Exercise.
Get some.
What?
I have an entire gym in my basement, and I own a couple hundred fitness DVDs, most of which I love. We bought a gym-quality treadmill off Craigslist several years back that still works beautifully. I have a Schwinn indoor bike, but I don't like it at all. I have a weight bench, dumbells, several barbells, a water-filled punching bag, gloves, a TRX knock off, bands--you name it, I have it. Oh, I forgot my most beloved: several kettlebells.
I never go in that basement except to do laundry.
Why.
Why would I turn my back on something I love so very much. I love getting sweaty, working out, and that huge release that comes with it! I can eliminate anxiety by working out, and it is proven exercise is an excellent "pill" for depression.
What gives?
Obstacles
1. Time
Horrible schedule, it just is. I like routine, and my routine is chaotic.
2. Energy
3. Desire--because homework is always there, exhaustion is always there, and household chores are always there all waiting and vying for my attention
4. Attitude
5. PAIN
low back, hip, knee, and the feet that will never heal
6. Clothes
I have tons of cute workout clothes in several sizes but the size I need :p~~~
*I don't need cute, I just need comfortable
7. Confidence
cough, cough, cough
Yes, this is shattered. No longer can I do pushups on my toes, or swing heavier kettlebells, or even walk for long periods on the treadmill. My fitness level has dwindled.
8. Pride.
I bruised my pride by letting my fitness slide.
9. Pain.
Yeah, I already mentioned this. I have a lot of physical pain, and I have a bad attitude about it.
So, fix it.
How!
I'm in that contemplation stage.
I will dig deep, and figure things out. It's a must, because I don't want more pain than I already have AND I know that I can reduce a lot of the pain I do have by losing some weight.
It seems so easy, but for some reason it's not.
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
3.08.2018
1.18.2012
My workout for tomorrow
I wrote it all down, and this is what I plan on doing tomorrow. I will change just a few things, I'll be doing pullups with the Gravitron. I'll also be doing one-legged calf raises. I may not make it through three sets of each--we shall see. I'll probably do some old-fashioned crunches when I'm done, too.
Thank you, Chris, for introducing me to Chef Buff. (Warning, language on his video. I think he's a hoot, but some may not like his language.)
8.16.2011
7.31.2011
jinx
I don't normally believe in jinxes, but every time I post that I'm starting to feel better, wham, I get a big dose of depression slapped in my face. So I won't mention that I am feeling better and that I think I'm taking a turn for the better. Ahem.
No official workout today, but broke 20,000 steps. Kept busy. Tonight we ran to Wally World to buy milk and I picked up a baby 5# kettlebell. I got this to practice. Form is everything with kettlebell training and I want to practice a lot--I'm a perfectionist. So, I spent the $13 for the junk Danskin kettlebell so I could practice. We *love* The Skogg System and he has a fantastic instructional DVD, so I'll be doing it often until my form is perfect. The cleans and snatches are the two I'm having problems with at the moment. I can do them beautifully with a dumbbell, but the kettlebell is trickier. So if I can perfect form with a baby bell, I'll be using my big guns in no time.
Went through my exercise DVDs looking for cardio workouts besides step. I was looking for some lower intensity workouts. I found a Christi Taylor DVD called Fit to Dance that I have never done! I can't believe it. I previewed it tonight and I cannot wait to do it tomorrow. Christi Taylor is one of my all-time favorite instructors and she's coming out of her retirement to make a new step DVD. I'm feeling in the Christi mood--she's so positive, cheerful and, well to be corny, delightful. She's definitely a spirit lifter.
Pip has not had another seizure, knock on wood.
My eating has been spot on this week. Absolutely perfect. The scale went up a pound. GRRR. All these years I knew something was wrong--I just knew it--and I was right, I had that kidney stone that had been there forever. I still have a gut feeling that something is really screwed up with my metabolism. I feel it just like I knew about the kidney stone. There's something amiss. However, I will march on.
All through my journey, it has never bothered me when hubby and son ate things that I chose not to eat in front of me. Until now, that is. With the sodium restriction, it really cuts out a lot of foods I can eat. I'm not a big hot dog eater. I'll have a couple a few times a year and enjoy them, but I never crave them. Well, hubby bought hot dogs this week and the smell is killing me. I also told him to hide his peanuts and to please not eat them in front of me. I can't eat nuts and it's starting to bother me because he eats them every day. And last week, my son made some muffins. When he was finished and out of the kitchen, I took the air deodorizer spray and sprayed so much in the kitchen you would have thought it was a garden. I'm not liking this at all, because people need to eat. It's not fair to them. It's not really fair to me that I have these darned restrictions, but it is what it is. I'll get better as time goes on because I'm pretty stubborn. Right now I'd prefer to walk around with a clothes pin on my nose. lol
That's it from the peanut-less gallery tonight.
No official workout today, but broke 20,000 steps. Kept busy. Tonight we ran to Wally World to buy milk and I picked up a baby 5# kettlebell. I got this to practice. Form is everything with kettlebell training and I want to practice a lot--I'm a perfectionist. So, I spent the $13 for the junk Danskin kettlebell so I could practice. We *love* The Skogg System and he has a fantastic instructional DVD, so I'll be doing it often until my form is perfect. The cleans and snatches are the two I'm having problems with at the moment. I can do them beautifully with a dumbbell, but the kettlebell is trickier. So if I can perfect form with a baby bell, I'll be using my big guns in no time.
Went through my exercise DVDs looking for cardio workouts besides step. I was looking for some lower intensity workouts. I found a Christi Taylor DVD called Fit to Dance that I have never done! I can't believe it. I previewed it tonight and I cannot wait to do it tomorrow. Christi Taylor is one of my all-time favorite instructors and she's coming out of her retirement to make a new step DVD. I'm feeling in the Christi mood--she's so positive, cheerful and, well to be corny, delightful. She's definitely a spirit lifter.
Pip has not had another seizure, knock on wood.
My eating has been spot on this week. Absolutely perfect. The scale went up a pound. GRRR. All these years I knew something was wrong--I just knew it--and I was right, I had that kidney stone that had been there forever. I still have a gut feeling that something is really screwed up with my metabolism. I feel it just like I knew about the kidney stone. There's something amiss. However, I will march on.
All through my journey, it has never bothered me when hubby and son ate things that I chose not to eat in front of me. Until now, that is. With the sodium restriction, it really cuts out a lot of foods I can eat. I'm not a big hot dog eater. I'll have a couple a few times a year and enjoy them, but I never crave them. Well, hubby bought hot dogs this week and the smell is killing me. I also told him to hide his peanuts and to please not eat them in front of me. I can't eat nuts and it's starting to bother me because he eats them every day. And last week, my son made some muffins. When he was finished and out of the kitchen, I took the air deodorizer spray and sprayed so much in the kitchen you would have thought it was a garden. I'm not liking this at all, because people need to eat. It's not fair to them. It's not really fair to me that I have these darned restrictions, but it is what it is. I'll get better as time goes on because I'm pretty stubborn. Right now I'd prefer to walk around with a clothes pin on my nose. lol
That's it from the peanut-less gallery tonight.
7.12.2011
When You Need Help, Ask
I need help. I asked. Funny thing, those who love you will help you--you just have to swallow your stupid pride and ask.
I've been working on the FIRM 90 Day Rotation, fell off the wagon because my depression has got the better of me--depression and anxiety, actually. Yesterday I asked the hubby for help. We were going to do a kettlebell program together. Then I balked at the price of new workouts--as great as they are.
I went through my collection of DVDs, made a list of things I knew he'd like. He liked the Paul Katami DVDs and Ilaria, and the other kettlebell DVD I own. Thing is, we each got a kettlebell--his for Father's Day, mine for my birthday, but they're on back order. They won't be here until August--if then. They date keeps getting pushed back.
So, I showed him clips of Cathe's STS program. It's settled. We're going to start STS next week. Together. I hope we don't end up divorced. It will be nice to have a workout buddy--I think. lol We'll be working out in our basement, and I usually work out upstairs. I'll have to move all my dumbbells downstairs, plus my bands, barbell and stability ball. That's okay. DH has a weight bench, I don't know what I'll use. Typically I use my step bench as Cathe does, but I plan to do my cardio upstairs with the big 52" TV. I'll probably have to lug it downstairs for each workout--but that's only three times a week. Hubby has his exercise area set up and organized, so it will just be me moving in.
We'll be using the computer to play the DVDs. Big difference from that big screen TV, but it will work. This past weekend hubby put up a second pull-up bar in the rafters--just like Tony Horton has in his home. So we have two pull-up bars. Good to go.
So we're all set. Support team in place and activated. lol All you have to do is ask. We'll be drawing off each other. Hubby is not a DVD type guy, he does his own thing. I think it's very big and kind of him to do this for me--with me.
I've been working on the FIRM 90 Day Rotation, fell off the wagon because my depression has got the better of me--depression and anxiety, actually. Yesterday I asked the hubby for help. We were going to do a kettlebell program together. Then I balked at the price of new workouts--as great as they are.
I went through my collection of DVDs, made a list of things I knew he'd like. He liked the Paul Katami DVDs and Ilaria, and the other kettlebell DVD I own. Thing is, we each got a kettlebell--his for Father's Day, mine for my birthday, but they're on back order. They won't be here until August--if then. They date keeps getting pushed back.
So, I showed him clips of Cathe's STS program. It's settled. We're going to start STS next week. Together. I hope we don't end up divorced. It will be nice to have a workout buddy--I think. lol We'll be working out in our basement, and I usually work out upstairs. I'll have to move all my dumbbells downstairs, plus my bands, barbell and stability ball. That's okay. DH has a weight bench, I don't know what I'll use. Typically I use my step bench as Cathe does, but I plan to do my cardio upstairs with the big 52" TV. I'll probably have to lug it downstairs for each workout--but that's only three times a week. Hubby has his exercise area set up and organized, so it will just be me moving in.
We'll be using the computer to play the DVDs. Big difference from that big screen TV, but it will work. This past weekend hubby put up a second pull-up bar in the rafters--just like Tony Horton has in his home. So we have two pull-up bars. Good to go.
So we're all set. Support team in place and activated. lol All you have to do is ask. We'll be drawing off each other. Hubby is not a DVD type guy, he does his own thing. I think it's very big and kind of him to do this for me--with me.
6.15.2011
1985 Just Called
I have a fitness friend who loves to rebound like I do. She recommended a video from 1985. She even offered to mail it to me for me to borrow. It was so cheap on Amazon that I bought it instead. The video is Jump To It! The lovely Dan Finnegan and her sister Debbie Smith put this video out, and it screams 1985. The lead is dressed in the then-cute leotard with two different colored slouch socks, head band, and high-top shoes. The music is very 80s.
Today we call that cheese. Then it was cool. It doesn't bother me in the least because I lived through that era, and aside from having my son, the 80s were probably the best time of my life.
The workout itself kicked my butt from here to Sunday. I did preview it and she did a slow warm up, then a super long stretch. I did not do either of those. I do not believe in stretching at the beginning of a workout. It's a quirk of mine, but stretching comes at the end when your muscles are warm. Plus, why start, get your heart rate up, then stop to stretch?
Started with the workout and it was fast and furious. They were doing high kicks which I did not do. My heart rate skyrocketed within minutes. It was tough! I lost sight of the outfits and the 80s music quickly, I was just trying to keep up! The various routines varied in tempo, and thankfully some were easy, but others had me huffing and puffing.
This is a keeper. It boiled down to 30 minutes of pure butt-kicking cardio which I loved. I have a new goal to make it through this video completely without altering, slowing down, changing steps--that means keeping up on beat, doing those kicks. I think it may take me awhile!
It's fun to find things from the past.
And speaking of workouts, I am now on week 4 of my FIRM 90 Day Rotation. This is the longest I have ever gone on a rotation. I'm shocked. I am missing Cathe DVDs and Gin and step very much, but I'm loving my FIRMS and I keep reminding myself it won't last forever. As my fitness builds back up again, I know I'll be doing more doubles. I've done a few already, including today. So hopefully I can add in more step to this rotation as time goes. However, the rotation does get tougher as it goes along, so I'm in for a ride. I do believe I will make it through! I've always wanted to say, "I've done The FIRM's 90 Day Rotation!" I'll get to say that in 8 more weeks!!!
Today we call that cheese. Then it was cool. It doesn't bother me in the least because I lived through that era, and aside from having my son, the 80s were probably the best time of my life.
The workout itself kicked my butt from here to Sunday. I did preview it and she did a slow warm up, then a super long stretch. I did not do either of those. I do not believe in stretching at the beginning of a workout. It's a quirk of mine, but stretching comes at the end when your muscles are warm. Plus, why start, get your heart rate up, then stop to stretch?
Started with the workout and it was fast and furious. They were doing high kicks which I did not do. My heart rate skyrocketed within minutes. It was tough! I lost sight of the outfits and the 80s music quickly, I was just trying to keep up! The various routines varied in tempo, and thankfully some were easy, but others had me huffing and puffing.
This is a keeper. It boiled down to 30 minutes of pure butt-kicking cardio which I loved. I have a new goal to make it through this video completely without altering, slowing down, changing steps--that means keeping up on beat, doing those kicks. I think it may take me awhile!
It's fun to find things from the past.
And speaking of workouts, I am now on week 4 of my FIRM 90 Day Rotation. This is the longest I have ever gone on a rotation. I'm shocked. I am missing Cathe DVDs and Gin and step very much, but I'm loving my FIRMS and I keep reminding myself it won't last forever. As my fitness builds back up again, I know I'll be doing more doubles. I've done a few already, including today. So hopefully I can add in more step to this rotation as time goes. However, the rotation does get tougher as it goes along, so I'm in for a ride. I do believe I will make it through! I've always wanted to say, "I've done The FIRM's 90 Day Rotation!" I'll get to say that in 8 more weeks!!!
6.01.2011
My Goal Chart & A Big Favor!
So I was looking at my goal chart just now and it was disgusting. I've gained weight, I'm heavier than I was a year ago. Granted, not by very much--a couple pounds, but what the heck happened?
A whole year went by, I got to 192, then I went back up. Feeling very bad, being very hard on myself, my husband told me to cut myself some slack. That whole kidney stone business was brutal. It really was. I knew I felt bad, but now that I no longer have the pain and look back, I wonder how I made it through. Seriously. Plus I had two surgeries within this year segment. So while I'm not overly happy, I will cut myself some slack.
I'm eating well, exercising, saw the scale squeak a bit, but then it halted. I weigh everything, I eat the right salt/protein/fat/carbs, very few processed foods. I work out, I move more than I have in years. Not just exercise, but daily movement. Last week I had 124,534 steps, 54.92 miles. I remember the days where I didn't move, I sat. So the lifestyle is there, I'm making informed choices, and yet the scale doesn't budge, it just squeaks every now and again. Persevere. I'm just going to keep plugging away. It will move--it has to!
And life goes on. I really would like to start updating that goal chart again. I do not like being stuck, going backwards, being stuck again. Ready to kick this fat to the curb!
~~~
I have a really big favor. I'm going to blog more about this, but anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows how much I love The FIRM--the Benson era Firms. Well, here's the deal. These instructors have done so much for me even though they don't know I exist. I would like to give back. Well, as it turns out, some are on Facebook and they do friend their fans. One of them is the wonderful LaReine Chabut. She asked me--yes, me personally!--to help spread the word about her Facebook page. Here it is: LOSE That BABY FAT. It is listed as TV show. I have not asked her about that, but will. Anyway, she's talented and one of the "safe, trustworthy" instructors. If you're on Facebook, please go to her site and "like" it. It would mean a lot to me. I do plan a longer post on her shortly, but just wanted to get that out there tonight. I've added her photo/link to the upper right-hand corner of the blog. For those who have just had babies, she's your gal! For those of us who have older kids, she's still our gal! Thank you for that!
A whole year went by, I got to 192, then I went back up. Feeling very bad, being very hard on myself, my husband told me to cut myself some slack. That whole kidney stone business was brutal. It really was. I knew I felt bad, but now that I no longer have the pain and look back, I wonder how I made it through. Seriously. Plus I had two surgeries within this year segment. So while I'm not overly happy, I will cut myself some slack.
I'm eating well, exercising, saw the scale squeak a bit, but then it halted. I weigh everything, I eat the right salt/protein/fat/carbs, very few processed foods. I work out, I move more than I have in years. Not just exercise, but daily movement. Last week I had 124,534 steps, 54.92 miles. I remember the days where I didn't move, I sat. So the lifestyle is there, I'm making informed choices, and yet the scale doesn't budge, it just squeaks every now and again. Persevere. I'm just going to keep plugging away. It will move--it has to!
And life goes on. I really would like to start updating that goal chart again. I do not like being stuck, going backwards, being stuck again. Ready to kick this fat to the curb!
~~~
I have a really big favor. I'm going to blog more about this, but anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows how much I love The FIRM--the Benson era Firms. Well, here's the deal. These instructors have done so much for me even though they don't know I exist. I would like to give back. Well, as it turns out, some are on Facebook and they do friend their fans. One of them is the wonderful LaReine Chabut. She asked me--yes, me personally!--to help spread the word about her Facebook page. Here it is: LOSE That BABY FAT. It is listed as TV show. I have not asked her about that, but will. Anyway, she's talented and one of the "safe, trustworthy" instructors. If you're on Facebook, please go to her site and "like" it. It would mean a lot to me. I do plan a longer post on her shortly, but just wanted to get that out there tonight. I've added her photo/link to the upper right-hand corner of the blog. For those who have just had babies, she's your gal! For those of us who have older kids, she's still our gal! Thank you for that!
5.29.2011
The FIRM: 90 Day Rotation
Week 1: DONE! Yay, me! Back in the saddle again. The week was filled with many Epsom salt baths, meetings with my foam roller and Tune-up balls. I made 'er, though.
If you don't use it, you lose it. I hadn't done strength training for a few weeks and I felt it. Cannot live without that again. Cardio is great, but to build a healthy body, one must strength train. And stretch.
I'm doing this with other Firm lovers and I really hope I'll make it through this rotation. So far I haven't had that "I want to do Cathe, Jenny, Gin, Paul, Christi...etc." desire hit me. But then again, it's only been a week.
I love to work out. I really, really do. It is a great joy to me, an escape, a physical outlet that is oh, so good. I love my DVDs.
Feeling pretty happy over this tonight. Focusing on the positives!
5.23.2011
Slacking...
I've been doing too much slacking in certain areas lately.
1) Haven't been updating the blog. When you've blogged for over two years, though, you run out of things to blog about. I think up great posts as I'm drifting off to sleep, but in the morning I realize there was nothing great about them because they were just sleep thoughts.
2) Haven't been reading blogs on a regular basis. There's a simple reason for that. I really get bothered when I see recipes with foods I can't have. I'm getting over that, I'm so much better, and I can even crack jokes about almonds now, so that may change soon.
3) Haven't been updating my pretty exercise calendar. My exercise has been weird, I've been doing mostly walking lately. I've been averaging around 18,000 steps daily, give or take. I've been slacking in the weights department--big no no!
So, I will try to update the blog on a more regular basis.
I will try to read blogs on a more regular basis.
I will update my exercise calendar and kick it up a notch with the workouts. In fact, I found some new-to-me friends, fellow Firm lovers, and we're all going to do The Firm's 90 Day Rotation together starting today. This rotation I have attempted many times, but other instructors call my name and I stray by week three.Hopefully this time I'm going to do it! I've always wanted to accomplish that.
I'm feel a LOT better. I had a really good week last week. My spirits are up, my energy is up, and I'm finding my new normal now. I think I just had to go through that rough patch to appreciate everything more so.
1) Haven't been updating the blog. When you've blogged for over two years, though, you run out of things to blog about. I think up great posts as I'm drifting off to sleep, but in the morning I realize there was nothing great about them because they were just sleep thoughts.
2) Haven't been reading blogs on a regular basis. There's a simple reason for that. I really get bothered when I see recipes with foods I can't have. I'm getting over that, I'm so much better, and I can even crack jokes about almonds now, so that may change soon.
3) Haven't been updating my pretty exercise calendar. My exercise has been weird, I've been doing mostly walking lately. I've been averaging around 18,000 steps daily, give or take. I've been slacking in the weights department--big no no!
So, I will try to update the blog on a more regular basis.
I will try to read blogs on a more regular basis.
I will update my exercise calendar and kick it up a notch with the workouts. In fact, I found some new-to-me friends, fellow Firm lovers, and we're all going to do The Firm's 90 Day Rotation together starting today. This rotation I have attempted many times, but other instructors call my name and I stray by week three.
I'm feel a LOT better. I had a really good week last week. My spirits are up, my energy is up, and I'm finding my new normal now. I think I just had to go through that rough patch to appreciate everything more so.
3.17.2011
My Mind is TIRED
I'm tired of thinking, tired of deciphering, tired of trying to figure out why my body is holding on so darned tight to the weight. I'm tired of working out hard and having great calorie burns, great deficits daily, and my body holding on to the weight.
Today I was in a big city with a real book store. I went to the diet section and decided to look for some inspiration. I laughed out loud standing there in that section. You name it, there's a diet. Book after book after book.
I started doing more research--that's all I ever seem to do. I've read The American Heart Association's Website dietary recommendations, the Kidney Organization's, The American Cancer Society's. I've read about metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and kidney stone prevention.
My mind is SPINNING.
Today I was in a big city with a real book store. I went to the diet section and decided to look for some inspiration. I laughed out loud standing there in that section. You name it, there's a diet. Book after book after book.
The bottom line is this: eat a plant-based diet, healthy fats (olive oil, olive oil and more olive oil!), lean meats, complex carbs--whole grain only, eliminate processed foods, drink plenty of water, and consume fewer calories than you expend.
If only it were that simple. I think, though, that it is that simple. There are some things I could do to better my dietary intake. I've started consuming a tablespoon of olive oil daily, for starters. I need to dump the rest of the processed garbage that I eat. I don't eat a lot of it, but enough that I think it makes a difference.
It's a lot more work to eat this way. More kitchen time. Have I mentioned I'm kitchen challenged? I get into that "I have to further give up" mentality, too. Stinking thinking.
I used to believe that you could eat whatever you wanted as long as you were in your calorie range and be okay. That's how I started out and it worked. I knew deep in my heart, though, that wasn't true and I very slowly started making changes. The thing is, that needs to be constant--one cannot quit tweaking their diet. So time to tweak some more.
I'm just so very tired of trying to figure everything out. It's tough balancing a kidney stone diet which eliminates some very healthy foods, plant-based foods! (Beans, spinach, soy, etc.) Yet I have to do it, I have to figure it out.
Working out is something a love and NOT a problem for me at all. However, I even have room to grow here as well. Interval training (HIIT) has been proven to be very effective in raising HDL. I need to raise my HDL. I don't do a lot of interval training--in fact, I haven't done an interval workout in a long time. I tend to prefer steady state cardio. So I can tweak there as well. Cathe to the rescue.
I had wanted to do The FIRM's 90-Day Rotation. At this point, though, after careful consideration, I think I'll finish out the week and stop the rotation and add in some interval and circuit work. Cathe has had a fantastic sale and I just ordered some more of her DVDs which arrived today. They're tough, but I think at this point I need to challenge myself some more.
Yesterday I had a meltdown. I cried. I just don't understand how it works for some people so perfectly, and others struggle. My body chemistry is messed up. It's like I have to work four times as hard to get anywhere. I cried and whined to my husband. I think he thought I was giving up, because he said, "But Jo, think, you've lost 80 pounds, you don't want to mess that up." He didn't get my complaints. I'm just in a rather bad mood over all this. I'm never giving up, even though I throw out, "Forget this, why bother, or, well, worse." Just because I'm whining doesn't mean I'm throwing in the towel. Far from it.
It stinks, though. Why does it have to be so hard? Two steps forward, one step back...that's just the way it goes for me.
Marching forward, fight on, I'll get there. Maybe it was bad luck to rename my blog The Tortoise. S~l~o~w. However, the tortoise did win the race.
3.08.2011
Awesome Deal I Need to Share
For anyone who loves step aerobics or hi-lo aerobics, you have got to check out Jenny Ford's website!
She has made two new step workouts and one new hi-lo and has them on her site via You Tube free to view in their entirety! How cool is that.
She got great feedback and now is offering them for sale. The price cannot be beat! All three workouts for $9.95 plus free shipping! At that price, you can't afford not to get these.
I have watched the two step workouts, but haven't had time to watch the hi-lo. I loved the step workouts. One she has labeled as intermediate, it's called Spicy Step. Great music, many fun steps that I've never seen before, and I am so excited to try it. The other is a more basic step, but it is not boring and I think it will be a great calorie burner.
I know I chatter on about how much I love working out, and I usually talk about The FIRM or Cathe. Well, there's room for more--check my sidebar for my favorites! Jenny Ford has been added. Step is my favorite form of cardio and I'm always looking for new/fun workouts. I haven't been so excited in a long time because these look so great.
I am very impressed with Jenny Ford. To offer the workouts free for viewing on the internet, then sell them at such an amazing pre-order price with free shipping, plus the fact she's an excellent cuer and they're quality workouts--WOW.
If you love step or hi-lo, please visit her site. She's a great instructor and I hope she gets a huge response so she'll make more!
******************Jenny Ford's Website******************
*******************************************************
She has made two new step workouts and one new hi-lo and has them on her site via You Tube free to view in their entirety! How cool is that.
She got great feedback and now is offering them for sale. The price cannot be beat! All three workouts for $9.95 plus free shipping! At that price, you can't afford not to get these.
I have watched the two step workouts, but haven't had time to watch the hi-lo. I loved the step workouts. One she has labeled as intermediate, it's called Spicy Step. Great music, many fun steps that I've never seen before, and I am so excited to try it. The other is a more basic step, but it is not boring and I think it will be a great calorie burner.
I know I chatter on about how much I love working out, and I usually talk about The FIRM or Cathe. Well, there's room for more--check my sidebar for my favorites! Jenny Ford has been added. Step is my favorite form of cardio and I'm always looking for new/fun workouts. I haven't been so excited in a long time because these look so great.
I am very impressed with Jenny Ford. To offer the workouts free for viewing on the internet, then sell them at such an amazing pre-order price with free shipping, plus the fact she's an excellent cuer and they're quality workouts--WOW.
If you love step or hi-lo, please visit her site. She's a great instructor and I hope she gets a huge response so she'll make more!
******************Jenny Ford's Website******************
*******************************************************
3.03.2011
Commitment
Before I start this entry, I'd like to ask a favor. Please go visit Anaelle's blog. She's a new blogger and reached out to me asking how to get a support community going. Remember when you were new to the blogging community, it was daunting finding readers! So please go welcome her to the blogging community and follow her! Her blog. Thank you.
Commitment...
I never do challenges, ever. Well, I did one challenge once that a friend sponsored, but that's it. So I don't know what I was thinking, but a group of friends started a private challenge and, well, I joined it. It lasts three months! Yikes. I figured it would give me something positive to focus on, get my mind off all things kidney, and might be fun.
In the process, I was trying to figure out what fitness regimen I wanted to follow. I'm terrible at rotations--just awful. They're fun to plan, but I'm so moody when it's time to do the prescribed workout, I balk and put in something entirely different.
Well, I committed to something I have always wanted to do. I tried it once and lasted three weeks. This time I hope to make it. It's a three-month rotation. It's The FIRM's 90 Day Rotation. Oh yeah, all Anna Benson Firms, for 90 days.
I have allowed myself some changes:
1) I reserve the right to change out a workout. Some of her FIRMS were not made when the rotation was printed, so I want to be able to use them.
2) The workout The Hare is nice, but I cannot do it a gazillion times and it's in the rotation that many times. I allow myself to sub.
3) I know darned well after a short time I'll start craving Cathe workouts or Gin Miller or rebounder workouts or somebody else--and if that happens, I allow myself to have a doubles day and do what I'm craving in addition to the Firm of the day.
4) I will continue to walk on a daily basis to keep my step count high.
Now, here's to hoping that I follow through on this. I have always wanted to do this rotation, I love Anna's Firms, and this is the perfect time to give it a go!
Commitment...
I never do challenges, ever. Well, I did one challenge once that a friend sponsored, but that's it. So I don't know what I was thinking, but a group of friends started a private challenge and, well, I joined it. It lasts three months! Yikes. I figured it would give me something positive to focus on, get my mind off all things kidney, and might be fun.
In the process, I was trying to figure out what fitness regimen I wanted to follow. I'm terrible at rotations--just awful. They're fun to plan, but I'm so moody when it's time to do the prescribed workout, I balk and put in something entirely different.
Well, I committed to something I have always wanted to do. I tried it once and lasted three weeks. This time I hope to make it. It's a three-month rotation. It's The FIRM's 90 Day Rotation. Oh yeah, all Anna Benson Firms, for 90 days.
I have allowed myself some changes:
1) I reserve the right to change out a workout. Some of her FIRMS were not made when the rotation was printed, so I want to be able to use them.
2) The workout The Hare is nice, but I cannot do it a gazillion times and it's in the rotation that many times. I allow myself to sub.
3) I know darned well after a short time I'll start craving Cathe workouts or Gin Miller or rebounder workouts or somebody else--and if that happens, I allow myself to have a doubles day and do what I'm craving in addition to the Firm of the day.
4) I will continue to walk on a daily basis to keep my step count high.
Now, here's to hoping that I follow through on this. I have always wanted to do this rotation, I love Anna's Firms, and this is the perfect time to give it a go!
3.02.2011
Gym Membership--Not
Awhile back, hubby share an email with me from our insurance. We have a program we can join that reduces the cost of gym memberships. At the time I couldn't have cared less as I was in the throes of kidney stone pain. Today I checked it out--online.
There are three gyms in my small town. A Curves, a private gym, and a national chain. I was a member of Curves when they opened eons ago. Hated it. Felt like a mouse in a wheel, only it was a human in a circle. I never saw any improvement in my body, any muscle growth at all. The worst part were the members were *obnoxious*. There were a few bouncy gals who were pushing you to move and move now when it was time to switch stations. These were the same gals going crazy on the aerobics pads, going all over the place and getting into my and everyone else's space.
The day I quit, though, was after I had asked the manager to please not spray cleaning solution on the machines while I was working out. It burned my nose and I didn't want to be breathing that. She agreed, and the next day she started spraying that stuff to clean the machines off and I walked out the door never to return. (It really did burn my nose.)
Curves is out.
So I was thinking about a gym membership for two reasons only. 1) Treadmill 2) Socialization Then I started thinking back to my socialization at Curves. There wasn't any because people were busy working out or if they came with friends, they only chatted with their friends. And face it, if I'm walking, and heaven forbid, trying to run!, on a treadmill, I'm not going to be chatting--I'm going to be in my zone with my iPod jamming away. It's not really a social thing.
As for the treadmill: That is the one piece of equipment I would love to own. I do my own weights and tough cardio, but I do enjoy walking. It's cold here, north country cold, and it would be nice in the winter to have a treadmill. Mall walking stinks, walking DVDs stink. We don't have room in our house for a treadmill. We don't really have the money, either, because hubby would insist on the top of the line which would be more expensive because he's tall and would need the longer stride model.
$32 a month plus a $45 activation fee. In the end, I decided against it. There just aren't enough positives. It's almost warm out there, I can get out and walk as soon as the ice is melted from the streets and sidewalks. I can do a lot with $32 a month--like buy more exercise DVDs. lol Seriously, I can find better ways to spend my money. Walking is free. If I'm that desperate to walk, I can drive to the mall and walk there.
Penny saved, penny earned. I'm just not a gym rat.
There are three gyms in my small town. A Curves, a private gym, and a national chain. I was a member of Curves when they opened eons ago. Hated it. Felt like a mouse in a wheel, only it was a human in a circle. I never saw any improvement in my body, any muscle growth at all. The worst part were the members were *obnoxious*. There were a few bouncy gals who were pushing you to move and move now when it was time to switch stations. These were the same gals going crazy on the aerobics pads, going all over the place and getting into my and everyone else's space.
The day I quit, though, was after I had asked the manager to please not spray cleaning solution on the machines while I was working out. It burned my nose and I didn't want to be breathing that. She agreed, and the next day she started spraying that stuff to clean the machines off and I walked out the door never to return. (It really did burn my nose.)
Curves is out.
So I was thinking about a gym membership for two reasons only. 1) Treadmill 2) Socialization Then I started thinking back to my socialization at Curves. There wasn't any because people were busy working out or if they came with friends, they only chatted with their friends. And face it, if I'm walking, and heaven forbid, trying to run!, on a treadmill, I'm not going to be chatting--I'm going to be in my zone with my iPod jamming away. It's not really a social thing.
As for the treadmill: That is the one piece of equipment I would love to own. I do my own weights and tough cardio, but I do enjoy walking. It's cold here, north country cold, and it would be nice in the winter to have a treadmill. Mall walking stinks, walking DVDs stink. We don't have room in our house for a treadmill. We don't really have the money, either, because hubby would insist on the top of the line which would be more expensive because he's tall and would need the longer stride model.
$32 a month plus a $45 activation fee. In the end, I decided against it. There just aren't enough positives. It's almost warm out there, I can get out and walk as soon as the ice is melted from the streets and sidewalks. I can do a lot with $32 a month--like buy more exercise DVDs. lol Seriously, I can find better ways to spend my money. Walking is free. If I'm that desperate to walk, I can drive to the mall and walk there.
Penny saved, penny earned. I'm just not a gym rat.
2.25.2011
Sunshine!
My last post I asked God for some sunshine. He delivered to our home today.
First of, hubby had a fantastic day at work. I can't share what happened, but it was cause for celebration.
Then, I got some news that was positive in that it released a huge weight off my shoulders. It was a closure that I desperately longed for and needed, and it came totally out of the blue. I never thought I'd see the day. I feel so liberated. It's over. Closure. It's over.
Thank you, God.
So finally, I have a good day to report. I did a workout earlier and then since we went to a local Mexican restaurant, I had to guess at calories. I always worry when there is no nutritional information, but I'm good at estimating. At any rate, even though I did well, I was still nervous and decided to do some damage control just in case. I think if I compare what I ate to national chains, I went a bit over. So I did a rebounding workout. Holy cow, did that kick me hard!
I love rebounding, and I got a new rebounding workout for Christmas and then right after, I traded for a couple more. With the whole kidney store drama, I wasn't able to do them. I haven't stepped on the rebounder since before Christmas. Rebounding is fun, it's great, and is it ever a great leg workout--and my legs are screaming at me! I got the old Urban Rebounding disks. Most of them are short, 20-30 minutes. I think I may add one of the shorter ones every day to my exercise routine. It's fun, but it's also supposed to be very good for the lymphatic system. It's also easy on the joints, I love doing plyometric moves on it.
So great day, great news, great exercise, great food, great family, hubby, sweet son and me.
Our family really needed this wonderful day. =) We are grateful beyond words.
First of, hubby had a fantastic day at work. I can't share what happened, but it was cause for celebration.
Then, I got some news that was positive in that it released a huge weight off my shoulders. It was a closure that I desperately longed for and needed, and it came totally out of the blue. I never thought I'd see the day. I feel so liberated. It's over. Closure. It's over.
Thank you, God.
So finally, I have a good day to report. I did a workout earlier and then since we went to a local Mexican restaurant, I had to guess at calories. I always worry when there is no nutritional information, but I'm good at estimating. At any rate, even though I did well, I was still nervous and decided to do some damage control just in case. I think if I compare what I ate to national chains, I went a bit over. So I did a rebounding workout. Holy cow, did that kick me hard!
I love rebounding, and I got a new rebounding workout for Christmas and then right after, I traded for a couple more. With the whole kidney store drama, I wasn't able to do them. I haven't stepped on the rebounder since before Christmas. Rebounding is fun, it's great, and is it ever a great leg workout--and my legs are screaming at me! I got the old Urban Rebounding disks. Most of them are short, 20-30 minutes. I think I may add one of the shorter ones every day to my exercise routine. It's fun, but it's also supposed to be very good for the lymphatic system. It's also easy on the joints, I love doing plyometric moves on it.
So great day, great news, great exercise, great food, great family, hubby, sweet son and me.
Our family really needed this wonderful day. =) We are grateful beyond words.
2.21.2011
Ouch, I Have Leg Muscles
Oh, this getting back into good exercise is killing my legs! Sunday I had to take a rest day. I still came in just over 10,000 steps, but my legs were sore. Today they still are and I'm thinking I'll take another rest day. I had really hoped to do a rebounder workout today, but I hopped on to see what it would do to my legs and it hit me in all the wrong spots.
I want everything back to where it was so I can do doubles again! I miss that so much.
I'm going to ice up for a bit and take some ibuprofen. I may do something that doesn't cause too much stress on my legs. I marched in place a bit and that didn't bother them at all. So I may pull out a Leslie DVD. Gag, sputter, ew.
Poor Leslie--she was the only thing could do there for awhile and I got burnt out really bad, plus I would rather do intense work. I find her kind of boring. I tried the Walk It Out for the Wii and I hated it. I just don't like Wii--I don't like anything I've ever done on Wii. Plus, again, it's not that intense.
I'm no killer intensity queen, I would never do a program like Insanity, but I love a tough step workout, some of the tough Firms, and a good run on my rebounder. I love doing cardio on my rebounder.
Sigh. Will get my 10,000 steps today, but not too happy that my legs aren't behaving like I want them to. Hurry up, build back up!
I want everything back to where it was so I can do doubles again! I miss that so much.
I'm going to ice up for a bit and take some ibuprofen. I may do something that doesn't cause too much stress on my legs. I marched in place a bit and that didn't bother them at all. So I may pull out a Leslie DVD. Gag, sputter, ew.
Poor Leslie--she was the only thing could do there for awhile and I got burnt out really bad, plus I would rather do intense work. I find her kind of boring. I tried the Walk It Out for the Wii and I hated it. I just don't like Wii--I don't like anything I've ever done on Wii. Plus, again, it's not that intense.
I'm no killer intensity queen, I would never do a program like Insanity, but I love a tough step workout, some of the tough Firms, and a good run on my rebounder. I love doing cardio on my rebounder.
Sigh. Will get my 10,000 steps today, but not too happy that my legs aren't behaving like I want them to. Hurry up, build back up!
1.04.2011
Monday Evening
steps: 22090
miles: 9.4
calorie burn: 2670
Long day today. Physically I felt better than I have in awhile, but I simply had no energy. Strangely, I got a lot of movement in but didn't accomplish much. The house needs cleaned, the laundry needs done, and I had hoped to hit it hard--only I didn't. I did get a workout in but I didn't have much oomph with that.
Getting a bit nervous for my doctor appointment. I am hoping and praying for good news. I think it's time to have a hysterecomy, and I'm hoping that's the recommendation. Not that I want surgery, but I want relief.
Thank you so much for the recommendations on my last post! Put some goodies on my Amazon wishlist.
Tomorrow I am facing the great big world. I haven't left the house since I saw the doctor last week. I have to mail a package that I should have done today or last week, and I have to pick up some groceries. Will be nice to get outside even though it's so darned cold.
Hubby and I were talking about treadmills tonight. Oh, do I know how to dream big. The brand that he likes and I've read is highly recommended is expensive. I would love to have one. Sometimes I wish we were rich with money--although we are rich with things other than money.
I think the perfect workout routine for me, if I were feeling well, would be to walk a few miles a day, do a cardio every day--either step aerobics or a rebounder workout, and strength train 3x a week. Throw in some stretching, and I'd be very happy. I really look forward to the day that I can do my Ilaria Montagnani DVDs. The kicking is just too much for me right now.
I used to foo-foo walking because it wasn't that intense, but I've learned it can be when I am outside listening to music with a high BPM to push me along. I think it has helped me. I don't consider Leslie Sansone walking tapes, even though she does. It's marching--it's different. It's okay, and I do a lot of them, but it's not the same. sigh...can't wait until spring when Minnesota warms up and the ice melts.
Don't have much to say tonight. Perhaps that's because I'm tired and I should be in bed!
miles: 9.4
calorie burn: 2670
Long day today. Physically I felt better than I have in awhile, but I simply had no energy. Strangely, I got a lot of movement in but didn't accomplish much. The house needs cleaned, the laundry needs done, and I had hoped to hit it hard--only I didn't. I did get a workout in but I didn't have much oomph with that.
Getting a bit nervous for my doctor appointment. I am hoping and praying for good news. I think it's time to have a hysterecomy, and I'm hoping that's the recommendation. Not that I want surgery, but I want relief.
Thank you so much for the recommendations on my last post! Put some goodies on my Amazon wishlist.
Tomorrow I am facing the great big world. I haven't left the house since I saw the doctor last week. I have to mail a package that I should have done today or last week, and I have to pick up some groceries. Will be nice to get outside even though it's so darned cold.
Hubby and I were talking about treadmills tonight. Oh, do I know how to dream big. The brand that he likes and I've read is highly recommended is expensive. I would love to have one. Sometimes I wish we were rich with money--although we are rich with things other than money.
I think the perfect workout routine for me, if I were feeling well, would be to walk a few miles a day, do a cardio every day--either step aerobics or a rebounder workout, and strength train 3x a week. Throw in some stretching, and I'd be very happy. I really look forward to the day that I can do my Ilaria Montagnani DVDs. The kicking is just too much for me right now.
I used to foo-foo walking because it wasn't that intense, but I've learned it can be when I am outside listening to music with a high BPM to push me along. I think it has helped me. I don't consider Leslie Sansone walking tapes, even though she does. It's marching--it's different. It's okay, and I do a lot of them, but it's not the same. sigh...can't wait until spring when Minnesota warms up and the ice melts.
Don't have much to say tonight. Perhaps that's because I'm tired and I should be in bed!
1.02.2011
A Fresh New Day!
Today was a fresh new day, a fresh new year, and I felt a lot better. Still crampy, still twingy, but better. I am grateful.
Step count: 20,140
Miles: 8.53
Calorie Burn: 2388
I did three workouts, which I logged on the fitness blog. All very easy workouts, but it felt great to be back in the groove.
I used to belong to an exercise check-in that I loved very much. I feel like I'm friends with the women there and always looked forward to what they did, what they had to share, and to reporting in. When the pain started and my workouts changed, I started feeling uncomfortable reporting my workouts. Not because they were judgmental--nothing could be further from the truth, they're wonderful. It was ME...I felt uncomfortable that I couldn't be doing what I wanted to be doing. So I debated using that new blog I set up or not because it does bother me the days I can't even do a workout.
After thinking long and hard about this, I will still pop in to the check-in and say hi and support my friends, but I am not going to report my workouts there. For some reason, if I do it in my own space, I just don't feel so--I don't know, so--well, I just feel more comfortable. That's the kind of thing where one worries because I don't want to hurt their feelings because we're internet friends, but I have to do what works best for me. I still feel funny about it, but my gut is telling me that it's the right choice.
Happy with my decision to rename the blog! Thanks for the supportive comments. =)
Have decided after spending some time looking for new recipes that we all will like that it is futile. I never believed in making separate meals (unless we were having a free-for-all night) but I think for everyone to get proper nutrition with the foods they like, that I'll start doing meals for the boys and something separate for me. That means I get to spend tomorrow online searching for new recipes that sound good to me! I know what the boys like: they're easy. I think that will be a winning solution.
Still planning on a breakfast night once or twice a week. Some type of eggs...cheap and easy protein. Plus, I love breakfast food but I have a weak tummy in the morning and could never eat eggs that early.
Feeling much more hopeful today. I'm glad I decided to start blogging again. I think I needed to rekindle my outlet.
I didn't get much done around the house today, but overall it was a pretty good day. Just wish my son would quit playing Lady GaGa over and over. I don't mind him sharing his music, but I wish he'd hit shuffle so we could hear a greater variety. Paparazzi--I can't get it out of my head! lol
Happy New Year to all!
Step count: 20,140
Miles: 8.53
Calorie Burn: 2388
I did three workouts, which I logged on the fitness blog. All very easy workouts, but it felt great to be back in the groove.
I used to belong to an exercise check-in that I loved very much. I feel like I'm friends with the women there and always looked forward to what they did, what they had to share, and to reporting in. When the pain started and my workouts changed, I started feeling uncomfortable reporting my workouts. Not because they were judgmental--nothing could be further from the truth, they're wonderful. It was ME...I felt uncomfortable that I couldn't be doing what I wanted to be doing. So I debated using that new blog I set up or not because it does bother me the days I can't even do a workout.
After thinking long and hard about this, I will still pop in to the check-in and say hi and support my friends, but I am not going to report my workouts there. For some reason, if I do it in my own space, I just don't feel so--I don't know, so--well, I just feel more comfortable. That's the kind of thing where one worries because I don't want to hurt their feelings because we're internet friends, but I have to do what works best for me. I still feel funny about it, but my gut is telling me that it's the right choice.
Happy with my decision to rename the blog! Thanks for the supportive comments. =)
Have decided after spending some time looking for new recipes that we all will like that it is futile. I never believed in making separate meals (unless we were having a free-for-all night) but I think for everyone to get proper nutrition with the foods they like, that I'll start doing meals for the boys and something separate for me. That means I get to spend tomorrow online searching for new recipes that sound good to me! I know what the boys like: they're easy. I think that will be a winning solution.
Still planning on a breakfast night once or twice a week. Some type of eggs...cheap and easy protein. Plus, I love breakfast food but I have a weak tummy in the morning and could never eat eggs that early.
Feeling much more hopeful today. I'm glad I decided to start blogging again. I think I needed to rekindle my outlet.
I didn't get much done around the house today, but overall it was a pretty good day. Just wish my son would quit playing Lady GaGa over and over. I don't mind him sharing his music, but I wish he'd hit shuffle so we could hear a greater variety. Paparazzi--I can't get it out of my head! lol
Happy New Year to all!
12.28.2010
Do Your Best, Always
Last night I felt so hopeful, so inspired. Then I had a severe pain wave hit. It was intense, lasted about an hour and a half, and was so bad I cried out several times. Then the waves disappeared and it was just the dull pain. Woke up this morning with the dull pain, then had a pain wave that lasted about 45 minutes. Hope shatters when this happens, yet I know it will ease--it always does.
The thing is, if this is the life God has destined for me, that doesn't mean I have to wallow in self-pity. Yes, I do wallow in self-pity--that's my nature, but I still keep the eye on the prize. In between all this, I force myself to get out of bed and move around. Now I may be moving at Tim Conway's shuffle pace, but I move. I have just over 5000 steps in today, and that's pretty wonderful considering that I have accomplished nothing and felt like garbage all day long.
Why do I do that? Because I'm worth it. No, I'm not jogging, not running, not walking a fast clip. I'm not flying in the air on my rebounder, I'm not doing step aerobics, and I'm not lifting weights. I slowly put one foot in front of another and move my body--because I can. It helps, too. If you've ever been in bed all day you know how stiff you get, how your body aches. Moving around helps tremendously.
So I may not even be able to do an easy Leslie Sansone walking DVD today--not even close, but I do my best. I'm proud of that.
So we may feel like, um, poop, but there's always something we can do. Always. Hope may shatter, but the spark is always there and doing whatever we can keeps that spark alive.
I've exercised today to the best of my ability. Have you?
The thing is, if this is the life God has destined for me, that doesn't mean I have to wallow in self-pity. Yes, I do wallow in self-pity--that's my nature, but I still keep the eye on the prize. In between all this, I force myself to get out of bed and move around. Now I may be moving at Tim Conway's shuffle pace, but I move. I have just over 5000 steps in today, and that's pretty wonderful considering that I have accomplished nothing and felt like garbage all day long.
Why do I do that? Because I'm worth it. No, I'm not jogging, not running, not walking a fast clip. I'm not flying in the air on my rebounder, I'm not doing step aerobics, and I'm not lifting weights. I slowly put one foot in front of another and move my body--because I can. It helps, too. If you've ever been in bed all day you know how stiff you get, how your body aches. Moving around helps tremendously.
So I may not even be able to do an easy Leslie Sansone walking DVD today--not even close, but I do my best. I'm proud of that.
So we may feel like, um, poop, but there's always something we can do. Always. Hope may shatter, but the spark is always there and doing whatever we can keeps that spark alive.
I've exercised today to the best of my ability. Have you?
12.09.2010
How I Get So Many Steps Per Day
When I feel well, I have a very high average daily step count. Currently, my average is 21,578 steps per day. Some people have asked me how I am able to do this consistently.
First off, sometimes I'm not able to. It depends on whether or not I'm having pain and the severity of the pain. I can keep the count up pretty well, but not hit 20,000 when I'm having pain issues. Sometimes it's very low, but I'm learning how to move my body better when I'm in pain.
So here's my list of how I do it:
1. Bought a FitBit. This is the best thing on earth to me, and I wish I would have had it since the start of my journey. Check out their website. This tracks steps, mileage and calorie burn. Also, very important, activity level. It also tracks sleep. Love, love, love my FitBit. This is the tool that inspires me to get those high steps. Better than a pedometer for me, it's highly motivating.
2. Start the day with a short walk. I usually walk five to ten minutes right off the bat.
3. I do one or two Leslie Sansone DVDs a day. Every evening, I try to do one of her three-mile videos. According to my FitBit, they're actually two plus miles, not close to three, but it's a nice 45-minute walk.
A 1-Mile Leslie averages 2,000 steps. A 2-mile Leslie averages around 3,500 steps. A 3-mile averages about 4750-5000 steps. A 4-mile averages just above 6,000 steps. The 3-miles are good in that they come in at 45 minutes. That's about my boredom threshold. (These aren't real exciting videos! They are great stress relievers, though, because I can zone and think, letting my mind wander.)
4. My beloved exercise videos. One hour-long step tape usually yields between 6-7,000 steps and high activity level. Strength videos, obviously, don't yield very much at all--but it's still important to do those strength workouts.
5. I don't work outside the home, so I do have more opportunities to get in more steps than those that work. Sorry, one of the few luxuries to my unpaid job.
6. I take breaks and play with the dogs. We have a game where I go outside with them, they bring me a toy, and I kick the toy and then fetch. When they go off to retrieve, I walk a lap around the garage. I do this several times a day and usually average 4-500 steps per game.
7. Become inefficient in the home. My laundry room is in our basement but the bedrooms upstairs. Instead of putting clean clothes in a basket and bringing them up in one trip, I make three trips with an armful. More steps. I have become more inefficient in many ways around the home, all in the name of moving my body more. (Doesn't mean I'm not getting things done, I just take more steps to do it intentionally.)
8. I don't watch a lot of TV, but every Tuesday night you can find me walking in place while watching NCIS. Love the show, and I walk throughout half of the show at least.
9. I quit relying on my son to do little errands around the house. I get off my butt and do them myself now. No more, "Could you bring me X, please."
10. Go to Wal-Mart. If I'm short on steps for the day, I'll head off to Wal-Mart. I average 2-3,000 steps just walking around the store, going up and down aisles. No one has ever noticed me, because I'm pushing a cart and looking at stuff, but I go at a quick pace when I can.
11. Mall walk. In my town, I don't enjoy the mall. I go there for the post office. When I go, though, I do several laps. I've gone a few times just to mall walk. It's not my favorite thing to do, but it gets me out of the house. When we visit the big city, I love to mall walk. It's a huge mall and there's lots to see and I get tons of steps from one lap, but take two or three.
12. I've become very aware of those steps by checking my FitBit on a constant basis, so I get up and move around when I think I need more steps.
13. Sometimes I just dance to a favorite song when it comes on the radio or iPod. I am not a dancer at all, but when no one is watching me, I cut loose. =)
14. Became involved in the FitBit community and met some friends that have much higher averages than I do. Talk about motivating! Surround yourself with what you want to become, you know?
That's it. I am constantly aware. Just get up and move. That's all I do.
First off, sometimes I'm not able to. It depends on whether or not I'm having pain and the severity of the pain. I can keep the count up pretty well, but not hit 20,000 when I'm having pain issues. Sometimes it's very low, but I'm learning how to move my body better when I'm in pain.
So here's my list of how I do it:
1. Bought a FitBit. This is the best thing on earth to me, and I wish I would have had it since the start of my journey. Check out their website. This tracks steps, mileage and calorie burn. Also, very important, activity level. It also tracks sleep. Love, love, love my FitBit. This is the tool that inspires me to get those high steps. Better than a pedometer for me, it's highly motivating.
2. Start the day with a short walk. I usually walk five to ten minutes right off the bat.
3. I do one or two Leslie Sansone DVDs a day. Every evening, I try to do one of her three-mile videos. According to my FitBit, they're actually two plus miles, not close to three, but it's a nice 45-minute walk.
A 1-Mile Leslie averages 2,000 steps. A 2-mile Leslie averages around 3,500 steps. A 3-mile averages about 4750-5000 steps. A 4-mile averages just above 6,000 steps. The 3-miles are good in that they come in at 45 minutes. That's about my boredom threshold. (These aren't real exciting videos! They are great stress relievers, though, because I can zone and think, letting my mind wander.)
4. My beloved exercise videos. One hour-long step tape usually yields between 6-7,000 steps and high activity level. Strength videos, obviously, don't yield very much at all--but it's still important to do those strength workouts.
5. I don't work outside the home, so I do have more opportunities to get in more steps than those that work. Sorry, one of the few luxuries to my unpaid job.
6. I take breaks and play with the dogs. We have a game where I go outside with them, they bring me a toy, and I kick the toy and then fetch. When they go off to retrieve, I walk a lap around the garage. I do this several times a day and usually average 4-500 steps per game.
7. Become inefficient in the home. My laundry room is in our basement but the bedrooms upstairs. Instead of putting clean clothes in a basket and bringing them up in one trip, I make three trips with an armful. More steps. I have become more inefficient in many ways around the home, all in the name of moving my body more. (Doesn't mean I'm not getting things done, I just take more steps to do it intentionally.)
8. I don't watch a lot of TV, but every Tuesday night you can find me walking in place while watching NCIS. Love the show, and I walk throughout half of the show at least.
9. I quit relying on my son to do little errands around the house. I get off my butt and do them myself now. No more, "Could you bring me X, please."
10. Go to Wal-Mart. If I'm short on steps for the day, I'll head off to Wal-Mart. I average 2-3,000 steps just walking around the store, going up and down aisles. No one has ever noticed me, because I'm pushing a cart and looking at stuff, but I go at a quick pace when I can.
11. Mall walk. In my town, I don't enjoy the mall. I go there for the post office. When I go, though, I do several laps. I've gone a few times just to mall walk. It's not my favorite thing to do, but it gets me out of the house. When we visit the big city, I love to mall walk. It's a huge mall and there's lots to see and I get tons of steps from one lap, but take two or three.
12. I've become very aware of those steps by checking my FitBit on a constant basis, so I get up and move around when I think I need more steps.
13. Sometimes I just dance to a favorite song when it comes on the radio or iPod. I am not a dancer at all, but when no one is watching me, I cut loose. =)
14. Became involved in the FitBit community and met some friends that have much higher averages than I do. Talk about motivating! Surround yourself with what you want to become, you know?
That's it. I am constantly aware. Just get up and move. That's all I do.
11.06.2010
A Good Day
I felt good. Just a few twinges. Lower on energy than normal, but that will come back.
The great news? Just checked my FitBit and I have 20,544 steps with 20 minutes to spare before midnight.
YES
When I feel well there's nothing I can't do. I WANT to move and work out. I love it. Aside from my family, it is the center of my life. When I don't feel like I have glass shards and vice grips clamping down in my pelvic region, I can conquer anything.
Tomorrow? A good, tough strength workout. I'm thinking The FIRM's Tough Tape.
YES YES YES YES YES
lol
The great news? Just checked my FitBit and I have 20,544 steps with 20 minutes to spare before midnight.
YES
When I feel well there's nothing I can't do. I WANT to move and work out. I love it. Aside from my family, it is the center of my life. When I don't feel like I have glass shards and vice grips clamping down in my pelvic region, I can conquer anything.
Tomorrow? A good, tough strength workout. I'm thinking The FIRM's Tough Tape.
YES YES YES YES YES
lol
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