<p>If it feels like someone is regularly trying to one up you or force you to do what they want you to do when it has nothing to do with what you want to do, it’s offputting. Sometimes this can happen when we’re eager to join in but don’t know too much about the people with whom we’re conversing. A few ways to avoid this friction are to observe for a while, take a touch extra time before posting to think about words, and realize some of the people with whom one is communicating may tend more towards collaboration than competition.</p>
<p>Yes. The only competition I need is with myself - however I do appreciate the motivation and thoughts and ideas to ponder within this thread. Do what’s best for you and be proud of it and own it, but most of us don’t want/need a “dare”!!! Even though I’ve been a member of this thread for awhile (but not quite thread “senior” status - hahaha) sometimes I step back and just read and contemplate my personal goals, wants, needs.</p>
<p>Happy New Year to all! I just spent 30 mins skimming the posts since I was last on this thread. (How many calories does that burn, do you think?) But, I finally joined the local gym/fitness center here in RI (near our new house at the beach), and this morning I got in a solid 60 minute workout. SO, now I feel “worthy” to be back here posting! 
</p>
<p>Anyway, one post, quite a few pages back, that really caught my attention was about the whole Run/Walk program. It took me so long last year to be able to run 3 miles non-stop, and after having not exercised much for the past several months, I was not looking forward to starting all over. I think I’ll give the Jeff Galloway method a try.</p>
<p>I’m glad to be back on this thread - there’s a certain amount of accountability that comes with posting, and that helps me stay on track. </p>
<p>PS It’s a balmy -2 here; maybe I’ll go for a walk on the beach!</p>
<p>I haven’t checked it out, but apparently Galloway is marketing a timer for the run/walk method. You can set your watch up, too, of course, but his timer might be interesting. I somehow picture carrying one of those kitchen timers! :)</p>
<p>MTA Here it is. <a href=“http://jeff-galloway-e-shop.mybigcommerce.com/run-walk-run-timer/[/url]”>http://jeff-galloway-e-shop.mybigcommerce.com/run-walk-run-timer/</a></p>
<p>CBBBlinker, I also was intrigued by the run/walk method and have been trying it out and I think it’s been a success for me. Honestly, I think it might be more mental than anything else but hey, who cares.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Hey, that’s the GymBoss interval timer that I use for my Tabata planks! Once you get the hang of programming it, it works fine. Set whatever length you want for the work interval and whatever length you want for the rest interval and then the number of reps.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It’s a long story! :)</p>
<p>When I was first trying to do burpees after losing 50 pounds, I stumbled across her burpee demonstration on YouTube. </p>
<p>[Fitness</a> - Boot Camp Workout 1: Burpee’s Exercise - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYfNA_lmkHM]Fitness”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYfNA_lmkHM)</p>
<p>Even though I could only do three burpees before collapsing in a heap, I took as one of those fun challenges. That was in November 2011 if I recall. At the time, she was posting a weekly workout and for the New Year 2012, she posted a workout alternating between burpees and sandbag (or kettlebell) swings. I started doing that workout (Burpee Fusion) and still do my own version of it today.</p>
<p>[Burpees</a> Slaughter Workout! - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDAPnajWq-0]Burpees”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDAPnajWq-0)</p>
<p>This video actually taught me how to do a proper kettlebell swing. You see… it was indelibly seared in my brain that the swing is driven by the hips… :)</p>
<p>I do it that workout this way. About 30 seconds of each exercise, starting the next exercise on the minute, every minute for a 6 minute set:</p>
<p>Burpees
KB swings
Burpees
KB swings
Burpees
KB swings</p>
<p>Then, I rest between sets and do a total of three sets for a nice 20 minute workout.</p>
<p>At the time, Svetlana had a HUGE YouTube following and people were filming themselves doing burpees around the world – at the Japanese Imperial Palace, on top of mountains, etc. I didn’t send mine in, but I did post it here:</p>
<p>[Burpees</a> with Abe - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wpKLMW3jnY]Burpees”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wpKLMW3jnY)</p>
<p>Not my best effort on a cold day after walking about 4 miles before arriving at the Lincoln Memorial, but burpees nonetheless…</p>
<p>Ya gotta find entertainment and motivation for fitness whereever you can find it. It’s finding those little bits of silly motivation that keep it fresh and fun to exercise.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice, MichaelNKat!</p>
<p>In order to liven things up, my instructor made a little competition where one partner hits an RPM and then you try to beat their RPM. It was amazing because I never thought I’d be able to cycle that fast! I liked the “competition” because my partner really encouraged me to keep going when I was giving up. It was nice to have someone rooting for you. :)</p>
<p>I have a lot of trouble maintaing my speed when I get into Level 5. It’ll be something that I’ll have to work on this semester! </p>
<p>Planet Fitness is havin they’re $10 a month membership thing…I’m debating whether I should get it now, pay towards the months I don’t come until summer…or wait and see if they offer it again in May. Fingers crossed they offer this again in the summer.</p>
<p>No flying cap remover for me this morning. Did enjoy the video though. 3 mi treadmill run followed by inverted rows.</p>
<p>The run/walk really isn’t just mental. It allows your muscles that are used for running to “rest” so to speak. Back in the day, before Galloway, the method was called “Osler” after an ultra-marathoning guru. I used in in both my age group world record ultras (as did all of us) and it is amazing how much more distance you can cover using that. There is real science behind it, and if I were smart, I would use it religiously in my long runs and marathons, instead of thinking I can gut it out and get it over with faster. I’m sure I’m close to that point… You see more and more runners doing this- and not just those at the back of the pack.</p>
<p>Any recommendations for a treadmill. It will be put in my basement and the ceilings aren’t the highest. I have never used a treadmill and so I am not sure what to look for.</p>
<p>Would like a quality machine. Could use a recommendation from anyone in the Boston area about where to purchase it. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Peacefulmom:</p>
<p>If you’ve never used a treadmill, I would take advantage of the current Planet Fitness deal (thru Jan 10): $10 down, $10 a month, no commitment, quit anytime. Then, go a few times at quiet times and play around on their treadmills to see if you even like them. It’s pretty expensive purchase unless you really know that you’ll like it.</p>
<p>Or, for $10 a month, you could go once a week to get your treadmill fix at Planet Fitness…</p>
<p>Treadmill Doctor is the best site for info about treadmills. They have a Buyer’s Guide that might help you get started, and hundreds of reviews:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/treadmill-buyers-guide[/url]”>http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/treadmill-buyers-guide</a></p>
<p>As for where to buy in the Boston area - there aren’t too many places left that specialize in exercise equipment. The place I bought my treadmill from is gone. Precision Fitness Equipment and Gym Source are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head. They will have the most expensive machines.</p>
<p>After that, the ordinary sporting good stores such as Dick’s or Sports Authority will have some, and then retail stores like Walmart and Sears, or even CostCo, will have lower-end machines.</p>
<p>And almost everything is available on the internet.</p>
<p>MOWC, glad to know the run/walk isn’t just mental. It does seem to work for me.</p>
<p>OK, I just ordered a GymBoss interval timer & wrist strap. The timers are the same price as on Jeff Galloway’s site, BUT GymBoss has more colors!! (Hey, whatever motivates, you, right?) I’m pretty stoked to try this. I feel as if I get a better workout by running, but it was disheartening not to be able to “go the distance!” Plus, then I’ll have the timer when I “graduate” to dad’s workouts! :)</p>
<p>Made it to the gym today and found they DO have the NuStep, a recumbent stepper. It was just like the one at the PT clinic yesterday. Walked on the track for about 10-15 minutes (my MapMyWalk app wasn’t working well), then did another 20 on the NuStep. </p>
<p>It just felt good to get the green light to do stuff like this again, even if it’s only baby steps. Have my PT exercises to still do this afternoon, which take at least another 20 minutes. H texted me while I was at the gym and asked if I wanted to have a date night and go see a movie (don’t think I ever remember him doing this on a week night), so my greatest temptation will be the popcorn and soda. My other weak link is that I don’t drink enough fluids. I was able to scrounge up some old flavored Stevia drops and start adding a few to my water bottle, and my water intake has increased over the last three days due to this. I know the ultimate goal is no sweetener at all, but again, baby steps. </p>
<p>kmcmom - Thanks so much for the recommendation. Will check the pool area tomorrow and see what other equipment they have, other than the noodles and foam weights. Will also have to see how deep the pool is at the middle, although I’m guessing it is. Will check out your link when I get home tonight.</p>
<p>Our local Costco runs Precor roadshows in Jan-Feb. the prices are very good compared to the fitness equipment stores. I do not know if all costcos have similar pricing on Precor equipment or if it is due to the fact that Precor’s factory is located across the road from this particular Costco. 
I would check Costco’s website for their roadshows in your area. There are currently some LifeFitness machines on display at my Costco (not sold online).</p>
<p>Here is the schedule of the roadshows:</p>
<p><a href=“http://m.costco.com/wcsstore/CostcoUSBCCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/special-events/140102-USp124_SpecialEvents_NE.pdf[/url]”>http://m.costco.com/wcsstore/CostcoUSBCCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/special-events/140102-USp124_SpecialEvents_NE.pdf</a></p>
<p>3 slow miles on the dreadmill…50 minutes! Darn knee is acting up again so I am now resting, elevating and icing.</p>
<p>CBBB, let’s reframe it. Pretend you’re playing softball. You get up to bat, swing, connect, and really whack that ball into the outfield. You run all four bases, home run. You’d feel pretty good about that run, wouldn’t you? Whew. Well, 5K (3.1 miles) is 45+ times around that baseball diamond. :)</p>
<p>[How</a> Long Is a 5K? | ACTIVE](<a href=“http://www.active.com/running/articles/how-long-is-a-5k]How”>How Long Is a 5K? | ACTIVE)</p>
<p>NMinn, good to see you post. Sorry to hear the knee acted up on you today.</p>
<p>Trainer and a three mile run. It was so cold the pool was closed today.</p>