Another newbie with (surprise) a question! - JP Fitness Forums

realcdn · 03-13-2008, 04:26 PM

Hello all,

Like any typical newbie, I have questions. To ask this question I need to give you a little background (but I will try and keep it short).

Although I'm about 80 pounds lighter than my highest weight, I still probably have 200 pounds to go to hit goal weight (which may be unrealistic, since I've never been anything but overweight). I started losing weight a few years ago, and was lower than I am now. The hows and whys are complicated. If you want to know the whole story (try » Who Am I?). I've been eating better since early December, and finally got back on track with the treadmill in early Jan. I'm down a little more than 30 pounds since Dec. so I'm basically happy with the food intake and exercise.

I've been doing (on avg) 60-90 mins treadmill 6 days a week, and what I've always thought of as 'playing' with fairly light weights (8lbs). I'm really doing the treadmill to build up endurance, something I lost a little over this last summer/fall. I use incline, rather than speed, to raise my heart rate. Years ago, when I started losing, a guy I worked with really wanted me to work with weights, but long story short, I didn't take his advice. So last week I bought the book, a weight set (maybe not enough, but I'll worry about that later), and off I go.

Carrying the extra weight, and remembering that I wasn't even well co-ordinated as a child, some of the moves are likely not even close to perfect, but I'm working on it. In fact some of them were really quite bad (falling off the ball a lot in 1A). I'm probably not using enough weight for some, but again, I'll work on this as I go. Monday's 1A workout left me with some pain, okay lots of it, but Wednesday's 1B wasn't quite so bad. I'd already decided that I would add the third workout at each level as I'm most definitely a beginner.

All that to get to the question. I'm wondering about extending each Stage by adding extra workouts, especially in this starting stage. ie. instead of the 2 called for, or the 3 recommended for beginners, I'm thinking about 4. I'm thinking that this might help me improve my form, however, perhaps I'm just trying to convince myself of this because I'm afraid of the next level. I'll take all input/thoughts from others, gladly!

I've already lurked a little, and will probably lurk a lot. Any input though would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Anne

Susan4 · 03-13-2008, 04:43 PM

Hey gal! Welcome aboard and what a story you have, very inspiring. I think you'll like it here

You've got incredible determination and that means you *will* reach your goals. You'll find great support here. Hope you'll consider starting a training log and even if you don't share them, do take some before pics. You'll hate it now but love watching the changes later.

rixatrix · 03-13-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcdn

Carrying the extra weight, and remembering that I wasn't even well co-ordinated as a child, some of the moves are likely not even close to perfect, but I'm working on it. In fact some of them were really quite bad (falling off the ball a lot in 1A). I'm probably not using enough weight for some, but again, I'll work on this as I go. Monday's 1A workout left me with some pain, okay lots of it, but Wednesday's 1B wasn't quite so bad. I'd already decided that I would add the third workout at each level as I'm most definitely a beginner.

All that to get to the question. I'm wondering about extending each Stage by adding extra workouts, especially in this starting stage. ie. instead of the 2 called for, or the 3 recommended for beginners, I'm thinking about 4. I'm thinking that this might help me improve my form, however, perhaps I'm just trying to convince myself of this because I'm afraid of the next level. I'll take all input/thoughts from others, gladly!

I've already lurked a little, and will probably lurk a lot. Any input though would be appreciated.

Anne,

Don't think. Do. Give those workouts all you've got. Then, when you're reaching the end of the stage, decide if you could use a few more sessions to improve your form.

Know what I'm saying?

It sounds right now like it is your fear asking the question. You've just started and you're already looking for ways to prolong the familiar. Don't be scared. All of us can only do the best we can.

I think it's generally smarter to act out of positivity than fear.

And welcome to the forums! There's a great group of women here. Just reading your background, I'm already feeling inspired - if you can lose 80 pounds through will and determination, I can lose weight too. I've been in a funk this afternoon, feeling stuck with my progress. It's all mental. Your story really inspired me to give it my all again today.

But that's what the forums are for, aren't they? Sharing our stories, our inspiration, our successes and frustrations. Welcome welcome welcome.

prof41 · 03-13-2008, 05:39 PM

Welcome Anne and fellow Canadian.

Great story and amazing determination. I agree with Rixatrix about being positive. One day at a time is all anyone one of us can look at whether we have 5 or 100 lbs to lose. Being healthy and strong is what's most important and using this program to acheive is a great way to go.

You've just started, don't knock yourself by thinking you aren't coordinated. Those excercises are hard. I fell of that ball alot of times on Stage 1

, but everytime I got a bit better and improved form. Whether you extend Stage 1 is up to you, but remember our bodies get used to a form of excersice and adapts....that's why we change up the movements. When I started Stage 2 it was like starting all over again. New excercises, new movements, harder....but I think that's the name of the game.

Best of luck and don't hesitate to ask questions, there is tons of incredible info on this forum and everyone is really helpful.

femi · 03-13-2008, 05:41 PM

Anne,

I def. agree with going how you feel. You can't anticpate how you will feel so just focus on each workout and then see how you feel towards each stage!

Good Luck!

realcdn · 03-13-2008, 07:10 PM

Thanks to all for the feedback. I do think you're right and I'll stick with the three of each level. I'll continue to work on the form for now and see how I'm doing at the end of Stage one. I think I find the whole concept of exercising a little intimidating. That's why I decided to start some strength training. The treadmill I'm used to (although still raising the heart rate and breaking a good sweat). I recognized that I had to push myself a little bit, especially since I'd like to be just a little more fit if/when spring finally gets here and it's time to work in the garden.

Susan - I have old body shots from about 45 pounds higher, but none recently. I was thinking I likely couldn't take any now (problems with the digital camera), but I might give it a shot with the video camera. I will probably start the training log (seems like a good time), but I likely won't post the pictures.

Annie - It's nice to know that I'm not the only one falling off the freakin' ball! I did a little better with the crunches, but not much.

missjane · 03-13-2008, 07:13 PM

What do you mean by "three of each level"?

realcdn · 03-13-2008, 07:16 PM

Jane - in Stage 1 it's mentioned that the chart shows two workouts at each level, but if you're a beginner feel free to add a third workout at each level. Meaning that it will be 24 workouts (8 weeks) in Stage one. Since I'm definitely a beginner that's what I decided to do before starting.

missjane · 03-13-2008, 07:18 PM

Gotcha!

maggieandmommy · 03-13-2008, 08:05 PM

Hi Anne! Welcome! I'm new, too (almost at the end of my 2nd week of Stage 1). Clearly you've got the inner strength to meet this challenge--look how far you've already come! You are inspiring me already, too. I think that everybody's right--plan on doing the 3 workouts a week and give it everything you've got. If you need a 4th one, you can always add it in, right?

And yeah, I fall off the ball all the time. LOL I just get back up and laugh at myself and move on. At least I'm trying, right? hehehe

MuscleMom23 · 03-13-2008, 08:14 PM

Hi Anne, I 've got about 100 lbs to lose. I started back weight lifting back in October but nothing like this workout. You will enjoy the new strength you gain and will be amazed at what you can do with this. Even baby steps help. I injured my knee last summer and was really apprehensive about lifting weights but I am sooo glad I did. I got my strength back and especially in my knees, though I slipped this winter...

And one advantage to having extra weight to throw around is your strength that you have from carrying that weight. Us big girls can really lift! If nothing else it will spur you on to improve. With weights you can see improvement in strength if not in the mirror immediately. That can be the difference between life and death ya know?

_CQ · 03-13-2008, 10:09 PM

Hello and welcome. I am amazed by your story, and am glad you found NROL4W. Good luck, and I hope you will come to love the program and see some incredible progress.

GinnyLou · 03-14-2008, 07:19 AM

Hi Anne,
I'm glad you found this board. Congratulations on your accomplishments, you have made some major changes and that is impressive.
I wish you luck with the workouts, I think you'll enjoy them and the confidence that you will gain in the exercises is pretty dang wonderful. Don't give up on them. I know many of us rolled of the ball, while trying to do a prone jackknive, but we stuck with it.

Welcome and I hope you post, more than lurk.

realcdn · 03-14-2008, 10:51 AM

Thanks again for all the warm welcomes. I know I only speak for myself, but sometimes getting into any exercise routine can be a little intimidating. At the moment (from a money standpoint) a gym membership is just something I cannot afford. Having said all that, when I was where I could afford it, I didn't do it. Although I did use the gym at the plant I worked at a few years ago (but usually in the morning when it was deserted).

I'm in a place with the exercising that I know I will continue it. That's why I decided to add in the lifting now, because I knew I was far enough on that I would keep it up.

Oh, and I did use the video cam to take pictures this morning. I can use the editing software to crop out appropriate frames. Susan was right, I really don't like them. I need to go find the ones taken about 45 pounds heavier so I'm not so depressed about them. I'm always sorry I never had the guts to take the higher ones, but so be it.

LisaS · 03-14-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcdn

I'm always sorry I never had the guts to take the higher ones, but so be it.

exactly - even if no one else ever sees them - you'll have them now for the future.

DirtyMartini · 03-14-2008, 11:35 AM

Welcome to the boards, Anne!

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcdn

I still probably have 200 pounds to go to hit goal weight (which may be unrealistic, since I've never been anything but overweight).

I don't think it's unrealistic at all! Rixatrix had it right - think positive. You CAN lose the weight. Life is full of new experiences, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcdn

I'm in a place with the exercising that I know I will continue it. That's why I decided to add in the lifting now, because I knew I was far enough on that I would keep it up.

And that's what counts. What is it "they" say, "the best exercise is the one you stick with" or something like that...

Welcome, again!