Weight loss support [Archive] - Polyamory.com Forum

KatTails

04-14-2011, 11:45 PM

I know I am not the only person on here who needs to lose a few pounds (ok - I have more than a few pounds to lose :o) so I thought this would be a great place for us to come together for help, support and encouragement.

Please feel free to share your goals, successes and set backs as well as offering support, encouragement and motivation.

I'll start:

I am 5 feet 8 1/2 inches tall and fluctuate between 260 and 270 pounds. Ideally I have 75-100 pounds to lose - but realistically, I'd be ecstatic if I could lose 25-30 pounds.

I am an emotional eater and use food, especially ice cream and chocolate, to self soothe and reward a bad day (which I've been having a lot of lately.) I am hoping to get on new medication for depression and anxiety (and maybe ADD) and I'm hoping that it will also help with my weight loss and over eating issues.

I don't normally exercise - but when I do, I like to walk, ride bikes and play Wii Just Dance and Wii Fit.

****My goal this week will be to walk 15 minutes a day or do 15 minutes a day on the Wii.****

I hope that you guys join me!!

:) Kat :)

LovingRadiance

04-15-2011, 05:25 AM

YEAH! :)

Give it a day or two, you'll have some more people on here too!

I cleaned out the freezer today (8ft chest freezer).. PAIN IN THE ASS. But it did work out my arms.

I don't know yet what tomorrow's goal will be... But, I'll let ya know!
:)

SourGirl

04-15-2011, 05:45 AM

I had a rough winter, with some physical injuries. I don`t like how soft and squishy I feel. I want to lose 20 lbs.

I don`t need to eat less, I need to eat more according to my doctor. I get busy, don`t eat enough, and I`m not eating nutrient-dense foods like I normally do. 'Stress' of injury and what-not, causes my body to hold on to reserves.

So I would like to get back to the food habits I know serve me best. :) Start running again, and if my knees can`t handle riding, and running, then I`ll ride and bike instead.

I like dancing, and do the Wii-fit stuff when its yucky weather.

KatTails

04-15-2011, 12:43 PM

:D I walked for 20 minutes at school this morning! Daily goal accomplished - yea me!!! :D Now that I'm sitting here after walking - I can feel the muscles in my legs twitching - I think they are revolting against me since they're not used to the workout. :)

Note to self: bring an extra deodorant to work. :o I stood outside in the cool morning air to cool off so I'm good for today.

I also skipped my morning Venti Starbucks - so I saved 350 calories and 10 grams of fat. :)

Today's Goal: I'm planning on doing Wii Just Dance tonight with my daughter - I'm going to try to do it 20-30 min.

I cleaned out the freezer today (8ft chest freezer).. PAIN IN THE ASS. But it did work out my arms.

That counts!

I don't know yet what tomorrow's goal will be... But, I'll let ya know!
:)

Please do! :)

I don`t need to eat less, I need to eat more according to my doctor. I get busy, don`t eat enough, and I`m not eating nutrient-dense foods like I normally do. 'Stress' of injury and what-not, causes my body to hold on to reserves.

So I would like to get back to the food habits I know serve me best. :) Start running again, and if my knees can`t handle riding, and running, then I`ll ride and bike instead.

I like dancing, and do the Wii-fit stuff when its yucky weather.

You can do it!!!

My food habits are horrible! I'm trying to be more conscious of what I eat - but then the emotional eating and my negative voice that says "I don't care if this is bad for me - I deserve it" kicks in and all good intentions are gone. I wish I had an off/on switch for those voices in my head.

opalescent

04-15-2011, 09:00 PM

SNeacail

04-15-2011, 09:25 PM

I'm 5'3" and 240lb, the heaviest I have ever been. About 6 years ago, I was 236 and then managed to loose 60lbs and kept it off for about 2 1/2 yrs but it has been coming back ever since and now I'm back to where I started from :mad:

I have never been "thin", I was 150 almost all through high school and then dropped to 136 the summer after graduation (I was figure skating every day). Everything came back after I got engaged and then married and has been going up ever since - OK, it's all my husbands fault :p

Goals:
Lose 5+lbs a month (like last time)
Walk 4 days a week (get back upto 3 miles)
Create healthier eating habits for my whole family

LovingRadiance

04-15-2011, 09:26 PM

Might I offer a suggestion or two?

I want to be supportive-I don't have any weight to lose NOW, but I am all squishy and need to rebuild muscle because of the years of being unable to use them.

But, having already lost 66+lbs, I know a few tricks that helped me.

The first was having people to be "accountable to" which we have here.
It's not about saying to each other "hey, you didn't meet the goal today". Our own minds do that plenty. BUT-then we get so disappointed in ourselves and our depression increases, it seems hopeless so we go sit on our butts and mope.

The goal is to stay positive with each other, encourage each other to be happy with ourselves for what we DO accomplish-because we tend to overlook the little accomplishments we make.

The second thing that changed my whole world was picking ONE dietary thing at a time to change.
It's so easy to list the many things we need to correct. But, we need to get one and stick with it for a month or so, make it a habit before we try to add a second.

The first thing I did was buy a nice waterbottle JUST FOR ME. No one else gets to use it. I committed to filling it at least twice a day with water and drinking it. (that is 40 oz of water).

First think each morning-I fill it with water (at the beginning I often used a water flavor packet too, cause the water was so dull).

So-my suggestion is, in addtion to agreeing to support each other here.... how about committing to drinking 40+ ounces of water a day?

LovingRadiance

04-15-2011, 09:27 PM

FYI-I'm getting ready to head out, I'm taking the kids and we're going to go walk the coastal trails with Maca. There's a park at one end, let them play for a bit and walk back. ;)

AutumnalTone

04-15-2011, 10:15 PM

The doctor recently gave us a stern warning that we needed to change what we were doing NOW. Many of our health issues are under control. Others have been highly variable--and she said we have to get those under control now or we were likely to have more serious issues in the near future.

I've made a few changes to my diet over the past several years at the urging of doctors. She ordered some radical changes. I think making the radical change is actually helping the process, as I'm forced to seriously spend time learning new ways of planning meals instead of just being able to slightly alter things here and there.

One of the things she was adamant about is that we have to drop weight. Instead of trying to figure out some fancy-schmancy diet the relies on generating ketosis or some other nonsense, I boiled things down to the basics.

Body weight relies on an energy balance. Calories in vs calories out. That's it. Whether those calories come from all marshmallows or meat, if I eat more calories than I burn in a day, I gain weight; if I burn more calories than I eat, I lose weight. Choosing what to eat, then, becomes all about proper nutrition and not about weight at all.

Lap band procedures are all about energy balance. The bands limit the size of the stomach so fewer calories are consumed. That's it. I found it amusing that one of the major problems with lap bands is that people eat too much food at one time and that causes problems. Ya know, I can eat smaller portions in the same fashion and yet not have any problems should I eat too much at a meal.

So there's really no need for a lap band. If you can eat small portions to avoid problems with the band, you can eat small portions without the band.

The remaining problem is to feel satisfied with the smaller portions. I've found that fiber and protein provide the feeling of fullness and satiation that keeps me from wanting to eat more "because I didn't get full." The fiber more so than the protein.

So, I use metamucil prior to a couple of meals each day to jumpstart the feeling of being sated. Then I make certain I get some protein for my tummy to work on and fill out the meal with fruit or veggies.

This has been working for me. I've lost over 25 pounds since the end of January without feeling like I'm neglecting myself. It's been enjoyable, even.

Ariakas

04-15-2011, 10:30 PM

I can join in the fun. I have about 20 pounds I want to cut down. From 270 to 250. Any smaller and I look too "off"...

I have lost 14 pounds since I stopped drinking down to my current of 270. I walk daily, I don't eat amazingly well, but I get my veggies and stuff.

Biking season is starting and its going to be time for me to be throwing myself down cliff faces soon, so I need to get to my sporting weight so when I land I don't break in two

nycindie

04-15-2011, 11:24 PM

I am joining in this thread for accountability.

I joined Jenny Craig about two months before my husband told me he wanted a divorce. My goal is to lose 75-85 lbs. It has been a bumpy ride trying to stick with it. I eventually lost 24 lbs, but hit a plateau when things got really rough (when I realized deep down that there was no reconciliation on the horizon, I think), and I was drinking a little bit too much, and managing some adverse affects from the anti-depressants I was on. I became more depressed and started eating to console myself again. I gained back 10.

I love going to talk with my JC counselor, she's so cool. She has many times shut the door to her office so I could cry in there during our sessions. She told me that "food is the one thing you can control in your life," and to focus on that in order to feel successful. With my renewed efforts I'm back down to the "22 lbs. gone" mark, and have roughly 55-60 more to go.

The biggest problem I seem to have is sticking to the JC food. It's great food, quite delicious in fact, but the portions are so much smaller than what I would want when I'm avoiding difficult feelings -- I usually turn to outside food and pig out to dull the pain, I guess. I also have not been diligent with supplementing the packaged JC food with salads, veggies, fruit, and dairy, which I'm supposed to do. Finally, I am guilty of not drinking enough water throughout the day. I know that whenever I've made an effort to drink water frequently, the pounds seem to drop away.

So here're my goals for the week:
Stick to the JC food; add the fresh veggies, fruits, etc,. that I'm supposed to; and drink at least two of my large bottles of water each day.

sage

04-15-2011, 11:45 PM

I am so sick of trying to lose weight, it's like the problem has been with me since I was 10 years old. It hasn't helped of course that my sister is a string bean and I was always the "shortish curvy" one. Oh for a society where average height and curves are fully appreciated.

Giving up alcohol hasn't helped me in the least, I just comfort eat now instead of drink. And with the steps at AA all one's issues are presented so that comfort is definitely the order of the day.

Mrs craig has been successful in the past but you can't do it forever and when I start coming off the food i start the regaining process.

How did you manage to lose so much weight LR? Give us the lowdown on your slimdown, please.

KatTails

04-16-2011, 06:06 PM

I walked for 30 minutes in the park (in the rain!) and now I'm helping move my MIL into her apartment - so getting a lot more walking in and some weight training! :)

I was going to go to a fantastic bakery this morning that is only open Saturday mornings - but was guilted out of it. It was the right decision - but their cake is to die for!! :o

SourGirl

04-18-2011, 07:00 PM

opalescent

04-18-2011, 07:23 PM

Contacted my work fitness center and have been put into the 'in' box of the person who schedules the fitness testing/exercise plan appointments. So yay! One thing down.

KatTails

04-18-2011, 10:47 PM

I did lots this weekend !

Rode a bunch of horses, which usually gets me back in shape rather quickly,.Here is hoping. Also,..for my upcoming birthday, I received a new Wii game, that sure has me sweating good. Since I am noticing addiction patterns towards this game already, I think it will become part of my regular work-out.

I am very sore today.

I'm sooooo jealous! I absolutely LOVE riding horses! What are some of your favorite Wii games?

Contacted my work fitness center and have been put into the 'in' box of the person who schedules the fitness testing/exercise plan appointments. So yay! One thing down.

Yea! Great first step opal!!

This fat 40 1/2 year old just beat a skinny 12 1/2 year old at Wii Just Dance! What a fun workout! We were laughing so hard!! :) Woot woot!!

SNeacail

04-18-2011, 11:13 PM

This fat 40 1/2 year old just beat a skinny 12 1/2 year old at Wii Just Dance! What a fun workout! We were laughing so hard!! :) Woot woot!!

Good Job!

Ariakas

04-18-2011, 11:52 PM

*shudders at the thought of dancing*

Did some walking this weekend but mostly got in a lot of needed rest.

LovingRadiance

04-19-2011, 01:17 AM

How did you manage to lose so much weight LR? Give us the lowdown on your slimdown, please.

Sage-
It really is simple.

It is NOT easy-but it is simple...

1. I gave up all soda and fastfood. No matter what.

2. I forced myself to drink the water every day (it SUCKED ASS).

3. After 30 days of doing the water I added walking-every day. At first I just went to the end of the block & back. Then kept increasing my distance. I gave myself "deadlines" such as needing to be somewhere by a specific time that was 2 miles away-only leaving with 30 minutes to get there. That forced me to walk at a 15 minute mile in order to get there. I'd push myself to try to "beat my time". I increased my distance to 10 miles after a year and a half. I lowered my time to roughly 12 minutes per mile in the same time frame.

4. I gave up dairy for 1 year. (THAT is a BITCH by the way-but it's AMAZING how much that one single thing helped. I lost the most weight by doing that).

5. I added small weight lifting (5-8lbs) for arms, because it builds muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, but it burns more calories too.

LovingRadiance

04-19-2011, 01:19 AM

KT, SG, Opal, Ari,

GREAT JOB!!!

Every little bit helps. :)

You can all manage this. :)

I have great faith in all of you to accomplish the goals you've set for yourselves!!!

It's so nice to read happy things on here! I needed that today.

I did my walk the other day. Going to take the little one for a "jog" tonight. ;)

MrDreadful

04-19-2011, 09:14 AM

I'm trying to lose weight at the moment... it's an ongoing quest which suffers because I tend to lack motivation about this sort of thing. Which is annoying because I'd quite like to be fit and healthy and more sexier and stuff. I am a naturally lazy person, and I hate it...

But I'm trying to make more of an effort... had a good workout this morning and am making an effort to regulate my food intake a bit more and keep myself hydrated properly. Thinking of doing that thing where you elevate your monitor, mouse and keyboard to a height which is better suited for standing so I'm not spending so much time on my arse while job surfing and whatnot!

KatTails

04-19-2011, 12:40 PM

1. I gave up all soda and fastfood. No matter what.

I need to do that. I am addicted to Diet Coke! I drink it all day long and NEVER drink water. At work I buy at least 2 20oz bottles - one for the morning and one for lunch. Plus I have a few cups at home - mostly with dinner. I don't think I can give it up completely - but I am going to replace my morning one with water instead. I'm also going to try to not have it in the house.

As for fast food - We used to eat a lot of fast food, but lately I've lost my craving for it and haven't had any in a few months. I gave up french fries for lent and am going to try to continue not eating them after Easter.

2. I forced myself to drink the water every day (it SUCKED ASS).

How much did you drink everyday?

3. After 30 days of doing the water I added walking-every day.

That's my goal now - to start of walking 15 min/day then increasing the time.

4. I gave up dairy for 1 year. (THAT is a BITCH by the way-but it's AMAZING how much that one single thing helped. I lost the most weight by doing that).

I give you a lot of credit for doing that! I don't think I could manage doing that.

SourGirl

04-19-2011, 04:06 PM

Hey KatTails,

We have the Wii Fit, but that gets rather boring. I was great at hula-hoop, but got sick of it quickly, even though it gets a good sweat going.

We also have the Michael Jackson experience, which is fairly good at getting the heart-rate going, but a bit of a disappointment, if you were ever trained in dance. It incorporates only the wii remote, no footwork. Though the rest of my family really loves it.

We just got a new one called ' Dance-Dance Revolution' #3.

This one seems more my style. You start out with very basic footsteps, take lessons, upgrade difficulty, and incorporate the wii remote and nunchuck eventually.

******
Worked horses yesterday, and did do a unscheduled run with a horse at my side last night. I am staying on target for varied forms of sweating. :p It feels good to physically be healed enough to handle physical activity.

I am not worrying to much about my diet right now, except to eat more, like the doctor suggested. So I never skip breakfast, even if I eat late.

I have never been a pop-drinker, twinkie muncher, so all that is easy. I dont even drink fruit juice very often.

I do need to cut back on my gluten eventually, but we`ll wait for warmer weather. I`m long versed in what works for my body, I just havent applied it, because I get sick to death of thinking about every little thing.

Hopefully my metabolism didnt give up on me, and I can work up appetites again. :)

LovingRadiance

04-19-2011, 06:30 PM

Diet soda is actually worse for you than regular soda. The Aspartame (sp?) that is used in it-can cause weight gain. Bad deal.

:(

I drank a minimum of 40 0z of water a day.
But, aim for 60.

(talk about peeing a lot!)

SNeacail

04-19-2011, 09:07 PM

Diet soda is actually worse for you than regular soda. The Aspartame (sp?) that is used in it-can cause weight gain. Bad deal.

Not to mention the amount of sodium, it will make you retain water. Easiest fix for that - drink more water :) I'm down to 2-3 a week. I never order a large soda anymore, always a small now and I bring my own water everywhere.

I drank a minimum of 40 0z of water a day.
But, aim for 60.

(talk about peeing a lot!)

He He :D I do drink between 40-80oz most days. I can get til about noon without having to go (2 cups of coffee and at least 20oz water), then it all hits and I'm down the hall about every 45 mins the rest of the day.:p

LovingRadiance

04-19-2011, 09:29 PM

He He :D I do drink between 40-80oz most days. I can get til about noon without having to go (2 cups of coffee and at least 20oz water), then it all hits and I'm down the hall about every 45 mins the rest of the day.:p

Yep! That's awesome though Sneac! That's one GREAT step in the right direction. :)

Now, is there a way to increase your "output"?

One little thing I did (still do) that is sneaky-but works is parking.

Whenever I go somewhere, I park at the back end of the lot. I tell myself that I'm healthier than so many people who can't get parking spots near the door so I'm doing a kindness to others.
But-the kindness to myself is that it increases my walking out put. ;)
When it's cold as hell outside-it REALLY increases it-cause I run in to get away from the frozen cold. But that doesn't work the same way in a warm place. ;)

I think it's SO DAMN AWESOME that there is a weight loss support thread on here now. :) It's way cool to see people sharing the support needs of their real lives-not JUST poly details. It's awesome that we're able to talk about and share on a poly-board where we are more accepted, but it's also cool to not be known JUST for being poly on the board, but as whole people with real life struggles. ;)

SNeacail

04-19-2011, 09:49 PM

Now, is there a way to increase your "output"?

One little thing I did (still do) that is sneaky-but works is parking.

Whenever I go somewhere, I park at the back end of the lot. I tell myself that I'm healthier than so many people who can't get parking spots near the door so I'm doing a kindness to others.
But-the kindness to myself is that it increases my walking out put. ;)

YEP - I need to get my ass up off the couch and go for my walks at night. Lately I have been finding every excuse in the book not to go, sleep, sew, knit, book report... :( I've let it go so long, that the shooting pain in my leg is back when I go out for more than 10-15 mins. Just means I need to do the 10-15 minutes and then lift weights when I get home. After about a month, I should be able to increase it. Promise to have a better progress to report by the end of the week.

Parking: At work I'm forced to park a good ways away, because it is the only spots available when I get in.

LovingRadiance

04-19-2011, 09:54 PM

I understand Sneac. I hate the cold and I can find a MILLION excuses not to go. Which is what happened last night. :(

Today GG and I are going to go do yard work in about 2 hours (after the kids finish swimming).

I'm not really looking forward to it-but it will be good for my arms and legs. We have to rake all the yuck down the hill and then burn it off. It's a hell of a hill. :(

LovingRadiance

04-20-2011, 01:38 AM

2 hours of heavy duty raking. Both hands are blistered-and I STINK like smoke (the fire burning off the leaves etc was blowing at me);

but I feel great. :)

opalescent

04-20-2011, 01:28 PM

I have an appointment tomorrow with my work gym to get my fitness level assessed and have a program figured out. Now I have to rustle up work out clothes!

LovingRadiance

04-20-2011, 08:58 PM

I did 2 hours of heavy raking last night. (Got some blisters on my hands).

Then, before bed I went for a 1.4 mile walk with GG. :)

AutumnalTone

04-21-2011, 12:23 AM

I had to trade out belts to the next smaller size to keep my britches up. I'll have to get smaller britches soon, too.

LovingRadiance

04-21-2011, 06:43 AM

I took another walk today-I'd guess it at a little bit over a mile. :)

opalescent

04-21-2011, 04:44 PM

Went to my work gym appointment today. Confirmed what I knew already - I'm not in good shape. However, I was a bit surprised on how I did better on some tests than I anticipated. So the first step is to get my cardio into acceptable (I get winded so easily now!) Elliptical - here I come.

Next goal: 1) figure out a work out schedule 2) get work out pants.

LovingRadiance

04-21-2011, 06:43 PM

Good job Opal! That's a great step in the right direction.

I suggest getting a pair of workout pants that YOU LIKE.

I am SO much more motivated to work out when I like what I have to wear to do it in.

For years I bought cheap "I'm going to lose weight anyway" workout clothes-and they sat in the closet looking ugly-while I continued to sit on my butt on the couch.

I finally gave in to my inner woman and bought a couple pairs of workout pants/shorts and tops (and a good pair of shoes-always a big plus there) and the amount of activity increased exponentially cause I LIKED wearing the clothes-but I couldn't very well wear them if I wasn't goign to work out. ;)

BrigidsDaughter

04-21-2011, 06:47 PM

My new job keeps me very active - chasing around 6-8 very active toddlers 5 days a week, however, I am still having a hard time wanting to exercise on my days off.... at least on cold rainy days like we've had everyday this week. :-( I have a gym membership, but now that Wendigo and Pretty Lady had to cancel theirs for financial reasons, I have no one to go with. (Wolf and I can't go at the same time b/c of conflicting work schedules and lack of babysitters).

LovingRadiance

04-21-2011, 06:52 PM

My walk yesterday was 2.4 miles. I logged it in googlemaps today. :)

Today I'm going to aim for another walk. I woke with a nasty headache and it's grey and gloomy outside, but I'm going to walk at least to the end of the block before bed.

:o

KatTails

04-24-2011, 06:05 PM

I had to trade out belts to the next smaller size to keep my britches up. I'll have to get smaller britches soon, too.

Yea!!!

Went to my work gym appointment today. Confirmed what I knew already - I'm not in good shape. However, I was a bit surprised on how I did better on some tests than I anticipated. So the first step is to get my cardio into acceptable (I get winded so easily now!) Elliptical - here I come.

Next goal: 1) figure out a work out schedule 2) get work out pants.

Glad that you made the appointment and followed through and went! That's half the battle sometimes! You go girl - you can do it!!

My walk yesterday was 2.4 miles. I logged it in googlemaps today. :)

Today I'm going to aim for another walk. I woke with a nasty headache and it's grey and gloomy outside, but I'm going to walk at least to the end of the block before bed.

Way to go LR!! Keep it up!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As for me - I've had good days and bad. Still can't get my emotional eating under control and I've been pretty emotional the last few days. I haven't been walking as much as I wanted to - but I have been doing Just Dance on the Wii with my kids. I did lose about 2 pounds!! :)

For Easter - our son got The Michael Jackson Experience and our daughter got Just Dance 2 - so we have been dancing for over an hour this morning - it's a great workout! 2rings even got in on the action - which was hysterical!! Lots of laughing! :D It was great spending time as a family - it's been a long time since we've all been together having fun :)

Looking forward to Easter dinner at my parents house - and a thin slice of berry cheesecake for dessert. Maybe some more Just Dance tonight.

Goal for this week: drinking more water and less Diet Coke!!!

LovingRadiance

04-25-2011, 03:59 AM

Good job KT! That's awesome.

I havent gotten a walk in since I last posted. :(

I did haul off trash to the dump today, so that was some lifting-and yesterday Maca and I moved furniture, which was also weight lifting.

We both bought new shoes this weekend so we can start walking/running together. :) That was exciting.

Next Saturday I am doing a 5k with my little sister. We won't run the whole thing-I can't run more than a 100meters without losing the ability to breathe (seriously need to get checked for asthma issues). But, we'll walk/run to the end anyway.

Tuesday GG has off work again-so we'll get out there and rake some more.

I can't find a lot of motivation when it's ugly and chilly out either. :( It's so DEPRESSING.
The sun came out this evening for the first time all week. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow, maybe I can take the kids and go for a walk. :)

gamerprincess

04-25-2011, 04:36 AM

So glad I found this thread. I want to lose 60 pounds to be comfortable. Complacency and comfortalbeness, I tell ya...Ugh.

I'm thinking of trying Sensa in addition to eating healtier and excercise 3-4 times a week. I too have old injuries that make really high impact excercise hard, so I need things like the elliptical or brisk walking instead of running and jogging.

I've been eating better, and have dropped 7 pounds but I need to get on the exercise part. It's laziness and time constraints with my busy schedule, but I've got to fit it in and will. I know if I lose the weight I want to, I'll be back to the knockout status I was many years ago and I look forward to that!

LovingRadiance

04-25-2011, 06:29 PM

SNeacail

04-25-2011, 06:43 PM

Got a 45 minute walk in on Saturday, prior to my kids baseball game:D. Ended up spending most of the day outdoors and totally fried my chest, arms and legs. :(

gamerprincess

04-25-2011, 07:11 PM

gamer-I didn't run a lick when I was losing weight. I was too large breasted to even CONSIDER it in light of my neck injury.
I just walked and got to where I was walking fairly quickly-but the biggest thing was walking until I was tired-every time. ;)

You can do it!

Hi LR! Yes, I too amd very large breasted..No amount of sports bra combinations works short of duct taping them down, haha. My back kills me if I run, but if I take a steady pace on the elliptical it's not so bad. I'm going to get in that walking tonight to start! I was having trouble doing the 3 flights of stairs to thr new place we moved to, but I can do those with no problem and actually enjoy doing it because I know it's good for me, I feel better and I've been losing some weight doing it 3-4 times a day.

sage

04-25-2011, 07:43 PM

My jeans are getting baggy yay:) And it's been Easter!!! And it's been rainy (hard to walk) And I've had an awful cold. So really pleased after Easter holidays of visiting family etc.

Far be it from me to push products but do you have something over there called "Sensorslim" or something like it. Apparently there have been worldwide trials and very good results. I've been using it now for a couple of weeks, and no scales so can't tell exact weight loss but my jeans are definitely looser. It's a spray you spray in your mouth 10 minutes before eating and I also use it if I start to get cravings or want to emotionally eat (although since using it that has almost gone). It doesn't profess to be a miracle cure but it does help you stick to a sensible eating plan and it definitely keeps my blood sugar stable.

I have a large wardrobe of clothes I can't wear. I don't really care about weight loss on scales I just want to fit my old clothes.

LovingRadiance

04-25-2011, 07:54 PM

Hi LR! Yes, I too amd very large breasted..No amount of sports bra combinations works short of duct taping them down, haha. My back kills me if I run, but if I take a steady pace on the elliptical it's not so bad. I'm going to get in that walking tonight to start! I was having trouble doing the 3 flights of stairs to thr new place we moved to, but I can do those with no problem and actually enjoy doing it because I know it's good for me, I feel better and I've been losing some weight doing it 3-4 times a day.

I was over an F cup-wearing size 9 jeans. So I totally hear ya. It was damn near impossible to run in an emergency! Plus a herniated disk in my neck and a bulging disk in my neck ( can ya guess what they think caused that?).

I was afraid that walking wasn't going to cut it, but I found that it was just fine. :) There were a few plateaus, those suck.

But, for the most part I just kept increasing my distance each month and trying to walk as fast as I could (go MP3 player with loud, fast dance music) and that worked out fine. I was very careful not to do anything that resulted in bounce.

SO I wore a job bra-(new balance makes the only one I ever found worth a shit-it clips around under the boobs after you put it on, so it can be loose enough to GET ON and then tight enough to stay put!). Even though the bra wasn't enough to be free to run, it did keep bounce down when walking fast. Big help.

I still wear a jog bra when I walk/run or workout, and now I'm only a B/C cup! But, it just does make a huge difference.

gamerprincess

04-25-2011, 10:26 PM

I was over an F cup-wearing size 9 jeans. So I totally hear ya. It was damn near impossible to run in an emergency! Plus a herniated disk in my neck and a bulging disk in my neck ( can ya guess what they think caused that?).

I was afraid that walking wasn't going to cut it, but I found that it was just fine. :) There were a few plateaus, those suck.

But, for the most part I just kept increasing my distance each month and trying to walk as fast as I could (go MP3 player with loud, fast dance music) and that worked out fine. I was very careful not to do anything that resulted in bounce.

SO I wore a job bra-(new balance makes the only one I ever found worth a shit-it clips around under the boobs after you put it on, so it can be loose enough to GET ON and then tight enough to stay put!). Even though the bra wasn't enough to be free to run, it did keep bounce down when walking fast. Big help.

I still wear a jog bra when I walk/run or workout, and now I'm only a B/C cup! But, it just does make a huge difference.

WOW!! F cup? I have no room to complain. I thought my D/DD's are too much. I totally feel for you, LR. My bf loves my boobs though and is sad to see them deflate, haha, but my back and shoulders sure won't be sad. I'm hoping when I slim down that I'll be at a full C cup and that they will firm up a bit.

I need to get that jog bra. Sounds amazing and like it's what I need. What sort of diet or regimen are you following aside from that or have you followed to get to where you are now?

BrigidsDaughter

04-25-2011, 10:39 PM

Walked 6 blocks today, which is pretty damn good for me on a rainy day during my high allergy/ asthma season. Gonna do some more walking tonight since I'm on my old campus and the building I'm going to is about another block away uphill.

LovingRadiance

04-25-2011, 11:31 PM

gamer-read through previous posts and you'll see what I did/do. ;)

I had to have a breast reduction-but I'm much happier and healthier having reduced them. Maca and GG loved them big-but they love them just fine small too. :)
Unfortunately for me, I lost 60+ lbs and they didn't shrink. LAME.

LovingRadiance

04-25-2011, 11:32 PM

Brigid-that's AWESOME! Great job!!!

Ariakas

04-26-2011, 05:59 PM

Had a fun weekend visitng SG. Played some football, running around and moving heady objects. Wasn't exactly structured activity but still had a blast with her and her family.

Nursing an old football injurty. To much over the head movement usually ens up straining my right shoulder, a few days of stiffness is worth it :)

gamerprincess

04-26-2011, 06:51 PM

I finally held up to going to the gym when I said I was going to, instead of making excuses to not go!

I did 20 mins. 10 on the elliptical and 10 on the bike at high intensity. It felt great. Today, more cardio and I'm going to add in some weights too.

Feeling good about this :)

AutumnalTone

04-26-2011, 07:54 PM

gamerprincess

04-26-2011, 07:59 PM

Going to a gym is too much of a hassle for me. I fire up the DVDs--tai chi and ballroom dance. Low impact and very enjoyable. Should I really want to go outside, we live next to a path along a creek and I can walk it or ride the bike.

We live right on the water, so I've been using that to my advantage and walking a lot more recently.

I think the gym time might cut into him and I time as that's our time together, so I've got to configure a new schedule for working out. I'm not a morning person at all, but I'm going to try to get myself up earlier in the morning to get that brisk walk in or to hit the treadmill.

DVD's are a good idea too, but I don't want to annoy my neighbors in the apartment below me. LOL.

SNeacail

04-27-2011, 04:45 PM

Got out and did my walk for nearly an hour :D. Didn't make my 3 mile mark, but it's been a while and I'll get there. The worst part is having to cut a walk short because I have to pee :eek:

gamerprincess

04-27-2011, 05:00 PM

I'm irritated at myself for not going last night..or this morning. My bff called who I don't get to talk to a lot due to our schedules, so between babbling with her about her upcoming wedding and making dinner for him, I was pooped by the time 9pm rolled around. Then, I slept in. I guess I'm sort of tired after working non stop since last Wednesday with Sunday off, but not really since I was cooking and doing laundry.

I'm glad I have off tomorrow. I'll take that nice long walk and recharge. I've got to figure a way to incorporate this into my life. Seriously it should not be hard to spare 30 mins a day, but it seems almost impossible right now.

KatTails

04-27-2011, 06:04 PM

I'm so glad to see everyone taking steps to exercise more!

gameprincess, SNeacail, BrigidsDaughter, Lovingradiance - way to go!!!

Ariakis - ANY activity that makes you sweat counts as exercise in my book! ;)
Glad you enjoyed your visit with SG!

---------------------------
I haven't really done too much exercise since Sunday. I am parking farther away from stores and when I go up or down steps I clench and release my butt and leg muscles. It's not ideal - but it's something.

I have cut down on Diet Coke and am making a conscious effort to drink water. I have lost 3-4 pounds. :)

NeonKaos

04-27-2011, 11:33 PM

Hi folks. I'm a little overweight at the moment. I've never been on a "diet"; most of my life I've been very thin - until about 5 years ago. Last fall I weighed around 190 or so. My ideal weight is between 125 and 150 pounds. I am 5'5" tall.

Well today it's official - I lost 20 pounds since my hysterectomy! I got weighed at my annual exam and it's on record - 172 pounds! I knew I was losing because I've been weighing myself at home, and it was down to like 165 last week, but I ate at McDonalds a couple times since then as well as from the Chinese roach-coach for lunch yesterday... But all I've been doing is not keeping sugary snacks around the house, eating lots of Greek salads, and going to roller-derby once or twice a week.

Thank you for reading.

SNeacail

04-27-2011, 11:38 PM

Well today it's official - I lost 20 pounds since my hysterectomy! I got weighed at my annual exam and it's on record - 172 pounds! I knew I was losing because I've been weighing myself at home, and it was down to like 165 last week, but I ate at McDonalds a couple times since then as well as from the Chinese roach-coach for lunch yesterday... But all I've been doing is not keeping sugary snacks around the house, eating lots of Greek salads, and going to roller-derby once or twice a week.

NICE!!!!

Sounds like there was some serious medical issues causing the weight gain in the first place. Glad your feeling better also.

NeonKaos

04-27-2011, 11:44 PM

gamerprincess

04-28-2011, 12:01 AM

Got out and did my walk for nearly an hour :D. Didn't make my 3 mile mark, but it's been a while and I'll get there. The worst part is having to cut a walk short because I have to pee :eek:

LOL!!! Dontcha hate when that happens? I've done that too. I usually walk around the harbor where I live through this abandoned hotel and restaurant property. I swear, I've almost considered squatting behind a bush once or twice just so I could keep walking, but I never get the courage and just get home as quick as I can without bursting!

:p

gamerprincess

04-28-2011, 12:09 AM

The "serious medical issues" were lack-of-exercise-syndrome and too-much-midnight-snacking-itis.

Although I was on Depo-provera some years back and I'm sure that helped me retain weight, but I've been off the Depo longer than I was on it so it's not a valid excuse.

Ahhh, I too am affected by those "serious medical conditions" too, NK! :p Those habits are hard to break, but I've been doing better with them. Congrats on the weight loss! I'm trying to figure out what a realistic and healthy goal is by the end of August when we celebrate our anniversary. Thats about 3 1/2 months away and I hope that I can drop at least 20 pounds by then.

I never share my weight, but hell, it might help me stay focused and committed to it if I share and then commit myself to getting that number down just so I can brag here, heh. I currently weight 222 as of yesterday. The heaviest I've ever weighed :( I'm 5'4 and I've always been petite and thin. I was a ballerina for 14 years and actively rode horses, but I had a really bad accident while show jumping one day and I was laid up for a year and gained over 50 pounds in the year and never took them off, so I've been accumulating more on top of it.

I know I will get there. I know I can do this. Gym tonight for sure. I debated on not going cuz he was potentially going to meet the girl he's been talking to and I would just have no time with him before he leaves if I did that, but he's still got cold feet and said he's not going, so off to the gym I go.

NeonKaos

04-28-2011, 12:27 AM

I know I will get there. I know I can do this. Gym tonight for sure.

Gaud, working out at the gym is so fucking boring. I've tried to try it, but it takes two hours to do the kind of cardio, stretch, and weights like I like to do, and it's such a waste of time. I used to ride a bike everywhere I needed to go, and that was more than enough exercise. I should rig up a system that charges batteries whenever you pedal a bike... but my bike is broken right now and needs to go to the shop. Besides, it's too far to ride the bike to work anyway.

LovingRadiance

04-28-2011, 12:42 AM

The worst part is having to cut a walk short because I have to pee :eek:

Oh I've totally been there! That and having to find a potty RIGHT NOW because the "sleeping toddler" in the stroller wakes up needing to pee RIGHT THIS SECOND!!!

KatTails

04-28-2011, 03:51 AM

Well today it's official - I lost 20 pounds since my hysterectomy! I got weighed at my annual exam and it's on record - 172 pounds! I knew I was losing because I've been weighing myself at home, and it was down to like 165 last week .....

Wooo-hoooo Neon!

The "serious medical issues" were lack-of-exercise-syndrome and too-much-midnight-snacking-itis.

Shit! I have that too!!! Must be an epidemic! :p

LOL!!! Dontcha hate when that happens? I've done that too. I usually walk around the harbor where I live through this abandoned hotel and restaurant property. I swear, I've almost considered squatting behind a bush once or twice just so I could keep walking, but I never get the courage and just get home as quick as I can without bursting!:p

Maybe that's why some people do that silly looking run/walk thing? ;)

I'm trying to figure out what a realistic and healthy goal is by the end of August when we celebrate our anniversary. Thats about 3 1/2 months away and I hope that I can drop at least 20 pounds by then.

I think having a goal or a deadline is a great idea. You can do it!

opalescent

04-28-2011, 05:23 PM

OK, I didn't figure out a work out schedule or pick up workout pants. Insane week at work.

All right, trying again..

So my goals remain the same for next week.

gamerprincess

04-29-2011, 12:15 AM

Gaud, working out at the gym is so fucking boring. I've tried to try it, but it takes two hours to do the kind of cardio, stretch, and weights like I like to do, and it's such a waste of time. I used to ride a bike everywhere I needed to go, and that was more than enough exercise. I should rig up a system that charges batteries whenever you pedal a bike... but my bike is broken right now and needs to go to the shop. Besides, it's too far to ride the bike to work anyway.

Yeah, I loathe the gym too. It is soooo damn boring to run in place for 30 mins. I prefer to get my exercise in by getting out in the open, which I did today and got in a nice walk around the harbor. So pretty, saw a sea lion playing, lots of pelicans diving for fish and starfish along the rocks. Far better scenery than the muscle obsessed freaks at the gym.

On another note though, I am thinking of getting a personal trainer once or twice a week. Found an awesome lady who is gonna give me a great deat, I think like $20 or $25 for a hour session. It will be nice to have someone help me formulate a healthy plan to get the weight off and show me different exercises to do with weights since I'm pretty dumb in that area.

Lets all keep up the good work ladies!! *hugs*

gamerprincess

04-29-2011, 12:20 AM

OK, I didn't figure out a work out schedule or pick up workout pants. Insane week at work.

All right, trying again..

So my goals remain the same for next week.

For me the hardest thing was sticking to saying I'm going to do it. It was 6 months between the last time I hit the gym and when I did earlier this week. Now I've gone 2 days and got in a nice walk outside and I'm making sure to take the stairs and not cheat by taking the elevator. You can do it! If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. You'll make that schedule and get those pants. Balancing work, life and working out really sucks :( Wouldn't it be nice if we could just snap our fingers..or rub a genie lamp and "poof" all would be taken care of?

SNeacail

04-29-2011, 02:41 AM

Ariakas

04-29-2011, 02:50 AM

Hauled ass home, had a great fast walk. Nce to see the sun, sick to death of rain. Always nice to see those pretty mountains as I walk around.

One of these days if I care I will join the gym, need to get ready for mountain biking. Need to get my body a lil better so I dont injure myself throwing my bike off of mountains haha.

I suck at diets. When I am stressed my stomach jumps and churns and I don't eat. When I am happy I eat well. Never seem to find an in between. Dieting...or eating right was much easier in my early 20s.

LovingRadiance

04-29-2011, 03:21 AM

OK, I didn't figure out a work out schedule or pick up workout pants. Insane week at work.

All right, trying again..

So my goals remain the same for next week.

Good job letting it go. :)
Last week is over, new week starting. :)

LovingRadiance

04-29-2011, 03:22 AM

Trying to decide if I should risk walking 3 days in a row. I'm afraid that my ankle muscles are going to start cramping up again if I push too hard in the beginning. It takes months of weird streches and only being able to walk for about 10 minutes to get past it. So I'm sitting here streching and lifting weights while I debate with myself.

Take a SHORT walk, do EXTRA stretching and life your weights.

The body actually builds muscle during the REST time between workouts-not during the workouts.
SO rest (if not abused) is JUST as important as work.

Take a "rest walk" that is 1/4 to 1/2 your normal length and do it a little slower. ;)

Derbylicious

04-29-2011, 05:02 PM

So I don't have a whole lot of weight to lose but I have been noticing that my pants are getting tight so I want to nip it in the bud. I just need to go back to some very basic changes. I'm going to start drinking water at work (after my one cup of coffee in the morning) rather than drinking coffee all day and I'm going to have a piece of fruit after derby rather than going straight for the ice cream or cheese.

I'm pretty sure I'm active enough although I would like to keep track of doing something active every day. I don't have a weight goal (because I don't know what I weigh in the first place) but I would like to be comfortable in my clothes again and maybe cut down on the jiggle in my belly and hips.

SNeacail

04-29-2011, 05:18 PM

Take a SHORT walk, do EXTRA stretching and life your weights.

This is what I did! 1/2 hour streching with weights and 1/2 hour walk. So far so good :D

Tonight I'm going to make my kid strech with me, he's having pain due to flat feet and super tight muscles, so the doctor gave him streches to do in addition to the shoe inserts.

Ariakas

04-29-2011, 07:29 PM

Down 5 pounds in the last couple of weeks.. yay me

LovingRadiance

04-30-2011, 03:02 AM

That's awesome Ari!

I walked down to get the car with the littlest one today. We didn't go particularly fast, she wasn't in the mood to run. But, it's about a mile. :)

nycindie

05-01-2011, 04:58 AM

Got weighed today at Jenny Craig. Down 2 lbs since last week. Yay, me!

Derbylicious

05-01-2011, 07:55 PM

I ran my first 10K ever today. What I learnt is that my body can do 5K no problem and probably about 8 comfortably. I'm going to be feeling my legs tomorrow. What I'm thinking is that one day on the weekend I should go for a run. It's an accessible activity that I just don't tend to do.

KatTails

05-02-2011, 12:37 PM

Way to go Ari, nycindie and Derby!!!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I walked 1.5 miles yesterday. My knee is hurting today - but I'm hoping, weather permiting, to walk 2 miles today. If it rains - then I'll do the Wii. I'm still down a few pounds - but I haven't yet gotten my emotional eating under control. I also need to remember/force myself to drink water.

Keep up the great work everyone!! :)

LovingRadiance

05-02-2011, 07:40 PM

I did a 5k with my sister Saturday (mostly walk, some run). 40 min 29 sec.

I walked 2.7 miles to Maca's Sunday morning. Didn't time it-but I know it was less than 40 minutes.

Today I'm aiming to get a walk in at somepoint, but not this point. ;)

Great job everybody!

Kicking ass Derby!!!

KatTails

05-02-2011, 10:14 PM

Great job LR! I'm thinking about walking a 5K on Mothers Day - I'm a little nervous though.

Weather was beautiful this afternoon and my knee stopped hurting - so I walked in the park for 45 mi. My pedometer stopped working but I think I walked between 1.5 and 2 miles. I'll try the pedometer again tomorrow taking the same route.

Now off to make dinner . . .

LovingRadiance

05-03-2011, 02:38 AM

Derbylicious

05-03-2011, 04:24 AM

Just remember to TAKE IT EASY whenever you are doing a new distance. Don't push yourself for speed when you are adding distance, don't push yourself on distance if you are adding speed.

If your body is hurting-be gentle.

And you couldn't have told me that Saturday? :p Ah well walking kind of hurts today but I can still skate like a Maux Faux :D (I went to practice tonight)

KatTails

05-03-2011, 02:19 PM

Ariakas

05-03-2011, 02:43 PM

Boy am I sore today! I feel like I've been hit by a truck. :( I would expect this if I worked out in a gym for an hour - but I only took a brisk 45 min walk.

Now I'm not so sure about the 5K. Maybe I'll work up to it and do it next year. Plus - I desperately need new walking/tennis shoes. Mine are really old and don't have the support I need.

I'm going to try to do 2 15-min walks today instead of a full 30-45 min.

Off for my first 15 min walk . . .

The human body is amazing at adapting to walking. ITs kind of how we were build.

Use the 2x 15 min walk days as recovery days. But you should still try and push every few days for 45 minutes.

SNeacail

05-03-2011, 04:15 PM

No weight loss yet :mad:, but this is not unusual, last time it was only every 3 weeks that I saw any progress.

Last week was really good for getting me back into taking my walks. 2 days at 1 hour, 1 day 1/2 hour plus 1/2 of arm weights. Saturday walked around the Ren Faire for 4+ hours and Sunday took a hike with the family. Apparently my husband thought I needed steep hills, my calves are still screaming at me, but the view was awesome.

Last night I decided my calves needed a rest. However, it felt wrong sitting at home. The front door was open and I was anxious and antsy, the rest of my body was saying go take a walk (then I stood up and tried to walk :eek:). This is such a good sign, it's how I felt the last time I lost 50+lbs.

LovingRadiance

05-03-2011, 06:02 PM

Go Sneac. Keep the water consumption up, and see if you can find one dietary change you can add in this week. ;)

SNeacail

05-03-2011, 06:20 PM

see if you can find one dietary change you can add in this week. ;)

Definitely!! Back to bigger lunches and large salads w/protien for dinner. Water is not even an issue, I drink it all day :D.

LovingRadiance

05-04-2011, 04:29 AM

You rock Sneac!

I've had a salad (made fresh by GG) the last 3 days in a row. YUMMY.

I didn't get out and exercize today. I feel like SHIT. My head is pounding and I feel like I got run over by a train.
The littlest one went to the Dr. today. There is an unfortunate possibility that we're dealing with mono. Haha, not to be confused with Mono or monogamy. :P I HOPE not. No blood test yet, (expensive). Supposed to go back in to the Dr in a couple days.

SourGirl

05-05-2011, 03:55 PM

I`ve dropped 8 *true* lbs thus far.

Being really busy, and spring being here, is helping me quite a bit.

Derbylicious

05-05-2011, 03:59 PM

Every day except for Tuesday I have done something active. Yesterday it was yoga and the gardening. I've also been eating fruit in the evening when I get hungry rather than some of the less healthy options that I have been choosing.

SNeacail

05-05-2011, 04:15 PM

I`ve dropped 8 *true* lbs thus far.

Damb Girl, that's awsome!

KatTails

05-09-2011, 05:35 PM

Yea SourGirl!! That's awesome!!

After a great Mother's Day out with 2rings and the kiddos - the kids and I (2rings had to go to work) ended the day with a walk (me) and bike ride (them) with our dog on our local trails. The kids played in the woods, ran around with the dog, threw rocks etc and I enjoyed every minute of it! The weather was beautiful, the kids were well behaved and the dog actually cooperated for the first time. She hates being walked with her halty and typically pulls the entire time, fights with other dogs and chases bicyclists. I'll definitely take her with me again - she needs to lose some weight too!

nycindie

05-09-2011, 05:52 PM

Boy am I sore today! I feel like I've been hit by a truck. :( I would expect this if I worked out in a gym for an hour - but I only took a brisk 45 min walk.

Now I'm not so sure about the 5K. Maybe I'll work up to it and do it next year. Plus - I desperately need new walking/tennis shoes. Mine are really old and don't have the support I need.

I'm going to try to do 2 15-min walks today instead of a full 30-45 min.

Off for my first 15 min walk . . .

I used to racewalk and once had a training session with Olympic racewalker Viisha Sedlak - she was very inspirng. Anyhoo - the right shoes are very important. Running is different from walking but most of the walking shoes they make are too stiff for walking. Best to find racing flats for walking because they are lightweight and very flexible. You should be able to bend the shoe in one hand to see if it's flexible enough.

LovingRadiance

05-10-2011, 01:41 AM

I concur Nyc.
I wear running shoes-I almost NEVER run, but I wear them for my workouts-because walking shoes just did not cut the mustard. ;)

KatTails

05-10-2011, 04:13 PM

Walked about 2 miles the last two days. My legs are sore so I'm taking it easy today. I think I'll do some light workout with my 5lb weights and some situps after work. I still need to get new shoes as I'm getting pain in my left foot after walking 10-15 minutes. Hopefully I'll get a chance to go shopping this weekend. I'm still eating out of emotion - but it's getting a little better.

SNeacail

05-10-2011, 04:36 PM

I hear you on the NEW SHOES! I look at it this way, $30/mo for a gym membership I won't use or $60-75 every 6 months for good running shoes I will take for a walk 4-5 times a week. After about 6 months the shoes were fine for everyday stuff, just not intense walking, so they all got rotated out. Watch for the Big 5 sidewalk sales, they usually have really good deals. Of course we always need an excuses to make a road trip to the outlet mall :p.

SourGirl

05-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Just some thoughts :

For those wanting to walk, you have to 'learn' how to walk, to maximize your benefits.

A steady pace, through-out your walk, actually isn`t very helpful.

You should speed up, and work your body hard, walking fast for up to 60 seconds if you are new to walking, or up to 6 minutes if you are in shape.

Then slow down and walk steady for 90 seconds/10 minutes.

This pattern actually helps your body burn calories better, and work your heart rate. All in all, the beauty of inertia.

I actually love to run, as my body has great stamina,...and walking is technically more difficult for me. I lose weight faster if I am walking at various speeds, on various terrain, and various inclines, then I do when I am jogging around.

The only time that changes, is when I am playing soccer.

SNeacail

05-10-2011, 08:23 PM

A steady pace, through-out your walk, actually isn`t very helpful.

Actually it is extremely helpful when dealing with stress injuries and just trying to get out and move. I need months at a steady pace just to keep from developing shin splints (so painful I can't walk home) and muscle cramps.

I will work toward the fast/slow cycle once my legs have proven that I won't find myself a mile from home crying on the curb for 20 minutes. Thanks for the info.:D

SourGirl

05-10-2011, 08:34 PM

Actually it is extremely helpful when dealing with stress injuries and just trying to get out and move. I need months at a steady pace just to keep from developing shin splints (so painful I can't walk home) and muscle cramps.

I will work toward the fast/slow cycle once my legs have proven that I won't find myself a mile from home crying on the curb for 20 minutes. Thanks for the info.:D

Actually increased heartrate for 60 seconds (or more) can be achieved in other ways. You could windmill/pump your arms, instead of your legs. Thereby increasing the pace of your upper body, and keeping the pressure off your lower body. :)

That said, its important to do whats right FOR YOU and not overwhelm yourself trying to do more then you feel capable of. The thoughts provided are meant for those who are ready to start maximizing what they do, or who are ready to push themselves for a bit more. :D

SNeacail

05-10-2011, 09:10 PM

actually isn`t very helpful.

My issue was just with this statement. Because slow and stead does work great for a while and then it doesn't.

Actually increased heartrate for 60 seconds (or more) can be achieved in other ways. You could windmill/pump your arms, instead of your legs. Thereby increasing the pace of your upper body, and keeping the pressure off your lower body. :)

Very true. I really do appreciate the advice.

Ariakas

05-11-2011, 01:14 AM

Great night for a walk, very cool biut nice. Gloomy (yes sg is it gloomy :p) but one of those good nights. Luckily I live in the mountains so up and downs happen. There is no fla here. Got home, hit the weights and going to have a nice dinner with pengrah.

I have missed working out haha

BrigidsDaughter

05-11-2011, 01:26 AM

Took a walk around the block with the kiddos at work today then went to the local mall and did 2 laps.

gamerprincess

05-11-2011, 08:12 PM

I've been lazy on the gym in the last few days, but I've been walking and taking the stairs and cleaning so I've stayed active. Today going to go for a nice long brisk walk and then hit the gym for weights on the way back. Thought about some intense cardio at the gym, but I hate running in place, no matter what music I'm listening to.

LovingRadiance

05-11-2011, 08:35 PM

thought about some intense cardio at the gym, but i hate running in place, no matter what music i'm listening to.

ditto! Blech.

nycindie

05-12-2011, 09:35 PM

I worked out last night for the second time this week. Yay! I did intervals on the treadmill, which make it so much more interesting: Warm-up, then intervals of 1 minute at a fast pace, two minutes of a normal pace, repeated until the cool down, which is a slower than normal pace. I don't run on the treadmill - I racewalk, which is more difficult and actually burns more calories than running because you have to always keep one foot in contact with the "ground" and it demands more energy, while running helps conserve energy (a good resource to learn more about that is the book Walking by Casey Meyers).

Anyway, did that for just 20 minutes, because it was the last hour before the gym was closing, and I needed time to go upstairs to work with free weights. I love strength training and am grateful that my ex taught me so much about proper form. Both this time and the last, I was the only woman on the free weights floor, and I could see the guys looking at me when I came in. Here they are groaning and grunting with their big machines, and this chubby, grey-haired old lady walks in. They probably expected me to work with only 5-lb weights. But after a few minutes, I could see them admiring the exercises I was doing and my form - which was mostly perfect! You don't see too many women in a non-bodybuilder-focused gym doing dead lifts for some reason.

Yay, this morning, my weight had dropped a little bit more.

gamerprincess

05-12-2011, 10:59 PM

nycindie

05-12-2011, 11:47 PM

Congrats on the weight dropping! That's always a great feeling :)

I'm really clueless with weights. What do you recommend for all over toning? Calves, butt, thights, hips, arms... everything. I'm doing good with the cardio. Either walking at a good pace for 45 mins to an hour or doing high intensity on the elliptical for 20-30 mins or 10 mins on the bike and 10-20 on the elliptical.

Thanks!

Any woman interested in weight training should visit stumptuous.com. The site owner, Krista, has been sharing advice on strength training for women on her site (now a blog) for years and years. Krista has an awesome bod. Especially check out the "From Dork to Diva" section which explains in detail how to do the exercises correctly. My workout is very basic, uses compound exercises to save time, and is based on a routine that Krista emailed me years ago - it's an all dumbbells total body workout (I never liked doing upper body one day and lower body another):

Beginner, Full-Body 2: Get In, Get Out, Go Home

This workout is done either 3 x weekly, or on alternating days (1 day of workout, 1 day of rest, 1 day of workout, and so forth). You can even do this workout only twice weekly and see some gains, say on a Monday-Thursday split. Never do this workout two days in a row. Rest no more than 60-90 seconds between sets (you might want a little longer between squat sets).

squat 2 x 15-20
deadlift 2 x 15
standing shoulder press 2 x 12-15
one-arm dumbbell row 2 x 12-15
bicep curls 2 x 15
calf raise 1 x 15
weighted crunch 2 x 12-15

This routine takes about 30-45 minutes, tops. Those numbers mean how many sets of how many reps. For example: 2 x 15-20 means two sets of 15 to 20 reps each. Krista either has pics and instructions of each exercise or links to pics and videos on other sites. Not every site out there shows good form that protects the back.

Experiment with how heavy to go with the weights you use. Since I'm starting out after a lo-ong time not working out, I'm going pretty light. For shoulder press, and because I have cranky shoulder joints, I use 7.5 lbs (I'm talking in each hand); bicep curls, I use 10 lbs; for all the other exercises, I currently use 20 lbs. Although the standing shoulder press works the triceps, sometimes I throw in triceps extensions with very light weights, like 5lbs. I will also occasionally add walking lunges to practice balance (I know I said this is only the second workout I've done in a long time, but I used to do this regularly 4x/week). Women are usually stronger in the lower body already, so it's fine to have more upper body exercises than lower.

There are some classic books I recommend (some are out of print but can still be found):
*A Woman's Book of Strength - Karen Andes
Flex Appeal - Rachel McLish
Fit Happens - Joanie Greggains
The Interval Training Workout - Joseph and Kimberlie Nitti
Stronger Abs and Back - Dean Brittenham
Fat Free and Fit - Cory Everson
No More Aching Back - Leon Root
Goodbye to Bad Backs - Judith Scott

*If you can only get one, get this one!

SNeacail

05-12-2011, 11:49 PM

Thanks Cindie! Looks awesome.

Derbylicious

05-13-2011, 12:04 AM

I need some motivation to get my butt out the door for derby tonight. Bad couple of days at work and I'm just not feeling it.

marksbabygirl

05-13-2011, 01:54 AM

I need some motivation to get my butt out the door for derby tonight. Bad couple of days at work and I'm just not feeling it.

Derby derby derby derby....

Exercise will make you feel better. Go to derby :)

Derbylicious

05-13-2011, 04:21 AM

Derby derby derby derby....

Exercise will make you feel better. Go to derby :)

I went, I got hit, I hit back, I do feel better! :D

marksbabygirl

05-13-2011, 05:45 AM

I went, I got hit, I hit back, I do feel better! :D

Yay for derby!!! I practiced T-Stops and hops :p

SNeacail

05-13-2011, 04:51 PM

Finally, down 4 1/2 lbs.:D

I've been doing well these last 3 weeks, with getting my walks in 3-4 days a week for an hour at a time. Food has been all over the board, but getting better. I seriously don't do well with drastic changes and have to take it one step at a time and gradually cut stuff out or add stuff in (excersise). It does seem to work best if I start with the excersise, because without it, nothing works.

I've been weighing in every week with absolutely no change, then today, I'm down 4.5lbs. I forgot, but this too is normal for me. I can go all month with NO change, maybe even up a pound, then WHAM all weight loss shows up after my period is over.

Morningglory629

05-13-2011, 10:29 PM

Finally, down 4 1/2 lbs.:D

I've been weighing in every week with absolutely no change, then today, I'm down 4.5lbs. I forgot, but this too is normal for me. I can go all month with NO change, maybe even up a pound, then WHAM all weight loss shows up after my period is over.

YEA!!!! Good job and way to stay focused! I am the same way as far as Post Men weight loss!

SNeacail

05-13-2011, 10:32 PM

YEA!!!! Good job and way to stay focused! I am the same way as far as Post Men weight loss!

Thanks! Knowing helps me not get descouraged.

LovingRadiance

05-16-2011, 10:46 PM

I can go all month with NO change, maybe even up a pound, then WHAM all weight loss shows up after my period is over.

Yup, me too. Made me crazy til I figured that out. Now I do'nt even get on the scale til after the period. ;)

Congrats on the loss!!! :)

KatTails

05-17-2011, 04:34 AM

Haven't had a chance to walk in a few days - been too busy. Downloaded an app on my iPhone today called Couch to 5K that I hope to start tomorrow. It gradually ups your interval training over 9 weeks. IF I can do this - there's a 5K here in September. I've never been a runner so . . . .

I've decreased the amount of Diet Coke I get at work from 2-3 a day to 1. The rest of the day I drink water or milk.

Small changes . . .

LovingRadiance

05-17-2011, 04:48 AM

Good job KT.
Small changes are MUCH more likely to become permanent changes. ;)

nycindie

05-17-2011, 10:06 AM

I've decreased the amount of Diet Coke I get at work from 2-3 a day to 1. The rest of the day I drink water or milk.

Small changes . . .
Actually, that's a huge change. Drinking water makes such a difference!

Diet Coke is so evil - but I love it too. :mad:

KatTails

05-17-2011, 10:56 PM

I did it!!! I started my 5K training today (using the iPhone app I bought C25K - Couch to 5K)

It leads you through 9 weeks (3x/week) of interval training.

Today was Week 1 Day 1 - 5 minute warm up, then 20 minutes of alternating 1 minute of running/jogging and 1 1/2 minutes of walking, (it counts down the time for you and tells you when to switch) and then a 5 minute cool down. Total time is 31 minutes and I walked 1.70 miles (it has a GPS tracker.). It probably was more like 2 miles but a few times I jogged in place. You can add your favorite workout music to listen to. When you are done - you can take notes in the journal and post to Facebook or Twitter.

As I stated in my first post - I fluctuate between 260 and 270 - which is considered obese. I am soooooo not a runner and never was even when I was skinny. So - the first few times I had to run/jog was really hard. But it did get easier. I jogged today and will eventually work up to running.

During my cool down, I was feeling so upbeat and positive that instead of walking, I danced home (to Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake!!) I can only imagine what my neighbors thought! Haha! Surprisingly - I'm not sore at all (though I know it might hit me tomorrow.)

When I walk - I like to listen to Pink, Gwen Stefani/No Doubt, Adele, Black Eyed Peas, Smashmouth, Barenaked Ladies, Florence and the Machine, Cee Lo Green, Duffy, KT Tungstall, and Katy Perry.

What music do you like to listen to when you work out?

dreamyeyes

05-18-2011, 02:23 PM

I'd like to jump in here. New the board and love the idea of this thread. Ive been trying to loose some weight for a while now. Im not really that heavy but I am over weight and bigger then I use to be so Im not happy. Im 5'2 and weight about 160-165 depending on the time of day or month lol. Id like to be at 140. Id need to be atleast 132 I think to be the weight dr's say I should be I guess (but I think thats kinda small for me). Before I had kids I was 135 that was a long time ago.

I've cut out all soda, its been over 5 months now and Ive lost about 10 pds. I started at 170ish. I dont weight myself often and dont have a scale in the house that works. I mainly go by my clothes that I need to get back into.

I use zumba on the wii for a workout.

SourGirl

05-18-2011, 02:37 PM

Down 3 more lbs.

Starting to feel stronger....which is what I am actually after. I want my strength back. :)

nycindie

05-19-2011, 07:57 AM

The scale was moving down for me, but now it went back up. I tend to fluctuate a lot, a few pounds up then down, then up again before I actually begin to lose. I know drinking water makes a difference.

Okay, so I have to say this, since it's a thread about weight loss, but a few of you have made this mistake and I'm really persnickety about such things: "lose" is a verb that means the opposite of "find." "Loose" is an adjective that means the opposite of "tight." So, please remember, you don't loose weight, you lose it. But after you do, your jeans become loose!

KatTails

05-19-2011, 05:39 PM

I use zumba on the wii for a workout.

I've always wanted to try Zumba - I think I might have to buy that for the Wii!

Down 3 more lbs.

Starting to feel stronger....which is what I am actually after. I want my strength back. :)

Way to go SourGirl!!!! :)

Okay, so I have to say this, since it's a thread about weight loss, but a few of you have made this mistake and I'm really persnickety about such things: "lose" is a verb that means the opposite of "find." "Loose" is an adjective that means the opposite of "tight." So, please remember, you don't loose weight, you lose it. But after you do, your jeans become loose!

That's one of my pet peeves too, including your, you're; our, are; their, there, they're; to, too etc. Maybe it's because I've worked in schools for 18 years - but I'm "persnickety" about that too! I also do not use, or let my daughter use, text abbreviations - no u (you), ur (your/you're), etc. I expect her to write it out and use punctuation!
----------------------------------------

Trying to motivate myself to go out and do my C25K walk/run today. My legs feel heavy and my joints are stiff - but I have to do it! Wish me luck!

Have been drinking more water, less pop. :)

LovingRadiance

05-19-2011, 09:20 PM

The "our" "are" one makes me INSANE! Absolutely INSANE.
I'm pushing the "they're" "there" & "their" one right now with the 11 year old. ;)

Ariakas

05-20-2011, 02:36 AM

Lots of salt,lots of generally crap food and too much work without working out..

Hasn't been a good week haha

KatTails

05-23-2011, 01:25 PM

Lots of salt,lots of generally crap food and too much work without working out..

Hasn't been a good week haha

We all have those days/weeks! Tomorrow's a new day!

-------------------------------------------------

Today I will continue with my 5K training. I have set a goal, told people (for accountability) and am determined to follow through and NOT give up!!

I have started consciously drinking more water, less Diet Coke. I bought a water bottle that I really like and take it with me wherever I go. This is a big change for me.

Our sons birthday was yesterday - so I did have a cookie cake Saturday and a yummy birthday cake yesterday - and more than I should have. Have to do better food wise this week.

Hope everyone is doing good!

LovingRadiance

05-24-2011, 04:46 AM

Ari-right there with ya.
KT-GREAT JOB ON THE WATERBOTTLE!!!

I have been eating shit and sitting on my ass. Yesterday I went for a walk. Felt good to get up and do something.
Today I walked to the lake (about 3 miles) with the little one. I now have a blister on each of my baby toes and 3 cuts on the top of each foot. LAME LAME LAME (didn't wear my good running shoes-dumb dumb dumb).

SO-I don't see a nice walk in my schedule for tomorrow-but I am going to focus on what I eat (which I did today) and drinking my water (which I also did today).

Derbylicious

05-24-2011, 04:47 AM

I skated between 3 and 7 hours a day for the past 3 days. Today I have taken the day off and have done nothing (other than grocery shopping) outside the house.

KatTails

05-25-2011, 12:38 AM

Derby - now that I've actually seen a roller derby - you (and all the other derby-ers) have my admiration and respect! :)
---------------------------------------------

Just finished Week 1 Day 3 of my Couch to 5K training. I have been EXHAUSTED all day and actually came home from work and took a nap (which I never do!) So I had to literally force myself to go on my walk/run. I'm glad I did! :) I took the kids and the dog with me - what a nice way to end the day! :)

LovingRadiance

05-25-2011, 12:58 AM

Just got home from the lake. Seriously-oldest daughter dropped GG, the little one and me off. We hung out, had lunch, then walked home. :) (feet still hurt, but not as bad as yesterday).

KatTails

05-27-2011, 04:10 AM

Week 2 Day 1 of C25K - and it was tough. Probably my worse day working out. Ugh!! I sluggishly jogged and not for the full 90 seconds. Probably not a good idea to workout right after eating steak, potatoes, green beans and bread. :( But - at least I made the attempt.*That's a change.

Still doing good with drinking more water and less pop. Not completely off pop but cut it down drastically. Of course I have to pee every 20 minutes - but it's worth it. :p

Hopefully going to our local amusement park tomorrow (if it doesn't rain) for our sons kid birthday party. Will be doing TONS of walking - but also tons of eating. Will have to really push my workout on Saturday to make up for it!

nycindie

05-28-2011, 01:50 AM

Hopefully going to our local amusement park tomorrow (if it doesn't rain) for our sons kid birthday party. Will be doing TONS of walking - but also tons of eating. Will have to really push my workout on Saturday to make up for it!

Bring healthy snacks with you to carry around at all times, like carrot sticks, so that you're not tempted by all the greasy crap at an amusement park. High water content foods are great - like sliced cukes or celery. Also some good health granola/snack bars, like Kashi or Clif bars. And don't forget your water bottle - have fun!

Ariakas

05-28-2011, 03:05 AM

While I feel oversalted and like I gained some weight in the us. I went shopping and am still down a couple of sizes. Now that I am back home for a short time, I am looking forward to some hiking, mountain biking... hell maybe even some canoeing if I can get one.

Planning on taking full advantage of whistler while I am still here.

KatTails

05-28-2011, 08:32 PM

Bring healthy snacks with you to carry around at all times, like carrot sticks, so that you're not tempted by all the greasy crap at an amusement park. High water content foods are great - like sliced cukes or celery. Also some good health granola/snack bars, like Kashi or Clif bars. And don't forget your water bottle - have fun!

Thanks for the ideas. We ended up not going to the amusement park due to rain (though it didn't rain all day like it was supposed to) so we took the kids to get pizza and see a movie. I didn't do so well - 3 pieces of pizza, popcorn, candy, and pop. And I caved to my craving for Starbucks. :(

Must, must, must jog/walk today.

While I feel oversalted and like I gained some weight in the us. I went shopping and am still down a couple of sizes. Now that I am back home for a short time, I am looking forward to some hiking, mountain biking... hell maybe even some canoeing if I can get one.

Planning on taking full advantage of whistler while I am still here.

:) Sounds like fun!

sage

05-29-2011, 12:14 AM

KatTails

05-30-2011, 03:54 AM

KT, I really think it would serve you to look at your eating as a form of a addiction that is part of your relationship issues. Over-eating is a form of comfort and unless we stop it we won't look at the reasons behind it. All that happens is that we maintain an unhealthy, unattractive weight that makes us insecure about ourselves and our relationship, as well as prone to depression. Over-eaters anonymous uses the same 12 step programme that AA does.

I've always had weight issues, I think I went on my first diet when I was 10. Since giving up alcohol at the beginning of the year and going from having an active business and a garden to living in an apartment and sitting on my backside writing all day the weight has just piled on. Ironic really when everyone said to me that if I gave up the wine I wouldn't have a weight problem because I didn't eat that much.

But I just swapped my alcohol addiction to food. Food doesn't do for me what alcohol did but when I started binging on sugary things and getting a kind of sugar hangover the next day I knew something was up. I decided a couple of weeks ago that I really wanted to get it sorted for once and for all. So I joined the Weight Watchers. AA has worked so well for me I thought the structure of weight watchers would do a similar thing. Of course I can't give up food completely but by following the programme carefully I seem to have food under control and feel so much better.

I presume WW is the same in the US and Canada as it is down under. The new pro-points system is fantastic because you get 49 extra points every week for extras without having to save them up from your daily allowance.
Everything is also online so tracking and saving favourites makes it all so much easier. I have tried weight watchers heaps of times but this is a HUGE improvement. And of course you can have a version on your iphone but that's a bit trickier for a techno-phobe like me.

Sage - I absolutely know that I am an emotional eater and that a lot of the bad habits I have adopted over the years are a result of my depression, low self esteem and need to self comfort. While I haven't gained weight over the last two years that we have been having this emotional relationship upheaval - but it sure hasn't helped.

I have tried WW in the past - and it worked short term. I ended up not being able to afford it - so I quit. I have seen that they have revamped their program since I was last on WW - but money is still the issue. I know that it is something that I can do on my own - but the accountability of going to the meetings and getting weighed seemed to help. I would eventually possibly like to start it up again - but for right now I am trying to make small changes and smarter choices in my eating habits. Maybe I'll take a look at the app and see if its something I think I can do.

I am so glad to hear that WW is working for you! :)

KatTails

05-30-2011, 04:14 AM

On Thursday, 2rings, our son and I went for a walk/bike ride in the park. At first I was able to keep up with 2rings stride and felt strong and capable. As I started jogging as part of my 5K training - I started experiencing really painful shin pain (shin splints?) that forced me to stop running. It's probably because I need new shoes - but its also largely due to the fact that I am 100+ pounds over weight and that is a lot of pressure to put on my legs and feet. I was getting extremely frustrated and disappointed in myself. I'm really committed to this and I am trying to push myself as hard as I can and not being able to jog is really hard on me. 2rings was great support and continued to give me a lot of encouragement and praise. He suggested I stop running for now and focus more on walking and speed walking until I start losing weight - making jogging easier eventually.

On Saturday, I went out for a walk by myself. Again, I tried pushing myself and jogged as much as I could - which wasn't much. I probably walked more than I jogged. Again - very frustrated with myself! I came home upset, frustrated, disappointed and feeling like a failure.

Today, 2rings and our son rode their bikes, and our daughter and I wallked to a nearby neighborhood, had lunch at our favorite sandwich shop and walked back. It was a total of 3.3 miles round trip, uphill the way there, and it was in the 80's and sunny today. It was hard, it was tiring, and it was the farthest I have walked in a LONG time! But - I am proud of myself (and my family) for doing it!!! AND - when we got to the sandwich shop - instead of each of us getting our own sandwiches like we usually do - 2rings and I shared one and the kids shared one. That is one of the small changes that we, and I specifically, need to change.

We have not been good role models, health wise, for our children. We are both very overweight, eat out a lot, and eat junk food. Luckily our daughter LOVES vegetables and is at a good weight. Our son, is a pretty picky eater, and is very skinny. So while I know that what we teach them will follow them the rest of their lives, so far, it hasn't negatively affected them weight wise. The last few weeks we have been much, much more active than usual - and I hope we continue to do physical things as a family like we did today! :D

sage

05-30-2011, 04:46 AM

KT Weight watchers isn't expensive. It's about $13 per week and I find I'm probably saving nearly that because I'm eating less and have cut out junk. Take away the stuff you had at the movies and you've probably paid for a weeks membership. It's also an investment in you, something you would be doing just for you.

The trouble with not having the group support and weekly accountability is that I let things slide. Or if I exercise a lot and get extra hungry I eat too much and
then lose the plot.

Weigh in tonight :-)

nycindie

05-30-2011, 05:10 AM

I do Jenny Craig, which is much more expensive because you have to buy their food (fortunately, it's really good). We have to supplement the food with vegies, fruit, and dairy. I guess for just me, it comes to about $180/week. but in NYC that's still cheaper than dining out as often as I did, and comparable to grocery shopping. But yeah, WW, which I've done in the past, isn't very expensive because you still buy real food at the grocery, can use coupons, etc., and you do eat less. At JC, they talk about "volumizing" your meals - which means that you add volume with vegetables, salad, etc., so that you feel satisfied but with healthy stuff.

It helps to sit down with a budget sometimes when you're trying to lose weight and look at all the $$ we spend on crap that has no nutrition. I know I have personally wasted tons of cash on food that was unhealthy and fattening.

sage

05-30-2011, 10:40 AM

How much weight have you lost NYCindie? I've just had my first weigh at ww and have dropped 1.4 Kgs ( over 3lb), in my first week. :-) very pleased.

BrigidsDaughter

05-30-2011, 03:56 PM

Added Dag fighter practice to my weekly exercise routine. Enjoyed 2-3 hours of archery yesterday. Attempted sword and board (shield), but the shield was a tad bit too heavy. No I just need to pick up some weights and work on running w/o pain. (my knee caps are off center and my knee and ankle joints are bad, so I tend to twist or sprain things alot).

nycindie

05-30-2011, 11:37 PM

How much weight have you lost NYCindie? I've just had my first weigh at ww and have dropped 1.4 Kgs ( over 3lb), in my first week. :-) very pleased.

I've had lots of plateaus since joining, due to depression and drinking too much when my divorce was hitting me hard. There were long-ish periods when I didn't follow JC at all. Altogether, I've lost about 22 lbs since joining, but I won't tell how long ago I joined! LOL. I haven't been there in a while because I'm broke right now. But I think the last time I weighed in, I was down about 2 lbs. JC is all about portion control. The meals are delicious but small. When I follow it faithfully, drink lots of water, and move my body a bit, I pretty much lose an average of 2 lbs/week, which is a healthy target.

Ariakas

05-31-2011, 02:52 AM

It's good to be back in the land of normal food sizes and low sodium. Already lost some weight (obviously water) and soon will have the parts to fix my bikes.

Saw an old friend who I havent partied with since December, it's always good to get a nice compliment about losing weight.

opalescent

05-31-2011, 01:54 PM

Just signed up for 6 floor/chair exotic dance classes. Hee hee!

I'm definitely motivated to go get work pants now!

I would love to be strong enough to invert myself on a pole someday...

KatTails

05-31-2011, 02:48 PM

Opal - sounds like fun! After I lose some weight I would love to do something like that! Let us know how it goes. :)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Having a lot of pain on the top of my left foot. It's been happening off and on for about a year. It hurts just to walk and almost feels like broken bones but being that it comes and goes I know that's not it. I really should have it looked at. Maybe once I'm off work for the summer.

Because of the foot pain, I didn't walk yesterday and probably won't today either. Tomorrow I'm busy all day so I doubt I'll have time to walk. Hopefully I'll be able to walk Thursday and get back on a routine. I'm actually enjoying my walks and now feel bad when I don't walk. That's a good sign!

SourGirl

05-31-2011, 03:42 PM

Having a lot of pain on the top of my left foot. It's been happening off and on for about a year. It hurts just to walk and almost feels like broken bones but being that it comes and goes I know that's not it. I really should have it looked at. Maybe once I'm off work for the summer.

Because of the foot pain, I didn't walk yesterday and probably won't today either. Tomorrow I'm busy all day so I doubt I'll have time to walk. Hopefully I'll be able to walk Thursday and get back on a routine. I'm actually enjoying my walks and now feel bad when I don't walk. That's a good sign!

Have you bought shoes yet ?

If not, good supportive shoes are NOT a luxury item,..they are a neccessity of life,..PLEASE find away to get some :(

It sounds small, but its part of taking care of yourself. Believing you are worth looking after,..****

Just a thought.

As for me, I am losing weight without trying.
Not because I am oh-so-fab,...not at all.
Found out my body was/is under attack, I`m not as healthy as I use to be, and I`ll probably have to be careful for the rest of my life.

Somehow, its either not hitting me yet, or I am not really grasping the years ahead of me. Though as I type, I realize it has more to do with how good I feel this week, physically.

I am in good spirits, and actually feel much better today, then I have in months. I thought I was focused before, thought I felt peaceful, but now I feel beyond that, simply for knowing whats going on with my body and that I can do something about it.

nycindie

05-31-2011, 04:06 PM

Having a lot of pain on the top of my left foot. . . I really should have it looked at. Maybe once I'm off work for the summer. Why wait? A year is far too long to live with something like that! You have insurance, right? Make an appointment with a podiatrist or orthopedist and get to the bottom of it. If they write you a scrip for orthotics, it's likely your insurance will cover it. Don't put yourself last!

SNeacail

05-31-2011, 04:13 PM

Having a lot of pain on the top of my left foot. It's been happening off and on for about a year. It hurts just to walk and almost feels like broken bones but being that it comes and goes I know that's not it. I really should have it looked at.

What Sour Girl said, new shoes are a MUST! I found that even cheaper new shoes that can work for a month or two are better on your feet than the old ones. I get pains in my ankles that is excurciating, the doctor said it was just muscles tightening up and I needed to spend ALOT more time streching the muscles in my feet and ankles. So while I sit at my desk at work, I do the streches and I have had only one minor flare up in three months. I used to get shin spints (top of my foot to my shin), but the muscle would cramp up so bad, that I couldn't flex my foot. That too was fixed (not immediately) with streching my feet. Getting old sucks! :p

The last few weeks have been spent finishing projects with a deadline instead of walking :(. Must start back again this week, just in time to go out of town on Saturday, at least there is a free gym with a treadmill at the hotel I will be staying at. Unfortunately, my schedule is such that I must walk after 9pm and the mosquitos are out in force at that time :eek:, so the treadmill it is.

KatTails

05-31-2011, 04:39 PM

Have you bought shoes yet ? If not, good supportive shoes are NOT a luxury item,..they are a neccessity of life,..PLEASE find away to get some :( It sounds small, but its part of taking care of yourself. Believing you are worth looking after,..****

Why wait? A year is far too long to live with something like that! You have insurance, right? Make an appointment with a podiatrist or orthopedist and get to the bottom of it. If they write you a scrip for orthotics, it's likely your insurance will cover it. Don't put yourself last!

What Sour Girl said, new shoes are a MUST!

You are all right - I need to take better care of myself. I am going to get new tennis shoes this weekend (I don't have any time before that.) I do tend to put myself last - it's something I'm working on.

I do have health insurance but it only pays 80% - so with all of the bills we are getting for our son, for some gyno problems I'm having (just paid off a bill from Dec but I go back tomorrow for another test meaning another bill) and for the 3 different counselors/Psychiatrists we/I am seeing - I am worried about adding another expense by seeing a Pediatrist. But I know I should.

As for me, I am losing weight without trying. Not because I am oh-so-fab,...not at all. Found out my body was/is under attack, I`m not as healthy as I use to be, and I`ll probably have to be careful for the rest of my life. Somehow, its either not hitting me yet, or I am not really grasping the years ahead of me. Though as I type, I realize it has more to do with how good I feel this week, physically.

I am in good spirits, and actually feel much better today, then I have in months. I thought I was focused before, thought I felt peaceful, but now I feel beyond that, simply for knowing whats going on with my body and that I can do something about it.

I'm so sorry to hear this! Is this something you were recently diagnosed with?

opalescent

05-31-2011, 04:55 PM

Opal - sounds like fun! After I lose some weight I would love to do something like that!

I'm trying exotic dance to lose weight and get some muscle tone. I am so not ready to get near a pole! I have the attention span of a flea and the discipline of a grasshopper when it comes to exercise so I hoping the 'sexy' elements will help me maintain interest. The gym I'm trying combines exotic dance with pilates, yoga and so on to create a work out.

And I agree with everyone else - get that foot checked!

KatTails

05-31-2011, 05:08 PM

I'm trying exotic dance to lose weight and get some muscle tone. I am so not ready to get near a pole! I have the attention span of a flea and the discipline of a grasshopper when it comes to exercise so I hoping the 'sexy' elements will help me maintain interest. The gym I'm trying combines exotic dance with pilates, yoga and so on to create a work out.

And I agree with everyone else - get that foot checked!

I think it's awesome that you are taking that class for all the reasons you listed!

I am 100+ pounds overweight, have no self esteem and have absolutely zero erotic or sexy cells in my body. After I lose some weight (roughly 50 lbs) I'm hoping I will develop some self esteem, feel comfortable with my body and in turn feel sexy, thus enabling me to have the confidence to take that kind of class. I want to try yoga and pilates - but feel like I can't do it at this weight.

I know some overweight women who have a lot of self esteem and feel sexy despite their weight - so I'm not saying you can't have it if you are overweight - it's just that me, personally, don't. And it's not all about weight - there are other aspects of myself that I need to work on to also feel better and be happier.

Derbylicious

05-31-2011, 05:41 PM

I have a cracked rib, so it looks like walking and swimming are pretty much the extent of what I'm going to be able to do for the next 6 weeks. :(

nycindie

05-31-2011, 05:51 PM

I want to try yoga and Pilates - but feel like I can't do it at this weight.
Au contraire, my dear! Anyone can do yoga and Pilates. Check this short article out - gotta love the picture of big women in yoga poses: Big Bodies Get ‘Plus-Size’ Yoga (http://www.yogalocal.com/?m=201104) and this big woman's yoga site: Big Yoga (http://www.bigyogaonline.com/)

There are yoga DVDs for people with big bodies. And Pilates mat work, which you can do at home if you have a mat or cushion to put on the floor, would be fine for a plus-sized person. There are DVDs of that too -- look for Ana Caban, her beginner video is awesome (all floor work) and she has one for weight loss. Or you can look for shows on public television and just do whatever you're comfortable doing. There's Lilias Folan -- I don't think she's broadcasting anymore, but her shows might still be rerun in places and I think she made videos.

And there's a book called MegaYoga by Megan Garcia, a plus-sized model and yoga instructor, and it looks really good to me.

For anyone who is self-conscious about working out at gyms or outside, videos/DVDs and tv shows like Gilad's Bodies in Motion or Margaret Richard's Body Electric are the way to go. When I was at my fittest all I did was walk and use videos (I owned about 100 videos and was a regular at videofitness.com (http://www.videofitness.com/), an online community for people who hate gyms and use videos. We even had an exchange where we would trade videos and send them to each other thru the mail).

Oh and for regular fitness, you'd love Gilad! His workouts are simple and basic, as far as moves go. He's on tv and has videos. Plus, he's totally hot! Oof! Also look for stuff by Joanie Greggains. You can probably get these DVDs cheap online.

opalescent

05-31-2011, 09:38 PM

I am 100+ pounds overweight, have no self esteem and have absolutely zero erotic or sexy cells in my body. After I lose some weight (roughly 50 lbs) I'm hoping I will develop some self esteem, feel comfortable with my body and in turn feel sexy, thus enabling me to have the confidence to take that kind of class.

KT,

I'm 100+ pounds overweight too. I'm not completely comfortable with the erotic dance classes - it's going to be a real mental/emotional stretch for me as well as physical. And it's going to be very demanding on my not fit at all body. It helps that the class is all women, no men or kids allowed. (There's a weird bit of homo-privilege here. Even though I'm lesbian-ish, an all women class is presumed not to be sexual. Anyway, that's off topic.)

I've also not felt sexy or attractive or erotic at all too many times in my life, sometimes for no reason I could figure out.

So this is what I do until I can figure stuff out. And I do this in just about any situation.

I fake it until I can make it.

Yes, that sounds remarkably stupid. But that is literally what I do. I 'pretend' that I am sexy, available and hot (or incredibly competent or a great fill in blank here) until I believe it in my bones. For your mind pretending to be something feels the same, activates the same neurons as actually being that something. It's truly remarkable.

Yes, of course, you still have to do the hard emotional, mental and physical work necessary to get to where you want to go. But pretending sends out signals to two important entities. First, you begin to tell your deepest self - this is where we are going - and that gives your mind and spirit a way to model internally what you want to change about yourself. AND it sends out signals to those around you - this is who I truly am - and they will often start responding to you accordingly. Maybe not instantly, but you will notice a difference. NYCindie's suggestion of mentally creating a flashing 'AVAILABLE' sign above your head as you interact with folks is one way of faking it until you make it.

This is something you can do right now. You do not have to wait until some time in the future after certain things have happened. Give it a try.

KatTails

05-31-2011, 11:49 PM

nycindie and opal - thank you for calling me on my negativity and can't do attitude!!! It's easier to say "I can't" than it is to try and say "I can!" It's a "symptom" of my non-existent self esteem, low self worth and my self-hatred. It's a major thing I need to change in my life!! I'm aware of it and I'm trying. It's one of the things my therapist and I are working on.

And I have been told several times to "fake it until I make." In some situations it works - in others, not so much.

Opal - please let us know how it goes!!

Thanks ladies!! :)

nycindie

06-01-2011, 02:50 AM

It's easier to say "I can't" than it is to try and say "I can!" It's a "symptom" of my non-existent self esteem, low self worth and my self-hatred. It's a major thing I need to change in my life!!

Then change it right now, Kat. You can, you know.

I gotta say, you really own "your" low self-esteem, low self worth, and self-hatred as if it's something so ingrained in you that you are stuck with it forever. It has become your mantra: "I can't do this because I have low self-esteem. I can't get beyond that because I hate myself. I've always done such-and-such because I have no self-worth." It's beginning to sound like an excuse, or something you use to hide behind, quite frankly. It's one thing to have a revelation about your inner life and then take steps to move beyond it; it's quite another to say "I am this way because..."

Now I'm not saying I can't relate to having self-esteem issues. I do. And I do have compassion for such a way of thinking about oneself. But I don't think I hide behind them... anymore. I did what you do, but now I make an effort to see them when they come up and try to deal with them as best I can, without letting those shitty ideas of what's "wrong" with me become my identity. I don't always get past that crap right away, but I don't let it take hold of my life anymore (as such thoughts used to). At some point you might have to let go of those ideas about yourself. It's like these self-denigrating thoughts come up in you and rather than let them float by, you attach yourself to them as if you have no choice and then use them against yourself.

You see your esteem issues as your biggest obstacle and yet do do not realize how that view of yourself keeps you stuck there.

So, change it. Right now. Every time you have the thought that you hate yourself, remember that it's just an old tape you keep playing that isn't true. We all have the power to hold on to old self-limiting beliefs, and the power to let them go.

LovingRadiance

06-01-2011, 03:50 AM

I worked as a stripper for 4 years. There were a number of ladies significantly over weight (as much as you all are discussing) and doing the job-and making BANK doing it.
Several, didn't even get naked, it wasn't naked that was making them money. It was moves.

A LOT of the motions (rotating hips for example) are amazingly great for building muscle in your midriff. If you build muscle (anywhere) it burns more calories than fat AND gives you increased strenth to do other work outs.

It's great TO feel sexy when you do it. But, even if you don't feel it, the motions are good for you-so stand in the shower, rotate those hips like you are dirty dancing and be ready to experience body changes you appreciate! :)

opalescent

06-03-2011, 02:20 AM

nycindie

06-03-2011, 03:31 AM

LovingRadiance

06-03-2011, 05:09 AM

LR,

You know, I always thought strippers had to be thin or average size to make good money. But after reading your post, I realized that the strippers I've seen in real life - not on TV or movies - were all sizes, including BBW. I learned that I have made some unconscious assumptions. Thanks!

I'm taking my first class this Saturday. I will be shaking those hips!

Everyone assumes that at first thought. I'm not sure why, but, it's not true.

One of the ladies who brought in the most cash, was also the largest and she was well over a 2x, under 5 ft 6 inch tall. But, she had the moves and the attitude. That was all it took, that's all it takes.

Of all of the men I know (and most of my friends are men) only a handful prefer "tall, thin" women. Most of them prefer a good attitude on a real body.

:)

Shake those hips, enjoy the feel of your body moving. If you've ever seen Dirty Dancing-when he takes her hips and is showing her how to move (and bitching her out because she's being a tight ass)-that's the idea. Relax your body. I like to do it in the shower if I'm feeling self-conscious or insecure-because no one see's me in there. Go pick up the album for Burlesque (hell and Moulin Rouge too), turn them way up and dance away.

:) in a day or two you'll start to notice all of those amazing places you didn't know existed; in a month or two they'll be feeling more muscular!

(go to the toes, then back to the feet a lot too, that's good for the calves-but don't dirty dance in heels unless you are REALLY confident in the dance move AND the heels. Can be a NASTY injury if you fall.)

LovingRadiance

06-03-2011, 05:13 AM

I always wanted to take Middle eastern dance classes (belly dance). It's an awesome way to stay in shape, and plenty of belly dancers are buxom and voluptuous, with soft bellies. Size and hard muscles don't always correlate with fitness.

I think this year I will finally take those classes.

GO NYC!!!!

EVERY great belly dancer I've ever seen was filled out. Not ONE skinny anorexic chick in the bunch! I think we under-estimate ourselves.

How many of you have had a man you were interested in comment negatively about your body?
I ask, because that was the question that made me shut up.
The answer was, none that I give a fuck about.
Of the men that I care for-not one has ever said a thing about me that was negative. They LOVE me and they LOVE my body.

When I was 216 lbs, they loved me AND my body.

I WAS THE ONE HATING ME.

So-I stopped.
Then-I lost the weight.

It rarely happens that you lose weight first.

Stop hating yourself, then it will happen more easily.

LovingRadiance

06-03-2011, 05:20 AM

Never managed to put a pic in a post, but here's a try. If it shows up, that's me at my heaviest.

Ariakas

06-03-2011, 01:54 PM

Back on track. Back to where I was before I left for Arizona. Its good to be eating food that isn't closing up my arteries.

opalescent

06-05-2011, 12:01 AM

Holy crap, that was fun! I went to my first erotic/pole dancing class today.The fitness place I'm trying does an intro class on Saturdays where they have a regular floor class and then demonstrate some chair moves and then the different levels of pole dancing (they go from walking around the pole, at least one foot always on the ground to inverted, complex spinning at the top of the pole). I got a workout and got to see some cool moves. And there were several people at the class, and the instructors too, who were my size or larger. That was reassuring.

LovingRadiance

06-05-2011, 06:17 AM

Thats awesome Opal! I'm glad you had fun. The spinning around on the pole is a blast, just be sure you go one step at a time! I was a little too balzy when I first started-and lost my grip midway through a spin (both legs up in the air).
Went flying off like a rocket, landing flat on my (bare at the time) ass. TALK ABOUT BRUISES!
Thankfully-no breakage, but DAMN that fucking hurt!

So don't rush yourself to do more then you can handle.

I'm so glad you had fun!! That rocks. :D

Minxxa

06-06-2011, 02:15 PM

SNeacail

06-06-2011, 10:51 PM

Ariakas

06-06-2011, 11:03 PM

Having a blast here in Flagstaff, went on a hike in the woods yesterday and planing on going again today. I love the mountains :)

Ari is right AZ (probably TX as well) has rediculous portion sizes, I thought it was bad in CA, but this was mind boggling. Went out to breakfast this morning - HOLY CRAP! Let's just say over half of my plate was uneaten.

Seeeee... its unreal. I saw two ladies get two servings of nachos.. I have seen party platters smaller. And the cheese.. when they got their doggy containers to put the "extra" food in they had to scrape it off the bottom of the plate with their knives.

I will let you know about TX I am there in two weeks haha

SNeacail

06-06-2011, 11:19 PM

Seeeee... its unreal. I saw two ladies get two servings of nachos.. I have seen party platters smaller. And the cheese.. when they got their doggy containers to put the "extra" food in they had to scrape it off the bottom of the plate with their knives.

I will let you know about TX I am there in two weeks haha

Nachos are dangerous, too easy to eat mindlessly :p. There is at least one resturant near our house, that we just KNOW to split a meal (one desert will feed 4-6 people easy), but most I've seen aren't that bad. Occassionally, I've discovered that alot of resturants have a "lunch" size (but it's not on the menu and you have to ask).

Ariakas

06-06-2011, 11:41 PM

Nachos are dangerous, too easy to eat mindlessly :p. There is at least one resturant near our house, that we just KNOW to split a meal (one desert will feed 4-6 people easy), but most I've seen aren't that bad. Occassionally, I've discovered that alot of resturants have a "lunch" size (but it's not on the menu and you have to ask).

You should have tried the kids menu in AZ haha :) The kids burger at Garcias was just perfect.

LovingRadiance

06-07-2011, 03:03 AM

I just had to pop in to agree that erotic energy comes from within and it doesn't matter what size you are!

I was a dancer for almost 6 years, and I learned two really important things. Men love all kinds of women, and it's the confidence and sexiness that attracts them. I gained TONS of self esteem from that, and found an inner sexiness I didn't realize I had. It was a good life lesson.

Plus, dancing is the BEST workout. I have my own pole, but my place now is too small to put it up. :-( When we move, though It's going back up!

ABSOLUTELY!

I was SO self-conscious before I got that job! Ironically, as much as they talk about how stripping ruins women's self-esteem, it was totally the opposite for me, same reason.
I figured out that men love women in ALL different shapes and sizes! Having so many men tell me what it was about me that they found attractive and what they found attractive about the other dancers (we had a 6 ft lady who was MAYBE a size 0 all the way to a woman who was pushing 300lbs easy and under 5ft 6) really improved my understanding about the fact that there's always SOMEONE whose going to think "damn!" no matter what size, color, ethnicity etc!

I WISH I had my own pole! I have the space, but the shipping to get a good one up here is more than the cost of the f'ing pole! I can't WAIT to move stateside!!!

LovingRadiance

06-07-2011, 03:05 AM

Let's just say over half of my plate was uneaten.

I COMMONLY go out to eat with Maca and bring home my leftovers for GG because there's still enough for a full meal! It's disturbing to realize how many people eat the whole plate!

SNeacail

06-07-2011, 03:18 AM

I COMMONLY go out to eat with Maca and bring home my leftovers for GG because there's still enough for a full meal! It's disturbing to realize how many people eat the whole plate!

I usually do to, but when I go out for a late breakfast/lunch I can usually eat most of it. There was nearly twice as much food as I'm used to, which puts it at just crazy amounts.

Minxxa

06-07-2011, 02:48 PM

ABSOLUTELY!

I was SO self-conscious before I got that job! Ironically, as much as they talk about how stripping ruins women's self-esteem, it was totally the opposite for me, same reason.
I figured out that men love women in ALL different shapes and sizes! Having so many men tell me what it was about me that they found attractive and what they found attractive about the other dancers (we had a 6 ft lady who was MAYBE a size 0 all the way to a woman who was pushing 300lbs easy and under 5ft 6) really improved my understanding about the fact that there's always SOMEONE whose going to think "damn!" no matter what size, color, ethnicity etc!

I WISH I had my own pole! I have the space, but the shipping to get a good one up here is more than the cost of the f'ing pole! I can't WAIT to move stateside!!!

Yeah, me too! :) I totally got a better sense of self esteem, AND a better view of men from working as a dancer, LOL. I realized that women are harder on ourselves and each other, than men are. It was also the first place I ever was where beings odd was not only acceptable, but expected and adored!! to this day 90% of my friends are people I met while dancing, either dancers, bartenders, waitresses, bouncers or customers.

I met hubs there, too. :) So for me it was mostly a really good, eye opening, experience.

You should definitely get a pole when you can. Its still the best workout EVER, and fun.

I COMMONLY go out to eat with Maca and bring home my leftovers for GG because there's still enough for a full meal! It's disturbing to realize how many people eat the whole plate!

I don't get it at all, how people can eat all that! I never finish my plate. Sometimes it seems like I can get three meals out of one...

opalescent

06-10-2011, 07:22 PM

Went to my second floor/chair exotic dance class yesterday. Kicked my butt in a good way.

I felt a little out of place because many of the women in the class were wearing 4 inch platform heels. The fitness center I"m going to sells stripper style heels and boots and women are welcome to take any of the classes in heels. I am not fond of heels that high and was rather surprised that so many women wore heels.

Still it was fun, I got all sweaty and now I am achy, in a good way. I'm probably going to a 'Sexy Stretch' class tonight and then dinner with a new friend!

Gonna be a good weekend!

Minxxa

06-10-2011, 08:38 PM

You can definitely get a great workout not in heels, but there's something about the shoes that changes completely the way you dance. Seriously. My heels were about 6" total (2" platform and 4" heel). The key is to buy a pair with a wider heel (not a stiletto type). But then it just takes practice. I have a pair of platform boots (much smaller, like a 1" platform and I think maybe a 3" raise?) plus they give great ankle support which is nice.

I can't dance without heels. LOL. (I'm sure I can, but it ain't the same!)

On the weight loss (well, fat loss) front, I am still dropping size a bit. I took a week off from walking this week, and had PMS bloating, but it was much less than it used to be. I will hop on the walking train again this week, now that hopefully things have slowed down a bit. And maybe back to hot yoga this week. :)

I don't weigh myself, so don't go by that, I just go by how my clothes fit and how I feel. I tossed out the scale over a year ago and it was the best thing I ever did, I was way too dependent on it and I never took into account how much muscle I had. Frustrating! LOL...

LovingRadiance

06-10-2011, 11:54 PM

I felt a little out of place because many of the women in the class were wearing 4 inch platform heels. The fitness center I"m going to sells stripper style heels and boots and women are welcome to take any of the classes in heels. I am not fond of heels that high and was rather surprised that so many women wore heels.

DO NOT DO IT IN HEELS, unless you are comfortable in the heels-ie you have plenty of experience wearing them AND you are comfortable in the "routine"-ie you've done it often enough to have it memorized!

One of the best dancers I ever worked with, wore ballet slippers. In years past she'd worn the heels. She fell from the pole, the heel cut open her arm from shoulder to wrist in the fall. Broke several bones and damn near bled to death on the way to the hospital.

Heels are sexy, I love them. But, it's like any other sport-DO NOT START WITH THE HARDEST PART! ;)

And besides, you can stand on tippy toes and get the same beautiful effect in the calves. :D

nycindie

06-11-2011, 06:01 AM

. . . many of the women in the class were wearing 4 inch platform heels.
I call those "Stupid Shoes."

SNeacail

06-12-2011, 05:38 AM

Seriously sabotaged myself this last week being out of town. Gourmet meals and deserts with CRAZY amounts of alcohol every night (I'm only used to drinking a glass of wine only once or twice a week). Luckily I have been able to at least get out and do some walking or hit the treadmill at the hotel, but I don't even want to see a scale for a few weeks after I get home.

opalescent

06-13-2011, 02:38 AM

Thanks all for the kind words! The heels' effect of adding height and pushing the bust forward, and the butt up does impact the dancing - the women did look great. Still, it's not for me. I have never liked heels and would be terrified to walk in them, much less a fitness routine.

I've decided I'm going to work in cardio at the work gym and alternate that with the exotic dance classes. I need to figure out scheduling for that.

Also, I still need workout gear. Shopping!!

Athena

09-04-2011, 05:43 PM

Hi,

I just stumbled on this thread. I too have an eventual goal of about 100 lbs wt loss (have lost and kept off the first 10-12). I am using the South Beach diet which has always worked best for me when I have stuck to it. I am trying to re-introduce exercise, the weight makes that very hard because my knees and feet do not like it when I do much of my favorite activity (walking). I am trying to get adjusted to the rowing machine, but can only do about 3 min at a time because it uses muscles that just haven't been used in ages (and it is hard to get down to the floor and onto the seat of the rowing machine - and back off of it and up!) That is how out of shape I am post baby.

Nonetheless - I am feeling pretty okay about myself because I know I am trying!

I highly recommend a book that I've read recently called Self Compassion. It is by Kristin Neff. I think it is a much more powerful technique than trying to build self-esteem which is often conditional on whether we are being successful in the moment or not. It is a way to see ones-self more objectively, not overly critical, yet still able to see where we have to grow and change and be accepting of ourselves even as we stumble a bit along our path of growth and change as everyone does.

marksbabygirl

09-06-2011, 03:17 AM

Going to start posting here more often.

I have 130-ish pounds to lose. I am not happy about this, but it is what it is, and I will break it into small incremental goals.

I am going to re-start weight watchers. It's worked for me in the past.

Plus I'm exercising regularly now. Roller derby 2x a week, a hike once a week and doing the C25K with a friend. Core work in the mornings.

Today I hiked the Stawamus Chief (http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Stawamus-Chief-near-Squamish-BC-25)

Here's my blog/ (http://sunnyjane.wordpress.com/2011/09/05/what-goes-up/) about it. Fun day!!

Looking forward to going on this journey with you!!

Kealoha

09-09-2011, 07:41 PM

Wow! Looks like there are lots of hard-working people here! I feel inspired really. I would love to take exotic dancing if I ever have the chance! Or belly dancing. I used to do hula before my youngest was born. Diets never worked for me. I actually do not eat that much because, although I enjoy food, I have a really hard time digesting for some reason. When I go out, I automatically set half aside, because I know if I eat more than that, I'll be in serious pain later. Started eating ginger after my meals, and eating less fried stuff and dairy...seems to help. The hubby threw out the scale, so have no idea how much I weigh. Last I checked it was 165 lbs. And I'm 5'4", but that was before I got pregnant this last time lol.

Started walking the dog every day (since oldest went off to college) and playing Dance Central (kinect) with my 10 year old...After only a couple weeks, I can feel the difference. I have more energy and my abs and legs are looking firmer...the hubby is loving it. :)

Derbylicious

09-09-2011, 09:52 PM

BrigidsDaughter

09-10-2011, 10:22 PM

I haven't been doing much exercise, other than my regular walks with the kids at work (roughly 2 city blocks). Finally got into see the orthopedic specialist and I'm going to be in physical therapy for my bi-lateral subluxation in my patellae. If this round of PT doesn't work, than they will prolly recommend surgery to stabilize my knee caps. Once that is over, we can focus on my shoulder, which also subluxes badly and definitely requires surgery, but my new primary care doc hasn't gotten my chart from my old one yet so she won't get me the Ortho consult I need for it unless I come in complaining of severe pain, like I did with the knee.

marksbabygirl

09-11-2011, 03:05 AM

So we did a fitness test on Wednesday at derby. We're going to be redoing it monthly. My baseline is 29 laps in 5 minutes, 70 squats in a minute and a half, 68 sit ups in a minute and a half, 17 pushups and holding plank position for 90 seconds. I'll keep you all posted with how I do next month.

29 laps? WOW! :eek:

Stan Daside says his fastest is 35... I like the idea of doing a fitness test... :) Will bring it up to coach :)

Must. Get. Fit :)

Derbylicious

09-11-2011, 03:14 AM

29 laps? WOW! :eek:

Stan Daside says his fastest is 35... I like the idea of doing a fitness test... :) Will bring it up to coach :)

Must. Get. Fit :)

There's my new goal...35 it is. Although it's gonna take me a while to get there!

marksbabygirl

09-11-2011, 03:25 AM

He says he does it by turning the oval into a circle. Or something like that. He was working with one of the other freshies and I wasn't paying much attention. :P

SourGirl

09-11-2011, 11:30 PM

Athena

09-12-2011, 11:57 PM

Yesterday I met my goal of doing the three minutes on the rowing machine. Today I am tired and just want to sleep - but if I wake up even an hour later than I did this morning tomorrow, I will have plenty of rowing machine time. Too bad I had to wake up that early for work and not for exercise.;)

BrigidsDaughter

09-13-2011, 02:19 AM

My physical therapist worked me good today; 2 miles on the stationary bike, 2 reps of leg presses, 3 reps of squats, and 2 reps of stair stepping.

NeonKaos

09-13-2011, 03:17 AM

He says he does it by turning the oval into a circle. Or something like that. He was working with one of the other freshies and I wasn't paying much attention. :P

He's talking about "skating the diamond". You're constantly doing crossovers and it maximizes the efficiency of each stride so that you don't have to slow down around corners.

marksbabygirl

09-14-2011, 02:21 PM

He's talking about "skating the diamond". You're constantly doing crossovers and it maximizes the efficiency of each stride so that you don't have to slow down around corners.

Hey thanks for that!

It's stupid, I know, but crossovers and going fast scare me. I'm waiting for that to go away and the fun to kick in.

I am now up to 2 crossovers in a row, sometimes 3 if I'm feeling brave.

I am not a jammer.... yet... LOL

ImaginaryIllusion

09-14-2011, 03:41 PM

I always got far more power and speed out of crossovers than anything else. Cutting inside the corners and outside the straightaways on an oval that small means never having to go straight.

Learn the crossovers...Love the crossovers, makes one far more nimble...which is really handy for dodging the new munchkin skaters, and random limbs of skate dancers. I expect the same thing would be handy in derby too. ;)

justlost

09-14-2011, 07:50 PM

NeonKaos

09-14-2011, 10:58 PM

I have lost 35-40 pounds (depending which scale I stand on) since my surgery in December 2010, and I can close the fly on all but 2 of the pants I used to fit into. The really skinny ones I got rid of because I don't ever expect to be that thin again unless I go on Survivor, or get cancer.

SourGirl

09-16-2011, 07:55 PM

Just found this, what a great idea for support!

I have about 70lbs to lose, lost 20 this last year, during the same time my hubby lost 70!

I have a few health issues that seem to totally kick my ass back to ground zero, over and over and over... but I decided that if I have to CRAWL onto the damn elliptical I will do at least 5 mins every weekday...

today was day three!

:p

That`s the spirit !!

I had health issues last year as well. Grade ll concussion,(that really fucked me up for awhile) and a slow, but eventually found Lupus diagnosis. Mucho stress that didn`t help either !
It all fucked with my weight. I don`t overeat, I work physically, yet I was heavier then normal.
I got those things settled, and now I have dropped 10 lbs in one month. And about 12 lbs back in the spring.

Don`t get discouraged :) where there is a will, there is a way, and if you gotta crawl, do it ! That was my motto too !

Inyourendo

09-19-2011, 03:17 AM

having babies makes me fat lol After my first son I lost 125 (260 to 135) doing low carb. and I lost 50 (200 to 150) after second son doing LC as well. i lost 100 (250 to 150) after my daughter doing the hcg diet and now i just maintain eating whole foods. Currently Im doing a 30 days raw vegan thing which is nice and I think I will probably stay vegan and 75% raw. I usually go to the gym a couple times a week and rollerblade when the weather is nice. Im now 150 lbs and a size 10.

nbennett

09-19-2011, 04:00 AM

When I started out with a similar weight loss program, I started with a maximum of 180 minutes per week as advised by the family doctor. Gradually increasing as months passed by.

I started out with 220 when the normal weight for my height stands at 180. I tried doing a diet but never really worked so I turned to doing regular exercise. That move paid dividends to me. It is just about finding your rhythm and going with it.

lucky7

09-20-2011, 10:53 PM

BrigidsDaughter

09-21-2011, 01:38 AM

I'm a big guy, I need to lose 160 more lbs, I'm averaging 10lbs a month, thinking about trying to find a cheap recumbant stationary bike, just to pick up the pace. I have to be careful not to further injure my knee.:D

I'm in physical therapy for my knees and my therapist has me doing 10 minutes a day on a stationary bike.

lucky7

09-21-2011, 02:04 AM

I doubt I'll do much more than that, at least at first, but I need to do something to help me keep up with the family. I figure my knee will let me know when to stop, I hope :eek:

Athena

09-25-2011, 06:14 PM

As the weight comes off, it will also get easier for your knee, you may even find that between strengthening the muscles around it with the bike, and the weight loss that you will be able to do more and more!

I have lost one more pound, and am happy with that. The remaining 93 lbs will hopefully keep coming off one at a time!!!

:)

ladytortia

09-27-2011, 03:07 AM

keeping with my goal.. up to 6 mins a day on the elliptical and lost 2lbs each of the last two weeks....

must be doing something right!

:)

mariashark

10-02-2011, 03:20 PM

I've not been happy with my fitness level and weight for a long time. So this online support thing might be very helpful.

I am 5'1 and weight about 230. Ideally I want to be around 130 to 150 pounds. However, if I think about losing that much, I give up. So I will try to be healthier in general and focus on losing a few pounds, over and over.

My goal for Monday is to make an appointment at my workplace gym. It's free and I'm totally embarrassed I haven't taken advantage of it.

I'm 5'3" and 240lb, the heaviest I have ever been. About 6 years ago, I was 236 and then managed to loose 60lbs and kept it off for about 2 1/2 yrs but it has been coming back ever since and now I'm back to where I started from

I have never been "thin", I was 150 almost all through high school and then dropped to 136 the summer after graduation (I was figure skating every day). Everything came back after I got engaged and then married and has been going up ever since - OK, it's all my husbands fault

Athena

10-02-2011, 11:36 PM

I didn't lose any weight this past week, but at least did not gain any back. I was relying too much on eating out, and was making poor choices in what I was picking to eat. Tonight I am cooking for myself - ground turkey with curry and lots of veggies, hopefully will help kick me back into gear.

ladryna

10-06-2011, 02:34 PM

By new years eve.. it's been 1 week and I am down 2 lbs.

I figue it took me a year to lose the last 23 lbs. So I'm working harder! That will still leave me 35lbs over weight but hopefully that will be my 2012 goal!

47newbie

10-24-2011, 03:21 PM

Recently trying to lose weight myself. Tried exercising starting last summer but ran into what I thought was a hip problem so I slowed up on the exercising. Finally got to my MD last Friday. Yes I know its terrible to avoid the doctor for almost a year, but other priorities got moved to the front burner, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, turns out I've developing Osteo Arthiritis in my lower spine. The doctor is recommending massive dose of Anti Infla..... and PT. Neither of which fits me. So I did a little research on the right exercise. Turns out I need to add and exercise ball to my routine. Specifically I need to strength the muscles right around the spine to resolve the mild Osteo Arthiritis.

My point is with Winter on the way you may wish to consider buying a 65 CM exercise ball and work on some floor exercises. I have tried these in the past and a little effort burns lots of calories.

It may help you too.