:rofl:

Fiona

Amy - the ROTF icon chick up there (Fiona) is a yoga nut too.......
We'll be glad to give our two cents......you can get several different kinds of exercise styles on here....we all agree the most important thing is to just get going with something......way to go!

Yeah amy, I'm laughing at star, not at you! :lol:

I'm going to try the "Yoga Fitness" class at the gym tomorrow night - should be interesting!

Fiona

:rofl: Thanks for the post Star :lol:

Mandy

Some Reading Material
 

Here's a link to an article a friend sent me.

http://www.catherinewilbert.com/heal...icle702p2.html

Well, I hope it links. I use a Mac at home and sometimes it doesn't work.

If you can't get it, I'll try and cut and paste later. I'm really starting to feel that as I get closer to goal, I'm just going to have to forgo the number on the scale and go with my body measurements/clothes fitting. I'd like to reach the LA goal of 145 just so I can get it over with. I think maintenance is the hard and scariest part and I wonder if that is what's holding me back on the last 15? I have no trouble maintaining this 160-163 (as you all know) and I wear a 12 which I can buy in a regular store.

Off to work!
Melissa

Morning Chicks - Quick post here, I actually have to do alot of work today and get ready for the temp..........
Melissa - That is a great little article! You should post it here. My PT (personal trainer) told me about working out first thing in the moring is the best along time ago and about buring more calories......Actually I love working out early and getting it done. Then I have nights to eat and chill (lol).....
Went to the gym for the last time before I leave this morning. It was cardio day with some stretching (love those days). We plan on working out in CA as both my girlfriends are very slim (hate em). I work out more than both of them put together and they are both thinner and never really had a weight problem since high school (that's like 100 years)..... I think the difference is that when I gained up to 216 my whole body got puffy (is that a medical term?)...lol Since then I still have the baggage that came with it, even though I worked out heavy. The poor body/skin can only repair to an extent and ofcourse age plays a part in that. Hum, which one of the LA Lites takes away excess skin? I'm rambling - sorry.
I'm also planning on dropping some pounds while there, they are not big on eating, so that will be good for me. I met to weigh today but forgot, I will weigh tomorrow when I get out of bed (I haven't weighed in about 3 weeks or maybe more). I really feel a need to know what I weigh prior to going to CA. to see where I am when I return....

Hi fit chicks -

Well, I put exercise last night until late, and then did a new cardio tape - which I think is good, because it keeps my head interested, and I can see again that I have loads of improvement to make!

Melissa - thanks for posting that article! I've been doing cardio first on this program -it gets me warmed up for the weights.

I've also read about splitting your workouts - getting in one in the morning, another at night - to get your body revved twice a day . . . there is so much knowledge out there - I think that first and foremost, the important thing is to DO it, whenever you can fit it into your schedule. Then, once it gets too easy, it's time to ramp it up somehow, and challenge your body - that muscle memory - your body finds it easier to do the workout, and then it's not as effective for whatever your goals are. (this sentence doesnt' make sense, I think my gray roots are showing!)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie - You just hit the nail on the head about doing more, changing your workout for continued improvement. That part to me isn't fair, I think if we work out on a regular basis we should not have to keep doing more and more to get better results. I know that's how it works - but how much can a chick do?

Yes, Star, I wonder about people doing 300 situps - isn't there a better way???

Well, since I work out almost everyday it's hard to keep doing more. What I do is cardio one day, weights the next with various videos mixed in....When I can I love to ride my bike, rollerbalde or walk. I figure if this isn't enuf then I was met to not be on the cover of Fitness Magizine (maybe Arrp?)

Star, I am sure that you are meant to be a cover model on some magazine. . .I think that as long as you are happy with the results, that is good enough.

And you are changing your workouts now, right, with going to the gym?

Julie - Yes, I am happy with my results.....

Thanks for asking about changing my routine. I have gone back to the gym and lucky for me they bought all new circuit machines for the 'womens only' area. On M-W-F I do cardio, stretching, on T-T I do circuit training. Hopefully my weekends will be spent on the fitness trail right across the street from our new place. Everything seems to work out for me when it comes to exercise.

It will be fun to see what the girls have planned for our workouts in CA.

I found this in a exercise thread posted by scorchin.. Star would be proud that I was in a exercise thread... :lol:


Ten Fitness Obstacles and Their Solutions
By Edel Jarboe


Obstacle #1: "I don't feel like working out today." Whenever you feel tempted to skip your exercise routine or to put starting one off altogether, remind yourself of the reasons why you want to exercise. Write it down on an index card and read it whenever you feel like blowing off your health. Why do you want to get fit? How will being in shape benefit your life?

Obstacle #2: "I'm just not motivated to exercise." Setting specific daily or weekly fitness goals helps you to focus on your performance and keeps you motivated. For example, committing to working out four days a week or walking five miles gives you a specific fitness target to aim for and makes it easier for you to make the time to exercise. It is also helpful to keep a record of your fitness performance so that you can up the stakes and stay challenged. Most importantly, you can provide ongoing motivation by rewarding yourself at the end of each week or month with a pedicure, massage, or new workout gear.

Obstacle #3: "I don't have time to exercise." Schedule your fitness workouts for the week with a specific time, location, and activity. When you do this, you eliminate the excuse of not having enough time to workout. Quite simply, you make the time and honor this appointment with yourself.

Obstacle #4: "I have a hard time staying motivated." Keep a workout journal. Tracking your progress helps you to see how far you've come. Record the date, activity, how long you worked out or how many reps you completed, and how you felt afterward. You could also keep track of your measurements and how you feel about your body as it becomes stronger and leaner.

Obstacle #5: "I'm too busy to exercise." On crazy-busy days, instead of skipping your workout, do a mini-version of it. For example, if you don't have time for your usual one-hour step video, scale it down to 30 minutes using just the of warm-up and the beginner's level. Not only will you feel good about yourself but you will also maintain your fitness schedule. Being too busy is no longer an excuse because you can also take a couple of 10 or 15-minute fitness breaks during the day. Even on our busiest days we can find at least this much time for ourselves. The point is to keep moving so that we don't start using this excuse all the time and sabotage our fitness plan.

Obstacle #6: "I got sick and haven't exercised in months." Always have a backup fitness plan. Be creative and come up with alternative fitness solutions for when you are out of town, bored, or in a time crunch. Planning for setbacks keeps you in control of your fitness. Working out before you go to work, at lunchtime, or adding a new activity to your fitness repertoire are all good solutions to the above fitness obstacles.

Obstacle #7: "I'm not a fitness buff. I don't really like to exercise." Develop a fitness mindset anyway. When you see yourself as a walker, runner, or a step video queen exercise becomes second nature. How can you identify yourself as a fitness buff? Keep a regular exercise schedule and make your workout time as important as the other areas of your life.

Obstacle #8: "I don't like working out alone." Find a workout buddy. Having someone else there on your road to fitness makes workouts more fun and adds the spirit of competition to your routine. You also keep each other motivated. Make sure your exercise partner has the same fitness goals and that you both commit to a regular workout schedule.

Obstacle #9: "I'm bored with my exercise routine." Okay, so you've gotten your exercise routine down. Four times a week you run the same five miles. Yawn. Suddenly you don't feel like going for your run anymore. Spice it up. Look for new ways to make your workout fun and exciting. Try a new route or cross train. Alternate your running days with spinning classes, hiking, or rock climbing.

Obstacle #10: "I'll always be out of shape." Acknowledge that your fitness is under your control and that you have the power to take charge of your health. Believe that you can make it happen.
__________________

I joined a gym! Yay!
 

Hi ladies-
I posted in the main forum about how I just joined a gym and I'm loving it! Anyway, I have a question about the elliptical trainer. Or I guess mainly it's just about my heart rate. So I was doing my cardio and trying to keep it in the weight loss zone, but my heart rate was usually around 155 or 160. Which the machine said was in the Cardio zone. And I even got above the cardio zone once, so I just slowed way down. Anyway, I would have to barely be going in order to have my heart rate be in the 130's or so which is what it considered to be the weight loss zone. I'm just not sure what to do or if any of that really matters. Any advice? I hope my question made sense.

Also any good weight lifting ideas? last night I worked out my legs and biceps and triceps. I was thinking about doing chest, back and shoulders next time. But I don't know how often to work out each muscle group etc. A few years ago I had a personal trainer, but I don't exactly remember what kind of routine I was doing. I just remember working out different muscle groups and the same time and mixing things up every few weeks....

So I'm so glad to be working out now. Even though it has only been one time so far. It just felt so great to be back in the gym. Talk to you later.

Mandy

Hi Mandy - Wanted to give you my opinion on lifting weights (besides that is an awesome thing to do)....
You can train muscle groups like you are, just rest a day inbetween. "I worked out my legs and biceps and triceps. I was thinking about doing chest, back and shoulders next time. But I don't know how often to work out each muscle group etc."
So that is exactly correct, like if you do buttocks, legs on Monday, do upper on Tuesday, you can do legs again on Wed.
What I like to do is figure out I can do my entire body one day, that way I can do it on M-W-F if I want to or I can do it on T-T and do cardio on M-T-W.......I can get a pretty good workout in doing the entire body in about an hour 15 minutes, that frees me up the other days for cardio.......just a thought.......
sounds like you are doing great. I think once you work out with a PT you have a definate advantage and some stuff you just retain forever.....

Thanks for responding Star. So when you do your entire body at one time, how many exercises do you do for each muscle group?

Mandy - It varies but about 3 different exercises for each muscle group, 3 sets, 12 reps. Hope this helps...

I just wanted to jump in here for a second with what my plans are...
I'll be doing alot of walking at Talladega for the 5 days that we will be there plus we are taking our bikes.... :o Then when I get back, I plan on doing cardio MWF and the toning on TT...Just thought I'd let you know the plans... ;)

Rusty -
I'm gonna do weights (light) on M-T-F and cardio on T-T. Unless when I go to COD today they think that is too much, then I will reconsider my plan.....
WAY TO GO on getting back to working Rusty - you know it's all good!

Thanks guys. It helps going to the gym with a plan instead of trying to figure it out when I get there. :)
I think I'll continue to split up the workouts (upper and lower body) for a few more weeks and then I'm going to try doing my whole body at once. I get to go to the gym today yea! I just have an alternating days membership, so I can't go ......... shoot! I just realized that yesterday was my day to go!!! ahhh. I can go mon wed fri and sun. I guess I was thinking it was just everyother day, so I didn't go yesterday. That REALLY bums me out. Well, I guess I just have to do pilates again today. I'll talk to you ladies later.

Mandy

Just got back from COD. They told me since I'm on the Gold Plan I can't workout more than 5 hours a week. I agreed to do that, they are gonna monitor my progress and if I stall in weight loss they will put me on either the Blue or Red plan. So for now all is good and I'll work out still M-F no more than an hour a day.

Well, I haven't had a chance to read trough these yet, but I have decided it is my time to join the exersice yard chat. I am generally good about exercising, but these past two weeks have been hectic. As a matter of fact I told them at COD that I exercise at least 5 hours/week and that is why they have me on the red plan. However, this two weeks have been bad, so I am now going to get back into the groove of things. My goal for the end of this week is to go back to the gym by saturday (since things will have calmed down) and go exercises both sat. and sunday, and continue on through the week. :moo: (just to remind myself to get moving)

I was kind of skimming throught the obstacles posted by Rustywallace and I thought I might add something. One thing they used to say at WW was to think of exercise as a date with a friend. My counselor would say, if a friend invited you out to eat, you would do anything and everything possible to meet her. So, think of exercise as a date with yourself, and don't stand yourself up.

Haylo - Welcome to the Exercise Yard! It's for chicks on the move or that would like to get off the couch.......
Good luck with your plan for getting back to working out! You know how good it feels once you get going. (Or for me it sure does).
I'm same as you, work out now only 5 hours a week. This is kinda a test plan and if I stall then I too will be on Blue or Red. What is on the Red Plan? I have been on the Blue before but not red.
Anyhow I went to the gym this morning - had a great circuit training workout. Ran into my friend that goes there and gets ready for work there too. We have been friends (from there) for about 4 years now. We have shared alot of time putting on makeup and blowing/styling our hair over those years.....lol

Hey fit chicks -

I've not been moving my booty for the past week! OMG, and it's less than 6 weeks until vacation!!!

Okay, I'm away this weekend, but will GET BACK ON TRACK for the rest of this week and for next week. You chickies give me h@ll otherwise, okay??

I guess I need to be accountable for this. ..

Julie

Julie - This Is For You......
 

Julie - Down on the floor and give me 5 chick push-ups :drill:
Then, go and get your tapes out and pick out your plan of attack for next week :coach:
You will get your booty off the sofa and on the floor - you will work that body - you will love it and you will see wonderful results - remember those size 12's you want to get into :?:

You can do it :cheer: It feels good :tread: It feels healthy :strong: AND it can actually be fun :dancer:

Hey fit chicks - I just read the BEST article on determining your anaerobic threshold and using that number to get the most out of your cardio workouts. I know we've kinda been discussing target heart rates on and off, this article made it all SO clear and easy to understand! I'm no going to try and recap it...It was in the magazine that Lifetime Fitness members get as part of their membership, so I don't know if you can find it outside of a LTF location, so here's the deal...I will scan it and anyone that wants a copy can PM me their e-mail address and I'll send it to ya. :D :comp:

Fiona

Hi Fit chicks - Went to gym this a.m. - did circuit training - oh-rah!!!
FI - I would love that article, I'll pm you.
later chicks.

Hi chicks - Fi - I'd like that article too . ..

Have a good weekend, fit chicks! Star, is your trainer an ex-marine???

Hugs,
Julie

Julie -
No Richard (PT) wasn't a Marine, but my DS was - double Oh-Rah!!!
Do you have Marines in your family? "Semper Fi"

Star: The red plan is 3 startches, 3 fruits, 4 veggies, 1 dairy, 1 fat, 2 and 1/2 protein, and of course the infamous LA lites if you do them, and the water. :dizzy:

Well tomorrow is back to they gym and I am hitting it hard. My plan, tredmill 30 min, and circuit training.

Sunday: hmmm, maybe I will do my pilates tape, or a class at the gym


It's time to get in shape

Haylo, sounds like a good plan . I try to do my pilates tapes on days that I don't go to the gym also. I want to try a class, but I've never done one before. I guess I feel like I'll be the only inexperienced person in there and everyone will be looking at me. I think I would enjoy a class though. Maybe that will be a May goal of mine... to attend a class at the gym.

I've been doing 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer and then with weights I alternate between upper and lower body. I'm going to try to circuit train in a few weeks. I think I'm scared to do it for some reason. I guess I don't want everyone at the gym to realize that I don't know what I'm doing. :)

Star, I just wanted to add that in the Red Plan the protein portion sizes are bigger than in the gold plan. I just switched from the gold plan and I'm having a hard time getting all of my foods in. Never thought I'd say that. (I guess it's happened before with fruits and veggies though)

Well it's about 1:30 am in the morning my time. I can't sleep because my claves are hurting sooo bad. I exercised them for the first time in about two years on Wednesday. It's funny how it doesn't really hurt the day after, but the day after that it kills. I did take a few advil a bit ago and that seemed to take the edge off, so I might try to fall asleep in front of the tv or something. Talk to you Chicks soon.

Mandy

Hi Fit Chicks,
Went to the gym this a.m. did circuit training - really like the new machines at the gym. Plus they are machines made for women and they are in the women only section of the gym (no stinky men) lol
I do 10 machines, 3 sets each, 12 reps........tomorrow is my favorite - cardio (no thinking).....my kind of workout.......tee-hee

As for me being on the Gold Plan....I don't think they will change me as long as I keep losing. So far the Gold is working fine, ofcourse it might help that I'm not tweaking it at all, like I told the :devil: counslors - I'm being an :angel:

Star, I've been ostridging on this thread since I've been so bad the past few weeks - about the Marines - I used to work with them as a contractor in their Records Service Branch - great bunch of guys that I remember with fondness. (About the OO-Rah remember Scent of A Woman?)

Julie
Julie

Julie - I know you will be getting back to business now........you were doing so good.
You even seemed to really love the pain.....lol

I didn't see Scent of a Woman - sorry.

Highly recommend this movie -good for both guys and girls -

Okay - did a cardio tape, now I feel virtuous again . ..

My goal is to do weights tomorrow (after COD)

And Wednesday, I'll be with friends, and there is a dog that needs to be walked around the block a few times. . .

Julie

Julie - Sounds like you are getting your plan together...... :cheer:

Well my weekend exercise plan went out the window, it was my grandfathers 70th birthday celebration on saturday and I spent the whole day running around. I even did speed shopping because one of my aunts and I had on the same dress so I had to go buy one in 20 minutes time. I wonder if that counts as exercise. Sunday, was a continuation of the celebration, and I spent the whole day at Grandpa's. Today, was good did ellipical trainer 10 minutes, tredmill 20 minutes and weights 20 minutes. Tommorrow is class so I can't go to the gym, but I have plenty of video tapes to keep me happy. The rest of the week is GYM time.


I love that Movie Scent of a Woman, it is one of my favorites.

Speaking of movies, whenever I need an exercise boost, I like to pop in Rocky, he is really motivating.

Morning Fit Chicks....
 

:coffee: It was :tread: (cardio) day at the gym today. 30 minutes elliptical and 15 treadmill. I love cardio days!

Haylo - I love Rocky also, the music makes me want to run downtown and find a building with lots of steps...... :lol: The other movie that makes me want to workout is (oh great can't think of the name right now). It's the one with Jennifer Beals, where she works as an iron worker by day and a dancer by night......what is it :?:

Sounds like you had a wonderful celebration for your Grandpa! That is really funny about you and your aunt having on the same dress :eek:

Today is my DH's birthday, I got him a card with a gift cert for an hour massage. We have been talking about getting massages, so I just got that since I was stumped as to whatelse to get him. I hope he likes it. I'm also taking him out to dinner tonight.

Good morning fit chicks -

Star -is it Flashdance? I remember the music, is - oh what a feeling - or something like that??? (I think Haylo must have been oh- around three- when it came out)

Julie