Support

A few days ago, I had a meet-up at the Y with a friend I met on-line through my favorite weight-loss website, SparkPeople.  I have been "on" the site for over 3 years, and she is my very first "Spark Friend" I've met in person.

We didn't spend a lot of time gabbing; instead, we headed straight for the Cardio Theater and a 40 minute stint on the elliptical machines.  I am amazed at what a difference it made to have Sarah there; I really wanted to work harder and it all seemed less painful somehow!  We will be meeting up again!

This experience reminded me that support really is important. Finding ways to look forward to exercise, or to get myself there even if I think I don't want to helps.  Having friends who are working toward similar goals is uniting. Knowing I am not alone keeps me motivated.

After a busy summer of traveling and softball mom-ing, I am ready to get back to the school of fitness.  The support I have lined up for myself is this:

• Text my friend Colleen every day when I get to the gym (or later if it's not a gym day)
• I will send my regular support partner, Will, my ACE fitness plan model by next week so he can help me stay accountable
• Get together with Sarah at least once a week if she's willing
• Enjoy that walk to and from school with my little ones; they think fitness is just part of life!
• Encourage my girls in making their own fitness plans so we can encourage each other
• Talk to dear hubby about each of our exercise and rehab goals

What support systems are helping you reach your goals?

Snowy Friday Tips, Tricks and Inspiration -- Bronzer and Spark

In the past 6 days, 14,500 PLUS people have joined Spark People in search of support for a healthier life style!  I racked my brain but could not come up with anything more inspiring than that!

SparkPeople is essentially a free weight-loss website.  Not my first.  However, I have never found a site with more helpful articles, more videos, more support, more recipes and all for free.  It includes a calorie counter, a food tracker, an exercise tracker and a way to set your own personal goals.  The online community (organized into message boards and teams) is helpful and kind-hearted.  In 15 months, I have seen no mean-spirited posts.  Please check it out.  The only thing it will cost you is time!  (If you do check it out, please "friend" me.  My Spark name is DreenaMT)

My tip of the week is about water.  We all know we need it but hardly anybody gets it all in during the day.  I have discovered that I can "chug" a full glass or even two when I first get up and I am very thirsty, so it seems easy.  Then I'm 1/4 of the way there!  Try it.

Finally, my "trick" is for my lady friends.  If you are having one of those days where you think your face looks fat  -- even though this is probably in your mind -- you can sweep a tiny bit of bronzer just under your cheek bones and then blend it in a bit with a sponge.  Instantly slimmed.  I swear, EVERY time I do this, someone asks me if I've lost weight.

It's snowing here in Round Rock, Texas; this is a rare event and the kids are chuffed!  I'd better get my warm clothes on - although after getting the 1, 2 and 3 year-olds dressed, I'll probably be well warmed up!