The Do You Work Out Zone

[Rockinonahigh]

I did a max workout today,boy am I sore,but it was worth it even tho my body feels like limp noodles.

[Linus]

Sigh.. I've shelved my bicycling training for now due to a severe back issue. Hopefully in a couple of weeks the chiropractor will give me a green light to start training again. I'm hoping to do a century to San Diego in May. K and I also looking at going to a beginner's Yoga class in a week or so. And, I'm hoping to finally get P90X back into the swing of things (mostly chess, shoulders, abs, cardio).

[Rockinonahigh]

I bought myself a stair steper for christmas,u bet its great for the legs..hips..butt and lower back.They are highly recomended just be ready to be sore big time.

[DapperButch]

Hi, folks!

I am in the market for a new elliptical.

I am looking at either the Livestrong 10.0 or the Sole E25 (possible 35).

I can't decide which "feel" I like better when I have tried them in the stores.

The 10.0 has a slightly heavier flywheel and maybe 2 more programs, so they are comparable.

Price is the same.

What I like about the Livestrong is the Q-factor is 0, while the Q-factor of the Sole is 2. For those that don't know, this means that the pedals are closer together on the Livestrong, which they say is more similar to the natural way we walk. I believe that most ellipticals have a 2 on the Q-factor. I have never used an elliptical before, so I don't know which would be more comfortable/if this is an issue for users.

Questions:

1) Has anyone ever used either of these machines?

2) Has anyone ever felt like the pedals should be closer together (assuming most machines are not at a 0 in Q-factor (whatever that stands for?) when using an elliptical?

I am going to cross post this on the healthy weight loss b/c I think that there are elliptical users there. I am assuming this is ok, Admin (Linus?), as it is not a discussion topic.

Also...sorry one more question. When at the store I was in running shoes. I kind of felt like my feet were sliding forward on all machines. I am wondering if this is common and also if people use cross trainers (remember those?), instead of running shoes due to this problem (since running shoes have a bit of a heel). I am planning on going back with a pair of cross trainers on my feet.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

ETA: I am off to work, so will check back later.

Bad luck Linus, I hope you're onboard your wheels again soon.

After taking most of the winter off any significant cycling, except the journey to and from college I had my first ride of over 2miles yesterday. It was just a short 4-5 mile hop from home to the next 'village' along Cycle Route 62 and it felt good to give my legs a blast. My poor damaged lungs however have really lost the respiratory condition I'd built up last summer/autumn and they really struggled up the inclines, as expected especially as it was windy which is one of my asthma triggers.

I was gratified that my legs hadn't lost all of last years cycling condition. I paid particular attention to good form as I've discovered that my dominant left leg is causing me problems with twisting on my unicycle and I'm determined to start correcting this by being aware of it on the b*cycle.

I need to motivate myself to get out on a regular basis now that spring is just around the corner and stop this creeping 1lb a week weight gain - I've been pretty much 100lbs all my adult life, now I am 125lbs (yes I know for most folks this is not a big number but for me it is.)

[Diavolo]

Linus,

Many back problems on a bicycle are due to a bad fit. Have a professional fit your bike to you and you should be much happier

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hi, folks!

I am in the market for a new elliptical.

I am looking at either the Livestrong 10.0 or the Sole E25 (possible 35).

I can't decide which "feel" I like better when I have tried them in the stores.

The 10.0 has a slightly heavier flywheel and maybe 2 more programs, so they are comparable.

Price is the same.

What I like about the Livestrong is the Q-factor is 0, while the Q-factor of the Sole is 2. For those that don't know, this means that the pedals are closer together on the Livestrong, which they say is more similar to the natural way we walk. I believe that most ellipticals have a 2 on the Q-factor. I have never used an elliptical before, so I don't know which would be more comfortable/if this is an issue for users.

Questions:

1) Has anyone ever used either of these machines?

2) Has anyone ever felt like the pedals should be closer together (assuming most machines are not at a 0 in Q-factor (whatever that stands for?) when using an elliptical?

I am going to cross post this on the healthy weight loss b/c I think that there are elliptical users there. I am assuming this is ok, Admin (Linus?), as it is not a discussion topic.

Also...sorry one more question. When at the store I was in running shoes. I kind of felt like my feet were sliding forward on all machines. I am wondering if this is common and also if people use cross trainers (remember those?), instead of running shoes due to this problem (since running shoes have a bit of a heel). I am planning on going back with a pair of cross trainers on my feet.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

ETA: I am off to work, so will check back later.

1. I have used a variety of ellipticals but I cannot say for certain if either of those were one of the ones I've tried.

2. I've never had a conscious thought of 'Oh, I wish these pedals were closer to together!', no. Have some been more comfy than others, of course. My issues stem less with the pedals and more with the arms, as my arms are very short and most machines are built for the average to above average heighted person, who usually has average to longer than average arms and I tend to pull on my back and shoulders in uncomfortable ways trying to work on those types of machines.

3. Yes, you will slide forward while using the machines. I found that some of them did it less and that the sliding that did occur was more gradual, but it will happen. Sometimes I let it go. Sometimes I adjusted my step when I noticed my feet sliding. Sometimes I wedged a hand towel or cloth in the toe of each pedal/shoe on the elliptical.

Try to remember to work the machines standing straight and not hunched over. The pull should be at your hips and not your knees.

[socialjustice_fsu]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hi, folks!

I am in the market for a new elliptical.

I am looking at either the Livestrong 10.0 or the Sole E25 (possible 35).

I can't decide which "feel" I like better when I have tried them in the stores.

The 10.0 has a slightly heavier flywheel and maybe 2 more programs, so they are comparable.

Price is the same.

What I like about the Livestrong is the Q-factor is 0, while the Q-factor of the Sole is 2. For those that don't know, this means that the pedals are closer together on the Livestrong, which they say is more similar to the natural way we walk. I believe that most ellipticals have a 2 on the Q-factor. I have never used an elliptical before, so I don't know which would be more comfortable/if this is an issue for users.

Questions:

1) Has anyone ever used either of these machines?

2) Has anyone ever felt like the pedals should be closer together (assuming most machines are not at a 0 in Q-factor (whatever that stands for?) when using an elliptical?

I am going to cross post this on the healthy weight loss b/c I think that there are elliptical users there. I am assuming this is ok, Admin (Linus?), as it is not a discussion topic.

Also...sorry one more question. When at the store I was in running shoes. I kind of felt like my feet were sliding forward on all machines. I am wondering if this is common and also if people use cross trainers (remember those?), instead of running shoes due to this problem (since running shoes have a bit of a heel). I am planning on going back with a pair of cross trainers on my feet.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

ETA: I am off to work, so will check back later.

I have used both types of elliptical machines. I prefer the Livestrong due to the 0 Q-factor. I do find it as a closer resemblence to my natural stride. When I do consecutive sprints that is really when I can tell a difference. My personal trainer had encouraged me to try both at his gym and I always go back to the Livestrong. And, I trust my trainer. I don't let anyone else torture me for their own pleasure but him.

Yes, I think the feeling of the foot sliding forward is somewhat normal. If you feel a lot of movement then something is up. Have someone spot check your posture...don't hunch forward like Gemme said. I wear a cross-training shoe (Saucony) for my entire work out. Their insole works well for me. They have a patented ComfortStride Sockliner that I have grown to really like. They cost a fortune but it is a worthwhile investment.

Keep us posted about what elliptical you purchase. It is so good to hear other folks taking care of themselves. At 52 I never thought I could do the things I do because I work my ass off in a gym and sweat like an ox and look like hell when I head home. But I would not have it any other way.

Best of luck to you!!

[DapperButch]

Gemme and socialjustice fsu,

Thank you both so much for taking the time to respond. Both of your posts were very, very helpful. I did not get back to the store this weekend as planned, as other things came up.

I am going to go either tomorrow night or over this weekend and do like 10 minutes on each (don't really care I am in a store and people may find it strange). I don't know if that will give me tons of info. (?), but I suspect that it will give me some.

I think I will be going with the Livestrong, but want to make sure.

It is a costly investment, so again, I appreciate your thoughts and advice.

[drsassypants]

Sooo.... Who wants to tell me that my fancy new pubic bone pain is no big deal & I should just RICE it?

Follow up question: who wants to help me figure out how to elevate my pubic bone?

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by drsassypants

Sooo.... Who wants to tell me that my fancy new pubic bone pain is no big deal & I should just RICE it?

Follow up question: who wants to help me figure out how to elevate my pubic bone?

I can't tell you how to elevate it but HOW did you hurt it?

[drsassypants]

Originally Posted by Gemme

I can't tell you how to elevate it but HOW did you hurt it?

My best guess is running: two long runs in one weekend with the added bonus of same route & direction. No sharing of the wear between sides. And then I felt fine, so I hit a group strength training class the next day, lots of squats & lunges.

I has an ouch.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by drsassypants

My best guess is running: two long runs in one weekend with the added bonus of same route & direction. No sharing of the wear between sides. And then I felt fine, so I hit a group strength training class the next day, lots of squats & lunges.

I has an ouch.

Yep, that would do it.

Stuff some pillows under you and slap an ice pack on top. That's probably the best you're going to do. You HAVE to let your body rest though. If you don't, you'll compound the injury.

[Rockinonahigh]

I havent had the time to work out since I got the promo at work.I hit the floor running and it dosent stop till I get off.Ive been wearing my prdometer at work so ive tracked over a mile a day with me going from oneend of the place to the other so many times or puting away supplys in the store room,with all the bending,squating,reaching and what have you I get a pretty good workout at work.Besides my tail bone hurts,it goes down my left leg so the whole thing is on fire.So I rest it as much as I can,wish it wasnt this way buit it is.

[socialjustice_fsu]

I have been working out for a while now. I alternate cardio and strength training. The last few days I feel a nagging pain in my lower right side of my back. From time to time the pain shoots all the way down the back of my leg even into the ankle. I swear it takes my breath away - in the not sensual way - and I feel like I have to almost stop in my tracks to regain some sort of composure. I have researched the sciatic nerve and I wonder if I have done something to cause some inflammation. I have been taking 800 mgs of ibuprofin x2 q d. Not much relief. Then I start thinking about my ovaries and ovarian cancer (paranoid to the nth degree). The pain radiates to that right ovary or so it seems. Any suggestions? Is this something I need to look to a chiropractor for intervention...acupuncture...massage...rest...acti vity? Never had this before and I don't want to slow my progress in my training due to something that simply might just disappear??

[PumaJ]

I feel a nagging pain in my lower right side of my back. From time to time the pain shoots all the way down the back of my leg even into the ankle.

Yikes, Socialjustice! I feel for you, having had such pain myself at one time. Very yucky and far from fun:-(

I'm not a nurse practitioner or doctor, so I can't diagnose, and wouldn't do so online if I could diagnose. But, as a nurse, I can offer you some ideas about what might be going on, and suggestions about what to do.

From your description it does sound like you have Sciatica. It is possible that the cause of your pain is something else, but your description is a classic description of the pain associated with Sciatica.

Who knows why you have this going on exactly? Maybe you moved in a slightly different way during a recent workout, or maybe the irritation has been building over the whole time you've been working out and is only just now bothering you. Some people develop sciatica because they stand for long periods of time, some because the sit for long periods of time and tend to lean on one buttocks more than the other. Its highly unlikely that the pain is the result of something like ovarian cancer, though.

You can try self care at home, first, to see if that helps, before seeking medical care. I do suggest that if self care at home isn't helpful, you do seek medical care before seeking chiropractic care, relief via acupuncture, or massage therapy. I suggest that as the first choice only because it is important to find out what is the root of the pain before treatment beyond self care is begun. Allopathic medicine has some valid treatment approaches to Sciatica depending on the cause. It might be that chiropractic, acupuncture or massage is the best way to go, but I think getting an accurate diagnosis of the problem is the best place to start.

Hope this is helpful

[PumaJ]

About a year ago I decided I needed to make some major changes to improve my overall health. I'd gotten very overweight, actually quite obese, after I quit smoking several years ago and started eating too much as a result. The eating too much was the first thing to go. Kicked that bad habit right to the curb, I did:-) The next step was increasing my physical activity level.

I absolutely abhor anything that has workout or exercise program in the title. In fact I rebel and run the other way. However, I do like to move, I especially love to dance. Not any formal type of dancing. Just the type of dancing I've always done at parties or clubs. So, I decided to dance, everyday. When I was talking aobut this with a young gay guy friend, he offered to send me links to the top 40 pop music vids on YouTube that had the best beats for dancing. He did tell me not to pay attention to the lyrics because some of them are very boldly sexual and in some there is a lot of swearing. He was totally right about that, but I don't care. I don't care because the beat of the music absolutely propels me out of my chair and gets my whole body moving:-)

I dance everyday, now, for at least a half an hour. My fave artists have become the Black Eyed Peas, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Pink and Jessie J. There are others I like, but those are my faves.

[Morgan]

Trying to make healthy choices is so difficult....whether emotional, spiritial or physical. I have noticed however, when I start with the physical, the emotional and spirital seem to fall into place. My body and mind is no longer young, I will be 51 in a few days and had really let myself go, I had stopped caring about myself and it was starting to catch up to me. Do I think I am strong, yes, but not as strong as I once was. It is hard to admit my weaknesses, especially I believe as a butch, I do not like to admit there are certain things I cannot do. Like playing softball, or tag football, because I am afraid I will injure myself....I have a torn maniscuss (old knee injury), something I can live with until I get insurance. I also have bi-lateral carpal tunnel (numbness and limited use of my wrists and hands) , also something I can live with...I just cannot do repetitive motion with my hands for long periods of time, it is embarassing for me to admit this.

So now that I will be 51 soon, I want to be healthy and as strong as I possibly can. I have started going to the gym, doing cardio and lifting....I am starting to feel better and as well as the workouts, I am trying to make better choices in my diet. I am not a very good cook, I will be the first to admit this, but I am eating lower carbs, calories and fat....I have a very sensitive digestive system and know what I can eat and cannot eat. I have lost over 40 pounds in a year and a half and continue to build up my body. I do smoke cigarettes and drink lots of coffee, that will be my next goal, but for now I take it one day at a time.

I am looking forward to what this year will bring and now that I have found my home on the Planet, I will continue to read and see what others are doing to feel better for themselves, I know this will help give me the inspiration to feel better for myself. You are a great bunch on here and I thank you for posting from your heart....please feel free to stop by anytime.

Hugs
Morgan

[foxyshaman]

I used to have a SERIOUS aversion to sweating. Then I decided that was just not helpful.

I now love working out and if I am not sweating quickly I wonder why I am not working hard!! I workout five days a week. Mon and thurs are Zumba. If you have never tried it, you may just like it. Fantastic cardio and oh my gosh do I sweat. Tuesday I circuit train for 45 minutes, I don't like the instructor, but I do like the workout; and he changes it up every week. I have no idea what I am in for today. Some Tuesdays and Thursdays, depending on whether I have patients, I will take a yoga class either at 6:30 or 8.

Wednesdays are my favorite. I take a weight lifting class for an hour and then have an hour off then do gay yoga for an hour and a half.

Fridays are yoga nights.

Saturdays are usually when I go hiking. I don't consider that exercise, more like mental/spiritual maintenace.

If I don't have patients on Sundays I go to the morning Zumba class by my house.

I am very fortunate to get off work at 4:45, walk three blocks and get to the gym in time for the 5 pm classes.

I have to do cardio. I think that is what has contributed the most to my weight loss. I have always loved lifting weights. I am not really strong, but I can really feel a difference in the last year. I have a Ganesha tattoo on my right arm, my goal is to have enough tricep and bicep mass to make him dance!!

[Metro]

just renewed my gym membership. in summer months i find it a lot easier to stay in shape when i cross-train i.e. speed walk daily then add cycling 2x week plus shooting some hoops for good measure.

am soooo glad winter is over!