Doing fine, just got back from my kick-butt spin class. Got some real cycling in this last week, which is always a bonus in winter, and still doing step aerobics in between. I'm up to an hour of exercise a day & feeling stronger for it.

We have two ambitious bike rides this year that I'm trying to get in shape for. I'm calorie counting to drop weight too.

That sounds like a serious workout!

LOL, and here I am, waking up this morning convinced that my arms were about to fall off. :O)

Good job Paint chips & Awm03!!

I am still on track :) My new elliptical is awesome. I've been walking on nice days and doing elliptical on chilly days. Weight training....3 sets of 12 with 10 lb weights for bi, tri, lats, delts(10 is a little heavy for those)

Still can't hula hoop!! I am the joke at my house - cuz I am usually somewhat coordinated.

The push-ups sound hard!! Even in my gym rat days I wasn't very good at push-ups. Think I'd better build up some endurance before I start that challenge.....but good luck to you push-uppers!!

Don't forget to breathe while doing your exercises. It is amazing to me how much that helps when Im feeling the fatigue.

Smiles:)

Well those exercise DVDs can work you very hard. I believe you when you say your arms feel like falling off, LOL!

Will need to be much fitter than I am now, so, yes, putting in the work early so I don't suffer later on. Losing weight will be key.

I mentioned Collage Video in the other thread as a good source for work out videos, but here's another site that looks good too:
Fitness Organica. The Rebecca Small step videos look like something I'd like to try. She's so light on her feet! Unlike me :(

Scooby, so glad you like your elliptical! It will make a huge difference in your fitness. I have a cheapo elliptical and like using it -- very effective. I'll bet between your weights and your elliptical, you're feeling like a new woman already. Remember when you posted last December when you were so down in the dumps? You're probably looking & feeling different now :)

Keep up the good work, scooby & paint_chips!

I am doing very well with the healthy eating - for the most part. I am trying to forgo the *white stuff*. I printed out the South Beach Diet food list and although I'm not doing that diet, I am trying to stick more with those foods. Cutting out the *bad* carbs really does seem to give me more energy! I am a sweet lover, so no way can I (nor am I willing to) completely give up my sweet treats, but they are being drastically curtailed! LOL

I have trouble getting into an exercise *routine* so mostly what I try to do is increase my steps. Still working my stepper in and walking everywhere possible.

Little changes (hopefully) will bring big results!

tina

Think I'd better build up some endurance before I start that challenge.....but good luck to you push-uppers!!

If you check out the 100 pushups site, that is what the program is all about - building up to be able to do 100 pushups. For example for wimps like me who could only eke out 2 pushups on the initial test the first day's workout looks like this:
Set 1 - 2 pushups
Set 2 - 3 pushups
Set 3 - 3 pushups
Set 4 - 2 pushups
Set 5 - max out (minimum 3 pushups)

You are supposed to rest 60 seconds or more if required between sets.

I'm the same way, tina. I find it hard to get into regular exercise because I hate it. Trying to take more stairs, park further in the parking lot, etc.

Going on three weeks now without takeout lunch, which was a big bad area for me. Instead of running through McDonald's or Taco Bell drivethrough, I've been bringing my own breakfast and lunch. Today I had some cottage cheeses and OJ for breakfast. Lunch was a stew of lentils and kielbasa (just a few pieces of the kielbasa), yogurt and a pear.

Mmmm, lentils. Thanks, pugga, I was needing some dinner ideas, LOL! Way to go re your healthy eating. Sounds like you've put some real thought into what's good for you and delicious too.

I must say I'm truly enjoying the foods I'm eating on my "diet": veggies, fruits, whole grains, with nuts, meats, & cheeses in moderation. Pears are underrated as far as delicious fruits go, IMO. I love a chopped pear in oatmeal with a little allspice for breakfast. (Unpeeled for more fiber)

Pugga, that is great that you have given up fast foods. Three weeks is a long time! And ff is a hard habit to break. We used to eat a ton of ff when we were younger. My mother always told me to enjoy it while I was young... goodness was she right! Now just looking at a taco makes my hips do funny things.

Well, after some initial success, I'm back up 2 pounds! WTH?! No, I know exactly how that happened. A little weight loss, a little feeling like "oh, look! things are going well", a little letting down the guard and then a few too many celebratory glasses of wine. So, for me for the forseeable future, it's one glass on the weekend. And I'm back to counting points, really measuring not just eyeballing it, and writing down all my food. Can't sneak in those extra wines if I have to account for them.

Exercise is going well - I was at the gym 5 days last week and walked outside 4 days. I'm tempted to try the 100 push-up challenge but haven't convinced myself yet.

We went out to look at buying a treadmill on the weekend. I'm a faithful gym goer but my DH won't go and we can't count on the weather cooperating for outside walks. The cost, for a truly good one, is mind boggling but he is willing to consider it.

No worries, I'm back on track and being honest with myself. Life is good. I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman (but I am not Helen Reddy).

I am trying! I started hoopin but I got a ? for you(Terriks?!) I am feeling an achy muscle feel right around the ribcage but nothing lower where I really need it. Am I doing it to high?Can you all do it around the hips...just curious,thanks! My biggest weakness right now is coffee creamer..I drink alot of decaf in the winter cause I am always cold but I gotta have my cream and sugar!

snagd, I hoop (occasionally) and guess I hoop around my hips more because my hip bones get bruised. I feel my soreness more in my abs more than up higher.

I have recently been doing Mandy Ingber's Yogalosophy. I absolutley love it! It is more of what I call a yogalates (a mix of yoga and pilates). Mandy gets you into a yoga position and then you do some strengthing moves while there. My legs are usually shaking by the time it is finished. She also has a great attitude. She has a facebook and actually responds to every person (including me!) that asks her questions! I have lost 2 pounds in the two weeks that I have been doing it and haven't yet started on cutting out the bad food yet. I imagine my weight will fall off more quickly when I do that. I have, however, lost about 1/4 of an inch everywhere.

On the push-ups, I can do 5-7 on my toes but I can't do any on my toes during the Yogalosophy workout! I think it is because she tells you to "hug your elbows in to you body" and I have to spread my arms out wider to do a push-up!

Keep up the good work, everybody,
Necia

snagd, Don't worry about where you feel sore when hooping. I found that hooping worked my entire midsection and hips, from bra line down. I never feel any muscle soreness any more. The important thing is to do it regularly, just 5 to 10 minutes a day works wonders.
I noticed that the Sports Hoop website has a new model, which looks like it might be better than the one with the "bumps". It is the three pound Trim Hoop.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trim Hoop

50 minutes on the elliptical tonight. Haven't done elliptical in a long while. I feel so different from when I started out in late October -- lighter, stronger, more coordinated. Still way overweight, but I don't feel like it at least. It will be another 17 pounds before I start looking slim. In the meantime, I mustn't get frustrated.

I firmly believe that regardless of your size you look better and feel better when you exercise.

Down 15 pounds now since Halloween. Working very hard on my fitness and staying motivated to monitor my calories. Our plans to ride RAGBRAI are falling in place, so we're psyched. Anybody here from Iowa?

One big hitch: we're leaving for a week -- a foodfest convention, then a family get together with too much food. I need to be five pounds lighter by March 1 to stay on track. Insert favorite curse word here.

Any tips for dieting while traveling? Other than taping my mouth shut?

My upper body wasn't ready for the pushup challenge....so I've started doing sets of 15 against the edge of my desk. The first day I was really "sore"...then fine after that....weird! :0) I see an instant improvement where the flesh is firmer! There is a new trick for an old dog!!!! Loving this!!!

Timely thread! DH and I joined LA Fitness last week (got a great corporate rate, and we can both work out there for what it was going to cost one of us to join another gym we'd been eyeing near my office), and we are absolutely loving it. Although we met in a gym, DH and I haven't set foot inside one in over 5 years and I'm surprised at how much we've both missed it. I'm also amazed at how things have changed over the past several years. The cardio machines are nothing short of incredible. Each one at LA-F has a good-sized flat screen TV attached and plug-ins for our iPods. This particular facility is brand spankin' new, and so very nice. We are both getting kick-arse workouts (DH does an hour of cardio and weights -- he's so sore today he said he didn't even think he could lift his arms to shave - LOL!) -- much more intense for me than when I was only doing my elliptical at home. I think I just put more effort into it when I'm in a gym setting. For now when I'm in the gym, I'm doing 30 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes of hill intervals on the treadmill, and 10 minutes on this really cool stairclimbing machine that's like walking up an evil escalator. (I mean, this machine is wicked hard!)

But the best part about us joining the gym is that this is something we can do together that's productive, healthy and cost-effective. Sure beats going out to eat/drink a few times a week ... and I know we'll be better individuals and a better couple for it.

"evil escalator" LOL! The nice surprise about a gym for me is it's so motivating to be around the clientele. A friendly, upbeat bunch.

BTW, if anybody is looking for a relatively inexpensive GOOD mp3 player, I just got a Sansa Clip, and it's great! Good sound, smaller than my thumb and a little wider than a quarter, clips securely to clothes while exercising.

Haven't checked into this thread and WOW !! Ya'll are really inspirational . It is so interesting to read how each of you has made the "fitness" challenge personal. That is the only way to really make it work since imposing something on yourself that you really don't believe in will not work. It is so much better when it is part of you . Making it something that you and your partner do together is also wonderful.

I have worked out in a gym since 1982 w/only 1 year off in there. I didn't stop working out just the actual lifting in a formal setting. I was stronger when I went back than when I stopped. I still take periodic breaks and also change up my my workout once a week just so my body goes "whoa ! ". It is the same principal that applies to doing interval training. Your muscles are startled and respond well to the stimulation.

I have a huge exciting journey planned and will post as soon as all the details are worked out. I love reading these threads. C.

Woooo trailrunner, now I am curious!

I am having a hard week. May be hormonal, but I am really dealing with craving this week. Getting ready to eat a chicken breast and salad, but all I really want is sweets. LOL

tina

Taste variety is really important when dieting, so sweet things should be included, IMHO. Mashed butternut squash w/ a pat of butter and a tablespoon of brown sugar is delicious. Substituting dried cranberries for salad dressing is good too. Then there's fruit.

I sometimes keep Cremesavers around for after-dinner dessert. (one only -- make it last!)

Oh I do include sweet things. Just had dried cranberries in my salad - funny you mentioned that! Fruit - daily is a must.

I'm a real sweet lover. I have been having a cup of hot chocolate in the evenings sometimes. Even made a low cal cheesecake last week! It's just a cravings thing. I know to have the occasional *treat* or I will go on a full out binge! HA!

tina

Hey yall!!

I am still hanging in there.
Tina, I am having a hormonal week myself.
In the past, this is when I will fall off the wagon & feel so defeated that I don't want to jump back on again. I was invited twice this past week to eat Mexican with friends.....that dang cheese dip is my weakness!! So, I did allow myself to eat the chips/dip and just ordered 1 taco. So, I probably haven't lost this week but I haven't gained either ~

Awm - I wish I were closer to Iowa. Great motivation. Wish I had some tips for you.....but the only thing I know is...if I am going to a party or get-together I eat before I go so I am not hungry & needing a meal out of high calorie food.

I forgot to tell you guys, I am even limiting myself to an alcoholic beverages for the weekend only. No wine with nightly dinner - not that I was a lush or anything;). Our bodies will burn the alcohol first & whatever is left that is not needed for our metabolism, well......those dang adipose cells just get bigger - ugh!!

Smiles:)

DH, bless his heart, rented bikes for the next few days for this convention, so I've been able to burn off quite a few calories thus far with some good long rides around beautiful Tucson. Looks like there's some interesting hiking here too. We bought fruit & almonds, so that's serving as lunch - one meal out of the daily three that isn't a gazillion calories. I brought my laptop to keep track of calories in/calories out as best as I can -- and to check in on you all ;)

Hope everybody has a good exercise/healthy food weekend. Scooby, you keep up the good work and don't worry about hormones and Mexican cheese dip. Just focus on your fitness and getting in your daily 5-9 servings of fruits & veggies for awhile.

here you go awm...they have GREAT CYCLING in tuscon

Here is a link that might be useful: tuscon

Thanks trailrunner. You should see the pelotons around here: serious cycling abounds. The doorman at the hotel says Mt. Lemmon here is a favorite training route for Lance! Wish I were at higher level, but can't be unless I drop lots of weight (cold hard reality - can't do high level cycling when you're 50 pounds too heavy).

Still, we did 20 miles Thursday, 27 Friday, and will try as much today. The spin classes are paying off. Was disciplined at the restaurant last night.

Must. Get. Thinner.

Sounds like a place I would love ! I was in Phoenix a couple years ago for a week w/ DH for a conference. There is the largest city park area of wilderness in the US right in town. I was able to get out there are really have some wonderful trail runs. I am attaching a link.

You sound like you are really in a wonderful groove. Getting stronger and motivated and the big plus is you have a spouse that supports and participates in your fittness. I am really impressed with your tenacity. As far as the weight. It will come off as your metabolism changes. You didn't gain it all at once and you won't lose it all at once either. Keep moving forward...one step at a time...you are doing really great. c

here is the link

Here is a link that might be useful: Phoenix AZ trails

I started working out in the spring 1996 & have faithfully continued since then. Today, while shoveling snow, I realized it was much easier for me to do than it used to be. In 1996 we had a tremendous amount of snow & I really struggled with helping clear our driveway.

Since my DH can't do any of the shoveling this year, I was out this morning clearing the drive so that he could get to work. As much as I dislike doing it, I was able to keep working for an hour, bending, twisting, lifting, tossing (and crumbling, complaining, whining).

So I made a healthy choice in 1996 to start lifting weights & doing cardio and I was reminded today how that choice has paid off. It's not just about wearing a smaller size jeans. It's about being able to function and take care of myself and others. Bu-ya!

Very well said hhireno :) Ive been very frustrated this week! I seem to be craving the things I shouldnt eat and don't have the willpower that I normally have! I am always very bloated feeling and read yesterday that maybe decaf coffee could be the cause?? So today for the first time in years and years I am trying to go without and see. I'm 5'7'' and 124lbs but always look about 5 months pregnant and that is so aggrevating!

Back from the convention. Got some terrific exercise in & was pretty good about not pigging out.

Trailrunner, thanks so much for your words of encouragement. They do mean a lot to me. What a generous spirit you are!

snagd...I sure don't want to be an alarmist but if you still have your ovaries it is something to have checked as the bloated symptoms can be a warning of problems . Please do get checked unless you already have done so.

awm ...I just really love to see folks meet their full potential, whatever that may be . It is for each of us to find our way . As hhireno said very well...it is NOT the size of our jeans. The size of our hearts is way more important.

I will be going through Phoenix on my trip and plan to have my riding companions check out the park there. c

I fell of the wagon and rolled into a ditch.

My husband wanted mint chocolate chip icecream covered in chocolate for breakfast on his birthday. Lunch and dinner was pizza and tacos. Tradition in my family is the birthday person gets to pick/do/have anything, the wilder the better.

If that wasn't bad enough, I did something stupid to my neck. I haven't been able to exercise in a week. At the moment, twisting my neck to the right would be a win. Stupid, stupid.

Oh, and today I ate a pizza.

I think that covers all my food confessions.

"I fell off the wagon and rolled into a ditch..."

Oh that's normal :) Hope you enjoyed your treats. It will just make going back on the fruits and veggies feel that much better.

And so sorry about your neck. What on earth did you do?

How's everybody doing?

How's your neck, paint_chips? Trail_runner, were you able to figure out how to stay in touch via gadgets? ("Testing one, two, three...")

I am so sorry, Awm! I didn't see your post. I try to remember what number I am (post 4, post 11, ect) but predicatably, I get confused.

My neck is a bit better. Thanks for asking. I was... uh... throwing pine cones back into the woods while ranting at my trees for dropping pine cones on the driveway. Bottom line? I strained my neck because I think crushed pinecones look ugly.

I've been itchy to do something, anything, but I want to give it a couple more days. When boredom hits, spray paint becomes a girl's best friend. I've already sprayed a phone, some rocks, a lamp base, and I'm working on a trash can. Yeah, I really need to work out some energy.

I use to be a really active person and am trying to get back into it after a couple of years off. My husband and I go free to the huge gym at our local Air Force Base, which is great and state of the art, but sometimes I just don't feel like making the trip to run on the track or do the machines etc.-and the winter weather isn't fun to workout in so recently I've been working out at home with a mini trampoline in between visits to the gym.

I have to say I'm impressed with it, turning on some good tunes and jumping away has been more fun for me and less impact on my legs than running laps on the track.

I was surprised at the different exercises for your arms, abs, legs etc. you can do beyond just jumping on it and found some of the workouts can be really intense.

The mini trampoline I bought was a Gold's Gym Circuit Trainer for 35.00 and it came with resistance arm bands, jump counter and timer, and a DVD workout (but sometimes I just prefer to bounce around for 30 min to fun music, gets my heart really racing).

Here is a link that might be useful: Mini trampoline workout health and body benefits

After having an excruciating bout with TMJ (complete with muscle spasms several times a day that brought me to my knees) for 5, yes, 5 weeks, I am now feeling better and have run out of excuses. While in the worst part of my TMJ episode, I was eating way too much ice cream because (1) I was trying to stick with soft foods and (2) I was feeling sorry for myself! Well, back on track. I have a trainer who comes to my house weekly, and I had to cancel him a couple of times last month but he was here on Thurs. and kicked my butt. He has given me 3 complete workouts now, each harder than the one before, and this last one was painful. My arms were sore for days. The workout is a one-hour combination of some stretches, core work, weight work (hand weights), and some cardio at the end. Much harder than I would work on my own but also more interesting because it's so many different exercises. Now, I need to get the eating back under control....

Roobear, those mini trampolines are indeed great exercise and very enjoyable. Just a cautionary word though: Be alert at all times when you're using yours. I used to have one several years ago, and one evening I was on it, listening to music and just kinda "zoned out". The next thing I knew, I was on the floor and my ankle was twisted up underneath me at a very awkward angle ... I had come down on it wrong, my foot turned, I fell off (on the hard tile floor, no less) and given myself a very nasty sprained ankle that took a long time to heal. I'm a little too afraid to get back on one now, and I always have to turn mama bearish and warn others who use them to be careful! :-)

I applaud each and every one of you who are endeavoring to be healthy and fit. On Thursday of this week it will be one month since DH and I joined a gym together (we've gone daily - haven't missed a workout) and while my weight hasn't dropped, I can see a difference in my body's shape. My arms aren't as flabby as they were before I started this, and my legs have tightened and toned a bit. I want to incorporate more weight training into my routine, but for now I'm enjoying the cardio and interval training.

"(we've gone daily - haven't missed a workout) "

That's impressive, auntjen. Glad you're feeling fitter.

Oh yes, you have to pay attention to what your doing when exercising, zoning out can get you in trouble, even when walking. I remember in high school gym class we were out walking around (it was summer school gym)and some girl wasn't paying attention and came off the curb wrong and badly twisted her ankle.

Hey you guys, I have been in St.Augustine since Feb 20th. We have been rising every day, 36 miles today. We all meet up tomorrow and ride out toward our destination, San Diego on Friday AM> It has been a wonderful time so far as the weather has been gorgeous and cool and sunny. I love St A.

Awm I did get a cell from my DD and I can send emails and take pics and movies with it. I have been filming 42 sec movies of the shore etc and it is a blast. Sending them to my family and they have loved it.

I am so glad to get to check in here with everyone. You are all so awesome...doing so many interesting things to get fit.

I will lose internet on Friday till I get to a library. I have the link in my other thread and you can check in at that link and see where we are all the time. I look forward to watching us ALL grow and learn. c