Lessara at the Gym

[Lessara]

I just got rollar blades this past weekend and every night I put them on and try to stand up and move. ;)
Well last night I was able to not only get up off my chair without using my hands but I could also do a squat while wearing my blades! :D
And yes, rollar blading is different than ice skating! First of all the brakes are in the front for ice skates and in the back on the rollar blades and the breaks are only on the right foot! Do you realize how many times, I accidently spun myself around because of that?! :)
I can make some skating motions on my carpet, I live in an apartment and the carpet is very flat and I'm sure I'm not making it any better ;)
I can move (I wouldn't call it skating, more like shuffling) across my tiled kitchen. :rolleyes:
Needless to say, I have progress.
I'm at 15 minutes per day for now.
I plan on working out in my home for now, moving out to the hallway, then to the parking lot behind my place. If all goes well I should be able to blade at work in the huge hall out back and maybe in the basement (concrete floor). I'm all set got my helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and most importantly hand pads!

Anyone want to give me pointers or just want to be a blading buddy let me know :cool:

[Lessara]

I can stand longer on my skates and I now go down hallways. But I still can't go across a room without reaching for chairs, walls, etc. I wonder if I should make myself fall just to get over that.

[Lessara]

I'm so excited!! I can actually skate across my carpeted living room floor and I can step glide across the kitchen's tiled floor!
I got some good advice on line and one of the things they said is that you need to practice walking in your skates with your toes slightly out and you need to walk on the 'balls' of your feet not your heals by leaning forward slightly.
I will tell you this, posture is everything when you start.
I had so much better balance and I didn't get the sensation that I was about to fall over! :p
My next step is to practice standing on one foot at a time for a small period of time. I'm taking a break now because my muscles are sore and tired. I've been trying to rollerblade 5 days straight.
I take it that isn't a good idea till I get 'conditioned'. :daze:

[HelloKitty]

WOO HOO!!!! :clap: I love rollerblading. I used rollerblade a lot (one day 27 miles. ) It's one of the best ways to exercise. You'll get the hang of it, Lessara. Falling's not too bad, especially if you have protective equipment, (Wrist guards are my first on, must haves!) and when no one's watching you. :o

One MAJOR word of advice!!!!!! (ok, two. LOL)
1) When you get to the point blading a lot, make sure you have the right size allen wrench with you and ALWAYS check to make sure your wheels are tight. (My friend found this out the hard way.)
2) Make sure your brake is adjusted so that you can actually stop with the break, and not by falling on you tush. (I can personally attest to how much that sucks!)

:cheer: Have fun!!!!! :cheer:

:wave:

Melissa

[Lessara]

I can actually hold one foot up at a time and balance on the other while wearing rollarblades! Even my son can't do that :D

This weekend I'm going to try rollarblading at a nearby park, it has a new parking lot... yes I'm wearing my pads!! :)
I'm alittle nervous. Its one thing to look silly in private, totally another to look silly in public!

[Lessara]

I took some days off, and when I tried rollerblading, I was surprised! Not only did my legs ache but I was incredable weak!
I could only rollerblade for 5 minutes! I'll try again tonight and see what happens.
I'm able to 'roll' in the living room and glide alittle in the kitchen.
I wonder if my work would mind me rollerblading in the office?
Its so nice and thin... ;)

[HelloKitty]

I don't know if this would help you at all, but I know that when I started rollerblading (and then re-started rollerblading) that my legs were killing me (from using muscles that I didn't use a lot.) What helped me was using Flexall 454. It doesn't smell too great, but it killed the aching.

HTH

Melissa

[Lessara]

I'm fighting both lack of stamina and my fear of falling.
I want to glide and to move but I just can't let go!! After being in the rollarblades for a half hour, I had such muscle pain. I did up my potassium to full dose which is twice what I was taking.
So I'm taking 99mg of potassium its boosted with Magnessium (100mg) Phosphorus (80mg) Calcuim (250mg) as well as B-6 (1.7mg) and Vitamin A (5000 iu).
I'm going to sneak into work and rollarblade on the thin carpet here. That way I can fall many times without killing my hands!
Hopefully that will get me over the fear of falling. Any help with this would be great!!

[garrison]

I tried rollerblading once. I went on a series of outings at a local school track REALLY late at night so no one could see me and I skated around the track (slowly) a few times.

MY ANKLES WERE SOOOO SORE!

Do your ankles hurt when you rollerblade? Maybe I just got the wrong size of skates. I had to stop rollerblading because of so much pain. Any tips?

[Kristine]

:cheer: I tried roller blading breifly. I wish I would have stuck it out, but I had the same problems you did - fear of falling - and gave up. Good for you for sticking with it!

[Lessara]

Hi all, As many of you may know, I joined the YMCA gym that actually resides right between my work and my home. :thup:
I thought it would be good for me to record my morning program here so I can see my progress....again... :thup:

Wednesday 11/20
morning
20minutes Stational Bike level 1 manual
15min treadmill 2.0 mph
night
10min treadmill 3.0mph
5min crosstrainer level 1
leg lifts 12 rps right leg 65lbs
6 rps left leg 20lbs, very shaky

Thursday
15min treadmill 3.0mph
leg lifts 12 rps right leg 45lbs
12 rps left leg 20lbs, better still alittle shaky
5min cross trainer level 1

Friday
15 minutes Stational Bike level 3 manual
2min crosstrainer level 1, bone tired, forgot breakfast!! :eek:

[Natrushka]

Lessara, I've merged your post about the gym with your gym log (accessed by clicking on the Gym Log icon in your posts). If you'd like the title of your thread changed to reflect the new gym membership, let us know :)

Nat

[Lessara]

I would like my thread to be changed to showing my gym interest Thank you :)

[Lessara]

Well I started out today with a bowl of oatmeal (25 carbs) with a little cinnamin and cream.

At the Y, I did my 15 min at 3.0 on the treadmill, cross training for 5 min at level 1, and 12 reps of 30lbs with left then right leg. My muscles didn't feel tired after an hour or two of rest after. I have to tell you this, I actually hated the treadmill, my back started to ache, but I felt much better when I started my cross training.
I wonder.. should I increase my cross training time or wait to see if I can do it all week first.. I probably should wait.

For some reason I've very hungry today :confused:
I had about 3-4 oz of round eye steak with mushrooms for lunch and I'm still hungry. Weird...

[agonycat]

Good morning Kassie ;)

The added hunger is probably from the oatmeal you had this morning. Perfectly natural, as I sometimes get the same thing :) Also means you had a good workout :) You might try adding an after workout snack within an hour, like an apple with peanut butter, or celery and cream cheese. I found that also helps cut the hunger down a bit. Plus it helps the muscles recover faster.

Do you stretch? You might try adding in some stretching for the lower back area or ask your trainer for some exercises to strenghten the lower back area. I have a really bad lower back from a bike wreck I had in 1987. Literally tore my lower back all to heck. I have always had problems after that. I do lower back stretches before I get on the treadmill so it doesn't tighten up on me while walking/running.

Really happy you are doing well on your routine so far ;) Keep after it.

[Lessara]

Why would oatmeal make me more hungry?

Well today I did 15 minutes of stationary bike at level 2, harder.
Why? because If I petalled slow it would pause thus making the petal move without resistance, very annoying. So I have to train myself to be steady as well as stronger.

I also did my cross training for 5 minutes.

I was abit tired today, For a few things. Last night I was dancing with my family for about 20 minutes and also I haven't had a good nights rest in over a week. I keep dreaming about work and this reunion I'm going to. Very strange.

I was absolute starving again at 10am and I ate lunch about 20 minutes ago and I'm still hungry. This is so weird! :confused:

[agonycat]

The oatmeal may be triggering an insulin release, thereby making your blood sugar drop later on, causing hunger. We may need to find a lower GI food for you that doesn't spike your insulin but still give you enough fuel to complete your workouts. How are you eating yours? I put a pat of butter and a couple of tsps of heavy cream with mine. No sweeteners at all.

Do you find the oatmeal helping on your workouts? In other words do you feel like you have enough energy to complete the workout? I know we all get muscle fatigue. There is a difference between burning a muscle out because you really worked it, to running out of juice completely.

Let's see if anyone else has some ideas on how to give you some juice but not trigger hunger. :)

[Lessara]

I did my 15 min walk on the treadmill and I did the 5 minutes of cross training. It was alittle hard today, I'm very tired. Last night for the first time in weeks, I slept through the night and my body just didn't want to wake up :)
I'm happy that I actually went to to the gym and finished my workout, when all I wanted to do was crawl in the covers :D

I think the higher carbs for breakfast has made it possible to do my whole routine. Without it my muscles just quit. I bought some macadamia nuts to snack on and I have an once mid morning and if I'm still hungry, mid afternoon.
Tomorrow the gym is close but I think my body needs a rest. Which is sad because I rested this weekend, I can't believe how tired I am after three days at the gym straight. :rolleyes:

I was told this is a normal reaction to someone who is just starting to go to the gym regularly. I hope this too shall pass ;)

[Natrushka]

Lessara, I have a couple of thoughts on the hunger and the tired feeling. I peeked through your Journal and you got some good advice from LCer in NW - resistance work, the added carbs and TOM will all contribute to water bloat (those 10 lbs). Returning to exercise and not having enough sleep (and TOM) will also all contribute to making you feel a lot more tired than usual.

With TOM passing, with your body adjusting to the increased exercise and carbs the water bloat should pass too.

One thing I did notice; you're having 1 cup of cooked oatmeal with splenda in the morning. That's probably more carbs than you need to fuel your workouts. 1/4 of a cup of dry whole grain oats (AkA steel cut oats or Irish oats) will give you 1/2 cup cooked or 24g of carbs; more than enough. But you need to eat them with something else; try adding some protein to that. Cold chicken, tuna or some cottage cheese will do the trick. You want to fuel the muscles but you want to provide them with amino acids as well. This will also further slow down how fast the carbs are absorbed and used by your body. It should help with that hunger.

Happy Tday!! :)
Nat

[Lessara]

Nat, The oatmeal I eat says a 1/2cup uncooked oatmeal is 22 carbs, is this incorrect? Its Quacker. Or am I reading this wrong...

Are amino acids only in meat?

Today's workout

15 minutes at 3.0 manual on Treadmill
5 minutes cross training at level 1
12 reps of 30lbs right and left leg

Taking 4 days off from the gym made today alittle tough but not as tough as I thought it might be. I was able to do my whole routine. I'm worried about something. I started taking ridalin last Wednesday for my ADHD. I passed out at my company lunch on Wednesday but I thought it was from the coffee I had that morning. (I have been without caffeine for months) But here I am on Monday with similar feelings of light headness, the difference my heart isn't pounding like it did last week. My mind is a blur of activity. Very distracting if you know what I mean.

[Lessara]

Well I did do the gym, I did my 15 minutes on the treadmill and 3 minutes on the Cross trainer. :thup:
I kept it light because I was going right to my physical for my doctor and I didn't know how it would change the results to my examination. The nurse thanked me for telling her I was at the gym for my blood pressure was alittle high (She said that after a while my blood pressure won't go up its only as my body becomes fit that it might go up)
My pulse was very good. :thup:
I'm going through a battery of test for my heart. I don't have a problem but my doctor wants to rule out any heart problems since I'm 38 and also because I fainted last Wednesday.
I'm also up for a blood test to test my: liver, thyroid, sugar, cholesteral, etc. :rolleyes:
I'll know about everything by the end of the month when I meet with him again for the second part of my physical.
The numbers should be interesting :D

[agonycat]

Kassie, I am sorry to hear about your fainting spell. Hope everything is okay. Please let us know how the tests turn out.

Did you faint right after a workout?

You are doing really well so far with your gym work ;) Keep it up.

[Lessara]

I feel good today.

I only did the treadmill, but at 3.0 (What ever that means) for 20 minutes, I managed to walk a mile. A whole mile! Now I'm one of those people who doesn't mind walking a half mile... ok a fourth of a mile to the store or to a near by place. I can walk a mile. That means I could walk to my son's school a mile away. To the library, 3/4ths of a mile away, to the musium just less than a mile away. I suddenly feel a sense of freedom. :)

Another thing I am doing is having a little bit of Cheese (Gouda) about an ounce before eating my oatmeal. I don't seem to feel so light headed. It could be just in my mind :daze:

[Lessara]

I'm alittle bummed. I did the treadmill at 3.0 for 10 minutes and tried to do the cross training machine for 10min at level 1 but only made it to 7 minutes. I can't believe how tired out that cross training machine makes me!! :(

I know, I know, Be patient. But I feel like I hit a road block. Am I really too impatient or is there an unrealistic expectation going on.
How long till the weight will start dropping or am I doing too little for that?

[Lessara]

Today was my day of rest. I woke up and my left knee was really inflamed and in pain. I took two alives and rested it before work.
I'm glad I did. For tonight I'm pain free and looking forward to the gym tomorrow. I'm actually thrilled I listened to my body. :clap:

[Lessara]

Well I didn't make it to the gym this past weekend, but I did go this morning. I did my 15min of treadmill at 3.0 and my 5 minutes of cross training as well as 12 regs each for my right and left leg at 30lbs.

I must be nuts. I lost 2 inches in my hips and yet I'm upset I haven't lost weight (in fact I gained 4lbs) and am getting fustrated :rolleyes: Is there some point when the weight comes off as well?

[Lessara]

I am alittle worried and I do mean little.
I was doing the treadmill at my normal speed of 3.0 when after 13 minutes, my left leg just wouldn't moved and I noticed I was throwing my left hip out trying to compensate for the failing limb.
so I stopped and went on the cross training. Basically I really worked my left arm for my left leg wasn't doing much. It was tired.
I'm at work now and its throbbing alittle so I'm taking some motrin. Am I overworking my leg or was my leg just having a bad day? Should I be concerned?

[Lessara]

The good and bad news about my left leg.

Some background. I have a knee condition where my knee
caps are quite where they are suppose to be, they are outward and not straight on my knees. That is until yesterday.

Yesterday my daughter did one of those running into you hugs that kids love to do and pop! :eek: My left knee popped back to the center of my knee! It hurt for a second but then it was fine.
I figure I had weak muscles all around my knee and when I started exercising, I have strengthened my knee with the cap off to one side, the muscles that hold the cap center are on vacation.
Well that push my daughter did popped it back into place.
Well I sure felt it today :rolleyes:
My left leg is very weak, the vacation is over for those muscles. I figure in a few weaks, I will be back to 30lb lifts. But not today!
I couldn't even do more than 4 lifts!

Tomorrow I'm going to a cardiologist and I'm getting one of those 24 hour thing put on me. They want to see what my heart does when I go to the gym :D I know I'm ok there, my heart doesn't go past 150, usually between 142-146. Which I was told was good.

[Lessara]

Hi all!

On Friday, I didn't go to the gym, I was too wired... seriously! I had 9 wires attached all over my chest and sides connected to a box connected to yet a bigger box. I couldn't even put my bra on!!
So to show what my heart does when I exercise, I danced all around my living room (no one watching). :D

Today I went to the gym, I could only do 10 minutes on the treadmill. For a couple reasons, one I had a wasa cracker with cheese on it for breakfast -> 7 carbs vs the 25 I eat with oatmeal but most likely because I missed a step on my sister's apartment's staircase and fell down. I bumped my right wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip and twisted my right foot. I didn't sprang anything and most of the pain is gone. Just a little sore. This happened on Saturday.

I don't feel bad about only doing 10 minutes, I'm sure I'm be back to what I was doing before soon. :)

[Lessara]

I've been sick all week, and still going to work :rolleyes:
I haven't been to the gym since Monday. I miss it!
But not only am I sick but my roommate is out with gout, a painful joint condition. He's getting better so we are slated to go back to the gym next week. I am worried that all that I finally acheived at the gym will go back to square one. I hope that its a small set back and not anything huge. :(

[Lessara]

Starting on Monday I'm back at the gym. I am finally well (as is my roommate) and we are both starting again on Monday!!
Yippee! I miss it so much. I feel like all I do is sitting. :rolleyes:
I've been so restless!
Be back soon!!

[Lessara]

Hi all! Today I was finally back at the gym!!! :cool:
I did 10 minutes on the treadmill and 5 on the cross trainer.
I didn't have my shake till after I went (I drank it at work) I didn't feel light headed during the exercise but I am now alittle and its alittle after lunch. (A low carb lunch) I'm trying to do CALP and I was told no snacks but oh am I hungry even after eating my chicken lunch. I hope its only in the head. I also am not chewing gum or using alot of splenda. These gave me cravings so I stopped last week.

Oh its so good to be back :D

[Lessara]

I finally got my roommate to go back to the gym. He even got me a locker to show his commitment. I just got in the mail today, my new gym clothes: 2 Danskin Capri, 3 v-neck T-shirts. My cross training shoes will be in tomorrow.
Today I started slow: 15 tread mill at 3.0 - My heart didn't race nor were my lungs burning but my legs are wobbley...

[Lessara]

Got to the gym again and in my new gym clothes. Wow what a difference! No riding up shorts, no clothing sticking to me. I love them!
Today I did strength training using the cardio machine.
I first did 10 min of Treadmill at 3.0 and then just over 5 min with the cardio. My arms and thighs are alittle stiff but doing ok.
I drank extra water to keep the sponge muscles from holding onto the water.

[DarkLotus]

Glad to see you back in the gym!!! :cheer: Keep it up!

[Lessara]

I did 20 minutes on the Treadmill at 3.0 which means I walked a mile! I was very tired afterwards but am doing great now. My new cross trainer sneakers came in yesterday and I wore them today. What I noticed was my arches in my foot ached alittle other than that I was fine.

[Lessara]

I'm very proud of myself. I did 10 minutes of the Treadmill at 3.0 and then I did 10 minutes on the Cross Trainer. I increased my cross training strength training by 5 minutes! I thought it was time to push myself for I was doing 15 minutes of exercise forever it seems. I'm trying for 20 minutes now.
I had to wear my old sneakers because of blisters caused by my new ones. I'm fine... muscles are alittle tired though. A happy tired. :D

[Lessara]

Well I was back at the gym today. I did 20 minutes of treadmill at 3.0. My left back of my heel is bleeding due to the blister that popped during my exercising. :rolleyes: The woman at the door told me to put just medical tape over it and I did. Its a little sore but I'm wearing my shoes ok. :thup:
I'm very psyct that my roommate is still going with me to the gym.. actually he's taking me. :D He's still low carbing too. :thup:

[Lessara]

Good news: I went to the gym and at least I did 10 minutes on the treadmill at 3.0

Bad news: I only did 5 minutes on the cross trainer. I just didn't have the heart to do more. :(

[Lessara]

Hi all, I did the treadmill for 20 minutes at 3.0 today and it was much easier than on Monday! I'm going to try and walk 10min tomorrow with a 1 incline. We'll see. :)

[Lessara]

I only did the treadmill for 10minutes at 3.0 and cross trainer 2 minutes. I just quit today, my mind wasn't into it at all... Don't worry I will be there Monday :)

[Lessara]

I have been to the gym Monday and today :thup:
Monday, I did the treadmill for 20 minutes at 3.0
Today I did the treadmill for 15 minutes at 3.0
I also did the strenght training cross thing for 5 minutes.
I have a fatigue problem but I'll post it in the main area.

[Lessara]

Well I did my 20 minutes at 3.0 on the treadmill went by easy today... my eyes were glued to the Good morning america on the TV!

[Lessara]

Well today I shifted things, I did my strength cross training for 10 minutes and then I did my 10 minutes on the tread mill at 3.0. It wasn't easier for my body but it seemed so for my mind. You can't see the Tv from the cross trainers and also you can't hear the music so its hard to not focus on the exercise.. you know what I mean?

I do have a slight problem with my roommate, he thinks the gym is the cause for his aches when he only exercises for 5 minutes (4 on the treadmill, 1 lifting weights) I think its the whole days activities (he weighs over 500lbs) I think he should keep up the gym visits and to increase it slowly. But I think he also has aches and pains because he doesn't take his vitamins and I have to beg him to take motrin if his muscles are sore. Maybe I'm not thinking right. I just thought stronger muscles would make his daily activities easier. I know it helps his depression.

[Lessara]

I joined the fitness challege and I'm going to start keeping track of my miles. My first goal is to walk to Nashua from Manchester (miles collected should be about 20)which according to Mapquest is 19.76 miles from My house to Nashua center. :)

[Lessara]

Today I was at the gym and I sceduled to meet with a trainer so I could start using the strength trainning machines! I walked on the treadmill at 3.0 for 20 minutes... I'm a mile on my way to Nashua! :D

[Lessara]

I did treadmill at 3.0 for 10 minutes = .52 miles
and cross trainer for 10 minutes = .62 miles

so now I'm 2.14 miles to Nashua (I haven't left Manchester yet :rolleyes: )

[Lessara]

Walked another mile today on the treadmill (20min, 3.0)
so I'm officially out of Manchester on my way to Nashua!
(3.16 miles) My posture is improving!

[Lessara]

I did my treadmill for 20 minutes at 3.0. = 1.02miles.. ok that makes it... 4.18 miles now! What that's not right.. oH! I forgot to post Friday! I did 10 min on the treadmill and 10 minutes on the crosstrainer for 1.14 miles and now my total is 5.32! Way cool! :thup: I see the fitness trainer on Saturday to learn the Nautalist machines (I spell it different each time I type it :rolleyes: )

[Lessara]

Does anyone read my gym journal?

[Lessara]

Well I guess my question was answered. :(

Well today I did 10 min on the treadmill and 10 minutes on the crosstrainer for 1.14 miles and now my total is 6.47 total miles.

[cartmanis]

Hi Lessara,

What do you do for ab work? I might find it if I run back through your log, but I'm lazy :)

I find it a hard muscle group to hit, but notice it a bit with crunches and also when I do some dumbell pullovers that are theoretically for my back :)

If you are doing crunches, you can add raising your knees up at the same time, try some twist crunches to hit the sides, and maybe follow something like what BFL does or add a dumbell or plate behind your head when in the crunch.

also, how you do them can be important. I'm no expert, but am willing to offer some more advice if you provide some more detail :)

[Lessara]

Thank you, Kevin.. and I mean that, Thank you!
A visitor! :D

For Ab work I do what's called, resistant exercises.
I can do it sitting or laying on my back.
I put my hand on my lower gut, where supposedly adominals lie.
I tighten them in, hold then release, I do this about 20 times. Then I move my hand up to cover the upper adominals, and do the same thing. I was told that my hand should not rise or move out. The next exercises differ depending on position. Laying on my back I bend my knees and rise trying to touch my right shoulder to my left knee. Sitting I put my hands on the desk and push my shoulder downward toward my left knee but my hands stop the motion. I hold the tighening then release. I do this for the opposite side. I do about 10 reps. The last exercise is bending my knees then raising them by pushing the small of my back either into my chair or the floor depending on position. Starting today I have been holding the positions longer so to feel like I've done something.

Thanks for asking, Kevin. :thup:

[cartmanis]

No problem. I'm no expert, but have some experience. And thanks for the post to my gym log, figured it was just going to be me recording things :)

Hmmm, Never done what you are talking about, so can't comment on effectiveness, but it sounds more like a stength building/endurance building exercise, versus trying to really tear down the muscle and build it back up like weight training does.

I can't recommend enough the simple crunch (and variations when you get more into it) for ab work. Everything I have ever read points it as the best/easiest exercise to do for your abs. Do you know how to do a crunch? Kinda like a 1/3 situp? If not, ask, I'll explain.

I really like how BFL does them, and all their exercises, since I really like that pyramid approach.

You asked about BFL, focused on the intensity. This is what I like about it, it is just your take on how intense the exercise is, so it is completely up to you to how much weight you lift, where you make your weight changes etc....

For example, since a description is better than trying to explain I think, take my shoulder routine.

I have dumbells in 5lb increments. So, for shoulders I start with a 5lb dumbell in each hand, and do a shoulder press - sit and hold the weights by your ears, press up above your head until extended and back down. 12 reps, then rest for a minute, and I find this to be effort, but not really that much, so I count it as a 5. I then go up to 10lbs, and do 10, a bit more effort to complete, I rate it a 6. However, 15lbs is too much for me say at the 8 rep level, so I just keep the 10lb weights and do it again. This is somewhat more effort, since I've already done 2 sets, and then so on. The biggest thing when doing this is to be honest with yourself. I find I challenge myself to see if I really can't do 1 more rep at the higher intensity levels, or if I just want to give up because it is burning.
I don't think you have to be in shape to start with, because you can just pick things that you feel gives you the intensity you are looking for.
But, it really took me a 2nd read through the book to figure this all out, since the first time through I was rather confused about it all :)
But, I think anything that works the body can't be bad for you :)

I will say though, that the BFL cardio is the first time I really felt like a cardio session is doing something for me, beyond making me sweat. And as it is only 20 minutes, it is so nice to fit in.

Anyway, anything else I can answer, or help on, let me know.
Oh, I have some experience in the past with exercise, but nothing ever too serious. In highschool I fooled around with weight bench and barbell, nothing ever came from it. In Univerisity in the 2nd year I had a roomate who was into Karate and body building, and I spent a few months working with him in the gym, where things were pretty intense, and I did build a bunch of strength, and probably some muscle :)
When first starting work full time, my now wife and I went to the gym 3 times a week for a year, and that was the best shape I had been in until now from a weight perspective, and I'm working on the muscle/endurance with this current run.
I've read a lot on weight training, more than I ever actuall put into effect, and I am no expert with just really some practical experience with some theory.

hehehe, Ok, I've rambled enough, have a great day.

[Lessara]

Thank you, Kevin.. you just open my eyes to a whole new world!
I will have to read it again tonight for I want to take notes! (to bring with me when I get trained on Saturday).

For today, I walked my 20 minutes on the Treadmill at 3.0 for 1.02 miles. Lets see that is: 7.49 total miles. I'm getting there.
On a positive note. I'm losing weight... :thup:

[cartmanis]

No problem, glad to help. Lost 3lbs since the beginning of the weekend myself, so I'm in a good mood.

[Lessara]

I'm so excited.. Tomorrow, TOMORROW! I'm being trained on the strength training machines!!!

For Today I did 10 min on the treadmill and 10 minutes on the crosstrainer for 1.14 miles and now my total is 8.63 total miles. I have now walked past Merrimack!! :D

[Lessara]

I was trained in Strength Training today!!

This is what I did:
Leg Extension : 50lbs 12 times (all are 12)
Leg Curl: 50lbs
Hip Abduction: 90lbs
Hip Adduction: 70lbs
Compound Row: 50lbs
Overhead Press: 30lbs
Lateral Raise: 50lbs
Tricept Extension: 30lbs
and Adominals: 50lbs

He wants me to do two set of 12.
Monday and Thursday are my upper body and Adominals
I'm to do the cross trainer for 20 minutes for cardio (I can bearly do 10 min at this point though), Stretch after
Tuesday and Friday are my lower body and adominals,
with treadmill as my cardio for 20 minutes, Stretch after.

So this means I will be exercising for 40 minutes. Wow! That's double.. I hope I can do this, it seems alot. I'll let you know. :wave:

[DarkLotus]

All right Lessara! Looks like a good workout. You can do it! Just try to stay focused during your workouts. Good luck! :wave:

[chysmith]

Lessara,
When I first started doing the elliptical trainer last summer, it was all I could do to stay on it for 5 mins. Now I'm up to 15 mins. plus a 4 min cool down (still at level 1). You'll get there, just stick with it.

You're looking good! :wave:

[chysmith]

Oops! Accidentally posted again!

[ysabella]

I followed here from the Let's Get Fit Together thread - click on the link in my signature below to see my current Nautilus workout...which is quite a lot like yours, girlfrien'! I actually sometimes add the triceps machine since I don't think I'm really working them anywhere else.

Right now I just do all of them, so it's a full-body workout, three times per week - I warm up on the treadmill first, then do the Nautilus, then go back for more cardio (sometimes). I've been thinking about breaking up into UB and LB but so far I just don't like going to the gym that often. Perhaps if I manage to set myself up with some weights at home.

My trainer marked for me what my seat positions are for the various machines - did you guys make a note of that?

[Lessara]

My goodness! Look at all the people!! :D :wave:

chysmith: Thank you so much for sharing that info. Sometimes when you are starting something new you think you are the only one! I feel much more positive about things! :thup: I'm also checking out your gym log.. I like that the machines we use are the same or at least similiar :thup:

ysabella: Thanks for dropping by! I don't do all the machines because one of the reason's I'm doing the machines is that I have about 4 muscle groups that are very strong already... too strong. My muscle that looks like Popeye's, my front thigh muscles, my calfs, and my lower back. So the trainer left those machines that work those muscles out of my rotation. Not permenantly though. Once the other muscles catch up then I'll be adding them back in.. he thinks in a month maybe 2.

DarkLotus: Hello Hon! :wave: As always, wonderful to see you!!
Ah focus.. good thing you learn to focus as you train. I find I'm much better at focusing on the exercise and not on how tired I am when I go to the gym ;)

[Lessara]

Hi well today was day one of adding strength training to my workout days.

For Strength training I did:
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 30lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 30lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

They weren't that differcult except for the Overhead presses, just alittle shakey. :thup:

For Cardio:
I did Cross training but I only lasted 12 minutes
I was only able to do 3 more minutes on the treadmill. :(

I'm trying very hard not to upset myself about not doing the whole 20 minutes. After all it was my first day. :rolleyes:

[Lessara]

My muscles are very tired today after my gym visit. I hope it means I exercised my muscles well, and not that I over did it.
This is what I did:
Leg Extension : 50lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 50lbs 12 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 90lb 12 times 2 repss
Hip Adduction: 70lbs 12 times 2 reps

I then walked for 20 minutes on the treadmill for 1.02 miles at 3.0.
Hmm so where are my miles at?? 8.63+.75+1.02= 10.4! I'm halfway to Nashua! :thup:

[mustlosenw]

Hi Lessara,

Hope you are feeling better. I enjoyed reading your gym log since I'm just starting out exercising. I had to laugh at the first few posts about the skates. I have been thinking about them the last few days and thinking that this old lady would like to try them someday when I'm a bit smaller and then I came across your log. Now I'm not sure I'll ever be ready to try them, but who knows.

I've read a number of your posts and you sure are helpful to others. Hope you have a great weekend.

me (Mary Ellen)

[Anybody]

Hey there Lessara...


in my gym log my work out is broken down to

Area to be worked

Exercise

Reps by weight

Followed by a 2nd exercise to work the same area to shock the muscles but only for 1 rep

I'm doing my best to follow the BFL method which is a resistance based workout.

and so that is one set of excerises for one body area.


I think the best thing that I ever did to myself was to start with a cardio based weight workout routine and heavy cardio twice a day before starting to do the BFL workout. I've gained alot of muscle since starting BFL and weight loss has slowed to a crawl but I know IM losing and gaining muscle. You may want to start with a cardio based workout until you are at a point where you wont mind your weight loss slowing.


Toph

[Lessara]

Thank you all for dropping by! :wave:

I did go to the gym today and I did my upper body stuff:
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 40lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 40lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

For my cardio I was able to do the cross trainer for 5 minutes. My illness has really weakened me, hopefully temporarilly.
I got a nice compliment from the trainer who um.. trained me on the machines, he said my form was good. yeah I'm doing something right!! :thup:

[Lessara]

I took a day off yesterday so I worked out today. I am planning on working out on Friday as well. I'm trying to take it easy due to my illness. If I'm up to it I'll do a Cardio on Saturday.
I sure picked a bad time to get ill. This is the week before my TOM and exercise is such a big help for me. Also I'm holding water, although not so much today for some reason, also because of TOM. I'm trying very hard not to get frustrated. :rolleyes:

Today at the gym I did:
Leg Extension : 60lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 60lbs 12 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 100lb 12 times 2 reps
Hip Adduction: 80lbs 12 times 2 reps
(I increase the weights by 10)
I also did 10 minutes on the treadmill at 3.0 :thup:
Boy is my mood lifting due to the exercise. It really makes a difference! :cool:

[deze]

Hey Lessara..

looks like you are doing really well weight-wise.. I mean, wow you are lifting alot!!! yowzers.. go girl :thup:

take it easy if you are feeling weak, you dont want to suck all the energy out of yourself and end up out of commission for long.

Also, getting enough sleep sure helps. Now that I am done school and can get at least 8 hours of sleep it makes a world of difference.

I'm impressed by your determination.. wow , you'll be even hotter by June 30!!

have a good one!
j

[Lessara]

Thank you. Thank you!

I appriciate every word of affirmation I see. You are so wonderful for dropping by! Thank you! :wave:

[orygungirl]

Hi Lessara

Just wanted to let ya know that you've inspired me to get my buns down to the YMCA and find out about memberships and hopefully join. I read about your rollerblading experience.. are ya still blading? I tried that quite a while ago but it killed the balls of my feet and i couldnt get stopped so i flopped down on my behind and owieee i broke the tip of my tail bone :( I hung up the blades after that lol. Anyways.. I just started LC'ing a week ago and Im really excited at adding working out to life as well. anyways.. Keep up the good work :)

Tracy

[chysmith]

Hey Kassie! Just stopping by to see how your workout went. I'll check in later. :wave:


Edited to say: Oops! I'm a day off! Well, hope it goes well tomorrow! :D

[Lessara]

Hi Tracy, I had to stop blading for a fear of falling! Also my ankles were taking a beating but guess what?! The YMCA here actually holds rollarblading classes, they teach with what looks kinda like ski poles, I figure I'll take a class near the end of summer when I weigh less. :thup:

Hi Cait, Always wonderful seeing you! :wave:

My workout:
strength training
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 40lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 40lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

Cardio
Cross trainer - 7 minutes :daze:

[chysmith]

Looking good Kassie! :thup: Your weights/reps/sets didn't change at all! Don't worry about the cross trainer. That will come in time.

:wave:

[Lessara]

I went to the gym today and I added a machine to my workout.
Leg Push: 100lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Extension : 60lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 60lbs 12 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 90lb 12 times 2 repss
Hip Adduction: 80lbs 12 times 2 reps

I did my 3.0 on the treadmill for 15 minutes.. I'm getting stronger, though right now my legs still feel rubbery. :D

[Lessara]

Hi all! Went to the gym today...

My workout:
strength training
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 40lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 60lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

Cardio
Cross trainer - 10 minutes, more than last time!

You might have noticed that I gave up the keeping track of miles, its tough to do for the cross trainer and strength training. :daze:

[Lessara]

I did my whole workout! :thup:

For strength training I did:
Leg Push: 100lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Extension : 70lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 70lbs 12 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 100lb 12 times 2 repss
Hip Adduction: 90lbs 12 times 2 reps

Also I did 20 minutes on the Treadmill at 3.0.. still no incline.

Did you notice I added more weights to my strength training? :D

[Lessara]

My workout:
strength training
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50s 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 60lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

Cardio
Cross trainer - 7 minutes
I had a problem on the cross trainer. I had just did 7 minutes when my legs then my body started shaking. The back of my left knee was hurting alittle, I just couldn't go any more.
What happened? :confused:
I didn't eat a regular dinner last night, could that be it?
I drink a half a liter of water before working out.
My strength training was more differcult today, I didn't up the ones I felt weak in.
Is this a normal thing? It was like hitting a wall.

[Elihnig]

I don't know about you, but I upped my carbs and my calories significantly since I started weight training. The few times I tried to cut back to induction levels I felt a bit listless and weaker.

I also haven't lost anything lately but maybe my luck will change soon as I can tell I'm getting stronger.

I can always go back to induction levels after I finish my 12 weeks. Woo hoo week 6 is almost done!


Beth

[lkonzelman]

I didn't eat a regular dinner last night, could that be it?

That would be my guess. I mean if you forgot to put gas in your car would you be surprized when it suddenly stalled???

Exercise is very taxing that is why it burns so many calories and that is why your body NEEDS to be fed.

[Lessara]

I ate my dinner.. honest! ;)

[Lessara]

Hi

My workout
For strength training I did:
Leg Push: 110lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Extension : 70lbs 12 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 70lbs 12 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 100lb 12 times 2 repss
Hip Adduction: 100lbs 12 times 2 reps
I did raise my weights alittle

I did 10 minutes on the Treadmill at 3.0.. with a 1% incline.
Oh my goodness did that make a difference my heart rate went about 130! I tried it because I had only a half hour to go to the gym and I thought it would intencify my workout.. oh yes it did!
I feel great. :D

My arms are so sore by my shoulders this morning from yesterday's workout. :rolleyes:

[Lessara]

My workout:
strength training (I added a machine)
Pull Down: 70lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Compound Row: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Overhead Press: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50s 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Adominals: 60lbs 2 sets of 12 reps

Cardio
Cross trainer - 10 minutes

[Lessara]

Well instead of going to the gym today I walked to work instead. I have to walk home after work as well. I live .54 miles away and it took me about 15 minutes to do (Several streets to cross). I think I did pretty well. :thup:

[mischa]

Your workouts look great!!!! Just took a peak through your gym log and I am impressed :D

Keep it up

hugs Mischa :)

[Lessara]

Well, Thank you Mischa! :cool:

Yesterday I did walk home from work. I found out its slightly down hill from home to work and visa versa going from work to home.

Today I did walk to work but I'm getting a ride home. I noticed the front part of my calfs were alittle sore from yesterday. I wonder if there are exercises for that part. My back of calfs didn't hurt at all, neither my thighs. Its wonderful knowing you can walk to work without breathing hard. :)

[Lessara]

For Strength training I did:
Leg Push: 110lbs 20 times 2 reps
Leg Extension : 70lbs 16 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 70lbs 20 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 100lb 20 times 2 repss
Hip Adduction: 100lbs 20 times 2 reps
I added repitition

I did 10 minutes on the Treadmill at 3.0.. with a 1% incline.

[chysmith]

Good for you for adding incline to your treadmill. I still haven't done that, though I know that I should. Next week I think that my walking partner and I may walk around the neighborhood instead of doing the track. There's quite a few more hills. Scott will be home next week so I'll be able to leave DD at home and wont have to use the back carrier (whick is killer on the calves btw :eek: ).

[Lessara]

wow! I forgot to write in my gym journal... lets see, I did go to the gym last week for two days and this week I went today.

My workout:
strength training
Pull downs: 70lbs 2 sets of 20 reps
Compound Row: 60lbs 2 sets of 20 reps
Overhead Press: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 60s 2 sets of 20 reps
Tricept Extension: 60lbs 2 sets of 20reps
Maybe you noticed I added more reps to my sets, I can feel the effects better this way, my muscles don't hurt but they do feel tired, a good tired. :)


Cardio
Cross trainer - 5 minutes, my heart just wasn't into it... I need a CD player...

[Lessara]

I did it! I made it to the gym!

I only had time for Strength training:
I did:
Leg Push: 110lbs 20 times 2 reps
Leg Extension : 60lbs 20 times 2 reps
Leg Curl: 70lbs 20 times 2 reps
Hip Abduction: 100lb 20 times 2 reps
Hip Adduction: 100lbs 20 times 2 reps
Adominals: 60lbs 20 times 2 reps

That was great!

[Lessara]

Well I made it a second day!! :thup: I did:

Strength training

Pull Down: 70lbs 2 sets of 20 reps
Compound Row: 60lbs 2 sets of 20 reps
Overhead Press: 50lbs 2 sets of 12 reps
Lateral Raise: 50s 2 sets of 12 reps
Tricept Extension: 50lbs 2 sets of 20 reps

I also did 5 minutes on the treadmill at a 1% incline 3.0 speed.

[chysmith]

Yeah Kassie! Good for you! :hyper:

[Lessara]

I've been stuck at work early during my normal gym time, so this morning, being sick of not moving, I went for a quick walk around two blocks and I feel very good. I think I'm walking home, rain or no rain! :thup:

[Lessara]

I did it.

I made it to the gym! I walked 15 on the Treadmill at 3.0. :thup:
I was alittle weak. I haven't been able to eat full meals yets so I need to get my calories in to do good at the gym. :rolleyes:

[Lessara]

Hi I went to the gym again today, I did my lower body strength training, only 12 reps per set though. I also did the treadmill for 3.0 with an incline of 1 for 7 minutes. I still haven't been eating good dinners.

[adnil53]

Hi Lessara... thought I'd come by and see what you have been up to... having a struggle I see... this is why I wanted to start the NLGFT challenge... I want to w/o, but I find a ton of reasons not to... but I am doing it steady now and plan to continue on... I hope you are feeling better... you mentioned that you weren't feeling well earlier... I'm ready for this challenge to begin and I am hoping we all can stick with our exercise routines through the whole 3 months! Oh... don't forget to post your pictures, goals, food plan and exercise routine by the 15th... this finish to the LGFT challenge is just 10 days away... then in a couple weeks... we will start it again... :D

[Lessara]

I haven't gotten to the gym which is a bummer. I have a torn left shoulder which the doctor told me no strength training. Half my lower body training requires me using my arms to set the weights up so I can't do those either.

How ever I have not neglected my exercising. I have been swimming every day at least an hour to two. I tread water, which can be tough, I feel my stamina getting better and better. I can tread water for an hour now. I either use just my legs or just my arms. To rest I use both.

[Lessara]

Hi all. All I've been able to do for a month is go swimming at night. Lately this week especially I haven't been able to do even that, with the thunderstorms and all. Tomorrow I'm going to try and go to the gym. If I do go, I'm only going to do cardio and lower body strength. My shoulder still hurts and I'm to not do any strength training that might hurt it. I'm to lower all my weights and to do more reps, says the physical theropist.

[Lessara]

I didn't get to the gym, but there is tomorrow. However, I did go swimming for an hour!! Oh it felt great! I might even go tonight.. Thunder clouds stay away!! :D

[chysmith]

If I want to get a really intense cardio workout, swimming is the way I do it. Boy it sure gets my heart pumping and my arms are sore the next day. Way to go! You're doing great!

[Lessara]

Hello again, gym log... I am walking to work and back home after work, its only a half mile each way, but I'm moving!! I also do Sweating to the oldies a few times a week and stretching exercise I learned when I school (during gym we were taught judo-Hawaii)

[Lessara]

Hi Amazingly enough I am back at the gym! Finally after over a year and a half!! I'm taking it slow.
Today I did:

Treadmill: 2.5 for 5 minutes (easy but my heart did pump)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward and for 1 minute backwards
(Forward was no problem, backward ok, I'm weak there)
I still haven't found a beginning yoga class before or after work. I'm definitely getting a yoga for dummies video, if you know what I mean, to at least learn some of the moves at home.

I had a few things as a result happen to me. I felt sick in my stomach and I had a major headache. To me this means my sugar dropped. Which surprised me. For I don't eat before exercising since its so early (7 am) I usually eat afterwards. This in the past never caused any problems in me.

[Lessara]

Hi all, Day 2 at the gym :) My roommate is going to and he started a month before I did. He didn't tell me for he didn't want to quit in front of me if it didn't work out. I'm having a blast.
Still easy though. I don't want to hurt myself like last time.
What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 6 minutes
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward and for 1 minute backwards (Backwards was easier today, will do 2 minutes next time)
Tossed a 6lb medicine ball for 10 minutes with my roommate. Fun!!
(I have to be careful and not twist my back too much)

I did get a slight headache afterwards, but it went away after drinking some water at work and having my peanut butter (breakfast). My muscles are alittle stiff now that its lunch time. Hope that's ok.

I'm very curious about what other ways you use medicine balls as well as the yoga balls. They look very interesting to me.

[cartmanis]

Hey Kassie,

Sounds like some good work there for your heart and wind.

I went for several weeks when I first started back to the gym where I was getting a bit of a headache when I would push too hard. Just take it easy, mine whent away, and don't have an issue anymore.

You were asking about core strenght. I'd recommend some big compound movements for weightlifting. Squats, Deadlifts, that sort of movement that really recruit a lot of the body to accomplish the move. Some good push/pull exercises for upper body like Dumbbell bench press and maybe a bent over row for the back. Certainly a whole array of things you can do, if you have a certain goal/interest, I'd be glad to help you out with my limited experience, though I'm not as experienced as some. :)

[diemde]

Hi Kassie, saw your post in the exercise forum and thought I'd pop over here and say Hi. Built has helped me quite a bit, especially when I was first getting started. She's posted a lot of good info and suggestions in my gym log, so feel free to browse through it.

When I was at the higher weight, just doing cardio was improving my strength. I never got anyone around here to agree with me on that point, but if you think about it, all that excess weight I carried made the muscles work a lot harder. I found the Walk Away the Pounds videos the best workout for me. That's what I started with and I still do them for cardio workouts. I use the Express 2 mile version most of the time and I do think it helped build a lot of strength in my legs and a little bit in my core. You might want to give them a try.

You may also want to take some L-glutamine after you exercise. It's an amino acid and helps with the muscle repair. I take it after both strength training and cardio workouts because I still feel like my muscles are working really hard during cardio. I use the powder and just mix it in a little warm water.

If you have a choice at the gym, I've heard using free weights rather than the machines are better for you and that they help build up the strength in your stabilizer muscles in the core.

Hope this helps some!

[Lessara]

Thank you for your advice! :)

I made it to the gym again today. I added 4 minutes to my treadmill, what a difference it made to the rest of my workout!
I was sweating!!

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 10 minutes
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward and for 1 minute backwards.. ok more differcult due to my legs being tired from the treadmill, well worth it though!
Tossed a 6lb medicine ball for 10 minutes with my roommate. (I was able to do it alittle fast without panting than last time :lol: )

[liftnlady]

keep up the good work....if you make it a goal to add say 3-5 minutes a every week to two weeks to your treadmill, you will be walking away the pounds in no time. You may also want to consider water aerobics if you have that at your gym, very good for the joints and using water resistance to build muscle and burn fat.

[Built]

Hey there

You might try doing some ab work on the big exercise ball. I took a little exercise ball class about a hundred years ago, or you could ask your physio to help you. Regular crunches might be problematic at your weight, because you're still fighting so much gravity it's like they're weighted sets. They WILL get easier as you continue with your successful weight loss. But in the meantime, you need to do something for your abs that doesn't involve fighting your body and hurting your back.

Ask your physio for help here. You might consider Pilates as well - I've never tried it myself, but I've heard VERY good things about it for core work.

Good luck!

[Lessara]

All such great advice, Thank you so much!! I really want to have a strong and fit body. I'm 40 and I want to be healthy at my prime of life (I feel like I grew up at 35 :lol: )

[Lessara]

This morning I just did my stretches and my adominal exercises.
My back was alittle stiff this morning, probably done in my sleep.
I really wish I could have gone to the gym to work out some of the stress in me :)

[Lessara]

On Sunday I didn't exactly go to the gym but I did go the zoo, and I walked and walked as did my roommate. We thought it would take an hour and a half but it took three hours! I'm still feeling the effects today (Monday). Our hearts were pumping and my roommate broke out in a sweat. I'm weird. I don't sweat hardly at all. Even though I drink lots of water (3-4 liters daily).
Is it a girl thing?

[Lessara]

Went to the gym today. I was so tired! This surprised me, I thought it would be easy after my long hike on Sunday. Maybe I'm still tired from it... But I did do it :)

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 10 minutes
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward and for 1 minute backwards
Tossed a 6lb medicine ball for 10 minutes with my roommate.

[Lessara]

Hi all went to the gym today
I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 10 minutes (very easy, time to increase the speed)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward (easy) and for 1 minute backwards (hell)
Tossed a 6lb medicine ball for 10 minutes with my roommate.
Also did my abdominal exercises and stretches.

Good news! I received all but one of my yoga tapes. I have beginning yoga for the back, Yoga for Everyone, and Yoga for Dummies. I plan to do the yoga between gym visits and once I get used to them, from time to time at night. I'm very excited!

[Lessara]

Hi all!
I started doing Yoga for Dummies and got through pose 7 before stopping (I only had a half hour). Its differcult for me for some of the poses. Sitting on heels, kneeling on one knee, etc due to weak muscles and a heavy frame. But the instructor on the DVD is a nice one and warned that everyone starts out clumsy and that's why people turn to yoga. So I feel better. I noticed as I move around today I can feel all my muscles ache slightly. Like after a workout, which surpised me but delighted me. I'm standing tall like a tree when I stand. Just today my boss said that I look taller for some reason :D

[Lessara]

Hi all On Sunday I went to a park in my City and discovered a walking train around a pond. It took me about 45 minutes to traverse it but it was so beautiful and fun. I definitely want to do it again! My ankles weren't used to the uneven terrain but hey if this walk makes them stronger I'm all for it! :)

[Lessara]

Hi all :wave:
I went to the gym this morning! Oh my gosh I'm so full of energy now! Which is funny for this morning I was a slug!!

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 10 minutes (I was so tired)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward (easy) and for 1 minute backwards (hell...still!)(why is backwards so friggin hard??!!
I did my abdominal exercises and stretches, using the 6lb medicine ball from side to side. (My roommate was resting and boy I felt I used my complete arm each time the ball went to its side. Phew!! I did this for about 5 minutes. I felt this more than tossing the ball like I normally do and I feel it in the sides of me)

[Lessara]

Hi all, Went to the gym again :)

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 15 minutes (I added 5 minutes, not a problem)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward (ok, slightly tired) and for 1 minute backwards (good today, adding a minute or two next time)
I did my abdominal exercises and stretches, using the 6lb medicine ball from side to side as well as arm work with the ball over my head and behind my back raises and lowering.

My roommate gave out after doing the treadmill for 11 minutes. He's discouraged that is stamina is so poor. I think you have to go beyond what you are comfortable with to see stamina where you are comfortable with... know what I mean??

[Lessara]

I went to the gym on Saturday:

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 15 minutes (I added 5 minutes, not a problem)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward and for 1 minute backwards
I did my abdominal exercises and stretches, using the 6lb medicine ball from side to side as well as arm work with the ball over my head and behind my back raises and lowering. I did more this time, showing my roommate some moves. About 20 minutes.

[Lessara]

Hi all, went to the gym today.

What I did:
Treadmill: 2.5 for 15 minutes (I added 5 minutes, not a problem)
Cross trainer: 1 for 5 minutes forward (ok, slightly tired) and for 1 minute backwards
I did my abdominal exercises and stretches, using the 6lb medicine ball from side to side as well as arm work with the ball over my head and behind my back raises and lowering.

I was tired and unmotivated before going, I felt better after I started, but now at lunch I'm tired again. Usually I feel more energy... strange.

[Lessara]

Hi all! Yesterday my roommate's car's battery died so I walked home from work yesterday and I walked to work this morning.
Its slightly over a half mile one way. It took me 25 minutes yesterday but only 15 minutes this morning. Guess my body likes to move in the AM :lol:

[Lessara]

Hey all, I went on a Site Walk (For work) for 20 minutes up and down hilly land and through brush! Aside from having to pick bugs off my clothing I had a lot of fun :D

This morning I went to the gym (Car now runs):
I did my treadmill for 6 minutes at 2.5, my weight ball exercises, along with adominal ones, and I did the cross trainer for 7 minutes. It wasn't that hard and I did it at 40 instead of my usual 35 :D.

I did good. :)

[Built]

Good for you Lessara.

:)

[Lessara]

Hi all, went to the gym Saturday Morning before going to my Boss's Wedding.
I did my 15 minutes on the treadmill, still at 2.5. I then did my adominals for 15 minutes then the 6lb medicine ball for 15 minutes before hitting the showers. I really do love going the gym. :)

I notice that walking less than 15 is so easy now. I don't even think about it going a 1/4 mile to the nearby Rite Aid. I have found two more interesting walking paths that are between 1/2 mile to 1 mile. Good for my beginning walks. One is at a project site for one of my jobs at work. :)

[Lessara]

Hello all! I'm in a very good mood today.
I went to the gym and I did the following:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes!
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.
Not too shabby ;)

[Lessara]

Hi all, I'm frustrated.. I gained 5lbs on Monday and I can't lose it!
I went to the gym today

Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 10 minutes with 6lbs. (Had to cut it short, late for work)

[Lessara]

Saturday I did:

Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.

And today I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.
I felt the treadmill more today problably because its four days since my last visit. Its funny I actually feel more alive and energized if my workout is a little tougher.

[Lessara]

Wow I haven't written in here for alittle while!
On Friday I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.

On Saturday I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 5 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.
I was very tired, due to probably not resting a day or staying up too late all week caught up with me! :lol:

[Lessara]

Hi all went to the gym today!
I was very tired for some reason. I went to bed on time finally.
I guess I need to have it more than one day. Those Red Sox Games are tough for they play so late!!

What I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.

[Lessara]

Hi all, Its been almost a week but I made it to the gym again!
My roommate is making it alittle tougher again. He's in a quitting state of mind for which I've been trying to encourage him to keep going. (Hence my "Don't Quit" Motto)

What I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 20 minutes
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.
I'm increasing either my speed or incline next time.

[Lessara]

Hi got to the gym again :D

What I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 5 minutes, 2.7 for 5 minutes, 2.8 for 3 minutes, 3.0 for 2 minutes,
and 2.8 for 5 minutes. Cool Down (2.5) for a minute. I walked a mile!!!! :hyper:
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 6lbs.

[Lessara]

I am so behind!! I've been going to the gym three times a week, today I went and this is what I did:

Treadmill, 2.7 for 4 minutes, 3.0 for 4 minutes, 2.7 for 4 minutes, 3.0 for 4 minutes, and 2.7 for 4 minutes.
Cool Down (2.5) for a minute. I walked a mile!!!! (Really this time, before it was .95 of a mile) I'm learning how to calculate the distance ;)
Abdominals: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 8lbs now. :)
I earned a YMCA bag (for bathing suits) during their 5 week/go three times a week challenge :)

[Lessara]

Hi all! Went to the gym today :)
I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 4 minutes, 2.7 for 4 minutes, 3.0 for 8 minutes,and 2.7 for 4 minutes.
Cool Down (2.5) for a minute. I walked .97 of a mile :)
Abdominals and Back: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 8lbs now.

[Lessara]

Hi all! Went to the gym today
I did:
Treadmill, 2.5 for 4 minutes, 2.7 for 4 minutes, 3.0 for 8 minutes,and 2.7 for 4 minutes.
Cool Down (2.5) for a minute. I walked .97 of a mile
Abdominals and Back: Top, Bottom, Sides (2 reps of 10, each place)
Medicine Ball: 15 minutes with 8lbs.

Oh my gosh I was soooo tired!!! I had some virus this weekend and all my muscles ached so bad. I had a fever too (101.8). I felt better this morning (no aches) so I went to the gym. I broke out into sweats and my heart rate went to higher than normal. I definitely did cardio not arobic today!! I'm drinking plenty of liquids so no worries there.

[Lessara]

Do I get any visitors in here?

[Lessara]

Hi all! Went to the gym after a week of not going.
My left knee was hurting me alot, didn't know why. I went to the gym and could only do half of my treadmill, but I did all the other exercised that I do. It was at work when I was waiting for a plot to come out of the printer when I felt and heard a loud snap! My knee had popped itself back into position. I had a slightly dislocated knee all last week. Well I'm pain free now :D

[Lessara]

Hi all, Went to the gym today - the knee is doing great, no pain at all! :)

What I did:
Treadmill: 4 min at 2.5, 4 min at 2.7, 8 min at 3.0, 4 min at 2.7, and 1 minute at 2.5.
Medicine ball: 8lbs for about 15 minutes, mostly arms.
Floor work: Abdominals (Upper, Lower and Sides), Bottom tucks, about 30 reps for each around 15 minutes or so.

[Lessara]

Kassie cleans up all the cobwebs and sweeps away the dust and dirt from her locker room. Inside you can see new basket with all her bathroom supplies, she has a new clear space in her home and as started her own exercise program - Dancing. Fast Dancing! On her computer is a music list of over 500 fast songs from the 50s to Now!

Hi all, Its been awhile but I'm back at exercising again. I dance almost daily for 15 minutes of fast music. Oh its alot of fun!
I'm ready to add another song, now that I've been dancing for two weeks.

On the positive side, My legs are strengthening but not bulking up like I did at the gym and my heart is more active than at the gym. Its definitely Aerobic! My stamina is improving much faster and I can now get up off the floor without holding onto things!
My clothing is loser, though the scale hasn't bunged. Yes I understand the muscle weighing more thing ;)

[Lessara]

Well now I'm walking to and from work for a total of a mile though its broken up by the work day. Wow look at me go! :lol:

[Lessara]

Wow has it been this long??!!
I got great news! My work will pay $100 toward a membership at the YMCA. I can join again!!! Happy Happy Joy Joy. I won't be able to go till April (After my Roommate stops working) so I can go in the mornings again :D

[Lessara]

Hi what I'm doing at the gym is 15 min of treadmill and 15 min of stationary bike. I'm going to add weight training after I can do cardio better. :)