Fitness chat and tips #3

Carry on guys! Maybe we could do a rollcall of all the gym/fitness bunnies in here? :)

Old thread: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...-tips-2-a.html

Rollcall Fitness Chat & Tips

BellyBelly :)

Good idea - i'm here!

Things are going really well with me, for some reason I seem to be the flavour of the month at all the gyms and i'm getting so many classes! I've picked up two permenant classes in the last week and so many covers. In fact next week i'm being really naughty and teaching 4 Pumps in 3 days (hope Lees doesn't see this). But it's not something I would do on a regular basis...

Kelly thats great - a PT is so worth it isn't it! As soon as I have a bit more dosh i'm going back to my PT. You can get the results youself but it's so much quicker and more fun with a PT!

I'm here too!

I agree Kelly, exercise is totally addictive! I love the feeling of getting fitter, stronger, faster! I love sweating, I love running, I love that my jeans love me back again! There are so many benefits to exercise & the fact that it is such good fun when you find the right stuff for you - I find it hard to believe that other people don't want to exercise too!

I do group PT training 3 times a week - the gym runs this class as a "Ladies Circuit" which makes it sound like we have cups of tea but is hard work & because there is a core group of regulars, we all push each other to do more, go faster, stop whinging etc!
Then I do a run with the running group from the gym - same trainers as the Ladies Circuit so they push - we're all training for a 10km run at the end of the month. Then once a week I do my own thing, usually a bit of interval training or a run on the treadmill.
Weekends are generally off but sometimes the urge to move is upon me & I have to go & do something! Ooh & once a fortnight I do a boxing class as well - that is really good fun!

So that's me & what I get up to. I keep having an idea that when the kids are at school I'm going to get a group of mums together and do some of the stuff from the Ladies Circuit on an informal basis because I think there are lots of people out there who want to do this but don't have the money for personal training, and don't have the motivation to do it by themselves. I would like to do it as a free thing once or twice a week, using the facilities of the local park like park benches for tricep dips etc. Would you join in with something like that, where its just a mum who likes fitness running a casual group thing or would you prefer that I was a qualified PT? I just think that obesity is such an issue that I have to do something!

forgot to subscribe!

Winter just be really careful. If you aren't a qualified trainer then you'll be uninsured and open to huge amounts of trouble babe. Even qualified PTs have to do special training to get a license to train people outside. Then there's the music hassle (if you use music). It's a really great idea but all it takes is for someone to hurt themselves, whether or not it is your fault, and there goes your house/savings and bankruptcy.

Sorry to put a downer on it - it really is a great idea. Maybe you could get people in there and just charge a small amount and actually get a PT in there to do it?

Welcome Kel! Glad you're enjoying exercise! It is AWESOME! It solves ALL my problems... although it often creates new ones too! :rofl:

I'm here. In a grump over PT yesterday but pleased with my little sneaky sneak jog today! Hehehe. Shocker of a day at work needed to be dealt with so I did a 20 min session at home with a little jog as part of it! Plus improvised weights. Feeling pretty good right now but will reserve final comments until tomorrow! ROFL Was really pleased with my jog though. NO pain. Felt easy. Only stopped for fear of damage. Had an awesome stretch session but couldn't bring knees to chest when laying on my back - OUCH to my back!

Winter - I am so inspired by your running. I can't wait to be doing it properly again as well! I would love for us to get together and have a run! Maybe we can have the Great BellyBelly Run!

*present!*

I've been trying to go walking each morning and it feels soooo good (but cold!) that I'm keen to continue. However, DS seems to 'feel' when I'm getting up and this morning he started playing at 6.45 am! To put this in perspective, he usually sleeps in until 8-9 am and on the odd occasion, slept in until 11! :o

So DH isn't a fan of me walking as it disturbs his sleep in! So the support to continue is a struggle... :rolleyes:

I'm about to jump on the exercise bike for 10 minutes too... so hopefully I've undone the damage of 2 small chocolate bars this arvo :redface:

Did 2.5km time trial with my running group today and I'm so disappointed. I only shaved off 18 sec because I am sick today :cry: I just didn't have any energy and got a stitch halfway through that just wouldn't go. I'm having tomorrow & the w'end off and then get back into it on Monday. All the other girls are doing a 4.5km fun run on the w'end but I'm too knackered to even think about signing up.

Hope everyone else is training hard.

Winter, I was thinking about what you said before and why don't you think about becoming a PT? You have the passion for it which is what the industry needs and you have the exact right attitude and having a child you would appeal to all the Mums for the "been there, done that" aspect. Seriously...I think you'd be great :)

I agree Winter would be a brilliant PT!

Winter - STOP beating yourself up over your run time!!!! My goodness - you have come so far! And being ill will make a run difficult! I'm so proud of everything you've achieved!!!

Toni - I'm proud of you!!! It is hard when there is a lack of sufficient support for it - but keep going! You're doing this for you and we are all behind you!:cheer: How did your bike ride go?

Nothing from me today - on the late shift so no exercise. I WAS going to do something before work but DD slept in until 0915!!! So we both had a good little sleep in! AWESOME! But the best thing is, only one little niggle post yesterday's jog!!! I actually feel totally awesome! My legs are GREAT. Back is GREAT! I am stoked! Now to get rid of this weight, increase my runs, and kick some serious butt!

Ummm I am here...oops! I forgot to subsribe when the new thread turned over!!

Welcome Kelly! My usual routine is Combat class on a Wednesday and Attack on a Sunday. I sometimes go to RPM on Saturday as well, although it depends on what the weekend has on.

Just trying to catch up....

Toni: Tough going when you don't have the support at home...just pop in here and we will spur you on :)

Winter: You are doing a fantastic job with the running. I would probably join a casual excersise thing. I agree with CQ and MG...do the PT course as it sounds like the perfect job for you.

Go :cheer::cheer: MG. Be careful though ;)

Well, I have had a pretty atrocious week or two :doh: Tried to compensate with walking to DS1's school and back and lot's of other activities. The Wiggles concert was a bit of work out.
I did the new Attack this morning....Wow :o Loved it!!
They had the new release yesterday at gym so will get to Combat the following week. I am going to meet up with a couple of BB girls on Wednesday hopefully (my first real life meet up) so another Wednesday missed...all for a good cause, my mental health and curiosity :)
I have been in a bit of 'funk' lately, combination of DH about to go away for 10days to Italy and definitely the lack of high impact excersise (only 1 week, enought to make feel blaaah). I felt so much better mentally and emotionally after my Attack class this morning. Might need to get back into Thump I think..a good box always cheers me up.
Have a great week everyone.

I'm here too! I missed the thread changeover.

Winter, I'd come and train with you. You've inspired me to be able to run one day :) I was telling DH about how it would be cool to do some fun runs and the cycle ones too. But he is not so keen on the running, he used to cycle alot though so would do that but with 2 kiddies it's hard to do it together until we get a bike trailer. Basically, I'm on my own for the running part!

Walking is my main form of exercise, doing 3km about 2-3 times a week. Now that the weather is ugly I'm trying to squeeze in time on the cross trainer.

Still have a dodgy pelvis and I'm procrastinating about going back to physio as I'm not really sure what else they could do for me.

Eluned - hang in there hon. There is light at the end of the tunnel for the pelvis. I promise. Not that long ago I was taking an insane dose of oral voltaren daily before swapping to mobic (both are anti-inflammatories), taking tramadol, digesic, and panadol regularly every day - it was the only way I could get through a night with any sleep. I was wearing a back brace during my waking hours just so I could walk. I was limping and walking like my pelvis was on a diangle. It was horrible. But through almost 12 months of strengthening my core with clinical pilates and a rehab program at the gym, I'm bounced back. I still have issues but I am a million times better. If I had towed the line much earlier, I would have recovered quicker... but I'm stubborn and wouldn't give up my running right away! I still have bad days and moments when I can't do basic things like bend. BUT, I have just recently began to jog again. I have managed three in the last week! Only short bursts, of about 5 minutes at a time mixed in with my walking... but it's a step in the right direction!

How is everyone else going? Enjoying your sessions?

I am purely training for the routine at the moment. It's keeping me going in the right direction health wise... I just need to pull my eating into line!

MG, I take my hat off to you for perservering and overcoming that level of pain. I'm sorry you experienced it and I am glad you've bounced back and I'm very grateful for the advice and encouragement! My physio suggested I take Voltaren and I got as far as buying it from the chemist but never took it because I was a bit worried about it being ok to take while breastfeeding. The physio and pharmacist assured me it was but I'm still reluctant. The most I've dared to take is panadol of a night time. I'm the sort of person who thinks, "Well, I don't realllly need it, I can get by without it". Yes, I'm stubborn too :) I hear you on the eating, that's my biggest downfall!

Hi ladies,

I am subscribing to this thread for inspiration to try and get back on the regular gym session wagon.

I have a DS (nearly 3) and a DD (3 months) and am finding it challenging getting into a routine for exercising. DH works long hours so my only exercise window is some mornings at 6am (which is now getting doable as DD is finally sleeping through the night for now) or during the day! I have felt curtailed during the day as I would usually walk with the pram with exercise however DS is only just toilet trained so we are just getting in the swing of getting out and about with him on toilet alert and DD in tow!

Pre kids and between kids I loved RPM and body pump and hope to get back there soon. A friend also gave me a copy of the Tracey Anderson Method post baby workout which I have done at home a couple of times OMG pain city for days after but very noticeably effective!

So inspire away!

Belinda :)

Welcome Belinda!

Eluned, what dose of voltaren does your physio want you on? I will warn you to be very careful with it. When taken in large doses or long term, it can cause havoc. Make sure you always take it with food. I do encourage you to take it though. By curbing the pain and inflammation, you can re-train and restrengthen your body without that pain. It is more effective - I promise! I have learnt the hard way! Without it, I would still be hobbling around. These days I hardly take any meds at all. It has to be bad for me to take them now!

I've just returned from PT. D let me on the xtrainer again and "let" me do 5 and a half minutes. I told him it would be better to just let me go until I gave up... he disagreed knowing full well I'd spend the whole hour on it and WOULDN'T stop when I should! :rofl: We did some new exercises to strengthen my actual back muscles which was fine during the session but caused a brief spasm when I was picking DD up from the creche. All good at the moment though. Looking forward to another session Thursday... even if it is a home session! Pity my shift tomorrow doesn't allow for it!

How is everyone else going?

Welcome Belinda...your good getting up at 6am. I put DD and DS2 in the gym creche and go first session at around 9:30am

MG, sounds like you are travelling well!!

Well, I will be going to the new Combat tomorrow. Will be interesting as I struggled a little getting the moves in the new Attack on Sunday.
Let you know how I go!

It's not hard to pick up Amber, I only looked at it for the first time yesterday and i've already learnt the first half. Track 4 is aewesom - the Shoot is back and Track six is a stand out, Track 8 - possibly the best track 8 EVER!!!!

Has anyone done the new Pump yet? I'm in agony, had Pump then Combat yesterday, Pump this morning then another Pump this evening and then Combat and Pump tomorrow and finally two Combats on Thursday...Fri = NOTHING!!!!! It's the new Pump, it's evil! The lunge track is just plain nasty!

Well I loved it!! As expected I struggled with a few of the new moves. One is called the alligator push up. I just can't get my head around it :rolleyes: Hopefully next week it will click. One thing I always struggle with in Combat is the jump kick, I just don't seem co-ordinated enough to pull it off, perhaps I will ask the instructor to show me one on one after a class.
We were all stuffed by the end of it as was the instructor so once I get the hang of hit, it is going to be fantastic :dance:
I wont be able to make Attack on Sunday as DH is away for the next 10days. So next week it will be just Combat as I can put DS2 and DD in the gym creche and hopefully back to Attack next Sunday if DH wakes up ok on Sunday morning (he is due home the Saturday night).

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One thing I always struggle with in Combat is the jump kick, I just don't seem co-ordinated enough to pull it off, perhaps I will ask the instructor to show me one on one after a class.

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I always did the step kick option when I was trying to do combat classes. No where near co-ordinated enough to do a jump kick - head over **** is what would have happened ;)

Yep, go the step kick. I'm struggling teaching the jump kick in this new one, the timing is really weird and there is no set up phase so don't feel bad! But talk to your instructor and get her to walk it through for you because it's not hard once you get it and it really spikes the HR if you can jump :)

The alligator push up is HARD! This might sound weird but it's actually easier to do it from your toes rather than your knees. Practice it at home and think of Spiderman crawling up the wall! Right hand, left foot so your on an angle then push up. Then opp hand and foot and push up :)

I can do the jump kick but it totally knackers me! Urg! Can't breathe! Feels good once you've done it though, I feel like a ninja ;)

Well girls, I've had a week off with the flu and spent two of those days flaked out in bed. I feel heaps better today and went back to training and am still a bit out of sorts. But something is better than nothing. I have the LAST running training tomorrow before the big event on the w'end and I'm hoping its a gentle session - maybe 5km. That's my hope anyway. So the count down is on 4 more sleeps until the 10km run. I'm excited, I'm nervous but I really, really can't wait to do it! :cheer: I don't even care if it rains! :D

Wow Winter you are one committed chick..running in the rain and all! Good luck!

Body attack and body combat sound scary and like it requires a lot of coordination but like they are good energy burners!

I am psyching myself up to try and get to Pump tomorrow morning for 615! A bit worried as it is my first pump class post bubs but will go easy on myself! If I dont get there will have to settle for Tracey Anderson DVD again..it was all I could manage yesterday but my goodness I am sore today so I feel like I got a good workout. She says on the DVD to do it 6 times a week...aside from the instructors here do you mums actually manage 6 exercise sessions a week? It seems like a good but quite unreal goal at the moment.

Heather (and anyone else who has kids in gym creche) at what age did you first pop your babe into gym creche? I put my toddler in when he was a bit over one but think I will bite the bullet earlier this time..not sure how early I feel I can do it!

bb77: I put Tess in at 8wks. My gym only has morning sessions and for 1.5hrs at a time only, I also only use it one day a week at the moment. Most of the time she sleeps or sits in the swing seat and watches everyone. He brother goes as well.
It was tough going to start as I would make sure she fed before I left so I could get into my sports bra and also that she wasn't due for a feed right in the middle of class..she is such a trooper and is coping very well :)

I have heard the new Pump release is really tough with lots of lunges, that's what they said on Wednesday. Hope you make it then you can let us know what you think!

Winter: You are doing an amazing job and are so committed. It's fantastic!! It's great to train in the rain and all the elements as they don't cancel running events due to rain.

BB77 - all of mine went in at 6 weeks :) And wrt Pump, it is a REALLY strong release! I recommend you pull back your weights in the squat track as well, it's not a very hard track but the lunge track is a toughy! Dont' use weight and don't use a bench for it and you'll be fine :)

Also with the abs if you feel it's too much with your tailbone up then just pop it down and pull back on the leg externsions :)

I'm baaaaaaack.....and eherm, PRESENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! he he he

Sorry I've been MIA of late ladies, but we've just moved house, I've moved into a different role in SAPOL which is shift work (just till the end of June then I'm back to my old day shift spot) so I've been adapting to that then I have one final exam to go for my Advancedc Diploma of Policing (this coming Monday) and I'm DONE!

Ok, red face here, I've only been teaching one Attack and one Pump (back to back) at my usual Saturday monring class lately. Although yesterday I felt fat (shift work, Macca's = feelings of fat lol) so I took the kids for an hour walk up big hills and felt great afterwards. But after my exam I'll be working hard at learning the new Attack and Pump pronto so I can launch it for my Saturday class that same week.

I talked DH into making the garage a gym in our new house! Woohoo, so we have my spin bike out there, with my pump weights, heaps of room to do Attack, Combat - whatever I feel like at any time. Great stereo system AND DH bought a tv / dvd combo so I can watch and learn the releases in their too!!! Although I think the TV was more for him to do RPM in their as I remember the cheography in my head or read notes ;-)

Winter - you ROCK girlfriend. You should become a PT hun - seriously.
CQ - loved your launch piccies on FB ;-) Still looking like one hot mumma *insert wolf whistle here*
MG - whats the go with the PT situation these days? Still doing it? Have you done a class yet sista??
Liz - oooh, are you doing Combat now? Where at?
Nettie - *smacking your DH over the head with a hand weight* - I wish he'd offer you some more support, but on the same note I'm stoked you're still going for your walks hun!!

A big shout out HELLO to Heather, Eluned, bb77 too!!

Hi Girls

WINTER - YOU ROCK! Sending loads of positive vibes for the weekend! GO GIRL! ... BUT, I do have to put my responsible nursing hat on (don't ya hate that?!) and say "PLEASE listen to your body and if you need to - STOP. You don't HAVE to complete the 10Km. You are recovering from the Flu so TAKE IT EASY! And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! - Perhaps consider one of those camel packs"

Leesa - welome back! Awesome news on the garage gym! I do my workout there too - it's good!

bb77: I do get in 6 sessions a week most weeks. Pending my roster for work of course. I actually usually do 7 days a week. I find that if I DON'T train, I can't sleep well and/or feel horrid and/or get crabby...so in everyone's best interest's - I train daily! :rofl:

:hide: I've been baaaaad...

About to go and watch MasterChef and I'll do my weights during that and also do some squats and leg lifts... and plan to walk in the morning (which I haven't been doing!)

Next week will be bad too - am working in town Tues-Fri so looooong days.

Welcome back Leesa - your garage sounds awesome!

:hello: to everyone else - sorry on a short timeframe tonight (If I'm gonna do all the exercises!) :cheer:

MG, voltaren dose physio suggested was just the lowest and as needed. I haven't yet taken it but I'm like that. Will only take medication if it's absolutely necessary.

I have got an appt with physio today. After getting out of bed this morning in pain and with tears in my eyes I need to see her. So glad she has squeezed me in.

Winter, good luck with the run! I will be thinking about you and cheering you on in spirit!!

Welcome back Leesa! Big hellos to everyone!

Hi all

Well I got to the pump class this morning and am now feeling knackered! Kids are in bed might have a power nap shortly!

It was not the new release, our instructor apparently took requests and made up her own class to commiserate the loss of commercial music tracks which was really sad but also good because I actually knew most of the tracks and it was a good reintroduction after almost a year away! New release kicks off tomorrow. I suspect I will be so sore from today my exercise might need to be a bit less taxing over the weekend.

Thanks for all input re gym creche..might give it a go in next week or so.

A question for you all, what do you each for breakfast and snacks during the day? I am struggling to come up with interesting ideas which have a good amount of protein. Breakkie I usually have porridge with homemade LSA (contains Linseed Sunflower and Almonds) and snacks will have almonds or fruit or a yoghurt. I am still feeling hungry after meals and thats when I am tempted to eat less healthy options. Lunch I eat eggs or tuna sandwich or baked beans on toast or ham sandwhich. Dinner usually meat with noodles/rice/veg/salad.

Sorry no personals DD calls..there also goes the idea of a recovery nap!!

Cheerio
Belinda.

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" I can't sleep well and/or feel horrid and/or get crabby...so in everyone's best interest's - I train daily! :rofl:

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Me recently after only 1week off (DH kept telling me I was grumpy and snappy) :rofl:

I went to the gym on Tuesday and did a pump class. When I signed in I asked when my last visit was...6th April! - Nearly 2 months ago!!!

Anyway, I think I pushed myself a bit too much on Tuesday because I've got a very sore hamstring now.

oh Eluned - did physio help? You poor thing :hug: I'm thinking of you - I know how you feel. I think if you're waking up like that, it might be time to start those anti-inflammatories honey :hug:

Dan - STREEEEEEEETCH away! It will help the hammy.

Heather - I am impressed you can go a week! I struggle if I miss more than two days! Mind you, I'm in a funk right now and not feeling like training... but I know if I don't it will be worse! :lol:

I need some new goals girls. My session last night sucked. I didn't even do my normal length for home training. And my cardio just down right sucked. After my session I felt like crying - I was sick of struggling all the time; of the injuries, of putting in so much effort for few results (I know I've achieved a lot in 12 months considering my injury - but it just doesn't feel like enough for me). I've decided it's because I've lost my focus and motivation. I'm not meeting the goals I had set myself (largely because of my eating). SO, I need NEW goals to get my motivation back... any ideas?

MG do you mean a goal as in. by X date I will be able to do Y in terms of exercise or more of an incentive such as I will restrict my calorie intake to x each day for a month and then allow myself to treat such as i dunno a special lunch at a nice restaurant that kind of thing?
Also what stretch is good for sore hammies..i have legs of steel already after this morning, any bit helps!

i don't really know what goals I want. My initial goal was to lose 40 Kg. I've lost 8 and am struggling. I would have lost more had my roll not been interupted by an injury. then it was lose weight and return to running. it's been a long road and i'm not quiet there yet. it's still on the radar but still a bit far away. I need something achievable in the short term... something to keep me going...

For hamstrings, there are a few that will help you.

Stand with feet together and try to touch your toes. Go as far as yu can then straighten up. Then repeat trying to go further.

You can try crossing one leg infront of the other and touching toes, gives a different deeper stretch. Same principle as above though - as far as you can; hold; straighten; repeat.

Do you have your own thera bands? They are a stretchy band. If not, a towel will do. Lay on your back. put the towel so it is like a strap around your foot and hold each end of the towel. The towel goes under your foot. Have the non towel leg straight. Bring the towel leg (keep it straight) upwards to 90 degrees (if you can) or until you feel a stretch. Hold, lower, repeat but try to go further. If it isn't stretching or not stretching enough, as you use your hands to apply pressure with the towel to move leg towards your body, use your leg to push AGAINST the force - it gives a better stretch. Repeat with other leg.

Don't forget to stretch your quads as well. Stretching one and not the other can cause other issues.

ETA: Oh, and maybe a soak in the bath with Epsom Salts. Never under-estimate the power of Epsom Salts!

Thanks MG. Physio has made me feel sooo much better. I'm all taped up to limit movement and under strict instructions not to "do too much" during the days. Quite a challenge with a 2 year old and almost 5 month old. I have just started the anti-inflammatories too so hopefully I get some improvement this week.

I will try and think of some goals for you :)

Belinda, I forgot to say welcome before so welcome :)

Ok MG..think leesa has suggested this? How about some group classes. I am quite addicted to Attack and Combat and love the fact that I see the same faces there each week.

MG - my goal for you is to do a class ;-)

aaaahhhhh THAT'S not gonna happen! :lol: but thanks! I've even stopped doing my pilates class *OUCH!* I just felt the slap on the back of the head by each and every one of you!

Seriously, I need something physical for me. I can't explain it. You know, like be able to do 10 push ups or run 5Km or something... but obviously stuff I'm physically going to be able to work towards. I'm not going to be able to run 1Km let alone 5 in the near future and I NEED something for the near future to keep me going. something short term...

Eluned, I'm glad you feel better. Tape is awesome for support. Have you considered a brace? It might give you more support etc without the irritation of the tape. As well as the freedom to use it when you need to instead of needing to try and get into physio. It is hard to "not do much" with children. Just do what you can.

I think that a class is something you can work towards....i'm digging my heels in! :-P

Alrighty MG, what things can you do now easily? And what things are you struggling with fitness wise at the moment?