“Message” posted by miracleman Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Hi Dana! Let me know when you post your next month's pics. Everyone's journey is unique, but sometimes we can gain a dose of motivation, encouragement, and inspiration when we know the trials and tribulations that others are going through in their transformation experience. I'd love to hear yours! Go to my last article that deals with challenges during this contest and please share. There are some neat stories by other people too (I was inspired when I read their stories)! THANKS!

“Message” posted by dakelly Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Hi Dana! You asked what I do for triceps... I do cable pushdowns, machine dips, tricep overhead cable extensions (or dumbbell), and skull crushers. I really love skull crushers, I take an EZ barbell 20-40lbs and complete the skull crushers and on last set, do the close grip chest presses straight up til I just can't do another one!! I will tell you I used to always have lean arms til I put this... wedding weight on, so that's why I was able to drop the fat there so fast. So don't get discouraged if you're not seeing the same results, just keep doing it and soon you will!!! Thanks for checking and let me know how is everything else going???

“Message” posted by miracleman Friday, February 26th, 2010

Hi there! I have something that might be of interest...check out my article titled, "What Have Been Your Trials? Keys To Overcoming Odds?" It's nice to hear other people's stories, challenges, how their overcoming those challenges, and I'd like you to share also. I shared some of mine to start things off.

“Message” posted by PFunk Friday, February 26th, 2010

Fear of Change
Fear of change can keep you in a soul-crushing job, a bad relationship, or a physically destructive lifestyle. Ask yourself; is the devil-you-know approach good enough for you? Is your life making you happy? If you answered no to either of those questions, WHAT do you have to lose by embracing change?
The truth is, things should be changing — your body is changing, your habits are changing, your attitude is changing. This might be the point where, because of so much change, you're starting to freak out a little bit. You might be asking yourself, What will all this change mean — to my life's direction, my relationships, my identity?
LAST CHANCE WORK OUT!
See my new photos!

“Message” posted by dakelly Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Hi Dana ~ thank you so much for your compliments!! I did not have a day of rest that week, just because I feel the pressure of my upcoming vacation at the end of March and so I did go light workouts on a couple of days, but I do listen to my body and when it tells me to rest, I do!!! I'm feeling pretty good right now, so I'll drive on. I hope you like the bars! I have to check with Michele on this site and see if she liked them. I have a fear that it will be only me who LOVED these bars :-)
How is everything going ~ got good workout and nutrition plans??

“Message” posted by miracleman Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Thanks for the words of encouragement I appreciate it. I also wrote an article concerning challenges we all go through and some solutions. Check that out. I am interested in your challenges.

“Message” posted by miracleman Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Hi Dana, I just posted my "End of Month 2" progress article and pics. Month 2 certainly brought some challenges: strained shoulder (no chest for 1.5 weeks), strained neck, and foot strain. All of that was with the regular challenges any working professional goes through. Well, I am headed into month 3 which, essentially is my final month because for months 4 - 6 I will be focused on adding muscle and won't post again until right before the contest ends. I've broken down the contest into two parts: 1) get lean and 2) gain muscle and stay lean. So the first 12 weeks (3 months) are most important for me and is essentially my contest time frame. Gaining muscle is a very long and slow process, so the difference between month 3 and 6, in terms of muscle mass won't be very drastic. Let me know when you post your updated pics. Don't forget the newspaper in each pic, which acts like a date stamp. Some people are forgetting to continue with their newspaper date stamp in their progress pics.

“Message” posted by madelus Friday, February 19th, 2010

Hi Love! I hope this finds to very very well! How is the transformation going and daily life? Thank you for all of your supportive comments! It makes my day to see them on articles!! I got the meatloaf recipe from Jamie Eason. She is a fitness model so I trust it! I actually watched it from a video. Also, she has a really good video for homemade carrot cake protein bars. I will give you that link too... you can save $$ by making them yourself! Here is the meatloaf link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKDHNR7iqdo. And here is the protein bar link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmRdj_NsgTs. If you want more recipes or tips, you can go to her site (she is one of my fitness role models!): http://www.jamieeason.com/ .... Hope to hear from you soon, friend! :)

“Message” posted by dakelly Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Things are going really good. I have a new workout that I'm going to start doing Monday for 4 weeks, then I switch it out to another one. I got my workout logs online so I'm stoked! We're going to Cabo, have you been there before? It's BEAUTIFUL!!! I have 5 weeks to work on my abs and BEHIND some more. You're workouts look like they're going great. Look forward to your results!!!!

“Message” posted by dakelly Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Hi Dana! Have you had a chance to try those pancakes yet? I think they are so yummy. I am going to try protein bars this week and will let you know how they turn out. I got the recipe from a BB site. Have a great day!

“Message” posted by madelus Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Thanks so much for your motivation DANA! You ALWAYS keep me inspired with your comments! How are you doing, love? How is the transformation? I know you are probably rockin it! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! :) Hope you have a wonderful day full of LOVE!

“Message” posted by dakelly Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Protein Pancake Recipe:
4 egg whites
1/3 cup oatmeal (uncooked)
1 scoop protein powder ( I just used my banana flavor pp instead of fruit)
1 tbsp splenda brown sugar
1 tbsp peanut butter
I mixed ingredients in the blender, poured into skillet and watched for the bubbles to turn over. Makes a bunch for one person!!!! Tasted good too, thus the delayed response to your message :-) You can put sugar free syrup on - but I decided to save the calories. Good luck!

“Message” posted by dakelly Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Hi Dana! How are you doing this weekend?? I am busy cleaning house, getting my workouts in, and watching the tube! Got any big plans??

“Message” posted by PFunk Friday, February 12th, 2010

I have been so very "cold" and I go to the sauna to sit. To warm up. I end up 45 minutes later coming out of the sauna "nap". I miss Las Vegas. So much warmer there than here.

“Message” posted by PFunk Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

LAST CHANCE WORKOUT
Do you ever feel stressed out, and need a shot of inspiration?
If the answer is yes, then take a deep breath, and…
Escape to the Beauty, the Wonder and the Joy of Nature
To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~Chang Tsu
To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle. Every cubic inch of space is a miracle. ~Walt Whitman
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all. Emily Dickinson

I've been able to add in Gleutamine. Will be going for body fat this week. Let's see how well my body likes me!

Finding out through all of this, how "focused" I have become. "Focus" may enter "determination". I've come to realize that all around me, if I don't know how these two words inter relate in their lives. About Focus and determination. I cannot underestimate such elements.

“Message” posted by madelus Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Hey Dana! Thanks for all your encouragement! My BF is doing better... a little stressed at times about all thats going on but better. We decided to do a different route of treatment after getting a second opinion from a very well known oncologist. Because of the size of his tumor (about 16cm... pretty large!), he suggested that Orlando get chemotherapy and radiation treatment PRIOR to his surgery so that his tumor will shrink and the surgeon won't have to cut out such a large amount of his intestine. Also, this lessons his chance of a permanent colostomy bag. So, his surgery which was scheduled for the 9th this week has been canceled... and he will be doing chemo/radiation for the next few months until his new surgery appointment in may. We are all apprehensive about how his body and his tumor will respond to the treatment... but we are also staying positive! Because he will be starting treatment soon, we went on a mini staycation to a nice hotel on the beach this weekend! It was SOOOO relaxing and MUCH needed for the both of us :) Its the little things like that that keep us going strong and positive. I was so excited because I planned it just right so that I could have my breakfast cheat meal with him! LOL... a BELGIUM WAFFLE :)

“Message” posted by madelus Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Dana, thank you so much for your kind words and prayers! It is really appreciated.. your comment on my article made my day! Thanks for all of the support! How are you doing? -Maria

“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, January 29th, 2010

Hi Dana! Looking good! Thanks for your positive comments and I hope we can do this together. We'll both be looking slimmer by June!! Can't wait!

“Message” posted by mwittkopp Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Hope all is well - Keep up the work - MDW

“Message” posted by sweetcheeks70 Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Hey Dana....just stopping by to say HI! Hope things are going well for you!

“Message” posted by deewitt Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

I love to do all the outdoor activities you do,, especially living in Montana. I have 3 boxers that love to join me, although they are too much for me to handle alone so I take 1 at a time. Keep doing what you love and try new things and this will keep you with an active life style....just try to keep injury free...it stinks to be injured and I am really having a hard time with it!

“Message” posted by madelus Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Hi Dana! Thanks for the add! Happy NEW Year! I love your profile pic-- adorable doggies! :)

“Message” posted by PFunk Thursday, January 21st, 2010

VISUALIZATION OF SUCCESS

January 21, 2010

The Introduction from Wisdom of Wolves
The attitude of the wolf can be summed up simply: it is a constant visualization of success.
The collective wisdom of wolves has been progressively programmed into their genetic makeup throughout the centuries.
Wolves have mastered the technique of focusing their energies toward the activities that will lead to the accomplishment of their goals.
Wolves do not aimlessly run around their intended victims, yipping and yapping. They have a strategic plan and execute it through constant communication. When the moment of truth arrives, each understands his role and understands exactly what the pack expects of him.
The wolf does not depend on luck. The cohesion, teamwork and training of the pack determines whether the pack lives or dies.
There is a silly maxim in some organizations that everyone, to be a valuable member, must aspire to be the leader.
This is personified by the misguided CEO who says he only hires people who say they want to take his job. Evidently, this is supposed to ensure that the person has ambition, courage, spunk, honesty, drive - whatever. In reality, it is simply a contrived situation, with the interviewee jumping through the boss's hoops.
It sends warnings of competition and one-up-manship throughout the organization rather than signals of cooperation, teamwork and loyalty.
Everyone does not strive to be the leader in the wolf pack. Some are consummate hunters or caregivers or jokesters, but each seems to gravitate to the role he does best. This is not to say there are not challenges to authority, position and status - there are.
But each wolf's role begins emerging from playtime as a pup and refines itself through the rest of its years. The wolf's attitude is always based upon the question, "What is best for the pack?" This is in marked contrast to us humans, who will often sabotage our organizations, families or businesses, if we do not get what we want.
Wolves are seldom truly threatened by other animals.
By constantly engaging their senses and skills, they are practically unassailable. They are masters of planning for the moment of opportunity to present itself, and when it does, they are ready to act.
Because of training, preparation, planning, communication and a preference for action, the wolf's expectation is always to be victorious.
While in actuality this is true only 10 percent of the time or less, the wolf's attitude is always that success will come-and it does.
by Twyman Towery

“Message” posted by PFunk Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

What does it take to be NUMBER ONE!
I love football! My longest punt, 42 yards. Ok, so I follow what sayings are out there for inspiration, truth, etc.! There are many “descriptions” am sure of what it takes to be “number one”! But, what “DOES” it take? Here is from Vince L.
COMMITMENT : since “Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don’t do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
This “MaxFormation” for me is for a lifestyle change into a healthy presentation and more of me to commit towards the goals ahead in my life, as I come to learn to open my life up.
(did you get it – did you see “the Biggest Looser” last night)! “This week the roles were reversed at the Ranch.
Before joining The Biggest Loser most of the contestants had never even attempted to work out on their own.
At the Ranch they depend on Bob and me to teach them how to lose weight. But how well were they learning?
Could the students become the teachers?” (Who's Got the Power?)( Emotions Run Deep was clearly upset by this week's twist.
Bob kept pushing her to tell him the reason why, but she refused to show any emotion or to express herself.
Jillian finally decided to step in to try to get her to open up, pushed her to explain how she felt about her 9-year-old daughter, back at home, having her same habits as her and her grandmother (Migdalia's mom, the Green Team's Miggy) and growing up to be overweight too. Instead of giving me answers about why she was doing this, she gave up and walked out.
After some pleading from Miggy and Bob, Migdalia decided not to quit. Later on, Miggy talked with Migdalia some more. She's glad her daughter does recognize she need helps and in time will be willing to get it.
(Knowledge Is Power)( Unraveling the Problem)( Did They Teach Them Enough?)
TRUTH: “Truth is knowing that your character is shaped by your every day choices.”
EXCELLENCE TO RESULTS: “Winning is not everything – but making the effort to win is.”
PASSION: “There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything. I do, and I demand my players do.” Vince L.
HABIT: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a LACK OF WILL.”
MENTAL TOUGHNESS: “If you’re lucky enough to find a PERSON with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he’s never going to come off the field second.”
DISCIPLINE: It’s in a SIMPLE TRUTH…a GIFT OF INSPIRATION! www.simpletruths.com
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Doing great with the workouts and discovering new muscles that were hiding under all that fat. Trying new recipes and loving it. Will have some new measurements up later this week. One day at a time and NEVER lose sight of what you want!

“Message” posted by Flexxon Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Please read my article, Water for Life.
I think you'll like it...

“Message” posted by slim_tiff09 Saturday, January 16th, 2010

hi dana!! she is diana chaloux!! shes awesome and very nice. she has a facebook. she answers any questions you have. have a great weekend, and keep up the great work!

“Message” posted by TWarr69 Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Stay the course lady! Keep focused.

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Thursday, January 14th, 2010

So, I have had life in my face, dumping several speed bumps in my path and I am trying to keep pushing through them. It is not an easy thing to do, but I am staying on the nutrition and the exercise. I have a goal in sight and am staying focused on my light at the end of the tunnel.

“Message” posted by coordinator Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Hi there, Dana! I hope all is well with you on this Wednesday. I look forward to knowing you! Have a great week. Email anytime...*Jane*

“Message” posted by PFunk Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

WHEN DO YOU KNOW

January 12, 2010

When do you know, that you want to go work out? Is it more than just scheduling of it's "time to go workout"!
Is it "boring" at the thought? Or inspired because you're now knowing something "huge" is about to change inside of you, and occur to a total and new you!
Has the weather shared it's shadows of the clouds or do you still want to go to the gym in the rain or sunshine?
Do you wait until your "favorite" short or "T-shirt" is out of the dryer first? Or do you just jump into anything?
To jump at a chance where your body is craving the new workout?
What do you do to your body?
Feed it water, if any?
How much?
That lingering question which poses another for what do I eat, how much, when?
Sounds like a novel of a mystery saga.
Have you allowed anyone into your inner circle, yet!
To hold that word "accountability" up and point it in your direction? Or does it seem like a mirror advancing towards you, and can you handle the mirror now?
As you've avoided the mirror before.
It showing the truth and flaws and change from a body over whelmed with weight.
Now pursuing an adventure where weight loss is giving way to healthy choices and a perspective that it seems like anything is obtainable. Even if for one moment, that is attain your moments in the gym towards the new you!
Well, what are you waiting for? Go get your shoes on!
Let's do it people! Grab your music, your inspiration, Jillian or your trainers voice and stick it in your ear and turn up the volume!
Not that loud, you'll get hard of hearing! :)
Last one in the water looses!

“Message” posted by PFunk Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Can one imagine just how many minutes we each go through so equally in a year!
1 year = 525 948.766 minutes
(not unless a leap year)
Break these minutes down and see how many minutes are from December to June!
From a new year coming 2010 and to June!
Aspire to new heights and look beyond the stars to aim higher!
I want to really begin a Journal; my journey!
Where is this going to take me? Like the photo of the creek. Where it ebbs and flows to it's place amongs't the creek side's. To the river's, to the ocean!
Keep my goals in front and find my foot steps following the way to the goals I've written out!
If the minutes were dollars, then how would you invest them?

“Message” posted by PFunk Monday, January 4th, 2010

ON MY PERSONAL JOURNEY, TO WHERE MY LIFE WANTS TO LIVE MORE THAN ANYTHING. TIRED OF BEING OVERWEIGHT! WANTING MY LIFE BACK! THIS IS MORE THAN JUST "NUMBERS". IT IS WHERE MY BODY IS FINDING THE PLACES AND MUSCLES WHICH HAVE LONG HIDDEN. WHICH HAVE ELUDED BEING USED, EXCEPT TO EAT. AM SEEKING ALL MY MUSCLES TO FUNCTION, TO BE HEALTHY AND ASPIRE TO THEIR BEST! FROM NUTRITION, TO THESE WONDERFUL TOOLS FROM MAXFORMATION AND ALL THE WONDERFUL WAYS TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ON MY JOURNEY OUT OF HIDING AND INTO A WONDERFUL LIFE WHERE MY BODY CAN SHARE IT'S AWESOME OVERHAUL AND THAT I CAN SHARE THAT IT'S WORTH EVERY PAINFUL, SWEATING, CRUNCHING, GYM MOMENT. WHERE MY EMOTIONS CHANGE TO GOALS AND GOALS BECOME REALITY. AM 52 RIGHT NOW, AND THOSE PEOPLE WHOM I LOVED ARE NO LONGER HERE. I WANT TO BE HERE, I WANT TO LIVE. THIS IS MY MOMENT. EVERYTHING INSIDE ME JUST SCREAMS TO FIND MORE AND MORE WEIGHT REMOVAL TO THE BODY SO HIDDEN UNDER THE DURESS OF CALORIES AND POOR CHOICES OF YESTERDAY. TODAY, IT IS NEW. I WANT TO EMBRACE IT FOR ALL I CAN.

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!

“Message” posted by dakelly Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Hi Dana! Hope you're having a great Holiday Season. Happy New Year!

“Message” posted by TWarr69 Monday, December 28th, 2009

Congrats on getting started on your transformation..best wishes!

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Friday, December 25th, 2009

Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and don't forget to get your workout in and keep an eye on your food intake!!

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Thursday, December 24th, 2009

So after working all night with no sleep, I wasn't feeling all the best to go work out this morning. BUT I did and I am glad I did. I felt better afterwards and I enjoy the time with my Trainer.

“Message” posted by dakelly Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Hi Dana! Welcome to the contest! Post your pics soon so you can show your progress. You're moving in the right direction. After two weeks, those MM products are WORKING!!

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Saturday, December 19th, 2009

So yesterday I started with a Trainer after I got off of work. We completed my measurements and then got right into a workout. I didn't think it was too bad. I am a little sore, but am gonna head right back after work this morning.

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Ok, So the first week has not been as productive as I would have liked. I am getting back on the wagon tomorrow!!

“Message” posted by DProsser Friday, December 4th, 2009

So what's going on? Please tell us about yourself!

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Friday, December 4th, 2009

Ready to start a new outlook on life!!