Hi, Cathy!
Very good to hear from you! I've thought about you and missed your updates.
Listen, I know from experience that your thoughts are on the dimply skin are correct. My lower abdomen is the worst for me when it comes to that. When that area of my body gets "dimply", as you put it, I know that the fat is slowly but surely on it's way out. Yes, it will get worse before it gets better - but the good news is IT WILL GET BETTER!!! It is a process and that is where our patience is tested. I have a lot of extra skin in that area also from my severe amount of weight loss. I also know from experience that diet and exercise can and will tighten that up. Maybe not to total perfection, but we can't all have Lori-Abs, right?!?
Happy birthday to your son!!!! The time does fly....
sad today
Rena, thank you so much for your post. It is very encouraging to read and reassures me that I am on the right track I am using new lotion now (I'm terrible for remembering to use lotion) and hopefully that will help with my skin as well.
I woke up today and weighted myself...big mistake. I was down a total of 9 lbs and I have gained most of that back...seemingly over night! I know most of it is due to my period coming, but I also know that I have not measured everything this week, I have missed a couple of my last meals and I for sure haven't been drinking all of the water I should be. I work in a lab and can't have water in there, so I've been having 2-3 glasses at every break, but this week I've been drinking more coffe as I've been feeling so exhausted.
I do feel more energy on this program and I have definately seen the results more than anything I've ever tried, but my biggest complaint is how tired I am all of the time and I tend to get lazy by the end of the week. I have gone to the doctor's many many times for this and the only thing he can find is my iron is slightly low...but not low enough to explain how tired I am. I think about when I'm going to be able to go to bed next before I'm even out of bed in the morning...its pathetic! But once I'm up, I feel great, I put everything I've got into my workouts, and everything else goes into my job. it is extremely fast paced, I literally run from station to station everyday, all day long. By the time I get home, I'm wrecked. Sooooo frustrating!
I read a quote this week, "clutter around you, clutter in you" and that really applies to me. On one hand, I am extremely organized with certain areas of my life, on the other, I put other things aside and forget about them. The theory of this quote is that I've blocked the path for positive energy and I need to open up the path. So, today I am going to de-clutter my house and my mind. I am a certified hypnotist, so I have made myself a tape to help visualize myself at my goal and how to get there, and I am going to re-focus my mind today.
today
Cathy, remember years ago when we actually met weekly to do our long runs at the Runners Den???!?!?
Regardless of how tired or cold it was we always showed up and we were dedicated. Rain, shine, snow, wind... boy we ran through it all!! I miss the "den".
Anyway, I am thining it was a real motivator for you to have someone to workout. I want to see you and help you succeed. If you want I could workout with you once a week if you think that would help?? I am sure we could come up with some type of schedule - we did it before with running and there is no reason we can't do it again.
Just stay positive and keep plugging away. There is no buzzer that is going to go off one day that says your out of time so stop tryng. If it takes you longer to get to your goal then so be it but be positive in thinking you will get there.
On that note have a great week and good luck with the hypnotism - you will have to show me how this works one day.
Re: today
Wow Wen! How could I not stay positive with you?
I would love it if we could work out sometimes together, I just don't want to interfere with your family night.
Its amazing how things change over time...we never missed running and we both had to drive out of town to get there. I'm not saying I'm missing workouts, but it definately was easier back then. We've come so far in our goals, I also know we can do it, I just hate the setbacks or the crazy weeks.
FAME
So Wendy, a girl I work with and myself went to the FAME competition yesterday. What an eye-opener! The whole event was really disorganized, and they didn't have our tickets, wanted to kick us out after the first show even though we paid for both shows...blah blah blah. Ended up sitting in the VIP section for the muscle and figure part, and it was a great view for sure. I really enjoyed watching the older people, they were loving the stage and seemed to really be proud of they're accomplishments. It was nice to see that all of the bodies aren't perfect, especially the fitness model competitors. A lot of them had flabby, jiggly butts. Overall, it definately redirected my focus and completely remotivated me. I can see myself up on stage competing someday! I would love to do that!
Now time for some of my thoughts. I really feel like I have not been putting 100% effort into my program since probably the 3rd week. I'm slack, I use my tiredness and business to get in the way and I let myself think that's ok. Wendy asked me last night if I was excited after watching the show, and honestly, I was ashamed. I know I have it in me to one day be up there, so what is my problem. Here I have this gift of a program, it couldn't be any easier to follow, and I let the "easier" things get in the way. Well, no more. I want to be an inspiration for my kids and my family and friends. I want to follow through because really, following through is definately not one of my strongest points. This is not acceptable to me. I follow through with work, my kids, my relationships, but not my diet. I definately know that I push myself with my workouts. I love the burn, I love the pain, and I love feeling like I'm going to puke afterwards! But working out is definately not all there is to accomplishing your goals. I want to look good, feel good and have the body of someone who tries everyday! I'm always quick to give advise and I am a motivating person to some in my life, I really care about people and seeing people happy...but I guess I dont' care as much as I should about my own happiness. I don't know...
Anyway, to a different week and different thoughts for sure. I have to have surgery soon for some things and its really important to me to get down the fat before this happens. I probably have 3 or 4 months to get to my goal weight, so I really need to step things up. I don't want to go into my operation with all this extra fat sitting on my body. I want to heal and just worry about getting back into the exercise when its ok to do so, not have to still lose tons of weight.
So my friends, have a fantastic week and I will have a 110% week.
My arms
are like jelly! I just read some posts, very nice and perfect for my thoughts (Rena). I just finished a very hard chest/back workout with my son Alex. I can hardly move my arms. I want to go soak in the tub and read a book, but I don't think I can hold it up! I love it!
I feel great today! I had a 100% day! I had a good day at work, not as high stress as it usually is which was a very nice surprise.
I did get a message from Alex's pediatrician which had me very worried, but I called my voice of reason (WENDY) and she calmed me down. Alex had some heart tests done and I guess they received all of the reports. The reason I'm freaking is because I know the doc and I know he would never call us in unless there is a reason...so we'll have to wait and see.
Anyway, off to the bubble bath. Hubby is sleeping, my sweet little girl is sleeping dreaming of her Halloween candy and my boy has gone to read. Its all good right now.
Re: Hey, jelly arms How are you this morning? Still feeling the jelly effect? Way to go on having a 100% day! A great feeling to pump you straight through today. I think it's great that your son works out with you. And more that he pushes you harder than you might push yourself. We need that sometimes! AHHHHHH...to soak in the tub....must be nice!
I do hope all is well with your son and his heart. I will keep that in my prayers!
Forgive me for sounding stupid, but is it Halloween in Canada today too? For the last two years we have not celebrated Halloween. I know, I know. You're thinking how sad for my kids...long story. Anyway, this year we will celebrate although I work late tonight, until 7:00 p.m. I have absolutely no desire to devour the chocolate this year. NONE! I remember years ago I would seperate the chocolate from the hard candy. Then I would closet eat chocolaste for days on end. It was really sick now that I reflect on it.
I hope you all have a great Halloween and that your daughter enjoys!
Halloween was a lot of fun!! We had beautiful weather and were done by 8!
Rena that's so great that you didn't even feel like the chocolate this year!!! You should be so proud of yourself and I'm proud of you too, I know how big it feels to just not want it for a change.
Wen, lol, you are definately the voice of reason in my life! You always put things into perspective for me with a realistic view. Thats one of the things I love so much about you. I think we balance eachother out quite nicely!
Today, my lats, my pecs and even my neck muscles are killing me! I love it! I can't wait for my next chest/back again to see if I can up some of the weight again.
I am doing my legs tomorrow as I am in a course tonight for Girl Guides and I won't be home until late, but I can't wait for that either.
Rena, do you only work out at home too? I'm anxious to hear about your leg routine, but I understand how busy you are so I will patiently wait! Do you think you miss out on a tougher workout my not going to a gym and using the leg press machine or squat machine?
Anyway, I have to get ready for work now, have a great day ladies.
LEGS
I AM FIGHTING MAD!!!!!! I COULD SCREAM AND/OR CRY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT TOOK ME 45 MINUTES TO POST THE DETAIL OF MY LEG ROUTINE AND WHEN I HIT "ADD POST" IT GAVE ME AN ERROR MESSAGE!!!!!
Sorry Cathy, I rarely get online at home to post, but I wanted to get this to you and now I am just down-right peeved! I will re-type evrything tomorrow from work in WORD and cut and paste it. I have NOT the patience to re-type the entire thing now.
Yes, I do workout at home now. I was working out at a gym, but because they recently cancelled their 24-hour status, I have decided to take my workouts to the home. (I posted about this when my gym gave me notice a few weeks ago.) Keep in mind, I have loads of equipment at home which enables me to do so. Basically I am only without a leg press and a hamstring curl machine.
Before I detail this leg routine, I feel it necessary to add the following disclaimer for those reading:
This routine was not designed by Darrin. It has in no way been authorized, reviewed, suggested, or recommended by Darrin. This leg workout is what I am currently doing at home, as a result of no longer being able to train legs in the gym. I am not a certified trainer. This is a detail of what is strictly working for me at the time being. I am making no claims or recommendations of any kind based on this workout.
MY LEG DAY:
I am doing legs in a pyramid style training technique right now. The pyramid sets have rep cycles as follows: 12,10,8,10,12
The first set is with your lightest weight for 12 reps. Second set is using a moderate weight for 10 reps. Third set is using a heavy weight for 8 reps. Now you reverse the cycle and work your way back down the pyramid. Fourth set is back to moderate weight for 10 reps. Fifth and final set is your lightest weight for 12 reps. All of these standing exercises can be done using dumbbells, barbells, and/or weight plates. It is a personal choice depending on what you are comfortable with and what equipment your have available to work with. You will also need a high step or step bench with several risers. All exercises are to be done slow and controlled, eliminating all momentum so that you are exhausting the muscles. With this workout I take very little rest periods in between sets which also plays a big part in exhausting the muscles to the max.
Exercises in order in which I perform them:
*Weighted step-ups – repeat pyramid per each leg
*Vertical stationary lunges - repeat pyramid per each leg
*Superset traditional lunges and plie’ squats
*Deadlifts
*Standing calf raises – this exercise is performed standing at the end of your step. You want just the balls of your feet securely on the bench so that the back of your foot is hanging off the bench. This will allow you a good stretch of the muscle on the downward movement. You may want to stabilize your core by placing a chair in front of your for balance. Do not use the chair as a crutch, simply use as something to center and balance your body. You will need no added weight with this exercise if you are in fact doing it correctly. Simply using your body’s resistance, you will feel a complete burn near the end of your sets. Your calves will be screaming! This I do not do pyramid-style. I do 3 sets of 20.
Now for the floor work:
I am not sure that there are correct names for each of these exercises, so I will call them what I think best suits them. This is the hard part, as I cannot demonstrate them for you; I will do my best to describe them in detail. Please ask me any questions if I am unclear.
*Glute lifts – lying flat on your back, bring the ball up under your feet, one leg will remain on the ball with that leg bent at a 90 degree angle, the other leg will come straight to the sky with a flexed foot, digging your heel into the ball you will lift your glutes off the floor holding for a 3 count and down for 2, holding for 3, down for 2.
2 sets of 15 on each leg
*Shelagh’s hamstring curls using the ball – I will cut and paste her description here:
So you lie on the floor on your back, heels up on top of the stability ball. Next you lift your body off the floor into a bridge position (i.e. only arms, shoulders and head resting on the floor). Now, with taut legs and heels flexed, roll the ball toward your butt and then back out again. This is one rep. Aim for 10-15 reps and 3-4 sets. It's really effective if you do this after your other hamstring exercises or you can superset this with another leg exercise. Let me warn you. It sounds easy but it's tough!
I do 3 sets of 12
*Variation of Shelagh’s hamstring curls using the ball – same as described above, but this time turn your toes outward and pull your feet in “froggie style”
3 sets of 12
*Inner-thigh squeeze – lying on your back with legs up in the air, place the ball between the legs, squeeze ball concentrating on the inner thigh for a 3 count, release for 1, squeeze for 3 counts, release for 1.
3 sets of 12
*Pelvic lifts – lay back on ball with your shoulders and head securely supported on ball. Knees bents at a 90 degree angle so your body is in table-top formation. Lower your torso so that your hips are below the level of your shoulders and head, heels into the floor, toes up off the floor, and drive hips upward back into table-top formation. Your torso will be parallel to the floor. Hold and squeeze the glutes and lower abdominals for 3 counts, lower for 2.
2 sets of 12
*Leg lifts – You will be working the outer thighs with this exercise. Lie on your side on the floor or on a stability ball, bend the lower supporting leg back, and lift the top leg up 2 counts, down 2 counts, up 2 counts, down 2 counts. 1 set of 12 reps.
Now do pulses with this exercise, pulsing up for 3, down for 1. Pulse, pulse, pulse, and lower. Pulse, pulse, pulse, and lower. Repeat this 8 times.
By now the outer thigh is SCREAMING…but you’ve got one last variation –
Lift and hold for 4 counts, down for 1. Repeat just 4 times. Now do entire sequence on opposite leg.
STRETCH and YOU”RE DONE!!!!!
I hope it all made sense, Cathy. It’s so difficult to describe when I can’t be in front of you to demonstrate. Darrin, if you’re reading this and you see any no-no’s, you KNOW I welcome any correction, so please feel free to crack the whip!
Re: LEGS
Oh Rena, so sorry that happened!!! Thanks so much for posting this again for me, I appreciate it so much! I will let you know how it goes for me tonight!
Re: LEGS
OMG!!!!! I now understand how, somewhat, Wendy must have felt after her workout! My legs keeps giving out on my, and that was definately an incredible workout! Now I don't feel so much like I'm missing out not joining a gym. I'm going to have the best legs and ass ever!!!
Thanks so much Rena for sharing this with me. I'm sorry it was such a hassle, I feel really bad. Your the best!
I'll let you know when I'm able to walk again...LOL!
Re: LEGS
Cathy!!!!! Are you kidding??????? YOU were not the cause or source of my frustration!!!!! It was my darn ISP!!!! Honey, NOT you! I am so sorry. I did not mean for my post to come out that way. Now I really feel bad....
I am so glad you felt the workout!!!! I did it today. I just got done and my legs are shaky at best. Make sure to adjust the rep and sets on the floor work to what works for you. You know your body and you don't want to overtrain!!!
Re: LEGS
LOL!!! My legs are killing me! I LOVE IT! I don't think the backs of my knees have ever felt the burn before! I have done the hamstring curl with the ball before, so I knew that would be tough, but the rest was just perfect! And Rena, your post didn't come across that way at all, I just felt bad because it was coming to me...dumb computers! My daughter is sitting beside me and her name is Rene, so she saw Rena and wanted to know why I was typing her a message on the computer when she's right beside me...cute.
My thoughts today
Please go to the New Topic, I started it by accident...its a long post too so I didn't want to re-type it and it wouldn't let me cut and paste...
cathy
I am using new lotion now (I'm terrible for remembering to use lotion) and hopefully that will help with my skin as well.
I know most of it is due to my period coming, but I also know that I have not measured everything this week, I have missed a couple of my last meals and I for sure haven't been drinking all of the water I should be. I work in a lab and can't have water in there, so I've been having 2-3 glasses at every break, but this week I've been drinking more coffe as I've been feeling so exhausted.
But once I'm up, I feel great, I put everything I've got into my workouts, and everything else goes into my job. it is extremely fast paced, I literally run from station to station everyday, all day long. By the time I get home, I'm wrecked.
The whole event was really disorganized, and they didn't have our tickets, wanted to kick us out after the first show even though we paid for both shows...blah blah blah. Ended up sitting in the VIP section for the muscle and figure part, and it was a great view for sure. I really enjoyed watching the older people, they were loving the stage and seemed to really be proud of they're accomplishments. It was nice to see that all of the bodies aren't perfect, especially the fitness model competitors. A lot of them had flabby, jiggly butts. Overall, it definately redirected my focus and completely remotivated me. I can see myself up on stage competing someday! I would love to do that!
See my post to you in my journal.
AHHHHHH...to soak in the tub....must be nice! 
I have absolutely no desire to devour the chocolate this year. NONE! I remember years ago I would seperate the chocolate from the hard candy. Then I would closet eat chocolaste for days on end. It was really sick now that I reflect on it. 
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