Happy New Year Everyone!!!

I thought I would start a January exercise challenge thread, until Band Chick is able to put a new one up.

Have a wonderful and healthy January!

Crazy Ates January Exercise Challenge

0/20 Days of Exercise

Mexico

Back from another day on the bridge. Really windy so I dropped down to 4.8 miles for this walk. Hope everyone is doing good......Dave

Hey all,

I didn't get to the gym Thurs through Saturday, but I did get good walks in at the dog park Sat and Sun and did 30 minutes of additional cardio and upper body resistance training yesterday.

Today I've got work, followed by a chiropractor's appointment, dog walking for my pooch and my sister's little old doggie, then belly dance tonight, so I won't make the gym, but at least I'll get my shimmies in!

My ultimate goal is to do workouts at the gym Mon-Fri, then the dog park on the weekends. I find it easier to get to the gym on the way home from work and then can relax on the weekends a bit more. My bargain with myself is that I have to go once on the weekend for any day missed during the week.

Thanks Dave! BTW, I think I have driven over that bridge that you walk on -- is it close to the Tampa airport?

I just returned from the gym. Tonight was weight lifting with the trainer. I was a bit fatigued from all of the hiking I did over the weekend, but once I got started I caught a second wind and ended up having a decent workout.

Becky, tonight was the first night of your exercise class -- right? How did it go?

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

12/30 Exercise Sessions

Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hey, thanks for the words of encouragement Dave. I am glad to have you all as my exercise buddies. It helps me to feel accountable to other like-minded individuals.

Frangi, thanks for asking about my exercise class. It did start today - 8:00 am on Mon. & Wed. It is an actual class on a college campus. You know how they start out - no real exercise on the first day. We toured the facilities and went over the course outline. It's really very nice and well equipped; they have a cardio room, a weight room, pool, etc. Anyway, the reason I opted for this is because the instructor is an exercise physiologist who will help us each develop an individualized exercise program and I'll have complete use of all the facilities (not just during class time) for the entire semester. That's five months for less than $100. I just thought it sounded like an excellent way to expand my exercising horizons without making a long term commitment to a gym. I hope I can learn to like it (I've never cared much for weight lifting). We should start using the equipment on Wednesday. There will also be an assessment to determine my current fitness level. Yikes! I know it sure is alot better than it was 6 months ago.

Pizzicato, glad to see you checking in. It sounds like you are staying plenty busy and getting a good variety of exercise. I admire all of you who get to the gym after working all day. If I don't get my exercise in early, I'm much more likely to blow it off.

Today I did my usual 40 minute walk.

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

8/20 days of exercise

Good morning!

Becky, that class you are taking sounds fabulous -- and what a bargain too!

I got a nice cardio workout in this morning.

Have a great day everyone!

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

13/30 Exercise Sessions

Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thanks for the inspiration, gang - you guys are really rockin' it!

I had a great night at dance class. Last night, for some reason, everything was clicking for me and I FINALLY got a step I'd been working on for over a year! I don't know what did it - maybe I just dove in and blew away a mental block, but my hips can now do a 3/4 shimmy. YAY!!!!! It's one of those steps that take forever to get but are used all the time in belly dance. I feel SO much more encouraged about it all.

I also got brave and hiked up my t-shirt so my belly was out, scars, flab and all. It's still VERY jiggly, but it really helps to see if I'm getting the moves right. I'm also able to feel the muscle and bone under the flab, as well as my port. That's progress!!

Now, if I could just get that skin to start tightening up. I have a feeling the thighs and lower abs are going to be pretty loose after all this (being 41 does not help on this one). If things tighten up, I'm getting my surgical scars tattooed with some kind of cool design that will show when I dance, and I want to pierce my navel and stick something fun and sparkly in there. If not, we'll see about that tummy tuck, first, I guess!

Hello all,

Hey Pizzicato, I was thinking of a belly peircing, too! My legs and butt are really hurting today! I have been hitting the gym pretty hard. I have been really stressed at home. My grandson (19 mos) just moved in with us for at least 5 mos. I am trying to adjust to that and work and another semester in school. Please keep me and my family in your good thoughts and prayers. Anyway, the work outs help me to let go of the stress. I have been hitting the gym almost every weekday morning and take classes on Sunday. If I can get my fill levels right, I should really drop some pounds and inches.

Anyway, everyone is really doing well with the January challenge! keep up the good work!

Val

Pizzi, I think your belly dancing is awesome. Its great to finding some exercise that you really enjoy.

Valstar, you are so wise to keep exercising during this stressful time. That's usually when people quit, but I really understand now how much exercising helps our minds and moods. Keep it up and I hope things in your life settle down soon.

Oh, count me out on the belly piercing, but you gals go for it.

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

9/20 days of exercise

I almost forgot to report that I walked my usual 40 minutes this morning.

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

9/20 days of exercise

Nice work guys!

Val - kudos for you for taking the time you need to destress right now. You're doing all the right stuff!

I didn't make it to the gym last night but will go tonight for sure! I had a phone interview for a job in San Francisco and it sounds perfect but I don't think they can pay me an affordable salary (they're talking only $5k more than I'm getting now and it's about 25% more expensive there than in MN). No move package either, so it would all be out of my pocket. I do have a second interview with them tomorrow night (along with another opportunity in LA), so I figure we'll make a decision if/when an offer comes in.

I really overdid it the other day and I have a HUGE not in my stomach muscles right where my port is. It is even causing me issues when I sleep so I had to take Sunday and Monday off. However, I will be back to exercising tonight. When I get my tax refund I am going to go join a gym. The video is great, but I can't push myself to the max, and that is what I want to do sometimes. Plus we live on the top floor of an apartment complex so I have to be careful about what I do as to not disrupt the downstairs neighbors. Decided now that I am not supporting my brother financially that this is something that I can afford to do.

Pizzi, I hope the perfect job opportunity comes your way. Are you wanting to move or just wanting a new job?

Well, my exercise class is starting a little slower than I'd hoped. We did more classroom stuff today but she promised we'd start exercising next time. I did get in my regular 40 minute walk after class and I've really picked up the pace since New Years. I'm almost jogging if that makes any sense.

Salsa, be careful. You work out so hard that I'm afraid you really are going to injure yourself.

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

10/20 days of exercise

Salsa, I agree with Becky, be careful. I am beginning to wonder if crunches are good for we Bandsters anyhow. After I did one hundred of them during a training session last week, I had port pain too. Now I am doing different exercises for abs, like leg raises.

Pizzicato, good luck with your upcoming interviews. I think you are smart to hold out for a job that will offer a raise commensurate with the increased living expenses you will have in California, and also an offer that will include moving expenses.

I got two workouts in today -- one hour of cardio and one hour of weight lifting.

Have a great night everyone!

Crazy Ates JANUARY Exercise Challenge

15/30 Exercise Sessions

Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Salsa, I agree with Becky, be careful. I am beginning to wonder if crunches are good for we Bandsters anyhow. After I did one hundred of them during a training session last week, I had port pain too. Now I am doing different exercises for abs, like leg raises.

Actually I tried working out today and it just hurt too bad so I stopped. I am joining the gym tomorrow and am going to hold off on the situps for a while. I am going to ask my doctor about situps when I go in on Monday.

If you are wanting to do something for your abs, I recommend pilates. It doesn't seem as stressful as crunches but it is very effective. I am enjoying the class and maybe its me but it seems my stomach is getting more tone and definition as a result. I didn't change my ticker, but 2 more workouts down.

Val