Excercise Blog!

[veganbikerboy]

A slight variation on the other excercise thread, the idea of this is for people (probably only me haha) to record their excercise/progress with a hope to supporting and encouraging each other. so i'll start....


I used to be very fit! Now I work long hours and am mainly desk bound. I am more unfit and heavier than I have been for many years so I hope to get fit!!

I have no definate goals as such, just to be fitter really, i guess i'll lose a bit of weight, and hopefull tone up?? I started back at the gym last week, so i'll start there.

30/10/08
Thursday - 10min run, 15min cycle, chest press, tricep ext. and 10min swim. Abs.

Friday - 5min run, 15min cycle, 10 x-trainer, lat pull down, bi-cep curls, 15min swim

Monday - 5min run, 30min cycle, 15min x-trainer, shoulder press, abs.

[Bunny]

I am posting purely in a supportive role. Go VBB!!

*shudders at thought of exercise*

[Oracl]

...the idea of this is for people (probably only me haha) to record their excercise/progress with a hope to supporting and encouraging each other. so i'll start....
I think you have this thread to yourself, VBB!! :D

Very commendable though! :agree: :thumbsup:

[Gliondrach]

Have you had a look at Mike Mahler's website? He's a vegan strength and conditioning coach. And Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness.

[Gliondrach]

Some good ideas here but a good level of fitness would be needed to start them:

mikemahler.com/articles/boringcardio.html

[veganbikerboy]

cheers for the link, thats quite interesting. I sort of do PHA anyway, i alternate between cardio and weights excercises, this keeps your heart rate raised for longer. giving your heart a better work out.

I have also done the descending sets thing too, i find that good for toning, not really thought of is as a cardio alternative.

I'm easing my way back into start with, might consider some more interesting programs as I progress.

Thanks all for the support, shame you wont join me:disbelief:

anyway off to the gym....

[thevegantwins]

:wave: I'll join.

Today: An hour yoga class followed by an hour class called Cardio with a Side of Muscle
Tomorrow: My plan is to do at least 1/2 hour cardio, probably the elliptical followed by weights, mainly the weight stations but some free weights. Depends on how sore I am from today.

[veganbikerboy]

YAY! well done TVT!

i did extra tonight cos i was watching the football in the gym!!

cardio - 30min cycle, 10min x-trainer, 10min run, 5min punch bag
weights - chest press 30reps with 40kgs, 30 press ups, 30 flys (8kgs), 60 tricep ext.
warm down - 20lengths of the pool!

[Gliondrach]

That's a lot, TVT and VBB.

I like to do one day of interval training which consists of 10 sets of 40 squat thrusts. They take about 8 or 9 minutes to do. Then I do one-legged squats. I am doing a strength-endurance routine as I feel that is the best for most people. I do 8 sets of 2 reps with each leg. Starting with 60 seconds rest between sets and gradually reducing it to 20 seconds. Yesterday, I did 25 seconds. I will do 20 seconds next time and then go back to 60 seconds and add weight. Then cycle down to 20 seconds. Back up to 60 seconds and add weight, etc.

Today, I did weight training - strength-endurance again. Started with chin ups. 8 sets of 3 reps. I am currently at 40 seconds for the weight I am carrying in a back pack. Then Bent Over Dumbell Rowing, 8 sets of 3, 30 seconds between sets. Then dips with weight in a back pack. 8 sets of 3. I am at 30 seconds rest between sets. I was going to do some overhead dumbell pressing but my back was too sore.

For the past 10 months I have had severe back pain. I can't walk more than a few yards before the pain becomes quite bad in my left leg and hip and my right leg goes numb. I was actually walking with a stick a few months ago. So I am limited to what exercises I can do. I don't want to do anything that puts too much compression on the spine. Sometimes, I do 15 sets of 40 squat thrusts instead of just 10. These take me 13 to 15 minutes, depending on how I feel.

Tomorrow will be a rest day. Then back to interval training and one-legged squats.

[veganbikerboy]

gliondrach, sounds like a good work out, sounds like you train at home? I havent got the discipline to do that. have you consultated anyone about squat thrusts and training with back packs, considering your hip & back problems?

I was knackered today after a good workout last night. So just went for a swim:)

[thevegantwins]

I'm confused, Martin. If you are in such pain, are squats a good exercise? Wouldn't that be putting too much pressure on your lower spine?

I didn't do weights today. I was sore from yesterday's class which involved free weights and an exercise bar. I did 3.25 miles on the treadmill in 50 minutes. I plan on doing weights tomorrow.

[Gliondrach]

VBB, Yes, I exercise at home. I have about 400lbs of weights. Four dumbell bars and a barbell bar. And a telescopic chin up bar that goes in a doorway. When I say it is telescopic, I don't meant that you can use it to look at the stars. I have two semi-circles of small nails hammered into the door frame, where the bar fits in to give it more support when I'm using it.

When I am wearing the backpack all the weight is taken by my arms - either dangling from the chinup bar or with my hands on a couple of chairs when I am doing dips.

I couldn't have managed squat thrusts a few months ago. But now they don't affect my back. In fact, I feel better after doing them. There's no pressure on the spine and they are excellent for getting the heart and lungs working.

TVT, the one-legged squats don't hurt my spine. Sometimes, there is a bit of pain in the left sacro-illiac joint but nothing too bad.

Tabs, thanks for your concern but I have consulted Fuzzy, who is used to dealing with battlefield injuries, and he says that I will be all right as long as I am careful and listen to my body. I was listening to it last night but all I heard were some gurgling sounds from somewhere deep inside.

Keep up the good work, those of you who are doing good work.

[thevegantwins]

Today, I didn't feel like going to the gym. I really need to be outdoors and even though it was a fine rain (and it has been raining the last 3 days, NJ thinks it is the UK), me, my husband and the kids went for a walk/bike ride. The kids rode their tandem tricycle and me and Mr TVT walked. Probably about 1.5 miles altogether. Not very far but at least it was something.

[veganbikerboy]

no gym for me either today. I have taken a long weekend to work on my house; so been busy mowing lawns, chiselling concrete, drilling etc etc. reckon thats excercise enough:agree:

[Gliondrach]

Yes. The old-time farm workers and miners didn't need to go to a gym.

[Gliondrach]

I feel quite perky today, back-wise. More squat thrusts and one-legged squats this early evening.

[Raven]

Do you do one finger press ups to Gliondrach? :rubchin:

[Gliondrach]

They are where you stand on one leg, with the other one raised up to about waist level. Then you bend the leg you are standing on until you are as low as you can get. And then you straighten up again. Like doing squats with two legs - except you don't. You need to keep both arms straight ahead like a sleep walker for balance.

[Gliondrach]

Do you do one finger press ups to Gliondrach? :rubchin:

No, but I have done one-armed press ups. Too painful for my back just now. And my poor right shoulder.

[veganbikerboy]

havent been to gym today. but been for two long walks with the mutts, and been working hard all day.

i did get drunk last night which aint to good!! I have been eating well and not drinking much, well until last night haha

[thevegantwins]

No gym for me either. Well, technically I was at the gym, but that was to take the kids to their soccer/football class followed by their tumblebugs class. I didn't even get to go for a walk as it was pissing rain all day.

[Gliondrach]

I did my interval training/squat thrusts yesterday. Then one-legged squats. I've only been doing 8 sets of one-legged squats but did 10 sets yesterday. The extra two sets only took an extra 1 minute to do. I also reduced the rests between sets to 20 seconds. Next time, I will go back to 60 second rests between sets and add some weight. Then work my way down to 20 seconds. Then back to 60 seconds and more weight. I like this method.

[veganbikerboy]

I havent made the gym since last thursday, but with all the work I have done on the house, i feel thats been excercise enough. Then last night I went to a gig and danced like a t*at for 3hrs:) that was more of a work out than the gym!!

Anyway, back at work, back to routine, so will be going tonight.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body weight training yesterday.

Chin ups. Reduced the rest time between sets to 35 seconds.

Bent over dumbell rowing. Reduced the rest times to 30 seconds.

Dips. Reduced the rest times to 30 seconds.

I was going to do some overhead dumbell pressing but it was too dark to find the right discs and to set up a dumbell.

[veganbikerboy]

I went to the gym last night -

10min run, 30min cycle, bicep curls, hammer curls, lat pull down and seated row. I then went for a 10min swim, just to stretch/cool down.

should be going again tonight:)

[Gliondrach]

Just done interval training, followed by one-legged squats. I added 10lbs and went back to 60 second rests between sets. My left sacro-illiac joint was a bit sore when doing them with my left leg but is all right now.

[thevegantwins]

Yesterday: 4 miles on the elliptical and a weight circuit using mainly weight machines

Today: 4.5 miles on the treadmill

[Gliondrach]

You should connect the treadmill up to a battery to charge it up.

[veganbikerboy]

I had a long day at work yesterday so only went for a leisurely swim, I was aching from the gig & gym so it was nice just to stretch and relax.

Going to the gym tonight though. Got a day of cutting logs and building a bonfire tomorrow, so I'm sure I wont need the gym over the weekend!!

[Gliondrach]

You can't beat cutting logs for natural exercise.

[Gliondrach]

I was going to do upper body weight training yesterday but I couldn't be bothered. I did it today.

I reduced the rest time between sets of chin ups to 30 seconds. Did them easily.

I did overhead dumbell pressing for the first time in many months. My left sacro-illiac joint hurt a bit but was bearable. A few months ago it would have been agonising doing them. I only did two reps for each set. 10 sets. 50 seconds rest between sets. I need to increase the weight the next time. I think I will keep it at two reps instead of three, to concentrate a bit more on strength than on endurance. But then again, I might not.

I'm using the strength-endurance method of training, as explained here:
bodybuilding.com/fun/wiggy1.htm

[thevegantwins]

The TVT family did an hour long family walk yesterday. It was great to exercise with the family.

[Gliondrach]

There was a pain in my left knee when I did the third set of one-legged squats this evening. I was going to leave it at that but decided to do one more set as the pain had gone. But it came back when I did the fourth set so I stopped. It's all right now but better safe than sorry. I have a torn cartilage in both knees and have to be careful. This wasn't a cartilage-type pain, though.

[veganbikerboy]

I had a really good workout last night despite being knackered.

15min run, 20min cycle (was going to do 30mins but had to stop 'cos i was busting for a wee!!) 15mins x-trainer, shoulder press, front & lateral shoulder raises, leg press and then abs. went for a swim for a stretch / cool down after:uhuh:

feel tired today but determined to go to the gym again tonight.

[veganbikerboy]

I suppose if I was really dedicated, I could have 'done a paula' and just did it there and then!!:agree:

[thevegantwins]

Nothing today but yesterday, took a 6am gluts, abs & legs class then did 20 minutes on the elliptical. Sunday, took an hour long x-treme fitness class. I'm sore today.

[Gliondrach]

Yesterday, did upper body weights. I have reduced my rests between sets in all exercises. Will be ready to go back up to 60 seconds and increased weight for the dips and bent forward dumbell rowing, next time. Then I will gradually reduce the rest periods again.

[veganbikerboy]

well done Gliondrach & TVT!

I went to the gym last night, again *pats self on back* although had a mega long day today, so wont make it.

yesterday

10mins run, 10min x-trainer, chest press, flys, tricep extensions, abs. Swim.

[Gliondrach]

Thats fussy, what are you doing?.:)

You start with a weight and do 2 or 3 repetitions. Wait 60 seconds and do it again. Do this 8, 10, or 12 times. Each session, if possible, reduce the rest periods until they are eventually down to 20 seconds. Then add more weight and go back to 60 second rests. And gradually reduce the rest times again. And so on.

It builds both strength and endurance at the same time. It is the best method I have ever used and I really look forward to doing it.

[Gliondrach]

VBB, you sometimes do both upper and lower body on the same day, and sometimes split the sessions. Is this in a pattern or do you just do it depending on how you feel or the time you have?

[veganbikerboy]

I split my weights routine - Back & Biceps, Chest & Triceps, Shoulders & Legs. But I do CV & Abs each time I go. I try to vary the CV, but it is usually dependant on my mood and the amount of time I have. My shoulders/legs day is the shortest work out, so thats usually my extra cv day too (which I suppose is mostly legs)

Splitting my workout allows me to excercise on consecutive days, allowing each muscle group to recover, this is essential for me, due to my job I can sometimes excercise 3 or 4 days in a row, but then not get to the gym for a week.

Tonight was Back/Bi's

10min run, 30min cycle, cable curls, lat pull down, hammer curls, abs. Then swim & sauna:)

[Gliondrach]

I've never wanted to do a split routine. I suppose it depends on your goals. I prefer to do a whole body session 2 or 3 times a week. The only split-type I've done is upper body/lower body. I'm only doing squats on a different day to other weight training because it follows on nicely from my cv exercise - squat thrusts. They get my knees warmed up.

Today (yesterday really, as it's just past midnight) I reduced the rest periods between sets of squats to 40 seconds. I did all 10 sets without any knee pain. But my left sacro-illiac joint was rather painful. So, next time, I might just knock 5 seconds off my rest time instead of 10 seconds. Things are going nicely.

[thevegantwins]

Yesterday: 4 miles on the treadmill in an hour
Today: 3 miles on the elliptical in 1/2 hour followed by weights. I did the circuit training plus some free weights. I do both upper and lower body on the same day and then alternate days for my weights. I find that easier for me. Also, since I don't have alot of time in the morning, instead of doing 2-3 sets of 8 reps, I do 2 sets of 16 reps. I weighed myself today. I lost 5lbs since last week. The only thing I've done different is I cut out my after dinner snack/dessert.

[Gliondrach]

Well done on the weight loss front.

[Gliondrach]

Did upper body weight training. Last time, I did the three reps for the first six sets of chin ups but only managed 2 reps on the last two sets. This time, I just managed to do 3 repetitions in the 7th set but only managed 1 3/4 reps in the 8th set. I am on 25 second rests between sets. I don't know if I'll manage to get down to 20 seconds. I might not bother if I haven't done it within a couple of weeks. I might just go back to 60 second rests and add weight. And then not go below 30 second rests for that exercise.

I reduced the rests from 50 seconds to 40 seconds in the overhead dumbell press. And I can feel the difference in my deltoids and upper trapezius muscles - they are still feeling fatigued four hours later. There was no tiredness when I had 50 second rests between sets. I will reduce the rest to 30 or 35 seconds the next time.

[Gliondrach]

Upper body weights today. The two previous times I did them I struggled with the chin ups with 25 second rests between sets. On the first of those previous sessions I did the first 6 sets of 3 reps, as planned but only did 2 reps for the 7th and 8th sets. Then the next time I did all 3 reps for the first 7 sets - but really had to fight for the 3rd rep in the 7th set. And then only did 1 3/4 reps in the last set. But today I did 3 reps in all 8 sets. Piece of cake. Could have done more. I was wondering if I would manage it. Next time, I'll reduce the rests to 20 seconds. It will probably take a few sessions to do all the sets fully. Then I'll go back to 60 seconds and add more weight. This is really the best method I've ever used. There is improvement and progress in every session.

I reduced the rests in the overhead dumbell presses to 40 seconds. It was difficult but manageable. I sat down for all 10 sets. The last time, I stood up for all 10 sets and my left sacro-illiac joint was hurting when I pressed with the right hand. Today, sitting down, there wasn't much pain.

[Bunny]

Today I walked around a classroom for 5 hours then came home and collapsed. :)

I am very impressed by all your exercising! I wish I had the energy/inclination. Well done everyone - I'll be your cheerleader! :D

[Gliondrach]

You can form the vegan cheerleaders.

[thevegantwins]

Yesterday: 20 minutes on the recumbent bike followed by a weight circuit, upper and lower body then 1/2 hour on the treadmill.

Today: 30 min. on the elliptical followed by 30 minutes on the treadmill

My ankle has been hurting so I've been exercising but taking it slower. I haven't taken a class since last week because I don't think my ankle could take it. This is from my old injury. I have a torn ligament in my left ankle that I got in my 20's after I slipped on the floor followed by a rollerblading fall.

[veganbikerboy]

I havent had internet access for a few days, but I have still been training!!

Did Back & Biceps monday and Shoulders & legs Tues. Rest day wednesday. Off to do Chest & Triceps tonight.

I have lost 5lbs in the last 2wks so pretty chuffed about that, I am also feeling fitter. Although at the moment I am knackered all the time, I guess my body is getting used to the extra work its doing.

Also, I have noticed when I started excercising my appetite goes through the roof, although I tend, on the whole to eat healthier. But this settles after a while, I think I have reached that point now. So hopefully the weight loss will continue.

[Gliondrach]

Good healthy amount of weight loss.

[veganbikerboy]

I dont get too hung up on weight loss, due to my build I usually initially put on weight before I start to lose it. Even when very fit and def. healthy i usually come into the 'over weight' category if you go by BMI. mainly 'cos i'm a short arse:D

i think the fact I have lost weight this time shows how unfit i'd got!!

I ended up working late last night so only managed a swim & sauna. So tonight I will do chest & Tri's

[Gliondrach]

I decreased the rests for the chins to 20 seconds. I only managed to do 5 sets fully. For the other 3 I only did 2 reps. I should be able to do all 8 sets at 3 reps soon. Then it's back to 60 seconds rests and added weight. I'm not sure if I'll add 10 pounds or just 5. Probably 10.

And in the overhead dumbell presses I decreased the rest time to 25 seconds. Managed to do all 10 sets at the target 2 reps each. It was hard - I was huffing and puffing like a steam train. Next time it'll be 20 seconds and then increase the rests and the weight. Things are going well. I've said it before but I'll say it again: this is the best method I've ever used.

I think I will do weights on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Thursdays and Fridays. I have been doing them two days out of three. I am also going to add one-legged Romanian deadlifts on the days I do squats. I think my back is up to it. I like to do exercises for antagonistic muscles - the deadlifts mainly target the hamstrings and glutes.

[Gliondrach]

I am due to increase the weight in the dumbell overhead pressing tomorrow. I tried a dumbell with an extra 5 pounds on it this morning, just as a test. It seemed very much heavier. Even using 60 seconds rest between sets might not allow me to complete all ten sets. It will be difficult getting the rests down to 20 seconds. I was thinking of just adding 2 1/2 pounds but it will be better to push myself with the 5 pound increase. I will probably take a long time before I can add any more weight after that.

I am facing the same question with the one-legged squats. I am going to do them soon - in about an hour - and will only have 20 seconds between sets. I have to decide if I should add 10 or 5 pounds when I do the next lot on Saturday with 60 seconds rests.

[veganbikerboy]

I have been ill this week, so not excercised since saturday. not only that I have consoled myself with whiskey and port. so not been a good week!!

Start again on monday I think!

[Gliondrach]

I hope you're well enough on Monday. Some people say it can sometimes be good to exercise during mild illness.

I should do my upper body weights today but I can't be bothered. I'll do them tomorrow. I did the one-legged squats yesterday - 20 second rests. My left sacro-illiac joint felt sore before the warm-up squat thrusts. And my left leg felt weak. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do any squats. But after the squat thrusts - which took me 13 minutes to do - I felt better. The squats were easy but I was almost gasping for breath because there's not much time to rest before you have to go at it again.

The sqaut thrust warm-ups usually now take me about 11 minutes to do. They used to take about 9 minutes but now I do them in a way that is much harder and they take longer to recover from.

[Raven]

According to some physicians, there is a fairly simple way to decide if you should take it easy or not and it's called the neck up or neck down rule.

If your symptoms are from the neck up, meaning you have sniffles, a runny nose, headache and perhaps a very mild cough, it's probably OK to perform a mild workout. The key is to make sure you have no difficulty breathing during or after a workout. Definitely cut back, though, especially if you're a type A at the gym. Experts agree that going at one third your normal pace might be the best way to proceed and if you feel worse a few hours later - give yourself a few days rest.

If you're symptoms are primarily neck down, that is you've got a deep chest cough or a fever, you should skip working out altogether until you feel much better. Chest pain means you most likely have inflamed tissue in the lungs and working out will cause an even worse inflammation. Sleep and rest are the better choice.

Fitness professionals note that many people think they feel better after a workout, but agree that it's the endorphins kicking in. Chances are these same folks will feel worse a few hours later. The body knows what's best for you - it's a matter of listening closely. Professional athletes know that skipping a workout for the time it takes to recover from illness will has no adverse affect and that the body will quickly renew itself once they get back on their program.

[Gliondrach]

Good info.

[thevegantwins]

I haven't been at any classes in 2 weeks and missed a week of exercise due to several things going on but I returned this Wednesday and will try to take a Sunday morning class. I got good exercise today but doing 9 loads of laundry downstairs in the skanky laundry room which is located 2 floors down. I did 3 loads at a time. Do the math.

[Gliondrach]

Yes, hard work is usually good exercise.

[Gliondrach]

I almost did all 8 sets of the chins with 3 reps yesterday. Just failed on the last set - did 1 4/5 reps. I increased the weight in the overhead dumbell press by 5lbs and went back to 60 seconds between sets. This was too heavy, especially after my triceps were tired from doing dips. I only did 2 sets of overhead presses at the new weight. Then I took 2 1/2 lbs off and did another 8 sets with 50 second rests. You wouldn't think 2 1/2 lbs could make such a difference. Because of that, I am only going to increase the weight with the one-legged squat by 5lbs and the same for the chins - once I manage to do all the chins. That should be after next time, seeing as how I came so close yesterday. I will also be ready to increase the weight with the bent over rows and the dips after the next session.

[Gliondrach]

I added 5 pounds to the one-legged squats and went back to 60 second rests. It was easy - could've managed an extra 10 pounds but I'll stick with the 5 and work the time down. I had intended starting one-legged Romanian deadlifts but haven't done so yet.

[veganbikerboy]

I have been really slack! I ahve only been to the gym once in the last two weeks. As I said I was ill last week then I have been sooo busy this week, plus I had a new tattoo done so didnt want to risk damaging that in its first couple of days.

I will be going tonight, although I feel so knackered, might be just a little work out!!:uhuh:

[Gliondrach]

A couple of days ago I did upper body weights. Still can't do all chins at 3 reps a set. But I did manage 2 full ones in the last set. In the dips, with the rest time reduced to 20 seconds, I could only do 2 reps in the last 2 sets. I should manage 3 in all sets next time. But when I add weight to the back pack it will only be 5 pounds. I was planning to use 10 pounds.

I'm going to do one-legged Romanian deadlifts today. Looking forward to it.

[thevegantwins]

I made it to the gym Monday, Tuesday, Thursday morning and did at least 1/2 hour cardio (elliptical, treadmill or both) and my usual weight circuit (free weights but mainly the machines). I took a class on Monday morning as well. I wanted to go this weekend but it doesn't look like I'll get a chance. I think I'll take the kids for a walk this afternoon. They have colds and a walk in the freezing air will help boost the immune system.

[Gliondrach]

Have you lost any weight recently, TVT? How's your carpal tunnel syndrome-thing?

[thevegantwins]

I've been under alot of stress and was eating horribly so I did not lose anymore weight. I weighed myself last week at the gym and the good news is that I didn't gain anymore weight either. The carpal tunnel has been bothering me a bit. I've worn the brace a few times the last couple of weeks.

[Gliondrach]

Well, it's good you haven't put weight on. :thumbsup:

[veganbikerboy]

I am still unwell, the week before last I was a bit under the weather, but not too bad. Then last week I was so busy I only managed the gym once, which seemed to kill me! I have been proper ill since then. Craved jnk food and just sat on my arse wrapped in a duvet.

I am pretty gutted cos my excercise was progressing well, I havent yet lost my entusiasm, so hopefully I get better soon and will return with a vengance!!

[Gliondrach]

You might do better after the enforced rest.

[Gliondrach]

I've hit a sticking point. Yesterday, I still couldn't do the full 8th set in the chins, and couldn't do the full 7th and 8th sets in the dips. I didn't do any other exercises because my back was hurting after the squats of the day before. I think that was probably mainly due to sleeping in an awkward position.

I did extra weighted and bodyweight chins and dips to make up for the lack of other exercises.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body weight training on Thursday. The chin ups were disastrous - I only managed the full amount for the first 5 sets, whereas the last two times I managed the full amount of reps for the first 7 sets. But I did slightly better in the dips. Managed to reduce the time in the overhead dumbell press. Didn't do the bent over rowing because I wanted to rest my back. It was a bit painful. I did the one-legged squats the day before. My back didn't hurt when I was doing them. It did the time before. But this time I made sure I kept my head and chest up and braced my abdominal muscles. It used to be thought that drawing in the stomach was protective of the back but that idea was based on studies done with people who already had injured backs. Many experts now say that you should brace the abdomen when lifting - brace as if you are expecting a punch in the guts.

I think I'll do something a bit different on my next upper body day. More conventional like 8 sets of 3, with 3 minute rests between sets. It's a good idea to have a change now and again so your body doesn't get used to doing the same things.

[veganbikerboy]

I am looking forward to some time off at xmas, get things back on track! Last year I must have been one of the few people that lost weight over the xmas period because I get the time to excercise and cook proper food. This year my gym only closes on xmas & new years days, the rest of the days I hope to train:agree:

[Gliondrach]

Did one-legged squats yesterday. 30 seconds between sets. I only do 2 repetitions each leg in each set but it becomes a bit of a killer when you get down to 20 second rests. I should be there the session after next. I'm thinking of doing what are called 'clusters' for one exercise each session. It is a bit like rest-pause. You use a weight that you could do about 3 reps with. But you do only one rep. Wait 10 seconds and do another one. You do that 5 times. Then rest until the next set and do it again. About 5 sets in total. Very much like the modified rest-pause method that Mike Mahler talks about. I've used that before - you do one rep, wait 15 seconds, then do another one, then do the same again. Three in total. That's one set. Wait a minute and do another set of 3. You do 5 sets.

[veganbikerboy]

I spoke waaaay to soon, I have been ill all over xmas. 3 colds in as many weeks. spent most of the hols by the fire!!

feel better yesterday and today, so from 1st Jan start again lol

[Bunny]

I'm planning a new year start to something. It may only be Wii Fit exercise, but it should help!!

[Gliondrach]

Good luck VBB in throwing off that damned cold-thing.

[veganbikerboy]

Is that any good? Weve got a wii, but I have very little space in my lounge.


playing with wii in the lounge? dont the carpets get wet? surely the bathroom woul dbe better?:agree:

[Gliondrach]

;)

[thevegantwins]

Made it to the gym the last 3 mornings doing at least 45 minutes of cardio each morning (either treadmill or elliptical or both) plus weights on Monday and this morning. I might try to get there on Friday to take a new class that they are starting. My muscles were sore yesterday because I hadn't lifted in over 2 weeks.

[Gliondrach]

Didn't you do a bit of interval training a few weeks ago and found it enjoyable?

[Gliondrach]

I've got down to 20 second rests in the one-legged squats with the weight I am using. Next time, the rests will be longer and I'll use more weight. With 20 second rests there's no time to catch my breath. I am gasping for breath and my heart is pounding faster than an Oxford vivisector's when Speak are outside their lab.

It takes about 5 seconds to do one rep. I lower slowly as far as I can go, then come up again as fast as I can - which isn't very fast. To do the 2 reps with each leg in each set takes about 20 seconds. The 20 second rest doesn't allow time to recover fully before the next set. But it is a great way to train.

[thevegantwins]

Maybe a few months ago. I hadn't exercised for about 2.5 weeks prior to Monday due to a cold and general busy stuff.

[neil]

I have got to start exercising again as I have put a lot of weight on since I stopped running. I used to be quite a keen runner until about 9 years ago.

I did 10 miles in 57 mins Half marathon in 77 mins & Full marathon in 2.51 ( on a hilly course)

I am at least 2 stone heavier than I was when I was running when I weighed 10 stone.

[thevegantwins]

I did 10 miles in 57 mins Half marathon in 77 mins & Full marathon in 2.51 ( on a hilly course)

I could probably run 10 miles in about 57 weeks! :o

[thevegantwins]

I did 3 miles on the elliptical today in 32 minutes. Not too shabby for a 41 year old fat woman.

[Gliondrach]

I have got to start exercising again as I have put a lot of weight on since I stopped running. I used to be quite a keen runner until about 9 years ago.

I did 10 miles in 57 mins Half marathon in 77 mins & Full marathon in 2.51 ( on a hilly course)

I am at least 2 stone heavier than I was when I was running when I weighed 10 stone.

Very impressive.

[Gliondrach]

I did 3 miles on the elliptical today in 32 minutes. Not too shabby for a 41 year old fat woman.


Impressive, but not as much as the impressiveness above.

[Gliondrach]

Instead of doing all my weight training in the strength-endurance method, I am going to do one exercise in each session as a more strength-targetted one, with heavier weights and longer rests between sets. Today I did one-legged squats with a heavier weight and had two minutes between sets. I still did 2 reps for each leg and did 10 sets. Tomorrow, I will either do the chin ups or overhead pressing in this manner.

[veganbikerboy]

I feel loads better, although I am shattered after a first day back at work, and i still cant shake off my cough. BUt I am still going to the gym, even if only do a bit.

Probably do a bit of sedate CV, otherwise i'll cough to much, then do some strength work i think.

[thevegantwins]

I took the 6am Gluts Abs Legs class this morning. It was rough. Then I did some free weights for 30 minutes and stretching.

[Gliondrach]

I had too much to do this evening to do any exercises.

[thevegantwins]

Maybe instead of posting here, you should be running up and down stairs or lifting furniture. :strongman:

[Gliondrach]

I wouldn't want to deny you all the pleasure of my company. I am not selfish.

[Raven]

I took the 6am Gluts Abs Legs class this morning. It was rough. Then I did some free weights for 30 minutes and stretching.

6am :skeptical: Wow i dont roll out of bed till 7am :laugh:

[veganbikerboy]

I managed a bit in the gym last night, was coughing a bit, but did 30mins on bike then did biceps & Back & Abs. Aching today.

I am going again tonight, I intend to take it steady again.

[thevegantwins]

I walked 3.75 miles on the treadmill this morning. I'm glad to be back in the exercise routine even though I am more tired since I'm at the gym by 6am.

[Gliondrach]

I used a heavier weight for chin ups yesterday, to put more of a strength emphasis on the exercise instead of strength-endurance. I used too much weight because I could only do two reps each set with 2 minutes between sets. And I only managed 4 sets. I realised it would be difficult to do 2 in the next set. So I decided to do single reps, 15 seconds apart. But I only managed to do 2 1/2 before packing it in.

I will need to do something different with the overhead dumbell pressing. I struggled to do the last two sets. I struggled to do them last time, as well. My left arm cannot quite manage to do the last two sets unless I lean a bit to the right. My right arm is happy and has no problem doing them. I might do some isometric work on my left arm - use a weight I can't even begin to press and try to do so for 6 seconds. Rest 30-60 seconds and do it again. About 8 times. It is in the beginning of the press where the weakness lies, because once I have moved the weight half-way I feel strong.

[veganbikerboy]

I trained four times last week, which I was pleased about, took it fairly steady as I still have a bit of a cough.

Off to the gym again tonight, chest & triceps tonight!

[Raven]

Nice one VBB.

My plans for the gym were ruined when my son got a eye infection, poor thing. Was planning on going this week but i have a awful cold. Will try and make it to the gym on Thursday if i feel better.

[thevegantwins]

I made it this morning for the 6am gluts, abs, legs class. We used a medicine ball this morning and it was fun. I used lighter dumbbells as to not aggravate the carpal tunnel and I avoided the weight circuit machines that utilized my wrists. It was a decent workout.

[Gliondrach]

A few years ago I thought it was safer to do squats by only going to parallel, where your upper legs are parallel with the floor. I damaged both knees many years ago and they have given trouble many times when a bit of cartilage slipped out of position. My knees also felt unstable, as if they had too much 'give' in them. I read last year in testosterone nation that it is better to go as far down as you can. I call it hamstrings to calves. When you squat down, your hamstrings press against your calves. I'm not talking about baby cattle here, though. American-types call it by a different name. Something about a donkey on the grass.

Since doing one-legged squats and going all the way down until I'm almost sitting on the ground, my knees seem much more stable. Did them yesterday. Upper body weights in about half an hour.

[veganbikerboy]

I had a really good work out last night, the first in ages. Ache like mad today.

tonight it is shoulders & legs, i think.

from next week i'll start posting a proper blog of what I do.

[Gliondrach]

I did the third session of one-legged squats with the new weight last night. The first session was last Thursday with 60 second rests between sets. It took me 11 1/2 minutes to do the ten sets.

Then on Monday I did them with 50 second rests between sets. They took 11 1/2 minutes. The same time but each rest period - 9 of them - was 10 seconds shorter.

I don't look at the clock - it's too dark. I only look at the clock when I start and finish. I count, one thousand, two thousand, three thousand, etc. Very accuarate over a minute. I've timed myself with a clock many times. I was either counting too fast the first time or too slow the second time. I think it might have been too fast the first time.

But yesterday, the ten sets - still at 50 second rests - took exactly 10 minutes. I think that was too fast. It takes about 20 seconds to do 2 repetitions with each leg. That's at least 3 minutes and 20 seconds actually doing the exercise. And 9 lots of 50 seconds rest comes to 7 1/2 minutes. A total of at least 10 minutes and 50 seconds crammed into 10 minutes. The first time-bending weight training session in the history of the world.

And just to boast, after I'd done these 10 sets I did 5 reps with each leg without carrying any extra weight. I finished them in just under two minutes after finishing the other sets. I probably waited about 90 seconds before starting them. So they took about 30 seconds to do. They felt so light. I actually fell over on the first one because I forgot to compensate for not holding a weight in front of me. So I started again.

Not bad for one of these weak vegans of my advanced years. And with a dodgy back.

[thevegantwins]

I did at least 45 minutes cardio (treadmill or eliptical) on 1/13, 1/14 and 1/16 and this morning, I got in 15 minutes on the elliptical while the kids were taking their tumblebugs class. I will try to get 30-45min cardio tomorrow while the kids have their swim lessons.

[thevegantwins]

I did 15 minutes elliptical yesterday followed by my weights and then 1/2 hour treadmill. Today, I did the same cardio, just left out the weights.

[Gliondrach]

Any good results?

[thevegantwins]

I sweated. I can walk quickly. Still fat though.

[Gliondrach]

Could be time for a change.

[veganbikerboy]

I had a really good week last week, trained Mon, Tues, Fri I think. But was away for the weekend and have been shattered yest & today. I am off to the gym in a bit tho.

I want to get back to writing a proper blog again. Time...........

[thevegantwins]

I used a new cardio machine called AMT (Advanced Movement Technology) at the gym this morning. Really rough workout involving different gaits. I was able to do 16 minutes then my weights then 35 minutes on the treadmill but upped the speed from yesterday. I plan on upping my time on the AMT machine whenever possible. Here's a photo.

[veganbikerboy]

I had such a busy week last week I didnt manage to train, and then on Thursday I had a little accident (fell off a ladder) and ended up in casualty! I thought I had broken three fingers on my left hand and my thumb and ring finger on my right. after xrays, they decided they werent broken, just muscle and ligament damage. So thats buggered my weight training for a bit, which probably isnt a bad thing as I should lose a bit of weight any way!!

I swam on Sat & Sun, then last night I did a 30min run (first time i have managed to run for 30min in about 4-5yrs) followed by a 30min cycle. I did some abs work then went for a swim.

Will probably do similar tonight.

[thevegantwins]

I'm glad you didn't break anything. Kudos to you for exercising while injured! :applause:

I went for a long walk in NYC on Sunday but since then, haven't done any exercise. :( I hope to make it to the gym tomorrow morning.

[veganbikerboy]

I am feeeling really motivated again at the moment, i am getting frustrated with having sore hands, there is only so much CV one person can do before contemplating obesity as a favourable alternative:D

[Gliondrach]

What about setting up a punch bag and kicking it? Good for CV, the abs and legs.

[Gliondrach]

The last time I did one-legged squats with the weight I'm using, I did them with 50 second rests. I did them with 40 second rests today. I only managed 7 sets and then I found myself slowing down. So I took a 90 second rest and then did the other 3 sets - with 40 second rests between them. Did them in 9 1/2 minutes. The last time, with 50 second rests took me 10 minutes.

I'll have to see if I can go straight through the next time without the extended rest.

In my next to last upper body weight session I only did chin ups and dips. My left sacro-illiac joint area has been very painful since the session before that. It must have been the overhead dumbell pressing that did it. It was very painful pressing with the right hand. I didn't do any dumbell rowing because that would have caused pain in my lower back. I have also hurt a muscle in my right forearm. I think it is the supinator muscle. It doesn't hurt to do chin ups but it does hurt to do dumbell rowing. The last time I did upper body I only used my left hand for the rowing.

[thevegantwins]

I did 30 minutes on the AMT machine on Saturday. This morning, I took the hour long Gluts, Abs, Legs class. We used medicine balls. It was a good workout. Lots of squats. :crying: After the class, I did 30 minutes on the AMT. I like that machine alot because you can easily vary your workout depending on what sort of gait you use.

[thevegantwins]

Today was a good exercise day. I did 30 min on the AMT then weight training then 35 minutes on the treadmill.

[Gliondrach]

Managed to do all the OLS with 40 seconds between sets. No need for a longer rest after set 7. Did them all in 8 minutes and 2 seconds.

A few hours earlier, I was staggering about trying to get home. My left hip and sacro-illiac joint felt as if there was a knife sticking in them and my right leg was almost completely numb. And yet I did the OLS without any bother and did squat thrusts before them. Strange.

[Gliondrach]

I did the OLS but changed the method. I was inspired by the 5,4,3,2,1 method. In that, you do 5 reps, rest, then add a bit of weight and do 4 reps, rest, etc., adding weight and reducing by one rep each time. I decided to do 4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1. One minute rest between each set and adding weight when I did one less rep. I will combine it with the method I've been using and gradually reduce the time between sets. And then start again at 1 minute rests with more weight in each set. But I think I'll do 4,4,3,3,3,2,2, the next time. I'll do it with my upper body training tomorrow.

[Gliondrach]

This new method I'm using is called 'wave loading' I've since found out. But they don't mention reducing the rest times. I wonder if I invented it? If so, it will be called Martin Wave Loading. Not to be confused with the Marcel Wave.

I did it yesterday with my upper body exercises. Still only doing chins and dips. But it is a bit of a rush taking my back pack off and changing the weights between sets. I need another small pack to hang round my neck that I can add weights to. I only just managed with the 60 second rests. It will be impossible to change the weights in time when I get down to 30 seconds.

[veganbikerboy]

I have been so busy the last couple of weeks, spent time working away last week too. I find it so hard to get into a rythm of training.

I swam last night, the first time in a while. I am going to do a gym session again tonight.

I am still struggling with my hands a little it makes weightlifting very painful.

[Gliondrach]

In the one-legged wotsits today I reduced the rest time to 30 seconds. It was 40 seconds the last time I did it with the strength-endurance method. I could only do 5 sets with this rest time and had to increase the rest periods back to 40 seconds for the other 5 sets.

[thevegantwins]

I wouldn't be able to do any one-legged wotsits. I can't wotsit. :D

I missed the gym for a bit over a week due to my being sick followed by the kids but I returned yesterday and did 15 minutes on the AMT machine followed by weight circuit followed by 30min on the treadmill. Today, I did 30 minutes on the AMT followed by 30 minutes on the treadmill. I'm glad to be back exercising. :treadmill:

[thevegantwins]

4 days missed of exercise. :( However, today I got to the gym at 6:15am and did 30min on the AMT followed by my weight circuit followed by 30min on the treadmill. Good workout. Unfortunately, the woman next to me on the treadmill was very smelly. It was hard to breathe without gagging.

[Gliondrach]

My left sacro-illiac joint has been extremely painful for the past five or six days. Exercising has been out of the question. From the time I wake up until the late afternoon or early evening there is nothing I can do to ease the pain. It has been much better today and the pain more or less disappeared a couple of hours after waking up. I am going to exercise this evening. I tested myself yesterday with the OLS but my left leg was very weak. It is stronger today. I am confident that the exercising won't bring the pain back. I am also now completely convinced that the trouble lies in the sacro-illiac and has nothing to do with the vertebrae. :rock:

[thevegantwins]

Ouch, Martin. Have you tried icing the area? I was at the chiropractor yesterday because I pulled a muscle in my lower back and he went on and on about icing strains, sprains etc. Most people put heat on the injury which makes it worse. I haven't been to the gym since Tuesday and I miss it. I hope to go early tomorrow morning for a quick workout if my back is feeling fine.

[Gliondrach]

I think ice is for the early stages. This particular flare up has lasted for more than a year. I usually just wait for things to get better.

I did the exercises. I warmed up with squat thrusts. I did the easier version, with the hands directly below the shoulders because that puts less strain on the waist area. Just a slight ache in the left SIJ (sacro-illiac joint) after doing them. Then the one-legged squats. I could only manage 2/3 of the repetitions that I intended doing. My legs felt weak, especially the left one. Then I rested for four minutes and did some more but without any extra weight. My legs felf stronger. Only slight aching in the SIJ now. I think there might still be pressure on a nerve or two and it is weakening the muscles.

[Gliondrach]

I was in a bit of pain this morning and early afternoon, quite bad but not as bad as four or five days ago, and not as widespread. Slightly badder than yesterday, but bearable. All right now. Standing a bit straighter as well.

Was going to do upper body training but decided to do it tomorrow.

[thevegantwins]

I missed my weekend workouts as well as yesterday morning but this morning, I was at the gym at 6am. I did 30 min on the ATM followed by a weight circuit followed by 30 minutes on the treadmill. A good sweat. :phew:

In the locker room, I was getting undressed to take a shower and my sweats got caught on my foot so I fell backwards, knocking over the bench and landing against the opposing wall of lockers, sliding down to end on my butt on the floor. It was not a gracefull fall. :o Fortunately, the locker room was empty at the time and I was not injured.

[dreamer]

I'm glad you're OK and didn't embarass yourself in front of other people:agree:

I still haven't changed my workouts much, just walk my pup numerous times during the day, then do the weight machines at the gym 2-3 times a week. I know I should do more, but I don't:rolleyes:

[thevegantwins]

In an ideal world, I'd be getting an hour of cardio at least 6 days a week but that hasn't been happening. I've been lucky if I get 45 minutes, 4 days a week. We can only do what we can do.

[thevegantwins]

Today, 25 min on the AMT followed by weight circuit followed by 33 min on the treadmill so a total of a bit over 5 miles in 55 min. between the 2 cardio machines.

Usually, I'm fine not eating before my workout and eating when I get to work (usually fruit) but today, I was so hungry. I've eaten a huge breakfast (1/2 raw bar, huge salad and piece of leftover seitan pot pie).

[veganbikerboy]

My excercise has been going really well, one of the reasons I have been online much! I feel loads fitter, I have lost about 8lbs in the last two weeks, since I got back:)

Just swim, sauna & pint tonight as I caught up with an old friend, but hey, everyones deserves a rest night!

[Gliondrach]

Well done, on the weight loss, VBB.

[thevegantwins]

Great job, VBB

I managed to squeeze in 30 minutes of AMT machine this morning while the kids were in tumblebugs. That means I exercises 5 days this week which I am very glad about.

[Gliondrach]

I exercised today - squats thrusts and step-ups. The last time I did squat thrusts and one-legged squats was on 28th February. I have been in too much pain since then. The last time I did upper body training was the 3rd March.

During the squat thrusts I had pain in the saral area - bottom of spine - and a griping/indigestion-type pain in my lower abdomen. It was painful during the whole exercise and I often sat down between sets. Then I did step ups holding some extra weight. The last time I did one-legged squats my back hurt. In the bottom position of the squats the lower spine is tucked under and the lordotic curve is lost. This puts extra pressure on that area. So I decided to do step ups, which allow me to stay more upright. My chairs are too low to do a good step up but the bath is higher, so I used that. When I step up on that my knee is higher than my hips - which is want I want. In fact, I would like it a bit higher and I might put something on the bath to make it higher. After doing these and having a bath my pain had greatly reduced. My left foot is still numb-ish and I still have a bit of an ache in the sacral area and left sacro-illiac joint but the pain in the guts has gone. I feel much, much better.

[Gliondrach]

I did step ups on the 4th April and upper body training on the 5th. Both times I felt quite a bit of pain in the sacrum area of my lower spine. And each morning this week I have woken up at about 4 o'clock with excrutiating pain in my sacrum. I then move about for half an hour until I find a position that eases the pain enough for me to go back to sleep.

I exercised yesterday evening. I did squat thrusts for the first time in weeks. I only did 5 sets of 40 instead of the usual 10 sets. No pain at all anywhere. Then I did step ups carrying extra weight. Just a bit of a slight ache in the sacrum during the last two sets using my left leg. I woke up this morning at 6.30. No pain. I got up at about 7.00 to make a cuppa. After being up for ten minutes there was just a slight ache in the sacrum. Went back to bed for an hour. Up again and no pain since then.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body weight training this evening - chin ups and dips. The first since last Sunday. But, because of all the sessions I've missed, I could only manage the full three repetitions in the first six sets and only two repetitions in the last two sets. The same for the two exercises. It was two months ago that I did all eight sets of three reps with the weights I'm using now. Still on 35 seconds rests between sets. I should have been using quite a bit more weight by now. Still, at least I haven't had to drop weight or increase the rest times.

[Gliondrach]

I did some one-legged squats yesterday. I've gone back to them because the step ups are not good enough. I have gone back to body weight only and will slowly build up to carrying weights. I only did 6 sets of 2 and then my back started playing up. I did only 5 sets of 2 six days before. I stopped when my back became quite painful. Yesterday, the pain wasn't so bad but I was getting pins and needles in my right foot and feelings of weakness in my legs. It wasn't really weakness, more a lack of control over my muscles.

The trouble with carrying extra weight is that it puts a strain on my back in the last few inches of movement before I am standing fully upright again. I will have to make a belt to attach weights to so my back isn't put under extra strain.

When I can do 10 sets again without pain I will gradually reduce the rest time between sets from 60 seconds to 20 seconds. Then, instead of adding weight, I will start doing 3 reps in each set. And then 4 reps. Then I will add weight and do only 3 reps in each set. I think that will be better for my back.

[Gliondrach]

I did a bit of exercise yesterday. Squat thrusts followed by one-legged squats. I felt no pain during or after the exercises but my right leg was very weak in the one-legged squats. I had difficulty balancing when in the full squat position on my right leg and I had to put my right hand out to balance myself. I even had to use my hand to push off from the floor on a couple of occasions. I only did four sets because my right leg was really struggling. I think it might have something to do with my bad back and the way it makes me stand with my pelvis titled up to the left and a slight twist to the right. When I am on my right leg in the full squat position the tilt must put too much strain on my right leg and probably stops all the muscles and muscle fibres from contracting fully. My left leg was strong and could have continued.

The last time I did any exercise was Friday 5th, for upper body, and Monday 1st, for squat thrusts and OLS.

There was no pain this morning apart from a bit of an ache in the sacrum area. But I've had that each morning this week. It clears up when I get out of bed.

I tell a lie -I exercised before this. I did the special exercises for the multifidus muscles on Monday. The next day I had a slight pain in the sacrum.

I'll be doing upper body exercises this evening and some more for the multifidus muscles.

[Gliondrach]

I didn't do upper body exercises on the 18th. I did them yesterday. There was a bit of an ache in my sacrum area during the chin ups but the ache went away when I finished them. I feel all right today.

[Gliondrach]

I did 6 sets of 40 squat thrusts. Slight pain in sacrum between sets. Then I did some single leg squats (what I used to call one-legged squats). This time I did all 6 sets with each leg. The right leg was still a bit weak but I didn't have to put my hand on the floor in the full squat position. When I was straightening up with the right leg there was some strain in my lower back. My left leg was strong and could have done twice as many sets.

I have no pain anywhere.

I want to get back to doing 10 sets in both of the exercises.

[Gliondrach]

Did upper body weight training last night. Just a bit of an ache in the sacrum during it. Felt stronger in the chin ups. I am slowly regaining the strength I lost during my recent bout of back pain when I couldn't train much.

[Gliondrach]

I struggled to do single leg squats with my right leg today. My left leg was strong but the right was weak. I had intended doing 6 sets with each leg but stopped after 4. I don't want to risk a set back to how I was earlier this year.

I am only doing 2 repetitions with each leg in each set, with 60 seconds rest between sets. I am not carrying any extra weight in my hands. A few months ago I was doing 10 sets with each leg, with only 20 seconds rest between sets. And I was carrying extra weight. I have a long way to go.

There was only a very slight ache in my right sacro-iliac joint. Or it might have been the right side of the sacrum. No pain after I stopped.

[Gliondrach]

I managed to do six sets of single leg squats with each leg. The right leg is still weak. I nearly gave up after the third set. I feel strain in my right hamstring and right lower back as I stand up again from the squat. My left leg is strong and could do much more. No pain anywhere during them, nor during the squat thrusts I did before them. Well, perhaps just a slight ache in the sacrum. Not there now.

I did well in the upper body training two days ago.

[Gliondrach]

I've decided to go back to doing step-ups instead of single leg squats. I did 8 sets of 3 repetitions with each leg this evening, carrying the same amount of weight I was using a few months ago. But I had 40 second rests between sets instead of 25 seconds.

My right leg was weak but I managed to do them all. Just slight pain in the lower back whilst doing them. I did squat thrusts before without any pain. Except for just a bit in the left sacro-iliac joint area between sets when I stood up.

[Gliondrach]

For the warm up before doing step ups last night I did burpees instead of squat thrusts. There are different forms of the burpee but the one I did is where you squat down and put your hands on the floor, kick both legs back so that you are in a press up position, quickly bend both knees so that you are in a squating position with your hands on the floor again, and then stand up. The other main form is where you jump up as high as you can. I used to do it that way but it might be too much of a jolt to my back. Incidently, some people call the type of burpee that I did last night 'squat thrusts'. But squat thrusts are just the part where you are in the press up position and then you bring both knees to near your chest, kick both feet back so you are in the press up position again, then bring your knees to near your chest, and so on. I usually do that as a warm up but I stretch my hands out a bit further to give my abdominals more work to do. Both burpees and squat thrusts are good for fitness training and they warm my knees up before the squats or step ups.

My right leg was a bit stronger than last time in the step ups and I did 10 sets instead of 8. I don't want to test it in single leg squats in case it is still weak in them, which would be disappointing.

[Gliondrach]

I felt great today. No pain, except for a bit of an ache when I first got up. No pain from prolonged sitting, either. Did some burpees and then step ups this evening. My right leg felt stronger than it was the last few times. In fact, it might have been slightly stronger than my left which seemed to get a bit weak towards the last few sets. I did 10 sets of 3 again, with the same rest period of 40 seconds between sets. No pain during the step ups, but felt a bit of tightness in the lower back.

Yesterday, I did the exercise for the multifidus muscles, which are very important spinal stabilisers. I usually do them after I've done some other exercises but I did them first. It was so much easier because when I do them last my back has already become a bit fatigued and I usually have pain in the sacrum area during them. I had no pain yesterday except for a slight ache in the right sacro-iliac joint during the 13th set. I do 15 sets each side, held for 5 seconds each. Then I did burpees and squat thrusts, alternating between them.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body weight training today and on Wednesday. I've missed a leg training day because after my last session of step ups on the 20th I had a slight pain in the area of my damaged cartilage in my left knee. Not too bad but I thought it better to be careful. I'll do some step ups on Monday.

I feel quite weary now but happily so. :eat:

[Gliondrach]

I did some squat thrusts for a warm up. No sign of any pain. Then I did step ups. I was going to reduce the rest time between sets of step ups or increase the weight I carry but I decided to keep everything the same.

Both legs were strong. No pain whatsoever, at all, at all. Just a bit of an ache in the glutes in the last few sets but that was just normal muscle soreness from exercise.

I felt great afterwards and still do. I think this is the best I've felt during and after exercise in more than two years.

I have to go up the hill to the bus stop to go for food tomorrow. That is what I dread doing because that walk is usually agonising. We'll see what tomorrow brings. The last time I did it, on Friday last, wasn't as bad as usual. I hope tomorrow it is even more unbadder.

[Gliondrach]

I didn't attempt any handstand press ups the last time I did upper body training. I wanted to protect my back.

I did squat thrusts and step ups today. Easy. Both legs strong. No pain apart from the normal muscle fatigue type. I reduced the time between sets in the step ups to 30 seconds.

Upper body training tomorrow. I tried a handstand press up this evening to see how I felt. I did it easily. But I can't get my hands closer than about 20 inches to the wall because there would be a risk of toppling over. I would have to roll out of it and that could hurt my back. I am just going to do partial presses tomorrow - where I only lower myself about half-way down in the handstand press up. I will do about 6 sets of 3 or 4repetitions each, with 1 minute rest between sets.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body training last night. I included some hand stand partial press ups. I did four sets. After each set I had to twist my body so that I could lower my legs to the floor. I was too tired to walk my hands away from the wall so that I would have enough room to walk my feet down the wall. I hurt my back doing all this. But it is all right-ish today.

[Gliondrach]

Did squat thrusts and then step ups. I reduced the rest between sets for the step ups to 25 seconds. No pain except the normal muscle fatigue-type pain in the upper glutes during the step ups.

[Gliondrach]

My lower back was a bit sore when I first woke up and for a couple of hours after I got up.

I did upper body weight training this evening - Saturday - and my shoulders and upper back feel fatigued. A good sign that they've done a bit of work.

I tried to do a tuck planche but there was a pain in my lower back when I did so. I am going to practise handstands, planches and front levers. There are lots of people on youtube doing these things. Some of them are young lads and lasses. When you seen someone do a full planche it looks as if they are defying gravity. It is even more amazing when they go from a planche into a handstand.

[Gliondrach]

I did squat thrusts and then burpees last night for fitness and to warm up for the step ups. The burpess hurt my lower back. After doing the step ups I looked at myself in the mirror to see if the scoliosis-type bend in my spine was the same. It was quite bad. My left hip is raised and I lean over to the right. Very noticeable. And I am also turned slightly to the right from the hips.

I forced my left hip, using the muscles in the pelvis area, over to the right so that I was standing straight without any lean and so that my hips were at the same height. I did it easily. And without any pain. When I relaxed I took on the same unbalanced posture. I wondered if I was able to do it because my muscles were warmed up. Last year and earlier this year when I tried to straighten up I couldn't. It was as if I was fixed into that position with metal bands. So, I tried to do it at 11 pm - 3 1/2 hours after exercising and managed to do it just as easily.

I was in a bit of pain in the lower back area today when I first woke at about 4 AM. Dozed off. In pain when I woke up a bit later. And again a bit later. But hardly any pain when I woke up at 7 o'clock. No pain to speak of when I got up.

I have just tried to straighten up again this afternoon - at 1.30 pm. Did it easily. Just a bit of pain in the sacrum when I held the straightened posture.

I wonder if practising handstands has helped? For the last few days I have done a 12-second handstand quite a few times each day. I can't do an unsurported one yet - I have my feet against the wall. I only do 12 seconds to prevent tiring my nervous system and muscles. This is a technique that's commonly called 'greasing the groove' or synaptic facilitation. I've also done a few one-hand handstands with my feet against the wall. Doing those unsurported will take much longer to learn.

But I will do it! Fuzzy said he has every confidence in me.

I should do upper body weight training this evening but I might give it a miss to make sure my back's all right. Or I might not give it a miss.

[Gliondrach]

I've continued to do 12-second hand stands on most days - using the 'greasing the groove' technique which was mentioned in my last post. Just now, instead of doing a hand stand, I did 3 hand stand press ups! :rock: I could have done 5 but I didn't want to tire myself out. I did upper body weight training last night and this is supposed to be my rest day.

This greasing the groove lark really works.

I think I might alternate 12-second hand stands with 1 hand stand press up a few times each day.

[Gliondrach]

I did squat thrusts this evening. My lower back began to ache during them but I persevered. It had ached whilst I was doing burpees a few days ago and it has been better since then than it has been in many months. So I was hoping there'd be another improvement.

Then I did step ups. I used more weight than I have been using recently. That's because I had reduced the rest between sets to 20 seconds the last time I did them. The ache became a bit worse. I was going to stop after the 7th set but I wanted to complete all 10. The pain eased a bit after I'd had a bath. I came downstairs for something to eat. When I stood up the pain was worse and I couldn't stand up straight. It is better now and has shifted to the right of my spine. I think I will be all right tomorrow - as long as I don't sleep in an akward position.

I hope I'm all right because I'm looking forward to doing hand stand press ups. :hungry:

[Gliondrach]

I woke up this morning at about 4 o'clock. No pain in my back. But a terrible pain somewhere in my right hip or thigh. Dozed off. Woke up again. Pain a bit less. Dozed off again. Got up just after 7. Slight ache in lower back. Pain in leg not too bad. But it became worse at times during the morning. It doesn't hurt when I move my leg in any direction. It doesn't hurt when I do a one-legged squat with my right leg. So I don't know what muscle can be causing the pain. It actually started last night with a couple of twinges. In the rest periods between doing the step ups yesterday my spine was clicking in the low back area. I think something has been shaken up that has been tight for nearly two years and certain muscles have relaxed or others have tightened and this is causing the pain. Or perhaps not. It is affecting me all over and giving me neck strain and a headache. But, being the tough sort, I just sneer contemptuously at the discomfort. :beanie:

I am not going to do any exercises today. I did do a hand stand press up this morning to see if it would hurt my back or leg. It didn't. I might do a few hand stands later on for 12 seconds each.

[Gliondrach]

Pain all gone. But I'm not going to do any exercise today.

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body exercises yesterday. No pain. All went well. Today, I did exactly the same exercises with the same weight and in almost exactly the same length of time, that I did on the 18th. No pain. Feel all right.

[Gliondrach]

I did some handstand press ups as part of my upper body training today. I did 3 sets of 3 and 1 set of 2 repetitions, with 1 minute's rest between sets. Then I did two handstands for as long as I could without going to failure. I did 45 seconds and then a minute later did 33 seconds. Not bad. A couple of weeks ago, when I first started practising handstands, I could only do one for 35 seconds before I began to feel the need to stop. I could have gone on longer then but I don't like doing any exercise to the point where I can't go on. That is training to failure - where you actually fail to do a repetition because your muscles are exhausted. It would be particularly dangerous doing that with handstands because you could just plummet on to your head if your arms gave way. It is better to stop when you are still able to do 1 or 2 more repetitions.

I am chuffed that I could do a handstand longer than I could a few days ago- - and after I was already tired by the handstand press ups I had just done.

I proved to myself the danger of going to failure on the last handstand of 33 seconds. I could have done it a bit longer but I decided to lower myself to the ground. I do handstands not by facing a wall and then kicking up into one. I face away from the wall, put my hands on the ground and then walk my feet up the wall. Much better for the back. After doing the last handstand I hadn't moved my hands far enough away from the wall to get my feet down and when I bent my arms I couldn't lean any futher forwards or I would have tipped over on to my head. I had to fall sideways and came down with a bit of a bump. If I had exhausted all my strength by trying to keep up for as long as possible I would have come down with a crash. As it is, I hurt my knee a bit but it felt all right a few minutes later.

The safe way to come out of a handstand when you have over balanced and are in danger of falling flat on your back is either to roll over your shoulders or to do a semi-cartwheel. I tried a forward roll a couple of days ago. I didn't do it from a handstand, I did it by crouching down and rolling over my head. Even from that low height the jolt to my pelvis was uncomfortable. I can't risk coming down like that from a greater height.

I am getting quite good at one handed handstands - still with my feet against the wall, of course. But I didn't do any during my exercise session.

Then I did some chin ups.

My lower back was aching a bit but was better by the time I had a bath.

[Gliondrach]

My knee hurt the next day when I climbed stairs two at a time but not when I took them one at a time. It is almost completely better now but I won't do any step ups until Saturday to give it more time.

I tested myself this morning to see how long I could hold a handstand before it became uncomfortable. 53 seconds. I was going to wait for 60 seconds but I didn't want to exhaust myself. Not bad considering that I reached the same level of uncomfortbleness after just 35 seconds not long ago. It's probably longer than 53 seconds because I tend to count a bit more slowly to make sure I don't cheat. And when I'm counting the rest periods during weight training I tend to count a bit more quickly. I know this because the times for doing a certain number of sets don't tally with how long they should take. I'm convinced the handstands are good for my back.

[Gliondrach]

I just did some bird dogs and then some squat thrusts today. I usually do 20 bird dogs each side, each held for 5 seconds. Today I did 15 each side and held them for 10 seconds. I can still feel a weary warmth in my upper back now 3 hours later. Bird dogs are great for the multifidus muscles, which are the most important stabiliser muscles of the spine.

[Gliondrach]

I did some upper body training a few hours ago. I was going to do step ups but my knee started hurting again this morning when I climbed two stairs at a time. It was perfectly all right the day before. It's the one I injured the last time I did upper body training. In today's training I improved in my handstand press ups and in my chin ups. But after the first set of handstand press ups, as I was lowering myself down, I gashed my other knee on the door handle. It is one of those handles that stick out in an 'L' shape. It's really only a tear in the skin but is sore. But, as usual, I bear it with fortitude and bravery.

[Gliondrach]

I've been exercising steadily. Did some today - squat thrusts and step ups. I always start my exercise sessions with bird dogs now. Good for the multifidus muscles along the spine. I'm sure they are an important part of my progress from agonising pain to nuisance pain.

A couple of years ago, before this latest bout of back trouble began, I started practising the tuck planche. I reached the point where I could hold it for 40-odd seconds. I tried it again two or three weeks ago but couldn't hold it for even 1 second. It was too painful. I've continued to practise handstands and handstand press ups on most days and have come on in leaps and bounds. I don't actualy leap and bound about when doing handstands - it's just an expression. But I am much stronger in them. I tried a tuck planche this afternoon and did it easily. Only held it for 3 seconds but it was easy. I'm sure the handstands have helped. And so have the bird dogs. I've done a few more tuck planches this evening for 4 or 5 seconds each. I'm going to use the 'greasing the groove' technique where you do an exercise little and often. You don't try to do them for as long or as much as you can. The ideas is not to tire yourself. It has helped with the handstands so should help with this. Eventually, I want to be able to do a full planche. You can see them on you tube. They are an amazing sight.

I've also started doing one-legged squats again. I feel no pain when I do them. I am using the 'greasing the groove' technique with them. Just doing 1 or 2 with each leg about 7 or 8 times a day.

[Gliondrach]

I saw a video on you tube yesterday of a bloke practising pressing up to a handstand. This is where you put your hands on the ground and then gradually raise both your legs together, keeping them straight. I can't do that. I can do it from a headstand position so it must be a lack of balance. At one point, this bloke started in the handstand position and then lowered his legs slowly until they were on the ground. He did the handstand with his back against a wall for support. I thought that was a good idea. I went up into a handstand and then started to lower my legs by keeping them straight and just bending at the waist. When they were about parralel with the ground I lost control and they started moving too quickly. That wouldn't have been a problem but my hands gave way and I fell on my head. I only fell about a foot but it hurt. I won't be trying that again in a hurry. I'll put some padding there the next time. :dizzy:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Can I get in on the exercise blogging? Might give me some motivation! You can all come and kick my butt if I write that I haven't done anything! Ha! It'll be fabulous!

A bit of background information here is that I used to do tons of sports, but unfortunately none of them are available to me since I started college (which sucks!) so I've had to find alternatives! I have a gym membership which I need to use more (I have random gym raves and go a lot, and at other times I don't go at all - it's terrible!) so I'll start going and blogging that!

I also walk a lot; anywhere I can, really! I have to walk briskly for an hour each day to get to and from college, and I go shopping for lots of lovely vegan food at all hours, so I always do something!

I'll start blogging excercise tomorrow (if I don't, I'll need that kick to the bum!) since today I have tons of work to catch up on, and family time! *waves banner*

[Gliondrach]

Of course you can blog. Looking forward to seeing what you've been doing. I couldn't be happy without exercising. I feel lethargic if I go too long without exercise.

[Gliondrach]

I did bird dogs - which I now do at the beginning of every exercise session - squat thrusts and step ups last night. I have reduced the time between step ups sets to 20 seconds. So next time I will add more weight and go back to 60 second rests.

The last three times I've been shopping - which means a long walk up a hill - I have had no pain. I have to walk slowly and can't take equal length steps. Sometimes, a bit of numbness creeps in near the top of the hill. But no pain. A few months ago I was in agony by the time I started up the hill and was ready to collapse in pain at the top. I have a high pain tolerance but it really was very bad. Exercising has helped. There can be no other answer.

[Gliondrach]

A certain person - no names, no pack drill - said that she would start blogging today about her exercise sessions.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Holy Smokes. Actually did some more exercise than the usual walking to, from and rushing around college :P

Not much though...a load of press ups, running up and down the stairs and around the living room, the kitchen, and dining room (opened all the doors and just ran around in a circle like a loser, HA!)

I also did aerobics and boxersize (sad, I know) in my living room, because I found my Divina DVD. 'Twas better than I remembered, to be honest.

Might have managed to FINALLY catch up on all my work by tomorrow, so I may actually be able to force my sorry butt (which is looking disturbingly large nowadays) back down the gym... :D

[Gliondrach]

Good work, FPFP! :yea: :rock: Keep it up.

That's where I'm going now. Upper body training.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Haha! I'll try!!

Have fun! :D Methinks I'll have to do that tomorrow!

[Gliondrach]

I didn't feel very strong in the exercises. Just did bodyweight. Couldn't be bothered to load the backpack up with weights. Too dark to see what I was doing. Did chin ups and dips. Used the ladders method as described in an earlier post.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Okay, so college ends late (have reviews) so cannot go to the gym today. Must instead do shopping later (which, to be fair, is a workout, since I have to carry heavy things around :P Purse also gets a workout ;))

Mmm, will hopefully go down tomorrow >_> Though am thinking of just leaving it until half term (one week away) so I can really get way...way into it. Instead might just do excersise videos and some extra walking for the time being, and see if the exersise vids actually work - will be interesting to see, methinks.

[Gliondrach]

I never go to a gym. Well, not since that time with the mix up over the women's showers. I prefer exercising at home.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Ahaha! I love the gym! Unfortunately, I have two that I can go to in and around my town, with the membership I have, but the nearer of the two is bigger, so better for exercise...but the other one has a free sauna...so if I want both I have to go to the gym, then walk all the way accross town to the other gym. V. Annoying. The 'big' gym has got a sauna, and also a steam room, etc, but it's all in the health suite, which is super expensive *sigh*

We don't really have enough room for me to do exercise at home...

[Gliondrach]

A lot of my exericises are done in a space which is about 8 feet by 4 feet, between my bed and a cupboard. I do squat thrusts, burpees, step ups and dips there. I used to do overhead pressing, squats, hack squats and bent over rowing there. I do chin ups in the doorway and handstand press ups on the landing at the top of the stairs - just outside my bedroom. Now I just need a big enough room to practise the javelin throwing.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Ahh fair enough. I like to be a tad bit more mobile when I exercise. I love the running machine and the bikes and such. Aerobics and stuff are also really good. Unfortunately where I am there is a lack of good sports options: I'd love to start tennis, football, etc again. *Sigh*

Javelin throwing!?!?! O_O :p

[Gliondrach]

Tennis and football have never interested me. I was watching the gymnastics World Championships yesterday. The strength of the men on the rings is phen, fen, fenom, penomen, er, extraordinary.

I was going to exercise yesterday but I had a pain in the sacrum area. And I had some pain there on Friday when I climbed the hill to go shopping. Strangely, I had no pain on the previous three trips up the hill. I'll see how I feel this evening. No pain just now. :book:

[Gliondrach]

Did bird dogs this evening. When I last did them, 4 days ago, I had a pain in the right glute when I extended my right leg. The area was sore the next day and the one after that. No pain when I did them today. Then I did squat thrusts and then step ups. I increased the weight in the step ups and also increased the rest between sets to 60 seconds. I will probably reduce it to 50 seconds the next time.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

No way! I love active games...just wish I could do more of them...maybe when I move next year I'll be able to get back into them :D

Oh yes, guess who just got back from the gym?!?!
:D Finally forced my fat self down there :p Did some time on the bikes, bit on the weird thing that does your thighs...the arm thing, and the rowing machine. Plus some weights. Majorly dissopointed that I couldn't use my favourite arm-weight-thingie, since someone had changed the pully thing, and I couldn't change it back because I am too short *sigh*.

[Gliondrach]

bit on the weird thing that does your thighs...

Are you supposed to bite it? :updn:

[Gliondrach]

The walk up the hill yesterday was a bit painful but not too bad. An ache above the sacrum. As I crossed the road at the top, my right glute started going numb - a numb bum. Caught a bus. Felt better when I got off - at the next stop. :o As I was shopping, my right calf started going numb but soon wore off. When I say it wore off, I don't mean my calf wore off. No, the numbness wore off. On the way back home - after a one-stop bus ride, my left sacro-iliac joint area was a bit painful. None of it was too bad. More than bearable.

Today, did upper body weight training. Started with handstand press ups. These should properly be called headstand press ups because my hands are on the floor and my head can't go any further down. Then did weighted dips and then weighted chin ups. I felt a bit weak in the chin ups. Only managed 4 sets of 3 reps. Then did 5 sets of 2 reps. Not very good. Before I did these, I did bird dogs.

I might start doing bent-over dumbbell rowing again. I think my back is up to it.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Are you supposed to bite it? :updn:

Well, obviously! :rolleyes:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

20 Minute fitness video thingie for my arms :p And also went to the gym. Woo! Did some walking too...will do some sit ups/press ups later methinks.

[Gliondrach]

I did squat thrusts and step ups on Saturday. Increased the weight I carry in the step ups. Meant to do upper body yesterday. But didn't. Meant to do them today, but didn't. I did do an elbow lever last night. This was the first time I've tried to do one for many a year. Held it for 5 or 6 seconds. Did 2 today and held them for 7 seconds each. It looks quite impressive but is just a question of balance. :eat:

[Gliondrach]

Another day's exercise missed. I should have done upper body training on Sunday. In fact, if I'd done them then I would be due to do them again tomorrow.

I tried to do an elbow lever today but couldn't balance. And my handstands only last for 2 or 3 seconds before I lose balance. I blame the EU.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Today is lots of walking, and will be dancing later on! Then shivering in fear...

:p :yea:

[Gliondrach]

Shivering is good exercise.

[Gliondrach]

I did single leg squats today instead of step ups. I much prefer them. But I am going to be careful and won't try to push myself too hard in case I aggravate the damage to my back, which is steadily getting better.

I went shopping today, which means I had to walk up the hill to the bus stop. No pain. Just a bit of numbness in the sacrum area. My right upper leg felt a bit numb after waiting at the top of the hill to cross the road. Apart from that, everything was tickety-boo. I am definitely on the mend.

Upper body exercises tomorrow.

[Fauxmage]

I've been getting more exercise than usual lately, just from buying construction materials like bricks and mortar and doing repairs and upgrades to my new house! I think it has caused a bit of weight loss too, as my pants seem to want to fall down now. :o

[Gliondrach]

You need a belt. Or a piece of string like wot I use.

[gabbles]

Is your back still tickety-boo this morning Mr G? Or is it clickety-ooh? :rofl:

[Gliondrach]

Is your back still tickety-boo this morning Mr G? Or is it clickety-ooh? :rofl:


:slappy: It is very tickety-boo. Thank you.

[Gliondrach]

Two days ago I did weighted step ups. They felt much easier than the last time I did them. I have been doing single-leg squats recently instead of step ups.

I walked up the hill again today to go shopping. No pain. Just a bit of stiffness in the lower back and also at the top of the right femur, at the back. Because of that, I had to limp. After getting off the bus, the limp was hardly noticeable. :hungry:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Shivering is good exercise.

Not quite sure I agree with that :p
Have been shivering a lot lately, with it being freezing down here, and haven't minded it...but then the teeth chattering starts and it all goes down hill...

Have been to the Gym every day this week. Obviously, I am now a kick-ass person once again. Have also been getting in more walking, which is nice. I like to walk, nice and relaxing, and it's always good to know you're burning calories!

Unfortunately, I only had time for a good old gym session today, since we've started doing a couple of hours revision on a Sunday...and it got dark before we were finished...so I need to work out somewhere to fit in my walk between that, gym, sunday lunch, and darkness falling...

[Gliondrach]

You've been kicking a donkey!? There's no need for that. What has the donkey done to you?

I did upper body exercises today. I used the ladder method. No, that doesn't entail lifting a ladder. It's just the way that repetitions are done. My arms feel a bit fatigued.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Haha, I'd never really kick a donkey, they're too lovely <3

[Gliondrach]

Glad to hear it. :eat:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Heehee.

I remember doing 'zookeeper for the day' when I was younger and looking after the donkeys. They were so sweet :D

Anyway, exercise wise...normal walk to and from college, and I spent some time at the gym, burnt off around 400 cals (this is all women care about y'see :p) ...and did a couple of leg weights. Unfortunately, showy offy men were using the arm things to prove their immense strength to the pretty non-working out ladies, so there was no chance of getting on there before dark :( V. Annoying.

[Gliondrach]

If you were stronger you could have pushed the men out of the way.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

But they're all big and muscley and scary, with -shirts that have nasty slogans on. Blahhhhhhh.

[Gliondrach]

Well, laugh at them and ask if they can't manage to lift really heavy weights.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Mm, might try that. They're kinda intimidating though...I am very, very small O_o

...I also lift 5-12 pound weights, because I am a total weakling...they'd laugh at me...


Gym today again, all cardio though, no weights...

[Gliondrach]

I should have exercised today but I couldn't be bothered. And I wouldn't have had time to cook my veggie stew if I'd gone up to exercise.

But, I have done a few single-leg squats and an exercise I call draining-board hopping. This is where I hop up on the draining board and place one hand there to support myself with a straight arm, legs dangling down and brushing against the doors of the cupboard underneath. And a few handstands. But not on the draining board. I just do these at random moments in the greasing-the-groove style, which is a form of training that allows you to exercise at odd moments without tiring yourself out. :hungry:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Draining-Board Hopping sounds rather fun O_o

Kinda reminds me of when I was a kid and we visited my pal, who's parents had installed a metal bar accross the top of a door frame, and we used to jump up and lift our body weight up and down and up and down....kinda surprised we didn't get mega-muscles... :p

Almost skipped out on the gym today, since I was in a rush, but felt guilty so ended up there anyway! I did my normal work out extra quickly, and shaved half an hour or so off it...no weights again though...

Really need to start doing sit-ups again. I really rather like them once I get started...Might also get the exercise tapes out sometime soon, and work off some cals with Divina!

[Gliondrach]

Draining-Board Hopping sounds rather fun O_o



Best to remove cups and sharp knives first, though. As I found out to my cost.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

...Ouch :sorry:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Just got back from the gym...more cardio. Tad bit more fast-paced-up-hill-walking than usual today. I love the fact that they keep playing the children in need song done by Peter Kay and Co! The video is just so adorable :p I pretty much refuse to get off the tredmill until the video is over xD

Have pretty much given up on the weights for the moment...have got a bit of muscle, and my body seems to be toning up with just the cardio for the moment, which is always good...will probably start using them again perhaps nearer Christmas...or after...

[FatPassionFishPoet]

More gymming...more cardio...couple of leg weights, nothing special.

Pretty annoyed that I seem to have gained weight whilst spending tons of time at the gym and not eating any more than usual. Damnit.

[Gliondrach]

It might be extra muscle.

I did weighted step ups today. I have reduced the rest time between sets to 40 seconds. My heart was pounding and didn't have time to recover before it was time to do it again. Good. That is weight training and interval training rolled into one. Even harder when I reduce the rest times to 30 and then 20 seconds. There is then no chance to catch your breath or for your heart to slow down. :rock:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Mm, maybe. Methinks I've deffinitely gained some muscle. Am thinking of going and getting a session with a personal trainer after Christmas when I have some money. Want to get a bit fitter so that I can start kickboxing and not look like a moron...

Appear to have beaten latest weight plateu(sp?) now though! Very happy :D Was suddenly two pounds lighter on the scales...just hope they're not broken or something!

Yesterday I went for my normal lovely long walk in the morning, then traipsed around the shops for several hours, before my usual gym session, and a bit extra, since I mistimed it a little and had to wait for a lift...(can't stand walking back in the cold and dark... :p)

[Gliondrach]

Appear to have beaten latest weight plateu(sp?) now though! Very happy :D Was suddenly two pounds lighter on the scales...just hope they're not broken or something!



Good work! :yea:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Think I've managed to stay the same weight today, not quite sure :s hope so though!

Normal walk today, added a couple of odd exercises I saw online today when I got home, but got out of breath really quickly :s Asthma seems to be playing up. Silly winter...

Normal gymming today, perhaps a little more cardio than usual, and did some weights...

...dreading the scales tomorrow morning! As always! :p

[Gliondrach]

Why not weigh yourself just once a fortnight?

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Because I'd deffinitely get off track...have tried that before, and I always think to myself 'well, since I don't know my weight I might as well have several million candy bars' and such.

Have gained weight today :( V.v.v.v.v. upset. May punch some walls or something incredibly overdramatic. Have been down gym and done much cardio to vent stress (watched size six pal chomp through a massive bag of chips, two MASSIVE cookies, all washed down with a MASSIVE hot chocolate and THREE MASSIVE bags of sugar - how the heck does she manage her weight, I must ask?!?!), and went on an extra little walk earlier...no weights today though...

Found out the gym is open on most days over Christmas (Save for obvious ones) though for shorter hours. Good stuff though. Working out will not have to be put on hold :D

[Gliondrach]

Small daily fluctuations in your weight could just be fluid differences.

[Gliondrach]

Did lower body exercises today. Well, yesterday (Tuesday). Did step ups with the same weight and the same rest periods between sets. Did squat thrusts and bird dogs before that.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Small daily fluctuations in your weight could just be fluid differences.

Mm, maybe. Don't like fluid differences! V. annoying :S

Might be getting a little too obsessed with weight. Might start focusing on work instead and stop moaning about it! :p

Did extra time at the gym today, since I was a bit stressed. It was pretty enjoyable actually :D Lots more rowing, love rowing :D :colors:

[Gliondrach]

Stressed, eh? There's a theory that stress can sometimes make it hard to lose fat. According to the theory, stress is interpreted as a threat to survival and the last thing the body wants to do is lose weight.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Yeah, I remember something about that...vaguely... I have a feeling Gillian McKeith said something about stress making you produce some sort of bi product in your body that makes it harder to lose...kinda annoying! I thought it was a bit strange at the time, since a lot of people tend to lose weight when they're majorly stressed...but perhaps they miss meals over it or something :s (Don't understand how people manage to skip meals, personally. Food = far too good).

[Gliondrach]

If it's true, it'll depend on the way the autonomic nervous system is affected by stress. One person might lose weight and another might retain or gain it.

Relaxation techniques would likely help either person.:professor:

[Gliondrach]

I did upper body training today. For the last 3 sessions I have only done bodyweight chin ups. I normally do weighted ones. The last time I did weighted ones, I did 7 sets of 3 reps, with 50 second rests between the sets. I aim to do 8 sets of 3 reps. When I can do all 8 sets with a particular weight and rest time, I reduce the rest time in the next session. When I have reduced the rest time to 20 seconds, I increase the weight and go back to 60 second rests.

For the last 3 sessions I have been using another method called ladders. Today, I went back to the normal method, using extra weight. I thought I would have difficulty even doing 7 sets of 3 reps at 50 seconds rests. But I did 10 sets of 3 reps. I would normally have stopped at 8 sets but I felt strong and energetic so I carried on.

The ladders must have helped to not only retain my strength and endurance but to increase it. The next time I reach a sticking point where I am having difficulty in decreasing the rest times or increasing the weight, I will give the ladders a try for two or three sessions.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

If it's true, it'll depend on the way the autonomic nervous system is affected by stress. One person might lose weight and another might retain or gain it.

Relaxation techniques would likely help either person.:professor:

Eek. So scientific O_o

I think I'm the latter... Maybe Yoga would be good? I've wanted to try that for a while. I hear it's good for toning and relaxing at the same time. Might have a look and see if they've got any classes down the gym =]

...or maybe I'll just go lay in the Sauna for a bit :updn:

Was actually thinking of going out in search of a skipping rope, and a hula hoop, but I'm not sure whether they'll actually be beneficial to weight loss etc, or whether I'll just end up laughing at myself :p

Manged to do 2 hours at the gym today again, but no power uphill walking like I usually do. I've started to get a really painful stitch in my right side when I start. Not quite sure what that's all about. Might go get it checked out in case I've strained something. Had some quality time with the rowing machine instead, but I miss walking...

[Gliondrach]

You could try 10 or 15 minutes of autogenic training each day. Very relaxing and good for stress. :eat:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Just looked that up! Looks really good actually! I could do that sort of thing surrounded by lovely sented candles, teehee. That'd actually be really nice O_o

Didn't go exercising yesterday because I wasn't feeling well, but something has occurred! A strange phenomenon!(Sp?) Yesterday morning I weighed mysellf, then yesterday night I was about a pound lighter, and this morning I'm a pound lighter than that, and at my 'ideal Christmas weight'!!!!! I was absolutely shocked. V.happy of course...am going to try and make sure I stay this weight now! Haha. Hopefully back down the gym tonight! If not, tomorrow for sure!

Should be going shopping today, so lots of walking :p

[Gliondrach]

Two pounds less than you were is your ideal Christmas weight? Two pounds is nothing to worry about if you are two pounds over an ideal weight.

Autogenic wotsits are very good. Some people have used it to control migraine, pain, nervousness, etc.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Yup. Well, it's the weight I said I'd be down to before Christmas :p Maybe it wasn't a hard goal to reach :s Methinks maybe I'll try and drop some more before Christmas, then I can stuff my face and relax for a few days without worrying about the gym being closed :p That'd be nice :D

Bought myself a skipping rope and a hula hoop today whilst I was Christmas shopping! So excited! Took me absolutely ages to find them both, and I feel like a five year old in the summer again, but hopefully they'll aid me in my toning exercises, and with flexibility (or that's what they're supposed to do ;)).

Haven't been to the gym today, spent too long shopping...then watched Merlin and wrapped prezzies instead...should be back down tomorrow though! Found out that we have the relaxation technique tapes at hope! I'll have to check them out soon too :D

[Gliondrach]

Do the hoola hoop whilst standing on one leg and balancing a broom stick on one finger.

I was going to exercise but I wouldn't have been finished in time to watch Merlin and record Dad's Army. So I didn't exercise today - apart from a few greasing-the-grooves. :D

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Do the hoola hoop whilst standing on one leg and balancing a broom stick on one finger.


'...'




EDIT: As for Merlin and Dad's Army: Good choices! :p

Absolutely love Merlin :D

Mmm, just got back from the gym. V.tired. Did two hours like usual...'twas good I suppose. Lots of cardio, no weights. Pain in my sides was okay today compared to before I had some time off, which is an improvement :p Might be able to walk to college without dying from the pain tomorrow...hopefully :crossfingers:

Might have to cut down on the weightloss and gym now though, which is annoying, but my mother is paranoid about me having an eating disorder these days *sigh* I accidentally promised to write her a food diary, which is going to be a pain in the butt.

[Gliondrach]

Perhaps your mother thinks you don't need to lose weight.

I did bird dogs, squat thrusts and then single leg squats. My left leg felt stronger than my right. I haven't done them for a few sessions - having done step ups instead - but today I reduced the rest periods between sets to 40 seconds. It was 50 seconds the last time I did them.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

She says she doesn't, but being the butt of all the family fat jokes since I was around five has kind of put pay to that thought. And she seems to have absolutely no problem in showing off my weight loss to all her pals, it's just when we get home she starts to argue with me about food >_> She's worried about my 'obsessive personality'...something that I don't actually have. I think she's labouring under some false impressions about what I'm genuinly like. The only thing I'm really obsessed with is probably food - absolutely LOVE it. ...And I sometimes get obsessed with the gym, but I think that can only be a good thing; I usually burn out pretty quickly anyhow.

[Gliondrach]

Do you feel hungry after exercise, and do you eat a lot after exercise?

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Mmm, I think so. I have kinda weird meal-times...as in, I only eat when I'm hungry (she can't seem to comprehend this), because I find otherwise I binge a LOT. But I usually have what amounts to 'dinner' as soon as I get back from the gym. I sometimes prefer to snack during my gym time instead, but I find I get aches and pains when I do that, so I prefer not to...It's not like she actually sees what I'm eating anyway, since I rarely see her at the moment. I just have no idea where she's getting these rediculous ideas from >_>

[Gliondrach]

If she could see you eating, it might put her mind at rest.

A study found that 60 minutes of aerobics reduced appetite more than did 90 minutes of weight training. Both reduced appetite but the aerobics did it more. But then again, other studies have found that aerobics increases appetite. And interval training and weight training don't - much. It will depend on the individual and the intensity of the exercise. If you want to experiment to see if you can increase weight loss, try different intensities - one week very fast but for shorter periods and the next week slower but longer exercise. See if you notice any difference in appetite after you finish. :hungry: :eat:

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Mm, well, I always have to eat 'sunday lunch' with them, but since I like to eat more like...six small meals a day, rather than three large ones like the others, she gets all adgitated when I don't eat much with them, despite knowing that I'd already have eaten breakfast, snacks, etc by then :s (Sunday lunch is always majorly late for us, so I pig out beforehand)...

Mm...that sounds interesting O_o May have to try that. Personally I would still like to lose some weight. Even if the She-dragon doesn't approve >_>

[Gliondrach]

Tell your mother that most bodybuilders and Strongman competitors eat many smaller meals during the day rather than just three or four normal ones. A bit like wot you do. She might think you are going to enter the World's Strongest Woman competition.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

:rofl:

God forbid! She'd probably take away my gym membership!

She gave me the 'I don't mind you being vegan BUT...' speech earlier...again.

I'd worry...if my new doctor, and old councillors didn't agree that it'd done 'wonders' for my health, mental and physical. Plus, she has no interest in cooking for me agian, having not had to do so for the last four or so years...

Mmm, just got back from the gym though...might start thinking of the place as a second home. Am rather upset that the health suite is shut for refurbishing at the moment though; I really fancy a trip to the sauna...will have to go accross town to the other gym in the holidays for that...

...did lots and lots of cardio, slightly more than usual I think. I've given up on doing tons of uphill walking, and am instead rowing the life out of their rowing machines...it's good fun, but I'm not sure how it'll affect my steady weight loss, since it's a big change from what I used to do...

Can't wait until Thursday, when I have time in the morning before college, I'm going to get some serious hula hooping and (hopefully) skipping done. Unfortunately, my family think I look like a prat when I hula hoop in the living room, and my bedroom is arranged really badly for that type of thing...

[Gliondrach]

Rowing uses a lot of muscles so should burn a lot of calories.

For someone weighing 160lbs high impact aerobics will burn 511, jogging at 5 mph will burn 584, running at 8 mph will burn 986, walking at 3.5 mph will burn 277, and stationary rowing will burn 511.
mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109

But that must be rather gentle rowing. When you really put your back into it, you are gasping for breath. Being a trained rower, I know about these things.

----------

I did upper body training. In the chin ups, I reduced the rest time between sets to 40 seconds and managed to do 3 reps in all 8 sets. Next time, I will reduce the rests to 30 or 35 seconds. Or, if I feel impatient, I might increase the weight and increase the rest times.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Goodo...seems to be no change so far, I've actually gained a pound or so this week, trying to shift them, but to no avail! Think I've been eating more than usual though...

Ooh, awesome, I've always wanted to try real rowing O_o It looks like lots of fun...

[Gliondrach]

Sculling is better - where you use two blades, one in each hand. Better for the back because you don't twist when you bend forwards. The rowing machines use a sculling motion. If the machine is the type where you pull on a cable and use your legs to push, it is very similar to the real thing. Except there's no danger of falling in the water.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

*Had never heard of skulling before*

I sort of get that. I kind of forgot that there was a difference between rowing inside a gym and outside of one :p You can tell I don't get out much...haha :p

Mm, had a bad gym session today. Way less than normal, was in such a bad mood >_< Oh well, I suppose. More working out tomorrow...

EDIT: ...the next day: Must be a miracle, back down to ideal weight today. Yeehaw! ...No idea what has gotten into me O_o

EDIT II: Not as much gym as usual, or even yesterday :( But it was still pretty good...I'm just exhausted today really....end of term tomorrow though, so hopefully energy will suddenly hit me in my exitement :p Did do lots of walking though :D

[Gliondrach]

Did the usual bird dogs at the start of the exercise session. My back feels strong. The bird dogs are the ones wot done it. No doubts.

Then squat thrusts. Then weighted step ups. I reduced the rest times between sets of step ups to 30 seconds. 25 seconds next time.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

Too tired to do much, but did do some simply cardio at the gym today...braved the LOVELY SNOW :colors:

Went down to the nurse today to check blood pressure/weight. Apparently I'm totally awesome in every way, so maybe mummykins will be of my back... :D

[Gliondrach]

Good to know about your awesomeness.

You should have skied to the gym and back. Or toboganned. Or even luged.

[FatPassionFishPoet]

I'd LOVE to have skied :p Best sport ever! Unfortunately, I have no skies of my own :~(

Toboganning may have worked, it's down the hill...

Probably won't be gymming today, I'll sweat it all off in the sauna instead...

[Gliondrach]

I've often thought that many people could travel under their own steam. They could carry a skateboard or scooter with them, use them downhill and carry them uphill. They could travel much faster than when walking, the vehicle wouldn't weigh much and wouldn't tax them to carry. And they'd save loads of money on travel costs.

[Gliondrach]

I should have done upper body training yesterday but didn't. And my right shoulder hurts a bit today. So I might not do any today. Apart from certain things I do throughout the day.

I'm currently practising L-sit lifts. But I have to cheat a bit and have my legs bent, then I lean back, supporting myself just on my hands, straighten my legs and raise them. Just doing it five or six times gets the heart going. I can do an L-sit but I can't then raise my legs higher without bending them.

I was feeling quite proud of myself in my progress with draining-board hopping. I can bend my arm a bit to lower myself slightly and then straighten it again. But I saw a parkourer on youtube doing a full dip with one arm off a wall. He could get a bit of support from his feet on the wall but it was very impressive all the same. The wretch! I'll be able to do that soon. Oh yes I will.