Fitness & Exercise

I've been doing a monthly group guided meditation class and have started to meditate every night before bed. For me it is a spiritual practice and I would say that maintaining my weight loss is as much a spiritual practice as it is a physical practice. I do believe in the mind-body connection. I believe that meditation helps me to release negative energy, such as sadness and anger, instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism. Self soothing with food was my pattern of behavior when I was morbidly obese — a habit that likely played a pivotal role in my becoming morbidly obese in the first place. Has anyone tried meditation?

Hi all! I seem to be going through this kick of being motivated for a couple of days, walking for 45-60 minutes, then falling off the wagon and getting "ready" to go for a walk, or to the gym... and I can't get my a$$ out the door to do anything. Thoughts or suggestions for motivation? I've tried setting up times to work out with friends, and they are as flaky as me in this regard. :wink: Would love some reasonable advice... I feel like I'm slackin! :thumbup:

Hey everyone! Looking to see if anyone else was going to be participating in the 2015 Crossfit Open? I will be registering for it and looking for fellow WLS folks to cheer each other on while we compete!

https://i.imgur.com/YUzOQpt.webm what new kind of training is this? worth the watch. made me laugh. had to share.

Does anyone have any Fitbit products? Is it worth the investment? I already have a polar watch, so I was going to just get a regular scale, but then I saw the Fitbit scale. I like accessibility and techy stuff. (Disclaimer: I know it doesn't make my goals any easier to achieve. I don't NEED fancy devices. I'm just looking for a review to see if anyone found it helpful.)

Shamrock Shuffle 2015

Yesterday I started 5k training which was 10 minute walk 1 min run2 min walk done 4 times Ending with a 10 min walk. 32 minutes. Then I did some squats and some lunges and some triceps and biceps workout. But all day I felt like I did absolutely nothing. Do you ever feel that way? Also I'm at a month and a half stall so I'm feeling very discouraged lately.

I've been using a Garmin Vivofit since December. I switched from Fitbit because I like the display on the Garmin. The majority of walking and running that I've done so far has been on the treadmill. I do swing my arms when I walk or run as well. I noticed that the accuracy is always wrong, in that it doesn't track enough steps or miles. Yesterday I did a St Pat's day run (5 miles). Prior to the run I probably walked close to 1/2 mile. At the end of the run I checked my Vivofit and it only had me at 4 miles! Anyone know what I need to do to make it more accurate. I realize activity trackers are not 100% but this is really off. Thanks!

Am 8 days post op and just wondering when the rest of you were able to start circuit training? I have no desire to do anything other than walk now, but I am just wondering.

Starting 5k training and could use help in the shoe department. Any recommendations?

post op weight gain 8+ yrs. Need fitness, nutrition, work out group. Rochester, ny 14612 anyone? Desperate, need support to get moving! Help! TY, Sharon

So I went to a cardio drumming class last night and although I didn't quite like it because of its slow pace I HIGHLY recommend it for someone who is Pre op or newly post op. It's an amazing way to start exercising! I didn't break a sweat though! Just thought I'd share!

I got my surgery date on Friday. I will be having gastric bypass on April 1st (lovely date huh). In order to celebrate getting my surgery date, I ordered the fit bit flex which I got in the mail today. I was determined to get one to help keep me motivated. I want to be successful with my weight loss. I'm so excited. Has anyone else tried a fitbit?

I signed up for my first Olympic Triathlon; the Kemah Triathlon on April of 2015. I've been wanting to do one for a long time but never had the guts to sign up for one. I'm super excited and VERY nervous especially for the open Water swim which I've already started training for. I'm also going to talk about my training on my blog: www.julissaschultz.com. If any of ya'll out there have completed an OLY tri please message me. I would like to know what your nutrition was like during the race and would also like to hear about your experience. Thanks!

I had heard of reiki but new little to nothing about it. Last week I attended a healing session not knowing what to expect. Three practitioners hovered their hands above my body. One of them also used tuning forks. And I kid you not, it was an amazing experience. A sensation that I can best describe as tingling went through my body wherever they hovered their hands above me. I could keep my eyes closed and know where the practitioners' hands were hovering. It felt incredible. Have you ever experienced that surge of energy or electric when someone touched you? That's similar to the way that reiki felt, only they weren't touching me. At certain points they did lay their …

For the past 5 months my weekly routine has been: - 2 days spin class - 2 days running/elliptical - 2 days weight training My standing heart rate is 48 and I feel like I'm in better physical condition than any time in my life. So I decided to mix things up and take a lesson in cross-country skiing Sunday. Wow, what a workout!! Did a 1.5 hour lesson and then skied 3 miles afterward. I think I found my new favorite form of exercise. Highly recommended. Any cross-country skiers out there?

Ok I have just really got back on the program. I am training for a couple 5k this summer and fall. I fully expect to have lost quite a bit of weight by then. Now when I run my belly gets to shakin' and I know I'm quite a sight. My question is, what if anything is available to keep the shrinking gut and other fat rolls from knocking someone off the trail? If you have some experience, I'd love to know what you use and brand ect. Thanks in advance!

I just got my new Jawbone UP over the weekend, so excited...! Now I need some friends.. does anybody else have this bracelet and app? I would love toknow how to add friends and get some accountability going

I'm almost five months out and due to increased energy, have twice a week Water aerobics, hour of pilates, and couch to 5k training program three days a week. I do strength training five days a week for about 25 minutes each session. I feel great but..... Weight has stayed the same for about a month. However body fat% as measured by the scale has dropped from about 41% at Christmas to 36% this morning. Is this possible? It is hard to tell with clothes because I've been buying stretchy stuff to allow for changes. I feel taller (if that doesn't sound weird), but for those who do a lot of physical stuff, is that body fat decrease seem logical?

Did anyone else see this? http://well.blogs.nytimes.com//2014/12/17/how-exercise-changes-our-dna/ Thoughts? Comments?

When were you cleared to do exercise other than walking??? I'm a month out and my doc said another **MONTH** before I could do classes...I forgot ask about Water exercises. That's probably OK. But I'm feeling good and ready to hit it....

Okay so after a month or so we got together with my in laws about a week ago to do Christmas. Due to my surgery being just before Christmas and then they had the flu etc so we had delayed it since they are in Connecticut and we are in Massachusetts. So, they got me the misfit shine. Well for those who dont know it is a fitness and activity tracker that wirelessly syncs to your phone. It doesn't require any charging or cables to connect to anything. It comes with two ways to wear it. One is like a watch and it looks like a watch sort of. It also tells time, if you tap it twice it shows lights that mimic the hands on a clock. Which is nice. It also tracks your activity …

Hey Guys and Gals, I'm a year and a half out. I lost the weight, but I hate the way I look. I am weak and have no muscle tone.I want to start weightlifting but I'm nervous/intimidated in the weightlifting area. Does someone have a routine to share or point me in the right direction? I tried a trainer and got injured. Thanks! Nick

I wanted to share some cool little things that are making it possible to hit some goals this year. My body has changed massively over the last few months and it has allowed me to expand my ideas of what is possible. Two of my major goals are: a 5K run by April 12 and mountain climbing trip in Colorado by July. To get the 5K done I am using the Couch to 5K program. (dips. If you have figured out a tip/trick/hack that helped you meet a goal, please feel free to share and encourage.

I mean at a gym that REALLY does this - gloves and all? I am curious if you got good fitness results - they claim it really reduces body fat as it is quite intense. What joints stress or other "physical issues" should a middle aged woman worry about? Background - I am at goal, pretty fit and active but looking for something new and intense but i do have some physical issues etc so can't run which is what I really want to do!

I am close to 3 years out. I lost rapidly at first - close to 90 lbs. I have been faithfully exercising every day. I get anywhere between 15k-25k "steps" per day. Typically, I get roughly 90 "active minutes" per day - frequently more. I am quite certain that my body is in "starvation mode" - as I have actually gained about 15 pounds. I still don't feel hunger, so I tend not to eat an awful lot. I get full very quickly and I find it quite hard to get enough calories in most days. I realize that probably 50% of my problem is in my head. I am fearful of overeating - and I find it really hard to eat when I have no appetite. I do realize that I need to make some…

So has anyone done the t25 workout ? My surgeon has suggested to do this to get my last 15 lbs off. He said I need a really intense workout. Running and elptical are really just warm ups at this point. Any thoughts

Good Afternoon, I wanted to reach out to get some ideas and/or suggestions with exercises to help tighten that excess skin!? I have lost about 58 pounds since I was banded a few months ago, I see the excess skin and I want to obviously get rid of it or tighten it up. Does anyone have any suggestions on certain exercises they did to do this? Exercise ideas for home and at the gym will suffice for me! All input is greatly appreicated, thanks in advance. Love

Hopefully I'm not repeating a post that someone else has made. My nut sent us this link this evening and told us everyone that happens to be a patient at North Florida Obesity in Gainesville and participates will get a free Water bottle (contact her if you did not get the email). I'm not sure if anyone else in FL is giving perks but it'd be fun to participate anyways! From the site: http://asmbsfoundation.org/pedometer-challenge/ February 22, 2015 the FL State Chapter of the ASMBS and the ASMBS Foundation will team up to take a virtual walk across the state to raise awareness of obesity and related diseases. Help Us Reach Our Goal of 1.7 Million Steps! Join u…

I am down 63lbs and need to get new bras and decided to look into sports bras too. I am going to have to get measured for my exact size but I am about a 42D or 44C ish. What sports bras do you guys like the best and where do you get them? Which ones are easiest to get on and off, I guess if it is a struggle to get it on and off I can just add those calories burned to my workout. I am wearing an old bra to the gym and it is doing me no favors. LOL Any help would be greatly appreciated with this!!!

I am 56 years old and except for a very brief try at a Curves a few years ago, had never exercised. Somehow I thought that I was different and dieting would be enough. Well, my highest weight 7 years ago was 512" and 308 lbs. At surgery I was at 252. Eleven days after the sleeve surgery I joined a small gym and started working with an exercise physiologist. Best decision I ever made. I could barely do anything! But I am doing so much more now and guess what?! I LIKE IT! I never thought I would. So, 2 weeks ago my trainer said "let's try planking." In my innocence, I said "sure - whatever you say". Of course I had no idea what it was. I did 10 of the longest seconds of…

Anyone else training for a marathon? What training plan are you using? How are you eating to run long? How far along are you? What marathon are you going to run? I'm using Hal Higdon's Novice and on week 5 Day 3. I'm not eating on my long runs yet (only up to 9 miles). I'm hoping to do the OKC Memorial Marathon. Had a PR on 5K this morning, so I'm getting faster!

Does anyone use the Fitbit? If so is it a great motivation tool and keeps you on track with workouts?

Has anyone had their FitBit One stop syncing to their iPhone? I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, turned my phone off and on, and it just keeps "looking" but doesn't find the FitBit.

I am more motivated to exercise around 12-3pm and there are no classes at my gym at that time. I feel like I get pushed harder in a class then when I'm on my own sometimes. Personal trainer would be great but that is way too much money. Also, does anyone swim and have a swim routine that works? And any gyms across country that offer classes throughout the day?

Hey anyone have any advice on a good workout routine for ultimate muscle building and to maximize my weight loss... I have looked online not much help..I know how to use all the machines at the gym just not in what succession and how often..ect ect

I'm 6-8mo pre-op and i definitely want to invest in one to keep track of my ups and downs before and after surgery. Do you have one that you love? I'm *thisclose* to ordering the Polar Loop. It's at my price point. It is Water proof. It 'talks' to the type of technology I have. It comes in purple. What more could a girl want? And then I see that I COULD choose to have a bluetooth heart rate monitor. Do I need this? Do I want this? Will having a HR monitor on during my exercise make a big difference in the output received? If I don't get it now, will I wish I had it post-op? I can buy it later...but it is more expensive and I'm a little bit cheap...so yeah. …

Anyone attempting their first half this spring? I was sleeved in June 2013 and started running in March 2014. I've spent the year doing 5k races and running outdoors but I'm looking to challenge myself even more in the new year. I'm nervous about being fueling my body for long runs and would appreciate any advice!

I just wanted to say I used this excuse for a long time. I have had two total knee replacements in the past six months. Therapy has taught me, I can exercise!! If I do my leg exercises and add some arm ones, o am making progress. I am also riding my cheap portable bike from WalMart! WooHoo!!

I got my stats on my fitbit for last week. I walked/hiked 36.94 miles. All due to searching for a missing person. I've lost 6 lbs in the last week. Had to eat carbs for energy and to keep hypothermia at bay. One day it was -18 with horrid winds. Not only did I hike, I did so with about a 10lb backpack. SO grateful I had the VSG! Wow, I could barely walk 2 blocks a year ago. Incredible the life changes.

So my parents want to get me an activity tracker for a late Christmas gift. My brother and his wife and daughter are totally into the Jawbone up24 and are actually looking to upgrade to the Up3. Of course I research the shit out of any purchase I make before I make it, so much to my dismay, I found way too many activity trackers to choose from! After reading all the reviews I could online, I figured I'd turn to good ol' BP members for advice. As for my activities, I do not have any sort of exercise routine. I do not run or workout or swim, etc. I do not use MFP or any other app to track calories or food. I simply have what I consider an active lifestyle and would…

Ok everyone, please share your favorite things you have found for fitness. Your favorite headbands, ear buds, sports bras, clothing, armbands, compression garments, etc. and why this item is your favorite and what sets it above the rest. Many people are either starting a fitness routine for the first time ever or are returning to fitness after a long break. Things change quickly in the retail setting and it can be hard, not to mention expensive, to try many things only to find out they aren't worth it or don't last. I will start off with my favorite thing so far. Enell brand sports bras are the BEST EVER sports bra for busty girls. I wear a 40GG and the Enell sports br…

How many calories to support you're fitness level. My dietitian/Surgeon wants me to up my calories to 1500. With my bariatric stomach this is a chore. I eat all day. I'm able to get in 1000 at 7 months out. How do you fit you're calories in?

I know this will not make me lose weight I still have to do the work but I am loving my Fitbit so far!

Has anyone had their FitBit One stop syncing to their iPhone? I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, turned my phone off and on, and it just keeps "looking" but doesn't find the FitBit.

We can challenge each other to increase our daily steps

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in running a Ragnar Relay? What is Ragnar? Ragnar is an overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. You and 11 of your craziest friends (or 7 of your crazier friends for a trail race team) pile into two vans and tag team running 200(ish) (trail: 120) miles, day and night, relay-style. Only one runner hits the road at a time. Each participant runs three times, with each leg ranging between 3-8 miles and varying in difficulty. So, from the elite runner down to the novice jogger, it's the perfect race for anyone. It really is a life-changing race. If you don't know your teammates, you'll be bes…

Some friends and I have a private Facebook group where we do healthy living challenges. If anyone wants to join, pm me. Thanks

I'm doing 2 days of weight lifting and 2 days of zumba. I still house my little tire hanging out. Any suggestions?

I bought an inexpensive pedaler from Amazon several months ago. Since my legs are large I am currently only able to pedal with my hands. I have been using it regularly and have worked up to using it for at least 60 minutes every day. It has a feature where you can track minutes, etc. so I can easily keep up with my time. I can use it for shorter intervals while I watch tv. For anyone who is housebound this winter because of the weather or due to mobility issues, you might want to consider using one to get in some movement. I am definitely feeling the benefits of getting in some exercise and have even found it fun.