LastOptionAtty

Ebony all I can say is :w00t:WOWOWOWOW I bet you are sore that sounds like a real workout!!! More power to ya!!!! Its cold in Dc so skipped lunch time workout/walk today. I should go to the gym but I am a little sore from my workout plus it TOM :tt2: boo hisss but I will see how I feel on my way home worst case I will do something on ON Demand or a DVD if I don't do the gym. :wub:

If you see the secret life of bees, let me know how it was. I amd definatley going to take this challenge. I'm gonna join LA Fitness since they are running a special now of $0 down.:biggrin: Hey there! I didn't make it to the movies. I was soooo relaxed I skipped the movies The spa was the best I made another appt. for the first Sunday in Nov. :wub:

Well I went out last night with some friends for someone's birthday. I had half my meal we went to a Carribean spot and I has jerk chicken and rice and peas and fried plantian. A/w I was up late b/c some of the folks came back to stay at my house but I made sure I got to bed so I could be up for Body Pump which is t 9:30pm. I am sooooore Body Pump really works body parts you forget you have lol I am about to hit the shower and go do the eliptical for a few and the Body Pump. Oh also I am finally going to use by spa gift certificate that I got for my birthday back in June! I am going today and maybe going to catch a movie.

:biggrin:Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwww I made it to the gym :tt1: I did 45 minutes of Step aerobics and then I skipped abs and went on the eliptical for 10 minutes the I stayed for Body Combat:lol::tt2: I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :tt1::tt1::tt1: Body Combat! So I got in 2 hours of cardio:thumbup::thumbup: I am such a black or white, on or off, yes or no person so I am either a gym rat or not so I have to just jump back in feet first and get my stride back. I've been trying to ease back into working out but I see that just doesn't work for me. :cool2: A/w I feel good although I got a good look at myself in the mirror boy I can see the weight I gained back big time :thumbdown:but that's ok onward, upward. Tomorrow- Body Pump & Body Flow Thanks so much for joining me you all have inspired me so much!!!:tongue_smilie:

Oh my sistahs!!!! I am about to take my shower and go to the gym, the bed is so nice and warm I can't even think too hard about it or I'll stay in lol Ok off to Step :tt1::thumbup::thumbup::cool2: Who else is getting at leat 30 mins in on this beautiful Saturday??!!!:tongue_smilie:

You are welcome :girl_hug:and I am glad you took my post in the spirit in which it was intended! I think you, like most of us here are smart, strong, focused, driven Black women who can and have done just about anything we put our minds to so you are 110% right you can do this! P.S.Sorry for the typos I was on my way out of the office running late for my bus but I am glad you got the point from my long winded self:biggrin::smile2:

Sis I am going to go against the grain and play the devil’s advocate… I will make a generalization and say one thing about seeing a shrink or a therapist they usually only have one hidden agenda in terms of the advice or questions they ask you; they usually make statements and ask probing questions to move you from where you are to where you want to be. One thing I am seeing is the band is not the quick fix that I am really looking for. I now understand it is a tool and I spend a lot of time on the forum about the people who feel the band isn’t working for them and the slow loser one b/c there is a common theme the band is a lot of work. She may have been trying to spur you on given your driven personality, maybe she thought saying gastric was better for you would kick start that same drive for weight loss as you’ve exhibited in other areas of your life? I don’t know? Maybe? On the other hand she may genuinely not get how you are superwoman walking around and adding yet another burden or responsibility to your over booked calendar seems like a bad idea to her. Think about it... there’s seeing a nutritionist, getting regular fills, check ups, blood work, packing food, measuing food, counting calories, watching your diet, exercise, will power, family, school, work, other activities I am sure you forgot to even tell her about and maybe in her mind the way a person like you can maximize their weight loss is by getting gastric bypass b/c you lose weight so fast and don’t have to worry about monthly visits, fills, etc. I think maybe her perception was that you are determined to lose weight and with gastric it’s a given, with the band as the Dr. I spoke with explained it “the Band is this much help” and held her fingers about an inch apart her words were “if ALL you need is just a litttleee edge the band is for you” I was disappointed! But I get it. The band is work.... The Psych. may have had her idea of what was best for you thinking what if keeping up is overwhelming and you don't get the results you want and deserve? What if don’t reach your goal, how will that affect you in the long run? Again I am just guessing here… But let’s be clear if she says yes or no she still gets paid so what is her motivation (?) it wasn't to be mean to you... she could just have rubber stamped you like a lot of others do rather than really get you to think about this. Why else would she seriously, if not to make you stop and truly think about all your options? Like I said just playing the devils advocate I don't know what was in her mind and I think the lapband is a good option so is Weight watcher, Jenny Craig, and Nutrisystem any weight loss plan works its about what you can live with and have success with in the long run. So in the end its of course up to you and I think your mind is made up and I say stick to your guns! Every time a craving hits you or you want to skip the gym her annoying voice will be ringing in your ear as you near your goal!!! I am excited for you can’t wait to hear your progress!! As the saying goes Success is the sweetest revenge!!!! :smile::thumbup:

Oh wow you are inspiring me maybe I go to the gym tonight? Depends on the traffic I guess that always messes me up I get on the road and my commute takes all my energy:sad: But worst case I have ON DEmand I can get something in tonight and that way no excuses tomorrow!!! :frown:

So far I am going strong! I guess yesterday was not really a planned workout but I went to the bank at lunch time and I took the bus but it was at least a 15 minute walk from the bus stop. That coupled with some other walking downstairs, etc and other things like cleaning up last night I am sure I got me my (yeah I said it) 30 mins. :rolleyes2: This weekend is my big gym comeback I have NOTHING PLANNED!!!:cool2: Ok that's a lie I have a dinner birthday thing around 6pm but all day Saturday is mine and same for Sunday so my botty belongs to the gym!!!! :thumbdown::thumbup: Here is my plan for Saturday Step-9:30 Body Vive-10:30 (maybe) Sunday Body Pump-9:30 Body Flow-10:30 My pants are so tight it isn't funny!!! I refuse to buy bigger clothing again not with a closet full of stuff!!!:smile: I am starting to feel pain in my foot again and I don't like that one bit. I didn't have the best Breakfast but I have a WW meal for lunch and some fruits for Snacks.:thumbup: How is everyone doing so far???!!

Good job!!!!

10-15-2008 Check in!!! Anyone out there get anything in yet??? I didn't go for my walk I am in a blah mood waking up at 3 am and fighting to get back to sleep till after 4 am was not funny and since I have to be up around 5 or 5:30am you know I have my door closed! :mad::thumbup::tt2: No one has said anything to me all day and vice versa lol well that's not true I got caught going to the bathroom and to heat up lunch. I went for Snacks at 3pm I was doing so well all day and I broke down and got Cookies, a muffin, small bag of cheeze-its and fat free milk oh and a reeses cup :smile: But I have therapy tonight until 7:30 my goal is to go to the gym on my way home or do 30 mins of ON Demand anything:crying: I'll check in later with SOMETHING I promise!!!

Alllrighty Sheila!! :thumbup::thumbup:Check back in sis!!

YEAHHHHH YETTIA!!!! Welcome!!! Looking forward to your post by tonight!!! :smile:

WOW! Thanks for sharing that!!! I think that is excellent advice and I already have a note pad with info in it from the seminar and I think if I go forward I will do that; be very diligent with knowing what I need and how my body is reacting. The seminar I went to was really pushing the sleeve and I agree it is a good option! I am excited for you and I think your positive attitude is wonderful!!! Can't wait to hear your updates!

THAT IS EXCELLENT!!!! :thumbup:Ho many times a weeka re you working out? What are you meals like? How often to you eat a day? I am just trying to get a sense of your journey!

Best Wishes Sheena!!!!:tt2: Now you said you had the band removed? What happened? And what form of wls are you planning on next month?

I forgot to check in and I am up anyway so I said let me post Day 2- I almost forgot about my extra 15 minutes so while I was on the phone and watching tv I said it outloud so my friend said just do it now so I marched in place, did squats, and leg raises fo 15 minutes!

Thank you!!! Yeah my PCP mentioned gastric to me I told her I didnt like that idea and asked her about the band she said b/c of weight I should consider gastric. Shortly thereafter she had a patient, 30 years old Mom of 3 who died from gastric. So when I mentioned the lapband this time she said good! I also do not know anyone with the land so this site has been vey, very helpful!

Ohhhhh so sorry to hear that TravelLady!!!!! But safety first and your new date is right around the bend! One slip isn't fatal the best part is you caught yourself and got your mind back in the game b/c your goal is in sight!!!:regular_smile:

THANK YOU for all of your insight ladies. It has been very, very helpful!! :laugh: Well I just got a call from the Dr.'s office. My consult is 11/19/08 and I will meet with the nutritionist the same day. I think the woman was shocked that I didn't jump at the soonest date possible but my schedule is very hectic and I have to travel for business the next day so it works b/c I get that day to travel so I will not have to use my own sick or vacation time.

fitness articles-http://www.womenfitness.net/ex_at_office.htm exercise & fitness Exercise at Your Office You may not want to turn your office into a mini gym, but there are exercises you can do at or near your desk to boost energy levels, relieve stress and burn calories. These are exercises which you can practice anytime of the day, while you are in the kitchen or in your office or even before a bath. Try some squats: Stand in front of your office chair or Infact any sturdy chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees as though you're sitting on the chair, keeping your weight on your heels. When your legs are parallel with the seat of the chair, slowly rise to your original standing position. Opt for plié squats: Take a wide stance with your toes pointing outward. Standing upright, slowly bend your knees in the direction of your toes until you can no longer see your toes. Slowly return to your starting position. Hold up the wall with wall sits: With your back touching the wall, move your feet away from the wall so that the wall is supporting the weight of your back. Bend your knees so that your legs form a 90-degree angle. Hold as long as you can. < Pose like a warrior - with a lunge: With your arms by your side, take a giant step forward with your right leg so your thigh is parallel with the floor. Pushing off the same leg, return to your starting position. Repeat with the left leg. (Traveling lunges are also an option.) During a coffee break, try calf raises: Holding onto your desk, wall, slab or a file cabinet for balance, raise your heels off the floor, then lower. Peek into your neighbor's cubical while you do toe raises: Sitting in your chair or standing, lift and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the ground, or walk around on the heels of your feet. Burn those buns with a gluteal squeeze: While sitting or standing, squeeze the muscles of your rear end. Hold, then relax. Get on the floor and do some crunches: Lying on your back with your knees bent, reach for your knees, hold for two counts, then return to the floor. Get into the habit of frequently contracting and releasing your abdominal muscles through out the day. Stay on the floor to do some push-ups: Perform standing upright with your hands a little wider than shoulder-width apart, against a wall or lying facedown on the ground. Do some dips: With the palms of your hands on your chair and feet on the floor, scoot your rear end off the end of your chair. Bend your elbows, lowering, then straighten your arms to return to the starting position. Release tension with shoulder raises: Raise your shoulders up to your ears, hold, then relax. As you introduce these into your daily schedule , you will realize that, after all practicing everydayis not all that difficult. Tips: Use discretion in the by knowing what's appropriate for your work environment. If you're not familiar with strength-training exercises, seek the assistance of a personal trainer or knowledgeable friend to get you started properly. Always warm up or begin exercising gradually. Perform enough repetitions of each to feel fatigue in the muscles being worked. It helps to have comfortable clothes on hand or a workplace that observes a casual dress code.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy How to Exercise at Your Office | eHow.com

Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/office-exercise/SM00115 Office exercise: How to burn calories while you work If you're doing your best to set aside time for exercise either before work or after work, good for you. But finding time to exercise can be a challenge for anyone with a busy schedule. Why not work out while you're at work? Office exercise 101 Sure, you know you can park at the far end of the parking lot and take the stairs instead of the elevator. These are great ideas, but there's even more you can do to burn calories during your workday — especially if you sit at a desk most of the day. Consider 10 creative ways to make office exercise part of your routine: Make the most of your commute. Walk or bike to work. If you ride the bus, get off a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way. Look for opportunities to stand. You'll burn more calories standing than sitting. Try a standing desk, or improvise with a high table or counter. Eat lunch standing up. Trade instant messaging and phone calls for walks to other desks or offices. Take fitness breaks. Rather than hanging out in the lounge with coffee or a snack, take a brisk walk or do some gentle stretching. Pull your chin toward your chest until you feel a stretch along the back of your neck, or slowly bring your shoulders up toward your ears. Trade your office chair for a fitness ball. A firmly inflated fitness ball can make a good chair. You'll improve your balance and tone your core muscles while sitting at your desk. You can even use the fitness ball for wall squats or other exercises during the day. Keep exercise equipment in your work area. Store resistance bands — stretchy cords or tubes that offer weight-like resistance when you pull on them — or small hand weights in a desk drawer or cabinet. Do arm curls between meetings or tasks. Get social. Organize a lunchtime walking group. You might be surrounded by people who are ready to lace up their walking shoes — and hold each other accountable for regular exercise. Enjoy the camaraderie, and offer encouragement to one another when the going gets tough. Conduct meetings on the go. When it's practical, schedule walking meetings or brainstorming sessions. Do laps inside your building or, if the weather cooperates, take your walking meetings outdoors. Pick up the pace. If your job involves walking, do it faster. Take long, easy strides, and remember to breathe freely while you walk. If you travel for work, plan ahead. Exercise doesn't need to go by the wayside when you're traveling. If you're stuck in an airport waiting for a plane, grab your bags and take a brisk walk. Choose a hotel that has fitness facilities — such as treadmills, weight machines or a pool — or bring your equipment with you. Jump-ropes and resistance bands are easy to sneak into a suitcase. Of course, you can do jumping jacks, crunches and other simple exercises without any equipment at all. Try a treadmill desk. If you're ready to take office exercise to the next level, consider a more focused walk-and-work approach. If you can comfortably position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen on a stand, a keyboard on a table or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk — you may be able to walk while you work. In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers estimate that overweight office workers who replace sitting computer time with walking computer time by two to three hours a day could lose 44 to 66 pounds (20 to 30 kilograms) in a year. The pace doesn't need to be brisk, nor do you need to break a sweat. The faster you walk, however, the more calories you'll burn. Want more ideas for office exercise? Schedule a walking meeting to brainstorm ideas with your supervisors or co-workers. Remember, any physical activity counts!

Really its any time of the day but in the spirit of our 30 minute/30 day pledge here are some ideas for us! Office Workout - Exercises you can do at work Office Exercise Click pictures for closer look Stretches for Your Wrists and Arms Wrist Stretch: Extend arm in front, palm up and grab fingers with other hand. Gently pull hand down to stretch the forearm. Repeat other side. Wrist & Forearm: Press hands together in front of chest, elbows bent and parallel to the floor. Gently bend wrists to the right and left. Back Twist: Sit upright in chair and place left arm behind left hip. Twist to the left and hold, repeating on other side. Leg Extension, Hip Flexion and Inner Thigh Leg Extension: Sit in chair, abs in. Extend left leg until level with hip. Hold for 2 seconds, repeat other side. Hip Flexion: Sitting in chair, lift left foot off the floor a few inches, knee bent. Hold 2 seconds and repeat other side. Inner Thigh: Place full Water bottle between knees and, keeping abs in, squeeze bottle gently. Repeat. Chair Squat and Tricep dips Chair Squat: Periodically while sitting, lift butt off the seat and hover over chair for 2-3 seconds. Stand up and repeat. Dips: Make sure chair is stable and place hands next to hips. Move hips in front of chair and bend elbows, lowering body until elbows are at 90 degrees. Repeat. Standing Leg Exercises Standing Hip Flexion: Stand with abs in, spine straight. Lift leg up until level with hip. Hold for 2 seconds, repeat other side. Leg Lift: In same starting position as above, lift left leg straight out to the side a few inches off the floor. Hold for 2 seconds, repeat on the other side. Front Raise, Overhead Press and Bicep Curl Front Raise: Sit in chair, abs in and spine straight. Hold water bottle in right hand and raise arm up to shoulder level. Hold 2 seconds and repeat other side. Overhead Press: Hold water bottle in right hand, elbow bent, and extend arm overhead. Repeat other side. Bicep Curl: Hold water bottle in right hand and, with abs in and spine straight, curl bottle towards shoulder. Repeat other side. Abs Abs: Sit on the edge of chair, arms extending in front. Keeping back straight, contract the abs and slowly lower torso towards back of chair. Hold 2-3 seconds and repeat. Curls: Cross arms over chest and sit up straight. Contract abs and curl shoulder towards hips, pulling abs in. Hold for 2 seconds and repeat.

*whew* I am back! Its about 80 degrees in DC so it was a perfect day for a walk. I walked down the 7 flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator and I went around my building and a small park and it was about 13-14 minutes so by the time I marched in place on the elevator I hit exactly 15 minutes by the time I sat back down! Half-way there for the day! I may just do 15 minutes of squats and side leg raises in my office for the other 15 minutes after I cool down! Whew! I actually worked up a sweat!!!