Pump You Up: The Fitness Thread

[Trom DeGrey]

WHOO HOO GG!!!!!!! Kickin' butt!

And lat pulldowns are sexy? Now I'm confused.

Links for resistance band exercises: HGTV, about.com, Netfit

As far as doing them for the Century Workout goes, I liked using the bands for some exercises rather than free weights so I could keep my form strict and not worry about hurting myself by letting the weight get away from me.

Personally, I changed my lifting workout some last night and went heavy weight, low rep. My arms are not good today. Everytime I extended too far from my body while giving a massage today my triceps would start to shake. Sad. But I did push out a personal best on the bench press. 90lbs. That's better than what I could do in HS.

[JustSkipIt]

Well two short workouts for me. Yesterday morning I was working out and Asher and Rachel got up and Asher came in and started saying, "Ima play with me. Ima play with me." He had really missed me on Wednesday and work up saying he wanted to play with me. Well, what could I do? I'd rather play with him anyway. Right? So just 15 minutes yesterday.

And today I had a good start but I'm so hungry I just couldn't keep it up. It was a fast 20 minutes and now I'll get some food. We're going to the in-laws this weekend so no formal exercise but I'm sure I'll walk around the farm lots. Of course there will be an abundance of carbs and starches so that's always a shock to the dietary system...

Everyone have a great weekend.

[Gatito Grande]

And lat pulldowns are sexy? Now I'm confused.

Well, more of a pull-up (actually, not far from level: like a seated row). Yeah, I just think it's sexy (must be me! ) Speaking of me: you wanna know how vain I am? I saw a tape-measure laying around my apartment yesterday, and was actually inspired to measure my biceps---cuz they're looking So Nice these days! <*>


GG Off to go for a little hike now: my quads aren't really doing too bad (pain-wise), two days later, considering the upped weight-total for my squats. But still, a hike is just what the doctor ordered... Out

<*>Size, only by request!!!

[Trom DeGrey]

<*> requesting.

[Artemis]

I played tennis!

And... well, between me and Tiffany (my friend and tennis partner) I don't think Amelie and Federer will be scurrying for cover just yet. I think I had a first serve percentage of about 10%, and my forehand had a worrying tendency to aim for the far left corner of the court no matter where I tried to aim. Or in some cases, the far left corner of the adjacent court. I may be forgetting to breathe, or something. Fortunately Tiff had an unerring ability to hit the ball with the neck of her racquet instead of the strings, so it wasn't just me looking like a frontal lobotomy victim. But in the end (mainly by omitting the serve and just batting the ball into play) we managed to occasionally hit the ball three, and sometimes four times in a row. Watch out Grand Slam.

I'm sure this is doing me good, because various bits of me ache now, including my upper arms, and the backs of my thighs.

[Gatito Grande]

Oh, Trom, you had to go and do that, didncha?

OK, here's the thing (well, here's several things)

1) Embarrassed about my vanity
2) They're inevitably going to be bigger than some people's, and smaller than others, right?
3) Who says bicep size is important anyway? (Who says it's going to be appealing to . . . oh, a woman I'm thinking about now---but haven't met in person/has never seen me? )
4) :::so embarrassed I brought this up---but don't want to wuss out now:::
5)They were measured the day after lifting (i.e., not right after lifting, when they would be "pumped", and at their largest)

and finally

6) Here's the weird thing: I'm right-handed (and right-footed). I'm unquestionably STRONGER in my right arm and leg . . .
. . . but in both my arms and legs, my left arm and leg look much better: the muscles are larger, shapelier, and better defined. WTF??

[without further ado]

GG (Contracted---i.e. "posed"---of course) Right bicep, ~14 inches; Left bicep, 14.5 inches Out

[Trom DeGrey]

1) Glad I could embarrass you a bit.
2) Bigger, smaller... Yes, yes, get on with it.
3) I always told my ex-husband size didn't matter. He believed me.
4) Very brave of you, dear. Very brave indeed.
5) True about the pump factor. I always like checking my biceps right after I lift. See, vanity is okay to have when you work so hard to change something about yourself.
6) Indeed! I've noticed that my left side is larger and more defined despite being predominately right handed. Not quite sure about that one either.
7) Sounds like a lot of work has gone into those! In the interest of fairness (and embarrassing payback), I'll see if I can find a tape measure and check mine. No puny comments though!

[Foomatic]

Here's the weird thing: I'm right-handed (and right-footed). I'm unquestionably STRONGER in my right arm and leg . . .
. . . but in both my arms and legs, my left arm and leg look much better: the muscles are larger, shapelier, and better defined. WTF??

Indeed! I've noticed that my left side is larger and more defined despite being predominately right handed. Not quite sure about that one either.

Make that the three of us. I've noticed that my left arm is more defined than my right as well. Maybe cause the left arm has to work twice as hard because it's not the dominant arm? I noticed that when I'm boxing I tend to throw more punches with my left than my right, so when I went yesterday I tried to throw more right hooks, upper-cuts and punches, and used my right arm more when working the speedbag. Hopefully it'll even both arms out so I'm not left with a dinky right arm and big buff left arm.

[Gatito Grande]

Thanks, Trom (I think! )

I've got another theory, Foo.

Specifically when looking at my biceps, the reason the left one looks so much better, is that it peaks better (hence, the larger number on the tape measure).

. . . but another way of saying that my left arm "peaks", is that it tapers at both ends (i.e., gets smaller).

In contrast, my right bicep doesn't peak as well, but it doesn't taper as much, either. I think (because I use my right arm so much more?) that the right bicep is actually larger, in mass---simply that that mass comes more in the over-all length and breadth of the muscle, not concentrated in the center (a result of just being worked when lifting?) as the left one is.

GG Be nice to get an exercise physiologist's opinion on this Out

(I've since received some off-board APPROVAL from that "woman I was thinking about". Woo Hoo! )

[Trom DeGrey]

Good theory and I suspect a correct one concerning peaking/tapering. I was thinking along the lines of twitch fibers and ones becoming more developed than the others. That could certainly lead to the peak/taper you're seeing. Good eyes, me dear. And WHOO HOO to attention from Ms. Interested!!

I haven't had the energy to exercise much. I'm not terribly sick, but it's been just enough to zap all my energy by lunch time. I've taken naps every day this week. I finally got up this morning and made myself go outside in the wind and the cold and take the dog for a long walk. Actually, she took me for a run for part of it. It's 6:30 and I'm still feeling human, so let's hope that finally shook whatever this is I have loose.

[JustSkipIt]

Trom, sorry that you're sick. It's such a crummy feeling to be just sick enough to not workout and want to sleep but to not feel like you're genuinely sick enough to take a few days off. I've been there. Feel better.

Nordic Tracked 40 minutes at only 3.75 but I'm sweating up a storm...

[k-prime]

After taking two weeks off (thanks to a rather nasty lung infection), I was back at the gym yesterday. I'm still not 100%, but reading this thread and not going has been driving me crazy.
I managed to do pretty much my regular workout, completing an hour of cardio and a half hour of lifting. Where I really noticed the difference was in my heart rate. Lately, it's been keeping steady at around 135-140 when I do cardio training, unless I really push myself. Last night, it was more in the 155-165 range. I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised at how quickly my body deteriorated after a couple of weeks.

[Gatito Grande]

Eh: between fighting off another almost-not-quite cold, and a "certain monthly arrival", I'm the one blowing off working out today.*

GG Hopefully by tomorrow... Out

Oh yeah: Woo Hoo to the Woo Hoo!

*But at least I'm "working out" other priorities (the Real Life kind---see Happy Feelings thread )

[JustSkipIt]

Well, everyone's feeling sick. Crummy. I did 40 minutes on the nordic track (3.70 only). Tomorrow will be off because friends are staying over tonight and the guest room is also the exercise room. Maybe I can manage a few mid-day walks.

[MochaVamp]

Hello Kittens,

This thread has been great! It is fun reading what everyone is doing and it is helping me stay motivated on my health program that I started last spring. Plus, I have learned a lot from some of the web sites that have been listed.

I have been doing walking for exercise. However, I have been fighting major crud the last two weeks and have not done anything. This morning, as I was getting out of bed, I had a very painful cramp in my left calf. So painful, that I stayed in bed for a few minutes, and the cat hopped up to see what was going on with me. My leg still hurt after my shower. Any theories on leg cramps? I am thinking I need to start working on my hamstrings.

[k-prime]

Yay, MochaVamp! You've been at your program since last spring? Impressive! That takes some motivation.
I have absolutely no theory on leg cramps, I just try to drink lots of water when I have one, and put some heat rub on it.
I did a half hour on the bike today, and was very proud of myself for increasing the difficulty, then 35 minutes of weight training (lower body day) and finished with 15 min on the rowing machine.

[russ]

MochaVamp - Ah, the pain and suffering of leg cramps! I used to get them frequently, and they're no fun. When one hits, what works for me is to first massage out the knot, then get out of bed and gently stretch the calf. It takes a while before walking becomes normal, and the pain lasts for 2 or 3 days. From what I've read, they are caused by poor circulation while sleeping. Maybe because your body has become used to the walking program and the resulting improved circulation that its lack since you've been sick has caused this(?) I can't prove cause and effect, but when I started taking Vitamin E daily they stopped happening.

With all the sickness going around, it's a wonder anyone's getting anything done. Hope you all get feeling better.

[JustSkipIt]

MochaVamp - yay for staying on your program. That's really awesome. I get foot cramps and leg cramps (somewhat lesser). First, off I find that for me they are frequently caused by dehydration or lack of potasium (sp). Bananas and prunes are both really good sources of quick potasium and taking a multi-vitamin if not every day every 2nd or 3rd helps. Also, walking around on it (I know it hurts), rubbing it, stretching. Also, I used to get them in my feet and calfs when going to bed and my accupuncturist said I should soak my feet in warm water for 5 minutes and that really really helped. Good luck.

I kicked butt today. Did an hour on the NT (5.83)! Woo hoo!!!

[VixenyTarasHot]

I hadn't worked out since... my freshman year of high school.... which was in... I don't know. I graduated in '03. Anyways.. I'm taking a P.E. class because it's part of the classes I have to take... and it's cool so far..

I mean the class is only an hour and 20 mins long, so I don't have a LOT of time, but he gives us a chart, and we have to do three sets of 15-20 reps on seven muscle groups. Chest, Legs, Shoulders, Abs, Bicep, Tricep, and Back. I <3 weight training. And then we do at least 20 minutes of cardio. I usually do the tredmill or the elliptical. However those are spelled..

But yeah, just after a few weeks (we only go twice a week, but i haven't been this whole week.. the last two classes.. cuz well.. i don't want to get into it here but all purpose crappy feelings thread should cover it.. but I do some push ups and crunches at home) I can tell a lot of my muscle is coming back. Now.. There's not a LOT I can improve on.. I'm a 5'10 130 pound girl.. and I only have a body mass index of 17%... so I can't really lose much weight, but I would love to have my little six pack back... tone mah booty... stuff like that. *shrug* we'll see how it goes.
Oh, and being a smoker... definately need to do the cardio.. only doing 20 minutes of running or whatever and my heart rate goes sky high.. like... 180 or so when it should only peak to like 160.. meh. I'm sure with more training it'll get better. and that's what this is all about

Ashleigh

[k-prime]

I can totally dig on the smoking part. I was surprised at how quickly I improved, though. When I first started working out, cardio KILLED me. But after about four weeks of going to the gym 4-5 times a week, I had better cardio then most of my non-smoking friends.

[MochaVamp]

k-prime, russ, and JustSkipIt,

Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement!

I will try the vitamin E and bananas.

First, off I find that for me they are frequently caused by dehydration

I think that could be a big part of it. Between the over the counter meds and the crud I have not been drinking as much as I should.

Ah, the pain and suffering of leg cramps! I used to get them frequently, and they're no fun. When one hits, what works for me is to first massage out the knot, then get out of bed and gently stretch the calf. It takes a while before walking becomes normal, and the pain lasts for 2 or 3 days.

Will try the massage. I was surprised that the leg is still sore the next day. I think I need to come up with a better story of what happen in bed!:devil


As far as my program, I started out slow and built up. The key for me was to commit to 3x a week at first. Besides the excerise walks, I worked walking into my daily routine. Now I am up to every day, expect for when I have been sick. Now I get ansy when I don't work out. This May 1 will be my one year mark.

I did a half hour on the bike today, and was very proud of myself for increasing the difficulty, then 35 minutes of weight training (lower body day) and finished with 15 min on the rowing machine.

I kicked butt today. Did an hour on the NT (5.83)! Woo hoo!!!

Wow, both impressive feats! I hope to work up to that kind of level.

With all the sickness going around, it's a wonder anyone's getting anything done. Hope you all get feeling better.

I agree!

[JustSkipIt]

Very fast. Nordiced 60 again at 5.82. Yay. Gotta get to work early today.

[Artemis]

Holy crap, I have abs!

I mean, presumably they were there all along. But now they're vaguely visible even without the aid of modern medical scanning technology. Woo-hoo!

[Trom DeGrey]

Lingering illness has kept me from exercising a whole lot. At least I'm not having to nap on a daily basis anymore and I'm hoping to be able to start moving again this week.

In happy news, I went shopping for new pants yesterday.

They're TWO sizes smaller.

[k-prime]

That's awesome, Trom! That's the part I get most excited about, it makes all the work seem a lot more worthwhile. Congratulations!
After slacking off for three days, I was at the gym today and did 50 min of cardio and 45 min of weight training (upper body). I had to bail on Grey's Anatomy to go, but I've been cranky for a couple of days and this really improved my mood.

[JustSkipIt]

Man, Everyone is doing so awesome. New pants for Trom. I'm into some smaller sizes but I have them in my closet so I'm not going shopping. Chris has abs!

I started up the 8 minutes in the morning today again. It was bench presses (on the floor of course) and bent over rows. Nothing too hard but a nice definer. Then 40 minutes on the Nordic Track (3.83) which made me feel a little like a slacker since I did an hour a few days last week. We went for a good walk Saturday and otherwise I took the weekend off. On the good side, I didn't eat a bunch of "treats" this weekend like we usually do.

I have quite a few friends who are doing some severe diet or other: weight watchers, high-protein, nutrasystem and even though I really believe in my approach--moderate food and daily exercise--it's hard when they tell me they lost 8 pounds this month or whatever. I mean I'm excited for them but I've lost like 8 pounds in working out for 2 months. Anyway, like I said, I still believe in my way but sometimes it's frustrating.

[Gatito Grande]

Don't laugh: I did my laundry today.

I swear, in the 3+ hours it takes me to:

1) Separate and sort and bag
2) Lug it to the car
3) Lug it from the car to the laundramat
4) Scrub/pre-treat
5) Load it into the machines
6) Lug it (wet) to the dryers
7) Lug it to the folding tables
8) and fold, fold, fold, fold, fold!
9) Lug it back to the car
10) Lug it from the car back inside my apartment

I burn more calories, than I do hiking or lifting.

GG God only knows I'm more exhausted afterwards! Out

[russ]

Hang in there, Debra. Your way may be slower, but it'll last. A lot of the severe dieters may do well in the short term, but within a year or two gain it all back and more. I know lots of people who have been to Weight Watchers, but none of them have kept up the diet for life, and it's among the moderate ones. Anyway, you've probably lost more than the scale says, since you've been exercising and gaining muscle while you lose fat.

Congratulations Chris & Trom -- way to go.

I took a day off exercise today. Felt guilty but was too sore from the weekend. The first really nice weekend we've had, so after the gym took a long walk, then spent Sunday afternoon gardening. Overdid it a bit, but it feels great to get out and play in the dirt.

[JustSkipIt]

GG - I've seen lots of charts that show calories burned per hour for lots of things--sex, laundry, vacuuming--so I don't doubt that you burn the calories that way. But it's not very fun I'd say...

Russ - Oh don't worry. I totally believe that my way is the "best." I mean one easy way to tell is that my friends are all back on programs or on new programs to lose the same weight they so "successfully" lost before. Plus which, I have no intention of walking around hungry. I mean eating healthy is great and I'm into that but walking around always hungry--no way. I get too cranky.

Anyway, today I did my 8 minutes again. Lateral raises and crunches. Then totally kicked it on the Nordic Track 40 minutes and 4.23. I could have gone longer but I had to get off to go and wake up Rachel.

[watty]

I walked home from work today. It was half an hour and uphill. I wish I could have thought of this in winter, when it starts getting hot and humid I'll have a harder time motivating myself. Oh, and I hope I don't have to stay too late at work.
[br]