Exercise chat and tips round 2!

[C~Q]

Oh haha - i'm getting confused - Holland Park is not really that near then is it!

[Mother Goose]

Pilates was good, thanks for asking Leesa! I do clinical pilates for rehabilitation though so whilst it usually IS gruelling, it is aimed a little differently as we're trying to get me to a point where I can run safely again. But yesterday's session was much easier than normal actually. Everything was the same but it FELT easier! Which is GREAT! It means that my core has improved! The only issue I had was with the scooter exercise which felt like it was pinching a little. But all good!

I am not doing any exercise today... I was hoping to get on the treadmill today (in fact planning on it) but I am just so tired again (just a few hours sleep last night due to DD). I did however, walk to and from the dentist which was about 15 min each way. I was stoked because that same walk used to take me over 30 min! But I am avoiding the treadmill because I am thinking my relapses are related to fatigue - I get sloppy when I'm tired hence re-triggering injuries. So I am resting today - treadmill tomorrow!

[C~Q]

I'm really cranky and grumpy because I didnt' get to the gym today (my fault, bit tipsy last night so slept in) and I won't get there tomorrow because i'm tiling

Plus we just went to Maccas - had a seared chickn wrap but still...

[Winter]

I didn't go to the gym today either. DD had a mini tantrum this morning and I figure she probably is letting me know that she needs her mummy! She was soooo good this week with going to the creche like a big girl, so I can cut her some slack.

Have to get organised to go tomorrow...can't decide whether I want to do a Pump class or the ladies gym circuit class....suggestions? To help you decide, I did 2x Combat & 1x Body Balance this week.

And don't feel guilty Leesa, I so appreciate your advice about the weights & pump! Its like having my very own PT online!! We'll have to start paying you & Combat Queen!!

[C~Q]

Take it from me hun, money doesn't matter...you don't get into the fitness industry to make money trust me lol!

I'd say Pump - not knowing what the circuit is all about i'd say it's prob a bit of both cardio and weights and I think you'd be better off having a pretty solid weight session like Pump.

Good for you btw - combat, balance and pump is a really nice balance

[ladybird11]

Good for you btw - combat, balance and pump is a really nice balance

CQ - you can do a little impromtu Combat class at home any time you like - no excuses now . What are ya tiling? (Shall I pardon the pun there he he - nice one!).

Winter - definately take the Pump class . I think I speak for CQ and myself here - I just love inspiring people to exercise, I don't need dollars - I prefer to hear your success stories instead - they are worth far more to me!

MG - Yep, it means you're core is working much better now if you find the session is a bit easier for you to get through. You've strengthened those muscles now, and you'll be back to running in no time!

Leckert - I used to love it when the FF at Holden Hill was called Intensity Fitness (a few yrs back now) - so I'm not sure what its like there anymore. But it's a 'brand name' gym, so you should love it . Let us know which one you decide on!

[C~Q]

Doh you're so right! I'll do myself a Combat/Pump double tomorrow night!

I actually am tiling tomorrow! My best friend is a tiler and I work for him sometimes...he lent me some money last week so i'm going to work it off tomorrow! But then I have Hypno in the arvo which i'm looking forward to!

Teaching on Sat morning, doing a fill for a club I really hate working at but can't turn down the money and the peeps are great

[Mother Goose]

LOL you're more optimisitic than I am leesa! ROFL. Unfortunately it will be a while before I am running again - I have to build all the muscles around hip, back, pelvis etc. We have to make sure everything is really supported so my discs don't slip again.

It is great having the extra support here!

You're right CQ - my trainer works gym floor shifts at THREE gyms plus does PT sessions on top of that AND teaches a boxing class once a week PLUS he also does admin stuff for the gym. he works 12 hours days most days poor boy.

[Nettie]

I'm ready to start doing *something*.

I can get a small fraction of time in the late evenings (so don't want anything too vigorous or I won't sleep) to do some exercise at home. We have an exercise bike (an ancient one that's falling apart and I find extremely uncomfortable!) and I have hand (1kg) and ankle (.5kg - I think??) weights.

In the past I have done a serious of hand weight exercises which I have no idea how to describe, but the whole lot of them would only take me 20 minutes all up. I can do some stomach crunches and push ups, but am hopeless at them and really not sure I do them correctly.

Any suggestions for me? I really need to work on my butt, thighs and tummy - but have flabby arms too

Once I have got my plantar facitis (heel spurs) to a point that I can walk without pain, I'll try to start up my morning walks again - but need to rely on DH's cooperation as DS will be asleep, but may wake up and DH would need to deal with him (normally I take over from 6am as he does all the night wakings).

C'mon people - I need you help to motivate me!!! I truly appreciate any assistance - no matter how small! Cheers!

[C~Q]

I think the worst thing for PTs, in a large chain gym at least, is the rent...when I started my cert 4 (embarrassingly over a year ago!) the rent at GL was $270 a week! Thats what the PTs had to pay the gym EVERY week to train people there! Thats why i'm in no rush to finish, I know I won't be working out of a gym anyway!

[Winter]

I'll let the PTs give you the exercise advice Nettie, I'll just be your cheer squad!

[Mother Goose]

OUCH CQ! the two gyms D does most of his sessions at are council run. One is a YMCA and the other has just been taken over by some company but is still council run. He is hoping to open his own business one day... he knows I'll go wherever he is because he's GOOD!

I'll join the Cheer Squad Nettie!

[ladybird11]

CQ - I was taking the pi$$ from your 'Good for you btw - combat, balance and pump is a really nice balance' line he he - that's why I said 'pardon the pun'....I believe you are tiling . Tell me about it, hence the reason I don't PT out of gyms anymore - heaps of PT's have had to deal with the large chain gyms getting more and more PT staff , sharing the gym floor with more PT's ain't cool.

Nettie - Welcome ! You've come to the right place. Ok, so get back to your morning walks - unfortunately we aren't able to 'spot reduce' those certain problem areas, so I tackle them by increasing cardio fitness and doing some light weights. There's HEAPS of things you can do weight wise - how much time have I got .

Tricep dips, bicep curls, lateral raises, rows, push ups, tricep push ups, squats, lunges, forward raises, shoulder presses, chest flyes....shall I go on?
They are exercises you can do at home, with weights. You may benefit by getting a set of those home weights so you can use a 2 - 3kg dumbell for these exercises. (1kg is a bit too light once you get the technique nailed). You won't bulk up - so don't stress about that.

It is important if you have limited time to break up the exercises into different body parts. So shoulders and legs on one day, biceps and chest another day etc.
I could prattle on about the technique for each move, but I think there MUST be a website out there which has pictures, or detailed descriptions, or even better - a video of the moves being done correctly.

If you are serious about shifting some kg's take a brisk walk every morning and do a weights session 3 -4 times a week.

As for motivation....what works for you? Is there an occassion coming up you want to look absolutely stunning for? Do you have a role model that has inspired you? Or is it just to be able to chase after the kids without getting too puffed and knackered?

[Nettie]

Leesa - cheers! No idea what half of them are, but I reckon I've been doing the bicep curls and the shoulder presses (or whatever they were called!) leg lifts (to the side)...

Hmm... exercise website.. Will try to have a look around - but if anyone has any they know of, PLEASE PM me!

Motivation? What's that? Not feeling so tired all the time... getting rid of spare tire... losing the IBS :TMI: ...

I can't start the walking yet (feet are BAD) but hope to by late Feb / March - pending other developments (have a thread going on a job opportunity ATM).

C'mon cheer squad... give me an "N"... I'm off to get the weights!

[BekZ]

Nettie - N!!! The other ladies here have motived me to start, so keep coming here. I read a nice line in a mag written by a PT on an article about changing your lifestyle instead of crash dieting and falling victim to new age exercise thingos. It is my motto atm. Time and money are short for me too and I doing what I can with the resourses I have. My motto is "Better is better"..meaning one step forward is better than no steps at all...Also I extend the meaning to always try to "do better"...Hopefully this doesn't sound weird.

[Nettie]

Bek - thanks! Haven't got there yet got caught up on the phone now...

Has anyone tried that Zumba thing? That seems like something I might like...

[ladybird11]

CQ - Did ya notice?? I hope you don't mind - but I love this thread so much I asked Trillian to make it a sticky!!!

Nettie - I've PM'ed you As for Zumba I think they have a preview on it on their website. If you like latin dancing - I think you'll love Zumba - a sure way to get your heart rate up with all those quick moves!

Here is a motivational tip for those needing - or reminding of it:

Regularly consider the wonderful and plentiful physical benefits of exercise.

*Improved heart and lung function

*Better complexion

*Better sex life (and more chance of getting one!)

*Better digestion (and bowel function)

*Brighter eyes

*Slimmer and more toned body

*Deeper, more refreshing sleep

*More attractive appearance

*Increased youthfulness

*More efficient metabolism, meaning you even burn more calories between exercise sessions!
I love the thought that for almost twenty-four hours after an exercise session you are burning off more calories than you would have been. Even when you sleep!

Re-read this list between exercise sessions. Keep it fresh in your mind.

[Winter]

I did Pump today!! YAY! First time back for 18 months and it WAS GREAT! I took your advice Leesa and put on the small weights to begin, got used to the moves again and then went a little bit heavier as I got into it (we're talking 5kgs + the bar so not exactly Arnold Shwarseneggar territory! ) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE lunges! I had forgotten how great it feels when you stop! Its that warm rush of blood back into the legs that does it for me!! (Ok, I'm a saddo!)

And, I did 8 pushups on my toes! Woohoo!

Onwards and upwards to next week! I feel fitter already!