Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 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 37 Riders:
Supersized (myself)
Week 34 Riders:
Week 33 Riders:
Week 30 Riders:
Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:
Week 27 Riders:
Week 26 Riders:
Week 23 Riders:
Week 22 Riders:
Week 21 Riders:
Week 20 Riders - Congratulations on 5 Months!:
Week 19 Riders:
Week 18 Riders:
Week 17 Riders:
Week 15 Riders:
Week 13 Riders:
Week 11 Riders:
Week 9 Riders:
Week 8 Riders - Congratulations on 2 Months!:
Week 7 Riders:
Week 5 Riders:
Missing In Action:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:
Current Membership: 25
Current Waiting List: 2
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 - 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
Wagon Jumpers August 10 - 16th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 2 - 9th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers July 27 - August 2nd, 2008
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
Continuing on exercise as our most requested theme, we have covered what exercise you are doing and if you think it is effective. We got a variety of hedgy answers around some exercise and what you are willing to fit into your day, and what you like to do. Then we worked on what exercise tips you have heard, if you believe them and why... so let's talk about what we are not doing.
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
Hi Everyone,
Thanks Sara for the congratulations on being in the group for 2 months. I have to admit that the first month I was just barely hanging in there: I knew I had to get serious about losing some weight but I just wasn't there yet. The second month I took action, got back into the logging routine, discipline, and exercise. The scale goes up so easily, but down is a different story, so progress is slow, but at least I'm not gaining...
This week's topic: I think it would be great to have a regular routine going using free weights, but as yet that hasn't happened. I don't know if it's ever going to happen. It sounds wonderful, supposed to be good for me, at my age, doing weight-bearing exercise and maintaining muscle, but I can't seem to set aside time, stick to it, get a routine down, blah blah blah. So much easier to just hope on the bike, or walk inside, or on the treadmill, those things don't take much effort.
Figurethefat: Most people on here know that I am a total advocate of New Rules of Lifting for Women. This is a great workout for women of all ages and you really realize your potential because you use a challenging amount of weight. Us women are much stronger than we lead ourselves to believe. It's not a lot of time - just 3 days a week, you don't have to do cardio with it if you dont want to until its added back into the predesigned workouts.
I find that a weight routine is much more fun and i get a way better workout.
As for the things I'm not doing that i wish i could be - i would have to say taking my puppy for regular walks. We get a decent walk in on the weekend if the weather is ok, but i know its good for me and even better for her and is a good way to bond. Seeing as its dark when i leave and dark when i get home from work monday - friday my only options are really to buy a treadmill (no money for that) or just ramp up the weekend walks and wait until summer for better walks in the afternoon.
I can get about 1 loop around the neighborhood with in the evenings, but thats less than a mile.
I'm going to get my butt back into the gym this week. Time to use my lunch hour for more than surfing the web !
Weekly Check In
I successfully ate at the 3,000 cal/day average level. That's not really a challenge, but it sort of is as I had been over the previous week. I'm aiming for 2,800 cal/day average this week. I missed on the exercise, a combination of lack of motivation, poor planning, and still being unsure what I want to do.
I was happy that the scale bounced back to a bit lower than when I started measuring myself, I figure this is to be expected as at least some of the weight put on over the holidays will be water weight. It's weird to see it go down when I am still at such a high calorie range, and not exercising. I'm sure this good scale karma will not continue. Unfortunately it may be my lack of exercise that brought the scale down as my body fat measurement was up. That is not good. Muscle is hard to build and I don't want to loose any, so that's extra motivation to get back to the gym.
I'm measuring in centimeters, for two reasons, first being raised with the metric system I have a good idea what a centimeter and a meter looks like, unlike inches and feet. Second, because it's a finer gradient it will allow me to see when I'm decreasing sooner. I was somewhat worried that the finer gradient what with human error placing the tape and all would take quite awhile to establish regular measurements, but it seems to have happened in these first few weeks. The centimeters which I put on last week (in conjunction with the pounds) came off this week almost entirely.
In short I'm happy with my measurement system now, so I need to stop focusing on that and start focusing on consistency and results.
Weekly Topic
Actual weight lifting. What I mean by actual weight lifting is that after reading NROLFW I realize that I'm doing what most women do and that is using barbie weights at high reps which doesn't really give me any of the desired effects of weight lifting.
There are a few roadblocks for me. First is getting my butt back in the gym. Then there is the bit where I need to probably leave the safety and security of the women's area and travel into the scary weights area. I know I've done this before and it's been fine.... and if it's not I can always just carry the weights back to the women's gym. Finally there is not knowing what I am doing, I know how to run on a treadmill. I don't know how to lift weights and it's a bit scary to get over that hurdle.
What I need to so is go to the gym, go to the weights section and read more of the NROLFW and the blog that I like. Then it's just planning so that I continue to do it.
Hi All,
This week went well. I maintained my deficit goal, yeah. Not as much exercise as possible - while it is really silly I am still freaked out by going to trail especially since I witness two thugs casing the cars while I was watching them. Call me and OLD Nancy Drew! I am working on the situation. I worked out in our company gym.
Msmeg - yeah, it was hard when we had our puppies (two golden retreivers) they woke up @ 5AM so I was up and out with them for 45 minutes at that point but they needed more exercise so I had to figure it out and felt they never really got all that they needed. Mornings were dark and wet (it's Oregon!) Sorry, I can only commisserate with you...
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
I would really like to start rowing with my husband. But, it's hard to find a two man boat and I have to go back and get more training on it again. My husband has never rowed but wants to. It is the number of hours in the day and balancing it all with work, children, and just plain life. I am hoping that we can get it together and perhaps do this this spring. Oh, money is an issue as usual - we can't just go out and buy boat and hire a coach (but that would nice!).
My other is doing enough weight lifting - I think I need to find a partner who holds me accountable. I might try to find someone at work to help me. We'll see. I prefer to run alone or with my husband so that's not a problem.
My iPod + Nike sensor in my shoe has been dead since I came back from the States, so I don't know how far I have run without mapping out my runs.
My other goal is to increase my reps of calisthenic exercises. I did well on that. I think I can up the reps to 5 more reps this week. I am looking forward to making progress there.
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? ** I would like to lift free weights, but I don't know much about how it is done.
What are the roadblocks? ** I don't have a DVD player, a TV in a room big enough to do exercise while watching a video, weights, or a DVD workout. There are two gyms in town, but my schedule is too erratic to consider going to them.
How can you overcome them? ** I had the goal of reaching a weight of 61 kilos by Dec. 16th, and my reward for that momentous event was a flat screen TV and DVD player as well as champagne and a night out on the town.
This reward is really motivating to me, and I don't want to buy them before I reach my goal. I have to lose 7 kilos before I get my reward. At a weight loss of 2 kilos a month, that means it will be four months before I can get all the roadblocks out of the way and start lifting free weights.
I am being patient with this whole process of losing weight, eating right, exercising, and the spiritual awakening that goes along with it. I see myself a year from now at my goal weight with a strong, fit body and doing free weights in addition to a sustainable program of exercise and a healthy eating lifestyle.
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
Quite honestly, I can say that I am happy with my rhythm at this point, and do not feel there is really anything I could possibly add that would be manageable. From what I have read there really is a limit to what you should put your body through, otherwise it becomes counterproductive.
At some point I would like to take up an outdoor sport or two, maybe rock climbing, or cycling. At this stage, my schedule is full of what I already want to do for me, for right now. In the summer, I may consider taking on an outdoor sport, but winter is here in full force!
I had early on considered the possibility of getting into long distance running/marathons etc, but have pushed that further down the line because I discovered that I needed to focus on building some muscle by lifting free weights before I get involved into much else. While I had progressed from being able to run on a treadmill for 2 whole minutes up to 30 minutes straight, I did forego that exercise and replace it with lifting. However, I am still using 20 minute HIIT for warmups, which is working well.
In the program I have chosen, New Rules of Lifting for Women, I am about to (in 2 more weeks) begin Stage 2, where the challenge will be more on my level, even though it was important for me to learn the basics through Stage 1. I DID however, through Stage 1 stick with a somewhat different form of cardio (HIIT instead of straight running), even though the program did not require it. Stage 2 does call for it, so I will intensify it some when I get there.
I read someone saying recently that they were a runner but wanted to change it up, yet were "afraid of HIIT" - I can't remember if it was in this group or in some other thread on this site, but I just have to say... HIIT is really great! If you can run for 20 minutes without stopping, you can do HIIT, without any trouble at all. In fact, since I switched to intervals, the workout goes so much faster, and by the time I am ready to finish, I don't want it to end... I want to take it to the next level! I really enjoy it. There's nothing to be afraid of at all!
And Sara - I know you are the type of woman who will be determined to get the weight lifting started, and once you do, you will see there was nothing to worry about. When you say "not knowing what I am doing" - I completely sympathize. I was there, not all that long ago. And while I was a little intimidated by seeing all those beefy men hanging around etc... I just got it in my head that I am there probably for a different reason than they are. I have a job to do! They seem to be there to show off, at least that's the way I see it, and its funny too, when you watch them... they rarely ever work their lower body.
I talked to a couple guy friends who lift, and one told me he rarely ever notices who is around him anyway, because he has his music on and is concentrating on his own thing. The other told me that he sees the guys go in there and do the same routine every time they go, and as we know, that does eventually end up being counter productive because the muscles become used to it, and then stop growing. So, how smart is that? LOL! I can guarantee you Sara, that you know more than most already! Stage 1 will give you some basic moves, then you just build from there, and you will be utterly AMAZED at the strength you feel increasing as you progress. So please DO jump that hurdle! I want you to feel as good as I do after only a short time doing it.
'Nuf for now... Hope everyone has a great week, believe in yourself, and Happy Healthgain...
~Julie
Hi everyone!
Well, this week was great for goals, bad for scales - go figure. Of course, 'bad' in this case means I didn't get on the scale and learn that I'd magically reached my goal weight. Darn. I think I might start doing Sara-style metric measuring about once a week to see if that's more encouraging. I'm always really motivated by results, so that would be a great help! I've exercised almost every day - mixture of treadmill running, walking outdoors, pilates - and am logging away. I'm trying to stick with it (I'm about at the point where I normally jettison the plan for a few days, taking cheat-breaks although still telling myself that I'm in deprivation mode, then wonder why it's not working.) The hope is that if I can actually stick with it long enough to see meaningful results, and since CC helps me keep track of my choices, I'll be better at staying on target later and seeingwhat choices yield what results. Here's hoping!
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
I used to play ultimate frisbee about twice a week, and I'm planning to start again soon. It's great exercise and a fun community where I live, but I stopped completely over the thesis-writing period - getting to the field, playing and hanging out took up too many hours in the middle of the day and I work best with long dedicated blocks of time. I'm pretty excited to start again, but I'm definitely going to have to toss the disc with the hubby a few times first. It's been so long I think I might have forgotten how to throw it! No road blocks really, just something I fell out of the habit for and am going to start again.
Umm.. I also vaguely want to run a marathon *some day* just for the thrill of being able to casually drop the line 'well, when I ran the (insert location) marathon'... :) Also because I'd like to prove to myself that I can do it - not so much physically as mentally - that I can set a challenging target, work up to it and then conquer the beast. The other thing I vaguely want to do * some day * is some kind of hard core boot camp training like the program Susan's doing. Same reasons. Plus, then you get ridiculously fit for a while. I think I'll start with getting back to frisbee regularly though. Once I figure out the job situation and therefore have extra cash and some more stability, I'll investigate marathon training programs too.
Happy week!
Ok, mystery solved, now I know what NROLW is! I guess I will go out and buy the book. Thanks!
Weekly Check-In: Well, the week had started off okay, and then I was stressed studying for a Real Estate Exam. To be specific, exercise goal reached for the week and some. Logging of food a bomb. Only successfully and completely logged 3 of the 7 days. 
.
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? ** I would have to agree with others, in that I would like to get back into weight lifting. My husband had bought me my treadmill, which I love, and we had purchased a ParaBody weight system for our son along with free weight dumbells ranging from 5 lbs - 60 lbs. So can't say I am not equipped.
What are the roadblocks? ** I would love to take a picture for you all right now to show you that the equipment is not currently / ideally set up right now. The designated room, is still full of unpacked boxes, and has not yet had the Lee-Anne once over clean and paint as of yet. The house is a resale home, and this particular room was designated as a bachelor appartment by the previous owner. I don't like to speak negatively about other people, especially when I don't know them, but honestly, the tenant was a PIG. I have spot cleaned, but until such time that we can devote our time to that room, (fully clean and paint), I am not happy. Also, we have plans to set up music, and TV when we finally can devote time to that room. Main house and boys bedrooms came first and are still in progress. Before and after pictures are definitely required, if not for anyone else but me/us. The other BIG roadblock is time. I am grateful to have the opportunity to get my exercise in by going to the pool for my weekly AQUAturbo classes, yet any extra time is work around the house on weekends, or kids sports.
Lastly, we are challenged with where to put the unpacked box contents. Our last house had much more storage closets, then this house does. Too early for a garage sale given the wonderful snow. teehee.
How can you overcome them? **
Guess I will need to put my certified Project Management skills to use, and actually put together a timeline to get this room in order. Have mentioned it to my hubby twice now, onto how wonderful it would be for that room to be in order, yet his reply is "not a top priority right now". I understand, and respect his reply, as my priority does not always equal his. You see, the need to work out is not one of his goals. He has way too many things on the go too...so I have no right to be forceful. If it is going to get done, it just may need to be done on my schedule and desire to have it done.
One day at a time...
Lee-Anne
super, don't worry about the gym shyness, since people there (in the weight lifting area) are way too focused in their workouts so they don't notice who is there and who is not.
lam7, hope you can set up your gym soon :)
constanza, metric measuring is way more encouraging, since you notice changes faster.
nanny, I'm a HIITer too (3 weeks and counting!) and I like the fact that is so short but you make so much!
WEEKLY CHECK-IN
I'm proud to say that I was able to accomplish my two goals last week. And it was so hard! I almost didn't make it. I had to say "no!" to the little voice that said: "C'mon is 10 PM, Sunday, accept that you didn't do the last lifting routine . Give up!". So at 10:15 (sort of), I took my weights and did the routine.
Last week I bought new ingredients, which was really exciting. I bought balsamic vinegar, olive oil and soy beef. I just wanted to spice up my foods and it worked! Oh, and I learned to make poached eggs (because honestly, microwaved "fried eggs" suck!).
So it was a good week.
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
I just read about Pump and Body Jam classes. Can you imagine weight lifting with music? They sound really intesting. I'm not doing them because I'm not in a gym (yet). The roadblocks, mainly money matters, but just today I was flipping through channels and guess what? I found a body jam show. The way I can overcome this is by either buying a dvd of body jam/pump in a garage sale or simply start doing the tv class stuff once a week.
Rock climbing. I have to do some training and I have to make time to the training. I have wanted to do it since I have been in college and I'm about to graduate. I also keep saying that I need to lose a little bit more weight to do it. I just need to get up and do it. I shouldn't let anything hold me back. I can do it.
Sara thanks for the 2 month note!! I'm really enjoying this group and it keeps me coming back to log what I eat. The main thing is that I've been *much* more aware of what I'm eating and it helps me gain an intuition for how much is an appropriate amount when I'm in a situation where I can't plan in advance. It's also been nice to see everyone else's progress as they continue to be committed to things.
Check-in: Well, over the last week I maintained my calorie defecit about 60% of the time... I'm not entirely thrilled with that - it needs to be closer to 100% :-) However, they do say to set goals that seem difficult to achieve, but not so difficult that you don't think you have the power to reach it. No exercise at all this week. I'm looking forward to a better week.
Weekly Topic: I'm one of those people who's not really interested in athletic activities. So, there's not really any exercise in particular that I'm hoping to add into my life.
Roadblocks for me to adding more activities to my life are fairly numerous: budget, boredom during the activity, lifestyle/time, location (bad weather 6 mos of the year)... The main thing for me is that I really want whatever I do either to fit into my current lifestyle easily or to bring me something along with it aside from just exercise benefits.
Fitting into my current lifestyle would mean not adding extra trips to the gym or something just for the sake of exercising. A way of overcoming this for me is to add in-house activities surrounding chores like snow shoveling or heavy cleaning throughout the week.
Bringing me something along with it besides just exercise benefits means adding in some sort of mental stimulation during the activity. I've never been able to enjoy exercise simply for the sake of enjoying it, so I need something to distract me from the fact that I'm exercising. Distraction in the form of scenery and the company of a conversationalist can really do wonders. If all else fails, plugging into the tv works while on an elliptical, but it's not ideal (especially since right now that would mean going to a gym).
Really, I'm not anti-exercising, I'm just trying to find a way to make it work for me. Especially since it would take up my spare time or sleeping time and seems to require fancy clothes (which I have, but don't really like wearing). Also, I'm trying to be realistic about what I think I will really do. Why should I support the exercise industry by joining a gym and then never add any wear and tear to their machines? :-)
There must be a way to stay in shape that doesn't involve a gym!!!! The gym isn't even something that came about until recently in human history and before that our culture didn't have an obesity crisis. Ultimately, I probably need to move to a city that's more pedestrian friendly in terms of neighborhood setup, public transportation and weather. I tend to thrive in cities that are easy to walk in.
Hi,
So I have a question - does anyone do yoga, meditation, etc? I was reading in Outside magazine and again I read about this link between cortisol, weight gain, stress and the effects that meditation and maybe yoga has to counter act this chemical reaction.
I mean that I think I read it correctly. Anyone have any views.
I have like yoga but in very small doses because I tend to get anxious waiting for the next pose and get stressed out by it - I know it is wierd.
I did meditation for several years while I was a practicing Buddhist and it was really good at helping me to lower my anxiety.
Just thought I would float this out there and find out if others had integrated this successfully into their lives, how, etc.
Thanks.
Carol - On Cortisol, I found this website to be very informative. http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/ef fectsofhighcortisol.aspx?id=1&campaignno= adrenalfatigue&adgroup=ag9weight&keyw ords=cortisol+and+weight+gain#restoreadrenalh ealth
I still consider myself fairly new on the exercise scene - about 5 months into it. So I am not an expert by any means.
What got me started into exercise to begin with was sciatica. I knew some stretching would help it, so I started a few moves daily, for about a month, which I actually learned from this site, and... I got some comfort. I was tired of not fitting in my clothes on top of all that, so I ventured into Couch to 5K figuring that losing a little poundage would assist in relieving the constant pain.
Not long after that I was addicted to the feelings I got from actually using my muscles. I sit at a desk all day, and had literally with my beloved BF become a complete couch potato. Maybe even prepackaged couch mashed potatoes.
SO - In an effort to expand my stretching regimen, I got a Pilates video and was doing that for a few weeks, but I get bored so easily with the repitition. I liked it, but I didn't feel as if it was my "cup of tea"... When about that time the weather got cooler, and I wanted to keep running, didn't have a treadmill at home, so dove into the gym scene. I tried out a different cardio machine each time I went, and determined to do at least 2 circuits on the 20 different Nautilus Machines in addition to cardio.
Then... THEN... I learned about the classes they offer. And yep, they had Yoga on the list! I tried it, and loved it. I haven't missed a class since, and go twice per week. Best part is, there are lots of other ladies who participate, AND... there isn't an extra fee for it. Soon after that, I discovered NROLFW, and revamped my whole program, but the yoga stuck. AND, the sciatica is only intermittent these days, as well as the fact that I am so very relaxed when I walk out of there. Could it really be the lavender towels they place on your face at the end? LOL! I don't think, but it is a positive caveat.
Over the holidays, they cancelled classes, so I was missing the relaxation of it all, and ran across Oxygen's Steve Ross doing Inhale. I felt he was a little aggressive, and somewhat of an ass... LOL, but, I did get some "organized" stretching done, which helped. (I tend to flourish in group settings, I guess I like the company... its not really as if its a competition to me... )
You mentioned the little mental thing you do when you are in a pose... I did the same thing at first, then once... our Yogini said... "really push back onto the heels of your hands and you will feel the difference." I did it, and wow, she was right, so now I have this little objective when I am in a pose... to get the absolute most I can from it. I focus on breathing deeply and evenly, and I even try different little adjustments in foot/hand/shoulder/pelvic (whichever applies) position to find the strength in it, and then just savor it, all the while making very minor adjustments to continue to search for the strongest point. Whether I am completing the pose fully, or maximally, in another's opinion matters not... I am getting the most I can for me. That's all that is important.
If you are having trouble finding a class or can't go, or are uncomfortable going, or whatever reason... you can do this at home on your own. You can get video, or even watch Inhale (not highly reccommended... LOL!) What I did for myself at the beginning, by looking up poses online, learning their names, planning the order... etc. I made a note card and just put it on the floor beside my mat, and aimed for 30 second each. It's kind of like the stretching you did in PE class in Junior High... LOL! And you, being self-motivated, would be able to have some success, especially since you would have the capability to go at your own pace. Once you accomplished what you felt you needed to in a certain pose, then move on. You wouldn't have to answer to a teacher.
All that to say, I get a LOT out of it, highly reccommend it in what ever form you can possibly accomplish, and think you should try it to relieve your stress if nothing else. Mine relieves my sciatica, and the stress relief is a fringe benefit. Its incredibly relaxing, and I believe is also aiding in the healing of the muscles after lifting... Plus, I am making new friends!
Hope this helps,
~Julie
Laura Now that you have the book, you can decide for yourself if it's for you. I'm still working my way through it. Another thing I would suggest is taking a look at this blog: Health Habits, even if you don't follow the exact routine, the take away that I have from this blog is body weight exercises. For those of us that don't have weights at home, or are maybe intimidated by the weight room remembering that we can do weight bearing exercises with our body weight only is helpful.
MsMeg On the dog front remember that you can get great indoor exercise with her simply by playing with her (a laser pointer is the best dog exercise tool ever!). For yourself, yes surfing the internet while fun, not very fitness oriented.
Carol Rowing is one of the ones I really want to do as well. Here in Toronto we have several rowing clubs, less expensive than buying and storing my own boat, but still cost comparable to a gym membership for 6+ months, the introduction course here is $250. I'm trying to get to 172lbs before I apply for rowing as that seems to be top female weight in the club closest to me for competition. Although that is only vanity.
On the yoga, that is the exercise that I have been doing the longest. While I haven't looked into scientific studies I can say that my stress levels, digestion, sleep and general outlook are all improved when I am practicing as compared to when I am not. This is over and above any other form of physical activity for me. FYI - I have not been in the past 2 months and my partner is now insisting I go back, as apparently I'm becoming less 'manageable' as my stress is peaking... I should listen to him.
If you are finding yourself bored with yoga, it may be the style that you are doing. For example, in Hatha yoga an Birayni the focus is on the integrity and perfection of the pose and the meditative qualities of the pose. While Ashtanga, which is the version I do, as I do not have a patient bone in my body, is an athletic yoga practice. Which means you can take a few prep classes and then try more advanced levels where they focused on a flow of movement (or, moving through the poses in sequence at an increased rate).... I've never needed to go beyond the prep class personally as they do go fast enough for me and I am sweating buckets by the end.
I do tend to advocate the classes above any DVD or individual practice. I have not been able to get the same experience on my own without an instructor and classmates. Something is lost both in my ability to preform the position (I'm still a beginner in year 4) and in the overall meditative quality.
Kyashiis Hmm, sounds like that TV has a bit of a ways to go. You may want to check out the blog I posted for Laura. The body weight activities may be a good interim until you have your DVD>
Julie Yes, this wasn't an ideal topic for you at this stage, I think you went through this one earlier and are now someone who we can look to for the been there done that perspective, and proof that the weight room won't eat me. I'll get in there yet. Things are slowly falling into place in my life.
Constanza It's been ages since I've done ultimate as well, it's still very popular here, especially in the summer at Exhibition park. FYI on the scale, I went without the scale for close to a year, because I'm the type of person who finds myself sabotaging myself in a varied number of ways when the scale does not tell me what I want it to tell me. In that year I learned a lot about listening to my body, and measuring my success based on how my body felt and how my clothes fit. Now I'm re-introducing the scale on a weekly basis to see if I can keep a level head when I see results which will not always be what I want them to be. I think the key to the scale is determining what type of relationship you have with it, and are you controlling it, or is it controlling you, then taking appropriate measures.
Lee-Anne Project management you say? I just started my fundamentals of project management course with a goal of taking my PMP certification in the next year or two, depending if I think I got enough from fundamentals alone or need supplementary coursework.
A lot of people have mentioned lack of space or equipment as barriers to weight lifting. Again I'm going to go back to the body weight exercises which can be done anywhere (this is as much to remind myself as everyone else). When we site lack of dumb-bells, DVD's or workout rooms these are very conscious road blocks that we are putting in our own way. Sometimes it's easier to prioritize getting the gym membership, the room clear or the DVD player than to simply do it (and yes I am kicking my own butt here as well).
Ana Great job on getting your goal done. I've always wondered how microwaving eggs worked, I'll not do it now. Looks like TV classes here you come!.... also if you get the general hang of the workout from the TV show, I'm sure you can design your own with music you like and a routine that works on your floor.
Tiegurl You CAN do it! I don't imagine (by the chunky CEO's handing off the rock climbing wall in our local corporate team building centre) that you need to be an ideal weight to do it, they have harnesses in all sizes, and I'm willing to bet you don't need the largest one!
Carry Sounds like you need some sort of team sport or a buddy. One of the best ways that I started exercising was Yoga with my partner, both of us are now fairly addicted, I like it for the exercise, for the time as a couple and for how I feel afterwards as well as the people we meet. Other activities that have been successful for me are asking a friend of mine to schedule a weekly swim date with me, that was fun and got me into a pool for 6 months of the year. Like Carol I'd like to try rowing, but I'm considering a club which would provide a skill and a social circle. Or like Constanza you may consider some 'pick up games' like ultimate or soccer which often have online drop in notices on facebook or meetup.com
Cheers,
Sara.
Hi to all Wagon Jumpers....I've had a couple of emotional weeks (family emergency) but I'm back and hoping for some ray of sunshine from all of you. :) Thanks to Lee & Sara for continued support (much appreciated).
I quickly read this week's thread and here are my thoughts.
"What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?"
Well, I think I have always wanted to do some "fun exercise of sorts" as I'm normally quite competitive in tennis, squash, weight training and power walking (also have skiied in the past). So I have to say I would like to take either salsa or belly dancing or yoga lessons cause I have never tried that and it sounds like fun (especially the belly dancing and salsa). I don't think I'm quite ready for "pole dancing" yet ! LOL They are offered here at different times of the year and I think I just procrastinate too much and then the class gets full and I'm out of luck so my procrastination is the main roadblock. I think I need to check the parks and recreation schedule earlier, pay the fee and then go for it. At least when I go on holiday to somewhere warm, I may be a smash hit on the dance floor especially with my leaner body??????
I'm doing ok in that dept. I am still carrying two of the six pounds I gained over Christmas but after being on an emotional rollercoaster ride, i'm ready to focus on Maureen once again.
Good luck to all and see you next time :)
Cheers,
Maureen.
Good Morning Wagon Jumpers,
It is hard to believe that I have enjoyed 5months on this site. I have been able to achieve so many of my little goals, I have dropped a total of 50 lbs since I started and have 35 to go...my doc is ecstatic as am I...I am really looking forward to getting new blood work done in June to see how far the cholesterol/triglycerides have dropped. The knowledge and support is all anyone could ever ask for with this forum, it has been a major part of my Healthgain makeover!!
What exercise are you currently NOT engaged in that you would like to do in the future, why are you not yet doing it? What are the roadblocks? How can you overcome them?
well I have made it pretty clear that I do not enjoy exercise...even though I feel great after I finish my session, and I do have more energy etc...I just am a reforming couch potato at heart..or a quilting turnip..I still have to make myself exercise and since I have vowed not to fib to myself or this site I mean what help would it bring me to do so..I feel guilty if I don't exercise on the 2 days I have given myself to "rest and heal". That being said..I would love to learn to ski..I hear it is tremendous fun and lots of calories burned...maybe it would help me learn to love sweating, and pain..lol Roadblocks?? well there is me, my mental state..and of course $$..there isn't so much to throw around like there was a couple years ago. I will have to wait until spring or decent weather to overcome the rut that my exercising routine has gotten into lately. then I can take Coco to some of the parks here for hill climbing etc while the hubby fishes..and golfing..I do miss golfing..
I am on track with my goals for this past week..I was able to stay on that wretched bike for 32 mins..that thing is a BEAST! and I am up to .30miles JOGGING on the treadmill!! LOL and for me that is saying something!
Have a great day!
Robin
Maureen Sorry you had such a rough couple of weeks. I'm glad to hear you can recommit to yourself now. The dancing sounds like a great idea!
Robin Great job on the weight loss, and good luck on those blood tests, I'm sure the will go well for you with all of your success. Yes, skiing does have a definite cost road block. Strangely strapping two waxed wood planks to your feet and heading to any old hill is not advised! Good job on succeeding at the exercise you have scheduled for yourself.
Weekly Check in
This was not a good week for me, but I had expected that. My logging is fine, I met my minimum days. But I was too tired for the exercise. Too much going on at work, so I got only 1 work out in. That's why I planned 3 weeks off into the 12 week goals. So I used up one. I will try to make up for it down the road.
I've noticed that my average cal intake has gone down from 3000 to 2800. My hubby-to-be and I have started cutting down on restaurants to save money, so this has helped. Plus my protein intake is up from 15 to 25 since I have started eating breakfast ham in the morning (only 40 cals per 1/8" slice). Added bonus: I have more energy during the day.
Weekly topic
For me it would be strength training. Right now I only do some mild aerobics. From all that I have read on wagon jumpers about NROFLW, this would be necessary for losing and keeping weight off. What's making it hard for me is that I don't have a space set up for this. A spot where I keep the weights and space to do the work out. If I could just walk into an area start and working out, this would make it easier for me and be less discouraging. It's often one of the reasons I don't work out. So making a workout corner for me with weights is my priority this week.
Happy health-gain!
Can I drink coffee without raising my sodium intake?
With only 5 milligrams of sodium per 8-ounce cup, coffee is considered to be a very low sodium food. Additions to coffee, such as small amounts of milk... Read more
