[Jenna]

Weights depend on the workout you are going to do. If you haven't worked with weights before but are fairly strong you might want to start with just a basic set of 5s, 8s, & 10s - I always like to have 3 sets because some muscles are weaker than others (due to workloads). If you aren't fairly strong you might want to have a set of 2s or 3s (especially for triceps, as those tend to be the weakest). You can also start with no weights & see where you are - soup cans, gallon jugs, those things can be cumbersome but will suffice as you are assessing your strength levels. Bryan & I have the Bowflex Select Techs because they take up less space & we knew we were serious about fitness. It's an investment, but one we have never regretted (they get lots of use). The set uses only 1 handle but will adjust from 5 lbs to 55 in increments. The weights I use most range from 5 to 12.5, depending on the workout I am doing & the phase I am in (although during Chalean Extreme I was using 25 lbs with several exercises during the push month). With P90X I am a weenie & use 7.5 - 10 for most of the moves.

Hip Hop Abs doesn't require any weights that I'm aware of & it's a fun workout too. Just depends on what type of workouts appeal to you, your fitness level, your goals, & the amount of time & money you can put toward your workout & your gym setup right now. A little pre-planning will save you frustration later LOL

[Jenna]

Okay ladies, some prayers are needed. I have not been sick per-se, but I am definately not feeling good. I mentioned I did Core Syn Mon, but haven't done my X workouts since. I have been fighting really bad headaches & waking with some serious sinus yuckiness. I think probably an infection, which is most certainly causing the pressure & headaches. I have been using the treadmill for 10-20 min at a time several times a day, so I am getting some calorie burn, but I WANT & NEED to get my weights going again too. The problem is I simply can't handle strenuous workouts with such throbbing headaches. Even the treadmill was causing some heavy thudding this evening.

Any suggestions? Do ya'll push through headaches or do you do what you can & wait them out? Meds aren't helping much & since they only mask pain I wasn't sure that popping a pill & working out anyway was a wise move. I have stayed with the treadmill (about 2.5 mph at a 4 or 5% grade) but that's still causing an increase in the pain. I am just too stubborn to not do it at all. I did get over 11K steps in today & just over 10K Mon in addition to Core. Yesterday I only got 8K or so. Prayers & suggestions welcome!

[dawnsmemories]

Yesterday, I did the wii fit for over 60 minutes, I did all of the options (rainy yucky day) then the elliptical for 50 minutes doing intervals.

Today we have a field trip with Lance's class, so my workout will have to wait until this afternoon.


Jenna - have you looked into Omega 3? That is supposed to help immensely with inflammation and most sinus and head issues are tied to inflammation. Now there are having issues with Fish Oil so look for cold pressed Omega 3 non-fish oil. Flax seed oil is a great source too. I don't know how long it takes for it to start showing its effects (I just started yesterday) but with all of the good it can do, I am starting it. Just some thoughts. ~ I hope you feel better soon.

Dawn

[Jenna]

Thanks for the suggestion, Dawn. I do actually take flax or fish oil (whatever I happen to have on hand) daily. I use milled flax seed in a fair amount of my foods too. Headache is here today too - eyes have gotten in on the action & it feels like my right ear is stopped up. Could it be an ear infection? I haven't ever had one that I know of but this is just getting ridiculous. I am dying to get back to my workouts but I did attempt one yesteday & boy did I regret it. It layed me out flat - I had to go to bed it was so bad (I actually got nauseous from the pain). sigh if it's not one thing it's another it seems. I'll get back to it soon - I can't have headaches forever (I hope!).

[StephRN]

Wendee, I've tried several of the Beach Body workouts and Chalean Extreme is still my all time favorite. Chalene is so motivating and real. I really enjoy her style. She also has people in her workouts that are inspirational. I use SelectTechs which are adjustable and take up much less space than traditional dumb bells. I started out with the Sport Blocks and had to upgrade quickly. If you can swing the money, I would say go straight for the selectechs.

If the weights are outside your price range, bands can be used and they are very effective. Lastly, Insanity doesn't require any equipment other than really good shoes and a seriously absorbant towel.

JoEllen, you are amazing. A push circuit and jog/walk!!!! You're gonna rock that marathon. I'll be there with you in spirit doing my cheerleader routine. Go Jo Go.

Dawn, that's an incredible routine. That soak sounds really good right about now.

T, I haven't use my Wii in a LONG time. I'm thinking I should check out that workout. It sounds fab.

Jenna, I sent you a PM.

Jan, I went to the Tri link you posted for calories burned & it was darn close to my HRM. Good to know. Thx for the link. I put it in my favorites for future use.

Did Legs & Back. It's in my top 3 favs for the X. I'm exhausted. Darn allergies. I'm off to make a bid on a house I saw 2 days ago.

[jeschaff]

Jenna you may also have a sinus infection. I urge you to see a doctor about it, the sooner the better. Even if you have seen a doctor recently, an infection could have set in since then.

Steph, I'm only doing the 5K that is associated with the LA marathon. My outrageous goal is to do the whole marathon next year in celebration of my 60th birthday. Not that I am ever going to be that old, but just in case I am, I want to do something memorable. If I start training now, I should be ready then.

I've had a little glitch in my training schedule yesterday and today. My doggie is really sick, and I've been hanging close by. There is something wrong in her liver, and we're going to the vet in an hour to discuss it. Hope it's not serious but prepared for it to be. But in any case, I don't want to leave her alone while I go out for a run. I am going to be keeping my date with Chalene though.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

[dawnsmemories]

Let's see... I did the wii fit for 67 minutes... I got a little obsessed with the dance step advanced, I wanted that 4 star calorie burn and by goodness, I got it... several times over! LOL I did running, boxing and yoga too.

The kids have fun watching Mommy obsess with the dance one... yes, I am the uncoordinated one in the family.

Have a GREAT night! Tomorrow I am praying for decent weather so I can do 5K intervals on the track during Lance's soccer practice!
Dawn

[dawnsmemories]

oh and how could I forget this! The scale moved down 2/5 pounds! Woohoo!

[Jenna]

great going! I held my head but managed to cook tonight. LOL Praying tomorrow will be better so I can workout again!

[dawnsmemories]

Has anyone read the book "Believe it, Be it"? by Ali Vincent... she is the first female to win the Biggest Loser. It is great, I have gained so much insight. Very inspiring not necessarily about only weight loss either!
Dawn

[dawnsmemories]

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you are all having such a wonderful weekend that you have not been able to stop by!

Well, today I had hoped to beat my 5K time from last weekend however, the weather had other ideas. Instead I did Interval #1 on the elliptical for 42 minutes, did the wii fit (running, dance step, skiing, boxing) for 30 minutes, crunches, pushups and the butt push things (love my technical terms don't you!). Then finally a GREAT stretch!

Tomorrow would normally be a rest day but as I will be out of town starting Wednesday, I am being liberal with my rest day so it is available when and if needed while I am gone. So tomorrow is NEWO! and easy cardio, will probably do the elliptical and watch a couple shows on hulu that I missed last week.

Until tomorrow, keep those smiles on!
Dawn

[dawnsmemories]

Woohoo! I am doing strength training later today but my family wanted to go for a bike ride through the neighborhood. I decided to jog the neighborhood instead and I did 1.23 miles straight (the most ever without walking!) and clocked my fastest average per mile! 11 min 19 seconds but just one mile was 11 min 4 seconds! Woohoo! I am so proud of myself!

Ok - off to Trader Joes for healthy fuel for my body and the family's then strength training later today!

Have an incredible Sunday everyone!
Dawn

[Blesha]

In the past seven days (Sunday through Saturday) I did 245 minutes of cardio (walking). Whoa! All this was walking to and from the kid's school, to and from bus/train and such. Did Pilates for 45 minutes on Monday (the test lesson at the studio), then did my routine at home on Thursday and Friday. The one on Thursday was my scheduled Wednesday session that had to be postponed. I was so sore still on Wednesday.

Yesterday I walked with both kids to the store and back home, other than that I took it real easy. Today I'm taking a day off. Supposed to do Pilates, but I'll rather do it tomorrow. My body tells me that the past three and a half weeks have been way too busy.

When it comes to food I've stayed on track. Did have an extra glass of soda on Friday night due to being totally exhausted and needing the boost, but I counted it into my intake. Am happy for having gotten to the point where I can plan my meals and enjoy the healthier food choices. Today I made a casserole with leek, potatotes and mini carrots. The oldest kid and I enjoyed it a lot. The youngest kid, well that's a work in progress when it comes to vegetables. My Dear Husband and both kids will have vegetables in the spaghetti sauce in a little bit though. The kids and I am cooking a spaghetti meal for DH and the kids. (I can't have this due to the gluten in the spaghetti and the sauce, so I made myself a cheese sandwich before we started cooking).

Enjoy this Sunday, and talk to you soon.

[jeschaff]

Way to go, Dawn and Blesha!

I did Push Circuit 3 yesterday and another training run. Just a few more days until my race, and I think I'm in the best shape I'm going to be in before Saturday.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[Vaughnde]

Since I cannot walk or do stand up exercises...any ideas on exercises I can do sitting in the recliner? I can have my foot down lightly touching the floor for about 10 minutes before I need to have it back up again. My upper body strength is shot! The walker really wears me out!

[CreativeSparkle]

Dawn, you are a go getter! That book sounds good. wtg on your faster average per mile!

Jenna, I sure hope your sinus infection gets better soon!

Blesha, it sounds like you're doing well too! Sounds like the pilates was a good workout!

Vaughnde, if your upper body is sore from the walker then you're probably getting plenty of exercise on the muscles you can work. Maybe you could so some crunches for your abs, but I can't really think of anything else. Sorry.

I've not been checking in because I've not been exercising. My left hip became really sore by Thursday last week and I stopped exercising to see if that would help. I found that sleeping on my husband's side of the bed (on my right side instead of my left) has been helping the sore hip. I'm hoping to start exercising again tomorrow. However, I may take a walk later today. It's been really pretty outside and warm compared to last week.

As far as my diet goes, I think I may have a milk sensitivity/allergy as well as some other food allergies. I've scheduled an appointment with an allergist and hope to find some answers. I'm also looking at buying SavingDinner.com's 28 day Break Free Plan. It's a four day rotation menu with yummy recipes. If I get it I'll let you know how the recipes are.

ttfn

[ScrappingForever]

Vaughnde, I'm sorry to hear that you're having so many problems. I would say, like Wendee did, to try doing some crunches. But boy, being confined to a recliner really limits your possibilities. I'm sorry I'm not more help. If I think of more, I'll let you know.

JoEllen, I'm so excited for you and your first race. I was thinking of you earlier today and wanted to give all of you who are gearing up for your first races some advice that has really helped me reach my goals. This actually comes from Chalene, in one of the CE workouts. At one point she says, "Don't quit because you WANT to. Quit because you HAVE to." So when I reach a point mentally when I am just tired of running (and I always reach that point, sooner or later, even if I haven't reached my goal for that particular day), I ask myself, do I HAVE to quit? And I do a body inventory. Lungs - check - breathing is good. Cardiovascular - check - heart rate is good. Legs - check no pain there. So that's when I know that it's all in my mind. And if that kind of negative thought is in my mind, then I need to replace it with positive thoughts. So I start thinking about how well I'm doing. How proud I am of myself for the progress I've made. How amazing it is that I can run like this now. How much I like listening to my music when I run. That kind of thing. Things to lift me up and keep me going and keep my mind off of the idea that I really don't feel like running any more. These things always help me to reach and even surpass my goals. Hopefully this will help you, too. Now, of course, if any of that checklist kind of thing isn't okay, then don't push yourself to keep going. You know your body and your limits well enough by now not to push beyond what's good for your body. But if everything checks out, then keep on going!

So, I started Week 10 of P90X today. Can't believe I only have 3 more weeks to go! Wow! It went fast! Time flies when you're having fun!

[StephRN]

JoEllen I hope your doggie is okay. That 5K will be a breeze for you. Let us know how it goes.

Dawn, you're like the energizier bunny. Congrats on your MPH improvement and your weight loss.

Blesha, great job. I love that you are active with your kids.

V, I hope your healing is coming along. I suspect your arm muscles are getting a great workout.

Jan, WTG with the X. I'm having trouble staying motivated with the X. There's just so much I have to modify still. I'm hoping I find Insanity more motivating.

This is my recovery week. I did TJ Cario Party 3. It was great fun to workout with Chalene again.

[jeschaff]

Did Push Circuit 1 and a long run today. I'm really looking forward to Saturday except for the part where I have to get up before the crack of dawn to get there on time

Thanks for your advice, Jan. I did have to check myself several times today to figure out why I wanted to quit running and start walking. Except for my one really steep hill, there was no valid reason, just my mind playing games with me. So onward I go!

You all continue to amaze me. Keep up the good work!

[StephRN]

WTG JoEllen. Those hills are no match for you.

I forced myself to drink lots of fluids yesterday and today I feel so much better.

I did TJ Cario Party 2, Recharge, 30 mins on the eilliptical and I just ended my day with the TJ 20 minute party train (my all time favorite).

It's amazing what proper hydration during allergy season does for me. I'm off to get some more fluid in me.

[StephRN]

Hi everyone, I hope ya'll are doing well.

I did Fat Blaster before my Reiki class today. When I got home, Insanity was on my doorstep. Woohoo.

I did the fit test waited 30 mins and then did the Plyometric Cardio workout. I burned 790 cals in 44 mins. This is the most intense workout I've ever done. I took lots of breaks. I even began crying near the end as I was pushing through some in & out planks. I can't believe I survived it. I had no idea I had it in me.

Jan, you were right.

[CreativeSparkle]

I did 22 minutes on the elliptical today. My hip is still a bit sore, but it felt really good to exercise again.

Steph that sounds intense!

Good luck on your race Joellen!

[ScrappingForever]

Steph, don't even worry about how much you have to take breaks with Insanity. You NEED to do that! Don't kill yourself. Listen to your body. Do what you can and take the breaks when you need to. And when you feel like throwing up, know that that's normal with Insanity! I always feel much better knowing that the people on the video have to take a lot of breaks, too! Just keep pushing play, every day, and you will see amazing results!

Week 10 of P90X is almost done. I'll be glad when this is over. I think I'm going to do another round of Insanity after this, so I won't be far behind you, Steph.

I'm doing a 3 day Shakeology cleanse this week. Today is my 3rd day. You can see more about it on my blog here: janhickstoday.com. I'm posting at the end of every day, reporting how that day went. I started at 123.2 lbs. I'll weigh myself again tomorrow morning, and while I hope to have lost a few pounds, the main reason I'm doing this is because I felt so cruddy last weekend. I felt it was time to do a good, healthy cleanse and rid my body of all of the garbage. I think it's working. I feel great!

Wendee, I'm glad you're feeling a bit better!
JoEllen, how are you doing? Tomorrow's the big day, right? Take it easy today. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! Can't wait to hear how it went!

[Blesha]

Did Pilates on Monday, and then worked out at the physio therapy center again on Tuesday. On my way home from the physio I slipped on the ice in a downhill and fell. Felt ok that day, but the morning after I didn't feel too good. Have walked both on Wednesday and yesterday, but had to take it easy today, and the Pilates that I had scheduled for Wednesday and today have had to be postponed. The left side of my neck is achey, although it's absolutely better than it was on Wednesday. Will do some squats and lunges tonight, and am hoping that I can do Pilates again tomorrow. It's better to be careful than to get trouble with the neck muscle later.

You're all doing so well. I love how we can support each other in this.

[jeschaff]

Went down to Dodger Stadium this afternoon and picked up my race packet. Now it's feeling real, and I'm as ready as I'm going to be. The air was a little "mucky", but I'm planning on the clean and clear (and cool) stuff in the morning.

Hope you're all planning a great weekend!

[ScrappingForever]

Go JoEllen! Can't wait to hear how it went! Am thinking of you!

I finished my 3 day Shakeology Cleanse yesterday. It went pretty well, I think. You can check out my blog, referenced in my post above, to read about it. I weighed myself this morning and went from 123.2 to 120.8 in these 3 days! That puts me just over 5 pounds away from my goal weight! Yaaay! I thought I would NEVER see 120!

Have a wonderful day, everyone! God speed, JoEllen!

[StephRN]

Wendee, great job on the elliptical. Your posts remind me how much I like to use mine.

Jan, your tenacity is amazing. I got through week 8 of the X. I was having trouble staying motivated. Since it's a part of my beach body library, I will try it again in the future.

Blesha, I hope you're feeling healed soon. It's awesome that you're finding ways to keep moving.

JoEllen, I'm sending thoughts for power & success your way. Eat that course up girl. I can't wait to hear about it.

I did Cardio Power & Resistance today. 700 cals in 42 minutes of workout. My energy level was lower today. It always is after my work days. I am very happy with my effort.

I need some serious sweat bands. Do they still make those for the head? I'm really dating myself now.

BTW, I went to Fleet Feet and got some stuff to help with my plantar fasciitis. I'm seeing some mild improvement after only 3 days. I'm really glad 'cause this means I may be able to start C25K in the near future. Yay.

[Vaughnde]

Arm muscles are getting a workout indeed. Hands are the worst and wrists as well. I need better wrist/hand braces as the pair I have are almost worthless. Using my mom's walker has helped a LOT better than using my grandma's!

Steph...my mom has plantar f too and they had to put special inserts in her shoes to help with that. Sweatbands....use a bandana folded up and wetted down with water. That'll help a LOT!

I can stand on my foot without full weight on it but can't walk yet. I'm also afraid to walk on it for fear of doing more permanent damage but I am exercising the ankle the way the doc told me to on Tuesday with some stretches for the muscles so it does not freeze in the position its in.

[tiza126]

There was a lady in my dream the other night who was a combination of Jan and Jillian Michaels - very intimidating!

I've been taking quite a few walks lately as the weather has gotten so lovely. I've also been sticking with my Biggest Loser Wii workouts, and watching my food/calorie intake. Despite all that, I gained 2 pounds last week. It's frustrating!

[jeschaff]

Thank you all for your good wishes. I finished in 39:49 and was 16th out of 99 in my division (females of a certain age). I power-walked the big hill, then discovered two more big hills beyond that which also had to be walked. But I did run most of the way, and was especially happy to be able to run across the finish line. It was a great learning experience, and I'm going to continue training and doing more races so that I'll be ready for the big one next year. I've attached before and after the race photos for your amusement or enjoyment. I had to do the "T" pose for the after shot!

Vaughnde, sounds like you're doing a little better. Please be patient and obey the doctor so that you can get yourself back to normal.

Steph, you continue to amaze me. It's great that you still have any energy after a day at work. I did see a few sweat bands this morning, but only a few If you can get your pf under control, I may have to come up and challenge you to a race!

Jan, I'm glad you survived your cleanse, and will go to your website to read about it. Congratulations on being so close to your weight loss goal!

Blesha and Wendee, good for you both for keeping at it. Some exercise is better than no exercise, so I hope you're counting every session as progress.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Attached File(s)

•  SG Photo.jpg (117.54K)
  Number of downloads: 14