Day 20: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Oh, the weather outside is frightful! But my fire is SO delightful. And since I've no place to go. . .

Let it blow, let it blow, let it blow!

The wind is like a razor blade today- HOLY GEEZ! I actually left the safety and security of the apartment today and dragged my boyfriend to an intenSati creative writing workshop hosted by the lovely Lindsay Davis (her blog is called Lindspiration and you can read it here!) who is an intenSati instructor and writer.

Before I did that, I did Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit and was feeling like a real pro. Especially on the in and out plank work. But alas, I move on in two weeks to the next level, and I'm sure it will take me another three weeks to feel like a pro again.

After the Insanity, we braved the cold and went to the Equinox on 33rd and Park- very nice! There was a big bunch of us there, and we were lead through an hour long workout, followed by an hour of creative writing exercises. Here is the affirmation we worked on today:

I am powerful

I am inspired

I am confident

I feel desire

I am ready to write

I am willing to write

I am able to write

I write- right now!

I am free to succeed

I let my voice lead

I intend to open my heart and grow

With courage and discipline

I write what I know.

At first, I was doubtful of going. I didn't really consider myself a WRITER. Writers write books and newspapers and magazines. . .and blogs. They write blogs! And I write a blog. Which means that I AM a writer. Doubtful thoughts be gone!

The workout was great, and it was fun to watch my boyfriend sweat through it and chant along. He thought the affirmation was cheesy at first, but once he got into it, he actually liked it. :) He really dug the "Karate Kid" moment at the end of practice when things slowed down a bit. He felt like Lindsay was Mr. Miyagi and he was Daniel-son.

The writing exercises were so interesting, that I wanted to open up and share two of them with you. I hope that they inspire you to try something similar. Or you think they are nerdy. Whatever- the point is is that I really enjoyed the process!

Confidence

I am in Mrs. Stafford's first grade class. I am at the front of the class and it is a show and tell day- and I didn't bring anything to show! Being a funny kooky kid, I pointed out to my teacher and classmates that I would be doing the "tell" portion. I proceeded to launch into what would best be described as a stand up comedy routine. I told a story about my new baby brother, who was about 1-year-old at the time, and how we made bby sandwiches with him: 2 pillows and Justin was the meat. I remember my classmates all laughing about it. I felt amazing that I could make everyone feel so happy and free with just my own self.

I Let My Voice Lead

Hey Doubty McGee,

I want you to know that I am worthy of love and people like me and care what I have to say. Think of how many others can't even say or do that! Why do you have to pick me apart and make me feel like I am worthless, fat, ugly, a loser, a quitter, a cheater, incompetent, undesirable? I want you to shut up- in the nicest way possible- and I want you to say YES. Just yes. I don't want to hear your whining. Seriously. It gets on my nerves.

Sincerely,

Alison

PS- If you decide to stick around, make sure it's only to tell me how awesome I am. And then maybe we can think about changing that nickname.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 19: intenSati Insanity Challenge

It's FRIDAY! YAY! I don't know why I love Fridays- they come in Good form, in TGIFridays form, but something about Fridays just crackle with electricity and the promise of rest and relaxation.

Am I going to get any of that? No. . .but I love to live vicariously through the "normal" people who have regular job hours and aren't in the Warrior Challenge and doing Insanity at the same time.

Today was Insanity Plyometrics and Cardio Resistance, which is a toughie. However, I felt so GOOD today that I kicked some serious ass and felt like a mega rock star at the end. A sweaty rock star, but a rock star nonetheless.

This weekend is full of intenSati- class, a special writer's class that I'm taking my boyfriend to (evil laugh), and leadership workshop. I will, of course, be blogging all the way.

With a sip from my third bottle of Sigg, I bid you a happy weekend!

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 18: intenSati Insanity Challenge

I love my Insanity Cardio Recovery days! It feels so good to stretch out these tired muscles and give myself the ability to charge up for the future!

I feel the wheels are starting to really move in my career. It's exciting and it's scary. Moving into the unknown frightens me sometimes. And being frightened can lead to immobilization, which leads to me not wanting to do anything, which leads me to stay stuck where I am, which is not where I want to be.

It's a vicious cycle.

Today I am trying to take a deep breath and just keep plugging forward. Onward and most certainly upward! As Patricia would say, "What I want is on it's way. And it is coming to me in greater amounts than I could ever imagine."

Tweets from Last Night- #BL9

A collection of some fine moments from last night's live tweeting!

14:48 #BL9 week 3 recap- Mike's dream journal. . . ow.ly/10GTL
18:40 Want to know what's going up with what's going down? Check out www.fosterfitness.blogspot.com. It's mine, so you know it's good. :)
19:31 If you missed last weeks #BL9, check out my blog: www.fosterfitness.blogspot.com and catch up!
19:35 I so agree! RT @ediecoop #BL9 I hope Melissa from the red team is gone! She is not inspiring & should have never made it on the show!
19:58 Ready to go! RT @pseymour: Get ready to rock n roll tonight with what looks to be a heated episode! Just the way we like em, right? ;) #bl9
19:59 Thank you Cyndi! RT @CyndiRenee just read ur blog on #BL9- for last week--loved it!
20:00 Time to get BUCK WILD with the red team! #BL9
20:02 Mike, the star of my blog this week! #BL9
20:02 HEY! RT @SeeKrisRun @phillyBurbs @biggestloserlvr Holla
20:03 Myopic view! RT @AmandaAnn86 I feel bad because Melissa is ruining this experience for her husband... He needs this! #BL9
20:04 I feel like they use the great power responsiblity quote at least once a week. #BL9
20:05 Notice how red is the bad color! Yeah Melissa! #bl9
20:07 Mike- slow and steady wins the race to a certain point. . .#BL9
20:07 @MadamePC Thanks Paula!!!!!
20:08 @HappyRN34 Hi Sharon!
20:09 GET IT OKLAHOMA! ORANGE TEAM ROCKS! #BL9
20:10 That's called karma, Melissa. #BL9
20:10 @biggestloserlvr Hi Lori!!!
20:11 Is this thing on? :) RT @artisticdork: What have YOU dont today to make YOU feel proud? Anyone? ;) #bl9
20:12 @kristina64 I think she only knows how to play the game. . .#BL9
20:14 Lance was an underwater diver- maybe he should chose the cards. #BL9
20:14 F THAT! Melissa is going to be the fattest contestant! #BL9
20:16 This reeks of GAMEPLAY. Don't be dumb, Lance. #BL9
20:16 @biggestloserlvr EEK! BLOG PICS!
20:17 "Some of us said some things" like myself. Me. Melissa. #BL9
20:17 @XxCrystalGHxX Hey Crystal!
20:18 WOW. Really? Messing with the green team? YIKES. #BL9
20:19 I AGREE. RT @DietConfessions: Almost a Tracey repeat! #bl9
20:20 Mike's bandana is OUT OF CONTROL. The Biggest Bandana. #BL9
20:21 Green team scares me! RT @XxCrystalGHxX I know rite those are JerZ girls u don't mess with JerZ girls lol #BL9
20:22 See how Melissa keeps looking away? She's LYING! #Lietome #BL9
20:22 I loved BERNIE! RT @DietsInReview Remember Bernie's "Berndana" in BL5? He totally rocked it first! #BL9
20:23 Just wait until Mom gets home. #BL9
20:25 Don't let Jillian talk to Sherri Shepherd. The world isn't flat, Lance and Melissa. #BL9 #
20:26 This is SO heavy. Can't wait for the"behind the scenes" footage of Melissa eating chocolate candies and not pooping. #BL9
20:27 Birds of a feather lie together! RT @Heavengurl12: Lance is just as bad as Melisa! Omg !! #BL9
20:28 HA! RT @Tabru1: Since when is it bad to be called a liar when you are in fact lying?? #BL9
20:31 Melissa should be skured! RT @shannonruns Get her Jillian! #BL9
20:32 AGREED! RT @ladyg8r I think the red team should be kicked out for refusing to follow the program... #BL9
20:33 SHE THREW THE WEIGH INS! TRUST ME! Oh I trust you, Jillian. #BL9
20:34 NBC EXECS! LISTEN! RT @garthygurl: #BL9 where is the twist in order to keep immunity you have to lose weight
20:34 Wow. I need to take a shower after that last plug. GROSS OUT. #BL9
20:37 RT @smashley1031: #BL9 Red team = crazy. Go @JillianMichaels ! Way to call a spade a spade! @Ali_Sweeney @MyTrainerBob
20:38 Wait. Did Jillian just call Sam Sionne? I think she did! #BL9
20:39 Good thing Maria is gone. This is more water than 4 feet. #BL9
20:41 Why does Ali keep quoting Spiderman week after week? #BL9
20:43 @swissms99 Yes! It's weird!
20:45 HA! Wilson's disease!RT @r8chthegr8: Anyone watch House last night? Remember that crazy chick? I think the red girl is like on #BL9. Psycho!
20:45 Shay is looking good! GET IT SHAY! #BL9
20:47 LOL Try Human Target! RT @sstaysea: #BL9 If red wins I'm watching NCIS from now on
20:48 New #BL9 drinking game! RT @swissms99 10 bucks she says it one more time (at least) :)
20:50 YES! RT @kimhonnick: #BL9 go grey go grey go grey go grey.......
20:51 Melissa might have just given birth. #Ididn'tknowIwaspregnant! Explains the weight gain. . . #BL9
20:52 @SloRunnerMom HA! A sexy Bob the builder!
20:53 REALLY? C'mon Grey team. Don't fall under Melissa's spell! #BL9
20:54 Apparently Miggy also accepts gifts on her daughter's behalf. #BL9
20:54 @SeeKrisRun You heard that scream! :)
20:55 Trainer tip= stretching my legs! #BL9
20:58 Hope she gains a pound! RT @kimhonnick: #BL9 any guesses how much she'll lose tonite?I say at least double digits...
20:59 @PrimaDo HA! I think that sounds tasty!
21:00 OOH! Some green and red smack down to look forward to! Red and green means black and blue! #BL9
21:00 Why no numbers on the Biggest Loser brand phone? #BL9
21:03 Does Migdalia get to use the phone, Mom? #BL9
21:05 It stresses me out! RT @hoopsfreak03 Heads will roll at the weigh-i n tonight!! Can not wait!! #BL9
21:08 That explains a lot! RT @ladyg8r No wonder she's been an emotional mess! #BL9
21:10 Her mom left least week. . . RT @jennyrotten: failed to notice the crap week purple had. 10mi run, no calls home. #BL9
21:10 With great fuel comes great responsibility. #BL9
21:11 Mike should have worn his mountain climbing sweat band. #BL9
21:11 Daris! Return the ring to Mordor! #BL9
21:12 I KNOW! Annoying. RT @Runeatrepeat: Biggest Loser is like an informercial now... #BL9
21:13 I'm in love with my kettlebells! #BL9
21:14 Something tells me that this is an unsafe real "Last chance" workout. Like when it kills you. #BL9
21:15 Cheryl, no need to pant. You are IN the wheel barrow. #BL9 #
21:15 @Spankadia Hee hee. Thanks! #
21:16 Wow. Jillian looked super hot and polished in that last clip. #BL9 #
21:16 @MissS hannan I say cut the commercials and make the show one hour long. :) #B9 #
21:22 @biggestloserlvr Maybe? That was two or three weeks ago- does it time out right? #
21:23 Red team is going to lose bupkiss next week! HA! #BL9 #
21:24 YAY MIKE! GET IT GET IT! #BL9 #
21:25 @FITNESSmarianne If they have immunity, she can have small #'s. Saves the big loss for "when it counts". Stupid gameplay. :( #BL9 #
21:26 @jodidanziger I'm with you sister.
21:27 Daris kind of looks like Side Show Bob. Side Show Daris. #BL9
21:29 HEE! RT @SeeKrisRun: Daris, you are my favorite. I want to take my fingers and run it through your golden locks of love. #biggestloser #bl9
21:30 @FITNESSmarianne No. Her husband's weight was only weight that counted. Immunity the week before- gained a pound. Lost one pound last week.
21:31 @FITNESSmarianne So much drama in 141 characters! :)
21 :31 @FoxySelf Gettin' on with her Foxy self!
21:32 They are such a cute team. Go orange! #OKLAHOMAPROUD #BL9
21:34 All the mom's sacrifice themselves over their kids. :( #BL9
21:35 Look at the single team members working it out! #BL9
21:37 @FITNESSmarianne My pleasure! I'm a reality show geek. :)
21:38 HOLLER! RT @SeeKrisRun: HOLLA if you hear me, Grey Team Grey Team...Work it OUT BOYS #biggestloser #bl9
21:39 Look at that body language. Crap. #BL9
21:39 I know! What support! RT @SloRunnerMom It's what moms do. I wld too All the mom's sacrifice themselves over their kids. :( #BL9
21:41 GRR! RT @AmandaAnn86: I hate Miggy and Midalia's defeated attitude... It annoys me how the-world-is-against-me they act! #BL9
21:42 @wildangelks Danny?
21:44 OUCH. I guess that's the emotion. #BL9
21:44 WOW! I hate Melissa. HATE HATE HATE her. #BL9
21:46 Wilson's disease strikes again! #House #BL9
21:48 That comment I made about mother's sacrificing? I spoke too soon- Miggy is not like that. . .#BL9
21:48 OMG. Melissa is so friggin' stupid!!! Hi pot, this is the kettle. YOU ARE BLACK. #BL9
21:51 And now for some wise words from the grey team. . .#BL9
21:53 RT @frsLicup: #omgitssotrue RT @LucindaLC: "Lets remember where the drama is coming from." Is she for real? #BL9
21:53 I'm scared! RT @sarahebriley: Whose idea was it to sit red next to green at the elimination. Someone might get hurt #BL9
21:54 She scares me! RT @biggestloserlvr Easy to see where Migdalia gets it from. @SloRunnerMom: that's because its always about miggy
21:56 Her feelings would best be described in a monologue from the made-for-tv movie "Boy in a Bubble". . .#BL9
21:57 But now Miggy is left on the ranch! Lock your doors while you sleep Grey team! #BL9
21:58 GAINED 10 pounds! See Jillian knows what is UP. #BL9
22:01 Well, that was super wee woo. Y'all have a good night! Love my #Bl 9 tweeters!!!

Day 17: intenSati Insanity Challenge

My butt is sore. Damn those curtsy lunges! But at least I know it's working!

Day 17 of my challenge is complete! WHAT WHAT! I did Insanity Pure Cardio and my nemesis Cardio Abs. Which actually wasn't AS tough as I thought it was going to be. Maybe because I was mentally prepared for the beating I was about to take.

I wanted to talk about excuses for a second. I notice when I am reading posts from the Celebrate Weight Loss forum or looking at blogs with people that haven't posted for 5 months but their blog title is "Watch Me Lose 100 pounds- My Journey to Greatness!" that there are some pretty amazing excuses being used to not work out.

NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG. I understand that sometimes there are days when you wish your bed was already made, to quote The Bangles. You can be legitimately sick or injured. But half the game of making yourself well and creating self discipline is making yourself actually do it.
Yeah, it's hard. Nobody told you that it would be easy. But do you really want it? Then you must make yourself do it. Slacking off because you have a headache or you just aren't in the mood to sweat aren't good excuses. There is a reason why you have gotten where you are and why you want to change. Now all you have to do is make it happen.

So make it happen!!!

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 16: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Doesn't it feel so great when you set out to accomplish your goals and you actually accomplish them? There are plenty of days when you will make a to-do list and you don't check anything off.
Today I checked all of my items off of my to-do list! YAY!

1.) Go to strengthSati. CHECK. If intenSati could get any harder, it would be this class. OH MY GOD. Weights. And push ups. Lots of push ups. And curtsy lunges. Lotsa those too. Patricia had a great blog about weight loss today- click here to read!

2.) Write my Biggest Loser blog. CHECK. And it was pretty funny, if I do say so myself.

3.) Do Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit. CHECK. I am actually getting a little stronger every time I do it. My favorite part is the punches at the end. Mostly because they are at the end. :)

Now I can kick back, relax, and watch the Biggest Loser! Hoo RAH!

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

BL9- week 3- Mike's Dream Journal

Every week I try to find the most entertaining and non-boring way to share The Biggest Loser with my reading audience. I was struggling- this episode was chocked full of excitement, and I didn't want to write a blog that was 3,000 pages long. My inspiration came in the form of White team's Mike, who I saw writing in a spiral bound note book during the last chance workout. Light bulb!

Dear Diary,

It's your buddy Mike here! Fuggeditaboutit! I can't believe it's already week 3. So much has happened this week, diary. I feel you are the only person that I can talk to about it. Hopefully ma hasn't been reading you.

Okay, so the beginning of this week was wicked crazy. We walk outside and see Alison- sweet!- and then realize that something wild is about to happen. Our first temptation! I'm hoping it is a lasagna eating contest or a pizza eating contest. I know I would totally go Garfield on that. Unfortunately, it is not a lasagna eating contest.

Alison tells us that it is student teacher week here on the campus, and I'm nervous because I haven't been in school for a while. I hope this isn't trivia based! I stop thinking about what I hope it's not and try to pay attention while not looking at Alison's totally hot body. She explains that one person is the student and one person is the teacher- and that the teacher will be the personal trainer this week. No Bob and Jillian for the student! I'm totally bummed because I want to look at Jillian's totally hot body while I work out on my emerging six pack abs.

The temptation is then revealed- 2 mega huge troughs filled with M&M's! It looks like the perfect treat for all the hard work that I have done, and then realize that candy is bad. I should not want to eat this trough of candy.

Note to self: Candy is bad. Lasagna is also bad.

So, ma sends me up to the candy trough (her nose is still all messed up- for reals) and Alison tells us who ever wants to pick who's the student and who's the teacher has to eat the most candy. Oh my God! Why are they playing me like this? She says go, and I eat one 5 calorie piece. So does Shelly (who's daughter is so hot) and then we are the only people left in the contest. In the second round, I don't eat any- suck it!- and Shelly eats one and she and Ashley have to make up the teams.

I'm nervous. Ma is usually the boss (not Tony Danza- HA!) and I don't know how she would take it if I was in charge. I'm her little meatball! But Ashley must have noticed that I was undressing her with my eyes and not looking at her mom's boobs, because she made me the teacher and my mom the student! SCORE! Now I can still look at Jillian. Bonus.

So, here are the other student teacher teams:

Darrell (S) and Andrea (T)

John (S) and Stephanie (T)

Koli (S) and Sam (T)

Lance (S) and Melissa (T)

Daris (S) and Cheryl (T)

Miggy (S) and Migdalia (T)

Ashley (S) and Sherry (T)

So us teachers go to talk to Bob and Jillian and give them the 411, and Migdalia is looking so pissed off. I mean, I wouldn't want to cross her path because she might cut me. Jillian and Bob kept asking her what was up, but she wouldn't spill the beans. After Bob and Jillian did some serious Gossip Girl action about her, it was time for them to teach us to be trainers. Who would have ever thought that I would be a personal trainer? Not me, that's for sure.

While we are working out, I was watching Jillian and Migdalia go at it! It was kind of hot, but also kind of sad because Migdalia looks like she has some serious issues up in her pastrami. Jillian asks her if she is happy and Migdalia just shuts down and says she quits. WHAT? She just left the gym and Jillian ran after her- boy, does she look good going. I'm just saying!

Then us teachers get to take a little field trip to the Four Seasons to visit Curtis Stone. I don't see what the big deal is about him! I mean, yeah, he is tall and in very good shape and he has an accent and he can cook. Big whoop. All the ladies were going ga ga over him and I was like whatever. He showed us all these delicious platters of food and I about died! Caesar salad, fried macaroni, seafood pasta, gravy and biscuits and a death by chocolate for dessert! I was like, where do I get my bib and fork? Curtis said that this whole meal was 8,894 calories.

Note to self: Don't eat all that food. Even if you really want to.

Curtis taught us some tips about cooking, and I thought maybe I would cook ma some dinner later that night. Minus the death by chocolate.

The next day was our team challenge, and I was wicked excited. We get to spend time with Alison (bonus) and I get to spend time with my ma. Alison tells us that we have to take this ribbon and wrap it all over this playground real complicated like. I love games, so I was like bring it on! I was going to wrap up that playground deeper than a Chi town pizza! But I didn't know the rules, and didn't realize that my ma was going to have to undo all that wrapping with a blind fold on. I was so scared she was going to trip and break her nose again!

Needless to say, we did not win. Stupid Sam and Koli won- some business about Koli's dad taught him how to work with knots. Big friggin' whoop. Sam and Koli are always looking at me funny. They are a-holes. They won immunity and they get to switch one team's student and teacher. I have a feeling. . .

We are doing our last chance workout, and Bob and Jillian have to teach us how to give our teammates their last chance workout. I hate having to push ma so hard. Totally cool thing- during the workout Migdalia gets medieval on this heavy bag and she beats the crap out of it until the stuffing came out. Like I said, I wouldn't want to mess with her.

So I start training ma, and I want to let lose a little, so I try joking with some of the other teams. I can't help it! I am a comedian. Maybe after I'm done with the Biggest Loser I will try out for Last Comic Standing. I was so busy telling jokes, that maybe I didn't work as hard as I could. But I hear that laughter burns calories. So there.

At the weigh in, Koli and Sam tell Alison that they are going to switch me and ma and now I have to weigh in. They nag me about not working hard and I should be so lucky to be one of the contestants and now it's time to work. A holes. I wasn't surprised. I was going to show them!

Here's how everyone else did:

Sam and Koli- 11 pounds lost and 13 pounds lost

Migdalia and Miggy- 8 pounds lost and 7 pounds lost

Andrea and Darrell- 7 pounds lost and 12 pounds lost

Cheryl and Daris- 7 pounds lost and 9 pounds lost

Stephanie and John- 7 pounds lost and 14 pounds lost

Melissa and Lance - 1 pound lost (What? That's nuts!) and 12 pounds lost

Sherry and Ashley- 6 pounds lost and 12 pounds lost

Alison told me that when I weighed in I had to lose at least 13 pounds. Well, I lost 10 and ma lost 4. Which was good, but not good enough. Maybe Sam and Koli were right, but I wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I put on my totally sweet sweat band and talked to my ma and the rest of the group. Ma wanted to go home.

And everyone sent her home! I am finally free! Now I got to beat Sam and Koli. It's on, like Donkey Kong.

Thanks for listening, diary, Tonight I am going to dream about Jillian and I going on a date and eating that death by chocolate.

Peace,

Mike

Day 14 and 15: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Rest days are the BEST! Aren't they? Yesterday I really rocked out the resting.

Today was my fit test 15 days into my Insanity challenge. And I was really pleased by my results. My weight stayed the same, but I lost 1.6 inches off my waist, 1.5 inches off my hips, and 1.3 inches off my chest. Woo!

Here are the results of the fit test:

Switch Kicks: Day 1- 120 Day 15- 118

Power Jacks: Day 1- 56 Day 15- 53

Power Knees: Day 1- 102 Day 15- 110

Power Jumps: Day 1- 35 Day 15- 32

Globe Jumps: Day 1- 10 Day 15- 11

Suicide Jumps: Day 1- 18 Day 15- 19

Push-Up Jacks: Day 1- 30 Day 15- 34

Low Plank Oblique: Day 1- 55 Day 15- 74

I grew in some areas. I can only assume that the exercises I did worse on I had better form than the first time. Regardless, I still feel super positive about the growth I made!


And here are the pictures, as promised.

Day 13: intenSati Insanity Challenge

I had a new component to my workout today- Insanity Cardio Abs.

I have never been a huge fan of ab workouts- I do them because I know it is important to have a strong core and a strong core is the basis of all fitness- CORE CORE CORE!!! But when I started doing P90x and the workout Ab Ripper X, I really started to DESPISE ab work. I hate it, but I need it. I didn't think any ab workout could ever be tougher or more grueling than Ab Ripper X.

Then I did Cardio Abs. OMG. It was SO HARD! I was whining like a little baby. It follows Pure Cardio, which is such a tough workout anyway, but then to tack on an extra 20 minutes of ab work is INSANE. Or f'n crazy. Which isn't as promotable, I'm sure.

And there isn't a single crunch. It's almost pilatesesque in its level of torture. But I made it through week 2 successfully, and tomorrow is a rest day!!!

Monday I will post the results of my fit test after 15 days of this craziness.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 12: intenSati Insanity Challenge

I love to read my posts where I'm like, "I'm gonna run a marathon tomorrow and then maybe hike up Mount Everest. I know it'll happen. Word."

And as the day progresses my muscles start to get so sore that I can barely unhook my bra. Maybe that trip to Everest isn't as good an idea as I had first thought.

Today when I woke up I knew it wasn't going to be a triple play day. I knew it could be an Insanity day, though. And I could drink my 8 glasses of water.

It is important to assess how you feel every day and match your activity level to that. If you push yourself too hard you can cause injury, stress, fatigue- all the yucky stuff that is going to prevent you from doing your very best.

Tomorrow I am trying an intenSati class with a new teacher and then doing Insanity- and then it is my rest day! And then my second fit test on Monday. Let's see what has changed in these crazy two weeks!!!

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 10 and 11: intenSati Insanity Challenge

I was super busy yesterday getting my butt handed to me, so I didn't have the time to blog.

I'm sorry. Can we still be friends?

Day 10 was a triple play workout day- yogaSati and intenSati and Insanity. Not too surprisingly, I was pretty tired and then I went to work. But I had a really amazing experience at intenSati that I wanted to share.

At the very end of class, the whole group was going through all the motions without the affirmations- we were just saying them in our heads. I was so sweaty and flushed and tired, and yet this new energy came up inside of me. I really believed the things I was saying- that I could see my success and it was on my way and I believe in my greatness.

Now I know there is a reason why I was chosen for this challenge. I need to hear these things and I need to believe them. And the sooner I start believing them, the sooner the great things will come my way.

In greater amounts than I could ever imagine.

Today was a cardio rest day for Insanity, and my joints say thank you! Tomorrow is another triple play- and I say BRING IT.

Day 9: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Ah, the family is gone. My apartment is back to normal. And now my routine can go back to normal. Honestly, I am shocked that I managed to start this challenge last week when we had a full house! I must be insane.

Lame joke. Crickets? Really?

On the intenSati front, I purchased Patricia Moreno's shiny new book The intenSati Method: The 7 Secret Principles to Thinner Peace at Barnes and Noble today, and drank my 8 plus glasses of water. Plus, I changed a snarky comment on my facebook profile page to something more truthful: "Everyday in a very true way I co-create my reality." Words to live by.

On the Insanity front, I did Pure Cardio, which seemed a little easier to do without doing danceSati and yogaSati back to back. Maybe I had more energy? Right now my thighs are on fire, which I hope is a good thing.

Tomorrow it is intenSati and Insanity together! Looking forward to seeing the changes my body is already feeling.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

BL9- week 2- General Hospital

EPISODE TWO IN BRIEF:

Number of mind bullets used: 3 (Mike, John, and Maria)
Number of bleeding contestants: 1 (Maria)

Number of times Ashley was shown falling down: 2
Worst Commercial: Nutella spread- a "healthy" alternative for children
Least amount of weight lost: Melissa- gained one pound
Most amount of weight lost: Mike- lost 11 pounds
Number of contestants sent home: 1 (half of purple)
Bob's new "Extra" girlfriend: Andrea
How much Daris' hair weighs:6 lbs
Quote of the week: "I'm gonna creep up like a ninja on their asses!" Ashley


Ah, the dreaded week 2. As all viewers and contestants of BL know, after week 1's monster numbers, week 2 numbers are a little on the wee woo side. But there is also another reason why this week was so dreadful: Dr. Huizenga (hereafter known as Dr. H) spent a lot of time with the contestants letting them know just how important their health really is to them. And showing them how their negative choices have effected their bodies up until this point.


Jillian starts the episode, perched on equipment, trying to decide who she is going to single out from the pack to attack with her mind bullets. She focuses on newly single John, half of the brown team who lost his brother to elimination last week. She puts him to work on a rubber tire and gets him to open up about why he is fat. He reveals he feels his family is cursed, and wants desperately to break the cycle so his own son won't feel the loss that John felt when his father passed away.


Bob, flexing his new tough guy 'tude, fires some mind bullets of his own at white team's Mike. Bob gives him an offer he can't refuse, and Mike gives him a Godfather kiss on the cheek. Marking him for later, perhaps.



Then all the BLers gather to talk with Dr. H so he can give them the news: THIS group is the sickest group that he's ever seen. He points out that he says this every season, but this time he means it. At least until season 10 rolls around.


He confronts purple team Patti first. She has been dealing with type 2 diabetes for over 20 years. A disease that is reversible with diet and exercise has grown into such an issue that Patti now suffers from neuropathy in her feet. She claims she has been in denial that diet and exercise would work for her.


On that note, Dr. H passes out tasks to each team to show what happens when your health gets out of control.


White Team: Watch a normal weight man simulate your weight. Mike and Maria join Dr. H and Bob, and Bob straps on 303 pounds- the extra weight that Mike is carrying around with him. Bob soon complains that his knees and hips are hurting, and that "This is not a life. This is a burden". Mike realizes, "This is embarrassing. What have I done to myself?"


Purple Team: Watch a special message about how your health is hurting more than just yourself. Patti and Stephanie watch a video where Dr. H does a house call to their family- the husband and daughter who, incidentally, are both in good shape. Dr. H points out that Patti is on nine different meds and that Stephanie is following in her mother's footsteps at a much more accelerated rate. Her sister begs her to stop and really listen. Her father doesn't want his wife or daughter to die before he does. Patti vows that they are going to take their lives back, and Dr. H states, "We'll show you the road- you have to walk on it."


Good advice for Erik Chopin, no?


Red Team: Find out your true cost of being overweight. Dr. H meets Lance and Melissa to discuss Lance losing his job due to his weight. He was a commercial diver (what a cool job!) and lost his job because he had gained so much weight and could no longer pass the diver test. Their weight gain was also causing a rift in their marriage. With the visual aide of an armored truck, Dr. H shows the couple that they would be losing over $3 million because of their weight related issues.


Orange Team: Watch how your old unhealthy diet effects a healthy person. Darus and Cheryl meet up with Jillian and a table filled with all sorts of Taco Bell badness. Apparently, they were not on the Taco Bell Drive Through Diet. (What the hell is that crap, anyway? Drive through diet. Geez.) Jillian has to eat the food while she talks to them. It is priceless to watch Jillian trying to make the food healthier by picking off the extra flour tortilla. She just gives up and ends up spitting the food out in the trash. "This shit is not food," she exclaims. Cheryl and Darus realize that convenience is the enemy, and they must be proactive in their own recovery by learning how to shop and plan their meals in advance.


We take a break from General Hospital to meet up with Ali for a challenge! The teams must walk across a balance beam over a pool with a ball. Whichever team gets all their balls across the pool first wins immunity. The losing team gets two pounds added to their final weigh in.


White team's Maria is scared of water, and she totally wigs out and face plants on the concrete, causing copious amounts of blood to spurt all over the place. Her son, Mike, decides not to finish the challenge and instead goes with his mom to the hospital.


The winners of the challenge are the Red team. The White team gets the disadvantage. I thought that Maria may have lost about two pounds in blood, but we will see.


After his trip to the hospital, Bob sits down with Mike to tell him to stop being such a momma's boy and to focus on himself. "How can you help anyone else if you can't help yourself?" he asks.


Then it's Jillian's turn to focus on Maria. After grilling her about being weak, she takes Maria to the pool and makes her face her fear of water in a bizarre Jillianesque baptism. "That's why I love this job," she says.


Quick Extra sugar free gum break with Bob and his new spokes model Andrea, and then it is back to General Hospital.


Dr. H does more consultations with the Black team (Drea has 3 1/4 inches of fat around her intestines! Darrell is the sickest man on campus!), the White team (Mike has tiny lungs!), the Orange team (Cheryl's inner age is 75 and she is a smoker!), the Grey team (Sam moves 100 times an hour when he sleeps!), and the Pink team (Ashley's inner age is 57 and surprise! She is a diabetic!) and then it is time for the last chance workout that consists of Jillian pushing Darus down and Ashley falling on the ground again. What is wrong with this girl's balance?


Then it is time for the final weigh in!


Miggy and Migdalia: 8 and 4 pounds lost
Sam and Koli: 9 and 8 pounds lost
Daris and Cheryl: 7 and 3 pounds lost
Andrea and Darrell: 5 and 10 pounds lost
John: 10 pounds lost
Melissa and Lance: 1 pound gained and 8 pounds lost (GAME PLAY!)
Stephanie and Patti: 3 and 4 pounds lost
Ashley and Sherry: 8 and 6 pounds lost
Mike and Maria: 10 and 11 pounds lost (2 pound disadvantage)

Patti and Stephanie are below the yellow line, and Patti asks to be sent home. At the reveal, Patti has lost 43 more pounds and is looking and feeling great! She is now on one medication, and is working out at the gym with her other daughter and taking dancing classes with her husband.

The game play cherry has been popped with the red team. What will happen next week? Bum Bum Bum.

Day 7 and 8: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Day 7 was my first rest day, and my body NEEDED that rest! When you are pushing your body to the extreme, having that rest day is what will help push you to the next level. It allows your muscles and joints a chance to repair and a chance to grow and strengthen. And who doesn't want stronger muscles?

I even gave my blog a break. But we are all rested up. :)

Today is the beginning of week 2! It was time for Cardio Power and Resistance again, and this time I didn't yell and scream as much. In fact, I pushed myself much harder on the triceps push ups and the globe squats and felt a little stronger this time around. A week from today I do another fit test and I'll post more progress pictures. Will I see a difference in 2 weeks time? FINGERS CROSSED.

On the intenSati side of the challenge, I have been drinking 8 plus glasses of water a day, and I got to see the very radiant Patricia Moreno on the Today Show this morning. AND I WAS THERE! Of course, due to editing, I saw bits and pieces of myself during the package, but it was still super cool. And I hope that you all got to see her too! She was talking about her new book, The IntenSati Method: The 7 Secret Principles to Thinner Peace that was just released this month. As soon as NBC has the clip up, I'll post it if you missed it.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 6: intenSati Insanity Challenge

HOO BOY. Today was the end of week 1 of my challenge and I certainly am ready for the break.

I did Insanity's Plyometric Cardio Circuit (the same workout I did on Tuesday) and felt like I am already improving in my endurance. Yes, I am still a sweaty mess, but I really kept repeating all the positive mantras I have been practicing through intenSati and I am able to dig deep and break through.

I don't think I have ever worked this hard on myself before. It's not just the exercise: It's the discipline, the faith that I am beginning to feel in myself, the hope that I am starting to feel because I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Not knowing where you are supposed to be heading in life is hard. As an actor, there are no guarantees and lots of rejection. But when the sun is shining on you, it feels great! And through my endeavors in Foster Fitness, I am feeling the sun more and more. It's great to communicate and talk to so many people from so many walks of life. It makes me grateful that I have discovered this for my future. And I am so excited to see all that the future holds.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you are interested in trying out Insanity, click here. I sell it! If you want to try out intenSati, click here.

Day 5: intenSati Insanity Challenge

It's crazy how many signs there are in my life right now that point to me doing the right thing. I should be putting myself through all this insanity! Know why?

Because Shaun T (creator of Insanity) came to my danceSati class this morning. WHAT? I KNOW. Patricia Moreno and Shaun T in the flesh in the same room with me at the same time.

I saw him walk in the studio and I was like, "He's checking on me! How does he know that I was here? Am I keeping my core tight?" At the point in class when Patricia has us all introduce ourselves to our class mates, I let him know that I had been punishing myself at home with Insanity and he gave me a big high 5.

I was actually not too sore to lift my hand over my head to give him the high 5 back.

danceSati was a beautiful combination of modern dance and jazz and it was so much fun. yogaSati was like intenSati but Patricia does the affirmations while we twist and turn ourselves into sweaty oblivion.

Then it was home to do Pure Cardio in the Insanity location. It was very much like the class that I took in May- I think I most wanted to die during the push up jacks.

But I didn't die. And I actually didn't feel super tired. It's WORKING!!!!

Tomorrow is only one workout and then rest day on Sunday! Holler.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 4: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Of all the days to not wear make up to class.

No, I am not usually one of those girly girls that wears make up and jewelry to class, as I can get mascara in my eyes or have an earring fling of into non existance.

I attended my first intenSati class after Sunday's big hoo hah, and found out that Patricia was being taped for a segment on the Today Show. And by Patricia, I mean the entire class.

Hi mom and dad! I'm gonna be on the TV!

The segment will be shown on the Today Show at 9:35 am on Monday the 18th. Woo hoo! I am excited that the world will get to see the power of intenSati and how it can change people's lives.

Today's class was about unshakable faith- believing in something so strongly that nobody can break that belief. We also talked about how fear holds you back. How do you break the cycle? PRACTICE. And I am certainly practicing!

A welcome change to my Insanity workout was the Cardio Recovery workout, featuring my friend Jimmy Hays Nelson. How cool is it too know someone on the DVD?! Lots of stretching, no mummy kicks, and my mind and body were thankful for the break.

Now I am ready for a little more punishment. BRING IT.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 3: intenSati Insanity Challenge

The muscle soreness is still here and it is still hardcore. But I could actually lift my arms above my head today for jumping jacks, so. . .that's an improvement.

My plan for today was to take yogaSati and intenSati with Patricia, but after a horrible night's sleep (my dog kept clack clacking around the apartment, reacting to my house guests) I couldn't quite get it together. 2 hours of Sati and then Insanity and then work tonight seemed like a tall order.

I drank my 8 glasses of water though, completing the intenSati portion of today's challenge. YAY.

Today's insane Insanity workout was Cardio Power and Resistance. It was a little less cardio (if that's really called less- I was still dripping with sweat by the end of the warm up) and there were a lot more push ups. Traveling push ups. V push ups. Squats and then push ups. Triceps push ups.

I was grunting like a pig.

My fave exercise was the hurdle runs- quick running sprints and jumps in between. The exercise I think I need the most improvement on is the power jumps. Shaun T just cranks them out like a machine. I want to go to there.

Tomorrow's plan is to do both workouts in one day for the first time. Fingers crossed.

Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

Day 2: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Wow. I am still amazingly sore from intenSati on Sunday. I might also be sore from the Insanity fit test, but I have no idea nor will I ever really know if the pain is related.

It just hurts everywhere. Except my hands. I can still type.

Today I did Plyometric Cardio Circuit in my Insanity rotation, and I think it is fair to say that I may have burned one million calories. Any workout that includes the words "suicide" and "power" are going to be tough, and this workout was indeed tough.

The warm up was about 12 minutes long, and I was dripping sweat by the end. Then a really nice long stretch period allowed me to get my bearings back, and then it was into the workout. Circuits of football runs, plank work, jump squats, and then punches were making me ask myself to dig deep and did I want to die? No. Okay, you're not going to die. I promise.

I felt truly accomplished at the end.

Tomorrow will be my first day of intenSati and Insanity on the same day. Fingers crossed. No whining. Just winning.

If you are interested in trying out Insanity, click here. I sell it! If you want to try out intenSati, click here.

Day 1: intenSati Insanity Challenge

Sati Affirmation:

2010! If not now when?

It's my time

I am fired up

I am ready to go

I am the master of my fate

I am the captain of my soul

I aim to succeed

I have faith in me

I am passionate

I am powerful

I am confident wow

And I will act now

I want it, I want it, I really,

really want it.

I am playing full out without

any doubt

Are you ready to have it?

Are you willing to believe it?

Are you able to achieve it?

When? 2010!

- Patricia Moreno

Yesterday, I began my 30 day intenSati journey and I know that I have forever changed my life.
The class met at the Equinox on 19th street, and as I checked in at the front desk, I was befriended by two other women who had also been picked for the Warrior Challenge. We checked our stuff in the locker rooms, and as I was walking up the stairs I saw Patricia Moreno, MY HERO, for reals.
A.) She is totally pretty.
B.) All I could do was smile really big at her. Like a goof.

We checked in with smiling women in intenSati shirts, paid the $18 for the intenSati DVD to be sent to a friend, and gave them our friend's address. I chose my mom in Oklahoma because I know she could use the gift of intention and mindfulness (the definition of intenSati). I wrote a personal note on the back of the DVD, and then placed it in a box filled with other well wished DVDs. What a cool idea! I wish that my intenSati DVD had come delivered in the mail with a sweet message of hope attached. The exact meaning of "paying it forward".

And that was the last easy thing about the class. Um, intenSati is HARD. The affirmation at the top of this blog has precise, choreographed moves to go with each line. Jumps, lunges, punches, jumping jacks for an hour while you are shouting, "IF NOT NOW WHEN? 2010!" It was thrilling and exhilarating and empowering.

Here are the details of the challenge:

1.) Break Through! Commit to taking 3 classes per week at Equinox with our intenSati certified leaders.
2.) Attend Kickoff Class with all your fellow warriors! Be there!
3.) What you give is what you get! Spread the power of intenSati. Introduce it to a friend! Challengers must purchase 1 intenSati DVD for a friend. Cost $18. (Charges to be collected at Kickoff class.)
4.) Get your friends intenSatisfied! We want your friends to try intenSati! One day guest passes to Equinox will be distributed at the Kickoff Event, so your friends will get to try it!
5.) Drink Up! Water is crucial to your health! Every system in your body depends on water. Dehydration certainly affects athletic performance but did you know that it can dull critical thinking abilities? Stay hydrated! Commit to drinking 8 classes of water each day during the challenge.
6.) We know how tough it is to stay committed! Check in with us! Email us daily. Let us know about the classes you attended and water consumed. Tell us how intenSati is impacting your life.
7.) Attend the Finale Class to once again celebrate the Warrior in YOU! Rock it out!

Sounds like some other 30 day challenges I have been apart of: Accountability is very important. And having a group of people doing it with you makes the challenge seem less challenging. And you can't just rely on emails- every time you take an intenSati class the instructor gives you a black jelly bracelet to prove you were there.

So, I woke up this morning with VERY sore muscles- It works!- and then realized that today was the beginning of my Insanity 60 day challenge. I was going to try to postpone it; I have family in town right now, I am sore, I was sick two weeks ago, doubting doubty thoughts. But those little affirmations are tricky suckers. I kept thinking, "IT'S MY TIME! I'M FIRED UP!" and knew that I must must must not let myself down.

Day one of Insanity is to take measurements, photos, and take the Fit Test. If you think the Fit Test is too hard, then Insanity is not for you. I measured. I took photos. And I took the Fit Test. And yes, it was a challenge. Here are the results of the test: Each exercise is performed for one minute with a two minute recovery between.

Switch Kicks: 120

Power Jacks: 56

Power Knees: 102

Power Jumps: 35

Globe Jumps: 10

Suicide Jumps: 18

Push-Up Jacks: 30

Low Plank Oblique: 55

I'll take the test again in 15 days to see how I have progressed! And here are my before photos. I was nervous to post them, but Patricia says to love the body you are in now. I am willing to believe it. And I am able to achieve it.

Insanity and Intensati- The Ying to my Yang

I am about to embark on a crazy nuts journey. You could call it insane. I WOULD.

Over the next 30 and 60 days, I will be participating in the Intensati Warrior Challenge and the Insanity workout program.

I was introduced to Insanity through my Beachbody coaching. One of my college buddies had been chosen to film a new workout series from the same folks that brought me P90x and Turbo Jam. He talked about how difficult it was to film because the fit models that were picked to be on the workout were having a hard time actually finishing the workout. It was THAT hard.

Ha, I thought. Surely this is just a promotional thing. I am a professional worker outer person.

In May my friend sent out a message that Shaun T (see totally ripped guy in center of Insanity picture), star of Hip Hop Abs and creator of Insanity was having a free Insanity class here in New York City. I was thrilled to try it out, and recruited my boyfriend to come with me to class.

I hadn't a clue what I was getting us into. The workout was only 40 minutes long, but in that 40 minutes, I was drenched in sweat, red faced, huffing and puffing. My boyfriend had to stop, and I saw two people throw up. HELLO.

I knew I had to try this out. So I got the Insanity DVDs for Christmas, and this Monday I will start my 60 day journey into finding a fitter, leaner me without the use of any equipment. And of course I will be blogging about it.

I also was accepted into the Intensati Warrior Challenge for 30 days, beginning today. Intensati was created by my hero Patricia Moreno, and is a guided meditation/aerobic/yoga type thing. It is crazy inspirational and the perfect way to kick off my resolutions.

In conclusion:

Insanity for 60 days, Intensati for 30 days, butt kicking Alison the entire time. . .

Biggest Whiner Erik Chopin

I just watched the Discovery Health documentary "Confessions of a reality show loser" featuring Biggest Loser's season 3 winner Erik Chopin.

This is what Erik looked like after the Biggest Loser:

























And this is what he looks like now:
















Wow. Wha happen'?

According to the show, Erik feels that The Biggest Loser is responsible for him regaining his weight because they just "dropped him" after the show.

After winning the show Erik sold the deli he owned and was ready to start his life as a new "hot" guy. But then the reality show fame dwindled, the endorsement deals stopped, and Erik started gaining.

BOO HOO ERIK. What about all the other people that managed to keep it off? They all say it is hard work: Eating well and working out. That combination works for reality show stars and real folks.

I'm sorry. If you stop working out and then you eat poorly, you will gain weight. It's happened to me. It's happened to my friends and family.

What made me so angry with Erik is that he and his wife were filled with excuses, blaming everyone other than themselves for what has happened. Instead of looking within himself for the answers, he turned to food like he did before he got on the show. Clearly, therapy was needed because they mention several times that he is depressed. They mention several times that he misses the spotlight being on him. They even mentioned that he felt like killing himself because he had nothing to live for.

Erik isn't interested in being a role model or spokesperson for weight loss. He wants to be a spokesperson for Erik. And no one wanted to hear anything he had to say. Most people that have left the show have become trainers, motivational speakers, book writers, bloggers, tweeters, etc. They realize that the show was not the end all be all, but just the beginning of a different journey. I really think that until Erik starts treating himself inside the way he wants to be treated outside, he will always be heavy.

BL9- week 1- Meet the Losers

EPISODE ONE IN BRIEF:

Number of mind bullets used: 1 (Cheryl)

Number of vomiting contestants: 4

Largest contestant: Mike at 526

Number of contestants sent home: 5 (yellow team, blue team, and half of brown)

Newest nickname: Texas (Lance)

How much Daris' hair weighs: 5 pounds

Quote of the week: "Are my abs showing?" Mike

After a brief holiday hiatus (long enough for the average American to INDULGE in all the badness) the Biggest Loser Couples is back for ANOTHER season.

9 seasons in 5 1/2 years. That's a lot of losers.

Bob and Jillian both are slack jawed and hungry: This new cast is bigger and fatter than ever before. What sort of torture do they have in store?

Well, first of all, the contestants have to introduce themselves to America and their communities by publicly weighing in in each of their home towns. It's not enough to be shirtless in front of Ali and your teammates. Now you have to show the mayor and your third grade teacher, too.

So, who is letting it all hang out?

Ardmore, OK residents Daris and his mother Cheryl meet at Daris' high school. Another Oklahoman- proof positive that my home state needs help. Daris' starting weight is 346. He announces it like he is at an AA meeting. Cheryl is 227.

Orlanda, FL natives and twins John and James meet in Orlando's square. (I wish it had been at Disney. How cool to have had a parade.) John is 484 and James is 485. I guess that's how you tell them apart. It was hard to hear that they had no idea how much they weighed because scales don't accommodate numbers that large.

Lafayette, CA's Stephanie and Patti, an overweight mother and daughter duo, meet in their backyard. Doesn't seem as fair, but whatever. Patti is 243, and Stephanie is 264.

Knoxville, TN shows mother and daughter Sherry and Ashley, dead ringers for season 7 Helen and her daughter. Ashley is 374 and Sherry is 218.

Ann Arbor, MI gives us Darrell and Andrea, a father and daughter team. Darrell bears a striking resemblance to Kenny Rogers. If Kenny Rogers had let himself get to 413. Andrea is no slouch at 298.

Houston, TX has cancer survivor Victoria and her daughter Cherita. Victoria weighs in at 277, Cherita at 358.

Permberton, NJ brings us sassy Latinas Miggy and Migdalia, mother and daughter at 240 and 265- "Yes we can," Miggy says.

Aspermont, TX gives us Melissa and Lance, husband and wife who have eaten themselves out of the equation. Melissa is 233 and Lance is 365. Melissa looks like Buck Wild from Flavor of Love. Seriously!

Rohnert Park, CA is home to Tongan cousins Koli and Sam, just like Season 7's Tongan duo. Koli is 403 and Sam is 372. They too want to inspire the Tongan culture to lose weight.

Minneapolis, MN gives us Sunshine and O'Neal, father and daughter. He has grown three times his original size since he and his wife got married, and now she has to help him put on his shoes. O'Neal is 389 and Sunshine is 275. It breaks your heart to see Sunshine cry at the results of the scale.

Chicago, IL gives us mother and son Maria and Mike, Italians that eat too much. Maria is 281, and her son Mike is the largest contestant at 526. Maria holds herself responsible like any mother would. Mike jokingly punches the scale, but you know he is dieing inside.

After we meet everyone, it's on to the ranch! Ali, looking svelter than usual, meets the stretch limos that pull up with the fatestants. They are all happy now, but as anyone who watches this show, if Ali is there you know that something is up.

A CHALLENGE! Everyone piles into the gym (no equipment, hmmm) to learn of their fate: They are competing in a 26.2 mile cycling tourney. The curtains part to reveal rows of stationary cycles that the contestants must collectively ride 26.2 miles on. The first 9 teams to finish will be in the house: The last two teams will be asked to leave the campus.

TWIST.

Ali points out that they are the sickest contestants ever before telling them to go. A harbinger of things to come? The cyclists pound it out, and we see sweat bouncing off the floor. No amount of towels will clean up this mess- maybe a tie in with Shamwow would be in order?

The green team of Miggy and Migdalia kick some serious ass while Mike gets his ass seriously kicked by the bike seat- uncomfortable.

Miggy and Migdalia pull it out before anyone else, and win immunity for the week. Sam and Koli are second, Andrea and Darrell are third, Cheryl and Daris are fourth. . .and then the blue team's Victoria starts going through some pain as she cycles, falling off her bike. Dr. H makes her stop, and puts her on a stretcher. It is so hard to watch her feel as if she has failed her daughter. The stuff good reality TV is made out of.

Pink team comes in fifth, then the red team in sixth, the white team in seventh, and the brown team in eighth. Will it be blue, yellow, or purple that makes it in the coveted last spot?

The purple team of Patti and Stephanie take the prize, leaving Sunshine, O'Neal, Victoria, and Cherita out in the proverbial cold.

TWIST. Bob and Jillian (hiding in the bushes, of course) stop the limos that are carting off blue and yellow and inform them they will be competing the first 30 days from home with Bob and Jillian's help. Then they will be pitted against each other, and whichever team loses the greatest amount of weight will get to come back to the ranch.

Shhh. Don't tell the other teams!

After a restful nights sleep, Bob and Jillian pull the fire alarm to get the contestants out of the house and into the gym. Luckily, there was no real emergency as the contestants SLOWLY meandered out of their bunks.

"Pain will begin now," says Maria of the white team. The count for the first workout is 4 contestants vomiting, 3 contestants screaming like they are giving birth, and 2 plugs: Wal-Mart and Brita. Sneaky sneaky Jillian.

If the trainers can't produce results, they can get the contestants to produce a lot of snot and sweat.

Cheryl of the orange team gets the first round of Jillian's mind bullets- and Cheryl turns into a screaming punching bad ass. Her son looked frightened- let's not let those curls turn white now!

The contestants then meet each other for reals to talk about why they are the weigh they are. Get it? Weigh? *cough*

The number one thing I kept hearing repeated was everyone was single, never had a boyfriend or girlfriend, never been kissed. I am surprised that eharmony wasn't a sponsor- opportunity!!! This is a sad bunch, friends. Their self esteem is GONE and they need to get it back, one pound at a time.

The contestants punish themselves during a grueling last chance workout, and only one person (Ashley) falls off the treadmill. Progress.

I think Bob has grown some serious Jillian cajones this season- no more Mr. Nice Guy! He screams and steps on them like the best. He does show his soft side again while talking to James- who is so big and physically challenged that he has to work out in the pool instead of the gym.

Then it is time for the second weigh in of the show- this time the way that we are all used to. One more player will be going home- that makes 5 count 'em 5 contestants leaving in the first episode!

Miggy and Migdalia: 13 and 16 pounds lost

Sam and Koli: 18 and 29 pounds lost

Daris and Cheryl: 29 and 14 pounds lost

Andrea and Darrell: 14 and 30 pounds lost

James and John: 23 and 23 pounds lost (twins!)

Melissa and Lance: 19 and 21 pounds lost

Stephanie and Patti: 18 and 23 pounds lost

Ashley and Sherry: 21 and 17 pounds lost

Mike and Maria: 34 and 13 pounds lost

The brown team's twins are below the yellow line, which makes a pickle for the other contestants. How do you chose between identical twins that you JUST met? And how do you know if you sent the right one home? John wants James to stay because of his knee issues. James says he can swim at home and wants John to stay.

Ultimately, James is sent home, and loses an amazing 100 pounds in two months off the ranch. Truly inspirational and proof to America that you DON'T have to be a contestant on this show to lose weight. If the will is great, so will the weight loss be.

So, the roller coaster is loaded and has left the station- hope you are strapped in, 'cause this season looks CRAZY.

Extra bonus: Jillian playing carnival worker to a deep fried pizza eating Jay Leno- enjoy!

A New Dawn, A New Day, A New Life, blah blah blah

So, my California Adventure came to a close (unfortunately for my flip flops and short sleeved tee's) and I have since headed back to New York City. I felt GREAT during the holidays, but somehow I am not as impervious to illness as I thought, and was hit in the face with a sinus infection/ear infection.

BLURGH.

I was losing steam.

While unpacking my luggage (that burns calories, I know it!) I came across my favorite Christmas present: A Sigg water bottle with my logo lovingly embossed on it's side. A gift from my boyfriend, this water bottle made me feel special. It made my business venture seem. . .legit. I AM FOSTER FITNESS. It's not just some pie in the sky (mmm, pie) venture that I came up with. It is the result of years of working out, years of sweat, years of tears and laughter and figuring out what works and what doesn't work and wanting to share that with others.

This water bottle is what my 2010 is all about.

It signifies that my business is as real as I make it. This year will mark many firsts and new milestones in my life: Getting my certification from ACE, getting a REAL gym job, leaving (fingers crossed) the restaurant industry for reals and embarking on this new and exciting path.

I am very optimistic. Join me. Won't you?