Some thoughts on 2 years of Tae-Bo

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/25/2001 11:11:24 AM Eastern Standard Time,

ann.marie.kleiber@... writes:

> Today, most of my clothes fit again and I can now wear my

> wedding ring, which is actually becoming loose!

>

>

>

> What things are you proudest of accomplishing?

this was an ironic change for me cuz the winter before I discovered Tae-Bo I

finally had my rings resized larger so I could wear them but just for a few

short months cuz they all became way too loose

Barb

whose proudest accomplishment is that I keep on kicking even though seeing

very little changes in the past year

[Guest guest]

I'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the congratulations

on my 2-year Tae-Bo anniversary. Per Jen's request, I've put together some

thoughts on my Tae-Bo journey.

What are the biggest changes you've seen from the time you began Tae-Bo

until now?

In the two years I’ve been doing Tae-Bo, the biggest change I’ve noticed is

that I’m a lot happier. I had gone through a lot of stress and depression

after losing both my parents within 4 months of each other. 6 of the last 8

years of my life had been pure hell. My Mom had gone through 4 years of

chemotherapy due to a recurrence of cancer. Two years after her recurrence

my Father had fallen on the job and fractured his skull. The severe brain

damage he suffered from this accident reduced him to the mentality of a

2-year old. Very, very disheartening. My Father died 2 years after this

injury. Usually when you lose someone very close, you feel like a part of

you has died along with them. Tae-Bo has brought that part of me back to

life.

Since I’ve started Tae-Bo, I handle stressful situations a whole lot better

than I used to. When you feel good deep down inside, it allows you to react

to things a whole lot better.

Another change that has made a difference in my life is the inches and

pounds lost. All that stress caused me to put on about 35 pounds, the

initial reason I had started Tae-Bo. Little did I know what else it could do

for me. I’m a stress-eater and boy did I have my fair share those past few

years! I’ve only lost about 20 or so pounds in these 2 years, but the inches

lost are really noticeable. I didn’t take my measurements but wished I had

as I used to be so obsessed by that number on the scale. Before I started

Tae-Bo almost all of my clothes no longer fit and I could no longer wear my

wedding ring. Today, most of my clothes fit again and I can now wear my

wedding ring, which is actually becoming loose!

What things are you proudest of accomplishing?

The thing that I’m most proud of is the fact that I have stuck with an

exercise program steadily for two years. Normally, I would stick with

something for about a month and then it would get old-hat and no longer be

interesting. I’m also proud of the progress I’ve made with my form and

concentration on the moves. I’m amazed at how Tae-Bo has enhanced my stamina

in my every-day activities and the not-so-every-day activities.

I'd really be interested in just hearing your thoughts, memories and overall

impressions of your tae bo journey.

My overall impression of Tae-Bo is that it is fun and challenging at the

same time which keeps you wanting more of it. The first time I saw the

informercial, I was so impressed with it that I ordered the tapes right

away. The theory of Tae-Bo made sense as it ties in with martial arts,

something that has always fascinated me. The first time I did the

instructional tape, I was instantly hooked and I have been ever since. There

hasn’t ever been a day when I didn’t want to workout with the tapes.

Although there have been days where physically I couldn’t workout due to

illness, my mind was still on the workout. Just when you think you’ve

pretty-much mastered the moves, comes out with something new or

presents the same moves in a different way to make it fresh and challenging.

I’ve never been bored with Tae-Bo.

I think Tae-Bo will be a big part of the rest of my life as much as it has

been for the past two years. It has given me a feeling inside like I’ve

never felt before of inner-peace and improved self-confidence. I’ve learned

to love the person that I am and always strive to improve in everything I

do.

I’d also like to give a shout out to all the people I’ve met through the

message boards! You are all great people and I’m honored to know all of you!

You’ve all been a big part of the past two years just as Tae-Bo has been for

me and I look forward to the coming years with you. What other exercise has

brought people together like Tae-Bo has! Thank you from the bottom of my

heart to Blanks for sharing this wonderful, life-changing tool. Thanks

to all of you for being a part of my Tae-Bo journey. And to think, two years

ago I didn’t even know who Blanks was.

[Guest guest]

There

> hasn't ever been a day when I didn't want to workout with the tapes.

> Although there have been days where physically I couldn't workout

due to

> illness, my mind was still on the workout.

Ann Marie, thank you for your inspirational post. You have described

the magic of taebo perfectly. I feel the same way as you. You

definitely must come to the WTC in August. It will be the

culmination (or another beginning) of your wonderful journey.

Elena

[Guest guest]

> Barb

> whose proudest accomplishment is that I keep on kicking even though

seeing

> very little changes in the past year

Me too Barb. Although my results have been slow, I keep on kicking

because I love how I feel on the inside.

Ann Marie - who didn't lose any weight until 5 months into her Tae-Bo

journey

[Guest guest]

You definitely must come to the WTC in August. It will be the

> culmination (or another beginning) of your wonderful journey.

>

> Elena

Thanks Elena! The WTC is the only missing piece of my Tae-Bo

journey! We'll be working out with next month at QVC so

that'll be another missing piece found and conquered.

Ann Marie - who's really looking into the trip to WTC for August

[Guest guest]

Ann Marie,

You should be very very proud of yourself! I know it sounds corny but

I had tears in my eyes reading parts of your email. But you overcame

it all and succeeded in so many ways!!!

Give yourself a BIG HUG from me and a thank you for sharing your

thoughts!!

Colleen

[Guest guest]

Thank you SO much for sharing Ann Marie!!!! Congrats on your two

years of Taebo and may you continue to grow in spirit and lose in

inches!!!!!

le

[Guest guest]

(((Ann Marie))) hugs to me and you! (((Colleen)))

Colleen,

No, not corny at all! That was a very tough and trying few years my

family was going through. Talk about tearing your heart out! I sorta

had the easy part during that time, though. It was my Mom that had

to go through chemo and watch my Father through his crisis. I'm just

relieved that it's all over and they're not suffering anymore.

Although I miss them both dearly, we have many happy memories with

them and that's what gets me through it.

Thanks for your kind words,

Ann Marie

> Ann Marie,

>

> You should be very very proud of yourself! I know it sounds corny

but

> I had tears in my eyes reading parts of your email. But you

overcame

> it all and succeeded in so many ways!!!

>

> Give yourself a BIG HUG from me and a thank you for sharing your

> thoughts!!

>

> Colleen

[Guest guest]

Thank you le! I hope things start looking up for you. You've

been through a tough few years too and deserve a break. Hopefully

the light at the end of the tunnel will get here soon for you.

Ann Marie

> Thank you SO much for sharing Ann Marie!!!! Congrats on your two

> years of Taebo and may you continue to grow in spirit and lose in

> inches!!!!!

>

> le

[Guest guest]

> It has given me a feeling inside like I've

> never felt before of inner-peace and improved self-confidence. I've

learned

> to love the person that I am and always strive to improve in

everything I

> do.

Ann-Marie,

Awesome post! You have truly made some incredible changes these past

two years! Makes you wonder what's in store for you in the future

who can totally relate to the inner peace and improved self

confidence

[Guest guest]

Thanks ! I'm sure these first 2 years of Tae-Bo are just the

beginning of an incredible future. If I feel this good now, just

think how I'll be in say 5 years! What also blows me away is the

fact that 's been doing this most of his life and look what a

kind, loving, and gentle person he is. WOW!

I know this is corny, but " The future's so bright I gotta wear

shades! "

Ann Marie

>

> > It has given me a feeling inside like I've

> > never felt before of inner-peace and improved self-confidence.

I've

> learned

> > to love the person that I am and always strive to improve in

> everything I

> > do.

>

> Ann-Marie,

>

> Awesome post! You have truly made some incredible changes these

past

> two years! Makes you wonder what's in store for you in the

future

>

>

> who can totally relate to the inner peace and improved self

> confidence

[Guest guest]

Temera,

No, unfortunately I didn't have any big drops in weight at any

particular time during the past 2 years. My weight loss has been

slow. The scale has been a lousy representation of my progress with

Tae-Bo as I've lost mostly inches. How many? - I'm not sure as I

never measured myself with a tape measure. That's why I had stopped

going to Weight Watchers too. Out of the 3 months I went I only lost

8 pounds. No matter what I eat, the pounds are just taking their

sweet ol' time coming off. As long as the inches are going down,

that's fine with me.

Ann Marie - who would rather lose inches anyday than pounds

> Thank you for posting that Anne Marie, about not losing for the

first 5

> months, because I think that will be me. Did you all of the sudden

drop like

> 10 pounds??

>

> Temera

> who always has so many questions and is almost nosey about how

other people

> have lost weight and got into shape.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Temera,

That's the thing. I really liked the Weight Watchers plan, but I

didn't think it was necessary to pay them every week to tell me I'm

losing inches. Well duh, I could've told them that! I'm glad you're

measuring yourself now, I really wished I would have in the beginning.

We must be totally alike! The butt and the legs were the first

things my hubby noticed the changes in! I'm truly amazed at the

muscles in my legs today. Some days I look down at them and can't

believe these are actually my legs!

I understand the frustration of the results not coming so quick.

Over the past 2 years, out of frustration I had considered quitting a

few times. Then I thought to myself if I had quit back then, I'd be

no better off today than if I had kept going. Quitting would have

accomplished nothing. It's my strong belief in myself and that Tae-

Bo will eventually work its wonders for me. Although I don't see the

results from day to day, each time I see a recent picture of myself,

it's a reminder of what Tae-Bo IS actually doing for me. My husband

keeps telling me that he sees the changes. It's hard for me to see

the changes because I look at myself each day. Sometimes I give up

looking for the changes and periodically I get nice little surprises

of another piece of clothing fitting better or at all for that

matter! I know now that the results are coming, albeit slowly, each

time I look down at my lower stomach, I can see more of my feet and

less of my stomach. It doesn't stick out as much so Tae-Bo IS

working. AND I've felt my hip bone which I hadn't been able to feel

for some time because of the layer of fat covering it. So hang in

there, the results do come!

Ann Marie - who wishes it was easier for both of us too but without

this struggle probably wouldn't appreciate the results as much

> Well, I am the same way, and I have a feeling that I may end up

being totally

> frusturated with TOPS and weighing in every week, but I did learn

from you

> and measured myself, so we will see what the results are. My hubby

has

> already told me that I am losing in my legs, and my butt is firmer.

He's

> happy!!! I am going to go and buy a body fat scale. Maybe that will

help keep

> my motivation. As a bitter sweet thought, I am glad I am not alone,

but wish

> it was easier for both of us!!

>

> Temera

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Joan,

That's exactly it!!! I couldn't care what I weigh, just as long as

the inches are gone and my clothes fit again!

Ann Marie - who was at the heaviest weight she had ever been before

starting Tae-Bo

> > > Thank you for posting that Anne Marie, about not losing for the

> > first 5

> > > months, because I think that will be me. Did you all of the

sudden

> > drop like

> > > 10 pounds??

> > >

> > > Temera

> > > who always has so many questions and is almost nosey about how

> > other people

> > > have lost weight and got into shape.

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Bev,

I couldn't agree more about the WW/LA Weight Loss. In the beginning

it was fun to get on the scale, but after a while I felt like I

was " walking the plank. " I was starting to get too wrapped up again

in what the scale said vs. why I really went to WW in the first

place, which was to make sure I was eating enough or maybe eating too

much and eating the right balance of foods. I came away from WW with

more knowledge about eating healthy which was fine too.

Congratulations to you on finding your self-confidence! as well as

the looser clothing and 9.5 pounds!

Ann Marie - who learned through WW to keep food portion sizes in check

> Ann Marie,

>

> I know what you mean about Weight Watchers. I was going to LA

Weight Loss.

> I really learn a lot about how to eat healthy, but couldn't stand

going 3

> days a week to get weighted, plus it was costing me a fortune.

Since it was

> totally stressing me out getting weighted that often, it was doing

more harm

> than good. I'm doing much better on my own just keeping a food

journal so I

> can watch what I eat and do taebo at least 5-6 days a week. Since

I started

> to keep a food journal (Jan 1st, 2001) I've lost about 9.5 lbs.

But more

> importantly, I noticed a big change in attitude and self

confidence, I

> actually have some...

>

> Bev

> who really starting to notice that her clothes are much looser than

they

> used to be....

>

>

> That's why I had stopped going to Weight Watchers too.

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

can watch what I eat and do taebo at least 5-6 days a week. Since I

started to keep a food journal (Jan 1st, 2001) I've lost about 9.5

lbs. But more importantly, I noticed a big change in attitude and

self confidence, I actually have some...

Congrats Bev!!! I am a huge believer in food journals!!

[Guest guest]

That's great news about your shoes, Temera! Noticing the simplest

changes is a whole lot better than what that evil scale can show us!

Keep on kickin' and don't give up!

Ann Marie - who's happy she could help Temera through this

frustrating time

> Amen Anne Marie~

>

> I agree with everything you said, and needed it as I woke up

today a

> little blue about my weight. My stomach is flattening, and I can

actually see

> my legs when I look down, so there is enough improvement there for

me!!

> Thanks for sharing, it has really helped me. Since Jan 9, which was

when I

> started tae bo again, I can now fit a pair of shoes that my fat

feet could

> not fit into and my high heel boots, I can now zip them all the way

up on one

> side and almost all the way up on the other. So yeah!! this

happened about a

> week and a half ago. The simplist things are making me happy since

the scale

> cannot.

>

> Everyone take care,

> Temera

> who cannot wait to do BL6 today, I went to be guilty for not

working out, we

> will see if I have a loss tonight at TOPS!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Keep saying it, Temera!!! You CAN do it!

Ann Marie - who did a lot of positive self-talk on those days

> I am so happy to have you and everyone else to support me, I have

been saying in my head, I need to hang in here, since i woke up this

morning!

>

> thanks so much,

> Temera

[Guest guest]

Bev,

I know EXACTLY what you mean about them making you feel like a slug.

I had an instance where it was a weigh-in day and it just happened to

be the very first day of " that time of the month. " I don't know

about anyone else, but I retain water like a sponge. The scale

showed that I gained 4 pounds (no biggie in my mind). Well, you

wanna see the look that the scale lady gave me. I explained exactly

why I had gained that weight, but she didn't want to hear it and more

or less didn't believe me. The very next week I lost 6 pounds, but I

had a different person weighing me in. BOY, did I want to give that

other woman a piece of my mind! It's a shame that the woman had such

an attitude.

A positive thing is that, like you, I came away with more nutritional

knowledge than I had when I started. I also accomplished my goal of

finding out where I was eating-wise (too much/too little). WW is a

great program nutritional wise, but I hated getting weighed in so

often. I found that I had to weigh in on " those days " that I

normally wouldn't get on the scale in the first place.

Ann Marie

> >I couldn't agree more about the WW/LA Weight Loss. In the

beginning

> >it was fun to get on the scale, but after a while I felt like I

> >was " walking the plank. " I was starting to get too wrapped up

again

> >in what the scale said vs. why I really went to WW in the first

> >place

> >

> >Congratulations to you on finding your self-confidence! as well as

> >the looser clothing and 9.5 pounds!

>

>

> Thanks Ann Marie,

>

> I can say that I'm glad I went to LA Weight Loss because it helped

me get on

> track with my diet, but let me tell you the people at the center

that I went

> to made me feel like a slug when I didn't lose anything. I was

really

> dreading having to go and it was starting to throw me emotionally.

What

> little self-esteem I had was quickly fading away. Plus, the staff

wasn't

> very supportive. I'm sure it works for some people but it wasn't

working

> for me. At least I came away with a lot of info diet wise.

>

> Bev

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Since I started to keep a food journal (Jan 1st, 2001) I've lost

about 9.5 lbs. But more importantly, I noticed a big change in

attitude and self confidence, I actually have some...

>

Bev~

Yay!! That is so fantastic....congratulations on the 9 1/2 pound

loss!! But, you know what? I think you deserve a huge hug and need

to give yourself a pat on the back right now because I liked the last

part of your comments even better....way to go on gaining more and

more self confidence. Its life changing stuff like that that makes

the weight loss secondary...well, for me anyway! lol

Again, way to go!! Keep up the great work and be sure to keep us

posted on the total weight loss for February.

Hugs, Jen

[Guest guest]

The simplist things are making me happy since the scale cannot.

>

Yay Temera!!

That's right...throw that stupid scale out - all it does is make you

sad!!! Congratulations on finding those little things that let you

know you are doing EVERYTHING right!! Keep up the great work.

Jen

Who loves that surprise she gets every once in awhile when she slides

so easily into a pair of jeans that she has to double check the tag

to make sure she didn't pick up the larger sized ones by mistake. lol

[Guest guest]

> Since I started

> to keep a food journal (Jan 1st, 2001) I've lost about 9.5 lbs.

But more

> importantly, I noticed a big change in attitude and self

confidence, I

> actually have some...

Bev,

Congratulations on the weight loss, but more importantly on the

increased self confidence The ability to see myself as stong and

confident, and the fact that I finally understood that who I am is

much more than how much I weigh, are two of the most important things

I gained from Tae-Bo

[Guest guest]

Bev,

I'm glad to be out of that situtation too! It's not enough that

you're doing your best to follow the program, but to have someone

accuse you of messing up was the last straw.

Ann Marie - who wonders if these people have ever messed up during

their weight loss

> Ann Marie,

>

> I'm the same way during that time of the month too. I had a

similar

> experience and the lady that was working with me gave me such an

attitude

> like I had totally gone off the diet. I knew that it was all water

> retention, but she insisted that I had to have gone off the diet.

That was

> the beginning of the end for me.

>

> Bev

> who is glad she benefited from the nutrition advice, but is very

glad to be

> out of that situation.

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Yup, and that was sorta the ONLY bad thing about WW. I must've told

that woman 3 times why I gained, but she didn't want to hear it.

Guess she never retained water in her whole lifetime.

Funny, if a person gains 4 lbs from going off program, it's not that

easy to get it back off so quickly. The woman that weighed me the

following week, who also happened to be the group leader, totally

understood and even commented that I would be expecting a big loss!

Ann Marie - who believes it's people who make the difference

> Well, you

> > wanna see the look that the scale lady gave me. I

> > explained exactly

> > why I had gained that weight, but she didn't want to

> > hear it and more

> > or less didn't believe me. The very next week I

> > lost 6 pounds, but I

> > had a different person weighing me in. BOY, did I

> > want to give that

> > other woman a piece of my mind! It's a shame that

> > the woman had such

> > an attitude.

> >

> >

> > Ann Marie

>

>

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