Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Forum Weight loss/ exercise

I thought I would start a weight loss thread. I know a lot of us are trying to lose weight or even just get in better shape, I thought it might be nice to have a thread where we record our progress or ask for advice or even just "sustain" one another. Now, I am not advocating that we all put our weight on here, you can if you are comfortable with that sort of thing, I am not. I was thinking that you could set a goal and just log on the percentage of progress that you have made. For instance if you set a goal of losing 20 lbs and you have lost 2 lbs, that would be 10% of your weight loss. Lets say the next week you only lose a pound. You could either log it as a 5% for the week or 15% towards your total weight loss. I am going to log my work out goals too, you could pick either or both. Obviously nobody has to do it, just please remember to be supportive of one another if you do decide to try it.
I started last Wednesday and so far have lost 6.6% of my goal. I set the goal of going to the gym three times a week and doing half an hour of aerobic activity and half an hour with the weights. Last week I did make it three times, with aerobics, weights, and stretching. I was there a total of an hour and a half each time.
Tess

YIKES! Every time I try to lose weight I actually gain! I went on the South Beach and followed it to the letter and gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks!
It is depressing!

This is a great idea!

-My goal is to lose 20pounds.
_I walked for 3 miles on the treadmill today
_I have been doing streches and leg lifts
-I am blessed at the moment, because my pain level is lower than it has been in several years.
-I have the appetite of a lion. I have been eating healthy balanced diet for the past 31/2 weeks, (except for the four cookies today and an occasional small treat) I have not shed a single pound my husband thinks, I'll wake up tomorrow and weigh five pounds less. He sees how hard, I've been working. Now that I have to be accountable to someone, I may try to skip my treat.
-If anyone has any ideas about my appetite, PLEASE let me know.

At least you are up and moving!

And one thing...muscle weighs more than fat, so it's possible you are losing fat or inches and not see it on the scale.

Well one of the most simple ways to curb/control appetite while not resorting to "dieting" (I define diet as something that is not a viable long-term solution) is to begin lunch and dinner with a small undressed salad. Lettuce, sprouts, spinach, watercress, celery, and cucumbers are good ingredients as are tomatoes, peppers, and carrots if you're not trying to nsd. It's difficult to analyze where you could benefit the most from change without examining your exercise and eating habits in more depth but another way to tweak things is to eat slightly more protein. Trying to eat less DOES NOT WORK, I promise! As a trainer that is the worst way to go about weight loss because even if you have the initial foritude to severely cut back your food intake it is VERY difficult and unhealthy to attempt a sort of modified starvation for extended periods of time. Fourth, try and plan out your treats. For example, if you want your cookies go ahead and have them-AFTER you did your workout and enjoyed a balanced meal. Lastly, if you do some basic weight training-like a whole body routine of 6-8 exercises-and then follow that with cardio of ~30 min. you will see changes much faster.

This is what I like, ideas that I would have never thought of. Thanks Mr. Unstoppable. I have always done my aerobic part first, starting tomorrow I will do it the other way around.Tia, Irish Elf is right, muscle weighs more than fat. However it also burns more calories than fat, so in the long run you will see a difference if you keep going- so stay at it!! I wouldn't give up the treats, especially if they are small and part of a well balanced diet. I was just reading something that recommended allowing yourself an extra 500 calories one day a week, like when you are going out with friends, or going to a party. Something to keep in mind.
Tess

Thankyou!

Elf you said "possible I'm not seeing it on the scale" I'm not seeing it anywhere, lol

Mr. Unstoppable I am turning into a rabbit. I have had soooo many carrots, green beans, apples and salad :p all of which I love. There are days though that I can't get full. Its to the point that I'm thinking that my thyroid must be messed up. I can't blame it on prednisone now. I will see a doctor, if this continues. I don't give into my appetite, but I am starving for no apparent reason.

While I am up and moving (thankyou GOD) I am taking the exercise slow. I am so afraid of hurting myself. Lets say terrified! I am taking deep water exercise class and gentle yoga. I am also trying to get my body moving through out the day. I so want to be able to continue.

I am so siked that I will have someone to do this with. I saw people magszine had three woman, that had never met, but had encouraged each other to loose 100 pounds or more. WE CAN DO THIS!!!

I am going to the fitness center owned by my DH's employer. Because of my health issues I'll have to have a plan worked out by a trainer.
But it will give me incentive to keep it up.

Exercise is an issue with me, I've got so many boo-boos there are so many things I cannot do. Even just plain walking, my Ortho said "No Way", my hip only has so many miles left on it.
Sit-ups are out for obvious reasons and I have a diastasis recti so I can't even do crunches.
Torn rotator tendon so I can't do push-off's (vertical push-ups on a wall), use weights, swim, etc.

Any suggestions?

Elf, Have you tried the deep water exercise. You dont have to swim, they give you a belt so that you float. There is no impact on your joints. But you do jog and movements that get your heart rate up. I'm sure most of the exercises can be changed to fit your special needs. I have problems with my neck, shoulders and knees if I do anything repetitive and this is working for me. There are alot of people that have had knee or hip replacements in the class. But you can go as fast pace or slow as you need it too.

Elf, Have you tried the deep water exercise. You dont have to swim, they give you a belt so that you float. There is no impact on your joints. But you do jog and movements that get your heart rate up. I'm sure most of the exercises can be changed to fit your special needs. I have problems with my neck, shoulders and knees if I do anything repetitive and this is working for me. There are alot of people that have had knee or hip replacements in the class. But you can go as fast pace or slow as you need it too.