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Cybergym 2011
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Message 1.Â
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Monday, 3rd January 2011
Welcome to the cybergym - a thread to talk about exercise, to ask advice or share successes/issues or just get a bit of friendly motivation.
Yes exercise involves a bit of effort but lets look at the benefits
- all that sweat gives your hair and skin a wonderful spa treatment and all for free. Glowing skin, and shiny hair
- increased flexibility and energy. Like all machines your body needs to be used to keep it in tip top condition
- either a useful weight loss aid alongside the healthy eating or a way of keeping your weight in check so the occaisonal treat doesn't show on your body as a lumpy bit
Exercise doesn't have to be in the gym, so long as you are raising your heart rate and working hard enough to sweat then it counts. So a long fast walk or run with the dog; a run in the park; a game of rounders or frisbee in the park with the kids; a swim (not a stand in the pool and chat but proper swimming); riding your bicycle are all ways of getting the exercise. Try and mix cardio with some weight bearing exercise to get long lean muscles and ward of osteoporosis as well as to get the best out of your cardio. For anyone wanting some exercises you can do at home can I recommend Women's Fitness magazine and website (website is free to join) where there are always different exercises that you can do with little or no equipment at home.
Vary your exercise as your body gets used to particular workouts and will get less benefit from it if you stick to the same old routine.
I find having a target helps me. So for example a race to train for or a particular goal in terms of time or distance for my running that I need to work hard to achieve. Think about what will motivate you? Getting into that outfit for a special occaison? Being able to join in the kids sports day and have a chance of winning for them? Being able to go on family cycle rides?
My goals for this year are
- to compete in a 10k outdoor race and come in the first quarter
- to be fit /strong enough to ride a 1200GS on the offroading skills course in Wales rather than have to ride a weeny bike
- to lose the bingo wings
So choose your exercise and join me -
Message 2
Posted by BrightYangThing (U14627705) on Tuesday, 4th January 2011
Oh Hello
Hope newbies are welcome. I certainly need some motivation currently for regular exercise.
I do not have weight/eating issues and know perfectly well what I should be doing more of, but it is all to easy to make excuses: Space; time; money; weather; injury (tennis elbow); illness (Sitting in bed with a chest infection as I type).
Being rural it is a bit of a hike to get to gyms/pools and I hate group classes with a passion, possibly because I have relatively poor rhythm and balance. Great area to walk and or cycle though not that confident on bicycle.
I enjoy the gym style exercise and also walking but need to set some targets, perhaps looking to next week to start. I have enough equipment at home to do a good job - special areas of interest is the bra back and knee to groin.
I am planning to do a munro by midsummer and walk regularly but need a kick up the proverbial to undertake toning and cardio exercise regularly.
I am in early fifties and in general good health.
Perhaps my first target, whilst bed ridden should be to try and re-set my sport watch (or get a new battery) as I find personal target beating good motivation.
Thanks GEm for this. -
Message 3
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Tuesday, 4th January 2011
Just signing up to the new thread. I'm a mid 60's retired person, rather overweight but committed to doing regular exercise. My ideal week is Jazzercise class on Mon and Weds, Pilates class on Thurs and a visit to the gym on Sunday morning. I keep thinking I should add another gym session. Maybe that should be my goal for the new year.
Just out of interest, has anyone done Zumba classes? They seem to be the new big thing in my locality, I expect because someone has started offering classes. I'm inclined to stick to the Jazzercise, as my teacher is very good and it's a real all round workout. -
Message 4
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Wednesday, 5th January 2011
Good morning both of you and welcome LC2011 - new members always welcome and best of all no joining fee!!
Auntie - zumba is very popular in our gym (class fills up as soon as sheet is out) and I've heard good stuff about it. It's more of a traditional aerobic class (think Jane Fonda) I think and very dependent on skill of teacher. Why not give one a go once you are back into the jazzercise and report back? You probably do need to add another gym session into your routine for best health. Remember the guidelines are heart rate up to sweat pace for 30 mins minimum 5 times a week for good heart health. Why not set yourself a couple of goals in the gym so you have some reason to go and something to work towards?
LC - so your preference is for solitary exercise. Do you have a DVD - I understand one called the Shred is very good as is the Davina one. If you check out last years thread there are some good suggestions from people who've done them (not me I'm afraid I need to be in the right environment to work out). Back fat - single arm rows are good for this but make sure you pull your shoulder blades in as you come up to pull the lats. Thighs - well running is what works best but there are exercises you can do to lengthen your muscles. Women's Fitness mag has a whole load of exercises you can do at home for thighs and bra fat in this month - it's about £3 but a good sensible read and the exercises are well described with pictures and easy to follow. I use them a lot for off gym days. You can also get a lot of them off the website (free to sign up). Worth a look?
I'm just off for a 5k run then a yoga class at my gym (I love yoga it makes me feel so calm!) -
Message 5
Posted by Oz (U6102444) on Friday, 7th January 2011
Hello all.
It has been ages since I posted on the Gym thread and so much has happened since then.
Well first let me just say that since my last visit here I have completed a Body pump instructors course, been certified with Fitness Australia and I am now a Personal Trainer.
I did initially shed a good few pounds but then plateaued for a bit before increasing weight in the form of muscle. However the inches have stay off and I have probably dropped two dress sizes. I started as a size 14 .
I teach and train daily with Sunday off. However it is summer in Oz so I go swimming on those days.
I am now also a certified Diver. I achieved that just before Xmas last year.
Yes I have had a busy 18 months.
My goals for 2011 are to maintain the fitness I have worked so hard to achieve
Continue to teach Body Pump
Increase my client base as a PT
Train as a Body Balance instructor
Get my Adventure diver cert (easy as I live on the Great Barrier Reef)
and
Throw myself out of a plane.
The last is a pressie from my husband....skydiving.
Happy training everyone.
Oh BTW to any that think they are too old to go to the gym; I am 50.
Oz -
Message 6
Posted by Billie No Mates (U14259283) on Sunday, 9th January 2011
Hello,
I'm in my 30s, recovering from long term illness and I spend most of my days in bed so my targets for early 2011 are both weight lose and fitness by
- going for one walk a week
- finding some home exercises
- going swimming 3 times a month
- finding a class to attend
I've decided not to join the gym just yet as it usually turns out to be a waste of money.
Anyway I came here for advice, any suggestions for what I can do at home and getting motivatived?
There isn't really the space for DVD style exercises. I do have dumb-bells which I'd like to learn how to use properly, I'm thinking about getting a chin-up bar or maybe something to help me do sit ups, does anyone have this kind of home equipment that does just lie around in the bottom of the wardrobe? -
Message 7
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Sunday, 9th January 2011
Billie
I can give you exercises to work on at home that require little or no equipment. Start by telling me what you want to work on - upper, lower, core etc. How long can you spend each day? Sorry to get personal but what illness are you recovering from (so I don't give you anything that will interfere)
G -
Message 8
Posted by Billie No Mates (U14259283) on Sunday, 9th January 2011
Thanks GEm, I'm normally found on the mental health thread, but physically its muscle wastage from being immobile for so long, poor general fitness, the only real physical issue that might interferre with exercise I'd say is lower back pain if I stand for too long, I have seen an Osteopath who helped a lot but said I was wasting my money until I got moving again.
Its difficult to find enough floor space to lie down or do star jumps as an example. -
Message 9
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Okay - so
1) Cardio
Are you able to go out for a short walk? If so then try and do that at a pace which gets you out of breath. Start with 5 mins and add a minute each day
Do you have stairs? If so you could use the bottom step and step up with one foot then the other then step down with the first foot and then the second. Do 15 reps and then repeat leading on the other foot
2) Chair based exercises - do 3 sets of these each day
- sit on a chair with two 2 litre plastic bottles filled with water one in each hand
- bicep curls. Raise one bottle to the shoulder and then fully extend the arm down to by your side. Repeat on the other side and do 15 on each arm
- hold the bottles level with your chest with your elbows out to the side level with the bottles, lift up to chin and down again slowly (15 reps)
- Hold the bottles above your shoulders either side of your head. Push them up to straighten your arms and let them touch above your head. Slowly return to the start position - repeat 15 times
Sittin on the chair lift one leg so that it is at 90 degrees to your body, hold for a slow count of three and lower. Repeat each leg 15 times
Squats - holding your bottles and with your knees soft bend your knees to a squat, hold for 3 and then return to standing. Do 15 reps
Lunges - holding bottles and with knees soft step forward with one leg and drop your body down, hold for 3 and then push your body back up and back. Repeat on other leg and do 15 reps
Tricep dips - with your back facing the chair put your palms on the seat. Slowly lower your body so that your arms are holding your weight then slowly push yourself back up 15 reps
See how you get on with these for a start -
Message 10
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Monday, 10th January 2011
morning all and happy new year
welcome to LC, I understand what you say about group classes but would say that as another who finds that coordination is not good (unless I'm on a bike, curiously), classes can help improve this and to be honest most are too busy concentrating on what they are doing, to laugh at others getting it wrong...
and wow, what a lot you have done Oz.
Billie, I would suggest taking up pilates, this for me has pretty much sorted out my back problems caused after a car crash.
not sure if you a a chap or a girl but if you are a chap, please dont think its just for women, the Bloke (long suffering, faintly perplexed partner of GuzziNut) also comes to classes with me and finds its very beneficial
Its not however, an instant fix, on a bad day I describe what I have to do exercise wise as a bit like permenant rehab, cant give up I would go back to square one, BUT I can now do pretty much all of what I used to get up to before the accident
aquafit classes also helped me but I no longer attend them since I moved house
my goals?
Ummmmm
get back into my routine, (classes booked already) broken by a couple of weeks away on site and then a two week hol to Mexico... -
Message 11
Posted by Billie No Mates (U14259283) on Monday, 10th January 2011
I'm a woman, too much of a woman to jog, skip or jump if that makes sense. I like the sound of pilates hoping to make it to local class and Aqua fit, just need to nudge the neighbour and she needs to nudge me.
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Message 12
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Hello Billie. I would think that Pilates and Aqua Fit would be a good combination of exercises, though I'm no expert.
Anyone else take The Telegraph? This weekend they gave away The Matt Roberts 20 minute Fitness Plan - a booklet on Saturday and a DVD on Sunday. I haven't had time to study it in detail, but at a glance it looks useful. It's always good to have things to do at home, for those times you can't get out. -
Message 13
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Haven't seen it Auntie C but I understand Roberts is well regarded in his field so it should be good. Agree that it's useful to have stuff you can use at home (I like my Women's Fitness mag and website for ideas to tone up specific areas).
Having a rest day here - well doing quite a big spring clear out actually. Have done kitchen, dining room and study today so am feeling quite proud of myself.
G -
Message 14
Posted by Billie No Mates (U14259283) on Monday, 10th January 2011
I must have missed mess 8 earlier, thanks GEm, no stairs, I'll try and find some when I go out for my walk.
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Message 15
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Good for you - let me know how you get on and I'll add some more things when your muscles are a little stronger. This should keep you going for about 6 weeks (if they get to easy increase the number of repitions to up to 30 each round!)
G -
Message 16
Posted by Billie No Mates (U14259283) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Oh GEm, just doing myself your post as a print-out wall chart, what is the exercise after bicep curls? If I'm holding the weights by my chest and lift them to my chin that doesn't seem much or have a misread your instructions?
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Message 17
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Monday, 10th January 2011
Okay - it should be workiing the muscles just at the base of your neck (it helps with the flabby shoulder/neck look). If it's too easy then lift to your chin then open your arms out as far as you can hold for a count of 3 then bring back to under your chin and slowly drop. That will work your chest as well and the inner arms
Tried to give you some gentle ones to start
G -
Message 18
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Friday, 14th January 2011
Venturing in again after a bit of a dip in exercise over Christmas. I need the accountability of this thread, not being fond of the gym (or of exercise at all, if I'm truly honest.) I swim a lot, but still find the gym session (once a week is all I'm fitting in at the moment) a drag.
On the plus side, in the past year, I discovered that the treadmill wasn't as daunting as I'd feared and I increased my speed and stamina on that quite a lot (though it's still walking, not running...) I also quite like the rowing machine and don't mind the cycling. But I'm still struggling with weights and the other machines still terrify me just to look at, so I've not ventured on them.
Being a loner by nature and terribly, terribly self-conscious after years of being overweight, I can't imagine ever joining any of the classes I'm eligible to join as a gym member. Zumba, Jazzercise, Aquafit... they all look so daunting. So I don't really know what my goals for the year are, and of course, that means I'm in a danger of getting into a rut. -
Message 19
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Friday, 14th January 2011
Hello LostInML. If you swim a lot, you'll be doing yourself good. The swimmers I know look very toned and fit. When you walk on the treadmill, do you increase the incline? I was advised a long time ago that this is a good way of making the exercise more beneficial without the high impact caused by running. I think it's up to you as to whether or not to join a class, but my experience has been that people are usually friendly and not that into watching what other class members are doing (too busy concentrating on the instructor). A good instructor will only expect you to work up to your own capacity, not compare you to the more experienced class members. I like a class because it gives me some variety, whereas in the gym I tend to get into a routine and stick to it. But the important thing is to do whatever exercise you enjoy on a regular basis. If you don't enjoy it, you'll soon give up.
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Message 20
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Friday, 14th January 2011
Hi Lost
Good to see you here again. Great that you love the swimming and that you go to the gym even though you don't particularly enjoy it. As long as you are doing at least 3 sessions of min 30 mins each week where your heart rate is raised enough to leave you slightly out of breath then you are doing your heart good.
I can sort of get the bit with weights but can I put the other side of the case to you. Using light weights for reps can really tone your muscles and start to build them too. Muscle requires more calories than fat to exist so you get a boost immediately to your metabolism, plus if you are damaging and repairing them through weight exercises they need even more cals to do that with - double benefit. Also weight training can firm up the body so that as you lose weight your body stays (or gets even more) firm. So even if a weight loss doesn't show on the scales you look slimmer as your muscles grow and you shrink inches. My trainer once told me that she was at her heaviest when at her fittest and slimmest! Riddle that one!
Why not ask one of the trainers in the gym to show you half a dozen exercises you can do with small weights ( i hate the machines as well and opt for the free weights) to get you started. I end up lifting weights among all the body builders in our gym - I was a bit daunted but they are generally a nice bunch. One picked me up on doing an exercise incorrectly and spent ages showing me and making sure I had it right, another was very complimentary about the fact I was dripping sweat(!!!) as he could tell I was actually working out not just posing. They are really into their exercise and will encourage others too. Just take that deep breath and get in there - you'll soon be part of the crowd.
So - any plans for exercise this weekend? -
Message 21
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Friday, 14th January 2011
/As long as you are doing at least 3 sessions of min 30 mins each week where your heart rate is raised enough to leave you slightly out of breath then you are doing your heart good./
O.K.... but with swimming, how do I know when my heart rate is raised enough to leave me slightly out of breath? It's rare for me to feel out of breath when swimming - that's one reason I like swimming, ironically. If I speed swim for a length, I get that feeling, but a lot of the time I prefer stamina rather than speed (though I have got faster in swimming anyway.) I suppose what I'm trying to say is, how do I /know/ I'm doing enough exercise to do me good? Do I have to feel breathless to see that?
It's easier to measure (!) breathlessness in the gym: a session on the treadmill (and yes, I do have it at the maximum incline) leaves me like that. But I'm not so sure about the swimming... -
Message 22
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Saturday, 15th January 2011
I think maybe alternating the fast lengths with the slow to get a bit breathless might be an idea, Lost,increase in stamina due to walking thats good
after a week of back to normal excercise wise ny abs are saying Oi whats that all about? -
Message 23
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Monday, 17th January 2011
start of week two, getting back to "normal"
I have just found the leisure centre will be doing Salsa and am trying to persuade Bloke to give it a go, he is not keen, dunno why, he's good at dancing, maybe its the idea of being coupled with an uncoordinated Guzzinut...
not entirely sure why I'd like to try it, suppose its because I have tackled and almost conquered the coordination needed for LBT classes -
Message 24
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
Had a good session at the gym yesterday... well, I stuck it out longer than normal, increased my speed on the treadmill for a bit (not quite running, but getting there...), did a few weights... more than normal. I ached afterwards, but in a sort of good way, if that makes any sense!
On the other hand, I needed to, as far too much cheese has been consumed this week... -
Message 25
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
Aching in a good sort of way is right, lost. You might ache a bit more tomorrow but that's good too.
Imagine i'llache a bit tomorrow too, took it up a little in lbt tonight. -
Message 26
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
Well for reasons best known to myself (though i am clearly not sharing it with me) I decided yesterday morning to go for a 10k run outside in the icy conditions (at least -1 below and slippy underfoot) which took some effort to stay upright and breathing (apparantly a vital part of the exercise). This morning I ached like b'***y which even a gentle run on the treadmill couldn't loosen off.
So yes Lost - even those of us who do it regularly ache the next day when keeping the pressure up. Good for you for joining us. Here's to your first 5k race????? ducks and runs away
G -
Message 27
Posted by Sister Primrose of the Red Tinsel Flag (U5405579) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
Can I get some advice on exercise footwear?
Last March I damaged my left achilles tendon doing exercises from the Davina Power of Three dvd barefoot. It took ages for the pain to go and the ankle become fully functional again, and it's still got a lump at the heel.
I've recently been started on statins and the patient info leaflet says that one potential side effect is a tendancy towards muscle damage in excercise. I don't plan on returning to Davina but have been doing the Just Dance wii game with the kids. So far barefoot but I'm keen to avoid another injury so should probably be wearing something on my feet.
Would I be better in the sort of trainers that have a thicker sole towards the heel like running trainers or the flat thinner soled training shoes?
PP
ps So far today I've done 15157 steps according to the pedometer. Just felt the need to boast, I know it's nothing compared with some of your exercise routines but I was quite impressed. -
Message 28
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
Hi Primrose. Well done with the steps.
I can't advise on footwear, but why not go to a shop that specialises in running shoes. Find one where they get you on a treadmill and look at your gait. I'm sure the trained staff will also know about injuries, so even if you're not a runner they can probably help with good advice as to the best trainers for the type of exercise you do. -
Message 29
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
15157 steps PP well that sounds like a lot to me, so feel chuffed
Just take it easy on that tendon, I have something similar and whilst chiro lady has worked small wonders its been a long hard slog to get it almost right... No blood supply, long time to mend apparently
I have trainers with a gel insert, recommended by local sport shop. No special make. They seem ok and had the added bonus of being trainers for boys (odd advantage of small feet) so no vat.
Otherwise decent walking shoes are great, no pressure on the tendon from boots. I tend to live in mine now. Good thing my job is more mud than glam eh? -
Message 30
Posted by Sister Primrose of the Red Tinsel Flag (U5405579) on Thursday, 20th January 2011
I don't normally manage anywhere near thatmany steps which is why I'm boasting...
I'm a bit wary of going into sports shops as I haven't a lot of spare cash at the mo and don't like hard sell for expensive stuff. My experience that asking questions ends up in a recommendation to buy the most expensive thing in the place with the clear implication that I'm a fool if I don't do as I'm told.
PP -
Message 31
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Friday, 21st January 2011
Well done, PP!
Can't see me ever doing a 5k run, GEm, but I'm booked for a 2.5 km swim in April for charity and am gradually trying to increase my distance as the 5km swim looks appealing (but unobtainable.) I'm at 3.5 km with swimming; don't know if I can add another 1.5 km by April...
Keep reminding me how good I felt after the gym session the next time I want to hide away and not bother going! -
Message 32
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Friday, 21st January 2011
well done on the steps PP - keep it up. Do you have a Sweatshop near to you that you could go to? This is a specialist running shop but they are absolutely committed to you having the right shoe - my last trip there I was trying to buy the more expensive shoe I tried on and they wouldn't sell it to me as it was wrong for my gait. They also have a sale on that finishes I think next week and have some great shoes in the sale. Go in and tell them you are on a budget and can't spend more than £x and they'll work with you to find you a shoe that is right for you in that price range. If you need a gel insert they'll have those too.
Don't bother with the high st chains - they do definitely have no product knowledge and try and flog you the expensive stuff.
Otherwise have a look on the interweb - Nike, Addidas and Brookes all have a good selection. More difficult to find the right one without professional advice though.
Lost - 5k swim is not unachieveable by April. That is at least 12 weeks away so if you increase by 3m a week (is that a width?) then you'll be there. You'll be amazed at how much being in a race spurs you on. Well done on getting your endorphin hit in the gym though - it;'s fab isn't it?
Guzzi - see you are back at the grindstone. Enjoy! -
Message 33
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Friday, 21st January 2011
PP if you have a local, independant sport shop near by? Sadly they are quite rare these days... I'd go in there. I used the one near where I now live, the lad in there was helpful, knowledgable, didnt try and sell me something pricey, he discussed the injury quite knowledgably too
he was the one who suggested I tried the trainers in the "boy" range too
Lost, we'll remind you that you felt good, its one of the mantras on here I think
GEm, yes its rather good to be back to "normal" exercise wise, even if my abs are saying Oi! whats going on. historic sites in Mexico have loads of steps so I geuss we got exercise that way whilst away. -
Message 34
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Friday, 21st January 2011
I don't always think in metres, but in lengths. The most I've done in one stint is 140 lengths (last Saturday); to do 5km, I need to swim 200 lengths. So that's 60 lengths to add.
Now obviously I could increase one length at a time, but the fact remains I have to do it in one go ultimately. What I am currently working on is increasing the number of lengths in one go at the weekend, when I have more time (because time is the main obstacle during the week). I added 10 lengths last week and was shattered... but obviously if I kept that up, I would reach 200 in time! I just don't know if I can keep it up. What I will aim for tomorrow is at least 140 and hopefully a few more...
It's definitely good to have a goal, though! -
Message 35
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Now that sounds like a well thought out plan lost
Good luck with it and keep us posted, goals are good and that one should be achievable -
Message 36
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
My only reservations are the fact that it took so long to increase the number of lengths before. Getting to 80 took a little while, but that was from no exercise at all, so I expected that. Getting from 80 to 100 took about 6 months. I suppose I then had the goal of a pupil in my class, aged 11, spurring me on to the 2 mile distance, which meant adding another 30 in one go (I suppose that shows I /do/ have a competitive nature, which I hadn't realised before, being far less competitive than the men in my household!) I did the 130 just before Christmas, went away over the holidays, came back to 130... and then last week did 140. I guess having a goal is good and a motivating factor, otherwise I would probably merrily stay at 130 for ever. I never actually think of myself as being very ambitious in any regard (another reason that losing weight has always been hard, because until I had a medical reason for doing so, I just couldn't be bothered with calorie counting or weighing myself as it all seemed too much like hard work...!), so it's a bit of a revelation to realise that I have to keep setting myself goals so as to continue to lose weight /and/ to keep myself from dying from boredom in the process!
-
Message 37
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
You are starting from a higher point than no exercise before, Lost, Gem thinks you can do it, she seems to know about these things
I think 10 at a time should be doable plus you did get the achy in a good way buzz that we all burble on about in here, didn't you?
The 10 at a time should produce this result again, where as one at a time wouldn't, coz you don't notice one at a time, from my memory of swimming regularly. You notice trying to speed up, keeping going when you want to stop and more lengths, well I did
I'm not really good at competitive either. Men? Well they tend to be competitive by nature mostly, well most of the ones I know are, Bloke is and I'm known to poke fun at him about it (nasty guzzinut) But the wake up call to exercise for me came at the right time (car crash, back injury at 30ish)
My goal last year was to stick with lbt classes, or Thursday night humiliation as I jokingly call it at times. Much to Bloke's astonishment I did, the coordination part is gradually becoming easier, after ohhhh a year and a half, nearly but I still get in a pickle -
Message 38
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Well done LostInML for your continuing improvement. Don't underestimate the usefullness of swimming. I read an interview with Natalie Portman where she said that in addition to all the dance work she did for Black Swan, she had to swim a mile every day for non-impact cardio exercise. The swimming also helped to elongate her muscles.
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Message 39
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Hah! I must have beautifully elongated muscles, then! (Does that make me taller?!!)
You lot are all great. I went swimming today determined to do 150 lengths and ended up doing 160, in the same time that 140 had taken me last week! So that was a good boost and has made me feel that 5km by April is now not so daunting and is, in fact, achievable. My biggest worry other than stamina was timing as the session only lasts 3 hours and you tend to get slower as you get more tired. But if I can keep things going at a steady pace, I should fit it all into the session. -
Message 40
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Now that is a result, lost, 20 extra lengths and a swim in the same time as last week? Well done you
pacing yourself is key I guess, its not a race, its a distance, go lost, you can do it -
Message 41
Posted by Oz (U6102444) on Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Morning from a hot if a bit damp Australia.
I have recently started to work with a new trainer at the gym. They introduced me to this little piece of kit which I have to admit I was a bit suspicious of at first.
I now use it freely and would like to ask if anyone else has much experience of this and for feedback. I think that for at least one of my PT clients it might prove useful.
I have also signed up for yet another instructors course. Body Balance. Like the Body Pump thing I have been participating in this for years but decided that when one of our instructors left it may be an opportunity to fill her classes and take the strain of our one remaining teacher who is frankly all balanced out.
BTW I have used the TRX system myself but I have (as you do) g**gled the reviews. Some good some bad. That's why I have come to you guys. Like all of these so called "all in one bag " systems they rarely meet up with the hype but nonetheless this has some pluses but that is from my own experience. Do let me know
Today is my "day off " so I am doing nothing more strenuous that picking up a cup of tea.
Happy training all
Oz -
Message 42
Posted by Tatihou (U6849712) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Hello from me and a request for motivational help.
I'm early 50s and used to be ferociously fit - gym 4x per week, swimming 3x per week, walking and cycling - but all this was in a good way, not an obsessive way. For eg, my swims were a warm-up pre-gym. I ate well too and was a size 12.
Then I moved to rural France. There's not much of a gym culture outside large towns - and it is expensive with no council subsidies. The local swimming pool is excellent - but expensive - and the other downside is whereas in Wiltshire the local leisure centre opened at 7am for those who wanted to exercise before work - I did - here the centres don't open much before 9am or, some days, even 10am. Going to the gym for an hour can take up an entire morning whereas previously I was glowing, showered and ready to go by 9am. I miss that.
However, I have a big vegetable plot (lots of digging, manuring, mulching, weeding) I live on top of a hill so any walks I take (with dog) equate to a treadmill workout on incline and in the house I have a x-trainer, a good quality rowing machine (though not a Concept II) and a multipurpose weights machine, this model -
So what am I lacking? Motivation. Pure and simple. I've gone up to a size 18 and I know that by summer, with a good exercise and eating program (I do understand good eating / nutrition) I could be down to a 14. I want to be! but wanting doesn't seem to be converting into doing.
If I come up with some sort of exercise program with targets and (rashly!) post it on here, I could maybe come here for a bit of support and (I hope) motivation? I know it's down to me being honest with me and with what I say I've done... but I think I would be because otherwise, what's the point?
I've no health issues (of which I'm aware!) I'm reasonably fit at the moment in that I'm on my feet most of the day doing "stuff" - I run a b&b but we're closed until March. When guests are here I'm busy from about 6am till midnight and I lose weight running about but as far as making time to exercise is concerned, I'm generally fairly flexible about when I fit it in - it's not like I'm confined to an office 9 - 6. But I suppose that very flexibility is an excuse not to make exercise a routine and because time isn't scheduled, that, at least in part, is why it doesn't happen.
Sorry for the essay! But the exercise (!) of putting my thoughts down has been useful. As I said, I'll come up with an exercise and eating program but any suggestions from anyone here as to composition of the program and how to motivate myself would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance. : - D -
Message 43
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Up and at em oz. Feel tired from reading your post
hope the course goes well & good for you for filling a gap
Welcome tatihou, motivation, a fickle beastie to pin down. Feel free to put your programme in here I think your comment that it's not at a scheduled time rings with me. & that's why I like classes to fit round work. Freely admit I have the attention span of a gnat, so don't use the gym.
Ummm could you add ankle weights to a walk?
Off for a ponder and to make chili sauce -
Message 44
Posted by boo decker (U10848648) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Morning all,
Could i request a kick up the bum please?
In May I am doing the Playtex Moonwalk in London. Its a powerwalking marathon to raise funds for breast cancer research.
I am overweight and underfit and took on the challenge as it would be a good way to help a charity I feel strongly about (mum works as a volunteer in a local hospice) and get myself fit too (win win I see it)
I have a training plan from the charity... tis a 13 week plan and I have 16 weeks before the event so I have used the book published by the person who started it all to extend the plan. Its all neatly written up, its in my diary and I write it up on our weekly to do board so OH knows what I'm planning.
Sounds good hey?
Yeah right. I've just had to re write it cos when I wrote it i had 17 weeks to go.
I need some one to kick me up the bum so I actually get out the door.
Please? -
Message 45
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Blimey got busy in here
Well done Lost - see I told you it was doable. When I started running my trainer told me to get the distance first then work on the speed. Don't know if that works for swimming too but I thought I'd share. I am envious - I can just about do a length so long as I'm not out of my depth!!! Post here your progress and we'll do all we can to cheer you on from the edge of the pool
Oz - our trainers use the TRX bands. One guy is really good with them and one is really a bit fluffy and not much cop so I think it's about the instructor as well. The one thing I've learned is if you have any weakness in your back you need to be VERY careful with them. Also you need a very secure wall post to hang them from as the hook takes a lot of your body weight. My OH is very very fit and did a 30 minute session with the good guy at the gym and he really felt it and was sweating buckets, my friend did a session and it hurt her back quite badly so she was in pain for a few weeks. So I guess in summary if you are going to use them then get yourself properly trained to do so.
Tatihou - what about running outdoors? That's the quickest way I know to shift the weight? You could start off very gently but you'll probably find your fitness comes back quite quickly. Do your plan and each week post it in here together with a progress report against the previous week's plan and we'll try and help and encourage. I presume you know the rules on healthy eating - if not there's a main thread to this one where there are experts on every diet going (WW, SW, GI, GL, Idiot and more that I can't remember). There's bound to be one to suit and from reading the thread I think you can do most of them on line
Boo - Now young lady writing the plan isn't enough is it? How about as I've said to Tatihou post the week's plan in here together with an update on how you did the week before. We'll do our best to encourage and push a bit. You've committed to this - now all you have to do is get out. Let's see what you can manage today. I'll check in again tonight to see how you got on. -
Message 46
Posted by LostInML (U13646691) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Accountability works wonders. I do a lot more knowing that I can't get away with being idle if I want to talk to you lot. I would encourage everyone to verbalise what they intend to do as it helps a lot. If you never aim for anything, you always hit that target, but it doesn't get you far!!
-
Message 47
Posted by BrightYangThing (U14627705) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
No sooner suggested than.........
Hello again
Still suffering with chesticles but made my first target last week. Sorted my Polar watch/heart rate fitness monitor - but it is showing battery warning, which warrants a not currently planned trip into the big city.
I find the monitor a great boost as I can record times/cals and other personal data. I find it easiest to set personal 'best' targets as I said before I think I am allergic to big group activities and events. I hated doing the Cancer Research 5 mile Run 2 years ago - and it wasn't only because we needed flippers and snorkels!
I also undertook a 2 hr group Nordic Walk plus a 1 hr local countryside walk at brisk pace last week.
Still managing to avoid my fitness/dance dvd or any X trainer/toning work at home. I plead the Fifth. Actually I need the man about the house to set up the X Trainer which was moved for space at Christmas.
Thanks for the Tip about Women's Fitness gEM. Looks like a good replacement for a soon to be cancelled subscription.
My goals this coming week are:
1. To undertake another walk with the Nordic Group (Tue) - flat coastal walk of 7 miles in 2 2hours.
2. One other extended local walk with a friend (Fri) . We want to add in another loop adding approx 1.5 miles more.
3. Do one x 10 minute XTrainer + twenty minute weights/toning sessions (Mon or Thur) and 2 x 30 minutes of my dance/fitness video (Wed or Sat)
Good luck to everyone trying to keep on track or kick start a new regime this week. -
Message 48
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Nicely put Lost - ok if I steal that one?
To take my own medicine - still suffering from the rash though it appears to be improving a bit (seeing Doc tomorrow) and now have a cold as well though better today so my goals for this week
- 1 10k run on the treadmill in the warm
- 1 5k run outside hopefully when it's above freezing
- 2 yoga sessions
- 3 weight sessions
1-- 2 x 6k run on treadmill -
Message 49
Posted by GuzziNut (U6364582) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
Oh heck I'm gonna sound very vague and woolly in comparison to you guys
Keep at what I do
Aim at more coordination
Do stuff slower in pilates
Ask lbt instructor to walk me thru a couple of the more lively exercises, think tendon might cope now, then add them in f ingers xd
Find an early class for Friday night... -
Message 50
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Sunday, 23rd January 2011
My main goal is to fit in another gym session each week. A Friday should usually a good day - I could do it before the dreaded stupormarket run. I'm also trying to up the intensity of cardio in the gym. I'm nothing like as fit as some on this thread, but trying to grow old without becoming totally decrepit.
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