cspinney Member

I started with two sets of dumbbells and a workout from Fitness magazine 14 years ago, then a short time later added a DVD (Kathy Smith) and another set of dumbbells. I've definitely added to that over the years, but I think Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight are a good place to start for an at home exerciser. They…

I am extremely shy and I don't like going into unfamiliar environments - I find it very scary! Some things that worked for me: 1. Go at a time when the gym is less busy 2. Start with the least intimidating thing - for instance: go in and walk on a treadmill. I had to work my way up to using machines and attending classes.…

Where you said you are feeling weak during workouts and you feel like you are getting slower, I would suggest that you pay attention to your Iron levels. If you go under reports, you can do a Nutrition Report and see how much Iron you've been getting in your diet. A while back I found myself feeling tired all the time, and…

New Brunswick, feel free to add me.

I see that it's been mentioned, but I'll reiterate that you could have low iron. I was feeling terrible - tired, weak, getting lots of headaches - and low iron turned out to be the culprit. Read up on the symptoms and see if it fits you, best thing would be to see your doctor and get it checked.

I agree that it could be due to playing Tennis where it's something you haven't done in a while. I don't generally get that sore unless I do a new workout, or one I haven't done in a long time.

Interesting... Simple Salad Fresh - Peach Bolthouse Farms - Perfectly Protein Vanilla Latte

Best of luck to you! You can do it!

Wow, blast from the past...I loved "Kindred: The Embraced" and "Forever Knight." :)

I think that if you've only got 15 lbs to lose, you shouldn't be expecting to lose 2 lbs a week. When you have less weight to lose, it tends to come off slowly.

I started out many years ago with Kathy Smith Lift Weights to Lose Weight on DVD. All you need are some dumbbells and a mat. I do think it was good to start with a video because I was able to see proper form. In any case, it doesn't have to be a big expense.

I have never been a meat/potato/veg meal lover - I tend to prefer combination dishes, and I do my best to throw veggies in there. So stir fries, chilies, soups, curries, pasta - just figure out what veggies you can throw in those kids of dishes and enjoy. Also, while I don't tend to enjoy eating a pile of cooked veggies, I…

I wouldn't care for apple sauce in my oatmeal either, to each his own. I actually don't mind eating plain oatmeal with just some milk, so you may get used to it. If you do feel you need to add sugar, just try not to use too much. I think that actually tracking it all would be a good place to start, so you can see how much…

I've had a Kindle for a couple of years now; I didn't think I would like it, but I do. It's great for travelling, so much easier to carry than a ton of books. I'm not one for going to the library, I always buy books. My husband is a reader as well. That leads to a lot of books in the house. I would try to pass books on, or…

My hair is fine, but thick, and I don't tend to get a lot of frizz. Everyone is different, but this is what works for me.... 1. A hair stylist who understands curly hair; not all of them do. 2. Long layers. 3. The right products - for me Aveda or Abba shampoo & conditioners, I like AG Re-Coil, Tigi Curls Rock, or Aveda Be…

Not a huge fan of spinach but I can handle it if it's added into things - in a soup, or raw in a salad. Recently I've been adding it to veg stir-fry and found I don't mind it that way - just throw baby spinach in toward the end, and stir fry just long enough for it to wilt.

I have friends who are using the shakes and it's working for them, so it is tempting - definitely understand why you are wondering about it. My concern is that once the weight is lost, it would be too easy to go back to old habits and gain the weight back. I would like to try and learn to eat in a manner that will keep me…

I am not a morning person at all but I did the morning workout thing for about 6 months. Basically I had changed jobs so my schedule was different, I was determined to get my workouts in and morning seemed like the best time. I managed to do it because I felt like I had to. It also meant going to bed earlier so I wasn't…

I agree and disagree at the same time. :) For example: "Great Health and Weight Loss is NOT as simple as Calories In / Calories Out as everyone tries to say it is. If that were the case, everyone would lose weight effortlessly when they embark on a Weightloss journey. " Calorie restriction is not easy, so saying that…

I use the mapmyrun iPhone app.

I don't know what you are eating or what you are doing for exercise but I read this article this morning and it gave me some things to think about, so maybe it will help you too: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/health/19brody.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3 Good luck!

I like: - Olive oil with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice - Salsa - Hummus

If the issue is that bread makes you feel bloated, doesn't agree with your tummy, maybe you should try switching to a gluten free type? Or try Ezekiel (or another sprouted grain type) bread?

I think it depends a lot on personal taste. I can't stand filtered water so I always look for spring water - Evian, Nestle, Real Canadian, President's Choice. Just not filtered. I would drink tap water (and have when I lived in different areas) but ours tastes like chlorine. See above re: filtering. :) And I recycle my…

I'm around the same height as you, though I have more weight to lose. I looked at your diary and it looks like you are at least getting close to your 1200 every day. Where it's only been a week I'd try to be patient. Give it a few weeks and see how things go. I say this for a couple of reasons: 1. I find that some weeks…

I would say it depends on the person. I need 8 hours minimum, but 9 seems to be optimal for me.

Yes, I would log it as circuit training.

I don't think coffee is bad for you (in moderation anyway) but I would try to gradually cut back on the sugar.

Ha! That's cute. :)

I think you are correct in saying that muscle is heavier than fat, just like a brick is heavier than a feather. Yes, a pound of bricks and a pound of feathers both weigh a pound but it takes a lot more feathers to make up that pound. So yes, muscle is heavier. A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. So…