HLSG - Week of July 9th

[funnybone]

I know most of you were not able to log and post on last week's HLSG, but we do need to start a new one, so here goes!

I have been doing my TaeBo for 1 1/2 weeks and just love it. It really does show results quick. My DH commented how the back of my legs are leaner looking. Although not fat, they tended to pucker at the knees, and now that it gone! All the stepping in the world wasn't helping that area before!

I have gained some weight too, but I think I have gained muscle. I am beginning to show more definition in my shoulders and back as well. My goal was to tone my body, and hopefully lose 10 lbs. At this rate, I don't care if I lose the weight, as long as the toning is working.

[Gina O]

funnybone- Glad to hear the Tae Bo is working! :D

Running went pretty good last week, except Saturday. In the 10K training program I am doing, I was supposed to run for 40 minutes. Unfortunately, I did not make it outside till 11 in the morning, and by then it was already really hot and humid. I made it 34 minutes, then walked the rest. For the first time ever, I had trouble breathing when I ran, which I blamed on the heat and humidity.

I enjoyed my 3 trips to Curves for Women. I think it will help me meet my goal of incorporating some type of cross-training into my running program, although I wish the machines were set with a little more tension.

I have made it a complete week without meat. That has been really fun. I am discovering wonderful new foods and new preparations for old ones. It has really helped me to think more creatively about what and how to eat.

I too have not lost any weight at all, and am feeling somewhat discouraged by that, but am feeling more toned. I tried on a form fitting sundress over the weekend that I bought when I was about 7 pounds lighter. I got it on, but was not quite back to the point I could wear it in public.

I hope everyone has a great week, Gina

[MelissaAS]

Had a great exercise week last week- I was off a couple of days so it was easier to get in the time. I realized that I've finally crossed over to the land of people who LIKE to exercise and do it on their vacation days too! Food-wise, I'll leave it at this: Pirate's Booty is the enemy. Again, I ate almost the whole bag in one sitting! I've GOT to find the individual bags or retire from pirate-land forever.

Melissa

[dmcgreevey]

I just found this post and was interested in finding out more about it. Can I join? How does it work?

Thanks, Dawn

[MelissaAS]

Dawn,

Anyone is free to jump right it- welcome! HLSG stands for Healthy Living Support Group and we basically have a weekly topic that folks respond to and check in. There is no agreed-upon "program" just people trying to make lifestyle changes- usually to eat reasonable portions of healthy food and exercise regularly. Check out our old week's posts to get a better feel.

Melissa

[funnybone]

Everyone is welcome! No need to ask, just jump in and tell us how your week went!:D

[Julia1Pin]

So, after 2 weeks of not working out (12-13 hour work day fro the past couple of weeks, not counting commute time), I finally decided to work out last night (at 10pm). I rowed (we recently bought an awesome rower) for 3km, or 17.5 minutes.

I feel soo much more energized today. MY mood is elevated too. And the back pains I had been feeling from sitting on my *** all day are subsiding.

It's amazing the benefits or working out. I think I'm turning into someone who likes (love is still too strong of a word) exercising. I've been exercising steadily for a little over 1 year now, and I'm amazed that I've kept it up.

Just wanted to share a positive story :cool: on the benefits of exercising (and being healthy, as opposed to thin). Of course, it helps that I've lost a size in this past year, and have arm muscles for the first time ever ;)

[mandarin2j]

Checking in! Well, once again I've had a great cardio week & a weak muscular workout week. One thing is, I'm not sore the next day when I do weights, which is really turning me off on doing anything. Why? Well, there's too much blub for me to see any definition right away & muscular soreness was how I knew I was making progress. Maybe it's time I graduated from the 5 pound barbells? I've always had "weenie arms" (an evil gym teacher once called me that!), so improvement there would be such an accomplishment.

I also have a question for y'all: I was so excited to see that hill work on my bike helped slim my outer thighs...now it's time to work on curing the hated Inner Thigh Burn Out (think booming voice when you read that ;) ). So, what leg exercises work to tone the inner thigh muscles?

[jd]

I've noticed that quite a few had good weeks this week and last - do you think it relates at all to the board being down?!

I had a good week as well - 5 cardio and 2 strength. Weight is stable, which is what I want right now. I'm really pleased with the 'extras' I can eat since I've started exercising!

[Tangerine]

Hello everyone,

Zowie - nice new boards!

It's been a really rainy week, and I've had a good time stepping, out on the covered deck, using a 4" incline. It's a great alternative to walking.

Emilycat, I am in love with whole wheat pasta! And I'm amazed at my breakfasts now, thanks to you. I've added a whole grain bagel or bread with nonfat cream cheese or natural peanut butter for protein and extra carbs, and a banana three times a week. On those days, I've had a citrus fruit at some other meal. I notice a real difference, I feel mentally energized. Thanks, I needed that!

Mandarin, thank you for the great Mark Twain quote.

Tangerine

[lindrusso]

...I really, really don't even want to post, but I suppose I will.

I've been in Louisiana visiting my in-laws. My MIL cooks every night - and cooks healthy, but we still eat more than usual and DEFINITELY drink more than usual. My hubby and I also spent the weekend in New Orleans where we ate at K-Paul's (Chef Paul Prudhomme's place), Emeril's NOLA and also did an "all you can drink" champagne brunch. Nuff said, huh?

Actually, my shorts don't feel too bad. I was better than I have been in the past, but not as good as I could have been. It's been the lack of exercise that is killing me. To top it off, I'm headed to Chicago with my mom this weekend - more eating and drinking too much, no doubt.

So, I'm going to try to get in 2 good workouts between trips. Down here in LA, I did do some walking (and a lot of walking in NO), but no access to weights. And it's been VERY hot - not very motivating, but I did get out here. The one time there was weights, it was in the hotel, but I wasn't about to spend any of the time alone I had with my husband (first weekend alone in two years!) in the fitness room! ;)

Oh well, it's all been fun and that's it for traveling for the rest of the summer....

Glad the board is back up! I've been missing this - I need you guys to keep me on track!

[KValley]

Originally posted by mandarin2j
I also have a question for y'all: I was so excited to see that hill work on my bike helped slim my outer thighs...now it's time to work on curing the hated Inner Thigh Burn Out (think booming voice when you read that ;) ). So, what leg exercises work to tone the inner thigh muscles?

Amanda,

Here's an earlier HLSG thread on which I posted some leg exercises, complete with pretty pictures: http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11252

Although they are not specifically for inner thighs, these exercises (squats and lunges) work the whole leg. Also, the side lying hip lifts shown by Gin Miller in the April '01 issue work the shoulders, obliques and inner thighs, all in one move.

Hiking Mt Si would certainly send a booming something to your inner thighs :D

Let me know what you think!

Julie

[browneye]

These last two weeks have been slightly disappointing to me, I injured my ankle running about 2-3 weeks ago, so have been back to the gym for non-impact cardio training on the ellyptical trainer. So, no 5K for me on Sunday.
On a more positive note, I have been working out 3X week on the ellyptical trainer and am doing strength every other day as well! SO, it's not all bad.
We did take vacation days around the 4th, and went camping and then over to the San Juans.. Too much eating and extra drinking on the San Juan trip. SO, the scale hasn't moved. I guess that's okay considering it wasn't the best week.

Lindrusso-
You'll get back on track when your life returns to the routine. Enjoy your family and traveling! Remember, that it's what you do 80% of the time, not the 20% that you get off track that matters!

Julia-
Great job working out consistently for over a year! Once you get into a routine like that, don't you miss it so much when you don't work out? I sure do.

!Here's a little tip for the week:
I've re-discovered V-8 for a refresher. I've been putting it over ice with a lemon wedge for an afternoon treat. It fills me up, especially while I am cooking dinner, and it is 0 WW points. I find it takes the edge off of my hunger, so portion control is easier!

[BethML]

lindrusso,
It's going to be a great weather weekend here in Chicago-- sunny and mid-70's. Perfect for walking or running along the lake! Hope you have fun when you're in town.

[Laura]

Yeah! I finally found the boards. Last few weeks have been pretty good, which of course, is why I am posting. I have started walking or running 4 miles a day. In addition I have joined a real gym and have started weight lifting more consistently again. I had forgotten how much I really enjoy lifting. I have lost 3 lbs (in an attempt to lose 10) without really changing my diet. I really think it is the consistent walking and running that have done it. Without doing anything else, I am burning an additional 2800 calories a week. Anyway seeing the results motivates me to keep going. Glad to hear from all of you again. Sounds like everyone is keeping up!

[BevP]

Give me time to try figuring out the new boards'[] !

Grrrrr. I just hit the wrong (blank) button and have to re-redo this message. So much for the cute tongue in cheek humor I'd used.

I vow to try my best to eat sensibly the rest of the week and go to aerobics thursday and friday.

Saturday is the day for the certification testing to teafch aerobics so I've been working hard on that.

I'm also working hard with some kittens I'm fostering which is why this message went out the way it did at first. I didn't even know the cat had posted it :p .

[mandarin2j]

Originally posted by KValley


Amanda,

Here's an earlier HLSG thread on which I posted some leg exercises, complete with pretty pictures: http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11252

Although they are not specifically for inner thighs, these exercises (squats and lunges) work the whole leg. Also, the side lying hip lifts shown by Gin Miller in the April '01 issue work the shoulders, obliques and inner thighs, all in one move.

Hiking Mt Si would certainly send a booming something to your inner thighs :D

Let me know what you think!

Julie

Julie-

I knew you'ld come through for me! I'll give the at-home ones a shot. I'm also contemplating a fit ball at some point, just to keep things interesting.

As a side note, DH & I hiked the back end of the mountain that we snowcamped on in April. Turns out we ended up about 1/3 mile from the look out tower, which is something else! Gorgeous views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Adams. Now that we know the landmarks, I feel much more confident about doing this as a snowshoe/hike next winter. If you & DH want a butt kicker hike in Oregon anytime, let me know & I'll give you directions to Devil's Peak! We're still trying to swing a parent-free visit up north so we can hit Mt. Si. Love my folks, but my mom is a bit of a planner! :rolleyes:

-Amanda

[lindrusso]

Thanks for the encouragement Browneye - I know that I feel better once I get going again, it's just that I have to get going!

BethML - Oh yes! I had my eye on the weather and was THRILLED to be returning to weather in the 70s!!!! Loved New Orleans, but I'm tired of being HOT! I will enjoy every minute of this cooler weather. Here in Indiana, it is pretty much the same - lovely. :cool: