HLSG - Week of 2/12/01

[lindrusso]

Hi all! Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Last week was very good in the exercise department. I made it to the gym 5 times - 3 cardio routines and 3 weight routines. The weight routines are taking me over an hour for each session, so they are quite an investment of time. And I'm happy to say that I was hardly sore at all after being almost unable to move last week!!

Eating was not as good. About 50% of the time I did VERY well, but then blew it many other days. Just some bad choices - I need to do a better job of thinking things through!!

I've managed to lose about 3 pounds since the new year began, so that's been very encouraging as well. Things are finally starting to move in the right direction, as opposed to staying the same.

Anyone else want to share? There's a new topic about fitness on the food board, so I'm hoping that we will get some new HLSG members over the next week or so!!!

[browneye]

Hi,
I am new to this BB and this SG..I hope to be able to contribute something helpful once in a while! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
I am trying to eat healthy and lose about 15 pounds. The eating part is the easiest for me. I love healthy food and cook light 98% of the time.
I lost about 15 pounds last spring doing a very intense workout program 6 days per week. I felt good most the time, but I just cannot sustain that level of intense workouts.
Any ideas on what might be a more reasonable program for me? I am 42. I am generally in good shape, have worked out for years.
Thanks in advance

[andi]

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to post. Lots of wierd things going on which have kept me from going to the gym for almost a month. I really miss it and can feel all that toned muscle disappearing! I think there is a component of exercise that keeps me sane and emotionally even-It's my Prozac! Hopefully my daughter will recover soon and I can get back on track. My "baby" turned one today! Wow!

[kwormann]

Well, Im not lifting yet, but I did walk 4 times http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Eating is getting better...I even ahd someone tell me yesterday I looked skinny http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif This week will be harder because Im on my period and I get horrible cramps, but the main thing will be to get back on track by about Thursday!

Kim

Kim

[lindrusso]

browneye -

Welcome! I know what you mean about sustaining that level of intensity! I just started a new YMCA program and I really need to get to the gym 5 days a week (the program calls for 6, but I double up some routines to free up the weekends). It's only been a week and a half, but I can see that it will be challenging!

I would suggest maybe starting out at 3 days per week (or a minimum you think you can stick to) and doing that until it becomes habit. On weeks where you have extra time, fit in another day or two, but try to make your minimum every week. That worked for me - once I started making it to the gym at least 3 times a week (and on really bad weeks - like when the family is sick - it can be less), it became more of a habit and didn't seem like a chore.

Also, you may want to talk to a fitness expert or trainer to find out what sort of routine will work for you. I have found that now that I'm on this program, I am much more motivated to get to the gym because I have a plan in front of me and I'm focused. A trainer might be able to work around your time contstraints and find something that will be effective for the number of days per week that you are willing/able to put in.

Just some ideas - I'm sure you'll hear more from the great gals on this board!

[clairea]

I am also new to this SG -- it sounds like it may be just what I need to help get me back on track. I had my second baby last year, and after spending 3 months on strict bedrest and eating hospital food, gained almost 50 pounds. I have lost 30 pounds, but would like to lose the remaining 20 plus 10 more left over from the first baby. I was doing reasonably well, but have sort of lost my momentum. Also, having recently quit work to stay at home full-time I am finding it much harder to watch what I eat. It seems like I spend a large part of each day either planning, preparing or feeding a meal http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif .I started going back to the gym this week, and am going to try for at least 3 times a week. When I get in the habit of exercising I really enjoy it, but it seems like there are always so many other things to do . . .

[BevP]

I was successful last week with aerobics, going 4 times. And I feel really good that I will continue going to aerobics class. The only lifting I'm doing right now is in class. And I'm thinking about a yoga class twice a week in place of aerobics. Try to improve flexibility.

Eating was...ummm...not so good. Long story short, I'm testing recipes of my grandmother's and the last two weeks have been a cake that I made incorectly (but tasty!) then correctly. Luckily neighbors are willing to be guiney (sp) pigs. Next is a salami but have to find the spices first.

[mandarin2j]

Hi all-

Joining this thread sounds like a good way to keep myself motivated as I work toward better overall health.

I'm a 29-year-old woman who's about 40 pounds overweight (and that's 40 pounds over the recommended high water mark for my height).

I did Weight Watchers last year and lost 40 pounds in 5 months. I've gained 30 back (still, I'm taking that as a little victory, since before, I used to have to get fatter than when I started in order to get scared and start dieting again!).

My overall strategy is to approach my health fairly scientifically. I asked myself--"what is the problem?" The problem is that I used to be one of those people who was up for anything, in terms of outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, x-country skiing--if someone asked, I was up for it. Then, a couple of months ago, a friend mentioned that he wanted to try snowshoeing. This is something I've wanted to try for a long time, but the mere idea of it made me tired. Which made me mad and scared--I never used to be the kind of person who would forego something fun because it sounded tiring! So that's the problem--I saw myself becoming someone whose out-of-shapeness inspires declining activity, which inspires further out-of-shapeness, and so on. My solution: eat healthier for increased energy, and begin an exercise program filled with fun stuff, so I don't have any excuses for not doing it. Weight loss will be a side benefit, but I'm willing to wait 2 years, if that's what it takes, to reach my "ideal" weight. After all, it took me 10 years to get where I am.

I'm doing a little bit of everything--walking 3 nights/week; yoga at least one night/week; snowshoeing (my new favorite activity!) for 2 hours on the weekend. I would like to work toward doing yoga 2xs/week for sure, and I know I need to incorporate weights into my weekly regimen. I'm meeting with a personal trainer next week to develop an exercise strategy and learn about using weights at home.

Whew!

-Amanda

[JHolcomb]

Hi all. New to this SG as well. I gained a lot of weight in college-I was severely depressed in college and when I'm depressed I eat. I'm a big girl to begin with (my husband lovingly calls me "the linebacker"-I'm seriously built like Barney Rubble-short,muscular,and WIDE) and at first the extra pounds didn't show, but by last year I had packed on about 55 lbs in four years.

Since last April, I've lost around 25, and need to lose 30 more. Eventually, I would like to lose 50 in all, but I don't know how realistic a goal that is. The least I've ever weighed is about 130, and I looked too skinny. Seriously, the pics of me then are as
scary as my fat pics.

Anyway, I lost the lbs last year by working out about 5x's a week and eating better, but then I got married, which totally blew my diet and exercise routine. I'm getting back into it now, but need motivation to keep going. I'm sure that hearing about your struggles and triumphs will help me keep going-my husband helps, but I don't have any women around to talk to about this.

Last week was so-so. I worked out hard 4 times, but the eating was bad. PMS so outweighs all determination I have to be in shape. I didn't do too badly, but there was an embarrasing Mexican incident (almost a whole basket of chips, and entree, and I still wasn't full). Anyway, I'm glad to know this SG exists.

[donleyk]

Hi all,

I am also new to this SG. I am 38 and trying to take off the last few pounds gained from when I quit smoking. I probably topped the scale at 175, and I am now 146. My GYN wants me no lighter than 145 so I am very near my goal. I would like to see 140 if I can do that and not starve. (Not my nature, at all!)

Luckily, aerobics is offered at lunch time at work, I also play winter volleyball, altho' the season just ended.

I need just a little more encouragement to be good. While DH has been on travel, I have been eating from boredom. That is sad since I could have been cleaning the house!

Do you have that one or two days when you just EAT? I try to remember that eating that premimum ice cream will negate the whole week's worth of good eating and exercise, but sometimes, it just isn't enough! Thx.

[emilycat]

Do you have that one or two days when you just EAT? I try to remember that eating that premimum ice cream will negate the whole week's worth of good eating and exercise, but sometimes, it just isn't enough!


donleyk,

First of all, congrats on your progress! But I did want to point something out about the occasional slip-up. What's most important is the entire picture, not just one "bad" day. Eating premium ice cream certainly won't undo all of the great exercise and healthful eating you've done in the past...granted, you don't want to make a habit of it, but don't beat yourself up over a blip on the will-power scale. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Emily

[hhcowgirl]

Welcome, all you newbies! As for me, I am SO thrilled because this semester, my first class is not until 11:00 so I can run first thing in the morning, which is my all-time favorite time. So I have had a pretty great past couple of weeks in the workout department. However, we are going to one of those 6-course, prix-fixe dinners tonight for Valentine's Day--let's hope all that wine doesn't keep me in bed tomorrow morning! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[hhcowgirl]

Also, I forgot to add, as I previously posted, I will be attending a ball here in about 3 weeks and am going strapless--anybody know any QUICK arm toners? I am desperate--I feel like mine just look terrible!

[browneye]

Lindrusso:
Thanks for the tips, I appreciate that. I got myself to the gym yesterday, and have scheduled appointments with "myself" to get there twice more this week. My goal for this week is three times, two of those with weight workout as well as cardio.
Eating:
Since I started reading the great food BB, I have been cooking some really yummy stuff that was recommended on that site. My whole family loves it, trouble is, sometimes my helpings are like...double...it tastes so good!
I will start drinking a full glass of water before I eat to try to keep serving sizes down, and also eat smaller, more frequent meals,any other ideas from anyone out there?

hhcowgirl: on the arms, I really like the following: I think they are called "Arnolds" anyway, you stand with dumbells in each hand, feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, and do a bicep curl, then followed immediately by a press overhead, then back to the curl position, then curl down. This is good for full arm and shoulder toning....

[Natasha]

Originally posted by donleyk:
[B]Do you have that one or two days when you just EAT?[B]

Yup. Such as yesterday. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif I take 'em in stride. Don't worry; you've essentially reached your goal (congrats) and you'll be fine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[emilycat]

hhcowgirl,

I would focus on exercises that work your shoulders, biceps and triceps...it's not really a lot; I do those each time I go to the gym.

Obviously, bicep curls do a lot for your arms, and the biceps are some of the most easily developed muscles, if I'm not mistaken.

For your shoulders, try holding a dumbell in each hand, standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. For your middle shoulders, lift your arms straight out to the side and lower. For your upper shoulders, do the same move to the front. (My sister tells me I have great arms, and I think these are the main befactors)

Some good triceps exercises are reverse pushups.

Okay, so there's my very uneducated advice, but they're worth a shot! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I'm sure you'll look great in your dress.

Emily

[BevP]

Welcome, newbies! The more the merrier.

JHolcolm: I may be stating the obvious and forgive me if I am, but have you had your body fat % checked. Using that as a goal, you may find your goal weight is higher than anything the scale can reach.

clairea: I'm not a mom but I'm an at home person too. I know what you mean about the kitchen being so close. It's a hard temptation for me too.

Amanda: Wow, good for you deciding to get back to fitness. I'm impressed. This group can really help motivate.

donleyk: When hubby's away is a hard time to stay on track for me too. Boredom and no one to confess to at the end of the day if I pig out. Just try your best.

browneye: Welcome. This group can make it all a little easier.

Whew, lots of new faces this week.

[donleyk]

hhcowgirl.

Have you seen any of the threads regarding the super slow weight lifting? Mentioned was an article in Newsweek regarding this and we did a few of these in aerobics today. We did bicep curls, four count up and four count down, 2 eight rep's I believe. Same with overhead. Felt good.

[hlao23]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BevP:
[B] And I'm thinking about a yoga class twice a week in place of aerobics. Try to improve flexibility.

I'm new to the board as well. Last month I started an aerobics program offered at work (a combo of aerobics, hand weights and bands)but it's only twice a week. I was thinking of supplimenting with yoga - which is offered on the alternate days. I could SO afford to increase my flexability but I am also interested in toning (I am blessed with a tendency to be on the slender side so weight is not an issue). Does yoga help with toning?

I would also like to know how long it will be before I notice a difference in my endurance. I am quite worn out by the end of class.

[gretaclaire]

Hi - I'm also new to this board. I'd like to get back in shape & lose about 25 pounds. I currently weigh more than I have in about 20 years, although I've never weighed what I thought was my ideal weight. I'm 42 years old & have a very active 5-year-old daughter & an almost-full-time job that's BUSY.

I became very motivated to lose weight this past 6 months (I got married in Oct.). Although I was working hard & eating healthy, I was just maintaining my weight. Luckily the exercise made me look like I had lost weight- lots of compliments at our wedding. However, since Oct. I've gained 10 pounds instead of losing it! I have some health concerns (arthritis in my back & neck & some recent sleeping problems.) and my doctor just recently decided that my thyroid might be a problem, which would explain some of my increasing fatigue & loss of motivation. I've only been on thyroid medication for 10 days, but it seems like I might be seeing some improvement. Of course, I've also had the week off from work, which could explain why I've been more rested.

I guess I'm telling you all this because my husband just worries about my health so much that it's hard to tell him when I feel good & when I feel like crap. I would like to feel better & be in better shape and I'm hoping to find some support from members of this board, as well as give some support.

I'd like to hear from other people who have young children and who work out of the home. How do you find time to exercise & still have enough quality time with your child? I just saw a book titled "I was a great mother until I had children" & that's how I feel some days. I always thought that all you needed to do was be organized and you could do it all. It just seems that exercise falls to the bottom of the To-Do list & I never get to it.

Sorry for the long message, but I needed to vent!
Thanks!

[clairea]

Gretaclaire:

I am now a SAHM of 2 small children, but was a working mom for several years. Is there anyway to fit a workout in before or after work, but while your daughter is still in childcare? I used to belong to a gym across the street from my son's daycare and would go several times a week before picking him up. At first, I worried about leaving him in daycare for an extra hour or so, but found that this was actually a really good way for me to destress from work and be fresher when I picked him up. Could your husband help with your daughter in the morning if you were to go exercise really early? This takes more self-discipline than I have ever had, but somehow my husband manages to drag himself out of bed at 5:00 am every morning (even when its freezing cold and raining) to go run before he leaves for work at 6:30). I am also a big fan of keeping weights in the living room and doing a few sets whenever I can, and staying active with my kids even if it is not a formal "workout", as browneye suggested. Finally, if all else fails and you can't fit in as much exercise as you would like, maybe my husband's philosophy will help -- he used to be a regular runner of marathons, but with 2 small children and working 70-80 hours weeks, he has significantly cut back on his training, saying that this is the time in his life to just do what is necessary to maintain good health, and that he can always get back in really great shape later when the kids are older. Hope this helps a little.

Claire

[browneye]

Originally posted by gretaclaire:
.

I'd like to hear from other people who have young children and who work out of the home. How do you find time to exercise & still have enough quality time with your child? I just saw a book titled "I was a great mother until I had children" & that's how I feel some days. I always thought that all you needed to do was be organized and you could do it all. It just seems that exercise falls to the bottom of the To-Do list & I never get to it.

Thanks!

I am a mom too, and for many years was single with two small children. Now they are teenage, nevertheless, here is how I managed to stay in shape:
1. I got a few really good workout videos and did them while dinner was in the oven, etc or at lunchtime.
2. I got a small assortment of free weights which I stored under the couch in the family room and lifted them while the kids watched "sesame street"
3. I finally bought a nordic track (this was like 8 years ago and wouldn't be my choice of "machine" now), but I got on that while dinner was in the oven.
When weather was nice, we rode bikes and rollerbladed together.
All in all, I stayed in better shape then than I am in now....married and all. Go figure.
Hope this helps and good luck.

[gretaclaire]

thanks for the ideas. It's nice just knowing there are other people who've gone through the same thing and understand what it's like at times. I'm really glad that I waited until I was older to become a mom. At the same time, I really feel OLD sometimes. Thanks for the pep talks. I'll try to keep going & not expect myself to be perfect all the time.

[luv2cook]

I am absolutely the heaviest now I've ever been in my life. My problem started in '98 and has just been one thing after another. First it was foot surgery. Then it was long recovery. Then it was another foot surgery. Another long recovery. Then the laziness was there to stay. I have been sporadic with the gym and doing the Eliptical and some weights and ab work but not 5 days a week...

NOW I have a problem with my knee. I started Celebrex and it's helping but I'm worried about it. My right hip had/has been really bothering me that got worse with exercise and I'm supposed to have an MRI done but haven't yet. I really think my back trouble is related to my arches and my supports.

It seems that each time I force myself to pick up and go, something comes up. It's absolutely ridiculous. Also, because I have tendonitis a lot of weight lifting exercises really hurt. I dont' mind good hurt but bad hurt stinks.

I started pilates and made it through four weeks but was miserable. The exercises called for a lot of weight being put on your hands for starters and then my knee started really really hurting because some of the exercises were on your hands and knees and my knee had been sore for a while before that hurt it on the eliptical. My knee went one direction and the machine the other while trying to reverse - only me)

I WAS going to start doing bench aerobics again as I really like them but with the knee thing, yeah, right. My knee hurt so bad the other day that getting up, going down/up stairs, it was horribly sore.

I thought the pilates was going to be the answer for me but that fell through so now I am treading water until I can force myself to go get that **** MRI. I'm almost scared to see what it will show...and I'll bet you money right now that my knee is next. Thanks for letting me vent my frustration.

[JHolcomb]

BevP- I have not had my body fat % checked-yet. I know it sounds a little silly, but I just don't have the $$ for something like that right now. Even $50.00 is out of range this month. Heck, $5.00 is, too. No health insurance since I got married either, until May, so the doc can't help. As soon as we can afford it, tho, I'm there.

Anyway, I know that my weight range is really high, my bones are very large, and I'm never going to be called svelte. I also know that I am carring around about 25 extra pounds of baggage. I need to get down to about 155. Thanks for asking, though, and don't feel bad for asking a question that seems "obvious," cause a lot of people probably never would have considered body fat.