Laura - Dana Stabenow does live in Alaska, so her settings are reasonably accurate. It's amazing how many people try to make us like the TV show Northern Exposure. . .

So my "rest week" is over and I'll be back at the gym tonight. It'll be an upper body day, and of course my very favorite (not) I know I haven't dropped any weight, but I'm hoping that I'm still able to lift at the same level. I've read several places that a week off every few months is actually beneficial. I guess I'll see.

Pat -- A week off does feel good, I think I should take one too

I had a good workout today, jogged to the gym and back, while at the gym did back and biceps... Food has been great too.... Patting self on back to keep up the good work ...

TTFN ...

hi LWL,

Pat & Ilene: keep up the good work!

Spring definitely is in the air here. Did UBW today so I have very tired arms. Besides 10 mins row, 50 mins jog, 5 mins bike. Have to fly now, to get outdoors & do some shopping.

rabbit

Hi -
So I worked out with a new trainer. The other one was more interested in her social life than helping encourage me, and didn't seem to care about my form - so I have a new one at the gym.

I worked out cardio in the AM, and worked out with her in the PM, then I ran/walk on the incline walker for 20 minutes after my session.

And.....the scale is stuck, but this has happened before so I'm not concerned.

However, DH got on the Tanita and his body fat seems to be going down, however mine has not really. I checked my notes and when I weighed 230 it said 45%, and now that I'm 204 it says 44%. Maybe someone else can check my math here.

I really would like to get down to 197 before the end of the month. I'm travelling to Mexico and that's how much I weighed last time I was there 4 yrs ago. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Many times when I have whole weeks where the scale is 'stuck' the next week I'll drop a lot.

I was reading the sumptuous site - it's really great! Thanks for everyone who suggested it.

Well, sure enough, a week off did not affect how much I can lift! I was able to do a really good UBWO at the same or slightly higher weight. Cardio - well, I did it. I did notice on the way home that the sidewalk/trail that is by the gym is now clear of snow and ice, and it's also light enough to see where you're going, so I may move my cardio outdoors later this week. Dark and ice are my worst obstacles, and of course, severe cold, but we haven't had too much of that this winter.

Leg day here
My cold and sore ribs are affecting cardio and plyometics but not lifting, so I did an old fashioned heavy lifting day. I know I'm going to feel it tomorrow

Pat- I find a week off every 10 or 12 weeks helps. 2 weeks off doesn't
Pebbles- The right trainer makes a HUGE difference!

Gotta go train my son!
Mel

Pebbles, I agree with Mel, finding the right trainer makes a huge difference. Also, I wouldn't put too much faith in the Tanita - ask your trainer for a caliper test (I am getting one tomorrow, along with a full "fitness test" that ishould have done when I joined this gym last summer. I'll tell you all more tomorrow)

I just got back from shopping for a heart rate monitor with my trainer. We went to Sports Authority and Target and he couldn't find one with the things he thought I really needed and without the things he thought I didn't need in a reasonable price range. And don't even get me started on the sales help (or lack ther of). So he turned to me and suggested we go to a local runninng store. Me? In a running store? Where athletic coordinated people go? Wouldn't they take one look at me and go "IMPOSTER?" Wasn't it enough that I did a "Buns and Thighs" class along with my cardio and weights today? But, I figured I had the car keys and if it was too intimidating I could always leave.

These ladies could not have been nicer. They pointed out my options, went through all the models, found the one they all thought would be best for me for both indoor and outdoor training (apparently interval timers are good to have and hard to find). Then one of the ladies took me back in a dressing room and showed me how to attach the chest strap. I was very impressed with the service - especially compared to the other places we had been. Then, to top it all off, my trainer turned and said "I am a trainer at such and such gym - could you apply our discount to this purchase?" ... and they did. What a fabulous experience! I guess I really am spoiled.

Pat - glad the week off re-energized you. Can you "hear" it in your body that it was time or did you go by the date?

Mel - hope you are feeling better soon.

Oh, Ilene, my bikes do have the screens, but at the time I am in the gym NOTHING is on TV that I want to watch. I think it is between me and the bike and I will somehow find a zen with it. Just not today.

Mox - keep at it and you will be back. My goodness, you have all us right here to help you. You are an inspiration to me.

Hi all,

Mel- I have a cold as well. We can sniffle and gasp for air together.

Pat-Glad to be back to the cardio?

Pebbles, Ellenuw,- Good for you to find the right personal trainer! Ellenuw, I also work out with a heart rate monitor and I find it very useful. I use it every day.

Today had some stressfull moments because i had to go to an appointment in the hospital with my daughter. Really just a checkup to get her a portable heart monitor that she has to wear for the day but just getting there and going through the procedure is enouugh to give a huge sigh of relieve now that is over.

Did my cardio today: 20 mins row, 40 mins jog, 20 mins bike. I notice that the running turns out to be nicer to do and easier to keep up than the rowing and the bike.

No movement in the scales, af movement it is UP!!! This must be me getting somemuscles because i notice my endurance is improving nor that I workout for a longer time.

have a great day,
rabbit

Rabbit - *hugs* Hope all is OK with your daughter.

Rabbit -- I hate going to the doc's with my kids, I always worry that they will find something... and prayers your way ...

Ellen -- Wow you found the the dream PT I think, that he actually went to the stores with you says a lot...

Things are going well this week, the kids are off but they are sleeping a lot so I don't see them much ... I've run every day and gone to the gym too...this is my 6th day in a row at the gym... I run to and from the gym 2.5k each way, just a nice run for a warm up and cool down... Today DS is coming with me... so I'll run later, it's gorgeous here the snow is actually melting...

Well I'm off...TTFN...

Ilene, don't you love it when the snow is melting?? Even if it means that mud season is approaching, it's still nice. We have bright sunshine today, and temperatures predicted into the mid-40's. Yippee! And we're right at 12 hours of daylight. We'll be leaving the rest of you in the dust as we race towards June 21 and 19+ hours of daylight.

Today is a LBWO and cardio to be determined. I'm fighting a cold and breathing is becoming a issue - very stuffy.

*sigh* I know how lucky I am. I hope he never leaves my gym, but this is DC, where people seem to pass through but never stay for long, so I'm trying not to let my hopes get too high. *sigh* On the other hand, this seems to be the vibe I get from most of the trainers at my gym. I think it is something the owners are striving for. I think it is one of the benefits of keeping the membership low (500) and not just signing people up and hoping they never show. My workout partner was sick for a few days and she was so touched that our PT sent her an e-mail to make sure she was getting better. The personal attention is amazing - from my PT, my yoga instructor and my pilates instructor. And i love the way they all know something about what is going on in my other sessions - you can tell they talk to each other about their client's progress. I took the Buns and Thighs class with one of the owners yesterday and he was the same way with me and the other ladies (4) in the class. The level of personal attention and support MUST be part of their business model. I don't think I could ever go back one of the large chains now.

hi LWL,

Ellen, Ilene, thanks for the support. Everyone assures me this is just a routine precaution but it allways gives me the shivers to go to the hospital with one of the kids. I'll get results in a couple of weeks, and untill then I'll just keep my fingers crossed just to be sure.

Tired today, probabely from the stress yesterday. On a personal front my son & I were very happy and encouraged because we manged to repair his bycicle. he has to bike to school 4 miles one way, so when he told me he had problems with the bike I took a look and the chain was worn out. Son thought to bring the bike to the repair shop but i told him that a bike is no rocket science, we went to the bike shop, bought a new chain & put in on. Not a big step for mankind but a big step for me & my son nonethelless.

Excercise:LBW and 15 mins row, 15 mins jog, 15 mins bike.

Waterrat: Welcome out of the cold and dark ! Pity about you catching a cold too ! Enjoy the spring.

Have a good day everyone,
rabbit

Rabbit - good job. I hate repairing bicycles so applaud your courage and determination. Hope that all is well with your daughter!