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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 · 15/02/2007 19:23

Pecka, it will get soooo much easier after your first few sessions, I promise When I first started running in February last year I could only do a minute or two and thought I was going to collapse, legs like jelly, face was beetroot... etc etc
The Race for Life was my goal too and I remembered thinkig I would never be able to do it. By the time it came round to the run, I managed it comfortably (and that is saying something because 1 mile of the NI race was uphill, thankfully I didn't know that until the day so just had to get on with it )

The Race for Life is a fantastic run to start with, you just get so much motivation from the other runners and reading the dedications on the back of some of their t-shirts is very moving. You will have such a sense of achievement on the day

Good luck, keep going - you'll soon be addicted

Overtiredmum · 15/02/2007 20:05

Hiyya all, anyone mind if I join????

I am a busy wife and mum of DS aged 20 months. I am at home during the day and work evenings (5pm to 11pm) and therefore am unable to join a gym (a) because I don't have time and (b) cos I can't afford it! I have tried several diets since having DS and have not been able to lose ANY weight or tone any of my flab and ideally, I would love to lose 3 stone. This week I have started Rosemary Conley Lo-GI diet and am currently on the two week detox. I have been suffering from depression and mood swings and after having some tests with my GP, results came back clear. I desperately needed to find an exercise DVD that I could do that I would enjoy and hopefully combat some of the stress I have been under. Well, I have discovered a DVD call Turbo Jam and I cannot believe how much I love it!!! It is a combination of dance and kickboxing. It consists of five workouts - learn and burn; 20 minute total workout; ab jam; turbo sculpt and cardio party. So far I have worked up to do the 20 min workout and the 20 min ab jam. Tomorrow I am going to try the 40 min cardio party, not tried the sculpt just yet. I started it 10 days ago because, with my monthly due, I wanted to see if I could combat my pmt and being completely honest here, my mood has been fantastic every day since I started it! I am putting it down to the kicking and punching so am relieving any tension, even my DH has commented on my mood! I do my work out first thing in the morning and it truly does set me up for the whole day. Anyway, I just wanted to share this with everyone - apologies for the length. I am just hoping that this, along with the Lo-Gi, will finally help me get rid of this weight!

Lorns · 15/02/2007 22:43

Hi everyone - I can feel the edorphins floating across the web ..... Keep up the good work!!
Hi agalch - welcome. The girls are seeing you right - if you need any other advice - just let me know!

Hi also to overtiredmum! Well done - your DVD sounds great and your being sensible slowly bulding up the length etc. As you can see the mumsnetters are DVD critic extrodinaires - Amazon eat your heart out!!!!

Don't forget weigh in day tomorrow for all those who want too!

OP posts:
dinny · 15/02/2007 23:18

Hello, have been away for a few days, so not much exercise done except playground with kids, dog walking etc.

at work today and did 40 mins cardio in work gym and got chatting to a PT there, who said (I can't BELIEVE this) that I look fantastic !! but he was probably just after me signing up to be trained by him, I reckon. crafty sod!

wore hr monitor when running and spent 37 mins in "my fat burning zone" - hurrah!

MuckyAnthea · 16/02/2007 09:00

oooh Dinny, you lucky gal getting chatted up. The PT's in my gym just look at themselves in the mirror all day and lift weights. One of them I do have a bit of a crush on mind...

Wednesday I went to the gym, did the 2nd stage of the Bupa running plan, everything was going along nicely [arse not swinging around as much this time] but then all hell broke lose and my ipod decided to fly off the treadmill resulting in me getting all flustered, stumbleing backwards and falling on my side, half on half off the treadmill!! oooh the shame!! So I picked myself up, managed to jump back on the treadmill, and only after a minute dared to look round to see if anyone had seen me, by this stage I have a lovely carpet burn on the side of my face brewing.
I don't think anyone saw me - read above- all personal trainers at this point were too engrossed in themselves and are virtually snogging themselves by now in front of the mirrors.

Anyway despite losing dignity and grace, I felt great and went again today, and did the 3rd stage of the Bupa plan proceeded by a brisk 30 minute walk on a 2.5 incline listening to a 'walking meditation' music CD I downloaded from the internet. Its supposed to mimic your brainwaves and make you feel good. Am not sure if it worked but I am feeling quite sparkly none the less.

Next week I am away, and cannot get to the gym until Friday - does anyone know if I should then revert back to week 1 of the Bupa plan, or can I go onto the next week even though I would have missed the two sessions of week 2, does anyone know what I am trying to say? I do hope so...

Also, I have a question for our resident 'Mad Lizzie' Lorns, what are the benefits of using the sauna? I am finding the more I use it, the less I sweat, whats that all about then? I thought that was the whole point.

Thats it, enough from me

laloop · 16/02/2007 09:29

Hi everyone
Great that you're enjoying the BUPA running plan, muckyanthea, despite the ipod incident
Not sure about what you should do about next week, is there any way that you can fit in the sessions while you are away - say in the evenings, a walk/run outside?

Weigh-in day - I weighed myself this morning and I have not budged a pound again
(infact, I'm slightly concerned that I may have put on 0.5lb instead)
Why can't I lose it!!! I am definitely carrying a few extra pounds it's not that they are not there to be shed Just hoping that the WW diet has yet to yield results as I only started properly on Tuesday so please, please let me have a loss to report next week...
I may have to go back to posting my daily food diary like on the old 10lb thread or my daily points total to keep me focused.

How's everyone else today?

PeckaRolloverAgain · 16/02/2007 11:46

Laloop Im with you there. Weighed myself again today and I havent lost any weight in 5 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Despite doing the following :

AT LEAST 3 sessions of 30 mins cardio a week (either 30 mins on cross trainer, rower, treadmill, bike - sometimes a mix of them)

Or

A Davina DVD

2 resistence sessions lifting weights for all over the body at the gym. I have improved quite a lot and lifting much heavier weights than I was at first.

Also, in between I do random sessions of exercises using dumb bells in my bedroom and 3 sets of 30 situps.

I have also started doign the BUPA beginner program.

AS WELL AS

Following a calorie controlled diet with lots of water, fresh fruit and veg and sticking to a calorie consumption based on my age, weight, height, activity level etc to lose 2lbs a week.

WHAT THE (&(&(&(& IS GOING ON?

I HAVE LOST WEIGHT FAIRLY EASILY BEFORE OVER THIS TIME FRAME BUT WITHOUT EXERCISE

I have been to the gym this mornign and done 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 10 minutes on rowing machine and about 45 minutes on the weight machines. Really pushed myself, especially on the abs machines.

McDreamy · 16/02/2007 11:47
Sad
laloop · 16/02/2007 15:16

Pecka, it is so, so, so, so, so frustrating isn't it(sob!)

Hi McDreamy, how are you getting on - did you get a chance to start the running?

McDreamy · 16/02/2007 15:26

No DD's birthday party this week, going to Uk tomorrow, things just got a bit on top of me and as usual fitness got pushed away!!! Hoping that while I'm in the UK I might be able to start as my mum will look after the children and I won't have any extra pressures being on holiday and all that. Feeling a bit and demotivated though

laloop · 16/02/2007 15:31

Join in our rant here today mcDreamy, I was so p*ssed off this morning when I weighed in.

Start the running just whenever you're ready - I'm hopefully starting back tomorrow and a bit apprehensive, but it might be like starting over again as I haven't run outdoors since October. Enjoy your break back in the UK Happy birthday to your dd as well.

McDreamy · 16/02/2007 15:33

thanks

laloop · 16/02/2007 16:34

BTW, welcome overtiredmum (meant to do this earlier!)

Marls001 · 16/02/2007 16:50

For what it's worth DH has said stubborn pounds might be because sometimes it can take a body 2 to 3 months to adjust & "understand" that this is the "new normal" & start dropping the weight. DH was a personal trainer for a long time but is currently in a different job - though he keeps himself very fit & tries to stay up with all that's new. But must ask Lorns: Could this be the case?

Laloop, McDreamy, I am definitely in your boat.
Only Pecka in my case it's always been just gym without having to diet. Have not had a chance to do a weigh-in (must do it at the gym, by appointment - we don't keep a scale in the house) but am afraid of what it will say; have been bouncing back & forth between 4 lbs over/6 lbs over for weeks now. DH says the lower stomach is usually the last to go - of course made worse by giving birth in Sept. And 3 boxes of chocolate DH gave me for Valentine's Day won't help!! At least - apparently - he doesn't think I'm fat! But I ate 10 of them yesterday

Mucky - LOL!! Glad you weren't badly hurt; can't believe those trainers - but in that case, maybe you found it a blessing?

Welcome to overtired mum

dinny · 16/02/2007 18:01

what's everyone up to today? I do one of my ashtanga classes tonight - LOVE it. Well, I will if dh home in time. Otherwise have chased kids round farm/playgrounds then taken then on long tractor/scooter expedition.

prettymum · 16/02/2007 18:13

hi can i join in please!!! i really need to be motivated to exercise!!

i had dc2 (ds) last july and i did shrink back to my normal size 8 soon after. but with my eating habit ive gone up to a size 10 which i dont mind as im more curvier and have my butt back.

but i need to tone as my belly is sticking out now and that needs to go! my thighs , bum, and belly need toning. im joined to the gym but dont have time to go as dp comes hyome at 8pm and its too dark to go gym by myself (i live in peckham where all shootings are happening so dont want to walk about by myself)

ive bought lateral thigh trainer but only used it once!

i really want to tone up, my lower half of my body is getting me down!

Overtiredmum · 16/02/2007 20:11

Hi prettymum! I brought myself a lateral thigh trainer, used it every day for three months and the chain broke, sent it back and got a replacement, used it every day for three months and guess what ......... yep, the chain broke again! I did find it very helpful though.

laloop · 16/02/2007 20:16

Hi prettymum, you're very welcome

Can anyone advise, please - my legs (in particular my quadrocep muscles) still feel a bit sore after my Davina workout yesterday - I hadn't done the "legs" session in ages
Wouldn't care except I have asked my mum to babysit my dc's tomorrow lunchtime so that I can go for a run. Are there any exercises I can do to stretch out these muscle a bit before tomorrow?

Lorns · 16/02/2007 22:45

Hi everyone!

Laloop - sports bras. I use Shock Absorber - they have a great range for differnet imapct activities. Debenhams do special offers on them on they %off days and weeks!. I get the Les Bounce brochure - loads of styles for different cup sizes but a bit pricey!

Quads - so you worked then!. Sometimes its 48 hours after that you really feel your muscles have been worked! Stretches. www.netfit.co.uk have good photos. I'd stretch the quads, hams, thigh, calf and glutes. The standing thigh stretch also stretches the hip flexors. To develop your flexibility, hold the stretches for about 15-30 seconds. Stretch to mild point of tension.
PT's hey.... Know what you mean though!!! My participants are my eye-candy (men that is!). Whoops DH back from a week away so no roaming...

What's with the mad lizzie - all I think of is the leotard and the HAIR!!! I agree I need a more "racier" nickname!!

Saunas - The heat produces an artificial "fever". Outwardly relaxed, your inner organs are as active as though you were jogging or mowing the lawn. At the same time, you are being cleansed from inside out by the skin, your body's largest organ and its excretion, sweat. Sweating is as essential to our health as eating and breathing. It accomplishes three important things: rids the body of wastes, regulates the critical temperature of the body at 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F), and helps keep the skin clean.

Interestingly sweat also draws out lactic acid which causes stiff muscles and contributes to general fatigue.

MuckyAnthea - I don't know why you're not sweating. Are u keeping hydrated? Drink before (during (if allowed) and after!

I'll get onto the weight issue (as far as I can) tomorrow arvo when I have more time (family permitting).

Night all!

OP posts:
laloop · 17/02/2007 10:50

Thanks Lorns. Have had a nice soak in the bath this morning and have done some stretches. Lovely early spring day here, sun shining, so looking forward to getting on with the running.

The ShockAbsorber bras, does anyone know if you just order your normal size, or do you need to go up a cup or back size for a good fit?

Catch up with you all later hopefully

thirtysomething · 17/02/2007 14:27

pecka I've been having similar experiences doing loads of cardio work, weightwatchers and finding some weeks I lose no weight. I've found that checking balance of foods helps - i.e. I wasn't eating enough protein or I was eating too much bread. It's also worth seeing the GP and asking for a thyroid test as underactive thyroid can slow your metabolism right down. Chilli apparently speeds up your metabolism!

laloop · 17/02/2007 16:08

Hi everyone
That's good news about chillies - I'm making tacos and chilli con carne for dinner tonight

Well, I did it - I ran 5k yeahhhh!!!
And I shocked myself by being able run all of it except for stopping to walk over a bridge. I am so pleased, I had forgotten how great running is

How's everyone else getting on?

Lorns · 17/02/2007 19:55

The weight debate!. Fat loss is often confused with weight loss. Performing aerobic and strength exercise regularly will atually increasae total body weight and this will be reflected on the scales! A musclular person with very low body fat can be termed overweight when weighing scales are sole criteria for assessment. A small inc. in muscle gain can result in noticeable inc. in body weight.

It's more important to decrease fat than reduce total body weight. The body uses fat when arobic conditions prevail and where there is a need. Ensure that each day the body is in a slight eneregy deficit. A safe deficit is approx. 300-350 cals a day.. A very low intake of calories can't be sustained and the result is that during starvation phse the body conserves energy and burns fewer calories. As normal eating resumes, the body takes the opportunity to seize all the calories it can.
Calorie reduction shold not fall below 1,200 calories per day. The role of exercise is to increase caloric expenditure by approx. 300 calories per day. If this or more is expended over and above the intake through food and drink then approx. 1 pound of fat will be lost in 10-12 days (3,500 calories).

This a rough guide for daily calorie requirements for body weight of 60 kilograms:-

Light active - 2,160
Moderately active - 2,400
Very active 2,820

Please everyone take into account the following:-

Muscle weights heavier
Look at how your clothes fit
Muscle will look different on your body (especially legs)
You might be in a weight-loss plateau (see www.weightlossresources.co.uk.
Are you eating/drinking more than you should
Are you eating enough - especially if you're exercising. The more you exercise - the more calories you consume. You could be in deficit
Do you Yo-Yo diet?

Muckyanthea - put a on my face. I once fell off my step at a big convention with lots of other instructors there and I was at the front! !!

Dinny - well done you. Belive what people say. We are our own worst enemies!

Marls100 - the nearest I can get to what your DH says is the weight loss plateau. If he can direct me to any research other that this can you let me know?

McDreamy - it will start to happen!. Where are you visiting in the UK?

Hi prettymum and welcome- what about getting some DVD's to do at home. Lots of tips already on the site. Do you know anything about core stability. Learning to stabilise your abdominal muscles by pulling the navel to the spine slightly will help to stabilise your back and tone your deep abdominal muscles. You also stop the pot-belly appearance. If you want to see more advice on this then look back at some of my posting in "We want to loose 10 pounds" thread last posting by laloop 10 Feb.

Hi Laloop - well done for run! Help - how can I do a link to your old thread??

That's all - hope it's not too long winded!!

OP posts:
laloop · 17/02/2007 20:06

Hi Lorns, hope you're having a nice weekend. Just got ds2 off to bed, and dd and ds1 about to head up to watch a dvd for a while, house nice and quiet so bliss!
Will do a link to our old thread

here you go

skibump · 17/02/2007 22:01

WOW! Busy thread, don't have time to read everything now! This week didn't go quite as planned, but I did manage to get to see PT on Thursday am, and played a badminton match in the evening (last minute sub!)Think that would have been ok if my PT hadn't 'helped' me stretch out my hamstrings, they've been a bit sore!

Hi Mrs Fish, good to see you here, and glad the morningsickness had passed (hope it hadn't returned later in the thread )

Hi Laloop, 5k hurray! Well done. We run about the same distance, virtual running buddies

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