Fitness & Exercise

so why can’t I lose any more weight? Been stuck on the same number for about 2 weeks now. I work out every other day anywhere from 25-45 minutes. I drink a low-card slim fast shake for Breakfast and lunch and for dinner I try to have a good healthy one. I’m getting so frustrated and it makes want to give up. I already lost 20 lbs in 2 months. But been stuck on 20 for a while now. This week I took it up a notch and started to work out twice in one day everyday and lift weights every other day. Can anyone help me???? P.S. I don’t have the lap band yet!

Hi Guys, I am in need of a new scales since the one we have at home is broke. What brand and model do you suggest? Thanks, Alisa

I just started some new fitness classes to try to motivate myself more. Among the classes are pilates and a core strengthening class. My surgery was last July and I've had no issues with my port but I want to make sure it's safe. I have an email into my surgeons office but they are slow so I am looking for opinions here. I tried the pilates class yesterday and today my abs are killing me because I'm not used to working them. My port area is kinda sore but I assume it's because I am using that muscle. TIA

Hi Everyone, I hope this doesn't make me look like a complete fool but I hope maybe someone can offer some good advice. I had surgery about 8 months ago and have barely lost much of anything despite reducing my caloric intake to 600-1000 and fat to no more than 12-18g per day. I know my problem is lack of exercise. But while I know I need to exercise more I find that I cannot drum up the energy. By the end of the day its all I can do to take a shower before bed time. I've had thyroid tests done several times (thyroid problems run in the family) and every time the docs end up doing two because the first one is slightly below normal and the second one apparently com…

I've been looking to buy an exercise bike. I am debating between a sit down one or the upright version - both are in the $200 range. Does anyone else here own an exercise bike? How well does it work for you?? Any tips would be helpful. Thanks

:thumbup: IVE HAD MY LAP BAND SINCE 10/28/2008 AND LOST SEVERAL INCHES AND ABOUT 40 LBS.i WENT FROM A SIZE 30 TO A SIZE 26 SO FAR ON THE BOTTOM AND SIZE 3X TO A XL ON THE TOP.I AM VERY BUSY AND HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING TIME TO EXERSISE.ANY SUGGESTIONS OUT THEIR.

I registered for the Race for the Cure 5k... very excited but now also nervous. I have been loosely doing the Couch to 5k program for a month, but am still not running 1 mile without stopping to walk. Now I looked at the real 5k training schedule and it's 5 days a week! 3 miles, on Tues, Thurs, Fri, 2 miles on Wed and 4 miles on Sun.... OMG! What did I get myself into????

Okay, I am not the smartest when it comes to workout equipment. I am trying to buy an exercise bike. I am confused about the difference in the workouts for a recumbent bike and an upright bike? I don't want to buy something that isn't going to allow a good workout. Would someone mind helping me choose?:thumbup:

Atlanta Johns Creek Lifetime Fitness? If anyone uses this gym and wants a partner to work out with please let me know. I find it more motivating when you have someone else to work out with. Had my band on 9/29/2008. Lost 30 lbs so far. I just joined the gym recently.

Happy New Year everyone! And welcome to another exciting year of exercise challenge.:Yawn: Today: 50 minutes treadmill at 5% incline 2.1 miles.

Ok so I have a few questions. I have been working out pretty religiously with my sister 3-4 times a week. Mostly we use the treadmill at the gym, I do realize I need to change it up. But, I have a hard time with the stairclimber, I feel as though I'm just not in good enough shape to stay on it long enough to burn as many calories as I can on the treadmill. Same thing with the elliptical. These are my questions I hope someone out there can help me with. When I use the treadmill I enter my weight and check my heartrate often. How accurate are the Lifefitness treadmills at calculating calories burned? Should I really keep my HR in the 65-75% max HR range for fat loss? Is it …

Hi -- I have been looking for information about weighted vests for increasing metabolism, building muscle, and losing weight. I'm a 5 ft tall female, 57 years old. My MD says that because I'm so short -- I'll have trouble losing the rest of my weight unless I build muscle. I have a very hectic schedule-- crazy hours and traveling a lot which makes it difficult to get to a gym or even for using home equipment. I came across a number of studies that discuss the benefits of weighted vests but there's a wide range of methods for using one -- depending on gender, age, objectives. I'm wondering if anyone here has used one. If so - do you think it helped? Do you know for s…

I was wondering if anyone knew how many calories a hour to 2 hour game of pretty hardcore (for me) tennis game would burn?

Hi, I am very new to this forum and have not had the surgury but I had a question about excercise. I had a fairly bad fall last February where I shattered my kneecap and broke my leg in 2 places but the real problem was my back, the impact forced my thighbone into my hip and twisted the sacrum to the left hard and as a result i cannot stand longer than a moment or two without severe pain and i cannot walk on a treadmill or do a stationary bike per drs. orders and have to use a walker unless I am in a grocery store and can hold onto a buggy. My weight has been steadily climbing (on top of being obese before) since last February and I wonder how all of this will affect …

Have any of you bandsters tried Tai Chi? My wife and I just started taking Taoist Tai Chi classed 2 weeks ago, and we're really diggin' it. We've barely scratched the surface with learning the first 4 of the 108 moves of the tai chi set, but it's deceptively strenuous. It's not at all vigorous exercise, but at the end of a 1.5 hour class I feel like I've gotten pretty good workout. It's also very good for relaxing and reducing stress. The instructors and other tai chi students claim that there are many other health benefits, but I'm just hoping to get stress relief, better balance, and increased range of motion from tai chi. So far I'm pretty happy with tai ch…

Has anyone tried and/or found success with Jillian Michaels' workout or online program?

Hi everyone! My doctor is unavailable through email - he's out for some reason and does not want emails till he returns. I was banded almost 5 weeks ago with the new AP band filled with 3cc's. I'm recovered... I really don't feel any pain or even the band or port. And I've been walking and using the eliptical. I just started cycling classes today and noticed there were a bunch of times the instructor asked to tighten our abs to do certain manuvers. Do you think I'm OK to do cycling and hitting the weight machines? How soon after surgery were you using the weight machines and performing some ab exercises? THANKS for any advice!! Jenn

Now, I reckon I exercise more than the average person - yet I am overweight..... I was talking to a thin friend of mine (male) on the phone tonight - who I have broached the subject of L/B with and he thinks I should "harden up" and put some effort in and just do Body For Life as thats what he's doing. Apparently (according to him) the portion of Protein in my meals and my laziness is responsible for the extra 60kg (150pd) I am carrying. (if only) I am pre-band now, I have my second (and as yet, undecided) appointment with the Doc on the 2nd. I gym 3-4 times per week and play netball for 45 mins 1x per week. I don't really feel like I am being lazy - I mean I could def…

Always happens to me and it is beginning to tick me off. My toes go painfully numb on the elliptical. Any ideas to alleviate this?

I've been running for a few months now. I started off very slow (jogging for about 30 seconds every three minutes) Now, however, I can run 15 to 20 minutes non-stop. That said, a few days ago, I decided to 'up' the speed on for a few minutes on the run and instead of 5.4 mph, I ran 6 mph. At the time it seemed fine, no pain, no over-exertion or anything. The day after, however, the muscles in my thighs began to hurt really bad. They felt like they were cramped up the entire day. This hasn't happened to me before. After a day or two of taking it slow, my muscles seemed to be pretty much normal again, so I went back to running. The run went just fine, but the nex…

Has anyone tried this ? I would love to hear reviews. I have a gym membership. But have someone of a fear of classes due to failure. Or just will have to walk out.. :thumbup: sorry this is a repost but I didnt get any replys:blush: __________________

I have been incredibly tight since my last fill- to the point where I can mostly just eat soft foods and soups and sometimes even pb those. I am pretty much pb-ing everyday. However after I do a really good workout I can suddenly eat a proper meal without any worries! Anyone else experience this?

Has anyone tried this ? I would love to hear reviews. I have a gym membership. But have someone of a fear of classes due to failure. Or just will have to walk out..

People say they notice I am loosing weight. When I tell them I had lap band surgery, you would think I just told them I walk on water. Their so in AW of this surgery. Is there anyone in my area who has had this surgery?

I am doing much exercise, but I would like to know what time of day is more effective exercise in the morning, in the afternoon or at night....:w00t:

I am going to try a class tonight at the Y at 6:30 to give it a try. I suspect I will have my ass handed to me.

This youtube link is kind of funny. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1E8tuwcCQQ]YouTube - Wii Fit Parody[/ame]

I have been using the Bender Ball for about 6 weeks now and I LOVE it. I thought that it was going to be another gimmick to get you to buy their product. I have to say it was the best $20 I have spent in a long time! I too was under the impression that I was going to have to have a tummy tuck when it was all said and done and now I am beginning to think I may not need it. I love the way it really targets your abs and boy do you feel it! I am working muscles that I totally forgot that I had. I also ordered the buns and thighs DVD and love that one just as much. I am noticing that everything seems to be firming up nicely. Just thought you all would like to know of a great w…

I love my Wii Fit! Looking for fellow users. My favorite is the step class with all the other Miis- My boyfriend made a Chuck Norris Mii and he was working out with me yesterday! It really keeps me going- I can't say enough good things about my Wii Fit! It even calculates my BMI and tracks my weight. I will be banded on Dec. 30th, BTW. Good luck to all! ~Stephanka917:thumbup:

HELP.... I'm one week post op and am dreading the exercise part of the program. How do I motivate myself and when and where do I start? Any input would be appreciated. I don't have a treadmill and it is quiet icy outside now so walking for exercise is limited for the moment.

My surgery is on Feb 6th and want to know if I can continue using my inversion table. Has anyone used one and did you have problems using it after surgery? Blessings bearbelly

I'm looking for new shoes for the gym, and thought I'd ask your opinion on your favorites? Because I'm bigger and I'm a supinator (I roll out, not in), sometimes I have a hard time finding a shoe that's a good fit for me. I've been really happy with Brooks in the past, and I'm thinking I'll end up with them again. But.. wanted to put it out there, and see if I've been missing out on some sort of miracle shoe!

yesterday worked out with a personal trainer and felt decent as I did 200 cunches and 3 sets of holding a medicine ball and twisting (oblique excerise) this morning, woke up at 6 a.m. with the kind of punched in the stomach feeling when I got the band put in ( March 08) do you think I just overworked my muscles or did I do anything to harm my band or port? possibility- I also just got a fill 2 days ago and it might be tender ? the pain is a few cm above my port incision , which is right under where my clevage meets. It hurts to cough. Maybe someone has some help here before I call my Dr. so I don't become the girl who cried wolf

Hi... I just joined my local Y, and started doing Lap Swim 3 nights a week. Does anyone know if this is good to help eliminate "Batwings"? lol You know, the flabby skin/fat under your arms that make you look like you could take flight in a strong breeze?? Or do you have any other suggestions ? I'm trying to get a little prepped for summer :-) Thanks for any suggestions ! Peace

I just spent 2 hours dragging my old Nordic track out of the garage, cleaning it off and re-assembling it. Only to find that my thighs are too big to make the strides. (The skis are too close together). Damn! It's too cool for the pool, and arthritis in my feet and knees keeps me from walking on pavement for even a little while. How frustrating! Guess I'll drag out that old Lesley Sansone walking tape. Better days are coming. KEEP THE FAITH!!

Does anyone notice a connection between strength training and having an easier time sleeping? I had insomnia for years and it got better when I cut out coffee. Well, the last couple of weeks I can barely stay awake past 9:30. I am alert and active during the day but I pass out in 20 seconds at bedtime. The only thing that has changed is the intensity of my workouts. Is there any science to back this up?

I am so excited for myself. After a couple weeks of not swimming due to the terrible, cold weather and my own laziness, last night I was suddenly inspired to try running. I walked down to meet a friend at a coffee shop last night and was running late...I realized I only had a couple minutes to get there so I picked up my pace. I realized I could practically jog if I wanted to. So I woke up early and got on my gym clothes, put on my ipod and took off! It took about 25 minutes to go to the end of my long street (many blocks) and I was on a flat surface the whole time. I ran one or two blocks, then walked one or two blocks. It was great. I can't wait to get to the p…

Do you think there is a link between having an (to whatever degree) addictive personality and viewing going to the gym or working out as a habit, something one must do? I hear of people who, after doing it for a couple of months, HAVE to go to the gym. I am just not one of those people. I have to set 10 week goals and switch up my workout every two months to keep my motivation. I have a friend who does have an addictive personality tell me that all she needs to do is start working out and within a couple of months she will be compelled to go to the gym regularily. So, I am curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this?

Guys, I have done really well on the Couch to 5k but I am looking for something to do on my non running days. I am looking something like the podcasts from Couch to 5k but for spinning. Anyone have a suggestion?

My husband is offshore in Nigeria () until the end of march and since I am 'this close' to goal I plan on pounding it out at the gym so I can look fantastic when he comes home. To make it even sweeter, we are going home to MN for a visit when he gets home and only a couple people have seen me as the weight was coming off. It is going to be fun. Anyway, I am thinking about getting a trainer for a few sessions and setting up a 30 minute workout (not including warm up and cool down) that involves free weights and the bosu ball. I am doing a lower heart rate fat burning instead of cardio and yoga and pilates. I would LOVE to hear what everyone else is doing and what seems to …

Hey all, Any of you know any good exercises that help reduce the loose skin too. I'm finding that I have loose "flags" of skin on my upper arms and was wondering if there is a weight exercise that tones muscle AND gets rid of that ugly skin as our weightloss shrinks us. Is there any hope?

After my surgery and post-op recovery I started moving around a little. About 6 weeks after, i began a little more exercise and notice my back was hurting. It is the area right at the base of my shoulder blades, almost even with where my band would seem to be. It hurts pretty bad when I twist and turn or stand up straight. The other day I tried to bowl and OMG I thought I broke something. The weird thing is , my wife had her surgery in December and she is noticing back pain in the same area.

Start of a new month and start of a new exercise challenge. How about getting some more new faces involved? I started off things right. In the work gym @ 0440 for 33 minutes on treadmill, including 5k run in just under 29 minutes. Into the real gym tonight for upper body and a little more cardio. LET'S GET IT ON!:thumbup:

So I am SORT OF following the couch to 5k idea. I'm starting by walking/running. I have run 5 times now, and run 1.2 miles, which is to the end of my street (before it turns into a hill) and back home again. I'm running very early in the morning while it's still dark. I see all the delivery trucks dropping things off for the restaurants so it's kind of fun. Anyway, what is a GOOD time for a mile? Yesterday my 1.2 miles took about 17 minutes. That only burns about 170 calories. I was hoping it would burn more, but I guess not. Eventually I want to be able to do the 5k, so I need to build up to that. I have until May. Anyway, is that a good time??? Training Cal…

I need some serious help. Since my husband has been laid off from his job we have NO funds for me to join a gym, much less buy any kind of exercise equipment. That being said... 1) How do you motivate yourself to work out at home? At least in the gym I let myself start out getting motivated by not wanting to look ike the fat loser who couldn't do more than 15 minutes on the treadmill. (Hey, it worked wen I first started, then I stopped caring about what others thought because I was there for ME.) 2) What kind of exercise do you do? I just found the couch to 5k website and plan on starting that on Monday. If I have to I could probably budget $10 or $15 on a set of smal…

I was looking at a pictures of me and my weight loss over the last couple of months (for those who don't know, I've decided against the Lapband and to do it on my own) and I'm getting quite good results. I think the key to my success though is that I didn't go flat out with the exercise straight away. I started it out slowly, only walking 3 days a week for 30 mins... and over the last couple of months have increased it to walking in the morning 5 days a week, Personal Training 3 days a week and running in the evenings 5 days a week. If I had of started off that way, I would of given up as it would of been so hard for me. But the weight is consistently dropping off and…

This is for any/all "banditas" out there who has Humana's Medicare-approved HMO, PPO, &/or PFFS plans: Curves has been added to the nationwide SilverSneakers network of participating locations. "Effective January 1, 2009 Humana members may use any participating Curves location AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. For the location nearest you, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-866-634-1067, Monday--Friday, 8 a.m. to8 p.m. EST. TTY: 1-800-833-3301, Monday--Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m." {This is the direct quote from the mailing I received this morning, and since I have a Medicare-approved PPO plan through Humana, I thought maybe there are some "banditas" in the U.S.A. who could…

I was banded on 10/22/08 and have been going to the gym on regular basis about 6 weeks now. I just saw a post on another website stating should not be doing situps? Anybody out there know if this is true.

I was just curious if there are any other banders that do Cross Fit as their exercise regimen? I have been doing the cross fit training for about 11 weeks and feel like it is a really great workout. I work with a trainer and we have a group of us that workout together. It makes it a lot more fun and really makes you work hard! Thanks! Sheila

Hey Everyone, Here is the deal I admit in highschool i was average size and really didnt exercise all that much .Now the older I got I put on more weight and tried exercising and got discouraged because exercising never really made a difference,.Then over time I found I was always hungry and just gave up..... I was ready another post that if people are have a hungry feeling alot and are into exersising then the Lapband is a right choice for them. If not then the Gastric by pass would be a more acceptable procedure for them? I dont have a treadmill here and am saving for one. I walk the dogs daily -harder in winter but am saving for a treadmill. To be honest I know…