I have been trying since Sept to find an exercise I like that doesn't aggravate a hip problem that everything else seems to do. Today I did a shoulder stand for a few minutes in my yoga class. Once I set aside the fear of being upside down, it felt exhilarating.

Iyengar yoga is the variation of Hatha yoga that incorporates props and appropriate variation of poses to accommodate physical limitations. A great way to work up a sweat while gaining strength & flexibility (not a paid announcement, lol)!

Mars
I had to do 6+ months of Physical Therapy to get back into the shape that even simple yoga moves didn't hurt my hip/lower back. Now that the imbalances have been addressed, I can do most yoga moves with no pain. I say "most" because there are some I've attempted that I just don't have the strength for yet. Were I to try them, I'd probably re-injure.

Congrats on finding something that works!

Thanks, Lisa! So glad to hear the PT helped. It sounds like you are on your way to getting strong. I think I'll take great care not to overdo it.

Thanks for that perspective Maile. It somehow helps not to be alone in these crazy feelings. Now that you mention it, there are many things I started eating on IP that I continue to eat in maintenance. I will have to keep reminding myself that I am choosing...not depriving

I Must start the exercise and make it a habit!

Congrats on being back at goal. It's great to have a tool to reign things in.

The exercise has always been a struggle for me but I got a treadmill and started walking every day. This is my 3rd week and I am finding I feel like a slug if I don't do my walk. I have been very tired after a long work day and once I get on the treadmill I start feeling energized. I think in the past I had so much inflammation and felt so worn out from all the garbage I was polluting my body with, it is no wonder I couldn't maintain any exercise. It is early on, but I am feeling confident I can do this!

Dak1ills: I like that energy boost from exercise. What is true for me is that you may not want to do it or you may be very tired, but you always feel better when you are done with exercise. That is great that you got a treadmill and are walking everyday!

Vachinyc: That is a good positive outlook..you are choosing to stay healthy and choosing to make good choices..verses..feeling deprived. Many of my foods have carried over..but I have also added many low carb meals in maintenance. Yes, I feel happier lower in my range!!! There are pleny of crazy thoughts in this whole process!

Annik: Thanks for you kind words. I was not prepared for the many comments that I received as I headed to my goal weight.I thought they would all be positive. I had to learn to stand firm in my belief in what I was doing.
Hope you are doing well.

It took me almost 7 months to find an exercise I can stick to (yoga). Keep trying and you'll find your motivation and right-for-you exercise routine. As much as I continue to resist exercise, I have to say it feels incredible. And it's so much easier to do in a smaller body!

I love, love, love exercise. I am afraid I am not good about advising on motivation because I would spend hours and hours doing all kinds. Have never met a form I have hated yet!

Ahhhhh, yes.... *sigh*, exercise. I remember the old days when exercise was my job (and passion) for 25 years. I try not to compare now to then & just rejoice in what I am able to do at present (a huge improvement from 4 years ago). More info on my profile.

Planning on going to Deep Water Running/Aquafit with a couple of girlfriends today, so a bit excited as I haven't been for a week. I just have to take along extra warm clothes for after as my core temperature drops drastically after any exercise - a strange metabolic side effect of fibromyalgia. Even after 20 minutes in the hot tub post-workout, lol.

Oh well, at least I don't have health issues that leave me paralyzed and bedridden - things could be WAAAAY worse. Find your fun exercise and keep up the good work gals!

Liana

Thanks all. I know I have to find something, anything... walking, running, spinning, elliptical, zumba ... something. I am not totally sure where this resistance came from though it may have been the combo of weighing more/feeling yucky/getting older... i used to go to the gym like clockwork, even after a night out.
Now, my commute is long and annoying and it's the last thing I want to do. I think i'm just being stubborn. I need to do it. I'm starting with a commitment to walking - either at lunch or after work - at least three times a week and I'll move up from there. I can't possibly be too busy or too tired to do this

I hope that like you DAK and DRD, I'll get energized from it.

PS Your signature makes me happy canadjineh!

I lost my weight on IP and am currently in a reboot. I quit smoking 2 months before I started IP because I knew I would gain weight, it is now 2yrs 2mos SMOKE FREE

Shathom: Two years smoke free is great..and is a huge accomplishment! I hope your reboot is going well. Congrats on losing 74 pounds.

Vachinyc: Long commutes are hard and tiring. I hope you figure out some way
to get a workout in.

Canadjineh: I like your signature also. That Deep Running Aqua Fit sounds intriguing. I am going to watch an aquatic zumba class this summer. I am hoping it will be easier than the land zumba.

Drd1961: Enjoy your exercise! You must be in good condition. I am going to experiment with new classes this summer.

Mars: I am glad that yoga works for you. That is one of my experiments coming up. I tried a dvd but think I would enjoy a class more.

I love our warmer days.

Maile: If you have any joint issues like arthritis or old injuries, I suggest looking for a class in Iyengar yoga. Its special focus is on precise alignment of the body and using props to adapt the poses to any physical limitation. It can be as gentle or strenuous as you make it. A good teacher makes all the difference when you are new. Once in a while my teacher will come over and move my hips or shoulders just a little bit, and then I have an aha! moment. I find DVDs come in handy between classes.

I'm enjoying the warmer and longer days, too. Did you visit SF yet? It's finally gotten warm and sunny. Friday we had a river of fog streaming in the Golden Gate, though. One of my favorite Mark Twain quotes: The coldest winter i ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

Hello Maintainers!

How much water are you drinking now that you are in maintenance? I felt my best when I drank 14 8oz glasses of water in phase 1 but seems excessive now in phase 4. I do drink at least 2 cups of black coffee every day as well.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

S.

stephascope: congratulations!
I've been maintaining about 7 months and still drink my P1 amount, 2 liters. I just feel better, and it helps regulate my appetite.

I drink the first liter early am, & also 2 cups of coffee. It requires access to a restroom and may not be a viable option for all! I have a job in which I might not be able to drink or relieve myself for long stretches, so this timing works well. I hate getting up in the middle of the night. Everyday, I think about cutting back on the water, but I don't feel quite right without it. Hope that helps.