90-Day Exercise Challenge! (Feb/March/April)

[philana]

BigChief, Ali & curlysue: thanks for the tips. They are great but not really an option for me. I live in the netherlands, it's one of the dullest places to live for outdoor sports. I've have to travel 3 hours to belgium to find anything that looks like a swirling river or a mountain. We are the flattest country on the planet. You can look it up. LOL

I am looking on craigslist (or the dutch version anyhow) for some cheap inline skates/ skeelers. I think once the snow clears out I'd enjoy skating. Once summer starts I wanna take up bikeracing too. The only thing I am worried about is that my legs are already getting bulky from the running and I just want my legs to start slimming down eventually. They won't with sports that involve using your legs mostly I guess. Haha.

First day of TOM, so I am not gonna move a muscle. I allow myself an offday today. Tomorrow I can be active again.

[stimkovs]

Exercise Goal: at minimum 4 x a week, add in 1 more core/ab workout a week on top of this, and to get back to c25k once the weather outside gets warmer!

edit: ultimately, i would also like to stay OP the whole time (duhhh) so i will track OP and NOP(eeeee) days ahah - hopefully by the end of this i will not only be able to post progress pics, but yoga posture progress pics.


Progress: 2/60 Bikrams.
Weight Goal: (176/175.2 /155) i hope to hit 155 by the end of april!!
Health/Wellness goal: finish c25k, trim fat/lean out.
Waist: (Starting/Current) (WILL MEASURE SATURDAY MORNING!!!)
Bust: (Starting/Current)
Hips: (Starting/Current)
Thighs: (Starting/Current)
Arms: (Starting/Current)

February
02/01 - 90 Mins. Bikram. OP.
02/02 - 90 Mins. Bikram. forgot breakfast oatmeal at home OP
02/03- 90 min. Bikram - 30 min walk OP.
02/04 - 90 min. Bikram- 90 min dog walk!! OP (so far) also- 174.4 this morning!!
02/05 - skiing (3 hours)
02/06 - 90 Mins Bikram.
02/07 - 90 mins bikram
02/08 - 90 mins bikram yoga, skating !!
02/09 - 90 mins. Bikram
02/10 - 90 mins. BIKRAM - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIKRAM CHAUDRY!! Woohoo. (today is class 40 :O , and i did the grand weigh in at 172!! woohoo
02/11
02/12- 90 mins bikram
02/13- 90 mins bikram
02/14- 90 mins bikram
02/15- 90 mins bikram
02/16- off- (sushi, date??)ughhh derail.
02/17 -off- chinese food and pie, MAJOR DERAIL
02/18- 90 mins bikram- begginers series, 180 mins - 84 advanced hatha postures.
02/19
02/20
02/21
02/22
02/23
02/24
02/25
02/26
02/27
02/28
02/29

March
03/01
03/02
03/03
03/04
03/05
03/06
03/07
03/08
03/09
03/10
03/11
03/12
03/13
03/14
03/15
03/16
03/17
03/18
03/19
03/20
03/21
03/22
03/23
03/24
03/25
03/26
03/27
03/28
03/29
03/30
03/31


April
04/01
04/02
04/03
04/04
04/05
04/06
04/07
04/08
04/09
04/10
04/11
04/12
04/13
04/14
04/15
04/16
04/17
04/18
04/19
04/20
04/21
04/22
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04/24
04/25
04/26
04/27
04/28
04/29
04/30

[curlysue82]

Call me Traci -3lb is super well done... i had a bad week was not strong enough to say no to the choc biscuits at work.. so will try to be better from tomorrow.. exercise is going ok.. i also find if i have to write it down then i am more accountable.. seeing a load of blanks after the dates makes its very REAL..
absolutely.. lets do this is right want to see a big change after this challenge.. no excuses..

Riestrella

I've lost a lot of weight since the bf last saw me, I'm not going to gain it all in the next week!

woohooo how exciting.. i bet you can't wait to see his face.. thats going to be good.. double happiness you get to see him and also your looking hotter then when you last seen him.. sweet .. enjoy your hols


philana have been to Netherlands Beautiful country.. oh yes and very flat ... thinking about your leg issue.. how about a swimming pool? then mainly do upper body in the water.. can see you predicament tho.. martial arts.. we used to do a serious amount of boxing in karate back in the day a super workout it'd maybe work both equally at the same time.. ..


how is everyone else doing?? hope Feb is starting out well, and for those who it hasn't started so well for ,that ye hop back on the wagon

we'll all get there eventually..

Here's to fitness and better Energy

[Telorida]

Originally Posted by philana

First day of TOM, so I am not gonna move a muscle. I allow myself an offday today. Tomorrow I can be active again.

After two days of false starts (don't ask), I am right there with ya. Still got in an hour on the elliptical, but my intensity was pretty low. Still... glad I pushed through it... they say exercise is supposed to help, but I can't say I felt any better...

Oh well, got it done, that's what counts!

[BigChiefHoho]

curlysue - Ugh, HAAAAAAATE it when people bring goodies in to work... Although I'm guilty of it, too. Made a big batch of chocolate chip cookies and sent them with my husband to his job so I wouldn't eat them all.
Telorida - It's good that you did something, even if the intensity wasn't there! On days when I can't get in a proper workout, I always try to at least go for a short walk, just to stay in the habit of exercising. I find that one missed day leads to two missed days leads to taking the month off.

I've been doing well so far this month. I've missed a couple runs, mostly due to my husband's work schedule (arrrgh, can't wait until he's off of third shift), but I've been out walking every day, which is something. I always have my 17-lb baby strapped to my chest for the walks, too, which hopefully increases the effects a little. AND I did a real push-up the other day, for the first time in my entire life! Very excited about that.

[stimkovs]

okay so, i'm keeping up with my exercise plan, but i feel like it's killing me.

all of a sudden im hot apparently? or boys realized they can do those sports activities that are "girly" with me and not be regarded as weird for doing them with their buddies?

seriously, WHAT IS GOING ON. IM TIRED!!!

The funny thing is, yes the common answer is "so take the day off, don't make plans, stop doubling up workouts". but i feel so good doing it, the endorphins are amazing.

i also find that if i take the day off, and left to my own devices i get bored super quick and eat, which is bad news bears.

SO instead, i had what you can regard as "date 1" and "date 2" with candidate 1- seeing fireworks for winterlude opening, and then a doggy walk.

and now i'm on what i wouldn't quite classify as "date 2" with potential 'candidate 2'. we went skiing on sunday, and going skating today.

ITS ONLY WEDNESDAY!! I've been going to bed at 10 pm (pretty much ready for bed by 8) and waking up naturally between 4 40 and 5 30. i also can't decide if this is good, or bad.

[curlysue82]

BigChiefHoho haha good plan, aw stop the cookies are killing me... i was good today though...

i am doing ok exercise wise, i was running last summer tore a muscle prettty bad ( had to swim for nearly 3 months) as cardio would hurt it.. so basically 5 times a week now i can exercise mainly taking Tues Wed Off so now just have to tackle the biscuit saga...

stimkovs

okay so, i'm keeping up with my exercise plan, but i feel like it's killing me.

all of a sudden im hot apparently? or boys realized they can do those sports activities that are "girly" with me and not be regarded as weird for doing them with their buddies?

seriously, WHAT IS GOING ON. IM TIRED!!!

The funny thing is, yes the common answer is "so take the day off, don't make plans, stop doubling up workouts". but i feel so good doing it, the endorphins are amazing.

i also find that if i take the day off, and left to my own devices i get bored super quick and eat, which is bad news bears.

fair play for keeping to it.. i can understand what you mean about the couch and being bored watchin tv and eating /or needless munching..

but if you are that exhausted, maybe take a rest day, your muscles will need to recover and catch up... maybe get a good book or come on here and browse, to get engrossed in or a jig-saw basically to keep your hands busy and mind of mindless eating i dunno it might help


wow on the hotness and the dates.. how exciting.. enjoy every minute, if you do decide to advance with any of the guys the beginning "honeymoon" phase is great..
anyways whatever you decide good luck

[CallMeTraci]

BigChiefHoHo and CurlySue - Mmm, sweets. I came home the other night to find a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting sitting on the kitchen table. I eyed it oh so bad that night ... and allowed myself a cheat day the next day, lol. It's TOM and I have the worst sweet tooth to begin with anyways. Guess it doesn't help that I'm going to be baking cookies from scratch tonight, too, but I figure as long as I portion control and do my workouts today, one or two cookies will be fine. (I'm making Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk cookies -- found the recipe on back of my craisins bag).

Stimkovs - As long as your body doesn't feel on the verge of injury, you're doing fine. Don't burn yourself out, though, give your body some rest when possible. Also, good luck with your potentials . Make sure they're respecting you.

[stimkovs]

curlysue82 - jigsaw puzzle!! that's a phenomenal idea, didn't even think of that. i would totally get like a 1000 peice puzzle!! and i do read a lot, the issue is just that i sleep for 7 hours a day, work for 8 hours a day, it only takes me 15 mins to get to work and 15 mins to get back, that's 15.5 hours a day- that leaves me with a solid 7.5 hours left to my own devices!! i actually read A LOT, the hunchback of notre dame is currently on the go (Best book- EVER). although i AM planning a new hobby- building a library, so i'm going to start buying first/second edition books off ebay in order to do so. i looove old books.

as for the potentials, it's all clean fun. i'm a huge fan of doing cheesy things. SUPER PG. Like, not even pg 13, ahah like last night, post skating- ended up sitting around watching heli-skiing videos and playing with his dog? cool- 20 something? i'm like 12. ha ha.

CallmeTracy - first off all, sugar is not the enemy, treats (im moderations) are also not the enemy. Honestly? You want a cookie? do it. DO NOT punish yourself with gym time, but appreciate, and ENJOY said cookie (personally, i would've gone for the cake 100%) but either portion control it and add it into your plan, or be super clean for the next 1-2 days following it. it's all about achieving that balance IMHO.

and rest days? those don't exist. i'm actually fine with like a sunday afternoon off to just do laundry/groceries/and cook and stuff. (clearly i have too much energy). simultaneously, yoga is not super streneous to me anymore- i feel like that's my time off. the most exhaustion i feel is actually mental exhaustion as opposed to physical.

and as for the potentials- its just fun- plus i find that men are generally more willing to do outdoor activities then women in the winter!! aka go ski!

[CallMeTraci]

Stimkovs - Oh, trust me, I did go for the cake, haha. And the cookies. I don't think sugar is a bad thing. Having a cheat meal/day, what have you, is healthy. It keeps me sane and steers me away from binging. I've actually found since starting my fitness/nutrition plan that I choose sweets less and the good stuff more. Not because I feel forced to or anything, but because I don't have cravings as often. I'm pretty satisfied . And, oooohhh, skiing. What a workout! I snowboarded for the first time recently. Actually, I fell and got up more than I snowboarded, but hey, I had fun! :P. As for the rest day stuff, if you feel that you're recharged enough on those days, then that's great. Mental exhaustion, though, hm. You may not be looking for advice or solutions to assuage that exhaustion, but if you are, here's my two cents: Take a bubble bath. Seriously. I'm always on the go - always - and don't place "bubble baths" as high priority, BUT ... I did recently and they work. I soaked, read a book, and let go of any worries or small stresses for awhile. Let me tell you ... it was gooooood. Maybe try that right before bed. Hope this helps!

BigChiefHoHo - Congrats on that push-up!!! *Cheers*.

Telorida - That's the spirit, girl! Small steps make big differences. I did the P90X Abs Ripper X last night and lemme tell you. It wasn't pretty. I didn't really "do" it, but I did my best and that's what counts. We'll get better with practice and time.

As for me, I got my morning walk in today, 45 minutes of beautiful sunshiney weather. I read during that time, too, so I feel good since I was tackling two goals at one time. I have two workouts back-to-back today since I didn't do one yesterday. Then a light cardio/abs day tomorrow. I'll take it very easy tomorrow, depending on how my body feels. Have a wonderful day!


EDIT: Scratch that, no back-to-back workouts for me today!! I finished one of the workouts and probably could have done the second one, but that would have been REALLY pushing it. I'll do the second workout tonight.

[aleksandra]

i know what you're going through sleep-wise! i also wake up at about 5.20! i usually work out at 6 am and I must say I admire you for staying up until 10! I usually fall into my bed at 9 pm, no way I would make it until 9.15
if you need rest, take it. if you like to exercise, rest might mean a little afternoon nap, a nice warm latte (that's rest to me ), a carb meal (if you're running, especially), perhaps some movies ... basically a non-demanding activity menally and physically. I mean, for me, it works, everyone is special tho
tiredness can also be a sign of slowed metabolism, and usually it comes with cold feet and hands, puffy face, thinning hair etc. if taht's it, a week off might help or boosting up caffeine, guarana or green tea.
i hope i could help a little!
great job on your workout progress, by the way!!

[curlysue82]

hi ladies..
well today i was cookie free i substituted a rice cake with a bit of chocolate on it.. operation "will power" has begun, also got a super killer workout in after work so feel like its defn a well deserved lounge on my couch for the evening,

stimkovs hehe glad you liked it.. i quit the ciggies and it was my savior.. i did a 1000 hadn't done one since i was a kid.. basically kept my hand busy i got hooked and didn't pick at food while i was distracted with the puzzle

A library is a great idea.. i also love reading could get lost in a good read for hours..

it's all clean fun. i'm a huge fan of doing cheesy things. SUPER PG. Like, not even pg 13, ahah like last night, post skating- ended up sitting around watching heli-skiing videos and playing with his dog? cool- 20 something? i'm like 12. ha ha.

excellent haha

Call me Traci

a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting

&

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk cookies

wow .. *takes a minute to swoon and wipe drool mmmmmmm
lol ah i agree with ye wholeheartedly once its moderation and exercise is consistent its all good... i'm focusing this week on trying to curb cos i was 2lb up on my weigh in (hangs head in cookie shame )

stimkovs very Jealous you have Ski as like a general.. "just go for a Ski" haha i know its probably nothing like it but love to rollerblade.. and add Snow.. Epic.. i am from Ireland it Mainly rains rains rains here,

Telorida Respect.. well done for pushing yourself while under TOM symptoms.. go you..

aleksandra That is a serious early start..


Anyways off to land of dreams...

[Ariannag]

Exercise Goal:workout 5x/week
Progress:not much
Weight Goal: 195/181/140
Health/Wellness goal: establish a stable workout regimen

Waist: 32
Bust: 40
Hips: 42
Thighs: 24 1/2
Arms: 13

February
02/01//
02/02//
02/03//
02/04//
02/05//
02/06//
02/07//
02/08//
02/09- starting day. 45 minutes of Zumba
02/10- Zumba 50 minutes
02/11
02/12
02/13
02/14
02/15
02/16
02/17
02/18
02/19
02/20
02/21
02/22
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02/24
02/25
02/26
02/27
02/28
02/29

March
03/01
03/02
03/03
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03/28
03/29
03/30
03/31


April
04/01
04/02
04/03
04/04
04/05
04/06
04/07
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04/09
04/10
04/11
04/12
04/13
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04/29
04/30

[Telorida]

Migraine kicked in again so I did not manage anything yesterday. I have a bit of a sinus thing going on now, too, but I am gonna do an extra long session today, and then one tomorrow (which would normally be an off day) to keep up with my 5-per-week goal. I've decided I have no problem moving one workout to a weekend day if it helps me stick to my goal and makes sense. I would rather do that and feel good about it than make myself exercise when I am genuinely unable (which will just make me hate what I'm doing, rather than learning to love it), or outright skipping it when I'm not well (which doesn't get me any closer to my long-term goals).

curlysue82: Congrats on that healthy dose of WILLPOWER! Mine was at an all-time low, yesterday. I had a chicken cheesesteak for lunch, and didn't even put half of it away for later. I felt crappy and ravenous pretty much the whole day... I think because I had no appetite in the morning and just picked at food. Trying to prevent a repeat, today.

CallMeTraci: Two workouts in one day? THAT is dedication!

stimkovs: I have to say I am SERIOUSLY jealous of your free time. I've got a 70-minute commute (each way), and I don't function on less than a full 8 hours of sleep. I would LOVE to trade problems with you... I get home around 5pm, get my workout done, have dinner, shower and get ready for the next day, and then I'm lucky if I can spend 45 minutes on the computer checking forums before it's time to get to sleep.

BigChiefHoho: Your one pushup is SUPER-AWESOME! I'm still only able to do wall pushups, and even gave myself a sore shoulder the other day doing them... in time...

Ariannag: Welcome!

[Ali87]

I'm loving this challenge! nearly 2 weeks down, 10 to go and everyone's going strong.

Today I managed my 5km circuit in 37mins. which means I've shaved off 3 minutes in under 2 weeks. Only need to take off 7mins more and 10 weeks to do it in.
I seem to have fallen into a nice routine which I originally hadn't planned on but it's nicer this way. I know what I need to do and when which means I can't excuse myself.

Hope everyone has a very loving valentines day tomorrow, The only date I have unfortunately is with Jillian