Discussion Board

Just thought I would try to get this topic moving again. I've been walking and/or running every day but one so far this year. How about you guys?

Took up Crossfit (possibly also reportable as 'commenced mid-life crisis)

Be careful going to lunch w any of your new cross fit friends!
There may be an argument on the best way to eat!

Ha ha yes, we happily agree to disagree. I'm struck by the live n let live/you're ok I'm ok attitude that seems to be fostered there.
I emphasise that they are more alike than not (whole foods, avoid processed flour sugar alcohol etc, lots fresh fruit & veg). I just get plenty of protein and "good fats" from plants instead of animals.
I explain that animal foods create arthritis pain for me, which would stop me from being able to train. That way they view it as less than ideal, but acceptable as it means I can train, that being 'the best of a bad lot'.
I'm new to them, so I plan to let my health speak for itself. So far they have been frankly surprised at what a lil middle-aged vego woman with zero weight or athletic training experience has been able to do.
Anyway, I don't need their diet advice, I have the guidance and instruction of a very experienced and knowledgable doctor; I'm there for their help to improve my strength and fitness!

Hey Rosie - good thread for the New Year!

I've been McDougalling MWL for about 3 months now and though it's still with me my fibro is improved, as is my energy level. I am back to warm/deep water aerobics at least 1 hr/day 3x's a week, more if I can fit it in - it's a bit of a commute to this great pool. Also, as you know I am now being able to do some short walks again. I haven't been able to do these for years but the arthritis pain is gone and the oesteo arthritis isn't so bad now - so with the pain reduction overall -- walking a bit seems to be in the program again, and I just LOVE IT.

I used to hike daily and back pack as many weekends as I could all spring/summer. And my work week during the summer was full of biological field reviews - some days we do as much as ten miles of hiking for that. I actually first realized something was terribly wrong with me on a hike on Kauai in 1999 and I haven't done any since then. Having so much pain that I couldn't walk around my block was just the worst kind of misery for me - so, I am beyond thrilled to have done an hour hike a few weekends ago. It wasn't that far really but being out was really fantastic.

So, I have downloaded the tracker you use Rosie and plan on another hike this weekend and I hope to add a couple walks a week to my swimming.

Herbivore - got a kick out of your quip about "agreeing to disagree", but I bet in time they will be amazed by what you do and how healthy you are - that's what is happening where I swim. The changes were so fast and apparent at the pool that our trainer asked me just what the heck I was doing - now he and his father have both gone vegan ( about 90% he says) and are really happy with their changes too. A couple other people where I swim are interested too! Two have gotten books and my friend Nadine may log on to McDougall tonight after we talked a bit about the program today. Our lifeguard even complimented me yesterday about the improvements and the good level of effort I am putting into it - he has not a clue how good he made me feel

Sounds like you guys are doing good. I haven't been doing any weights other then hand held at home. I want to join a gym once I have a job again.

Lmggallagher: wow! Hope I can be such a good example too.
The guys n gals there are pretty healthy looking, but of course we can't see the inside, hey. I know what my insides look like

I'm on my third week of Chalean Extreme, a weight training 90 day DVD series from Beachbody. I'm loving it. I also do cardio 2 days a week. I'm feeling stronger and more flexible already.

Barbara

I've been doing bits of this bodyweight workout
http://www.myomytv.com/beginners-body-burn/

I leave out the crunches (just because I hate them), and add some overhead presses with 8 or 12 lb. dumbells. I swear I'm noticing more muscle in my arms and shoulders already.

Back to walking and doing elliptical now that I have an elliptical machine at home.

Glad you like your elliptical, Rosey! Thanks for restarting this thread.

I have a workout schedule that I've decided to do at my gym. I'm trying it this week to see how realistic it is, and so far so good. Okay, I know it's only Tuesday!

Monday: Spin Class (60 min)
Tuesday: Barbell strength (60 min)
Wednesday: Spin Class
Thursday: 50/50 Class (1/2 strength, 1/2 cardio-60 min)
Friday: Barbell strength

In addition to that, I've dusted off a yoga dvd that has 5 20 minute routines on it, and I'm starting most days off with it...nice way to start the day.

I have been walking when the rain isn't too bad outside...an hour walk...bout 3 1/2 miles up and down some hills on the path...or it's gym time with 20-30 min on the treadmill and 20 min in the pool...tried a water aerobic class a few weeks ago... although I was the youngest I now am dealing with a possible stress fracture in my foot....but it felt so good to jump so high in the water at the time.....will know more after the MRI...but I can still walk and walk and swim I go.....

I mainly walked inside at Mall here in portland area today but I walked a little in rain and was jumping in the puddles had some guy told me it's fun to act like a kid sometimes isn't it. I told him yep it sure is.

The HR department at work started a walking challenge to walk 150 miles in 50 days. You got a free pedometer when you joined and everyone who completes the challenge gets entered in a drawing to win a trip to New Orleans.

As part of my New Year's resolution I resolved to walk at least 30 minutes a day - every day - to combat the seasonal affected disorder I get every winter.

Well, once I started wearing a pedometer every day I found out that that 30 minutes walk, coupled with the paltry walking I do at work between my desk and lab, amounted to barely 6,000 steps - about 3 miles.

So new resolution. 10,000 steps a day minimum. The last few days I've been getting the count above 12,000 - although I now have a blister on my little toe to show for it. I'm going to the mall tonight and see if I can find a pair of Sketchers that can be worn with a dress or suit - walking in my work shoes isn't going to cut it in the long run.

It's amazing how such a little thing as clipping on a pedometer when I get up can make such a big change in motivation. I'm thinking of getting one of those mile trackers to add below my signature and seeing if I can walk 1000 miles this year.

Kate

Kate
I usually try and set some kind of winter goal. Last year I signed up for a zumba class for the winter. It helped me and my SAD even though I wasn't moving nearly what I do in the Spring-Fall.

This year my yoga teacher training was the project. It has kept me busy. Even if I'm not moving daily I am moving the most I have any other winter, and it has helped my SAD.