I am Jester. Hear me whimper.

[ArcticChicken]

I did the "naked in front of the mirror" thing this morning (and if that's not a motivator, I don't know what is) and see a difference already.

Lucky. I've lost 32 pounds, but I can't see it, very discouraging. Other people assure me they can, and I do notice my clothes are fitting differently, but I'm the same basic shape I was 32 pounds ago. Which gets me thinking of the at least 119 pounds I still need to lose. Not fun. I've been trying really hard to focus on the in between stuff, 32 was 10% of my starting weight, my next weight goal is down 50, and I am seeing improvements in my level of fitness, but some mornings it just doesn't seem like it's worth the effort. Which is why, after I do my strength training and get a shower, I'm walking up the hill to the library. 'Cause it's been ages since I did that, and I can't get myself to go on a walk that doesn't have a purpose.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Well, remember, it's possible to lose fat and gain weight. Especially if you're upping your protein intake and exercise level. Worry less about your scale and more about how your clothes fit.

I don't even know where our scale is. I think we have one, but I don't use it. I use the tape measure and my own clothing to see exactly what's going on. And, of course, the mirror (although that can be affected by mood, so your own eyes are not always accurate.)

I'm not overweight. I've gained and fluctuated between about twenty pounds since I was twenty years old, more or less. However, twenty extra pounds on me is a big difference, I don't have large bones or a large frame. I have narrow hips and shoulders, and my waist is not curvy, so twenty extra pounds is not something I can hide.

I blew out a knee years ago (hence the beginning of my long slack off from fencing) and did some PT. Fencers do not have good knees when they get older. So yeah, I have PT exercises I am supposed to be doing to strengthen them. Which I have, of course, let fall by the wayside.

So okay, Jester. I guess you win on the exercise point.

[Sapphire Silk]

Oh, the field day the pervs on this board are going to have with that one!

I'm surprised Sheldonrs hasn't weighed in yet.

But seriously, this thread is one of the best motivators I've had in a long time. All I have to do is think of this and all of a sudden, I don't even want to eat the garbage anymore.

Ditto. I had self motivation before, but I do feel like I am better motivated when I read the comments in this thread.

I swear I had every intention of going to fencing practice Tuesday and starting back with that, but then I fucking forgot that it was actually Tuesday night and missed it. I will go this week coming up. Dumb screw up, I know. ) My knees will not be happy, but fuck them. They have it too easy anyways.

I tried fencing once, years ago. Had a friend in grad school who was a fencer. I enjoyed it . . . some of the stances were similar to cat stance in Tae Kwon Do. Yeah, it's hell on the knees.

Do you have PT exercises for your knees? Even if the problem is arthritis, strengthening the muscles can help. Stronger muscles can take the brunt of the abuse instead of it all crashing onto your bones.

QFT. When I started having trouble with my knees in January, I went to the orthopedist to get an order for PT. I've been going twice a week. They're focusing on my knees, and rebuilding my very weak muscles with directed exercises. Some of the exercises I tried on my own weren't very effective because I was having pain. The PTA has me on a regimen that is helping the knees without hurting them.

Lucky. I've lost 32 pounds, but I can't see it, very discouraging. Other people assure me they can, and I do notice my clothes are fitting differently, but I'm the same basic shape I was 32 pounds ago. Which gets me thinking of the at least 119 pounds I still need to lose. Not fun. I've been trying really hard to focus on the in between stuff, 32 was 10% of my starting weight, my next weight goal is down 50, and I am seeing improvements in my level of fitness, but some mornings it just doesn't seem like it's worth the effort. Which is why, after I do my strength training and get a shower, I'm walking up the hill to the library. 'Cause it's been ages since I did that, and I can't get myself to go on a walk that doesn't have a purpose.

Hang in there. I look at my body in the mirror and I don't see a big difference, either. But I see it in my clothing. Some of my pants I now need a belt for. Shirts that didn't fit me last summer are starting to fit now.

I hate taking the stairs because of my knees. I'm disciplining myself to take them more often. I keep reminding myself that I've lost 50+ pounds before, and kept it off 3 years, and I can do it again and keep it off for good this time! F*** this s***!

[raw456]

Jester - Bravo for making the 5 miles!!!!!! I hope you feel very proud of what you have accomplished. Your times will improve, don't you worry about that.

I have to say I fell of the wagon (so to speak) last night. My intention to hit the gym after work was derailed by a phone call from a neighbour to tell me my dog had got out of our yard. So yesterday afterwork was spent buying new locks for the gate and making sure she cant get out. By the time I finished, I was so strung out, I piked and didnt go. but I am going tonight to make up for it.

[ArcticChicken]

Didn't actually go for my walk today, got distracted and by the time I realized what time it was, the library was about to close. I did, on the other hand, add a few more reps to my workout, so I feel pretty good about that.

Currently I'm trying to keep my focus on an interim goal, right now it's 18 pounds in three months. 18 pounds because that how many I need 'till I'm down 50, and three months because weight watchers sells three month food journals, and 1.5 pounds a week isn't too much to try for.

[firecat88]

My legs feel like pudding right now. But in the best way possible. Why? I just got done on the Health Rider.

I started at about 4:20-ish, and was just truckin' along, not even bothering to keep track of the time. This is what happens to me when I work out and have good music to keep me going-- in this case, I popped in my "Best of Riverdance" DVD and was watching that during my workout.

My mom, who had been on the bike next to the Health Rider (yes, our exercise room is the living room. The garage is too cold), left the room for a bit. When she came back, she asked how long I'd been going. I didn't know for sure, so I just said 'I dunno'. She looks at the clock, and somehow an hour had snuck right by me. So, yes, legs feel all pudding-y, but in a good way. Planning on doing more tomorrow and over the weekend.

And thus begins my 'Going To Do Whatever I Can (short of doing anything horribly extreme like eating only celery and dry toast or working out 10 hours a day on weekends) To Fit Into A Dress For My Sister's Wedding' campaign.

[Jester]

Well, remember, it's possible to lose fat and gain weight. Especially if you're upping your protein intake and exercise level.

Not to mention the fact that exercise can build muscle as well as reduce fat. And as we all know by know, muscle weighs more. Which is why I am not overly focusing on the number of my weight, but rather, where it all is. (I.e., currently in the wrong places.)

I don't even know where our scale is.

The only scale I own is a small kitchen scale. The only times I weight myself are when I go to the gym, so that I have an accurate number for the machines that ask you to enter your weight when you program in a workout.

So okay, Jester. I guess you win on the exercise point.

I win when I shatter my sprint biathlon times. And when you are happy with what you see in the mirror. And when the people here are where they want to be, health, fitness, and bodywise. The exercise point? Pfft. Whatever.

I have to say I fell of the wagon (so to speak) last night. My intention to hit the gym after work was derailed by a phone call from a neighbour to tell me my dog had got out of our yard.

These things will happen. Which is why we need to stay ON the wagon on days we just don't feel like it, but have no real excuse not to do it.

...gym and workout equipment access is included in my university fees so I really should start making use of it all, right?

RIGHT!

I'm sure it will make as huge a difference in my waistband as it is in my self-esteem

I say we shoot for both!

Jester - Bravo for making the 5 miles!!!!!! I hope you feel very proud of what you have accomplished. Your times will improve, don't you worry about that.

I do feel proud. And I know from experience and knowledge that the times will improve.

However, I also feel very, very sore. My legs are screaming, my knees are slightly sore, I'm stiff, and I've worked a long, slow, 9 hour shift at The Bar today. I really feel like I want to stay home and work on my recipes and other household chores rather than going to the gym.

Fuck that shit! Gym, here I come!

23/30!

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Bravo, Jester. Fuck that shit!

I don't know about you, but when I'm sore from a good workout (be it yardwork or in the gym) I feel so...I dunno, virtuous.

Well, that, and the endorphin rush.

[Sapphire Silk]

Once I get my asthma under control then I will be working on an exercise plan with my doctor. I know that I'll be starting with mild cardio and making plenty of use of the equipment at school - gym and workout equipment access is included in my university fees so I really should start making use of it all, right?

Absolutely! I wish the community college where I teach had a gym. I get a discount at the Y (a rather nice one actually), but I'm already paying for Tae Kwon Do, and I don't want to pay for two things at once.

You've paid for that stuff. Take advantage of it.

Eventually I'll be able to start taking the stairs all over campus

Good plan. I'm trying to take the stairs whenever I can. I got lazy when I bought the house (a ranch), and didn't have to climb two flights of stairs to get to my apartment anymore. It was hard at first, but it is getting easier. Just take your time.

The diet thing is coming along slowly. I eat a lot of pasta - it's cheap and easy to make, and as a university student those two qualities usually win out.

I hear you there! I'm the same way. It's quick . . . often by the time I get home I'm too tired to cook.

For me, thanks to health issues I need to consult with a doctor along pretty much every step of the way until everything stabilizes. But I will do what I have to do to make this successful!

Very sensible . . . applause. I'm taking similar steps. I'm pre-diabetic, and I also got diagnosed with hypertension last month So I'm keeping my doctor in the loop too. It's worth it . . . I've got great doc who's been very supportive.

This thread is a huge boost for me - I know I'm not alone, and that makes a HUGE difference. I'm sure it will make as huge a difference in my waistband as it is in my self-esteem

It sure will. I'm stoked about my weight loss and the loss of inches off the waist. But Jester is right . . . focus less on the weight and more on what you are able to accomplish.

You will feel so much better. You'll think better too: more oxygen will get to the brain, and you'll see the results in your mood, attitude, and concentration.

[Jester]

So tonight at the gym, I did the stationary bike and the treadmill.

Bike: Instead of hitting the fat burn program, I hit the cardio program. Mix it up, right? Well, at first it started off really easy, level 1. Zipping along. Then it started to go up levels. Good, I wanted a workout. I get to level 10, it's like riding through sand, and this is only a few minutes in. Good lord....but at least it's at the highest....what the hell? Level 11? Where did that come fr--12? Surely it stops here....13? 14??? Will this ever end? Finally, at level 20, it did. This was only 6 minutes in, and I was struggling to get the pedals around, doing a very sluglike 30 rpm. Forget sand, this was like biking through snow, or thick mud, or quicksand. And I had 24 minutes of this programmed? Great. Just wonderful.

But fuck it, I did it. 24 minutes of ridiculously impossible sludgelike cycling, and when I was done, I was dripping wet. And when I say dripping, I am not exaggerating...sweat was falling off my arms. Great way to break in my new(est) workout shirt! And then...

Treadmill: Following the bike's lead, I put it on the cardio program. Started off slow. This will build up, right? Well, apparently the bike and the treadmill are from different religions, because the treadmill sucked. I finally said fucked it and while I kept the speed on a moderate 3, started upping the incline; every time the cardio program finished each of its "segments" and tried to move on to what it had planned for me next (lame), I just upped the incline another full level, finishing on level 9. Not as tough as the bike, but still a nice workout. And looky here, the gym is now closed! Nice little almost-hour workout. Figured I'd grab dinner at Subway and head home.

As I'm walking into the Way of Sub, two disgruntled looking customers come out, see me going in, and call, "They're out of bread!" Great! I wanted a salad anyways! (I really did!) So I was one of the only customers they had for a while, as their bread was baking.

Got home, ready to wolf down the salad....and one of my friends who is possibly interested in my vacant room called, wanting to see it. Fuck. "Sure, come on over." Showed her the place, talked about all the apartment type shit, sent her on her way, as she had a frozen pizza waiting for her in her truck, and I had my salad waiting. Nom nom nom!

Don't know how tomorrow is going to work. It's almost a certainty I won't make it to the gym before they close at 8, it's highly unlikely I'll get out of work before dark, and I don't know that I want to do another 5 mile jog, especially with how sore I am from last night. Should be amusing, one way or another.

23/30!

I don't know about you, but when I'm sore from a good workout (be it yardwork or in the gym) I feel so...I dunno, virtuous.

After a workout, I feel sweaty. And rank. And I smell bad. Oh well.

Now I'm off to the grocery store to get stuff for the chicken wings cookoff. Anyone else see some irony in this?

[shankyknitter]

I've started going for the healthiest stuff the dining hall offers me. I don't have the cash to buy food outside the dining hall until after I get a job (hopefully soon) but it's a start.

Also joining a couch to 5k group in May. I need to focus on graduation until then and can't pick up anything else, but I'm taking the stairs instead of the elevator! And hiking up the GD Hill (anyone who has been to Troy knows what I'm taking about) instead of busing it. That's a half hour up hill at least depending on where I'm going. Then a half hour down hill. I can't wait for it to be warmer then I'm picking up my fan dancing again. Maybe I'll do it in a belly shirt since that'll motivate me to get my torso back in shape. I belly dance with veil fans.

Kind of like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=conqM...B3510F8528D343

But with a little red head twirling them around. It's the best workout I've ever found for my arms. I highly recommend doing it, since no matter how much experience you have fan dancing the fluttering silk makes you look good.

[Sapphire Silk]

Kudos for doing the whole cardio program on the bike. I couldn't have done it.

I'm up to level three on my elliptical (and on the bike I use at PT), but I can't take much more than that. I just try to keep a consistent speed for the time I'm doing my work out, and it does burn off the calories.

Had the best night's sleep last night. I went to bed feeling very good. Passed my Yellow Best test last night (I started another thread so as not to thread jack, but I'm still stoked so I have to brag a bit ).

Have just a bit of a headache this morning; I didn't drink enough water after my workout last night. That's one thing I have to be very careful to do: stay well hydrated, or I get a migraine.

I'll be going to TKD class this evening, and start focusing on my Green Stripe test in May. I'm taking the handout to work so I can start reviewing the curriculum.

FTS!

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Well, Jester, don't worry about missing a day, you don't want to overdo it. You can hurt yourself and then be forced to take a longer break than one day. So don't do that.

Sweaty and rank? I've been in the SCA for thirty years, and a light fighter for over half that. And an avid gardner and outdoorswoman my entire life. A little honest funk is business as usual.

[Jester]

I couldn't have done it.

You don't know until you try. So don't say "couldn't."

I'm still stoked so I have to brag a bit.

Absolutely! Brag away! Hell, this whole thread is about taking back our lives, changing them for the better, so we should be able to brag about the accomplishments along the way!

Well, Jester, don't worry about missing a day

True enough, but I know I'll be missing Sunday, the day of the cookoff. So that means if I don't work out today, that will be two out of three days that I don't.

And I have no intention of overdoing it, but I hate the thought of this. Yes, as I said, these things will happen. Life will interfere with our workout plans. And I am all about living life. And honestly, I don't see any way around this this weekend.

I work tonight, and almost definitely will be kept until the closer comes in at 7. Which means I'll be done between 7 and 7:30. Then it's off to the store, and I'm giving my vehicle-less friend Cookie a ride to the store (she competes in these cookoffs as well). I'll be home no earlier than 9. The gym closes at 8. The sun sets at 7:30. The complex's pool closes at 9 (I think). That leaves me few options. I could jog The Loop again. I could do some other kind of exercise, though I don't know quite what.

In all likelihood I'm gonna hunker down and work on my recipes for the cookoff, and get a good solid workout in Saturday morning/early afternoon. I think that's gonna have to be what I do. Which makes me happier that I did that jog Wednesday night, on a day that was supposed to be my "off" day anyway.

But, just because I'm cooking doesn't mean y'all get to take the day off. Keep working. Keep fighting. Keep going.

Because, after all, muffin tops belong only on muffins! Síochán.

23/30.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Right now, I'm unloading quite a bit of water, which is good, so I can try to take an honest inventory. Not looking too bad in the mirror right now, but midsection still looks like pudding. Yuck. No tone there whatsoever.

I had the husband find me an exercise channel on Roku...used to have one of those when I had cable, and it was awesome. So, gonna check out what Roku has to offer. Seriously considering yoga right now...I've seen what it can do and I am impressed.