View Full Version : Movers & Shakers - Oct 5 - 11
Shadow
10-05-2008, 07:21 AM
Up and at 'em, gang - Dean is watching :D! And so am I ;)!
I've had 2 great workouts so far this week & have 3 more lined up to finish the week out.
How are the rest of you doing with Dean's great Shocktober challenge :)?
mishka
10-05-2008, 07:58 AM
Well I haven't stayed on track very well with this one from being sick the last couple days. I did have same good ab workouts though. I'm planning on getting back on track with some leg exercises today.
gitfiddle
10-05-2008, 09:16 AM
Wow, Shadow, you make me feel like a slacker! :jawDrop: I'll be back at it tomorrow. :D
Shocktober's been going well and I like the early release from the gym when doing more weight (more slowly) at fewer reps. Almost feels like cheating! I added ten to fifteen pounds to the joints that could stand it. Even my knees got an extra five pounds. I'm also being careful with the fly/delt machine.
Mishka, I hope you're past the illness now!
Shadow
10-05-2008, 10:44 AM
Mishka - When we're sick, we need to rest because if we don't, we're just sick longer ;). So don't rue the missed time - often when we get a break, we're stronger when we come back to it :).
Carol - Well, I will feel like a slackard on Thurs/Fri when I'm "off" and you're exercising :p. Way to go on upping that poundage - and doing it wisely, too :D!
PS - Dean, I've been a good girl too and upped my weights every time. Do I get a gold star :lol:?
kwe730
10-05-2008, 11:07 AM
Hi all,
I usually take the weekends off from working out, but will be back in the gym with my trainer tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday. She devlops a plan of action for me so I never know what we'll be working on when I get there. That makes it kind of fun. She has also told me that I'm one of her few female clients that likes to "work heavy". Love the challenge of that!
Enjoy the day!
gitfiddle
10-05-2008, 11:45 AM
Do I get a gold star :lol:?http://bestsmileys.com/stars/4.gif
bigdawg_SLC
10-05-2008, 03:14 PM
Mishka - When we're sick, we need to rest because if we don't, we're just sick longer ;). So don't rue the missed time - often when we get a break, we're stronger when we come back to it :). I agree with that. If I am down with a virus or sickness ... it's much more productive to wait it out ... and go back to the gym healthy.
Carol - Well, I will feel like a slackard on Thurs/Fri when I'm "off" and you're exercising :p. Way to go on upping that poundage - and doing it wisely, too :D!
Carol -- that is AWESOME that you are upping the weights. I did my second Chest day of the challenge (since I started last Sunday) ... and I increased to 225 on the bench (adding 20lbs) -- and my chest knows it! OUCH. I also increased the inclined press by 25lbs ... and the 2 types of chest flyes that I do ... I've increased by 40lbs on the fly/delt machine and cable flyes I upped by 20lbs each side. No slacking there.
PS - Dean, I've been a good girl too and upped my weights every time. Do I get a gold star :lol:?
http://images.kenyonhill.com/icons/star.gifhttp://images.kenyonhill.com/icons/star.gifhttp://images.kenyonhill.com/icons/star.gif
There you go... 3 gold stars ... Get used to it ... I think we'll all be getting
Gold Stars when then challenge is all said and done with!
bigdawg_SLC
10-05-2008, 03:16 PM
Hi all,
I usually take the weekends off from working out, but will be back in the gym with my trainer tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday. She devlops a plan of action for me so I never know what we'll be working on when I get there. That makes it kind of fun. She has also told me that I'm one of her few female clients that likes to "work heavy". Love the challenge of that!
Enjoy the day!
KWE -- Keep it up, building muscle will help you to burn fat! Way to go!
gitfiddle
10-05-2008, 03:37 PM
I did my second Chest day of the challenge (since I started last Sunday) ... and I increased to 225 on the bench (adding 20lbs) -- and my chest knows it! OUCH. I also increased the inclined press by 25lbs ... and the 2 types of chest flyes that I do ... I've increased by 40lbs on the fly/delt machine and cable flyes I upped by 20lbs each side. No slacking there.No one would/could call you a slacker, Dean! :)
My increases have been more modest, but I'm not into pain. :rolleyes: I have a history of getting too enthusiastic and then having to sit out until I heal, and I'm erring on the side of caution.
kwe730
10-05-2008, 04:44 PM
Dean,
Thanks for the encouragement!
Kim
bigdawg_SLC
10-05-2008, 06:35 PM
No one would/could call you a slacker, Dean! :)
My increases have been more modest, but I'm not into pain. :rolleyes: I have a history of getting too enthusiastic and then having to sit out until I heal, and I'm erring on the side of caution. That's certainly the smart way to go! I would rather just be a little sore, then really hurt. And that's the deal ... you can't build if you're not healthy. Keep doing what you're doing Carol!
Dean,
Thanks for the encouragement!
Kim
Kim, you're welcome ... we're just glad to have you here on the board. As you can see we're a lively group of people, so jump in and participate as much as possible!
Shadow
10-06-2008, 09:59 AM
Kim - It's always great to have another person on board who loves weights as much as most of us do :thumbsup:!
Carol - Thanks for the beautiful star :D! It has a wonderful sparkle - just like you! As for increasing the weights, I've seen you go too far too soon before so I'm thrilled you're being more cautious this time! You've learned well, grasshopper!
Dean - Wow - 3 gold stars :) :) :)!!!!! I am impressed! Of course, like Carol, I'm going up some but certainly not by the leaps and bounds you are. You are rockin'!!!!
KnotDreams
10-06-2008, 11:49 AM
Just returned from my work-out. It would have been tempting to skip today because of too much on my schedule. Instead, I backed out of an evening meeting, did a little time-shifting, and made it to the gym.
I feel good about that, because for once I made the work-out the higher priority. Too often I let a busy schedule derail my work-out plans.
Today was a cardio day, and I spent it on the eliptical machine. Part of the time I did intervals, but mostly used one of the programs on the machine.
Hope you all have a great day!
Karen
Sunday: nothing
Monday: resistance workout at gym, PT
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
kwe730
10-06-2008, 12:41 PM
Shadow,
Thanks for the welcome! I started working out with weights when I was 18 and am still a fan. I love the results you get and the way it makes you feel. I skipped my workout today because I'm feeling less than fabulous. My left knee is a little sore, but don't think I injured it.
Knot...I just noticed that you live in St. Louis. We've lived there twice and loved it. My older son is in school down there now.
Amy...Hope you can get to the gym this week!
Everyone have a great day,
Kim
bigdawg_SLC
10-06-2008, 01:07 PM
Good afternoon all! Today was Cardio day for me ... So I did my 30 minutes of HIIT on the treadmill .... Have I mentioned that I really hate cardio????
It'll be good to get back there tomorrow and start throwing some weights around. I am sore from Sunday's chest routine ... just don't "POKE" me in the pecks today ... that would be a small form of torture!
Dean - Wow - 3 gold stars :) :) :)!!!!! I am impressed! Of course, like Carol, I'm going up some but certainly not by the leaps and bounds you are. You are rockin'!!!! Shadow, what that really means is I started last week too light. If I'm able to throw that kind of "extra" weight on ... I whimped out the first week. But I'm back on track this week so ... no stars for me!
Thanks!!
I hope that when I DO go, it's not as busy as it was today.
I didn't get to all the machines I like to get to because it was so busy?!
I'm going to go after work most days, then I'm not so pressed for time. TOday I went at lunch, so I didn't have time to stall until a machine opened up.
I did try out a new machine. My PT said I need to strengthen my sides...so I was using this twist machine. I'm not sure I was using it right, I didn't feel like I was using my sides, but I couldn't pinpoint what I WAS using :rolleyes:. I ask him to show me how to work it. Then again, I KNOW my abs are strong, maybe my sides are as well?????? :D
bigdawg_SLC
10-06-2008, 01:10 PM
I skipped my workout today because I'm feeling less than fabulous. My left knee is a little sore, but don't think I injured it.
Kim, I hope you get feeling better ... so tomorrow you can "hop" no pun intended ... ok Pun intended ... back into the gym and start resistance! :eek::eek:
Seriously though, I hope you do get feeling better.!
Sunday is my total slacker day. I do what I want to and nothing I have to. If I want to go for a walk, I do it.If I want to ride my bike, I do it. I spend the day with friends if at all possible. A good day to catch up.
Today was lower body work out at the YMCA. This evening I will loosen the tight muscles with a bike ride, nothing hard though..just easy ride. Then I am stretching on the floor. Sometimes that feels awesome. Part of LBWO is crunches. I hate crunches with a passion. grrrr.......
Shadow
10-06-2008, 02:22 PM
Karen - I think it's wonderful that you put yourself - and your workout - first :D!!!
Amy - It's great to see you hanging out with us again :thumbsup:!
Kim - Fingers crossed that tomorrow that knee feels far more fabulous than it did today :nod:!
Dean - I'm so glad you're aware of that little misstep last week ;). But I think we're all guilty of just going with the flow more times than we should. As for cardio, I think we've both mentioned just a time or two how much we hate it :lol:!
Lynn - That sounds like a marvelous way to spend your Sundays :D! Crunches aren't fun but boy oh boy do those floor stretches feel great!
gitfiddle
10-06-2008, 05:28 PM
I'm going to go after work most days, then I'm not so pressed for time. I agree. But it has to be before I go home or I'm sidetracked. Being caught in the tentacles of my recliner (yes it does!) is guilt-free after I've worked out. Shadow's floor stretches can't compare. ;) I hope you don't get any sore spots from the twister, or at least that they're in the right place.
I did upper body today. I can feel my abs already! The crunch machine was too easy, so I added some weight to where 9-10 reps were enough. Ten minutes of HIIT on the stationary bike. I added a small incline to the treadmill for the last five minutes, something I've never done. The knees didn't seem to mind.
bigdawg_SLC
10-06-2008, 07:26 PM
Thanks!!
My PT said I need to strengthen my sides...so I was using this twist machine. I'm not sure I was using it right, I didn't feel like I was using my sides, but I couldn't pinpoint what I WAS using :rolleyes:. I ask him to show me how to work it. Then again, I KNOW my abs are strong, maybe my sides are as well?????? :D
Was it this type of exercise???
http://books.google.com/books?id=qoG81THot6IC&pg=PA122&lpg=PA122&dq=torso+twist+machine&source=web&ots=Cgerfl_DNa&sig=TaOAighJK1rzjgP9MxipzJEEgVg&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPA122,M1
Either exercise 31 or 32??? This is a preview of "Women's strength training anatomy" Good abdomen exercises in the pages it lets you preview!
It was more like this...only I moved my upper body. This picture shows him moving his lower body.
http://www.orthomd.net/medInfo/BackExercises/9smallRotate10final.gifhttp://www.orthomd.net/medInfo/BackExercises/10smallRotate11final.gif
Oh, and I feel nothing. I did my PT which also is working on my obliques, and I still don't feel a thing...
So I think I have strong obliques and this is not an area I need to work in my PT and I plan on telling him so when I see him this week.
bigdawg_SLC
10-06-2008, 11:26 PM
It was more like this...only I moved my upper body. This picture shows him moving his lower body.
http://www.orthomd.net/medInfo/BackExercises/9smallRotate10final.gifhttp://www.orthomd.net/medInfo/BackExercises/10smallRotate11final.gif
That is what the one at my gym looks like ... I load 150 lbs of resistance on it ... I definately know when I get off that machine. Try loading more resistance. You may have pretty strong obliques ... try putting more weight on it. I ALWAYS feel it for a couple of days when I do this machine:eek:
I upped the weight, but felt more in my shoulder than in my abs...so I lower the weight and made sure I was using OBLIQUES and not any other part of my body.
BUT, I may not have had the machine set up right. I couldn't find the knob to move the seat and was unsure where the pads should hit my chest (there are more pads than the picture I showed, but I couldn't find a picture that showed my exact machine). I will ask a trainer to show me how to use the machine.
GF said I should do something simpler but more pointed to the Obliques.
Stand up with weights in each had. Bend sideways at the waist (like you are trying to become the letter "c"). Lift the handweight on the outside of your "c"...not over your head, just at the elbow (raising the weight from hip to armpit).
Does that make sense? THAT I can feel...!!
My gym has the stationary seat and the over head adjustable arm thingies...It is really hard to push. It is one of my favorite machines. I gain like an apple and this machine helped harden the marshmellow sides I had. Still working on a waist line.
HIIT done. 20 minute intervals today.WHOO HOOO...It's 49* outside and feels like 100* inside now.
The one I use has chest pads and handles now that you discribe yours Amy
One of the best oblique excersizes is crunches with your elbows going to the opposite knee. Always concentrate on the muscles of the obliques and be sure that they are what is pulling you up to a crunch position.
I remember laying on the couch one day. The phone rang and I sat up to answer it. I almost flung mysefl off the couch. I did not realize how much those crunches had helped.
Dean..I have the womans strength training anatomy book. I also have Arnolds weight lifting bible. They are amazing books.
kwe730
10-07-2008, 08:52 AM
Morning all,
Sadly the knee is still sore, but overall I'm feeling much better and no longer wonky. :)
Tuesday is usually a day off, but I WILL be back in the gym tomorrow and on Friday. I'll make sure my trainer knows about the sore knee, so we can avoid things that might make it feel worse.
Amy...My favorite oblique exercises is the crunch with the twist like Hawk described. The other one I like is sitting in a semi-crunch position with a medicine ball and twisting back and forth. Those get me every time!
Kim
The crunch twist is what the PT has me doing.
He has me sit by a wall and put my feet up on the wall so my knees are at a right angle. I press against the wall with my heels and raise my arse (should feel in back of thighs and butt). Then raise my upper body by pointing my hands toward the wall/ceiling, then twisting and pointing toward the sidewall...does that make ANY sense?
I look like a caterpiller who got scared and curled up in a ball!!
I don't feel a thing...but continue to do it.
Sorry about the knee Kim! I HATE when my knee(s) are sore!!! IT affects everything I do (or end up NOT doing :rolleyes:).
bigdawg_SLC
10-07-2008, 12:38 PM
I just got back from the gym ... I'm now at work ... anyways ... I did lower body today, Inclined Leg Press (450lbs), seated leg extensions (120lbs each leg, done separetly), seated leg curls (150lbs), lying leg curls (80lbs each leg -- I do them one leg at a time), Donkey callf raises (250 lbs), Standing calf raises (345lbs), seated calf raises (135lbs -- 3 sets of 20 reps just to stretch out the calves).
Lynn, I have Arnold's encylopedia of modern bodybuilding ... and I love it too. It gives me great ideas ... which I use! I would imagine that the women's strength training anatomy book is a valuable resource. I think that it will come in handy for this challenge as well as the next. I wish they would have the complete books as e-books.
Parisienne
10-07-2008, 01:47 PM
Hi all,
It seems that you are all doing just great.
(Thought it's a good thing to start with something of the kind: flattery will get you everywhere...:D)
I always feel that if I don't do any workout there is no point to report. Feel a bit ashamed, now when my cold is over I have no excuses at all. Well, I say to myself that since 3 weeks my life has completely changed and there is so much to do with my studies, but it is not good enough, even for me. Will try to do something tomorrow and will report it immediately, just for now, please, don't use your whip...:o
Sunday - lower body + abs (30 min)
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Hey Adina...BEEN there! I have had a TERRIBLE time getting back to working out...but checking in here helped me a lot. Made me guilty enough to get back to the gym!! :rolleyes::o:D
gitfiddle
10-07-2008, 02:49 PM
Adina, I don't know why it's so easy to lose momentum and so hard to get back to task, but we all do it.
I'm lifting more, so the plan is to take Wednesday off as well as the weekend. I know it's the best thing to keep from straining, but it makes me feel like a slacker. :paranoid: (It also gives me Wednesdays to run errands after work!;))
I'm wrappping up my day at work, leaving the stress behind, and I'll be in my workout clothes in ten more minutes. :nod:
Parisienne
10-07-2008, 03:39 PM
Amy and Carol - thank you so much for encouragement, I really need it!
If I finish my homework (did I write 'homework' - sometimes it makes me laugh thinking that one can have homework at almost 35 but it is possible I will still have homeworks at 75:lol:) early enough, perhaps I will jump on my stationary bike tonight. I believe that it could help me to feel better tomorrow. Will check in tomorrow!
bigdawg_SLC
10-07-2008, 04:36 PM
Adina ... good to see you! Keep posting even if you're just "hanging" in there.
SandyHanson
10-07-2008, 04:42 PM
Hi, all! I guess I've been AWOL for a while, :o but I have stayed up with my exercising.:D In fact today I decided to increase things a bit. I really enjoy my Tae Bo tape, and I think I'm going to try to do it every day. Today I did that before my resistance work. I also got some heavier hand weights - 5# (I know, I know. But for me it's an improvement)
I know I shouldn't be impatient, but I want to see PROGRESS! I'm hoping to be able to weigh in again in the next couple of weeks. I just have to wait for a week day when DH can take a break to take me.
bigdawg_SLC
10-07-2008, 04:59 PM
Sandy ... keep it up! and it IS good to hear from you!
Shadow
10-07-2008, 05:44 PM
Carol - When you have no comfortable chair, believe me, the stretches rule :p.
Amy - You can always assume a side plank position and put a medicine ball or weight on your side (not your hip) and dip up and down. That usually works too :). But definitely discuss it with your PT guy!
Lynn - I can just picture you propelling yourself off that couch :lol:!
Kim - Sorry about the knee! Wise decision to tell your trainer - it would only hurt you if you tried to "tough it out" and push it :nod:.
Dean - Awesome workout, as always :thumbsup:!
Adina - Stay in touch and we'll help keep you on the straight and narrow ;)!
Sandy - The important thing about weights is that you use what challenges YOU - what anyone else uses is irrelevant. Taking where you're at and improving on it is what counts. WAY TO GO!!!! And I'm happy to hear that even if you're not posting, you're moving it :D!
Amy..you must have killer abs if you don't feel anything...or you are sitting up using your back muscles. With a PT I doubt you are doing that. I am jealous. I still have pain!
Adina...I was where you are all summer. It helped me to set some goals, take some measurements...or go dress shopping...EEEK:eek:
gitfiddle
10-07-2008, 06:38 PM
Today I did that before my resistance work. I also got some heavier hand weights - 5# (I know, I know. But for me it's an improvement)
I know I shouldn't be impatient, but I want to see PROGRESS!
Don't judge the weight you lift with anyone else's body but yours, Sandy. If you try to work with something you're not quite ready for, you'll only strain something. I try really hard not to pay attention to what other people lift, but I've been known to peek! :paranoid: My first hand weights were TWO pounds and they were enough at the time. :p
Lower body tonight, including a calf-stretcher that I haven't used in months. That's four machines plus the bike and the treadmill. So far so good.
Tomorrow's my non-lift day.
Sunday: nothing
Monday: resistance workout at gym, PT
Tuesday: 30min on recumbant bike
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
bigdawg_SLC
10-07-2008, 10:41 PM
Hey everyone! We are just about 1/4 of the way through the month! How's everyone feeling? We're a solid week into it! Any questions, concerns, jokes ... anything for feedback? For those of us who have seriously taken hold of the challenge, how are things going? Are we achieving what we want to out of this challenge. For example, my main goal from this challenge is to Add muscle mass, decreasing BF %. I haven't really focused on the scales, they DO NOT tell the whole story.
Typically during a muscle mass build, I do NOT lose any weight, but my clothes end up fitting much looser, I add holes in my belt ... I go down in sizes ... but the weight usually hovers. And to be honest with you, although my ultimate weight goal is to get down to about 195ish ... during this phase, I want to build muscle so that ultimately I become a FAT BURNING machine. And totally honest, if I could hover at 225ish but have 12-15% BF I'm OK with that!
Let's all check in and tell us what your goal was with this challenge, and if you're on track to meet that goal; and if NOT, what are you going to change to get there.
ROLL CALL!
I read this post last night and decided to weigh myself today for the first time to see where I am at. I have lost 6 pounds :D since the 29th of September. I can wear the next size down Jeans in my trunk.(have an antique trunk that holds jeans and pants folded in half)I grabbed some out last night to put on before I went to watch the debate with my mother and I was amazed they fit. I cannot find my measuring tape.:cool:
I've gotta get with it on an upper body workout yet this morning. It's happening!:razz: I just woke up groggy.:peeved:It's rainy. I have a bazillion weights and dumbells down stairs, just no spotter for the bench press.:crybaby: I'll just use dumbells.:tear: MY arms are not quite long enough to put the weights back up after the last set. I can stretch up until then, but on the last set I am stuck.:eek: The gym has benches that are more adjustable.
gitfiddle
10-08-2008, 11:55 AM
Let's all check in and tell us what your goal was with this challenge, and if you're on track to meet that goal; and if NOT, what are you going to change to get there.
ROLL CALL!
My goal was just to stay motivated. I'm finding it's not boring to do it Dr. Mike's way. I've been working on adapting the interval part to give me the work without irritating the knee. I can see an improvement in muscle tone and I'm spending less time at it. It's all about the fat-burning for me too, Dean. I haven't seen a lion yet, either. ;)
Rest day today.
My goal was to UP the number of reps...but instead my goal became to just get BACK to working out.
Well I have. Not at the rate I wanted, but I'm there.
I have worked out 3 of 7 days (and hope to walk tonight making it 4 of 8 days).
So yes, I think I'm reaching toward my goal - but ultimately would love to have this workout thing routine again by the end of the month!
kwe730
10-08-2008, 02:22 PM
Hi all,
Back from the gym and feeling great! I told my trainer about my knee aching, so we stuck to upper body and abs today. I was really pleased that I was able to work with heavier weights despite my day off Monday. My goal is to lift more and more weight with each workout and I definitely can see that happening. Hopefully on Friday my knee will feel 100% and I can get some lower body/leg work in.
Hawk...Congrats on the 6-pound loss and being able to fit into your old jeans! That's such a good feeling.
Dean...I hear ya on the pants fitting better. I'm slowly, but surely getting over being fixated with the number on the scale. I had a real eye opener last week when my trainer (who looks teeney) told me that she's 5'6, weighs 145 and is a size 6! Obviously an example of the wonders of weight training.
Amy...To quote Emperor Hadrian (and the character of Red Pollard in "Seabiscuit"), "Brick by brick, my citizens, brick by brick". Looks like you've made a great start to getting back to the workout routine.
Kim
gitfiddle
10-08-2008, 03:27 PM
Here's an addendum to my previous post about results of this challenge:
I just had to make a quick trip to another part of the building I work in and I found myself walking with a spring to my step. Haven't seen that since before the arthritis set in! It feels like quads to me and I'm positive that it's from the heavier weights. :cool:
bigdawg_SLC
10-08-2008, 05:57 PM
WOW! It sounds like we are seeing some pretty exciting results! Congrats to everyone! Now that we are used to the routine ... we have at least 3 more weeks of this before Shadow unleashes the NOV/DEC/JAN challenge! (Did I spill the beans .... oops!)
This challenge that we are doing this month is strength training ... and I promise that if followed we will ALL benefit from it in the months to come!
Today at the gym... At least that part of my day started out good! I did my Back routine -- Love the heavy weights. -- That way I can "Bring Home the Food" in Dr. Eades' Paleo vocabulary!
gitfiddle
10-08-2008, 06:29 PM
Today at the gym... At least that part of my day started out good! I did my Back routine -- Love the heavy weights. -- That way I can "Bring Home the Food" in Dr. Eades' Paleo vocabulary!
:D Pack them mastodons! :D
bigdawg_SLC
10-08-2008, 06:46 PM
:D Pack them mastodons! :D
Me and Fred Flintsone! -- and the cavemen from the Geico commercials ... :D
My stomach..muffintop...is the first thing to hit me when I even eat 25 carbs a day. It's where I gain weight. My goal is to get rid of the muffintop. I never have had a real waist but I hate the muffin top waist line. Makes me look like I have an innertube all the way around my body. Not cool as far as heart health goes either.
And my other goal is to NOT miss a work out...even if I have to do it at 11 pm to get it in.
Sunday: nothing
Monday: resistance workout at gym, PT
Tuesday: 30min on recumbant bike
Wednesday: 2.5mile walk
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
upper body weights today. I put my step aerobics step under the weight bench for my feet and added another pad to my bench to raise me up. I can reach to put the bar back now.
SandyHanson
10-09-2008, 12:01 AM
Did Tae Bo today. I'm not doing the core exercises I was planning on - they're too difficult for me. I'll be looking to find some other ones that I can manage better. I thnik I'm going to get some resistance bands, too, to broaden out my routines.
20 Minute HIIT on bike. I work again today. Full schedule of patients.
Belfrybat
10-09-2008, 08:58 AM
Sorry I've been AWOL. I'm 0 for 3 so far this week, except for my daily 2 mile walk (except Monday). I've had to stop the upper body weights as it is exacerbating my wonky shoulder. I have an appt. with the orthopedist in three weeks to see if I need another steroid shot. That fixed it last time for about 11 months. I'm also experiencing tachycardia spells :( that leave me drained.
So... I'm withdrawing from the Shocktober challenge, but will continue to read and post here and share what I am doing exercise-wise. I've decided to go back to the Gazelle for lower body and T-Tapp for overall fitness. I can do the latter without stressing my shoulder.
I do so enjoy reading everyone's posts--you encourage to continue plodding on. Thank you. :)
The Gazelle sounds good. Some kind of moving will help with your blood sugar. I hope you keep posting and don't give up. The challenge is for YOU. What you make it. It is not even specific. If you get up each day and the only thing you can do is stay on plan with your eating..well, That is pretty BIG! Many of us struggle with that. Please stay on with us , your staying on plan encourages US! Together we can do this. Also your daily walk is awesome. It will help our sugar and blood pressure and does not effect your shoulder.
gitfiddle
10-09-2008, 10:58 AM
So... I'm withdrawing from the Shocktober challenge, but will continue to read and post here and share what I am doing exercise-wise. I've decided to go back to the Gazelle for lower body and T-Tapp for overall fitness. I can do the latter without stressing my shoulder. (((BC))) Some challenges are better for some people than others. I won't be doing any running, for instance, no matter what the challenge! You have to go with what your body is telling you. You're still a Mover/Shaker and we need you. :nod:
bigdawg_SLC
10-09-2008, 11:03 AM
Shoulder and AB workout this morning. I'm moving pretty slowly today -- that back workout was a killer yesterday! I'll check back in this afternoon
Shadow
10-09-2008, 02:20 PM
BC - Any known reason for all these tachycardia spells you've been having? I thought they'd finally gotten those figured out and corrected! Hopefully the orthopod will have some encouraging news for you :). As for the challenge - PLEASE don't abandon us :(! As Lynn said, the challenge is for you and what you need/want it to be. Anything you can do counts - surely I've convinced you of that by now! So please, please stick with us! Report what you can do - and on days you don't do anything, it's always nice to get a "hello" from someone ;).
Carol - Those are terrific results you're seeing!!!! I am impressed!!! You've come a long way, baby :p!
Lynn - If anyone can battle the muffin-top syndrome, you are the one! But then I expect you to pass the secret on to me, lol!
Kim - How's that knee doing :)?
Amy - The important thing is that you haven't let it entirely go but are doing what you can. That counts for a lot!!! So keep on keepin' on and soon you'll be back to where you want to be :).
Sandy - Way to go on that Tae Bo!!! Resistance bands are great - they are so versatile and take up almost no space. Hopefully you'll be able to find some core work that "works" for you!
Mishka, Mo, Karen, becomewhatyouknow, Tresses, Adina - Are you guys out there anywhere??????
Shadow
10-09-2008, 02:24 PM
Some important questions for all of you. And if you don't answer, then you can't blame me if you don't like the next challenge :p.
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise?
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles?
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio?
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits?
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc.
PS - I would've done a poll or started a different thread but I wanted to make sure you were all exercising your brains by paying attention along with exercising your bodies :lol:!
bigdawg_SLC
10-09-2008, 04:04 PM
Some important questions for all of you. And if you don't answer, then you can't blame me if you don't like the next challenge :p.
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise?
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles?
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio?
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits?
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc.
PS - I would've done a poll or started a different thread but I wanted to make sure you were all exercising your brains by paying attention along with exercising your bodies :lol:!
1. 5-6
2. oooo that's a toughie! I normally like 6 week cycles, but I can put up with 4 week if there is a purpose :)
3. Resistance ... is there any other :eek:
4. I perfer parts, when I did the BFL program several years ago, I took their splits and "split" them into "pushes" and "pulls" for both upper and lower body.
5. Free Weights, machines
Great questions!
1). 6 days a week..one day off
2)4 or 6 does not matter
3)Resistance and cardio every other day
4)Alternate upper and lower with cardio between> It gives me a chance to heal my body.
5)free weights and machines. bike for cardio intervals. walking..not allowed to do impact
kwe730
10-09-2008, 07:54 PM
Hi all,
Looking forward to the gym tomorrow and hoping I can get some leg/lower body work in.
Shadow...Thanks for asking! The knee is feelilng better. I think the achiness had to do with our changing weather. We went from warm and dry to chilly and damp. Now it's warm and dry again!
1. 3-4
2. doesn't matter
3. My favorite type is resistance, but I get some cardio in there too.
4. I follow the plan my trainer has for me. Sometimes we do parts, sometimes groups.
5. Free weights, machines, treadmill, medicine balls.
Can't wait to see where this leads!
Kim
gitfiddle
10-09-2008, 08:13 PM
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise? 4 minimum
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles? doesn't matter
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio? resistance
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits? lately it's been upper/lower
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc. machines
gitfiddle
10-09-2008, 08:18 PM
Today was upper body, bike and treadmill. I've been playing with the incline feature on the treadmill, as I get a higher score on the screen when I'm going uphill. I do a couple of minutes on the flat, then raise it for a couple, then repeat. It's like intervals, but not high-intensity yet.
I was so full of adrenaline when I left work because of a very expensive goof (not mine) and the ensuing head-shaking that I worked harder than usual, just to get my stress level down to hum. Better than beer. :D
SandyHanson
10-10-2008, 12:49 AM
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise? 6
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles? Doesn't matter
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio? I like cardio as long as it isn't 20 - 30 minutes of the same thing, e.g. cycling or treadmill. That's why I enjoy Tae Bo. I'm new to resistance, and am really enjoying that, too.
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits? Pretty much total body right now.
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc. Free weights, and soon resistance bands.
SandyHanson
10-10-2008, 12:52 AM
Good workout today - Tae Bo and resistance. BTW - I'M GETTING MUSCLES. (I know, I always had them, but I can really feel them now:exclamation::D)
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise? 4-5
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles? I need change, 4wk
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio? I like both while I'm doing them, but usually choose cardio cause it's easier - sit, pedal, read.
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits? I'm a total body
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc. All machines, and my pt which uses balls and bands
Sunday: nothing
Monday: resistance workout at gym, PT
Tuesday: 30min on recumbant bike
Wednesday: 2.5mile walk
Thursday: 1.5-2mile walk
Friday:
Saturday:
I love these fall evenings when the air is crisp but not cold and the smells are of leaves and fires...makes me want to (and enjoy) walking!!
Lower body today. I will warm up with the bike just to get my right leg in gear. Then I am going to concentrate on it to make it work hard. After I do that it spasms but it forces the blood to flow into it. I will beat this and continue to beat this.!!!
Belfrybat
10-10-2008, 09:42 AM
The Gazelle sounds good. Some kind of moving will help with your blood sugar. I hope you keep posting and don't give up. ... Also your daily walk is awesome. It will help our sugar and blood pressure and does not effect your shoulder.
I'm fortunate in that my mailbox is almost a mile from the house, so I walk a bit past it and end up with 2 miles. It's not exercise per se which is why I don't usually mention it here, but as you say, it does help with blood sugar and doesn't drop blood pressure too low (a problem for me).
(((BC))) Some challenges are better for some people than others.... You're still a Mover/Shaker and we need you. :nod:
BC - Any known reason for all these tachycardia spells you've been having? I thought they'd finally gotten those figured out and corrected! Hopefully the orthopod will have some encouraging news for you :). As for the challenge - PLEASE don't abandon us :(!
Thank you all! I don't plan on abandoning this thread -- I will still read and post, but I realise I just can't do the "Shoctober" challenge. I'm a type A personality and when I don't or can't reach a goal I've set, I get overly discouraged. Then I realised that I can only do what I can do and setting up artificial goals are counterproductive right now.
I think the current tachy spells might partially be due to stress of losing a large part of my financial cushion--but I'm certainly not the only one in that boat! I did call the cardiologist and she increased my meds, so I'm sure that will help. Like most of life, it's all a balancing act.
I'm planning on 30 minutes on the Gazelle today on resistance level 2. That leaves my legs feeling like jelly, so I know it's doing me some good. My plan is to work up to 45 minutes and intersperse T-Tapp with Gazelle for 3 times each a week. Sundays will still be my day off.
Belfrybat
10-10-2008, 09:53 AM
Some important questions for all of you. And if you don't answer, then you can't blame me if you don't like the next challenge :p.
1. How many days a week do you prefer to exercise? five
2. Do you prefer 4 week or 6 week cycles? no opinion
3. What is your favorite type of exercise - resistance or cardio? currently cardio as I can do that, but would like a combination of both when able
4. Do you prefer to work "parts" - i.e. back, chest, etc - total body - or upper/lower splits? total body
5. What equipment do you use? E.g. free weights, machines, bands, balls, etc. Gazelle, free weights when shoulder is OK
KnotDreams
10-10-2008, 10:14 AM
Good Morning!
Wow, so much is going on I should check in more often.
First the poll:
1. 5 days per week. Usually take Wednesday and Sunday off.
2. open to 4 or 6 weeks. This is not something I've ever paid attention to.
3. I prefer to do cardio, and always fall back to it when time is short, but I do know resistance is critically important as I am getting older. ( do not want to grow old and frail.)
4. I aim for three resistance workouts per week--1 upper, 1 lower, 1 total body.
5. I have access to most kinds of equipment at Gold's. When I'm working out on my own, it's usually machines, dumbbells in the lunges and step-ups, and sometimes a ball for crunches or squats.
Now, what I accomplished this week:
Monday: 30 minutes eliptical machine
Tuesday: upper body weights, 20 minutes intervals on the arc trainer
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 30 minutes eliptical machine, 20 minutes intervals on bike.
Today: 15 minutes arc trainer, 1 hour with personal trainer. (She put me through a grueling workout that emphasized upper body cable machines and some leg/core work. Glad to be done.)
Mostly, my eating has been good, and I'm hoping that picking up on the exercise frequency and intensity will lead to some great success this month. The holidays are right around the corner...
Sorry to read that some of you are hurt and/or struggling. Hope things turn around for you soon.
Karen
gitfiddle
10-10-2008, 11:13 AM
Good workout today - Tae Bo and resistance. BTW - I'M GETTING MUSCLES. (I know, I always had them, but I can really feel them now:exclamation::D)Dontcha just love feeling muscles? :nod:
Wow, so much is going on I should check in more often. Absolutely!
Mostly, my eating has been good, and I'm hoping that picking up on the exercise frequency and intensity will lead to some great success this month. The holidays are right around the corner... Yes they are, but we'll be ready. :cool:
SandyHanson
10-10-2008, 11:39 AM
Just getting set to Tae Bo.
I found a "gadget" online that I can attach to my wheelchair then attach resistance bands to it. I think I'm gonna get it. I feel a bit limited just working with the hand weights and think there are muscle groups I'll be better able to access with something like this.
Wish me luck!
Carol, the intensity feature will improve your cardio and your momentum. I notice that when I always walk on flat ground, the minute I hit hills I get shin soreness. Hills are good. little by little.
I remember climbing a mountain in New Hampshire, I was huffing and puffing . A grandfather, father, & son team came through and passed me by like I was standing still. They must have done that weekly. I was absolutely amazed.
bigdawg_SLC
10-10-2008, 04:32 PM
Played Golf today ... that was my workout ... a little tight swinging ... but there you go!
Shadow
10-10-2008, 05:03 PM
Can't wait to see where this leads!
Me, too :lol: ;) :p!
Shadow
10-10-2008, 05:11 PM
I normally like 6 week cycles, but I can put up with 4 week if there is a purpose
Uh - as I recall, you thought 4 weeks was plenty long enough on the last rotation ;).
I actually like 4 weeks because that way I can convince myself to do alternative training (like more cardio, endurance, whatever) whereas for a 6 week cycle, I'm just not gonna do it. You know I don't like cardio any more than you do, but it IS good for a shock to focus on it now and again. Would I ever commit to 6 weeks of it? Heavens no.
And while there are advantages to working - and we all should work, now and again - on endurance, it is still not my preferred style. In that case, I can do 4 weeks. Even when it comes to changing types (like parts vs splits vs total body), 4 weeks just seems more do-able than 6.
Even with a 4 week cycle, I can do my strength for several cycles, just changing order &/or exercises every 4 weeks. Make sense :)?
Besides, it's less confusing to the blonde in me to do it by the calendar month. Or maybe it's just that I have a short attention span :lol:.
gitfiddle
10-10-2008, 07:07 PM
I found a "gadget" online that I can attach to my wheelchair then attach resistance bands to it. I think I'm gonna get it. I feel a bit limited just working with the hand weights and think there are muscle groups I'll be better able to access with something like this.
Wish me luck!Good luck, Sandy! Way to do your homework!
Hills are good. little by little. I remember climbing a mountain in New Hampshire, I was huffing and puffing . A grandfather, father, & son team came through and passed me by like I was standing still. They must have done that weekly. I was absolutely amazed.Yes, the people who do hills as a way of getting around are way ahead of us flatlanders. When my sister decided to do a bike ride in the Maine mountains, we drove all over Michigan looking for something she could train on. One good hill is at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Have you ever been there?
I did lower body tonight. Did more incline on the treadmill. I hope to do some walking this weekend, with my husband and my camera! :)
bigdawg_SLC
10-10-2008, 11:05 PM
Uh - as I recall, you thought 4 weeks was plenty long enough on the last rotation ;). It was ... I wanted desperately to back to Strength Training ... it had it's purpose.
I actually like 4 weeks because that way I can convince myself to do alternative training (like more cardio, endurance, whatever) whereas for a 6 week cycle, I'm just not gonna do it. You know I don't like cardio any more than you do, but it IS good for a shock to focus on it now and again. Would I ever commit to 6 weeks of it? Heavens no.
And while there are advantages to working - and we all should work, now and again - on endurance, it is still not my preferred style. In that case, I can do 4 weeks. Even when it comes to changing types (like parts vs splits vs total body), 4 weeks just seems more do-able than 6.
Agreed!
Even with a 4 week cycle, I can do my strength for several cycles, just changing order &/or exercises every 4 weeks. Make sense :)?
In light of what I think you have planned ... 4 week cycles are great! I would just rather do 6 week rotations in a "NORMAL" enviornment! I think a 4 week rotatation ALSO tends to keep most people focused!
Besides, it's less confusing to the blonde in me to do it by the calendar month. Or maybe it's just that I have a short attention span :lol:.
Maybe!
Belfrybat
10-12-2008, 07:52 AM
Wow, weekends are really slow around M&S as well. Looks like everyone is out having fun. I ended up taking Saturday off, but did get in my normal 2 mile walk to the mailbox and back. Also dusted off the Tai Chi videos. I think I'll start doing the morning version to help loosen up my muscles.
Have a great rest of the wekend, everyone. :)
Shadow
10-12-2008, 08:16 AM
Sandy - Good luck :D! I am so thrilled to see how you are willing to search out things that you can do!
Dean - Actually, strength is the ONLY thing I can do for more than 4 weeks :lol:! And you're right - I keep a much better focus that way :).
Brigit-Carol - Way to go dusting off those tapes :thumbsup:! For those of us up north, we're out shoveling snow - not necessarily something I call fun ;).
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