February Fitness Challenge - Week 2!

[cybersis]

Well how did everyone do last week? I managed to exercise five out of seven days ( missed the weekend, just couldn't find the time!)

Did three days of strictly cardio ( step tapes ) and then did two days of interval training ( light step and light weight work ) I start full time work today. I am luckier then some because I own my tax accounting business so most of my year is part time with February, March and April being very hectic! I can also bring my work home if I am having a very bad IC day and work from my home office.

Today its off to the gym. My work day starts at 10 so I can get the kids to school and get in a 45 minute workout and then off to my real workout! I can still do the recumberant bike so I think 25 minutes on it and then 20 minutes upper body. I forget to mention in my first post that my goal for this month is too lose five pounds.

Don't be shy everyone, tell us about last week, good or not so good, and we will cheer you on!

[kadi]

Well, in the last 3 weeks, I've lost 2-1/2 pounds. Went to the gym 2x last week. My goal for this week is 4x. (Trying to build up a little each week) The good news is that after each gym trip the only thing that was sore was muscles - no IC pain:) Did 20 minutes rowing machine and 20 minutes elliptical trainer, then stretches. Am pretty excited about this because I haven't been able to do this much since I got sick a year and a half ago. Am really hoping this good stretch will continue awhile, since I'm about 35 pounds overweight (oh, wait - it's now 31-1/2 pounds overweight, heehee).
Have a great week, everyone!

[yvette]

Hi there! Wanted to post on th last thread....but I'll seize the moment and post on this one! Made it to the gym last week...missed a couple days -- but still got some satisfactory time in.

Modifying my diet!!! Wow! That has made a great difference too! Lost 6.5lbs last week.....I interchanged days: one day is cardio, next is upper body with weights, next is cardio, 3rd day is lower body (abs too) with weights, cardio....etc.

Just like Kadi...I'm doing much better with the IC now....a while back I would have NEVER been able to do all this :)

Good Job Everyone!!! Keep up the good work!!! Keep going even if you slip here and there! :D

[cybersis]

Would love to know what modifications you are making to your diet to lose that many pounds in one week! I know when I was first diagnosed I pigged out on ice cream and rice pudding like there was no tomorrow. Now that I have gotten use to the idea of this being a permanent part of my life I am trying to make the proper changes to keep as healthy as possible. I am lucky that exercising doesn't hurt too much as long as I keep the bouncing to a miniumum. No more running or high impact stepping but with modifications I can do all my old step tapes! Keep up the great work everyone!

[dbays]

I have lost 6 pds in three weeks!! Going to the gym at least 4 times a week. I am only doing the treadmill, and a little upper body. My ab is still too tender to do anything real hard, but I am getting there. Somedays I can do more than others. My diet is 1500 cals aday. Its exciting to feel good about something!!! My goal is to lose 10 pds by the 8th Of March. I write everything down I eat, calories, carbs ,fat and protein. WE CAN DO IT!!!

[Saradee]

Last week, I worked out twice. BUT THIS WEEK...I exercised 4x!
2 - 60 minutes sessions, 1 - 45 minute, and 1 - 15 minute on my eliptical. I've found that I like to exercise while watching 'Gilmore Girls' reruns on ABC Family. I even did a few reps with my hand weights. I've started a fitness journal... that way I can keep track of my progress.

This exercise section is great!

[dbays]

What can I do for my ab its the worst part, and I shy away from anything that effects it. I do walk on treadmill do upper body and lower body. But I do not do anything for my ab, any ideas?

[yvette]

hi again! :D
cybersis: As far as my diet is concerned...I'm eating really clean/lean food. 4oz of Fat free cottage cheese and 1 srving of yogurt (100 cal or under)....or I might eat 2 boiled egg white with 2 pieces of whole wheat toast. (I like "Matthews" brand b/c everything on the ingredients label are all things I can find in my cupboards - lol) So I eat 5-6x/day, each meal is small -- only 200 cal and can fit on a small salad plate...It can be challending at first, trying to find foods that can be eaten and that are tasty too. But it gets easier and easier...and there are days I eat what I want....Just no more than 1x week.

Dbays: I would suggest just try "sucking it in". If you can't really do ab excercises, this might be the next best thing. Eventually is will be come second nature, and your tummy will flatten cos you're training it to.
And those "puffy IC" days we have...no need to suck in...let it loose!

The Gym this week....not as good as last week...but still lost another 3lbs. :) and BTW: My doctor knows what i'm eating and how much....this was a little plan we came up with a while back and now I'm really putting it into practice.....I have her blessing to go as low as 850 cal per day....but she knows my medical history and the plan was carefully mapped out....I honestly don't think anyone should go below 1200 without their doctor's help and guidance...

Keep the good work everyone!!!!
y. :D

[dbays]

yvette, thats great your doing good!!!! I am on 1500 so its slow, but I am learning to eat alot heathier than i was before!! I eat 3 meals and two snacks. I get all my food groups in!! I am being monitored by a dietician, I also have high blood pressure, take 3 different meds for that, so it is important I get this weight off!!! Although I have had high blood pressure for 10 yrs the weight doesn't help. I think we all can do this with each others support!!!! Having ic is bad enough, I don't need the extra baggage!! Lets do it!!

[kadi]

Hey, I went to the gym 5 times this week! 20 min elliptical trainer & 20 min rowing machine each time:) Am very excited!

Haven't lost a pound this week, in spite of reducing portion sizes & cutting down on sweets, so that's a little disappointing, but am wondering if I lost almost all muscle tone in the last year, would rebuilding muscle result in no initial weight loss? Anybody know?

I'm trying not to get too discouraged, since just toning up will look & feel better, but would sure like to lose at least some of the 30 extra pounds I've got now. I'm sure the Elavil & BC pills I'm on are not helping with the weight loss either, but I figure if I quit them I'll be too sick to function again, so oh well....

Suggestions?

[cybersis]

There's more then just a number on a scale to let you know how you are feeling. Are your clothes fitting a little better - do you have more energy - do you feel great after your workout? These are all measures of a successful workout and diet regime. When you first start working out I do believe that fat turns to muscle and even though the scale may not budge their are other rewards. Keep up the great work and you will notice those numbers going downwards!