Hi everybody! I am Sara, 20, and have been trying to find an exercise that I can do easily in my house.

I was so excited to find that our library has a copy of the DVD and book. The book came today, so I checked it out and just completed the first set of exercises (Standing ones). I'm not very confident that I was doing them correctly.... I'm not sure when to lift, squeeze etc. In between inhaling and exhaling? Do I hold my breath? (Maybe I should wait until I see the video!?)

Well, I'm excited to get started nevertheless. I've been lurking on the forum for a while and decided to sign up to get motivation. Already I am trying to make an effort to breath with my stomach going in and out, instead of my chest going up and down. If I bend over, it's more difficult, so I've been sitting straighter ALREADY! which is fabulous because I use the computer a lot and unconciously hunch over. One thing I have noticed too is that I'm a bit light headed... er, is that normal?

I'm eager to meet all of you. One question: Do you use Oxycise with other forms of exercise? I love to swim and bike, but being overweight has not helped me feel confident to do either. That's why I'm hoping Oxycise will help me to loose a few inches so I can get up those hills better and into a cuter swimsuit

Welcome, Sara!

I am sure the video will help clear up your questions. If not, post them and you'll get lots of answers here. You may be getting lightheaded from inhaling more than you're exhaling...be sure you're getting all that breath out as well as in.

I personally do other forms of exercise as well, but they are more sporadic. Oxy is the first exercise I have stuck with doing on a regular basis. I believe there are others on this forum who do Oxy only. You'll probably find that doing Oxy enhances your enjoyment of other forms of exercise.

Keep us posted...check out the D2L (daily "Determined to Lose") thread.

--Phyllis

Hi Sara....welcome to Oxycise! O! is the only form of exercise I use right now, but I've used others with it in the past. I honestly think it's all that is necessary, but if you enjoy other stuff..... go for it!!

Looking forward to seeing you around and getting to know you better!

Welcome, Sara!

With Oxycise, you never hold your breath. You breathe in as big a breath as you can take, tighten abs, buttocks, and kegal, and take in the three little breaths to make sure you have all the oxygen in that you can take in, and then exhale with your lips flattened like you're blowing through a trumpet, forcefully. Give 3 more puffs to be sure you've exhaled fully, relax all those places you tightened, and then inhale again. It takes a little practice, but you will "get it"! Be sure to read the breathing tips at the top of the board that Julie posted. The light-headedness will probably decrease as your body adjusts to this way of breathing.

Congratulations on already improving your posture! That makes such a difference in the way we look!

I don't do other exercises either, except for using the chi machine, or playing on the trampoline in the summertime. I love to mess around in the pool, too, but haven't ever been much of a swimmer. Go for it!

Susanna