Posts by iblameitontheradio

Hi,

Well firstly I second the first response and reckon you should get it checked out first.

Secondly, my boyfriend has had problems with sciatica for years and after going to the doctors was given exercises to strengthen his core muscles, which helped.  We recently joined the gym and his trainer guy told him not to go on the treadmill but that the elliptical, cross-trainer, cycling and rowing machines were all fine.  He also gave my boyfriend a load more exercises on the gym ball to strengthen his core and suggested he used the powerplate for massage/stretching to increase flexibility.  He also recommended swimming and so far so good.  His back and leg can sometimes still be quite painful but before this the pain was so great he couldn't walk!

I'd definitely make sure it is sciatica first!  Good luck.

I am a microsoft lover (by default) but I'm going to say this: Get a macbook.  If your using it for multimedia, photoshop etc then you're probably a bit like me.  Right now I'm using a massive tank of a dell (with vista) thats been updated and upgraded by my boyfriend several times over and every time I need to work, and therefore have adobe bridge, photoshop and illustrator open (not to mention media player for the entertainment) it is the slowest thing I have ever used. 

My boyfriend on the other hand has a lovely little macbook and he does digital media arts, so lots of photoshopping and general heavy use of large meia-type programs.  His macbook  works like a charm - I think he updated the ram though, so I'd look into that.

Also, if your going into the creative industries then you'd better get used to working with macs because everyone and their nan uses them.  Anyone I have ever done work experience with has a fleet of macs and expects you to know how to use one.  Bottom line is if you're doing creative stuff then your gonna want a mac - thats what they are created for.  Pcs are created for businesses and office work and have recently been marketed towards creatives - still can't handle them though.  I'm currently saving now....

Oh my god!!

I always used to have the spicy chicken noodle salad when I'm at work as I work in Oxford Circus where a cheap and healthy lunch is pricey and hard to come by.  I'd always thought of eat and itsu as being the low cal chains but OH MY GOD! I though I was eating 263...now its 466???  Thats as bad as pret!  I wonder if the soups have changed?  Thanks for the heads up!

I've recently taken to making myself a salad or taking pitta breads and hummous to work, also the food doctor bagels are fab for lunch.  Otherwise the only useful place is boots or tesco...but the food isnt fresh which is rubbish - why do we have to compromise?!

x

I just wanted to say thank you sooo much guys for all your helpful advice and opinions!  I have come to the decision that I am going to join for a month and then review it - depending on the fine print of course.  I really wish I could go running (aoifek, Victoria Park is awesome!) but I am brilliant at coming up with excuses (right now its raining and I know I could NEVER be bothered going on the tube to a better place to run - upsetting considering its free and I'm stinjy!) and I think I really need some kind of financial guilt to force me. 

I also think that as it's the first time I've ever joined a gym I really need a place that is 100% available for everything at all times - this morning I had a massive urge to go run around and use up some excess energy, but at all the other gyms I have looked at this would'nt have been possible as student membership is only available at off-peak hours or evenings.  And the feeling has most definitely passed!

So yes, thank you very much everyone - I am off to join and become my dream self!

xxx

Original Post by taylorvt:

Wow, that sounds ridiculously expensive. If you can find something cheaper, I'd go for that. To give you an idea of how expensive:

I joined my gym in November when it was fairly new so they waived the join up fee (which would have only been 80-100 I think). It is a 24/7 365 days a yr access gym so I had to pay for a fob key. I don't mind that at all since I can go whenever I want and it's also very secure since you need the fob key to get in.

The equipment is all new, it's never very crowded except right after work, and even then I never have to wait for a machine or anything. I can do the classes they offer. AND the best part? I can use any of their centers across the country! That's right... Anytime Fitness and access to them all. I moved out of my parents house 2 mts ago so I just started going to a different one near my new apt! I go on vacation and if there is one near I can use it.

So how much do you think I pay a month?

............................. $35 and I got locked into a year long contract, but at that price who cares?

WOW....I am so jealous.  Unfortunately thats just not possible here - the cheapest I've ever heard of is £20 and that was back home in Aberdeen, with student discount at off-peak hours only and having to pay extra for classes!  I think I should set up a gym and it'll be cheap...and nice. 

On the other hand, I've been thinking:  I'll happily pay over £60 for a pair of ridiculous shoes I can't walk in, let alone stand it, so why is this such a big deal when I can cancel it a month later if I'm not using it enough...?  Oh I just don't know!!!

haha this is exactly what I've started doing!  I always used to just eat whatever I wanted and not care about it - I don't look too great for it though.  I'm not lucky enough to get away with it.  Whenever I see someone who I think looks great, the first thing I think it 'I wonder how much she eats...' hah.  And yes, I always make big lavish meals for my boyfriend as I love love love food and cooking so it makes me feel a little bit better just to make it for him and then feel better myself for not eating it.  I think I must be a secret feeder or something.

I'm from the UK - it was released last Friday!  At the end of the day, it's essentially just a change for video gaming by introducing fitness and encouraging a healthy way of life - generally though I am totally against gaming and I get pretty bored sat hitting buttons, but the Wii's totally get me involved.

Also it is a million times better than any workout dvd I own as it is based on interaction and you have to focus on maintaining your balance correctly. You can compete with your family as it has a leaderboard as well.  For the more secretive (me) you can password protect your stats.  It is definitely worth the price though, as the board feels very well made and is pretty sensitive i think.  I think I'm in love...

jlj23 - we might just be twins...

5ft 4

143 (ish)

20

Female

Ok.

First of all - relax. What is done is done and cannot be changed so focus on what you can do now for the future.  Get rid of all the junk food around you - it sounds like you have a few temptations outside of your living area so you definitely don't need it that near to you too. 

Healthy food does not have to be expensive - the last time I checked fruit and vegetables were a LOT cheaper than junk food.  Have a quick look for some healthy recipes e.g soups, salads, pasta dishes - you'll be surprised just how fast and cheap they are to make.  You could also start freezing portions for future to save time.  About time etc. the best way to make time for yourself is to plan - get out a pen and paper and plan your week ahead, including all meals and what each meal will contain ingredients-wise.  You'll be surprised how much motivation you can summon up just by really analysing what you will be eating as opposed to just shoving it in your mouth without a second thought.

And stay positive! Your at uni - on a scholarship and that's pretty incredible! I know it's hard but try to focus on all the best things in your life - this will give you a bit of perspective and you'll be able to really step back from all of this and work out what you need to do. You will not hurt yourself. Write down how your feeling - every time I do this when I get angry or upset - these negative feelings just drift away, amazing!

I hope this helps a bit.  Good luck with everything! x