Hey you! Yes you! Lets get fit and trim! [Archive] - Page 2

Chaz de Coventina

Mar 13th, 2011, 06:55:38 PM

Well, that was an adventure. After about a week of attempting various workouts - running, swimming, yoga, pilates - and failing at them due to the worst stiffness I've ever had post-workout, I finally managed to get in a 75 minute yoga session yesterday. It was pretty pathetic and easy but it was something.

All the rest was starting to take it's toll though and I've been really, really depressed the last couple of days and unmotivated to do anything. And then today I woke up and felt disgusting and started to panic about eating (a constant battle).

But the arms were back in gear! So in went Insanity! Really tough mental battle and I could definitely feel myself lagging physically after taking it so easy. Wasn't pretty, y'all, but ohhh man did it feel good!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/ahg.jpg

p.s

There is a Snuggie in this photo because a) Snuggies are amazing and b) it was too bright in the room for the webcam to take a photo without shielding

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 17th, 2011, 03:39:11 PM

Workout Playlist:

The Game Has Changed / Derezzed / Recognizer - TRON Legacy soundtrack
Forget You - Cee Lo Green (yes I have the radio version)
Like a G6 - Far East Movement (silly, but makes me go faster!)
Firework - Katy Perry (feel good about yourself music is a must!)
Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars (another self esteem builder)
Lose Yourself - Eminem (kick ASS)
Only Girl in the World - Rhianna
Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
The Great Escape - Boys Like Girls
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
Gunfight Epiphany - Rob Duncan
Hounds of Love - The Futureheads
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Paparazzi / Alejandro - Lady Gaga
Uprising - Muse (another kick ass tune)
99 Luftballons - Nena (makes me feel like I'm in a European action movie)
Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown BandAnd you need some mellow tunes to help you cool down
Heaven - Los Lonely Boys
Fireflies - Owl City
Hide and Seek / The Walk - Imogen Heap
This is Home - Switchfoot

Liam Jinn

Mar 17th, 2011, 04:54:04 PM

That Sugarland song is probably the most annoying song ever. EVER.

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 17th, 2011, 05:31:20 PM

I like it!! :mneh

Morgan Evanar

Mar 18th, 2011, 11:32:03 AM

I don't listen to music, I just go, lift heavy things, and come back home.

It is the zen way.

Droo

Mar 18th, 2011, 11:44:30 AM

I'm the same. If I go anywhere I take my iPod but never into the gym. I think it must be the concentration it requires or something, like how I could only ever study or write in absolute silence.

Chartis

Mar 18th, 2011, 11:50:03 AM

When I'm doing resistance work, I'll agree with you there - no music.

But with cardio, I need an epic soundtrack. Especially running - that last mile (usually 11 or 12) is so hard. But it's no match for PERHAPS THE GREATEST SONG EVER??!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-7Vu7cqB20)

Morgan Evanar

Mar 18th, 2011, 04:27:29 PM

I cannot stand that song. It is one of the more abused pieces of music in existence. :(

Polly Smithson

Mar 18th, 2011, 04:33:53 PM

It`s not it`s fault that people screw it up.

Whatever, I think it`s maaaagical, but I`m a massive CoF looney. <3<3<3

Aimee Connors

Mar 18th, 2011, 05:50:22 PM

The gym is pumping in music anyway, I'd rather listen to my own choices. :mneh

Polly Smithson

Mar 24th, 2011, 12:10:45 PM

"Fitz, I`m really starting to hack, I think I`ll dit today out and try beat this cough."
"Sure, slacker."
"I worked out last night!"
"I know. *coughPhantomcough*"
"What?"
"You`re a gym phantom."
"I am not! I`m there almost every day! Who says I`m a bloody phantom?!"
"Everybody. I`m gonna buy you a mask."
"Well great, I feel awful but now I have to go!"
"No you don`t. It`s okay... Mr. Butler."

:(

This conversation should not have plunged me into the deep hole of shame and guilt that I am currently spluttering about in. Ugh. >_<

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 24th, 2011, 02:07:55 PM

Psh, don't let him bother you! :hug

I've now lost almost 15 pounds since Feb 9th. :)

Mu Satach

Mar 30th, 2011, 11:02:08 AM

1.76 miles this morning. Week 3 almost complete.

Chaz de Coventina

Mar 30th, 2011, 04:09:10 PM

^

Great job! That's such a great program. My buddy in Hawaii is on week one and l-o-v-i-n-g it! :D

I've been having a bit of a rough time the last couple weeks in the Insanity program, due to a wicked bad chest cough that keeps fighting back. I repeated the last week of month one to make sure that 100 % had been given. Tomorrow is an "active" rest day - which means doing the Cardio Recovery video that's comprised of a lot of stretching and then very slow muscle moves to get deep definition.

There's such a difference between this program and P90-X. Being heavily cardio based I'm not seeing as much of a change in definition but definitely have noticed a huuuuge improvement in cardiovascular endurance and while the number on the scale hasn't changed, all of my sports bras are now too big which means body fat is decreasing!

And m'lovin' my stripped-down abs. There's actually an outline now! Yes!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/omgabs.jpg

Morgan Evanar

Mar 30th, 2011, 05:10:32 PM

1.76 miles this morning. Week 3 almost complete.YOU WILL SUCCEED.

I've now lost almost 15 pounds since Feb 9th.Kickass Seabass/
Hawt!

^
And m'lovin' my stripped-down abs. There's actually an outline now! Yes!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/omgabs.jpg:o

Also don't lose too much fat it's part of what makes women sexy. Some is good, you should probably stop now at a hint-o abs. IMO that's perfect.

Lifted heavy things after missing last week. Can't wait for the next gym day, I always feel awesome afterwords.

Yog

Mar 31st, 2011, 02:28:45 PM

I've now lost almost 15 pounds since Feb 9th. :)
Grats! Impressive change, judging by facebook pics. Ketogenic or low carb diet, I am guessing? :)

Also don't lose too much fat it's part of what makes women sexy. Some is good, you should probably stop now at a hint-o abs. IMO that's perfect.
Gotta agree with Morgan. Looking great in that photo.

As for myself, until now, I have been doing all the training with free weights and resistance pulley system at home. Last night, I decided to join a gym. It has all kinds of machines and fancy equipment. Came home after a rather insane full body workout a while ago, and was utterly exhausted afterwards.

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 31st, 2011, 06:27:00 PM

I've now lost almost 15 pounds since Feb 9th. :)
Grats! Impressive change, judging by facebook pics. Ketogenic or low carb diet, I am guessing? :)

No, but maybe I should do that too, lol. I'm just watching my total calories and exercising 4-5 times a week. Doing HIIT, as per my favorite fitness nut's instructions (Liz :love). I am starting to up my protein though and lower my carbs, trying to improve the quality of my calories.

Just over 16 pounds off now. :D

Morgan Evanar

Mar 31st, 2011, 06:32:20 PM

HIIT is the shit.

Anna Fernandez

Mar 31st, 2011, 06:37:59 PM

The worst part about it is when I lose the elliptical when I go to do weights and have to use a treadmill instead for my next cardio interval. :colbert

(I'm the mayor of my gym, on Foursquare. I should have one reserved for me, dammit!)

Anna Fernandez

Mar 31st, 2011, 10:57:57 PM

I just got hit on at the gym. I must be doing something right lol!!

Morgan Evanar

Apr 1st, 2011, 11:01:05 AM

Pick up a weight and hit them harder har har har.

Mu Satach

Apr 1st, 2011, 12:08:22 PM

And m'lovin' my stripped-down abs. There's actually an outline now! Yes!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/omgabs.jpg

OMG! Awesome! :D

Just over 16 pounds off now. :D

Niiiiiice.

1.91 miles this morning in 41 min.
Week Three Complete

Sam

Apr 6th, 2011, 10:09:22 AM

I dropped almost 10 pounds since last week thanks to influenza and a can guarantee you a bunch of it was lean mass because my pants aren't THAT loose.

Stupid viruses. Next one that looks at my funny is getting popped in its little microscopic face.

(P.S. in this scenario, viruses wear tiny Groucho Marx glasses/mustache things to help people identify where their faces can be considered to be.)

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 6th, 2011, 12:07:38 PM

:lol Sam

I'm down to 159.8 (the .2 lost there is IMPORTANT dammit), putting me at 18.2 pounds off in just over 2 months. Goodbye 160s! Hopefully forever! :wave

Mu Satach

Apr 6th, 2011, 12:55:22 PM

^ awesome!

Week 4 almost complete.
Down 10.2 lbs.

Morgan Evanar

Apr 6th, 2011, 01:45:11 PM

I lifted heavy things today. Feelin better since I was not able to go to the gym monday because of a paper.

Tess Abrahams

Apr 7th, 2011, 12:20:58 AM

You are running. The world is dark and cold and you are running. You are running because they are coming and you haven't figured out how to make them stop or what they want or even where you are. There is only the steady 3-2 cadence of your feet against the slick asphalt and the cold snap of night air against your skin.

Only it's not asphalt. Just like the sky above isn't really sky. This is not your world at all. It is a manufactured reality.

They are coming.

A high scream of engines and a white burst of light behind you and you cut off the path, off the neat line of not-pavement, and down into a forest. Even here there is detail, the same heavy dragging slog of wild terrain despite mere resolution. The sky splits and everything is suddenly wet and you push harder and faster, saturated limbs of trees slapping against your face. You are not going to be caught. You are not going to lose the game.

When you burst out of the clearing there is a body there and at first you prepare to batter it out of the way, dash it to glittering pieces - until you realize it is stationary: not a threat.

"MOVEMOVEMOVE!" You scream, gunning past in a heaving frenzy as the heavens above flare and flash with white-hot light. They know where you are. They are coming.

The joints in your hips are pistons and your sneakers spit dirty water while you rip through the pitch black with a pounding heart that screams no, nono, no, nono, no, nononono -

And then you burst through the door, lactic acid under your tongue, seizing air in ragged handfuls. Your brother looks up from his computer, wide-eyed and immediately ready to strike at Them.

"What happened?" He demands.

You drop to put your head between your knees. It's hard to breath through the hot flush of rushing blood. "I was playing TRON."

Silence. And then:

"Who won?"

(psh please, I know I'm not the only 27 year old who still plays games when they work out especially not with the TRON soundtrack. My apologies to the nice gentleman whom I startled when I burst out of the foliage, gasping and terrified as though the devil himself were behind me. Also, night running ftw!)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/rundark2.jpg

Jane

Apr 7th, 2011, 01:56:10 AM

That is the best story. :D

Mu Satach

Apr 7th, 2011, 09:57:02 AM

I'll have to try playing TRON sometime this summer. :)

Mu Satach

Apr 8th, 2011, 11:24:19 AM

Week four complete, crap time today though.

Mu Satach

Apr 8th, 2011, 06:42:29 PM

Anybody have any suggestions on what to eat to keep the body somewhat healthy when there is no desire to eat at all?

I've only been managing to force down 350 to 500 calories a day for a while now and I'm not sure how long this is going to last before I feel like eating again.

Managed to put down a banana and a health shake today, yesterday a banana and yogurt plus some cheese. (And yes my best friend has already gotten after me and is forcing me to shove something down daily now.)

Basically, I'm looking for simple, healthy and soft things I can trick myself into eating during the day so I can meet my daily calorie requirements. (1250-1500)

thanks

Tess Abrahams

Apr 8th, 2011, 06:59:26 PM

If you`re doing shakes and like nut butters, adding a tablespoon of that can really be great. Chocolate almond milk (or whatver you`re using) + peanut butter + protein powder + banana = deliciousness. ALso, putting veggies like spinach and brocoli into your smoothies is a great way to bulk them up - and if you put berries in, too, you won`t even taste the greens! Greek yogurt is an excellent addition to any diet. It`s got the most protein of any yogurt and isn`t laden with simple sugars, plus that extra creaminess is so so decadent. Good with fruit or nuts or cinnamon or honey or just about anything you want to add, including savoury things such as chicken and fish. eggs are great - hardboil a bunch and keep them in the fridge for easy access. Hummus takes two seconds to make for a big batch and if you chop up some veg and whole wheat pita bread, you`ve got instant nutritious dipping snacks. If i think of anything else quick and easy, I`ll be sure to add `em :)

Mu Satach

Apr 9th, 2011, 01:51:43 PM

thank you, added all this to my shopping list

feels a little weird to think I'm having to get all strict like to eat "enough" of my calorie goal instead of staying under... goofy body and it's shinanigans

Aurelias Kazaar

Apr 9th, 2011, 05:12:13 PM

Biked 8.5 miles today, plus 30 minutes of lifting weights. Third time this week I've done it and slowly building up my workout regimen.

Freaked out a bit at the 252 weight my scale said, but didn't account for the three water bottles I'd had during. Plus, it's probably 60-40 muscle. Probably.

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 11th, 2011, 10:42:14 AM

Weigh yourself in the morning after evacuating your bladder. (hehe I just wanted to say "evacuating your bladder") That will give you a better view of your true weight.

MILESTONE REACHED:
I have lost 20 pounds since Feb 9th
I bought a new pair of jeans because I literally could not keep my other ones on anymore - SIZE 10! Old ones were 12s. I'm on Cloud Nine.

I still have 23 pounds to go, but after being cautious last week with possible sickness going around I am going to hit the gym hard this week. Can't wait! :dance:dance:dance

Droo

Apr 11th, 2011, 10:57:05 AM

Congratulations, Holly! :)

And personally, I prefer the expression "to void one's bladder" such as voiding your rheum upon my beard and spetting upon my Jewish gaberdine.

HOW DARE YOU SPET UPON MY JEWISH GABERDINE! :mad

Chaz de Coventina

Apr 11th, 2011, 03:05:31 PM

Yaaaaaay Holly! You`ve worked so so hard and it`s really showing. That photo you sent basically made me explode from the hotness. ;)

Today marks month 2 of Insanity. The workouts now become more intense and are 59 mintues versus 35. Not sure how I`m going to handle but I have enlisted my son Alex (12) and my ex-niece Rachelle (13) to do it with me. You can`t quit when there are children around without feeling like an utter douche.

Mu Satach

Apr 11th, 2011, 03:14:51 PM

congrats Holly!!! :D

Yog

Apr 12th, 2011, 01:29:19 PM

On sunday after workout, I felt like I was going to puke and pass out.

Today, after workout, I feel like a million bucks.

Odd how that works. :lol

Wyl Staedtler

Apr 14th, 2011, 12:40:20 AM

Yog

Apr 14th, 2011, 01:20:17 PM

^^ that looks somewhat insane, indeed.

I just got back from the gym. As Arnold would say, "I'm so puhmped in tha muhscles right naohw!".

I keep alternating every second day, and notice progress in all areas.

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 15th, 2011, 05:08:31 PM

ok I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this but here's some Before and Now (i'm not to After yet):

Before (this is actually after Owen and before I had Sophie but the body is about the same)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/jainhollie/me/p90x012.jpg
Ugh its so bad. BLARGH. (this is me, at about 175. At Dragon*Con I was about 195 with baby, was 205 when Sophie was born and then when I started actively trying to lose weight I was lingering at about 178)

Now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/jainhollie/me/IMG_0437.jpg

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/jainhollie/me/p90x-011.jpg

Now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/jainhollie/me/IMG_0438.jpg

Muscles??? (yes stretch marks ugh again)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/jainhollie/me/IMG_0439.jpg

Droo

Apr 15th, 2011, 05:32:32 PM

You look really great, Holly. Well done on your hard work. Now you can enjoy the rewards. Namely, me humping your leg. :uhoh

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 15th, 2011, 05:33:02 PM

hahahaha DOWN BOY!

:p

But thank you. :o

Morgan Evanar

Apr 15th, 2011, 05:50:28 PM

You've been kickin' some ass.

Morgan Evanar

Apr 15th, 2011, 08:04:31 PM

I lifted heavy things today. 275 lbs of deadlifting fun, 12 pullups and dumbell benchin. My body twitches.

Mu Satach

Apr 15th, 2011, 09:46:05 PM

Awesome job Holly!!! :)

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 15th, 2011, 10:13:59 PM

So it's a rainy day in the Mountains and I want to have a bit of a walk.

A bit of a walk turned into a jog

Jog turned into a run

Annnnnnd 10 km's later...... That really surprised me just how far I got.

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 16th, 2011, 11:27:13 AM

Thanks Morgan and Mu!

Mark - was that one way, or a circuit? I'm picturing you running really far in one direction and then having to get a hotel room or something so you could go home the next day. ;)

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 16th, 2011, 11:06:29 PM

Good thing I went uphill first.

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 17th, 2011, 05:40:07 PM

No weight loss this week to speak of (maybe even a pound gained :uhoh) but I've been taking Jillian Michael's Fat Burner supplements all week to see what they'll do for me. As far as weight goes, not impressed, but then I measured my waist.

I went from 31 to 30 around my natural waist, and from 35 to 33 around my belly (at the bellybutton). So, awesome! Guess it does burn fat after all.

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 18th, 2011, 03:45:38 AM

It's always been the big point of this thread - dont worry about weight, watch your figure. THAT'S where it truly counts.

Managed to back the 10km run with a 5.something km run tonight. And only stopped due to phone calls that broke my rythym, which was a surprise. I've never been much of a runner so it's pretty cool I've developed enough to be able to put in 5km whenever I feel like it. Now to make that 10km

Mu Satach

Apr 19th, 2011, 10:16:18 AM

Well - week six has begun.

And as of this morning 15 lbs are gone.

Wyl Staedtler

Apr 19th, 2011, 10:51:50 AM

fantastic! congratulations, mu!

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 19th, 2011, 11:02:46 AM

AWESOME Mu! :swoon:

I've stagnated at 156 this week but I usually drop a few pounds then fluctuate up a bit. Trying not to let it get in my head. The pounds will come off.

Mu Satach

Apr 19th, 2011, 11:58:31 AM

I actually could use some help, (accountability) on my eating if anyone is up for it.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Apr 19th, 2011, 12:40:27 PM

I'm always up for a buddy :)

Morgan Evanar

Apr 19th, 2011, 09:50:12 PM

My arms want to fall out of their sockets holy crap.

Yog

Apr 20th, 2011, 03:26:31 AM

Kicked the metabolical rest rate in the butt by running before breakfast.

Also yesterday, had a terrific HIIT resistance workout.

I have declared WAR on the fat deposits in my body.

Cirrsseeto Quez

Apr 20th, 2011, 05:09:08 AM

Alright I'm tired of not doing anything for a while and I'm tired of my work hours being long and stupid. So I can't do six days of P90X a week? Kiss my ass Tony, you don't work ten hour days. I did it for a while but I think that was because I had meth in my cornflakes and zero social life.

So here's what's up:

Work days Monday - Thursday = me doing SOMETHING, whether that something is ab ripper x or lifting free weights. That takes relatively little workout time and I can pull it off on a weekday. No biggie.

Friday - Sunday = I can do full P90X days + whatever shit needs doing in the garden.

That's gonna be the best fit for my schedule until I get back to working five 8 hour days a week I think. I'm just ready to work out again.

Morgan Evanar

Apr 20th, 2011, 11:19:39 AM

I ordered some Fivefingers so I no longer dislike running.

Taataani Meorrrei

Apr 20th, 2011, 08:37:37 PM

Veronica

Apr 20th, 2011, 08:54:52 PM

I'll let you know when they show.

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 20th, 2011, 09:01:37 PM

I'm feeling completely noodley. Ugh. No workout again today.

Liz says it may be that I'm low on iron so I'm going to take some in pill form and see if it helps.

Sam

Apr 20th, 2011, 09:35:53 PM

How awesome are they? Should I buy a pair? I've wanted some for ages but I couldn't tell if that's because they're awesome or of it's because I'm a white person with more money than sense, so I need to latch onto your opinion like a leech.

I've had a pair of the KSOs for two years now. I wear them running, I wear them hiking, I wear them going grocery shopping, I wear them to work when I know I'm not going to have to meet with clients or senior partners.

They are the reining champion for the title of my favorite possession.

Liz

Apr 20th, 2011, 10:06:26 PM

Ahhh I second this - barefoot running is where it's at.

Charley, I have that book Born To Run in your care package for you and it deals with the science behind them. So, so, so good. Vibrams rock the world, brah.

Taataani Meorrrei

Apr 21st, 2011, 05:29:02 AM

well everybody's singing praises so I'll grab 'em whenever I can afford a lot of money for shoes.

Sam

Apr 21st, 2011, 01:49:47 PM

Heh heh, Liz's serious face avatar tickles me even as it looks out from the screen at me in a disapproving manner.

Mu Satach

Apr 25th, 2011, 10:39:56 AM

Week Seven has begun.

Am starting to see a neck line again which is promising, and am finally under a 20 min. mile. I'm moving this coming weekend to a place that's just a little over 2 miles from where I work, so will be adding a bike ride to and from work every day here in a few weeks.

Morgan Evanar

Apr 25th, 2011, 04:29:51 PM

I have not run in them yet, but I took a quick jog and it felt fantastic.

I also lifted a thing today:

Pullups: 5x170, 4x150, 4x150 I was filled with frustration. I feel like I should be able to do more.
Bent Over Yates Row: 10x65, 8x85, 8x95
EZ-Bar Curl: 2x10x40
Squats: 10x135, 10x145
Deadlifts: 10x225 frragghhghghg

Vibram Fivefingers report: Wonderful! I felt much more stable squatting in these.

Chaz de Coventina

Apr 25th, 2011, 04:50:24 PM

Ran 17 miles yesterday in addition to Insanity! Totally by accident - 13 mile trail run & Insanity was meant to be it but then the Canucks lost and I had to run to deal with the paaaain. :(

Down 2 lbs today and taking a rest day, so sore!

Lilaena De'Ville

Apr 25th, 2011, 09:48:00 PM

Taking Liz's advice and upping my calories to try to not plateau... Been stuck at 155 for two weeks. Also - actually did spiderman crunches for reals. So fun but exhausting. I did about fifteen on each side.

Chaz de Coventina

Apr 30th, 2011, 12:11:50 PM

Literally haven't worked out except for three really intense CrossFit days and daily yoga (which is as routine as breathing, don't ever count it as a workout) since Rhys broke his leg, been so busy with making sure he's completely spoiled (kidding... sort of...) and then work's picked up so have been up at all hours making phone calls because of various time zones. Still, I am officially down 7.6 pounds - yay stress? :uhoh

Extra long yoga session today, I think, and then a nice intense ab workout. Mmm can't wait.

Mu Satach

Apr 30th, 2011, 02:36:17 PM

Seven weeks completed. Week eight begins on Monday.

Mu Satach

May 9th, 2011, 01:55:51 PM

week eight got postponed 'til this week due to my own suckage at working out on my own

Jo Holloway

May 9th, 2011, 02:16:52 PM

I didn't work out at all last week. :x Have to get back on the wagon today or I may fall off permanently. ^_^;

(is LD)

Darth Turbogeek

May 9th, 2011, 04:00:31 PM

Running 5km where I live now is nuts. Cycling its really good but running? So lst night decided to run uphill for a while, then thought well I got this far lets go a bit further.... repeat that about 20 times and you end up a good couple of hundred meters up in elevation and thinking well I could manage 10 km....

So run home (or more precisely drag my sorry ass home) and then check the distance computer to see 11.86km. Geez, I just ran 11.86kms in the mountains?!?!? Yeah, not bad for someone who doesnt run :)

Polly Smithson

May 10th, 2011, 12:05:07 PM

Good job, Mark! And don`t worry Hols, you`ll find your way back to the groove.

I`m really craving a good long run (nnnnng waaaant) but my joints are super swollen and putting weight on my ankles right now is killer so I went to the pool this morning with my SIL and swam some laps. No idea how far but it was about 40 minutes of steady (but slow) swimming.

Totally exhausted in that cleaned out sort of way. Now to go sleep for the rest of the day. ^__^

Mu Satach

May 12th, 2011, 03:00:52 PM

20 lbs. gone as of this morning.

Anna Fernandez

May 12th, 2011, 03:17:14 PM

Awesome Nat!! :D

Morgan Evanar

May 12th, 2011, 04:11:04 PM

Well done!

Polly Smithson

May 13th, 2011, 12:25:43 PM

Wow! Great job! Hdance

Did some Hatha Yoga yesterday for about 30 minutes and then slowly worked my way through some light resistance work. It was hard but I finished!

The last few weeks/month I`ve not been eating any sugar or starches and limited fats (MCT oil, mostly). Last night I made the mistake of eating a brownie with a scoop of ice cream - it was purely an emotional thing; I was sore and exhausted and tired of being sore and exhausted. ANyway, I know I`m really sensitive to dairy but even with lactaid pills I got so violently ill! Massive headache, nausea, my joints were aching even worse, it was terrible. Not sure if it was just the dairy or if the gluten contributed so after a few days I`ll reintroduce one at a time and see how she goes. :(

Mu Satach

May 13th, 2011, 01:20:17 PM

:( I'm sorry - I have a couple of food allergies that are odd and boy, do I know what you mean when you say "violently ill" if I happen to accidently eat them.

:hug

Yog

May 14th, 2011, 07:05:33 AM

Today I got a shock when I saw on the scale I reached 79.9, something I have not been at for many many years. When I started in late february, I was at 86 kg. Body fat percentage is down from 26-27 to 21. Waist line measured at belly button is down from 95 to 87 cm or so. Not so bad for being 34 years old..

I am still going to to the training studio every second day, and now started jogging for the days between about 20 minutes or so. Got myself some nice comfortable jogging shoes and microfiber socks for running.

The last few weeks/month I`ve not been eating any sugar or starches and limited fats (MCT oil, mostly).
That is a smart diet strategy. By elimination, I can deduce you are eating fruits, green veggies and lean protein. Excellent! Don't forget omega-3. I also suggest several cups of green tea every day (this gives me a measurable effect compared to days when I am not drinking it).

What kind of MCT are you using? Coconut oil, or straight up MCT oil?

Me myself, I completely eliminated dairy products from my diet (I used to guzzle like 1 liter of skim milk every day), when I realized it is not good for my skin, insulin level and various other reasons. I also eliminated grain and wheat products entirely, which means no bread! And of course no sugar in any shape or form, except for a teaspoon of honey with cinnamon. It is was a rather brutal change in habit. My diet is basically paleolithic these days.

Morgan Evanar

May 14th, 2011, 10:08:35 AM

I'm trying to put on weight so I'm eating almost everything that isn't junk food. Coincidentally I now weigh 79.3 kg and all my lifts have gone up a few pounds. My squat is pathetic for some reason. On days I don't lift I'm going to start trying to run for 30 minutes and stretching.

Aurelias Kazaar

May 14th, 2011, 02:16:22 PM

Holding at 250 pounds but I think it's more muscle than fat. Still could stand to lose weight...

Have strained hamstring too which SUCKS!

Polly Smithson

May 14th, 2011, 03:42:12 PM

By elimination, I can deduce you are eating fruits, green veggies and lean protein. Excellent! Don't forget omega-3. I also suggest several cups of green tea every day (this gives me a measurable effect compared to days when I am not drinking it).

What kind of MCT are you using? Coconut oil, or straight up MCT oil?

Me myself, I completely eliminated dairy products from my diet (I used to guzzle like 1 liter of skim milk every day), when I realized it is not good for my skin, insulin level and various other reasons. I also eliminated grain and wheat products entirely, which means no bread! And of course no sugar in any shape or form, except for a teaspoon of honey with cinnamon. It is was a rather brutal change in habit. My diet is basically paleolithic these days.

Yep! Basically what I'm eating! Always have iced green tea in the fridge and have been supplementing with chia seeds (what a little POWERHOUSE of healthy fats and enzymes!) I alternate between coconut oil and straight MCT, depending on what I'm making. :D

The only problem I'm having is that I've lost a ton of weight that I can't really afford to have lost; granted part of that is being sick, but I still need to gain about 10-15 lbs (and that's being conservative; could probably stand to go up by about 20.) So I've added sweet potato a couple times a week, hoping that it will help.

Way to go on the weight loss! I don't know about you but I find I don't miss grains and bread at all - and when I get a hankering I make coconut bread or almond meal bread, even tastier than wheat-based varieties and much simpler!

Polly Smithson

May 15th, 2011, 07:30:34 PM

Oh, Yog! I meant to share with you a couple of blogs that I've been following that have fantastic recipe ideas - one is Elana's Pantry (www.elanaspantry.com), which has a lot of excellent gluten free recipes mostly based on almond meal flour and coconut flour. The other is Mark's Daily Apple (www.marksdailyapple.com), a Paleo blog that not only has recipes but also goes into the science behind it and really explores a lot of relevant subjects that relate to a paleolithic diet. Fascinating stuff!

Yog

May 17th, 2011, 03:18:13 AM

Just ordered 2 x 500ml Cocosa extra virgin coconut oil.

Another surprise I got recently was when I checked my resting pulse. It's down to 65 and used to be 95 some months ago, so general fitness level is improving by a great amount also.

The only problem I'm having is that I've lost a ton of weight that I can't really afford to have lost; granted part of that is being sick, but I still need to gain about 10-15 lbs (and that's being conservative; could probably stand to go up by about 20.) So I've added sweet potato a couple times a week, hoping that it will help.
If you need to raise the amount of calories, I suppose you could add more MCT. This is why competitive bodybuilders use it for both cutting and bulking. Read more about it here:
http://marty.dragondoor.com/2010/02/mcts-coconut-oil-and-the-lipid.html

Oh, Yog! I meant to share with you a couple of blogs that I've been following that have fantastic recipe ideas - one is Elana's Pantry (www.elanaspantry.com), which has a lot of excellent gluten free recipes mostly based on almond meal flour and coconut flour. The other is Mark's Daily Apple (www.marksdailyapple.com), a Paleo blog that not only has recipes but also goes into the science behind it and really explores a lot of relevant subjects that relate to a paleolithic diet. Fascinating stuff!
Those are some great blogs! Bookmarking them. Thanks! :D

Yog

May 18th, 2011, 02:12:18 PM

So who goes to the gym despite heavy rain because he does not want to deviate from the training schedule?

<-- this guy does.

Yog

May 29th, 2011, 12:51:45 PM

Soon, I'll need another hole in my belt (where did my belly go?).

How is everyone else doing? We need more updates! :)

Tess Abrahams

May 29th, 2011, 01:34:30 PM

I`m getting healthy! Working my way up to 120, doing lots of yoga, and getting excited to restart Insanity once I hit my goal weight! =D

Great to hear about your progress, Yog! Its so motivating to hear about your success! :D

Droo

Jun 4th, 2011, 11:55:33 AM

Didn't get to the gym today so I decided to dip my toe in the waters of Insanity and had a go at the Fit Test. Colour me dead! :x

Polly Smithson

Jun 4th, 2011, 12:00:00 PM

LIKE. :D

Ahaha I cannot wait until the 20th.

Sanis Prent

Jun 4th, 2011, 12:24:43 PM

Back into p90x, er, at least 3 days a week for full workouts and doing abs and maybe stretch on my work days. Some exercise better than no exercise :)

Polly Smithson

Jun 6th, 2011, 02:05:46 PM

Had an amazing yoga practice yesterday. It was only about forty minutes but it had lots of hip and shoulder openers (which I desperately need) and then I managed to get into side crow and hold it for a full minute. Namaste, indeed. :love

ALSO. I just made a chocolate cake with peanut butter cream icing that is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free and sugar-free. And it's amazing. So so so good! I think I could basically exist off of this cake and cold ginger-baked chicken for the rest of my life. Oh, and apples and celery of course. :D

Sanis Prent

Jun 6th, 2011, 09:02:12 PM

What's wrong with gluten, grains, dairy, soy, and sugar? Well strike the last one since you could rock turbinado, stevia, honey or whatever and I guess that's cool, but I dunno you crazy chick.

When I am dictator of the world the first ones against the wall will be the celiacs, and I will feed them delicious seitan.

Also I did plyo for the first time in a long time and I'm well and truly shredded. Gonna be low and slow for the next few days I suppose.

Also I guess you'd be proud of me because my inner white person ripped the bars off the cage this weekend and I got a shitload of sugar-free, free-trade granola, kashi, and made whole grain bread with wheat germ, flax seed, sesame seed, rolled oats, and honey. I'd have to eat tree bark or rock birkenstocks to white any harder.

Tycho Auriville

Jun 6th, 2011, 10:13:31 PM

My inner hippie salutes your inner hippie. *fistbump*

Droo

Jun 23rd, 2011, 05:59:32 AM

Alternaring days of gym and swim sessions with the spartacus workout (http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/high-intensity-circuit-routine/index.php). So far, I can only manage two reps of the circuit instead of three, but that's baby steps for you. Six days of this a week is all kinds of awesome. Muscles tingling all over.

ps. T-pushups are killing me. Whatever happened to my upper-body strength? :(

Morgan Evanar

Jun 24th, 2011, 07:22:17 PM

I had a bad few weeks and wasn't going to the gym but I've been back at it fairly consistently.

I need to push myself harder.

Darth Turbogeek

Jun 26th, 2011, 04:31:40 PM

Fuck P90X, Ive got Springwood Ridge! Now that's complete evil for a mountain bike rider. As in this guy who laughs at 50km rides cant get past the first 100 meters before being forced to walk. Bloody amazing and it will *not* beat me!

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jun 27th, 2011, 09:04:38 AM

Not everyone has access to outside terrain, Mark.

Sanis Prent

Jun 27th, 2011, 05:26:34 PM

P90 also makes you flexy, and to some degree builds strength. Is it the best fitness option? I don't think so, but it does a lot of good in a lot of different criteria

Morgan Evanar

Jun 28th, 2011, 07:00:37 AM

Sadly not everyone has a safe place to use a bicycle, much less a hilly one.

Lilaena De'Ville

Jun 28th, 2011, 01:25:31 PM

Of course Christin does dirt bike all over the place :lol

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jun 28th, 2011, 02:55:59 PM

Haha very true!

Motorcycles are a surprising and fun way to help your core, and an enjoyable supplement to my p90x off days.

Of course, there are also days where I skip some routines on account of a heavy lifting day at work, so there are times when I'm able to play my cards right and get the full workout just by doing involved maintenance projects :D

Droo

Jun 30th, 2011, 09:30:56 AM

Upping my workload in the gym. My swimming stamina and pace have never been better. Aaand I've managed to complete all three reps of the spartacus workout while managing twice as many T-pushups in the process (I looked up some pushup exercises and have been incorporating them into my routine). I love progress! :D

Sanis Prent

Jun 30th, 2011, 10:23:05 AM

I did Kenpo yesterday, and today my lats are sore for some weird reason. Huh.

Tear

Jun 30th, 2011, 10:36:53 AM

I did Kenpo yesterday, and today my lats are sore for some weird reason. Huh.

Must have thrown some good punches. Specifically uppercuts.;)

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jun 30th, 2011, 07:25:22 PM

Slaughtered me some military pushups on chest and back :cool

Sanis Prent

Jun 30th, 2011, 09:05:02 PM

I did Kenpo yesterday, and today my lats are sore for some weird reason. Huh.

Must have thrown some good punches. Specifically uppercuts.;)

My punch target is Tony Horton's imaginary maniacal disembodied head so yeah I threw hella punches

Park Kraken

Jul 2nd, 2011, 07:59:18 AM

Time to get on a program. Weighed in last week at 545lbs. Not the heaviest I've ever been, but darned close. Going swimming today at a cool springs to get some exercise in this heat.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jul 3rd, 2011, 04:37:50 PM

I'm being lazy for most of today, but arms and abs are on the schedule for the evening. I might go out riding in a little bit though, and take advantage of some delightful mudpuddles :D

Tear

Jul 3rd, 2011, 06:54:07 PM

Okay opinions time. Protien shakes/supplements. To use or not to use? Opinions?

Droo

Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:15:47 PM

Depends on if you want to build mass and have intensive workouts, I guess. I was having a discussion with my cousin about going the protein route but presently my main concern is muscle recovery, for which he suggested creatine. I'm still not wholly convinced so if others with more knowledge and experience in the protein/creatine/supplements business, I'd also appreciate a little advice.

Darth Turbogeek

Jul 3rd, 2011, 10:35:59 PM

Okay opinions time. Protien shakes/supplements. To use or not to use? Opinions?

Waste of time. Just eat properly.

Morgan Evanar

Jul 3rd, 2011, 11:24:47 PM

Yog

Jul 4th, 2011, 01:27:10 AM

Protein shakes are a cheap and convenient way to get more protein. I add 2x30 grams of pure whey every day to my diet, and one teaspoon of creatine per day. Remember to take protein after your workout, as it is most important for the recovery phase. Especially when you sleep, that is when you rebuild muscle and burn fat. Getting enough can be a pain unless you consume a lot of meat, eggs and milk.

When you do exercise such as heavy resistance training, I'd personally recommend at least one gram of protein per pound of lean bodyweight per day. Depending who you ask, some might say 1-1.5 g protein/ lb of total body weight. I think this is overkill though. The RDA is actually set at only 0.8 g/kg (0.36 g/lb) protein per day. That, on the other hand, may be on the low side. There is some controversy what is the optimal amount, and you can learn more reading from the God of nutrition advice, Lyle McDonald:
Protein Requirements for Strength and Power Athletes (http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/protein-requirements-for-strength-and-power-athletes.html)

+ more articles about protein
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/category/nutrition/protein

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jul 4th, 2011, 05:06:11 AM

I love my protein recovery shake after working out. I use chocolate soy milk in mine, and a spoonful of peanut butter :yum

Darth Turbogeek

Jul 4th, 2011, 05:33:59 AM

No, if you have a fast metabolism it can be a pain in the ass to put on lean mass without them. I buy protein powder in bulk and add 100 grams a day to my normal meal intake. It was less than $10 a pound, I'll link you to the site where I bought mine.

Alternately drinking a ton of milk works too.

Even at my most ridiculously fit and with an exercise regime a good deal harder than even the "run 10km a day", I honestly found just simply eating a steak sandwich to be the best idea. The actual sicence to support protein drinks is weaker than is typically let on - but just plain eating a steak well that's a different story.

Milk is definatly p.good tho. And tasty.

Time to get on a program. Weighed in last week at 545lbs. Not the heaviest I've ever been, but darned close. Going swimming today at a cool springs to get some exercise in this heat.

a) Go back to the first post of this thread. Read it. Follow it religiously.

b) Ignore the bullshit of big workouts, people can be crazy in this thread and in no way should be replicated. Yes I do 10km a day but I. fucking. HATE it. I hate running with a passion. I hate the blisters and the busted feet. Why do I do it? Because right now I dont have any other choice. And that saps my motivation so here's...

c) Find something you liek doing and just keep doing it. No silly programs, no insane MTB riding, no DVD's, rearrange your diet and just do something plesant. Exercise that hurts is NOT exercise that will become ingrained.

I'm sooo going to find a place to ride near the office. Fuck I hate running

Sanis Prent

Jul 4th, 2011, 06:38:56 AM

My angle is strength building so I'm a fan of protein. Easier than gulping down a dozen eggs like rocky, and better on your cholesterol

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jul 4th, 2011, 06:55:55 AM

For me, as much as I love a good rare and bleeding steak, I CAN NOT afford to eat one every day. I love animal flesh, ask Charley. Chicken, beef, gator, fish, all of that - but I also enjoy variety tempered with how much of a pounding my wallet can take.

As far as milk, I'm lactose intolerant so that's out.

The protein shakes I love, since I love milkshakes to the point that I'd brave the aftereffects just to have one. Not only that, but my body just plain feels better. It is fast and filling, and is especially good for Charley since he works out in the morning before work.

It really depends on what your goals are and what you're wanting your end results to be :)

Morgan Evanar

Jul 28th, 2011, 08:45:05 PM

Still doing a thing every couple days or so, still watching my lifts go up and by body weight rise. Ran out of powder, food is too expensive to make up the deficit that way, so I'm just trying not to lose weight this week.

The Original BuffJedi

Aug 10th, 2011, 05:31:46 PM

Found a Great way to workout!! : see my avatar pic :)

Yog

Aug 11th, 2011, 06:52:37 AM

The photo is a little small to see what exactly you are doing. You're chopping wood with an axe?

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 12th, 2011, 01:49:09 AM

Yes he is. And he's right too, its a damn good workout

I'm racing in the City2Surf on Sunday. 14km of paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaain :(

I hate running

The Original BuffJedi

Aug 12th, 2011, 05:32:13 PM

Indeed Turbo!

http://www.sw-fans.net/imagegallery/showphoto.php?photo=661&limit=recent

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 14th, 2011, 01:07:08 AM

Holy Christ, THAT HURT

Finished :)

Yog

Sep 19th, 2011, 02:05:39 PM

I just started at a new gym where they in addition to weights and machines have professional trainers and a busy program with lessons. It was only marginally more expensive per month than the other gym, cheaper in fact if I stay with them for 9 months. Location is also perfect, 3 minutes with bicycle to get there.

Just completed step and body pump for the first time, and I am quite exhausted. :x

Morgan Evanar

Sep 19th, 2011, 04:15:25 PM

Yog

Sep 20th, 2011, 04:41:25 PM

I'm lifting 3 to 4x a week, although I skipped yesterday because my upper right back was screwed up from playing too much Dragon Age 2. I really need a new desk and chair so I can use my desktop without lunching my back.
The fysiopilates I was on yesterday, we learned a lot about how to keep correct posture, to avoid injuries, for example when sitting in front of computers etc. Important to sit straight, in natural angles so there are no stress on the joints.

Today, I had my first yoga class at the new gym, and circle training in high intensity intervals. The circle training was ridiculously tough. We have this trainer named Jan, who probably thinks we are navy seal candidates or something, because we were pushed so hard..

"Go all the way! Push harder! Keep going. FASTER! Lift your head, and look forward! Straight legs, straight back! Hold it! DON'T GIVE UP!!! FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!! FIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!! ", he shouts as he hovers over me, clenching his fists, and staring me intensely in the eyes as I am about to collapse and die. :lol

Crazy and super intense. I feel like a train wreck. Every muscle in my body is aching.

Tomorrow, it is rest day. I need it!

Morgan Evanar

Sep 20th, 2011, 05:13:41 PM

I think I fixed my desk.

Yog

Sep 23rd, 2011, 03:01:12 AM

Why you should not only worry about calories, but the effect fast carbs have on your insulin level:
http://rajganpath.com/2010/07/15/carbolicious/

Tear

Sep 23rd, 2011, 11:57:50 AM

Why you should not only worry about calories, but the effect fast carbs have on your insulin level:
http://rajganpath.com/2010/07/15/carbolicious/

Good read Yog's! I think my sugar intake is probably quite high due to the large amount of fruit I eat. Can't help it though! Love me some fruit.

skinnerr

Oct 4th, 2011, 08:06:22 AM

I have been in good shape and condition for the past 7 years already and things could have never been better.

I was one of those who did not mind what they ate until they found that they are just too big for comfort.

And then, it hit me, I should starting losing weight and getting back into shape, though round is as well a shape.

Sanis Prent

Oct 13th, 2011, 07:21:32 PM

I'm replacing a lot of the filler crap in P90x (namely some of the push-up variants and half the crap on legs & back) with good ol' core lifts. Best of both worlds, and feels good to push true heavy weight again. That way I get my bench press, leg press, dead lifts, and military press along with all of that crazy good other stuff.

Sanis Prent

Nov 2nd, 2011, 08:22:13 AM

Broke into the 270's as of today. Time to cut at least 4 more pounds before Miami.

Wyl Staedtler

Jan 20th, 2012, 02:28:37 AM

Last year I began working really hard on putting on healthy weight while maintaining lean muscle mass. I went from a scary 105lbs (47.6 kg):

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/Snapshot_20100616-1.jpg

To 125lbs (56.6 kg), which for my height and build (5'4-ish, curvy) was pretty grand.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/omgabs-1.jpg

It's a strange contradiction to possess both a love of cooking and nutrition and a massive, massive anxiety when it comes to eating. Particularly in the context of an active life (for as long as I can remember I've been an avid runner and am generally comfortable considering myself an athlete), where food as fuel plays a huge part in optimal health, it can become an almost crippling challenge to not let mental disorders get in the way of basic concepts of wellbeing.

It's been a hard journey to try and reset certain thinking patterns (to think, four years ago I thought 1200 calories a day was the highest range I ought to be aiming for!) and avoid spinning into a cycle of overtraining at the merest perceived shortcoming.

Which is why I'm so proud of this update. Tonight was the first night I went and did a proper workout, the first in months (I don't count running or field work as a) one is stress relief and b) the other is inevitable.) After returning from CrossFit and knocking back a piece of chicken and some water, I hopped on the scale out of curiosity. Not surprisingly, after months of hearty (healthy) eating and scaled back activity, I've put on 10 pounds and am now resting at 135lbs (61.2 kg).

And I didn't care.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still fit and healthy and within a normal range. But not so long ago, a ten pound gain would have made me hyperventilate in panic (and oh, I wish that were a joke but it's really, really not.) Tonight? All I could focus on was how I kicked the WOD's ass; how strong my legs have gotten; how even though I still can't properly do feet-to-bar, I've gotten better.

It was exhilarating, the simple freedom of just letting go and enjoying the moment. Such a huge step in my personal regime! :D

... Oh, and if you're curious to give it a go, the WOD was almost entirely comprised of body resistance and wicked fun. ;)

1 round
50x Squat jumps
10x knees to elbows
40x Squat jumps
20x Push-ups
30x Squat jumps
30x Sit-ups
20x Squat jumps
40x Pull-ups
10x Squat jumps
50m Bear crawl

Lilaena De'Ville

Jan 20th, 2012, 02:40:56 AM

:) That is so awesome, Liz, I'm really happy for you!!

I have lost fifteen pounds in five days. :D

Wyl Staedtler

Jan 20th, 2012, 02:48:39 AM

Don't you dare work out until Olivia is at least two months old. Your body is busy enough right now. :glomp

Lilaena De'Ville

Jan 20th, 2012, 05:18:30 AM

Dont worry! I wouldn't dare. I might go to the gym at some point after six weeks but I'd be starting off real slow, like with walking, lol.

The Original BuffJedi

Jan 20th, 2012, 05:36:40 PM

after 8 months of not stepping so much as a foot into a gym, back at it :) for lil over a month now. Hate working out but love the results. I did< as last time cut back to 1 pack of cigs a day and only 2liters of mt. dew and added at least a quart of water to my eating plan..i say eating plan only cause I plan to continue eating anything thing i dang well please...enjoy food people(barring medical conditions of course)..great bodies are made in the gym, not the kitchen..period

Callista

Feb 8th, 2012, 08:41:40 AM

I canceled my gym membership last year because I didn't want to keep spending the $32 (at the time, there was one catastrophe after another that involved huge chunks of money)... then I got into a car accident that has messed with my back :(

I can't lift, running and walking long periods of time aggravate my back. IT REALLY SUCKS!! I miss working out :( My Physical Therapist has added more strength training, so I hope that helps! But I want it fixed now...I hate this long healing process. It's just taking foooreveeeer! I've started scheduling and making the time to do my at home PT stretches and strength trainings in the morning and will hopefully be adding some yoga at night! Not every day...and only what doesn't irritate the back.

Since my height of workouts last year... I've gained probably 10-15 pounds (I'm at 195 a 5'10"). My goal is 170-175...I'm more concerned with just being physically FIT and fitting into pants than hitting my goal weight.

Currently doing Weight Watchers, also....though I don't know how much this helps. My body is so used to eating so little that this amount of food just seems too much! But, it's at least getting me used to eating large amounts of vegetables and fruit, lots of water, and lean meats.

Figrin D'an

Feb 9th, 2012, 05:56:04 PM

Haven't contributed at all to this thread, but I figured I could begin to since I'm actively exercising and losing weight. I'd post pics if I had some decent ones. Maybe if I actually remember to take some.

Anyway, I finally joined a gym about a year ago, but didn't start going regularly until late last May. My goals all along has been general fitness and weight loss, with a secondary goal of a little bit of musculature for my upper body.

I was heaviest at about 270 lbs around X-mas 2010. I'd typically been pretty stable at 265-ish for a couple of years prior.

I'm at 233 lbs today. The weight is coming off a bit slower now, but I'm working on adding items to my workouts. A lot of the weight has come off from the core/torso area, which makes me pleased with how things are working. Even though I've had periods of time in which my weight wasn't necessary dropping very steadily, I could tell that my body was reconfiguring itself in reaction to what I was doing. Muscle mass was starting to replace the fat stores.

The biggest single obstacle I had to face... accepting that I need to start running if I ever wanted to have a chance to lose weight and keep it off. It was a royal bitch when I first started, but I was amazed at how quickly my endurance improved. I now open my workouts every time by running at least 1.5 miles, sometimes more. Eventually, I want to be able to do 10k run.

Dietary changes: less red meat, switched to skim milk, more greens, cut out all the sugary beverages besides 100% fruit juices, and more lean protein (my favorite post-workout snack has been Greek yogurt).

Current goal is break the 230 lb barrier (I'm close); the next tier will be 215.

We'll see where things go from there.

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 9th, 2012, 10:35:50 PM

Crossfit WOD

For time:

60x pushups
50x body rows
40x crunches
30x squats
20x dips
10x box jumps
5x burpees

Finished in 8:34, which is about middle of the pack for the CrossFit group I go to. Wanted to get some cardio in today via a leisurely walk but all I could manage was parking my car at the playground and walking the ten minutes from there to the grocers to get the shopping. Getting sick, I think, so flopping down with loads of tea and water and a book. Such a shame; it's a gorgeous evening and would be perfect for a quick stroll. =(

Taataani Meorrrei

Feb 9th, 2012, 10:40:52 PM

Alright, my holiday hiatus went a month too long. Gettin on this shit again this weekend. Cleaning the garage, putting p90x on the laptop so I can work anywhere I please.

Good news is that I've only gained 5 pounds since Miami at least. Still, time to go back to war.

Callista

Feb 9th, 2012, 10:50:13 PM

Crossfit WOD

60x pushups

I don't think I could do a full SIX pushups let alone 60 o_O

Taataani Meorrrei

Feb 9th, 2012, 11:06:04 PM

all at once or in smaller sets? I was pretty good at them back in November

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 9th, 2012, 11:31:18 PM

All at once. I powered out 40, then did 10 on my knees, then the last 10 back in standard set. :)

Taataani Meorrrei

Feb 9th, 2012, 11:40:52 PM

At that point I'd rather freeweight. High rep stuff always seems like creative aerobic workouts with tasty lactic acid buildup. Maybe mixed with something heavy to emphasize range of motion on a recovery week?

I'm kinda looking forward to cleaning up my workout cave!

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 9th, 2012, 11:46:00 PM

IDK, I really enjoy CrossFit. Always a new workout so I'm never bored and I can be in and out in twenty minutes having had my ass kicked or spend an hour there. It changes things up, makes it interesting. If I were staying in civilization I'd start going more than twice a week, try and get to the point where I could do a full pullup versus a band-assisted or kipping version. Man, I really want to hit that point.

Charley

Feb 10th, 2012, 12:01:58 AM

I need to buy new bands. I'm losing them faster than redshirted ensigns. Its probably defeating the purpose of a pullup if you can carry your body weight across the floor by pulling resistance bands. I need an apparatus!

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 10th, 2012, 09:14:19 PM

CrossFit WOD today was Annie. Also known as Liz's least favourite WOD ever. Ever.

Annie
5 rounds for time, descending reps: 50, 40, 30, 20, 10x

- Double Unders
- Situps

Ever since I was a little kid, I've hated individual jump rope. It's one thing to collect together in the yard and do double-dutch or single in-outs; there's a competition and camaraderie there that's satisfying. Going it alone? Not so much. I can remember when we went to school in Canada, they did this charity program called Jump Rope For Heart to raise funds for heart research. All the kids were given a pledge sheet and we went door-to-door (which was terrifying for me, a shy kid who hated asking for things. I made my dad follow behind in his truck and I sobbed on each doorstep... which, granted, got me bigger donations in addition to [emotional scars] building character) and collected donations and then took an afternoon to jump rope in the school gymnasium. It was a nightmare for a good cause.

I've never, ever been able to do more than two or three double-unders in a row without smacking myself. Not sure if it's the speedrope I'm using or (more likely) my wrist motion that's throwing everything off kilter.

Still, managed to finish in 12:03 and then went home to bake Paleo treats. Just popped dinner in the oven to bake and pumped out 20 oblique plank lifts on each side and 20 squat kicks on each side to round out my workouts for the day.

Charley

Feb 10th, 2012, 09:33:32 PM

I like my jump rope the way I like my dancing: done in a way acceptible for fat people. Keep your double unders thank you very much.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Feb 13th, 2012, 09:22:16 PM

Started week 2 of abs, alternated daily with squats. Popping in plyo tomorrow for some cardio work, then Wednesday it's arms. My legs are still sore after last Friday's squats session :D

Lilaena De'Ville

Feb 14th, 2012, 12:32:55 PM

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Feb 16th, 2012, 09:17:31 PM

Ended up doing shoulders and arms today. I was a little leary of it since I didn't want to aggro my shoulder too much, but once I started and got into a decent groove, the pain mostly went away. Oddly enough my shoulder feel almost 100 percent better now.

I also killed ab ripper. It was glorious :D

Morgan Evanar

Feb 16th, 2012, 11:47:12 PM

Got back in the gym this week. Considering I haven't gone since November, my slight losses on the lifts were perfectly acceptable. I have dropped about 10 pounds since October. It's going to take a lot of effort (eating) to remedy that.

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 17th, 2012, 11:50:26 PM

Yay, everyone is doing so well! Good job!

Died tonight. Oh, Christ.

CrossFit WOD today was: Fight Gone Bad

(Following description from the KCF email that goes out to everyone registered for classes at the beginning of each day.)

The CrossFit workout will be ‘Fight Gone Bad’. In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. This event calls for 3 rounds. The clock does not reset or stop between exercises.

Wall-ball, 8 ft target (Reps)
Deadlift high-pull (Reps)
Box jump (Reps)
Push-press (Reps)
Row (Calories)

I'm a B Class so I followed this - Class B: Modified Men/Standard Women = 55 lb PP and High Pull, 14lb Wall Ball and 20in Box

(Although by the end of round one I was wishing I'd gone for Class D: Beginner/Kids = 15lb PP and High Pull, 4lb Wall Ball (can be lowered 2in from standard height) and 10in Box!!)

Coach Jake played great music during the warmup (standard CF warmup (http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/faq.html#General6)) and then had this on repeat the entire workout:

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SMN9gEtML2A?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SMN9gEtML2A?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Cooldown was 400m jog and then active stretching. I stayed behind a little bit to watch one of the dudes there try to beat his 1 minute strict pull-up record and ended up trying a few kipping pull ups. They still weird me out and I always end up straining my lower back on the reverse snap so for now I'm sticking with band assisted or jump-up slow release ones.

OFF TO WHIMPER IN THE SHOWER.

Wyl Staedtler

Feb 19th, 2012, 12:47:00 AM

Took my lunch to the park today and slaughtered Helen (http://www.ecrossfit.com/home/2008/11/helen-wod-wednesday-111908.html), but subbed a 25# kettlebell in because it's the only one I own and I didn't feel like driving all the way to Kapaa and wasting gas and daylight just to do the WOD at the CrossFit studio.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/workout2.jpg

Love having access to a great outdoor space!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/workout.jpg

Finished in 13:53 and then baked in the sun for a bit while munching on some apple slices.