL (97% FAT FREE) BEEF FRANKS!! ....they are kosher, they actually taste good, and they are only 45 calories!! They are located in the meat section at stop and shop and they come 7 in a pack! Good luck everyone and have a great Memorial Day weekend!!!

Weekend #3

2008-05-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

How's everyone enjoying this beautiful long weekend?? I know I am! I just got back from spinning with Mike D. and Debbie!! I also did the elliptical and some weights before that with Sherry, Paul, Mike M. and Nancy was working out in the gym!! I am so proud for all the representation of BLUE today!! We all did awesome!! I am meeting Debbie in the pool tomorrow at 9am! Everyone is welcome to join us!! I am also meeting Paul, Mike D., Debbie and hopefully whoever else is willing to get here early Monday morning at 8am, an hour before our workout with Mark!!! We have to pull through this together BLUE team! We also have to get used to swimming together, so we are prepared ahead of time and know where our weaknesses are, so that we know who may or may not need help getting across the pool! We can do this together! Now who is meeting up with us??

Greetings from Florida!

2008-05-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Miss you all! It's raining here today :( but tomorrow should be nice.

I had an idea, how about a hike at Sleepy Giant on Thursday night - 5:30/6? Let me know! You can bring your family, dog, whoever. Think about it - I love to hike and would enjoy getting a group together.

You have so many people cheering for you - I sent the link to the JCC page and my friends and family love it and are all routing for BLUE.

Make me proud on Monday a.m.!

Have a good weekend!!

Try Swimming...

2008-05-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Blue Team! I did some laps today at the pool! And I was actually under the impression that I was able to swim a lot faster than I can... So, I am suggesting to anyone who hasn't swam in a while to go swimming a few times to try to improve your time getting across the pool! And as a suggestion, you should do this practice while wearing what you plan to wear the day of the challenge. I wore a t-shirt and shorts. Also for anyone who wears glasses I suggest contacts and goggles. I had a hard time because I couldn't see at all! Sam, one of the trainers at the gym that Mark introduced us all to, also told me that he is willing to work with anyone on strokes and on swimming lessons if you don't know how. I think I will work with him to see what strokes are faster than others.

Hey Guys -

2008-05-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Finally I'm on the blogg -- Let's Go Blue!! When you think that most of us were total strangers two weeks ago - I feel like I've made lifetime friends. I know we can all pull together and make the most of this commitment -- we not only owe it to ourselves but also our trainers who have been giving this their all too. Let's show everyone we are in this!

See ya in the a.m.

Quotes of Wisdom, faith, and competition from my BLUE TEAM

2008-05-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

You could cruise, but you will loose.. Remember, with pain comes glory!
- Mike Morris

We each made a commitment to ourselves to do this for our own personal well being as well as for the TEAM. Let's not lose sight of our personal as well as the Team goal.
- Paul

I am absolutely ready to rest tonight.
-Nancy

It is amazing what the body can do when the mind says it can.
-Debby

NO EXCUSES!!
-Mark

I'm proud to be Blue! -- Go Blue!
-Nancy

Keep up the spin effort as it will pay off big dividends.
-Mike D.

and last but not least, one from our sweetest little cheerleader:
We need to support and motivate eachother so we can really win this thing!
-Crystal

Weekend Plan!!

2008-05-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hey BLUE team!! We all did great working out with Erika this morning! We should all be proud! Now its up to us to keep it up for the rest of the weekend so that Monday's weigh in is successful!!! Who wants to beat the RED TEAM??? I know I do!! Think deep down about what you're motivation is for doing this contest and keep in mind your ultimate goal! I'm excited!!
Since I can't go back to the gym on fridays due to it closing early, I will be getting my cardio workout going out dancing tonight! Tomorrow I am meeting Mike Dudeff for my "challenge" for the 9am spinning!! Then if I am able to move still, I will try Erika's bootcamp at 10am!! Sunday we have our challenge and nutrition counseling...But afterwards I will be working out hard!! Don't be worried about Sunday, use the RED TEAM as your motivation!!! We can do this together!! Who's with me??

GO CRYSTAL....

2008-05-15T18:22:00.001-07:00

Great Post!!!!!
All- just keep moving...if there's an elevator, take the stairs. If there's a close parking space at S&S park in the back row. etc. etc. Think about how you can burn calories in ways you did not before.
When you go to buy or eat something ask yourself - Do I NEED it???!!
Modifications eventually turn into habits!!

Rev it up Blue!!!!

2008-05-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Okay Coach! I just got back from the gym tonight, Mike M. was there too! I worked harder than ever!! I was determined to kick ass and take names! The red team leader (Frank) was there and a couple red team arch nemesis! I have to say Blue team, we are really going to have a kick it up a notch or two!! We can't let last week's weigh in get us so excited that we don't stay on top! I know the red team is working hard and is determined to get a leg up on us!! I'm getting worried, but I am really gonna kill at the gym the friday, saturday and sunday! Every bit of workout that I can possibly get in before our monday weigh in! So let's do it team!! We're on top now, let's stay there together!!

"ALL CLEAR"

2008-05-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

We can all communicate freely again... the "bugs" and "mole"have been removed and taken care of...(don't ask..you don't wanna know!!)..so give me a shout out team...
GO BLUE!!

Communication

2008-05-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Team, I'm sure you all are aware of our success this week. I want to remind everyone that this is far from over!!! You ALL need to keep persevering and stay the course! I would like everyone to stay in touch with Erica when she reaches out to you..She is going above the call of duty to keep you on track! For those who have , thank you, all others please start!..any response will be good to know everyone is on board. I will expect everyone to show up today at 6 pm.
GO BLUE!
Mark

Spinning

2008-05-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

20+lbs!!!! - Goes to show what strong effort will bring - I will be in spin class at 6PM with Michele -
Class is not for the faint of heart but remember it is YOUR ride. Hope to see some of my fellow Blue team members there - to many red shirts in last nights class!!
Carpe Diem
Mike D.

Red Team Weigh In...

2008-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

You beat the RED team by over 20Lbs! Mark and I are so excited and proud! Awesome!

Don't get comfortable -- keep up the good work - and remember there is only one LARGEST LOSER in New Haven!

Treat this like you ARE on TV....

2008-05-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

We know which Red and Blue Team Members are in other classes, I even heard that someone from a team was spotted eating fast food in the food court at the mall....? The Largest Loser Challenge is like YOU are the star the show and the ratings depend on you. When I hear things I want them to be all POSITIVE!!!
I had 3 Red Team members in my Spin class tonight! Mike D. was there representing BLUE...where's my other 7?

What's your plan on Tues: How about my Cardio Fusion class at 5:30pm?? Come give it a shot, it's one of the few Group Ex Room classes that are somewhat co-ed and it's a fun group of members. Come see me and show some support to your Vice Captain! :)

Yeah Blue Team!

2008-05-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Fantabulous Week 1 numbers! I admire all the effort you put in last week and I am glad it paid off! Keep up the teamwork as well as your work alone.....be in touch with your own goals!
Finding the right motivation is all about getting real with yourself. What works for you? Share any thoughts and suggestions!

2008-05-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

FANTASTIC EFFORT - Let's keep up the momentum for WEEK II - I will be at the 6PM spin class with Erika - Any takers??!!
Carpe Diem
Mike D.

WEEK # 1 Complete

2008-05-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

1 down 7 to go! It was great to see most of our team this morning. Big Mike was in later and was doing all the right things. Stay strong and committed.

Week #1 Weight Loss.....

2008-05-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!! 56 total lbs weight loss between all of us!!! That is amazing! I can't believe we all pulled through and did it in 1 week!! We should all be so proud of ourselves! Today's weigh in gave me motivation to do even better for next week! Think of your goal that you set for yourself at the beginning of this thing and look how close you are already! We are getting closer to our goals quicker than we would with any other weight loss plan! And we are doing it by making healthy changes for life! I am so happy and proud of us all! Congrats everyone! I'll be at the gym around 6pm, hope to see you guys there!
Crystal

Note from Debbi

2008-05-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Erika! It's me Debbi from Florida. I am working out like a madwoman and eating plenty of protein, not much else!!
See you Monday 6 am with a smile on.I am totally on board!!!I don't have access to a scale here, I am just praying for hard earned results when i get home.

The Weekend is Here!!

2008-05-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Alright team, we've been doing SO GOOD so far!! For me, I know the weekend is my weakness, when I usually get tempted the most to cheat! Let's make sure we DON"T do that! These weekends are going to be SO IMPORTANT, because we weigh in on mondays so they are our last chance to take off that little bit of extra weight!! So let's keep up the good work and hit the gym and diet hard this weekend!! I'll be stopping in the gym shortly! I'll also be there tomorrow sometime!! I heard my Mom already bumped into a few of you there this morning, good for you!!! GO BLUE!!

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

2008-05-08T17:56:00.002-07:00

GET SOME REST! See you at 6a.m. Spin.

Be there early if possible so I can set you up on your bike.

Thursday Morning!!

2008-05-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, how is everyone feeling today? I'm MOTIVATED today, after hearing about the 24 lbs we already lost! And I'm sure it's even higher once we weight everyone! We still have 4 more days counting today to take off more weight!! We definately have this competition in the bag! We just have to stay motivated and keep up the good work! I personally, am pround to call you all my teammates!! GO BLUE!! (I was there this morning with Sherry and Nancy! I'm also going to try to make it back around 515-6pm?...Let me know if anyone wants to meet up and work out together!)

WOW!

2008-05-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

24 Pounds!! That's FANTASTIC! I'm so impressed. You've all been working hard!

We do have a couple of team mates that are away on business. Keep in mind in addition to the support from our Blue Team, I have my students cheering for you too - Group Ex. is a lot of fun and seeing you in class would INSPIRE people! Lots of people do the same workout all the time and don't change it up - I think many of the members at the JCC should draw from YOUR Energy too!
If you have time tonight, try the 7pm Pilates and Stretch class. It's only 45 minutes. It partners well with the 6pm spin!!

Thursday Workout

2008-05-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

I will be spinning at 6PM - Good Class to Join in for starters - Get a leg up on Friday AM with E.
Come One - Come all
Carpe Diem
Mike D.

2008-05-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Mike M. caught his coworker, a member of the RED TEAM cheating! Beware, eyes are all around....don't be the next one caught :)

good work Mike!

Teamwork!

2008-05-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

Work together as a team

Wed 6am!

2008-05-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I was there at 530, I saw Mark at 6pm! Sherry and Nancy were there with me! Tomorrow lets all try to get there! It's not easy to get up early, but I'm willing to give wake up calls! Plus when you work out in the morning it wakes you up more and you feel so much better and more energized throughout the day!! Come on Blue team we need to motivate eachother!

Paul's Tues. Tip!

2008-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Did a 3 mile fast walk tonight and scaled a large hill here in Wallyworld.
I also have a food tip "High Fiber V-8" . If you like tomato juice this stuff is great and the extra fiber really fills you up. Also when that evening hunger starts.... just go to bed it gets your mind off it and we all need as much sleep as we can get.

2008-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Erica I made it onto the Blog. Wow. GO BIG BLUE! See you Wednesday night.

Go Blue team!!

2008-05-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

I was there tonight for racquetball, alone! Thats okay my mom and fiancee played with me! I saw Sherry there doing her cardio! (Go girl!!)- Did you end up going to spinning? See you guys tomorrow morning, I'll be there at 5:30am!!

Tuesday

2008-05-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, let's all use this blog as our meeting spot! I saw Nancy in the Gym today and Mike was right in front of me in durning spin class. 1 hour!! Good workout - boy did Michele make me sweat! I just remembered I won't see you guys tomorrow night, I am teaching kickbox in Fairfield. Enjoy! -e

Racketball Anyone??

2008-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I decided that tonight at 8pm I am up for a game of racketball at the gym!! I have an extra racket if you don't have one, and it's a great cardio workout!! Would anyone like to join?? I hope to see some BLUE team there tonight!! Let's outnumber the red, but it's going to take all of us!! (If you never played before that's okay too, I'm willing to teach anyone!- It can be a really fun way to get your cardio in!!)
Crystal

Maura Says:

2008-05-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

An excellent health newsletter called "Nutrition Action" gives consumer advice about specific food products and restaurants. Its website is www.cspinet.org