arachniagirl Member

Seriously? What's wrong with using the machine efficiently and then freeing it up for others? I never disturb people when I'm waiting for machines, instead I hang back and wait for them to finish up. This out of courtesy because I don't like to be disturbed during my sets, I just want to be left alone to do my thing.…

I live in a loft with 13' ceilings, exposes pipes and wood beams...love it!

I've got pancake boobs too...pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity and age have taken their toll. I would so get a boob job. I might not even need a lift, just enough augmentation to fill the extra skin that I have. Thing is I can't afford the surgery and don't see myself being able to anytime in the near future. But if I had…

I can so relate to what you are saying. I am going through a period of extreme insomnia, likely due to Seroquel withdrawal and I feel like there is no hope in sight. I am so tired during the day, I fall asleep at work, I'm afraid to drive because I am just so tired, I can sit down at the computer and fall asleep sitting up…

I'll exercise through a cold, but if it's an actual flu I would rest. I do however lower the intensity of my workouts when I'm sick and I don't push myself too hard.

What is it with water? I don't even need to swim, when I used to take my daughter to the pool and we'd just play around in the water I would still be starving when we were done. I don't get super hungry right after my workouts, but for sure my overall appetite increases when I'm working out - the more exercise I do the…

I increased my preventative inhaler from 1 to 2 times per day. I think it's helping as it seems like it's taking only about 8 minutes now before my lungs open up when I start exercising. Maybe I'll experiment with another dose and see what happens. My doctor said I can use the Symbicort up to 4 times per day if needed.

Wow, that's pretty serious...I've had to go to the hospital a couple times when I couldn't breathe well, but I've never blacked out.

I've managed to lose weight, it's been really slow but the weight has come off. First I started taking Topamax to counteract the appetite-increasing properties of Seroquel and Lithium. Before starting the Topamax I was starving all the time - I could eat a big meal and my brain would still tell me I was hungry, it was…

It's tough being a single mom, more so when you are also dealing with bipolar, I've been in that situation for a long time and it's really hard sometimes, especially when we are unstable and not doing well. I hope things get better for you soon. I gained almost 30 pounds on my meds. I never had an issue with weight gain…

Hi and welcome to MFP! I've sent you a friend request. :)

Hi tracey, would be pleased to be bipolar buddies...have sent a friend request. :)

I have thought of this, except that as my workout continues it gets easier, after that initial 10 minutes of struggling then I'm able to go strong. Also, my overall workout capacity is improving with time, I've been able to increase the intensity and duration of my workouts.

I do have degenerative disk disease in my lower back...plus it's been 8 years since I've done any exercise other than cardio.

That trainer sounds pretty crappy. When I met with mine he insisted on taking a full medical history, including all medications I'm taking, we talked about my goals and then he presented me with package/payment options. He was clear on what he felt I needed but didn't pressure me into anything. He also gave me a workout…

I think using my preventer inhaler more often was helping a bit, I noticed that it was only taking 10-11 minutes for my breathing to improve instead of 15, so maybe I'm on the right track. Unfortunately right after I increased my dosage I came down with a bad cold and my asthma has really flared up in general. I'm still…

I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and I found that walking in a high quality running shoe (I'm wearing Asics) has really helped. The extra shock absorption seems to make all the difference...they were expensive but worth it. Have you had your back pain checked out?

Hi Ellie, So sorry to hear you are down right now - tough place to be. I am stable right now, but I know depression all too well. I've been there way too many times. Feel free to add me if you like...

Interesting. I've been trying to build up to running, walking at 4.0 and then running at 5.5 but I can only go a couple minutes at 5.5 before I have to walk again. I think I'll try a slower run and see what happens. I walk at 4.0 but that's my max. Even 4.1 will start to hurt in my shin...

What a great idea...I didn't even know you could buy these. I've often wondered if my blood oxygen is low when my muscles feel especially fatigued and I feel dizzy... Worth checking into, thanks!

Great advice, thank you. I didn't even think of increasing the dose on my preventer inhaler, my prescription allows me to take it several times a day as needed during periods when my asthma is acting up...I can try taking it more often and will see if that helps at all. If not, I can make an appointment with my specialist…

I've been warming up for 5 minutes. How long are you walking before starting to run?

I love Topamax. I'm taking it as a mood stabilizer and to counteract the appetite stimulant properties of other medications I take. Before starting the Topamax I was hungry all the time, I could eat a huge meal and my body would be stuffed but my brain was still telling me I was hungry, and I was having horrible sugar…

I do 30-60 mins cardio (depending on how much time I have), 30 mins strength training, and 10 min.stretching. This 5-6 times per week. I also do 30 mins of cardio on my treadmill at home each morning when I get up.

I like the elliptical - it seems to work muscles that you don't normally use when walking/running, I find it challenging.

That was a big problem for me before starting Topamax. I could sit down and eat a big meal and afterwards I was still hungry. My body was full but my brain kept saying "hungry". Half the time I felt like I was starving, it was so hard, I would try so hard to stick to a diet but I just couldn't do it.

Three times a day? I'm surprised you weren't asleep all day - typically Seroquel is given only at night due to it's sedative effects. I can't imagine trying to take it during the day as it puts me out for sure. No wonder you were a zombie...

Sounds like morning workouts are working for you, so don't change a thing. I actually work out twice a day - I do 30 mins. on my treadmill at home first thing in the morning and then I go to the gym after work, do another 20 mins. of cardio and strength training. I find the morning workout gives me energy and helps me…

I have a treadmill at home which I use daily but I want to do strength training. So I need the gym to access the weight machines.

Thanks all for the responses. I'm willing to pay up to $50 per month so it sounds like I should be in the ballpark. I really just need access to the weight machines because I have a treadmill at home but it would be nice to switch up the cardio a bit too. I'm not interested in classes or anything like that. I chose this…