WaistAways Team Chat - NOVEMBER 2023

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  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,305 Member
    Exercise catchup (from the car on the way to Brad's mom's house in Ontario!):
    Nov 2 - 11047 steps
    Nov 3 - 4135 steps
    Nov 4 - 15085 steps
    Nov 5 - 9754 steps
    Nov 6 - 14257 steps + 31 minutes Peloton
    Nov 7 - 9315 steps + 79 minutes Peloton
    Nov 8 - 12591 steps
    Nov 9 - 9446 steps
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,305 Member
    edited November 2023
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  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    So about 2 months ago, I was having some back pain again. Well, I started doing my typical PT exercises for it, and it's all better now, but I had a side effect, I wanted to share. My belly and waist are shrinking, the hubby noticed this morning and was like it's a significant difference. Turns out that the exercises I do are a "new trend" called stomach vacuuming. So it's not really a new trend, anyone with back pain should be doing this on the regular, and it's a base move in pilates.

    Anyway, I do this constantly throughout the day, you only have to do it and hold it for a few seconds at a time. No need for a mat etc.
    Just while you are sitting, sit up straight, and tilt your pelvis up, to flatten your back (pretend you are trying to push that bottom curve in your spine straight and suck your belly button up and in all at the same time). No one will even know you are doing it. It's like invisible exercise :smile:
    I read this article on this "new trend" , and they say you only need to do it like 3 times a day, 3 days a week. Well I do it, like 5-10 times a day everyday, and for quite a while before I get out of bed in the morning while I do bridges, as it loosens up the stiffness. Best part is, you can do it sitting, laying, or standing.

    So I challenge all of you to do this for a few weeks and report back.
    Also, do not hold your breath while doing it, if you do you aren't working the muscles, you are working your lungs. :smiley:

    If nothing else, you are helping to stabilize your spine and take it from someone who knows, that's IMPORTANT!
    This is great! I totally agree that this is something easy, effective, and wonderfully invisible. Waiting in line is now a workout session!

    One thing, though. Lungs can't work. They are flabby balloons. The diaphragm muscle is the only thing that makes them work, and it is an abdominal muscle! And one that connects your front core to your back core! So when you are sucking your belly button up and in, your diaphragm is going to join the party. When you exhale all the way, it goes way up and helps you lift your belly further up and in. If you inhale the diaphragm is going to make sucking your belly up harder - there will be some conflict to the "up and in" because your diaphragm is going way down into your abdomen to get the lungs to fill with air. So you are right to keep breathing while doing this, but it is good to know that inhaling makes it more difficult to keep the belly button up and in. Feel the burn!
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    @wishfuljune You are sure busy! I think it's great how you have kept your dietician appointments, and you are in planning mode even through lots of travel irregularities in your schedule and food availability. You're also keeping the exercise going - this all sounds like a winning approach to me. Or losing :wink:

    @eggfreak many hugs - thinking of you! :heart:

    @Kali225 hats off!! You're on a roll :smiley:

    I'm having a rather lazy day. Better get on that exercise bike tonight! And go horsing tomorrow. I'll be away from home all next week - going with my son to visit my mom in North Carolina, and then when we get back to Montreal Thursday, I'll be staying there to work that afternoon and Friday all day. I'll miss my boys, both the human and the equine! It will be good to see mom, though, and to finally get my investigator job going. I'm wearing the hat. It's snazzy.
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    Saturday people - here you come!
    @CupcakeCrusoe
    @zankash23
    @veronica1359
    @IDebraK
    @Beohbebewhy6630

    Remaining Friday weigh-ins still to go:
    @EvMakesChanges
    @micki48
    @leni1us

    And a few overdue:
    @Betsy___
    @littlemzkitty
    @KellyBgetsFit
    @JScottJr1988
    @conleywoods

    Let's wrap this week up by the end of Saturday - thanks!
  • leni1us
    leni1us Posts: 869 Member
    leni1us
    Friday
    PW 164.8
    CW 164.4

    If this journey went any slower, I wouldn't be moving at all. I know what I need to do, it's just finding the motivation to do it. One day everything will be on point - eating right, drinking water, walking for 30 minutes a day only to follow it up a day or two later with going out to dinner with friends and enjoying to much food, and wine.

    I've gotta get this dialed in better.
  • veronica1359
    veronica1359 Posts: 442 Member
    PW=80,4Kg
    CW=79,5Kg
  • daria0919
    daria0919 Posts: 1,139 Member
    edited November 2023
    jugar wrote: »

    I'm having a rather lazy day. Better get on that exercise bike tonight! And go horsing tomorrow. I'll be away from home all next week - going with my son to visit my mom in North Carolina, and then when we get back to Montreal Thursday, I'll be staying there to work that afternoon and Friday all day. I'll miss my boys, both the human and the equine! It will be good to see mom, though, and to finally get my investigator job going. I'm wearing the hat. It's snazzy.

    Where in NC @jugar? I have grandchildren in the Raleigh/Durham area.

  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    daria0919 wrote: »
    jugar wrote: »

    I'm having a rather lazy day. Better get on that exercise bike tonight! And go horsing tomorrow. I'll be away from home all next week - going with my son to visit my mom in North Carolina, and then when we get back to Montreal Thursday, I'll be staying there to work that afternoon and Friday all day. I'll miss my boys, both the human and the equine! It will be good to see mom, though, and to finally get my investigator job going. I'm wearing the hat. It's snazzy.

    Where in NC @jugar? I have grandchildren in the Raleigh/Durham area.

    I'll be way down in Matthews (near Charlotte) - bummer! But it is going to be a fast turnaround anyhow.
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    leni1us wrote: »
    If this journey went any slower, I wouldn't be moving at all. I know what I need to do, it's just finding the motivation to do it. One day everything will be on point - eating right, drinking water, walking for 30 minutes a day only to follow it up a day or two later with going out to dinner with friends and enjoying to much food, and wine.

    I've gotta get this dialed in better.
    Slow is OK! It might seem like it takes forever, but I think you end up with fewer plateaus and raging hunger. Your body can adjust as you go. Maybe moving up to a steady 1% per week is a great aim, but as long as you're not steadily heading upwards, all is good. Make a plan for those outings so they have a smaller impact, or compensate for them by a lower day or two. I know @ashleycarole86 used to calculate her calorie deficit on a weekly basis rather than just daily, and that can be a useful tool if you're using CICO.
  • jessicakrall8
    jessicakrall8 Posts: 5,479 Member
    The November Week 3 Group Challenge is open and ready to begin on Sunday, Nov. 12th. Please join us for the Tame the Turkey Neck Challenge...not as weird as it sounds! LOL Here's your link:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10903175/november-week-3-group-challenge-tame-the-turkey-neck#latest

    Hope to see you in the chat thread!
    Jessica :blush:
  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,322 Member
    Weigh in
    214.5
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    LAST CALL!
    Final weigh-ins due for this week by 10 hours from now:
    @Betsy___
    @littlemzkitty
    @KellyBgetsFit
    @JScottJr1988
    @CupcakeCrusoe
    @IDebraK
    @Beohbebewhy6630

    Thanks!
  • Kali225
    Kali225 Posts: 702 Member
    Ha - I started a post at some point that said "Happy Saturday" and now it is officially Sunday. Oops!

    I took another walk today. Crazy how much I missed just walking. I think I am probably pushing my foot too far so I will tone down the length of these walks, but encouraging sign I think that it hasn't totally crapped out on me yet. I was not able to swim/float this weekend because the pool is open again but the temperature needs a few days to warm back up to comfortable.

    trying to plan my meals for the week before I hop into bed.

    Question for the group: does anyone have a protein powder they really like? I'm new to incorporating them, mostly going for unflavored right now since I want to be able to mix it into meals/sauces, not just as a drink supplement. I like making a protein chocolate milk though so a chocolate flavored one would also be good to have on hand.
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,374 Member
    @Kali225 my husband and I both use a brand called six star whey protein and we like the triple chocolate. I don't drink it every day, just a few times a week.

    I have had a rough couple of days. It seems like I have a good week followed by a bad week. I need to rein it in. They had cookies, more cookies, and mini cupcakes in the break room. I did great on monday and tuesday, but then the rest of the week I had some. I try to avoid the breakroom, but that is where the microwave is to warm up my food. And it's not employees bringing stuff in, it's drug reps and specialists trying to get us to send patients to them.

    My plan for today is to focus on protein and veggies. Fill myself up with less calories. That and drink a lot of water!
  • YinxFed
    YinxFed Posts: 1,094 Member
    Happy Sunday, Friends!

    Weigh-in-
    PW -184.2
    CW - 184.2

    I feel like it's been a really long week - still nursing hubby who has a horrid chest infection. He's on the mend but it's been a really long fortnight. We've both been miserable. However, we went out for an early supper last night, and this morning he went out to get some supplies for breakfast, which he then promptly made.

    So looking forward to this week and more improvement. The weekend's been nice and I've been mindful with my food.

    I'll be back later with my stats.

    TTFN
  • lauren_989
    lauren_989 Posts: 1,374 Member
    Sunday: 7,945
    Monday: 7,429 + 60 min body pump class
    Tuesday: 4,125
    Wednesday: 4,115 + 60 min body pump class
    Thursday: 3,376
    Friday: 3,581
    Saturday: 5,756 + 60 min body pump class
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,305 Member
    Nov 10: 6346 steps
    Nov 11: 2255 steps
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,305 Member
    We are having a nice visit with Brad's family but unfortunately he's come down with a bad cough.
    These trips are always pretty sedentary as you can see... we are in an Airbnb and we have a very limited time to get to see everyone so the last thing on my mind is exercise but I do miss the steps. I have still had a better week 2 than week 1 so I will try to strive for a stronger week 3! I like to try to ladder up.. a fun goal

    @Kali225
    I don't use protein powder much but I like the Vega brand personally. The chocolate is good and they had a vanilla almond one or something like that which I remember finding very tasty.
    I've had others tell me they think it's a bit chalky but that doesn't bother me.
  • YinxFed
    YinxFed Posts: 1,094 Member
    Evening Waistaways!

    Here are my step and exercise stats for the last 7 days:

    Sunday 5th November - 3987
    Monday 6th - 2336 / 50mins Full Body HIIT
    Tuesday 7th - 4036
    Wednesday 8th - 3404
    Thursday 9th - 3110 / 71mins Yoga
    Friday 10th - 2112 / 45mins Unilateral Leg workout
    Saturday 11th - 1931

    And thank you, @Gidgitgoescrzy for the "Stomach Vacuuming" tip. I will try to keep it in mind from now on!

    Night all
  • minstrelofsarcasm
    minstrelofsarcasm Posts: 2,586 Member
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  • micki48
    micki48 Posts: 2,322 Member
    Of course my weight is down today, not my weigh in day.

    Did some stretching and Pilates first thing mostly to help this body gain back some flexibility. It’s one small thing.

    I also had a pedicure and manicure. The pedicure was more therapeutic than to have pretty toes. I had a tender spot on my toe and the pedicurist took care of it. So glad I went.

    Did have DQ ice cream tonight. They will be closing for winter soon. That’s good

    I found out my “little” cousin who is 50 had a heart attack on Friday. She is active and at a good weight. So scary. She has to have a catherization tomorrow. Such a shocker. I need to not have that happen to me.
  • CarolAnnM2
    CarolAnnM2 Posts: 1,073 Member
    Weigh in Day: MONDAY
    PW: 198.1
    CW: 196.8
    😃 💃🏼
  • ashleycarole86
    ashleycarole86 Posts: 6,305 Member
    @micki48
    Sorry to hear about your cousin's health scare. Hope her catherization today goes well.

    Today is travel day home. Both Brad and I commented that we knew our weight was up this trip. Our usual when we travel but it's not fun to feel it, especially when you're already well above where you'd like to be.

    I am looking forward to getting back to activity - steps, Peloton, and soccer.

    But we had a REALLY nice visit with his family. Likely back in Feb for his mom's 85th so we won't have long to wait until we meet again.
  • MaddawgMadsen
    MaddawgMadsen Posts: 328 Member
    Hey WaistAways! I have been sick and therefore MIA. The sinus infection I have been taking antibiotics for flared up again on Thursday and wiped me out for two whole days. I spent Saturday and Sunday trying to catch up on everything I missed. So, now I am starting Monday tired and feeling behind, but grateful to not be in as much pain!

    Thursday, November 9th - 1,154 steps
    Friday, November 10th - 0 steps
    Saturday, November 11th - 8,223 steps (never underestimate the power of chores!)
    Sunday, November 12th - 6,806 steps, 3 bowling games

    @Kali225 - I don't use a lot of protein powders, but I do like the Orgain brand in both chocolate and vanilla. They're vegetarian (possibly vegan), but they are a little chalky, so I add them to things. I have a recipe for some pumpkin protein bites that I haven't made yet, but I feel either flavor would taste delicious with it. I will try to send a picture later.

    @Gidgitgoescrzy - thank you for sharing the exercise. I had to do one for a little while to help with compartment syndrome (where I spend all my life with my shoulders hunched forward like on the computer, driving, etc.). Amazing how they help with more than just the one issue!

    @micki48 - I am so sorry to hear about your "little" cousin. I hope her catherization goes well!
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    Hello all!
    My son and I made it to North Carolina this morning, and have enjoyed our first day with my mom. We had to get up at 4 am, so it will be an early night for sure. We had an airport breakfast (good but my tum is not too happy with bagel, egg, cheese) and then I just hit the salad bar for lunch and now am feeling better. Not much exercise, but tomorrow I'm hitting the gym here for sure. And a nice long walk outside! The weather is amazing. And here we are 4:40 pm and it is light outside!

    UNflavoured protein powders! I like Isopure - I put it in gluten free breads when I (rarely) make them, soups, sauces - it's pretty useful and I don't find it chalky. It also stirs well into my usual almond milk latte in the mornings if I feel like I need more protein. There were a few others I tried, but this one works well.

    I'll post reminders tonight - if your weigh-in is due Sunday or Monday, now's your chance to beat me to it!
  • CupcakeCrusoe
    CupcakeCrusoe Posts: 1,426 Member
    So sorry I missed this weekend! It was crazy and I was without a scale :/
  • jugar
    jugar Posts: 10,262 Member
    So sorry I missed this weekend! It was crazy and I was without a scale :/

    No problem - a week off is no biggie. Hope it was good crazy and not crazy crazy :dizzy:
This discussion has been closed.