Get in Shape & Lose Weight for August 2014 Group

[tukogirl]

I am very pleased with the fact that I've been able to exercise consistently, challenging my muscles, but I've not been really sore. My muscles are "singing", not "screaming".

Isn't this a great feeling! On previous attempts to lose weight I was either ridiculously sore or not doing anything. This time I'm in the same place as you. It feels good to feel strong and feel in tune with your body and muscles, doesn't it?!?!

Is it too late for me to join? I am going in August and started trying to lose weight in January. So far I've lost 20 lbs. I'm hoping to lose another 30 or so before the trip

You are doing so awesome! Keep up the fabulous work!!

I think the most frustrating thing about getting healthy is the definition of what "healthy" is. Everyone has a different one and while it's wonderful that people offer up ideas and tips it can be a little discouraging when it unintentionally makes you feel like you are doing it wrong. Sugar, no sugar. Juice, don't juice. Flour, no flour. Made from scratch with organic ingredients, pre packaged and grabbed off the shelves. What's right and what isn't? (Been doing some reading over the weekend )

Ugh, I know what you mean. I've come to the realization that we all really need to figure out what works for our individual bodies and lives.

I know there are people who can lose and still eat 2000+ calories a day. I am not one of those people. I can eat about 1400 and still lose. And that is with an hour of cardio 6 days a week. I'd love to be able to eat more but I just can't and be successful.

There are people in my WW meeting who eat nothing but frozen WW meals 3 times a day and supplement with WW snacks in between. I'm not one of those people - I have to eat pretty 'clean' in order to still lose. But to those people that are eating nothing but WW food - they are probably eating sooo much better and healthier than what they were before! Even though it is a lot of processed junk, it is a huge improvement for them. It's "healthy" for them at this point in their journey. And if they had gone from fast food 3 meals a day to a super clean diet they probably would have quit a long time ago!

We all have to do what we can and are able to do, and what works for us. I enjoy eating pretty clean, but I'm also not going to freak out over having a few tablespoons of canned cream of mushroom soup in a dish at someone else's house... I don't think small things here and there are what make the difference. What you choose to put into your body MOST of the time really makes a difference. If you are making good choices most of the time (and I mean good for you and your definition of 'healthy') I think that is a great thing!!

 

[tukogirl]

Check In...
This week I lost 3.2 pounds! I've had slow losses the last few weeks though, so even though this week was very good it averages about to about 1.4 pounds/week. Which I'm totally fine with. Anything over 1 pound a week and I'm happy.

Goals...
I did my 6 days of cardio, 3 leg days, and my 4ab workouts. I only did 3, but I'm ok with that. And my first arm workout!

So my goals this week...
Stick with the 6 days cardio, 3 leg days - bumping up to 2 of those being with weights, and bump it to 4 ab workouts. Add an additional 16 oz water every day. 2 days of arms with weights.

Some closing thoughts...
I'm not a fan of working with weights but I know I need to begin doing some sculpting and also because those muscles burn so many more calories than fat. But lifting weights is so boring I need to research some different arm routines so I don't get bored and quit!
__________________

 

[DisMom1981]

14 pounds in two months is FANTASTIC! Don't be discouraged by the fact that the scale is stuck right now; keep up the good work!

Thanks! I know I sound obsessed but I always fear getting back into old habits. Every day is a struggle.

I'm loving all the feedback and discussion! And how we're still working on ourselves. This truly is a journey. And what works for one person may not be the answer for another. We're a team of individuals. I've lightened up a little since Saturday. Not weight wise but outlook/expectations wise. I think I just had a knee-jerk reaction and was about to slip back into you-must-do everything-at-once-and-perfectly mode. So I did set up a journal. I will try my hardest to follow it. I thought over the last few weeks and realized my morning workout has become easy. I wasn't even thinking about what I was doing. So I broke back into my dvd cabinet and pulled out some Jillian and Biggest Loser workouts I have. I don't remember which I liked, but so far alternated the boost fat metabolism and boot camp. I got through about half of each and had to modify them, so I've got a challenge now! I am also going to start the elimination diet slowly rather than cold turkey. So I'm concentrating first on what I found to be potential problems. So out is eggs, tomatoes, and anything with vinegar or yeast in it. That should give me enough to work on this week. I'm also adding some suppliments I have and for some reason stopped. So CoQ10 (helps blood pressure and energy), potassium, and a multivitamin. Beyond this, just a general goal to eat real food rather than frakenfood. Oh, almost forgot... I have a scale that measures percentage of body fat. I haven't used that in a while, so will start. The number is embarrassing though, so I'll be keeping that private. Here's to a great week for all of us!

I used to have JM 30 day challenge or something like that- TORTURE!!!

Hi all! Is there room for one more? Our trip is the second week of September. I haven't read all 23 pages yet, but this group seems so positive. Love that. I don't weigh myself (haven't since July 2013), but I measure my progress by how I feel and how my clothes fit. GOALS: -to drop a pants size at least (currently 8/10, would like to get comfortably in a 6) -just feel better about myself when I look in the mirror -feel confident in a 2 piece bathing suit (beach vacay in May) I eat paleo and just started working out more seriously (now lifting heavy weights in addition to the cardio I was doing). I've also added in the Jillian Michaels 6-Week Six Pack video (streams free if you have Amazon Prime), but I'm not really loving doing that (probably because I can't stand JM! haha). I don't do that religiously, just when I feel like it. Glad to have found y'all!

JM 30 day challenge = torture!

The same thing happened to me with the weight. Around week 7ish I lost 6 lbs in one week. 4.9 is fast. I usually top out at 4.5. You are doing so awesome. Have you thought about running outside?

Thanks. As the weather us nicer maybe. It's hard bc I go at 5am before work and kids are up.

Check In... This week I lost 3.2 pounds! I've had slow losses the last few weeks though, so even though this week was very good it averages about to about 1.4 pounds/week. Which I'm totally fine with. Anything over 1 pound a week and I'm happy. Goals... I did my 6 days of cardio, 3 leg days, and my 4ab workouts. I only did 3, but I'm ok with that. And my first arm workout! So my goals this week... Stick with the 6 days cardio, 3 leg days - bumping up to 2 of those being with weights, and bump it to 4 ab workouts. Add an additional 16 oz water every day. 2 days of arms with weights. Some closing thoughts... I'm not a fan of working with weights but I know I need to begin doing some sculpting and also because those muscles burn so many more calories than fat. But lifting weights is so boring I need to research some different arm routines so I don't get bored and quit! __________________

Keep posted on good strength training you find!

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[DisMom1981]

30 Day Shred! The JM torture workout is called The 30 Day Shred!!!

 

[rebeccam31]

30 Day Shred! The JM torture workout is called The 30 Day Shred!!!

I think I broke out in hives just reading that. MAN, I hated that workout!

 

[mkmomto2]

I agree with what many of your are saying about how the method you choose has to be right for YOU and no one else. When I started juicing, a coworker had just started blending and was constantly telling me how much better her method was than mine. But you know what? I love juicing! So, at first I was worried that I wasn't doing it right, but I feel much better than I did so something is working for me. At about the same time, my sister started on Ideal Protein. She has lost more than me. It's working for her and that is fabulous.

I am so in awe of all of you who are exercising regularly. That is something that I am struggling with. My goal in the next week is to join a gym and start working out. Fortunately, the after school program that I am working with is about to be done, so I can go right after the school day three days a week and will try to hit it one day of the weekend at least. Do you all think that will be a good schedule? Any tips on working out would be greatly appreciated as I have never been a faithful exerciser. Thank you!

 

[nadira36]

I think the most frustrating thing about getting healthy is the definition of what "healthy" is. Everyone has a different one and while it's wonderful that people offer up ideas and tips it can be a little discouraging when it unintentionally makes you feel like you are doing it wrong. Sugar, no sugar. Juice, don't juice. Flour, no flour. Made from scratch with organic ingredients, pre packaged and grabbed off the shelves. What's right and what isn't? (Been doing some reading over the weekend )

I hope everyone has a great day!

I'm sorry if my post caused upset or discouragement in any way. That was not my intent and I will be more mindful of my words.

Ugh, I know what you mean. I've come to the realization that we all really need to figure out what works for our individual bodies and lives.

I know there are people who can lose and still eat 2000+ calories a day. I am not one of those people. I can eat about 1400 and still lose. And that is with an hour of cardio 6 days a week. I'd love to be able to eat more but I just can't and be successful.

There are people in my WW meeting who eat nothing but frozen WW meals 3 times a day and supplement with WW snacks in between. I'm not one of those people - I have to eat pretty 'clean' in order to still lose. But to those people that are eating nothing but WW food - they are probably eating sooo much better and healthier than what they were before! Even though it is a lot of processed junk, it is a huge improvement for them. It's "healthy" for them at this point in their journey. And if they had gone from fast food 3 meals a day to a super clean diet they probably would have quit a long time ago!

We all have to do what we can and are able to do, and what works for us. I enjoy eating pretty clean, but I'm also not going to freak out over having a few tablespoons of canned cream of mushroom soup in a dish at someone else's house... I don't think small things here and there are what make the difference. What you choose to put into your body MOST of the time really makes a difference. If you are making good choices most of the time (and I mean good for you and your definition of 'healthy') I think that is a great thing!!

I was trying to illustrate a point by showing calorie expenditure vs intake. I can lose the weight because my calorie expenditure is high (partly due to hyper thyroid partly due to breastfeeding partly due to working-out). But ONLY if the calorie intake is in comparison. The amount of calories you burn running an hour may be the same as my calories burned in 30 minutes. Direct comparison between people doesn't work as you illustrated. Direct comparison within yourself is where the focus needs to be.

No matter a person's definition of health, or how they go about it. If too few calories are consumed compared to expenditure, you can't lose weight. However, if your calorie expenditure is low - no matter how much you work-out, then your calorie intake also has to be low or you put the weight on.

Muscles burn more calories than fat - protein builds muscles. increased protein after a work-out is great b/c it builds the muscles you need to increase your calorie expenditure. And with increased expediter, also increased intake. Otherwise you plate - and despite continuing to work-out, one may see the scale number creep back up.

As your body changes, so should your plan.

 

[tukogirl]

I am so in awe of all of you who are exercising regularly. That is something that I am struggling with. My goal in the next week is to join a gym and start working out. Fortunately, the after school program that I am working with is about to be done, so I can go right after the school day three days a week and will try to hit it one day of the weekend at least. Do you all think that will be a good schedule? Any tips on working out would be greatly appreciated as I have never been a faithful exerciser. Thank you!

I am by no means an expert but here's what I would do... I find it is so much easier to stay on track with exercise during the week than the weekends. Oddly enough, we usually have MORE time on the weekends but no schedule so it is hard to fit exercise in somehow. So because you are just starting out and you've never before been a faithful exerciser I'd start out with just the 3 days a week during the week. This will let you make a habit of your 3 days a week and stick with it... and it gives you an easy way to 'bump up' your exercise by adding a weekend workout in a month or two when you've got a good exercise habit.

 

[DisMom1981]

I think I broke out in hives just reading that. MAN, I hated that workout!

Ha!

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[DisMom1981]

I agree with what many of your are saying about how the method you choose has to be right for YOU and no one else. When I started juicing, a coworker had just started blending and was constantly telling me how much better her method was than mine. But you know what? I love juicing! So, at first I was worried that I wasn't doing it right, but I feel much better than I did so something is working for me. At about the same time, my sister started on Ideal Protein. She has lost more than me. It's working for her and that is fabulous. I am so in awe of all of you who are exercising regularly. That is something that I am struggling with. My goal in the next week is to join a gym and start working out. Fortunately, the after school program that I am working with is about to be done, so I can go right after the school day three days a week and will try to hit it one day of the weekend at least. Do you all think that will be a good schedule? Any tips on working out would be greatly appreciated as I have never been a faithful exerciser. Thank you!

Many of us have been using the 5k runner app or couch to 5k. Something I've tried to do is some stretching before- especially walking on heels/tip toes and sitting legs spread out and reaching for toes. Makes it less painful when I hit the treadmill. I also track my speed, distance, calories burned in a text message to myself after the workout so I can keep track of progress.

I'm having anxiety because I decided not to go this morning since I never took out gym clothes last night and my son is asleep on my floor (awful awful sleeper) and I don't want to wake him up. Maybe will go tonight since it's just my walking day anyway. Hate getting out of the routine!!

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[DisMom1981]

I am by no means an expert but here's what I would do... I find it is so much easier to stay on track with exercise during the week than the weekends. Oddly enough, we usually have MORE time on the weekends but no schedule so it is hard to fit exercise in somehow. So because you are just starting out and you've never before been a faithful exerciser I'd start out with just the 3 days a week during the week. This will let you make a habit of your 3 days a week and stick with it... and it gives you an easy way to 'bump up' your exercise by adding a weekend workout in a month or two when you've got a good exercise habit.

I think that's great advice!

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[Pikester]

I'm sorry if my post caused upset or discouragement in any way. That was not my intent and I will be more mindful of my words.

Nothing you said so no worries.


We all know how to lose weight; eat right and exercise. Even though we know that, it's not easy and can be pretty darn hard. Trying to find the right amount of both is a balancing act and I love how we are all encouraging each other.

 

[Pikester]

I am by no means an expert but here's what I would do... I find it is so much easier to stay on track with exercise during the week than the weekends. Oddly enough, we usually have MORE time on the weekends but no schedule so it is hard to fit exercise in somehow. So because you are just starting out and you've never before been a faithful exerciser I'd start out with just the 3 days a week during the week. This will let you make a habit of your 3 days a week and stick with it... and it gives you an easy way to 'bump up' your exercise by adding a weekend workout in a month or two when you've got a good exercise habit.

I totally agree about taking it slow.


I decided to give myself one day off on the weekend. I felt a little guilty about it especially when my husband told me that if I wanted to lose weight then I needed to workout every day. Boy did I get mad at him! Here I am trying to get into this whole exercising thing and you are all ready making me feel bad. I told him off and continued to give myself the one day off. It's working for me and once the weather gets better I just might had a walk in for that day. Who knows but it allows me to be in control.

 

[DisMom1981]

I'm sorry if my post caused upset or discouragement in any way. That was not my intent and I will be more mindful of my words.

I don't think you caused that- I appreciate your perspective. I know there is a science to this journey that I will have to learn to achieve ultimate success. Also, I'm interested in toxin cleansing smoothies and have wanted to read up more on that- but I'm thinking that I different from juicing?

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[digiMom]

Hi all! Is there room for one more? Our trip is the second week of September.

I haven't read all 23 pages yet, but this group seems so positive. Love that.

I don't weigh myself (haven't since July 2013), but I measure my progress by how I feel and how my clothes fit.

GOALS:
-to drop a pants size at least (currently 8/10, would like to get comfortably in a 6)
-just feel better about myself when I look in the mirror
-feel confident in a 2 piece bathing suit (beach vacay in May)

I eat paleo and just started working out more seriously (now lifting heavy weights in addition to the cardio I was doing). I've also added in the Jillian Michaels 6-Week Six Pack video (streams free if you have Amazon Prime), but I'm not really loving doing that (probably because I can't stand JM! haha). I don't do that religiously, just when I feel like it.

Glad to have found y'all!

Absolutely.. like I said to tukogirl whose trip is in October, we will probably drive you crazy as our trips get closer, though.

I have a hard time with JM, too. Her workouts are nuts. But for some reason, it works for me to modify her stuff while having something to move towards as far as difficulty. It also gives me some bizarre sense of control to defy her as she says to push harder. I have the 30 day shred as well. But after reading the torture comments, I think I'll hold off on that one. We have a Half Priced book store here and got them really cheap. Probably because other people bought them and decided they didn't like them.

 

[digiMom]

I agree with what many of your are saying about how the method you choose has to be right for YOU and no one else. When I started juicing, a coworker had just started blending and was constantly telling me how much better her method was than mine. But you know what? I love juicing! So, at first I was worried that I wasn't doing it right, but I feel much better than I did so something is working for me. At about the same time, my sister started on Ideal Protein. She has lost more than me. It's working for her and that is fabulous.

I am so in awe of all of you who are exercising regularly. That is something that I am struggling with. My goal in the next week is to join a gym and start working out. Fortunately, the after school program that I am working with is about to be done, so I can go right after the school day three days a week and will try to hit it one day of the weekend at least. Do you all think that will be a good schedule? Any tips on working out would be greatly appreciated as I have never been a faithful exerciser. Thank you!

I did the smoothie thing last summer and it worked well for me. A main reason I went that way, though, is because I already had a ninja blender so it was relatively easy to start. I looked at the juicers and was overwhelmed and surprised at the prices. I think it would be a good option for me, though. Sometimes I think the fiber I eat when eating healthy overwhelms my system. I think it would be good for my kids, too. It's extremely hard to get my kids to eat their fruits and veggies.

As far as workout, the morning workout is working for me but only because I'm finally at a point where I can make it fit into my day without getting up at an ungodly hour. When I was younger, right before lunch worked for me. When I worked downtown, there was a class right after work in the same building I worked in and that was awesome. So I would say that whatever works for you is the best time. Earlier in the day is generally better than later. Before you eat has benefits; I think it helps you eat less. Another option may be to start mini workouts throughout the day to get your body used to eat. Like 10-15 walks or simple calisthenics while watching TV.

I'm sorry if my post caused upset or discouragement in any way. That was not my intent and I will be more mindful of my words.

I was trying to illustrate a point by showing calorie expenditure vs intake. I can lose the weight because my calorie expenditure is high (partly due to hyper thyroid partly due to breastfeeding partly due to working-out). But ONLY if the calorie intake is in comparison. The amount of calories you burn running an hour may be the same as my calories burned in 30 minutes. Direct comparison between people doesn't work as you illustrated. Direct comparison within yourself is where the focus needs to be.

No matter a person's definition of health, or how they go about it. If too few calories are consumed compared to expenditure, you can't lose weight. However, if your calorie expenditure is low - no matter how much you work-out, then your calorie intake also has to be low or you put the weight on.

Agree with this.

I'm having anxiety because I decided not to go this morning since I never took out gym clothes last night and my son is asleep on my floor (awful awful sleeper) and I don't want to wake him up. Maybe will go tonight since it's just my walking day anyway. Hate getting out of the routine!!

I'll be fine. I know how you feel about missing a workout, but since it's a "slow" day I'm sure you'll get some activity in somewhere. And if not, just start up again tomorrow. Do not feel guilty about it...

I decided to give myself one day off on the weekend. I felt a little guilty about it especially when my husband told me that if I wanted to lose weight then I needed to workout every day. Boy did I get mad at him! Here I am trying to get into this whole exercising thing and you are all ready making me feel bad. I told him off and continued to give myself the one day off. It's working for me and once the weather gets better I just might had a walk in for that day. Who knows but it allows me to be in control.

I've learned to tune my DHs advice out. Usually. I try not to take it too seriously, but I know it's hard. Especially if they say something stupid at the wrong time. I just try to remember that they can't help themselves; they try to help but usually in a way that's not helpful.

 

[rebeccam31]

I have the 30 day shred as well. But after reading the torture comments, I think I'll hold off on that one. We have a Half Priced book store here and got them really cheap. Probably because other people bought them and decided they didn't like them.

I'd have donated mine to you. In all seriousness, it's a good workout and I did get stronger doing it. It just frustrated me to see how out of shape I really was!

 

[digiMom]

Alright, there's snow on the ground this morning. But I just try to keep looking at how we're supposed to be in the 50s this weekend and how "this too shall pass."

So question for everyone: Do you plan on modifying your workout or adding activities to your workout plan once the weather gets better and Spring/Summer sets in? If so, what?

I can't wait until it's warm enough to go for evening walks again. It's not a big calorie burner, but our family likes to walk around the neighborhood with our dog, Lucy, or along a walking/biking trail that's really close to our house through a wooded county park. It's a nice activity we can do together. We also have a pool we put up in our backyard. It's an Intex, but it's 24' by almost 5' deep so it's big enough to actually swim in. Can't wait! I also would like to get back into biking. I have a bike hung up in the garage that I didn't use last summer because I was afraid I'd fall and re-injure my knee.

 

[jiminykrikkit]

Check In...
This week I lost 3.2 pounds! I've had slow losses the last few weeks though, so even though this week was very good it averages about to about 1.4 pounds/week. Which I'm totally fine with. Anything over 1 pound a week and I'm happy.

Goals...
I did my 6 days of cardio, 3 leg days, and my 4ab workouts. I only did 3, but I'm ok with that. And my first arm workout!

So my goals this week...
Stick with the 6 days cardio, 3 leg days - bumping up to 2 of those being with weights, and bump it to 4 ab workouts. Add an additional 16 oz water every day. 2 days of arms with weights.

Some closing thoughts...
I'm not a fan of working with weights but I know I need to begin doing some sculpting and also because those muscles burn so many more calories than fat. But lifting weights is so boring I need to research some different arm routines so I don't get bored and quit!
__________________

Love everything about your post. Congrats on your loss and yay for some great goals!

I am so in awe of all of you who are exercising regularly. That is something that I am struggling with. My goal in the next week is to join a gym and start working out. Fortunately, the after school program that I am working with is about to be done, so I can go right after the school day three days a week and will try to hit it one day of the weekend at least. Do you all think that will be a good schedule? Any tips on working out would be greatly appreciated as I have never been a faithful exerciser. Thank you!

My main tip is to find something you LOVE. Maybe try a gym that has lots of classes so you can try all different things. My YMCA does a Body Pump class (uses barbells) and that class helped me to get really confident using the free weights on my own. I don't particularly care for cardio anything so "fun" classes like Zumba help get that in while I laugh the whole time.

Absolutely.. like I said to tukogirl whose trip is in October, we will probably drive you crazy as our trips get closer, though.

I have a hard time with JM, too. Her workouts are nuts. But for some reason, it works for me to modify her stuff while having something to move towards as far as difficulty. It also gives me some bizarre sense of control to defy her as she says to push harder. I have the 30 day shred as well. But after reading the torture comments, I think I'll hold off on that one. We have a Half Priced book store here and got them really cheap. Probably because other people bought them and decided they didn't like them.

Haha, I'm already jealous!

I agree about JM and wanting to defy her. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone liking 30 Day Shred, even if they have seen results! LOL The Six Wekk Six Pack one isn't too bad, it's not as "in-your-face" as 30DS. I will probably do SOME of it today because I'm only doing the Zumba Toning (Zumba with Weights) today per a friend's request.

 

[rebeccam31]

Alright, there's snow on the ground this morning. But I just try to keep looking at how we're supposed to be in the 50s this weekend and how "this too shall pass." So question for everyone: Do you plan on modifying your workout or adding activities to your workout plan once the weather gets better and Spring/Summer sets in? If so, what? I can't wait until it's warm enough to go for evening walks again. It's not a big calorie burner, but our family likes to walk around the neighborhood with our dog, Lucy, or along a walking/biking trail that's really close to our house through a wooded county park. It's a nice activity we can do together. We also have a pool we put up in our backyard. It's an Intex, but it's 24' by almost 5' deep so it's big enough to actually swim in. Can't wait! I also would like to get back into biking. I have a bike hung up in the garage that I didn't use last summer because I was afraid I'd fall and re-injure my knee.

I will not change what I'm doing much but I will definitely change where I do it. I really like my new treadmill but I will drop it immediately to run outside! In addition, my overall activity level should go up because I'll be gardening. And it will be nice enough to work the horses!

I need to find my missing fitbit by then so I can get credit for all those steps.