Weight and Resistance Training - Lift and Chat! December 15 - December 31, 2007

Last thread of the year my lovelies!

I just got back from a scandalously inexpensive run to Ann Taylor Loft after training this morning. My dd has a friend who does PR work for Ann Taylor and Loft, and they sent out friends and Family coupons for 30% off the entire weekend, which could be forwarded to other friends and family! It included already marked down and special sale items. I made out like a bandit! I'm headed out later to a different Ann Taylor to see si if they have the pants and jacket I was looking for in my size.

Workout- I did a minor leg workout with my clients this morning. Nothing really heavy, but enough to really tire me.

Food- Getting back to normal after yesterday's chocolate therapy. ;) It doesn't work.

Mel

LYDIA - how's the little schmoopy?? Ugh - I've so been there! Last week in fact! DD2 started feeling icky Friday nite so Saturday am meant calling in to the doc at 8:30 when they opened to get an appt and try to get it all done before having to leave at 9:30 for a swim meet for DD1. I had missed the previous 2 for her being sick or bad weather, so I really didn't want to miss this one. (We made it) The good thing was, it meant all 3 of us would be on biotics at the same time, therefore clearing our house of the strep for once (I hope). Dh was the only one who didn't get it. No surprise at ALL to the moms in this forum, I'm SURE! :yes:

MEL: How dare you start the thread like that w/o providing a complete inventory as to what you got?!?! You are crueweeelllll! Now you will also have to provide links to their website or images as well!

Hope all of you who either had or are in the path of this snowstorm stay safe & warm.

Morning Everyone!

I also hope that anyone affected by the storm is safe and sound. I, for one, am staying right here on the couch...until, of course, I'm forced out there to do a little shoveling. Wow...that's a lot of snow! I don't remember the last time we got dumped on like this but I'm thankful that it's Sunday and that I don't have to go anywhere today. It's a good day for some laundry, cleaning a putting some soup on the stove.

I had a surprisingly good food/exercise week. I was quite pleased to be down a couple of pounds. But then I go up and down so easily, it doesn't mean too too much. I had my company holiday lunch yesterday where I did fine but treated myself to the most delicious piece of strawberry shortcake. One of my favourites and I enjoyed every bite. The last day or two hasn't been too great but I hope to get right back to it tomorrow.

I hope everyone (and their families) are feeling better today. It sucks being sick.

Mel - Sounds like an amazing sale. I know Ann Taylor Loft is an absolute favourite of one of my friends. Oh, and hey, your email with that coupon must have gotten lost in cyberspace because I just haven't seen it! ;) I would love to see some pictures though. I could really use some new clothes and maybe I'll get inspired.

Stay warm and healthy.

:D

Elisa, how are those pesky shoulders doing these days? :hug:

Hello all :)

I've been having fun with my kettlebells and I have one more week until my vacation. The clothes I bought a couple months ago a size smaller for the trip? They fit :)

DH even started picking up the kettlebells but I think he isn't quite sure about them, probably after seeing the bruises on my arm :) He does seem to like them though.

Meg - thanks for thinking of me and asking! About the same, I'd say. Some days much better than others. It's been quite a while since I had one of those "can't lift my arms days". Mostly it's just certain types of strain. Like I went to put away a 2L bottle of diet coke and reaching up with it didn't feel so good. ;) I'm still really focusing on trying to identify what exercises help/hurt. No, I still haven't made it to the doctor. Admittedly, I'm procrastinating but I have to go for a checkup anyway in the new year so I'll probably just wait and mention it then.

Now, it's time for some shoveling...unless of course that's bad for the shoulders! ;)

Where's everybody else? Stuck in the snow somewhere?

:D

ooh, you wait long enough to shovel and the sidewalk snowplow comes along!! One small positive of living on a main street!

We got 2.7 inches yesterday when we were supposed to get only 1. Not like it matters, we're already up to 24 inches so far this December. The average for the whole month in this area is about 10. I wouldn't be surprised if we break the record soon. But enough bragging. :p I've got to look into going cross country skiing sometime after new year's.

elisa - I am a huge fan of puttering around the house and putting some soup on when it snows!

No gym this weekend, but a lot of other things taken care of. E-mail a few prospective musicians for the wedding, worded the invitations, shopped/made/shipped gifts, grocery shopped, etc. Might do a little UBWO here at home before I start dinner now, I've got to remember that I can still work out at home if I don't have the time/inclination to go to the gym :dizzy:

Is Christmas really only 9 days away? :yikes:

Neliebell, congrats on the size ahead victory!!! Woohoo!

BRAVO, neliebelle!

I did your "face the wall" kettle bell squats yesterday with clients- boy are they hard! I haven't lifted for a week, and was mildly sore from using about a 35lb bell. That's about 1/4 of my usual starting weight for squats :o Doing that exercise really forces you to use perfect form and ALL your muscles!

Ann Taylor Loft was so much fun that I went back today and bought a lot of clothes for my dd for Christmas. If they don't fit, she can exchange or return.

Sorry- no pictures and the website really doesn't show what I bought! Maybe pictures later :)

Hope all the snowbelt folks are warm! Elisa- I think shoveling is probably dreadful for your shoulders!

Mel

I am a huge fan of puttering around the house and putting some soup on when it snows!

:lol: It didn't snow here, but I did make some soup yesterday! Of course the temperature was right at zero, so that counts as much as snow. I just used the rest of some kale, braised it, added some chopped up leek and garlic, and carrots. Cooked that all down til it was tender, then added it to some white beans in chicken broth. The only spice I added was some herbs de provance (?) and some pepper. Yummy and filling.

Grocery shopping today, and then a CSA box on Tuesday, and I'm drowning in fruits and veggies again - a good thing! :) Got a box of clementines for under $5, plus $3 off a turkey, 2 for 1 eggs, and quart-sized yogurt for $1.69. (Oh, and a sale on chicken livers for the cat! :lol: ) We've been invited out for Christmas dinner, but I like to have a small turkey anyway. This one is only 10#, and it'll still last us awhile.

Good morning :coffee:
Everybody panicking yet?

I slept through the night for the first time in a week and a half! No hacking!!! Got up early and did 1/2 an hour of "spin and knit" on the exercise bike. I'm frantically making scarves for the last few people on my list. Not yet up to real cardio, so at least I get some exercise an can multi-task :dizzy:

I'll attempt the gym for the first time in a week at lunch. Oh boy am I going to be sore :o

Stay warm and safe whomever is snowbound! Elisa, I do NOT miss living in Toronto right now, but as we always said, it's better than Buffalo :lol:

Mel

Well, I got to work okay, even with all the snow...but I haven't seen anyone else yet! Thanks to public transit, I'm safe and sound. And, thanks to my DH, I didn't have to do any shoveling!

I hope things get back to normal here and I can get to the gym at lunch.

Mel - love the "spin and knit" idea...now that's multi-tasking! And yes, who would want to live in Buffalo?? sorry to anyone I've insulted here! ;)

Happy Monday!

:D

Just popping in to say that Krista Scott-Dixon has a shoulder rehab video on YouTube. :hug:

http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/stumptuousblog.php

It's cold here, I'm getting my third (or so) cold of the autumn and winter but ... I did a very good 'push' workout this morning.

I'm still reading but most of the time I lack the brainspace to write.

Silverbirch - thanks so much for posting that link! I'm off to check it out...

Morning, ladies & lurker gents.

I'm up early this morning. Couldn't sleep for all the tasks rushing through my head. Of course, the heat-seeking missile of a cat sleeping half on my head didn't help either.

It's the last push before my gym closes for the break, so I'm determined to make it ever day. Yesterday I tried a back day for the first time since my elbow starting hurting in a tendonitis-y kind of way (about 10 days ago). Deads were fine. Yates rows were fine. Back hyperextensions were fine, of course. Pullups? Not so much. In fact, I think I identified the culprit. RATS!

Maybe a 2-week break will be a Good Thing.

Be strong,
Kim

Kaw- do you do bench presses or military presses with a barbell? Those were the culprits in my year and a half long struggle with tendonitis in my elbows. Dumbbells alleviated the problem. If pullups are the culprit, try switching your grip to a parallel grip or underhand if you are used to doing overhand. Make sure you don't wrap your thumbs- that activates the forearm muscles more. Good luck! I ended up with two cortisone shots before I gave up on setting bench press records. I'm very sorry I didn't quit sooner.

Did my first real weight workout yesterday- yikes I have no endurance :faint: Still coughing some, but I'm much better. Amazingly, my clothes still fit despite my week off and my two days of "feeling sorry for myself" food :p You'd think I would have learned by now!!!!

Silver- nice to see you again! How is life across the pond?

Have a good one,
Mel

Morning, Mel! Not bad here, thanks for asking. I'm just having some lentil and veg soup after a morning's work.

Latest breakthroughs.

1. Taking Mandalin's (sp?) advice to chew gum when making meals. This is a huge breakthrough as I have a long-standing belief that gum-chewing is utterly vulgar. :rofl: Blame my age, latitude and longitude. I don't care. :D Strangely, it seems to work!

2. Doing yoga after tea to prevent myself eating supper with the Boy. Seems to work and now we three are doing it. By-products: flatter tummy! better hamstrings! increased grace!

Hope your day goes well, everyone.

Silver - I am certain that chewing gum while baking my mountains of cookies is the only thing that saved me from a 5lb. gain. I cannot control myself around baked goods but thankfully nothing tastes good after a piece of mint gum! Good for you!

Today is yoga day.

:D

I went to power pump class this am, don't know why it seemed like such a good idea to skip last week? (Mountains of snow, freezing temps, 5:30am wake up call? ok, that all might have had something to do with it ;)) Feeling a little more "on" now, yoga tonight and I am excited to go :D

Mel - Glad to hear you're back up and at it! Make sure you keep on taking good care of yourself. Spin and knit sounds like way more coordination that I am capable of. I can barely pat my head and rub my belly :p

I am astonished that my scale weight is hanging around the lower end of the range it's been stuck in, my workout effort has been underwhelming this month to say the least.

Classes at they gym are on hiatus for next week, which is just as well as I'll be driving up north for the first part of the week and flying down to FL for the latter. The break from work is most needed, but I do hope there's a little time to relax in there somewhere between all the family stuff.

Morning. :wave: A sub-zero start to the day - again!

Just flying through as I have a meeting in 40 minutes that I need to be a little more prepared for!

So last night I had one of those cardio workouts that are always a surprise - I crossed a hurdle on the level/speed on elliptical, and felt like I could have gone on forever, plus not only was I working harder, I could do it for longer, and had trouble slowing down enough to cool down. Why can't those days come more often?? :lol:

Gotta run. Have a great day!

So last night I had one of those cardio workouts that are always a surprise - I crossed a hurdle on the level/speed on elliptical, and felt like I could have gone on forever, plus not only was I working harder, I could do it for longer, and had trouble slowing down enough to cool down. Why can't those days come more often?? :lol:

Oh, well done, Pat! :cool:

Well, I did it but now I'm so nervous!! I have been wanting to find out my BF% for quite a long time and now I have an appointment. As I have said before, I wish I had done it a year ago so I could see what, if any, improvement I've made but my gym didn't offer it or I didn't know about it. The scale hasn't budged in a year but I feel fitter, I think I look better and people do still ask me if I've lost weight recently. But I'm still really scared. I know I still have some fat to lose but what if the number is really bad??

I'm afraid it will take away some of my confidence. My co-worker went and she's about 5'6" and under 130lbs. - very slim build. You'd never suggest that she needed to lose weight and she doesn't want to but she knows she could be more fit and she was told she was 31% fat. Yeesh. I think we've often discussed here how tracking BF can be a more accurate number of fitness than the number on the scale but I need to be prepared.

Okay, so you don't know what I look like but I wonder if I could see over 30%? I think it's quite possible but I have no idea. I know there's many categories for BF but what is considered a "good" number for an average fit female?

Okay, I'll calm down and maybe I'll keep you posted on Thursday! ;)

:D

Elisa, deep breath, sweetie! :hug: It's only a number. It doesn't define you. It's only purpose is to give you feedback and a benchmark to measure future progress against. No matter what it is, it doesn't mean that you're good or bad, or not working hard enough, or not worthy in some way.

Think of it this way ... your body fat is what it is, whether you know it or not. It's not going to change between now and Thursday; the only thing that will change is that you will be aware of it. And that's a good thing! Whatever the number may be, once you are aware of it, then you OWN it and you can change it if you choose. :)

Knowledge is power! But it's only one piece of the puzzle, so keep your eye on all the other ways that you've progressed in the past year: "I feel fitter, I think I look better and people do still ask me if I've lost weight recently." No number can take away the gift of health and fitness that you've given yourself. :high:

Meg - phew...thanks, as always, for your kind words. I know I'll be okay but sometimes I just have to let the "freakout" get out, obsess as I tend to do, and then try to get a grip! I think I've got one now!! ;)

Mel: pushing motions seem to be fine. It's just pulling motions, esp. with a twist. I notice the elbow in a twinge-y kind of way every time I open a door with a knob. Luckily, it's my left elbow, and I'm right-handed.

I'm pretty sure it's the pullups. For a while I was throwing at least one and sometimes 3 sets into every workout, just because I could and because I wanted to mimic a crossfit-like workout. I also started doing wide-grip pulls, because I can. (Vanity, vanity!) Stupid on both counts.

I seem to have caught it before it gets really bad. A gym friend who was commiserating with me said that at his tendonitis' worst, he couldn't even shake hands without shooting pain in his elbows. Pretty much scared me into resting it!

Elisa822: What Meg said! :)

Be strong,
Kim

Elisa- What Meg said! If you are looking smaller, feeling fitter, you are headed in the right direction!

Kaw- don't let gym vanity get the best of you! Siad by one who knows better too, and ignored it because I wanted to play like thebig boys! Lol, the big boys have had a lot of surgery, too. At my worst, I couldn't pick up a milk jug (tho I could bench 150 pounds :lol:) or pull up the blankets at night:o Be smart :hug:

I did chest on Monday (sore, very sore) and legs yesterday (sore). Amazing what a week off will do to you! No gym antics routines, just basic stuff and each workout left me completely wiped out.

Food is good- I haven't done any baking or even planned Christmas yet :o This weekend should be a major panic scene chez Mel. Most of my family think I'm going to make Turkucken- google it if you don't know what it is. I did it a few years ago and they think it's time for a repeat performance. I'm not so sure.

Gotta go get crazy at work!

Mel

You know what they say you should make for Christmas dinner Mel? Reservations! :rofl: We are lucky that our next-door neighbors include us in their huge extended family gathering. I go, enjoy the food, all the little kids opening presents, etc. then come home with no leftovers and slip back into my boring food routine. :) I did buy a small turkey (10#) for us but I'll just cook it - unstuffed - so we have a change from chicken and salmon.

Well, it's official, I'm fat. :( Took the BF test and it was just bad really. I know it is what it is, but not knowing what it was a year ago, it did only depress me. The trainer was very nice and certainly didn't feel that it was so terrible but it's hard when you feel like you've really put in some time and effort. I like what I'm doing now in terms of my workout and I've certainly learned that cardio will not give me the results I want but he reinforced that strength training will likely be of more value to me. I'm meeting next week to see what program he suggests but I just don't know what to give up in order to fit it in.

I do three classes a week that I really like - spinning, yoga and power. I also want to run at least once a week so I have no idea what I'll do with his "plan" but I'll see and I'll hopefully give it a try. He's happy to have me come back whenever I want to re-test the BF% so that's good.

I'm not super sad but I'm a little sad.

Thankfully I'm now off work for six days...but that also means no gym. Sigh.

It's quiet around here so I hope that means everyone is off having a great time!

:D

elisa :hug::hug: It's a NUMBER. It's not tatooed on your forehead. If you are feeling smaller and more fit, then you've made progress.

Everyone's goal is different. Those of us who hang out in gyms too much and are around competitive bodybuilders or figure competitors or read too many SHAPE or OXYGEN magazines have a very warped view of what is normal.

If you want to be a runner, you can't be toting a ton of muscle mass. If you want to be ripped, you generally can't fuel yourself enough to be an endurance athlete.

You just have to decide what is right for you both in terms of health and vanity. It sound like you are at a normal weight. edit: I just looked at your height and weight and you are certainly in a healthy range. What do you want to look like? Would you enjoy what it takes to get there or be miserable during the process and maintaining? Think about it before you accept someone else's goal for you.

For years I was miserable because my boss at the gym was caliper happy and thought all women should look like figure competitors. He constantly wanted to caliper me. I let his goal of 12% body fat for me (which is ridiculous for most women and even more for someone my age) make me miserable for too many years. Don't let numbers rule your life.

BTW, how was it calculated?

:hug:
Mel

Mel - first, don't mind my sad sack self today - I'll get over over it. Second, thanks AGAIN for the inspiration. He did also take my measurements, which I ignored. They're written down so I'll look at them one day but I couldn't right now.

As for the method used to test my BF, based on what I read online, I guess it was the Near Infrared Interactance (NIR), if that's what it's called. He just took little "probe" looking thing and pointed it at my bicep. Not too accurate? Maybe but I don't think it's likely to be 10% less, which I would have preferred!

As for my goals, I really just want an athletic, toned, strong body. I don't want to run a marathon or compete in a fitness competition. I want to be able to run 5-10k and look good and feel strong. If that makes sense. That's it, no grand plans no huge expectations. Look good in shorts and a tank top first and a bathing suit second.

Not too unrealistic right? Hearing this guy's plan and having one workout is free so what the heck. He was nice and knowledgable and did not appear to be trying to sell me anything. What comes of it? Who knows. But I don't have anything to lose.

Just need a bit more sad time and I'll be fine. ;)

Thank you!

:D

Elisa Hmmm. Generally speaking, the accuracy of BF test methods is as follows, highest to lowest:
1) death & dissection. (A bit extreme for most people.)
2) dunk tank
3) 7-site caliper
4) 3-site caliper
5) electrical impedance
6) on-line calculators based on waist & wrist measurements

Somewhere between 2 & 4 is eyeballing by someone who has been around bodybuilders or fitness competitors for years. I'm not familiar with the infrared version, but I suspect it's a similar technology as #5.

Not saying that you should just ignore the number you were told -- it's a useful baseline or, it sounds like, second measurement. But, take it with a grain of salt, and don't let it get you down!

Be strong,
Kim

Good morning! My last day or work (day job- I'll still be training) for a week and a half! Yipee! Dancing Vegetables!

Kaw- I had a random thought about my bout of tendonitis while brushing my teeth this morning: PUSH motions didn't hurt shen I was doing them PULL did- but it was the push that caused the damage. I was also talking to an anaesthesiologist once who had a similar problem (while I was in the queue for a "procedure") and we narrowed his problem down to pushing the hospital guerneys with a wrapped grip, then going home and playing guitar to relax. Same tendons.

Elisa- feeling better? I'm also not familiar with the infrared method, but kaw's summation is good.

I'm finally not sore from my Monday leg workout, for those of you who have asked is it right to that sore! It wasn't a horrendous workout, either, I'd just taken a week off because I was really sick, and was still slightly sick. Amazing what a difference a week off and bronchitis can make :o

My dd flies in tonight- so I'll be in full holiday mode soon :) We spent last night sanitizing the house of all evidence of a cat, and that was a major workout. The cat is unhappily perched on the top step of the basement meowing piteously. DD grew up with animals but has had increasingly severe reactions in the 8 years since she stopped living with them. The only animal that she doesn't seem to be allergic to is her boyfriend's African Gray parrot! A bizarre pet, to say the least.

Cardio done, Back and bi's (yep. I'm working arms a little again) at lunch!

Have a good one!

Mel & Kim - Yes, I'm doing better today. Still pondering what I need to change to reach my goals but that's okay.

The scale has, surprisingly, been kind to me so far this December so I'm going to try to keep it up. Especially because I'll be away from the gym for a few days.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday plans...I plan to spend my day either on the couch or doing some household chores. A nice relaxing change!

:D

Elisa: Here's the good news. Now you know what your bodyfat percentage is. You have a quantitative number and a blank slate ahead of you. You also have a personal trainer who has heard your wishes and hopefully will have a plan for you. You also have an opportunity to get that measured once again when you are ready. But may I also echo the sentiments of others. It's just a number. What you feel inside, the strength and increased "centeredness" of your continued path in fitness is what is most important. Embrace where you are and forge on!

I think your goals are right on. :high: Athletic, toned, strong, able to run a 5 or 10k. Perfect! These are wonderful and attainable expectations to set.

Look in the mirror as you are lifting watch for the small changes that take place and enjoy the process and use that as your guide. The percentage number just another piece of the puzzle but please don't rely only upon that to feel successful. I think that the percentage may look different on everyone. As long as you are feeling fit, strong, happy, and you are healthy Elisa, that's the most important thing. Now go lift something heavy...:D I have to go play with DS2.

You guys are all the best! :woohoo:

I thought of two goals I met in the last year - I wore a two piece bathing suit for the first time in my life and I now wear to this http://www.lululemon.com/products/womens/tops/tanks/spark_tank to the gym...something I always thought was only for "other people." so there! ;)

:D

Elisa: Love the tank. It also represented the clothing options for the "Other People" in my world too. I agree that it is a victory to be able to wear one. I have a couple of tops similar to this but it just doesn't look the same on me as the model. The model has more bodyfat in certain areas than me :o:rofl: But that's a whole different thread. :D

The model has more bodyfat in certain areas than me
:rofl: Or saline solution or silicon.

That also represented "other people" to me for most of my adult life. I now wear similar tops (from Target!) and feel good in them That alone is a major victory!

Elisa, you've come a long way!

Off to do legs by my lonesome- I've now gotten used to lifting partners and drag my feet (literally) when I know I'm lifting alone. Once I get there, I'm pretty focused and speedy, tho!

Mel

Hi girls,

I just wanted to pop in as you won't see me for a couple weeks. I will promise to try to get my workouts in while I'm gone but we'll see. I'm taking workout clothes, resistance bands and the ship has a gym. I will also be walking on some rough terrain but not sure how much walking will be done as we will only be on land for an hour at a time.

I almost thought about taking a kettlebell but I'm already having enough trouble packing my luggage :) If we were doing a domestic flight, I'd take them but the international flights seem to have weight restrictions on carry on luggage? Plus we are lugging around 3-4 suitcases (not sure yet).

Anyway, don't stray too much off track while I'm gone :)

Nelie, have a fantastic trip!!! I can't wait to see some photos when you return!

Have a fantastic trip, nelie! I think the kettle is best left at home. I can't imagine what security scanner would make of it! And even domestic flights now have weight limits.

Mel

Nelie, I thought you were doing a land trip? What ship will it be or what line? Would love to look at the itinerary. SO post that if you haven't left already so we can follow along with you.

Mel, I so get the cat allergy after leaving home syndrome. I grew up with them as well and had terrible reactions after college. Never could find relief in 20 years of visiting relatives w/cats and was miserable. I have severe cat allergies - they even took a tube of blood from me at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver while I lived in Colorado for some research they were doing.

Enter Claritin. I tried that on last month's trip to my sister's and it was as if there wasn't a cat in the house! I couldn't believe it - by the end of my week there, I even got brave enough to pet the cat and play with her since I hadn't yet reacted. I still washed my hands right away after doing so, but not a single problem! So get your dd some claritin and release the cat from the basement! :) Altho, she actually might need to start it 48 hrs before entering the cat zone as I did, not sure. But worth a try. Oh, and the generic lotaradine (sp) is just as effective - no need to spend $20 when the $6 stuff will do.

lol, Fran, she already heads for the claritin the minute she walks in the door. Even with the cat in the basement, the claritin makes the house just tolerable.

My knee isn't happy :( It's been "twingey" for the last few days and I was dumb and tried some vertical jumps this morning during my leg workout. I do them a lot, usually. The very first one was PAINFUL on the landing, and I'm good at landing softly. So for once, I only did that one. Finished up with a very old school leg workout (except the one legged kettlebell deadlifts :lol: and am already sore...or still sore from my last leg workout!

Mel

Hmm, give her some to take about 2 days before her next visit. My dr finally explained to me that anti-histamines don't really work well AFTER the histamines have been activated. You have to block them before they start reacting. Hopefully she can go from tolerable to unaffected.

Fran,

It is hard to do a land trip to Antarctica :) And if it was possible, it'd probably be a bit rugged.

Here is our itinerary
http://www.hurtigruten.us/AntarcticaSub5.asp?pageindex=101

LOL - I thought you were still planning on heading to S. America and staying there. I haven't been in the loop obviously. Thanks for the link!

My knee isn't happy :( It's been "twingey" for the last few days and I was dumb and tried some vertical jumps this morning during my leg workout.
Mel

Ack! No Mel! BE CAREFUL. Need I remind you...choose your exercise wisely...:p No seriously I am very proud of you since you stopped after just one. I know how hard that is to do. There is always the temptation for me to do the second one just to "test" how much pain I feel. :rolleyes:

Nelie: Have a great time!! Can't wait to see the photos.:cool:

I got my first real workout in yesterday after an eight day absence. (I know....I know...) It wasn't for lack of trying. But anyway, I actually saw another woman lifting yesterday who had some decent mass and definition in her delts, biceps, and triceps. Very cool. At our gym its just not very common to see this. Usually if there is any definition it is because they have dieted themselves down and the muscles are really flat. Anyway, it was just nice to see someone working and doing it the right way. ;)

Have a great morning everyone!

So, is anyone else wondering if Mel ended up doing her turducken? :D

Yup, did the Turducken :)

I managed cardio and a chest workout yesterday, and lots of cooking. Lots of bad eating, too.

The Turducken was tucked into the oven a 7:30 this morning and has gone up exactly one degree according to the meat probe :( We may be eating at 10 pm and definitely eating dessert first!

My intention was to get on the elliptical after I put the beast(s) in the oven, but somehow I went back to bed :dizzy: No small kids in the house, no more 5 am Christmases!

Have a wonderful day :)

Mel

Ugh, sleep sounds good Mel! Mine couldn't get to sleep until 10ish, and 11 for the older one. Then the little one came in at 2 and announced to everyone that it was, in fact, 2 and time to open presents. I talked her into getting into bed, where she proceeded to serve as cuckoo clock for every hour afterward. From 6:30 on we had the 5 minute countdown until 7 which was our agreed upon hour - and even at that time, it was still dark outside. Ugh, I'm a wreck.

Just popping in for a quick Merry Christmas to you all!

Life's been crazy for a couple of months now so I haven't had much time to peek in here but it should slow back down in a couple of weeks. "Listening" to you gals chat is incredibly motivating and I miss it!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!

Morning ladies! Hope those of you who celebrate Christmas had a wonderful day.

I spent most of the last few days traveling between couch and bed. Somehow I managed to pick up a nasty, hacking cold for Christmas. Uggh! Not exactly how I had intended to spend my break, but so it goes.

Santa brought me an iPod for Christmas. I don't really like wearing earphones when I lift, but it will be nice for the cardio I'm going to need to do to work off December's gluttony.

Not much else to report. I'm off to an 8:00 appointment at the optometrist, and then it's back to bed for me. By dose ad ears are all stubbed up.

Kib

HI Ladies,

Merry christmas all!!!

mel - wow at the turducken, even bigger WOW on the eexcercise

kib - get well soon !

Rabbit

I hope everyone had a great holiday!

Since I don't celebrate Christmas, you'd think food wouldn't be too big of an issue these days but of course that's not true!! I did survive all of the work functions and chocolates and baked goodies without too much damage. I've been off for a few days and I seem to struggle more at home than at work. All in all, I think I did okay food-wise - only one really bad meal...but it was so yummy! ;)

Exercise has been, as I sort of thought it would be, non existent since I've been off. I'll be back tomorrow to the gym and should be back to normal next week. And I think, if I avoid the scale for just a couple of days, I should be able to meet my goal of not gaining weight in December. :crossed:

Kib (love your new name by the way ;)) - Feel better soon. Enjoy your new Ipod. It's the secret to any cardio success I've had.

Back to work for me tomorrow. :(

:D

Hallooooooo in there!
Anybody home?

Kib, hope you're feeling better. I still have chest gunk after 3 and a half weeks. Hope you get better sooner :)

I'm trying hard to get back to normal eating...trying! Being on vacation from work is really throwing my workout and eating schedule, not to mention WHAT I'm eating. Putting on a suit today to go into work for a few hours was a big wake up :(

Yesterday dd and I went skiing. We did a hard 7 hours with little rest (the weather was initially lousy so there were NO lift lines! Not only was I amazed that I could still ski, I wasn't sore this morning. We were really slamming our way down the black diamond slopes so I'm pretty astounded that I'm not hobbling today :dizzy: I think I was the oldest person other than one ski patrol guy I saw. There were quite few women my age and younger parked in the lodge with laptops, cocoa and books. I told dd (who is 25) to never become one of them...go out kicking and screaming with wrecked knees, but never just park your butt :lol:

(OK, black diamond slopes in Pennsylvania are really not that impressive)

Mel

I'b here. I beel albost huban, bud I'b still sick. Uggh.

Glad I didn't spring for that guest membership at the commercial gym over the break -- by the time I'm better, my gym will be open again. Yay! And, boy, could I ever use it.

Kim / Kib