Here we go.........Weightloss Thread Part III

[titania]

D Day? I'm confused, but maybe I wasn't following something...

[diamondjunkie]

Check out the missing coconuts thread, titiania........all will become clear........

Went snowboarding again today - for 7 hours.  I do not remember the last time I felt so physically exhausted!  What great fun though!  My instructor squeezed in some more lessons for me and even an hour for the kids after school.  I guess I am officially addicted to the sport.  Life feels pretty darn good right now!

[Diamondsbylauren]

Anyone else feel that DJM has gone through a whole lot more than the odd glass of wine with his teenagers?!  Anyone else just dreading that stage with their children?  My daughter already keeps me on my toes and she's 8. 

Here's the thing. It's not that they were bad they just kept us running scared. They played both sides to the middle. I can't explain it really but let's just say that this stage of parenting is the hardest by far. Yes, the early years are exhausting but it's a different kind of exhaustion. Teenage years are such an emotional, exhausting period that it leaves you with the feeling that you can't give anything else to anyone, let alone do anything for yourself. We know 4 couples that got divorced during this time because their teenagers made life miserable. The relationship broke down because everything they had went into parenting the kids. (Granted, each one of these couples had one person in the relationship have an affair--and it wasn't necessarily the guy in each of these cases). They had nothing to give to each other because I believe they secretly blamed each other for how the kids were reacting and differing parenting styles.  

With teenagers, you are always worrying, constantly holding your breath and forever guarding your words. You can never say or do the right thing--you have no credibility. They go from thinking you are their hero to thinking you know nothing almost overnight. Huge blow right there. They ask your advice then say you don't understand only to cry on your shoulder the next day with the same problems.

Add the pressure of sports and being the best they can be with homework and friends (some of which you don't care for but they have to learn the hard way). You watch all the good manners you taught them fall off the scale of importance, their faith in God get challenged and they say things they know will push your buttons-- because, frankly, they are mad at the world. Their disappointments cut through your heart like a knife and you hope they don't try to self medicate themselves to escape the pressure. You have to watch them like a hawk, be one step ahead of them and stealth around without them knowing. It's exhausting to say the least. When they are little you can put them in daycare and at best, you know they are safe.

So, DJ, your DD is keeping you on your toes at 8 is a good thing. Look at it this way, It is preparing you for teenage years without you noticing. You will be fine.
At least you won't be shell shocked like we were.

We can laugh at it now, but man, there are a lot of years from 16 to 23.

One last comment.  DS#1 broke his hand last week. DW and I have been doing everything for him--bathing him, cutting up his food, dressing him--everything. Day before yesterday, he looked me square in the eye while I was shaving him and said:

"Dad, I think this is pay back from God for the bad times I gave you as a teenager. Thanks for being there for me all the time. I was such an idiot".

I wanted to hug him right there. This is what I said to him:

"Son, you weren't bad--a challenge, yes but never BAD".

They do come back.
  

Hi all!

djm- I was thinking about DS1 and DS2...How's the hand healing an how's little bro feel?

[djm195]

Very kind of you to ask about my boys D, especially since you are celebrating the birth of yours. Means alot to me.

I've been looking at the photos of your little Leo and it brings back so many memories for me. He's going to be your little buddy D-- there is nothing like it.

My boys are 18 and 23 (soon to be 24) and we still have what we call "Buddy's Day"a couple times a year. It's just us guys and we've been doing it since the boys were old enough to walk.
I know that I've bored everyone about it in another thread--case being...I LOVE BUDDY'S DAY. (I know, I know, I am so sappy--but I can't help it...your photos don't help--LOL!!

DS#1's hand is healing. He's in physical and occupational therapy three times a week but he's out of the woods for needing surgery. He is bummed at the moment that he can't play soccer (his passion) but I think he's starting to accept that this is just a temporary inconvenience. He hasn't mentioned wanting to take a semester off Law School in a while, so we are grateful.

DS#2 started college at a local community college in our town. He is close enough that we can help  manage his Crohns if need be--he has a big procedure scheduled for the beginning of October.  T* is constantly struggling with the dependence/independence see saw so, we are taking a back seat, letting him manage school, social, work and his disease on his own. DW and I try not to offer any suggestions or help unless he asks (which is very difficult for me)--I tend to want to fix everything. (BIG SURPRISE  )
So far, so good--but it has only been one week. We are holding our breath.

Thanks again for asking D. Give your boy a hug for me.
djm

[webmistress]

Thanks for the update djm. I knew you had a lot on your plate, lately. I am glad that #1 doesn't have to have surgery. PT/OT THREE times a week! That is pretty time consuming. But hopefully it will facilitate the healing process.

[Mrs Mitchell]

Hey, I weighed in today and I've lost a total of 30lbs since I had my baby (and 18lbs since part this thread started)! Big milestone and I'm soooo pleased with myself today!

DH suggested that the last 2-3lbs were probably due to me taking off my new ring before standing on the scales. Funny man.

 I still have a long way to go to get to pre baby and pre accident weight but I'm getting there! Need to step up the excercise now, so that I don't turn into what DJ calls a skinny fat chick LOL. Actually, I'd settle for that at the moment!

How is everyone else getting on?
Jen

[GracefulLion]

That is fabulous Jen!  Too funny about the ring!

I have lost another 10 lbs since posting on this thread, so I am down a total of 30 lbs post-pregnancy as well, with another 10 lbs to go.  Really not making it to the gym at all.  Given the commute to my older son's school, I really want to spend the hours in between with the baby, and the hours after with them both.  I was also in two car accidents a few weeks ago, and I know getting some yoga and pilates in would do wonders for my back, but I just have not been doing it with the time crunch.  Maybe this will motivate me. 

Anyone else?

[Mikla]

Wow, you ladies are doing great!  You'll be back to pre-baby weight in no time.  That's awesome.  Nothing feels better than getting back to your target weight.  I know I felt like I was walking on the moon when I did.

BTW, what's a "skinny fat chick"?  Is that when you're at a decent weight but have no tone and need exercise?

   Mikla

[diamondjunkie]

30lbs a piece!  WOOT!  That's awesome Jen and GL.  CONGRATULATIONS!  Keep it going!

Mikla, yup a skinny fat chick is one who may well fit into size 6 jeans (size 10 if you're in the UK) but still carries too much bodyfat in relation to their muscle mass.  These are the women who don't eat enough to properly fuel their bodies and focus mainly/only on cardio for any exercise they may or may not do.  If you want to get your bodyfat down and firm your body you have to include weightbearing exercise to increase your muscle mass - and I ain't talking 2lb dumbbells!

I've done really well too - I'm down 22lbs since the beginning of July.  I snowboard at least 5 days a week and I can ride forwards, backwards, do spins as I turn out and my instructor is just starting to introduce me to the joys of the fun park - this means jumping, sliding rails and whizzing off ramps!  I need to get some protective gear first and then I figure what the heck - let's just do it!

[Mrs Mitchell]

DJ - 2lb dumbells? Ah. You think I should cut down the weight, then?

GL, congratulations! I wish I only had 10lbs to go! I'm sorry you aren't getting gym time. I'm not either at the moment. My workout buddy has been working in Englandshire for a few months, but she's back next week, so I'm hoping we can pick up where we left off before I was pregnant. She's not keen to get back to the gym  but we've agreed to bully each other into it at least three times a week after October!

[robin]

Y'all are doing great!

GL, TWO car accidents?  Two separate accidents, or you were hit by two cars in one accident??  Is everyone okay?

I haven't lost any weight, but my bodyfat is down to 18.9%, according to my little measurement device.  Best news is that I am getting loads stronger-- on Friday, I climbed my hardest route yet, a 5.8-. 

(Technical stuff, if you care: all climbing routes in the US begin with a "5."  The second number is what's significant.  Beginners usually start with 5.5s and 5.6s.  I was stuck there for a loooong time.  In fact, it took me weeks to climb my first 5.6, which some people can do their first time on the wall.  5.7s are more difficult novice routes, while 5.8s are easier intermediate routes.  A plus or minus might be added after to fine-tune the level of difficulty further.  The hardest routes we have at our wall are 5.12s, which are five-twelves, not five-point-one-twos, as I first thought!  We have one 5.12 that no one has successfully climbed, so I don't know that I'll ever get there, which is fine.)

The climbing wall staff had been giving me good advice for months, but it was as if my body wasn't able to process it.  Then all of a sudden, I had a big jump up in skill level, as if my body learned what my mind already knew, if that makes sense.  It's still taking me far longer to develop skills than it's taking the athletic 20-year-olds who climb there, but I'm really encouraged right now.

I'm doing less weight training than I was, in part because of lack of time, and in part because three days of climbing plus two days of weight training was not giving me enough recovery time, at my age and with my injury-proneness.  I do a few things, though, like lat pulldowns, assisted pullups, and pushups, to try to systematically build the upper body strength I desire.  And of course, yoga (usually 3X week) builds full-body strength, as well.

Using DJ's advice, though, I'm doing lots more ab work-- on my cardio days, I'll do 15 minutes or so of abs and lower back, which is really beneficial functionally and in terms of appearance.  My gym is having a series of brief abs seminars, taught by the personal trainers.  I plan to go to one to get even more ideas.

I'm still not getting enough cardio, probably, but I'm doing okay.

Anyone else have a report?

[Mrs Mitchell]

Yes, me! I have another report! I'v e got one, I've got one!


I've been following the weightwatchers online plan. Today is my weigh in, so I entered my weight in the electronic form. I just got an email from Weightwatchers telling me to see my Dr asap for advice on slowing down my weightloss. 

 

I was laughing so hard I nearly choked on my chocolate chip cookie.


Oh, wait... did they mean my Dr wanted advice from me? He's pretty skinny...

[Mikla]

Now THAT is funny, Jen!

   Mikla

[Diamondluvr]

Way to go every one!!! 

I myself haven't gotten on a scale in a long time, but do know that I'm fitting in clothes that have been sitting it the draws for a while and have been very excited about that!

Keep up the great work ALL

[Gemelli]

OK, I'm back on the weight-gain train.  Any and all spare lbs can be sent my way.

I've been at it about 3 weeks so far, and have packed on somewhere around 10 lbs by eating 4,000 - 5,000 calories per day (fluctuates, because with that much food a certain amount is 'rental' weight gain).  I have been struggling to get enough workouts in per week (trying for 3, generally making 2), as I've been away from home / office quite a bit lately.  Right now I'm on Phase I of a 4-step program; the first phase is mostly just pre-training to get in shape for the heavier workouts in the following phases, so I'm not seeing much visible muscle gain.  I'm planning to do each phase for 6 weeks, and am aiming for a final weight of 190+ lbs by the spring.

I'm also aiming to do yoga daily, but failing miserably.  I haven't signed up for a pass yet and have been working from a DVD at home; the downside is that I'm less committed, but the downside is I'm not wasting money if I miss a couple of sessions.

I need to start getting workouts in  (including yoga on non-workout days as a minimum) no_matter_what, but these pesky 14-hour field days don't help.

[GIAGirl]

Hey Gemelli...I heard some interesting information about weight lifting on Doctor Radio (Sirius Satellite Radio.)  The nutritionist was on and she said that they have proven that two supplements work.  Creatine and Glutamine.  She said that it helps with muscle regrowth and tissue repair.  She said that those were the main ones that she recommends.   

[Mrs Mitchell]

I went back to the gym. I feel great. Oh, but it's going to hurt tomorrow!

[robin]

Jen, muscle soreness is your body's way of telling you it's getting stronger.  Just remember that  . Usually 36 hours after the workout is peak soreness, and after that, it's easy!

What did you do at the gym?  Do you have a regular schedule set up for yourself so that you can go at least three times a week? 

Does your gym have childcare for Amelia, or will you need to go to the gym when your DH is home to care for her?

[annie1]

Glad to hear you're back to the gym, Jen!

I slipped off for awhile.  I didn't gain, but I wasn't losing.  I started getting serious again a week or so ago.  I'm doing pretty well.  My goal is to be down 10 lbs by the beginning of the year!

[Mrs Mitchell]

Jen, muscle soreness is your body's way of telling you it's getting stronger.  Just remember that  . Usually 36 hours after the workout is peak soreness, and after that, it's easy!

What did you do at the gym?  Do you have a regular schedule set up for yourself so that you can go at least three times a week? 

Does your gym have childcare for Amelia, or will you need to go to the gym when your DH is home to care for her?

There isn't any childcare, and she's a little too young to be left anyway. However, I must confess that DH only works three days a week, so not much excuse there!    That said, I've never stuck to a regular schedule for anything at all. I dislike routine and I will only really bother going to the gym on a whim. I have to feel like I suddenly want to be there or I can find every excuse on earth not to go. That was no problem at all before I had a baby, I just went whenever the mood took me, day or night. I ususally managed to get there three or four times a week. I guess I had a chaotic lifestyle! Not so good now, I have to work round feeds etc.

I actually hooked up with my personal trainer briefly last night, as he was finishing his own workout. We talked through a quick version of my old routine, that will take an hour and a half from leaving the house to returning. It's cardio, strength training, toning and if I have time, a swim, sauna and steam (my favourite part ha ha). WHen I have more time I can build up to the full workout I was doing before I was pregnant. I was actually beginning to like that. Sort of.

My biggest problem with exercise is boredom. I have a very, very low boredom threshold and unless I'm using an piece of cardio equipment with a tv screen (and there's something I really want to watch) I just want it to be over so I can do something more interesting. Like watch paint dry. Does anyone else feel like this, and if so how do you overcome it? I'm not scared of working out, of it being hard, or even painful, but I am pathologically fearful of being bored, I think!


Annie, glad you didn't gain, that makes it too depressing! Good to hear you're back at it, keep us updated and good luck!

Jen

[annie1]

Hey Jen - I also get bored when I work out.  I don't really like listening to music, so the best thing I've found so far is to download interesting podcasts onto my ipod.  If I can listen to something that keeps my mind working, I tend to last longer.  I have an economics which is usually pretty interesting. 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Great idea! I can tone up while learning something. Why did I never think of this? Thanks, Annie!

[robin]

What I try to do is time my use of the elliptical to when there's a good show on.  We don't have cable TV, and there's a really good dog training show that runs at 5:00 here. (Victoria Stillwell's _It's Me or the Dog_-- it's a British show, so you may have seen it.)  So going to the gym to do the elliptical has become a special treat, as I get to see a great show I can't see at home.

I also have an iPod shuffle with noise-cancelling earbuds, and I make high-energy mixes for the gym.

Also, I've asked for a heartrate monitor for my birthday-- I think that will help, too, as it will give me heartrate goals to shoot for.  I'm hoping I'll be able to improve the quality of my workouts and also make them more interesting.

The advice to find a workout buddy is great.  My violin teacher (and friend) has recently started climbing and going to the occasional yoga class with me.  I love that!  Not only is it fun, but also it provides accountability.  If I'm meeting her, obviously I can't flake out!  Our schedules won't always match, but even once a week is fun.

Perhaps most importantly, though, mix up your workouts.  I know you have a great gym, so be sure to do a combination of things that interest you.  I don't find (most) cardio or abs work especially compelling, but I need them for weight management and health.  But yoga, Pilates, rock climbing, etc. are FUN.  Find something FUN to do, and you'll stick with it and be excited about the gym!

(I'm meeting my friend for an abs and back class and rock climbing session tonight, to keep me from obsessing about election returns....)

[Mrs Mitchell]

Thanks, Robin- think I'll take your advice and get a buddy. I did have one but it sort of fell away while I was pregnant. I meet up with her now for coffee and cake. I can see straight away where I could make a useful change!

Nothing that lives in the gym is fun for me though. Even interesting is stretching a point by the third time I've done it. It's my extra short attention span- I must have been a nightmare as a toddler!

Actually, swimming is ok, bearable. There are no classes at my gym, just one to one sesions, which is a pity. A class might be more interesting. I need to think about finding classes. I like the steam room and the hot tub a lot, and the facials are lovely. Maybe I just need to go to a more hardcore gym. Mine is suitable for soft lazy people who like to be spoiled. If I ask nicely, they will bring my G&T to the poolside...