40+ Club: Spring Fitness Challenge

Stiring---I LOVE your new picture--you look fantastic!!!

Just wanted to start off by saying that.....

Hello everyone! Hope the week is going well so far.

Things are good with me. I had a slacker week last week where every minute of exercise felt like 10....but that feeling subsided thankfully by the weekend and now I'm back on track. I have been playing around with upping my maintenance calories slightly and have seen no issues with it so far...so may tweak it up a little more. I did get on the scale today after avoiding it for the last month or so, and I'm right in the middle of my range so A-OK!

For exercise I'm still trying to get outside more, but it's still freezing out. I tried to wear my HRM outside yesterday and I was going to walk briskly up and down a huge hill in our field next to the house (the snow finally melted so I can see the ground!), and my lab was happy to get another walk, but then my HRM decided not to work. Very disappointing. I don't know if it was the coat I was wearing or if my battery is dying---anyway, maybe I'll try again today. So far my quest to make myself less reliant on my elliptical is working really well...if I can get some hill walking in that will be another added "something" I can do. Right now my winter/inside activities have included about 25 minutes of circuit training, 20-30 minutes on the elliptical, and some days jump roping (I have made it up to 23 minutes!). Between the 3 of them, it seems to go quickly most days but I'm ready for the fresh air, definitely.

I have also tried to set some mini-goals for myself. Since I don't lose weight anymore, some others suggested this as something helpful to keep us motivated. One goal is to make dinners a little more interesting. Last week I made 2 new recipes, that were not high in calorie at all, but made us all much more happy. I made a lemon/sesame tuna steak over asparagus, and I made homemade whole wheat tortillas and steak fajitas. YUM! That reminds me I should think of something new to make tonight. The other goal I have had is to write my thoughts down more so have been trying to use the blog feature here each week to focus my fitness/food thoughts rather than internalize so much. It's certainly not ground -breaking but it's kind of nice to get in the habit of focusing and organizing my thoughts and I find once I do, what I'm over analyzing leaves my head and makes room to think about other things.

Anyway, I'm going to get caught up on all the latest posts now....hope everyone has a great week!!

Thank you for putting things in perspective. I guess that since I've been losing a little each week, I was somewhat disappointed. But hey, I'm OK and back on track. I'm now actually looking forward to my weigh in tomorrow.

Victorious, turns out I gave you the prior bicycle models for my husband and daughter who both upgraded last year. They did both love the old ones that I gave you - but here are the updates...Giant for my husband and Speciaiized for my daughter. All four are bicycles worth considering and are good for street riding, dirt paths, etc. All of our bicycles are hybrids (vs. racers, etc.) and are 21 speed (gears shift into 3 tensions, 7 positions each). Hope this helps.

Hi--just a quick note --Stiring--thanks so much for your ideas a few weeks ago on more exercise videos. I finally checked them out yesterday and did order the six pack --six weeks (I think it's something like that)? I did look at the P90x, and would like to break away from Jillian a bit, but am not sure I want to dish out the $140 for the whole set just yet. It sounds like you think it's worthwhile??

Altushe---I'm so glad to hear the edema has subsided! Don't worry--it's not just you--all of us maintainers are still in the same up/down cycle too. I'm thinking this is our new "normal" so I'm trying to get used to it......

Deafmom--welcome! glad you joined MFP and this thread, and it's great you are taking it slow with the back injury. That's nothing to mess around with.... since having my son I have a weak back, and have been watching myself because I know that bad backs run in our family. My younger brother just had surgery at 39 on his back a few weeks ago. Terrifying that he is so young and had to do this--but has been abusing himself w/running, soccer, and stuff like that since he was a kid. And my sister-in-law has had 3 back surgeries in the last 2 years. We need to be good to them, big time!

Anyway, enjoy the day everyone! We are finally seeing the sun--even the bluebird and wife are out in our yard singing away this morning. spring is coming!!

Turns out that going back on track was positive and worth it as I lost 2 1/2 pounds since the last weigh in. I wasn't expecting that much and I'm reassured that tracking food works wonders.

I have never been on a diet nor I am now but I'm simply doing math with MFP, "buying" calories with exercise when I run out of calories to eat. It seems to be working and I find myself adjusting food choices so that there is a better balance throughout the meals.

The only real thing that I find that I have cut is milk. I used to drink it all the time and now hardly drink more than a glass and only if my calories allow it. That's got me somewhat worried so I might have to think about that. I really don't want to get into any kind of supplements.

Thank you all who commented on perspective. It's too easy to get caught up in our perceptions and forget about the overall picture.

Good Morning!

Robin, I hope you enjoy Six Weeks/Six Pack. I do. I find these workouts to be a great add-on to a 30 minute cardio routine, though they do contain some cardio themselves. Regarding other DVDs, I totally understand your hesitancy in investing the money into P90X. My husband bought our set (has never used it, but that's another story) and, believe me, we wouldn't own it if he hadn't since i would have been a little too uncertain about the system to invest that money. But it is a great system and if, down the road, you want to invest, if you've got questions about it....please ask. Since, based on what you've written in the past, it doesn't appear that you've done alot of strength training at home, the system I would recommend for you right now is called Supreme 90. It isn't for beginners so it won't teach you much about strength training. But here are the benefits of this program: it is 10 DVDs for $19.99 :noway: ; the workouts vary in length between 30 and 45 minutes; it contains both cardio and resistance training DVDs so it is a full system; the workouts require little equipment (a set of light weights, say 5lb, 8lb and 10lb) and a stability ball. I know quite a few people are doing a rotation of these DVDs right now and, by and large, they absolutely love it. If they don't like one particular workout in the series, the beauty of that is they only spent $19.99 for all 10!! There are some workouts in P90X that I never do (KenpoX, CardioX), and I spent WAY more for those workouts than people are spending for Supreme 90. The only reason I've not done Supreme 90 is I was already committed to this P90X rotation when I started reading such great things about it. But I'm definitely going to get it and try it out.....probably this summer. You can order Supreme 90 online at either www.collagevideo.com or www.totalfitnessdvds.com. Just search for 'Supreme 90'. People have also been able to buy them in Walgreens, at Bed Bath and Beyond and I even saw somebody found them at Target. I've not been able to find them in any store around me, so.......Anyhow, have a look at them. You can also search the internet for comments on them. I routinely go to www.videofitness.com forums to read about workouts, so you'll probably be able to search there for some reviews and find them. Let me know if you have any questions!! I have other recommendations if this doesn't appeal to you!

Kim, good to see you! I, too, have seen Food, Inc. Very eye-opening. If you are interested in more about the subject, I highly recommend reading (or listening to) Michael Pollan's 'In Defense of Food'. Excellent book!

jujubie, great job on the weight loss!! Sometimes the body likes that little break that you probably gave it during your vacation and will respond very favorably to it. Sounds like it worked for you!! Regarding milk, are you drinking it for calcium? If you are doing this based on something a doctor has told you, then ignore everything I'm about to type. This is just my opinion based on what I've read, but I do think our calcium needs are a little over-stated IF (and that's a big IF) you are going based on the USDA recommended servings of dairy per day. Again, this is irrelevant if you are going based on a physician's recommendation. I try to stay away from talking about stuff like USDA recommendations because it can get controversial, so I will just say that the USDA is working with alot of different interests in mind, one of which is the US public, but the other of which are the companies that sell food. Many independent studies have indicated that the daily required level for calcium as a whole is over-stated by the USDA. If you are really concerned about this and don't want to add back the milk calories and don't want to take a supplement, I'd highly suggest you do some research on various studies that have been done about calcium requirements and adjust your diet according to some of those studies. I know there was a recent study that came out (within in the past six months) about how our calcium requirements were being over-stated, but I honestly don't know who conducted that study. Since I don't drink milk and eat limited dairy (my body doesn't always like dairy products), I do take a calcium supplement. But I totally agree with your approach of trying to get the nutrients from food. I'm just suggesting you verify those nutrient requirements for yourself. :flowerforyou: And, again, ignore everything I just said if you are following doctor's orders and drink the milk!

singfree, thanks for the input on carbs. I've been trying to play around with my protein lately because I gravitate towards higher fat proteins (nuts, peanut butter, etc). But, honestly, it isn't working. I'm much too hungry, and I'm finding that I'm much more sore from my workouts. So I'm going to go back to eating more protein and cut out some of the more simple carbs (I've been eating more dried fruit and fruit and such) and see if that helps. I haven't really changed my carb intake but I think that lack of protein with the carbs I'm eating is making for that sluggish feeling. Always a challenge this 'balanced nutrition' thing! I just checked out ten day weather forecast. Lots of rain, but the temps going back up into the 60s. I can handle the rain as long as it's a little warmer!

All here is well. I'm enjoying this week of P90X. I'm also doing Insanity along with it, but I think this is only going to last for this round of P90X workouts because, boy, am I getting hungry from doing these systems at the same time! Last night I practically ate us out of house and home! Not good. So I think I'm going to have to dial it back eventually so I can maintain my diet plan. But at least I was eating cleanly when I ate everything in sight! :laugh:

Hope you all enjoy this last day of March!

Good morning from NEPA. Some snow but the kids went to school yeah. School is already extended until the 17 of June. They need to go:laugh:

Sing glad it missed you.

Happy April fools day.

My goal for April is to kick up my outside exercises. Shoveling not included:noway: I need to get my last 10 pounds off.

Hope everyone is well. Lets chant for a cure of cancer and alzheimers please.

Namaste...Kim

Hi all!

Had a very busy week with a giant project on Monday that kept me at work all weekend. Ended up with a knot in my back between the shoulder blades. Goes away at night but comes back as soon as I got to the office. grrrr

Favorite thing to do this week was to look at the iris when I got home. One yellow one blooming, a mid-color purple blooming, a purple and white about to bloom, a deep blue (Navy Blues) about to bloom, an orange/peach (Brilliant Performance) about to bloom and around 45 more buds. Not so great with eating or exercise unless countless hours at the computer count!

Check out the picture at bing.com today. Looking at bing every day is a fun little diversion for me. The pictures are always incredible.

Wildflowers are blooming. Primrose is beginning to look like someone poured cotton candy along the highway. Blue bonnets are up and some Indian Paintbrushes. We are driving to Austin tomorrow to see our daughter. Should have good wildflower viewing along the way. So sorry for everyone who still has snow. We will be miserable in July and August with 100+ degree weather, so rub it in then.

Take care all! TxMs

StiringWendel- Thank you. I cant wait until we have warm weather...P90x and Insanity???? Your my hero!

Texssoppian- Have a wonderful trip to Austin I love it there. I have dear friends and family who live throughout the great state of Texas. Im jealos of your blooms. Enjoy yout weekend and be well.

JpriceGA- To most managers fury...I always ask if I can read their nutritional chart of the menu. It takes some time if it is not posted. in NY and NJ it is posted in every restaurant except deli's.
Walking is always a great caloric burn!! Congrats on your run

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Hi Everyone,

Its a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Ohio. I just got in from walking the dog and we have all the windows open and are enjoying Spring!:happy:
Good week last week, able to keep sodium within goals most days. Definite improvement.
Lost 1lb this week Total lost 22lbs. I am officially 1/4 of the way to my goal weight. YAY!!
Next goal under 200 by vacation in July. Might be difficult but Im going to try. I'd be fine with being close before vacation.

Im on vacation this week and will being some traveling with my daughter visiting colleges in Ohio. Plan on working out after our visits and pampering myself alittle....manicure, pedicure, and massage.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Kim

hi everyone-see all is doing well.

GBryant - I highly recommend using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap while running. I learned that even though I'm slow, I push myself too hard sometimes. I can set the monitor to beep when I go over the top of my target HR range. That let's me know to slow down right away. I have found it to be very helpful. I use it at the gym as well - the spin bikes and the treadmills pickup the signal, which is really great.

This weekend was really stressful. I got plenty of exercise anyway, but continued a heavier calorie count (but not extreme) through Sunday. I'm headed back to my 1200 calories/day :-)

Still haven't weighed for the week. Probably won't for a couple more days.

gbryant, I'm sorry to hear about the heart issues. You've already gotten some great recommendations, all of which I agree with. A HRM is probably the best way to make sure that you aren't pushing yourself too hard. In addition, if you are on certain medications, that can affect your heart rate. But maybe they can do some more tests as well. Given your family background, I don't think asking for that is out of the question. Take it easy!

pepper, good to see you!!! How are you doing? We've missed you around here!!

JPriceGA, sorry to hear about the stressful weekend. No harm in keeping your calorie count higher during times like that, especially if you are working out. I think it's great that you're listening to your body that way.

alf, it's really hard for me to say how much I eat because it really does vary quite a bit based on my workouts. When I'm trying to maintain and working out as hard as I am right now, I can eat upwards of 2200-2400 calories a day. When I'm not working out (which isn't very often if I'm being honest), I try to maintain at 1800 but would need to drop that more if I went for an extended period of time without working out (to 1400). When I'm trying to lose weight and working out as hard as I am right now, I drop my calories to about 1700. Any lower than that, and I go crazy. So I'm kind of all over the place depending on my workouts and what I'm trying to do with my body. I think 1500 may be too low for you given your height and activity level if you are trying to maintain. I would definitely think that the 1700-1800 range would probably be a little better. But I don't think you're in danger of slowing down your metabolism eating that few.....but you don't NEED to eat so few. Does that make sense? Changing subjects...sorry to hear about your car!

All here is well. I'm continuing with my Insanity/P90X rotation, and it is feeling much better this week than it did last week. I've upped my calories into my higher maintenance range (as indicated above), and it feels SO much better. Like I've said before, it really pays to listen to the body.

Hope you all have a good day!

Sorry I've been MIA... As most of you know my brother and his family have had a hard time due to the death of their 4 month old baby. Well, he called me up a week ago and said he's leaving and on his way up to my house. He took some time to leave some of the stress he has felt down there and has actually been able to eat and catch up on some sleep. When he finally called his wife to let her know where he was she came up too. Now they are talking about moving up here so we've been running around looking at houses and he's scoping out jobs today. You cant avoid the problems forever and I know moving isn't gonna solve everything but they both don't have family down there anymore and if they can ease up the financial burden a little bit it would help the happier moments they do get they can actually enjoy.

My exercise has been non existent with all the running around.... Eating has been ok but I know my body and I know I've probably gained... I'd be surprised if I didn't.

I'll try to catch up more later on, I've gotta pick up my house before it gets too out of control.

Hope you all are having a wonderful day!!!!