Beginners Walking Challenge - Session 2

Cindysunshine

Spunkie- Oh hun- I'm so sorry your feeling this way. I think it's hard to believe you gained 6 pounds. Could it be water retention? How has your eating been? Are you drinking your water? I know how frustrated you must feel regarding your foot. I must tell you I started in March of this year at 353. I started riding a bike at 330. Can you ride? That is GREAT exercise. My dh bought me a $70.00 mountain bike from wall mart and it is holding up great. The swimming is good exercise. It may take longer to see results but as I've said before you will lose alot of inches from swimming. Have you taken your measurements? If not do so right away. You have to get walking out of your mind right now and find something you can do. Please keep your chin up and KNOW you CAN do this!!!! I believe in you !!!!!!!! Do not let yourself fall into the feeling sorry for yourself trap. Remember- A person is not defined by his set backs but by how he handles the set backs. As far as the meals- How about whole wheat pasta with tons of veggies and some low sodium marinara, turkey tacos, Grilled cheese on whole wheat and low sodium soup, eggs- make a quiche-or frittata- just add whatever you like , panakes for dinner- whole wheat pancakes and turkey sausage. Chicken cut up into tenders and baked and some sweat potato fries- sloppy joes made with ground turkey. Oh, I could go on and on- Ok - Spunkie- Remember - YOU CAN DO THIS !!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great night- Cindy

Cindysunshine

5 miles for me today. I also swam for an hour and did my squats and pushups. I hope everyone had a great day !! Cindy

spunkiemunkie503

Thanks a bunch ladies. This is such a hard journey, even a little set back tends to get you down. I never really thought about the stretching but I am really going to look into some exercises. I have to admit I dont have a bike but I am considering the purchase. The recipe ideas are great. I know I can do this, I just have to re-focus my mind. I really appreciate all of the help and support you ladies give me. I couldn't do it w/out ya! :drinker: :bigsmile: :happy:

Cindysunshine

Spunkie- We you ! I want ot share a quote pne of my MFP friends shared with me. " The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time" :laugh: Pm (personal messege" me anytime. I know first hand how devastating set backs can be. Have a great day. Cindy

cpafford79

Hi everybody!

I'm checking in with my 15 minute walk at work yesterday. I have no idea how far it was, but I'm guessing 1/2 mile. I'm really struggling with motivation right now, plus I pulled a muscle in my back playing softball last night. :grumble:

Spunkie - Stay strong! YOU CAN DO IT!!! :flowerforyou:

Cindysunshine

Hi walkers- I just finished my AM walk. I only walked 2 miles . it is soooo HOT!!! I think it's gonna hit 110 degrees here today. Like I said HOT !! I have a brisket in the crock pot with carrots,onions and potatoes. I 'm cooking it on my deck. I refuse to heat up my kitchen today. I'll walk 2 more miles after it cools down some tonight. I also do my upper body routine today. I will swim a couple hours too. I hope everyone has a great day- Cindy

Kidvicious28

woah lol You guys lost me there for a little bit I found ya tho!

I went to visit my gram for a few days so I haven't been on here much, but I'm happy to say that I've walked every day, but yesterday, since I've been at my gram's. I think I'm finally getting my motivation back! Woo!:happy:

Spunkie! We u! You can def do it! I know it stinks that you can't go out for walks/runs bc of your foot. I'm going to look up some exercises you can do that don't involve your foot! Whenever you need help just talk to us and we'll try to help you out. :flowerforyou:

Cindy, you doing great! I think I'm going to join a 5k in my town for later in the fall or maybe next spring. I think it would be a lot of fun and would push me to start running more.

cpafford79 I hope you're feeling better soon! I hate when stuff like happens. :ohwell:

Hope everyone has a great day today!!!:flowerforyou:

Kidvicious28

Hello ladies Hope everyone has a great day today!

Spunkie- I found some exercises you might be able to do. There are chair aerobics that might be able to help you ( I know it's not the same as running or something of that sort, but it's something). How about lifting weights? What about riding a stationary bike? (I'm not sure if that would hurt your foot or not), ab exercises or any specific muscle exercise. I'm sure you already know all of this, but I thought I'd try to help.... have you looked up water aerobics? I know you don't think swimming is helping but maybe if you look into doing certains exercises in the water, it would be more beneficial?

stratdl

Hi All, :flowerforyou:

I just didn't have it in me to walk this morning. :yawn: So, since I was already dressed to work out at the gym and all, I told myself to go to the gym anyway. And, since I was really unmotivated to walk, I told myself to at least do the elliptical--for at least 30 minutes. I ended up doing a really intense elliptical workout for 30 minutes! :bigsmile:

Of course, I was about 20 minutes late to work, but at least the workout is done for the day and I didn't disappoint myself!

...on a side note, my right heel is starting to feel a bit "twinge-y". I'm concerned that my Achilles tendonitis is coming back! Oh, well. At least spunkiemunkie will have company with the non-walking thing for a bit if that's so. And I can take the time to start focusing more on strength and stretching.

You all have an absolutely GREAT day! I'm pretty sure I will do the same (exercise endorphins are still hanging out 6 1/2 hours after exercising? Is this even possible?)!

Cheers! :drinker:

Kidvicious28

Great job Deborah! I was feeling the same way this morning, but unfortunately I haven't gone to the gym yet haha. I plan on going tho!

I hope your heel feels better soon! All you ladies are getting injured! :frown:

stratdl

Maybe we're walking too much!!!

Ha ha! :laugh:

Thanks for your well-wishes on my heel, Jenna! :flowerforyou:

Cheers! :drinker:

steph54

Hi, I'm Steph. My goal is to lose 70 of the 100 lbs I have gained over the years. I love walking but have arthritis in my feet. I can either walk 15 minutes at a fast pace or 30 minutes slowly before my feet really start protesting. I think regular walking (and of course weight loss) will help them considerably. Count me in. I walked 2 times yesterday for a total of 50 minutes and 20 minutes so far today.

Kidvicious28

Hey Steph! Welcome to our walking challenge! :flowerforyou:

spunkiemunkie503

Thanks Cindy for all the encouragement. Hope everone has had a good week and an even better one to come. Have a great weekend.

Will weigh on Monday, we will see what the out come is.....Not much swimming this week, lots of rain here in Central Florida.

:drinker: :drinker: This should be sweat not tears, man is it hot this summer!

cpafford79

Welcome Steph! :flowerforyou:

stratdl

First Check-in of 2nd Session!

Day 1, Friday, 07/03/09: Bicycling, 79 min
Day 2, Sunday, 07/05/09: Walking, 31 min
Day 3, Monday, 07/06/09: Walking, 30 min
Day 4, Tuesday, 07/07/09: Walking, 35 min
Day 5, Wednesday, 07/08/09: Walking, 31 min
Day 6, Thursday, 07/09/09: Elliptical Trainer, 35 min

Today marks the first day of cardio rest for me for a week. I need to rest my right heel so that I can hopefully come back stronger next week and not aggravate the achilles tendonitis that plagues me!

So, I shall take this week to stretch and strengthen instead. I will continue to post even though I'm not walking--I suspect that's okay with all of you. :happy:

I hope that everyone else had a good end to the week and a great beginning to the next one!!! :flowerforyou:

Cheers! :drinker:

westenfan

hi all, havent checked in lately. am having a realstressful week. everything was going wrong, i wasnt eating right, i wasnt sleeping and i was definitely not walking. i think i was slipping into depression. but the last 24 hours everything has all worked out. harley and i walked for 35 minutes this am, and i dont know which one of us was the happiest, me or the dog. then i felt invigorated so ive been cleaning since about 2 this afternoon, its now 10:20 p. m. and ive finally gave up for the night. its been hot today, but i took my time cleaning, and it didnt get to unbearable. no walk tonight, the frig died, so i had to get a rental, so harley and i will walk in the morning. keep on walkin ya all, and everybody take care of yourselves and those you love, take care of the ones you dont love too, sometimes thats what they need. smiles to all, check in 2morrow night.:noway: ps i lost about 2 pounds in the last week or so yay

stratdl

Hi westenfan!

Glad to see that things are turning around for you. :flowerforyou:

Way to go on getting back into it after your hiatus and good for you for dropping 2 pounds in spite of a bad week! Keep on truckin'!

Cheers! :drinker:

Dragonfly11

Hi Family,
1st check in of the new session - a day late but i'm still here . Work was insane this week, our admin was out and i was training and doing front desk + the other as needed duties as they came up - needless to say the week went by so fast but haven't had time to check in with you. Been keeping up w/ my exercise and logging food and i'm grateful for that.
Sat: 40 min TJ
Sun: rest day (man, was that hard to do!)
Mon: 20 min TJ 40 min walk
Tues: 20 min TJ
Wed: 50 min walk
Thurs: 20 min TJ 50min walk
Fri: 50 min walk
Total - 290 exercise min

Spunkie - Hang in there, I believe you can achieve whatever your fitness goals are. Just don't give up.
I used to be 255lbs at my heaviest. At 5ft 5in, this was too much for me - ran the risk of all kinds of health probs and was hopeless to change. I so understand set backs, guess that's why it's taken me so long to get to the place i am now. It has taken me years, honestly, about 5 yrs, to create a lasting change in my weight and attitude. Thanks to the help of a lot of patient, loving people, their encouragement, and a willingnessto keep on trying i am worlds away from the woman I was then. I still am not where i want to be but it's good to know i'm on my way. I encourage you and support you!!
You can do whatever you chose to do - I hope you are able to bike ride and the swimming exercies are easy on your body but are fantastic for cardio and all over toning and strengthening - great suggestions.
Stretching, yoga, pilates are also good too - especially for attitude and getting spiritually centered - very good for the soul. I hope you find something that works for you!!

Cindy- Man, do I admire your commitment to change. Your discipline and perseverance are very motivating to me. Thank you for that and keep it up!

Stratdl- Fantastic week - keep up the great work and take care of yourself!:flowerforyou:

Cpafford - Hey, you!!! great to see you!!

Love to all I missed! Take care and have a fantastice weekend - Try to stay cool,:glasses:


Janet

Cindysunshine

Hi walkers- Whewww I just finished my first workout with the 30 day shred. Kid- I was thinking of you when I did It. I did the entire workout. I can't wait to see how I progress. Janet- Thanks so much Hon !! So far today i've walked 2 miles and done the 30 day shred. I doubt I walk tonight. My muscles are burning from that shred. I think my plan for next week will be to walk 3 miles Mon- Sat. in the Am and do the 30 day shred every day pm. I'll swim most every day too. I used 3 pound weights today with the shred. I'm going to be using 5 pound weights from now on. I hope 3 miles plus the shred every day is enough exercise. I realy see the scale slow down alot when I don't get in enough cardio. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Cindy

stratdl

Hi All! :flowerforyou:

No walking for me today, but I did have a nice upper body strength training session! Now my arms feel like jello!!! :laugh:

I did my 100 pushups challenge--Week 3, Day 1 (I'm repeating this week because last week was all messed up and I didn't get all 3 days in--besides, it's HARD and I need to do each week over and over again, I swear!!!).

Here's the rest of my upper body workout (in case you wanted to try some on your own):

1. Side shoulder raise with dumbbells
2. Front shoulder raise with dumbbells
3. Upright row with dumbbells
4. Biceps curl with dumbbells
5. One-arm dumbbell triceps curl
6. Alternated dumbbell press
7. Chest press (on weight machine)
8. Seated row (on weight machine)
9. Lat Pull-Down (on weight machine)
10. Shoulder press (on weight machine)
11. Bicep curl (on weight machine)
12. Tricep (on weight machine) <- didn't do this one because someone was "camped out" on the machine and I didn't have the time to wait around for him to finish

The max weight I used with the dumbbells was 7.5 lbs and the max weight with the machines was 30 lbs (on the lat). Yeah, I'm a weakling, but I'm only going for toning, so as long as my muscles are feeling it, I'm okay with it. I don't have too much testosterone, so I don't feel like I have anything to prove. In fact, there was another lady doing the biceps curl with dumbbells when I was doing mine. I had 7.5 lbs, she had 17.5 lbs. To look at our arms, one would think that I'm the stonger one because my muscles show up more than hers did. That just goes to show you that our bodies are all different and that someone who may *look* strong is really not too terribly strong at all.

You all have a good day! Keep walking (if you can) and keep strong with your wellness/fitness lifestyle!!!!

Cheers! :drinker:

Kidvicious28

I took a few days off of MFP. Needed some free time to do whatever. My friends came to visit me and we had a great time. I'm back on track now and I actually have motivation to exercise. I think I just need that little break.
Just read through some of the posts I missed while I was gone and it looks like everyone is doing well! Deborah that's a great upper body workout. I think I'm gonna try it thanks for sharing.

emmie110

Hi everyone. I haven't ditched out of the challenge - just been so busy with school. After studying all day long yesterday, I just had to get up and go for a walk late last night. Walked 1.5 miles in about 35 minutes. Hopefully things will slow down in a few days so I get more walking in - I really miss it.
Hope you all are having a great weekend. :drinker:

stratdl

Just read through some of the posts I missed while I was gone and it looks like everyone is doing well! Deborah that's a great upper body workout. I think I'm gonna try it thanks for sharing.

Hey Jenna!

If you're anything like me, prepare for noodle arms!!!! :laugh: :bigsmile:

...best thing about the workout was that when I got home, I made a protein drink (chocolate whey powder) and put in a tablespoon of baking cocoa and about a half a tablespoon of agave nectar (for sweetening). I tell you what, it was like drinking a brownie! Yum!!!

Edited to say: and the whole thing was less than 220 calories!!!

Cheers! :drinker:

mouser79

I just joined yesterday but would love the challange

stratdl

I just joined yesterday but would love the challange

Welcome to our challenge, mouser79!

Cheers! :drinker:

Kidvicious28

hahaha I'll remember that maybe I'll start out with half of it bc I'm a server for the time being and having noodle arms would not be good haha

and that drink sounds delicious!

Cindysunshine

Good morning walkers :flowerforyou: I already finished 2 miles and it's 6.15 am. :bigsmile: I'm so glad I walked before it gets HOT ! I planned on doing 3 miles but a strange man started following me about 18 minutes into my walk. He made me very nerveous. I had my cell phone ready to dial 911. I hurried home. I lost him about a block from my home. Creepy !! I need to get a huge dog to walk with me. Like a 100 + pounder. Anyhoo- I am going to do day 3 of the 30 day shred and walk 2 miles tonight. That shred ROCKS!!! I can realy feel it in my abs! I never thought i did crunches right. I guess I do with Jillian. I hope everyone has a great day ! Lets log some miles walkers- :flowerforyou: Cindy

stratdl

I planned on doing 3 miles but a strange man started following me about 18 minutes into my walk. He made me very nerveous. I had my cell phone ready to dial 911. I hurried home. I lost him about a block from my home. Creepy !! I need to get a huge dog to walk with me. Like a 100 + pounder.

Wow!

Now THERE's a reason to incorporate a little kick-boxing into your fitness routine! :laugh: Way to go, Cindy! I'm sure he was thinking to himself, "How in the heck can I keep up with that woman on her fitness mission!" Good thing you lost him!

Here was my workout today (still no walking yet :frown: ):

- 15 minutes upper body stretching this morning (gotta loosen up those muscles from yesterday!)
- Core strengthening from http://www.deecompression.com/docs/Core Exercises.doc
1. Bridge
2. Single-leg abdominal press
3. Single-leg abdominal press variations
4. Double-leg abdominal press
5. Double-leg abdominal press variations
6. Segmental rotation

I didn't do the rest because I am not allowed to do crunches (after my spinal fusion surgery) and I didn't have a lot of time to do the rest. The above 6 exercises took me about 30 minutes. I intend to resume the rest either tomorrow or the next day. One really good thing about the Mayo Clinic exercises is that they tell you how to determine which muscle is your transverse abdominus. They say to cough and the muscle that you use to cough is the TA. Who knew?

Anyway, I hope you all had a good day and I thought I'd share this workout with everybody, in case someone can use it. :bigsmile:

Cheers! :drinker:

Tekamahmom

Hi everyone,
It's been a while since I've checked in but I haven't had much time for anything it seems... I do get a chance to walk everyday though. I normally do 2 miles a day but there was 4 days that I did 6 miles b/c there were times I had to keep my little niece out of trouble and my solution for that was to make her walk with me.... lol I don't really think I've lost anymore weight though, which is depressing but I feel more energetic than I normally would.. The most weird thing is, is that I think I might have gained some weight back..:sad: I'll find out at the end of the week when i go in for my monthly check at the doctor... I'm really hopeing she says that i've lost more than the 2 pounds I lost at the start of the month.... Tha'd be awsome!!!!::bigsmile: I'll do my checkin as soon as I get done at the doctors at the end of the week.. My scale is messed up big time right now....:mad: Hope everyone is doing great with their walking and keeps moving forward with it.... To those that are struggleing with feet problems and everything else, I'll be rooting for you to pull through to get back where you want to be....