Bunsen, I’m sure you could do cat yoga in the comfort of your own home! Now if they had puppy yoga, I’d be all about that.
CD, I can relate to the weight issue. For some of us, it is such a struggle and there was a lengthy period where I just did not think about calories. I thought about eating healthy (which I did) and stuck to my “rules” (no fast food, etc.) but weight just crept on. I need vigorous exercise. I also need a complete lab workup but am waiting until after the first of the year - we bit the bullet and got the platinum insurance plan this year which costs more premium wise, but will cover far more of our anticipated expenses. I do not see visits with my therapist ending anytime soon, and H has the need for extensive lab work every three months. Pay them now or pay them later!
I was tired yesterday but managed to get laundry done (all those exercise clothes don’t wash themselves) and walk the pups. Yesterday was Sabadog’s fifth birthday - he and Sabapup celebrated with a shared can of Wellness canned chicken. MOWC, how is the new addition settling in? She’s a beauty and looks so sweet.
Sunrise yoga and a 3 mile run yesterday. My pace was just under what I ran in the 5K, so I was happy. Also it was in the high 30’s and windy when I ran and I was fine. So unless it’s going to be bitterly cold I think the NYE 5K will be on the table.
Was going to try Orange Theory today, but just not feeling it. I know that I need to add some strength training to the yoga/running/walking. I do have hand weights at home just need to start using them.
Happy Birthday to Sabadog!
^^^Re: the hand weights. We need MK to list ONE MORE TIME for us a short, concise hand weight workout that can be done in the comfort of our home. (I know he’s listed it before for me - darn it that I didn’t write it down!) Or the suggestion of a short youtube to follow - I’ll admit I’m better following visual directions.
Heading out for a morning walk - gym or outdoor run later depending when the rain arrives.
Forgot to add but will give it a separate post because it’s so important…
@CountingDown I want you to know that I so admire your hard work to beat your health issues - remember that your victories are so much more than what the number on the scale shows - you have literally given yourself life back. Maybe that could be incentive for you to again recreate (because that’s what we all have to do at times when our daily routine or needs change - “recreate”) an exercise or movement schedule that can work with your current daily routine.
You’re right 250 steps an hour doesn’t cut it - I look at that as the mere minimum to get me through the work day - and rely on other exercise before or after the work day as the meat so to speak (keepin it food related!) of my fitness.
Sabaray, that is so interesting. I’d like to get H to read that. I haven’t read it all, but I’m going to save it to my NYT read list.
MK, that is so kind of you. No hurries, really. But I’m thinking others may benefit - so easy to keep a couple of weights at home - just need to know how to use them. And keep using them.
Plus one @CountingDown You have done so well and I know you will continue to do so. It’s a never-ending course!
Sabaray- The new old doggie is doing great. My daughter pointed out that I’ve been spelling her name wrong. I’m pretty good with spelling, but somehow in MY mind, Duchess had a “t” in it! Oops. She’s surpassed expectations. She’s pretty lively and can walk all the way around the block. She is perfectly behaved. A really sweetheart.
It is drizzly and gloomy and I have yet to budge from the house to do my run. I have Christmas stuff to do, but I’ll pry myself out shortly…
I’ve been not that happy with my Fitbit Charge – the step count has always been off, plus other issues, so when the Garmin Vivoactive HR went on sale on Black Friday for half the price, I grabbed one.
I spent a couple days comparing trackers and counting steps. The Garmin is even worse – in the other direction! While the Fitbit under estimates steps by as much 25%, the Garmin over estimates by as much as 50%! Same walk – one said 9,000 steps and the other 15,000. This only happens when I power walk, moving my arms – both are more accurate and similar when I run and when I walk with my hand in my pocket. (I must be the only person whose wrist tracker is more accurate when my arm isn’t moving.) I also tested this by counting 100 steps about 10 separate times, and comparing the two trackers.
I like many things about the Garmin – the face is much easier to read and it fits slightly better on my wrist. I may contact them to see if there’s anything to do. But I’m leaning toward trying out the Apple Watch now, partly because it fits my small wrist much better.
@CountingDown hugs re weight issues. even if you’re not feeling great about the number, be proud that you’re being proactive and considering changes. from observing a lot of family members, i think a slight gain can make a lot of a people go," i’m already screwed, so may as well eat whatever i want," especially around the holidays.
and thanks for the link @sabaray! i gained a few very necessary pounds after my marathon but now that i’m no longer underweight, need to cut back a little to maintain.
8 miles with my running group yesterday. my hamstring turned on a bit at mile seven, but overall held up pretty well. Ran 4 easy miles today and tried a new studio- 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength, 20 minutes of yoga. Though I appreciate the variety, the short intervals kept me from making too much progress on each discipline. 20 minutes of lifting is better than zero, though, I suppose and there were even a few planks mixed in there!
Made myself “embrace the suck” and got out there in the gloomy drizzle. There weren’t many people on the path, and I had new downloaded music (Kane Brown), so it was quite peaceful and nice. My legs were dead from the race yesterday, and my weekly mileage fell a little short, but I did 5.5 miles today. Glad to be back home in my warm sweatshirt!
My wife gave up on her Fitbit and got an Apple Watch. She couldn’t be happier. It actually seems to work. My covert sources tell me my kids are getting me the IWatch Series 2 for Chanukah and I’ll let you all know my hands on impressions once I’ve used it a bit.
I climbed to the top of the church bell tower on Saturday and it was a challenge for me. It confirmed my decision to sign up for a stair climb challenge in March. I was really breathing hard–I am sure I need to pick-up cardio work again, probably spinning. Did a yoga class yesterday–my instructor is going to Morocco for the winter to teach at a yoga retreat center. It sounded interesting. Rest day today.
There is a new place is opening in a town near me–it’s a boxing/fitness place. I think it might be a chain. Has anybody been to one of these places? www.titleboxingclub.com
Reviews?
Bromfield2- I haven’t heard of that, but I have a friend who boxes. I’ll ask her.
Also, I find stair climbing absolutely gets me winded. I’m shared that here before! I go up the 3 plus flights to my office floor and I practically have to rest on the top landing!
Here is what my friend said: (she wasn’t familiar with it, but checked out the site) “Looks like a new twist on cardio kickboxing classes. Could be fun if they take the time to make sure people are wrapped and hitting correctly. If not it is a recipe for injury.”
@abasket and for anyone else interested, here are some ideas for strength training that can be done in the comfort of your home with minimalist equipment.
First some thoughts about “minimalist equipment”. Note that I’m excluding TRX, even though it is pretty minimalistic, since it is a fully self-contained system of exercising that deserves separate treatment from everything else I’m gonna talk about. I can follow up with TRX if there is interest in an in depth discussion about it. So what is “minimalistic” equipment:
First and foremost, your own body. There is a vast array of exercises you can do with just your body weight that will build muscle and strength. These exercises can be scaled in difficulty for novice and "pro" alike. More on that later.
A step bench, just like in your step aerobics class. You will want 3-4 risers per side.
A couple of sturdy chairs without cushy cushions. Wooden kitchen chairs or sturdy folding bridge chairs are fine.
Some dumbbells. How many and what weights will vary based on your budget, your space, your level of fitness and your desires. If you're going to get dumbbells, the cheapest are the ugly grey hex sided steel dumbbells. They work just fine. The only downside is that if you bang them and over time, the gray paint on them chips off. My preference is for coated dumbbells. You can get vinyl coated dumbbells (cheaper) and neoprene coated dumbbells (more expensive). Neoprene is more durable, vinyl can split, and has texture while vinyl is smooth. Neoprene and vinyl dumbbells usually come in 1 lb increments from 1-10 or 12 lbs and vinyls are also available in some heavier weights up to maybe 15 lbs. Then there are hex dumbbells with rubber encased heads and nickel or chrome plated handles. They, along with the ugly grey ones, usually come in 2-3 lb increments up to 15 lbs and then in 5 lb increments after that. If you are going to buy dumbbells, all of the chain sporting goods stores have them in one configuration or another. My favorites, however, for the 1-10 lb range are the neoprene dumbbells from York Barbell Company. Pretty pastel colors, better quality than the chain stores and cheaper. They can be obtained mail order. Over 10 lbs, I like York rubber hex head dumbbells because they come in 2 1/2 lb increments up to 30 lbs while other companies are 5 lb increments from 15 lbs and up. If you are going heavier than 30 lbs, I like Body Solid rubber hex head dumbbells. Decently made and reasonably priced.
Last, if you have the room for it and it's in your budget, a self-supporting pull-up stand or combo pull-up and dip stand. If you get one and don't have the strength to do body weight pull-ups, you may want to also get an assortment of Superbands which can be used as an assist.
So that’s it on equipment. 1-3 are as minimalist as you can get. Throw in 4 and/or 5 and you have everything you need for killer full blown strength work outs.
This post is looong. So next post, some exercises.
and there were even a few planks mixed in there!