Wagon Jumpers - February 8 - 14th, 2009 (Closed, Waiting List Available)
Welcome
(We are currently transitioning to 20 members (from 30). If you are interested in being on the waiting list, knowing that it will be a longer than usual list, please read below and e-mail me.)
Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.
This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals.
There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:
1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.
2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals.
If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).
Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment
The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.
We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is capped at 30 participants.
A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 40 - 60 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week.
If you are looking for an always open group on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with.
Interested in Joining?
General Guidelines for Joining
1. Are you a wagon jumper?
Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.
2. Do you have a long way to go?
This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.
Yes. This is, a long term plan.
3. Do you have the time?
This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you.
Still interested?
Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)
An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open.
Wagon Jumpers Participants
Week 40 Riders - 10 Months!:
Supersized (myself)
Week 36 Riders - Congratulations on 9 Months!:
Week 31 Riders:
Week 30 Riders:
Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:
Week 26 Riders:
Week 25 Riders:
Week 23 Riders:
Week 20 Riders - Congratulations on 5 Months!:
Week 18 Riders:
Week 16 Riders - Congratulations on 4 Months!:
Week 14 Riders:
Week 13 Riders
Week 12 Riders - Congratulations on 3 Months!:
Week 11 Riders:
Week 10 Riders:
Week 8 Riders - Congratulations on 2 Months!:
Missing In Action:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:
Current Membership: 25
Current Waiting List: 3
Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0
12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS
(as set w/o January 11th, 2009)
By April 4th, I will be...
Letsgetitstarted - consuming an average of 1,500 cal/day and 3 times a week for a minimum 30 minutes.
Rpete144057 - logging my food daily and exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes.
Jessicaanne2001 - exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, and logging my food daily.
Supersized - logging all of my daily calories and eating in a calorie range of no more than 2,000 cal/day and no less than 1,500 cal/day (calculated by weekly averages).
Figurethefat - exercising a minimum of 1,500 minutes each month, and I will restrict using the scale to two weigh-ins per week on Monday and Friday.
Unlimitedana - eating between 1,500 - 1,600 cal/day and exercising three time a week.
Sarah1090 - logging my calories daily and eating dinner with my mom no less than 4 nights per week.
Cawilder - maintaining a 500 - 1,000 calorie deficit on a daily basis measured by my food log and, working out 5 to 6X per week combo of cardio and lifting.
Carryonandon - maintaining 300 - 500 calorie deficit daily and, exercising 3x per week.
Raven21 - drinking a minimum of 4 bottles (2L) of water daily and, exercising a minimum of 3X per week.
Nannygabber - doing the NROLFW program 3 times per week, and I will establish a 40/30/30 (Carb/Fat/Protein) macronutrient pattern on a weekly average for a minimum of 5 weeks of the next 12.
Germaica - exercising 3 times a week and logging my food for at least 4 days per week.
Pelkeyjm - logging my food daily and exercising at least 3x per week for at least 30 minutes.
The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - logging my caloric intake on calorie count at least six days every week and, exercising in the gym at least 3 days each week.
Tiegurl - eating 1,500 - 2,000 calories and exercising 5x a week.
Kyashiis - running 20 kilometers a week and making progress on the number of repetitions in my calisthenic exercises (starting at: 20 push ups, 30 sit ups, 0 chin ups, 2x 30 sec plank, 20-30 jump rope)
Lam7 - Logging all daily calories at least 6 times a week and, exercising minimum 40 minutes 3x per week.
Sjenn23231 - consuming and average of 1,500 cal/day and, doing SEAL team type workout 3 times a week.
Msmeg1984 - Following the 40-30-30 diet guidelines in NROLFW and working out 3 a week NROLFW plan.
Constanza - using the CC food log every day and, exercising an average of 4 times per week across the 12 weeks.
Defrog3 - eating with improved nutritional quality of food, specifically ensuring that I am getting enough daily protein and carbs and, walking six miles a week weather permitting.
Amber1l - working out 6 days a week for one and a half hours.
Wenchie58 - keeping my calorie intake between 1,400 - 1,500 a day and, drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
Bigbitty - logging my calories daily and continue to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers - February 1 - 7th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 25 - 31st, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 11 - 17th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 4 - 10th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 28 - January 3rd, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 14 - 20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 7 - 13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 30 - December 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 23 - 29th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 15 - 22nd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 9 - 15th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 2 - 8th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 26 - November 1st, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 19 - 25th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 12 - 18th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 5 - 11th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 28 - October 4th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 14-20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 7-13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 31 - September 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 24 - 30th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 17 - 23rd, 2008
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
Hi all!
Sorry to be catching up so late in the week! This week's topic definitely threw me - I've been reading the posts and checking out the very provocative links, but it took a while to figure out something of my own to contribute.. More on that later.
Check in: This week has certainly been better, I'm logging a little more reliably and am on track with the exercise. One thing I've noticed is that while I'm probably, barely, going to manage my low goal of logging every day, I still want more of myself. I think the point of logging for me is to get myself in the habit of planning, noting and being accountable for what I'm eating on a regular basis, so I'm getting impatient with the bare minimum and I want to spur myself to do more. I think my challenge is going to be to stick to the goal I set myself, because I set it for a reason - I need to get in the habit of doing just this. I often get impatient with goals, change them and set them higher, and then fail to follow through on any. So I'm trying to teach myself to be patient and meet the small goals even if it's a little frustrating and they don't seem like enough. This is when it gets hard, so wish me luck!
Topic: This question was difficult for me, and it took me a while to figure out why. I think in the end I've decided that while I find some credible elements in many fat loss/muscle building exercises and approaches, there aren't any that I'd really want to get behind. I could cite one and take it apart just for fun, but I figured I'd do a better job of describing something I really could get behind, so... I present to you: Pilates. I know I've mentioned before that I lovelovelove pilates. Here are some pretty good links I've found on it-
The benefits of pilates: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/feature s/the-benefits-of-pilates
The intersection (or non-intersection) of pilates and weight loss: http://thinkpilates.com/pilates-exercise-and- weight-loss/
Pilates history and instructor governance: http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/whatis.h tml
For the purposes of this week's topic, if you only go to one of the links, go to the second. For learning about pilates generally, I'd recommend the first. So. How does this relate to fat loss and muscle building? Well, as far as fat loss goes, I'm pretty convinced that the only way to get rid of weight - of any kind - is to consume less than you burn. End of story. But when it comes to muscle building, there's a lot of different ways to go about it. I started pilates with an at-home dvd. It was fun and challenging for a little while, but I got bored pretty quickly (short attention span) and was sure I could be doing more, so I started going to classes at my community center. Probably my best health and fitness decision ever. No dvd will ever come close to someone who knows how to assess the strength and flexibility of your muscle groups, identify what you're doing well and what you need to work on, and who can create a routine that targets your weaker areas. Because pilates (like yoga) is based on movements and flexibility, you work more muscles with each exercise. Your whole body has to work to isolate the targeted region and everything gets stronger and leaner. Also if you have a good instructor, he/she will keep you from cheating (in terms of alignment or compensating with other stronger muscle groups) - it makes it harder, but correct form is crucial and very much worth the work.
The second link I posted really resonated with me because when I was going to class twice a week - nowadays I only manage to go once a week - even though my stats didn't change much my body looked much more toned. More importantly, I just felt better. I've done lots of different kinds of exercise in my life, from ballet as a child through my teens, tennis and volleyball, boot camp training, ultimate frisbee, running, etc. I've played through/been hobbled by a number of recurring injuries and imbalances. Pilates was the first and only exercise that addressed them, and leaves me feeling stronger in areas that used to be problematic.
How's that for a sell? 
I know I'm cheating on the assignment a little because this isn't all completely new to me, but I think it's important to choose exercise based on their overall health benefit. I'm not against a good stomach crunch/bicep curl session here and there (I am a wagon jumper, after all - and I own a treadmill!) but for long term fitness plans I'm more persuaded by the idea of holistic training and body awareness.
Phew! That was a long one! Will look forward to the other posts this week!
Maureen Good job on finding some of the extra time in the day. My partner who is super fit (because he never seems to stop moving) often takes time at stop lights to stretch. I'm glad that despite not reaching your number goal you are focusing on how you feel and look in your own skin and appreciating it, that will serve you better than any number.
Constanza I don't think you cheated by putting an exercise that you have already done, it's more about talking about what you believe and why. I think you hit the mark dead on for that. I'm a big yoga fan for the same reasons, the whole body work out and the incredible strength to maintain most of the poses as well as being a dedicated 'class' as opposed to 'dvd' person for the instructor care.
I can also relate to wanting to increase / change the goal as you are trying to complete it. Classic wagon jumper stuff, going most of the way on a goal, and then getting bored / distracted / busy and trying to change it. See if you can get to the 100% logging by the time the goal is finished. Then next round maybe you work with a calorie range or deficit.
One Day Reminders
Oops totally forgot to post these yesterday. Please watch for the following members who have not yet posted to post today. If they have not posted by tomorrow or are on the MIA list on Saturday please send them a polite and positive reminder to stay on track with their goals and involved in the group.
Missing In Action:
Original Post by maureenz:
I haven't had too much time to research this week's topic but just wanted to share something that I started doing for "myself" to increase my metabolism. I was blow drying my hair and it takes a long time and I tend to get impatient so I stood in front of the mirror and started doing "squats"..Yes, you heard me right...i was doing squats while drying my hair and before I knew it I could feel the workout in my thighs and thought..hmm?? when one thinks of it, they can get in a few minutes of exercise throughout the day. So whenever I'm standing impatiently doing whatever, I try to make the best of the situation and make up some exercise to pass the time.
And I thought I was the only one that did squats while blow drying their hair! 
I have also been known to do so while brushing my teeth, waiting for the toaster to pop and during commercials! Definitely makes you feel good.
HAHAHAH Maureen and Raven - ummm. no, being the "anti" exercise type that I was BEFORE.... I hadn't even thought of it! BUT.... I like it!
I do remember reading in a magazine several years ago about standing in line at the grocery store doing kegels. I don't suppose squats in the grocery line would be very attractive, but I do think you could do tensing exercises... or maybe calf-ups? LOL! yeah... weird looks, that's what would happen. HEHEH... but why do I care, I won't see those people again ever... SO..
I am making it sound like standing in line at the store is something I do a LOT of... not so much... just being silly. LMAO! I'm ususally in such a hurry to get outta there, that tensing my abs are the last thing on my mind.
BUT... I do get up from my desk and go do 15 pushups about twice a day... trying to increase that. I just want to be able to do a chin up!
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT:
I have not had that "few minutes" I had wished for at the first of this week. I have however realized that what I wanted to research has been done already by Sara's guy (the blog writer) Doug from Health Habits. He compares every type of Cardio training there is (some types include weights!), and relates it to fat loss. This is a link to several of the blog articles he has written. http://healthhabits.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/ why-cant-i-lose-this-fat/
This will take you to Part 1. From there link up to each additional edition.
What I actually want to address here is something that seems to get left out. It's the emotional side of this three faceted journey. When I first started, it was pointed out to me that there are three sides to it. 1. Nutrition 2. Exercise 3. Emotional.
I am a firm believer that if number 3 is out of whack, numbers 1 and 2 are impossible. I am living proof. Think back to my entry earlier this week. What came out of my head in response to Sara's mention of me having succeeded at 5 months of being in this group. The first thing I stated what what I had learned was mostly psychological, and that my attitude toward it all had changed phenominally.
I, from the gitgo, am an emotional person. I have been told by co-workers and close friends alike, that I live by my emotions. What I have realized is that your emotions do not have to control you. You can control them! You can actually harness their power and put it to work for you. I firmly believe that I am only where I am nutritionally, and physically because I managed to get control of my emotions.
Health Habits Doug also has information on this in Part 2 of the series I linked you to above. Here is another link to a blog he wrote proving it as well. http://healthhabits.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/ the-most-amazing-weight-loss-story/ this story will touch you, inspire you, motivate you, and prove to you that you have to get your mind right.
I know this is (AGAIN!) off subject... and I apologize for not having time to do the research for the topic.
There are ways to grasp your emotions that you've never thought of or heard of. I managed to find a thing or two that worked for me (lets just say I am a firm believer in holistic remedies), and coupled with determination, it can be done. I did it. While I am still OCD, I find positive chanels for it now! IE: reading too much about fitness while I should be working... LOL! ... or working out at the gym instead of pining over my away BF... Using the time it would have BEFORE taken me to run to Burger King ...to plan a menu, check food composition, make homemade yogurt, prepare a healthy meal, etc...It's all about where you pour your energy. Where is your focus? I have a lot more to say about all this! (but it has to wait)... If I could only manage to work as hard at my job. ugh.
WEEKLY CHECKIN:
I am on target for goals, macros and lifting... I did change up my schedule a bit. I had intended to do "Complexes for Fat Loss" (by Alwyn Cosgrove) by itself this month, and then do Stage 2 of NROL4W next month. WELL... I figured out, after the first workout withit, that the CFFL is actually a short workout intended as a precursor to a lifting routine. SO, i reimplemented Stage 2. I am really tired this week, on top of all the work stuff... SO that's my excuse for not researching.
Will be better next week!
Have a healthgain day!
~Julie
OK it's been a busy and depressing week. The economy has effected us in Quebec, we had cut backs in my company and I have been cut 3 hrs a week. More to come. At least I have kept my job.
Weekly topic: Being a beginner I will speak to my experience. When I have Lost weight it was always by cutting calories, no exercise. Usually during times of stress, I would lose my appetite. I lost 20 lbs in 2 months because of this. Of course I gained 10 lbs of that back. Cutting calories does work, but a skinny body that is not fit is still flabby. It still jiggles. When I was in my early 20's I did some weight training and my body composition changed. I was very thin back then, but people noticed the difference. My stomach was in, shoulders back, my posture was better, my stance and movements more graceful. I can lose weight by cutting calories alone, by I will look better, feel better, be healthier if I add exercise. And I believe that I can maintain weight loss if I continue to exercise. No exercise = harder maintenance. So learning by doing is my next step. Weight training will help my body comp, and cardio is good for my heart and lungs and burning cals. But I do believe that weight training will help my metabolism in the long run,
My doctor does not believe in cutting calories, but in exercise and healthier eating, so I will follow his advise. When I cut calories, I feel weaker. When I eat healthy, but the quantity that fills me, I feel great. So I will log what I eat to help me see what I eat (carbs, protein, fat) and make better choices. And exercise is going to be a big component. And I will share with all of you what happens.
Happy St-Valentine's Day
Original Post by raven21:
Original Post by maureenz:
I haven't had too much time to research this week's topic but just wanted to share something that I started doing for "myself" to increase my metabolism. I was blow drying my hair and it takes a long time and I tend to get impatient so I stood in front of the mirror and started doing "squats"..Yes, you heard me right...i was doing squats while drying my hair and before I knew it I could feel the workout in my thighs and thought..hmm?? when one thinks of it, they can get in a few minutes of exercise throughout the day. So whenever I'm standing impatiently doing whatever, I try to make the best of the situation and make up some exercise to pass the time.
And I thought I was the only one that did squats while blow drying their hair!
I do squats while blow-drying, too!! Another nice one, for when you're brushing your teeth (I think of it as "teeth and toes"): Stretch your toes up to the ceiling. It stretches the muscles/ligaments that comprise the arch of the foot, and also strengthens the foot (and it feels good!). Raven, Maybe it can be done while also doing squats??
Hey, not sure about you guys, but man oh man, have we been having nice weather or what?!!!! Really don't mind that white stuff out there, as long as the sun keeps shining like it is! Can it be, Spring is just around the corner?
We had a super weekend, sliding, skating, playing road hockey, going for walks. Family day was enjoyed by all! Nothing like the great outdoors, when the weather is gorgeous!
I wish you all a great week...talk to you soon!
Lee-Anne
THIS THREAD IS CLOSED, PLEASE POST ON OUR NEW WEEKLY THREAD:
So you can keep track of what you eat - which enables you to analyze your foods and receive the following:
- Health Score of your overall diet
- Warning when you approach your daily calorie limit
- Overview of the good and bad nutrients
