Good thinking. Especially now that its starting to get a little warmer out, I like to take a walk after dinner.
Congrats on finishing your first stage 2 workout! I'm so impressed you started the push-presses with the Oly bar!
Oh my god, marygrace, where do you live where it's starting to get warmer out?! Here in the snow belt of Michigan, we're still getting some very brisk days. Booooo.
I hope I'm doing the push-presses right - I was doing shoulder presses at 25lbs for 8 reps so I figured the bar would be okay. I just hope my form is good and I'm not compensating with my arms. I'll have to look up some youtube videos...
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I always feel so pretentious when I say this, but I have LOVED this store since I first heard about it when I was 15 (almost 10 years ago). Back then, there were NO stores in the U.S., the closest was in Canada. Not even a U.S. website, you ordered in Canadian dollars and everything was so much cheaper back then! And every time I traveled to Europe during college, I would look for Lush stores...one in Glasgow, Scotland, one in Prague, one in Florence, Italy - that one, my friends and I just stumbled across in the most mixed up city ever. When we found that one, my friends snapped a picture and I had about the BIGGEST grin on my face. I don't think I've ever been captured that giddy-looking since.
Okay. I'm a dork. But I'm not a big like, Cucumber-Melon-Mango person. I like my bath stuff earthy, flowery, and musky. And Lush is the best place ever. I'm already scheming on how to trick my boyfriend into going there when we're in Chicago in two weeks...What? I need some soap! =oD
That is so cool about seeing all the stores in Europe. Of the places you mention, I've only been to Florence. I love making unique finds like that. I remember seeing L'Occitane in Paris before I had ever heard of it or seen any stores in the US.
I am so excited to get my stuff and it would make the most awesome gifts. Its so cool to give people something they never heard of before and they instantly fall in love.
Great job on starting Stage 2, by the way. I'm not a big fan of planks myself, but I'm improving. Looks like you made a really strong start!
I'm a big Lush fan too! I've been buying their stuff in Canada and the UK for years. I was VERY excited when they opened a store here in the Detroit area. In fact, I was just there on Saturday.
I'm not a big fan of planks myself, but I'm improving. Looks like you made a really strong start!
It's mostly mental, isn't it? On the last set, I made myself count...from 30 seconds, I said, ten more...after ten more, I said, five more, after five more, I said...well, it doesn't matter what I said, I only made it :48, but still! Those little mind games pay off in the gym.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I'm a big Lush fan too! I've been buying their stuff in Canada and the UK for years. I was VERY excited when they opened a store here in the Detroit area. In fact, I was just there on Saturday.
Bah! You east-siders have everything.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Battle cry and Lord's Prayer all in one workout. Kick ass!! Way to muscle through it girl. This is the sort of thing that will kick your metabolism and move that fat.
Battle cry and Lord's Prayer all in one workout. Kick ass!! Way to muscle through it girl. This is the sort of thing that will kick your metabolism and move that fat.
Haha, yes, I definitely feel like a badass after completing an Alwyn Cosgrove workout. But I must try to control my disdain and head-shaking when I see people "briskly walking" or choosing a "healthy snack" of 100 calorie pack Oreos.
We can't all lift like a man and look like a goddess...someone has to play the mere mortal...
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I just want to publicly say that I love these forums and all the women and men who contribute.
Just a moment ago, I was taking a tour of Spark People, and I found all the stuff I hate:
*Coddling people instead of inspiring them to make big differences in their lives
*Telling me I should eat between 1200-1500 calories a day (NEVER AGAIN! I AM HUNGRY GIRL! GROWWWR!)
*Encouraging me to take a TEN MINUTE walk around the neighborhood
*Users who have drastically cut calories, whose weight loss has stalled, who are doing NO exercise or endless cardio, and never thinking to research why this may not be working.
I don't know about you guys, but I've "struggled" with my weight my whole adult life. And I've been passionately searching at least that long for the TRUTH - what process is going to help me reach my goals in the sanest possible way?
On the Today Show this morning, there was a woman doing a segment on "speeding up your metabolism." She recommended different foods to eat, doing resistance work and intervals, and eating more often.
"But," she said, "Working 5 times a day may not work for everybody. They eat too much or they're busy, so do what works for you."
Yes, by all means, don't take your health seriously. I don't think everyone needs to eat 5-6 times a day, but I can pretty much make the time to eat an apple and two string cheese anywhere, anytime. And that keeps me from getting ravenous and eating a Big Mac.
Ugh. I don't know why I'm so frustrated. Maybe because I don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff in real life. I need to find more friends who aren't afraid of being strong, healthy, and eating like life is worth living.
I don't think Spark People and I are right for each other. If I'm going to go outside for a brisk anything, it's going to be hill sprints for 10 minutes until I want to cough up a lung.
I exercise like I live my life - with passion, determination, and big goals.
How could you not?
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Haha, yes, I definitely feel like a badass after completing an Alwyn Cosgrove workout. But I must try to control my disdain and head-shaking when I see people "briskly walking" or choosing a "healthy snack" of 100 calorie pack Oreos.
We can't all lift like a man and look like a goddess...someone has to play the mere mortal...
Especially when the "brisk walkers" are the Cardio. Bunnies on a treadmill at the gym that spend most of their time making sure their lipstick matches the trim on their socks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by rixatrix
I just want to publicly say that I love these forums and all the women and men who contribute.
Just a moment ago, I was taking a tour of Spark People, and I found all the stuff I hate:
*Coddling people instead of inspiring them to make big differences in their lives
*Telling me I should eat between 1200-1500 calories a day (NEVER AGAIN! I AM HUNGRY GIRL! GROWWWR!)
*Encouraging me to take a TEN MINUTE walk around the neighborhood
*Users who have drastically cut calories, whose weight loss has stalled, who are doing NO exercise or endless cardio, and never thinking to research why this may not be working.
I don't know about you guys, but I've "struggled" with my weight my whole adult life. And I've been passionately searching at least that long for the TRUTH - what process is going to help me reach my goals in the sanest possible way?
On the Today Show this morning, there was a woman doing a segment on "speeding up your metabolism." She recommended different foods to eat, doing resistance work and intervals, and eating more often.
"But," she said, "Working 5 times a day may not work for everybody. They eat too much or they're busy, so do what works for you."
Yes, by all means, don't take your health seriously. I don't think everyone needs to eat 5-6 times a day, but I can pretty much make the time to eat an apple and two string cheese anywhere, anytime. And that keeps me from getting ravenous and eating a Big Mac.
Ugh. I don't know why I'm so frustrated. Maybe because I don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff in real life. I need to find more friends who aren't afraid of being strong, healthy, and eating like life is worth living.
I don't think Spark People and I are right for each other. If I'm going to go outside for a brisk anything, it's going to be hill sprints for 10 minutes until I want to cough up a lung.
I exercise like I live my life - with passion, determination, and big goals.
How could you not?
First time posting here, but after going to the beginning and reading through your thread, I feel like we must be related!
Just had to say that as I was reading your comment about SparkPeople, I was laughing and cringing simultaneously. I use Spark to track my food, but agree that most of the other stuff on there is useless fluff. I've read that crap and thought "Did someone actually submit this or is this just some uneducated writer throwing out what they think sounds like good advice?" It is so hard to find people (except here!) that GET where you are coming from and can grasp your expectations for yourself. Sounds like you are making great progress and I appreciate the stream of consciousness-it's so reassuring to see other women thinking the same thoughts with the same focus for a healthier, better life!
(Thanks for the Lush tip--checked it out and am going to fetch my checkbook to see how much "fun money" I have to play with!)
Loving your log! I can relate to a lot of what you have said. Keep up the good work and your weight loss is going really well and just think of all the muscle you are going to uncover!
I m totally going to be ordering from Lush. Thank you!
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Ginger
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." ~ John Bingham
Loving your log! I can relate to a lot of what you have said. Keep up the good work and your weight loss is going really well and just think of all the muscle you are going to uncover!
I m totally going to be ordering from Lush. Thank you!
Ginny! I'm loving your quote -
"Your body is a LIFE MACHINE - the beauty of its curves, the strength of its muscles and the power of its being is all determine by a mind owned by YOU and you alone. In order to fix the body, you have to fix the mind that creates it." - Maria Kang
Beautiful.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I just want to publicly say that I love these forums and all the women and men who contribute.
Just a moment ago, I was taking a tour of Spark People, and I found all the stuff I hate:
*Coddling people instead of inspiring them to make big differences in their lives
*Telling me I should eat between 1200-1500 calories a day (NEVER AGAIN! I AM HUNGRY GIRL! GROWWWR!)
*Encouraging me to take a TEN MINUTE walk around the neighborhood
*Users who have drastically cut calories, whose weight loss has stalled, who are doing NO exercise or endless cardio, and never thinking to research why this may not be working.
I use SP to track as well, and I joined a few weight-lifting teams, which are better than most. I heard about NROLFW over there, actually. If I do post over there, I'm encouraging women to lift heavier and eat more. There are a few other women I've encountered who also support heavy weights and lotsa food.
I think a large part of the problem is that you can lose weight their way, and you do for a little while, so everyone thinks that must be the magic formula. Exercise more + eat less = lose weight.
Someone posted the other day about exercises with 8-lb DBs to "tone" her arms. I banged my head on the desk, and then wrote a reply telling her to lift heavier. Dunno if she'll listen yet...
We are just a bunch of weird broads who want to be goddess like LOL! I don't expect ANYONE to understand. I certainly don't have anyone listening over here!
The proof is in the pudding, we just gotta show em!
For the benefit of Sparkpeople there are some women's bodybuilding groups over there. But yes you are right, they coddle each other.
I was on a weightloss forum and it was nauseating. People are very heavy over there, more so than I! But even in the intros they were saying what they were not willing to do. What that did do is for me to re examine myself and ask if I am doing that any place.
I dunno about goddess but I will do a Zena LOL! I am more of a warrior princess type LOL!
Someone posted the other day about exercises with 8-lb DBs to "tone" her arms. I banged my head on the desk, and then wrote a reply telling her to lift heavier. Dunno if she'll listen yet...
Seriously! I did shoulder presses the other week with 25lbs on each side. I even impressed myself! But I can always still look over in the gym (when there are women in the free weight room) and see another girl using 8s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MuscleMom23
I was on a weightloss forum and it was nauseating. People are very heavy over there, more so than I! But even in the intros they were saying what they were not willing to do. What that did do is for me to re examine myself and ask if I am doing that any place.
Self-examination is everything! I don't like to track my calories on the weekends. I spend time with my boyfriend and sometimes we eat out, or cook in, and I don't want to infect my life with that sense of, "Oh no, I can't eat THAT, I'll get fat!" Especially around him.
I don't go crazy, but I don't track. And it works for me, right now. Still seeing good losses.
But you can bet your butt that if my progress stalls, I'm going to start cracking down on weekends and turning a critical eye to everything else, too.
It's so funny now when I talk to someone and we decide to do something active - a walk, maybe, or leisurely rollerblading together - and they'll say something like, "Ooh, we're getting a good workout!" And I'll just smile politely, thinking, "This is just warming up for me, my REAL workout comes later." But you don't want to discourage people from doing the little bit they're doing, do you?
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Wow, I just did some truly pathetic HIIT. Sometimes this morning stuff doesn't work out like it should! My muscles are already aching from my first Stage 2 workout (and it's going to get worse today!), I could barely get out of bed this morning, and my HIIT was lackluster, at BEST.
At least I still have this afternoon. Maybe I can do some yoga or 1/2 hour of steady state on the bike. Something gentle, but, you know...still exercise.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I love your posts! It is so true that most of the information out there on these topics is BS. I was getting my car worked on and reading all these old issues of Good Housekeeping and they had an article about some women who had lost a lot of weight and what it takes, etc. They said you had to increase your exercise intensity, for example, make your walk an hour instead of 45 minutes. I just wanted to shout NO NO NO!
My mom lost a lot of weight and has gained back about 10 pounds and is frustrated. She keeps telling me how she hasn't been walking as much and she's sure that is the problem. My dad has tried really hard to get her into weights and kettlebells, but I guess she's just not so into it. I think for her and so many people they just don't want to really challenge themselves and refuse to accept that is what it takes.
I think for her and so many people they just don't want to really challenge themselves and refuse to accept that is what it takes.
Yes, I would agree with that, but also, I think all the conflicting advice out there has people confused. If I someone tells me I can lose weight by doing some easy walking, eating a little less of the crap foods I like, and drinking lite beer, and another person tells me I have to overhaul my diet, make my body hurt three days a week, and run like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, well, it's pretty natural to try out the advice that sounds easiest.
Knowing what we know about steady cardio, weight lifting, HIIT, and food, it's obvious to us what must be done. And we derive satisfaction from seeing the progress we've wanted to see for so long. But like I said before, I've worked my ass off to learn about food and health and losing weight. I've done Weight Watchers - it was alright, but I always pleateau'd because I wasn't eating enough. And when I was doing WW, I never had the energy to work out.
Over many years of learning about food and my body and weight lifting, I've had the opportunity to change. Maybe those changes came slowly, but now it seems like eating clean, working out with weights, and doing interval training is second nature. I've always hated doing cardio for an hour - snoozefest! All the things I'm doing now align much more closely with what I feel in my heart is healthy and right.
And my mother, my dear mother, I don't think she'd be much different. She knows she feels better when she exercises, and yet she can't find the time very often to do it. Her sister, my Aunt Lynn, used to do bodybuilding contests locally. From time to time I go over to her house and work out with her, and she's fantastic. Her husband is still competing. But my mom can't really be persuaded to do the weights...and the last person I want to turn the heat on is my mom.
My friends, on the other hand, are sick of hearing about it...but I'm trying to use peer pressure for good! One of these days I'm going to get my boyfriend into the weight room...one of these days...
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Yes, I would agree with that, but also, I think all the conflicting advice out there has people confused. If I someone tells me I can lose weight by doing some easy walking, eating a little less of the crap foods I like, and drinking lite beer, and another person tells me I have to overhaul my diet, make my body hurt three days a week, and run like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, well, it's pretty natural to try out the advice that sounds easiest.
Knowing what we know about steady cardio, weight lifting, HIIT, and food, it's obvious to us what must be done. And we derive satisfaction from seeing the progress we've wanted to see for so long. But like I said before, I've worked my ass off to learn about food and health and losing weight. I've done Weight Watchers - it was alright, but I always pleateau'd because I wasn't eating enough. And when I was doing WW, I never had the energy to work out.
Over many years of learning about food and my body and weight lifting, I've had the opportunity to change. Maybe those changes came slowly, but now it seems like eating clean, working out with weights, and doing interval training is second nature. I've always hated doing cardio for an hour - snoozefest! All the things I'm doing now align much more closely with what I feel in my heart is healthy and right.
And my mother, my dear mother, I don't think she'd be much different. She knows she feels better when she exercises, and yet she can't find the time very often to do it. Her sister, my Aunt Lynn, used to do bodybuilding contests locally. From time to time I go over to her house and work out with her, and she's fantastic. Her husband is still competing. But my mom can't really be persuaded to do the weights...and the last person I want to turn the heat on is my mom.
My friends, on the other hand, are sick of hearing about it...but I'm trying to use peer pressure for good! One of these days I'm going to get my boyfriend into the weight room...one of these days...
I've struggled with my weight most of my life and taken plenty of wrong turns as well! I definitely fell for the running makes you thin idea. I did enjoy running when I was doing a lot of it, but it wasn't any magic bullet for having a great body.
I guess I shouldn't be so hard on my mom. Its just that when I talk to her on the phone her frustration is so palpable. I think, just give what I'm saying a chance!
Good luck with your boyfriend. I know what you're saying there - it would be awesome to share that interest, but its not happening for me either. The only weight lifting he does after work is his beer bicep curls!
Yes, I would agree with that, but also, I think all the conflicting advice out there has people confused. If I someone tells me I can lose weight by doing some easy walking, eating a little less of the crap foods I like, and drinking lite beer, and another person tells me I have to overhaul my diet, make my body hurt three days a week, and run like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, well, it's pretty natural to try out the advice that sounds easiest.
This is a good point that definitely is the case for a lot of people. I see it with pretty much everyone in my own family who is trying to lose weight, and by choosing the easiest options, they aren't exhibiting much change. You've got to work HARD!
Oh my god, marygrace, where do you live where it's starting to get warmer out?! Here in the snow belt of Michigan, we're still getting some very brisk days. Booooo.
I live in New Jersey, near Philadelphia. The temps have been in the low/mid 50's lately. Not amazing, but definitely nice enough to get outside. I was just reading a blog by someone who lives in Indiana where its still snowing with temps in the 20's. That sounds really depressing. I hate the cold.
Good luck with your boyfriend. I know what you're saying there - it would be awesome to share that interest, but its not happening for me either. The only weight lifting he does after work is his beer bicep curls!
Haha, mine is opposite. That is, he's going to be an English teacher. He's smart, quiet, and has a ton of books. He has been bigger in the past (although he looks good now!), so he's 1) supersweet and loves me as I am now, and 2) incredibly supportive of me wanting to improve. But he knows how to play tennis, so I may challenge him to a few matches this summer, although I'm pretty damn rusty. I would just like it if we could be active together. I know how great it makes me feel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by marygrace
I live in New Jersey, near Philadelphia. The temps have been in the low/mid 50's lately. Not amazing, but definitely nice enough to get outside. I was just reading a blog by someone who lives in Indiana where its still snowing with temps in the 20's. That sounds really depressing. I hate the cold.
Yeah, Michigan hasn't been much better. We get lots of lake effect snow off the Great Lakes. February was pretty much the longest month of my life - I believe I read we had 1 day of sunshine. But since March has started, it's like someone flipped a switch - at least a little sun every day, and it's gradually getting warmer. It inspires me to keep working out hard. It's going to be tank top season soon.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Wow, I just did some truly pathetic HIIT. Sometimes this morning stuff doesn't work out like it should! My muscles are already aching from my first Stage 2 workout (and it's going to get worse today!), I could barely get out of bed this morning, and my HIIT was lackluster, at BEST.
I had some totally craptastic HIIT at the break o' dawn this morning too. What's up with that?!?
I had some totally craptastic HIIT at the break o' dawn this morning too. What's up with that?!?
I love reading your log! You are too funny.
Some days just suck! On the flipside, I came home from work and totally beat the crap out of that HIIT until it was begging for mercy. Aww, yeah. THAT'S why I do it in the morning, people. There is always room for second chances.
I was totally pissed at my coworker/work partner. She was all, "All you ever talk about is exercise!" in this TONE. How much more unsupportive could you be, really? But I kept my eyes on the prize (bikini pictures from Victorias Secret - there's this really cute blue one...), came home, and dominated my exercise bike.
And one day, I'm going to come into work and scare her with my guns. And then we'll see who's the winner. Muah ha ha ha!
(And oh, um, because this is the internet, let me just clarify that by "guns", I'm referring to my biceps, which will at that time be so impressive, men will be begging to take pictures of them.)
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
Perhaps she is feeling guilty for not doing any exercise herself?
I beat into the ground anything I am doing at the time be it, ANYTHING. So the friends and the fam get this glazed over look on their eyes and I switch subjects LOL!
LOL about the "guns" clarification. Although I guess you never know where the ATF thinks the next threat may be hanging out!
Pathetic HIIT is still HIIT! My pathetic ass has done nothing today, and I am envious of any HIIT-pathetic or not!!
I had the HARDEST time getting out of bed this morning. I couldn't fall asleep last night, I couldn't get up this morning. I'm not sleepy, I'm not awake. Welcome to Zombie Wednesday.
Workout 2B1 - 2x10 WG Deadlift from Box - 85, 85 (stiff-legged)
Bulgarian Split Squat - BW, BW
Underhand Lat Pulldown - 80, 90 (chin-ups, here I come!)
Rev. Lunge from Box with Reach - 10s, 10s
DB Prone Cuban Snatch (hee) - 5s, 5s (these were...odd)
Swiss Ball Crunch - 10lbs
Rev. Crunch - BW
Lat flexion - 1st variation in book
Prone Cobra - Skipped it. GASP! Maybe I'll try it tonight.
Two weeks ago, I'd hit the sack between 8pm and 9:30, sleep like a blissful baby until 5:30 or 6, depending on the day, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Last night I went to bed at 9:30, read a little, turned out the light, rolled around listlessly for two hours, got up, dumbly flipped through the Internet, went back to bed, rolled around. Blah.
I blame the time change, that big cup of Jasmine tea I had yesterday, and the "free!" diet coke I was sipping on in my (surprise!) lunch meeting yesterday at work.
Maybe I'll just let myself be grouchy today.
I'm really bad at patting myself on the back, I've realized. I'm always like, "Bah, this is nothing, I can do better! Just wait and see!"
But today, after struggling out of bed, struggling to get dressed, and struggling through an hour in the gym NOT half-assing it, well, f-ing good for me.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
LOL Rixatrix. Welcome to my week. It is the time change for me. I feel like such a wimp. But my body likes the other time. I am off the whole entire time it is on LOL!
I am zombified right now!
And GOOD FOR YOU! You went to the gym. I said, ah forgettaboutit, I can't think for the last two days.
Great job on getting the workout done! I stayed up too late and I feel like crap and I am supposed to lift tonight. I'm going to think of you when I try to make up some bs excuses. If you did it, I can too!
Linear Mode
