HLSG: Week of 25 June

[MelissaAS]

How was the first week of summer for everyone?

I had another "good exercise, out of control eating" week. I was PMS queen, but I never noticed such a direct correlation before! Anyway, as soon as it hit (Friday) I was an eating machine. The good news is that I finally did get my 300 minutes of exercie in; so it can be done! It seems that the easiest way for me to approach it is to do some every day...in the hot weather, shorter bouts are working better for me.

Enough about me- how's everyone doing?

[funnybone]

I've been doing the step aerobics - 4 times last week, and I have been doing some basic stretching. I also found some free weights I have had rolling around the basement and used them a few times (they are about 2 lbs each, I guess).

Oh, I also saw the TaeBo II tapes on QVC this weekend - 6 for 39.99 on 2 flexpayments and I ordered. I looked on the taebo website and saw they were $55 or $59 for the same, so I figured it was a good price. Now, I have never done TaeBo, but have seen some posts on it in the past and figured I would never know until I tried if I liked it. Way cheaper than the $1200 Bowflex DH bought and I just can't get into.

I haven't been stepping on the scale either, and I don't plan to for about a month. I could stand to lose 10 lbs, but its not a dire emergency. I want to do it, but I haven't been able to. I think if I just toned up, I would feel better.

[lindrusso]

Well last week was a bit of a wash. I was at my SIL's house where there is no access to weights, etc. I would have loved to at least go for a walk or something, but she has two kids of her own and my hubby couldn't come on the trip (or he could have watched my kids while I walked or ran). And to top it off, there was not much healthy eating going on - but I must defend myself by saying that was not entirely my fault - lack of options was at least partly to blame!

So, back to it this week. We just drove in today, but I may not have the energy to go work out until tomorrow - all that driving (it's over 600 miles EACH way!!) with kids, by myself, combined with lack of sleep wore me out! But tomorrow, watch out!!

Melissa - Congrats on reaching 300 minutes!!

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Tangerine:
Hi, Funnybone!

I see you are doing step aerobics. Do you find it's a decent substitute for walking? I've been thinking about adding the step exercising as an alternate to my walking routine, out in the yard, very very early in the a.m.! And, perfect for winter, too.

Could you tell me a little about it? What height does one start with, etc. How long do you like to "step?" Do good instructions come with the step? You know, all the juicy details!

Thanks.

Tangerine


I'm not an expert on the step, Tangerine, but I will tell you what I know.

I enjoy the step because you get a cardiovascular workout with as much intensity as you want (by the height of your step). I bought mine about 8 years ago and its the one that is turquoise with fushia and purple "heights". I like this one because it is wide and allows you to do a wider variety of exercises.

It came with a tape, but I only looked at it once. Most of my routines are from Charlene Prickett. She used to have a TV show on in Canada and in the US, but it has not been on TV for years. I have many of the shows taped, plus I have 2 of her tapes as well. I just enjoy her style. She has a website www.charleneprickett.com (http://www.charleneprickett.com) if you are interested in seeing what she has.

I work on the 8" step, although you can start on 4" or 6". It depends on how fit you are and your ability. It you get tired, you can always lower your step. Most of the workouts are 30 mins, including warm up and cool down. Some are 45 min and an hour as well. It depends on my mood.

Maybe someone else can add to it, but basically it is simple to do.



[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 06-25-2001).]

[Tangerine]

Hi, Funnybone!

I see you are doing step aerobics. Do you find it's a decent substitute for walking? I've been thinking about adding the step exercising as an alternate to my walking routine, out in the yard, very very early in the a.m.! And, perfect for winter, too.

Could you tell me a little about it? What height does one start with, etc. How long do you like to "step?" Do good instructions come with the step? You know, all the juicy details!

Thanks.

Tangerine

[mandarin2j]

Last week was mostly good-I only missed one day of lifting/yoga/Pilates because my parents were in town & things were pretty hectic. I kind of made up for it by tacking on extra cycling on Tuesday on my way home from work. I cycled uphill in a local park until I totally ran out of steam. Then I rested & rode home. One thing I've noticed: when I was running in high school, I'd do anything to get out of it. I hated that running was imposed on me by my dad. Now, I'm very honest with myself about when I've had enough, because I'm doing this for me. Food wise, it's hard not to be good when there's all this fresh, wonderful produce about & we have such a fantastic new grill. It's not WW, of course, but it's better than my habits over the winter, so I'm happy. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Oh, and our raspberries are going nuts! Yummy raspberries for dessert every night, and I think I'll make a zippy vinaigrette for tonight. I love summer!

-Amanda

[BevP]

Tangerine, I love step class! For me, it's a great aerobic workout without having to do all those 'silly' (to me) antics it takes to get a decent heart rate with floor aerobics. If you don't want to go to a gym for classes, buy a step and a video or two. Try yard sales or the newspaper to get a step for a great price. Start with the lowest platform, 4 inches, at least until you get used to the moves. The videos will have the safety information for you. Basically, make sure you put your whole foot on the step and whole foot on the ground, not just your toes. Step classes should be done at a slower speed than floor aerobics, 125-130 beats per minute, so you can really concentrate on form. Add intensity by adding velocity or higher arm movements or another 2 inch riser. Any more questions feel free to ask either here or just e-mail me.

I notice most of you had a pretty good week. I'm not quite in the good category but not bad either. I only went to 2 aerobics classes but the eating was fairly sensible. All my clothes still fit despite all the eating on vacation so that was encouraging. I never did step on the scale at my usual time (first thing in the morning before eating or drinking liquids) so I don't really know if I gained any weight. But it doesn't matter if I did. What goes on will come off. Hey, I like that. It's my new motto.

Each day is a new chance to improve or continue with our wonderful eating and exercise habits. Drink your water, especially those in the warmer weather.

[MelissaAS]

Just wanted to put in my 2 cents for step aerobics- I love it because it's not too girly/dance-y, but still fun. I enjoy group classes in general, and couldn't see myself doing it at home alone though...

I managed to gain 1 lb. on my PMS binge so I'm back to strict Melissa this week to try to take it off again. Here goes.

[SusanMac]

I'm also a big step aerobics fan. Tangerine, I definitely recommend it if you're looking to tone up. It will help you much, much, much more than walking because of the increased heart rate, amount of calories burned, and increased use of muscles.

If you're just starting out, you might also want to try the library for video tapes. They won't have the biggest selection, but it will help you decide the style and instructors you like. Before I had a step at home, I would practice on a step inside my house. Most gyms will also let you visit a class for free if you're shopping for a membership. So, you have a few options before going out to buy an actual step.

[jd]

Melissa - I can't believe I missed that summer is upon us! Thanks for the reminder. Congratulations on your 300 minutes. Be thankful that PMS only lasts for a short time!

Amanda, thanks for the reminder that we are doing this for ourselves and no one else. That makes such a difference in motivation.

I had a good week - five walk/runs, two strenghtening and NEW SHOES! A great idea borrowed from lindrusso. Don't they make all the difference in the world?!

My weight is exactly where it was when I hit WW lifetime in early May, so I have nothing to complain about. I do need to eat more veggies though.

[BosunsWife]

I'm so glad that everyone is having a good week especially exercise wise. Let me tell you a funny story about exercise. I'm currently taking my 2 year old DD to a "mommy and me" gymnastics class. We were running in a circle last week and I heard and felt something go "snap" in my lower left calf. I've either pulled a muscle or possibly a tendon. Either way, its hurts like he@#! Can you imagine, I seldom get hurt at the gym, but going to a 18 month - 3 year olds gymnastics class I get injured!

The weight loss is still going well. In the last two weeks I have lost another 2 1/2 pounds for a total of 16 1/2 pounds since the first of April. I am at the lowest I have ever been since meeting my DH 10 years ago! I am feeling so high right now. My SIL is visiting us from CT right now and keeps asking me what "diet" I am on. I said I'm not on a diet, I'm finally eating like a "normal" person eats.

I'm feeling good right now, can you tell?

[MelissaAS]

BosunsWife-

Thanks for the inspiration. I'm feeling dumpy about the whole effort right now- kind of in that "rather not think about it/zone out/autopilot" mode....which is a DANGER ZONE of bingeing for me.

Not to bore everyone with my confessions, but I ate a whole bag of Pirate's Booty last night and feel yucky today. I know I have to get back on the horse but I'm having trouble doing it. Blech!

Thanks for the good vibes everyone...

[GayeC]

Originally posted by BosunsWife:
The weight loss is still going well. In the last two weeks I have lost another 2 1/2 pounds for a total of 16 1/2 pounds since the first of April. I am at the lowest I have ever been since meeting my DH 10 years ago! I am feeling so high right now. My SIL is visiting us from CT right now and keeps asking me what "diet" I am on. I said I'm not on a diet, I'm finally eating like a "normal" person eats.

I'm feeling good right now, can you tell?

Congratulations! I am hoping that some of your success and good feelings will rub off on me! I have lost 6 pounds since January but am really struggling to lose the rest (8-10 pounds). I am not overeating or binging by any stretch of the imagination, but it seems that I have no margin of error whatsoever. If I do not stick religiously to 1500 calories/day, I do not lose weight. Very frustrating. On the plus side, I am eating primarily healthy foods (lots of vegetables from the garden, beans, fruit) and am walking regularly.

Congratulations again on your success. Gaye