happy happy fun mo

Challenge update

I've been doing so well with the workouts so far, I'm so pleased. I've worked out every day so far, with the exception of the first Monday. This Monday I did 30 min of cardio and then wanted more, so I did some strength training. I think I'm going to try to do cardio every day, plus strength on alternate days, and see how that goes for a while. *And* the scale has started going down a bit. Woohoo!

X-posted to self_challenge
happy happy fun mo

Not as easy as I thought...

I've done workouts every day this week (4 cardio, 2 weight), total of around 700 calories burned. However, my weight has actually gone *up* (by just a pound, but still). I'm not really getting discouraged, I'm in this for toning up and I'm not dieting, just exercising (as opposed to what I was doing before the Challenge, which was not dieting and not exercising). Still, it's annoying. Anyone else seeing the same thing?

I'm also fairly disgusted with Bally's,there are just so many things I hate about gyms. However, I'm looking at an elliptical machine that Sears sells and thinking I may buy that and just work out at home. It costs what I'd pay for about 9 months at Bally's.

X-posted to self_challenge
Barackie O

First Timer

I just joined the Challenge for the first time this week. I am trying to get in shape for my Spinning Instructor Certification. Right now, motivation, exhaustion and life logistics are all working against me!

I'm definitely looking for some buddies to get through this. I am hoping these communities take off!

Do you all use the "Forums" features on the Challenge webpage?

How are you all doing? How do you balance your life and get everything in? What motivates you?

Cross posted to all the Challenge communities I could find and join.
  • Current Mood
    tired tired
parade

So far..

I've done cardio workouts 2 days in a row. I started to do the strength workout today, but just couldn't get into it. I will try again tomorrow, for sure. I'm not doing the eating plan, though I will probably scan it for ideas.. just watching my portions and trying to make healthier choices. I've set a weight loss goal of 24 pounds, 2 pounds a week. I've been yoyo-ing for the last few years and I really need to get back down in my healthy range and stay there.

crossposted to self_challenge
happy happy fun mo

(no subject)

Thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a 31-year-old techie that sits in a chair for work all day. I've joined both the self_challenge and selfchallenge05 communities since it's not clear where all the action might be in these forums. This is my first shot at the Challenge, and I'm hoping to use it to firm up and get in shape, rather than to specifically lose weight (though if I manage to lose 5 lbs in the course of it I'd be thrilled). I'm not going to do the food part (beyond generally trying to eat healthier), but I'm going to try to stick with the workout part. Tonight will be my first workout, I'm pretty psyched. I haven't belonged to a gym in about a decade, and last weekend I went to check out the local Bally's. I haven't decided whether to join them yet (I'm going to take a look at Healthworks, which is where I belonged years ago but it's *so* expensive now) but I plan to take full advantage of my trial membership. FYI for those who haven't noticed, it looks like you can get a free 3 month trial membership at Bally's if you sign up for it and go there on March 4.

X-posted to self_challenge
curls' best friend.

month one, week two-- week one reflection

Almost everything went according to plan, except I didn't and couldn't find time to do two cardio workouts. But, I finished one cardio workout and two strength workouts. I'd say four out of the possible seven days I ate "eh". Not always following the 90/10 principle, but it's hard working at a mall with all those temptations!!! I wonder if I could count standing on my feet all day at work a cardio workout. Probably not, but that really tires me out. Either I workout before work, but after work I'm too tired. My feet hurt and I just want to go to bed. My eating in the earlier part of the week (Sunday-Wednesday) was much better than the later part of the week. Does anyone plan out their meals? I might have to start doing that so I can eat 90/10 seven days a week, and make sure to eat better instead of being tempted. I did use my 10 percent during the other half of the week. Eating two cookies and maybe pretzels. Not the healthiest, but it's just 10 percent, not 50 percent. Well, there's always this week to improve. And I'm already noticing results.
curls' best friend.

month one, week one-- day two progess

How did everyone do during month one of week one? It's month one, week one, and day two. So far, I'm doing pretty well. But doesn't everyone have a day where you forego all the rules and eat very unhealthfully? My lunch was very satisfying. At Panera I kept it healthy. Half an Asian Sesame Chicken salad with half a Garden Veggie sandwich. I grabbed Lotus tea with valencia earlier. Before lunch I ate some fruit with my Lotus tea. I hadn't finished it, but having tea with lunch was filling. I was hungry and knowing which level I am at for hunger doesn't let me overeat, but I think before I eat. That's helpful. The workout went pretty good. It took me the whole twenty-five minutes. Some of the exercises I totally "felt" it within the first few reps. The plie with ball I felt. What a burn. The downward dog calf raise was difficult for me because my heels don't touch the floor. So I did it opposite. Instead of lowering my heels, I raised them. Maybe my heels will eventually touch the floor, but now they don't. So I was a little disappointed. Other than that, I think now I'll have some toast? Or sorbet?

Keep up the good work everyone.
Fairy Girl

Challenge Frustration

Hi all! I'm just finishing my fourth week of the Challenge. I've been really dedicated, and hit the gym or yoga class almost every day for almost 28 days now. I've kept a strict food journal for the first week, and a more abbreviated one for the last three weeks. The bummer is that I've actually gained two pounds. Now, I know that doesn't sound like much, but I have been sitting on 135 lbs, 5'6" for a long time, and I'd been hoping that the Challenge would help me hit my pre-pregnancy weight of 123. Instead I have gained a few pounds. While I realize this is probably muscle weight, and I'm losing fat, I'm still a little discouraged. Has this happened to anyone else, and if I keep plugging away will I eventually lose those extra lbs?
  • Current Mood
    cheerful cheerful
Girl Run

(no subject)

Does anyone know the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates.

I just completed a 45-minute pilates workout w/ Denise Austin (DVD)...how should I enter this into my exercise log?

Thanks!