@sabaray
I am not a doctor and would never want you or anyone to follow YouTube videos, and I totally agree with you that there is no “one diet fits all” and everyone should do their own research. Best wishes!
I am very much alarmed by the data manipulation cited by the video of significant scientific publications, these publications in turn determine the guidelines that impact lots of people’s lives.
I think it’s really important to have a health care provider you can trust to navigate those guidelines. I think every study manipulates data to some degree - I am more critical of those funded by pharmaceutical companies than others - I tend to think they have a vested interest. 
Managed to walk the pups without falling and breaking anything - that might be my win for today.
Several years ago, I remember during one of my medical checkups, my PCP floated the idea of taking a statin, when my (including family) medical history, shows (showed) that there was ABSOLUTELY no reason for it. The PCP’s attitude was kinda like what the heck, why not take a statin, can’t hurt.
The order of my feelings were: 
:-t =;
@conmama are you fully extending your arms? This can sometimes exacerbate elbow pain for any exercise, so I would avoid that.
@soontobecolleger , no I’m not. I just lower them to a 90 degree angle from where I start.
I’ve had physicians like yours, @sushiritto - I’m a hard pass on medication for the sake of medication.
One of the activities I’d like to do in March is a guided hike to the top of a volcano where there are supposedly great views. It sounds strenuous- clambering over rocks, using roots to pull myself up - any thoughts on what I should do to prepare?
@sabaray I’m going to say that you’re probably physically prepared, which I’m sure is an understatement. 
But the two suggestions that come quickly to mind deal with in one word, GRIP.
If you really want to “geek out,” around here in the SF Bay Area, they have rock climbing gyms. They also have these things mounted on the wall where you can improve your finger grip, but not sure you’ll need to go to that length to prepare for the volcano.
Go on hikes up local hills of similar elevation and steepness?
It’s a beautiful day here now but this morning was cold with black ice everywhere. Joined the group who had an 11 mile run planned- thankfully one of the other women wanted to run shorter, so we abbreviated the route and threw in a big hill for a bit over 6. Winter running is certainly a challenge.
Big compound weight lifting exercises should help you build strength. Hill training. If it’s hard to find a good hill where you live, stairs, parking garage structure, or an incline treadmill.
If you are not used to carrying a backpack, I’d recommend loading up a day pack with 2-3 liters of water and lugging it around on your back – maybe when you walk your pups. I like to wear my day pack fully loaded on our Sunday hikes. Water bladder. Rain gear. Change of socks. First aid kit. Snacks. Chest pocket for my phone (camera & music). Etc.
I also like to wear Dirty Girl gaiters in the non-winter months over my Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners. It helps a LOT keeping out small rocks, dirt, and other debris that can be a seed for hot spots or blistering.
I have a feeling you will do an awesome job and will eat that volcano for breakfast!
We had a good turnout for this morning’s hike. It was a hike with hills, and therefore a good workout. It was slippery with packed snow in some parts and slippery with mud in other parts. About 9 miles. The sun peeked out for a bit and that was really lovely.
Today was a good day to mix things up a bit. I was starting to feel some familiar twinges in my ankle so decided to lift instead. Coincidentally, a new workout cycle started today so the timing could not have been better. Quick warmup, then deadlifts, single arm dumbbell rows, single leg deadlifts, one arm planks, and a “Brady Band” series with a resistance band. Spent some time on the elliptical to get some cardio in.
I’ve been keeping a food log for the past week, continuing into this week. It’s been interesting to see the patterns. I definitely overeat at work, and it’s all stuff that’s not good for me. A combination of boredom and temptation - I see I need to bring healthy snacks to work.
Unless it’s fast walking it’s NOT physical activity. You need to get above 120 heart rate. A nice walk with the dog is a nice activity. Just not physical activity to help longevity.
Sometimes you gotta do what you can do. Be thankful for your health.
Thanks for posting that, Ohio.
Please don’t tell the Sabapups they’re not getting their exercise. I’m not sure I could do much more! I count pup walks as active recovery (physical activity). I like the new guidelines which suggest total volume is the key and the 10 minute block no longer applies. In reading the article, I think a distinction is drawn between physical activity and exercise, so no - walking the pups isn’t exercise but it is physical activity.
Best takeaway for me is doing something is better than nothing! And to that end, I’m off to the gym!
Still planning to run the Turkey Trot tomorrow although the forecast shows the lowest Thanksgiving temps in decades. Good luck to everyone who is racing tomorrow. I am thankful that at 61 I can do this.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Good luck tomorrow, @FallGirl.
Yesterday was Pilates for me and I felt it today. Today I did cable pulldowns and multiple sets of pushups. I talked with my coach and she suggested doing an abbreviated weights routine given the other exercise I do. I think that’s a good compromise. Followed up with some time on the elliptical and I will try to run tomorrow.
I thought this was a good piece on how Pilates and weight training can work together but now I see I can’t link it as it’s a blog. Google girls gone strong “why Pilates and lifting weights aren’t mutually exclusive” if you’re interested. @sushiritto had mentioned grip strength which I had never even considered and it’s specifically mentioned as a benefit from weight training.
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone has at least one thing to be thankful for. My heart is a lot fuller this year.
Slow dog walker here. 3 miles yesterday.
Wonderful for our mental health! Mine & the dog’s!
Good luck to all who are doing Turkey Trots tomorrow.
Yesterday, I returned to a practice I had let slip away. Writing down 5 things I am grateful for each night before bed.
Happy Thanksgiving & wishing everyone good health!
My baby girl is on the chubby side so I consider my dog-walk her exercise!
Happy turkey day to my fellow dieters/exercisers/health and wellness gurus and supporters!
Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday!
I injured my neck a few weeks ago so I’ve had to take a break from strenuous exercise. It wasn’t a major injury, but one of those nagging muscle pulls that, if not babied for long enough would have landed me in a neck brace.
I’ve been walking as much as possible and still watching my diet so I’ve taken a few more pounds off. I know when I go back I’m going to have to build up my fitness again but at least I didn’t get discouraged and pig out. Happy Thanksgiving all!