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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Exercise Buddies - anyone want to join?

999 replies

Lorns · 09/02/2007 15:45

Hi this a new thread linked to "We want to lose 10lbs NEW THREAD"

I'm a Group exercise instructor/Personal Trainer and have been offering advice to mumsnetters!

Following suggestions that it would be good to start an exercise/nutrition advice/motivation thread - well here it is!!

OP posts:
laloop · 15/05/2007 14:31

WELL DONE, Sweetheart

speedymama · 15/05/2007 15:12

Well done Sweetheart. That is brilliant. Also, well done on weight loss. You too Laloop.

I also lost 2lb but that was probably down to the flu.

Hopefully, I will go to gym tomorrow.

laloop · 15/05/2007 16:55

2lbs off - great stuff, speedy, well done Glad you're feeling a bit better, enjoy your gym session tomorrow if you're up for it

sweetheart · 16/05/2007 10:46

Speedy well done on your 2Ibs - that a great start!

I hope you manage your gym visit today but don't push yourself too hard. You seem to be a superwoman once you get going.

I'm having a good week so far, plan on going to the gym again today. Lorns I'd be grateful for some advice on my gym programme if you have time. I'm currently doing 2 visits:-

Visit 1 (Mon 45mins) is 2 lots of 10 mins cardio and 8 sets of weights (legs and tummy)

Visit 2 (Wed 45mins) is a 20 min run and 8 sets of weights (arms and tummy)

After my triumph yesterday with the 5Km run I'd like to try and do it once a week but will not have time to fit it into a normal gym visit as it takes me 33 mins. Is it ok to fit a 5K run into Tuesday? Should I change my 20 min run on a Wed to 2 different lots of 10 min cardio (Ie Mon - 10min on stepper and crosstrainer, Wed - 10 min row and cycle????)

Does that make sense or am I rambling

OI - hows the ankle, feeling any better?

MA - have you figured out those arms weights yet? How is your excercise schedule going this week?

Biglips - how are you doing at getting your arse into gear? Have you managed it yet, come back and give us an update

BigKnickers - How are the spinning classes going? Are you still going?

MummyPenguine - You were doing really well, I was quite in ore of your last work out you posted, hows it going now?

Mars - when are you back from Jameica you lucky lady

Anyone else I've forgotten??????

bigknickersbigknockers · 17/05/2007 19:23

Hi everyone. I am still going to spinning twice a week although I had to miss tuesdays class so did aerobics yesterday instead and went spinning today, my legs are very tired now though.
I will have to do the same next week because DS2 has a hospital appointment tuesday but after that I shall be back to normal.
I am seriously thinking of joining the gym as paying £30 per month works out cheaper than £4.50 per spinning class.
I just need to take control of my eating habits.

speedymama · 18/05/2007 07:28

Hi everyone

Just weighed myself and I've lost another pound. Yeah - 3lb off in two weeks after stagnating for 6 weeks. I am counting my points properly now plus I have reduced my portion size so that makes all the difference. Just another 7lb to go before my holiday in July (we're off to Torbay for a week).

I managed to go the gym yesterday and had a really good workout. I managed to do 5km on the treadmill in 32.5 minutes so I'm delighted with that. I then did 30 minutes weights workout focusing on legs, shoulders, back, biceps and triceps. I was too exhausted to do any abs work but I will do that this morning before I get my DTS up.

Tomorrow I am going to do a 4 mile run. I was hoping to do 6 miles but DH has to leave about 8am for his MBA course and the earliest I want to get up on Saturday morning is 7am.

Sweetheart, I bet you felt wonderful after completing your 5km.

Well done on your work out Bigknickers. I think you should join the gym too because you will be able to do other classes or workout in the gym without having to pay extra.

Keep up the good work everyone.

laloop · 18/05/2007 08:44

Hi everyone
Haven't been around last couple of days because ds2 was ill, viral infection and temperature. So have had very little sleep for last three nights. Consequently diet and exercise have gone AWOL. Haven't been eating properly during the day as ds2 very clingy, was just grabbing some biscuits or whatever with a cup of tea. Not sure if I've put on weight or not but I have no energy at all today. He's a good bit better this morning so hopefully things will get back to normal over the weekend.

On a more exciting note, I'm going out to buy a new bike today

laloop · 18/05/2007 08:47

Sorry, meant to add a well done to speedy on the weight loss and running times. And to bigk too for keeping up the gym visits.

bigknickersbigknockers · 19/05/2007 08:46

Well hello everyone. I have decided to join the gym after much thought. I have put it off because I didnt want to pay £300 for the years membership and £75 joining fee on top of that but the gym are having a special offer where if you pay for annual membership (£300) instead of £30 per monthyou dont have to pay the £75 joining fee. So I am going to take the plunge.
I went to a movement clinic for bodypump yesterday to be shown some of the moves and learn how to use the weights safely.
My weight hasnt dropped but my legs have really shaped up and I am hoping that if I varey the classes I go to I will be able to firm up my masive jelly belly
The next thing on my plan is to be shown round the gym and be shown how to use the equipment safely.
Hope everyone is well
PS I am still going to spinning and love it, but the next hurdle has to be bodypump. (that should be a laugh for anyone else watching)

Biglips · 19/05/2007 08:53

hiya everyone...i havent read the thread but YES i have been putting my a*se into gear as been going at least twice a week and also using the cross trainer - well not this week as been so busy sorting out camping stuff which we are going today for one nite. Ive joined the weighted workout - blimmey ell!!...i was sore the next day esp on my chest but an a brilliant workout as it tones up the upper part of bod, abs and thighs.

Did i tell ya that ive started to run on the treadmill?? ... 3 mins walk, 3 mins run X 2. when i was running this time i feel i could stretch it for another half a minute as didnt feel puffed out. impressed.

WELL DONE TO EVERYONE ON THEIR WEIGHT LOSS.

Biglips · 19/05/2007 08:55

im seeking for a treadmill atm off Freecycle so i can use it and improve myself on it here at home but i SO love the gym as its the BEST de-stress exercise for to feel so relaxed!..

Biglips · 19/05/2007 08:56

oh..weve just bought a new tent last week and plus ive been helping mum to look for a new house too

speedymama · 21/05/2007 08:29

Hi everyone

Laloop, I hope your DS2 feels better soon. It is awful when they are ill like that, particularly with a viral infection. I hope you manage to buy your bicycle too. Don't worry about the diet because you will get back on track once your DS is better.

Well done Bigknickers on joining the gym. The Bodypump class will change your body. You will be so much firmer and because muscle occupies less volume than that, you look slimmer too. Keep up the running too. Running combined with dieting is guaranteed to banish a wobbly tum (I speak from experience)

Well done Biglips too. Is the weighted workout like Bodypump? Glad you are enjoying the treadmill too.

On Saturday I ran 2 miles and then did the Pump it up DVD followed by the Pilates Abs workout! Then on Sunday I ran 4 miles. So since Thursday, I have ran 9 miles in total.

I won't be able to get to the gym until Wednesday or go running until Thursday so I will just focus on ab exercises, press ups and stretching.

Keep up the good work everyone!

laloop · 21/05/2007 09:29

Morning everyone

DS2 is a bit better but still clingy and tired looking. He did sleep a lot better last night, we ALL needed that

I've done so little exercise over the last week, probably won't make it to the gym again until mid-week when ds2 well enough for the creche. Will try to get back into routine again then. Well done speedy on the running - please post some motivating comments if you have any to get me back out again - I haven't been running in almost a fortnight and have 5k to do soon.
Well done biglips on the gym sessions. Sounds like you got a good deal on the gym membership, bigk

Sweetheart, how's the diet going? Hi to everyone else, how are you all getting on?

Biglips · 21/05/2007 09:44

today my legs are throbbing as feels like its popeye's legs cos i was sort of rock climbing yesterday!!....as been camping over the weekend which was fab!...me and dp went to catch some fishies as dp bought his fishing rod with him whilst mum was having a snooze in the car with dd as she was flat out!.....i climbing down which i cud feel in my legs!! and then climbing back up was even harder but DID IT!.. ...the rocks werent easy as not flat but slates looking!!

tonite im off to the gym but resting my legs!! just do upper and stretching and a gentle bike ride

speedymama · 21/05/2007 09:48

Laloop, the best advice I ever read about running was to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

Seriously though, you have already run 4 miles so the 5k race will be a piece of cake for you.

sweetheart · 21/05/2007 11:05

HELLO !!!!! I feel a long post coming on.........

Speedy - well done on the weight loss!!! I'm very that your 5k time was quicker than mine I shall catch you up soon. I maintain that you are a super woman - 9 miles over the weekend I'm tired just thinking about it.

Laloop, Soory to hear your ds hasn't been well. It's horrible when they are so unwell, poor little mite! Did you get round to buying your bike? Hope to hear your back on track soon .

BigK - congrats on becomming a fully fledged gym member. I love going to the gym as it's the only "me" time I get really. I've noticed such a change since I've been going - it will be worth it I promise

Biglips, great to hear that your arse is in gear and especially fab to hear that you are managing a run on the treadmill. I remember how daunting that was when I first joined my gym! Now I'm up to 5k - it builds up really quickly - you'll be surprised at how much more you'll be able to do really soon.

So my update........

well I have sort of been good over the weekend. Not an angel but not a naughty little devil either .

I haven't done any excercise since Thursday but I'm off to the gym today and I have a netball match this week too. Work is really busy this week as I'm off on holiday next week YEAH so I'm not sure how many gym visits I'll be able to fit in. Probably my 2 usual ones but perhaps not an extra 5k run visit.

Didn't manage to stay off the booze either but I didn't drink loads - just a couple of glasses. I met up with a friend last night who is also doing Race For Life. We have decided that we are going to enter our local 10k which is in October to give us our next goal to work towards.

On a positive note, I have finally started to feel happy about my body and my size. I have brought 2 bikins for our holiday which I will actually wear in public . I also went shopping yesterday for some last minuite bits and even had to ask for a size 6 in one shop (it was a smock type top so not really a size 6!!!!) but it still made me feel fab. I have longed to be a proper size 10 for soooo long and yesterday I actually brought some size 8 tops.

I just want to get all mushy for a second! This thread has really helped me over the last 5 or 6 weeks. I'm down to a weight which I haven't been for years and I'm feeling pretty damn good! Thanks to you lot for all the help, support, advice and kicks up the backside

I can go on my holiday now and not worry about having a week off - I can enjoy everything I eat and have a few drinks safe in the knowledge that I can return a week later and get back on track with the support of you lovely lot

p.s. I am even taking my running stuff on holiday with the intention of using it

sweetheart · 21/05/2007 11:06

my god thats a massive post

Laloop - are you ready for weigh in tomorrow? Anyone else going to join us?

laloop · 21/05/2007 11:58

What a motivating thread this is for a Monday morning

Speedy, thanks for the running encouragement - hopefully I'll get back into it without a problem. Seriously considering sticking on my running gear and mp3 player and going for a run while dd at Brownies tonight. Biglips, sounds like a great camping trip and you even managed to fit in a spot of rock-climbing, go girl

Sweetheart, that was a lovely post to read. And how envious am I that you are wearing size 6/8 tops - I'm so pleased for you. I can honestly credit this thread with helping me to push up my running distance and speed. When I started to flag on my 4 mile run, I started to imagine speedy and Lorns etc going "Come on Laloop!" (corny but true) and I knew everyone would be interested in my time when I got online to post it.

I'll be weighing in tomorrow as usual but I'm not confident of a loss. Instead I'm going to view it as the beginning of a fresh week when hopefully I'll get more opportunity to exercise and eat well (and get some sleep!).

Going to pick up my bike later today [very excited emoticon]

speedymama · 21/05/2007 12:12

Sweetheart, that was a beautiful post. I love this thread because when I am running longer distances, I too think of Laloop, you, Lorns and the others and that keeps me going.

Size 6 top! I just want to reduce my midriff in time for my holiday because I am apple shape and my middle is always the last part to slim down. Currently size 12 but sometimes wear size 10 so by losing another half stone, I will be able to wear my size 10s comfortably.

Since having my DTS 3 years ago, my midriff is much thicker but I keep telling it "resistance is futile".

Lorns · 21/05/2007 14:55

Yeay yeah yeah!! BACK ON LINE. LONG POST ALERT....

Hi everyone! Laloop my DS3 had that viral thing with high temp2 weeks ago and has only just recovered. Thought it was chicken pox for a minute!

Sweetheart - well arn't you just!! Great to hear you finding it all motivational - and you speedymama!

BigK - Bodypump rocks and so will your muscles. Keep me posted

Hope the following helps on the nutrition front...

BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE

You might find it helpful to consider the following model ? ?Model for change.? Think of a circle and outside the circle is Precontemplation. This then leads to contemplation, which is in the circle, then preparation and then action. At this stage you could either relapse or continue to maintenance. Again you could relapse, terminate your action or just continue the maintenance of change. It is generally thought that people stay in each stage for 6 months or this may be fluid!

Contemplation/preparation

Why not start by listing the pros and cons to making a change in your diet. This can be done for any area ? e.g. smoking, fitness etc.

Pros ? good things about making a change and Cons ? not so good things about making a change. Hopefully you will see more pros than cons to making a change and be more successful in achieving your goals! This can be done for exercise as well.

SMART goals

After listing the pros and cons, evidence shows that people who go about evaluating and re-setting time orientated SMART goals, and actually write them down are far more successful in the long term at achieving and maintaining their targets.

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Achievable
R = Realistic
T = time orientated
E= Evaluated
R= Recordable

Targets set should be flexible. If you don?t always need your goals by the deadline set, it doesn?t mean you have failed. You may need to evaluate what prevented you from meeting the target and consider what you can do differently if it happens again. You?ll get there in the end!

When setting goals, you should consider the following:
Identify and set difficult but realistic goals
Set short-term, medium term and long-term goals
Set specific goals in measurable terms
How to record your goals
Evaluate goals set against goals achieved

BMI and weight loss

Most of you already know about BMI ? excess body fat. A person?s waist circumference will indicate whether they carry too much body fat around their waist. For women is should be below 88cm (34.5 inches) or ,80cm for Asian women. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is healthy. Overweight is 25-29.9. There are plenty of website which will calculate this for your?

How much weight should you lose (if you need to)!

For long-term weight loss aim realistically for 1-2lbs per week. Any more than this will suggest that you are losing muscle and water rather than reducing fat stores and isn?t healthy in the long term. Monitor this alongside waist measurement to ensure weight loss is ?body fat? also.

If you are overweight, lose at a steady rate 5-10kg (1-1.5 stone) is enough to improve healthy significantly even if you don?t reach your ideal weight!

FOOD DIARY

Again I know some of you periodically keep a food diary. Try and keep one for a few days to compare what your average diet is like alongside the 5 food groups and portion sizes (see Wed 25 April)

Prepare a chart ? 1 for each day:-

3 columns, Time, food/drink description (inc. detailed description of approx portions, cooking methods, additional sauces, types of drink and quantity. The last column is for comments e.g. hunger score 1-10 and mood location (stressed with DC?s)!

At the bottom detail ?Today?s? exercise/activity. This can be housework, gardening, any walking as well as any exercise you may do. You are allowed, ?rest? days!!!

That's all for now folks! Any q?s please let me know.

OP posts:
Lorns · 21/05/2007 14:56

Hope this website has a big enough memory thingy!

OP posts:
yoyo · 21/05/2007 16:27

I have been lurking on this thread for a long while and find it really interesting and encouraging. I am determined to become fitter and have started going to the gym as well as doing pilates. I am following a running programme that was in The Style section of the Sunday Times a couple of weeks ago with the aim of being able to run 5 km in 6 weeks. So far so good. Now I need to get some new trainers and wondered if anyone could recommend a good pair or a shop which would provide good advice? Have tried a few sports shops but felt that their knowledge was minimal.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

sweetheart · 22/05/2007 09:55

Morning Just popping in as I've loads to do at work today!

I lost another Ib this week. Brings my weight to 9St 11Ib and my BMI down to 23.15.

Laloop, did you get out for your run last night? How was you new bike?

Lorns, thanks for the info - I keep reading through it so I can digest the bits which apply to me.

Yoyo - well done for changing from lurker to poster - your here now so we'll be bugging you now

Don't know about the trainers I'm affraid - I usually buy ones in the sale. I know you can get specific running trainers - there's probably loads of websites you could get info from.

Hows everyone else doing?

laloop · 22/05/2007 10:40

Good morning everyone

Thanks very much for the behavioural change and food diary info, Lorns. Very useful

Sweetheart, well done on your 1lb off, yayyy! I forgot to weigh first thing this morning so jumped on the scales after breakfast (2 slices of wholemeal toast, cup of tea and 2 small glasses of water). So scales showed 2lbs up - also it's first day of AF so that doesn't help either!

DS2 still not well so didn't run last night. Taking him a while to recover from the viral infection - he's still really miserable and streaming nose. Funny you should mention chickenpox, Lorns, as I keep expecting spots to pop up on him as his sis and bro were very like this just before they had it.

Hi yoyo, welcome aboard. I wear "asics" running shoes (they are classed as one of the marathon grade ones in their range). Can't recommend a good pair of running shoes highly enough, especially if you're running outdoors. I was wearing a different pair of asics when I first started running. They were more suitable for gymwear and I had a bit of hip pain after I'd been out for a run. On the advice of a sports shop I changed to a more supportive pair and no hip pain since then. Get to a specialist sports or running shop if you've one nearby. They will be able to assess your gait and reccomend the mot suitable shoes. I've got a neutral gait but need good support and cushioning due to hip pain. Other people's feet may roll slightly to one side as they walk/run (pronation) so a good shop will be able to provide appropriate footwear for this. (Another great tip for gymwear on this thread was from biglips about TKmaxx for running gear and Shockabsorber sports bras at a fraction of the RRP).

Have a great day everyone.

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