Posts by ma1130

Try a cycle class at the gym... it may be hard at first but after a few classes, you will see some results.  Just make sure you really push yourself and listen to the instructor. 

Mizuno's are great for women... the only thing is, make sure you read what the shoe is meant for... more or less stability, light or heavy weight, over or normal pronation... I tend to lean more towards the Wave Nirvana or Wave Inspire series to train in and Wave Precision series for road racing.  Note: I have noticed that Mizuno's do break down pretty fast.  If you are looking for a more long lasting shoe then I would go with Brooks... Adrenaline or Axiom 3 series.  Most of my guy friends use Nike or Asics and sometimes Mizuno's (except like I said before, they break down easier) 

Oh skinny jeans... I have 3 pairs... except I don't like to wear any of them... Unless there is nothing left to wear.  With that being said, when I do wear them, I have to wear them with heels or I feel short and weird looking.  I would say, if you do ever buy a pair, make sure you buy either black or dark wash.  I feel your pain though.  The only brand I have bought are from PacSun.  If you haven't tried them yet, try em! I went up a size so they wouldn't be rediculously tight.  And as long as I wash them, then they fit perfectly snug. 

I go to spin class about 3 times a week.  I had the same problem at the beginning... I felt like someone was squeezing my shoulders and I couldnt relax, even when I went to sleep.   I decided to go to the chiropractor and he took xrays of my spine.  One of my discs was wearing away in my neck area.  I go to the chiropractor 3 times a week now to get adjusted.  He said it will take a few weeks for the alignment to completely make the pain go away but I felt great after the first couple times.  But I do agree that relaxed shoulders during the class is key.  My instructor reminds us a million times through class to stay relaxed and let your legs and core do the work!

Sorry but no exercise will actually make you lose weight in your thighs.  Your body decides where you lose weight when there is a calorie deficit. Unfortunately for most women, the thighs are usually the last place for the fat to disappear from.  So basically, keep up the cardio and you will eventually get there!  I always tell myself, I didn't put the weight on overnight, so why am I expecting it to come off overnight!  On the other hand, it is still good to adductor exercises and lunges or squats so when you lose the fat, you will see nice sculpted muscles. 

I recently asked my cycle instructor what I should do because I am not losing any weight and I have been keeping my calories between 1200-1300 and working out 6 times a week for at least an hour. 4 days of interval/cardio workouts, and 2 days on intense weight training with a 30 min cardio warmup.   He first asked me what I ate... I was proud to tell him about all the fruits, vegetables, yogurts, soups, lean cuisine (when Im lazy) whole wheat and grains that I eat.  Thinking he would be as confused as I was, I told him a typical day menu.  He started breaking everything down.  Basically what it came down to was that I was consuming too much sugars (which will convert into fat easier) and salts (which retains all my water weight).  I started looking back at my food logs and noticing how much sugar and salt I was actually consuming. It was an insane amount.  He said that fruits are good but only right after a workout or something.  I guess I thought I was always picking the best choice by grabbing an apple or banana when im a little hungry.   Now I go for sliced cucumbers, sugar snap peas, carrots (which I hate but force myself to eat), celery sticks, and fresh broccoli and cauliflower.  He said NO to any lean cuisines or canned soups.  He also said that I should have at least 20g of protein at each meal.  I am now eating a hard boiled egg white with almost everymeal to reach that 20g.   Also, he said to be aware of high fatty foods like peanut butter and mixed nuts because it is REALLY easy to over eat.  Basically, if it is too tempting to overeat, just avoid. 

Sorry for the long answer.  Hope this helps a little!

That is when I turn to a nice big salad full of all my fave veggies! (very light on the dressing)  Also I agree with a handful of raw almonds or unsalted mixed nuts.  Sometimes I eat a serving of original beef jerky.... high in protein, low in fat, low in carbs and it fills you up!  Also, what are you eating for breakfast and lunch... minimize your carb intake during then so you don't have to be without by the time dinner comes.  I start with one egg and one egg whites topped with fresh salsa in the morning when I know I am going to eat a bigger carb heavy lunch or dinner.  Hope some of this helps!