Fitness & Exercise

Hello- So I'm new to the game still. I know it's important to do muscle building or maintaining exercises. So, do i go straight for my elliptical again? or start off slow with the treadmill? Another thing that I'm worried about, when working out, how close to my 2 oz meal? I'm thinking to do a Protein drink right before my workout to help fuel me along. Am I thinking right?

When I first got my band I did alot of walking I mean alot. I'd walk about 11 to 12 miles a day. Of course as time went on I dropped off (mainly b/c I hate the cold.) Its starting to warm back up and I'm doing my walking again. I walk about 4 to 5 miles right now and usually jog or run 1 or 2. The question that I am having is what is a good pace time for walking? I usually average about 10 to 12 min's per mile. Is that average or below average?

Get-A-Dog. Get a spunky little chihuahua or a terrier- something small and insane would work best. Then, leave them cooped up in your house all day while you work. By the time you get home, the dog will be running around screaming like a two year old with a sugar high. My dog and I go jogging together every night. When I get home from work, she actually goes and finds her leash and starts dragging it across the house. There's no way I can say no to that kind of enthusiasm. It actually keeps me going - even if I could say no to me, I can't say no to my pets. Then- to make matters worse, I actually have four dogs- not one. The other three are either too sm…

Has anyone had successful WL with just plain old walking? I've seen a lot of articles about how walking just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. I got myself a heart rate tracker. I shouldn't go over 188 which is my estimated maximum heart rate. And instead stay with in 135-145 to start...increasing that amount as I get more fit. Also, I was instructed to walk at an incline (I'm using a treadmill). As that would help to minimize my lower body. Last, a new sneaker by Sketcher's "Shape Ups" might help boost my toning efforts as well. Those I haven't tried. There's also a similar sneaker by Reebok they call "Easy Tone". I'm want to alternate walking,…

I want to purchase either a treadmill or eliptical. I am a little over half way to goal. I've lost 70+pounds, but want to loose about 50 more. I carry most of my weight on my bottom half. I started going to Water aerobics about a month ago. I do that twice a week, but need to "up" my exercise. Need some motivation too! What do you think would be better for me? Treadmill? Eliptical? Thanks

I am scheduled for surgery April 7, 2009. I got distressed when I looked in the mirror to see my man-boobs. People tell me I am not over weight enough to warrent lap-band surgery. What can I do post-op to convert breasts to a chest?

Just curious... How soon after getting banded did you start exercising? Did you stick to just cardio at first or weights and cardio? How about pilates? Could you do it like before or was there too much port pain? Thanks in advance, BABE

I will admit I am in serious desperation for motivation to get the ball rolling. I know exercise is what is holding me back from a higher weight-loss. I know what needs to be done. I just find myself sitting here, day after day, researching assignments and working on my undergraduate thesis (graduation in May, finally!) and I cant seem to make myself carve out time for exercise. I know it will feel good after the initial session(s), but I need help getting there. I realize I may get flammed for begging for a motivational, kind-hearted buttkicking, but what have I got to lose at this point, except more weight! I am heading to check out a local Lifestyle Family Fitness …

I heard vibrations were bad for the band. Will riding a motorcyle (vibrations) cause the band to slip?? Anyone know? I was banded on 2-15-08.

I have just started to jog a little on the treadmill and I am noticing that the jogging is causing the area around my port to hurt. I carry most of my weight in my stomach and believe when I jog the weight I carry is tugging and pulling the port. Has anyone experienced this? Do you think it will cause me any problems later if I continue to jog? Thanks!

The only thing you have to do for this challenge is walk 1.5 miles EVERYDAY for 30 days ... starting today April 1st (or any day where you can get 30 consecutive days before the end of May 2009). Don't change ANYTHING you eat or normally do.. if you already are walking daily - then add 1.5 miles per day... if you don't do it, then do it. Rain, Snow, Flood, Shine, Etc. DO IT... Everyday for 30 days. Report your initial PRE-Walk weight and weekly weigh in (on same day of week as your initial weight) and your final 30 day weight. So who's with me? Pre-walk weight: 288lbs (yep gained some back) ***IF you miss one day - YOU ARE OUT! --- not to be mean, but I am r…

Haven't seen this yet for March, so here goes. Same rules as always, not so much a challenge as a way to keep us all motivated. I took this weekend off. Needed it badly apparently. This morning I ran 2 miles @ .5% incline in 16:47. Ran another 1/2 mile @.5% incline in 4:47. Followed that with 10 minute cooldown and 20 minutes on elliptical. Tonight will be heavy upper body supersets. Maybe some more cardio, hopefully.

Has anyone here tried the Firm Wave? I'm thinking of buying it - but for $100, wanted to see if there were any opinions on the boards here. I havent lost anything in a week and am getting very discouraged. I figure maybe a new "gizmo" that I can alternate with the Wii Fit would maybe get the scale moving again. Any comments? Thanks!

I found this application called Lose It! on the app store. It allows you to set a calorie/carb/fiber intake goal for the day and track what you eat as well as track your exercise and how many calories you are burning and taking in. The cool thing is it also tracks your weight loss! It has helped me already and I figured some of you would be interested in it :bananalama: And it's FREE! http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=297368629&mt=8 That link will open in iTunes.

howdy everyone , there are time when we can use a good work out buddy for what ever reason, to make sure we do it ? to make it fun? or just having some one with you who gone through and trying to get where you going ? well if your in my home town and wanna buddy HERE I AM! lets do this together:w00t: I have membership at the whole life fitness center in tulare off of gem street 3- 4 times a week:thumbup:

Hi all! My surgeon and I have been talking about my exercise since I was an exerciser pre-band (just didn't watch what I ate). He suggested that at some point I would probably need to start running to continue the weight loss. I already spend 5-7 days a week exercising (treadmill, elliptical, weights, and step aerobics) and he thinks running will kick it into a highter gear. I've wanted to become a runner anyway since I enjoy participating in 5K's -- eventually 10K's?? Here is my question.....for those of you who are runners, at what weight did you begin running and how did you do it? Thanks for any ideas you all have!:confused:

I had lower back issues for about 8 years, resulting in surgery and a conversation with the orthopaedic doc who said "You can never jog again, or walk as an exercise. And sports are out of the question." Despite being overweight even as a teenager, I was physical and very competitive. I liked volleyball, softball, soccer, and I was in a co-ed adult softball league by the time this all happened. Without any exercise after back surgery, I got fatter and fatter, which led to the band. Now I am 106 lbs lighter and I actually ache to work my muscles. Nothing hurts on me and I feel so happy some days that I jog to my car...and then stop suddenly, hoping I didn't just dislod…

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? When I'm doing ab exercises (especially torso twists) I get a really sharp pain on my left upper stomach area. It tends to vary in intensity, but it happens every time I'm doing ab work. It sort of feels like something is being pinched inside, but that may just be my imagination. Anyone else experiencing this?

After having lost 56 pounds so far, I'm left with terribly saggy arms....the best way to describe the area is to call it my bat wings. Although its smaller than it was, its very loose and would like to start working on firming it up. Does anyone know of a good exercise to target that area? I would really appreciate the input.

My BMI is 36. Wondering if I should expect such large success in as short of period of time as those with higher BMI's. Will an increase in my exercise routine kick-start my weight loss? Thanks.

When's the best time to work out? I've heard in the morning on an empty stomach. But then others say it really doesn't matter, JUST DO IT! lol :scared2: :rolleyes2: I may have to agree with the ladder as I'm not a morning person. teehee :scared2:

Hi, i play football. Actually i play flagfootball. My question is even though flag football is no where as physical as real football, sometimes you do get hit and you do fall alot. Would being banded hinder my playing football or doing any other contact sport.

Hi! Does anyone here use the Urban Rebounder trampoline? I just ordered it from HSN , and i'm excited to get it! I just wanted to see what anyone else thinks of it, if you have it.... Thanks

Does anyone know the weight limit for the Wii Fit?

i was wondering when can i start practicing softball. Im starting week 4 post-op, and i feel great! im already doing the elliptical and fast walkin on the treadmill for 20mins. I've dropped 25lbs already. so, now i'm ready. *LOL*

How soon after your surgery, were you able to start working out? I'm only 3 days post op, but I'm just curious.

My white ones that came with the ipod just self-destructed. I would like to replace them with something that stays in place a little better. What do you use? What have you tried that didn't work? I got some over the ear ones from Walmart once. They didn't stay in place well at all. I still like the concept and I'm wondering if I just bought a crappy brand, or if the whole design isn't very good for exercising? Then there's the ones with the little silicon ring that you actually put in your ear canal. How well do those stay in place? Thanks!

I like to play tennis but the problem is all i have is a 17 year old step-son to play with. I'm looking for anyone in the Daingerfield, TX area that would like to play. Or in any of the other city around Daigerfield. You can e-mail me at purplecandle@aol.com I would like to play at lease twice a week. :ohmy:

I was just wondering what everyone is doing to get rid of the loose flabby skin under their arms? My worst area of loose skin is under my arms they can flap in the wind lol! I knew to expect that and I know it probably wont all go away, but I would like to TRY to tone up the muscle underneath it some to see if it will help, anybody have any advice or excercises for me on how to work out that area? I've always said, when if I do decide plastic surgery it will sure be my arms first, how I long to wear a sleeveless shirt!

When I am exercising sometimes I get real weak all of a sudden, almost faint:w00t:. I am trying to lose alot of weight of course (150 lbs) or more. Right now I weigh about 357. I just bought a bike and want to ride ALOT. But, I am afraid of having an "episode":scared2: while I am far from home. I wonder if the problem is a lack of calories. I am eating about 1000 calories per day, per doctors orders. Isn't that too little. Or am I just that out of shape or what. Maybe I just need to continue and it will get better. But I just wanted to get others feedback. Thanks

Dr Chris Oliver, Edinburgh Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon is cycling from Lands End, England to John O’Groats, Scotland this August 2009. The ride will be almost 1000 miles. In the last two years he’s lost 55Kg after an adjustable laparoscopic gastric band and wrote about this on his blog . Chris was one of the trauma surgeons who operated on Olivia Giles who lost all four limbs after meningitis.Chris is going to raise money for Olivia’s charity, 500 miles. Olivis was very helpful in getting Chris to appreciate his change in body image. Chris supports 5oo Miles FlySpec which takes orthopaedic and plastic/reconstructive surgery, principally by air, to disabled people i…

I am a hairstylist so I baby my hands and wrists (therefore they are weak), so I am just curious if my hands hurt and are swollen because the muscles in my hands and wrists are not use to weights and repetition of the moving handles on machines, or if I sprained my wrists/hands due to the repetition? I'm hoping is just like working any muscle too hard too soon, cuz I'm ready to go stagnant with my hands again. I will ice them now. But let me know how not to make them hurt next time I workout.

Okay, as many of you know I have really been working hard increasing my exercise gradually. In January, I started jogging, something I have not done in years. While jogging, I increased the time and the distance a little bit each week. I am trying to train for a marathon. I am never going to be on the Olympic team and I am not doing this to win medals, but I was always an avid runner before and really enjoy it. So in the middle of January my hair starts falling out in the shower in clumps. We are talking chemo/radiation clumps. So this morning I took a shower and washed my hair and again huge clumps fall out. So I gather all the clumps of hair, place it in a baggie an…

hey folks I was banded on 3/3. I'm feelin very good. I want to start going to the gym. I live in IL and its too cold to walk outside..no treadmill at home. I want to be begin Monday. I'd just start by walking. What do you guys think? Am I starting too soon?:laugh:

Hello everyone. I was banded on 10/22/2008. Since that time, I have dropped from 351 down to 310. I'm feeling great and people are telling me how much younger I look. I have a bit of excess skin around my belly. I'm sure others out there are in the same situation. I'm not read for a tummy tuck. My question...has anyone found a good way to tone up? Any particular types of exercises? I could sure use some advice.

I was just wondering how many of you here workout at home and what you do. Do you use videos or equipment? Have you had success with it? I've been going to the gym but I don't know if that's really for me as it's usually so busy and I'd just like to do something from the comfort of my own home. Just seeing if anyone has any ideas for me

OK, need some extra motivation. Need goals/challenge for myself. I've been walking for about a month for 30 min 3 or 4 times a week. Last week started my Dr supervised exercise program--2 days a week for 1 hour. I would like something to work towards besides weight loss. Do I do a time challenge for a week, or miles, or a challenge for a month, what?? Looking at the veterans challenges--I ain't the one!--YET! If I do a time challenge do I include the 2 hrs that are a given each week? I'm so confused as to what to do. :wink:

So, my fellow lap-banders who have thought about or do triathlons - what are your goals? My A race is the FL HIM in May. I'll be 20 months from band to 70.3 miles, and I cannot wait. I may not be fast, but I won't quit!! :thumbup: For those of you wondering if you can...stop wondering and start moving...it can be done!! Small steps first though. Walk a mile, jog a mile, run a mile, then it is all just numbers. :thumbup:

Welcome to another round of monthly exercise. Today: 60 minutes treadmill 4% incline 3-miles just walking today. No jogging.:tongue2:

After searching for a personal trainer with not luck, I was thinking about joining my local ymca. I just found out that they offer personal training services. Their rates are $120 for 3 sessions, 6 for $240 + a free session, etc. I've worked with personal trainers in the past, with good results. Has anyone here used the ymca's personal training services?

RhondaLou and I are going to virtually meet somewhere between the 1120 miles that separate us. How long will it take us? It is not a race, we will both be WINNERS. I am hoping this will be fun for us. I hope we inspire online friends to come up with some ideas like this and be sure to share them with us on this thread. edie:rolleyes2:

I confess, I am a gym snob. Those that know me on here know this about me. I get easily irritated by people in the gym. I'm not saying that others do not deserve to workout and better themselves. By no means am I that big of an asshole......ok, maybe I am:wink:. However, it is people that use the equipment improperly, or do one set every 10 minutes while they socialize. Or, worse yet, they take down the weights others have been using without checking to make sure someone is not just getting a drink or are doing a superset. I have always lifted weights, that was never my problem. My problem was I thought that was enough. I hated cardio, HATED IT!!!!!!! So, it is not…

I was at a plateau when I purchased Hip Hop Abs with Shaun T and decided to give it a try despite my coordination challenges. I had also purchased zumba dvd's by Beto Perez and they got here in time for me to begin on this past Monday (February23rd). I have followed Shaun T's 6 day diet challenge which is a high protein/low carb diet to the T. Since Monday, I have lost 2 lbs and will measure loss of inches on Sunday. I was at a plateau for about 3 weeks. If you want to have fun doing cardio, try these programs. You won't be sorry, especially if you like to dance. It's a blast! What's funny is my husband does it and sweats something fierce and he loves it. I do my…

I am just starting on this journey - have had my first meeting with surgeon and the psych eval- so I am not near the surgery part yet, but I have an exercise question: If this alien is in my stomach area and I want to lose the inches there, what types of exercise would you do to tighten the stomach flab? I mean, it seems to me that crunches or abdominal work might be a bit dicey, you know? :smile: Elgrad

Do you eat them, just put them to the side, dip into them if necessary for a snack?? I am a little confused about what to do with the calories you burn?? (I journal my food and am at -60 calories for the day)

My husband got me my own IPOD to use at the gym, but I need songs to put on there, any suggestions for upbeat music - I'm not picky on the type / artist. I just want songs that give you that "PUMP".... Anything is better than my 13yr old daughters IPOD.

Does anyone own an AirClimber? I saw it advertised and am interested in it but want to have input from anyone who has tried it. I'd love to have some more indoor options for exercise. Currently do Leslie Sansone DVDs. Thanks!

I have a slightly used Bodybugg v2 for sale if anyone is interested. $120

I started Jazzercise last night and loved it!!! I went to a 1/2 hour of Body Sculping and 1 hour of Jazzercise. It was so much fun!! I was able to keep up with everybody, even though I was just learning the routines. I plan to go three times a week. I felt great afterwards and today not too much muscule pain, not enough to keep me from going tonight. My port hurt a little from the ab exercise but overall it was a great experience.

A question to the folks who workout on a regular basis. In what order do you exercise? Cardio (run, bike, eliptical) Weight training. I like to get in some cardio on the days I weight train. Nothing like the run or bike I do on an off day. My trainer says I will have more energy to work with him if I don't hit the treadmill before seeing him. But I like that my body is warmed up to train so I do at least 30 mins at a good clip on the treadmill. Trainer says to hit the treadmill after him. But since we do a streatching thing when we are done I feel to relaxed to do the cardio. Anyone have any thoughts?