Shape Shifters Team Chat - JULY 2023
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Hi Everyone, I’m Patrice. I’ll be 57 years old soon. My goal is to maintain my weight between 120 and 130 pounds, which is the mid-point of a healthy BMI for my height (5’3”-5’4”). Currently, I’m 10 pounds over my target weight of 125. My fitness goals include improving my balance and flexibility, while also building muscle mass. I have osteopenia so I’m taking calcium and doing weight bearing exercises, mostly using my own body weight, to increase my bone density.
This month, I’m going to focus on measurable ways to gauge my progress. Tracking calories is relatively straightforward but I still need to weigh my food more so I’m more confident with my entries. For fitness levels, I’ll set my baseline measures this month. I found this list of tests for assessing flexibility: https://www.topendsports.com/testing/flex.htm
So, I’ll pick 4-5 of them and complete one each week. Then, I’ll use a notebook to track my monthly progress in each of the four categories. For balance, I’ll put on my socks in a standing position each morning, lifting the right foot to put on one sock while balancing on my left and then lifting the left foot while balancing on the right. I’ll make a note each day this month so I can find out where my starting point is and set my goal for improving in August.
In 2022, I had a bone density test done, which my doctor recommends every two years beginning at age 55. So, she’ll give me another referral during my annual physical in 2024. I think that test shows other body composition information, such as the amount of water and fat, etc. I still need to review my records from 2022 and then compare the muscle mass results that I get in 2024.
Does anyone else have ideas for objective measures of progress?
I am going to run a 5k race in September but I don’t train for running so I don’t think I should use it as a way to gauge fitness improvement. One of my soccer friends hosts/sponsors the race, which is the main reason I participate. Her family started the race when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Her daughter finished her treatment and is now thriving after the treatment was successful so I participate in the race as a way to celebrate her perseverance through difficult circumstances and raise money to support research so others can benefit.
That’s the long way of saying I don’t have any expectations for improving my pace this year. Last year, I won my age category, which was a total fluke. 🙃 Maybe my goal can be to match the pace from last year? At 57, I’m not sure it’s realistic to get faster, but maybe I can — 🤔
It’s interesting to think about goal-setting as we age. At some point, the numbers are likely to regress, but how much is still positive in terms of aging?! I just want to maintain optimal levels of health. As we get better at removing the stigma of aging - especially related to women - I hope it will be easier to set realistic targets without feeling badly when we can’t attain the same fitness levels as we used to. Here’s a fun video of a 92 year old man winning a race against other seniors to keep us motivated:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yekpl9CJmkA
Have a great week, Shape Shifters!
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@jessicakrall8 - Roger that, will ask the mods to scoot me to the side of the road.2
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@jessicakrall8 and @Pupowl — Thank you for all you do to keep this community together so we can all support one another and stay on track for success!
@Cyncia85 - I appreciate the beautiful photos you shared. The Cliff stairs are impressive and the natural surroundings seem to inspire climbing. It must feel so rewarding when you get to the top.
@WA_Teacher - I’m sorry to hear about your health difficulties but hope we can be a support to you as you recover and regain your strength. ❤️🩹 I hope you decide to stay with the Shape Shifters group but I wish you the best either way. We don’t want you to feel like it’s one-more-thing-to-have-to-think-about but we’re here if it’s helpful to you!
@Sbus12 - Congratulations on your success. Realistic goals and a steady building of positive habits sounds like a great plan to me.
@frankwbrown - Your step counts are aspirational for me. Keep up the fantastic work! — and thanks for your keen observations in regard to the spreadsheets. So helpful —
@JenHul - I hope you have a wonderful time — enjoy the CFL football games and camping with your family ⛺️!
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Sorry, I was traveling last week and forgot to weigh in when I returned on Saturday.2
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Itadakimasu7 wrote: »@jessicakrall8 - Roger that, will ask the mods to scoot me to the side of the road.
@Itadakimasu7 I already did...enjoy your vacation! See you in a bit...
Jessica3 -
WA_Teacher wrote: »Sunday, July 2nd
WA_Teacher
Previous Weight: 241.9
Current Weight: 239
This will be my last posting.
I’m sorry but I need to step away from this group. I am currently having health issues and will be in the hospital for procedure later this week. Then I will have a 6+ week recovery time. Thanks for your support.
V
WA_Teacher Hope your hospital stay goes quickly and you're healing is as pain-free as possible!! Take care and let us know how you're doing. We'll welcome you back as soon as you're ready.
Jessica3 -
JessicaKrall8
Monday weigh in
PW: 302.4
CW: 302.44 -
Long post....
I live near Swallow Cliff - a forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois. It has hills, ravines, lakes, trees, etc. I call it "the stairs." There are 125 limestone stairs. These were constructed in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These stairs lead to the top of a former toboggan run on Swallow Cliff's 100-foot bluff.
I did the stairs this past Friday. I did a couple trips up and down. Then went for a short walk on the path to cool down. My calves are feeling it yesterday and today.
I'm struggling with what to do with myself today. I've got alot of chores to do. Statistics homework. I want to finish a book I am reading for therapy. I'm trying to read and I can't focus 100% because I am ruminating - I have PTSD/depression/anxiety. One way to help overcome the rumination is to get out of my mind and into my body. I'd love to take my pup for a walk - we've got some heavy rain here today. I am thinking of going to the gym to help with the rumination even though this will take time away from me working on my to-do list. But the rumination is stealing my time. Thank you - if you read all of that.
I think that I'm going to focus on my activity goals and get to the gym. I will keep it a light workout considering my calves are sore.
I get depressed and the ptsd. I have those issues as well. One thing that's always helped me this time of year is gardening even if it takes away from something on my to do list. You've got to be mentally healthy not just physically healthy. While these issues will surface from time to time, remember you are in control.4 -
Gm yall. Happy July 4th for those celebrating.3
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Daily step goal: 10,000
Sun 7/2: 13,465
Mon 7/3: 15,2063 -
Only 5 participants in our Step Challenge this month?!!!! SAY IT ISN'T SO!!!!
Where is everybody?!! Join us...get your walk on and WALK (it) OFF LIKE A BOSS!!!
Jessica
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Challenged myself to hitting my step goal and an indoor 5k before noon today and I finished at 11:11am while also cleaning my kitchen and bathroom!! Feels good to be active and thank God for fans and AC too!
Hope you’re all having a wonderful day! Stay hydrated! 😊
Jessica3 -
Good evening everyone! My name is Sterling. I’m new to the group. I’ve been in this challenge before, and I’m back to maintain. My fitness goals are to lose 10lbs. I go to One Life fitness all the time. I used a different scale at the gym instead of my at home scale. If you could change my starting wieght to 206lbs. That is my accurate weight in the gym. Wish you the best on your fitness goals!4
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Congratulations on reaching your goal, Sterling! 🎉🎉🎉 I am struggling a bit with maintenance now that everyone is socializing more.
I also set a goal to lose 10 pounds. I’d like to return to my goal weight by the end of September but it will likely take until the end of 2023.
Welcome to the Shape Shifters group!2 -
In case some of you Garmin users are unaware:
Each month there's challenge to hit 300,000 steps. There is also a challenge to hit 10,000 steps/day for 30 consecutive days. Obviously, if you can manage the second starting at the beginning of the month, you'll also complete the first. But 10,000 steps per day for 30 days in a row can be a challenge (no pun intended). But this month, there is also a challenge to do 10,000 steps for only 10 days in a row (it's one of four Disney-sponsored challenges this year). So check it out...
It's called Step into the Disney Magic
Join this Disney 100 Years of Wonder challenge and record 10,000 steps a day in 10 consecutive days in July.
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Wednesday Weigh In
PW: 159
CW: 158.85 -
jessicakrall8 wrote: »alleykat69 wrote: »I don't see the link to "Beat the Heat Challenge ".
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10893914/july-week-1-group-challenge-beat-the-heat#latest
They're always on the main Fat2Fit page under ANNOUNCEMENTS, but it was on page one of the July thread too...
Jessica
thank you3 -
jessicakrall8 wrote: »alleykat69 wrote: »steps for Tuesday 2688
28th Wednesday 2520
29th Thursday 3104
30th Friday 2712
1st Saturday 4160
weigh in: Sunday
PW:199.4
CW199.4
@alleykat69 always please include the date on your list of step counts...especially when we're switching from one month to the next. Thanks!
I show your PW as 198.4. Was that incorrect?
Jessica
no you got it right.3 -
steps for:
Sunday 2nd 2825
Monday 3rd 10630
Tuesday 4th 116264 -
Angmarie28
Wednesdays
Previous weight-175.8
Current weight-177.62 -
Hollo everyone, hope everyone had a good and safe 4th of July. We celebrated Saturday, so yesterday I did absolutely nothing.
I would like to join back on the step challenge, I need to start making myself more accountable. I still have a bum foot, do my goal is only 8,000 steps for now
7/1-9,777
7/2-9,346
7/3-9,027
7/4-6,3214 -
Zaxa2021 Weigh in
Weigh-in Day: Wednesday
PW: 146.2
CW: 147.4
Weight Gain: 1.2 lbs
The gain is not surprising, due to PMSing on top of a day of a little splurging for the holiday. It's still disappointing though. The weight is definitely not coming off the way I want it to. I'm getting slightly frustrated with the very slow progress.
So my goal for the next week is to log everything. I hate logging, I find it tedious and annoying, but it is time to do it anyway. I'm also going to try to up the intensity of my workouts a little. Hopefully I'll see something more exciting next week.5 -
Zaxa2021 Weigh in
Weigh-in Day: Wednesday
PW: 146.2
CW: 147.4
Weight Gain: 1.2 lbs
The gain is not surprising, due to PMSing on top of a day of a little splurging for the holiday. It's still disappointing though. The weight is definitely not coming off the way I want it to. I'm getting slightly frustrated with the very slow progress.
So my goal for the next week is to log everything. I hate logging, I find it tedious and annoying, but it is time to do it anyway. I'm also going to try to up the intensity of my workouts a little. Hopefully I'll see something more exciting next week.
I am also struggling with logging right now, you're not alone. I prefer to cook a meal from scratch rather than eat a nicely labelled and portioned packaged food. I know you can log a full recipe into meals but that would require me to weigh out ingredients etc...and I just can't be bothered as I don't often cook the same meal. Therefore when I eat my home cooked food, I'm guesstimating quite a bit on the portion size and calories, plus picking a random closely related item I can find in the database. Since I know accuracy is way off, mentally I stop wanting to track.
Seems like eating a frozen burrito is much easier to track but that is not what I want to eat right now. le sigh.
Hang in there and working out a bit more is a good plan!5 -
Armygirlarmyof1 wrote: »Long post....
I live near Swallow Cliff - a forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois. It has hills, ravines, lakes, trees, etc. I call it "the stairs." There are 125 limestone stairs. These were constructed in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These stairs lead to the top of a former toboggan run on Swallow Cliff's 100-foot bluff.
I did the stairs this past Friday. I did a couple trips up and down. Then went for a short walk on the path to cool down. My calves are feeling it yesterday and today.
I'm struggling with what to do with myself today. I've got alot of chores to do. Statistics homework. I want to finish a book I am reading for therapy. I'm trying to read and I can't focus 100% because I am ruminating - I have PTSD/depression/anxiety. One way to help overcome the rumination is to get out of my mind and into my body. I'd love to take my pup for a walk - we've got some heavy rain here today. I am thinking of going to the gym to help with the rumination even though this will take time away from me working on my to-do list. But the rumination is stealing my time. Thank you - if you read all of that.
I think that I'm going to focus on my activity goals and get to the gym. I will keep it a light workout considering my calves are sore.
I get depressed and the ptsd. I have those issues as well. One thing that's always helped me this time of year is gardening even if it takes away from something on my to do list. You've got to be mentally healthy not just physically healthy. While these issues will surface from time to time, remember you are in control.
I garden as well. I think I need to re-frame the gardening. I might be thinking of it as a chore vs a relaxing hobby.
Yes, you are right - overall health.
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Zaxa2021 Weigh in
Weigh-in Day: Wednesday
PW: 146.2
CW: 147.4
Weight Gain: 1.2 lbs
The gain is not surprising, due to PMSing on top of a day of a little splurging for the holiday. It's still disappointing though. The weight is definitely not coming off the way I want it to. I'm getting slightly frustrated with the very slow progress.
So my goal for the next week is to log everything. I hate logging, I find it tedious and annoying, but it is time to do it anyway. I'm also going to try to up the intensity of my workouts a little. Hopefully I'll see something more exciting next week.
I am also struggling with logging right now, you're not alone. I prefer to cook a meal from scratch rather than eat a nicely labelled and portioned packaged food. I know you can log a full recipe into meals but that would require me to weigh out ingredients etc...and I just can't be bothered as I don't often cook the same meal. Therefore when I eat my home cooked food, I'm guesstimating quite a bit on the portion size and calories, plus picking a random closely related item I can find in the database. Since I know accuracy is way off, mentally I stop wanting to track.
Seems like eating a frozen burrito is much easier to track but that is not what I want to eat right now. le sigh.
Hang in there and working out a bit more is a good plan!
I also struggle with the logging. I cook from scratch. It takes much longer to weigh everything - the ingredients and the finished product. Trying to get all those measurements adds steps and can create more dishes. I also like to try new foods/recipes. I've been trying to keep some of my cooking simple so I can log easier and not have to worry about creating a recipe.2 -
Steps - Daily Goal is 7,000
Cyncia1028
Sun July 2 = 9,298
over goal
Mon July 3 = 8,104 over goal
Tues July 4 = 3,548
Did not meet goal. Not too active because I spent the day at my Uncle's for 4th of July celebration. It was a hot 3 -
Username: JSScottJr1988
Weigh in Day:Wednesday
PW: 206
CW:206.83 -
@jessicakrall8 and @pupowl I'm heading on vacation for the next two weeks and won't be as likely to remember to post my steps. I'll look to re-join the step challenge in August. Can I also pass on my weigh-ins for the next two Fridays? Thanks for keeping us all organized!4
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Zaxa2021 Weigh in
Weigh-in Day: Wednesday
PW: 146.2
CW: 147.4
Weight Gain: 1.2 lbs
The gain is not surprising, due to PMSing on top of a day of a little splurging for the holiday. It's still disappointing though. The weight is definitely not coming off the way I want it to. I'm getting slightly frustrated with the very slow progress.
So my goal for the next week is to log everything. I hate logging, I find it tedious and annoying, but it is time to do it anyway. I'm also going to try to up the intensity of my workouts a little. Hopefully I'll see something more exciting next week.
I am also struggling with logging right now, you're not alone. I prefer to cook a meal from scratch rather than eat a nicely labelled and portioned packaged food. I know you can log a full recipe into meals but that would require me to weigh out ingredients etc...and I just can't be bothered as I don't often cook the same meal. Therefore when I eat my home cooked food, I'm guesstimating quite a bit on the portion size and calories, plus picking a random closely related item I can find in the database. Since I know accuracy is way off, mentally I stop wanting to track.
Seems like eating a frozen burrito is much easier to track but that is not what I want to eat right now. le sigh.
Hang in there and working out a bit more is a good plan!
I also struggle with the logging. I cook from scratch. It takes much longer to weigh everything - the ingredients and the finished product. Trying to get all those measurements adds steps and can create more dishes. I also like to try new foods/recipes. I've been trying to keep some of my cooking simple so I can log easier and not have to worry about creating a recipe.
@Cyncia85 @Zaxa2021
The good thing is that if you're like most of us and you tend to cook the same things repetitively, once you enter all of your ingredients and store YOUR RECIPES, they'll remain there and then you just log from your recipes list in MFP. I envy that you have the time to cook from scratch...good for you!!
Jessica2
This discussion has been closed.