Finding FUN ways to lose weight and get into shape is important to your fitness success. If you hate doing a particular DVD or workout, chances are you won't continue with it very long. Variation also keeps your body from reaching a plateau.

Suggestions - Have several DVDs on hand that you interchange often so you always doing something different. Don't limit yourself to working out in front of the TV. Get outside - go for a walk, ride a bike, swim, pull the kids around the neighborhood on a sled. Use your imagination.

My story - I have lost 30 lbs since June of 2007. I wore a size 16 which was very tight on me when I made the decision to start working out. I now wear a size 8. I've lost 8 inches from my waistline. I feel better and look better. Was it easy? No. But with proper support and motivation you can do it too. In my mind I HAD to lose weight. Nothing would stop me this time. I purchased a very extreme (and difficult) workout program (P90X)  from an infomercial which features 12 different workouts with a schedule to follow so you continually confuse your muscles. This was not recommended for someone as heavy as I was when starting. BUT I modified the moves and did what I could until I got stronger.

My experience with the program led me to become a fitness coach. Now I help others find FUN ways to lose weight.  I was able to buy several other programs at a discount and now have a library of workouts to choose from . Although P90X remains my favorite.

What I have learned from becoming a coach is that EACH person needs to choose programs that work from them and that they like enough that they look forward to their workouts. Lifestyle choices affect your weight. The amount of sleep you get each night, how much water you drink, if you are stressed out, what you put into your body as fuel. We have control of these factors and they all play an important part in our success.  Motivation and support are crucial. Find online buddies that will be there to tell you to get up and do it anyway. People that will offer advice when you need it. 

Million Dollar Body offers an online community that gives you all of this and more. They offer a FREE game in which you can win up to $1K per day just for logging into the virtual gym (WOWY) to track your workouts. They also have a contest in which you can win up to $250K just for getting into the best shape of your life - this contest requires a membership to the Million Dollar Body Club. 

Want to learn more? Check out my website at www.slimandtrimfitness.com. My before and after photos are up since I'm trying to win the transformation contest (the BIG prize). Or send me a message through this site. I would love to start a support group on this site - separate from MDB. Let me know if this interests anyone. It will be a place to state your goals, frustrations, successes and track your performance