Fitness & Exercise

Im 6 weeks out ive been working out since my 4th week. Im going hard with cardio lifting light weights because I just wanna tone up not bulk up. But im scared to start situps or crunchys. Anyone doing situps yet?

Any advice for strengthening my quads without putting undue stress on my knees? I have pretty bad knees and can't handle lunges or squats yet. Hope to be able to eventually. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4

I was fed up with not loosing any weight so I finally started to exercise. I exercised 4 times last week…40 minute walk, 30 minute jog/walk, 40 minute jog walk, 20 minute jog. Yes, I ate more than I had before – about 200 calories/day more, because I was miserably hungry after exercising. I was eating about 1400/day of healthy food, high Protein, no junk and went up to 1600 with the exercise (and by the way, I was still hungry often…tummy grumbling hungry, can't concentrate hungry). I drank my usual amount of Water. And for sure did NOT gain 5 pounds in muscle in a single week. WHAT GIVES!!!! I hate this. Yes, I'm ranting...my muscles hurt and what did it get f…

I searched but could not find anything specific on this forum. I have been researching national guard but am under the impression being banded is automatic disqualification... Does anyone have any recent first hand experience? Any info would be greatly appreciated

Hello all! I have a desk job. I'm sitting at the computer practically all day. I also recently decided not to join the gym right now due to paying bills!! lol...So, I just want to share with you how I overcome my obstacle of having a sedentary job. I get two 15min breaks. I put on my 5lb ankle weights & walk on breaks. I use dumb bells & do arm exercises while sitting. I also use a "thigh master" thingy while I'm sitting at my desk. I've found ways to get exercise at work. There's no excuse for me! :-) Maybe this will motivate some or give some a few ideas. I'll join the gym eventually cause I will be using the pool & I love exercise classes but not yet. Best …

My biking kit was getting kind of baggy, so it was time for new clothes (The jersey was given to me by a vendor last year and I couldn't fit into it to save my life).

Last year I worked really hard all year to get to an average 15 MPH for an hour, and never got there, I would hit 14.8, 14.9, but never 15. I just got back from a 32 mile ride (2 hours) with and average speed of 15.3 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/311087459

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-compass-pleasure/201104/exercise-pleasure-and-the-brain Crossover addiction? Well, yeah, it's a good one to have probably the best one, but our brains are still seeking a surfeit of pleasure ... fascinating.

Trying to come up with a playlist to keep me motivated while working out. What is your favorite work out music?

Yes I'm computer 'retarded' and can't figure it out or find a thread ref it! Can anyone help me out- thanks a million!

I know it's realy early for me to be thinking about exercise but I am. I know prior to surgery I use to love to go to Zumba class. I stopped over a year ago due to the hectic work and school schedule. But I have decided to put me first and do something I really enjoyed which was Zumba. I wanted to know if anyones goes or considering going as a part of the fitness regimine. I am not one to go to a gym or pay high fees because that would just be a waste of money for me. Zumba is something I will attend. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Back in the day when fitness was my passion, one of the first things I learned was that an early A.M. workout (before breakfast), rather than a P.M. workout, was much more effective at burning fat. Why? Well, your body first burns off energy built up by calorie consumption. It takes the body about 30 minutes to burn up those stores before it begins to target fat burning. So, for those of you who’d rather hit the snooze button in the A.M., rather than get up and work out, remember that the first half hour of your afternoon/evening workouts are spent burning calories, not fat. Bottom line: workout in the morning and target fat burning faster! Article to support this: h…

Ok, don't laugh. I'm going to train for a figure competition. I know this is somewhat "bodybuilding lite", but when I look at women bodybuilders I want to build muscle but maintain femininity and this seems like a good solution. So, I have started training specifically for that purpose and am also changing my diet. First, I am doing a phase of 20% fat, 20% Protein, and 60% carbs. I plan on 1500 calories per day and then will see what happens with my body composition. I don't want to start too high with calories and know that I can maintain on 1500 with exercise. It is shocking to try to go so high on carbs - I'm sitting here drinking a shake of yogurt, skim milk, 1 …

In looking for a gym and thinking about working out, I've been thinking about joining Curves. Outside of the issue of their hours and the lack of showers at their facilities...does anyone use them? hate them? love them?

What program is best to download preferably free music from for MP3 Player ?

Hi im having a dilemma I just had my surgery five months ago and have lost 70 pounds in five months and I need to work out doctor's orders but I have no motivation any suggestions?? Lol

http://www.amazon.com/RumbleRoller-RR316-Full-Size-31x6-Blue/dp/B0042JFAUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367172147&sr=8-1&keywords=rumble+roller My PT swears by this every time I train with her. It looks so enticing for after those really tough workout sessions. I use a cheapie regular roller now from Sports Authority and it has already helped so much with long term back issues. There is nothing better then an aligned and relaxed back. Love it! No more pain management with drugs. They are kind of pricy so cannot wait until my wife lets me spend money on one of these rumble rollers! Has anyone tried one?

I have recently begun a very rigorous core workout routine including Pilates and Yoga among other exercises. I did this to address new lower back issues and avoid surgery. I am experiencing sharp pains (almost feels like a rubber band snapping against the inside of my abdomen muscles) only while I am exercising my abs. I was banded back in 2005 and was told once a long time ago that sometimes I might feel pinching where the port tube goes through the abdomen wall. Has anyone else experienced this sensation while exercising?

The best time of day to lift weight is in the evening. Why? Well, your body NEEDS calories in order to build muscle. Your body accumulates calories throughout the day, and—by the time the evening has rolled around—your body has acquired all the calories you’re going to get. For maximum muscle building potential, it is not a good idea to do any type of cardio before a weight lifting session. Why? Well, when you complete a cardio session you have not only exhausted your muscles, but you have efficiently and effectively depleted your muscles of its oxygen supplies. Why does that matter? It matters because building muscle is all about tearing and rebuilding. When you lift, …

What is your favorite brand and flavor of Protein? I'm still preop but I'm supposed to replace one meal with a shake so far. Thanks.

I know the amonia smell I have when I sweat during my workouts is from high protein and low carbs. No matter what I do nothing seems to elimnate it. I was told by my surgeon based on my age and work out I am suppose to be getting 120grams of prtein a day something I rarely make it much above 80 - 90 a day but now I am wondering after reading over the years that everyone else's goals for protein are a lot lower. Could I be taking in too much protein and that is why I sweat amonia? Second is this harmfull?

I know I know we are not suppose to use the F word but thought this was funny.

I know this was discussed in another thread but I am curious of the average time it takes everyone's body to heal to submerge yourself in water. I know everyone is different but I was hoping to find out everyone's individual experience. I wanna buy a pool pass but not sure If it will be worth it. Surgery is may 23rd

I was sleeved 4/22 and still get tired very easily. Im just wondering if there is an energy drink that's safe to take before a workout? I know we can't have red bull/carbonation Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm looking for some good upbeat workout songs to add to my gym playlist. What are some of your favorites?

Any recommendations for water exercising? I have a pool just not sure what exercises to do besides swimming.

We talk a lot about our diets, our routines, our exercise regimens, but I want to talk about which exercise changed your shape the most. Was it running? cycling? boxing? Jumping rope? At my fittest last year I was frustrated with the number on the scale but at that level of fitness I started to run and although I don't recall my numbers changing, my shape did, and even though I was 40 pounds heavier than when I first wore it, I was able to put on my high school cheerleading outfit. Now I am launching into the fray against re-gain, and still wanting to reach goal. I'm getting back into the swing of exercising consistently and intensly and want to know what yielded …

Where do I start? I would like to know how many calories I've burned as well as heart rate. Whatcha got? Love it?

So I have been going back and fourth between the elliptical and stair master for my cardio workouts. I usually go for about 30-40 minutes and burn about 450-600 calories, do HIIT a couple times a week as well. Today I thought I was going to go for a long slow cardio session on the sit down bike. I was a little taken back at how hard it kicked my arse and to top it off, according to the machine, I burned a lot less calories. Is the machine just plain wrong? I thought because of how hard I felt I was working compared to the usual elliptical training I would have burned more calories. So should I continue to change it up or just stick to the elliptical which according to…

In my attempt to get ducks in a row before my surgery, I was wondering what peoples' experiences were with biking in that first post-op few weeks. My knees like biking more than walking, and I just got a bike, so if I can I'd like to use it. Please share experiences and recommendations (including "That's not a smart idea" if it's not).

I've been working out steadily for about 2 weeks now, every day, then suddenly about 3 days ago, I started getting shaky after working out. It did coincide with A) coming down with something don't know what exactly, and adding weights. Anyway, after a workout now, if I hold my hands out in front of me, they shake, I can barely hold my arms over the keyboard to type right now. whats up?

That should say Weight Machines up there... Which do you prefer and why? I train with a pt a couple of days a week. She has me use free weights and body weight when we train. About a year ago I bought a groupon for some sessions with a pt and she is a hard core body builder. She has huge muscles all over. I train with her once a week.. I also work out on my own 2 or 3 days a week. Now, when I train with the body builder she has me using a lot of machines. We also do squats and romanians with the bar and weights. When I work out on my own at home I use free weights. My favorite kind of working out is the kind I do with my regular trainer which is more functional …

Just have to give kudos to my husband fiddleman who has been working out at crossfit for about 2 months or so now twice a week. He just came back from a workout and I touched his upper leg- it felt like it had no give in it whatsoever! I seriously couldn't believe his leg was that hard and had to keep touching it to be sure. He's got his college cycling legs back! Plus he getting nicely defined pecs- he's never had that! Crossfit really does get your body into shape and resculpted. :) . Happy wife! I can't wait to have my surgery and be able to do workouts like that!

After 3 weeks of being sleeved, especially if you have a lot to lose, start going to the gym IMMEDIATELY. You DON'T have to start cardio but you DHOULD start a weight training regimen. This will greatly assist in the saggy and loose skin problem. TRUST ME. As a trainer, one of my clients is 44 years old and weighed 402 lbs. He had the sleeve almost a year and change now and I realized after losing all that weight he has little to no loose or saggy skin... He weighs 202 right now and looks like a trainer himself. I understand some drs may tell u to wait a little longer but three weeks is the best time to start! Even if it's light training every bit helps because your bo…

I'd really like to improve my flexibility and I think yoga would be a great help, but I have to be honest - I'm afraid of the classes. I hate to look foolish, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to yoga. Add to that being so darned over weight and I wonder if I'm a good fit for that kind of thing yet. If I were to start, which style would you recommend? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using VST

Anyone have any suggestions for how to track work out videos on MFP? I'm doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and don't know how to log my exercisen

Anyone doing her 12 week body revolution??? I started today..can't wait to see what happens in 12 weeks

Hello!!! I'm just 2 months into starting all of this an I get discouraged so quickly with the gym. I fell in Oct an fractured my hip. I still have pain when sitting or laying down. So the gym is good for me... Now mind you I'm 4foot9 an 246lbs... So besides the arc trainer and treadmill do you have any suggestions for me? I go to planet fitness 5 times a week. Thanks!

I want to do some running today outside where temperatures will be between 80-90f. Here in Seattle area we are not used to hot weather so early in the year. A thermal low is going to settle in for a few days keeping the mercury up in the 80s. My course is 8 miles of flat running on a local popular trail called the centennial trail. This trail is very well maintained, paved and wide. I usually walk on it for miles and miles, but want to run on it for my 1/2 training. The literature says while running in hot weather is possible, it put a lot of strain on the internal systems. Oxygen and nutrients are directed away from the muscles causing them to slow down. And your c…

I know there's tons of threads about this... But I need all the help I can get! Please add me and share diaries... Nursie026 is my user name. Not sure had to add friends, hope that will work.. Thanks!!

Hi all for the last 10 days i have been going out for 1 hour walks everyday and keeping track of my food on mfp.. I weighed myself this morning and i have not lost anything! Im really disapointed.... Has this hsppened to anyone else?? Am i doing something wrong??

I have been doing the 30 day squat challenge and I keep feeling a pulling very painful sensation right where my port is when doing the exercise. It almost feels like it is ripping or flipping if that makes sense. Does this happen to anyone else? I refuse to give up! I'm on day 27!

I so down these days I been in the 180s since march I am so not moving on the scale my diet is still a high Protein and I work out 4-5x weeks. Does any one have any tips on how I can get the scale moving again? I was banded on 11-26-12 so I'm 5months out staring weight 253lbs pre-op weight 236lbs

I think I need to vent and a little encouragement. Saturday I did an African Dancing class...the first time I've done such an intense cardio workout in forever. It was amazing and so challenging and I kept up! But at the end, after the adrenaline wore off, I realized I had scraped all the skin off one pinkie toe and had a cut on the bottom of the other. Fast forward to today and I am having to limp as my macerated toe won't permit me to walk normally. I am worried bc I have become rather 'addicted' to my workouts. They keep my mood elevated and act as a natural antidepressant. Especially I long work days like today and gloomy weather, I feel I need it. So how do I cope…

I know that working out brings energy and self confidence and positive happy endorphins and cannibinoids, but does anyone know if there are any sex related chemicals that are released when one exercises intensely? After I lift weights I get a total rush and I know I'm swaggering and if my man is in my path ... watch out!

How long after surgery until you could play golf again? I will be 6 weeks out in Monday but don't have another follow up appointment for another two weeks. The weather has been beautiful and I'd love to go play with my family. Any advice?

WARNING If you are exercising vigorously, feeling strong, lost almost half your excess weight and decide you can do a hand-stand like your 4-year old - DON'T TRY IT! Your arms might buckle - landing you square on your head. This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the pudgey girl with the icepack on her neck.

What are good exercises at home? I have two small kids and husband on the rail most of time so going to gym will be really hard. I have a stationary bike, and step videos. However next to impossible to do with kids around bc well they are needy and every time I try to do they get in way or cry etc.. So was trying to get ideas for things could do with kids around ? I ran in place and did jumping jacks, crunches etc.. But have a kid either trying to sit on stomach while did or hold onto leg.. Any ideas for things to do with or quick so can get in little bit thru day?

http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(11)00287-3/abstract Endorphins got all the credit back in the 80's, now we know it is really the endocannibinoids that release that "runner's high", which I personally get from lifting, not running.