Motivation

PT63

Tonight was the gym... Elliptical then weights.  OMG everybody and their brother were at the gym.  I hate waiting for machines.  I did three quarters of the circuit with a poor attitude toward those around me.  Maybe I need some anger management!!!!!

Now I am sitting on the couch, writing this with a glass of wine.  I feel better already!

LisaF

Hey all!

I haven't posted yet, but may I join you?

I've just started walking again.  I do have a gym membership, so with your help I will go!

vivre

PT, now you know why I hate gyms, and I was a PE teacher! Too much time is wasted going there, waiting for a spot, and coming back home. You do not need all that equipment, and you do not need to do an hour at one time. You can run up and down the stairs, several times of day, and get the same benefits as the same amount of time on a treadmill. Thirty minutes of exercise counts the same if it is all at once or in 5 minute intervals. When you go to the store, park as far away from the door as you can. My favorite workout is still in front of the TV. Exercising during a show gets rid of the guilt of watching something mindless but fun. The Bachelor anyone??All you need is some inexpensive free weights, a $10 stability ball, a $20 yoga mat, and you are in business. All those machines are just gimmicks. You can get the same workout in half the time at home. Walking and biking outside have the added benefits of a little vit. d from sunshine, breathing in fresh air, which is a natural antioxidant, and no germs! Plus, there are no annoying people interferring with your workout.

mumito

Welcome Lisa alot of us just finished rads and are just getting back on the exercise wagon. Some of us did exercise right through chemo and rads.They obviously do not need extra motivation like I do.Today I have no energy at all probably from all the hot flashes I had all night.But I will drag myself into the gym and atleast use the machines.The weather is finally warming up here so I too will start switching to more outside and fresh air activities. Pre bc I was a golf nut.Any of you ladies play this addictive infuriating game?

lisasayers

Zumba is my stress/anger relief! LOL  I have had several of my students tell me the same thing....the music takes you away!!!!!  I taught a group of high school students on Tuesday and they loved it...

Golf...never my thing...I honestly got bored walking around chasing that ball! LOL

vivre

I love Golf! My husband and I have totally different reasons for playing. For him, it is all about his score(typical guy!). For me, while I do enjoy the few great shots I might get in, it is the atmosphere that I love. I always walk the course, because it is a great workout, and golf courses  are usually full of lots of flowers and birds that make it a lovely walk. I do not enjoy golfing in AZ or in the south where  the gaters and snakes make it a bit too much. I am a whimp with the biting wildlife!

To everyone still wiped out from treatments: remember that the fatigue will go away once you get into exercising regularly. It will energize you and heal you faster than anything. Just make sure you do some weight training as part of the routine. You really need to build some muscle mass to increase your metabolism. I never lost weight before, even though I have always been active, but when I finally added wt training, I lost 35 pounds easily. My doctors did tell me that the fact that I was active probably kept my bc from spreading.

The biggest motivation should be to keep telling yourself that exercise reduces the chance of recurrance by 50%. The fact that I chose this over arimidex really keeps me motivated.

Springtime

Welcome Lisa!

Just reporting in to my "exercise tribe"!!!

I did 45 min again on the eliptial cross trainer, and that was 3.4+ "miles". This is how far I walk, but it takes longer to actually walk the 3.4 miles (over an hour). But, hey, I do sweat way more on the crosstrainer! 

Arms and Abs  Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs Arms and Abs (this is me reminding myself!) LOL.

Spring.

PT63

Hey Vivre

I put my gym membership on hold during the beginning of the year because I hate fighting for machines during the "New Years Resolution" busy season.  I thought it would have subsided a little by now.  I have a bike on a trainer in the basement, an exercise ball and some small weights but I do love the elliptical (easier on my hips than walking the dog) and the circuit training room.  The New Years Resolution crowd should subside by the end of this month.

I tried golf once on a 3 par.  Had a great time with the gals that invited me but can honestly say that I was awful!!! Haven't tried it since.  Maybe that will be my new goal-Golf lessons.  I was leaning toward a Spanish class. 

Spring- you can launch into abs and arms just using an exercise ball if you have one.  The abs can start out a little easier depending on your ball position and you can do modified push ups over the ball. 

Springtime

OK today's report... I walked for 40-45 minutes over lunch! I think that was 2.8 miles? We went a different route...

dlb823

Also reporting in for the day, after not being able to drag or coerce myself out of my chair yesterday.  Not sure what that was all about -- body & mind just needing a break? -- but I was determined not to let it happen 2 days in a row, so just finished 2.7 miles in 45 mins. Spring, I've got to figure out some upper body stuff, too.  I forgot all about taking my hand weights today.  Hmmm.. maybe if I dig them out and dust them off now, I'll remember them tomorrow.

Hi, LisaF ~  Welcome!  I hope you will be inspired, which will keep us inspired!    Deanna

dani42

dlb823

When do you get the ok to do upper body?  My mastectomy was feb 23. and the ps said no restrictions.  He did mention in the hospital not to do push ups yet, I told him I couldn't do push ups before the surgery!  As long as I still have pain, I'm not going to do upper body. 

I took my son to a chiropractor yesterday and she went through a whole work-out regimen with him.  He is 16 and has scoliosis but started lifting weights.  They wanted to make sure that he is doing them safely and in a way to achieve the results he wants. 

I don't know if I can describe them online without showing you.  One is tricep dips.  Put your back to a chair or bench, put your hands on the seat and dip down into a squating position.  You could propbably do an online search for tricept dips for a demonstration.  It works the back of your arms.  Another was a simple bicep curl.  To add to that, once you bring the weights up, change the direction of your hands and lift the weights up and toward each other over your head. 

She told him to sit on an excericise ball with a weighted ball or weight in his hand, as he comes up turn to the left and then to the right (just turning with your waist), then back down again.   

I don't know if my descriptions are clear or not. If you have access to fit tv, Cathy Friedrich has a great program. 

Springtime

Thanks Dani!

Deanna, I also forgot the hand weights, and they are right under my nose! Some resistance going on there in the psychological area!

Spring.

dlb823

Yeah, Spring, like I already have images of what tree I can stash them behind if they get too heavy part way through my walk!

Dianne ~  I'm not sure when most women typically get clearance to do upper body exercises.  I think it would depend very much on what type of reconstruction you have and what your PS prefers.  Since I went from surgery to chemo, it never even crossed my mind to ask about exerting myself back then.

kellerka

mumayan and vivre, I am such a golf fan. I could play 7 days a week if my life allowed it. 3-4 is all I get. So why can't I get motivated to start getting back is shape? 3 weeks out from 3rd surg (2 lumps and a BMX) and started chemo yesterday. I'm using these as excuses. Been on the treadmill twice. Gotta get out there!

Kathy

Anonymous

Spring (Bev)...if I got on a trampoline, I'd probably pee my pants. Seriously. 

Springtime

Robin,

LOL LOL LOL. you are cracking me up! Now I have this image of you jumping on a mini-tramp and going UH OH and running to the bathroom!!! he he

Deanna, OH good idea, I better start scoping out the trees on our walk! lol.

Spring.

dani42

theprettiestmess

That happens if I laugh, cough, or sneeze so jumping is surely out!

PT63

Hi ladies,

What an idea... stashing weights behind a tree.  If you really want to be creative you can actually stash different things on your route like your own personal circuit training route .

Dani, I don't remember when I was cleared for upper body. I remember not being able to do much because the TEs were so uncomfortable whenever I would try anything that flexed the pects.

Tonight was kick boxing.  Lots of core strengthening...

dlb823

You know, gals, there are exercises for that, too!  My PCP's PA just generally brought it up one day -- way before bc & chemo, when it was never a problem for me.  She was telling me then that to keep it from ever becoming a problem, before you get out of bed in the a.m., tighten those muscles (like stopping yourself from going) 10 times to the count of 10.  Right after chemo, I had that problem a little bit, so remembered her little exercise routine, and it really helps.  Just thought I'd pass it along ~ Deanna 

vivre

I just got off my mini tramp with no problems. I guess it just DEPENDS on what you are wearing. LOL!

Seriously, incontinence is a side effect of hormone inbalance. One of the many things estrogen is actually good for. Anyone who has problems needs to do kegel exercises, which are basically contracting the pelvic muscles. I am sure you all understand what I mean. These are the muscles you can work out anytime, anywhere, and no one can see you move a muscle. LOL again!

Get keggling!

Springtime

Maybe we can do that tightening (like stopping yourself from peeing) along our "tree" route! I can just see my husband asking me, "You're doing what??" LOL!!!

Vivre, "depends" LOL!!!! I have a mini tramp... supposed to be great for massaging the lymphs to rid us of toxins. I should drag that thing in here and give it a go. Unless I stash it behind a tree!!!

Wonder if we can get keggling while tramping?? (I never in my life thougth I would type a sentence like that!)

Spring.... (raining here today, may be an indoor exercise day!)

LisaF

Just did a mile and a half this morning.  I need to work up to the 2.7 plus some of you are doing!!  I was going to stop at a mile, but you all motivated me to keep going. 

Thanks! 

dlb823

Good for you, Lisa!!!  You'll be surprised at how fast your stamina builds.  Chances are you'll be hitting the 2 mile mark within a few days.

I just managed to sit down in my desk chair while at the same time rolling over my big toe with it.  Not an easy move.  My toe is all blue now, but I don't think it's broken.  It was actually kind of funny, even though it hurt like heck when it happened.    Deanna 

Springtime

Yay Lisa! you GO GIRL!!

Oh Deanna, ouchie! (or should we call you "Blue Toe") lol...

PT63

I decided to take the morning kickboxing class just because I think I need someone to tell me that I have to core strengthening.  All ladies that knew each other and very chatty all the way through class.  Very different than the night class group that come straight from work.  Good class but my abs. hurt very badly.

dlb823

PT ~ You're really getting into the kickboxing!  Good for you! 

I managed to walk 3 miles this morning, but I almost ruined it by taking along a hand weight.  I remembered them just as I was going out the door, but I had my cell phone in one hand, and without any pockets to shove it in, I thought, okay, I'll start with just 1 weight today and alternate it.  That sounded reasonable to me, but trying to do arm lifts on one side while walking at a reasonable pace reminded me of trying to pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time --  incredibly uncoordinated -- so I ended up mostly carrying it.  I also found it harder on my surgery side than I'd anticipated (which Diane had brought up) -- not so much from the surgery, but from the tightness I have from rads.  I suppose that's a good reason to use the weights, but I don't think I'm up to walking with them yet, so will use them at home for now.

I just looked back through this thread and see that we haven't heard much from at least four fitness warriors -- Lynnmac, Lexislove, Wink and Chris.  Are you still with us?  Hope so!  If I can stick with this, you can too!            Deanna 

vivre

Deanna, start with a really low weight. As it gets easier, up the weight. It will get easier, and you will feel more coordinated as you get used to it. I started with 3 pounds, went to 6, and now I carry a ten pounder. It is great to actually have a little bicep and tricep bulge now!

Those of you just starting out, do not feel you have to keep up with those of us who are farther away from treatments and thus, fitter. You will get there too. Just keep reminding yourself that exercise reduces recurrance chances by 50%. As you get healthier, whatever you are doing gets easier. Then you need to step it up. If you do not continually change the exercises and up the difficulty, your muscles will not be challenged enough and you will not get as much benefit. I use to just walk or bike ride. Now that I have added weight training, rebounding and pilates, my body is finally responding. I have finally lost the excess weight I have been dragging around for years and I have so much more energy.

dlb823

OMG, Vivre, I can't imagine carrying a 10-pounder around the block!  I can barely imagine carrying a 5-pounder very far!  The little weight that had me feeling totally lopsided and uncoordinated yesterday was only 2 lbs!  Obviously, I have a looooong way to go, but your experience has opened my eyes to the possibility.  How long did it take you to go from 3 lbs. to 5 lbs.?  Do you actually carry them (1? 2?) for 3 or more miles, or are you referring to using them in a non-walking routine?   Deanna

lisasayers

Two hours of zumba for me this morning...taught my regular class at 8 and then taught the high school girl's softball team at 11.  What a blast!

The sun is shining here!  Woohooooooooo

dani42

Well, Monday will be three weeks since my mastectomy and I was able to do 45 minutes of yoga, following a video, went to the gym and did 30 min/2.5 miles on the elliptical and the leg machines.  Its funny how fast you start to feel out of shape by just resting and recovering.   I am just hoping that I don't regret it tomorrow!  The first 15 minutes on the elliptical were a little shaky but after that I felt back to normal.  I have been doing the elliptical at home but the one at the gym is much tougher.

Lisasayers, I did see that the YMCA has zumba classes but not that often.  I am not ready for that yet.  I took an aerobics class a couple of years ago. It mostly consisted of elderly women, even a women in her 80's.  Well, I am very uncoordinated.  When the class went to the right, I'd go to the left.  I was always banging into people.  I'd spend most of the class laughing, rather than getting a good workout.  I can only imagine the damage I could do in a zumba class!!

I need to get better at following a clean diet.  I can be good for most of the day and then blow it by the evening.  I am getting tired of eating so much chicken!