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

Tess, I am impressed, really Impressed! I have been stretching, but have had no cardio/weight loss exercise in a couple weeks. I am trying to get my body to surrender its rebellion at the moment. I've also had a lot going on, but hope to get back to it soon.

18 pounds!!! You must be so excited!

18 lbs. is some serious results. It's so much more important to do even a little activity consistently not only to establish the habit but also so you don't get trapped in the "someday" mindset.

You are right to look at the diet component, maybe try doing a little modification every week or two, like a serving of steamed vegetables a day or making fruits the focus of your desserts, etc.

tiabird, hope your difficulties clear up for you. If you have access to a pool (and are able to do it) here are some water ideas for you. http://unstoppablemurri.googlepages.com/

Thankyou Mr Unstoppable, I'm going to loosen up soon.

I wish I could lose those final 5 pounds. I really have gotten soft around the middle since I can no longer go to the gym. I would love to find a walking partner. Walking by myself is so boring. Even with the dog I get bored.
I may try the deep water areobics. I have seen it at the wellness center I used to attend.
I just need alot of motivation.

I have been walking with my neighbor. I probably would not walk without her, that is when I usually ride the bike or go to the gym instead.

Tess

The motivation angle can be tough. One way to combat this is to put pressure on yourself. I know, that sounds a bad thing right? Not if you do it in the right way. Lets say you decide you want to lose 5 lbs. (like you have). What is the most difficult way to try and lose it? Answer: by yourself!

To make it easier, all you have to do is let other people lose part of the weight "for" you. For example, start by telling your husband, kids, friends that you are working on losing 5 pounds. This gives you a little social pressure since at least some of them will follow up with you later to ask how it's going.

Next, broaden your support group. Set up a specific time to meet with a friend or trainer to exercise. Even better, set it up with a couple so that if one of you can't make it or wants to back out, the positive effects of peer pressure will keep it from happening.

Third, make specific goals and a timetable(but be sure to make it realistic, you're not going to drop 20 punds in 2 weeks!). Then record your progess DAILY. Just jot down what you did that day in a little notebook or on a word document. This can be as little as "I walked 30 minutes with Mary and ate 2 servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner" to detailing EVERYTHING about your day.

The last thing? Make sure you have at least 1 thing in both important weight loss components, 1)diet and 2)activity that you're working on. This will help you get results -and stay motivated- much faster.

bump bump

Hey, Mr. Unstoppable, I was just going to look for this thread!! I have not done much lately, other than walking, but have not been watching my diet until this week. I am trying to get back on track, so thanks for the bump!!

Tess

I found a website that is GREAT for tracking what you eat and exercise. It is based on weight and they seem to have every imaginable food. If anyone wants to know it, please PM me.

Tess