Gym Is Open (Friday)

Hi everyone! I had a birthday hangover (not from drinking, but from going to bed past my bedtime, since I get up at 4:30 am to go to the gym by 5 am.) I did make it to the gym, albeit, yawning! Here is what I did today: Weight Training Circuit (Complete 3 cycles) 1. Machine Leg Press 1 x 8 2. Machine Chest Press 1 x 8 3. Cable Seated Row 1 x 8 4. Machine Leg Curls 1 x 8 5. Standing DB Shoulder Press 1 x 8 6. Standing DB Biceps Curls 1 x 8 7. SB Dumbbell Triceps Extension 1 x 8 8. Machine Back Extension 1 x 10 9. SB Crunch 1 x 15 For cardio, I did 15 minutes recumbant bike with a 5 minute cool down walk around the track. What did you do to move your body today? Lori 384/248.5/168

For me it was these at phys therapy: Leg press x 10 x 2 sets each leg Step ups x 10 each leg x 3 sets Heel raises x 15 x 2 sets Achilles stretch x 3 minutes 5 min treadmill and 2 min on the elliptical trainer (Holy Moly that hurt!) Earlier at home: Bicep curls (seated) x 15 x 3 each arm (5 lb weights) Tricep extensions with PT Therapy stretch bands x 15 x 3 each arm (green band) I'd love to say I'm going to walk later on ... but I'd have to say probably not. The elliptical trainer really impacts my hips and back, so I only work on it twice a week right now, and only for the two minutes. It's my goal to work up on that one, cause (wow!) it is such a workout for the legs. When I think how it was for me this time last year ... it feels like a miracle that I can even do this much! Myra

Myra, This is quite a workout. The ellipitical also kills my back and knees. I try it periodically, but, haven't been able to get past the pain. Keep up the good work...we are both so much better off!!!! Lori

Hi Lori, I've got a really wonderful physical therapist who's set up a strength training program for me (not to be confused with weight training ... that I canNOT do). This way I'm not at the mercy of a commercial gym's trainer who might or might not know how to work with my back condition. I can make the rounds of the machines at therapy on my own, and my therapist is always around to help and supervise if I need her, and if I don't, she's tending to her other patients. My back and abdomen muscles had become extremely weak, along with my thighs and my upper arms (those two surprised me). I can really tell the difference in how much stronger those muscles are becoming, but I've got a long way to go yet. I can't hurry through anything yet, but I can go the distance wayyyy better than I could to begin with. The elliptical I just started (been on it twice now) ... last year I would have said that machine is "evil". I couldn't have even stood on it, my balance was that bad because of my back. This year, I know it's going to do me some good and I'm kind of eager to get better at it. Funny the difference all this makes, isn't it!?! Myra

Lori, I cant go to the gym yet but I did get my exercise!! We left the house at 8:30am and didnt get home until 2:30pm! Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! My poor bank account is now tapped out!! Good news is that I bought a pair of capris today!! I had to go to the small size area of the store too!! I found 14s in the womens dept but they were too big! So I went to the small girl side and tried on 14s and they fit me perfectly!! I was thrilled!! I also found that I can wear tops in size L!! Ohh it was a good day!! So that was my exercise.. Does that count?? Amber

Well Lori, It doesn't sound like much but for someone who can't walk and was in a wheelchair for 2 years. I did half a mile on the Gazelle. I'm getting better. It's hard but I'm getting the hang of it. And I walked to the mail box. Can't wait til I can get in the pool again. Maybe I will start losing again. It was 70 today. It won't be long. deb

Debra ... Do you like the Gazelle? My daughter wants "us" (translation: me) to buy one ... but I'm worried about my balance on it. Is it hard? thanks! Myra

Amber, Good for you! How great that you are in those sizes! It is all paying off girlfriend! Lori

Hi Lori, does walking around walmart count. Have not really gotten back into exercise. I do beleive we are going to buy some sort of exercise equipment this week. Any suggestions? I am looking toward a treadmill. love marie

NOTHING at all. I workout 5x a week and on wenesday's I go twice for kickboxing. I am sooooo tired and need much needed rest. Rosie