Talk about your exercise experience today

[Gemme]

PT and shoveling on the 30th. A little more shoveling yesterday. Today was a gym day! Tomorrow will be another storm day so I wanted to really kick it into gear. Since I get lots of upper body training with shoveling, I decided to stick to cardio.

Machine 1: elliptical

E17, random program, level 5
Stats: 158 cal, 1.19 mi, 18:00 min

Machine 2: step climber

Matrix, manual, level 1
Stats: 82 cal, 433 steps, 18:00 min

Machine 3: Arc trainer

A7, program 3, level 1
Stats: 237 cal, 1.15 mi, 20:00 min

Machine 4: recumbent bike

B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 156 cal, 6.08 mi, 25:00 min

Total calories: 633
Total miles: 8.42 plus 433 steps
Total time: 81 minutes or 1 hour and 21 minutes

Booyah!

[MrSunshine]

Yeah. I think shoveling fifty fucking tons of snow covers it for the day. The tread mill can suck it!

[Candelion]

I haven't posted for a while. After an emergency appendectomy at the end of November, I had to take some time out from running. I have spent the last few weeks getting back into my routine. However, the sidewalks have been icy so I have been jumping rope. Jumping rope has always been part of my routine but for a Christmas present to myself I ordered a custom skipping rope. Designed specifically for my height, arm length, jumping speed etc. I don't know how I ever managed with my old skipping rope. Jumping rope is a great cardio workout and a great way to cross train for running. It improves one's endurance, balance, and coordination. Today I jumped for 25 minutes...2 missteps.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/jumprope_zps9d6621ed.jpg

Have a great day everyone and, as always, thank you for providing motivation through your posts. :)

[Gemme]

Glad you are better, Candelion.

[DapperButch]

I haven't posted for a while. After an emergency appendectomy at the end of November, I had to take some time out from running. I have spent the last few weeks getting back into my routine. However, the sidewalks have been icy so I have been jumping rope. Jumping rope has always been part of my routine but for a Christmas present to myself I ordered a custom skipping rope. Designed specifically for my height, arm length, jumping speed etc. I don't know how I ever managed with my old skipping rope. Jumping rope is a great cardio workout and a great way to cross train for running. It improves one's endurance, balance, and coordination. Today I jumped for 25 minutes...2 missteps.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/jumprope_zps9d6621ed.jpg

Have a great day everyone and, as always, thank you for providing motivation through your posts. :)

What type of shoes (I assume sneakers of some sort), does one use for jumping rope? Running shoes?

As an aside, I actually worked out today, people.

[nycfem]

Gym today:

1 hr treadmill at 4mph, started at uphill incline level 12 and then decreased by 3 every fifteen minutes

30 minutes stairmaster, intervals

1 hour of floor exercises: weight lifting, ab exercises, leg weights, back strengthening, yoga, tai chi, stretching

[Gemme]

What type of shoes (I assume sneakers of some sort), does one use for jumping rope? Running shoes?

As an aside, I actually worked out today, people.


I thought I felt a ripple in the force.

:blink:

Good for you, Dapper!

Today I get to..........................drum roll please..........................shovel SNOW!!!

At least it's not the foot we were originally forecasted.

[Candelion]

What type of shoes (I assume sneakers of some sort), does one use for jumping rope? Running shoes?

As an aside, I actually worked out today, people.


Cross trainers are usually recommended as the best shoe for jumping rope because they offer a firm, supportive surface to protect small foot bones and to stabilize ankles. Jumping rope is a high impact exercise so your knees and hips require the extra cushioning that cross trainers offer to reduce your risk of injury from the repetitive jumping motion.

Admittedly, I wear an aerobic running shoe for jumping rope. It provides support but not as much support as a cross trainer. The aerobic running shoe is lighter, though. And for me, the lighter the shoe the better.

One of the best sources of information for jumping rope is Buddy Lee's book, Jump Rope Training. I think he has jump rope workout routines on YouTube, as well. I hope this helps.

[DapperButch]

One of the best sources of information for jumping rope is Buddy Lee's book, Jump Rope Training. I think he has jump rope workout routines on YouTube, as well. I hope this helps.

I could never jump rope as a kid, even though I tried to learn. I didn't mind the excuse to go play with the boys, though.

I know it is a great form of exercise (except for the knees).

Makes total sense about the cross trainers. Thanks.

[nycfem]

Gym: 1 hour treadmill, uphill incline 12 reduced by 3 every 15 minutes, 4mph

I didn't sleep enough last night; it was slushy outside and freezing; somehow I made it! :)

[Gemme]

I thought I felt a ripple in the force.

:blink:

Good for you, Dapper!

Today I get to..........................drum roll please..........................shovel SNOW!!!

At least it's not the foot we were originally forecasted.

When I wrote this, I was expecting 1-3 inches so it was no big deal.

Almost 3x that later.....

Do I look :canadian: to you? Someone take this snow and shove it.

Preferably not anywhere near me.

I shoveled so much snow that I soaked through 4 layers AND my puffy jacket and when I say soaked through, I mean it. My jacket's hanging out to dry until I can get it cleaned properly.

My back feels better but my wrists are still sore.

[Logicaly]

I tried to go to the gym today but our apartment gym was too crowded so instead we started our training for the 5k we are going to run.

Alternated between jogging and running for 30 minutes. 8 minutes of jogging and 22 of walking. We got a total distance of 3 miles.

[ruby_woo]

Sexy Street Jazz dance class. It's like a sexy, feminine hip-hop. I call it "Beyonce class". So fun!

[Gemme]

Sexy Street Jazz dance class. It's like a sexy, feminine hip-hop. I call it "Beyonce class". So fun!

I want to be doing this!

It sounds like a lot of fun.

Alas, I have a date with more shoveling. The good news is that we won't have any fresh snowfall until.................tomorrow.

:blink:

:seeingstars:

[Bard]

I have been keeping up with my squats and lifts every day and pretty much crushing my steps goal. On Sunday on my lunch break I wet to the indoor track and walked / jogged for 2 miles. Not to bad considering I was in my full duty uniform and boots Just for the heck of it I weighed myself with all my gear on it adds up to 28 extra pounds :police: I alternated the jogging on sides of the track but seemed to get a little further each time. I am Hiking ever chance I get and hope to go to Lake Placid this weekend to Hike. And to be able to get back to the gym :moonstars::moonstars:

[Kelt]

Day off for me today and maybe tomorrow, but I did manage to sneak in 90 at HR on the bike yesterday morning.

[DapperButch]

I have been keeping up with my squats and lifts every day and pretty much crushing my steps goal. On Sunday on my lunch break I wet to the indoor track and walked / jogged for 2 miles. Not to bad considering I was in my full duty uniform and boots Just for the heck of it I weighed myself with all my gear on it adds up to 28 extra pounds :police: I alternated the jogging on sides of the track but seemed to get a little further each time. I am Hiking ever chance I get and hope to go to Lake Placid this weekend to Hike. And to be able to get back to the gym :moonstars::moonstars:

You seem to be on a mission! Is there a goal with all of this intense working out you have been doing?

[Bard]

You seem to be on a mission! Is there a goal with all of this intense working out you have been doing?

Just wanting to get myself back in shape but there may be a mission.. perhaps

[Gemme]

For the love of Job! Will someone please just rip my arms off for me? I am not doing anything at the gym tomorrow that involves my arms.

I guess that leaves the recumbent bike. Maybe I'll take a long ride like Kelt did.

[Gemme]

Just wanting to get myself back in shape but there may be a mission.. perhaps

Just be sure to give yourself rest days otherwise it won't matter what the why is because you'll wind up either burning out or making yourself sick or injuring yourself.

Take care!

[Gemme]

What a day, exercisers!

Let's start with the ice. That's core work and I did get some of that in before and after the workout. Then let's talk about being absolutely physically drained. My shoulders and arms are sore, sore, SORE! Let's follow up with the fact that I pulled a Corkey and FORGOT MY SHOES.

Oy.

Thankfully the girl manning the counter was 'my' girl; the one I get along best with and know the most about. Shoes are a requirement but she let me onto the floor since I was just doing the recumbent bike and I took my boots off at the bike and then put them on again the second I was done so it worked out.

And I worked out, which is the point.

B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 216 cal, 8.03 mi, 35:00 min

I averaged about 8.4, maybe 8.5 RPM but my range was from the high 6s to the low 10s. When I get around 9.5RPM or higher the seat will kind of vibrate, like the whole bike is about to hover and take off. It's kind of fun.

I have this this about sweat. I don't like it. Sure, when it happens I fell accomplished blah, blah, blah but I don't like being sweaty. Or sweating. When I'm on the bike, I sweat weird. I'm not sure if it's the cut outs in the back of the seat or if my triceps only sweat when I'm on the bike, but I'll be chugging along and then a random sweat droplet will slide its way down my arm. Out of nowhere. Tricep sweat. Weird!

:blink:

[Bard]

I made today a gym day and did my squats with up to 75 pounds . 6 sets of 10 , Then did the circuit training and was able to up the wights by 5 more then I had the last time. Finished off with 20 minuets on the treadmill from 3 to 4.5 on speed and 6 to 8 on the incline.. felt really good cool off with some stretching and some crunches. Starting to see the definition back in my arms and back at that makes me a happy camper HELL YEAH!!

[MrSunshine]

Another four snow workouts. Like doing it the first wasn't enough. No, like 2-3 foot snow drifts x 4. Really?
I may never see the thread mill again, unless I crawl over to it :/

[cinnamongrrl]

6 straight hours of cleaning....thats all I got today....and I'm soo okay with that. :)

[Gemme]

Another four snow workouts. Like doing it the first wasn't enough. No, like 2-3 foot snow drifts x 4. Really?
I may never see the thread mill again, unless I crawl over to it :/

Bad news. We've got more coming with the two converging storms headed our way.

Tomorrow shouldn't be bad but Sunday and Monday might be a bit annoying.

If your shoulders and arms are half as tired as mine, I feel for you.

[Corkey]

Treadmill, I don't need no stinkin' treadmill :|

4-6 inches twice later...oy'. I could kill a certain rodent.

[Gemme]

It's not Punxsutawney Phil's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punxsutawney_Phil) fault!!! He's just a barometer for the madness.

I could have made it to the gym today and will have some days coming up that I won't be able to, but I didn't go. I know I have some snow removal and shuffling around ahead of me today and I'm so darn sore still.

I need a massage.

And about 32 hours of continual sleep.

And to stop dreaming about snow. Snow has been a factor in every single dream I've had for about a week now.

I can't get away from it!

[Kelt]

Today was my first day back in the gym since getting my back worked on Monday. I intended to go for one hour easy-peasy on the recumbent and did; but then got hooked on the reno show about a 1911 house and ended up going two hours and tempted to do a third. No worries, I stopped.

I was at about 70-75% HR for that time.

It's no secret I like using a telemetry strap (chest strap) for transmitting HR info but I found an article (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-almendrala/heart-rate-monitor_b_4868695.html) that points out some other benefits of trying it for the curious. :cheesy:

[Gemme]

Excellent article and I like the product (http://www.polar.com/us-en/products/get_active/fitness_crosstraining/FT7)that she mentions too.

[Bard]

Today was a Hike day for me after doing my squats at home lol.. Went up to Lake Placid and hiked on the actual lake.. So cool well it was more like COLD but a relaxing hike was out there for about a hour and a half then walked around the shops.


:moonstars:

[Logicaly]

Still continuing with the couch to 5k training. We found a 5k that we want to run in October although I suspect we will find others that are sooner.

Tonight is a gym night though. We just signed up for Planet Fitness and we are going to go do the 30 minute circuit that they have.

[Prudence]

Ok.. ok... I broke down and started back with Callinetics. I use to use it as a warm up before dance class. When I begin I think ..ouch.. ouch .. damnit ouch. But after its over... I feel uplifted and light. My spine feels loose and my heads clear. Im glad I started back with that program. It worked then and sure it will work now.

[Bard]

Hit the gym first thing this morning did the full 30 minute circuit, some extra work on my arms, and back 5 sets of 10 crunches and 10 sets of 10 squats with up 75 pounds of weight.. Finished off on the treadmill for 25 mins started at a 8 incline 3 speed and finished at 10 incline and 5 speed. Really feeling the difference now and able to do a lot more then I could when I started.

:moonstars::clover:

[Kelt]

Did the usual at the gym. Planned one hour, got sucked in for a second. :blink:

Say what you (or I) will about being stuck in front of a screen with nothing to do but pedal; in the last 4 weeks, this combined with some other habit changes has let me drop 14.4 lbs. which was intentional. :cheesy:

[Gemme]

Did the usual at the gym. Planned one hour, got sucked in for a second. :blink:

Say what you (or I) will about being stuck in front of a screen with nothing to do but pedal; in the last 4 weeks, this combined with some other habit changes has let me drop 14.4 lbs. which was intentional. :cheesy:

Dayum, Kelt!

That's phenomenal.

Good on you!

[nycfem]

Rockin' Saturday night at the gym! Love how empty it is! Date with myself!

2 hr 15 min treadmill, 4mph, uphill incline intervals every 15 minutes between level 3 and 12 (12, 9, 6, 3, 12, 9, 6, 3, 12).

30 min stair master, intervals, plus front step/side step

15 min upright bike, random program, level 10

1 hr weight lifting, leg lifting, ab exercises, back strengthening exercises, and finally and blissfully STRETCHING!

I had a hard week personally, work wise, not enough sleep... Thankful for a weekend without plans where I can work it all out at the gym! Also thankful for the shared bond of my buds on this thread :bunchflowers:

[Gemme]

Jennifer is not human. NOT human! When I don't get enough sleep, I can't do sh*t at the gym. I'm dragging! You? You bang out 4 hours at the gym.

Crazy, woman!

I did not make the gym tonight. I did, however, spend a couple of hours taking a shovel and a hammer to giant ice chunks.

It doesn't take long to work up a good sweat doing that.

[Logicaly]

I love when the gym is totally empty but holy cow you were a beast! That is a heck of a workout!

Rockin' Saturday night at the gym! Love how empty it is! Date with myself!

2 hr 15 min treadmill, 4mph, uphill incline intervals every 15 minutes between level 3 and 12 (12, 9, 6, 3, 12, 9, 6, 3, 12).

30 min stair master, intervals, plus front step/side step

15 min upright bike, random program, level 10

1 hr weight lifting, leg lifting, ab exercises, back strengthening exercises, and finally and blissfully STRETCHING!

I had a hard week personally, work wise, not enough sleep... Thankful for a weekend without plans where I can work it all out at the gym! Also thankful for the shared bond of my buds on this thread :bunchflowers:

[Bard]

Hit the gym again yesterday, full circuit then additional work on my arms. Did 8 sets of squats and 5 sets of crunches. 2 minuets on the elliptical at a level4 then run on the treadmill only 10 minuets but at a 9 incline and a 5.5 speed for me that is HUGE:sunglass:

Later in the day went for a 2 hour hike in the park near our house it was beautiful started to snow while I was out.

Today will be a steps day as I have to work my goal is to crush my steps today :moonstars:

[Rockinonahigh]

Yesterday I took a long walk then rode the bike for a mile,it has been a while since I have been able to do this,it is not painless but do able.Toad i'm baking cookies,peanut butter and toll house cookies,tomorrow is my pool night also my turn to bring some sort of a snack.

[nycfem]

1 hour treadmill, 4mph, uphill incline- decreasing every 15 minutes: 12, 9, 6, 3.

30 minute stair master, interval

30 minute upright bike, random program, level 10

1 hour of floor exercises: abs, back, weight lifting, leg weights, and yoga

***

Great weekend!

[Kelt]

This morning I went to the gym and did an hour (<<<< Didja see that! I stopped at one!) on the recumbent bike and then followed with a great walk along the river trails in the sun for about two hours.

I think this next week I am going to go ahead and start slowly doing some basics with a goal to be able to do good form squats, push-ups, dips, and assisted pull-ups ('cause I'll never be able to do them for real). But I think all of those done well will be a good base of larger muscle groups. :weightlifter: :superfunny:

[Logicaly]

Finished the first week of c25k! Also nailed my 10,000 steps today. Feeling good about the progress we are making together and the 5k we have coming up next month.

Tomorrow is a gym night.

Also wanted to say that coming in here and being able to share my workouts even if they are small or brief with all of you is part of my motivation. So thanks!

[Bard]

Hit the Gym again today 45 minuets of cardio Treadmill and Bike then a hour of strength did the full circuit then my squats 8 sets of 1o and I am still at the 7 pounds of weight when I do them I hope to go up to 80 nest week. then I worked a little more on my arms and shoulders finding that I have been able to bump up my weight about 10 pound and I am really starting to see results. Got in some crunches and stretching and then 15 mins additional on the elliptical.. I also walked later that night on my lunch break at work using the indoor track CRUSHED my steps goal hit 17000 and while on the track I did some jogging only about 1/3 of the track and then walking but with the extra 25 pound of equipment I carry I will take it. I am sure some of the student athletes get a kick out of a cop in full uniform jogging but I get my steps where I can :moonstars:

[Gemme]

Non-traditional workout for me again. Over 2 hours of sweeping and mopping up salt, sand and dried mud throughout the whole building. Then I scraped the parking lot (it uses the shovel but instead of shoveling, it's pushing the shovel against the ground and moving slush into the drains on the property). Later, I lugged 50 lb bags of ice melt from Sam's to work. Then I went 'for me' shopping for an hour and a half at 3 stores.

Oh! I had my PT appointment too. That consisted of upper body circuit training, balance exercises that are hard as heck but I actually did okay with them, half Supermans and planks. Planks!

[Logicaly]

Great night at the gym tonight. Worked arms and legs for 30 minutes and then did 30 minutes of cardio. Feeling good and looking forward to my next workout.

[Gemme]

I'm scheduled for my last PT appointment today!

It's Friday the 13th.

Good thing I'm not overly superstitious.

[flapdoodle]

Just peeking on this thread and saw the amount of working out some of you do. Is this in a single day?

3 hours of working out in a single day?
Are you in training?

That is a tremendous amount of working out, so, I was just curious?
I don't know of anyone who works out that much in a day, except some extreme Pumpers training for a show.


1 hour treadmill, 4mph, uphill incline- decreasing every 15 minutes: 12, 9, 6, 3.

30 minute stair master, interval

30 minute upright bike, random program, level 10

1 hour of floor exercises: abs, back, weight lifting, leg weights, and yoga

***

Great weekend!

[Bard]

Cold as heck here today so no hiking for this guy.
But I did get up and hit the gym this morning. 8 sets of 10 squats with 90 pounds of weight on the bar, The 30 minuet circuit, then more work on my arms and core. 10 minuets on the ark trainer between the circuit and other machines, Then finished off with 25 minuets on the elliptical at a level 5. Feeling pretty good with my progress I am able to add weight to to each set. And every day I am beating my steps goal
:moonstars::moonstars:

[starryeyes]

I have been going to the gym 4x a week with a friend. We typically do 30-45 min of cardio on the treadmill or elliptical. Then, we do some pretty intense partner workouts with kettle balls, weighted balls and the bosu. I am seeing a difference and it feels good! I like being toned again and wearing dresses that I haven't worn in over a year! Looking forward to losing more weight and getting back to my lowest weight that I haven't seen in 3 years. 20lbs to go!!

[Gemme]

Just peeking on this thread and saw the amount of working out some of you do. Is this in a single day?

3 hours of working out in a single day?
Are you in training?

That is a tremendous amount of working out, so, I was just curious?
I don't know of anyone who works out that much in a day, except some extreme Pumpers training for a show.

Jennifer's amazing. That's her all the time. She's not training for anything specific that I am aware of. She just really enjoys her gym time (and she catches up on her shows at the same time!).

I had my last PT appointment today. Yay!

[Canela]

Finally ready to take on the gym....

30 minutes on the treadmill
10 minutes on the stationary bike

Today was my first time working out of any kind in a very long time...

I lost 15 pounds and figured I best tone up now before I can't catch up with it...lol

Not sure about tomorrow, but I'm going to start the barre program soon.

[Rockinonahigh]

Since they injected my left knee I have been getting better,I have been taking walks and doing some stationary bike riding and am having less pain as time go's
on.It's been a month so far and they said it would take two months to get the full results,I my not be compleatly out of pain but I knew this would only lessen pain not take it away.

[The JD]

I've recently gotten into watching the Walking Dead, but there's a catch: I'll only watch it while on the elliptical. I've tried watching other shows and movies (mostly comedies) while on cardio equipment, but I spent more time staring at the display that says how long I've been working out.

But the combination of Walking Dead and the elliptical? I move as if my life depends on it.

Another gimmick that works for me... a fitbit! I find I check my stats pretty often throughout the day, and make choices in activity (like taking the stairs rather than elevator) just to make my goals turn green. I'm surprised that it's such an effective motivator, but hey, whatever works. Anyone else use fitbit? I wanna try out the buddy feature!

http://fitcitymke.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zombie-fitness.jpeg

[Gemme]

I don't have a Fitbit, JD, but I do want to get something to help me keep a more accurate count of my energy and caloric output. I'm still looking around. What do you like about the Fitbit and what are you less excited about?

[Gemme]

I dub myself Jennifer Jr. today!

I finally got back in the gym today but it's going to be short lived. We have a storm rolling in today and it will literally snow every other day for the next week and a half. Just enough for the roads to never really get good and dry and the people drive like whacked out morons here and I have a small, light car without 4/all wheel drive so I severely limit my driving time when it's icy and snowy.

I did pretty well (hence the dubation).

E21 and I got reacquainted. I used the random program and worked at level 5.
Stats: 354 cal, 2.68 mi, 40:00 min

Then I moved to the recumbent bike.

B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 212 cal, 7.53 mi, 35:00 min

That's 75 minutes of continuous and intentional movement that did NOT involve or have absolutely anything to do with snow.

Woot!

[starryeyes]

I will be doing an hour on the treadmill rocking out to some Beyoncé! Happy Valentine's Day!! :-)

[The JD]

I don't have a Fitbit, JD, but I do want to get something to help me keep a more accurate count of my energy and caloric output. I'm still looking around. What do you like about the Fitbit and what are you less excited about?

Hi Gemme!

I've got the Fitbit Charge HR ($150), which just came out. This is a big improvement from the Flex ($100), which I had for a brief time. Keep in mind all my cons and pros are based on the Charge HR (with some comparisons to the Flex). Also, Fitbit just released a Cadillac model, the Surge ($250). It has a wrist-display text message alert (which would be fantastic, admittedly!) and GPS, which allows a much more accurate tracking of distance and workout. But the device is really big, and in the end, I decided it wasn't worth $100 just to add GPS and text message alert.

What I like:
1. It measures heart rate, and even tells you whether you're in cardio range or fat burning range. I've seen some reviews that say the HR monitor isn't accurate enough for the hardcore fitness buff, but it's useful for me. It also calculates your resting heart rate, based on an average of... when you're sleeping? I'm not so sure what, actually. But if I want to track my resting heart rate, I just look at it first thing when I wake up. Which brings me to...

2. Wrist display of stats. There's a button on the left side of the band that allows you to scroll through all your stats (time, steps, heart rate, calories burned, stairs climbed, miles traveled, alarm time) and see them right there. The flex doesn't have this, and I do find I look at my stats a lot less through my phone app now, because they're now so readily available on my wrist. You can also reorder the stats so the ones you most care about are the first ones you see.

3. Measures sleep. It tells you how long you slept, and provides a graph that shows when and for how long you were restless, asleep and awake (when I get up to go to the bathroom, it shows me as awake for 2 minutes, then right back to sleep!). And it does it automatically. With the Flex, you have to tell it when you're going to sleep and when you're waking up. The Charge HR just knows. I had a bout of insomnia last week, and laid in bed for 4 hours before falling asleep- sometimes reading, sometimes lying with the lights off willing my body to go to sleep. The last time I recall looking at the clock was 4:30 AM. Four hours later when I got up for work, my Fitbit stats said I went to sleep at 5:04 AM, which sounds exactly right. It didn't even log the 4 hours I was lying still. Anyway, the sleep function is mostly a novelty thing for me, but at least I'll know if I sleepwalk the next time I take an Ambien.

4. Silent alarm. I wake up to my wrist buzzing now. And because the damn thing knows if I went back to sleep, it even has a snooze alarm and goes off again 10 minutes later!

5. Caller ID display. The Charge HR doesn't display text alerts (darn it), but it does show the phone number or caller ID of any incoming calls from your cell phone (assuming your cell is on and within Bluetooth range). You also get a wrist buzz alert, in case your wrist display isn't in view.

6. The wristband. I HATE HATE HATED the Flex wristband (I really can't stress this enough). The Charge HR has a wristband with a buckle. Hurrah! No more weird interlocking clasp that has to be just right! A word of caution, though: The sizing runs small. The sizes come in large and small, but it should be labeled as one-size-fits-all and Tiny Waif. Seriously. I have a small wrist, and if the size choices are small and large, I always choose small. But that's not the case here. I'm wearing the large wristband, and could still make it 2 positions tighter. And during a work out, the recommendation is to push it an inch higher on your wrist, which requires loosening it another 2 positions. I don't know who's wearing the small size, but I suspect they're less than 12 years old.

7. The app. You can track food, water, and additional exercise through the app. All of those things require manually adding them, so I confess I don't track those much. But on the days I've actually drank 64 ounces of water, tracking it in the app is what motivated me to get those final 16 ounces down. And I easily made my step goal just from running to the bathroom!


Con:
1. It's not made for lefties. Or more specifically, it's not made for right-wrist wearers. The button is on the left side, so I have to use my thumb to change the display. Annoying and awkward. But any lefty will be MORE than familiar with making the adjustment.

2. The electronics can't be removed from the band. If the band breaks, I have to get a whole new Charge. $150 just to replace the band?? I'm hoping Fitbit has a better fix for this if/when it happens to me.

3. You still can't get it wet. Fitbit says it can withstand short periods of moisture, but showering and swimming in it is out of the question. Oh, and they say to wipe off the moisture after a sweaty workout. But I think most people would probably do this anyway, and not just to protect the Fitbit.

4. It's kind of tricky to plug into the charger. This plug-in is behind the display (the part that rests against your wrist), right below this constantly strobing green light that is somehow taking your heartbeat. So if you can't plug it in just right, and have to look at where it plugs in, you get temporarily blinded by the flashing light. Fitbit swears it's not going to damage my vision, but I remain unconvinced.

And now I'm off to watch more Walking Dead... :)

[Gemme]

Thanks for the assessment! The Charger sounds like something I might actually like. I don't use apps so I'm looking for something that will give me the information on the unit itself and I like that it doesn't require you to log sleep on/sleep off. I'll keep an eye out for the band and see which fits better. I have a child-sized wrist so the small might actually work for me.

[Gemme]

I had about 40-45 minutes of shoveling so far today, as well and picking up the house. If you saw my home, you'd know that counts! lol

[nycfem]

Saturday (Valentine's Work out):
1 hour treadmill, 4mph, uphill incline- decreasing by 3 every 15 minutes from 12.
30 min stairmaster, intervals
1 hour combined floor stuff: weight lifting, abs, leg weights, yoga

Sunday (post-Valentine's Work out):
Same hour on the treadmill as yesterday
15 min. stairmaster, intervals
15 min. upright bicycle, Random Program, Level 10
Same 1 hr floor workout as yesterday

I've been in to watching horror movies on my i-pad (Netflix). It kind of goes with the movie to be panting and moving fast! I watched Rosemary's Baby and Amityville. I also watched Cable Guy, not a horror but a stalker comedy with Jim Carey is close enough. I love Jim Carey's old comedies.

[Bard]

No Gym for me this weekends one I had the kiddo and second the pain I had on Saturday morning. But I did get over my steps goal both days and the Kiddo and I did the WII fit. Well and I did my squats in the basement but with a lower weight. Today I did my squats and some overhead lifts here at home shoveled snow for 45 minuets and used the snow blower on the rest. At work tonight I went to the indoor track to get my steps in and I also was able to jog half of the track HUGE improvement for me did that 3 times walked half then jogged half. After I had hit my goal of 10000 I wanted to see just how far I could jog with out stopping so I tried and made it almost 2/3 around all that with the 25 pounds of equipment on my duty belt and in boots I ended the day with over 13000 steps total not to shabby.

I have the Garmin ViVo Fit I like that it also had the watch feature on it doesn't measure heart rate but for me it works well..

[nycfem]

1 hour treadmill- same routine as usual on the treadmill, 4mph with a gradually decreasing uphill incline every fifteen minutes from 12 to 3.
15 min. upright bicycle, random program, level 10
15 min. core work on floor and weight lifting

[randrum]

I need to get back to the gym. This last week or so has been bad with work and everything. Today my only exercise was the little bit of walking I did around the office and my normal calisthenics (push ups, sit ups, etc.) this morning.

[Gemme]

It snowed all day, so you know what my exercise routine was.

I'm starting to develop a burning knot on the right side of my mid-back on days that I do moderate to excessive shoveling. I'm trying to adjust my form but I am strictly right-handed. Attempts to switch to the left for balancing purposes are short lived and mediocre at best.

If someone could run me over with a steamroller and straighten me out like fresh pasta, it might help.

:blink:

[Bard]

Still having to take it easy but I still was able to get my steps goal in and did some light lifting. I hope to go out hiking tomorrow perhaps Niagara Falls :moonstars:

[nycfem]

More time for the gym this week because it is a school break :)

Today: 1 hr stairmaster, intervals, while watching "Friday the 13th" on Netflix

1 hour of floor exercises: weight lifting, leg weights, ab exercises, stretching

[Corkey]

snow shoveling twice 600 cal each time iz starving face:canoworms:

[Logicaly]

Did arms and legs last night at the gym. It wasn't a long workout but it was a good workout that left my muscles feeling it.

[goodlilfemme]

i love exercise, walking makes me feel good

[bright_arrow]

Did arms and legs last night at the gym. It wasn't a long workout but it was a good workout that left my muscles feeling it.

Legs adduction and abduction, leg extension, glutes, seated leg press, pectoral butterfly, lateral pull down, chest press... I might be missing one or two.

6 reps of 10 at 230 lbs on the seated leg press kicked my ass the most, but the abduction/adduction showed me that my pulled muscles are gone so I can get back to C25k training! Our 5k is a month away!

[Gemme]

I got a good workout in this morning.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 311 cal, 2.32 mi, 35:00 min

B4, random program, level 5
Stats: 236 cal, 8.45 mi, 40:00 min

[Bard]

Still restricted but I did 30 minuets of Yoga a walk for another 30 25 pushup and 40 crunches some light lifting in the basement hope that the DR will ok a return to the Gym on Wed

:moonstars::police:

[Corkey]

6" of snow, I had help.

[nycfem]

30 min Stair Master, 55/65 intervals
1 combined hour of abs, weight lifting, leg weights, back strengthening, and yoga

[Medusa]

I hit the treadmill last night for 40 minutes at a good brisk pace.

About to get up and get moving for today: more treadmill and some standing inclined pushups!

[WingsOnFire]

finally able to walk again after fracturing a heel spur.. still need to have surgery but at least I can start walking around the building at work again. Looking forward to getting back to the gym.

[Gemme]

I woke up at 7:20 and looked out the window and saw a steady stream of snow so I said "No!" and went back to bed.

Fast forward to now after two additional wake ups, I am officially up and about. I will do some chores (dusting and vacuuming and maybe scrub the bathroom too) and then some stretches and exercises from my PT training. I woke up the last time with a kinky back so there will also be a lot of lumbar stretching and, once it's all said and done and I've showered, maybe a cold compress. Then I will engage my mind in a creative mental workout and do some crafting. All body toning today!

[randrum]

I got 18,000+ steps yesterday walking around the Auto Show, so I'm counting that as my "workout" for the day.

I usually use Sunday as a relax/recovery day.

I decided tomorrow I am going to start my own 90 day challenge. My goals for the challenge are:

1. Lose 20 lbs.
2. Decrease my mile run time.
3. Improve the number of push-ups and sit-ups I can do it 1 minute.

I plan on bench marking tomorrow so I can track my progress over the 90 days.

[diamondrose]

I admit I have been seriously slacking on exercising. Tomorrow I WILL go to the gym for 1 hour Zumba.

[Venus007]

Today I am dry cleaning all the area rugs which entails. . .

Beat all the deep dirt and dog fur out of them by hanging on a clothes line and hitting them with what looks like the love child of a Louisiana Slugger and a kitchen whisk. Generally by the time I am done I feel like my arms weigh 8,000 pounds are going to leave me forever.

Then lug them back into the house and brush in the dry cleaning powder with a broom.

After it works it's dry cleaning mojo I will vacuum out the magic powder and voila rugs are clean and I am well worked out for my core and upper body.

I beat the rugs about once a month and dry clean twice a year, SO much more fun than the gym.

[Candelion]

I no longer run or jump rope for the exercise or that fabulous runner's high. It's all about staying warm now. http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/running2_zpse32e7125.png

[Clyde]

I put on my headphones and raged around the neighborhood to 70s Funk.

[afrcnqueen]

I have been slowly making my way back to the gym. I miss working out and feeling good. Life has been challenging and by days end the last thing I want to do is go work out....not anymore.

I feel great when I work out regularly. I love how I look :-) cause I see results. I feel Sexy, cause lord knows I haven't felt that in years.

One day at a time :)

[Gemme]

I woke up at 7:20 and looked out the window and saw a steady stream of snow so I said "No!" and went back to bed.

Fast forward to now after two additional wake ups, I am officially up and about. I will do some chores (dusting and vacuuming and maybe scrub the bathroom too) and then some stretches and exercises from my PT training. I woke up the last time with a kinky back so there will also be a lot of lumbar stretching and, once it's all said and done and I've showered, maybe a cold compress. Then I will engage my mind in a creative mental workout and do some crafting. All body toning today!

I lied. No chores for me today. Apparently today is the unofficial emergency at work day and I get to spend 5 hours of my last day off of the week mopping and scrubbing day. It's also tweak your back day.

yay

[randrum]

Really did not feel like going to the gym today. It was a long day, and I was tired. But I forced myself to go.

I'm glad I went. Didn't stay too long, only about a half hour, but I ran a mile and did some body weight exercises.

[Logicaly]

Had a good night at the gym tonight. Did legs and then some cardio. It feels good and I feel like some things are starting to get easier.

[bright_arrow]

4 sets of 15 at 130 lbs. leg abduction
4 sets of 15 at 130 lbs. leg adduction
2 sets of 20 at 70 lbs. leg curls
4 sets of 15 at 210 lbs. seated leg presses (much prefer pushing the plate out vs. pushing my seat up)
2 sets of 20 at 70 lbs. glutes - could of done more but the position itself feels awkward and bores me

15 minutes on the Arc Trainer, 15 incline and 10 resistance - by far my favorite!

[Gemme]

Good morning, exercisers!

I made it to the gym, albeit a bit late, but I got there!

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 404 cal, 3.14 mi, 45:00 min

I intended to work out longer but I kept remembering things I needed to do before dark today so I up and at 'em'd.

[Gemme]

I hit the gym early today in an effort to get all my errands done and be back, warm and cozy, before the snow started. I was almost successful.

E20, random program, level 5
Stats: 407 cal, 3.29 mi, 45:00 min

B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 186 cal, 7.15 mi, 30:00 min

[Bard]

Got up this morning and went right to the gym I find I do much better if I go in the mornings must be the Amy in me lol.. So I did 5 sets of squats with 90 pounds, 4 sets of seated rows at 75 pounds 4 sets abdominal crunches at 40 lb, 3 sets leg press at 175 l other leg machines 3 sets at 90 lb shoulder press 3 sets at 50, biceps and triceps curls 3 sets at 40 lb butterfly 3 sets at 55 and the hip abductor and the other one lol 3 sets a 90 back extension 2 sets at 100. Finished with the treadmill running at a 9 incline 5 speed for 10 mins then the elliptical level 4 for 20mins.. Not to bad for my first time back in a couple weeks doc said I am not to lift over 100 and I actually behaved :|

[Kelt]

Today I got my first outdoor walk in 2 weeks. I've been doing an insane amount of walking around, but indoors doesn't crack it for me.

Today was much needed. :cheesy:

[C0LLETTE]

I can't 'cause I don't but maybe I will one day.

[randrum]

Skipped the gym today. But I did go to a morning yoga class. It's actually a good, relaxing way to start a Monday morning.

Also, lost 4 lbs this last week. Won't complain about that. Back to the gym tomorrow.

[Gemme]

I shoveled.

yay

[bright_arrow]

Shortly I will be building a 72" long TV stand. Does that count? :|

[Daktari]

10 minute wake-up qigong exercises
A bit of cycling around in high wind :|
Half hour rola bola

[Kelt]

10 minute wake-up qigong exercises
A bit of cycling around in high wind :|
Half hour rola bola


Had to look up rola bola, I've seen this before and imagine it would be a fantastic way to work core muscles!

Sounds like a good routine you've got there.

[Daktari]

Had to look up rola bola, I've seen this before and imagine it would be a fantastic way to work core muscles!

Sounds like a good routine you've got there.

Rola bola is really ace fun and great core/leg workout.
To make the workout even harder and add another layer of concentration one can add juggling whilst rolling. Not recommended for beginners though. Just coming back to it after a long lay off I'm not risking adding juggling just yet.
Then, to make it really interesting, it's fun to start building the levels up. I've only ever built up static levels (from floor level) and rolled on top of them. Not like you see the guys in the circus who build the levels up on top of a barrel/ball/rolling object.


Please don't try rola bola at home without spotters and/or someone who knows what they're doing, the risk of injury is errrm quite high :|
LIZflnZ0pKk

[Gemme]

I hammered ice today.

I got skillz, baby.

:blink:

[Bard]

Today was a light day 30 minuets of Yoga push up and crunches with assistance from the pups ... 3 set of squats in my basement with 40 lbs and overhead lifts 3 sets with the 40lbs and got my steps in so far

[cinnamongrrl]

I have to say...ypga makes me remember that my shoulders exist...in a good way :)

I've also been walking Jacques about a mile...but I.have a nagging leg pain that I probably need to address...its been limiting my hiking/walking because hills and stairs seem to be what triggers it...

I'm falling apart y'all!!!

The irony is I get this pain AFTER losing 15% of my body weight...seriously...

[BullDog]

Hi fellow exercisers,

LTNS

I'm super psyched, my new adjustable dumbbell set and weight bench arrived today!

Some-assembly-required on the weight bench but after that I am good to go.

[Bard]

30 Minuets of beginner Yoga with Bob Harper 3 sets of squats with 50 lbs 3 sets of over head lifts with 50 lbs 30 crunches an 20 push ups followed by a 7 mile hike up in Niagara Falls :sunglass:

[Kelt]

Hi fellow exercisers,

LTNS

I'm super psyched, my new adjustable dumbbell set and weight bench arrived today!

Some-assembly-required on the weight bench but after that I am good to go.

Criminy, I had to look up "LTNS". Thought it must be some new weight contraption. :blink:

Congrats and WBWMY! Let us know what your plan is, I alway like checking out other peoples workout plans. It's so much easier than doing it myself. :cheesy:

[Bard]

Just back from the gym started with 10 mins on the Arc trainer at level 5 then 6 sets of squats with 110 lbs seated rows 3 sets of 10 at 75 lbs 2 sets of pull down at 50 3 sets of ab crunches at 30 lbs leg extensions 3 sets at 90 leg dip 3 sets at 75 butterfly 3 sets at 60 bicep and triceps machine 3 sets at 40 hip abductor and aduction 3 sets at 90 chest press 3 sets at 50 high and low rows 3 sets at 75 calf extension 3 sets at 120 and leg press 3 sets at 150 finished off with the stationary bike 30 minuets at level 6

[BullDog]

Criminy, I had to look up "LTNS". Thought it must be some new weight contraption. :blink:

Congrats and WBWMY! Let us know what your plan is, I alway like checking out other peoples workout plans. It's so much easier than doing it myself. :cheesy:


Kelt, you got me with WBWMY, I have no idea what the means, lol. In case you are asking me what I bought here they are:

Universal Five-Position Weight Bench by Nautilus

amazon.com/gp/product/B002QJZAE4


PowerBlock 50 Plus Dumbbell Set

amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCACZOO

These go up to 50 pounds per hand, which is plenty for me at the moment. When I need more weight, I will most likely join a gym.


I am starting out with this workout:

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html


I am also doing at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. With the snow a mile high outside and no machines (which I don't like using anyway), I am basically just running in place, kick boxing, jumping jacks, etc. I also am trying to do about 5-10 minutes of cardio every few hours since I sit at my desk day and night writing. Once the weather is better I will do wind sprints in the back yard and possibly jog around the pond near the house.

[Kelt]

That's 'cause I made it up so you'd have to scratch yer head too!

WBWMY = Welcome Back We Missed You

:cheesy:

Looks like a great workout that will grow with you, no gym required. There's also an amazing amount of stuff you can do with good old body weight exercises. There are books out to the effect of 'your body is your own gym' and others that show how to modify basic moves that are too hard to do regular so that you can work your way up and beyond.

Looks like a good set up. Now you have to do it. :giggle:

[BullDog]

That's 'cause I made it up so you'd have to scratch yer head too!

WBWMY = Welcome Back We Missed You

:cheesy:

Looks like a great workout that will grow with you, no gym required. There's also an amazing amount of stuff you can do with good old body weight exercises. There are books out to the effect of 'your body is your own gym' and others that show how to modify basic moves that are too hard to do regular so that you can work your way up and beyond.

Looks like a good set up. Now you have to do it. :giggle:

Hah! You definitely got me! :D Thank you for the welcome back, it's been a long time since I've been in this thread.

Cue up the Jaws theme song.

Yeah, I agree there is plenty you can do with just body weight. The workout I am doing has a bit of that, and I will keep reading and learning ... But most of all, as you say- it's time for me to just do it!

[Gemme]

I made it to the gym this morning and spent some time on the elliptical and the stretch mats.

E21, random program, level 4
447 cal, 3.70 mi, 50:00 min

I did about 10 minutes of stretching and PT exercises after that. I felt better when I was done, which is good. I wasn't keen on working out this morning.....my own fault, I ate too much junk last night and just felt blah....but I have to take the nice days when they come especially with the potential for another storm this coming weekend. Bah!

[Bard]

30 Push up 50 Crunches squats and overhead lifts in the basement then walked 4 miles on the track at work on my break

[Bard]

Hit the gym early today started with 10 minuets on the Arc trainer at level 5 then did the 30 circuit upped my reps as well as the weight on most of the machines. Did the torso twists at 70 2 sets of 10 on each side then the Abdominal Crunch machine at 40 2 sets of 10 Finished with the elliptical 15 minuets at level . Also have crushed my steps goal already as I had to go in early and did not take a patrol car for half my shift just did good old fashioned foot patrol [/COLOR]

[gotoseagrl]

A spontaneous 4 mile walk through the snowy woods, and barely even feeling it. One of the best kinds of exercise - for mind, body & spirit.

[BullDog]

I did my cardio workout listening to the Who- their album Who's Next. I love that album. I had a great workout!

[Daktari]

10min qigong
An hour cycling in the sunshine.

[lveshoney]

Took a run this morning, first one of the season.
2 miles! I'm proud of myself : )

[Gemme]

I mopped the whole bottom floor of the building and the entrance outside of the elevator and one small section on the second floor. Tomorrow, I'll finish the second floor and then I'm for the weekend, which translates to gym time.

Happy!

[randrum]

Haven't made it to the gym this week. Or worked out at all really.

Something's wrong with my lungs. Spent most of yesterday in the ER with back spasms and shortness of breaths. Doctors' thought it was something with my heart, so ran me through a gauntlet of tests. Turns out my heart is A-OK. But I am having intercostal muscle spasms.

Hopefully it will ease up and next week I can get back to my regular routine.

[bright_arrow]

Went into the city yesterday for an interview, had lunch afterwards, then walked around the city until my feet hurt and then I sat and read for 4 hours in the shade.

So, I walked 7.1 miles according to my phone. So today, I am just chilling. My legs hurt :|

[Gemme]

I did an hour and a half of mopping today and then I sat on my butt for 4 hours watching 2 movies in the theatre. I got some ab work in laughing during one of the movies too.

[Kelt]

I haven't really done a lot exercise-wise although I've made it to the gym more often than not for the last two weeks for at least an hour or two of recumbent bike. I had a couple of back thingies done that each required one day off.

Other than that I have been making it to the river for at least a while each afternoon, more of a mental health break than workout, but much needed nonetheless. :cheesy:

[Gemme]

I got to the gym later than usual today. It was raining and I went to bed very late, which led to me sleeping soooooo soundly. I loved it until I actually got to the gym and found it crowded (which I don't mind) and hot (which I mind greatly).

I did 30 minutes on each piece, cool down included.

E20, random program, level 5
269 cal, 2.13 mi

B6, random program, level 5
169 cal, 5.72 mi

[Candelion]

A deliciously muddy 16km run (10 miles) followed by a deliciously bubbly bath.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/burnishedlips/mud_zpszvmtbtce.png

[nycfem]

It's been three weeks out of the gym and out of exercising due to life stress and then kind of having fun putting my energy elsewhere, mainly good food and crafting. However, my pants are getting tight...

I went to the gym today and being stubborn did not lighten my routine like I should have. And what does that lead to? Injury of course! I did an hour on the treadmill (4 mph, with an incline of 12 going down by 3 every 15 minutes). THAT killed me. For one the treadmill is just not all that body friendly to begin with (bad shock absorption). So that is where my back fell apart. My lower back feels super tight and rigid. Then I did 15 minutes on the Stair Master which never injures me and doesn't agitate my back at all. Then I did 45 minutes of weight lifting and stretching. I had to go down on my weights by a few pounds because I simply couldn't do what I was doing before taking those three weeks off! If the body can't lift something, it just can't lift something! Sooo...I have an Icy Hot back patch on now, and I'm hoping getting some good sleep will lessen my lower back pain. All in all it was a hard work-out because my body was not used to the intensity due to so much time off. Kinda frustrating but still enjoyed the endorphins!

Nice to catch up on reading about everyone else's exercise too :)

[cutiefemme]

I went for a walk but I was tired so I'm going to walk some more later

[BullDog]

Hooray Nycfem is back!

But uh... slow down a little will ya! We want you around for the duration.

My exercising is going well. I am not doing anything super human but just sticking to my plan (while making adjustments), eating healthy and reading and learning as I go. I feel great!

[Kätzchen]

Me too, glad to see nycfem's post! : )


I have been creating opportunities to stretch and exercise at work by either using random chances to jog or run, rather than walk, or lifting equipment or pushing or climbing stairs (prancing, rather than jogging up stairs).

Of course, the price for all that extra exercise, last week, culminated in going to bed early last night and sleeping in until almost 12 hours later.

I got my beauty rest, but still need more because it was a stressful and tiring week. The week ahead will be just as tiring but I am reaching a threshold and feel positive that I am making progress, even though it has and will still be a mighty steep climb up the side of the 'mountain' (work, life).

I like reading posts people leave about their own challenges or what they observe in life while exercising during their day.

One observation I had last week was that exercising around others invited curious exchanges of communication, which naturally led most of us into bouts of laughter. Hehe! ;)

More news later, k?

*Happy Sunday*

:)

[candy_coated_bitch]

Dog walk in the morning, dog walk in the afternoon. Both were wet, muddy, cold, and gross. I am sorry to say. BUT the necessity of having to walk my little friend is good for forcing me to start walking more these past several days.

[Gemme]

This morning was a little rough. It must have been the lack of protein in my dinner last night. I had a giant salad and I did have cheese and cheese does have protein but not a lot. I think the tank was more empty than usual this morning but I, like nyc, pushed myself. Unlike our super heroine, my back is fine. For once.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 414 cal, 3.44 mi, 45:00 min
B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 184 cal, 6.82 mi, 30:00 min

It's going to be a couple of days at least before I can get back into the gym so I wanted to squeeze every last little bit of reward and result out of my workout.

[nycfem]

Today I avoided the dreadmill and did 45 minutes of intervals on the stair master and then some light weight lifting, core/ab work, and stretching and yoga (45 min. total). My back is still bothering me a little but not as much. I watched Bad Santa while on the Stairmaster.

[DapperButch]

Sorry to hear about your back, nycfem. I am glad to hear it is getting better!

I got sciatica for the first time in my life 16 days ago. I have been messed up since, not able to drive or anything. It is horrid for the first 4-5 hours every morning and then it gets better.

I am finally going to the doc tomorrow.

Oh wait, this isn't a complaining thread.....true though, the poor mutt (and me), are not happy with missing his walks! He's had like 2 in the last 16 days. Poor guy! I miss being active, too!

[The JD]

I had a very nice leisurely weekend, but tried to make up for all of it in 2 hours.. just got home from seeing Gang of Four, one of all-time favorite bands. I hurled and flailed my body around like it was still the 80s, but my body was not fooled. Payback will no doubt come tomorrow.

[Medusa]

Im taking my tennis shoes to work today because it will be 75 here and all of my work family are going to go out and walk the track after lunch. The track is 1/2 mile through the campus! WOOT!

[Gemme]

Sorry to hear about your back, nycfem. I am glad to hear it is getting better!

I got sciatica for the first time in my life 16 days ago. I have been messed up since, not able to drive or anything. It is horrid for the first 4-5 hours every morning and then it gets better.

I am finally going to the doc tomorrow.

Oh wait, this isn't a complaining thread.....true though, the poor mutt (and me), are not happy with missing his walks! He's had like 2 in the last 16 days. Poor guy! I miss being active, too!

I'm so sorry, Dapper! I was pretty vocal about my struggle with it so I, literally, can feel your pain. You should have gone to the doc asap! Between here and the pain sufferers thread, I complained a lot. It's okay. It hurts. A LOT.

1. Go to the doctor and get a referral (if your insurance requires it) for physical therapy. PT is the only 'cure' for sciatica.

2. They can give you pain killers but you won't be able to function properly with them (ie no driving vehicles, no formulating difficult calculations, no doing anything but laying/lying in the best position you can find).

3. Pillow buffers. Use them to keep you in place during the night if you typically move around a lot. I used to just get to sleep and then BAM! a sharp stab of pain from me rolling over on a tender spot would jar me away and that would be the end of any peace for me that night.

4. Working out helped me but it's going to hurt getting in there and then when you start to do it and then through a lot of workout and then, sometimes, right afterwards too. But it will gradually get better.

5. STAY AWAY FROM THE TREADMILL. Even though it initially helped the sciatica, it created a hip problem with me. My PT said treadmills should be outlawed. The elliptical is much better.

I hope you feel better!

[afrcnqueen]

Been alternating between yoga class and the gym for the past month.
Have lost 25lbs so far....depression and heart break are good for something LoL

[Kätzchen]

Been alternating between yoga class and the gym for the past month.
Have lost 25lbs so far....depression and heart break are good for something LoL

I love to practice yoga. I try to make it a part of my life on a weekly basis, primarily on my days off from work. When I was in grad school, I practiced on a daily basis.

It sounds like you're in a good place though, when you can find something good and feel a touch lighthearted.:bouquet:

[cinnamongrrl]

Ive been doing yoga most mornings now. I'm up early enough to do it and/or walk my dog.

I've also applied for a 2nd shift position at the local rest home. Two uber physical jobs...I won't need to work out lol

[BullDog]

My weightlifting went great yesterday. Not that I lifted massive amounts of weight or anything, but I pushed myself to the limit. I didn't strain anything, just went to the max and felt like I accomplished something.

I had several misadventures in the kitchen yesterday, but I did manage to cook myself some healthy food that will last a few days.

Great job everyone!

[Daktari]

10min qigong morning routine
13min gigong neck/shoulder routine
The 10min morning routine is awesome and wakes up all the right energies. I started using it when recuperating from the nasty chesty thing I had in December.

Ac08kMK-dyI

ps."Tonifiy"? :| <<< not enough of these faces to describe my feeling upon hearing tonify.



I have weekend visitors arriving on Thursday so I'm frantically busy preparing the house from a Dak's House of Teenage Mess to an adult dwelling. That's all the exercise I need this week :|

[Gemme]

I got out of work early, so I hit the gym before the snow came.

I got in 45 minutes on the elliptical.

Stats: 415 cal, 3.56 mi

I finished up and then went to the grocery store and, as I was pulling in at home, the first few flurries flitted down.

Perfect timing!!!

[BullDog]

Excellent Gemme!

A couple friends texted yesterday and were wishing me Happy Spring. I was thinking, um what spring, it's snowing. Then I just said, screw it and started lifting weights!

[Gemme]

Today was amazing. I woke up at 6:50am and then made myself go back to sleep. I woke up at 8am and made myself go back to sleep. I finally woke up at noon. I haven't slept that long in loooooong time. Sleep bank account is in the BLACK,y'all.

I had to go to the post office, so I headed there and then hit the gym around 2pm. I did the recumbent bike for 45 minutes and then stretched for a few minutes.

Stats: 302 calories, 11.81 miles

[bright_arrow]

Color Me Rad 5k. Didn't start 'Map My Walk' until we actually started so the hour before hanging out didn't count, but finished it at 3.06 miles.

Half my face doused in teal at the finish line!

[Gemme]

Big morning at the gym for me. I snapped to attention at 7:01am and opted not to do a repeat of yesterday. Even though I enjoy my sleep, I hate wasting half the day.

I started on the elliptical, gravitated to the recumbent bike, slinked into the 30 minute cardio room and finished in the back doing stretches on the mat.

E21, random program, level 5
278 cal, 2.46 mi, 30:00 min

B6, random program, level 5
217 cal, 8.79 mi, 30:00 min

Now, you might say "Hey, those figures for the recumbent seem off" to which I would normally agree but today I'd say "Hell no they don't! I whipped my own butt on that."

See, what happened was....I was getting settled down on the bike (wiping it down beforehand because most folks don't have a clue how to do it right if they do it at all) and getting my MP3 player where I wanted it when a little wisp of a girl plopped down next to me and started at it, full blast.

Well, obviously this was a challenge.

:blink:

So, we dueled.

And I won.

But it was hard fought, I tell you. My thighs were not happy and then the lactic acid kicked in towards the end, which is not a bad thing as it means the body's burning what it needs to burn but it is very uncomfortable for sure.

She stayed on the bike longer than I did but when I hopped off there was a 43/44 calorie and over a mile distance difference between us (including my cool down).

I totally won that shit.

So at that point my endorphins were out of control and I said, "How about some weight training? It's been a while." to myself because talking out loud in the gym when there's no one in your close proximity is deemed inappropriate by proper social etiquette standards.

:weightlifter:

30 minutes later....

I did 3 sets of 10 on each piece of equipment except my kryptonite, the shoulder press. I have injured myself on that piece more than any other so I took it easy. I did a set of 10 and then tapped out around 5 or 6 of the second set. Better safe than sorry, I say! I kept in mind my PT lessons and worked really hard to keep good form. Some of it does take some getting used to.

Then I snagged a mat in the back and a 10 lb weight (the round ones that go on the bars and look like mini steering wheels) and did some oblique V crunches followed by pelvic tilts, bridges, half Supermans (PT balance exercise), planks and some yummy stretching, paying extra attention to my typical tight zones....hammies, calves and quads.

I felt gooooood (and hungry) when I was done.

Good day!

[nycfem]

My back still has a few kinks (just like the rest of me), so I steered clear of the treadmill and also lifted weights 3 pounds lower than when I was working out more regularly. That was prudent and paid off.

I did 1 hour on the Stair Master, intervals. Then 45 minutes on the upright bike (which I think is not great for my back but my back does worse with the recumbent bikes- not all, just the model my gym has). Then 45 minutes weight lifting, abs, stretching, and yoga.

Nice to catch up on everyone's posts and to get a good work out in :)

[Gemme]

Sorry about your back, girl. I may have slightly overdid it today. The area between the tush and the lower back is feeling a bit tender. Not sore or achy but tender, like it could be fine or not in a heartbeat. I'm going to wait late tomorrow to work out again, especially since I'll spend most of the morning and possibly some of the afternoon sitting.

I still look longingly at the treadmill when I pass it by but my PT was right; as soon as I stopped using it, I felt an improvement and I don't want to backslide so I shall love it from afar.

[BullDog]

Today was great. I did half an hour of cardio and about 40 minutes of weight lifting. I have changed my lifting routine so that I do full body all 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri). I think this is best for my beginner phase.

I have all my food on a spreadsheet, and it thrilled my obsessive, former accountant brain that all the calories and ratios for protein, carbs and fat lined up just as I wanted them to!

Happy exercising all!

[Gemme]

Bully, are you using a program to enter your food intake? I can't remember.

I decided against working out today for two reasons. One, my upper abs are super sore and the tender back/butt area is a bit achy. Two, my errands took longer than anticipated to reach today.

Oh and I didn't want to so there!

:tease:

[Kelt]

Today was great. I did half an hour of cardio and about 40 minutes of weight lifting. I have changed my lifting routine so that I do full body all 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri). I think this is best for my beginner phase.

I have all my food on a spreadsheet, and it thrilled my obsessive, former accountant brain that all the calories and ratios for protein, carbs and fat lined up just as I wanted them to!

Happy exercising all!

Pro tip for the spreadsheet geek. fitday.com, paid version, classic view (not fitday2) I used it for my big overhaul a few years back and still go back to it when I need a brush up. Of course, if I had the smarts I'd do it from scratch like you.:glasses:

Seriously, tracking works.

:cheesy: << Has numbers envy.

Yesterday afternoon I spent a couple of hours down at the river recharging my 'outdoors' battery. Today I got to the gym for 90 mins on the recumbent, level 8, 600 cals. I wear my own telemetry strap so am pretty good on those figures even with the built in algorithm.

[Gemme]

Kelt, what did the machine say you did? When you've got your monitor giving more accurate information, I bet it's interesting to see what the bike says you did in output.

I still need to find something I can work with for that.

[BullDog]

Gemme, no I am just using a simple spreadsheet. I am signed up for a few of those online trackers, and I know they have apps for phones, but I just never seem to log my stuff into those and never really learned how to use them to plan ahead like I can with my spreadsheet. I am sure the online and app trackers would work better for almost everyone.

Thanks for the tip Kelt. If I want to go to something more extensive later I will definitely consider it.

So I just have a simple spreadsheet. The first sheet is a master list of foods that I have on hand to eat, with serving size, number of calories, and grams of protein, carbs and fat. I am going with a 40-40-20 (protein, carbs, fat) which is a high protein diet but only eating lean forms of protein like turkey and chicken breast.

Then the other tabs are just each day where I plan out my meals and snacks. I am eating 5 to 6 times per day. I just copy items from the master list or meals/snacks from a different day and have running totals at the bottom of the spreadsheet and tweak it until my numbers come out right. It took a while to get all the info, but now it is mostly copy and paste, and adding a few new food items a week to the master list. I like just opening up my spreadsheet and planning my food that way. It's like making a to do list.

Once I have some food combinations that I like and that work well with my calories and ratios, I can just use them again on a different day. I really don't mind eating a lot of the same stuff over and over, so it works fine for me.

Now I just have to see how my body adjusts- if I am losing as much weight as I want and still getting stronger and able to do my weight lifting and other exercise. And yes, Kelt that is why I am tracking. I want to know how my body responds to what I eat and exercise so that I can meet my goals and develop good long term habits. So far it is working and I feel great!

[BullDog]

Sorry can't edit my prior post. On 40-40-20 I am talking about percentages.

[Gemme]

I just copy items from the master list or meals/snacks from a different day and have running totals at the bottom of the spreadsheet and tweak it until my numbers come out right

Is it just me or does this sound like you cheat?

lol

I know what you mean, though.

[BullDog]

Ha, ha Gemme, well I used to be an accountant, so I do indeed know how to massage numbers and tweak them to my liking!

However, in the end I do actually eat what the spreadsheet tells me to. :D

Happy exercising all!

[Kelt]

Ha, ha Gemme, well I used to be an accountant, so I do indeed know how to massage numbers and tweak them to my liking!

However, in the end I do actually eat what the spreadsheet tells me to. :D

Happy exercising all!

I think I know where you're going with this: setting up the plan on "paper" up front, looking at how the macronutrient ratios line up and then massaging what you actually eat a little bit to tweak the ratios into optimal form. If that's it, I gotta tell you it works amazingly well. That's what I did some time ago, and once you find your sweet spot, the weight just falls off (if that's your goal) and you feel good too! :cheesy:

I have a busy day on tap but am going to head out now and squeak in some cardio time for sanities sake, if I'm lucky with the weather, it'll be off to the river this afternoon too. Happy exercising everyone!

:weightlifter: << Not an accountant, but scientist is good enough on the geek front. :)

[candy_coated_bitch]

I got out of bed. There, that puts all you regular exercisers to shame. :|

[BullDog]

CCB, it all adds up!

Yes, Kelt exactly. I know you speak from experience so that is great to hear. I've only been tracking for a couple of weeks now.

You definitely don't need to be an accountant to tweak numbers. Anyway, I'm not one anymore either, lol.

Scientists rock!

[cinnamongrrl]

I got out of bed. There, that puts all you regular exercisers to shame. :|

I just HAD to come and see why CCB was posting.in here... ;)

As for me...I ckeaned a difficult house for 4 hours, walked Jacques down by the French Broad (river) and hefted over my paycheck to the car dealership..

Then came home and ckeaned some more. Once everything is tidy I may do yoga. Or I may just collapse.

[Hollylane]

Today, I hiked 6.27 miles, at Forest Park, on the Wildwood trail. It felt amazing, I have been increasing my mileage weekly. Last week was 4 miles, and today I had decided to push myself to 5 miles, but just kept on going. I am restricted from a lot of activities at the moment, but hiking has been green-lighted by the doc.

Tomorrow, I'm going to call the doc, and see if I can get back to the pool. My gigantic (somewhat of an exaggeration, 8 inches) abdominal surgical wound, that I fondly refer to as my second belly button, has finally healed enough, that I think they will say it is okay. But, they may limit me to certain swimming styles. Wish me luck!

[Gemme]

I had a good one this morning. I decided to not go full out this time since I became very aware of my age and health level after last week's challenge.

:blink:

E21, random program, level 5
262 cal, 1.89 mi, 30 min

B6, random program, level 5
164 cal, 5.40 mi, 30 min

I followed it up with about 15 minutes of stretching and ab work on the mat.

[Rockinonahigh]

Gemme, age and health related issues has forced me into rethinking my workouts,I still can hit the max for a couple of days with not much of a problem but after that if I don't do something else the price I pay in deep soreness isn't worth it. My work outs were built around three exercises legs, core work and upper body. The abb cruncher dose work and well it just doesn't work if I do the recommended amount of work it says to do, I mean it's like I didn't do a thing.. so I added the same weight but nearly doubled the work. Well that works fine but the deep soreness is a bi4ch,the only way to get around it was to only do the exercise twice a week four days a part, it just doesn't seem like it is enough. The time on the bike and the upper body is fine so I find other ways to get core work. At the moment I am blinking away with my new cordless tens unit hoping to get the sciatica pain to quit messing with my left leg to I can have better use of it so I can do a decent workout later today. Age sucks.

[cinnamongrrl]

Jacques and I TRIED to hike graveyard fields today...but the road was closed still...sad face..

We did somewhere else on the parkway: Beaver dam gap. The hike was uphill from the get go. We got to the top of a rocky knob and omg the view...the cars on the parkway looked like toys lol
,
As usual, the descent is what kicked my butt. There were muddy spots to boot. But we did ok and met only two other sets of hikers on the way down. Til then, we had the place entirely to ourselves :)

[nycfem]

I finaallllyyyy went to the gym. First I did 30 minutes stairmaster (always kicks my ass in a good way). Then, trying to stay away from the bike and the treadmill, due to still having some back problems, I returned to the Arc Trainer which I did for an hour. However, I just could not get my heart rate up on it, making it very unsatisfying. Then I did an hour of weight lifting, yoga, stretching, and abs. That was nice :)

[Rockinonahigh]

I worked out, got stinky sweaty, my fur kids and I had a blast. When it was over I just sweated it out and walked to cool off sipping on s big bottle of sugar free lemon aid I made myself. Now for a late supper of half a large apple and tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread. The worst thing was I had to stop and catch my breath a few times, felt like a sissy but gotta breath to live.

[candy_coated_bitch]

I cleaned the crap out of the kitchen and definitely worked up a sweat doing it!

[Kelt]

I finaallllyyyy went to the gym. First I did 30 minutes stairmaster (always kicks my ass in a good way). Then, trying to stay away from the bike and the treadmill, due to still having some back problems, I returned to the Arc Trainer which I did for an hour. However, I just could not get my heart rate up on it, making it very unsatisfying. Then I did an hour of weight lifting, yoga, stretching, and abs. That was nice :)

My god! You are a brute :weightlifter:

I can say I never have a problem getting HR up on the arc. Careful on the back though missy. :cheesy:

I've been doing pretty well this last week, I only missed the gym once although one other time I had to go short. Mostly 90 min a day cardio.

Most afternoons have featured a nice walk along the river banks too. My weird leg/foot goes numb for a few hours and then aches like crazy thing is back, not pushing it. Gettin' old ain't for sissies!

[Gemme]

I found this (http://www.aol.com/article/2015/03/30/inspiring-photos-of-woman-in-workout-wear-show-we-aren-t-barbie/21159388/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D635889) article this morning.

A series of photos of a woman in her workout wear is inspiring men and women across the internet to remember 'We aren't Barbies.'

Q13 Fox reports, The photos, which can be seen here, were posted on IMGUR and Reddit under the name SomewhereUnderWater and titled 'reality check.'

The four photos show the woman in different poses highlighting certain areas of her body.

"We aren't Barbies. We are made of flesh and blood," said the user. "These are all the same body - my body. I have worked hard for this body and I am proud of this body."

She referenced how people are constantly surrounded by images of their "friends highlight reel" that doesn't always show reality. In her photos, she says it's good to see a little reality to keep realistic expectations.

"No matter where you are on your body's journey, be proud and love yourself. Make goals because you love your body not because you hate it," she wrote.

After the photo went viral, she returned to the post to write an update after all of the positive messages it received. She said she was inspired to do the photo set after seeing an article on a blog that changed her "unrealistic expectations" of her own body. The post helped her realize that even fit and healthy people struggle with body image.

"We all struggle with body image, we are all in this together!" she wrote.

The woman says the most important thing is we that we love our bodies by taking care of them. "We won't always like everything that they do, or the path they have gone down or everything that happens to them but we do have to love them (like family)," she said.

Since it was posted, the photo has been viewed nearly a million times and has received praise from hundreds of commenters.

"Thank you! As someone who has lost a ton of weight, it's hard to be happy with the new me when I see my belly not super flat all the time," said KittyLaStrange.

"Thanks for this, especially the photos on the right," said Hanakimi. "People never show those angles, and it's just very...real. And Awesome. You're awesome."

As she says, we aren't Barbies. We're flesh and blood and we're not perfect. I think this is so important for folks to see. Even those that have bodies that we might covet aren't perfect in every position or light. Our perceived flaws make us human.

Someone suggested this might be a good place for this article as well. Why said person did not just copy my quote and paste it in by their self, I do not know. I wouldn't have minded. :)

[nycfem]

Awesome work-out today! My back, which continues to act up on and off, has not been acting up, and I did not do anything to aggravate it today. What a victory.

First I did 30 minutes on the stairmaster, random program. Then I did 45 minutes on the treadmill. I kept it light with minimal jogging/running so as not to hurt my back, and thankfully it worked. I did intervals of 4 minutes at 4mph with no incline, and 4 minutes at 3.5 mph with an incline of 5. Before, I had been doing an incline of 12 at 4mph, so this made a very positive difference, at least for today. I had actually decided not to do the treadmill. But some of you probably know how that is- you have an exercise you just love and you can't pull yourself away from finding some way to do it. Anyway, then I did 45 minutes of weight lifting, abs, stretching, and yoga. I am still down 3 lbs per hand weight from what I was at before. It's frustrating but better to be cautious and build up again.

I am on Spring break from school so I'm trying to use that time to get back into a healthy routine.

[Rockinonahigh]

Boy oh boy, the abb cruncher is now in the do not use pile. Yes, it dose work very well on the core, better then anything I have used yet, it also strengthens
the back and sides. Trouble is if you have any kind of spinal issues it will wreck you back bad as it has mine...again. No where in any of the instructions dose it say a thing about this sort of thing so after three times messing up my back with very deep muscle soreness that turned into me having another set of injections next Thursday...I give it up and will do other things even though they don't work as well. Lesson learned. I am still doing lite workouts that won't strain my back so I will stay in the work out groove I am using a back brace that is restrictive but doable. Cary on you all I gain strength from reading about your adventures.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

25,000 Fitbit steps! Hit a trail this morning and a light jog this evening. Feeling good!

[BullDog]

Weight lifting went well today. I was able to go up in weight on several lifts, so I was happy about that.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I joined a gym in January but have used it a total of 3 times! I am finding that I would much rather go hiking or jogging out in a natural setting, but know I probably need to do some strength training. Aargh! Ready for today and am enjoying reading this thread!

[Medusa]

The other night I did 90 minutes on the treadmill. This is a major accomplishment for me because 20 minutes used to be difficult for me. My knees didn't act us nearly as bad and the only real aches I had were hip pain.

I have also built up to 20 deep squats at a time. That's also HUGE for me because as a person with a lot of weight I really feel it!!

Today will be cleaning house and hitting the treadmill later this afternoon.

Plus, with it being Spring, I'm feeling the gorgeous weather and enjoying the fresh air :bunchflowers:

[Gemme]

Good morning and happy Easter, exercisers.

I had a good workout and then an okay workout and then some stretching interrupted by a WTF moment. It could have been worse.

Elliptical #21, random program, level 5
320 cal, 2.63 mi, 35:00 min

Recumbent bike #4, random program, level 5
144 cal, 5.05 mi, 25:00 min

Things were fine with the elliptical but a couple of minutes after I got on the bike, it started to skip now and then. For those that haven't been on a bike when it does this, it basically loses its gear and the resistance hits zero LIKETHIS and then it catches again and gets back and on track then, a few minutes later it does it again. It skipped about 4-5 times during my workout. When I was almost done, one of the gym attendants came over and asked if I wanted her to fix it. I hate to jump from machine to machine if I don't have to so I told her I was almost done and I'd come get her when I got off of it.

I'm glad she came over but I can't stand someone wanting me to get off of a machine. If I wanted off, I'd get off. It didn't save me anything as I was going to let them know after my workout anyway and I still had to go get her when I was done. But at least the next person wouldn't have to deal with the issue, so that's good.

The stretching was fine until the lady that was on the stretching contraption (don't know the name for it but it looks like a giant pitcher's mask blown up and out of proportion and it's great for being able to do stretches to hit all of your major muscle groups) decides she wants to hunker down next to me. First, she picks up a mat and slams it down on the ground so there's a big waft of air (not a horrible thing) and bits of dirt (not a good thing) that come flying over to me. That annoyed me but I opted to ignore her.

Then she decides to try to start a conversation with me. I am not rude but I am not friendly either. My answers are succinct. I've never seen her before and she's starting up a conversation like we're at a bar....the length of time I've been coming there, how my body has or has not changed since I started working out, etc. It just felt weird to me. She wasn't even dressed for the gym. She had on painter's pants and a short sleeved button down shirt.

She let things go for a minute and we both continued with our stretching. I decided if she tried to make conversation again, I'd be more open. What the Hell. It's Easter. Maybe she's lonely, right? Maybe she's new to the area. Whatever. So she does and I'm nicer but it still feels weird. Spidey senses do not lie so I didn't push the friendly thing and eventually she picked up and left. She didn't wipe down her mat either. Two gym demerits for her!

Actually I saw a lot of people forget their manners and gym etiquette this morning. They must have been consumed with what they were going to eat later or maybe just how much they spent on green crinkly grass and candy.

:blink:

All in all, not a bad day. My wrist is sore. I tweaked it at work yesterday so I'm babying it a little bit but that's all I have going on right now.

[SmoothButch]

I ran five miles outside.

[nycfem]

Well... after my last exercise at the gym where I thought I mastered the treadmill's ability to injure my back by taking it slower at a much lower incline, wouldn't you know that night my back went into total pain! As BB said, "How many times is it going to take you to learn?"

Today I did the stair master for an hour and then took an hour and 45 minute walk with my brother and his husband from Manhattan to Brooklyn, crossing over the Williamsburg bridge. It was a great walk. The weather was beautiful and we walked through such colorful neighborhoods.

Hoping I sleep normal tonight (no back pain).

[Gemme]

I'll tell you....I hated it.....HATED IT....when my physical therapist said to avoid the treadmill at all cost. I still sometimes get pangs of longing when I go into the gym because that was/is my favorite piece of equipment to use.

BUT

The woman has a doctorate. She knows far more than I regarding this so I headed her advice and I felt a significant difference after I stopped. It's hard to use proper form on it.

BUT

I miss it.

[nycfem]

Thanks, Gemme. I didn't have any back pain last night while I slept which is when it would hit me after the treadmill (when I'm still), so, yeah, I must stay away!

I'll tell you....I hated it.....HATED IT....when my physical therapist said to avoid the treadmill at all cost. I still sometimes get pangs of longing when I go into the gym because that was/is my favorite piece of equipment to use.

BUT

The woman has a doctorate. She knows far more than I regarding this so I headed her advice and I felt a significant difference after I stopped. It's hard to use proper form on it.

BUT

I miss it.

[BullDog]

One of my fitness goals is to lose around 2 pounds per week. I have been keeping track for 4 weeks now and according to the scale I have lost 8 pounds exactly. I'm right on track. :D

[Cailin]

due to school stress (yay education!) I had stepped away from the gym for a while but finally got up this morning and started up again. Slow, of course.

10 minute warm up, a 10 minute plod jog with 10 minute medium paced walking and then the leg machines. I am going to be feeling this tomorrow.



btw, NY times ran a study in their paper on the effects of jogging that's really interesting . slow versus running

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/slow-runners-come-out-ahead/?_r=0

[Gemme]

I got a quickie in tonight.

Elliptical 20, random program, level 5
Stats: 280 cal, 2.51 mi, 30:00 min

I followed it up with some good stretching.

The gym was crowded tonight, as it tends to be. It'll peter out as the week progresses until there's practically no one on Friday night.

[nycfem]

My back is continuing to do really good. I stayed away from the treadmill. I also wonder if my back is better because I'm getting sleep and not wearing my backpack that I wear to school. Don't get me wrong, I'm still staying away from the treadmill, but my back is so good right now that I'm wondering if it's not only the treadmill but a combination of things. Figuring out pain and keeping it at bay is always half the battle with exercise!

Today I did an hour on the Stair Master. I've been doing a "bell curve" program that starts low, goes up and levels off real high, and then gradually goes back down. Psychologically it's a program that works well for me.

[Gemme]

I agree that it's probably a fairly intricate equation as to finding out exactly what does what. Our bodies are so complex and connect this bit way up here with this bit way down there.....I raised my arm over my head while driving and I felt it on the side of my thigh. Connected!

Somewhat related...I was concerned early this morning. I woke up to some of the same pain I had when I was in (and the reason for) physical therapy. Sharp and biting pain and irritation in my hip and thigh. I thought 'here I go again' but then I remembered how much manual labor I did yesterday and how much kneeling and bending and crouching. I hoped it would lessen over the course of the day. I did some PT exercises before work to remind my body that I was trying at least.

Thankfully a day of being stuck inside while it rained feels like it paid off. My hip and thigh are much better now. We'll see how I feel when I wake tomorrow. It's always been the absolute worst first thing in the morning.

[nycfem]

Today I did an hour on the stair master (loving that bell curve program) and then an hour of weight lifting, abs, leg exercises, yoga, and stretching.

My back is in better shape than ever. Hope it stays that way when I go back to work on Monday!

[Cailin]

20 minutes on the treadmill, and today was arms day. so about 40-50 minutes doing weights

12 reps, 3 sets each.

[SmoothButch]

Today I ran three miles in 30 mins, 20 seconds. A new personal record. The last two miles were both under ten minutes each.

[nycfem]

I'm still making the most of my spring break time. Today: 1 hour stair master, then 1 hour of leg exercises, back exercises, weight lifting and stretching.

My back got a slight kink in it while on the stair master. Sigh. Don't think it will go into a "tread mill" state (my back, I mean). I usually have no problems on the stair master but I think I was just doing too high a level than I should have been and compensating with lazy form. It's so easy to pull something!

[Gemme]

So true!

I got in an early morning workout today.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 231 cal, 2.04 mi, 25:00 min

I stretched afterward for about 8-10 minutes.

[nycfem]

I woke up with no back pain. That's a start :). I wish it was nice weather today so I could go walking but it's just not! I think I'll either take a rest day or go to the gym and if I feel the slightest twinge of back pain I will switch activities or call it a day! There is such an impulse to tune out the body's messages but that sure doesn't pay in the long run!

[Gemme]

I am officially off for the next two days and I can't sweat at all.

Not. one. drop.

I may not have planned this well.

Looks like I will have a boatload of stretching in my very near future.

[nycfem]

Yesterday: 65 minutes on the stair master and 55 minutes doing weightlifting, ab exercises, and stretching. I went to a lower level on the stair master and didn't have back issues. Whew!

Today: 1 hour on the stair master (at same lower level) and 1 hour of weight lifting, stretching, tai chi, and yoga.

I did both my workouts in the evening. Really because it's the end of my spring break and I have much puttering around to be done at home.

[SmoothButch]

3.1 mile run outside.

[afrcnqueen]

Now that the weather is Ah-mazing, I am spending more time outside. Going for walks anywhere and everywhere. The past two weeks I've been hiking and taking photos of the beautiful scenery. I forget how pretty Pennsylvania can be. Feel so much better when I am active.

[Gemme]

I worked out this morning....early but later than usual. The gym didn't have as many people, which was nice.

I hopped on the elliptical for 40 minutes. Random program. Level 5.
Stats: 420 cal, 3.64 mi

Then I stretched for about 15 minutes.

All in all, it was a nice start to the day.

[nycfem]

My most recent exercise was Sunday: 1 hour on the stair master.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Window shopping downtown--it's the new workout.

[cinnamongrrl]

Window shopping downtown--it's the new workout.

Lol...you never disappoint....if you ever post you did the insanity workout, I might fall out of my chair. ;)

For myself...I need to start stepping it up...cleaning doesn't cut it any more. I'm being hindered by not having a dvd player atm...that must be remedied soonly...

[Gemme]

I used bringing back my Redbox movie as an excuse to get a quickie in. I did half an hour on the recumbent bike.

B6, random program, level 5
Stats: 186 cal, 7.22 mil

[cinnamongrrl]

I parked at the wrong building when I went to the college today. Ended up walking forever and a day....LOTS of stairs...it was good accidental exercise :)

[Gemme]

I had errands to do this morning so I got up and out pretty quickly and was at the gym before 8am.

Elliptical: E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 327 cal, 2.84 mi, 35:00 min

Recumbent: B6, random program, levels 5-7
I started with level 5 and increased a level every 10 minutes.
Stats: 226 cal, 8.20 mi, 35:00 min
Level 6 was the hardest of all. That's the beauty of the random program; you never know what it's going to give you.

I stretched for about 10 minutes after that and made a new orientation appointment for Monday morning with their new trainer. Every time they switch trainers you have to do a new orientation. The last time I did an orientation, I had my first sciatic attack soon afterwards. I hope history does not repeat itself. That was NOT fun and I'm still dealing with the repercussions of this condition.

It's a beautiful weekend and if I were a runner, I'd be pounding the pavement. Tons of sun and a high of 72 today. Sweet!

[Sweeet2th]

I had a four-mile run today. Probably will run 6-8 miles tomorrow. I'll probably spend the rest of the afternoon in my vegetable garden and head out to do some grocery shopping this evening. And then I do 45 minutes of yoga in the evening before bed. A fairly busy day, I suppose. But I like it that way.

[Logicaly]

I've been quite the slacker in the exercise department lately ever since I did my 5k run. I have only been walking about 2 miles per day. Although yesterday I got out and threw the football around with my sister and nephew for an hour.

I am struggling with getting home so late from work (I am gone from 7am to 7:30pm generally during the week), and then convincing myself to go to the gym, and cook a healthy meal. I want to be in the gym, but I also want to have time to relax and do other things I enjoy.

[Gemme]

I changed things up just a smidge today.

I started with the Matrix (stair master). I started with the manual program at level one and then bumped up the speed as I went. Eventually, it automatically bumped up a level after I went up a couple notches in speed.

Stats: 101 cal, 556 steps, 18:00 min

E21, random program, level 6
Stats: 288 cal, 2.55 mi, 30:00 min

As I was finishing up, the lady that tried to chat me up a while ago hopped on the recumbent bike next to the one I usually hop on. Someone tried to hop on another one two bikes down but she made them get on the one next to her.

:blink:

To avoid ANY issues, I hopped on the one alllllllll the way on the end. It's so old, it didn't even have a number on it. Maybe it's the momma of all the recumbent bikes.

Stats: 81 cal, 2.77 mi, 13:00 min

I finished up with about 10 minutes of stretching and ab work.

[PaPa]

With my disabilities I am nowhere near the level of sportsmanship y'all are with going to the gym and getting on the fancy equipment. Those days have been entirely too long ago for me. I remember the days of lifting weights, playing basketball, being on swim team and even taking gymnastics in my much younger years. However, over the years things changed. I will say now that I am determined to make changes to accomplish those things again. I have cut the carbs way back and started to move around more. As the weight is coming off the pressure on the joints and muscles is decreasing. It may not seem by much to everyone elses standards but to me those are huge. I have dropped a total of 54 lbs in a matter of a year...maybe a little more. I am going to continue by getting help from someone to till my garden plot so I can get outside and start working that dirt and moving around even more. Good health will be mine one day. I vow it even if it is said again with my last dying breath. I miss the things I used to do...including going to the gym. So first things first and Iwill eventually be back at it.

[Kätzchen]

I started out early today because I wanted to enjoy the sunshine. But I went to a favorite place, where you can see at least 4 other volcanoes in the Cascade mountain range.

Total miles walked is somewhere near 10 miles.
I have a few blisters on my right foot, but I'll be good as new after a long foot soak. I definitely can feel my muscles burning.

Oh, and I have been able to increase my water intake.
I drank 4 liters of water on my walk/hike, today.

I'm not a big water drinker because I prefer milk or juice, so it's a challenge for me to drink enough water.

:bouquet:

[SmoothButch]

Yesterday we ran our first 10k.

I finished at 1:07:45 and placed 1955 out of 3474.

Feeling proud and so good afterwards!


Next up is a 5k out in CO this May while on our vacation.

[Kelt]

Hit the gym for the first time in two weeks. It felt good although it was just the usual of 90 mins on the bike. I really need to get back into some of my PT basics.

Maybe tomorrow...:thinking:

[Gemme]

Up at 6am. At gym by 6:30. Orientation with new trainer at 6:40am. I am advised to keep my heart rate much lower to increase fat burn.

7-7:30am cardio
E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 151 cal, .97 mi, 18:00 min

7:30-8am arms
Small class of 5 doing arms training with free weights, bars and cable machines

8-8:30am legs
Small class of 5 (some from arms class, some new) doing legs training with free weights, body weight, gravity and my trainer's sadist mind. We were all shaking by the end.

I. hate. wall. squats.

...especially when they immediately follow traveling squats.

Oy.

I would have stayed for the next class, abs, but I had an appointment. It wound up being delayed so that annoyed me. I really wanted to do the abs.

Next Monday!

[nycfem]

Gemme, what do you usually keep your heart rate at? How about others on this thread?

Up at 6am. At gym by 6:30. Orientation with new trainer at 6:40am. I am advised to keep my heart rate much lower to increase fat burn.

Sunday, two hour walk in the park (leisurely). Yesterday, Monday, 45 minutes on a recumbent bike at a hotel where I'm at a conference at through Saturday, followed by 15 minutes tai chi in my hotel room. The place where the back support of the bike is supposed to click in was partially broken, so it hurt my back a bit, not terrible though.

[cinnamongrrl]

Finally...yoga!

I found a video with a practice specifically for opening up the hips...which is my greatest issue...

By the end of the 30 min practice, I already had gained flexibility and range of motion. Amazing. It also loosened a lot of tension in my lower back. Yoga truly is a wondrous thing...and anyone who thinks they can't do it really needs to try. You can always modify it to suit your needs and ability. And what it does for the mind is worth giving it a shot I find it very soothing and centering...

[MysticOceansFL]

Going back to the gym to work out with wieghts!

[Gemme]

Gemme, what do you usually keep your heart rate at? How about others on this thread?



Honestly, I don't keep track of it much because it ticks me off. My heart rate increases on a dime. Drops super fast too. I don't know if that means my ticker is in good shape or signifies that there might be a problem. Either way, it's not unusual for me to hit the top of my range....around 175, give or take a few points.

I am so. damn. sore. today.

I am not happy with my trainer. She's fine and she did her job. I'm just not happy. The back of my thighs and right above the inside of my elbows is so tight. No matter how much I stretch, I have knots.

I need a rub down, from head to toe.

[Kelt]

Another 90 mins on the bike today.

My understanding is that for fat burning 65-70% of max HR is best and for cardio health 80% for 20 min sessions four times a week is good. It used to be that 220 minus your age was considered your max, although I think there might be newer guidelines.

That puts my fat loss range around 111 and cardio at 137. What I find comfortable for me on the bike is an RMP of 70 at level 8. It keeps me between 124-127 so that is what I usually do.

:glasses:

[Gemme]

My MHR is 180 and I've hit that quite a few times before. My fat burn is at 119, which is super hard for me to hit and remain at when I'm working out. I did try and hopefully it helped. I'll take the advice in and do my best to adhere to it but there are going to be days when I just have to blast it out of the water.

[cinnamongrrl]

I didn't do yoga this morning but I'm cleaning 2 houses so I'm doing cleaning gymnastics instead lol

I will do yoga before bed though. The difference in my hips is amazing!

[Gemme]

I tried the abs class immediately after work and I don't think I'm going to be able to do it going forward. The whole half hour was spent on the floor on a thin mat and I was struggling. I asked for help with form but my trainer wasn't able to help me out much and by the end of it, my leg and tush were killing me and my sciatica was starting to flare. I can't even feel anything to do with my abs now. That may change tomorrow because I know we were working them but spending that much time on a hard surface and with poor form isn't beneficial for me.

I had originally planned to only do the class but I needed to try to work the kinks out so I hopped on the elliptical and went real slow. I felt like a horse in a race continually being reined in. I've found that my fat burn HR is around 3.0 on the elliptical. I usually go about 4.0-4.5 mph so it was really restricting in one aspect. In another, it was a relief. If I didn't soak myself in sweat and go, go, go until I felt lactic acid building up it didn't feel like I was really trying. I feel like I have permission, if you will, from a (semi) professional to give myself a break, which is good, because I need it.

E21, random program, level 4
Stats: 257 cal, 1.84 mi, 30:00 min

[Gemme]

This morning I hit the gym and made myself work out. I'm developing something and I work tomorrow so I know that Sunday's my next possible workout day. I wanted something to carry me over and wanted to be gentle to myself so I followed the trainer's advice to the best of my ability again. It's really REALLY hard to keep my HR under 120. Like, I did it for about 2 minutes out of about 45 minutes of working out.

Oy.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 214 cal, 1.46 mi, 25:00 min

B6, random program, level 6
Stats: 81 cal, 1.84 mi, 18:00 min

I followed it up with about 10 minutes of stretching and waved to the trainer as I headed back to the back to do it.

BTW, it's really hard to not whimper every time I cough. My Wednesday ab workout is coming back to haunt me.

I iz not having a good day.

[cinnamongrrl]

I feel redundant.

Started my day with yoga....cleaned two houses...yada yada yada....

[WildHorses]

I mowed the lawn. It is a big lawn, two sections.

[Gemme]

Although I planned on going to gym first thing this morning, I have had to reconsider. Even though I think I could do a decent workout, I can't go for more than 2 minutes without a coughing fit. If someone came and was hacking up a lung while I was there working out, I'd be pissed, so I'm going to keep my germs to myself and maybe pull out one of my dusty tapes or DVD workouts. It just sucks like Hoover because my days off are my only chance for a good, long workout and, with my coworker leaving, I'm going to be lucky to get one day off a week going forward.

/whine

Anyone have any cheese?

:wine:

[DapperButch]

Although I planned on going to gym first thing this morning, I have had to reconsider. Even though I think I could do a decent workout, I can't go for more than 2 minutes without a coughing fit. If someone came and was hacking up a lung while I was there working out, I'd be pissed, so I'm going to keep my germs to myself and maybe pull out one of my dusty tapes or DVD workouts. It just sucks like Hoover because my days off are my only chance for a good, long workout and, with my coworker leaving, I'm going to be lucky to get one day off a week going forward.

/whine

Anyone have any cheese?

:wine:

Gemme, I have found that when I work out when sick, it just extends the time of the illness. Especially a hard work out.

<---- thinking that Gemme probably has a list of information a mile long that will counteract this, so I don't even know why I am bothering to post this.

[Gemme]

Gemme, I have found that when I work out when sick, it just extends the time of the illness. Especially a hard work out.

<---- thinking that Gemme probably has a list of information a mile long that will counteract this, so I don't even know why I am bothering to post this.

You are wrong, dear Dapper one. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I didn't intend to do a hard workout today but I did intend to do a long, steady one. And now I've done none and it was the right choice.

I'm stubborn. I'll give you that. But I'm not stupid.

Besides, my abs have had an amazing continual workout the past 3 days with my coughing fits. I'm just glad that the muscle soreness from my last trainer workout has subsided because that actually made my wee little eyes tear a bit a couple of times. Like daggers in the ole gut!

Even with the cough medicine, I am only getting an hour to an hour and a half of relief and my Aleve PM did nothing to knock me out last night. Normally, it makes me a bit drowsy but I got bupkiss even though I allotted 10 hours for sleep. It didn't happen, which kinda made me cranky.

Just for shits 'n giggles, I put my symptoms into WebMD and I had to laugh at the wide variety of illnesses I could be suffering from: schizophrenia, perimenopause, the flu, a Norovirus, meningitis, a common cold, a bacterial infection, a viral infection, mono, TB or gastroenteritis....just to name a few.

According to WebMD, I'm probably going to keel over any minute now.

:blink:

[PaPa]

I am still not gym material with my lack of mobility, but I am still moving around more and have almost reached my first weight loss goal. I think it is amazing how even little goals turn into big momentum to thrust one to continue on the journey. This first goal was in losing 60 lbs. I have just 1.2 lbs to go to that marker.

One thing I want to do after another 50 lbs lost is to get a kayak. I have always loved the water and i really like fishing. I think once I can get down and become more mobile I will grab the world by the ass. LOL! No holding me back now!! My exercise regime is going to pick up. Maybe not in walking but there are other modes to get me back on my feet until that is possible.

Thanks to all of you who post and who have repped my exercise journey. It does mean a lot to me each day I see a new comment.

[Gemme]

Congrats, PaPa!

That's a major accomplishment. Every little bit adds up.

[Gemme]

This morning I went to the gym before work. It was the first time in over a week, due to the crud I had.

I kept it light and simple.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 258 cal, 1.81 mi, 30:00 min

I followed that up with 10 minutes of stretching.

[randrum]

I had a pretty good day of work out. None too long but spaced throughout the day.

Morning: 75 squats, 35 sit-ups, 5 push-ups

Lunch: 10 minute walk outside

After work: 30 minutes on a stationary bike. 5.95 miles

My knee is pretty sore today. Probably because of the weather. Apparently its supposed to storm the next few days.

[deathbypoem]

Got up really early this am, 20 min yoga session+20 min pilates session + breakfast +shake+water+mowing the yard which took about thirty min.

Time to chill now until after lunch for a light afternoon yoga session+meditation

[Gemme]

Good workout this morning, albeit shorter than I would prefer. I have a ton of things to accomplish today and I had to adjust my schedule accordingly.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 257 cal, 1.79 mi, 30:00 min

B6, random program, level 6
Stats: 63 cal, 1.61 mi, 13:00 min

This was followed by about 8-10 minutes of stretching.

[Gemme]

Excellent workout this morning!

I started with the Matrix (stair climber), manual program, levels 1-3
Stats: 62 cal, 389 steps/24 floors, 12:00 min

I started with level one and worked my way up to level 3 in the first couple of minutes and carried on from there. I think the calibration is accurate on this machine. I was sweating and felt like I worked really hard, which typically means that my caloric burn is less than I anticipate it to be. So the fact that I think I burned more than 62 calories makes me feel as if the machine is accurate and I only burned 62 calories.

:blink:

I moved on to the elliptical from there.

E21, random program, level 6
Stats: 262 cal, 1.79 mi, 30:00 min

I did 10 minutes at a pace comfortable to me (around 3.6-4.1) and then did 10 minutes at the level the trainer recommended for fat burn (around 2.9-3.2) and then split the remaining 5 minutes and cool down the same way.

After that, I hit the recumbent bike.

B6, random program, level 7
Stats: 96 cal, 2.71 mi, 18:00 min

It was very hard to keep the heart rate down at level 7 but I still tried. I just pedaled verrrrrrry slowly.

:blink:

I did some quick ab work for about 5-8 minutes and then finished with some stretching for about 8-10 minutes.

I had little to no pain or discomfort from my hip or sciatica today so it's been a very lovely start to the day.

[nycfem]

Okay, all caught up on the exercise thread and gradually throwing myself back into the game too. My last workout was at the hotel on 4/22/15 during my conference where I think I did the elliptical for about an hour. Today, in fact right now , I am in the park walking, and it's been about an hour. Needless to say it's a leisurely walk given that I'm talk to texting right at this moment :)

[bright_arrow]

Weed whacked, cut down shrubs and raked for three hours! :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Recently I got a standing mma punching bag, I'm changing the things I use to work out that is more useful to my body and what it can do and how to make it better. I replaced the abb thingy with the bag, standing and whacking away at the bag requires me to have better posture then such up the d=sagging gut then hold myself up to work on it as good posture is the best way to get the best results. I sweat ten times more with the bag than anything I have used. So far I up to between 8 and 10 minits three times a day. Still playing basket ball, bike riding then a couple of times a week doing some lite weight lifting 35lbs or so with the long bar and free smaller weights.
I see some changes already in the inches I am losing though I haven't lost an once, so far so good.

[Gemme]

Hello, exercisers! Today has been a lovely day. Quite excellent, even.

Up and to the gym before 8am. It's overcast but had only just started sprinkling.

E21, random program, level 4
Stats: 385 cal, 2.95 mi, 45:00 min

I did 10 minutes at a normal pace for me, 10 minutes at a lower pace to decrease my heart rate and increase fat burn, 5 minutes normal, 5 minutes slow and then 10 minutes normal followed by the cool down.

I think next time, I'll start with the fat burn as my heart rate will already be lower. I was only doing 3.0 on the machine and it still read my heart rate around 140. I need to keep it around 119 so I dropped the speed even more to below 3.0 and that helped.

I went into the circuit training room and did most of the upper body machines. Just enough to remind my muscles what they can do. One set, 15 reps with light to normal weight. I skipped the shoulder press because I often have injury issues with that one. I'll cover that exercise with free weights going forward.

Then I did some ab work and finished up with some good stretching. While I can feel my hip problem (twinges now and again), I wasn't hurting today and was even able to fully do my 4 stretch without pain. Score!!!

[Gemme]

New day, new workout!

E21, random program, level 4
Stats: 259 cal, 2.02 mi, 30:00 min

Lower body workout. Like yesterday, I kept it light. 2 sets of 10 reps.

Finished with stretching and light ab work.

I won't get a chance to workout Monday but Tuesday should be another good day.

[randrum]

I went to the gym after work.

Upper body workout today. Nothing too intense. 2 sets, 8-12 reps depending on the weight and exercise. Shoulder press was tough today, barely hit the 8 rep mark.

Then did 20 minutes on the Arc Trainer. P-1, level 5. Unlike Gemme, I don't really pay too much attention to calories burned or distance.

My only real complaint today is the women in the locker room. I wish the gym had a unisex one. I am beyond tired of getting stared at.

[Gemme]

I went to the gym after work.

Upper body workout today. Nothing too intense. 2 sets, 8-12 reps depending on the weight and exercise. Shoulder press was tough today, barely hit the 8 rep mark.

Then did 20 minutes on the Arc Trainer. P-1, level 5. Unlike Gemme, I don't really pay too much attention to calories burned or distance.

My only real complaint today is the women in the locker room. I wish the gym had a unisex one. I am beyond tired of getting stared at.

I pay attention to everything.

:blink:

[cinnamongrrl]

watch?v=54ofBAs_oLg

I did this....mostly...hate fucking burpees!

Then I did about 40 minutes of yoga...

Earlier I cleaned for 3.5 hours...I don't feel like it counts for much any more. Hence stepping up the workout..

[Gemme]

I swear I heard her say 'four single sluts' towards the end there.

:blink:

I went early today and saw a lady that I used to see all the time when I went before work. Gym acquaintance!

She was on my usual elliptical so I moved over a few to E18. Random program and level 5.

Stats: 317 cal, 2.56 mi, 35:00 min

I stretched at the end for about 8 minutes.

Good day!

[Gemme]

Workout this morning.

E21, random program, level 4
Stats: 215 cal, 1.55 mi, 25:00 min

B6, random program, level 4
Stats: 119 cal, 3.45 mi, 25:00 min

Stretching ensued.

[Gemme]

It's me again.

I had a good workout this morning. My usual elliptical was occupied when I got in, so I went two over but didn't realize at the time that I plunked myself down square under the very bright and warm massive light. Oy. Well, I don't know if it was the new level or the light or a combination of both but I sure did sweat today.

E19, random program, level 6
Stats: 276 cal, 2.14 mi, 30:00 min

I followed the cardio up with an upper body workout, some light ab work and some stretching. It was maybe a little over an hour from start to finish.

[nycfem]

Okay, I have not exercised since 5/10! I am really struggling to get myself back into a routine. Today was wonderful! I walked and stair climbed for 4 hours in the park, including doing 20 sets of up/down the St Clair stairs (176 stair steps per set), totaling 3520 stair steps. Tomorrow I have a plan with a friend to go walk in the park.

[BullDog]

My exercising is going pretty well. I am still lifting weights 3 times a week. My cardio could use a bit of work- I mostly just jog in place on an exercise mat and go for walks. All in all, I am gaining muscle and losing weight at a rate of about 2 pounds per week, so I am happy with my progress.

[Gemme]

Okay, I have not exercised since 5/10! I am really struggling to get myself back into a routine. Today was wonderful! I walked and stair climbed for 4 hours in the park, including doing 20 sets of up/down the St Clair stairs (176 stair steps per set), totaling 3520 stair steps. Tomorrow I have a plan with a friend to go walk in the park.

Jesus H. Christ on a cracker! If I did all that the first day back from two weeks off, I'd give myself a massive Charlie horse and probably an aneurysm.

C'mon, be honest. You're not entirely human, are you?

:eyebrow:

My exercising is going pretty well. I am still lifting weights 3 times a week. My cardio could use a bit of work- I mostly just jog in place on an exercise mat and go for walks. All in all, I am gaining muscle and losing weight at a rate of about 2 pounds per week, so I am happy with my progress.

That's excellent progress, Bully! You can do calisthenics for cardio too. Jumping jacks, high knees running in place, squats, push ups, etc. Burpees will get your heart rate up for sure!

B3pfaQ2sDPA

[Gemme]

Good morning, exercisers!

I had a wonderful workout this morning! I didn't set the alarm and even though I went to bed a little past midnight, I woke at 5:56 and had a stern talk with myself about getting sufficient sleep not only on my day off but in general and I dozed off until 7:15am. Close enough!

I got to the gym by 8 and started with my elliptical. Random program, level 6 again. It's a good level to push myself on without doing something stupid and hurting myself. I had to jump onto a different machine as my favorite was, again, occupied. Of course, the dude leaves 5 minutes after I've started my workout but once I start, I'm not going to stop until I'm done so that was that. Why is my favorite machine my favorite, you might ask? Because it's the closest elliptical to a ceiling fan and it's always too hot in the gym. In the winter, I have to be reeeeeally careful because it's so warm, I overheat and get nauseous very easily.

Sooooo, I hop onto E17 and we have a good time. 280 cal, 2.37 mi, 30:00 min. Slightly better numbers than yesterday but I definitely worked for it. There was a Memorial Day show featuring an Army vet who lost his left leg above the knee and had shrapnel imbedded in his arms race. Like baby Nascar racing. I had my music on so I was only seeing it, not hearing it, but the guy did well. They showed the set up in car so his prosthetic could shift and use the clutch and it was really cool. He won a race and people were doing the usual car race winning stuff: champagne spraying and celebratory donuts in the grass. Awesome for him!

I was planning on going directly to weight training but I didn't really use my cool down for a cool down and I was still pretty amped up, so I hopped onto a recumbent bike and let myself relax and get my heart rate down and in the zone for fat burn. Burn, baby, burn!

B6, manual program to help make it easier to control my heart rate, level 3.
Stats: 82 cal, 2.28 mi, 18:00 min

I did some lower body work after that, followed by some ab work. I did the Hammer ab machine and the AbCoaster plus I did a few crunches on the stretch mat before I stretched it out.

All in all, it was nice. As I was stretching, I heard this shhhhhhhhh shhhhhhhhh shhhhhhhhh sound and thought it was one of those annoying people who feel the need to make sure everyone around them can hear them blow their air out but when I looked over, I saw it was the upright glute machine and then I realized that I missed that machine when doing my routine.

Crap.

:blink:

So I had to decide whether to finish up my stretching (I was almost done anyway) or wait until the lady got off of it and do it and then redo my stretching routine.

Nah.

I did okay with the other stuff and it won't kill me to miss one round of butt sculpting. I can always pop a few squats or lunges here at the house if it continues to bug me.

Or when I go to the movie today, I can do butt crunches and NO. ONE. WILL. EVER. KNOW.

Except you all and you can't rat me out.

HA!

[Gemme]

One more thing.....I'm a bit sore today but not sore enough to really hurt and not enough to limit mobility....just enough to feel the parts that did a little bit more than usual. I have discovered the perfect amount of muscle soreness!

This deserves a celebration! I'm going to eat cake.

:tease:

[nycfem]

I'm having that same muscle soreness, and I love how it feels! It's from my stair stepping in the park yesterday of course.

Today I went to a different park and went on a 2 hour walk with a friend I knew only from Facebook. Like a date, I knew within the first five minutes that we were not an in-person-friend match. Still, she was a good walker.

One more thing.....I'm a bit sore today but not sore enough to really hurt and not enough to limit mobility....just enough to feel the parts that did a little bit more than usual. I have discovered the perfect amount of muscle soreness!

This deserves a celebration! I'm going to eat cake.

:tease:

[BestButchBoy]

Join @estutland's free workout challenge. http://www.shrinksessionworkout.com


5 minutes a day.

[BullDog]

Join @estutland's free workout challenge. http://www.shrinksessionworkout.com


5 minutes a day.

Thanks BBB, I just signed up!

I still will be doing my other stuff, but I sit at my desk day and night writing, so having some fun, short exercises to do to break that up could be really good.

Thank you Gemme for your suggestions. I do sometimes do faux kick boxing where I just flail around lol, but yeah basically I just need to move around and keep on lifting weights.

[Gemme]

Join @estutland's free workout challenge. http://www.shrinksessionworkout.com


5 minutes a day.

Thanks BBB, I just signed up!

I still will be doing my other stuff, but I sit at my desk day and night writing, so having some fun, short exercises to do to break that up could be really good.

Thank you Gemme for your suggestions. I do sometimes do faux kick boxing where I just flail around lol, but yeah basically I just need to move around and keep on lifting weights.

I signed up as well. I can do 5 minutes, even if I did have a hard day at work.

5 minutes is totally feasible.

Anyone else?

[Gemme]

Before work workout today.

E21, random program, level 5
Stats: 139 cal, 1.20 mi, 15:00 min

Upper body circuit training plus some ab work.

Stretching and I was outta there in about an hour.