September Challenge???

[sneezles]

Well, I think the last week of August was pretty much a bust for me. Had a rough TOM and just gave in to my laziness for most of the week. But I am itching to get back on track, anyone else?

[kwormann]

Dont want to hi-jack your thread, but have been wanting to ask you about your current diet. i know you did Atkins and have moved to something else where you eat more carbs....can you tell me a bit:)

[sneezles]

Kim,
It is the diet at physiquetransformation.com that I switched to after Atkins. It's basically a bodybuilder's eating plan. I did lose some weight at the beginning (8 pounds in the first 6 weeks) and this was while I was increasing my carbs and raising my calorie intake to 2800 calories/day (raised it 200 a week), doing no cardio for 8 weeks but doing lifting 5-6 days/week. Once you reach your set calorie limit you then go into Fatburning for 12 weeks. This part basically is rotating the calories up and down during a 12 rotation with the addition of cardio workouts. The 12 weeks is broken down into sets of 3 weeks. Each successive set of 3 weeks the calories are dropped but the P/C/F also fluctuates some but fat is basically 10%. So during the first 3 weeks my calories would be between 2500 max-2100 min (and then drop another 200 each side).
It is a very tedious and time consuming plan! You cannot advance through the Fatburning rotation unless you achieve a 90%/A on your weekly menus. You have to not only account for protein, carbs and fat but also vitamins, mineral, fiber and you lose points for going over 50% of the sugar carbs and high sodium intake. Plus you have to drink a gallon of water/day.
The program talks about 2 pounds per week weight loss but I found out this is based on a man's body not a female body! Sure some of the women were losing that and more but they were also doing 45-60 minutes of cardio twice a day!!!
I learned some valuable things but didn't continue after finishing the 12 weeks of fatburning as it consumed sometime 3 hours of my day trying to get the perfect score!
Sorry to ramble but I wanted to really explain the plan and not mislead you with their banter.

[kwormann]

OMG, how complicated it sounds!! Admire you for being able to do it:)

[katygirl]

I’ll join you for a September challenge! My first one! (I hope I’m doing this right…) Anyway, I have been slipping way to much in the exercise department. I’m a teacher, and instead of using my summer off to go to the gym, I instead used it to go to the beach and eat and drink too much…The number on the scale hasn’t really moved, maybe 2 or 3 pounds, but I definitely feel not so comfortable in the waist band area of my “work clothes” … So, September is tomorrow, school has started, and I am going to try to go to the gym/ exercise 5 times a week. I would love to try for 6, but will leave 5 as my goal to make it more realistic.

[sneezles]

Welcome, Katy! I think it's easier to stay with diet and exercise when my day is more structured so I am tempted to play more during the summer months. Guess it has something to do with longer days giving the feeling of "all the time in the world" where the fall and winter days don't seem so relaxed.
Anyway...we're a pretty supportive group on these challenges (altho it has been mentioned they seem to be more of an Accountability...but even that can be a challenge sometimes ;) ).
My goals for September are 5 days per week resistance training and 4 days of cardio with 3 days of abdominals thrown in there somewhere!

[hmclaugh]

Hi
I am pretty new to these boards, but I love them. Can I join in??? I just need to get my act together in general. Not so pleased with my job at the moment and I have let it take a toll on me. I want to exercise at least 4 times a week and then bump it up in October. I have got to start somewhere. My eating habits could be better as well.
Hieka

[sneezles]

Welcome, Hieka!
Glad to have you join the Monthly Challenge!

This morning I did one of Denise Auten's Power Yoga videos. I just wish her voice wasn't so grainy! Hopefully I can get to a point where I won't need the sound on at all!

[lindrusso]

Hi everyone. Welcome Katygirl and Heika. :)

I hesitate to post on the challenge this month, but I think I need to keep SOME focus on my health right now, even if it is not what I had been doing in the past.

So, my goals for this month are basic maintenance. I need to make sure that DH and I are eating fairly well. We did only okay last week, so I hope to do better this week - especially since DH goes into the hospital on Thursday. Between him not eating a normal diet (getting ready for surgery and perhaps after surgery as well) and him being in the hospital, I know that eating well will be a big challenge for me. I tend to take all sorts of shortcuts when we are not eating together as a family. My MIL will be here (and maybe my FIL as well), so that should help keep me on the straight and narrow. :)

As for exercise, I think I will go light this month and try for 3 times a week. That should be enough for my health, but not too much that it will get in the way of doctor's appointments, etc. I may rely less on doing a traditional workout at the Y (weights, etc.) and more on taking long walks. Long walks are good for clearing my head. I do want to do some weights, though - not only to keep my muscle tone, but because I have found lifting to be one of the best ways to relieve tension and stress in my body.

I don't know how much I'll be posting, but I did feel like I needed to try to make some sort of commitment this month.

Alysha :)

[Josh's Mom]

Hi. I would like to join you all in the September Challenge. I've been a lurker for a long time and have really enjoyed the cooking tips and recipes as well as all the other fun stuff that goes on here! I have learned so much thanks to all of you!!

I don't know if its age, eating too much, not exercising enough or all of the above. But, in the past year or so I have gained, gained, gained. I'm tired of spending so much time trying to find something in my closet that fits. I had decided to finally do something about it starting in September and when I saw this thread, I thought this would be a great time to not only make myself accountable to someone but to also say hello and start participating in the BB.

[sneezles]

Welocme, Lisa! Glad to have you here on the BBs! I also got tired of trying on everything just to find something that fit! So now I only have 2 sizes in my closet because not everyone's sizes are the same, so basically I'm a size 10/12 right now but would love to get to 8/10 and either really tone up or lose more weight.

Alysha I truly hope that all things go well for your DH on Thursday. And that you take care of yourself as well. Please let us know how things turn out.

[shoefling]

Count me in again! Last week I think that I ended up with 5 workouts but most of them were not very strenuous. I did a lot of walking. It was so hot and humid early in the week that running outside was NOT an option! It has been nice and cool the last day or so! Saturday I got in a nice long walk as a trekked at least a mile and a half from the hospital where I work to the football stadium to watch the Hawkeyes! DH and some friends were tailgating and parking is really tight around the stadium. So rather than fight the traffic myself I just walked over.

I think for the month of September I will try and get in 4 workouts a week. I have been slacking off with the running and need to get back into a groove with that. I also have been struggling to get in more strength training and would like to make that a priority this month.

Welcome to Katy, Hieka, and Lisa!

Susan, good for you for getting right back to your workouts after the break last week!

Alysha, I too hope that things go well for your DH. Check in when you can and remember to take care of yourself. Just do what you can.

Sarah

[nealy]

Hi! I'm pretty new here too! My goals for this month are going to include eating a fresh fruit or vegetable at every meal and exercising 4x/week. I'm kind of starting over in the exercise department -- I'm a first-time mom, and I sort of dropped the metaphorical ball during pregnancy. I've lost all the weight, but now I'm out of shape.

[katygirl]

Wahooooo. I am 1/1 just got back from the gym. I did the elipse machine for 40 minutes and burned 450 calories. I've also been very good about my water today which is a September goal as well. I agree totally on the whole lack of structure in the summer is BAD. When I am working and am crazy busy I tend to work out more and eat better. Go figure...

Thanks for the welcomes guys, this is going to be great! I really need some accountability and here it is :)

[shoefling]

Welcome nealy!

I did not get a workout in today. That means that I have to get my behind moving tomorrow! I wasn't a total slug today, I did get some housecleaning in, but no structured workout. It is amazing how easy it is to let things slide. I need to get back in the groove!

[ellery]

Boy do I need a challenge too. I'm new to the bulletin board thing, but like your topic. I'm recently relocated and unemployed (I moved to be with the love of my life), and have way too much time on my hands to munch. The boyfriend doesn't help since he rarely exercises, eats bad things, and I have a habit of trying (inadvertently) to match him in portion sizes. I try to cook healthy for us, and then counteract it by eating too much. Ugh! I'm a part time aerobics instructor and personal trainer who is much better at dispensing advice than taking her own, so the idea of nudges from people struggling with the same thing, sounds wonderful! :) So my goals for this month are to drink more water, quit eating so much when I'm bored, and to use this free time more wisely instead of driving myself crazy. (The job situation is not so good - I'm a social worker who moved to a tourist town). So any feedback and support would be wonderful!!!!:D

[shoefling]

Leah, Welcome to the boards and the challenge threads! It is great to "see" all of the new faces.

I finally got off of my rear and got a run in today! I could tell that it has been a while. I have still been doing some walking but the endurance for running has fallen off a little bit. I guess the good thing is that it comes back pretty quickly. It has been beautiful here that past few days and I am loving it! Sunday it rained/drizzled off and on. We definitley need a bit more rain though. I think for the rest of the week it is supposed to be in the mid 70's and sunny during the day. It makes it that much more enjoyable to be outside! I feel for those of you with temps still in the 90's! I am sure that we will have another bout of hot weather before fall truly hits. There always seems to be an Indian Summer in Iowa.

Hope that everyone is having a good week and fitting in those workouts!

Sarah

[Michelle Achuff]

Hello everyone :)

Thought I'd join you all, if you're up for a new member, that is. I've never done this before, but I was reading through the boards this morning and saw the tremendous support you all have for each other and thought I'd sure like to be part of a group like this!

I've been working out on a Total Gym for about 4 weeks now and hit a snag yesterday....ugh, kids start school and *everyone* is sick, including me. Feeling kind of blah about missing my workout two days in a row, but there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it.

Anyway, although I started off the month badly in that area, I'm making a goal for September to stay off the carbonated beverages (pop!) and meet a daily water goal of 64 ounces (that's right isn't it? 8- 8 oz glasses?). It's a trick for me because I really do like the pop, although I eat pretty good otherwise.

Anyone else working out on a home gym? Would love to trade tips and ideas!

Smiles~

Michelle

[zippy478]

Okay, I've resisted jumping in long enough....time to just hold my breath and take the plunge! :D

Of course, I could list a TON of excuses as to why I don't exercise but it basically comes down to the fact that I am just not motivated and even when I do start something, I have a hard time sticking to it.

I sit at a desk all day and try to increase my movement, but due to my work space, I can only increase it so much. Food wise I do pretty good for the most part and I am always drinking water. About 3 years ago, I gained about 30 pounds in the course of the year and I would like to lose at least half of that amount. I'm tired of buying bigger sizes! :o

So, my goals are:

1. Walk at least 3 miles a day
2. Cut back on sugar/carb intake
3. Keep drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day.
4. Do at least one if not two days of aerobic exercise per week.

Seems overwhelming when I type it out that way. ;)

I'm going to start today.

Wish me luck :rolleyes:

[sneezles]

Michelle and zipppy,
Welcome to the Challenge! We are a very supportive group and a great place to get a http://kit.netpoets.net/cheer.gif or a
http://kit.netpoets.net/Hugs.gif when you need help hanging in there...http://kit.netpoets.net/HangInThere.gif.

This morning I did the Firm's Cardio and Aerobic Weight Training! Whew, didn't think I'd make it to the shower!

[lindrusso]

Wow! Welcome Nealy, Lisa, Leah, Michelle and Zippy! Lots of new people - fanatastic! :)

I got in a weight training workout yesterday and it felt good. Today I think that mowing the lawn will have to count as my exercise - although I may squeeze in a walk as well.

I don't know if I'll get anything in tomorrow as DH goes into the hospital. The hospital IS in within walking distance, though, so maybe I can get in a few walks that way. After sitting in the darned waiting room for a few hours, I'll need to clear my head!

Have a great week everyone.

Alysha :)

[Michelle Achuff]

Originally posted by sneezles
This morning I did the Firm's Cardio and Aerobic Weight Training! Whew, didn't think I'd make it to the shower!


Thanks for the welcome sneezles...a friend of mine just told me today about The Firm. She said "I thought I was a pretty buff girl and it totally kicked my butt....you should try it!" Oh, I laughed so hard! I don't think I'm anywhere *near* being able to try that stuff. She freely admits that she's likely in a lot of pain too because she fell down trying to get coordinated with the stair stepping. Isn't it nice to have friends that will admit their little dorky aerobic moments so you don't feel so alone? LOL ;-)


Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Somebody kick me please. For my 2nd day trying to make changes, I haven't gotten too far. The exercising is going fine - lifted weights and rode the bike 1/2 hour yesterday, am still planning on going to kickboxing tonight. Eating - not so great. Couldn't sleep last night worrying about a job interview today, so was eating granola bars at 1 am. Came home from the interview starving and wolfed down all carbs. Now I'm sleepy and feel poopy and lumpy and haven't drunk any water all day so far. GRRRR.:mad: I know, I know. I'll pick myself back up and get back on the horse. Why oh why are we our own worst enemies sometimes?:confused:

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by ellery
Somebody kick me please.

Nope, not gonna do it. ;) :)

When you're making changes, it may be best to try not to get discouraged and try to do too much at once - it takes time to build new habits and just as much if not more time to break old bad habits. I found it easier to concentrate on one thing at a time - such as making exercise a regular routine - I was always trying to make small improvements elsewhere, but I tried to concentrate mostly on one thing. Eventually that one thing will become habit and you can put more focus onto other areas.

Don't get down on yourself. Chances are, even if you're not doing everything you wish you were doing, you're still doing better than the day before and that's what it's all about.

So, no kicks in the butt, just a pat on the back for the exercising! :)

Alysha

[Jill123]

I'm joining this late, but since it's only the 3rd, I haven't missed much, yet, right?

I need to get back on track with exercise!

It's just one of those things -- I keep finding reasons NOT to workout, pushing it back to later in the day, then another day, another week, another month, another season... It's gotten pretty bad.

I'm not trying to lose weight, necessarily, nor do I want to run marathons. I just need to get in shape and tone up those parts of me that DH used to love so well. ;)

So, am I allowed in?? :D

[ellery]

Thanks Alysha for the tug to bring me back down to earth. It was only 2 packs of granola bars at 1 am, and it really wasn't too big of a lunch after all when I really think about it. I've struggled off and on for years with an eating disorder, and you brought me some perspective. Compared to what I used to do at 1 am, this was nothing!

Body image is so weird. Your body truly doesn't look that different one day from the next, but it's what's going on in your head that determines how you see yourself.

I am making changes, I am actually pretty healthy and fit (despite what my head tells me sometimes), and the granola bars have no magical powers over me. :)

Thanks for the reality check!

[Josh's Mom]

Thank you for the warm welcomes!!

Day 3 and so far so good. I've managed to eat lighter and do some exercises.

What I really need to do sit down and plan a weeks worth of healthy meals to help make this easier. Instead of being on a "diet," I really just want to be a healthy eater.

I also want to work into doing more strenuous exercises. Like Zippy 478, I'm just not motivated when it comes to exercise and have a very hard time sticking with it.

And, like alot of you, I want to drink more water!

I'm so glad to have the support of this group to keep motivated in September!!!

[sneezles]

Checking in as the weekend approaches. Injured my right shoulder yesterday doing tricep rollovers so I have to lay-off the upper body weights for awhile. Hopefully it's just a strain and not a tear.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[britneyelise]

I know that I am a bit late, but is it okay if I check in on these threads as well?

I don't post much in the "Healthy Living" section, but would like to start. I am struggling with some very big health issues (eating disorder :(. But for the past year I have gotten it much better under control. I got down to 87 pounds at one point and I am almost 5'7. Needless to say, I do not weight that now and would never ever want to weight that again. I am building muscle now, so I don't weigh myself, I just see definition and how I fit into my clothes. The problem is that I have done a lot of damage to my system through not eating much for years and now I can't consume as much as others to avoid gaining fat. My energy levels are slowly coming back, but some days it is hard for me to get my butt to the gym. I am posting here so that I have people behind me to get there 5 days a week for light cardio and weight lifting. So far this week I have gone 4 out of 5 days. Hopefully I will get there today since tommorow I have to work. Thanks for listening to me ramble!

Shannon

[ellery]

Hi Shannon! I wonder how many of us have struggled with eating disorders over the years...

Have you ever met with a nutritionist to help with figuring out what to eat in order to gain healthy weight? Even those without current or past eating disorders can be helped by that. I met with one for about 6 months and it was very helpful, and not too expensive at all. It was actually very interesting. She linked my difficulty putting the bread down with a family history of alcoholism - the similarity in the way they're digested. Hmm... maybe that's why I'm currently at war with the granola bars in my pantry...

Well, hope everyone has a good weekend. Sneezles, take care of that shoulder.

My eating has gotten better this week, and am still exercising, but still not happy with the reflection. Oh well!:rolleyes:

[clairea]

I'm chiming in a little late this month. We just got back last night from a week at the beach:D I didn't do any formal exercise while there, but did stay pretty active so I feel good about that.

I'm going to try to get back to running tomorrow. The Wednesday before we left town I twisted my knee playing tennis and it is still a little sore if I am not careful with it, so I am just going to take it easy. My neighbor and I decided to go ahead and sign up for the Thanksgiving 1/2 marathon, so hopefully that will keep me motivated to train for it!

It's good to see so many new "faces"!

Alysha , I have been thinking about you. I think you are wise to try to keep your goals manageable right now.

Susan , I hope your shoulder feels better soon!

Claire

[sneezles]

Claire You take care of your knee! I don't think there is anything more maddening than a bum knee (and painful, too).

Shannon You a very welcome here! Hope you made it to the gym yesterday. I admire you for taking control.

My shoulder is much better, even with having worked at the bar last night! Didn't get even a twinge while schlepping beers!

[sneezles]

We are in the midst of Fall weather here! So incredible at this time of year since the heat doesn't usually break until October! DH and I went for a walk last night and I went walking this am (DH doesn't like to walk and break a sweat at the same time! ;) ). I spent most of yesterday outside refinish an old table...off to get more paint for it this morning!

How's everyone else doing with their Challenge?

[shoefling]

This past week has not been the greatest for me. I think I got in one really good workout and a couple of walks. And those walks were walking to and from class. I have just been worn out! I think that it is going to take me a couple of weeks to get back in the swing of working full time plus taking 12 credits of classes! On top of that I had a few new "learning experiences" at work this week and did not sleep the best between the days that I worked. We have had some very sick patients in the ICU and I tend to think about them while I am trying to go to sleep, which makes it harder for me to get a good sleep.

Anyhow, I am hoping that this week will be better! I plan on going for a run this evening. DH is out of town so there are no excuses for me not to get out. Plus it will be nice to get out of the house after studying all afternoon.

Susan, the weather here has been wonderful too! It has been a bit warmer the past few days (low 80's) but the humidity has broken and there is a coolness to the breeze. It also has been cooling off nicely in the evening and at night. I love fall weather like this! :D

Claire, good luck with traing for a 1/2 marathon! That should be great motivation to get out there and keep running!

How is everyone else doing?

[sneezles]

Originally posted by shoefling
I have just been worn out! I think that it is going to take me a couple of weeks to get back in the swing of working full time plus taking 12 credits of classes! On top of that I had a few new "learning experiences" at work this week and did not sleep the best between the days that I worked. We have had some very sick patients in the ICU and I tend to think about them while I am trying to go to sleep, which makes it harder for me to get a good sleep.

Sarah,
When exactly do you find time to sleep never mind exercise? Waht are your classes in? Are you going for your Masters in Nursing? Take car and give your mind and body time to adjust so you don't become ill as well!

[shoefling]

Susan, I am finishing up some pre-reqs so that I can apply for graduate school. I am applying for the Master of Science in Nursing with Specialization in Anesthesia Nursing at the University of Iowa. My application is due October 1st. So I am taking two online courses, Pharamcology for Nursing Practice and Child Growth and Development. I am also taking two evening classes at the University of Iowa which are Bio-Organic Chemistry and Intro to Statistical Methods. I think that once I get my application finished that will help alot!

As far as sleeping goes, I usually work my 3 nights in a row so I work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep. If I work Wednesday-Thursday-Friday nights I definitely don't work out on Thursday or Friday.

So far I have been fitting it all in!

How is your shoulder fairing? Hopefully you will be back to upper body weights in no time!

Oh, and I got my run in this evening so I am happy about that! :D

Sarah

[sneezles]

Gosh, Sarah! I really admire you for handling all that!
My shoulder is much better, thanks for asking. Today I did my first session of the T-TAPP System. I thought it was going to be kind of hokey but I really got a workout. It's a lot of bending and twisting with the torso in alignment. I was dragging afterwards and it was only a 45 minute workout! I'm to do this tape for 10 days straight then every other day for 4-5 weeks then every third day for another 4-5 weeks and then it's just twice a week and I'm suppose to lose 2 dress sizes! I'm too much of a sceptic to believe all of it but it's a nice change from the weights and FannyKicker. It will give my joints some rest since there isn't any jumping or bone jarring of any kind.

[clairea]

Sarah, I get tired just reading your schedule!

Susan, did I miss something? What is the T-TAPP System? Anyway, glad it was a good workout. Is your shoulder feeling better?

I had a really good run this morning, so that makes a nice start to the week. My knee seems to be completely better. I'm probably only going to run 3 times this week as I am also playing tennis Wednesday and Sunday.

How is everyone else doing?

Claire

[ellery]

Boy do I feel like a big slug, reading all of your schedules. I can't wait to find a job so that I can be stressed and have no time to myself again. Okay, maybe that didn't come out right. I'm just one of those people who does better when they're busy.

My workouts have gone okay, and the eating is okay. The hardest challenge I'm finding is resisting the boyfriend's urging to eat ice cream with him on a daily basis. He swears that I'm a toothpick (one of the reasons why I love him although it isn't exactly true) and kinda teases me about trying to watch what I'm eating. It's a culture clash more than anything - my family is relatively fit and everyone exercises, and his family is the complete opposite. It's hard to explain to someone that I want to lose 10-15 pounds just because...

So I'm trying to set a goal and actually stick with it. I could blame him for not really sticking to healthier eating habits up to this point, but that would be avoiding my own responsibility. So, last week's goal was to start drinking more water - achieved. :D This week's goal will be to stick with my running goal to do it three times this week. I'm trying to stick with a goal of doing a 5K at the end of October. Three times this week. I can do that!

Oh, and what the heck is the T-Tapp system? I thought I'd heard of everything...

[aggie94]

I'm here, I'm here. :o

I ended up finishing up August and starting September with pretty mediocre results. The last two weeks of August and first week of September, I only worked out 2 days a week. Without going into details, my life has been extremely stressful and I haven't been able to get out of the I'm-too-tired-to-workout-but-not-working-out-is-just-making-me-have-less-energy vicious cycle yet. On top of that, we have been eating out A LOT lately, which just contributes to the whole funk. :rolleyes:

I am determined to turn it around this week, though. I menu-planned on Saturday, grocery shopped yesterday, and have healthy meals planned for the whole week. Here's my exercise plan for the week:

Today: 3-mile run
Tuesday: gym for 45-60 minutes cardio OR 30 minutes cardio and 25 minutes weights circuit
Wednesday: Body Pump class
Thursday: 3-mile run
Friday: Body Pump class

Saturday and Sunday will probably be off, unless I end up missing a workout during the week, in which case I'll try to make it up on the weekend.

[sneezles]

Originally posted by ellery
Oh, and what the heck is the T-Tapp system? I thought I'd heard of everything...

Claire and Leah,
The T-TAPP System is a workout system that I sort of stumble on to on another BB. Here's the link (http://www.t-tapp.com/home/default.asp) to the website. I had posted a thread asking if anyone around here had ever heard of it but I didn't get any responses. Being the impulse buyer, as DH calls me (I prefer the term "ultimate consumer"), I sent for it.

[ellery]

Does it work? it sounds complicated and of course they have all those weight loss success stories posted on their website. Makes me want to go eat a cookie.

[sneezles]

Originally posted by ellery
Does it work? it sounds complicated and of course they have all those weight loss success stories posted on their website. Makes me want to go eat a cookie.

I don't know yet since today was my first day but if it does then I can eat that cookie! :p

[britneyelise]

I've been doing pretty well this week so far. Haven't missed a day at the gym. In fact my only problem is that my perpetually single self is to shy to say anything to this cutie that always feels the need to do crunches at the same time I do on the mat right beside mine, even if the rest are open!

Beyond that, my eating has been very well this week. I found that I really like the cereal Fiber One, whouda thunk it? I have been snacking on green peppers and carrots instead of the usual pretzels, i felt a carbo overload. I did make some oatmeal cranberry cookies, but I have this little problem of binging, so I am waiting until there are only two left so that I have no chance of eating a dozen.

It is so weird, I can resist really well, but once I give into a craving there is no stopping me.

here's to hoping that the cutie is at the gym today (he's at least my motivation to get there everyday ;) ) and that I have the guts, j'lo toned washboard ab guts, to say hi!

Glad to see that everyone is doing well, thanks for all the encouragement, you guys are wonderful.

Shannon

[shoefling]

This week has been going much better than last week so far. I went for another run this morning and it felt pretty good. Also did some ab work and back work. I have been thinking about getting some reistance bands. I have some hand weights at home and don't have access to a gym so I was thinking about supplementing weight training with the resistance bands. Do any of you use them? Eventually DH and I want to invest in some weight benches of some sort but that will be down the road. Maybe this winter....

Susan, glad to hear that you like the T-TAPP system so far. I had never heard of it. Hopefully it will give your joints a little rest!

Shannon, cuties at the gym are always great motivation! ;) :D Go for it and say hi!

Claire, I'm glad that your knee is feeling better!

Eva, Good to see you. I know how you feel with the too tired to work out but working out just perpetuates it thing. I think that I am finally getting out of my slump. It sounds like you have a good plan to get back on track. Is it working so far?

ellery, Way to go on meeting last weeks goal!

Alysha, I know you have had some stressful times these past few weeks so I hope that you are hanging in there and taking care of yourself!

How is everyone else doing?

[shoefling]

Just putting a "call out" there to those you who posted earlier this month....

Josh's Mom, Jill 123, Michelle Achuff, zippy478, nealy, katygirl, and hmclaugh how are all of you doing on your respective challenges? I hope that you are all meeting your goals. Check in and let us know how things are going!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by shoefling
It sounds like you have a good plan to get back on track. Is it working so far?

So far, so good! But it's only Tuesday. :o I did make it for my 3-mile run yesterday, and I cooked a healthy dinner last night (roasted chicken, wild rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus). Tonight's dinner is already mostly done (CL Guinness-braised beef brisket - gotta love that crockpot!!), so I am free to go to the gym whenever. I am planning to head over there late afternoon for 45-60 minutes of cardio. I'll leave my strength training this week to my two Body Pump classes.

Glad to hear you're getting out of your slump too! It's hard to break it, but when you do, it feels great again!

[ellery]

Hooray! My goal this week was to run three times (in addition to other workouts) and I just did one. I truly thought I was going to wheeze myself to death, and being passed by a small child on a scooter was not good for the ego, but I did it! I was going to go to kickboxing tonight, but as a reward for running longer than I thought I was going to (my goal was to run 1.5 of the 3 miles, and I ran a little more than that) I'm going to hit the showers instead.

The eating is going okay, too, although I find myself eating very oddly when the man is out of town. I had pretzels when I got in from running (probably a salt craving), and THEN chicken and then two oranges.

AND I had another job interview today, where I think I may have actually gotten the job. Hooray! Unfortunately, moving here (to the 2nd poorest state in the US) means a pay cut, and I would have to drive a little over an hour each way to get to work, but at least I would have a reason (other than granola bars) to get up each morning. But seriously, it would be a great job and one where I think I would do very well. She's checking to see what salary-wise they can offer me (she said today that if wasn't for my salary question she'd be offering me the job today) and so hopefully I'll know something in a few days. Cross your fingers for me!

[aggie94]

Still hanging in there! I did make it to the gym last night, but not without a little bit of trying-to-talk-myself-out-of-it beforehand. :o I did 45 minutes of cardio. And I just got back from Body Pump today. So I'm 3 for 3 so far this week - better than I've been for the last month!! :)

[clairea]

Eva Good job getting back on track. Whenever I slack off working out for a while, starting again is the hardest part!

Ellery That is great news about the job. I hope you can work out the salary issue.

So far this week I have worked out 2 of 3 days. I was going to get up and run this morning, but after staying up most of the night with sick kids:( I just couldn't do it. Hopefully I will be able to run tomorrow and Saturday as planned, and I am playing tennis on Sunday, so that will get me 5 workouts for the week.

Claire

[clairea]

How is everyone doing?

I had a good run yesterday, and I am playing tennis this afternoon, so that should put me at 4 workouts for the week. I need to sit down today and try to plan out what I am going to do next week.

Claire

[sneezles]

Originally posted by clairea
How is everyone doing?

I ended up 2 short for last week. My own laziness as for the reason. But I've started the week, today, with my t-tapp workout. So hopefully will be on track the rest of the week.

[RebeccaT]

Hello everyone!

It was so nice to log on today for the first time in 2.5 weeks, and see such a busy Challenge thread. September really is a time for recommitments, for starting fresh, isn't it? Kinda like that shiny new Trapper Keeper I always got at the beginning of the school year... :D

DH and I just got back to Houston yesterday after an absolutely wonderful 2 weeks in Greece. I can't even begin to tell you all how great it was... but I will try, and will attempt some sort of recap post on the Other Stuff board later this week when I get my pics back.

I will say that, as far as "Healthy Living" is concerned, I will give myself a B+. DH and I clocked some serious mileage with all of our walking and hiking, and the Greek islands of got some major hills. However, I ate whatever I wanted, without guilt. With the exception of the pastries (oh, the pastries!), there wasn't much bad stuff to choose from, since the Greeks are so big on salads, cheese, grilled meats, and EVOO. I would have given myself a C+, but I am awarding myself extra credit because we had to climb about 50 stairs each way to and from our hotel room on Santorini (the hotel was pretty much attached to the side of a cliff!)

More about vacation to come, but I wanted to let you all know that I am back! I hope you missed me, and I hope everyone is keeping up that momentum from the beginning of the month! If not, that's ok, please post and give us the chance to encourage you!

:D

[britneyelise]

I had an extremely light workout on Saturday after work. The buckeyes game we were listening to on the radio had drained me of most of my energy. I wanted to go to the gym on Sunday, but since it is a YMCA, they don't have the normal hours of a gym, it was closed due to employee appreciation day. So instead I went POWER SHOPPING! Walking in 5 inch marc jacobs heels for 3 hours was certainly a work out!

My eating has been doing pretty well, not as well balanced as I would like, but it's getting there. Glad to here everyone else is hanging in there, it gives me lots of motivation.

Shannon

[SandyM]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
I hope you missed me, and I hope everyone is keeping up that momentum from the beginning of the month! If not, that's ok, please post and give us the chance to encourage you!

Yep, we missed you. Welcome back! Can't wait to hear about your trip.

And I need that encouragement, please. It's been a rough month, and I'm feeling it physically. The numbers aren't going up, but the motivation is plummeting. I need to get back into the rhythm that I was in pre-vacation, before the holidays are upon us. :)

I'm just wondering how many times I can sneak in after long absences, hoping to not be noticed...... :rolleyes: :D

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by SandyM

And I need that encouragement, please. It's been a rough month, and I'm feeling it physically. The numbers aren't going up, but the motivation is plummeting. I need to get back into the rhythm that I was in pre-vacation, before the holidays are upon us. :)


I totally know how you feel - you just described the entire month of August for me. Just being back from vacation, I am far from being "back in the swing," but I do feel the return of motivation... I think it's the fact that we were so active on vacation, plus that sense of September renewal I mentioned earlier.

I'd take Alysha's advice from earlier in the thread - focus on one thing! It's overwhelming to try to do it all at once... if I remember correctly, you were work-out queen before you went on vacation, so maybe exercise would be an easy habit to get back into.

And, personally, I miss you when you're gone, so I notice when you pop back in... in a good way! :)

[ellery]

Yeah, I'm slinking back in too. Last week was a weird one for me, as this whole job search thing is making me slightly crazy, and PMS was not helping matters much. I worked out okay, ate sort of okay, but still feel flubbery.

Hopefully this week will go better, and I'm planning a nice week of workouts.

Still haven't heard about any job, so I'm left feeling up in the air and semi-trapped. Oh well.

Good to hear from everyone again!

[sneezles]

Welcome home, Rebecca! Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Sandy, Come on now! You can back into the habit! Just look at each day as the only day you need to workout. Don't think about what you did yesterday and what lies ahead tomorrow, just today! That's what I do (most of the time, anyway) and I find it much easier to do my workouts.

Ellery,
Sorry the job search isn't going well. I hope that some thing comes along this week! The fact that you are still working out and trying to eat right is great though since it would be so easy to give in when there are major issues in your life. Keep at it!

[shoefling]

I'm here! I ended up short last week too. I just ran out of time. And I spent the majority of the weekend studying for my GRE which I took today. :eek: Thank goodness that is over! DH and I went for a walk last night but today is a bust. So I am 1 for 2 this week. We leave Wednesday night for a wedding in the Black Hills so I am hoping to fit in some sort of workout(s) while on vacation. We should be home Sunday night.

Rebecca, Glad you are back from your trip! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I am looking forward to hearing the details!

[RebeccaT]

How's everyone doing out there? It's the halfway mark for the month, but it doesn't mean that the month is a wash if you have gotten off track!

Since being back from vacation, I am 2/2. I did the elliptical trainer on Monday, and the bike and stairmaster yesterday. I should have done weights, but I just couldn't face the boredom of doing those reps. What do ya'll do to banish the boredom when weight training? I think that, after 6 months of regular weight training instead of Body Pump, I am starting to miss Body Pump. Too bad I gave up my membership to the gym that offered it. :(

I will make myself do weights today, I will I will I will! :)

[Terrytx]

Better late than never.

I hardly ever come to this Healthy Living board, but had the thought that if I started coming here it might just keep me moving. As I went through menopause I stopped exercising-I mean stopped . I could give a bunch of excuses, but they are all lame. Over the past few years I have really seen a difference in how my body is responding to age. Anyway, to make a long story a little shorter, at 56 I need to do something. I started walking the first of Sept. As of today, I am up to 3.6 miles in 1 hour. I really don't need to loose but about 5 pounds, but I need to firm up a bit.

Rambling on, I just thought that maybe ya'll could inspire me to keep it up, when I want to quit.

[RebeccaT]

Wow Terry, that's great! It sounds like you are really making some progress! Thankfully, the cooler weather we've been experiencing this month has cooperated with your new plan. Keep checking in! :)

[Terrytx]

Thanks Rebecca, Yes, I am another of thoses that hate to sweat, so I start before 7:00 am, while it is still tolerable. The weather has been very cooperative.

[sneezles]

Hi, Terry! Glad to see someone my age over here!

Doing much better this week, so far! I even managed to get DH to go walk with me the past 2 nights. He's a bit of a dawdler so I'm usually ahead of him but it's nice to have him there anyway! And 3/3 on my morning workouts!

[clairea]

Sounds like everyone is doing well this week. It's good to see you back, Rebecca .

So far I am only 1/3 this week:o . I am going to run tomorrow morning, and then Saturday I will go for a longer run with a friend and have a tennis match Sunday, so that will give me 4 for the week. I just have to drag myself out of bed early tomorrow morning! Somehow that seems to get harder as the week goes on.

Claire

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by sneezles
Hi, Terry! Glad to see someone my age over here!


Thanks, but you do a heck of a lot more of a work out than I do. Maybe if I keep coming here I'll decide to add to the walking 5 times a week, but I am soooo lazy :(

[aggie94]

Well, the 3 for 3 last week that I was at on Wednesday didn't change. :rolleyes: Still, 3 workouts was better than none.

So far this week, I'm 2 for 3. I ran last night and just got back from Body Pump class. Tomorrow, I am planning to do the elliptical trainer and then run again on Friday. I doubt I will get a 5th workout in on the weekend, but I'll still try.

[Josh's Mom]

I'm back!
I started out the first week and a half of the month doing well. I had even managed to lose some weight by watching what I ate and doing a little exercise! I had been doing the weight watchers point thing but found it somewhat cumbersome. My next step was to add in an exercise routine but then I was invited to a week of crafting and eating. I had a ball but now that I'm home and life is back to normal, I'm afraid to step back on the scale! I seem to be away from home more than usual so I really need to get myself organized to pack healthy lunches and plan ahead healthy dinners and fit in an exercise program. I find that if I have a set routine I'm more likely to stick with it. Otherwise, I seem to find excuses to "do it later."
Tomorrow is another day and the "new" first day of my September Challenge. I think I'm going to need to switch to a low-carb diet. I find that easier to follow and maintain.

Rebecca - Your Greece trip sounds divine!

[sneezles]

I did day 6 of this 10 day back to back part of this t-tapp system. I still find it a bit wierd compared to other workouts. It's sort of aerobic but you pretty much stand in one place. The positioning of your body is the hard part. You stand with feet facing forward, knees bent, butt tucked, stomach held in, shoulders back. It's very hard to do the leg abductions with your butt tucked!:rolleyes: After day 10 I move on to everyother day for 5 weeks and then every 3rd day for 5 weeks and I will supposedly drop 2 dress sizes! I figure what the heck it's worth a try!

Not much left of September...only 10 days! How are all y'all doin"?

[Terrytx]

I did pretty good all week-well, Mon thru Fri. Walked 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 miles a day in an hour. I've lost a couple of pounds, but probably gained them back with all the good eating we did this weekend. Oh well-back to it tomorrow-if it ever stops raining.

edited to add-it did stop raining and I broke my own best this morning-did 3.8 miles in an hour (my goal being 4 miles an hour).

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Terrytx
edited to add-it did stop raining and I broke my own best this morning-did 3.8 miles in an hour (my goal being 4 miles an hour).

WooHoo!!! Good for you! And such a nice morning for a walk! I did day 7 and then went out a weeded for 2 hours! I'm so glad we had the rain but now glad it's gone for awhile (I hope ;) ).

[shoefling]

Last week was pretty much a bust for me. I got in 2 workouts. I spent most of Thursday in the car and most of Sunday in the car as we went to the Black Hills for the weekend for a wedding. It's about an 11 hour drive there. And I did a little too much drinking and eating over the weekend too! But now I am home and can get back into my routine, hopefully! I walked this morning and plan to run tomorrow.

[RebeccaT]

last week was ok for me, not as good as I wanted it to be. I got in three good workouts and one walk with DH. So that's 4. It should have been 5 - but I didn't bring workout clothes to workout during lunch on Thursday.

This week I have the same plan, but I feel like I am getting into a weightlifting rut. I need a new plan so that I don't get bored. :(

[shoefling]

I got my run in today! YEAH for me! It has been at least a couple of weeks since I have gotten a good run in and it felt pretty good. It wasn't too hot or too cool and a nice breeze, just perfect for running. Now I just need to keep it up! I plan on running tomorrow and Thursday and will hopefully get in another workout on Saturday. That would be 4 for the week which would make me very happy!

Rebecca, I hope that you find some way to change up your workout so that you don't get bored. Maybe switching the order that you do things or finding a variation of the the moves that you have been doing would make a difference?

[sneezles]

Well, I noticed in my last post that I can't count! :rolleyes: Waht should have been day 8 I counted as day 7...Today was Day 9, one more day and I get a day off!

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by sneezles
5 weeks and I will supposedly drop 2 dress sizes! I figure what the heck it's worth a try!


Just curious-can you tell a difference yet? I need do add something that will do some toning and firming up.

[shoefling]

I got in my workout this morning! WOOHOO! That makes 3 for this week so far. I feel really good about that. The sad thing is that I can tell that I have been slacking off because I was sore today after running yesterday. I guess that means I need to get back on it and quit slacking off! ;) :D Can you believe that September is nearing it's end? How is everyone's challenges coming?

[Terrytx]

shoefling keep up the good work! It is so easy to fall back onto bad habits, so just keep on keeping on:D

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Terrytx


Just curious-can you tell a difference yet? I need do add something that will do some toning and firming up.

No, not really but then I haven't been minding my diet the past couple of weeks :o :rolleyes: ! So today was day 10 and I've decided to reclaim my healthier eating habits as of today (I was on a real chocolate binge there!! :o :o :o ). So now it's every other day for 4-5 weeks (and knowing my body, I'm sure it will have to be 5 weeks!:rolleyes: )...

[britneyelise]

Checking in here. I have been doing okay for my workouts. I missed yesterday because it was my first day of classes. I am not going to be able to work out on days I have classes cause I am there all day long. Luckily that is only two days a week. Eating for me has been okay as well. Glad to hear everyone is still hanging in there.

Shannon

[Terrytx]

I plan to add to my walking starting next week. I read through a pile of threads here and took some suggestions for work out tapes. I bought a couple of yoga tapes I will try to do at least 3 times a week. Everybody-keep up the good work.

[sneezles]

OK, I had to go HALFWAY down the page to find this thread!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: Now I know that we've been a little slacking on reproting but 3 days since the last post? Shame, shame, shame!!! http://kit.netpoets.net/shrug.gif

I did my t-tapp workout this morning and while I'm still thinking that it's a good thing no one else is in the room, I am able to wear a jacket that I couldn't last month...still skeptical...:cool: but ever diligent!

Anyone else?????? :rolleyes:

[shoefling]

Consider me appropriately shamed. :o I got in 3 workouts last week. Already have 2 in this week. DH has decided that he wants/needs to lose some weight, so I have been walking with him the past 2 evenings. He also says he wants to get in a little better shape before hunting season. I hope to run tomorrow and then the rest of the week is up in the air.

[Terrytx]

Still doing plenty of walking, but added yoga to my program starting this morning. Boy am I going to be sore in the morning. It has cooled off considerably here, so I don't feel like I have to get up at the crack of dawn to walk anymore. I don't know if that is good or bad :eek: If I don't get up and out the door, I might put it off until I just don't do it. We will see.

sneezles-good news on being able to get into that jacket :D I can't really tell any difference with myself.

shoefling-I thought 3 wookouts a week is a good thing :confused:

[shoefling]

Terrytx, 3 workouts a week is a good thing! ;) :D It's just that I have been trying to challenge myself to do more than 3. Lately though, 3 has been my limit. I wanted to go for a run today, but I am going to the doctor instead. :( I have had a sore throat for a week, and now have sore ears, a runny nose, and a cough. I am sure that it is just a virus/cold, but I want to be sure as I have not experienced a cold like this in quite some time!

The weather here has cooled off considerably too. They are talking about lows in the low 30's for the middle of this week with highs in the 50s.

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by shoefling
I have had a sore throat for a week, and now have sore ears, a runny nose, and a cough. I am sure that it is just a virus/cold, but I want to be sure as I have not experienced a cold like this in quite some time!


You are my hero if you are feeling like that and still want to even go for a walk with your DH, much less try to get in a workwout!!!