I've discovered a neat little website that has a weight chart, diary, tips, and other little things to help with weight loss. Here is the link.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Neat website
Hi Beck, and all,
I've discovered a neat little website that has a weight chart, diary, tips, and other little things to help with weight loss. Here is the link.
I've discovered a neat little website that has a weight chart, diary, tips, and other little things to help with weight loss. Here is the link.
Actually going outside to run
Well, after complaining about the rainy weather and using that as an excuse to use my treadmill, I actually went outside to run today. It wasn't raining but it was only 45 degrees. I warmed up enough as I had a couple of layers on. I walked briskly for 5 minutes and then I alternated jogging for 90 seconds and running for about 2 minutes. I did 4 reps of that. I fizzled out at about 70 seconds running the last time, as I was going up a slight hill. I finished by just walking to cool down before coming in. But I feel great and will take a day off too of running, though I might walk. I also did some easy toning exercises from one of my old WW DVDs. It is designed for everyone, which means its really easy. I think I'll increase the hand weights next time I do it. Probably not for a few weeks, as I have a lot of DVDs and exercise videos to cycle through. It's good to mix it up and not do the same things over and over again.
Becky: Day One Report
Yesterday Alivia and I went out for our first run of C25K (aka Couch to 5K). It sounded easy on paper... Basically, it started with a brisk 5 minute walk followed by stretching. Then, for 20 minutes I alternated between 1 minute of jogging and 1.5 minutes walking. That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Sixty seconds doesn't sound like very much (until you are jogging uphill pushing a stroller). Nevertheless, I did it! And I felt really great afterward.
Two lessons learned yesterday: First, I need to wear my knee brace. I have patella femoral syndrome that acts up when I exercise a lot. Also, I need to stretch my shins more before and after running. I've been getting shin splints. Boo!
So, today is my day off from running, but I plan on going to Zumba tonight! A little aerobic dancing never hurts! Unless I forget to wear my knee brace...
Two lessons learned yesterday: First, I need to wear my knee brace. I have patella femoral syndrome that acts up when I exercise a lot. Also, I need to stretch my shins more before and after running. I've been getting shin splints. Boo!
So, today is my day off from running, but I plan on going to Zumba tonight! A little aerobic dancing never hurts! Unless I forget to wear my knee brace...
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sandy: Week One, Day One
Thanks to Becky's invitation, I will join with her in this journey. We both, I believe, have already started on our journeys, but it will be great to blog about it.
I have exercised and walked off and on for over 30 years. I'm sure that Becky remembers me sweating away with Jane Fonda and getting out and walking in our neighborhood while she was growing up. Walking for exercise was a novelty back then. I remember one of my neighbors driving by as I was walking and asking me if I wanted a ride home!
Things have really changed, haven't they? Lots has changed with me. For one thing I'm 30 years older. I had bunion surgery on my right foot 2 1/2 years ago and have limited mobility in my big toe on that foot, plus I experience pain with each step as it tries to overcome the scar tissue that is restricting movement. I have a bit of arthritis in my lower back. But basically, I can still exercise and run. I just need to warm up really well before I begin my routine. I have a 15 minute A.M. Yoga routine that I do most mornings that really helps loosen me up.
I was turned on to the Couch to 5K routine by my son, Brian. He is an inspiration to the whole family as far as his determination to get and keep in shape. I had never heard of it before he mentioned it. I got on the Internet and searched "Couch to 5K" and was amazed at what popped up. I printed out the suggested routine, and am on the 2nd weeks suggested jog/walk schedule. I've been using my treadmill. I haven't gone outside, but I will need to. These darn rainy, drizzly, Northwest winters do not lend themselves to running outside. The natives don't seem to mind the weather, I see people out running in the winter in all sorts of bad weather. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I'm not a native and don't have webbed feet! (A little Washington humor.)
Ken and I are members of a fitness club but I haven't been faithful in going. I want to make more trips there also.
I'm a Life Time member of Weight Watchers and attend weekly meetings. What with surgeries and some other health issues, my weight had crept up and I returned to my meetings in May of 2010. I have a few more pounds to lose, but my main issue is toning. As we age, we lose muscle mass and I want to recover what I can. So those are my goals, lose about 10 pounds and gain lean muscle. I have some exercise tapes and DVDs that I plan on using in an alternating schedule, along with running on my treadmill. Wish me luck and persistence!
I have exercised and walked off and on for over 30 years. I'm sure that Becky remembers me sweating away with Jane Fonda and getting out and walking in our neighborhood while she was growing up. Walking for exercise was a novelty back then. I remember one of my neighbors driving by as I was walking and asking me if I wanted a ride home!
Things have really changed, haven't they? Lots has changed with me. For one thing I'm 30 years older. I had bunion surgery on my right foot 2 1/2 years ago and have limited mobility in my big toe on that foot, plus I experience pain with each step as it tries to overcome the scar tissue that is restricting movement. I have a bit of arthritis in my lower back. But basically, I can still exercise and run. I just need to warm up really well before I begin my routine. I have a 15 minute A.M. Yoga routine that I do most mornings that really helps loosen me up.
I was turned on to the Couch to 5K routine by my son, Brian. He is an inspiration to the whole family as far as his determination to get and keep in shape. I had never heard of it before he mentioned it. I got on the Internet and searched "Couch to 5K" and was amazed at what popped up. I printed out the suggested routine, and am on the 2nd weeks suggested jog/walk schedule. I've been using my treadmill. I haven't gone outside, but I will need to. These darn rainy, drizzly, Northwest winters do not lend themselves to running outside. The natives don't seem to mind the weather, I see people out running in the winter in all sorts of bad weather. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I'm not a native and don't have webbed feet! (A little Washington humor.)
Ken and I are members of a fitness club but I haven't been faithful in going. I want to make more trips there also.
I'm a Life Time member of Weight Watchers and attend weekly meetings. What with surgeries and some other health issues, my weight had crept up and I returned to my meetings in May of 2010. I have a few more pounds to lose, but my main issue is toning. As we age, we lose muscle mass and I want to recover what I can. So those are my goals, lose about 10 pounds and gain lean muscle. I have some exercise tapes and DVDs that I plan on using in an alternating schedule, along with running on my treadmill. Wish me luck and persistence!
Becky: Week One, Day One
I'm opening a new chapter in my life: running! For many years I claimed that I couldn't run because my knees are weak and my legs get itchy. But over the past several weeks, I have been walking/jogging on and off with my 2-year-old in tow (read: pushing her in a stroller in front of me). I discovered that the itchy leg thing goes away after a few days, and my knees have slowly become stronger by adding some yoga and strength training in between runs. I have also been inspired by several friends and family members this last year who have successfully started running on a regular basis. They have lost weight and even participated in 5K's and 1/2 marathons. And most of them did it by using the Couch to 5K program. So, I am going to give it a try. I have an excellent neighborhood to run in, and mild southern weather to enjoy (hopefully) all winter long. And, my mom will be participating in this program with me from rainy Washington state. You'll hear more from her very soon. I am so excited to begin this journey with her, even if we are on opposite ends of the country. This blog will help us keep track of our training schedule and keep each other motivated.
So, I've printed out my running schedule, as found on Cool Running. As it suggests, I plan on jogging/walking three days a week. It says to rest in between, but I plan on incorporating some aerobic activity and yoga on the off days. If all goes well, I'll be running a 30 minute 5K by the end of nine weeks! I might have to modify a little bit since I will be pushing my daughter in a non-jogging stroller, AND my neighborhood is very hilly...but I figure all of those extra challenges will only make me stronger!
Here's my current weight: 145 lbs.
Goal weight: 115 lbs
I'm not sure how long it will take me to lose 30 lbs, but there's only one way to find out: Ready. Set. Run!
So, I've printed out my running schedule, as found on Cool Running. As it suggests, I plan on jogging/walking three days a week. It says to rest in between, but I plan on incorporating some aerobic activity and yoga on the off days. If all goes well, I'll be running a 30 minute 5K by the end of nine weeks! I might have to modify a little bit since I will be pushing my daughter in a non-jogging stroller, AND my neighborhood is very hilly...but I figure all of those extra challenges will only make me stronger!
Here's my current weight: 145 lbs.
Goal weight: 115 lbs
I'm not sure how long it will take me to lose 30 lbs, but there's only one way to find out: Ready. Set. Run!
Monday, July 19, 2010
137
My "brand new baby" is nine months old now. I wanted to lose the weight before she was six months old, but it didn't happen, obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't be sitting on the computer right now. I would be out enjoying my skinny, toned body in a new swimsuit at the pool with my kids...c'est la vie.
I can only blame myself, and a little thing called postpartum depression. Ever heard of it? It's fun, let me tell you. All joking aside, I have been at its mercy for some time now. I finally went to see my doctor about three months ago. He prescribed Zoloft because it is the only antidepressant allowed for breastfeeding mothers. After two months of that, there was not a significant improvement. Mainly, I still felt weighed down by some unseen force. But that was right around the time that I weaned Alivia from breast milk, so my doctor switched me to Lexapro. After almost 4 weeks on this medicine, the verdict is still out. It can take quite some time for me to notice a difference. I'm still not feeling excellent.
But...I did notice some of my desire for exercise returning last week! I even found the Exercise & TV channel on Hulu to add a little variety to my at home workouts. Last week I found enough motivation within myself to try some cardio yoga and pilates. I discovered that my core has no strength whatsoever, but that's ok. I've been here before. The important thing is that I finally started. I think I worked out about 5 out of 7 days. It felt amazing to sweat and feel my muscles burning again. And even the resulting soreness was welcome. The fact that I was feeling something at all was a sign that I am getting better. I have felt numb for so long.
I still haven't found the will to improve my diet significantly. I still eat like I'm nursing a baby. Unfortunately, that's not working out so well. After the birth, I quickly lost about 30 lbs, and my weight held steady at 132 lbs for seven months. But since I weaned, I've gained 5 lbs. I need to nip that in the bud! Or should I say nip that in the butt...literally.
So, along with my new exercise routine, I'm going to try and count points again like I did in previous weight loss ventures. Otherwise, I eat WAY more than I should and eat foods that I shouldn't. My goal weight is 115 lbs (or less if I can manage it) and I plan to lose it by October 20th. That's Alivia's 1st birthday. So...22 lbs to lose in three months (13 weeks). That's 1-2 lbs per week. I can do it!!! So here's my starting stats:
Starting Weight: 137 lbs
Measurements (inches):
Arm: 12
Waist: 32
Belly: 40
Hips: 41
Thigh: 24
Calf: 14
I can only blame myself, and a little thing called postpartum depression. Ever heard of it? It's fun, let me tell you. All joking aside, I have been at its mercy for some time now. I finally went to see my doctor about three months ago. He prescribed Zoloft because it is the only antidepressant allowed for breastfeeding mothers. After two months of that, there was not a significant improvement. Mainly, I still felt weighed down by some unseen force. But that was right around the time that I weaned Alivia from breast milk, so my doctor switched me to Lexapro. After almost 4 weeks on this medicine, the verdict is still out. It can take quite some time for me to notice a difference. I'm still not feeling excellent.
But...I did notice some of my desire for exercise returning last week! I even found the Exercise & TV channel on Hulu to add a little variety to my at home workouts. Last week I found enough motivation within myself to try some cardio yoga and pilates. I discovered that my core has no strength whatsoever, but that's ok. I've been here before. The important thing is that I finally started. I think I worked out about 5 out of 7 days. It felt amazing to sweat and feel my muscles burning again. And even the resulting soreness was welcome. The fact that I was feeling something at all was a sign that I am getting better. I have felt numb for so long.
I still haven't found the will to improve my diet significantly. I still eat like I'm nursing a baby. Unfortunately, that's not working out so well. After the birth, I quickly lost about 30 lbs, and my weight held steady at 132 lbs for seven months. But since I weaned, I've gained 5 lbs. I need to nip that in the bud! Or should I say nip that in the butt...literally.
So, along with my new exercise routine, I'm going to try and count points again like I did in previous weight loss ventures. Otherwise, I eat WAY more than I should and eat foods that I shouldn't. My goal weight is 115 lbs (or less if I can manage it) and I plan to lose it by October 20th. That's Alivia's 1st birthday. So...22 lbs to lose in three months (13 weeks). That's 1-2 lbs per week. I can do it!!! So here's my starting stats:
Starting Weight: 137 lbs
Measurements (inches):
Arm: 12
Waist: 32
Belly: 40
Hips: 41
Thigh: 24
Calf: 14
Monday, May 18, 2009
Back to Curves...
So, after two months of ridiculous morning sickness and never-ending viruses, I am back in the land of the living. I hope I am here to stay! My eating habits have become horrendous, but what can I say...I am ruled by my pregnancy taste buds and persistent nausea. Basically, I eat whatever I CAN eat at any given moment. And unfortunately, I have been craving the worst possible things. Namely, hot dogs, among other things.
As far as exercise, I had made a goal to work out through my entire pregnancy, but alas, illness was NOT in my plans. In the past two months, I have been to Curves only twice. Definitely not worth my $39/month membership. :( But I am officially in my second trimester and seem to be past the worst part of all of this. Now the hard part is overcoming the severe lethargy that set in these last few weeks. Where will I find the energy? Luckily, I told my husband of my plans to go back to Curves tonight. Around 4:30, I started to chicken out as I lay on the couch feeling so tired I wanted to die. I called him at 5:15, hoping he wasn't rushing home from work yet so I could tell him not to worry about it. But, he was already on his way and told me that I needed to make myself get up, get ready, and GO! So I did. I went in, did the 30 minute circuit, and took it really easy. It was still hard after doing nothing for a whole month. But as long as I keep it up at least three times a week, my body will get used to it again. Here's hoping this trimester will be 1000 times better than the first one!
As far as exercise, I had made a goal to work out through my entire pregnancy, but alas, illness was NOT in my plans. In the past two months, I have been to Curves only twice. Definitely not worth my $39/month membership. :( But I am officially in my second trimester and seem to be past the worst part of all of this. Now the hard part is overcoming the severe lethargy that set in these last few weeks. Where will I find the energy? Luckily, I told my husband of my plans to go back to Curves tonight. Around 4:30, I started to chicken out as I lay on the couch feeling so tired I wanted to die. I called him at 5:15, hoping he wasn't rushing home from work yet so I could tell him not to worry about it. But, he was already on his way and told me that I needed to make myself get up, get ready, and GO! So I did. I went in, did the 30 minute circuit, and took it really easy. It was still hard after doing nothing for a whole month. But as long as I keep it up at least three times a week, my body will get used to it again. Here's hoping this trimester will be 1000 times better than the first one!
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