Many of us are working on improving our general well being, including losing weight, and getting into better shape.  I'm a firm believer in making life-style changes rather than looking for the quick cure.  I've started this thread for us to share our ideas, plans and progress.

A big part of getting into shape and losing weight is to increase your physical activity.  Recently I heard a study that shows that women need 30 minutes of intense physical activity EVERY DAY to ward off heart attacks.  But jumping into such a rigorous routine might be a bit much and result in failure.  I propose that we just try to increase our activity each week.  One way to do this is to start with a simple pedometer and record the number of steps you take each day and add them up for the week and determine your daily average.  Our goal is to reach the average of 10,000 steps a day. Can you do it??  What changes in your life style can you make to improve your overall heath?  Report them here!!

Increasing my physical activity is my biggest challenge.  My back has held me back (hee hee, no pun intended!) for over 20 years.  Arthritis has complicated life then add the broken right ankle and sprained left ankle a year ago.  Sheesh!  I found sitting in a recliner about the only position I was not in pain.  Winter also makes it difficult especially with the snow we've been getting the past few weeks.  So..... I have been working on MOVING!  

1.  Walking.  I had been averaging 3500 steps a day.  I'm currently up to 4500 steps M-F and 13000 steps on Sat and Sun.

2.  Spinninig.  I have my bike up on the trainer and I am spinning for 30 minutes once a week.  (I need to add another day and increase to 45 minutes).

3.  Over the past year I have lost 30 pounds, but I stuck right now.  It is probably just the winter hibernation and I am glad I haven't gained over the winter, but I really want to lose more.  I am eating healthier than ever, so I feel good about that.

I log my progress (or lack of it) on a calendar and highly recommend everyone do that.  It helps you see the little steps towards your goals and points out when you are falling off the wagon before you get too far gone!

I have altered my diet to smaller portions and having a salad and a full glass of water with evey big meal (not with breakfast)  I've been walking every day for about 1/2 hour and man its been hard.  My leg is screaming at me by the time I'm on the last block.  But I also noticed it doesn't really hurt any other time!  I even went out in this nights blizzard and it was a workout!  (sadly I lost my favorite hat in the wind! :'()   I should be getting a pedometer soon and I have resumed my streching and yoga.

I've always tried to be active to ward off problems. It has mixed results. However, an active life does have less stress when activity occurs.

But you have to do it right. I've ridden about 50K miles on my bikes. But I did most of them on cheap bikes and used improper gearing, (Yeah, I thought I was macho climbing hills in 100 inch gears). I have bad knees because of it. Now I take to walking either outside or on the treadmill. Right now, I don't own a working bike. I usually have no problem getting going because I know the benefits probably save my life.

I run blood pressure near the stroke zone. It runs in the family. If it wasn't for activity, I'd probably be pushing daisies by now.

So why am I sitting at a computer??   ::) Well, I've been pretty sick. Just now getting better.

Over the past few weeks, I've lost a whopping 3 lbs! :D  I was only trying to loose 5 pounds but now I'm really trying to build muscle as well.  

I've been working out 6 days a week using an elliptical on an incline at a high resistance for a strength work out and I've also increased my protein intake.  I've been belly dancing doing yoga and going for long walks with my husband for cardio.  I just incorporated dumbbells into my routine.  Once the weather gets nicer I'm going to begin roller blading and bike riding regularly.  My husband says I've become obsessed but I'm just really motivated and I feel good that I'm working towards a goal besides my growing hair, although I'm sure the extra exercise will help with that too! :)

Along with my healthy diet, I just yesterday added walking to my daily routine.  Because our weather was pretty unstable with severe thunderstorms, I used my treadmill.  I find that I stick with an exercise routine better if I begin slowly, so I only walked half a mile.  Today I'll probably step it up to a mile.

I'm currently taking 3 dance classes a week-hula and 2 bellydance.  2 of these classes are through our Parks & Rec department which makes the classes very affordable.  The other is a the YMCA, and I pay as I go, which is $10 a class.

Now that it is March, hubby and I have agreed to walk a minimum of 30 minutes most nights of the week.  We last walked Feb 28, because last night I went to the Bellydance Superstars show-boy did that motivate me to practice & attend class.

I'm considering adding taking a yoga class and light weight lifting.  Biomechanically yoga does not strengthen all muscles, so I can fill in the gaps with weights.

I need to improve my eating.  I have recently given up soda (again-don't quit quitting, right?) but still consume too much high fat and sugar.  I think low carb is ideal for me because I need high protein, although I'm not very far on low carb knowlege.

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I seem to be in a "pink" mood today--don't know why.   :D  Anyway!
For those interested in the healthy low carb life, here are some of the sites I frequent:

www.stellastyle.com
www.atkins.com
http://lowcarbohydrate.net/
http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/beginners.html

And of course if anyone has questions about low carb, just ask me--I'll be happy to help!   :)

Thanks, Trisha, for the sites-I haven't checked them out yet, but I'm glad for the info!!

OK, in addition to measuring my hair at the beginning of the month I've decided to add measuring my waist and hips.  Hubby helps me do this and we are both unsure where to measure my hips.  So, for those of you who know...is it at the fullest part at the bottom?  I'm kind of pear shaped, more balanced top & bottom however I guess I've got saddlebags?

Eeek!

It's at the fullest part of the hips that you measure.  :-X

I have additional motivation to get back into shape.  Saturday, hubby and I helped with a booth at a biking show.  We were answering questions about the 7 day bike trip we've done the past 7 years.  But while there, we wandered around to check out new options.  We found a trip in South Dakota that interests us.  What better way to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, the Needles hiway and the Mickelson trail, but ON BIKES!!!  The scarey part of this is that the trip we would do is probably going to be the first week of June.  That is 2 MONTHS earlier than when we usually do our big trip.  The mileage won't be as high as we are used to, but we will have some hill climbing.  I'm stoked and motivated.   :D

I try to cut down on coffee and drink green tea (nicely flavoured by the teapeople) at least 1 a day.


------->Boosts the metabolism
------>Makes you more beautiful

I drink Aloe vera juice 2 a day

------>Good for your whole body (it eases my IBS) and hair!!!
------>Gives you energy and beauty

I have been doing my walks dispite the weather :D  I've been having some really nice salads before my meals and have been eating hemp genorla (sp?) for breakfast.  I snack on carrots and bean sprouts.  But I do have my once a week treat and this time it was a cup of  hot dark coco.  That hit the spot!  I also drink green tea:  I get a neat japanese one that's made with brown rice. Yummy!

Does anyone seem to get more hungry the more they work out?  My appetite has sky rocketed.  I've been trying to satisfy my hunger with extra protein shakes but they're almost 200 calories each which really seems to defeat the purpose. :-/

Working out can increase your hunger.  Try drinking water or tea before eating.  That will help give you a feeling of fullness and keep you from eating more than you should.   I've also found that about 4 ounces of Gatorade is a great appetite suppresant after working out.  It will help replenish the electolytes and gives your stomach something to work on.  There are calories in the sport drink, but limiting the quantity should prevent you from undoing all the good work from your workout.  With time and regular workouts, your metabolism should increase and be able to handle more intake without causing it to put on weight.

I already drink LOTS of water and tea.  My issue was really what I ate as opposed to quantity but I don't seem to be gaining any extra weight so thats good at least.   Now, I'm thinking that maybe my body may just need the extra calories because I'm not really a big eater to begin with.:-/  I think maybe I just need to find some tasty healthy snacks and see how that goes.  Thanks bikerbraid. :)

Trisha, thanks again for the links.  Stellastyle is by far my favorite.

I, too, resumed my power walking regimen for every other night, starting on the 1st. I spaced and completely forgot to walk on the 5th, so I had to make up for it last night. Tonight I walk again as usual. No biggie. I plan to maintain this routine though the end of November. By the beginning of December, I've learned, it's just too darn cold.

As for eating healthier, well... *glances at the pile of junk food I just bought* guess I'll get around to that later.  :-[  hehe

I've lost three pounds!  Yes!!!  The diet and walks are really helping!  Now for body toning I am going to get a belly dancing dvd! (hubby will love that!)

horay! ;) one step at a time and you're doing great!!! :)

Curlgirl64 wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2007 at 1:34pm:

horay! ;) one step at a time and you're doing great!!! :)

Thanks! 8-) :)

Congrats Lisabelle!  

You will love bellydancing, and you're right your husband will too! ;)  My husband sometimes checks me out while I'm dancing but when I notice him watching I can't help but stop.  I don't know why I get so shy around my own husband.::)

Which DVD are you going to get?  My favorite bellydance work out is Temple of Jehan Ultimate bellydance fitness workout.  Oh and the Veena and Neena ones are good too, at the end they show you how to put everything you learned together into a dance routine.

wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2007 at 9:27pm:

Congrats Lisabelle!   You will love bellydancing, and you're right your husband will too! ;)  My husband sometimes checks me out while I'm dancing but when I notice him watching I can't help but stop.  I don't know why I get so shy around my own husband.::) Which DVD are you going to get?  My favorite bellydance work out is Temple of Jehan Ultimate bellydance fitness workout.  Oh and the Veena and Neena ones are good too, at the end they show you how to put everything you learned together into a dance routine.

I'm getting the Veena and Neena one!  I am happy it a good one as I was worried that it would not be so great. I have rented a few which I did not like before so this sounds great!  Years ago I had a belydancing lesson at a festival amd I still remember some of the moves also I have some jewlery with bells which will help the mood as well.  I can''t wait!  :D

Enjoy Lisabelle!  I'm not sure which Veena and Neena DVD you're getting but I think most of them use veils.  Although they're not necessary, you might want to get one of those too, you can find them very cheap on eBay.

Okay now for my news...my cardio is working and I've lost 2.2lbs!  Yay, I'm excited because now I know that I'm on the right track!  I can still strength train, but I must do cardio in order to keep my weight down or else I'll just have muscle under my fat.  So every other day I've been doing 20 minutes on the elliptical with no incline with a resistance of 1.  Then on the other days I do 10 minutes on the elliptical with a resistance of 5 on a steep incline and that makes my thighs burn.  Then I do buns of steel which helps the buns and the thighs (lots of squats).  And of course just about everyday I do my bellydancing for more cardio but it's very low impact and I do lots of reps with very light dumbells (5lbs).

Doing good! Dispite the PMS munchie attacks! :P  I found that the walking really helps and streching was well.  Every night I do my streches (sp?) and bunnies right there rubbing his nose against my feet!  I went to the doctor and got weighted and have lost 5lbs!    He said I was doing good and to keep it up.  he wants me to loose 5 lbs a month till I'm 145 of which is the maxium weigth for my height 5' 4" Now if only I could get rid of my butt!!! ::)

lol Lisabelle. Congrats on your progress. Man, I'd kill to lose 5 lbs. every month!!

After having to skip a few days, I resumed my power walking schedule last night. My shins absolutely kill while I'm walking, but it's not so bad the next day. I've only lost about 1 lb. so far, but if that pattern continues, I'll be down to my high school weight by the end of the year.  ;D  Here's hoping.

Congrats Lisabelle!  Ahh, isn't stretching the best!  I had to learn about the benefits of stretching the hard way. :P

Good luck with losing the 5lbs a month, you can do it! :D

I'm been trying to lose weight and tone down too, because my wedding is in July.  I bought a tredmill used and so far (1 and half weeks) I have ran/speed walked at least 20 min every day!  It's so much easier when it's right at home.  I used to go to the gym, but I'd be happy if I made it 2 days per week, now I'm doing 7!  Maybe lost 1 lb, but nothing too significant, but I don't want to lose too much anyways (5-10 lbs over 3 months).  My waist feels smaller, though.

wrote on Mar 31^st, 2007 at 12:43pm:

Congrats Lisabelle!  Ahh, isn't stretching the best!  I had to learn about the benefits of stretching the hard way. :P Good luck with losing the 5lbs a month, you can do it! :D

Thanks Sweetie!!! :)

wrote on Mar 30^th, 2007 at 5:11pm:

lol Lisabelle. Congrats on your progress. Man, I'd kill to lose 5 lbs. every month!! After having to skip a few days, I resumed my power walking schedule last night. My shins absolutely kill while I'm walking, but it's not so bad the next day. I've only lost about 1 lb. so far, but if that pattern continues, I'll be down to my high school weight by the end of the year.  ;D  Here's hoping.

Thanks Angel, you can do it too!!  One of my secrets is to drink lots of water, no soda and have a salad before lunch and dinner. I found Weight Watchers food at the supermarket and there little cocolate cakes are good and fill you up!

Lets see! I am now using a Bellydance video as part of my slim down.  It's been fun and not as hard as I thought, mine you I need to be coordinated :D  I look kinda funny in some of the moves.  So what I do is power walk one day then bellydance video the next and so on.  My house has started to smell like a Ben Gay factory! ;D   I use Tiger Balm litiment(sp?) the liquid stuff.  It helps along with nice hot bathes.  What I would really like is a place to do my spine alinment.  In yoga class we were told to hang by our hands with feet off the floor to help alline the spine.  As a teen I did this everyday by hanging from the hole to our adict (sp?) can't spell today!!   Now I am questing to find a place to do it.  Our park once had chin up bars but they since got rid of them. :(  Still looking for a pedometer. Gaa!  yesterday was my nieces b-day party and her other aunts were there and man these women are sticks!!  I mean size 0! and they have all had kids too!  I wonder if they eat at all?

I didn't know that hanging upside down helped with spine allignment.  I used to do that all the time as a kid and would like to try that now, but the thought of it frightens me.  I'm aftraid I might break my neck or something.

Over the past few days, I've been having more problems with my joints.  The pain in my left knee has returned even though I still stretch it out often.  And now I'm getting pains in my elbows.  I tried doing push ups the other day and couldn't because my elbow hurt so bad.  Hopefully, the pain is only because I'm using my body more as opposed to something more serious. :-/

Other than having creeky joints, my workouts are coming along fine.  My body is still improving and now I'm even ready to step my workouts up by using heavier weights to obtain more muscle definition.

You might want to check inversion chairs or inversion tables.  They allow you invert at certain degrees that are comfortable for you without fear and you decide how much inversion you take tolerate or want or need. :)  I have an inversion chair that has heat and massage.  I love it when I use it.  If I need to stand on my head or practice other yoga poses I do that,too.  It depends on you and what you feel comfortable with.  Inversion is extremely good for the joints,spine and total well being.  Check with your doc,first,just to make sure you have the "green light" from him or her. ;) :)

Curlgirl64 wrote on Apr 13^th, 2007 at 9:14pm:

Inversion is extremely good for the joints,spine and total well being.  Check with your doc,first,just to make sure you have the "green light" from him or her. ;) :)

See, that's why I love this site, I learn something new everyday! ;)  
I just did a search and those tables actually look like alot of fun!  With the problems I've been having with my joints lately, I'm really going to look into investing in one. :)

FYI,one I  know of is on HSN,for maybe $300 or alittle more,it's called a TeeterTable(?)  I think it was endorsed by the the US Army a few years ago.

Thanks, I'll check it out. :)

You're welcome!

Still working hard!  Scale said 156!  Mind you I will not be looking at my naked self in the mirror anymore.  It's depressing!  Hubby was very supportive (bless him)  He is very impressed with me and his incouragement has helped alot.  

Hubbys are great, aren't they?  Always encouraging and honestly, the body issues that we tend to stress out about don't bother them at all.  Gotta love 'em! :D

wrote on Apr 14^th, 2007 at 3:45pm:

Hubbys are great, aren't they?  Always encouraging and honestly, the body issues that we tend to stress out about don't bother them at all.  Gotta love 'em! :D

Heheh!  Hubby told me he's really happy that I'm getting into shape.  And that I am enjoying the bellydancing!  :D

Huzzah! In addition to the other recent drops of happiness in my life, I have also lost 2 lbs!  :)

*steers clear of any hubby comments*  :-X  ;)

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/r/bigdance2.gif Woohoo Angel!!!

I found this really different way to work out.  It's called Hoopnotic, it's a complete hula hoop/dance work out.:D

It really looks like fun, they have classes and DVD's available.  The girls on the website are amazing with the hula hoops! http://www.hoopnotica.com

wrote on Apr 21^st, 2007 at 2:15am:

I found this really different way to work out.  It's called Hoopnotic, it's a complete hula hoop/dance work out.:D It really looks like fun, they have classes and DVD's available.  The girls on the website are amazing with the hula hoops! http://www.hoopnotica.com

Woo!  This looks like fun!  :D

That hoopnotic thing looks like it would be tons of fun! Alas, I don't think I could fit a hula hoop into the house we have now. Possibly if it was held vertically.
I think once I get a place where I can walk without guys with shotguns or evil dogs, I'm going to start trying to actually, you know, get out there and exercise.  This housepet stuff, while fun sometimes, isn't healthy. :( When the scale said 170,. I tried to make my BF re-zero it. It was accurate.  :'(
What can I do for exercising and things that is either indoors, or at least in my own yard?  I try to eat healthy, but on a strict budget, well, unfortunately junk fook is far cheaper than fruits and veggies, for the most part. If I could drive, I'd be going to the produce stand on the other side of the next town over... but *shrugs* I guess I'll go when I convince 'hisself' to drive me.
I need to get over my Coca-Cola addiction.  I do drink mostly tea or water these days though, so I'm doing a little better, right?

Y'all are inspiring me to work on improving myself physically, to go along with the transformation from shy, timid teenager to confident young adult.  I think that will help with the confidence, actually. When you look good, you know it.  Now, the real question is, what can I do to go about it?  

How funny!  Last month our neighbors had a 60's themed birthday party and I bought a hulahoop just for fun!!  I got mine at Target for $7 and it lights up!  So, I checked out the link and decided to give it a go!!  I've been missing some of my dance classes lately so I'm going to try hoopnotica- I think it will give me a better cardio workout than my current bellydance DVD's.  Thanks, LaDiosa!!

Kiraela, you can walk around your yard to warm up and then do jumping jacks, walking lunges, squats, situps and pushups!!  Remeber to stretch after you workout!!!

I, too, had a Coca-Cola addiction.  For me, its the corn syrup.  I drink mostly tea and water and on occasion I'll have a Coke, however I think I've lost my taste for it (thank goodness).  It has been kind of a comfort food for me-weird, huh?

What can you do to go about it?  Well,first thing is take one step at a time and do not beat yourself up if you waiver.  
When the scale read 200 pounds for me when I was 18 that was my "wake-up" call.  I took one step at a time,5 pounds at a time, and a total change of eating,living and being.  Now at 42 years old and 117 pounds,I understand that this is for life and am in constant control of what I eat,drink and breathe.  No one ever said it would be easy,but anything worth achieving is not gotten to or gotten the easy way.  I am a severe disaplinarian with myself.  I don't think or expect anyone to be that way.  Take care of yourself,love yourself and most of all respect yourself.
There is no such thing as a diet.  If there was then the people who promote Jenny Craig,Weight Watchers,etc. would be out of business because the "diet" would work.  This is a life change,period.  Then you will have successs because it is for life,it is the way things work for you and help you maintain your success.  No one can do this for you or to you.  It is up to you.  Ok,(getting down from my soapbox)I didn't mean to preach,but I've been there,so I know what you are feeling and what you are going through.  Adding alittle more to battle that was against me was that I smoked.  Started at 10,quite when I was 22.  Cold turkey,not a puff since.  I started to loose the weight when I quit,doesn't work that way for other people though.  Just take one thing at a time.  If it is quiting your Coke drinking,then work on that,master kicking that and then on to the next challenge.  

Thanks, curlgirl, Sakina. yeah, 19 years old, 170 lbs and 5'1 is... well it needs to change. makes me wish I hadn't had to give up my dog, at least then i'd have something to make me get out and walk. I don't know if it's the corn syrup, but i've always been a sugar nut, so that's probably it. That and the caffeine.  

If I had my way, I'd be eating more out of the produce section, and less out of the junk-food-and-carbs section of the grocery store. Unfortunately, Boyfriend doesn't like shopping places that he has to walk through much, so that pretty much means dollar general(carb and junk heaven), and his friend's grocery store(with a produce section the size of a small love seat)...

I'm going to try sit ups and crunches, lunges and basically everything I can remember from JROTC last year... I have to watch what I do outside because sometimes I'd swear our yard was nothing but one big fire ant nest. :(

Anway. Perhaps If I got out from behind the computer and went outside I'd have some sort of progress.
:D
Kiraela

One thing I vowed right from the beginning was that I would never ever give up my coffee!!!  I would give anything and everything up,but not my coffee!  Sit ups can hurt your neck and back,try crunches.   Even though I can't walk well anymore,I have got my myself a Pilates Performer 10 years ago and haven't looked back since!  I also practice and teach yoga either in a chair or on the mat,so even if you just get out and walk,it's something.  Unfortunately,you had to give up your pup,would have been good to walk with your dog,me;my legs,by no choice of mine,but there is always something else to find and try!  You'll be ok!!

You're so right Kiraela, junk food is cheaper than the healthy stuff.  I always wondered why this was, but now I think it may be a matter of supply and demand.  I think that because the junk tends to move faster than the healthier products they have to raise the price of the healthier products in order to make a profit.  Or they could lower the prices, maybe in doing so they'd sell more? :-/

Anyway, my dillema is sort of the same as yours.  I feel that I need to exercise more to get the results that I want, so I'm constantly looking for new activites so that I don't become bored.  I've found that jumping rope is good, you can do that indoors or out.  Things like squats and push ups can be done in or out too, and they don't require any equipment.  If you have stairs even walking up and down repetitively can work your legs.  I guess the key is to always keep your eyes open for new and even basic ideas.:)

Also, I wouldn't worry too much about your confidence.  I've found that confidence comes with age and accepting who you are on the inside.  Be patient, you'll see!;)

Curlgirl, once I get into the city, I'm planning on starting a yoga class. What's a Pilates? I was never much into coffee, but I'm like that with chocolate milk.
La Diosa - I have a theory, just a theory mind you, that junk is cheaper because for the most part, junk food companies are quite a bit bigger and wealthier than produce companies...so they can advertize better and lower prices while still getting a profit.  I mean, which is more recognizable, "little debbies snack cakes" or "coggins' farms carrots"? Not to mention the fact that growing fruits and vegetables costs more than extruding sugar loaded stuff from a machine. That's what I think, anyway. I could be wrong.

And I'm not sure I trust my current floor to hold the weight of a jumping person. I could jump rope out in my guys' shop while he works, though. He's always asking me to come out and keep him company. I've had stairs before, they did wonders on my legs.

You're probably right, I have heard that theory before.  It just always struck me as odd that produce companies would need to advertise at all.   I mean, regardless of what farm it's grown on, everybody knows what a carrot is and that they're good for you.  

I never thought of farming being more expensive, if that's the case then I guess it would make more sense for produce to cost more.:P  

I owned a Pilates machine.  I seemed to keep doing the same exercises over and over which made me bored so I got rid of it.  Pilates from my understanding focuses more on strength than yoga does, I'm sure Curlgirl will know more about it though.

everybody knows carrots are good for you, true, but in our sugar caked society, Snack cakes supposedly TASTE better. And most unfortunately, for the most part that's what counts. Then again, not many people have tried some of the recipes I know... speaking of which, caramelized carrots is probably better dessert than ice cream...

*off to cook!*

Joseph Pilates was an atonomist who created machines to rehab injured ballet dancers and athletes.   The Pilates form of exercise is based on core strength.  There is so much to learn and keep advancing with Pilates as you gain body strength and flexibility.  Stamina puts out the Pilates Performer.  It is a superior machine at a far less expense than the Reformer,which is probably $5000 or more.  Check out Marjolein's webside,www.mindbody.com(I think)She is a student of Romana's(direct disiple of Joe Pilates)  I could write pages on the technique,form apparatus',but far better to read first,ask questions after.  Pilates has,I truly believe,kept me out of a wheelchair,(MS related)  I've been practicing Pilates for about 10 years now and swear by it.  Yoga and breathing go hand and hand with it,if you choose.  I practice and teach yoga either in a chair or on the mat.  Pilates has given me the strength or do certain poses in yoga that require more strength than the norm,in my opinion.  Stamina.com is also where you can find info. from Marjolein and on www.qvc.com,there you will see a few different machines and be directed to Marjolein site.  Check it out :) ;)

Does Pilates require a machine to do? It sounds, from what I've read and you've told me, to be a great system, but.. I don't really have money or space for any sort of machine. Otherwise I'd at least have a treadmill or something.  :-/

And hey, I managed to only drink 1 1/2 cans of coke today, rather than my usual 2-3. Unfortunately, I didn't eat either or start my new plan of crunches, stretches and jumping rope either, as I have only in the past few hours gotten over whatever this stomach thing is, enough to sit up straight and walk without yelping or retching.
Stupid sickness...
I'll be beginning tomorrow!
May your hair be healthy and beautiful forever.

Thanks,your hair,too! :)  That is the beautiful thing about Pilates...you can either practice on a machine or get a yoga mat and practice on that with a video.  I suggest Marjolein's first and then if you want to try someone,go for it!  The instructor needs to certified,though.  Stott Pilates is great if you like the anatomical approach.  I teach that way,meaning I just don't tell you to move some body part.  I tell you the body part,the muscle or muscles involved,which they they will move and what will happen and what will happen to the muscle(s) involved and if there are other muscles involved.  
Don't beat yourself up about the coke.  Praise yourself!!!  You didn't have 2-3,you had 1 1/2!!  Good for you!!!  Alittle at a time,remember!  I'm proud of you!!!!   You are taking control ;)

Doing something is better than doing nothing.  If cutting back on something bad is the best you can do for the day, then fine!  Don't forget - if you are trying to cut back on the pop/soda, be sure to replace the liquid with something else that is more healthy.  Water, of course, is the best, but tea is good too.

The weather here has been showing signs of spring.  I've been able to get out for some short rides on the better days and today I rode to work for the first time this season.  Had to wear my headlight as it was still dark when I left the house and it was still a bit chilly, but the ride was a nice one.  Legs feel pretty good so far, but the ride home is the true test, as it has all the hills for me to climb.

Good Luck on those hills, BB!

Today is my 3rd week working with a personal trainer.  I am sooooo loving it.  Before my accident in '91 I was bodybuilding.  Good thing, too, 'cause I would have been hurt A LOT worse.

I'm so happy to get back to weights, with yoga and dancing it makes me happy and physically I feel great.  I haven't feel physically great in 17 years.   :-?  That's kind of depressing to see that printed on the screen.  Now I'm looking forward to trying out the hoopnotica when it gets here!!

Today I'm starting a series of lymph cleansing treatments-my neighbor does them with a machine.  Its a 5 week thing to begin and then maintenance once a month or so.  I'm really hoping this will reverse the result of my prednisone induced weight gain.  We'll see.....

I'm going to look into that Pilates video.. I found one on Amazon, Pilates Complete Mat Workout Video, that has both Marjolein and Romana in it, on sale... No I just have to find room in the budget for an extra 19$... :(  
I've been drinking water and white tea for the past couple of days, and I think I'm starting to prefer the tea to colas anyway.  and, BB, congrats on getting out there and riding... I had to leave my bike with my parents when I moved down here. And, unfortunately, the weather here is starting to move towards summer already. :-/

I am going to call my mom-in-law later and ask about low carb/low sugar/whole wheat diets (diet as in system of eating, not as in "way to lose weight" )... she started on one after being diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago.

Hi Kiraela!  My doctor has me on a diet that is used for diabetes and yes it a eating system like:  eat breakfast every day, no sweet drinks (soda, coke etc) salad before every meal.  He also has me eat tofu which is not hard as I am a ovo-lacto vegitarian (can't spell today! :D)  I found that just stopping the suger drinks really helps alot.  I drink low salt soda water, and tea.  I power walk and belly dance.  

Now on to me!  I am down to 154 and today is belly dance day!! My house work is all done and its time for some fun!!

okay, dumb question. I know what a vegetarian is, but what's an ovo-lacto vegetarian?
Congrats on the weight! Another thing I'm looking at is beginning belly dance... It looks like fun :)

(If I could I'd eat salad at every meal too... can't keep it in stock!)

Kiraela wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2007 at 3:17pm:

okay, dumb question. I know what a vegetarian is, but what's an ovo-lacto vegetarian? Congrats on the weight! Another thing I'm looking at is beginning belly dance... It looks like fun :) (If I could I'd eat salad at every meal too... can't keep it in stock!)

Hi!  As my late friend and teacher Athena once said "there are no dumb questions!" An ovo-lacto veggie eats egg and drinks milk while other types do not.  Thanks for the cheer! I've been working hard, but I never forget to have a treat once in a while.  Bellydancing is fun and can be done at home. :)  I do the Belly Twins Veena and Nenna DVD's.

Thanks for the encoragement everyone!  I made the trip home, and it was not as bad as I thought it might be - even with the 15mph headwinds that I had not anticipated.  Legs still feel good - not tight or crampy, and no stiffness (yet!).  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can bike to work at least one more time this week.

Congrats on the successful ride, BB! Hopefully the weather will stay nice for you. and Lisabelle, I know about the treats... I am treating myself to a can of coke to celebrate the fact that I didn't spazz out too much getting my hair trimmed. 2 inches of dry, damaged split hair gone! :-/ I miss it already!

Anyway, I managed to go for a walk today in town, and got in a good mile or so. (carrying a gas can, but well, it was something anyway)...

The only problem with internet research of exercise videos is I'm not even sure what I really need. I think for now, I'm going to just stick with crunches, push ups, jumping rope and stretches, and see how it works out for me.
Now I need a real jump rope!

Good luck to everyone else on your work outs/walks/ bike rides/eating plans!

I think you are going great!  Instead of a can of coke to "reward yourself", how about a new hair toy instead?  It's calorie free and lasts alot longer than a can of coke :)

OOh.. If I could drive I'd take that suggestion! Well, also if I had the money. :( One problem with not having a job is a decided lack of income. I'm working on that though. As soon as we get the appartment in the city, I'm applying at every bookstore I can find. *crosses fingers* the area we're looking in is less than 2 miles from the biggest Barnes &Noble I've ever seen.  
Of course, right now I'd splurge, if I could drive I'd be in BR looking through the asian food stores for the perfect pair of chopsticks.  I know at Hong Kong Seafood Market they have some seriously nice laquered, painted and decorated ones.  I wish I had the money for special ordering a set of swingsticks (why, oh why, must everything always be sold out? Oh yeah, they're so pretty!). I absolutely love the midnight romance, and phantasm ones.  
Oh well, when my current savings project is bought, I'll start saving again.

hey, finally got taken to the produce stand... no more unhealthy carb loaded meals for now, anyway! been exercizing regularly, too, and i can already feel the difference. how are y'alls' plans going?

Hey Kiraela thats great! :)  Me, I did not get to do my rutine this weekend :( Way to busy with family again.  Monday I am back at it though!! :D

Blargh! I totally skipped last night's walk, so I have to walk 2 nights in a row now. And I haven't lost any weight this month at all. *sigh*  :(

i've read in several places that drinking skim milk can help you lose weight..  apparently there's some enzyme in milk that doesn't allow your body to absorb fat, or something to that effect.    i did go on a milk fast once for almost a week and lost about 5 lbs that week, but i was so sick of milk i quit drinking it for a looong time.  i think you're really only supposed to drink about 8 oz a day to get the weight loss effect.  does anybody do that?
i think walking is the best thing ever.  of course i live somewhere that has walk friendly weather 9 out of 10 days, but i'm moving back to michigan next year and i think i'm going to have to spring for a gym membership...blah!

angel, i go on sprees where i walk everyday and then get bored and don't do it for a month, and the last time i was on a real walking kick, i was walking almost an hour 6 days of the week and i didn't lose a stinking pound.  i think we just plateau a lot, but if you just keep at it, the weight will come off.  that's what i'm telling myself anyway, *crosses fingers*

Stacy: Inconsistency is the death of any endeavour. Success requires dicipline and a lot of hard work. If you set yourself up for an exercise plan that you can't commit to, you will fail. It has to be something that you enjoy doing mentally and physically - something that you kind of look forward to in a way. And if you don't feel like doing it, make yourself do it.
   
As for the "skim" or lowfat milk, I have drank 2% all of my life. And it has another benefit, aside from just helping people lose weight.  ;)  This from www.gotmilk.com:

Quote:

Many people think that great hair starts with shampoo and conditioner — but it really begins with what you eat. Beautiful hair needs vitamin and protein-packed beauty foods. And at the top of the "beauty foods" list is good old-fashioned milk. In fact, milk is one of the best sources of the vital nutrients that help maintain strong and healthy locks. Milk contains the ideal mix of essential nutrients for beautiful healthy hair: proteins, lipids, calcium, vitamins A, B6, biotin and potassium. All of the nutrients in milk work together to keep hair soft and shiny. Beautiful hair is a reflection of a healthy body!

Not only does it give us gorgeous hair and strong bones, but it also combats PMS and may help prevent tooth decay.  ;)

I gotta give a shout for soy milk,too!

*runs off to drink more milk*

i lived on a military base and it was soooo boring to walk around.   now we moved to the beach and i'm doing a lot better.  i never get tired of seeing the water and boats!

I took yesterday off and gave myself a spa day inculding facial and a nice bath in epsom salt and ACV.  That did the trick as my nerves were really peaking!  Today I tryed a different belly dance DVD from Veena and Neena, it was the one that comes in there book. I must have really shook my booty as my hip and waist hurt!  A little ben gay and a heating pad helped loads! 8-)

i have to say angel is right about not starting something you're excited about.  
i bought one of those little prevention magazines they sell by checkout counters because it promised 'DROP TWO SIZES IN 8 WEEKS'  and 'BEST EXERCISES TO FIRM UP YOUR STOMACH!'.  I was reading it and thinking i am so not going fit in 2 cycles of 10 to 15 reps of 8 or 9 different exercises everyday along with my 40 minute walk, and then i'm going to beat myself up about not doing them everyday, so i'm not even going to start something so unrealistic.  
i got a pedometer for free from some site and i can't wait to get it and see how much i walk around the house chasing my daughter and dog and how far i actually walk on my little jaunts around the neighborhood.

Shockingly, I've lost 3 lbs.  I'm not quite sure how this is possible because I haven't been on my eliptical much at all lately and I've turned completely cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs eating at least two small bowls daily.  

I have been inverting and hula hooping alot recently although I don't see how either of those activities can be responsible for my weight loss either. :-?  It's funny how when I was working out like a mad woman I couldn't loose a pound.

I've been having fun hula hooping, the Hoopnotica dvd is pretty challenging but I'm getting the hang of it.  I've been very fortunate to not have broken anything in my apartment (yet) as I've been practicing in my living room and have had the hoop fly away from me at times.  It's slammed into the wall several times and even has even made it's way out the door onto my balcony, I was just happy it didn't go flying over the rail.::)

Weight loss can be funny sometimes.  It can occur when you least expect it!

I've been biking to work 2 - 3 days per week (and hope to continue to do so thru September).  I may or may not lose weight, but I know I will lose inches.   :)  I've been stuck at the same weight now since about November, but I have lost 2 sizes since then, so I'm not going to complain too much.

Yeah, I guess weight loss can be funny but 2 sizes since November is impressive, congrats! :)

That's awesome Bikerbraid!! 8-)

I must have over did it yesterday as I woke a 8 this morning in pain. :'(  I feel like a horse kicked me in the lower back and pelvic. :-[  So today is break day (rats!) :P

Wow, I hope your pain goes away fast Lisabelle!

I've been feeling sore today myself but from too much hula hooping.  I only got my dvd a few days ago but I'd been so obsessed with learning the tricks that now my skin is sore.  I'll probably wind up with a giant callous around my waist.;D

My goal during my biking season, is to bike to work at least 3 days a week.  The weather or work requirements usually create "rest" days so I seldom bike more than 2 days in a row.  This week is going to challenge me wth 3 good biking days in a row.  I feel good after 2 days, and tomorrow is supposed to be another gorgeous day, so I plan to bike the 3rd day in the row.  On top of that, I have an "errand" to run after work tomorrow, so instead of biking straight home, I will make a 4 mile detour before heading home, bringing my daily mileage to 30 miles and my 3 day total to 78 miles.  Hopefully I can get at least one more ride in this week to bring my total mileage over 100 miles for the week.  

I've only got 2 more training weeks before our biking vacation!  eeekk!!  :o I hope these legs will be ready.  ;D

Biking to work must be a pleasant way to start the day! :)  

How many miles will you be traveling on your trip?

Right now we believe we will be riding about 300 miles in 5 days.  The mileage can vary depending on weather and personal options.  I'm a bit concerned about biking the Needles Highway.  It is a beautiful 2 lane road that switchbacks thru the Black Hills with tunnels, bridges and lots and lots of trees.  We will be doing most of our riding on the downhill route, but there will be several hill climbs.  We will also be climbing up to the Crazy Horse mounument area.  

My daily ride to work and back has lots of hills, so I get a good workout.  I've even been adding more hills (I know, I must be crazy!)  I always "panic" when thinking about hills and hubby says I over-train for these trips.  I hope that is true, but I won't know until I get there and do it!

My morning ride is beautiful and a wonderful way to start the day. I bike before the traffic gets heavy, so it is very peaceful.  I get to see a lot of wildlife, even here in the city.  There is a fox I see frequently and wild turkeys have been moving around our area lately.  When I cross the creek, there is usually a heron and an egret to watch.  And of course, the red tailed hawk is frequently soaring overhead as well.  

The afternoon ride is a bit more hectic.  I have traffic to deal with, it is warmer out, and I have more hills to climb in the afternoon.  But the last 5 miles home are on a railbed trail that goes thru 3 city parks.  It is a pretty and relaxing ride - a great way to finish the day.

I don't know anything about biking and never thought about hills being a problem because the bike is motorized.  Although, I'm sure it's best to over train than not train enough, that way assures that you'll be fine. ;)

The whole idea of biking 300 miles sounds so exciting, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

wrote on May 9^th, 2007 at 4:58pm:

Wow, I hope your pain goes away fast Lisabelle! I've been feeling sore today myself but from too much hula hooping.  I only got my dvd a few days ago but I'd been so obsessed with learning the tricks that now my skin is sore.  I'll probably wind up with a giant callous around my waist.;D

Thanks Sweetie!  I am much beter today.  I want to learn all the bellydancing moves too so over do it.  but I do have lots of fun! 8-)

wrote on May 10^th, 2007 at 12:15am:

I don't know anything about biking and never thought about hills being a problem because the bike is motorized.  Although, I'm sure it's best to over train than not train enough, that way assures that you'll be fine. ;) The whole idea of biking 300 miles sounds so exciting, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

ummmm - my bike is not motorized....it is a bicycle powered only by my legs.

A "bumper sticker" I'd like to put on the back of my bike....
Burn Calories, Not Carbon

Okay, WOW!!!!  All of this time I thought you meant motor biking! :-[  

I can't believe you're doing 300 miles on a bicycle, now I'm really impressed!:o http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/goddessacelestial/icon_worship.gif

ooh, bb!!!  i was at crazy horse mountain about 12 years ago, they only had his head cleared and carved.  how much is done now?? that was the coolest thing i've ever seen.   my relatives live in northern wyoming and we drove from michigan to there.  it was the best vacation of my life.  south dakota has to be THE most interesting state i have ever, ever been in.  we've been 'planning' another family trip for about 10 years now and haven't done it yet.  

stacyp wrote on May 12^th, 2007 at 2:06pm:

ooh, bb!!!  i was at crazy horse mountain about 12 years ago, they only had his head cleared and carved.  how much is done now?? that was the coolest thing i've ever seen.   my relatives live in northern wyoming and we drove from michigan to there.  it was the best vacation of my life.  south dakota has to be THE most interesting state i have ever, ever been in.  we've been 'planning' another family trip for about 10 years now and haven't done it yet.

Since Crazy Horse is being constructed with private funds, its progres has been very slow.  I promise to bring back pictures to show you how much is currently done.

Western South Dakota is very interesting.  Eastern SD is mainly prairie land that is now farmed.  I spent my summer's in SD with my grandparents when I was young, so I have many fond memories of the state.

I was wondering, for all of you who bellydance, do you get pains across your lower belly??  I get them and man I get sick to my stomach a bit.  Is this normal? This did not start it about a week ago, maybe I'm getting the hang of the moves?  Or did I pull something?  In the Belly Twins book they do say that to take a hot bath for 20mins and that should help.  I did tonight and had hubby rub me down.  I just afraid I will wake up sore as hell.  I am sorry that I sound like a whinny baby, I guess I am just getting old. :-/

Other than muscle soreness, I've never gotten pains.  Hopefully, the bath and rub down help.

wrote on May 15^th, 2007 at 3:15am:

Other than muscle soreness, I've never gotten pains.  Hopefully, the bath and rub down help.

It did help thank god.. maybe I'm working too hard at it. :-?

Good thing it was nothing serious.  It's can be so easy to over exert yourself bellydancing.  Sometimes I'll end up dancing for a long time without even realizing it. ::)

Well I'm holding at 153.  Yanked a tendon yesterday on my walk, Oow!  It feels better today but I'm going to keep off it just to make sure.  I got some new sun hats which will be great for my walks, now I need new sneakers. 8-)

Lisabelle wrote on May 14^th, 2007 at 11:28pm:

I was wondering, for all of you who bellydance, do you get pains across your lower belly??  I get them and man I get sick to my stomach a bit.  Is this normal? This did not start it about a week ago, maybe I'm getting the hang of the moves?  Or did I pull something?  In the Belly Twins book they do say that to take a hot bath for 20mins and that should help.  I did tonight and had hubby rub me down.  I just afraid I will wake up sore as hell.  I am sorry that I sound like a whinny baby, I guess I am just getting old. :-/

Sorry, I must have missed this post, Lisabelle.  Be sure to keep your ribcage lifted at all times.  With all the lower body movement in every direction you can get pain from the ribs being too low (normal position for everyday movement).  That being said, don't over do it and you may feel it in your upper back for a while as those muscles strengthen.  This will improve over all posture and make your movements appear more isolated, which makes the dance look cooler and more professional!!

Good luck with your tendon!  Feel better  ;)

Thanks Sakina :D I think it was the rib drops that got me ::)  My posture has gotting alot better, once my belly gets flatter my undulations can be seen! ;D  Thanks again! :)

With the undulations, make sure your knees stay bent and your pelvis is tucked.  Do 'em nice and slow and you see 'em!!  Yeah, all the upper body work is hard.  Rib drops are not rib collapses!!

Stick with it, Lisabelle!!

Sakina wrote on May 22^nd, 2007 at 4:46pm:

With the undulations, make sure your knees stay bent and your pelvis is tucked.  Do 'em nice and slow and you see 'em!!  Yeah, all the upper body work is hard.  Rib drops are not rib collapses!! Stick with it, Lisabelle!!

Thanks for the help! 8-)

weeeee!!!  i had a whole month where i could not lose any weight, just gained and lost the same 2 pounds and i ALMOST just gave up and figured this was going to be what i weighed post-baby.  then i switched from walking with my daughter in a carrier to a stroller and i've just weighed myself and i lost 4 pounds!! yyayyy!  plateau's suck but that can be beaten!  i'm so excited!  hopefully this continues bcuz we're going to my family's in MI in a month and we pretty much spend the whole time on the water.

how effective is the belly dancing?  is it just super fun or does it really really work?  i can't even imagine my husbands face if he caught me belly dancing.  i'd never live it down.

Woo Hoo! I'm 150!  I never thought I would break 153! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/r/bigdance2.gif .  Mind you I should take out stock in Ben gay and 8535! ;D  Lastnight my ankle hurt something nasty so I tryed my Acrina gel and it's a lot better this morning. 8-)

WTG, Lisabelle! Good work!  :)

You go girl!!!  That's great,Lisabelle!!!

Congrats Lisabelle! :D

WOO! Congrats, Lisabelle! 150 is great! getting pretty darn close to your goal of 145, eh?

I think I've lost 5 lb since I've started exercising regularly.... I haven't been to the scrap yard lately (the most accurate scale in the parish!!!!!) so I'm not sure though. I'll be going back soon (they're a good source for the stainless wire P. uses to make chain mail) so I'll report back.  

That's awesome, Lisabelle!!!  Keep up the good work!!

Thanks everyone! :-*  Your support has really helped and hopefully I will be at my ideal weight soon. 8-)

Was weighted at the doctors and I'm 146!!!  Holy Crow! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/i/dazzler.gif I would love to get down to 135, I know it will take a while but it worth it!!

Congratulations!  Keep up the good work and you'll reach your goal of 135.

bikerbraid wrote on Jul 4^th, 2007 at 12:06pm:

Congratulations!  Keep up the good work and you'll reach your goal of 135.

Thanks! :D

I changed my weight counter as I could not figure out how to change the one from 3FatChicks.  I haven't been the doctor this month as he's on holiday in England so I am not sure what my weight is.  Scale says 145 but it could be less!! :D

Back to bellydancing!  I feel I am getting the hang of it.  Some steps are still hard to do but I'm working on them! ::)  Once it gets cooler it will be easier and I can wear my costume instead of just bells ::) should be getting my skirts soon. :)