About 20 years ago I lost 30 pounds with a combination of limiting calories to 1400 a day, walking, biking, and working out to exercise tapes. I became fixated on my weight and obsessed over every calorie. It was not sustainable and I gained it all back and then some within a few years. That is not a "healthy lifestyle".

Then I gave up and ate whatever I chose and never exercised. I mentioned to my sister recently that I lost 25-30 pounds during Covid because I wasn't going into grocery stores and impulse-buying or out to eat. She said that maybe I lost muscle mass. A light bulb went off. Of course I've lost muscle, though I'm sure I didn't lose 25 pounds of muscle. I have gone down a pant size but all my clothing should fit looser with that much weight loss, and it doesn't.

I'm now trying to build my muscle mass. I liked the exercise tapes I used 20 years ago so I found a YouTube channel called Bodyfit by Amy and have been doing her beginner light cardio, dumbbells, and abs workouts. It takes about 30 minutes a day and I'm not sore afterwards. It also doesn't aggravate my foot problems, while walking does and has been at the root of my inactivity. I also made an appointment with my doctor to address this issue instead of letting it continue to limit me.

I notice that this thread talks mostly about food and that you all fret over it. That can lead to eating disorders. What I don't see being discussed as much is the other component of a healthy lifestyle--exercise. Most of us walk for exercise but that won't get our heart rate up. Try adding a cardio workout to your daily routine and see if that makes a difference in how you feel.

Well, it's not entirely true that walking won't get your heart rate up. It will, unless you're just strolling. A number of years ago I embarked on a fit lifestyle and dropped almost 50 pounds, simply by walking at a brisk pace. Not jogging, but walking at a clip fast enough to elevate my heart rate and for an extended period. It worked. I still love walking, and often think I could just hit the pavement or trail and keep going forever. It feels that natural to me.

I hate weight training. Hate it, hate it. But when I did it regularly, I noticed benefits not only in the appearance of defined biceps and calves, but an overall sense of better balance and strength. It's important, but I struggle with keeping at it, getting back to it once you've stopped is just not pleasant.

Still working to improve my overall mobility and firm up my batwings! I've missed a few days because I was helping my daughter paint, a project that morphed into an epic journey, LOL. I definitely feel stiffer overall when I'm not stretching.

A brisk pace is the key, Ida. Or walking where there is some incline. Most of the people in my flat suburban neighborhood walk leisurely or walk their dog. I tried to add fast walking to my routine last week but felt pain across the top of my foot--the good foot! So I made the doctor's appointment.

I actually like weights. I have 3 lb. and 5 lb. weights and I had no reason to stop using them but I did.

Great. I won't bother posting again as that's all you got out of my sharing my experience.

My apologies @Eileen. I didn't mean to offend or send you off -- I just wanted to share that there are a broad range of us with a range of challenges and areas we are focused on improving. I am between tasks here so perhaps I posted too quickly. I am sorry my intent didn't come through well.

I had a pretty good week - I was down a pound, but I had a couple non scale victories - the biggest one being that I saw a completely candid full body picture of myself that didn't make me cringe:)

I am continuing to concentrate on healthy eating - and have pretty much switched from low carb to really focusing on plants. I am aiming to eat at least 35 different plant products every week, in hopes of having a healthy gut microbiome, which seems to be all the rage in the healthy diet info nowadays. It also led me to give up my beloved Diet Coke - because I could just picture those fake chemicals killing all the good gut bacteria I had worked so hard to get.

I do still wear my glucose monitor off and on, so I know I am still susceptible to carbs. I eat less fruits and 1/2 serving of beans for now to keep my numbers better.

We have been playing a ton of pickleball, so my exercise is way more than normal, but my new goal for next month is at least two body weight/resistance/weight lifting sessions per week, and at least 15 alcohol free days. That probably sounds easy to a lot of people, but I do end up with a glass or two of wine most nights, so this will be yet another change. I really don't like any form of weight training, so I have failed forms of this challenge the last couple times, but I have some new ideas, so hopefully I'll follow through this month :)

This isn't really a recipe - but my go to food right now is to heat up 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries with maybe a T or 2 of extra water, and then stir in 2 T chia, 2 T flaxseed, 1 T hemp seed, cinnamon, let sit so the chias absorb the water and top it with this keto granola I found that has pumpkin seeds, pecans and coconut. I get 9 plant products and a ton of fiber in one very easy meal. It would be better with 1 cup of berries, but this amount keeps my glucose level steady.

I feel for everyone with lots of stress and trying to keep up with healthy changes. The last time I successfully lost weight, I was derailed by sudden family sicknesses, work stress, and responsibilities that just threw me back into my bad habits and gained it all back in a matter of months.

I'm actually terrified of putting on pounds, only because I have acquired a smaller sized wardrobe over the past three or four years, donating many (and I do mean many) clothing items that were starting to hang on me like clown clothes. That was a significant $ loss and reinvestment, and I can't afford to have to do that again. I try to keep this in the forefront of my mind whenever I think I might want to eat cookies on a whim. It's not just a matter of health and fitness, but a financial concern as well.

3 lbs this week for a total of 30 lbs lost since March. Since I went two weeks without a loss, this still averages to about 1 lb per week. Those weeks with no losses are difficult. I'm also one of those with a lot to lose, so will be here every week.

I get a lot of motivation from Reddit's Before and After (Keto) and Success stories. The main theme is to never quit, no matter what. One person stated that you only need to lose one pound and repeat. That's my plan.

That has been similar to my experience @JustDoIt! Some weeks 1+ but staying fairly steady at about 1lb/week. Love that.. lose one pound and repeat!

@legomom23 I love the goal of eating 35 different plant products a week. I am not sure I could easily achieve that but it's a great goal. I was a vegetarian in my late 20s into 30s and still my core menu is fairly heavily plant-based. I should add more variety thought for a broader range of nutrients. Hope your new ideas help you integrate more weight training this month!

@User -- i hear you! I have had to steadily build a wardrobe in larger sizes over the last 10 yr. Now I am doing the same in reverse. It IS costly -- I am just thankful that I am working at home now so most days, no one sees me in a way-too-big Tshirt and bike shorts! I did pick up a few things to get me through the transition but I don't want to purchase more until I am down another 20-30 lb.

@Bestyears I am so glad I followed your lead and started stretching more-- it really makes such a difference! It has me pumped to return to yoga and pilates also. I am cheering you on with your arm work too. It is definitely something I'll be focusing on too-- I have lost a lot of upper body strength.

@Funkyart I think you’d be surprised how fast they add up. From what I can tell every kind of lettuce, color pepper or berry, kind of nut, etc counts as its own because they each have a slightly different nutrition profile. I regularly make it in the mid forties. Which is saying a lot for me, because some days I used to have a bagel for breakfast and a sandwich and chips for lunch. Lots of room for improvement there;)

Ida, keeping your weight to fit your current wardrobe is good motivation.

We are traveling back north. two days in the car. A few fast food stops, yuk.

Tonight though, our hotel is right next to a Wegmans. I bought romaine lettuce and boiled shrimp for my dinner and for tomorrow morning my usual apple and cottage for breakfast.

Hopefully the scale won’t be too off when we get back.

How great that you had a wegman's along your route, Eld! You made some great selections -- so much better than fast food! I used to get their garlic herb steamed shrimp to keep for salads or tacos or just a finger food.

I love reading everything here each week. I don't like to discuss what I am doing to lose weight with friends and family that are not working on the same journey. (I do sometimes share successes with my husband, but he's going through a really stressful time training in another state and I don't think it's fair when his healthy food access is limited.) Thank you everyone for sharing.

I am happy to say that the 1lb I thought I might have lost last week has stayed off. Because I am close to my goal weight, I'm happy with .5lb loss or 1lb loss every other week, or really even staying steady. Last week I swam 3x despite the holiday and an extra pool closure day due to problems with the chemicals. I ran 3x as well. Not so great on the weight lifting front last week, but I had a great lifting session today and hope to continue this week. Also trying to stay inspired cooking-wise with vegetable-forward summer recipes. Loving the idea of keeping the fridge stocked with healthy, low calorie fruits and vegetables. I don't care that it's more expensive, but I've been buying cut cantaloupe and watermelon. It's so refreshing and ready to eat.

Ironically @Eileen exercise has been the most consistent part of my routine for years. I love certain exercises and despite exercising consistently each week I have struggled with my weight for years. I am focusing on reducing my weekly calories while still exercising to reduce my weight and maintain my strength. I had a great conversation with my doctor early this year that has put me on this path in an effort to improve my health as seen in my bloodwork. However, I think you have a great point that it is easy to fall into disordered eating when hyper focused on food. I hope your doctor can help with your foot issue! I have had a few debilitating injuries in the past and it can really impact my ability to exercise. I'm glad you're finding some exercise alternatives.

@Funkyart one of the things I'm learning about myself is that when I hit that frantically hungry phase, I need to drink water and more importantly eat something low calorie but bulky like raw vegetables (carrots, snap peas, cucumbers, celery). It helps to put some bulk into my stomach while I'm cooking or making a plan to eat a real meal. Not sure if that will help you, but it's been helpful for me when I get into that state. Finally, 46lbs is an amazing success!! Wow! Congratulations on your win!

@User I'm so sorry that you have stress and loved ones that are ill. Being a caregiver can take an incredible amount of energy so I think you should be so proud of yourself for continuing your exercise even if your heart is not in it. Well done!

@Bestyears I love hearing about your stretching goals. I need to incorporate more stretching into my routine. I do some minimal stretching after a short warmup with cardio. But I would like to find the time to add more because I think it gives both mental and physical benefits.

@legomom23 congratulations on the flattering full body picture! I think that's such a win. I also love the idea of working to increase plant diversity in the diet. I eat a lot of vegetables but often find myself repeating rather than expanding my diet. My doctor has similarly talked about microbiome health being linked to consuming a variety of plants.

Eileen I hope you won't get put off and will continue to join us. I appreciate your contribution and all the conversation and ideas around food, stress and exercise and other health concerns. Keeping a healthy body with a healthy weight is pretty complex/multi faceted.

Ida you can use popsicle sticks and small Dixie cups for the molds. Have done it. Not quite as easy to bite into as a thinner mold but totally doable and good.

I'm frustrated but I am honestly so busy with so many things that I don't have much time for frustration. I keep losing and gaining the same 2 lbs. over and over. I am pretty sure that I have taken calorie counting as far as I can go with it. Going any lower would not be a good idea, I don't want to skimp on nutrition and starve myself. I've managed to avoid Ida's big fear, having to buy a whole new wardrobe, and my current weight, between 140 and 142 is within the "normal" range for my age and height. I am thinking that avoiding food with high saturated fat and cholesterol for health reasons is enough motivation on that end. And now I have to avoid alcohol, high sugar and refined foods anyway for gut health too.

Drinking enough water continues to be a struggle. I don't even have that high of a goal, just six glasses of liquid a day. I start out fine in the AM but lose motivation in the PM. I hate to be running to the bathroom all the time, and it is bad at night, if I get up a lot at night I have trouble falling back asleep. The doctor told me I need to drink 6-8 glasses of water for my diverticulosis, stomach ulcers and acid reflux. I don't think six is extreme. I can manage four very regularly, but rarely get my six in. It's the last two in the evening that I'm not too motivated to try, and I get really busy in the afternoon and forget to stop to drink.

I know if I want to reach my goal of 138 it will be up to regular exercise. I've never been able to do that before. My neighbor got bitten by a neighborhood dog for a SECOND time this spring/summer on his daily walk. Different dog each time. The people weren't even home when he got his second bite, just left their dog running out in the neighborhood. We don't live in a city so there are no animal control people serving us or local ordinances. It's a real problem. My husband bought me a can of dog repellent spray this week. Yipee. Just one of many reasons I am not enthusiastic about walking around my neighborhood. Busy dirty narrow roads with no sidewalks is another. It's noisy and full of carbon monoxide, not a pleasant relaxing stroll. And in the evenings you can add full of mosquitoes.

We have an exercise bike on the porch right now, and I want to set up an exercise area in the house but haven't managed to clear a space. We have two nice exercise gyms within a very, very short drive but I am not ready to go there yet, with all the exhaling and not very good ventilation. One is free at the senior center. We used to go every day before the pandemic, I had some hopes then. I think it is about time I at least started swimming laps at the pool a couple times a week. Again, I just don't like it, the lap pool is cold. I'm not that great of a swimmer.

Pink, you may want to look into a Nordic Track treadmill. They have a model for less than 1k and you can take cool virtual walks, runs, etc. with an instructor. Great scenery, lots of cities and locales to keep things interesting, many levels supported, plus Cross Fit, calories burned tracked. The classes are extra after the first month.

My big problem is how tiny, tiny our house is. Hubs had a treadmill and he sold it because when he moved in with me, our house was way too tiny. It's a bummer. I have a huge home office with tons of biology equipment and teaching supplies in there, which is one reason we don't have room. Second reason is a bunch of stuff that belongs to my Dad and he refuses to let us get rid of it. I know, unreasonable but he's 90 and we live in what used to be his house, so I have to slowly phase out stuff . . . also I am slowly getting rid of some of my thing and things belonging to my late mother. It is just a slow, slow process but we do have the goal of finding room for an exercise space. We had an indoor space for an exercise bike but hubs got this dog and that's the only spot we could use for her indoor playpen/crate now. Ironically I am so busy dealing with house stuff that's one reason I'm not really in the mood to take any time out to exercise, especially when I hate almost all the options available right now. At some point I am hoping the free senior center gym starts to feel safe again . . . the ventilation was bad in there even pre-pandemic, they kept big fans on, blowing all the germs around. Hubs and I used to enjoy evening walks in our old sidewalk neighborhood with wide quiet streets. Not anymore. I do still enjoy yardwork but it isn't enough to burn the level of calories I need to burn. I could drive to a walking track but I hate to do that too, considering the price of gas.

I could get an actual bike, but darn it, the roads around here are crazy dangerous. It's a real bummer. My husband got chased down and bitten by a dog once in his old neighborhood while he was biking . . . it was when we first met. We went out on a couple of dates but then he had to take some time off. He got bitten on his "upper thigh" butt area. He was laid up for a week recovering.

@l pinkmountain I just wanted to sympathize with the loose dog / dog bite concern. I have a dog and love dogs, but find owners that let their dogs roam to be the worst. I've had a few loose dogs come at my current dog and I, though thankfully only few were they aggressive. The second time frightened me so badly as the owner just let the dogs out and there were two of them coming at us, one a pit bull. I was screaming and screaming and no one in my little surburban neighborhood came out to help. I cannot understand how no one came outside to see why a woman was screaming in terror. I never wear headphones anymore and carry mace now. I've known people who run with a walking stick. You also mentioned you have a bike on the porch, is there room for a treadmill out there too if you prefer to walk rather than bike?

I understand your challenges, Pink-- I too have a small house but I do have a basement for my treadmill. It isn't the most pleasant space so I have time slated later this week to perk it up and to add in some additional equipment.

Some other items I have or will purchase that are inexpensive and take up little space:

• A jump rope-- it's actually fun and a good way to add some cardio. Not sure i can use it in the basement but i can use it in the driveway for sure!
• GoFit Extreme Resistance Tubes (best price on the big river) can attach over a door or be used unattached - i will be using these for upper body primarily -- likely more once I read the manual.
• Exercise mat that can be rolled away- for yoga, pilates, stretching
• Weighted Hula Hoop - I haven't used one for exercise but i know a few on these boards use them. They are touted for burning calories/losing weight, trimming the waist/flattening the stomach and building up the core.

Maybe one of these appeal to you? I think once you find one activity or exercise you enjoy, you will branch out and find others. I know I am hoping/expecting to just get started and go from there.

Swimming is such great exercise but if you don't enjoy it, you might want to consider just walking the pool length. Walking in water offers both cardio and resistance-- and it is a great way to start out if you aren't accustomed to exercise. I have been both swimming and walking in the pool-- not so regularly but i thoroughly enjoy it when I can get to the pool.

Anyone else have ideas for exercises or equipment that is fun and might appeal to those of us out of practice or resistant to exercise?

I do think jumping rope can be a fun cardio option if you have a driveway or other open space. It can be tough inside (and I have tried it) unless you have really tall ceilings. In fact, I need to find mine or buy a new jump rope because this is such a great idea!

I really want a BOSU ball. I used one in a class years ago and loved the challenge for balancing. I've never pulled the trigger, but maybe now is the time.

I do a lot of swimming, so that's a favorite that I'd recommend. I love that the community rec center pools have people of all different abilities, sizes, ages, and levels of fitness. If you're not quite ready for a lot of swimming, grab a kickboard and work on kicking. Or grab a leg pull bouy (which is basically a foam float to put between your legs) to work on your arms while having a little assist to keep you afloat. Also, goggles make all the difference! Don't try to hold your face out of the water or you'll strain your neck and struggle to swim. This is a pull bouy for reference.

Water aerobics are really popular at the rec centers. I haven't tried it, but there's always high energy music coming from the class and the people seem to be very dedicated and have a lot of fun. I think it's an especially fun activity outdoors in the summer. There's something beautiful about sunlight and water that just cheers me up every time I swim outside.

I sort of enjoy weight lifting, but mostly enjoy the strength I get from it. I really like the Bowflex Select Tech weights because they have a minimal footprint and allow my husband and I to share weights and change up the weight without filling a whole room with multiple heavy weights. Basically you just turn the dials to change the weight setting. These ones go from 5-52.5lbs.

Those are cool weights. If I progress above 3 pounds I’ll look into them:)

I have had a mini trampoline for years and go back to it all the time. It’s fun and a good workout. Doesn’t take up much space.

Great ideas Legomom and PricklyPear! Unfortunately, my issues with depth perception make a trampoline very dangerous (even the very low ones! I basically am in a constant state of vertigo!) and I am pretty sure a BOSU ball would have the same issues -- but I think they are great for those who have space limitations or who want a little "fun" mixed in with their exercise! That's what I am looking to get with the jump rope!

Water aerobics is also a great idea!! It provides both resistance and cardio with basically no stress on joints. They also tend to work many muscle groups. I trained for years and years with kickboards so can't believe I forgot about them (I was a butterflier so I did many laps with just a dolphin kick)! Whatever you do in the pool, I do agree that there is something about being outside with the sun and water that just makes me feel happy and alive!

I am really feeling motivated-- even the ideas that won't work well for me spark me to think of others that will. I appreciate every single suggestion!

Since my house sale and temporary move I have been a delinquent . I went from swimming an hour a day at least five days a week…to nothing. I just started Beachbody 21 day fix. I’m starting with three lb weights till I get my form down. Every week is a mix, one day upper body, next day cardio, next day legs with extra abbs. One of the days is matt pilates and another yoga. The workouts are only 30 minites. Once you sign up though there are 100’s of other workouts to choose from. As a warm up I usually do 10 to 20 minutes of one of the scenic running workouts but use my exercise bike. There are a lot of options for $9.99 a month, I chose the 21 day fix to start because its a gradual progression each week. All you need to start is a matt and light weights and a TV that does apps. There are harder workouts to move on to after the fix. There are also diet menu plans and more but I haven’t checked them out yet.

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/

Here is a sample. If you need to modify exercises follow the woman on the right.

Thanks, Jt! I need to add a tv to my workout space. Hello Amazon Prime Day!

I love the variety of something new for each day-- but am I the only one who loathes a perky, enthusiastic personality leading an exercise video? The one exception I can remember was Billy Blanks lol.. I loved his tae bo videos back in the day (though more than once I accidentally punched my own chin! LOL)

Funky, there are hundreds of others .Programs for every body

I started the 21 day fix to get back into the swing of things. Next I'll probably do Tony Hortons P90x3. I always enjoyed his workouts in the past. Due to arthritis I have to do a lot of modifications though. I may just up the lbs and redo the 21 day fix first so I don't blow a disk or knee. I really need to fine tune my form before advancement.

I’m doing well on my regimen. Nutritional coach is modifying some of our favorite recipes with lower calorie ingredients and I’m anxious to try some of them.

Oh I know.. JT and I exaggerated my response to perky. I was still on my first cup of coffee LOL! I am sure it actually helps to have a perky personality!

@Kswl glad you're doing so well. I am still so inspired by your desire to be healthy and strong for your family. It sounds like your nutritional coach is a blessing! I modify some of my recipes and I do ok but I am sure I would benefit from a nutritional coach. I am thinking that may be my treat to myself when I hit my next milestone. Not to be crass.. but can you give me an idea of what the cost for a nutritional coach? Is it covered by insurance? I am guessing i could use my FSA?

Kswl, how is your husband fairing? (Sorry to highjack funky.) We may have something similar looming. Biopsy the first week of Aug. I may need the latest and greatest treatment links. There is so much outdated stuff online.

So sorry to hear, JT.. sending good wishes to your DH and continued wishes for KSWL's DH.. 💓

No hijack! This is a free form thread-- health of loved ones surely affects our own health and well being!

@just_terrilynn I didn't realize the Beach Body subscription was only $9.99/mo! A lot of the weight lifting I do came from P90X from years ago when it was on DVD. Very effective workouts. I may just need to look at subscribing! @Funkyart from what I recall the perkiness was mildly annoying, but not too bad.

@Funkyart another thing I used to do for exercise was pilates. Usually I would do it at home from a book, but I went to some classes and had fun. Not entirely sure, but that might be a type of exercise that coud work for you.

Also, side note: I discovered another motivation to keep up with lifting weights regularly. I went about 2 weeks with miminal / no lifting and started up again this week. Ouch!! I am very sore today. Looks like I need to work on consistency so I don't end up so sore.

Go get yourself a tv for your workout area, Funky. There's a reason why they're lined up in front of rows of treadmills and ellipticals in gyms across America. ;-)

Sending my wishes, too, to those with health problems and loved ones with health problems. I think we've all realized that it's not just about vanity anymore, but being strong and available for those who may need us someday.

I've been consistent with my weight, despite some decadent meals with friends these past few weekends. I'm in the middle of an 18-hour fast, and had a brisk hour-long walk with a friend yesterday evening, which seems to correct most indulgences. For vanity reasons, I would like to lose 3 lbs. but it's not essential. I've been successful in incorporating 3-4 weight sessions these past few weeks, and I'd rather focus on that.

@Pricklypear, I LOVE pilates! It really did a lot to strengthen my core (which has amazing benefits beyond the obvious) -- I did some DVDs/Videos focused on weight loss and I know there are many others focused on strength or cardio. In general I have liked all the ones I have done. I was an athlete at one time so even while somewhat limited these days due to my disability and being so out of shape, I appreciate a good, hard workout!

I don't have a breadth of experience with yoga-- again, there are so many kinds/disciplines-- but I especially loved an AM/PM series mostly for my mind as it was very gentle yoga. I'd like to try some more intensive yoga also. I have a youtube series saved that was recommended here and also endorsed by a friend. Yoga with Adriene

Let me know if there are any vids you recommend-- it's unlikely that I will go to a class only because I don't drive. I did give my middle sister a gift card to a local Yoga Studio thinking she could grab me on her way but our schedules just don't align so it never worked out.

I should add that even if I did drive.. group classes aren't usually my thing. I always preferred to work out solo. I had a friend who would walk/jog with me but we always separated. I like the time to go into my head. I think it comes from years of intense training as a swimmer-- where I was always in my head. Also, I am just not all that social lol.

I do enjoy outdoor activities with others.. but for a workout, just leave me to sweat alone! hahaha

You sound just like me, Funky! I generally prefer solo workouts too. I find the solo time both more relaxing and more effective. People always say they want to go running with me and I have a tough time knowing how to tell them I don't like running with other people.

When I've done classes before, it can be a fun diversion, but I usually end up reverting back to my solo routine. I think the P90X DVD set I had years ago had both a pilates and a yoga segment. Beach Body is the parent company and I've heard people rave about the subscription before, but just assumed it was a lot more expensive. Going to their site, it looks like it's currently 60% off, so maybe that's why it's so affordable.

https://www.beachbody.com/en/product/programs.do

Looks like they have some programs that include yoga and pilates. I remember really really liking their yoga program. It helped me immensely in terms of flexibility and I would finish feeling so relaxed.

what a timely post...I replaced our scale last night. enough said....

I'll check them out! I have a few days off this week so will have plenty of time to look at my options. I am starting out way behind you so I have nowhere to go but up!

I think solo workouts are great for my mental health! I can transition from work.. work through challenges or frustrations.. or just have quiet time. I am so looking forward to getting going-- but it looks like I may want to have my local shop come in and service/clean my treadmill. It's a prof grade machine and there are a LOT of cobwebs underneath. I had them do this once before when I moved and they said that is the thing that is most likely to kill the motor.

I know I have already mentioned this, but consider the iFit app from Nordic Track. No need to have a Nordic Track. You can watch the videos on any device. They have stuff geared for every level, lots of intro, and a so,id getting to 5k program.

@Zalco I did note your suggestion-- thank you! I took special note because my sister liked the nordic track programs when she had their elliptical (she actually had to give up the elliptical as it caused her some major bone issues which required surgery).

I need to figure out if i will use my ipad or mount a tv/monitor. I think I need the larger size of a tv screen. When I was running (years ago), I couldn't read the ipad -- i even struggled to watch the tv. I think I'd use a program to get started (walking-- not running!) but i think once I get into a routine/rhythm, I'd like to start listening to audio books. I will definitely use the tv for general exercise/pilates/yoga. I have all these grand plans lol.. if i live up to 1/3 of them, I will still be doing better than i am now! I just want to get back to a place that it's something I look forward to. This is going back more than 10 yr but I used to run outside every day at lunchtime and I looked forward to that break from work and I felt so refreshed and revived after-- even in the dead of summer. I miss that feeling!

I'm annoyed and I will try my best not to take it out on you wonderful friends. My dd and sweet little grandson were at my summer cottage for five days. DD is still nursing so she needs filling and healthy meals. We both ate well. My days were filled with being a grandma (or, in my case, a meme (memay). We ate pasta, pizza, ice cream and shopped in our favorite country market. After she left, I was psyched to get back to more biking, etc but my elbow still hurt from an injury 8 days earlier. Now that the xrays confirm an elbow fracture, I can't do anything. No biking (what if I fall?) No kayaking (uses the same injured area). I am still walking our dogs 4 times a day with dh, but not much else. So, needless to say, I am up 2 lbs. I'm still seven pounds less than I was when we started, but not happy about creeping upwards.

I do have a follow up next week with an ortho, so maybe I'll get at least a yellow light to do more activity. At that point it will be 16 days post injury.

Funky, great job on the continued weight loss and for being such a great cheerleader. I don't say it enough, but thank you for helping all of us on this journey.

Eileen, I do get what you're saying. For me, I can find myself becoming overly restrictive to the point that I miss out on things and won't allow myself to do normal indulgences (though clearly not this week, lol.) I love the idea of lose one pound; repeat. For me what I have to keep in mind is that it isn't failure if you don't repeat often. Nor is it healthy to create an atmosphere of deprivation.

Jterrilynn I am so sorry to hear you DH is facing a biopsy. Do you know if it is an MRI guided biopsy? That’s the latest technology and allows targeted samples according to the images of hot spots in addition to the random samples taken. They are better at enabling the pathologist to determine a true Gleason score that drives the rest of his treatment. That’s the first step. There are many options for treatment once the score is determined.

My DH just got back from a two day checkup at the NIH and there is still no evidence of disease five months after his procedure. However, his type of cancer recurs in 85% of patients within two years, so we are acutely aware of that possibility. Most men do not have the kind of aggressive cancer DH was diagnosed with, especially in the very short time he developed it. Your DH is very unlikely to have this scenario so his prospects should be exponentially better. Most men treated for prostate cancer live out their natural life spans.

Ask any questions you have, message me if you want to discuss things— anything!

Jojo, the scale will always flucuate. For me, the trick is to set the highest weight number and be strict about it.

I'm on maintenance but the mindset is the same.

We traveled back from Florida and I am up 2. A pound over my highest set

So....I need to buckle down and reign it in!

Having an arm injury is worse than a foot. When I tore a tender in my ankle I was still able to sit in a chair do weights, and do floor routines.

You can do leg exercises, and easier versions of abs.

I would also try to do 10,000 steps by walking around the house.

My scale is not charging again. I have moved it to a brighter location but if it continues to stop working intermittently, I will replace it. I haven't had a weigh in for a few days.

I have been feeling pretty bloated -- I am sure it is due to my (currently) limited diet so I have ordered some benefiber. It never hurts to add more fiber to your diet and I am thinking it will help me until I am back to a full healthy and varied diet.

I am off work for two days and have been working on some projects-- some of which entail harder work than I do day to day. I have noticed a big increase in my energy, breathing and stamina. Not going to pretend I am in top shape-- but I am definitely noticing a difference in having dropped pounds. This makes me even more excited to get back to a regular exercise regime. This may be a bigger win than fitting in smaller sizes!

We have a tiny gym space in our basement, fortunately with a window. Our peloton and some weights are there. I use a nice 4x6 rug as a mat for stretching, etc. I love the peloton for the endless selection of classes. Yesterday I did a 20 min bike ride, 10 min core workout, 10 min arms/weights, and 10 min stretch. I have found that I much prefer walking down to my basement than getting in the car and going to the gym!

I have decided to jazz up the space a bit and ordered some cute bike decals that I’m going to use to ”wallpaper” one wall.

I cut out the bit about working on my exercise space in my last post because a few things have taken priority-- but i will at least get started this weekend.

Sue, our spaces sound similar -- i do have a big window and a window seat to jazz up. I have a professional treadmill so it takes up a lot of space. I am still deciding between an actual exercise mat and a rug-- but since I have a rug, I'll start there.

I have concrete block walls and floor and no near-term plans to finish the basement with flooring and drywall. I'll probably paint the walls eventually. I will have a tv screen but I would like to add prints or photos that inspire me-- without being an inspirational quote. Not sure what is going to inspire me lol.. maybe I should resurrect the bigger-than-life poster of Mark Spitz in a speedo that I had as a kid? Kidding but really, i have no idea what to hang.

Thank You Kswl! I think the procedure is guided and is done through the rectom (?) I need to learn as much as I can between now and the post biopsy doctors visit. I will go with husband on that appointment armed with questions, husband asks very little questions. What I know now isn't much, two pea sized masses of some sort showed. My husband goes every year for a colonoscopy and all lower body /full body tests as his father had prostate cancer. Husbands PSi has slowly creeped up to just slightly over 3. The doc told husband it could be something else but with his family history we are trying to prepare ourselves. After biopsy I will message you for a direction of the latest reading material. The majority of info online is outdated in that many state that colon cancer is treated the same regardless of stage/grade. I do not think that is true these days (?).

ETA:

Now on to my and all fitness to keep us mentally and physically strong. I broke down and ordered the BBody food portion containers. They are only a couple of bucks so what the hay. Most of my life I had a high metabolism and could eat a lot of food, until I couldn't (now). I also bought some bands to use for the Pilates days. I really do not want to buy any extra equipment as I have just about everything somewhere in the storage rooms. I also have a library of 100's of workout DVD's and a few fav VHS's. My son told me to get with it with today's ways lol, hence the TV apps.

JT I assumed your DH was having a prostate biopsy as it wasn’t specified in your previous post. Colon cancer is an entirely different animal. When you get to that stage do message me and i will pass along info from my Dh who has treated many cases over the years and still keeps up with all the research. My prayers are with you and your DH and family. The best helpers are those who are best informed —-you are absolutely going about this the right way. ❤️

Sheesh, I will correct the above...too much on my brain. Yes, his father had prostate cancer and my husband is getting his biopsy on the 2nd of August. Thanks for steering me back on the road Kswl. I know very little about his father's prostate cancer except that he neglected his own health while tending to his wife. I was told it started in the prostate and moved up to his bladder. He did wear a Urostomy pouch at the end. Being English and not wanting to talk about "things down there", nothing else is known.

I workout on my deck since our house is small as well. I have the treadmill with the workstation in the home office, which was a tiny bedroom. So, I will use it there. But I do the Zumba outside, TRX, and stretching/core on the deck. It is nice in the mornings especially because our yard is shady at that time. I also use an industrial fan that I set up on the deck. For the stretching I put on SiriusXM spa channels and it’s quite relaxing.

Diet is going better. Wellness coach reschedule on me again until after I have my bloodwork.

Healing vibes for JT’s and kswl’s DH.

My Beachbody portion control containers came. I think it stupid the way they are bundled. It would make more sense to bundle containers into a days servings so one could prep for a day based on your daily intake and have 6 intake target grouping choices. For example: I need three of the green containers for veg in a day, two of the purple for fruit a day, four of the red for protein a day ect…you get one size each except the little orange one for nuts and seeds. I could have used the measure cups I already have. Oh well.

Thank you gsciencechick😊