From Fat 50 to Fab 50!

AlaVie Boot Camp and Biking!

2008-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

This past month, I began riding my bike to work...a 6 mile round trip.

I tried biking about 3 years ago, when I was seriously out of shape and overweight and quickly gave up the effort. It was not only exhausting, it was impossible! Even to ride on a flat road....not to mention, hills of any kind!

But, this time around, after several sessions of AlaVie PowerVie Bootcamp...and a dramatic reduction in weight and inches, biking was easy! In fact, I even enjoyed it!

PowerVie Boot Camp is a wonderful, all-around conditioning fitness program. If you want great results....FAST....sign up!

Exciting NEW STATS! WOW!

2008-06-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

As of this morning, I weigh 167 pounds! That is a total weight loss of 57.5 pounds since starting AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp on March 17, 2008!

MORE EXCITING STATS:

Initial Lean Weight: 111.8
Current Lean Weight: 116.8

Initial Fat Weight: 112.7
Current Fat Weight: 54.2

Lean weight vs. fat weight is IMPORTANT. You want your lean muscle weight to be MUCH higher than your fat weight. Building muscle is key to continued weight loss and maintenance, as more lean muscle mass helps your body burn calories more efficiently. I am THRILLED with my results so far!

MORE EXCITING STATS:

Initial % of body fat: 50.2%
Current % of body fat: 31.7%

WOW! A reduction in 18.5% body fat since starting AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp on March 17, 2008 - less than 3 months! The goal for a woman in my age group is to be in the low 20's. I am almost there!

Total inches lost: 24.5

I am so delighted with the AMAZING results! And, I feel terrific! I have lots of energy and feel strong and healthy!

I highly recommend PowerVie Boot Camp to anyone that wants terrific results in a short timeframe.

Total Weight Loss = 51.5 POUNDS!!!!!!

2008-06-02T21:30:00.001-07:00

I am SOOOOOOOOO Thrilled with the AMAZING RESULTS!

I weighed just 173 pounds this morning! That's a loss of 51 1/2 pounds since starting AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp on March 17.

This picture was taken today.....compare it to the pictures taken after Week 1 and 2 of Boot Camp! What a difference!

Viva la Difference with AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp! I am a new woman!

Good nutrition and A La Vie Boot Camp - The WINNING COMBINATION

2008-05-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

The past several years, I have had very poor eating habits....lots of binging on high calorie carbos and sugar products.

Since beginning my new fitness for life program in March, I have combined my regular boot camp attendance with sound nutrition - a WINNING COMBINATION.

Mary Beth Gonzales, one of the co-owners of AlaVie Fitness, helped me structure a nutritional and yummy eating plan, which has been very easy to stick with.

The plan consists of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. I also eat whole grains. I try to stay away from any refined grain products, such as white flours, pastas, etc. Of course, I do eat those from time to time, as total elimination of these "desired" items, would not work well for me. In the long run, I would feel deprived, and probably end up eating too much of them! My plan is just to stick with my sensible plan 99.9% of the time, and then occasionally, have the "desired" item, in a sensible portion.

Since starting this program on March 17, 2008, I have found that my entire outlook on eating and food has changed for the better. I am aware of the food I put in my mouth and make much better choices. When I find myself reaching for that "thing I shouldn't eat", I catch myself...and 99.9% of the time, I decide NOT TO EAT IT. The other 1%, I take a small taste of whatever I want, but that's it! I seem to have lost the desire to stuff myself with food. Instead, I eat food when my body needs it and feed my body the type of foods it needs to feel strong and healthy.

Regular fitness, good nutrition, and GREAT RESULTS, are the motivating factors in sticking with my new lifestyle!

Since starting AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp on March 17, 2008, I have lost 50 POUNDS! That's right! Today, I weighed in at 175 pounds!!

Starting Week 11 of Boot Camp Tomorrow and FEELING GREAT!

2008-05-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have completed Week #10 of AlaVie's PowerVie Boot Camp - TWO 4 week sessions and TWO in-between 1 -week Booster Boot Camp sessions!

I weighed in at just 182 pounds this morning! Since March 17, when I weighed in at 224.5, I have lost about 42 pounds! WOW!!!

I am about 1/2 way to my Weight Loss Goal right now....in just 2.5 months! My goal weight is 140 pounds....so I have about 40 pounds to go! At this rate, I will be looking FABULOUS in no time! This program is absolutely WONDERFUL!

As I lose more weight and feel more energetic and capable, I would like to increase my ability to jog longer distances...and perhaps participate in a 5K or 10K event. When I was in shape (years ago!) I jogged in several of these events...Wharf to Wharf, Carosel to Coaster, SJ Mercury News race, and even twice in the Bay to Breakers! I look forward to the possibility of being fit enough to enjoy these types of athletic endeavors again!

Stay tuned for more progress postings!

Wow! I have lost approximately 40 pounds!

2008-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning or Week #9 and I weighed in at 185 pounds this morning! That is a loss of about 40 pounds since joining AlaVie Fitness Boot Camp in March!

In just 9 weeks, I have lost significant weight, inches, and body fat...and feel terrific!

AlaVie has given me a whole new lease on life!

Stay tuned for more info and new pictures!

Starting Week #8!

2008-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

I just started my 9th consecutive week of AlaVie PowerVie Boot Camp and I feel terrific!

Other campers are really noticing my weight loss and progress and it's so much fun to get that positive feedback!

Beyond just the weight loss and feeling alot more fit and attractive, the supportive nature of this program is just wonderful! I look forward to going every day and working out with the other "campers"...everyone is friendly and positive and encouraging...that's another GREAT benefit about this program! It certainly makes it easier to stick with it...especially at 6 AM!!!

Stay tuned...more new pictures will be posted very soon!

Finished Week #6!

2008-04-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

I feel fantastic!

I have dropped 2 pants sizes since starting this program in March! I am on the way to being a FABULOUS 50!

Stay tuned!

Week 6 - Session 2 of PowerVie Boot Camp begins!

2008-04-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I started my second session of PowerVie Boot Camp this past Monday!

My body is in MUCH better condition than it was 5 weeks ago!

My home scale registered at just 192 pounds this morning! Wow..more weight loss!

At this rate, I am sure to reach my weight loss and fitness goals by approximately September -Just in time to celebrate my 51st birthday!

Since starting PowerVie Boot Camp on March 17, my attitude about fitness been given a new lift. In my 20's and 30's, I attended some form of aerobic exercise class almost every day, either at a gym or as part of a Jazzercise program. I was always in shape and feeling great about myself and my fitness abilities.

Then, I experienced divorce and job loss in my early 40's and subsequently, lapsed into non-activity and very poor eating habits; arriving at a very out of shape (FAT) 50 this past September.

AlaVie's PowerVie Boot Camp has gotten me right back on track. Their exceptional program, designed to get maximum and fast results, has inspired me to continue with my fitness program until I reach my goal of FABULOUSLY FIT 50. BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, the program has convinced me of the IMPORTANCE of Fitness for Life. (AlaVie Fitness means Fitness for Life - in French)

I intend to continue my good habits and consistent fitness activities to maintain my health from now on and know that AlaVie's fitness programs will help me keep that important life goal.

Stay tuned for more progress reports and new pics.

Time for WEIGH-IN and MEASUREMENTS!

2008-04-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today was my first WEIGH and MEASURE since 3/14/08.

Here are the stats -

Total Weight Lost = 23 pounds

Total Inches Lost = 7.5

Total Body Fat Lost = 8.7%

WOW! At this rate, I will be looking really terrific in no time!

I''ve Reached My First Goal! Under 200 pounds!

2008-04-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! My home scale weighed in at just 197.7 this morning! WOO HOO!!!!!

PowerVie Boot Camp is AWESOME! It really gets results!

AlaVie Fitness Fair - Sat. April 12th!

2008-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

What a great day!

Lots of old and Prospective new campers there to participate in Free PowerVie Boot Camp sessions, Running Training, and Kid's PowerVie Boot Camp.

Plus, a chance to learn about all the other services offered by AlaVie Fitness, like physical therapy, massage, and nutrition.

The weather was beautiful and the workouts were consistently awesome!

Before I started PowerVie Boot Camp, I wondered if I would be able to keep up with the program, since I hadn't exercised in many, many years. I am happy to say that once I attended, I could see that this program was suitable for all fitness levels. My Campbell coaches, Lisa and Nicole, have us split into two groups, 1's and 2's, with 1's being "more in shape". This is a self-assessment, based on how we feel we are doing and how hard we feel we are able to work out. Part of each day we work out in our respective groups and then we merge together for other activities. The coaches allow us to work as hard as we feel that we can, and as long as we keep moving, we are getting benefit. They encourage us to keep going. :)

I am not a natural runner. It takes me a long time to be able to work up to jogging just 1 mile. Lisa monitored my progress and suggested a program to steadily increase my running ability/distance. She is a Pro!

So far, I am very very satisfied with the PowerVie Boot Camp approach to individual fitness abilities and am happy that I gave it a try. Any reservations I may have had about my ability to do the workouts, has disappeared! This program is suitable for everyone, at any ability!

I am looking forward to starting Week #5 tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

I finished 1 Complete 4 week Session!!!

2008-04-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!!!

I am finished with the First Session of PowerVie Boot Camp!

I have attended camp for 4 weeks and I can feel and see the difference! I have more energy....I have lost weight and firmed up....as well as lost one full pants size!

This program is amazing....it GETS results!

Tomorrow is the first of 4, free AlaVie Fitness Fairs. This first fair will be held at John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. Free boot camp sessions, and an opportunity to meet the awesome coaches and owners of AlaVie Fitness, as well as find out about all the rest of the services available from AlaVie.

I will definitely be there tomorrow. 9 am - noon. Got to get my weekend workout in!

Next week is the Inbetween PowerVie Booster Session and I plan to attend! That will be Week 5 for me!

Boot Camp is Awesome! I am on my way to becoming a Fabulous 50!

Stay tuned.

WEEK 4 Begins!!

2008-04-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the start of week 4, the final week of Session 1 - PowerVie Boot Camp.

My home scale weighed in at 201 this morning.

It's getting lighter sooner now, which means less exercising in the dark! I am still attending the 6 am session in Campbell. It's a bit chilly when we first start each morning, but it warms up pretty quick when you're working out this hard.

I hope to be under 200 pounds by the end of this week. That's my goal!

Stay tuned.

The END of WEEK 3!

2008-04-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled! Today was the final day of Week #3 in PowerVie BootCamp!

My body is changing...I can see and feel the difference and my clothes are all hanging on me!

I can't wait to complete WEEK #4 and get measured and weighed again!

Stay tuned!

WEEK 3 of PowerVie Boot Camp!

2008-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Good news: I made it to Boot Camp again this morning! This starts Week #3.

My home scale registered at 206 today! Wow, this program sure gets results! :)

As part of my fitness for life, I supplemented my exercise program by taking a 2 mile walk yesterday on the Campbell Trail, nearby to where Boot Camp meets every morning. The weather was beautiful, spring-like, and I felt healthy and energetic thanks to my regular PowerVie fitness program.

Took some pictures last Friday and they should appear on the blogsite in a day or so. Keep in mind, these are "before" pictures! I intend to look MUCH smaller and MUCH more fit very soon. This program is absolutely amazing. It really reshapes your body in a short amount of time. I am already getting feedback about this from friends. They can see the difference in my face, waist, back, arms, neck, and legs. My clothes are hanging on me. Thank goodness!

Stay tuned for more good news later this week. And, check back to view my pics.

I Finished Week Two of PowerVie Boot Camp!

2008-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Today marked the 10th day of Boot Camp! I've completed 1/2 of my first 4-week session!

Yes, my legs hurt! I have to admit that on Wednesday I started to feel the aches and pains of using my muscles again after my long period of inactivity. Some days this week were tougher than others....but, I made it. The important thing is that I held to my commitment to attend 5 days a week...for two weeks!

Sometimes I have to adjust the exercise to fit my fitness level. For example, if I am not able to skip the whole distance, I power walk. The important thing is that I keep going....and I exercise my body. The coaches, Nicole and Lisa, are both very encouraging and supportive.

My home scale this morning said 210.5 pounds. If this is accurate, I have lost about 10 pounds since starting Boot Camp on the 17th. I won't be officially weighed and measured again until after this 4-week session is over, but I am sure to have lost pounds, inches, and body fat by then. I am so excited!

Stay tuned for more info next week.

WEEK 2 - Off to a great start!

2008-03-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of Week 2 of PowerVie Boot Camp. We did another little par course today and worked out with weights and bands.

I am thrilled to say that on my doctor's scale this morning, I weighed in at just 215 pounds! That is a loss of about 10 pounds since I was weighed on March 13th! I'm on the way!

I will write again at the end of this second week of camp. Stay tuned!

PowerVie Boot Camp: DAY 5!!!!

2008-03-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Well..I MADE IT! My first complete week of PowerVie Boot Camp! 5 days! I am so proud of this accomplishment!

Today was a bit difficult for me....I have to admit, I was feeling a bit fatiqued...but, I am so glad that I made it to the session....I feel wonderful now. One whole week of fantastic fitness! I can feel the difference in my energy level...have lost a few pounds...and can feel my muscles responding postively.

This weekend, I will supplement my exercise program with a walk or hike. And then, back to Boot Camp on Monday for the start of Week 2!

Stay tuned.

Boot Camp: DAY 4

2008-03-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Another terrific workout!

We jumped rope today and also did weights and other cross training sets.

I feel so energized and so happy! I LOVE PowerVie Boot Camp!

One more day and I will have completed my FIRST WEEK!

PowerVie Boot Camp: Day 3

2008-03-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I made it to Day 3!

Wednesdays are the day we go to a track and do run/walk and cardio.....Since today was the first Wednesday of this 4 week boot camp session, we did our timed fitness tests.

My timed results:
32 Pushups
30 Dips
Plank Hold - 2 min, 5 sec
Mile walk/run - 18 min, 30 sec

Not too bad for not exercising since last September!

Stay tuned...

PowerVie Boot Camp: Day 2

2008-03-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Another great workout. After warmups, we did a light/short jog...then broke into our two fitness level groups. A small par course was set up for us to work through...and after that, we did some weight training exercises with hand weights.

What is so fabulous about PowerVie BootCamp is that it is NEVER the same twice! Every day is different, so you never get bored...and can never anticipate what you will be doing. I think this is a real plus. Not only does your body get great and different workouts each day, which has better results overall, but you stay interested and motivated because things are constantly changing.

I am not sore today, which is wonderful. Perhaps that will come tomorrow....but, I feel so wonderfully energized and inspired by this new life plan that a few minor muscle aches won't deter me anyway. I am looking forward to tomorrow's session, when we will take our initial fitness tests.

Check back again soon to read about what else I experience this first week of PowerVie Boot Camp.

PowerVie Boot Camp: Day 1

2008-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

5:30 am had me up, dressed, and ready to go. The PowerVie Boot Camp session in Campbell began promptly at 6 am, led by two awesome coaches, Nicole and Lisa. The class was FULL! I didn't take a head count, but I estimate at least 25 ladies were there! Dawn was almost breaking when class started, so it was a bit lighter than I expected...still dark....but in a month or so, it should be much lighter outside.

During the first part of the class, there were several warm up exercises. After that, the class was divided into two groups, the 1's (returning campers and people in great fitness shape) and 2's. Guess which group I was in? :) Of course, 2's! The coaches allow campers to select their own group based on our personal evaluations of our fitness ability. Then adjustments can be made at any time.

Each coach leads a group in a set of exercises designed for that fitness level. My group worked with Lisa first - jogging and stopping at cones to do various cardio exercises. Not sure what #1's were doing!

Then we switched coaches. My group (the 2's) worked with Nicole, doing weights and mat exercises and some light jogging.

When we finished it was getting light...dawn was breaking! We did some stretching, and the coaches told us "newbies" what to expect in the way of aches and pains. Basically, keep moving through it and it goes away faster.

A great day! The structure of the class and the way the coaches approach the exercises and coaching is amazing and keeps you on track and motivated the whole time. You never do the same thing twice...and the time seems to fly by.

The other campers were so friendly and supportive. What a great group of ladies to work out with. I felt so energized and positive on my drive home. Can't wait till tomorrow!

Getting Weighed and Measured!

2008-03-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I met with Mary Beth Gonzalez, co-owner and COO of AlaVie Fitness on Thursday, March 13, 2008. I weighed in (with clothes and shoes on) at a hefty 224.5 pounds. Well, it was LESS than I had thought....which is something to smile about!

The rest of my measurements, including body fat %...yuck....will be posted on the AlaVie website for all interested parties.

Mary Beth spoke with me about good food choices. She gave me two homework assignments:

1. Make a list of the 10 food/drink items that are my favorite "binge/cheat" goodies. She asked me to be very specific, i.e. the type of Ben and Jerry's ice cream or the menu item and the restaurant, or the exact type of "libation, i.e. Appletini from 'bar of choice".

2. Keep a daily food journal, which I need to send her every day! If I cheat at all, I need to send her updates with the "cheats" in red.

So, I am now ready to start my fitness journey this coming Monday, March 17, at 6 am! Be sure to check my blog again on Monday to see my new posting about my first day of PowerVie Boot Camp!

"Before" pics are on the way...stay tuned.

Preparing for fabulous

2008-03-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, March 13, I have my first fitness appointment with one of the AWESOME owners of AlaVie, Mary Beth Gonzalez.

During this appointment, I will be weighed....UGH...and my body fat will be measured....OH DEAR.....and, horror of horrors, initial BEFORE pictures will be taken. I will post the pics to this site as soon as possible.

PowerVie Boot Camp begins for me this coming Monday, March 17, 2008. I will be tracking my progress on a regular basis, posting to this site and updating my pics.....so you can all participate in my fitness journey from FAT 50 to FAB 50!