[B]Home exercise enthusiasts week of Feb 1[/B]

[Valerie226]

I'll get us started this week. My weekend was pretty easy. I took Saturday off and sunday I did a bike warm up and then 35 minutes on the treadmill. then yard work, pruning back dead plants and hauling it to the shredder/ compost pile. Smart people do this in late fall before everything is dead and slimy... Not too hard but it was nice doing yard work after months of none. All the early plants are pushing up thru the ground...daffodils, peonies, crocuses. One bush blooms now, sarcococca an incredibly sweet smell.

SueK, hope you get those new DVD's soon. I'm too uncoordinated to do any kind of step workout. Good luck on the kettleball disk. I'm guilty of sticking the wrong disk in the wrong case causing long term searching.

[cniles]

Really???? You have plants pushing through? WOW. We've got awhile yet... very jealous!!

I was active this weekend... I did Cardio Overdrive on Saturday and Jump, Pump and Jab yesterday. I also took a quick walk - enjoying our 50 degree weather!:D

Today I did Power Half Hour. Great sweat for 30 mins!

Stayed up late watching our STEELERS WIN!!!:D

I'm going to be doing the More magazine half marathon in April - in NYC with my friend! I'm very excited. I've never done anything like this before. We're going to stay at my sisters -she lives 4 blocks from central park and she will do it with us!! I can walk 13 miles - right?!!!;)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[srahndennis]

Is it really February??? Ack!!! Where does the time go?

You guys have been busy! Great start on the week.

I did a looooooong step routine on Saturday and walked with DS for about 50 minutes on Sunday. Beautiful weather! This morning I did Muscle Endurance but really wimped out on the step-ups. Just wasn't in me today.

Valerie -- Glad you enjoyed the yardwork! I love it when the spring plants start peeking out. I haven't seen much around here but it will probably be soon. Our weather is starting to warm up. Any more info on the earthquake?

Charrise -- Congrats to your Steelers! We were rooting for you! I just didn't think the Cardinals could do it. A half-marathon???? I have to admire you....I'd do almost anything to get back to Central Park but not a half-marathon. I'd be walking, crawling, draggin' my sorry body while others trounced over me. I can't imagine the next day after doing something like that (can you tell I'm not the runner in the family????). It really does *sound* like fun, though. And it will be even more so with friend and family. That's so cool!

[Valerie226]

Charisse & Stacy , the climate here is mild compared to midwest and northeast. It is WET, but it's common to have things blooming in jan and Feb. DH and I live at 400 foot elevation rather than sea level so it's slower than a few hundred feet below us. The puget sound provides climate moderation. the further away from the water the colder it gets. nothing like PA though! I can't speak to texas weather but I'll bet spring is lovely. it's so nice to see the first plants up and know spring is almost here.
Thirteen miles walking? Sure you can do it! the excitement of the group will carry you much of the way. 13 miles running is a different story.
Shoes /socks are the big issue. Alot of people wear double socks, a liner and outer sock. sometimes needs a roomier shoe. Feet tend to swell over distance so allow for that. But too big a shoe slipping around can cause blisters too, so work on the footwear combo ahead of time for whatecer works. blisters will sideline more people than anything. I personally don't like double socks & wear single ones but I'm the odd man out on that. I've walked 13 miles over rough terrain and with a pack or backpack many times so let me be first to say, work on making sure your feet happy and carry what you need to treat hot spots before blisters form. I like medium weight smartwool socks, light mid height flexible hiking or trail running shoes. Depends on how cranky your feet/ankles are.

Got in a bike warm up, 30 treadmill and 20 elliptical yesterday. yoga this am, and I will repeat GS legs and one uper body weight program today. or maybe muscle max to cover all bases. It's a warm sunny day so I'm not committing to HOURS.

Our earthquake was just a reminder we live in a fault zone. no damage anywhere, barely got any news cover at all.

[cniles]

Stacy - let me clarify and say that I'm WALKING the half marathon!!!:p No way will I run. And I walk our Relay for Life every year - since I'm our team's chairperson I'm there the entire time and I'm sure end up walking many miles!! This will get me in shape for our May 29th relay date!:)

Valerie - I'll definately keep the shoes/socks in mind. I went through 3 different pairs of shoes last year at relay - mind you I was able to sit in between my shifts walking but I definately needed to make sure my shoes were good!! When is your test? Today??? Let us know how it goes.

I did Burn and Shape today - that's 4 for 4 since Sat! I won't be able to do anything tomorrow so I'll pick it up again on Thursday. I'm feeling better about myself - I can feel my ab muscles again:)

[lindrusso]

Hello Charisse, Valerie and Stacy. :) Mind if I join in your weekly threads? It's been a very long while since I participated regularly on one of these.....

This time around, I'm happy to say that instead of coming here and talking about how I'm going to start working out again, I've already started it. ;) Not for real long - about 2 weeks now, but I've been so bad about working out these last few years that even that little bit is progress! :o

Last week I got some sort of exercise every day - one day was just snowblowing, but trying to turn that thing around does give a bit of a workout. ;) I've been trying really hard not to be satisfied with just the bare minimum - that's okay for some days - like when I'm having a really hard time motivating myself - but if I want to see progress, I need to work harder.

The walking is coming along nicely (my minimum each time is 2 miles, but I try to shoot for 4) but I need to get in more weight training. Yesterday I did 40 lunges - those same 40 lunges last week made me sore for at least 3 days - so far I'm not sore yet this week. It's amazing how the body can adapt so quickly! I guess I'll need to ramp it up to 50 next time. :)

Anyway, I work out both out of the home and at home. I'm contemplating giving up my gym membership or change gyms but I'm having a hard time deciding on that one. I'm giving it another month or two before I make a decision for sure.

Charisse - I hardly "see" you any more! :) A half-marathon - cool!

Valerie - I can't wait to do yardwork again - I miss my garden! I lost weight last summer without even trying and I know it was being outside and eating so many fresh veggies from my garden and the farmers' market.

Stacy - I know I've seen you around the boards, but I don't know if we've interacted much. Anyway, it's nice to "meet" you. :)

And now I'm going to go to bed before I give in to my craving for leftover dip from the Super Bowl! Take care.

[avariell]

kam1112 reported


Hey guys- just checking in to say I haven't forgotten about you :)
Alysha, I am happy to see you joining the thread! Good luck with staying on track - we all need encouragement to stay on top of exercising regularly imho :)
All Steeler Fans- WOO! I was rooting for you ;)
I am really sick right now so I am going to keep this short and simple. I was in Connecticut over the weekend with my boyfriend and managed to get cardio in with him, but no lifting which stinks. I haven't been to the gym since as I have come down with a nasty sinus infection.
I have an appointment with my ENT on Friday and am really hoping we get a surgery scheduled to get my deviated septum fixed and also my sinuses roto-rootered out so hopefully I stop catching every single bug that comes near me.

[Valerie226]

Welcome alysha! Glad to have you joining us. Dealing with snow is its own special exercise category!

Josie.. too luck with the sinus infection. I wouldn't wish surgery on anyone, but sometimes it ends up being the best option. I had a tonsillectomy way back when, and when I stopped getting throat infections ( from every single bug that came near me) it absolutely changed my life.

We planned on a bike ride yesterday, had bikes on the rack, car ready to go, but DH decided ( while I was getting dressed) he had to drop a tree. It didn't unfortunately fall where he wanted ....so we ended up spending 3 hours cutting, dragging, and hefting branches and log sections instead. iT WAS A VERY BIG TREE! it was a lovely warm day, sunny and almost 60 degrees so he is not out of the doghouse for that move! exercise, but not the fun kind.

Today.. I will try to make this my last whine about medical procedures... I'm having an EEG. I was supposed to stay up all night if possible ( it wasn't possible) so I slept from 8 til 11. I've been reading, cleanign the kitchen, and generally doing whatever to stay awake as long as it wasn't noisy as DH has to work today so he needed to sleep.
It is now 5:30 am and my test is at 8. should be done by 10, then I can go home and nap. Amazing how difficult it is to stay up for no "reason" with nothing to do. The neurologist said I might need several EEG's but I'm not sure I'll agree to that. This is very unpleasant, and it will completely kill today unless I'm able to nap. generally I can't sleep during the day no matter how tired I am. It certainly does not make me feel inclined to exercise. Sigh...

[testkitchen45]

Hello, all! Valerie and Josie, I hope your health returns soon. :( Good luck, everyone, with half-marathons, DVDs, yard work . . . what an active bunch this week!

This time around, I'm happy to say that instead of coming here and talking about how I'm going to start working out again, I've already started it. ;) Not for real long - about 2 weeks now, but I've been so bad about working out these last few years that even that little bit is progress! :o

Hey, Alysha! Fellow newbie, checking in; I've only been working out with DH (weights) for a few weeks (he's experienced at it & has become my trainer & workout buddy). :) This has been a sorry week, though, as far as the workouts that were planned with DH: Monday--a gal was coming over to work on a school project with my DS, so I thought it'd be inappropriate for no adult to be around & I stayed home. She joined us for dinner & stayed till almost 9, so no workout. Tues--schedule snafu on both ends: DH was late at work, and other DS started getting sick. Wed--various schedule snafus plus my lower back was really pinching & hurting so I was afraid to work out & do more to it; I think I slept funny Tues nite. Today--who knows? The healthy DS and DH have a meeting at school at 7, so if I get the crockpot going & if we work out early enough, they could make their meeting. Daily, I've had high hopes of at least doing abs at home, but have been running around w/everything else, so no workouts at all this week so far . . . :o

BTW, what's the diff b/w this thread and the "healthy living/workout support group" threads?

[srahndennis]

Josie -- I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I think I know exactly what you are going through! I used to get sinus infections all the time. The year I had five, each requiring two doses of antibiotics, I decided to see as many doctors as I needed to find out what was happening. The allergist said I wasn't a candidate for shots (didn't really want them!) but did tell me that some patients found relief with NeilMed sinus rinse. I bought one, then of course, didn't use it....until I got the next sinus infection. Since then, I use it every day (or twice a day, if it's a bad day). And it's really been a miracle for me -- I have an infection maybe once every couple of years now (right now, of course, but I'm suffering through it!). I did see an ENT on my quest, too -- the diagnosis??? I have a small nose with a slightly deviated septum. A small nose. How ridiculous is that??? The ENT said that she could go in and root me out but that it didn't necessarily mean that the sinus infections would stop. I'm not a fan of surgery, so I've opted for NeilMed. Try it if you haven't already. It takes a little getting used to but it's really no big deal and actually feels comforting. Everyone in our house uses it, including nine-year-old DS.

Valerie -- I hope the EEG provides some information for you. And I hope that one is enough!! Hope you're able to sleep this afternoon. Glad the earthquake wasn't a big deal.

Alysha -- Great to see you here! I've posted on the other boards a bit but tend to be here more. This group really helps me stay motivated....everyone is so encouraging!

Charrise - Ah, so the 13 miles is walking!! Well, now -- that sounds like much more fun!! And you're well positioned with your Relay for Life work. Good job on 4 for 4!!!

TK -- I haven't read the healthy living thread in a long time so I can't really tell you the difference. I started posting here....felt welcome and never left!

[lindrusso]

Hey, Alysha! Fellow newbie, checking in; I've only been working out with DH (weights) for a few weeks (he's experienced at it & has become my trainer & workout buddy). :)

BTW, what's the diff b/w this thread and the "healthy living/workout support group" threads?

Well, I'm not exactly newbie, but a new oldie. ;) It's just been a long while since I've been on a really good workout routine.

That's great that DH can help you set up a weight routine.

I haven't been on the other thread for a very long time but I know it started out pretty much like this thread - just a place for people to check in on a regular basis and give each other support - sharing progress, goals, tips, etc.

Actually, I started the HLSG thread years ago (I went to check out of curiosity and it was back in 2000!) and then it eventually merged with the weekly workout thread at which point it felt a little too big for me so I stopped participating.

Yesterday I did chest, back and abs and today I walked 3 miles.

What's been more difficult is not upping my food intake - the working out is making me hungry but I know, even without counting calories, that I'm getting plenty of calories in each day. I may not be counting them now, but I've counted them enough years to know I'm not going too low so I have to ignore the urge to chow down and/or be careful with my snacking.

TTFN........

[cniles]

Hey guys! No workout yesterday OR Wednesday!!

Today I did Pump, Jump and Jab - I'm hoping the weather stays mild this weekend as I'd like to start walking :)

I just joined facebook - argh. It has become an addiction!! Crazy.

Hi Alysha!!;) Between CL, FB and goodreads I may go a little nuts!!

Josie - hope your appt today went well and you were able to schedule your surgery!

Valerie - I hope your EEG went well. Great job staying awake!!! Did today ok or were you trying to play catch up?

Testkitchens - sometimes life gets in the way :) You just keep going!! This thread started in 2004 specifically for people who exercised at home but since then has evolved into exercisers of all walks - it's just where you feel comfortable. I've been here since the beginning:) People drop in and drop out - I need this thread to help make myself accountable - love the support I get here :)

Stacy - is that thing like a nettipot? I've been told to try it but still am squeamish about it:o

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

[Valerie226]

Well, I did exercise on thrusday, just 10 on the bike and 30 on the treadmill. I was SO tired but I couldn't sleep during the day. Today i did 10 bike, 15 treadmill, 15 elliptical and GS biceps. We are planning on an overnight ski this weekend so we will be hauling lots of stuff uphill so I decided against doing GS legs, although I was ready and actually started and then thought the better of it.
And now the neurologist's office called and they think they want another EEG. He had suggested beforehand that he might want a series of them but I had no idea how horrid it would be. Procedure itself is benign, but staying up all night is awful. I can't sleep the next day so it amounts to approx 36 hours of misery, and now I'd have the anticipation of it besides. I told his receptionist that he needs to give me a compelling reason why I need a repeat or forget it. So I guess I'll see if he has a good reason!

TK, I agree with charisse... sometimes it doesn't work out but you just slide it back in whenever you can make it fit.
Facebook .. I dont' need another place to spend time!
Whoops, gotta get back to the kitchen, timer went off.

[Joann242]

I am a newbie from SE FL - i use free weights a long time - go to our gym twice a week and also at home. we have terrific leaders and now joined a class for Tone and Stretch and a balance class. I have a torn tendon in my foot and also my arch is getting stiff. have a little difficulty in walking and standing but when i get tired, i sit and do free weights. also like resistance bands. no one mentioned those. they are great, light for travelling and also can replace free weights. don't like the machines much. also, I think i will start swimming again in our indoor pool. our weather down here has been rather cold and us Floradians really feel it. i sympathize with all the mid and western areas. they really are hard hit. any suggestions on improving my tendon and arch? thanks loads. i think this is a great forum.

Joann242:)

[testkitchen45]

Welcome, Joann! No clue on strengthening tendon & arch, but welcome to the BB! :)