Let's get motivated!

Hey everyone.  I see us Illinoisans are slacking on keeping this group active so I am stepping up to try to help.

I propose that since it is the beginning of the new year that we try to keep each other motivated with our weight goals and exercising.  We are all trying to battle very similar culprits and lets face it, there is strength in numbers.  We'll need strength to get through these battles.  I'll start...

I've had some success with my weight loss but with the holidays behind us and my brave self - I stepped on that scale for the first time in weeks and I was met again with reality.  I have gained some weight over the holidays.  I hadn't even met my overall goal yet and here I am gaining back already.  Go figure.  Why dwell on it when I can change it?  I'm back on my bandwagon and will be logging in my CC food journal religiously.  I will be logging my exercises/cals burned and I will be drinking my water.

Whoever wants to help keep yourself accountable please join me.  My hope with this thread is for everyone who joins to come on here at least once a day and tell us of your accomplishment for the day.  Remember, an accomplishment is something you did today to help you toward your goals.  All it takes is one accomplishment at a time!!!

Quick update on today's exercising...

I packed files into banker boxes and moved them around.  I'm counting it since those boxes were HEAVY!!!  I wore my HRM to work to gauge how many calories this would burn.  I was disappointed with what it said but I logged it anyway.  When I got home I did the treadmill...3 miles and then, instead of doing a video I did the Wii Fit for 35 minutes.  Do you know, I burned more calories doing the yoga poses on the Fit than I did loading/moving boxes.  Beats me how that could be.  As far as the Fit, I was excited I scored good levels on the poses.  I'm getting better...slowly but surely!!!

Now for the sun to stick around longer!!!!!!!

Way to go on the 3 mile runs Val.  I know it takes a good bit of stamina to do that.  Hopefully I will be getting back into that range soon too -- you're getting me motivated to get up to that 5k-range again.  I'm taking baby steps though due to my leg rehab - I'm up to 20 mins on the t-mill at a slow-jogging pace.  I'm gonna try to extend that pace up to 30 mins, then start to up the speed in intervals. 

I did hit the gym 4 days last week, including Friday-night and Saturday morning.  I shoot for 4-times a week.  Got there last night too.  How often do you guys try to workout?

I don't know much about HRM's, but could it be that moving boxes doesn't cause a sustained heart-rate in the training zone, since the exertion and subsequent rest periods are kind of intermittent while you're shuffling stuff around.  Again, not sure about how they work -- just thinking out loud.  Overall, would you recommend an hrm as aid toward fitness goals?

I think it is very positive to look for every opportunity to be active and exercise.  Don't think that you didn't work some muscle tissue and gain some benefit, just because the hrm didn't register very high.  It's a great attitude to look for opportunities.  I think it's funny that some people going to the gym are determined to get the parking spot closest to the door.  Those few extra steps really don't hurt too much.

Me, I tend to overcomsume on the weekends too.  I'm pretty good during the week 'cause of the structure around work, and taking lunches, and having dinner after the gym, etc...  But weekends seem to be made for having fun and 'living large' in more ways than one. 

One thing that I've done - but I don't know if it's right - is to log my cals for a week and look at daily averages across the week instead of each day in isolation.  That always kept me from obsessing too much about having a nice meal or a treat once in a while.  Does anyone know whether there's any real impact in looking at average intake instead of setting strict daily limits?

Have fun! -bill

Thanks Bill!!  I am trying to work myself up to working out at least 5 times a week.  I didn't quite make it last week, 4x's but like you said...baby steps toward goals.

The HRM, I love my HRM but with some activities I don't think it calculates properly because my heart rate doesn't rise so much as my muscles get used.  For example when I garden I use a ton of muscles...back, legs, arms, hands...so that most  times I'm very sore the next day but when I've measured it with my HRM my bpm is fairly low so it'll calculate a low cal burn.  What I've read in the fitness forums from many of the regulars...they say to take the average of what CC says and what the HRM says and use that as the burn.  I haven't taken the advice yet...figuring I'd rather slightly underestimate my burn at this point.

As far as people parking as close to the door at the gyms...that is pretty funny!  I noticed that when I used to have a Bally's membership. 

And finally, taking the average cals over time I would think is fine.  After all, we gain a pound once we've accumulated 3500 calories more than what we've burned...I would think the reverse would hold true as well.  Too simplistic?? 

My plans tonight is to do the pilates video, since I didn't get to it last night.

Hi again Val.  fyi- I just remembered that last night I was talking to a friend about workout vids.  She thought that Jillian's workouts beat Cathe's in intensity and results.  I think she' doing "Shred".  Like I said I haven't done vids in a while.  A wise person once told me that any quality workout equipment works - as long as you use it.

Hey!  I watched one of Jillian's TBL workouts on On Demand over the weekend, to see what it was like, and it is very similar to the Body Sculpt one I do.  The video I bought yesterday is a Pilates video.  I'm trying out different things so I don't get too bored.  I totally agree with that person...use it or lose it!!!

Hi everyone,

Just checking in.  So far this week I did TBL workout video on Monday and went to the gym, yesterday I did TBL video again, and today I plan on getting to the gym.  I've never been a workout video person but they really are convenient when you are crunched for time or seriously lacking motivation. 

The weekends are my diet challenge- wine, martinis, cheese, etc.  If I know I'm going to be eating delicious treats that aren't so waist-friendly, I try and include some hummus and vegetables or steamed edamme (sp?) for a little extra nutrients.

Val, in regards to the HRM...  It sounds like your workouts like gardening and moving boxes are more strength training than cardio therefore you heart rate probably won't increase as much as you anticipate.  Doesn't mean it's not a good workout, just less of a cardio workout.  That's my guess.

Hi.  Val - Maybe you should take a look at the Cathe.com vids - some are very focused on strength training.  They might be available at your library -- I've definitely seen them on Amazon too.  The one strength oriented vid I remember doing was called "Slow and Heavy".  But 'Heavy' doesn't mean massive weights - I recall doing most of her work with dumbells.  I know that some vids use a light set of bar-weights, a step (for bench, flies, etc), a stability ball...  Nevertheless, she makes her workouts challenging.  She has other strength-only workouts as well -- Intensity was one series I recall.  A few of her strength dvds might work well into your collection - she has been doing quality vids for quite some time.

Have you tried any yoga vids?  That's an area that I might want to get into at home.  Can you recommend any?

I'm having dinner with a friend tonight, so I had to hit the gym again last night.  My legs were pretty sore from strength-work on Monday night, so I chose to do just cardio last night.  I made it up to 22 minutes at a slow jog.  Woo-Woo!  I'm hoping to get up to 30 minutes in the first week of Feb.

I really should rent these vids before buying them.  I rent from Blockbuster online, I bet they have a lot of choices in the fitness category.  The yoga dvd I have is by this company called GAIAM...at least I think that's how it's spelled.  The pilates dvd set is from the same company.  BTW, I popped in that Pilates vid last night and the introduction was so long (even though I FF through it) that I ran out of time to actually do any of it!!!  I'll try again tonight...this time I'll FF even faster. LOL!!! 

Hey Cplatt!!  Great job on getting in the TBL workouts this week!  I'm not normally a vid person either but in the winter there aren't a whole lot of options to keep things interesting.  I think you're right about the HRM too, or at least that's my guess as well.

Dream, oohhhh...dinner out??  Sounds fun!  And 22 minutes; that's 2 more than before, isn't it?  You probably could've gone even longer had you not already been sore.  I think you will totally make your Feb goal of 30 minutes!! 

Hi all.

Val - It definitely pays to check-out vids before buying.  I do that with Netflix, if I can, before buying.  Doing so has allowed me to avoid some real clunkers.

Yep.  It's nice to get out mid-week sometimes -- nothing real fancy, just stayed local for seafood -- a fave treat!  I'm a sucker for a well-turned scallop.  Mmmm.  Like candy!

On the cardio front - I'm trying to work my way up by 5 minutes each week.  So far so good.  In rehab, we keep finding new weak-spots, so I'm still trying to go easy on my body.  I get impatient though -- spring is just around the corner and I'd like to have all my body parts working by then.  I see the ortho next week to check-up on calf and shoulder issues.  Wish me luck.

Once I finished my t-mill time, it definitely felt like I could've kept going for more. But, I always wonder why the first mile always hurts (even with a healthy body)?  I'll be at the gym after work again this evening.

For me, winter is the best time to work on fitness.  I tend to get distracted with the summer fun - and don't like being in a gym on gorgeous days and evenings.  I'm backwards in that I tend to gain weight more in the summer months than winter months.  Weird huh.  I was able to maintain last summer though, so I guess I've learned some ways to deal with it.

It seems like everyone is on a roll!!!  Keep up the good work everybody -- and stay warm.

-b-

B, you're not even kidding about renting allows you to avoid buying clunkers.  That Pilates dvd (the first in the pack), you know how I said I'd FF through the intro???  Well, it turns out that wasn't an intro it was supposed to be the actual workout.  What a let-down!!!  I decided to wait until I have more patience before trying it out again.  I ended up doing a completely different video I've had for a while...regular stuff; lunges, squats, crunches and upper body weights.

I wonder the same thing about that first mile being the hardest to get through. 

Summer, my problems with it is more that I am very active and will either eat too little for what I've burned....or...the opposite, I end up having friends over for bbq's (usually fairly healthy food) but then go overboard with drinks.  Lol  At least I'm home when that happens with the drinks.

Good luck at the ortho next week.  Oh, and I just noticed that we're burb neighbors! 

Hello Valsogoal,

Well, I am adding to your group. Don't give up. Sometimes it takes just a few committed people to fire it up! :) I am working on getting weight off, I have a lot to lose but I am in it for the long haul. Although I do weigh myself frequently, I am trying not to focus on the weight as much as the measurements and positive lifestyle choices I am making for myself. I am trying to workout 4-5 days a weeks and doing some type of physical activity the other 2-3 days. Mainly I work out from home but thinking of joining my local park district to access a few machines since the weather isn't ideal for biking, walking or running right now. I am looking forward to it warming up to at least 50 so I can do more stuff outside. I would love to find people that live near me and/or to find people that are goal oriented, want to live healthy lives and like to encourage others. I am new to this site so trying to figure out how everything works. Keep up the hard work! :)

Welcome Luv!!  Well, when it comes to long hauls...I'm definitely there too!  I've been at this a couple years and have come a long way and cannot fathom stopping now.  The more weight you have to lose the better off (IMO) you are with looking at the losing process from more than one angle.  Sometimes we think we're hitting walls when really our body is just re-assessing and we see results in measurments, stamina, muscle, clothes, and not so much the scale.  And then the scale catches up. 

Today's weather is going to be such a tease!!!  I'm hoping to get out to the show tomorrow.  I need to get out of the house more often, cold or no cold.  I gotta spread these wings!! 

I did not exercise last night.  I used it as my day off.  Tonight I'm at it again;  treadmill and the same video as Wednesday, Denise Austin.  Only, this time I'm going to use heavier weights.  My weight is creeping down, my clothes are fitting better again...not perfectly but better.  Ahhh, I can't wait for nicer weather!!!!

Hi Luv - welcome.  This site has a wealth of information in the forums and tools.  You're in a good place here.

Val - Lol about ff>> through the intro -- you missed the whole workout huh?  Patience... I think that's what always bugs me about things like yoga and pilates -- they're slow and kind of boring.  I understand the benefits; but being a real maniac at heart, I look to exercise for energetic activity, excitement and constant challenge.  I like yoga for the calming, relaxing almost spiritual side -- but it seems like two different things to me.  But that's just me -- I know that the poses are tough, and it takes a lot of mental fortitude to hang-on...  Just a little low on the action and excitement scale.

Yep.  The social aspects of summer definitely get to me.  Too easy too chill-out at a backyard, patio bar or cafe sipping margharitas with pals -- ;P

Also, I tend to stay active and outdoors while the sun is shining, so most of my cooking and eating habits go out the window too.  Here's a typical choice choice for me -- 8pm Sunday night; I'm driving home from a distant golf course; been out in the sun all day;  do I: a) stop at Jewel, go home and cook-up something healthy; b) grab the cell-phone, order a pizza and grab a 6-pack.  Hmmmm.  What would you do?  Life gets tough sometimes ;}

Thanks for the thoughtful good wishes.  Maybe we'll bump into each other around town sometime.  Enjoy.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Bye the way, my name is Jamie. I will try and get my profile filled out and my pics posted soon so you all can't put a name with a face. Good to know everybody is human here. LOL. Hey, if you can't handle a slow workout DVD val, did you try 30 day Shred with Jillian Michaels - Dream you may even like this one! :) It's a quick 20 min. w/o but it's non-stop. I am somewhere in the middle. Yoga is fine for me as long as it's not the same two positions over and over lol. I think I prefer pilates a little more. By the way, Val, I saw your pics, wow you have come a long way. That is so inspiring. Can you share  a little advice on calorie intake. I did calculate what my body needs on a daily basis but I don't know how much to cut back for weight loss purposes. well, I am super excited about chatting with all of you. Let's stay motivated! :)

Hey Jamie.  Sounds like you're on the right track with your thinking.  I think it really is about making choices that support healthy eating and exercise habits.  I don't feel qualified to calculate your calorie deficit, since I lost most of my weight before I found cc.  I was lucky enough to work with a personal trainer who looked at my diet and said "eat this, not that".

And definitely go for your workout plan.  I can't imagine what it would be like to try to maintain a deficit without the benefit of burning cals through workouts.

Someday I'll try pilates.  I even have a niece who is an instructor on the north-side.  Like I said I like yoga for a change of pace.  I have some kundalini vids by Ana Brett & Ravi Singh.  Big focus on breathing and chakras (don't know if my chakras are growing muscles yet though).  Like I said to Val, I think anything works as long as you use it.

Hey.  I made it to the gym Friday and Sat -- up 25 mins on the t-mill both days.  Yipee!  Also did a strength routine on Sat.  Got my scale moving in the right direction too -- I'm waiting impatiently to get back to where I was before my injuries.  I went to the golf dome on Saturday and hit some balls indoors.  Felt good to swing but made my shoulder a little sore.  Today (sunday) is my rest day -- need it 'cause I'm pretty sore.

It's cold again -- stay warm everyone.  Enjoy.

Hey Dreams,

Thanks for the encouragement. Good job on the tread....it's tough stuff as it is, let alone adding recovering from injuries to the game. Well as they say, what doesn't kill ya can only make you stronger right? :) 

In the past, it seemed like every time I would get hard core into working out something would happen, my knees, my shoulder, my back - which when that happens, there is nothing I can do but lay flat for several days, not fun. I think I have inherited the worst of the family tree lol. So, I hear ya...I use to think, man what the heck, every time I get back up...enough already....so I just decided that no matter what the challenge, I decided it was the universe asking me, how bad do you want it? So, I answered by saying, Bad enought that I'm not done trying, thanks! Life sure has an interesting way of teaching you things.

Well, as far as yoga goes, I'm not into all the chanting, feel your body lift to the sky stuff...I just like the DVD's that focus more on the breathing and the actualy positions...just me personally. That's why I think I favor pilates, because it incorporates those things plus strength training/core strength as well.  The rental idea you mentioned back in a post to Val is a great idea though, even though I usually order them off of Amazon for as little as possible, rental is good. I get bored with things so I have to constanly change my routine.

Well, I hope you have a fabulous day of rest and recovery!

Here's to pushing on! 

Hi everyone,

I didn't make it to the gym once this weekend   I know it's not the end of the world but I had hopes of getting some hard core workouts in but was distracted by social activities instead. 

It's a new week and my goal is to spend an hour at the gym after work tonight.  Anyone else have a difficult time not being getting disappointed when you don't meet a goal? 

I hear ya Cplatt!  I had a very hard time getting started this weekend.  I didn't do any tread-time.  That's usually my thing but it was too chilly in the house and all I wanted to do was cozy up with a blanket and my long johns.  Lol 

Dream, great job on your tread time!!!  Wow, you really are sticking nicely with your goal of upping in 5 minute increments.  Are you getting more and more anxious for the 30 minute mark?

Hey Luv, nice "seeing" ya!!  I was lmao at your yoga comment...lift your body to the sky stuff...that's where they lose me too.  Mute doesn't help cause then you don't know when to change positions.   I do like the moves though.  My bones crack all the time and I slouch (probably side affect of being so heavy for so long) so I know yoga or pilates would only benefit me with those probs.

As far as deficits Luv, the goal I kept through the majority of my losses was to maintain a deficit of 500 or more.  It worked nicely my first year but then as I got further along in my losses I started upping the deficits to the point where I was doing 850-1000 cal deficits almost always.  I think my body started rebelling and hindering my losses.  That's just my guess.  I'm back to trying to log my food again and to track a deficit of a minimum of 300.  I'm also trying to avoid 1000 cal deficits as much as possible.

I did do yoga and calisthenics on the Wii Fit for 45 minutes [logged] last night.  But since I didn't do cardio I just did laps in the stairwell here at work.  Whew!!  I only went up and down 13 times (4 floors - up 6 times) but I can tell that was a nice, quick workout. 

Hi CPlatt,

Yeah, it's easier to focus on the disappointment but while we need to be disciplined and consistant, we also need to remember to forgive ourselves or else we get caught up in a very defeating mental war. Focus on the positive, ok so you are going to the gym tonight. Great decision! Go you! Life is a delicate balance and everyday we are learning how to manage that balance. It's a lot and sometimes it seems challenging to handle social life, personal life, exercise, eating right, work/school - it's a lot to manage so yes, sometimes I think we just need to know it's okay - it's not the end of the world. I know for myself, the biggest thing I have struggled with is forgiving myself. Sometimes we think if we beat ourselves up over it it will whip us into shape. It often can produce the opposite results. I try to be mindful of refraining from talking negative and instead  try and put a positive spin on things in a present manner. So instead of I didn't do something, today or yesterday, just put the energy into saying I am doing this... today! the mind is crazy like that.

Enjoy your workout tonight!

Jamie

Hey Val,

Thanks for the info. Good job with the stair workout - that is a good one. I am waiting for the weather to de-ice so I can do bleachers at the local high school track field. That's a real endurance test lol. Well, since Dream is working on increasing his increments on the tread, I think I have to start with something I am trying to increase which are push ups...not cardio I know but you do get a cardio workout with it lol. I could barely do 1 push up a couple of months ago, now I am up to 6. I have a long way to go but I feel my body changing and my muscles are taking form. I felt my calves on accident the other day and I was like holy crap, I have calf muscles lol! Woohoo! Ok, so back to the calorie deficit thing, my profile recommendation I think says my body functions on like 2400 something calories. So, if lets say I burn 300-500 in a workout, than what should I be consuming to create the deficit, like 1800 ish? Sorry this whole mathmatecial science of it all is so new to me. And I know I have to start being mindful of logging my calories, however it is challenging because it's time consuming. Well, hope everyone is doing well. I have yet to workout today so that's next for the day. Well, see everyone around.