Progress Pics -- hhcg and isometrics....

[catkin]

double post

[catkin]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Catkin -- thanks so much! And, yes, almost everything I know about skincare I learned from EDS... I am "Birdlove" over there. You?

You're welcome!
I forget--I most lurk once a year when I go on a youthful look kick:blush:

[catkin]

Originally Posted by Zbunny

Wow! Those abs! Those arms! :faints:

Awesome work -- and you look like a youngster! It's amazing how health and fitness can shave off the years. You're going to have to beat off all of the college boys!

Those thighs!

[minimonkey]

Speaking of the pretzel -- Super Sculpting 1 has a never-ending variation of the pretzel that uses the playground ball as well --- boy, you wont be yawning during that one! That thing BURNS like nobody's business!

I am so in love with the new Bar Method workouts right now -- they are fast paced and truly very intense... and genuinely quite fun, too (Burr is completely adorable leading the Super Sculpting, and I like Marnie Alton as well...)

I can't wait to see what the results are like after a few months of doing them regularly.

[Getting there!!!]

I totally believe in isometrics for changing your shape. I used to be a pear--a rather large one!! But now, I'm definitely an hourglass and my legs are looking long(ish) and lean(ish)!. I look a lot more like your swimsuit picture (with a bit more muscle definition)than you now, obviously!!! But as I say, I'm really only starting out on the real fine-tuning part of my journey. I can see the potential-but as I said, you make me believe that I'm definitely doing the right things!

[Getting there!!!]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I can't wait to see what the results are like after a few months of doing them regularly.

Either can we!!!!!

[minimonkey]

Getting There -- your stats are really impressive -- I just realized how much you've lost!!!!!!!!! WOW!!! Major congratulations are in order!!!

(I was a pretty large pear in 2008 myself... I had gained up to 155 lbs during a long battle with Lyme disease, that pretty much shut down my metabolic functions for a while. 155 is a lot on my little frame )

The fine tuning is definitely the most fun part of the journey, in my opinion.. and you are way ahead of many people because you already have a good fitness base... so the tuning results come a lot more quickly than if one is starting from scratch.

[mermaid]

Mini, now that you have no need for your 2003 swimsuit body, can I have that one?

[minimonkey]

LOL... sure, Mermaid... but it's really short. ..so get your platform shoes ready....

[julieboolie]

Wow Mini!! you look amazing!! Like a fitness model!! So impressed!! After all your hard work it's so nice to be able to see the results!! So proud and happy for you!! WTG!!!

[C'Marie]

You wanna train me on SKYPE? LOL heck ya, I'd sign up. Could you show me how to do it without hurting my bad hip? I got alot stronger just the little bit of hip therapy and such that I did back when I lost my first 55 pounds after my first 2 rounds. Now I'm down past 100 lost and oh-so-flabby and weak it's ridiculous. But I can't jump, can't stand real long, and can't bend to that side very well at all. Ugh. Sigh.

[minimonkey]

C'Marie -- what is the issue with your hip? I ask, because I have a troublesome hip as well -- at the worst point in my Lyme disease (in 2005), I was walking with a cane, and my hip just refused to stay in place -- the tendons and ligaments had slackened to the point that it kept dislocating. I've been able to strengthen it tremendously with regular, concerted exercise -- I still have to be mindful of it, but it no longer slows me down.

The key, for me, was very gradual and very consistent strength training -- and, of course, getting well from the Lyme. It has been a long journey back from almost total disability for me, but I think it makes me appreciate my current state of health a great deal more!

[C'Marie]

*I tried to pm'd you but I don't seem to have PM capabilities right now. I have emptied my inbox and contacted the tech people here at LCF.

The biggest thing everyone said was to get the weight off. So I have. I expected to be able to run, dammit, and throw the cane after the first 50 pounds. Now I'm at 100+ lost and still in pain every day, almost with every step. I know I need to start back up with something now that I've lost more. I did the most therapies etc when I had lost my initial 55 pounds in two rounds and was feeling stronger, better, and in less pain. Now I'm weak again after doing more hcg and not working out.

I toured Paris and Prague, walking every day about 3-6+ hours on cobblestone with the cane last summer just because I was determined to do what I wanted anyway. I'm just stubborn. My family kept trying to get me to slow down. I figure I can rest when I'm dead!

[minimonkey]

That's the very spirit that allowed me to continue to function despite years of horrible chronic pain --- you go, woman!!!! I know what it feels like to have razors stabbing with every step... my heart goes out to you. Pain takes a huge toll on one over time. (I contracted Lyme in 1988, and wasn't properly diagnosed or treated until 2005.)

PM me when you can, and we can discuss this more -- I actually may have some suggestions that might be helpful regarding exercises that are bad-hip-friendly.

[C'Marie]

I've seen a chiro, a chiro who used ACT(active release) therapy, a physical therapist, a sports therapist who used ARPwave therapy (think TENS on CRACK), massage therapist, have had injections with a 4-inch needle for prolo-therapy and platelet replacement therapy, taken loads of supplements (altho, I'm bad about doing it consistently), used inversion, pool therapy..... ugh. I feel I got the most benefit from doing chiro, chiro with ACT therapy, and the sports therapist with ARPwave therapy. In fact, in 2 visits with the sports therapist and ARPwave, I felt as good as I did earlier with 6 weeks of phys therap with pool work. There def is something to it. But because I knew I had to go back on the hcg and other circumstances I stopped it. It is time to do something again, and drastically.

AW sheesh, I just realized I jacked your thread. You look awesome. I'll find the exercise thread later

[miamiloca]

OMG-Mini-you are a freekin beast, girl! And im in love with your dreads! Amazing work!

[mermaid]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

You wanna train me on SKYPE? LOL heck ya, I'd sign up. Could you show me how to do it without hurting my bad hip? I got alot stronger just the little bit of hip therapy and such that I did back when I lost my first 55 pounds after my first 2 rounds. Now I'm down past 100 lost and oh-so-flabby and weak it's ridiculous. But I can't jump, can't stand real long, and can't bend to that side very well at all. Ugh. Sigh.

I have a very bad left hip from a motorcycle accident where a truck bumper smashed into my thigh at 45 mph in 1985. The only thing that has ever kept it from getting worse is hills and stairs, the real thing, not machines, going up and down. I also do the elliptical, but it is not anywhere near as effective as real hills and stairs.

Whenever it starts getting out of the socket or getting painful, I have to hike hills and stairs. Luckily, Port Townsend has a lot of both so I go there. In a few days of doing that, I'm good to go for a long time afterward.

Mini can show you some more cool stuff, but I thought I'd throw that in there since it has kept my hip from degenerating for 26 years.

(I'm sure Mini doesn't mind the threadjack. She's always into helping people. )

[Ravenj9]

Wow Mini! You look amazing! Definitely different from the swimsuit pic. You gotta love that hcg reshaping!

[barbie]

HOT MAMA!! wtg!! You look great, and you can tell in your face just how happy you are! Keep it up sista!!

[minimonkey]

Thanks, guys! You kind words mean a lot!

[minimonkey]

Oh, and I definitely don't mind the threadjack -- anything I can offer in terms of helping is always a welcome opportunity, as well as opening up the door to allow others to share helpful info!

Mermaid -- hills and stairs were a big part of my hip recovery, too -- hurt like the devil at first, but really helped stabilize the hip in the longer run... so glad to hear you have prevented further degeneration! That sounds like a really nasty injury!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

I've seen a chiro, a chiro who used ACT(active release) therapy, a physical therapist, a sports therapist who used ARPwave therapy (think TENS on CRACK), massage therapist, have had injections with a 4-inch needle for prolo-therapy and platelet replacement therapy, taken loads of supplements (altho, I'm bad about doing it consistently), used inversion, pool therapy..... ugh. I feel I got the most benefit from doing chiro, chiro with ACT therapy, and the sports therapist with ARPwave therapy. In fact, in 2 visits with the sports therapist and ARPwave, I felt as good as I did earlier with 6 weeks of phys therap with pool work. There def is something to it. But because I knew I had to go back on the hcg and other circumstances I stopped it. It is time to do something again, and drastically.

AW sheesh, I just realized I jacked your thread. You look awesome. I'll find the exercise thread later

Since Mini doesn't mind the threadjack... Marie, I have had a lot of chronic pain over the years due to hypothyroidism. Are you hypo by any chance? (Can't remember!) If so, when you get your PM issues sorted out, feel free to PM me re: what I did to get better.

[nurseypoo5]

you are gorgeous and im jealous MUCH

[pixiegirl01]

Hi Mini Sorry for stalking you down over here Our exercise thread has died over on the other board.

First of all, let me say, you look fantastic!! Great job!!!!!

Second, I'm seriously looking at Burr's Bar Method workouts. Which ones do you recommend?? If it makes a difference, right now, I'm most interested in concentrating on my hips and thighs. Oh heck, stomach too, but mostly those "pokey" things that stick out on the sides where my thighs start. (saddlebags?) I know when I did Callan, that really helped with those. But, I just. can't. take. her. anymore. LOL Thanks!

[minimonkey]

Pixie! OMG.. I know what you mean about not being able to take Callan anymore! I feel the same way (Callan herself, not the exercises!)

I completely love the three newest Bar Method workouts -- Super Sculpting 1 and 2, and Dancer's Body. They're all tough, even for seasoned barre-work veterans.

If you want to start a little slower with Bar Method, the Accelerated Workout and Change Your Body are both a good place to start.

The Bar Method is very, very concentrated on seat work, so any of the workouts will target those "pokey things" (lol) and also give a good abs workout. Also, unlike Callanetics, the Bar Method gives some serious attention to the arms, which really helps balance out the whole body.

Thanks for the compliments, and feel free to post over here any time you like! You don't need to be on hcg/hhcg to post on this thread -- any plan (or lack thereof) will do. Nice to see you here

[pixiegirl01]

Thanks Mini! I went ahead and ordered Super Sculpting 1 and Dancer's Body. I wanted to get more, but sheesh, they weren't cheap and cost even more on the big A. If I like them, I can always order them later.

For today, 25 minutes on my elliptical. Better than the nothing I've been doing!

[minimonkey]

Well worth the investment... trust me! I order directly from the Bar Method site.. prices are generally better on the new workouts.

In any case, you will love these workouts.... I am really sure about that!

[CherylB]

Mini is HOT TO TROT! She already knows how I feel about her accomplishments, but since I saw this thread, I had to say something. And we all have a couple dozen or so of those "blue butt" pics of our own. Amazing transformation and you are very rightfully proud.

Originally Posted by C'Marie

I've seen a chiro, a chiro who used ACT(active release) therapy, a physical therapist, a sports therapist who used ARPwave therapy (think TENS on CRACK), massage therapist, have had injections with a 4-inch needle for prolo-therapy and platelet replacement therapy, taken loads of supplements (altho, I'm bad about doing it consistently), used inversion, pool therapy..... ugh. I feel I got the most benefit from doing chiro, chiro with ACT therapy, and the sports therapist with ARPwave therapy. In fact, in 2 visits with the sports therapist and ARPwave, I felt as good as I did earlier with 6 weeks of phys therap with pool work. There def is something to it. But because I knew I had to go back on the hcg and other circumstances I stopped it. It is time to do something again, and drastically.

AW sheesh, I just realized I jacked your thread. You look awesome. I'll find the exercise thread later

Wow, C'Marie. I had no idea. I know you're in a hurry to reach goal, but maybe you really need to work on getting strong right now. You don't want to get even weaker than you are now! What happened to your hip that you need all this therapy? Is it degenerative?

[LilacBruze]

I usually avoid anything with the hint of exercise involving it, but I had to drop in and tell you how AMAZING you look!

[KelliC]

You look terrific, your hard work certainly has paid off!!

I'm also up for any fitness advice since you seem to be the great master lol. I have RA in every joint that you CAN have it in,including cervical spine--and just work your way down from there I'm trying the eliptical since my gym has one that doesn't hurt my knees,(believe it or not some do) anyway, I can only manage it for like 5 minutes because I haven't been able to run or walk fast in 20 years--those particular thigh muscles just don't have it anymore Seriously if you know of anything I could try, please pass it on!