WIR ~ Let's Get Fit 2014

[sarcasticgirl]

Kettle bells done. Made the mistake of eating about 30-45 mins before and almost vomited.
I am a rockstar

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[kilroy]

Stupid gym got new ellipticals and I hate them. In an act of monumental dumbness I managed to lose the key to my padlock for my gym locker and the lock had to be cut. I could say screw this, but I'm taking my new lock to the gym today and figuring out how to deal with the stupid elliptical. I'm too close to quit now.

[kilroy]

Turns out that only half the new ellipticals are stupid & awful; the other half are pretty much like the old ones.  Guess I should have been paying attention the other day.  Back on track, now.

[kilroy]

Yooo hooo, where is everybody??

I bought new shorts today, and they are SIZE 6! I know stores mess around with sizes, but I'll take it :-)

[sarcasticgirl]

Just did kettle bells with DH. Feel like vomiting! LOL

Going to spend the next hour or so pretending it isn't Sunday. I had such an insane and exhausting week that in hardly did a thing all weekend. Except snack and binge watch orange is the new black.

Great job with the elliptical, kilroy! And those size 6 shorts!

Sent from my Nexus 10

[greeniis10]

I'm here today, but I took a 3-day weekend and did not get on the computer at ALL after Thursday afternoon (back on this morning, though).

I did good, full-body weight workouts both Sat. & Sun. mornings and on Fri. I did a brief weight workout and then went and got a 60 min. deep tissue massage!  Ahhhhh, heaven. 

I like to watch "American Ninja Warrior" but, boy, I will NEVER have that kind of arm strength!  At the very least I need to start trying to do pull-ups.  DH has one of those bars that go over the doorway.  I think I'll start doing assisted ones (as in hanging there with the ottoman under my feet!).  A new goal seems like a good idea right now.

[mizbear]

I spend most of.my time at work lately. Will fill everyone in on my day off

[sarcasticgirl]

No change in weight...
My foot is mostly healed, so that is good. Getting back to 10k steps a day.
Kettle bells tonight.
I have been seriously lacking in my fruit an veggie intake. Brought carrots and a plum today. Hopefully I remember to eat them.

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[greeniis10]

Kilroy's comment about new machines got me thinking: I'm a creature of habit and I tend to find my "favorite" treadmill or elliptical and use it any time it is available.  Pros and cons of that (for me):

Pros: I'm comfortable with the machine, know what to expect, and can keep track of my numbers more accurately each time.

Cons: Getting into a rut is BAD for motivation! 

So, although initially I'm reluctant to try a new machine, the time goes by faster (as I'm trying to figure out all the new features) and sometimes it spurs me to do more even if I do revert back to my old-standby the next time.

Oh, and another "pro" is: I'd rather have new machines than a bunch of old ones with "out of order" signs on them!

[greeniis10]

Well this whole week has been a mindless blur for some reason.  Been stuck in one of those "blah" moods where I don't feel like doing anything.  I hate when this happens.  Did a sad excuse for a weight workout yesterday, went to the gym on Wed., but just took a nap in the sauna , Tues. skipped the gym completely, so I haven't done anything resembling an actual workout since Monday. 

Will drag my listless self to the gym this afternoon because I scheduled a 60 min. deep tissue massage for tomorrow morning and I want to enjoy it instead of feeling like a lazy blob.  Everyone have a good weekend!

[ners]

Update on the 4.5 million steps from July 14 thru June 15.

Month of July 386959.  Good enough to keep on target.

Started August with a bang 16678. 

Need to try to cut back on calories.  Try some push ups and planks this month.  Aim for 3 times a week.

[sarcasticgirl]

Had myself a little shopping spree today. Everything looks "okay" now... but will look even better when I've lost a couple more inches. so, MOTIVATION!!!

I didn't do kettle bells today, my body is just so achy! Instead I did this great Yoga/Pilates video that I have that I keep wanting to do but keep forgetting. 40 minutes flew by and my muscles are so much loser and I feel so much better. It is also killer on the core so I know I'll be feeling that. I need to remember to do it at least once a week... maybe twice. 

Today I prepped a lentil salad and a cucumber, black bean salad... both are tasty and will be great snacks during the week. I made another round of my homemade granola. YUM. So I should be able to stay on target this week with proper nutrition. 

ALSO- DH and I planned a little anniversary trip this month. Our anniversary is the 21st so we're taking a long weekend away. I'm excited and hoping to fit comfortably in my wedding dress (an ann taylor sundress, not something white and bridal lol) I am almost there, so I think 3 weeks I could easily accomplish this if I stay on track! 

Hope everyone is doing well. 


Pants are you still with us?!?!

[greeniis10]

I did this great Yoga/Pilates video that I have that I keep wanting to do but keep forgetting. 40 minutes flew by and my muscles are so much loser and I feel so much better. It is also killer on the core so I know I'll be feeling that. I need to remember to do it at least once a week... maybe twice.

Do you have trouble trying to do the yoga poses and Pilates moves while watching the video?  Or do you already know the moves and just listen?  I really need to get into this type of thing, but I have a hard time trying to learn from a video.  Of course, I only have the video on the TV screen so it is a little harder to look up at that while on the floor.  I'm sure an iPhone or iPad would be a lot easier - that way it could be on the floor with you.

[sarcasticgirl]

The video I use is really easy to follow... which is probably why I like it. I can always turn my head and see what she's doing. and the moves are pretty simple. 

[greeniis10]

Thanks - I think this is another area (such as planks previously) that I let myself get intimidated about without trying it first.  I'm really not a "class" person, so I don't want to take a yoga class, but I should just try experimenting with some videos.

All I know is I definitely like this thread (although I wish it was more active!) WAY better than the MFP forums.  Those things are confusing, repetitive, and there's a lot of really bad advice.  Well, IMHO anyway.  It may be that I just prefer this format better. 

[sarcasticgirl]

greeniis10- this is the video I use www.amazon.com/Crunch-Super-SlimDown-Pilates-Blend/dp/B000CEXF8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407268443&sr=8-1&keywords=crunch+yoga+pilates 
I found it on Netflix... it used to be available for streaming. but that disappeared and I searched forever for it and actually bought the digital version from amazon when that option became available. 
I'm not the most coordinated person in the world, but I find this really easy to follow. and I'll admit, I feel it in my core! which is exactly what I need. I'll be doing it again this week and this weekend. 

In other news... down just over a pound today when I stepped on the scale. I'll take it! 

[sarcasticgirl]

Work has been insane... Didn't get home until after 7... Did the yoga/ pilates video again, ate some dinner and then logged in and worked from home for another hour. I still have about 1000 steps left to reach 10k and I will get that in now so I can go to bed!

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[ners]

Aug 6, 2014 21:33:08 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

Work has been insane... Didn't get home until after 7... Did the yoga/ pilates video again, ate some dinner and then logged in and worked from home for another hour. I still have about 1000 steps left to reach 10k and I will get that in now so I can go to bed!

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Good Job on getting in your video and steps. 

[ners]

 I have been getting in my steps this month. Well yesterday was a low day.  Today I will do better
 

 Decided to do the plank challenge on my wii.  Made it to 34 seconds.

[sarcasticgirl]

Great job, ners!

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[greeniis10]

Anyone have an opinion on or practice static exercises?  I kind of stumbled on it by accident: after realizing how fast my heart rate got going after my 90 sec. planks (I start every weight workout with one to kind of warm-up) I wondered if it would work for other moves, too? 

I started with a chair pose (arms extended over head) and even though initially it feels like I'm not working as hard as I am when I'm doing that move holding weights and using full range of motion, turns out I still get the same heart rate increase and I can certainly feel it in my muscles!  So, for a change of pace I'm going to start incorporating those types of moves (sumo squat, one-leg forward lunge, etc.).  I try to hold each one for 60 sec.

I looked up some info online and it also suggests doing static moves to try to build strength for chin-ups.  Hanging from the bar is good because it's a starting point to try to hold your own weight, but it also lengthens the spine.  Holding the chin-up at the TOP of the hold is ultimately what they suggested but I'm not sure how long it will take me to attain that one!

[sarcasticgirl]

greeniis10- I can't say that I know much about them... I remember that in HS when the jocks would act up in a class where a coach was a teacher, they'd have to do the chair pose against the wall in the classroom and the teacher would pick people in class to stack their books on the jock's arms. So there certainly must be something to it! lol

I'd think, just like a plank strengthens your core, other static exercises would do the same thing with the muscles involved. 

[greeniis10]

Just finished reading the July/Aug. issue of Shape magazine, with Jillian Michaels on the cover.  Clearly, I'll never be as fit as her, but I do feel better after reading her ab workout: regular planks, side planks, and imbalanced planks - 3 sets of 60 sec. each.  For some reason I see that as more doable than trying to increase hold time to 90 sec. or 2 min.  I'll give that a try.

Of course, a little blurb in the same issue said the new world record for holding ONE plank was 80 minutes!!!  It was done to raise money for a charity.  No picture, though.  I would've LOVED to had seen a picture of what kind of superwoman could do that!  I should try a Google search...

[flamingo]

Went to the doctor today about my sinus issues. Hopefully the meds she gave me will help. Zyrtec works but knocks me out. I take it at night, but even if I take it at 6 or 7pm, I have trouble getting up in the morning. Which means no/fewer morning work outs. (and I just can't drag myself to the gym at 5pm). Then she wants to send me to physical therapy for the pain in my arm. It's not a constant pain, it's very low-grade, but I first noticed it back in Feb/March. However, I have to pay the first $300 for PT, before insurance kicks in, and I'm not sure I want to do that. Though it would be nice to carry heavy bags of groceries again without it causing a flare-up. I know, #firstworldproblems but really, it's Friday, I'll be done with work in 40 minutes and I have to have something to complain about.

[sarcasticgirl]

I don't know if i've mentioned it... i've been fighting back/neck/shoulder/elbow/everything pain for months... finally went to the DR.  had a dozen xrays and the dr. confirms that I am a mess. It has gotten to where I can't even work out. I keep trying to pretend it will get better if i just strengthen my core more etc. but alas... i am simply a mess. I have 4 weeks of therapy twice a week while will be an hour of deep tissue massage (not complaining about that!) followed by hot packs and then chiropractic adjustment and traction on my neck. after 4 weeks hopefully it will be decreased to once a week for 8 weeks. 
My Dr. is amazingly thorough and goes above and beyond. She's worried about some stuff in my bloodwork and is hoping we can sort that out as well. She has the belief that the entire body works together and is connected and one problem can cause others that seem wholly unrelated. which i firmly believe. So I am so hopefully to get everything sorted out so I am not a complete mess and in pain pretty much 24/7. 
So that's my story. I haven't worked out in a week... because i simply haven't been able to. I've been taking walks when I can, but I've also been working 10-11 hours a day which makes finding time difficult. I am just excited about having a light at the end of the tunnel. Getting some relief so it isn't painful to workout would be nice. 

flamingo what a bummer about you insurance... hopefully you can figure something out. Being in pain is no fun and can be really wearing mentally. 

greeniis10 how are the planks coming along?

[ners]

I am disappointed in myself lately.  I had two low step days last week.  I have been eating poorly and drinking too much beer.  Need to get back on track. 

On the plus side I did a 42 second plank and have a good start on steps for the day.

New week time to get going.

Hope those in pain can find relief. 

[greeniis10]

Aug 17, 2014 18:07:25 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I don't know if i've mentioned it... i've been fighting back/neck/shoulder/elbow/everything pain for months... finally went to the DR.  had a dozen xrays and the dr. confirms that I am a mess. It has gotten to where I can't even work out. I keep trying to pretend it will get better if i just strengthen my core more etc. but alas... i am simply a mess. I have 4 weeks of therapy twice a week while will be an hour of deep tissue massage (not complaining about that!) followed by hot packs and then chiropractic adjustment and traction on my neck. after 4 weeks hopefully it will be decreased to once a week for 8 weeks. 
My Dr. is amazingly thorough and goes above and beyond. She's worried about some stuff in my bloodwork and is hoping we can sort that out as well. She has the belief that the entire body works together and is connected and one problem can cause others that seem wholly unrelated. which i firmly believe. So I am so hopefully to get everything sorted out so I am not a complete mess and in pain pretty much 24/7. 
So that's my story. I haven't worked out in a week... because i simply haven't been able to. I've been taking walks when I can, but I've also been working 10-11 hours a day which makes finding time difficult. I am just excited about having a light at the end of the tunnel. Getting some relief so it isn't painful to workout would be nice. 

flamingo what a bummer about you insurance... hopefully you can figure something out. Being in pain is no fun and can be really wearing mentally. 

greeniis10 how are the planks coming along?

Jealous!  Of the deep-tissue massages.  So sorry to hear of your pain, though!  Any idea what caused it?  I was in a car accident in high school and as a result have 3 vertebrae in my neck that are turned the wrong direction and 2 crooked ribs that were broken and healed funny.  I've learned to just manage it but clearly it isn't as severe as yours.  The deep-tissue massage does help, though!  The first one or two will be painful, but persevere - it's worth it!

[greeniis10]

Aug 18, 2014 6:21:46 GMT -5 ners said:

I am disappointed in myself lately.  I had two low step days last week.  I have been eating poorly and drinking too much beer.  Need to get back on track. 

On the plus side I did a 42 second plank and have a good start on steps for the day.

New week time to get going.

Hope those in pain can find relief. 

Excellent!  And to sarcasticgirl, thanks for asking, planks are going so-so.  The side planks are killer, so clearly I needed those!  I was doing really well last week but was down with the flu for the past 3 days.  Today is the first day I've been out of bed, so I'm still exhausted, but hopefully will bounce back by week-end.

[sarcasticgirl]

Aug 19, 2014 14:16:32 GMT -5 greeniis10 said:

Aug 17, 2014 18:07:25 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I don't know if i've mentioned it... i've been fighting back/neck/shoulder/elbow/everything pain for months... finally went to the DR.  had a dozen xrays and the dr. confirms that I am a mess. It has gotten to where I can't even work out. I keep trying to pretend it will get better if i just strengthen my core more etc. but alas... i am simply a mess. I have 4 weeks of therapy twice a week while will be an hour of deep tissue massage (not complaining about that!) followed by hot packs and then chiropractic adjustment and traction on my neck. after 4 weeks hopefully it will be decreased to once a week for 8 weeks. 
My Dr. is amazingly thorough and goes above and beyond. She's worried about some stuff in my bloodwork and is hoping we can sort that out as well. She has the belief that the entire body works together and is connected and one problem can cause others that seem wholly unrelated. which i firmly believe. So I am so hopefully to get everything sorted out so I am not a complete mess and in pain pretty much 24/7. 
So that's my story. I haven't worked out in a week... because i simply haven't been able to. I've been taking walks when I can, but I've also been working 10-11 hours a day which makes finding time difficult. I am just excited about having a light at the end of the tunnel. Getting some relief so it isn't painful to workout would be nice. 

flamingo what a bummer about you insurance... hopefully you can figure something out. Being in pain is no fun and can be really wearing mentally. 

greeniis10 how are the planks coming along?

Jealous!  Of the deep-tissue massages.  So sorry to hear of your pain, though!  Any idea what caused it?  I was in a car accident in high school and as a result have 3 vertebrae in my neck that are turned the wrong direction and 2 crooked ribs that were broken and healed funny.  I've learned to just manage it but clearly it isn't as severe as yours.  The deep-tissue massage does help, though!  The first one or two will be painful, but persevere - it's worth it!

A lot of contributing factors... A lot of disc degeneration in my neck and some in my lower spine. I have a slight bit of scoliosis, have slipped a disc twice and apparently have bad posture. Spending 10+ hours a day at my desk lately and being intensely stressed hasn't helped.

Had a massage, adjustment and traction today. Wasn't too bad. The massage hurt a bit but also felt great! The soreness should kick in anytime now... Lol

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[greeniis10]

Sounds like the massage did what it was supposed to.  In my experience, after the first 2 or 3 you'll be noticeably looser, releasing tension that's been held in your painful areas.  Also, it really HAS made me more aware of my posture! 

I, too, have a desk job, but I try to keep my feet placed flat on a footstep that raises them enough to ensure that my hips and knees both maintain 90 degree angles.  I also lifted my monitors by a few inches and I do not hold the phone in the crook of my neck anymore.  Small changes that take a bit of effort but are definitely worth it!