Maintenance is progress
Well, after working out 4 times last week, I kind of thought I’d be down at least another pound. But, alas, this morning, I was still 170. I think that it is partly due to me not doing some weight training. I find myself avoiding it because I would like to have a “program”, a prescribed set of things I’m supposed to do. Left to my own devices, I am not sure of myself and tend to either change exercises every time I lift, or tend to do the same thing every time which isn’t productive either. I cannot afford to hire a personal trainer, and trying to find a program online is practically impossible. I don’t know if what I want exists, short of hiring a trainer to show me something once. All I want is something I can do in 20 minutes, after my workout, that will strengthen my arms and back. I run, so even though I know I should do lower body also, I rationalize that running covers it. If anyone has found any programs or books they have found helpful that would suit my needs, please let me know. However, I have to be happy that I’m at least maintaining my summer loss. My revamped efforts are paying off. Looking at that ticker below, I’m amazed I’ve lost as much as I have. In retrospect, it was hard, but it wasn’t THAT hard that people should feel like it’s impossible. It took sacrifice and discipline, but I think that’s good for the soul.
We had school canceled today due to snow, so I’ve gotten a lot done. Cleaned, did laundry, reorganized my closet (and tried on a dress I haven’t worn since high school-it fit!!- don’t ask why I still have it ten years later) and picked out some things to bring to consignment (my new favorite thing of the week), watched some tv. It’s been really nice to have a day to myself. Last week I played hooky with J, and it was great, but sometimes it’s nice just to be alone and do whatever I feel like doing. I think later I’m going to do some yoga and scrapbook before dinner. It’s been great so far, hope you all are having a good day too!
I joined eDiets, and they provide me with new toning/strengthening workouts a couple of times a week. They’re customizable depending on your fitness level and what kinds of equipment you have. An eDiets membership is about $20 a month, but that’s a lot less than a personal trainer.
Otherwise, maybe see if you can find a DVD. I’m sure there must be some out there.
maintenance is progress indeed, and you’re doing great!
I love having days like that all to myself… too rare!
Check out http://www.shapefit.com/training.html. It is a really great website with tons of strength training exercises. There is even a video demonstration of each exercise. Plus, It’s FREE!!
And you are doing great. The body decides when to let the weight go, so just keep doing what you are doing. The weight will go.
There is nothing like a day to yourself. I love them and have them all too rarely.
Congrats on your weight loss you are doing so well.
I always have problems with the lower body, can lose like hell on the top but the bottom half is a bummer, no pun intended
I love the FIRM DVD’s. There are some that are shorter that could accommodate your 20 minute schedule.
I have several suggestions..
1. I agree with shapefit.com, just pick a few and make that your routine.
2. Go to the library and get weight lifting books. there is even a book that caters to women called “Strong women stay younger”
3. Visit the weight lifting forum and ask for suggestions
4. Yoga is great for strength training, especially for runners to help stretch those muscles that can become tight from running.
5. I don’t know if you belong to a gym already, but if you’re interested in joining one, I know the ones around here have a meeting with a personal trainer (part of the gym fee) that will meet with you every few weeks, weigh and measure you, show you how to do specific exercises to work on the areas you want, and then meet with you every month or 6 weeks, whatever, to check on your progress and revamp your exercises.
6. Finally, if you have friends who’d like to workout too, I know most personal trainers will offer a group discount.
good luck!