Fitness chat and tips #3

[Winter]

I just pushed out 40 pushups on my toes...my arms are going to drop off. There's good burn and this just hurts...

So now I'm going to try for 50 for July 1.

PS. Did I mention that my DD has chicken pox so there's no gym for me for a while. Going to have to do stuff on my own, will be good test of motivation.....

[Mother Goose]

Well done Winter! And hon, I think you will be fine on the motivation front Sending loads of positive recovery vibes to your DD!

Heather, I'm glad that the instructor gave you some help! How is the jump kick going now? I know you'll ace it!

How is everyone else? Where has everyone else gone? I hope you're all just busy exercising and not using winter weather as an excuse to slack off!!!!

As for me - I've been sick all week so not trained other than my Tuesday session with D. I've had this chest cough and lethargy which I'm pretty sure is a chest infection. I've been so drained that I've been going to bed almost as soon as I get home. And can I just say, this no training for a week has made one very crabby MG! The girls at work suffered yesterday morning I'm afraid... not helped by the passing of a good friend of mine on Tuesday... and I found out Thursday night I knew he'd had cancer but it is still so so sad and such a loss.

I'm feeling much better today and hoping to do a light session on my treadmill. It is bitterly cold here and with my chest the way it is - I should be careful not to send myself into a spiral of respiratory issues! But I will be careful. And I need to get onto my push ups!!!!!

I've been wearing my heart rate monitor since Wed and burning well over the amount of calories I'm allocated to eat each day. So not sure why I'm NOT losing more weight. Granted I've probably been burning more calories because I've been ill, but even with that, I'm burning way over my calorie allowance - so will chat to D about it Tuesday and see what he says. I know he is going to tell me to go to a nutritionist... and I'm not! Can anyone say Stubborn?

I got my bloods back. Everything was clear except my vitamin D which was "dangerously low" according to my GP. It's sitting at 26 and you should be around 80 or something. So I'm on a massive dose of Vitamin D tablets to try and help. I need to get this sorted because a Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis later in life. Apparently one of the symptoms of low Vitamin D is weight loss... pity I haven't had that one! Haha. But it can also affect muscle strength and bone density which could be contributing to my issues with PT. So... better get on top of that! So I have started my massive dose of Vit D tablets (because I'm not taking enough medication ) and have to have more blood taken in 3 months...


So, how is everyone else doing?

Eluned - how is your hip/pelvis going?

MG

[Raupe]

Am I allowed to join? Not sure if I will fit in, I'm tragically unfit!!

I'm overweight and have to lose around 40kgs. About a year ago I did really well and went running every night with dp. I managed to get up to 7km (to me that was AMAZING!) and I lost about 15kg. I was soooo proud of myself.... and then my feet packed in. Every morning my feet hurt SO bad, that I literally had to crawl to the toilet , because I wasn't able to walk. Sad, right? I went to the doctors and had x-rays done and ultrsound and whatnot. Turns out I developed a nasty plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue in your feet) from the running. Great.
I asked the doctor what I could do and he said 'don't use your feet if possible, and lose weight.'
Ummm, I HAVE to use my feet if I don't wanna crawl for the rest of my life!!!
For the weightloss he recommended me to eat healthier and exercise (duh!! I'm not stupid). I asked what kind of exercise and he answered 'walking'. You just told me I shouldn't use my feet!!
As you can see, he really wasn't much help. My feet were in agonising pain, I wasn't able to walk for months and so I packed on 25 kg Ahh cr*p.

Fast forward one year, I got soo sick of hurting and being fat (let's say it as it is), that dp and I embarked on a lifestyle chance. We change what we ate, when we ate an how much we ate, and without being too drastic, I already lost 14kg. YAY!! And that is without exercise!!! Now my feet don't hurt as much anymore when I'm "just walking" (not running). I still have to loose about 26kg, so I have to start exercising. We just bought ourselves some bikes and I loooooove riding around on it! It's great fun and takes the pressure of my feet. I was also looking into doing some aqua aerobic, because I figure that will also have no impact on my feet... But I still need motivation to do things like situps and so on. I really miss running and the fitness it gave me... Hopefully one day I will be able to run again. I would love to join a gym, but I honestly cannot afford it. We're living on a super tight budget already (I'm a full time student and work part time) and if I was to join a gym I'd have to start another job - but then I wouldn't have time to go to the gym.... Stupid catch 22.

Sooo, to cut a super long story short, I am joining this thread to keep motivated to exercise more and keep active! I find your stories very inspiring (especially MG who keeps so active despite her pain) and I hope you don't mind if I'm following you!!

Thanks for listening!
(and sorry that it was such a long story)

[Laranna]

Hi ladies, I've been a bit quiet again as I haven't really been exercising due to giving my pelvis a rest. I've been reading but didn't want to post until I had done some baseline pushups

Winter, I managed to do 30 (!!!) pushups on my knees. I was expecting maybe 10 or so because my upper body has never really been that strong, so I was quite surprised. I think I will set my goal to be able to do 50 pushups on my knees by the end of the month. Do you think that's achievable?

MG, my pelvis is feeling better than it has been. This past week I've been really gentle on myself and haven't done any walking, avoiding lifting DS where possible and have worn my tubey-grip all day and to bed. Went to physio on Wednesday feeling great. She released a few muscles in my right buttock (with her elbow, ouch!) and some in my lower back which were pulling on my right hip. I took a 5 day course of voltaren, which really helped and haven't had any for the last 3 days and have been ok. Upon getting out of bed in the morning, there is a slight pain when I stand up but it has improved heaps and if I remember to do some pelvic floor squeezes before I get out of bed, that really helps to. The physio also checked my pelvic floor and TA via ultrasound. Apparently, I am strong and have good control with both muscles which is great. The problem is, I can't seem to hold my pelvic floor when I'm doing something else at the same time such as lifting my leg. My TA works a treat though. So aside from doing as much pelvic floor as I can, I also need to practice holding my pelvic floor whilst moving say my arm or leg at the same time, get my brain making the connection if that makes sense.

Raupe, welcome! Well done on your weight loss so far, that's awesome!! I'm aspiring to be a runner too so I can go run with Winter. My DH & I used to cycle as well until I got pregnant and I haven't really been on my bike since. He used to ride to work once a week (an hour each way) but he's gotten slack now and I'm trying to convince him to take it up again. I want to get a bike trailer so I can cart the kids around with me to the shops etc.

I came across on FB, a group for Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation challenge and I am very tempted to sign up! DH said if I really wanted to do just do it but I'm a bit scared to and I'm using the $$ and my dodgy pelvis as an excuse not to. Has anyone used online personal training? Is it effective do you think?

[Nettie]

Raupe - welcome! I too have plantar fascitis really bad and could barely walk in the mornings... I found a product which really helped me - Step Forward Orthotics - google them. I came across them at our local 'Home Show' and even though they're exxy, they have completely fixed the problem for me - which is well worth the $$. I recommend them.

I can now walk in the mornings (if I get motivated!) but DH doesn't like it when I do because DS seems to wake up as soon as I'm down the road!

[Winter]

Welcome Raupe!

Give me an E!! GO ELUNED!! I am seriously impressed woman! 30 pushups when you only thought you could do 10!! What a superstar! 50 is definitely a go-er for the challenge!

MG, that's really disheartening about the results of the tests. Good to know that you can do something about your Vit D but would be nice to have an answer to why you're not losing weight even with the heart monitor proof that you are doing the hard-yards. Can I ask what the drama is with seeing a nutritionist? (Ps. people say stubborn like its a bad thing, your ability to grit your teeth and get on with it comes from the same place the heel-digging does. Stubbornness is a strength IMO!)

[Mother Goose]

Welcome Raupe! Well done on your weight loss to date - that is awesome! I think cycling might be the short term answer for you until you are able to do more weight bearing exercise! Re: water aerobics, perhaps consider DEEP WATER AEROBICS - in the normal kind you are still on your feet in the water and will also be jumping around which might be painful for you. In Deep Water aerobics, you wear a flotation device around your waist and sometimes on your arms. You then use various flotation devices (there is one that resembles a dumbbell!) to work muscles. You get an awesome workout from it all!
There are heaps of things you can do around home without needing a gym. And there are pieces of equipment that are low cost to purchase which will also give you more variety for your exercises once you're ready for it. You will get loads of support here!

And I'm touched you think I'm an inspiration but really, I'm just a stubborn person who whinges a lot when it gets tough!

Eluned - I'm glad you're doing much better hon! I'm very pleased to hear that!!!! Another way to get your brain doing two things at once re: pelvic floor is to also do them whilst stopped at lights in the car, when you're driving, cooking dinner etc. The additional focus might be a good starting point if you're struggling with moving additional limbs at the same time. Just keep practising - you will get there! And well done on the pushups!!!!

Nettie - HELLO!!!!!! How is everything going?

Winter - you know, my reasons for not wanting to go to the nutritionsit are silly... as a nurse, I should already know the info they will tell me. D often made me feel so embarassed and humiliated about my food choices when he had me doing that weekly diary...and I didn't like that. It wasn't conducive. The one he keeps recommending is someone he has linked in with work and they refer ppl to each other - seems a little too...convenient for me. I can't help but wonder if there is something like a kickback system happening? The one he recommends does shopping tours as well but I can't help but think how embarrassing that is!!!! Then there's the cost. On average, they cost $60 an hour over here and I just can't afford that on top of physio and PT... and then there's the reason of "because D keeps suggesting it"...and we all know I don't like to do what he tells me! Haha

Well, I didn't train today. My back became quiet bad today. The tell tale pain in the glute kicked in about noon. I took DD shopping for her winter jacket this afternoon and it steadily became worse and travelled to the back. Then it started to spasm. By the time we started the grocery shopping, I was struggling big time. I could barely walk - lifting my left leg was causing spasms in my back. Turning = spasm. Bending = spasm. DH was at work and I called him almost in tears to come help. Just as he arrived I had a bad spasm and ppl must have thought I was a total retard with the little "dance" it had me doing. I looked like someone affected by nerve gas! So came home, applied heat, and layed down. Funnily enough, it helped within an hour and I've been good since! That NEVER happens. Oh. Wait. It might have had something to do with the panadol and neurphen I took!

In desperation, I sent DH to the pharmacy to fill my new script for mobic (anti-inflammatory) and also my panadol osteo. I hadn't looked at the script until he came home and didn't realise I've been put on such a high dose! And I mean HIGH! The tablets contain more paracetamol than normal panadol and I'm on two tabelts three times a day! I am having a mini breakdown about the damage it might do to my liver which already has issues of some sort that no one can identify (but I have elevated liver function results every time - they thought it was related to my gall stones for a while)... so I am understandably concerned about the effects it will have on me long term. So, as every good nurse does, I am going to alter my dose and see how I go pain wise. Hopefully I can manage on a lower dose of the meds... otherwise I will go back to my GP and see what he says about long term side effects...

Keep moving girls!

[Raupe]

Thankyou so much for the warm welcome and the kind advice!

Eluned: Yes, bikes are awsome. It took me a while to convince dp, but oh it was soo worth it! He managed to lose 20kg!!! So proud of him!

Nettie: Thank you so much for that! I will definately buy some. Why couldn't my useless doctor tell me about those? All he said was something along the lines of: you're fat, that's what happens, it's your own fault, get used to it... He is a horrible, nasty man. So thank you for being the first person to give me helpful advice reg. plantar fasciitis and HOPE!

Winter: Thanks! How did your 10km run go? Did it rain? He he he

Moother Goose: (Love that name!) I have to say that I never heard of deep water aerobics. Sounds awsome! I'll ask my local swimming pool if they offer it. Sounds like it would burn more energy (aka FAT), too! Cheers for that

AFM, I was a good girl and rode my bike for about an hour, then did some 'dancercise' (hehe my own creation with lots of jiggling) in front of the mirror and then some push ups and sit ups. I ended up having a laugh attack during my push ups, as I realised I couldn't get anywere near the ground, because my bb's were in the way!! Gotta love big bb's!! (Definate sarcasm here)

[~me~]

Welcome Raupe and on your weight loss so far, that is fantastic! You will have reached your goal in no time if you hang with us and keep doing what is you are doing.
How about some upper body excersise while you are sitting? That can still burn calories for you.

MG: Hearing Vit D deficiency so much these days. I wonder what is causing it? Is it because we are slip slop slapping too much and not getting enough natural sunshine
I hope you are feeling better! My SIL is a dietitian..you know you may be able to get one on a Medicare Care Plan if you talk to your GP, then it would all be through Medicare..just a thought.

Winter: How is your motivation going? 40 pushups on your toes is just WOW!!

I should have gone to Attack this morning..gave it a miss and had a fry up instead. Back to Combat on Wednesday where the instructor will show my how to get this Jump Kick, can't wait!! Now DH is back from his trip (just arrived last night) I will be back into my usualy Attack on Sunday's next week.

Have a great week everyone....

[Winter]

I should have gone to Attack this morning..gave it a miss and had a fry up instead.

Sounds like a fantastic Sunday morning to me Heather!!

[Mother Goose]

MG: Hearing Vit D deficiency so much these days. I wonder what is causing it? Is it because we are slip slop slapping too much and not getting enough natural sunshine
My SIL is a dietitian..you know you may be able to get one on a Medicare Care Plan if you talk to your GP, then it would all be through Medicare..just a thought.

Slip slop slap and being indoors more. although they say just 15 minutes during the day over Summer is enough exposure each day to keep your levels at a good level... but Vit D deficiency is related to other issues as well such as poor calcium absorption, liver disease, and intestinal issues. Coincidently, there is also an increase in gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS. I don't know if the increases in both conditions are similar or not. But my GP has told me previously that testing for Vit D (and it's also the same for things like Crohn's and IBS) are relatively new so it's hard to tell if there is an increase in these conditions because we're testing more... or if there actually is an increase in their occurance.

Where does your sister work from? Is she in Melb? I'm in Vic and I could be persuaded to potentially visit her! Good idea about the care plan. I might consider that!

[~me~]

Where does your sister work from? Is she in Melb? I'm in Vic and I could be persuaded to potentially visit her! Good idea about the care plan. I might consider that!

She works at Werribee Mercy. You may be able to see the Dietitian at the hospital you work at as part of being an employee there, do they employ one, I assume most hospitals would have one. I am pretty sure she would know of someone you could see if you are interested..sounds promising MG
The Care Plan system is great as it was set up for people with Chronic conditions who normally would not be able to afford to see Allied Health Professionals. The great thing about it is your Care Plan set our by your GP can be for just one Allied Health Professional or a couple depending on what they are treating. So it include a combination of Dietitian, Pysio and Podi for instance or just Dietitian. I think it's 6 services through Medicare?
Definitely worth considering MG!

[Mother Goose]

Yeah, careplans are good - it also helps when ppl have multiple specialists looking after them as a copy goes to each one and has set goals on it... so everyone is on the same page so to speak! You know, i've never looked into if a nutritionist is included in works EPA... I might have to enquire when I next have access to the intranet! It would be awesome if you could ask your sister for some recommendations if you don't mind?! I will PM you my suburb and place of employment.

Well girls, imagine me singing VERY out of tune in a VERY loud voice....

I'm a wooooman, on mission, ooohhhhh yeah. I'll do what I've gotttt to dooooo. I'm a woman. On a Mission....

That's from "On a Mission" by Gabriella Cilmi. It's been on my workout play list for AGES. Tonight, it came on and it really re-enforced my drive for me. And I'm going to make that my theme song for the next little while...to keep me focused. Oh. Yeah. I did a session tonight It wasn't a very hard one - just something to keep me going as I was laying on the couch this afternoon and thinking "Geez this is nice! It's winter, it's cold, it's raining...comfort food is beckoning... I could get used to this!". Then I remembered I haven't trained for almost a week. I knew if I didn't do SOMETHING today, I was heading down a dangerous road. And I figured a little exercise might help my back. And my chest. And I was right. I did 30 min on the treadmill with a 5 min incline of 6. No faster than 5.8km/hr. It was good. I was trying not to aggrevate my injury. Then I did some fitball sit ups, the prone hold which was short lived because I felt a spasm starting, and I did push ups. On my knees. My goal was 20 right? Ummmmm. Done. I was pretty surprised actually! But I did it! Then I thought; ok, a once off, surely one set doesn't count! So I tried another set and only got to 13. But I can do 20 push ups! So... next set is 25 I guess?

[Winter]

I did push ups. On my knees. My goal was 20 right? Ummmmm. Done. I was pretty surprised actually! But I did it! Then I thought; ok, a once off, surely one set doesn't count! So I tried another set and only got to 13. But I can do 20 push ups! So... next set is 25 I guess?

YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nettie]

Nettie: Thank you so much for that! I will definately buy some. Why couldn't my useless doctor tell me about those? All he said was something along the lines of: you're fat, that's what happens, it's your own fault, get used to it... He is a horrible, nasty man. So thank you for being the first person to give me helpful advice reg. plantar fasciitis and HOPE!

You're welcome! Yes - there is hope. My Dr didn't tell me about them either (neither did my physio or chiro) - but they all know about them now! I'd be changing Drs if I were you Yes - we might be fat, but we're asking for help - not judgement d***head!

AFM - hang on - gonna try my 20 push ups.... oooowwwwwwww! Did the 20, but had to have breathers every 3 pushup... just ate a cornetto too (double )

Am planning on doing my walk tomorrow morning, but it will depend on if DS kept DH up half the night... *sigh*

[nozpoz]

Thanks for the tips I must try this.

[ladybird11]

Hi ladies - I've been on afternoon shifts lately so its been super hard to log on sorry...

Winter - Body Combat is a no contact class hehehehe - I just read you kicked another ladies butt in class! I know what you mean though :-) I will be posting the surprise tomorrow hun...

MG - sky is the limit hun - 25 is a good number to work towards. Regarding the nutrition you've said it yourself - you know what you should and shouldn't eat. I query the reason why you choose certain foods at certain times of the day. You know how some people are emotional eaters etc? Along those lines...what do you think? Is it that you're craving a certain food, talk to me hun :-) Maybe a nuturionist isn't what you need - does the field of cognitive therapy delve into those fields?? You'd know more about it than I would that's for sure. I can only speak from experience when I embarked on losing weight and changing my diet....Great song choice too!

Nettie - your son must have a mummy radar! Have you worked out where the switch is to turn it off when you go walking yet lol?? Hehehehe!

Raupe - welcome - looking forward to reading your posts and getting to know more about you hun!!

Last week I was busily practising and learning the new Body Attack and Body Pump releases when I wasn't at my full time work. Talk about being under the pump (pardon the pun lol). But I launched the new releases and didn't make too many mistakes - certainly no noticable ones to the classes. Now I have finished my study, learn't those releases I have stacks more time to focus on doing fitness for myself. This week DH is on arvo shift so that means once the kids go to bed I can hit the garage gym....Hmm, I need a name for it? Any ideas? Leesa's house of pain perhaps lol!!!

xoxoxox

Heather - have you tried the new Body Attack release yet?

[~me~]

Yes I have Leesa..it was tough!! Excellent for cardio and I loooved it
I am back to Attack this Sunday. They are holding a Zumba class on Saturday (official release is Thursday night at 6:15pm), may give it a go depending on how the day is.