Last Saturday I was talking to one of my (skinny)friends about my struggles with PCOS. “The best way to ensure I don’t have any of the extreme issues like diabetes or infertility is to keep my weight down,” I explained.
“Have you been working out lately?” she asked.
“Not as much as I should… I’d really like to lose 20 pounds before the year is up.”
“Okay,” she replied. “So what are you going to do about it?”
It was such a simple question, but it hit me like a ton of bricks.
What am I going to do about my weight?
I’ve started to embrace my body and the fact that I will never be a size 2 (I probably wont even be a size 12) but I can make the most of what I have. I can get down to my ideal size, even if its still plus size. The most successful I’ve been was in programs (i.e. Weight Watchers) and I think the accountability was the thing that kept me in the gym, eating well etc.
So… I’m going to start Work Out Wednesday’s here on TBGB. I’m not sure exactly what it will look like as time goes on, but I will be logging my weekly progress on this weight loss thing. So, here goes:
This Weeks Work Outs: 1 (last night)
Pounds Lost: None (but next week will be different 🙂
Weekly Goal: 3 more work outs before next Wednesday!
I know I’m not alone, so I invite you to log your progress here too. I usually don’t respond in the comments section, but for this segment I will…
Maybe we can encourage each other?
I'm with you! I really need to lose 30 pds by the end of January. Stress has made me just be frustrated and tired! I know I can lose weight quickly when I put my mind to it. Thanks for the Wednesday forum. We can help each other!!
@Melissa W:
For me its all about exercise, if I don't do it, nothing happens! So, I'm going to get moving even if its just 30mins a day.
Glad you're on board… it looks like we have similar goals 🙂
xoxo
I struggle with PCOS & weight loss, too. I need some kind of routine, but I have such a wonky schedule, that I use it as an excuse. Maybe I will feel inspired by you & get my shit together.
CeCe,
I too struggle with PCOS. Last February I began taking some serious steps to get my weight in control. I gave up sugar or Lent, like you gave up carbs, and really jump started a whole new fitness consciousness for me.
My mom had given me a gift certificate for four sessions with a personal trainer at my gym. Previously, I had been going to the gym two or three times a month. Having this personal trainer helped motivate me to amp up my exercise routine. Now, I'm kind of addicted to it, and try to hit the gym 5-6 times a week doing a variety of weight training, cardio, and classes (have you discovered zumba yet? so fun!). I meet with my trainer once a month to check-in and design a new program. It's totally affordable too (about forty bucks a month).
Around the same time I went to an Endocronolygist. I was super bummed when she told me that with PCOS I would be lucky to loose about 10lbs a year, or even maintain my weight. I've been determined to prove her wrong. I found a totally free website myfitnesspal.com, it's a social network/calorie counting site that has been my savior. I've been able to connect with other PCOS ladies, and we really keep one another motivated and supported.
So far, I'm down 40 pounds and counting! I've never felt so good and in control of myself. Good luck, build support, because it can be done!
OV
@Mary Contrary: My schedule is a HUGE issue as well, I'm really trying to do morning work outs because that's the only time that will NEVER be interrupted by plans/work/friends.
Its hard though….
@Anonymous: 40 pounds!!! Wow… congrats!
I can tell you that losing weight with PCOS can be done. My struggle has always been keeping it off, ya know?
Anyway, it sounds like you've got a good thing going. You inspired me today for sure!
xoxo
I'm down..So basically every Wednesday we will be checking in?
I've starting blogging more regularly–that's kind of my method of keeping myself accountable. Even if no one ever reads my blog someone I know just MIGHT, so that thought keeps me focused..
My main goal right now I strive for an hour of cardio at least 5 times a week.
@Kemi:
Yup, we will check in each Wednesday, see how we're doing… how much weight we've lost etc. There's no set format, we can create as we go!
When I was doing cardio 5x's per week, I lost SO MUCH WEIGHT. Sadly, with my current schedule that's a harder task.
You can do it!
xoxo
P.S. I owe you an email 😉
I don't have PCOS but the last couple of months I've been really focusing on getting healthier overall. I'm going to agree with @Anonymous here and say that Zumba is by far the most fun I've ever had while exercising. I love to dance so I take Zumba 2-3 times per week in addition to my bellydance classes. If you can find an instructor that fits your learning style, it's a great way to burn 600-900 calories in an hour.
@Cece yes! I know your busy though.
@Mandiferous how would you compare Belly dance and Zumba? I know BD isn't very cardiovascular but do you get alot of the muscle movements in Zumba?
I've done African Dance and Belly Dance before and I miss it! I have a friend that loves Zumba and she says quite a few people like it because they do hip rolls and things like that similar to BD. I'm looking forward to trying that soon!
CeCe, I'm on broad too! Its about time I get my weight under control, so I can feel better. 🙂 I don't want to be skinny minny tho! Lol! I want to lose 30 to 40 pounds by my birthday in January! 🙂 I'm going to do more walking and portion size my food. 🙂 yea I think that will help! Right?
I struggle with PCOS as well. I must admit I haven't done much to alleviate symptoms or destroy the possibility of infertility. I need to get moving right away
What a great way to be accountable to your online community! I went to the gym today and did a spin class 🙂
Hugs from Los Angeles,
Cindy A.
Hey everyone!
I'm in! I've been trying for a year (well, my whole life, but consciously for a year) to be super honest with myself about what works for me. I do not have PCOS (as far as I know), but I do have about 125 lbs to lose. I love your blog and your readers. My first goal is 35 lbs by Halloween. I want to stay within my calorie target everyday this week. Next week starts my 5x of hour long cardio – including Zumba! Love it!
@Mandiferous
Hmmm I need to look into this Zumba thing!
I'm so glad you're on board. 600-900 cals in an hour sounds like a plan (especially if its fun!)
xoxo
@Krissey:
I'm realizing that I dont want to be a skinny minnie either, kinda takes the pressure off! LOL let's get HEALTHY! woot woot
@princessvalencia:
I know… we're young enough that we can get on top of things before they affect us in devastating ways.
@Cindy A.:
Spinning… sitting on the bike makes me so uncomfortable! Any tips on sitting on the bike better?
@rubyslippers:
I love my readers too! 🙂 125 pounds is an intense goal, but its totally possible, take it one pound at a time….
xoxo
Exercise is healthy but not the way to lose weight. Working-out tends to make a person overeat to compensate. Exercise helps some people because it gives them discipline — but doesn't work for everyone. The only way effectively to lose weight is to control what you eat — lower your portion size. To keep the weight off, you need to change your eating HABITS.
@Anonymous
I think everyone here is well aware that you can't go to the gym and then go out and eat a giant burger and fries. I can only speak for me, but my body responds best to a combination of good eating and exercise.
Yes! CeCe, seriously. I mean this with all my heart- start running.
I never thought I'd ever be able to run, it was one of the things "athletic" people do. But it's one of those workouts that always challenges you because there's always a goal to hit: running at X speed, running for X minutes, at X incline or beating X laps or X miles. And the weight just melts off.
I'm so with you, I want to be a 14 at most. And I have been trying to get motivated as well. Hopefully we all can do this together!
Hey! I would love to be a part of it!
I'm gonna start jogging at the beach, every wednesday.
Maybe this sound kinda stupid, but we could start sharing some "workout music"! A good playlist is the key for a nice workout! lol
And, btw, I have PCOS too. And some fat liver issues, i need to lose some weight…
Love your blog!
🙂
I may be a guy, but I found this post interesting. I sometimes find it frustrating when I am working on weight loss and I don't make progress after a workout.
I'd love it if you'd check out my blog too and let me know what you think.
–T
@ G/W:
You totally inspired me this week… check out todays post!
@ NJ: I'm so glad you're on board!
@ Mari W: I love the idea of sharing music… I'll bring that up in next weeks post!
@Trevor: Hooray! I love having guys around for weight loss groups… you guys drop the pounds so easily though, I get jealous!
😉
xoxo
@Kemi- I actually started taking Zumba because I wasn't getting enough cardio from bellydance. There are a few Zumba routines that incorporate bellydance moves but you just have to be careful. A lot of Zumba instructors don't have bellydance training so they're going for what looks cool- good way to hurt yourself if you're not careful.
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