Losing weight in 2003?????

“What kind of hip injury did you have?”

“I don't really care about weight loss right now. I'm trying to get my cv system and musculature in better condition. I'll be off to the gym early in the afternoon.”

“I want to lose fat and gain muscle. :-)”

“I'm waiting until I am done puking my guts out before getting on the scale. I intend for this to be the abbreviated version of the stomach virus diet.

Good job, MartyB. You are very dedicated.”

“Oh, Lyndy, hope you get better soon!”

“Thanks Smiley Girl. The youngest girl is doing this diet too. I've used every towel in the house mopping things up. I'm trying to get her to drink some cytomax to get some electolytes into her. At least she is drinking water.”

“Arky, good question. My highly technical response is: My hip hurts. I may have mentioned above that 6 doctors could not diagnose the problem (pain at the top front of my left leg, same side as my sprained ankle). I go to a chiropractor now ("directional non-force technique"), who is helping, and I sit on a giant rubber exercise ball at my office instead of a chair, and those two things have improved it a lot. Thought it was a running injury, but stopping the running didn't help.

Get well, LyndyS!

Pathman, gaining the muscle has definitely been a side benefit - I now look like, well, me, with bigger muscles.”

“lyndy s

Careful with the sports drinks. The sugar can exacerbate teh diaherria/puking”

“I lifted two twinkies this morning and a coffee cup a couple of dozen times.”

“Up to 30 min on cardio, 12 sets 2x each on arms legs, back, and stomach machines, as well as many as I can on stomach crunches(about 6-8x, 12 sets each)doing them differently each, if I can.

I seem to be at a stand-still though....not quite sure why. Been eating about the same (1600-1800)cal/day, with the occasional exception of eating out maybe once a week. What else to do?”

“Martyb, I had hip pain that went undiagnosed for about 5 or 6 years. After my first foot surgery in 1994, the opposite hip started to get sore after exercise, then was tight all the time, then just hurt all the time. I was treated for bursitis, arthritis, given exercises, told to do nothing until it got bettter (it never did), went to physical therapy, then told that I would have to live with it.

Later, I was doing a story on an accupuncturist for work and afterward he asked if I had any pain or anything for a free treatment. I described my pain, showed him where it was and he said, "Oh, it sounds like trigger points in your gluteus minimus." He stuck a few needles in my hip and leg for a few minutes, pulled them out and a little while later I had NO pain in the hip at all. Nothing. I had chronic pain for years and had nothing. The pain came back the next day. I went back for several treatments and after a while had pretty much a normal feeling hip. I go back a few times a year for upkeep.

I was a skeptic going into this but I'm a believer now. I don't know about accupunture to cure cancer or anything but it helped the muscles in my hip. It might be something you consider if you don't get better.”

“Scale says I'm down 14 from when I started right after Christmas. Judging from clothes and movement, it feels like much more. I'm jazzed. Eating mostly veggies, watching portions very closely, and avoiding all fats as much as possible.

Did a rim-river-rim trip Saturday, (17 mi, -/+ 4,500'), hope that takes an oz or two off, but the cake and ice cream reward may have been a bit too much. Will pay for it with extra workouts this week. I feel the hour of cardio (20 min each on the step mill, stair master, and eliptical) really is a key component. Some upper body weight training is a help also, but I do that mostly for therapy to keep my back aligned. I also do some leg presses for knee therapy.

So it goes. I sure felt the difference coming up the Bright Angel.”

“Interesting hearing people struggling. I'm struggling too!

Am at same weight. I was somewhat bad at exercising last week.

Hope I started off today right. At health club at 6:15 a.m. on elliptical machine by 6:20. Did it for 25 minutes. Then switched to stair steeper. SHEEYAT!~!! That is tons more work!!! Did that for 10 minutes, then on to treadmill for the remaining 10. Went from 2 to 3 MPH, up to 4.1... that was a real fast walking clip! Then went up to 5 or 6, somewhere in there, to a good jog. Was thinking "holy sheeyat" when one calf kinda snapped. So I slowed down and then went back up to 4. Intervals. Oh yeah, calf appears to be fine. But good thing I laid off that pace quickly!!

Breakfast? Blueberry bagel with cream cheese (yeah, yea, it's REAL cream cheese.... shaddup already!) and a banana and water.

Lunch was not so low fat. lol...

MARTY B!!! People should not be looking at you funny. What you are doing on the machines is called "circuit" at my health club. And at the franchised "Curves" health club for women, they do the same thing. Heck, start doing this, do a little research into it and offer to teach a class for some $$$moola off your membership!! You are right on the money doing that. Lighter weights and a lot of reps, then moving from machine to machine. I haven't done the class here to see how it works. But I intend to when I feel like I'm in good enough shape to take it up to "that level." LOL!”

“Most articles advise visiting a doctor before starting any exercise program.

Here is an article. lifeclinic They seem to be talking about weights, but the principles can be applied to any exercise. If you make an exercise stressful too soon, you may very easily damage yourself. Even if you have been exercising, this applies any time you start a different exercise that may use different muscles. I've been there.

If you do achieve muscle damage, it can not only be painful, but recover can be long. Moderation is a key word for anyone just starting or for doing a new exercise.

"Experts advise you to start any weight-training program with light weights and easy repetition. Start with a weight that you can lift comfortably eight to 12 times."

"Strength gains come from resistance—how much weight you lift. Endurance is achieved through repetition—how many times you lift a weight in succession."

Most of us should be interested mostly in endurance. The best thing is to limit the repetitions while starting and then gradually build it up over time. Few of us can do 50 push-ups the first day. And it would be foolish to try to go as far as we can at that point. With a gradual increase we may reach 50 after several months. Then, with the muscles in better shape, it would be probably be OK to go for the limit. But it is not necessary.

We don't know our limits until we try. But we don't try to climb the highest mountain in the world as our first mountain. We need to work our bodies up gradually before we can go for the "gold."

Your exercise program should be enjoyable, not painful. I hope you all enjoy it.”

“I'm not starting an exersize program, I've been doing it all along, just not as regularly as I should/could/would like.”

“Okay - I'm down 4 lbs on this damn Atkins diet, but it's hell on the trail when I can't have a carbo fix.”

“Hit the gym again last night. :)

I've noticed I can drag my sorry butt out of bed about an hour earlier than normal. That's the first positive sign this exercise thing is working!”

“WingdingO, I was really surprised to read in Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook that the all protein and fat diet makes a huge difference to your body in more than weight loss. I read that it will take your body 5X longer to recouperate after excercise, (muscle repair, etc), than when you're eatting carbs also. Nancy sited about a day for regular recouperation and FIVE DAYS w/o carbs! Interesting eh?”

“I decided to switch to decaf again, since Sunday I spent with a super duper migraine, and then yesterday with a stomach virus. I have to find some better flavors than dunkin donuts decaf though. We'll see how it goes, I was getting up to 4 or 5 large cups a day so cutting down to decaf seemed a good idea. Had dinner last night, lots of veggies. Still didn't get on the scale. If I am down a lot due to the virus, then I'll just get upset when it goes up again.

As far as the Atkins diet goes, it seems to work better for men than women. Men feel very energetic and women feel like they are sleep deprived. I was on it for a month before I felt that I had energy, and really never felt great. My husband was like the energizer bunny, go go go. I think that women do better eating lots of vegetables and soy and some meat and fish. That will include more carbs than Atkins recommends but they are carbs tied to fiber which makes them better than bread or processed cereal.”

“Sassafras - that's really interesting. I'm going to have to check out that guide. Normally, I'm not feeling any lack of energy on this Atkins diet. It's just that I'm used to filling up on carbohydrates when I hike for quick energy fixes to keep me going. When I go to the gym to workout, I do fine because I'm there for less than 1.5 hours. 4 lbs in two weeks is a pretty good weight loss for me. Last time on Atkins (3 years ago) I lost 15 lbs. My problem foods are cookies, candy, cake, and pasta.”

“What's with these nice 2-4 pound drops, then the next day they are back, or mostly back? I was down 4-5 two days ago, then did a good tough hike, and weighed again only to find 2 pounds back on. Anyone else have these dips?

Its encouraging to see a nice drop, and the rebound is not total, just a bit puzzling to see it go and come back.

This numbers thing is the worst part of this for me, I hate being so keyed into a scale.”

“Fluid gains and losses will affect the scale by 2-4 lbs from one day to the next, depending on what you are doing. Also if you have a problem with joints swelling, that can add water weight.”

“Wingding, it's a great book aimed at athletes. Birch bought it because he's training for a huge 12 hour adventure race. I'm going to read it front to back when he's through with it. It's packed with excellant info, from a nutritionist, and great recipes and ideas, for eatting healthy all the time, for life, not just when you're dieting.”

“Mediaman, that's interesting about acupuncture. I've never been against it, like some people are, so it is a possibility. It was interesting that the clueless doctors I saw would scoff at the notion of going to a chiropractor, but a couple of them suggested acupuncture.

Lizs - I think the circuit training suits me because of my running background. Just can't justify sitting still when you're supposed to be working out!

Ldhiker - your weight variations are why I noted above that, while I seem to have dropped an additional pound, I won't count it unless I stay at that weight for a few days. I usually try to weigh myself every day and take the average for the week as my current weight. (BTW, still holding at 168 this morning....)”

“This has been around for awhile so maybe most of you have seen it...

God's Health Plan

And God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach
and green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live
long and healthy lives.

And Satan created McDonald's. And McDonald's brought forth the 99-cent
double cheeseburger. And Satan said, "Super-size them." And Man gained
pounds.

And God created the healthful yogurt, that Woman might keep her figure
that Man found so fair.

And Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and
brightly colored sprinkle candies to put on the yogurt. And Woman gained
pounds.

And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad."

And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits and shredded
cheese.

And there was ice cream for dessert. And Woman gained pounds.

And God said, "I have sent you heart healthy! vegetables and olive oil
with which to cook them".

And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak from Cracker Barrel, so big
it needed it's own platter. And Man gained pounds. And his bad
cholesterol went through the roof.

And God brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those
extra pounds.

And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not
have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained
pounds.

And God said, "You're running up the score, Devil." And God brought
forth the potato, a vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with
nutrition.

And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center
into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also.

And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in
cholesterol.

And Satan saw and said, "It is good."

And Man went into card! iac arrest.

And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery....

And Satan created HMOs.....”

“Where'd you get that from Fritz?”

“But doctor, the Devil made me eat it!”

“Two steps forward, one and a half step back, story of my life, why would weight loss be different. : )”

“LDHiker --

yup. I wiegh myself after my workout each day. I can easily lose 2 lbs of water weight running. So I find that on lifting days, I have "gained back" 2 pounds.


I wouldn't put too much emphasis on day to day results (unless its all up, and you have to put down the box of Twinkies to get on the scale), but instead on month to month trends.”

“Is that why they call them Devil Dogs.

Good one Fritz I’d never seen that before.”

“I like that one Fritz, not one that I've seen before. When do we see Moral Majority march on McDonalds, anyway? I think they are dih debul, since they created Happy Meals that the kids think that they must have.”

“Yeah, I just got back from the gym, and weighed on the scale there. I love that scale, says I've lost 18 pounds. I know I loose a bunch of water working out, I really soak up my clothes. I agree that obsessing on day to day scales results is not good, its probably better to focus on week to week.

Regardless, its going in the right direction, which is heartening.”

“Fritz, awesome story!!!”

“I just ate some cookies out of the vending machine. I do not want to go to the gym tonight. HELP!!!”

“SG

hie thee to a gym thou wretched wench!!!








**
Disclaimer: I, of course, do not know you, and therefore am NOT in a postion to call you a "wretched wench". I was merely on an Elizabethean English roll and had to go with it!

Please accept my humble apologies.



NOW GO!”

“(in my best 5-year old whiney voice)


Do I haaaaave to?”

“Smiley, Don't stress too much on one helping of vending machine cookies (it was only one, wasn't it?). Every once in a while I will grab a cookie or candy bar from the various jars around the office here (although not lately). I don't think it's that big a deal to indulge every now and then. In fact, it's our overall eating behavior that we're working on, right? Do go to the gym, though - you will feel better both physically and mentally!”

“I just don't eat!

8)”

“Are you still alive? If not, you can be excused. Otherwise, get yourself over there. You'll be glad afterwards.

Refuse and you shall be banished with your cookies to the "other side," to dwell forever with those uninspiring, lackadaisical, physical wrecks.”

“every workout makes it easier the next time. at first it's very very hard sometimes.
just remember, the times you dont' want to go are the ones that count the most.
you're in the toughest phase right now. you're trying to change your lifestyle. it takes a lot of dedication and it's not fun. it gets easier once new habits are formed, but YOU HAVE TO MAKE THEM HABITS!”

“What ductape said!

Everyday for three weeks will make a habit that will be hard to break.

I think she is at the gym. I'll be going soon myself. Workouts have a high priority in my life.”

“Yes, get to the gym, the more you go, the easier it gets. I have worked back to my regular routine, now the 20 min stints on the cardio triad (stair stepper, stair mill, and eliptical) seem to fly by. I used to do an hour on one, I find breaking it into 3rds has been a very good thing. Add some weight training to that and my workout is complete.”

“Ldhiker, I agree! After doing 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer one day... compared to 25 min. on it, 10 on the stair stepper and 10 doing short intervals on the treadmill... VARIETY RULES!”

“I did go to the gym after work, but it didn't feel as good as the last few times. I did 16 minutes on the stair stepper, then walked on the treadmill for another 19. Lifted only triceps, and did abs. I'm glad I went, but I didn't feel energized. Too many other things on my mind this week.”

“I have to do my CV work outside. I already spend too much time inside.”

“smiley girl - Good show! Glad you're hanging in there.”

“When you for some reason can't or don't get to the gym, is it possible to go for a walk around your neighborhood? At least, then that way, you will have done something after work, and you might not feel so bad about not getting to the gym. All I know is that when your mind is not into it, you might be better off doing a walk, instead. Clear your mind a bit.”

“WE - if I don't head to the gym in this weather, I'll never get anything done. I actually pass my home on my way to the gym from work, but I don't stop. If I do, I'll never get to the gym.

But I'll be in Florida tomorrow, and I'm taking my running shoes. Still plan to walk every day, at a minimum. Doesn't sound like my sister will be up for hiking (she's very moody) and I'm not fond of the idea of hiking alone.”

“SG --

Glad you made it to the gym last night (you wretched wench ;-)

I usually feel better after a work out than before.



PS: So . . .is your sister NSSG?????


["not so smiley girl"]



PPS: After my run today I was at 156lb. DOwn 4 lb from my starting point!

(this is somewhat disingenous . . .my absolute recent heaviest was 160 . . .but I probably started this project at 158/9, and after the lunch I just had, I am sure that I weigh at least that!!)”

“LOL Lee! She and I are flying to Florida tomorrow to see our parents. I got an e-mail from my mom today, saying she talked to my sister and she was pretty crabby! She better be in a good mood tomorrow!”