The "Baby Step" Exercisers!

[Kim_in_TN]

Ok, most exercise / fitness boards are mostly frequented by the intermediate or more advanced exercisers. Well, I for one am a "baby step" exerciser ... just starting all the way at the very beginning of getting any physical activity again. I can't "compete" with the mile runs, 100 reps, etc.. etc... but I still want to be able to share and get some encouragement to keep tracking on!;) Sooooo, I would like to invite any other "baby steppers" to post on this thread. What did you do today for your fitness? Did you walk a bit further in the parking lot? Did you take the stairs rather than the elevator? ANYTHING you did that required more effort than normal COUNTS!!!

For me? Today I took TWO walks around the block with my dogs. Rather than taking both of them around together, I took them separately so I would have to make 2 trips! YEP, I'm pleased with myself!:)

[Alice]

Kim...I whole heartedly agree with your babysteps! I just received a stress fracture from jumping into a program that was too advanced for me...better this week, but I had to go through 2 weeks of crutches and pain.

I had completely forgotten about the increase of 10% each week when starting to exercise. I had been a faithful walker...but changing to another routine (with impact) almost did me in. My excitement in completing the relays and runs hid my pain...til the last day!

Had I read your post weeks ago...then maybe I would have slowed my little tibias down a bit!

I'm using my weights and getting my arms into shape...slowly! Will get back to short, slow walks...then very slowly add. I go see a therapist next Monday for an evaluation...don't think I need to attend all the prescribed sessions.

Slow is perfectly fine. Moving is the important thing.

[Kim_in_TN]

Kim...I whole heartedly agree with your babysteps! I just received a stress fracture from jumping into a program that was too advanced for me...better this week, but I had to go through 2 weeks of crutches and pain.

I had completely forgotten about the increase of 10% each week when starting to exercise. I had been a faithful walker...but changing to another routine (with impact) almost did me in. My excitement in completing the relays and runs hid my pain...til the last day!

Had I read your post weeks ago...then maybe I would have slowed my little tibias down a bit!

I'm using my weights and getting my arms into shape...slowly! Will get back to short, slow walks...then very slowly add. I go see a therapist next Monday for an evaluation...don't think I need to attend all the prescribed sessions.

Slow is perfectly fine. Moving is the important thing.

Yikes! I'm sorry you learned the hard and painful way! See, that's what I can imagine myself doing! I'd jump into a full impact aerobics class like I did 20 years ago and die of a heart attack! :eek: I have no choice but to accept that "the ole gray mare just ain't what she used to be"!:D

[Keezheekoni]

I'm rejoining Curves tonight. I also started will start the Couch-to-5k program that someone here talked about. I'm dedicated to doing it since I joined my friend's team for the Race for the Cure in June. In return she's doing the JDRF walk with me next month. :)

A lot of people scoff at Curves, but it's easy for me (who because of being slowly poisoned last year is just now allowed to start exercising again). I don't care if it's mostly the 50 and over crowd, it's a way to exercise! :D

Yesterday I dragged Troy and PJ to the Supermall near our house. It's 7/8ths of a mile around, 1 mile if you go and touch each entrance door, so we walked around it. That wasn't strenuous at all!

[Kim_in_TN]

Rikki, I know it is way too soon for me to commit / invest in a regular program. I always do best just making my own workout at home for a while. I did actually add some stretching exercises today in addition to my extra walk around the block.

I think it's great that you are doing those "walks" .... good for you and for a great cause as well!

[Kim_in_TN]

Ok now, am I the ONLY one here that is taking teeny weeny steps to get exercise? Oh well, if I am then that is "ok" too. I'll get there again but it will have to be at my own pace. I know that if I start off too "gung ho" that I will fizzle out just as quickly! ;)

[bryan42]

My mind was racing, does that count??????????? :D

[R2112]

Kim- I think it's great that you have the determination to get back on the exercise wagon again. It doesn't matter how small or how far. Just take note that we all had to start somewhere at first. I took baby steps at first but kept at it. It took awhile to see the results but I certainly felt better long before I saw my body changing and that helped with the motivation. I'm now running between 3-5 miles a day and doing some sort of weight resistance every other day giving myself Sunday off. I'm proud of you starting up... remember, it will take a little time but you'll soon find yourself not huffing and puffing walking up the stairs. LOL

Dave

[fgummett]

Every (every) little bit helps... I don't walk up to work (it's 6 flights) but I always walk down. I make it my rule to park at the far end of car parks (drives my son crazy!). I get a good chuckle at my local small town store where the car park can't be more than 200m square... I just drive in and park at the far end... but as I walk to the store entrance I see all these others driving around and around in circles struggling to get a place closer to the store :D

[fgummett]

My mind was racing, does that count??????????? :DI find that when I am working on a difficult piece of code at work it does indeed lower my sugar ;)

[Keezheekoni]

Rikki, I know it is way too soon for me to commit / invest in a regular program. I always do best just making my own workout at home for a while. I did actually add some stretching exercises today in addition to my extra walk around the block.
Trust me, I don't like "committing" to gyms, but I know that if I don't spend the money, then I won't exercise. If I spend the money, I *will* get my money's worth! I'm that much of a cheapskate! I actually have decided not to join Curves. I remembered that my MIL bought a family plan at 24 Hr Fitness, and my dh is still part of her "family plan". So, I'm looking around for the best deals for them. They have a current only today online special, $24 to register, $24 per month, no contract. This is a good deal if you plan to go there for no more than 3 years. Once you hit 3 years, it's best to do one of their prepay plans because then you only have the yearly fee of between $49 and $159, depending on which kind of membership you have. I'm going out to ours today to see what it's like. If there are only "beautiful people" working out, then I won't go there. I don't like to be intimidated!

Ok now, am I the ONLY one here that is taking teeny weeny steps to get exercise? Oh well, if I am then that is "ok" too. I'll get there again but it will have to be at my own pace. I know that if I start off too "gung ho" that I will fizzle out just as quickly! ;)
Nope, you're not. I have just been sick for the last year and am ready to jump into it with both feet. I know that I'll be slow at first, but just getting to it is my motivation!

[Kim_in_TN]

Bryan, I'm afraid the racing mind doesn't count or else I would be stick thin by now! ;)

Dave, thank you for the encouragement and reminding me that everyone (for the most part) starts off slowly.

Frank, I admit that I am having a hard time breaking the parking lot circling, but on nice weather days it is easier! ;)

Rikki, the money guilt thing isn't enough for me. I joined Curves and had a bank-draft for a year ... I only went maybe 5 times at the beginning and that was all!!! I will never sign a contract for a fitness program again! I might just buy a membership to the YMCA or something similar that you have more flexible time to use it. For now though, I will definitely be avoiding the scantilly clad intimidators too!

[Keezheekoni]

I looked into the Y also. Unfortunately here they don't have a lot of classes/programs unless you live in the north Seattle area. I don't want to go that far for them. Plus they are more expensive than I thought they would be! I was quite surprised.

I know what you mean about gym contracts though. I joined 24 Hr. Fitness about 7 years ago. I signed for the 3 year plan, and had I kept paying all these years, just the yearly fee, I'd be fine. However, I got out of the contract because I got pregnant within the first month of my membership, and my doctor had me on bedrest for a lot of that time. At least I was able to get out of it, I know a lot of people can't, then end up having to pay for the entire time but never use the facility at all. I'd have at least used it for the pool and hot tub! :D

[Alice]

One fun thing (I think I've mentioned it before on another topic) is to wear a pedometer to count those "baby steps". It takes about 10,000 steps to just maintain your current weight...walk less and that's not enough...walk more and you'll burn extra calories each day.

I found that wearing a pedometer (like we need another meter, right) gave me some accountability...for parking in the last spot farthest from the grocery store door...returning the grocery cart back inside the store...and walking back again to the farthest spot.

Those are the babysteps that really add up for me at Weight Watchers.

I clip the pedometer to the center of my bra...right between the girls...for the most accurate reading. I wasn't getting accurate step counts by wearing it on my waist for some reason, but it may be the brand of pedometer I was using. Most pedometers need to be perpendicular to the floor.

[Kim_in_TN]

One fun thing (I think I've mentioned it before on another topic) is to wear a pedometer to count those "baby steps". It takes about 10,000 steps to just maintain your current weight...walk less and that's not enough...walk more and you'll burn extra calories each day.

I found that wearing a pedometer (like we need another meter, right) gave me some accountability...for parking in the last spot farthest from the grocery store door...returning the grocery cart back inside the store...and walking back again to the farthest spot.

Those are the babysteps that really add up for me at Weight Watchers.

I clip the pedometer to the center of my bra...right between the girls...for the most accurate reading. I wasn't getting accurate step counts by wearing it on my waist for some reason, but it may be the brand of pedometer I was using. Most pedometers need to be perpendicular to the floor.

That's a good suggestion as well, thank you!

[Ronin]

Kim, et al.,

While folks on this forum probably see me as an example of a heavy duty exercier, I wasn't always that way. Like people said, eveyone started somewhere. The sad fact is that most of us classifiy "Exercise" somwhere between a colonoscopy and a root-canal.

The key to any successful exercise progam is finding a physical activity that you actually like! (What a concept!) I know people who have gotten fit by square-dancing, ballroom-dancing, and all sorts of activities not generally classified as "exercise" but all have the common element of having to get the body moving, and having fun while doing it.

Yes, I ride my bicycle or we ride our tandem over 90 minutes per day most days. That isn't punishment, that is pure pleasure (okay, not so pleasant when we get caught in the rain). The best part is when the endorphines kick in -- it's a legal high! The worst thing anyone can do is pick an exercise because it is something they "should do."

I once had an argument with another exercise person who was trying to convince me that I "should" run rather than bicycle/tandem because it is "better." Yes, it is technically better, but I hate running, it makes my knees hurt and I won't do it willingly whereas if I miss a day of cycling I feel as though my day was not complete -- even if that ride was 90 minutes on the trainier in the garage (a.k.a., Tour de Garage).

Do what you enjoy that keeps you moving.

[Kim_in_TN]

Ronin, I agree that you have to find something that is at least tolerable and to your own liking. I love to dance, so once I really get going I always begin my own aerobic dance type of workout. I also enjoy bowling so hubby and I will try to fit some of that in again here before too long. Last fall we bought helmets to use with our kids' old bikes and enjoyed doing that for a short time before the weather got too cold for our blood! ;) I would like to start that again soon too, as I still am a bit rusty and nervous making turns .... this newest experience was the first I had been on a bicycle in 20+ years!!!

[labob]

I think walking is the most important thing a new exerciser can do. Everything builds from there. I would suggest setting time goals rather than distance goals, though -- the great thing about exercise is that the more you do it, the better you get at it, almost without even trying. I guarantee that if you walk 30 minutes every day, in three months you're going to cover a whole lot more ground than you do right now. At that point, it's easy to step up to more strenuous exercise, but give yourself time to lay the foundation first.

Enjoy your walks -- it's really wonderful to get out in the fresh air!

Of course I'm a bit of a hypocrite tonight. I was going to go to the gym, but at the last minute I got talked into going to an office happy hour. One glass of wine and the motivation for exercising flew out the window. Tomorrow I'll be back on track.

[Gunnie]

Kim,
A lot of the warning signs were slapping me in the face, and I am sick of being labelled morbidly obese on my medical records. That little voice inside me told me it is time. I had a severe leg break 6 years ago, so walking more than a mile at a time starts to cause me pain in my left hip due to my leg bones being out of alignment. I had to do something, so I finally bit the bullet and joined a local health club that has a lap pool. I hesitated for a long time because it really can be seen as a meat market, but as I focused on why I was there instead of worrying about "fitting in", I now hold my head up high, and act like I own the place!

Like you, I'm starting very slow. I was a swimmer in high school, so I set goals for myself every week. I am up to 600 yards each time I go, and I feel so great! My doctor is thrilled, and she said that the club I chose was a good one because so many doctors are members there. :eek: You keep it up, and don't get discouraged. If today you don't feel well, then don't beat yourself up if you don't walk that day. Working this into my schedule is very difficult, and if I can't go one day, so be it. I'm even starting to wake up on my own at 4:00 a.m. to "get moving"! Good luck with your routine, and even just parking at the far end of the parking lot helps. ;)

[Kim_in_TN]

labob ... thank you for your input. I do enjoy my walks now, especially when the weather is beautiful. Yesterday it got up to 76 here in TN! Just last Saturday we had our first big snow! Amazing, crazy weather we have these days! As long as the weather is good, I can see myself increasing my walk-time pretty quickly. I tend to be one that loves to be outdoors if the weather is right!

Gunnie - thank you for sharing your personal experience ... I feel the same about my weight. According to all the charts, I am considered obese. That word is so completely the opposite to what I was for my entire childhood and young adult years that I can't even believe it really happened to ME! I loved to swim as a child, we always had a backyard pool but I think seeing myself in a swimsuit right now would be very bad for my already low self-esteem. That is always an option for me though once I shed some pounds later on! Until now, I'll keep my long baggy t-shirt on and walk! ;)

[Alice]

Speaking of baggy workout clothing...I suggest tossing them out and buying some inexpensive clothing. I was embarassed by what I had to wear my first few days to class. I made a quick trip to Walmart (and I don't even like Walmart) to buy some cheap "yoga" style pants and tops.

They are comfy and come in all sizes. If you feel good about your "styling workout"...then you'll feel better about your fitness. Now that I've taken myself out of "bootcamp" level...I will wear them to walk each morning in my neighborhood.

Since they get washed frequently, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on expensive workout stuff.

I do highly recommend the Danskin cropped yoga pants and ordered them from their website. They are flattering and actually "stay up" over your tummy which seems to be a struggle these days in the lower waist styles.

Go get yourself something cute to work out in...you deserve it!

[Kim_in_TN]

Speaking of baggy workout clothing...I suggest tossing them out and buying some inexpensive clothing. I was embarassed by what I had to wear my first few days to class. I made a quick trip to Walmart (and I don't even like Walmart) to buy some cheap "yoga" style pants and tops.

They are comfy and come in all sizes. If you feel good about your "styling workout"...then you'll feel better about your fitness. Now that I've taken myself out of "bootcamp" level...I will wear them to walk each morning in my neighborhood.

Since they get washed frequently, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on expensive workout stuff.

I do highly recommend the Danskin cropped yoga pants and ordered them from their website. They are flattering and actually "stay up" over your tummy which seems to be a struggle these days in the lower waist styles.

Go get yourself something cute to work out in...you deserve it!


I do have one pair of black cropped workout pants (I think Danskin) and I love wearing them to walk in. However, I wear long t-shirts over them. I'm just not ready to "share" my bottom and belly with the world yet!:eek:

[Grammy J.]

Kim,
From one "slightly older" person to another, just continue with your own pace. I used to ride my bike until a 100lb. dog ran into my front tire and I was in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. After another fall where I broke my ankle, my dear husband bought me a treadmill. Can you say "clutz" !! So now I walk at least 30 minutes every day. I'm happy with what I can do and so is my doctor. At my age I figure I have earned the right to do what is right for me and if others don't like it, too bad.
Grammy J.
A1C 6.4
Metformin 3x500 daily

[Kim_in_TN]

Grammy J ... that is one of my biggest fears is getting injured ... especially while riding my bike. My balance on it is very bad since I am now so top-heavy! About 8 years ago, I fractured my foot in 2 places and was literally off of it for a year. Long story but my regular Dr. didn't see the worst fracture and I went from boot, to nothing to cast to boot to surgery finally. It was a nightmare and if I am unable to get around like that again I can kiss my health goodbye!

Thanks for the reminder ... I think I will pass on the bicycle thing for now. I'm much safer on my own two feet .... well, at least with them on the ground anyway! ;)

[Kim_in_TN]

Well, I drove around my block to check the distance. It is exactly .5 miles around once, so now that I am going twice, that means I am walking 1 mile.

Today however, I met my daughter at our Greenway with my two dogs. We walked to the 1 mile marker then back .... so that was 2 miles.

So I walked a total of 3 miles today!!! Yay me!!!:D

[Alice]

That's great! My stress fracture is healing nicely and I'm walking day-to-day easily...but holding off on my walks so far. Soon, I hope to be back with you!

[Kim_in_TN]

That's great! My stress fracture is healing nicely and I'm walking day-to-day easily...but holding off on my walks so far. Soon, I hope to be back with you!

That's great news! Just increase slowly .... we don't want you to have another set back!;)

[jacobsam622]

One fun thing (I think I've mentioned it before on another topic) is to wear a pedometer to count those "baby steps". It takes about 10,000 steps to just maintain your current weight...walk less and that's not enough...walk more and you'll burn extra calories each day.

I found that wearing a pedometer (like we need another meter, right) gave me some accountability...for parking in the last spot farthest from the grocery store door...returning the grocery cart back inside the store...and walking back again to the farthest spot.

Those are the babysteps that really add up for me at Weight Watchers.

I clip the pedometer to the center of my bra...right between the girls...for the most accurate reading. I wasn't getting accurate step counts by wearing it on my waist for some reason, but it may be the brand of pedometer I was using. Most pedometers need to be perpendicular to the floor.

My wife got me a really cool watch that counts every thing steps, calories, etc. I had to take a break from my exercise routine for the past week or so because my back was acting up I going to start back tomorrow. I have an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, an Ab machine and a machine that works like ski's No idea whats it called. I do at least an hour on the machines every day and throw in weights a few times a week.

[Emm]

Kim and all the rest of you - how great are you!!

This is wonderful stuff you're doing, and quite inspirational :)

I'm not totally unfit, but I have been lazy for a good few months. I gave up my daily walk (why?? I have no idea!! it just faded away) and I feel like a slower person all round for my lack of exercise.

I started looking on youtube for exercise routines - I remembered how the TV used to be full of stuff like that back in the 80s when I was a kid, and it seemed like a good way to start. At least I'm in the comfort of my own room, where I don't care what I look like or if I have to quit half way through!

Well that was a few days ago, and I've done two routines, both on the same day, and I haven't done anything since. Ho hum. SO perhaps I'll hang around this thread and let you lot pose as a reminder for me to get off my butt.

Those baby steps are a great idea. I'm the kind of person who often wants to be doing the best I can, right now... without the practice or lead up! I know that sux, so this thread is my kick in the pants. Thanks :)

[barbieguy]

Hi all.
I was reading your posts and a lot of it describes me.
When I was diagnosed in January 2007, I immediately ate less, watched my carbs, and exercised (mostly walking.) I dropped 30 pounds and did so well, doctor took me off Metformin.
Well, fast forward to today.
I got lazy. I gained 15 pounds. My eating is out of control. I have a part time job in a pizza/sub shop and we can eat for free during work. Well, it's like a kid in a candy shop!! I overeat every time I'm there. It's like a Carb-Monster has taken over my body!!!
I feel sluggish. My PMS (heaven help the people around me) has gotten so bad and I want to yell and scream at everyone for 2 weeks out of the month! I really dislike myself right now.
The weather here in Pennsylvania has been cold and snowy and wintery for the last 6 months, or so it seems so I don't get out much.
Sorry if I sound like I'm whiny, but I am. I am so disappointed in myself. I am usually upbeat. I think the carbs have an effect on my mood. Is this possible?
I go for my 3 month bloodwork, fasting and a1C, in mid April.
Well, I'm done whining about myself.
Take care,
Barb

[adiantum]

Cheer Up Barb, Spring & your A1c just ahead might give you the inspiration to 'soldier on' once more.
Do you take regular BG readings? I'm finding them to be my inspiration to eat less or exercise more

[barbieguy]

Cheer Up Barb, Spring & your A1c just ahead might give you the inspiration to 'soldier on' once more.
Do you take regular BG readings? I'm finding them to be my inspiration to eat less or exercise more

Well, I did take regular readings, but have stopped.
I know, I know----that's not the right thing to do!
Barb

[Kim_in_TN]

My wife got me a really cool watch that counts every thing steps, calories, etc. I had to take a break from my exercise routine for the past week or so because my back was acting up I going to start back tomorrow. I have an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, an Ab machine and a machine that works like ski's No idea whats it called. I do at least an hour on the machines every day and throw in weights a few times a week.

That's great that you have so many tools to work with. I've had exercise bikes and even a treadmill long ago and they ended up collecting dust! :T

Kim and all the rest of you - how great are you!!

This is wonderful stuff you're doing, and quite inspirational :)

I'm not totally unfit, but I have been lazy for a good few months. I gave up my daily walk (why?? I have no idea!! it just faded away) and I feel like a slower person all round for my lack of exercise.

I started looking on youtube for exercise routines - I remembered how the TV used to be full of stuff like that back in the 80s when I was a kid, and it seemed like a good way to start. At least I'm in the comfort of my own room, where I don't care what I look like or if I have to quit half way through!

Well that was a few days ago, and I've done two routines, both on the same day, and I haven't done anything since. Ho hum. SO perhaps I'll hang around this thread and let you lot pose as a reminder for me to get off my butt.

Those baby steps are a great idea. I'm the kind of person who often wants to be doing the best I can, right now... without the practice or lead up! I know that sux, so this thread is my kick in the pants. Thanks :)

I tend to be the same as in expecting too much from myself too soon. That is why I have decided to allow myself to start with these "baby steps". I am hoping that it will give myself the freedom to go at my own pace instead of trying to keep up with someone else! ;)

Hi all.
I was reading your posts and a lot of it describes me.
When I was diagnosed in January 2007, I immediately ate less, watched my carbs, and exercised (mostly walking.) I dropped 30 pounds and did so well, doctor took me off Metformin.
Well, fast forward to today.
I got lazy. I gained 15 pounds. My eating is out of control. I have a part time job in a pizza/sub shop and we can eat for free during work. Well, it's like a kid in a candy shop!! I overeat every time I'm there. It's like a Carb-Monster has taken over my body!!!
I feel sluggish. My PMS (heaven help the people around me) has gotten so bad and I want to yell and scream at everyone for 2 weeks out of the month! I really dislike myself right now.
The weather here in Pennsylvania has been cold and snowy and wintery for the last 6 months, or so it seems so I don't get out much.
Sorry if I sound like I'm whiny, but I am. I am so disappointed in myself. I am usually upbeat. I think the carbs have an effect on my mood. Is this possible?
I go for my 3 month bloodwork, fasting and a1C, in mid April.
Well, I'm done whining about myself.
Take care,
Barb

Barb, you sound very much like me! I have a terrible time with the PMS thing and it is nearly always what sets me back! I get very "down" and in what I call quit-mode. We just have to remind ourselves that in a few days our outlook will be better and we can start fresh again!;)

[barbieguy]

Hi all.
Well, thanks to your little "pep talks", I have been doing better for the past 2 days. Baby steps!
I exercised at Curves today. I ate a cheeseburger with a bun and that was the only large amount of carbs I had for the day.
I had some ranch dressing to dip veggies in and I had some green beans that said 5g of carbs per serving. So I don't know my total carbs, but I know it wasn't alot. 1 hour after my burger I was at 150. 1 hour after that I was at 98.
I felt good about those numbers.
Even last week, I would have had a burger and fries and other carbs. So thank you for caring.
I have to stick with this.
Barb

[Kim_in_TN]

Hi all.
Well, thanks to your little "pep talks", I have been doing better for the past 2 days. Baby steps!
I exercised at Curves today. I ate a cheeseburger with a bun and that was the only large amount of carbs I had for the day.
I had some ranch dressing to dip veggies in and I had some green beans that said 5g of carbs per serving. So I don't know my total carbs, but I know it wasn't alot. 1 hour after my burger I was at 150. 1 hour after that I was at 98.
I felt good about those numbers.
Even last week, I would have had a burger and fries and other carbs. So thank you for caring.
I have to stick with this.
Barb


Good job, Barb! Maybe next you can lose one of the buns and tear the other in two pieces to hold the meat with! Eventually, no bun! BABY STEPS!!!!;)

[jacobsam622]

Hi all.
I got lazy. I gained 15 pounds. My eating is out of control. I have a part time job in a pizza/sub shop and we can eat for free during work. Well, it's like a kid in a candy shop!! I overeat every time I'm there. It's like a Carb-Monster has taken over my body!!!
Barb
Its the Pizza:D I worked at pizzeria UNOS for 5 years. I was diagnosed 1 year after I left. I worked as a chef for fifteen years when I decided enough was enough and went back to school. I earned a 2 year degree in computer programming and was hired by the bureau of Engraving to work on their Y2K Issues. I gained about fifteen pounds sitting at a desk and was rewarded with this wonderful thing called Diabetes. The first 5 years I worked as a programmer I worked at UNO's as a waiter, I ate pizza all the time. In the past month I have given up just about every food I love but they will not get my pizza :cool:

So basically I was over weight for 1 year and developed Diabetes. I have known people who were fat their whole lives and never developed Diabetes. Maybe this is punishment for surviving 9/11. I was on my way to the pentagon to drop off a report when the first reports came in about the world-trade center being under attack. I think its g-ds way of saying I have given you twins and to balance it out I am giving you diabetes. At least I have my twins and pizza. The boys love it when the pizza man comes.:laugh:

[Kim_in_TN]

Pizza has always been a weakness of mine. When I had my 1st baby, I ate so much I thought I would give birth to a pizza! LOL!

With the "kids" coming home on the weekends, we still usually eat pizza one night. I cut the crust off before even putting it on my plate and I only eat 2 slices. I remember the days of eating 4 slices!!!

[genie86333]

Hi, everyone.

Well, I guess I'm a baby-stepper. I *hate* exercise. I got hit by a car when I was 14 and have constant back pain, so when I exercise, it's got to be something fun or I just won't do it, because it's not worth the pain.

When the weather's right & I have access to somewhere to swim, that's what I do when I have the chance, since it helps ease the back pain in addition to being something I enjoy. But, since I live in the middle of nowhere where it snows, that's not an option most of the year. :(

So, I just moved earlier this month & while moving I found one of my old Tae-Bo dvds...so the other day I stuck it in my DVD player while I was cooking dinner. I only hung on for 8 minutes, but it was 8 minutes that I was really moving that I wouldn't have been doing otherwise, so I'm proud of myself for that. Maybe tonight I'll try for 9!

[Kim_in_TN]

Hi, everyone.

Well, I guess I'm a baby-stepper. I *hate* exercise. I got hit by a car when I was 14 and have constant back pain, so when I exercise, it's got to be something fun or I just won't do it, because it's not worth the pain.

When the weather's right & I have access to somewhere to swim, that's what I do when I have the chance, since it helps ease the back pain in addition to being something I enjoy. But, since I live in the middle of nowhere where it snows, that's not an option most of the year. :(

So, I just moved earlier this month & while moving I found one of my old Tae-Bo dvds...so the other day I stuck it in my DVD player while I was cooking dinner. I only hung on for 8 minutes, but it was 8 minutes that I was really moving that I wouldn't have been doing otherwise, so I'm proud of myself for that. Maybe tonight I'll try for 9!

I can certainly understand how an injury could limit your desire or ability to exercise! I think it is awesome that you rekindled your interest in Tae-Bo! I don't know much about it but from what I have seen it is quite a workout! Keep it up! :)

[Scrabblechick]

I hate exercise too! But I do it. Problem is, I don't really make enough to join a gym and there just aren't a lot of good, safe places to walk that are reasonably nearby where we live. It's not a BAD neighborhood -- just one where you wouldn't want to walk, mostly because of the lack of sidewalks.

However, there is a church at the corner, about .2 miles from our front door. We walk up to the church, circle it four or five times and come back, and that's about 1.25-1.5 miles. I wear a pedometer when I walk the church, just to make sure I'm getting that much distance in every day. I try to walk 5-6 days per week, unless it's a severe thunderstorm (tell non-Southerners about OUR thunderstorms, Kim!) or otherwise pouring down rain, or if my tendonitis in my ankle is just too painful. I've made it 12 out of the past 14 days. I'm working up to 2 miles.

I also park on the other side of the lot from the front door at work. It's one-tenth of a mile from my car in that space to the front door. Doesn't sound like much, but going that route four times a day (counting lunch), and that's an extra 2 miles a week!

If I can't walk that day, I have a resistance band and I try to do strength exercises with the band for my arms and legs.

I also have a boatload of exercise videos I use occasionally. If you like to dance, I recommend "Viva Elise!" by Elise Foss. She teaches some Latin steps and is very motivational without being terminally perky. The combinations can be a little hard to pick up, but after about three times through, I caught on and enjoy that one. And, if you can stand Richard Simmons for that long, the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" videos are great for beginners. He's really good about having overweight people do the moves and fully participate, which is great for them, obviously, but also makes the rest of us in plus-size world feel better.

Leslie Sansone also does the "Walk off the Pounds" videos that are also good and low-impact.

Whatever will get you off the couch and moving is a good thing.

[Kim_in_TN]

I used to love doing Richard Simmons ... back when I was young and thin ... lol... and also the Jane Fonda workout! I agree that if you like dancing, then any type of "jazzercise" type workout is a great tool! When I was younger, I had one of those mini trampolines! I would turn on great music and jump around on that to the beat. I made up my own steps and arm motions. It was a blast! I've thought about getting another one but with the foot injury and surgery I had a few years ago, I am afraid of turning one or both of my ankles. I can't afford to not even be able to walk! *sigh*

Mapping out miles anywhere you can is an excellent idea as well! Just knowing how much you have walked is a great mental bonus not to mention the great physical one!

[Gunnie]

Kim,
How are we doing? I'm up to 800 yards in the pool, and my trainer has me doing weights. I hate the weights, but try and do them when I can. My goal is to go 5 times a week, but that can be very difficult with my work schedule. Don't give up!

[jacobsam622]

I have a new exercise program when its nice outside I take my twins outside and we play hide go seek, tag frizbulee(Joshs way of saying frisbee) football Ben has an all pro arm afterwards my bs Is normal or lower:T