That’s a good point. Never underestimate the importance of sleep. The lack of it affects so much. That said, for me it sometimes ends up being a catch-22. Like when I don’t get enough sleep I’m too tired to work out very much. Then the less exercise I do the less tired I am. So it is even harder to fall asleep. Consequently I’m even less interested in doing anything. More sedentary, less sleep. And around and around I go. I’ve learned, for me, moving is the best way out of most of my cycles. It’s really helpful for the “trouble sleeping cycle.” It’s also helpful for me to get out of my “gee I’m feeling down cycle” because the endorphins kick in and I feel good despite myself. It usually ends up a win/win.

It’s great you have the dogs to play with. That must help a little as a motivator.

It's been a good week...but I'm sore. More fun to be had tomorrow! :)

Yesterday....


I decided to do a favorite workout that I hadn't done for a while...a LONG while....

well....

I apparently chose too heavy a weight to do a twisty thing... and now my right oblique muscle says "NO!" a lot when I move certain ways....

Other than that, I was surprised at how much I could keep up with considering it is not an easy workout (plyo and weights and high energy inervals). Good to know I still got it! <flex>

This morning it's some nice yoga....and later...shoulders and back and legs.... :)

Note to self (and others):

doing yoga with a pulled oblique muscle......not so fun....

but I muddled through and it felt super good :)

My back feels SO much better even after one day of yoga....I suppose because it really concentrates on the core...but wow my arms feel <<<<<THIS BIG>>>>


:praying: Namaste

Solo racquet ball. I think the ball won, but I wasn't counting...

Tread mill until I got bored.

Upper body weight lifting that I know will attack me in the morning.

Does anyone have experience with the Fluidity Bar or barre work out?

Since my surgery I am rethinking what the best method for exercise that won't aggravate my chest but still allow for strengthening and recovery.

O.M.G.

I have a Px90ish type DVD set....I just did shoulders and back....by the time the cool down (finally) came around....my arms were jello.... :blink:

I particularly like this one thing he calls "7s". For your triceps, you hinge at the hip and do a basic kickback [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOeiqKL0jS4"]How to Do a Triceps Kickback For Dummies - YouTube[/nomedia] but the twist is you change your hand position from parallel to your body to perpendicular forward and perpendicular facing back. AMAZING....3 rounds of 21 reps....I feel like I can rip phone books....

Then a similar thing with biceps. Instead of doing full range of motion tricep curl....from the bottom do a half curl 7x..then from the top to half way down 7x then full curls 7x... 3 rounds of that...holy burn.... :)

:koolaid:

Everything New
 

A new life and a new outlook, got me to the gym today. It felt fantastic!

Sunday, October 13th
 

When I rose earlier to greet the day, it was cloudy, quite chilly and it looked as though we had intermittent sprinkles of rain (last night). But the pearly gray skyscape has vanished and now we have blue skies (for miles and miles).

I think what I will do this afternoon, is make a light lunch and take a couple of bottles of water with me and go for a long afternoon walk (maybe down to the river or to a nature reserve, nearby).

Something I want to work on during the week: I want to find time each day to get on the small indoor trampoline I have and dance for about an hour or so, each morning (after I get my morning stretches in). I hope this somehow offsets and mitigates some of the lethargy I experience lately, when I rise to greet the day.

Wishing everyone a week of wellness and joy,
*Cheers!* :bouquet:

Despite my knees...
 

....enduring strain and pain due to climbing a MILLION stairs each day, I made it back to the gym today, focusing on the upper body. WOWZERS...I am sore!!!!!!!!

I'm making Sauerkraut this morning and that is a good arm workout! Rest of the body will get attention later today with dog walking and time on the rowing machine.

Ok, did the Fluidity Bar workout, was stiffening up within minutes of finishing. So popped some ibuprofen before bed. Can still walk this morning!

Let's me know how much strength I'm lacking since I started having problems.

Got a way to go before I'll be satisfied with my fitness level.

But I did it!

Here is a question for everybody!

What kind of music to you listen to, if you do,
when you're working out?

For me, it is different for cardio and lifting.

For cardio, I listen to Pandora. "A Medley of Irish Fiddle Tunes"
Really keeps me going!
For weight training it's Rock. A Jersey Shore station that is
also on the web Rat Radio!
This really keeps me in the mental zone!

Funny how different they are...!

Since R went into the hospital all my routines have been erased. Slowly I'm building them back up though. For one thing, I put a yoga mat in front of the TV and do stretches, free weights and yoga while I watch reruns of Modern Family, or my cable series (currently, Homeland, Eastbound and Down and Masters of Sex).

I don't know how much exercise this really is, but my muscles burn, my heart rate goes up, and the stretching is a great stress reliever. I recommend this approach for anyone who prefers to stay inside for a period of time.

Music...
 

Electronic the entire time...the faster the better, esp during cardio. Once I'm plugged in, there's no one else who matters but me. Needless to say, I don't think I make a good workout partner.

I have worked myself up to swimming 1 mile 4-5 times a week. Never did something so consistently. I have never felt so calm and relaxed. When swimming I feel the world go away.
Only thing is my skin is not taking all the chemicals in the pool that well. Just went on amazon to order lotion that swimmers use. Not Diana Nyad but she is my inspiration.