Have you considered getting yourself certified as a spinning instructor?
It's probably the only group fitness thing I would do, since I am too much of a snob to do the silly silly aerobics, thanks for the suggestion.
Things I need to think about after they tell me I don't have the job. ARGHHHHHH!!!! THe plan right now is to just go ahead with the ACE cert, send my resume into Results, and see what happens. I don't know what else to do, and if Results gives me some sort of offer, at least I can have something to show hubby when and if I get an offer on the other job. SUCKSSSSS!
Anyway, did the spinning class, but I got there late so I was in the back away from the mirrors and the instructor, and it wasn't as much fun. I am so visual and ADD that if I can't see and hear the instructor clearly I'm just not there in the same way. Anyway, did get a nice workout in anyway, and foam rolled like crazy after. I did get asked if I'm a trainer, too. 2 years ago I would have NEVER imagined that anyone would EVER think I was athletic at all, nevermind a trainer. I think I need one of those things that Swift had in Gulliver for the intellectuals to keep their minds focused on the real world. THen I'd have to pay someone to whap me over the head with it periodically.
Did I tell you that I got kicked out of LA Fitness once for "being a trainer?" I was talking to my friend (a heavish guy friend) while he was doing his cardio. I don't do cardio so I was just standing there talking to him. We were gonna go lift once he was done. I got booted before he finished....
Sometimes it is a good thing... sometimes not so much...
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The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
Anne, you are one of the sweetest people I have ever known. Really. When I was overweight, or even in the middle of this, I was NOT charitable to people in my position. I felt like slapping them when they whined like I'm doing.
You can feel free to smack me when I get to that point as well. I remember on the diet boards trying to decide on a goal weight (they use tickers to track loss), but seriously had no idea. So mentally I just picked a number, but have no idea when I get there (or even if) what I'll feel like. So I really do completely understand about not knowing where to stop.
LOL - it's been a while since someone has called me sweet. I start to wonder if I put forward a true version of myself online.
Oh, and money issues aside, do something you enjoy for work. That's about the only thing I can say. My father was one of those people who hated what he did (maybe not at first, but eventually) but wanted to make a good living. We tend to put a lot into our business/professional lives, so it should be something we enjoy doing. Good luck in deciding where you're headed.
Wow, you have lots going on in here! Congrats on the weight loss, the ACE stuff and akll the positivity going on. I need to visit here more often, LOL. Hope the hip straightens itself out and soon.
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Ginger
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." ~ John Bingham
So mentally I just picked a number, but have no idea when I get there (or even if) what I'll feel like. So I really do completely understand about not knowing where to stop.
LOL - it's been a while since someone has called me sweet. I start to wonder if I put forward a true version of myself online.
Thanks Anne--I haven't reached my original goal--which I NEVER,EVER thought I'd reach...I remember thinking "oh, well, I'll put 50 pounds, it's a great goal anyway" but not really believing that I would get back to my pre-marriage and Kids weight. Now, it's looking like it's just about right--not too thin, not too much bodyfat. I really had brainwashed myself to believe that it was impossible to get that low again. Something about all of my muscle. Can't really remember the exact rationalization now but it was a good one.
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Originally Posted by Bytsi
How was I not subbed to your log?!?!?!?
Hai!!!!!!!!!!!
Hai! Thanks fer stoppin' by! And GOOD QUESTION!
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Originally Posted by GinnyLou
Wow, you have lots going on in here! Congrats on the weight loss, the ACE stuff and akll the positivity going on. I need to visit here more often, LOL. Hope the hip straightens itself out and soon.
Thanks. I was starting to think that I needed to be more negative to get more visitors, heh heh!
I think I may have the hip moving in the right direction--the chiro messed with it, and that helped, but mainly I have revisited my posture issues and taken the next step. My shoulders are much, much, better, but re-aligning them made my pelvis start tipping again. Also, after reading a bunch of the ACE stuff now I can understand the mechanics a lot better and put it into practice--I guess it makes sense, since my body needs to re-adjust--can't do it all at once. I fix one thing, and the last thing I fixed has to be revisited. The shoulder bone is connected to the spine bone, and all that.
Worked with Kathy yesterday on FLIIB. I was askeered of the BSS with ohp but as soon as she showed it to me it was no problem. It was a very hard workout though...and I only did 2 sets of the middle superset because I was getting dizzy and pukey. It was great to have someone to help me with my form--there's only so much you can do yourself. We forgot to video, unfortunately.
Here it is:
Snatch grip DL
WU/practice 65x8, then 3x12@85
(Don't like the snatch grip. Feels weird.)
T Push up
3x12 (I'm better than I have been at these and have fixed the sagging pelvis issue)
BSS-OHP
2x12@5 lb DBs
Underhand lat pulldown
1x12@90, decided too heavy, 2x12@75
RDL/bent over row
3x12@45
Lower body russian twist
3x12
I did very light weights as I always do with a new workout. Only felt slightly wimpy. At least the 5 pounds weights were not pink.
It was SOOOOOO nice to work out with Kathy. There were no other women in the weight area so she got a flavor of what I go through at the gym every week. The young guy who used to make comments about me not needing any more muscle and needing to lose fat was there--he's looking kind of sheepish these days.
Kathy and I had a very nice visit and we discovered we have a lot in common....not much we would necessarily discuss on this board, though. After comparing our bodies, I am starting to believe this mesomorph/endomorph stuff more...before I was getting suspicious that being classified a mesomorph is an excuse for being fat, but it's clear that I am just an easy gainer on the muscle after seeing the weights she uses. Reading logs doesn't really make this sort of thing real to me, I have to see it right in front of me.
Today I'm pretty sore and after I take my persistent daughter to the fish store (argh--another pet) I am going to curl up with my ACE manual and read all day while I do the laundry. Whoopee! By the way I"m starting to feel a visit to the hot tub will be in order too.
Elisabeth, glad you had a good talk and workout with Kathy. Having a buddy to talk fitness with is so fun!
I agree with you and Anne that it's hard to pick a goal weight. I still don't have one--not so much because I find a particular weight unattainable, but because I really have no idea what any numbers I've never been at will look like on me. Having gotten down to the 124-ish neighborhood, I can't imagine going lower than 120--mainly because I don't think I really want to do the work required to get much lower and then to maintain that .
Hai! Thanks for stopping by my log All this trainer stuff is so cool. Good luck with everything. Very nice FLII workouts. The BSS with overhead press is killer. I hated picking up the tiny weights when I was used to grabbing heavier stuff for the regular BSS.
Just saying I'd subscribed a while ago but had nothing useful to say.. well except that I liked what you wrote about needing to pig out on food once in a while.
Now just make that once in a while instead of twice a week: I can only dream of losing 4 lbs in 1 month (unless getting sick counts which doesn't)
Elisabeth, glad you had a good talk and workout with Kathy. Having a buddy to talk fitness with is so fun!
I agree with you and Anne that it's hard to pick a goal weight. I still don't have one--not so much because I find a particular weight unattainable, but because I really have no idea what any numbers I've never been at will look like on me. Having gotten down to the 124-ish neighborhood, I can't imagine going lower than 120--mainly because I don't think I really want to do the work required to get much lower and then to maintain that .
I'm still getting used to the idea that I weigh "so little". I think it's almost impossible to figure until you're close...right now it's looking as though if I want to be 20% bf I would be around 135, 18%, 132. I'm shooting for the 132 just to see what it looks like. I have to consider that I need to have "the right look" to be a successful trainer--I certainly wouldn't pay someone who didn't look pretty damn good. I love my mesomorph body--at 5'4" (barely) I feel very fortunate to be able to weigh so much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beesknees
Hai! Thanks for stopping by my log All this trainer stuff is so cool. Good luck with everything. Very nice FLII workouts. The BSS with overhead press is killer. I hated picking up the tiny weights when I was used to grabbing heavier stuff for the regular BSS.
I'm such a machita in the gym it hurts my pride to use those 5's. It's even worse than the YTWL in NROL4W. Sigh. And thanks.
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Originally Posted by Gen
*subscribe* Amazing story Elisabeth! I just read 95% of your log and I'd finish it but have somewhere to go.
Thanks Gen. Nice to see you over here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Espi
Just saying I'd subscribed a while ago but had nothing useful to say.. well except that I liked what you wrote about needing to pig out on food once in a while.
Now just make that once in a while instead of twice a week: I can only dream of losing 4 lbs in 1 month (unless getting sick counts which doesn't)
Losing weight has never been easy for me until this past year or so...I don't know what the tipping point was--it seems my body is just functioning very well and responding quickly, which is a big shift from its sluggish behavior over the years. Weight training has totally changed it, I wish I had figured that out years ago. It's so hard to say though...oddly, the shifting hormones of perimenopause seem to make it easier. I dunno. But thanks for stopping by--I read your log pretty often but have nothing to contribute (so far).
I hope the graph above is readable....I could have made it shorter, but I wanted the whole view.
Yesterday, I was supposed to go down and meet up with Galya but my daughter crashed her bike, bruised her pubic bone (it seems to be genetic--even on the same side as my spur) and was all shaken up. I had to take her into the doctor, and spend massive amounts of money to be told that she is fine. Of course it was worth it, but couldn't the kid reserve her accidents for better financial times? Stupid kids.
I did sneak off to the gym by getting a neighbor kid to watch her, though. Here's my FLIIa workout:
I am a re-tard at the front squat. I feel as if I should be able to do a lot more weight, but even at 50 I managed to bruise my shoulders on both sides. I'm going to have to watch some videos or something.
I love this workout, even though my weights are pretty low for it...I'm looking forward to fewer reps and more weight. I love commandeering the squat rack for the entire workout. some guy came in in the middle and started doing CURLS with my bar. Sigh. He was nice and worked in with me though. THere were a couple of girls staring at me from the machines, which are right next to the free weights...I think I should get a card to hand out in these situations.
I need to spend a few hours with the ACE manual today. My time has gotten completely screwed up lately--kid stuff. I have no idea how I am going to work full-time and take care of everything around here. Husband is going to have to help out a lot more. He's not a bad guy on this stuff generally but we have both been spoiled by my part-time catering schedule.
Meals have been good last couple of days...the scale is up, but I'm not freaking out...yet. It had better be down by Friday or I will start getting wiggy. I am going to power through the weekend without my usual laxness...I'm determined to do as much as I can in June. I want to be on just recomp/strength by July, I'm sick of just fat loss. It seems to be easier since there is an end in sight. We'll see how I feel about this by Saturday, my usual night for a couple of beers.
Those front-squat bruises are a sign of your machisma! Wear 'em with pride...
Unlike me... I have a big bruise right in the middle of my chest. I was moving one of the bar holders on the squat rack, and it was a little bit stuck, then kinda popped free and WHAM right into my chest-bone. I guess I don't need a necklace now - have a pretty purpley-blue thing right where a charm would hang anyway... sigh...
Those front-squat bruises are a sign of your machisma! Wear 'em with pride...
Unlike me... I have a big bruise right in the middle of my chest. I was moving one of the bar holders on the squat rack, and it was a little bit stuck, then kinda popped free and WHAM right into my chest-bone. I guess I don't need a necklace now - have a pretty purpley-blue thing right where a charm would hang anyway... sigh...
Sounds like me. When I was visiting my brother in Seattle recently, I was at the unfamiliar gym and I managed to stand up next to the squat cage and bean myself in the head with the end of the bar. I had a huge lump on my head. and I was trying to look all cool and like I belonged there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sidonia
Ditto on that! Loved seeing the weight chart...impressive amount of dedication to get there!! That's awesome!
Yeah, I was thinking of you (among others) when I posted it. It can be done.
Although, see where I had issues in 2007--big plateau and such, then a drop? That's when I changed to Armour. (and quit taking the depression meds. I didn't need them anymore).
I totally understand what you are going through.... A while back I left this board for a little while to go hang out with some "new" friends on a bbing board. There were a LOT of reasons for this but one of them was so that I could accept this new person I was becoming. I was begining to go through some amazing physical transformations at the time. I had made the decision to invest money, grow a support team(hired Alan, Noel) and invest serious time in this new sport.
Yet on this board I was associating mostly with people who were in a fat loss program of some sort. Associating mostly with this group made the acceptance of the new me harder. I felt like a freak. I felt like I could not leave the old "fat" me behind. My words were often misunderstood because I was a fit person speaking from a fat person's persona and that often came off badly. I realized then that I needed to be surounded by more like minded people at least for some time. I did that for awhile and that experience gave me exactly what I needed to be able to better accept the new me and then I was able to come back here with more of a perspective on things.
This transferred into my non-internet life too....
So YES... Go seek out other like women and men. There is so much truth to the statement that you are who you surround yourself with.
BTW: This is exactly the reason why you need to go to the Summit. Please come.
Karla,
I'm reading Elisabeth's log (Hi! Elisabeth!!), and wanted to comment. I remember your going away from JP Fitness. I have notices some great great posts from you lately. Very revealing in an honest intimate sharing, not ego, compassionate yet strong and honest and direct. It's a pleasure to read these posts... The sentence of yours that I bolded especially struck me... Yea for your growth!
It's probably the only group fitness thing I would do, since I am too much of a snob to do the silly silly aerobics,
not you personally, but could you explain your view on aerobics classes, why you think it's not as good as exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical? I like to dance, and an hour of straight dance is more than I used to get in the bars, where I'd dance a couple and sit out a bunch. I sweat, the time flies, I move all the parts of my body... Why is there such a negative view of aerobics classes? What part is based on fact and what are those facts that make it less of a workout than other machines?
Losing weight has never been easy for me until this past year or so...I don't know what the tipping point was--it seems my body is just functioning very well and responding quickly, which is a big shift from its sluggish behavior over the years. Weight training has totally changed it, I wish I had figured that out years ago. It's so hard to say though...oddly, the shifting hormones of perimenopause seem to make it easier. I dunno. But thanks for stopping by--I read your log pretty often but have nothing to contribute (so far).
This is the post that drew me to read your whole log just now. Do you have any tips for "losing weight being easy with results that happen?" looking back at this past year?
One thing I noticed from your log: when you went over calories you made it up the next day; when you ate a treat, it was still within the target calories for the day.
Do you have any idea how many calories you were usually eating each day/week? Do you think you were eating less this year than other years, in the goal of "getting it done already?" Do you think you had many days UNDER 1200 calories? I'm wondering if, whatever my deficit margin, perhaps there's a low calorie number I have to be under to lose fat in any regular way. Like 1150 instead of 1350 cal.
I wouldn't mind doing that if I thought I'd get some week after week results, instead of 1 lb per month.
not you personally, but could you explain your view on aerobics classes, why you think it's not as good as exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical? I like to dance, and an hour of straight dance is more than I used to get in the bars, where I'd dance a couple and sit out a bunch. I sweat, the time flies, I move all the parts of my body... Why is there such a negative view of aerobics classes? What part is based on fact and what are those facts that make it less of a workout than other machines?
I know it is less intense than spinning.
thanks,
1) I am totally uncoordinated and feel like a stupid idiot in the classes. Maybe it's sour grapes, but it looks silly to me. I am of the age to remember the aerobics with butt floss and big hair, so maybe that's my association. Not a real reason, just my opinion. I do love the bellydancing classes they have on FitTV--now that I am not a complete dolt. Curing my pelvic tilt has allowed me to dance for the first time in my life.
2)As a primary means of exercise, it is not the best. I had an acquaintance who was a member of my old gym the whole time I was a member there, ten years. She was skinny, all right--skinny fat. No muscle to mention, sausagy arms. To me, those sorts of classes are good for getting the blood flowing on an off day after lifting, or just to enjoy. I think the results I see from aerobics (like step classes and such) are similar to what you get from low-intensity cardio--calorie burn while you're doing it, no EPOC to speak of. The same thing I was doing that 10 years while watching her do the aerobics.
Isn't that why we're here? Cause free weights totally reshape our bodies? Besides the fact that we love slinging heavy weights around and feeling all butch and stuff.
1)
2)As a primary means of exercise, it is not the best. I had an acquaintance who was a member of my old gym the whole time I was a member there, ten years. She was skinny, all right--skinny fat. No muscle to mention, sausagy arms. To me, those sorts of classes are good for getting the blood flowing on an off day after lifting, or just to enjoy. I think the results I see from aerobics (like step classes and such) are similar to what you get from low-intensity cardio--calorie burn while you're doing it, no EPOC to speak of. The same thing I was doing that 10 years while watching her do the aerobics.
Isn't that why we're here? Cause free weights totally reshape our bodies? Besides the fact that we love slinging heavy weights around and feeling all butch and stuff.
...just continuing the discussion... so I'm not comparing it to weights. I'm doing OPT now: 4 days' resistance and 3 days cardio.
I agree my heart gets a good workout, but how is aerobics less than exercise bike, elliptical, treadmill, jogging? Physically less than... ? Results less than...?
I agree that I see women go for years, and stay the same obese or chubby weight, but I assume it's that they are not doing their food right. The women who are toned, I assume they also do weights.
...just continuing the discussion... so I'm not comparing it to weights. I'm doing OPT now: 4 days' resistance and 3 days cardio.
I agree my heart gets a good workout, but how is aerobics less than exercise bike, elliptical, treadmill, jogging? Physically less than... ? Results less than...?
I agree that I see women go for years, and stay the same obese or chubby weight, but I assume it's that they are not doing their food right. The women who are toned, I assume they also do weights.
I don't think the results are necessarily less. If you ONLY did HIIT, or ONLY aerobics, you would lose body fat (if in calorie deficit), but your body shape would stay the same. I think the issue is that HIIT is more efficient (takes less time for same cardiovascular benefit) and creates EPOC. I don't think aerobics is "bad", but just not optimal. The old rule, Just Move, applies here. Something is better than nothing.
This is the post that drew me to read your whole log just now. Do you have any tips for "losing weight being easy with results that happen?" looking back at this past year?
One thing I noticed from your log: when you went over calories you made it up the next day; when you ate a treat, it was still within the target calories for the day.
Do you have any idea how many calories you were usually eating each day/week? Do you think you were eating less this year than other years, in the goal of "getting it done already?" Do you think you had many days UNDER 1200 calories? I'm wondering if, whatever my deficit margin, perhaps there's a low calorie number I have to be under to lose fat in any regular way. Like 1150 instead of 1350 cal.
I wouldn't mind doing that if I thought I'd get some week after week results, instead of 1 lb per month.
I wish I could give you an easy answer. I have been thinking about this a lot--trying to figure out how to analyze what has happened. I haven't figured out how to simplify it, but at some point something clicked in my brain and I realized I'd been sabotaging myself with free weekends, snacking and such. Leigh's material helped in this respect. BUt it's more than just that--on days I exercise I eat more, days I don't or I am sick, I take as an opportunity to cut calories way down. The irony of the last few months is that I have gotten sick repeatedly as is my pattern in the winter, but I did not gain or backslide or even just maintain, I lost because I took it as an opportunity to cut calories, since I'm not nearly as hungry when I don't exercise. In the past I would get demoralized and give up.
YOu're right about the treats. I have them, but I don't go overboard. My diet is like the bastard child of John Berardi and Bill Phillips, kind of.
Whoops--have to go. I'll finish this later.
I'm still getting used to the idea that I weigh "so little". I think it's almost impossible to figure until you're close...right now it's looking as though if I want to be 20% bf I would be around 135, 18%, 132. I'm shooting for the 132 just to see what it looks like. I have to consider that I need to have "the right look" to be a successful trainer--I certainly wouldn't pay someone who didn't look pretty damn good. I love my mesomorph body--at 5'4" (barely) I feel very fortunate to be able to weigh so much.
Yep, again why it's hard to pick a scale weight number. I can't imagine that I can be at all under 120 and still have good muscle. Especially after looking at Jane's log and finding out that I'm on the lower end of big big-boned for my height . . . which I guess I knew but didn't think about before.
Yep, again why it's hard to pick a scale weight number. I can't imagine that I can be at all under 120 and still have good muscle. Especially after looking at Jane's log and finding out that I'm on the lower end of big big-boned for my height . . . which I guess I knew but didn't think about before.
Nice thought-provoking posts in here.
I'll tell you something, Karen. I don't think you have far to go. When I said I was surprised at the summit, it was because I thought you would be bigger in person (despite what the pics look like).
Do you know your bodyfat percentage? It is a MUCH better measure of fitness than that scale.
I didn't make it real to myself how close I was until Galya estimated my bodyfat at 21%. I was suspecting it was somewhere in the low-to-mid 20's, but not that low. At my age, I'm thinking that 18% will be the lower limit and I calculated what I would need to lose based on some calculator I got somewhere. Can send it to you if you want.
Elisabeth, so much good stuff in here! I love the fact that you and Kathy got to work out, but you know you piqued our curiousity with what you WON'T share on these boards!!
Anyway, I loved the weight loss graph as well, GREAT job! I love this board and the fact that there are so many women on here who do really love their bodies and the way they work/look/feel! Even better is the fact that every one of us (myself included) who does love their body, isn't perfect. Does that make sense? Not to speak for others, but there are few on here that do really have "hollywood" bodies (not that we even necessarily want them), but you're at a place, it seems, that you are happy. Even if you do still want to lose a few (so do I, but if I never do, I'll still be happy with the way I look), you've got a great, athletic, fit body, and I love that so many of us actually are accepting that. Hmm, a little convoluted, but hopefully you get my point. Little boys are calling me, so I'll have to leave my thoughts unedited!
Not that anyone asked, but all you gals looked great at the Summit. Just sayin'.
I don't know 'bout you gals, but I am hearting Tom right now.
I have to agree with him too though. Both you girls look awesome in your athletic bodies.
At some point in time on your ventures of figuring out just what the hell you want to do with yourself and your body (I mean besides just accept it 'cause where would the fun be with that?) you will also come to the realization that bf% measurements are so screwed up that even that becomes only a fuzzy way to say what it is that you want. I have come to know what I want in my head and I am shooting for that look in the mirror. All the rest is fluff. And when I can achieve it ony THEN will I be able to articulate it well enough for you to see what I mean....
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The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
I wish I could give you an easy answer. I have been thinking about this a lot--trying to figure out how to analyze what has happened. I haven't figured out how to simplify it, but at some point something clicked in my brain and I realized I'd been sabotaging myself with free weekends, snacking and such. Leigh's material helped in this respect. BUt it's more than just that--on days I exercise I eat more, days I don't or I am sick, I take as an opportunity to cut calories way down. The irony of the last few months is that I have gotten sick repeatedly as is my pattern in the winter, but I did not gain or backslide or even just maintain, I lost because I took it as an opportunity to cut calories, since I'm not nearly as hungry when I don't exercise. In the past I would get demoralized and give up.
YOu're right about the treats. I have them, but I don't go overboard. My diet is like the bastard child of John Berardi and Bill Phillips, kind of.
Whoops--have to go. I'll finish this later.
Exactly what I'm doing as well, except that I'm now trying to not exaggarate as much on the workout days and see what makes me get stronger without stalling in eternal maintenance as I seem to do when fear of losing strength makes me maintain.
One thing I am quite adamant about is to have 1 week of eating over maintenance in the most critical time of the cycle, something you no longer need to be concerned about. On the yang side of it, the first week of any cycle is typically way below maintenance for lack of appetite, so it all evens out.. too many women are bitchin' and moanin' about how they succumb to treats in 'that' time of the month and feel disappointed. I've seen that if I would stick to a deficit no matter what, cycle gets way shorter than normal & seeing TOM (not Tom) far too early is no fun at all.
2 years ago I would have NEVER imagined that anyone would EVER think I was athletic at all, nevermind a trainer. I think I need one of those things that Swift had in Gulliver for the intellectuals to keep their minds focused on the real world. THen I'd have to pay someone to whap me over the head with it periodically.
After comparing our bodies, I am starting to believe this mesomorph/endomorph stuff more...before I was getting suspicious that being classified a mesomorph is an excuse for being fat, but it's clear that I am just an easy gainer on the muscle after seeing the weights she uses. Reading logs doesn't really make this sort of thing real to me, I have to see it right in front of me. 
.
He's not a bad guy on this stuff generally but we have both been spoiled by my part-time catering schedule. 
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