Home Exercise Enthusiasts week of 2/9/09

[avariell]

Hi everyone! I totally slacked off last week since I was sick, but I am finally feeling better (still congested but more "with it"). I had my dr appt on Friday and I am scheduled for a septoplasty on March 5th. I am nervous but very excited to get it done! I need my freaking nasal passage straightened out so I can breathe through my nose like a normal person! There are some additional sinus issues that will be dealt with during the surgery. Hopefully they reduce the number of infections I get, but honestly, I am most looking forward to more normal breathing. It is so weird how something can be so screwed up under the surface - on the outside I have a perfectly straight nose, but on the inside it is completely crooked! My bf is really worried about them changing the appearance of my nose... hehe. I am sure it will be fine.

Anyhoo, I am headed to the gym this afternoon to work out with personal trainer. Tomorrow night is ballet (I could only make 2 of the 4 classes in Feb, and they don't normally let you pro-rate but they made an exception for me! woohoo!) and I *will* get to the gym on my own on Wednesday.

Valerie- I hope you are doing okay and my fingers are crossed that you won't need another EEG.
testkitchen- way to stick with your workouts even when life gets in the way (says the girl who hasn't worked out in a week :p)
Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes with my sickness/sinuses :)

[Valerie226]

I need another EEG.. they like to do these in a series to make sure not to miss anything. I will take meds next time so I don't need to stay up all night, my main compalint.

This weekend DH & I did an over night ski trip. it was very nice but a huge amount of work and only suited for real die-hards like us... and right now I'm not so sure about us! Big packs and a sled for all the gear, 7 hours up and 5 hours back down the next day. Very nice but probably more work than it was worth.

Wow Josie... Hope you can get your inner nose straightened out! I have a cousin contemplating similar surgery. Hopefully short term discomfort for some long term benefits. And we all know that works for exercise too.

Hope everyone else had a great weekend and are heading into the new week with workouts planned.

[avariell]

woohoo! I got an hour of cardio in tonight on the AMT elliptical. I also lifted chest and back. It was a great night back in the gym, and I feel really great.

[Valerie226]

Great work Josie! I got in a half hour on the bike and Muscle max.

[cniles]

Good workout Josie!!! UGh sinuses - mine are KILLING me right now - and my eyes ache too. Hoping I can get through the night without too much problem. Glad you got your surgery scheduled!

Valerie - that does sound like a lot of work for an overnight hike. Kind of like going camping for only an overnight!

I did Pump, Jump and Jab on Saturday and took a long walk on Sunday - gorgeous but windy! Today I had to take Sam to get his glasses fixed (AGAIN!!!!) so I didn't get to workout - plus I'm feeling pretty punky.

Tomorrow I neeeeeeed to do something - My eyes are bonkers - trying to catch up on FB:cool: and make sure I post here as well.

Have a great rest of the Monday!

[lindrusso]

Hello everyone. :)

Josie - Glad you're feeling better and good job on the workout today.

Charisse - Ugh, my sinuses are FINALLY feeling OK - I had about 3 weeks of off and on problems so I can definitely sympathize. I think this warmer weather and added humidity might help a little.

Valerie - Sorry to hear you need another EEG.

Last week was a good one. I got cardio in 5 days and some sort of strength training in 4 days.

One of my goals is to try to feel just a little bit sore after strength training each week so I've been changing things up by trying some slow sets (a la Cathe) and by trying to add in a lot more lunges, squats and I'm even trying push-ups again - ugh! ;) I keep track of everything on an Excel spreadsheet so I can track my progress.

I'm also trying to ramp up my cardio by doing more than my minimum of 30 mins/2 miles at least a couple times a week.

I was hoping to do some weights today but instead I was in the kitchen for 3 hours cooking from 660 Curries. It was really good but now I'm whooped! Not exactly the kind of workout I had in mind, but I'll get it in tomorrow. At least I got out with the dog for a short walk. :)

Keep up the good work everyone!

[avariell]

Valerie- your overnight trip sounds insane (in a good way!). Have you always been an avid crosscountry skier? It seems like amazing exercise. I wish I knew more people who were into outdoor activities.

Charisse- I hope you feel better soon! Everyone I know is sick :( My friend Allison (kyra on the boards) brought me some Influenza Sorbet from a local ice cream shop - orange/lemon sorbet with bourbon, honey and cayenne pepper. I think it cured me! You could probably make your own version with lemon sorbet :D

Alysha- I feel ya on push ups. I did about 60 yesterday and hated every single one of them. Ballet will probably hurt tonight when I stretch my upper body out.

I signed up for a yoga class on Sunday mornings... I hope it goes better than my previous attempts at yoga. Like I mentioned before, I have some problems with dizzy spells and a lot of the up/down stuff in yoga makes me light-headed. I think at the time I was taking an aerobic yoga class (vinyasa maybe?!) and going from standing up with my face pointed up to the "sun" and then quickly moving down to the mat made me so dizzy and sick I had to quit eventually. I hope this is a slow yoga class ;)

[Valerie226]

Alysha, I'm a Cathe fan. I hear you on pushups.. I don't like them much but you get more bang for your buck than with most other exercises. so I do them. Same with squats and lunges. I don't like them, but if I do the above once a week I don't lose ground. more than once would be good but doesn't always happen. getting it in once a week keeps it from being too painful to get back into.

Josie.. I take one yoga class a week so not exactly the voice of experience.. so many types, keep looking til you find a good fit. I love my class but once a week is enough for me at this point.
I've xc skied for more than 30 years. the issue is always finding a good place to ski. It's not a popular activity and it's hard to find places to do it. I'm not a big fan of groomed areas... groomed tracks are a couple inches too wide for me. Snowshoeing is more popular and works in more terrain but it's slower than skiing. we took snowshoes for our (admittedly) 'insane' trip last weekend and ended up using them quite a few times.

Charisse.. too bad ... the dreaded sinus crud. We've had a good year for illness so far. Usually by now there's been a wave of flu and head colds but this year has been pretty benign. Course, that can change in a flash. Hope yours improves soon!

[LakeMartinGal]

Posting my puny workout, just to be checking in with someone...:o You all have such good things to report!

Our water aerobics class was canceled again!:mad: Last week, the Marines were using to pool for a life saving class, and this week, the water was C O L D!!! Better luck Thursday... So, I came home and did 30 minutes of wii fit, and 30 minutes of tennis and bowling on the wii! Not exactly a sweatshop of a workout, but I don't feel so stiff, which is one of the goals!:)

[Valerie226]

Classes shoudl be more dependable.. what is the problem? but mainly, any workout is way better than no workout so give yourself credit for making the effort.

Now, I'll show my ignorance .. I've heard it mentioned more than once and thought i'd somehow figure it out, but what the heck is a wii?? I have no clue.

[LakeMartinGal]

Classes shoudl be more dependable.. what is the problem? but mainly, any workout is way better than no workout so give yourself credit for making the effort.

Now, I'll show my ignorance .. I've heard it mentioned more than once and thought i'd somehow figure it out, but what the heck is a wii?? I have no clue.It's a Nintendo video game (http://us.wii.com/), but it's not played on your butt!:D They now have a "fit" game (http://us.wii.com/) out as well, and it has balance, aerobic, yoga and strength exercises. Ours came with the sports package, and you can play tennis, baseball, bowling, boxing, golf and ... something else - I can't remember.

The problem with the class is that we use the pool of a local military academy, and they let us use it for free! So, if there's a conflict, we have no legs to stand on. Mostly, they've been excellent, but it's frustrating when you've been looking forward to exercising (and water aerobics is the ONLY exercise I've ever said that about!:p) and it's canceled! I'm sure our very sweet instructor will have them ship-shape by Thursday!:D

[srahndennis]

Hi, everyone! Just a quick fly-by. Finally feeling better here, too. I did Supersets on Saturday then a hour walk with the family. Did another hour walk on Sunday. This morning was Pyramid Upper Body. Going to try run tomorrow morning :eek: (if I write it, it must be so). Hope to be back for personals later!

[lindrusso]

I did Supersets on Saturday then a hour walk with the family.

Is that one of the Cathe workouts? I need to see if I recorded that one from FitTV. I had it at one time but then we had to reset our DVR and lost a bunch of stuff. I remember liking that workout and I could alternate my slow sets with supersets and pyramid.

I got in a short walk and some weights today. Tomorrow hopefully more walking and abs........

[SueK]

Hi everyone,

I've been working out; just too lazy to post about it. ;)

I have a question and did not find anything when doing a search. I am in need of some suggestions for good sports bras. If I don't do aerobics I do the treadmill, and will be outside once the weather is better. The problem is that I find myself wanting to jog (gasp! ;) ) rather than power walk, but the sports bras that I have are just not helping the girls, if you know what I mean.

I have some that rein them in, but then I feel like I can hardly breathe. And the ones that feel good on my shoulders, etc, don't have enough control. I'm willing to pay more for ones that will hold me in and control the bounce, for lack of a better word!

If you have found some online, or in stores, please let me know. I have limited stores around me that might carry some but really need some better quality ones at this point.
Thx!

[avariell]

Kay- how frustrating about water aerobics! Everytime you post and mention them, I am reminded that I need to check out my gym's class. I loved water aerobics when I lived in Minnesota... it was always so much fun. It never felt like exercise to me.

Sue- I have seen this topic discussed previously on the Other Stuff board. I think Robyn(maybe?) highly recommends Title9 bras? I might be dreaming, but I swear they are popular with the runners. I have nothing to support, so I am happy with the cheapy Target sports bras ;):D

[LakeMartinGal]

If you have/find some that are good around with support, you can always shorten the straps to confine the girls and stop the jiggle!;)

[testkitchen45]

Hi, all! I've read thru the thread and am thinking about you all--good luck with medical issues :(, ballet, yoga, DVDs, Wii . . . what a diverse group of exercises we all choose!

Got back into the swing of things on Monday. Did chest + back, plus abs. Remember that godawful chair thing, where you lift your legs up (over and over and over till you're ready to die) while hanging there? I got up to 15 this time! :) A pittance for many of you, I'm sure :p, but when I started out with 3 sets of only 3 and can now do 15, that's progress.

I was hoping to do some weights today but instead I was in the kitchen for 3 hours cooking from 660 Curries.

Don't you wish such things would count?? :p If housework and cooking were physically beneficial, I'd be a size 0 and smokin' hot. :D Ummm; doesn't work that way. :cool: Off to the gym again tonight . . .

I do detest working out from 5-6, but it's the only time DH (aka my personal trainer) can work out. I hate being gone when my kids are home from school, and even though I'm a SAHM I still have to plan crockpot or other do-ahead meals on those days as if I were working in an office. :( But I've got good kids, and I guess it's good for them to see Mom taking care of business, instead of following in Grandma's very weak footsteps. After I've done it for awhile and know all the machines, I'll be able to go on my own (earlier) at times, although it's of course lots more fun for us both to work out with a buddy.

Posting my puny workout . . . 30 minutes of wii fit, and 30 minutes of tennis and bowling on the wii!

Since when is that a puny workout? Good job! :)

I am in need of some suggestions for good sports bras.

I am so glad you posted this question. My DH wants us to start jump-roping for an easy at-home aerobics boost. Until I get a decent sports bra, that is so not happenin'. :cool: Anyone know who sells the Title9's that were recommended?

Happy week, everyone!

[avariell]

I %#@%@#^ HATE THE CLBB'S SEARCH FUNCTION!!!!!!!!!!


OK. Deep breath.

Here is one thread that might help with the bra thing:

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=116270

[cniles]

I get both Title9 and Activa catalogs. Both have a good selection - I've ordered from Title9 but can't remember which brand. The one I have currently supports me well but b/c it's underwire it cuts into my side. So I'm looking as well. Pretty sure you can google Title9 and it will come up.

I did Power Half Hour yesterday - after 2 days of nothing. I'm going to try and squeeze in something this afternoon before soccer practice and bunco. Tomorrow I have a conference right after school... I really need to start my walking!!!

Ooops recess is over - gotta run. Will check in later :)

[avariell]

I got my ballet class in on Tuesday - and it was more of a workout than usual. I was very sweaty when I left.

Last night I did 45 minutes on an EFX Elliptical and a moderate ab work out.

I have an appointment with my PT this afternoon, and will work on legs - my least favorite <whine>. I know she's gonna kill me. I think living with her makes her harder on me ;)

[LakeMartinGal]

The pool heater's still broken...:( I'll be going down to do the wii exercising, as soon as I'm done here..... but, does one ever really get done, here?;)

[testkitchen45]

Question on working out when you're always dealing w/kids' schedules (kind of long, but help/advice needed) . . .

I'm actually really discouraged. :( The only time DH can work out is right before dinnertime so that he comes home right afterward. He also has a tons better workout if he's had two or three decent meals before he works out (gotta love those lean people with fast metabolisms :p). So our "best" workout time together is at 5:00. He has the work freedom to leave in time to meet me at the gym; earlier is pretty impossible and later ends us up too late: right now, we'll work out from 5 to 6, be home by 6:10/15, and have dinner (of course, that means I must have dinner in the oven or crockpot already, or I must have planned microwavable leftovers :rolleyes:).

Well, I already don't like leaving when my kids have just gotten home, but we can deal with that. But it seems that a planned schedule simply isn't possible. For example, last week, I had to cancel a workout b/c my DS had a girl coming over to work on a school project, and I don't think it would have been appropriate for a gal to be here w/o an adult around (and DS agreed; they're good kids). This week, DH and I worked out Monday during DD's class elsewhere in the same shopping center (about the only sure bet in the whole schedule). We couldn't go Tuesday b/c both DSs had to be in two places for school stuff. Wed, we would have worked out after DD's piano but actually DH's work schedule blew that one; usually Wed is off b/c there's too little time b/w DD's piano and the DSs' church group. Tonight, one DS has to be somewhere at 6, and the other (plus DH) has to be somewhere at 7. Tomorrow, one DS has to be somewhere right after school. It just never ends, and I never get any skinnier or more fit. :(

Not every week is this crazy, but I'm really discouraged b/c I don't know enough about the machines yet to go on my own, which I may not be consistent with anyway w/o a buddy (if I were, I'd have stuck with it all the times I've started in the past--just being honest/realistic here). I always seem to be up against the family schedule. It's comparatively easy for DH, b/c he really could go w/o me b/c he's got an officeful of people still doing the work stuff while he's gone. But as a SAHM, when I go do anything "for me," I come home to the same workload & carpooling--just with even less time to get it all done. :o DH is a great worker/helper when he's home (not a "bring me a beer, honey" slacker ;)), but the simple fact is that the kids' schedules, b/c they overlap my "workday" so much more than they overlap DH's, affect me more than they do him--and yet I'm in my mid-40s and am NOT going to achieve slimness or fitness w/o regular workouts, so I feel (yet again) like it's never going to happen for me. I will try to get in some aerobic time during the week (again, being consistent would be a real change b/c I always feel so darn busy & overloaded & it's difficult to take time away from everything else--the same cr*p just looms when I return home); that'll help but it's not going to do for me what weight-training would do.

Any advice? Maybe these thoughts belong on the current pre-menopause thread ;) in case it's just a major mood swing, but I sure would appreciate any ideas from people who have been there. Thanks.

[LakeMartinGal]

Wow, TK. I feel your pain about scheduling.

I think it would be a good idea to get to know the machines well enough that you could go on your own, and go with DH when your schedule permits... I don't know about you, but my favorite exercise time was either before the kids got up, or right after they went to school. Waiting until almost dinner hour to do it seems unmanageable for all the reasons you said.

If you're trying to achieve slimness and fitness, and that's your main goal, then I think that's overlooking the reason you're a SAHM. Your body -- but the toning of it has to fit into your schedule, and you sound like the kind of mom where the kids'/family's needs come first!

Maybe you could find a buddy on a similar schedule to go to the gym with, and go with DH when you can fit it in...

I typed this with concern for your situation, and not censure... I hope it came across that way!:o

[avariell]

testkitchen... you are not alone!!

Granted, I am not a mother or married, but we all struggle with our schedules and prioritizing workouts. Hopefully I can offer some suggestions that have worked for me that might work for you.

Work out with your hubby 3 times a week (consider him your personal trainer - and realistically you probably wouldn't be able to afford more than that). If one of those workouts falls on a weekend, that is only 2 days a week that you have to juggle schedules. I leave work at 4:00 on Mondays and Thursdays so I can meet my PT at 4:30. This gives me enough of a weight-lifting boost to really carry me through the week. The rest of the time, I do cardio on my own (are you feeling insecure about not knowing what cardio to do? I assume this is more of a weight-lifting issue). I also add in small workouts that I have learned from working out with a PT. I am sure your dh could write some stuff down for you too - or you could make notes a couple times.

For example, I know that my PT likes me to do circuits of 3 exercises about 10-15 times 3 times. So that might mean I do 15 hanging leglifts (which I know you know how to do :)), 1 1-minute plank, 20 stability ball crunches and then repeat 2 more times through. It isn't a huge ab workout, but I still feel it the next day and mixed with cardio, I feel pretty successful.

Another idea, on a non-training (that is, not a day you workout with dh), create your own little leg workouts. Try 15 standing lunges, 15 squats and jump rope for 2 minutes, repeat 3 times, etc.

Don't be discouraged! I am totally intimidated by the machines and weights when I am at the gym on my own, but I feel very confident in a lot of the resistance-based exercises I mentioned above.

Also, regarding the food issue, you might do better at the gym if you eat a little more too :) I have seen the most significant weight loss since I started working out with a trainer when I switched to several 300 calorie meals/day. I eat about 5-6 300 to 350 calorie meals everyday and it really jumpstarts my metabolism. I know every person's body is different, but this seems to be a popular diet/healthy eating strategy, especially if you are working out regularly. Your body needs the calories to keep it going. You WILL see results, even if they aren't on the scale. Heck, you already have!! You do as many hanging leg lifts as I do and I have been doing it for a year :D You increased your reps over several weeks - PROOF THAT YOU ARE STRONGER!!

everyone goes through stages of motivation-deprivation. Don't feel guilty about it, just figure out a way to make it work for you.

Oh one last thought - if you work out 4 times a week, you are ahead of the curve. Don't beat yourself up if you get to the gym 3-4 times a week, and just take a nice walk with your kids another couple days and an off day, etc.

[testkitchen45]

Kay and Josie, checking back in here . . . you guys are great; thanks! :)

Kay, it didn't come across as censure at all!! You made some good suggestions. It is true that working out when I used to be fixing dinner & supervising homework is a pretty tall order. Josie, DH has taken notes as we've worked out; I'm slowly learning the machines but going on my own once in awhile is my goal--I'm still learning what each machine name means (if you've seen me at the gym ;), I'm the lost-looking one trying to match a machine to its name in my little book).

Maybe 2x/week during the week is all I'll be able to do sometimes--or 1x/week. Weekends with DH might be possible, but weekends are often devoted to landscaping, yard stuff, & other outdoorsy/springtime activities. (But I'd sure like to look better when we use our pool :).) I know weight training is supposed to burn more calories than cardio :confused:, but maybe I could still thin down if I got on the elliptical a few times during the week? I guess I'm pretty impatient (& a little jealous of DH, I must admit)--if he works out, he sees fast results (and yes, it's b/c he has worked out with weights for several years, but he also has a superhuman fast metabolism); if I do, I'm still zipping up the same ol' jeans the next day. :p

Josie, you're right about the eating. Obviously, stupid choices like ice cream are out, except for a taste here & there (I'm not going to stop cooking & trying new recipes; nope). But DH said not to worry about dieting yet--that if I cut the calories, I won't be able to keep increasing the weight I can lift. He wants me to keep increasing till I've pretty much maxed out, THEN cut the calories & increase the reps (maybe in March or so, assuming a regular workout program till then). Thoughts?

Thanks, all! :)

[Valerie226]

Wow, lots going on here this week!. DH and I went on a hike yesterday.. he had an early dentist appt and the weather was pleasant when he got home but sort late to drive to the mountains so we did a nearby hike, turned out to be 6.5 miles with a decent uphill component, about 2000 feet gain. took us about 4 hours up and back.

Regarding sports bras... I have skin issues with metal hooks plus I can't get that style to fit right. . so I do over the head (OTH) bras. I get mine from www.roadrunnersports.com .... they are a sister company to Activa that was mentioned earlier. i will get the exact product num,ber and post it in a bit. It's very supportive, simple and fairly inexpensive. the girls are a 36D so I feel confidant recommending this bra. It does flatten you down somewhat but I find it by far the most effective and comfortable style. Some women don"t like wrestling off the OTH style whereas I refuse to deal with the blasted hooks. especially back hooks. www.title9.com has a good selection as does www.activa and www.athleta.com

[Valerie226]

Ok, checked the www.roadrunnersports.com web site. the bra is the sportek comes in a/b model and also a c/d. the C/D is RRL427. on b/o until Feb 18, in white, black, blue, and green. I love this bra. It's $30 and it keeps the girls in place comfortably, running or anything else. there are comments from other users who like it a lot too. it has two layers and the liner has 17% spandex with sort of stretchy cups that the girls fit in, rather than a flat panel that many bras have. zip front bras unzip unpredictably on me if they are snug enough to hold the girls in place.
Hope this helps. I've been wearing this bra for many, many years. they hold up great and are comfy enough to wear every day, except they do flatten things down a bit so aren't real flattering.

I know body type is a big factor here. back hooks jab me in the back when doing floor work and if I get a band that fits around my chest snugly there tends to not be enough support to the cups, or I'm flowing over the sides. maybe TMI but that's the way it is.

TK, you are fairly new to this routine but you'll reach the point where you'll feel fine going without your DH. Maybe you could keep workouts to simple cardio a few days a week? cranking out 45 min on the elliptical or treadmill is pretty uncomplicated and won't require coaching etc. I try to do weight training a couple days a week but some days I keep real simple. congrats on the hanging leg raises, by the way. you're doing great.

Lake martin gal, no we're never "done"! I just got another incentive though... my younger sister was just diagnosed with T2 diabetes. she's over weight and doesn't exercise, and has plenty of other stuff amiss. My brother has T2 too. I'm the oldest and so far, so good but the genetics are hovering in the background. just another reason to go hit the gym.
.

[avariell]

testkitchen - am I reading your post correctly to mean you don't currently do any cardio??
I completely agree with your husband that you need muscle mass to burn more calories - but man .... cardio is a HUGE component to weightloss and overall fitness IMHO :) AND the bonus is you can do it on your own! From my first appt with my PT, I was instructed to do a 10 minute warmup, lift with her, and then do at a minimum 30 mins of cardio. On my non-lifting days, I do cardio pretty faithfully. I think that alone would help you feel better about yourself. If you make it to the gym 2x/week to lift, and do cardio on 3 other days on your own, you will notice changes in your body. I don't think you should consider weight lifting and cardio as two unrelated activities - think of them as two pieces of the puzzle (I agree with your dh that worrying about diet later makes more sense - I just meant if you break your meals up into 5-6 "mealtimes" you feel like you are eating a ton more :D)

[avariell]

Valerie- awesome hike! I am so envious of your drive to be outside. I think I have a little bit of a drive to be outside... but... I would need someone to kick me in the pants and get me to "Just do it". ;)
I also agree about OTH sportsbras. I hate backclasps.

testkitchen - one other quick thought, and this totally isn't meant to be discouraging, it is meant to be understanding, the yardwork/housework/family stuff on the weekends can wait an hour. You deserve to give yourself that time on the weekends to put yourself first. I have lots of junk that can get in the way on the weekends if I *let* it. But I just remember that the gym is a numero uno priority (when I am not sick :D) because it is probably the best thing I can do for me!

I love me, therefore I exercise. (Could I sell that on a tshirt? :))

[testkitchen45]

testkitchen - am I reading your post correctly to mean you don't currently do any cardio??
I completely agree with your husband that you need muscle mass to burn more calories - but man .... cardio is a HUGE component to weightloss and overall fitness IMHO :)

Very true; I need both, and DH is not saying that I don't need cardio. I didn't mean to imply that; sorry if I did. It's noteworthy, though, that DH really puts me through the wringer with the weight training, so that it does a good job of getting my heartrate up and breathing deeper, so there's some cardio component to his weight training. I think what DH is trying to do is keep me from jumping off the deep end and thinking I have to do 5/week cardio plus 3/week weight training; he's giving me a good heart-rate boost during the weight training & I think he wanted me to start small so I wouldn't get overloaded, as a new exerciser just getting her routines down. I agree that I need to make a concerted effort to start a regular cardio routine, esp. if the weight trg. is sketchy. I'll sit down w/ my weekly calendar & start scheduling it in like a meeting; the "I'll try to get there today" approach isn't working so well. :o :)

testkitchen - one other quick thought, and this totally isn't meant to be discouraging, it is meant to be understanding, the yardwork/housework/family stuff on the weekends can wait an hour.

Amen, sister! My mom was really good at saying she'd exercise "someday." Didn't. :( She used to be on a tennis team and do yoga, but let it all slip over the years & now, in her 70s, has no energy or muscle mass. Not a good plan. Years from now, when I'm chasing around energetically after my grandkids, I'll be glad I'm getting over this newbie hump. :)

[avariell]

testkitchen - I really hope I am coming off as understanding and not pushy but I am going to keep replying with my thoughts everytime you reply - lol :)

I totally agree with you that weights 3x/week and cardio 5x/week sounds seriously overwhelming. My PT firmly believes in mixing cardio components in with my weightlifting, so I am totally in favor of that too :) I think on the nights/days you work out with your husband you shouldn't worry about cardio. I only work out with my PT for 30 minutes, so I really need that extra cardio punch - but I do a much shorter time on cardio those days (usually).

Just try to schedule cardio in twice a week when your schedule isn't jiving with your husband's/the family's. Maybe your cardio days could be like Tues and Thurs when you leave dh in charge of the kids and you go to the gym later. Or maybe the gym for cardio is only once a week and you schedule family walks or bike rides or whatever you guys enjoy.

My mom has type2 diabetes, and I have several factors that put me in the "likely to acquire" category :mad: I am trying really hard to get ahead of the curve NOW so I don't have to play catchup later. Heck, I don't even have kids yet but I know it will be easier on me to get pregnant someday if I am healthier now (many of my health problems also make me more likely to have fertility problems too).

[Valerie226]

[QUOTE=avariell;1466941.

My mom has type2 diabetes, and I have several factors that put me in the "likely to acquire" category QUOTE]


Josie, this hit home with me. Both my younger sister and younger brother have type 2. neither parent had it although a few other family members did, but no "strong" tendencies. So far I do not. I have a meter and check occasionally "just to be sure". I think there's a lesson in here but I don't want to sound smug. I am hoping to dodge this particular bullet by keeping my diet decent, weight reasonable, and exercise regular. I fully realize that I can't guarantee I won't develop the condition but I (all of us ) can tip odds in our favor with decent health habits.

and to that end, I took yesterday Off! Tee hee.. back to working out today, probably bike, treadmill, elliptical. Have a great weekend everyone!

[avariell]

Valerie - you actually totally inspire me to stay with it. It sounds like you have been living a healthy lifestyle for a long time, and I do believe you can control some health problems with sweat. I know I might still get diabetes (or whatever) but at least I won't wonder "what if..."
I struggle with my diet more than my exercise - but I also think I have learned some form of balance by prioritizing whole, recognizable ingredients. I guess if I am going to go overboard, it is probably better to eat too much locally produced, organic, grass-fed cheese than velveeta, ya know?

I got 40 minutes in on the cybex last night after doing legs. Also, I must brag a little bit - I did 5 sets of 15 reps with 100 lb on squats! I am so proud of myself :D

[Valerie226]

Wow, that's great 5x15 at 100 lbs? I'm in awe!! Be proud!!

I'm not perfect on diet and exercise but overall I do pretty well.. recognizable food / ingredients, very little processed stuff. Was ovo-lacto vegetarian for 25+ years, the last few years eat a little chicken and fish but still mostly vegetarian. lots of fruit vegies, low fat dairy, whole grains. what we're all supposed to do. low fat, no fried stuff, no soda, very little junk. not "zero", but not much. It's worked for a long time ... I try to make the best choice I can and try not to be tedious nag about food choices and always save room for a little chocolate.

[Canice]

Wow, lots of interesting information on this thread! :) Very useful, and lots of good "I'll keep that in my back pocket" kind of stuff, if that makes sense.

I'm glad the subject of sports bras came up: I'd like to buy one only because I'm sick of hiking up straps while loping to "Viva Las Vegas!" (I'm not kidding, for a while there it seemed to play all the time :rolleyes:). Part of me just wants to buy a cheap one at Sports Basement (if Trader Joe's were a sporting goods store, it would be Sports Basement) but I've also learned that sometimes buying something cheap only adds to the total cost.

Anyhow, just wanted to pop in and say that I'm more in lurking mode, only because my "routine" is so set I don't have anything to report. But I haven't quit or anything - I've increased my 3x/week to a goal of 5x. Was supposed to have my weigh and measure on Wednesday, but it's postponed til Monday. Can I live on water and carrots until then and hope for the best? ;)

[lindrusso]

Testkitchen -

Sounds to me like maybe you're being too hard on yourself? Like you're shooting for the perfect workout and if it can't be that, you're not doing anything?

And please know that this is coming from a reformed all-or-nothing person. ;) Now I figure that even a short walk is better than nothing and at least keeps me moving. :)

And I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but are you allowing yourself to be intimidated by the machines or are they really complicated?

It just seems to me that some of them really only take once or twice to learn how to use them properly and I wonder if you're somehow over-thinking or if they are using some complicated equipment with a bigger-than-usual learning curve.

Have you learned any of the machines well enough to do on your own? If so, you could at least do those few machines you know - not a complete workout, but better than nothing. For example, the leg extension machine is really not a hard one to learn.

And most gyms will have attendants on hand who can help you out.

Also, I'd suggest learning a few dumbell exercises or doing things like lunges, squats, pushups. Maybe you'd find them easier to learn or do since they don't require the use of machines and you can do them anywhere (at home or at the gym), with or without weights.

How old are your kids? Can you go to the gym while they are at school?

I agree that it's very overwhelming to go at the 5-6 hour - it's just very hard with kids' schedules and activities so I think that if you can go more on your own, during the day when they're in school, it will be so much easier on you. Do whatever you can - cardio, a few machines, whatever. If you are a SAHM and the kids are in school, then it seems to me (and please correct if I'm wrong - I know I had plenty of time when that was the case, but everyone's schedules are different) that there should be plenty of time to fit in a workout if you really want to.

I understand that you rely on DH and want to do it the right way but if that's not possible some weeks, I think you need to lower your standards a bit and find something you can make work. There is PLENTY you can do without relying on DH. Just move, keep active, get yourself in the habit of working out regularly no matter what that workout might be. Something is better than nothing.

[cniles]

Testkitchens - sounds like their has been a lot of good advice!

I workout when I get home from school - 4:30 - 5:30 3 times a week - I try to meal plan those nights to be "easier" dinners. I do DVD's with cardio and weights. And then do hopefully 2 workouts on the weekend. Sometimes the plan works and sometimes as we all say life gets in the way. Good luck!!

I walked on Wednesday when the weather was so beautiful.... then the wicked witch of the west flew in! HOLY Toledo!! I was hanging on to our house for dear life - 2 days of high winds. No workout as I didn't sleep at all and I was draggin.

Today I did Pump, Jump and Jab to get me back into it. Still sinusey - not real fun when you're doing jumping jacks and your head is pounding:o