Fitness Thread February '09

[Azhia]

Winter blues compelling anybody to eat donuts and other assorted body-insulating goodies?! ..g.:

I'm in the middle of week 3 of P90X. Still eating like a horse. ..c:: I know why, I'm just bothered by the fact that I'm eating like a horse.

Also cannot seem to knock the habit of eating before bed (I don't sleep well on an empty stomach but don't like waking up feeling like a potato!). Anybody have ways they have dealt with that?

[anyadance]

i started drinking big mugs of chai tea (not black) with almond milk. i also down a whole glass of water right before...

[tanith]

I just bought a cute little book called Yoga on the Go by Ursula Karven - I'm planning on toting it around with me. We'll see how this goes! ;)

[Mayliz]

Eating sweets right before bedtime makes me very sleepy. It might not be good for me but whatever helps me stay asleep will not be refused. I've read it's the combo of carbs and sugar. I do steer away from heavy foods after 8pm because it gives me indigestion, heart-burn and nightmares. But having a small snack helps keep my metabolism stable through the sleeping hours until the next morning. It's the longest period of time you go without eating so I think it's important to have something in my stomach before going to sleep. As far as dinner goes, we used to eat after 10pm sometimes until I noticed the link and we changed our dinnertime. I eat all my meals at regular times now.

Fitness-wise, I haven't done so bad in the last few weeks but I need to add more cardio. My main focus lately has been stretching from head-to-toes. I use the P90X Stretch DVD 2-3x a week to keep me limber. I would love to find other videos like it on the market but haven't come across any good ones. It's an hour dedicated to stretches. Afterwards, I do dance stretches and splits. I see tremendous changes. No more back pain or shoulder pain or wrist pain from typing on the computer. But I have to do it often or else it's back to square one.

[Surida]

I drink a small glass of concord grape juice before bed. It satisfies any hunger and ummm, it keeps me regular.

I just ordered a hula hoop and dvd from Hoopnotica - hoping it will be fun and good exercise at the same time. Anybody do this?

[Psyche]

I -love- hula hooping! I just put on music and see how long I can go. It's a good little workout, and so fun.

Me, I'd been bad over the holidays - my mom makes so much good, carb-o-licious food (argh! Italian side of the family!), and I'm just now getting back into trying to work it off. It almost is working. It's just difficult when it's too cold to get out and bike around or play outside.

[KelsNasim]

Well, so far I have not missed a day working out on the Wii Fit since Christams Eve. I was hoping to see faster results but don't we all.
I have lost a couple pounds which is better than nothing. I definitely notice that I am stronger. That first week I felt like I got hit by a truck! Now I have upped my reps on the strength excersizes and am doing well.
As for night snacks... I eat popcorn. (there's even a 94% fat free microwave kind that is not bad). I can season it how I want (curry is nice), it takes time to eat it (say I'm watching House or Chuck), has fiber which is good for digestion and keeps me full until bedtime.
Christmas was crazy with the food. My Mom couldn't decide whether to make lasagna or enchiladas so she made both! Thanks goodness that Christmas is only once a year!

[phillyraqs]

Azh, how do you like P90X? I have been in full hibernation mode and really need to get moving.

[Psyche]

What do you think of the Wii Fit? I was thinking of maybe getting one. I have Dance Dance Revolution for the wii, and let me tell you, aside from sex, you can't have more fun doing a hard cardio workout.

[ZanaRaqs]

What do you think of the Wii Fit? I was thinking of maybe getting one. I have Dance Dance Revolution for the wii, and let me tell you, aside from sex, you can't have more fun doing a hard cardio workout.

..l;, haha sorry had to laugh at that blunt sex comment lol
i have the wii fit (or actualyl my lil bro does) and it's actually a lot of fun and challenging. but i haven't touched it in months and neither has anyone else in my household
i was thinking the other day to go back to it since it did have some fun things on there. but u won't be dripping in sweat unless u run for half an hour (one of the game options they have after u accumulate certain number of coins)

here's my issue: i have back to back classes and don't have time to eat and when i do eat it's at work where it's most of the time junk food (mcdonalds, burger king, pizza, etc.). one of my resolutions was to eat MORE but healthier of course but now i'm just running into the same problem i had last year. eating less and when i do eat it's bad food :( i haven't gained weight or anything or really seen a change in my body since i'm always on the go and am good about exercising and whatnot but i just can't seem to bring it to myself to eat healthier since everyone around me is eating crappy lol

[Psyche]

Haha, I had to put the disclaimer in there.

Pick up DDR - a few -minutes- of that on a harder level and you'll be pouring sweat. (Usually, I do a medium-level where I can sustain longer) It's a hard workout, but it's challenging and fun. Also, it's got a fitness mode, too, where it tracks the calories you've burned.

I know what you mean about junk food... i'm busy a lot and I'm much the same - if I don't eat some fast food en route, I just don't eat. To solve this, I've taken to, when I do get some time, cutting up and making to-go baggies of raw vegetables. I picked up some little 1-oz sauce cups with lids from a restaurant store and pre-filled with bleu cheese dressing to take with. String cheese, beef jerky, and bags of sunflower seeds are always on the same shelf in my fridge, so I can grab and go with something that isn't going to make me feel bloated and awful after eating it.

I've gotten to the point where fast food makes me feel so crappy that it hardly is worth eating.

[ZanaRaqs]

I've gotten to the point where fast food makes me feel so crappy that it hardly is worth eating.

which is the funny thing b/c my body rejects the junk food more often than not. but if that's all that's in front of me...better than not eating.

[Azhia]

Azh, how do you like P90X? I have been in full hibernation mode and really need to get moving.

I really like it! This is my 2nd attempt at it and I'm doing better this time, sticking to the program. It is finally habit. I even like Tony Horton, which is kinda scary. Something about dark-haired, built, corny, hyper men...

The intensity is pretty...well, intense. It's good to really pace yourself and not overdo it or else you will totally put yourself out of commission, like I did the first time. You know, where sitting down to go to the bathroom or walking down stairs is excruciating. Can't scratch your own back, etc. Not good.

I love the variety.

And KelsNasim....mmmm, I love popcorn! I'll have to keep that up. Gothique posted a video clip of stove top popcorn and I've used that technique ever since!

[KelsNasim]

I love popcorn too. Glad there's another fan out there!
I love the Wii fit (I also love DDR). I admit my kids have lost their drive with it but since they are all healthy that's fine. Personally, I like the fact that it has so many things to do..especially the stregth excersizes because I am such a wimp. I need the accountability of weighing myself everyday (although I never look at the weight... just BMI). More than once I have not eaten something gooey because I knew I'd have to see it the next day. ..l;,
My hubby needs to lose weight and he's liking it too. He does his stuff when the kids aren't around because he's self conscious. I like the free step aerobics. I think it is fun.
Hope that helps.

[suzyq52]

I sure need this thread. I've just started back at the local fitness centre - working with a trainer once a week and getting there at least three times weekly and doing my own program in between. I'm off to a workshop this weekend - so will have to watch my food intake! And, I'll be sure to ask for more salad rather than potatoes with my meal. Plus, I'll do a bit of my own workout while I'm gone. Just have to be disciplined! I did buy a hoop from Hoopgirl but haven't used it much yet. Better get that one out from behind the entertainment system!! lol Not doing much good there, is it???!! lol

[Lauren_]

Azhia, and anyone else with a nighttime snacking issue:

IF you have the following symptoms you *could* have Night Eating Syndrome:
- Take in half or more than half of your calories after bedtime
- Not hungry for breakfast
- Have difficulty falling asleep unless you eat first
- Intense carb cravings in the evening
- Eating in little 200-300 calorie 'batches' all evening long

Night Eating Syndrome is sometimes confused with Nocturnal Eating Syndrome, where people get up out of bed and eat, but that symptom doesn't have to be present to indicate a problem.

Those of us who have NES have a deficiency of certain neurotransmitters. I'm writing this from memory, but I want to say Seratonin and Melatonin are involved. We self-medicate with carbs to compensate and allow ourselves to fall asleep.

I've had a lot of success taking a supplement called 5-HTP after dinner. I take the smallest dose I can buy, it makes my cravings feel more 'normal' and I find myself getting sleepy around 10pm like a normal person!! Some people take Melatonin supplements, those are too strong for me.

I find that sometimes I need it, other times I can go weeks or months without it. Which is good, because I don't like to take anything every day.

Also, being in front of certain types of computer screens lowers your levels of some of the involved neurotransmitters, so getting away from the screen in the evenings can help, too.

[ghazallah]

How does DDR work? What kind of music is it or do you use your own? Sorry for such dumb questions... I used to make my own tapes and run/dance to them, and I miss being able to do that... the fancy footwork has to be worked up to.

I've been eating lots of oatmeal, apples and brown rice. Trying to get cleaned out before I start back on the Body-for-Life eating/exercise life, with all the protein I'm feeling the need for!

[shahla]

The Holiday's were tough and I'm glad they're over. I ate way too much crap. I'm a die hard fan of The Daily Plate. During the Holiday's I didn't track on their web site, so it was back to being good on January 1. I did manage to exercise though during the Holidays, so that was one good thing.

I do 30 minutes of cardio on my elliptical trainer at home 5 or 6 days a week. During the work week I get up at 5 am in order to get this in before I'm at work at 7 am. If I left it until later in the day, I'd never get it done. Two days a week I lift weights.

I was having a hard time shedding the Holiday pounds until this week. I tracked my calories in/calories out all January and didn't lose anything. Then this week, I decided not to log my calories I burn while working out. It has worked like a charm and I am now dropping weight.

[KelsNasim]

How does DDR work? What kind of music is it or do you use your own? Sorry for such dumb questions... I used to make my own tapes and run/dance to them, and I miss being able to do that... the fancy footwork has to be worked up to.

I've been eating lots of oatmeal, apples and brown rice. Trying to get cleaned out before I start back on the Body-for-Life eating/exercise life, with all the protein I'm feeling the need for!

I have the one for the xbox. It's a true variety of songs. Everything from Devo, B-52s, Blackeyed Peas and even some I don't know who they are when they show up. The calorie counter is nice and you can even have a bit of a story line as you "tour" and gain back up dancers... kinda funny.

[ghazallah]

So I'd need one of those gaming systems, maybe an older one even that I could pick up for a song?

[Azhia]

Azhia, and anyone else with a nighttime snacking issue:

IF you have the following symptoms you *could* have Night Eating Syndrome:
- Take in half or more than half of your calories after bedtime
- Not hungry for breakfast
- Have difficulty falling asleep unless you eat first
- Intense carb cravings in the evening
- Eating in little 200-300 calorie 'batches' all evening long

Night Eating Syndrome is sometimes confused with Nocturnal Eating Syndrome, where people get up out of bed and eat, but that symptom doesn't have to be present to indicate a problem.

Those of us who have NES have a deficiency of certain neurotransmitters. I'm writing this from memory, but I want to say Seratonin and Melatonin are involved. We self-medicate with carbs to compensate and allow ourselves to fall asleep.

I've had a lot of success taking a supplement called 5-HTP after dinner. I take the smallest dose I can buy, it makes my cravings feel more 'normal' and I find myself getting sleepy around 10pm like a normal person!! Some people take Melatonin supplements, those are too strong for me.

I find that sometimes I need it, other times I can go weeks or months without it. Which is good, because I don't like to take anything every day.

Also, being in front of certain types of computer screens lowers your levels of some of the involved neurotransmitters, so getting away from the screen in the evenings can help, too.

ACK! Sounds like me, seriously.
No more Bhuz before bed!!
When I'm taking a Vipassana course and older students are not permitted to eat after lunch, I don't sleep more than a few hours a night. It's all interrupted sleep from 10pm to 4am (first sit of the day). It really sucks 'coz this goes for 10 days.
When I can eat and go to bed with something in my stomach, I sleep like a baby.

[jetgirl]

I drink a small glass of concord grape juice before bed. It satisfies any hunger and ummm, it keeps me regular.

I just ordered a hula hoop and dvd from Hoopnotica - hoping it will be fun and good exercise at the same time. Anybody do this?

I need to bring my hula hoop back to my work gym. It is so fun. I got good enough to dance with it and performed. I had a super fun workshop at the SF circus school, which I recommend. Hula Hoop or Tunisian dance is the best way to get a tiny waist.

[KelsNasim]

I love to hula hoop... always have. It is one of the games on the Wii fit ( a fellow troupe member said she loves it because it's like doing Omis over and over). Not only is it fun to do but really fun to watch others do.

[NemainNyx]

i use myfooddiary.com and i've found it works for me, mostly because i'm meticulous with lists. i've found that seeing all the food i've eaten helps reign me in a bit.

[maranajla]

I love to hula hoop... always have. It is one of the games on the Wii fit ( a fellow troupe member said she loves it because it's like doing Omis over and over). Not only is it fun to do but really fun to watch others do.

Jeepers, is this the key to hooping? I have never been able to maintain a hula hoop spin, even as a child.

[maranajla]

I really like it! This is my 2nd attempt at it and I'm doing better this time, sticking to the program. It is finally habit. I even like Tony Horton, which is kinda scary. Something about dark-haired, built, corny, hyper men...

The intensity is pretty...well, intense. It's good to really pace yourself and not overdo it or else you will totally put yourself out of commission, like I did the first time. You know, where sitting down to go to the bathroom or walking down stairs is excruciating. Can't scratch your own back, etc. Not good.

I love the variety.

Thank you for this. My bf and I just received our P90X and I'm afraid of it. ..l;, (Have you tried anything else from Beachbody?) I have a difficult time not pushing myself the first day and then am lame for a week. OTH, I also have a difficult time figuring *how far* to push so I do actually benefit myself and yet can still walk without wincing and whining.

Anyone have ideas?

[Azhia]

Thank you for this. My bf and I just received our P90X and I'm afraid of it. ..l;, (Have you tried anything else from Beachbody?) I have a difficult time not pushing myself the first day and then am lame for a week. OTH, I also have a difficult time figuring *how far* to push so I do actually benefit myself and yet can still walk without wincing and whining.

Anyone have ideas?

Be afraid, be very afraid. In a good way. ..l;,

There is a fine line b/t not enough intensity and over training. It's a constant adjustment and knowing your physical limitations (i.e., if your weight is too heavy, go with a lighter weight; if not heavy enough increase weight or reps). Basically, your last 2 reps should be difficult, i.e., you can barely lift them.

"Pain" is relative and thresholds vary person to person. Sharp pain is not good. You kind of know when it is a good pain and a bad pain.

[straightleftknee]

I've been a good girl - sort of, over the last 3 weeks. I need to keep a check on the food.

This week

Sat. Boxing 90mins. (1st time back for years the only thing that didn't ache was my neck)
Sun. Bikram yoga 90mins. (I like heat, I don't like feeling I have heatstroke,m::)
Mon. Should have been dancing but I got a late IBS attack that ruined that idea. So crawled to bed when the pills kicked in.
Tues. Gym. Run/walk intervals on the treadmill for 16mins. Powerplate. Came home. did 30min interval dvd.
Wed. Gym Rower 12min intervals. Elipitical intervals 8mins. Came home did an interval dvd '30 day shred', followed by 10 min boxing drills.

Haven't planned what I'm doing tonight.
Friday is rest day and back to boxing on Saturday.

The only weights I'm using are 5lbs for biceps etc on the interval dvds and bodyweight and I have enough of that..g.: My muscles can get bulky so I'm avoiding my urge to lift heavy at the gym and use my brief 30minutes to do cardio I can't do elsewhere.


Next week I'm adding some morning workouts.

[straightleftknee]

wanted to add. If you're looking to reshape your body intensity/frequency is the key. What you must not forget is to give yourself enough rest time. As you get fitter you can sustain the intensity for longer and reduce the rest period between them by having 'active' rest periods. In such a way you can train all week at different intensities and not burn out.

Best of luck everyone.

[ZanaRaqs]

i need to kick my butt into shape. this year just seems to be sucking as far as motivation (school wise) and i need to do SOMETHING to improve my overall health. not looking to lose weight but just to be more healthy and energized which i hope will lead me to more sleep and better organization
i'm gonna try to keep track of what i eat. i've been having really bad hunger pangs even tho i'm not hungry (my stomach will hurt lke i haven't eaten for days even tho i ate a couple of hours ago). i'm thinking it's the crap food i eat doesn't really fill me up and all that salt can't be good for me.