[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Raven

Even with a medical background, I fought it...when I first started. If I hadn't started crying, I do believe my trainer was going to kick me out, even though I was paying him. I was that difficult.

I wanted to lose the initial weight fast..I was a great believer in modified Atkins....low to no carbs, since I felt that was the cause of all my problems...which it wasn't...

I wanted to tone muscle and improve my metabolism and I simply could not wrap myself around the reasoning for losing the weight gradually.....and I do mean gradually.....one pound a week when I've got fifty to lose....is slooooooooooow.....what I didn't realise is I would be losing body fat....and toning muscle, which tightens and strengthens....

One of the biggest side benefits I received....was no more occupational hazard pain......I had sciatica....from an old back injury and sitting wrong in my chair for hours on end...mouse shoulder, all right sided pain..and constant. Other than the muscle soreness...there was a day when I realised I was not in pain anymore. I can do chin ups now, with my right arm pulling my still not thin body up over the bar and my shoulder is no longer screaming at me. I can do unstable exercises and there is no more high pitched electric nerve pain shooting down my leg....if nothing else, this makes me do the Snoopy dance....which I can now do.

The one pound a week...well.....it's tough for me as I travel so much...and yes, I drink....some of you have seen me at shows. I am never without my vodka/tonic/lime or cosmo....and that's just the facts of life...but when I am home...every time I look at that boring nutritional plan, I just keep thinking size six...size six....muscles, tone.....buff.....pain free.

Youve done well. I wish I had the motivation and will power!