I've gotten into the habit of weighing myself before every workout. Now that I'm tracking my calories so closely, I find stepping on the scale beneficial. After a weekend of eating and drinking I can see where I am and what I need to do to get back on track, for instance.
The other day at the gym, the top bar on the scale I normally use had been replaced. I stepped on and noticed that it read 12 pounds lower than what it normally does. I stepped off to make sure it was properly calibrated, and it was. But it was also properly calibrated the last time, to my knowledge.
Knowing that I hadn't magically dropped 12 pounds since my last workout two days before, I asked the employee at the Y's front desk on the way out if he knew about the women's locker room scale and if it had been replaced.
He said he didn't know. After I explained the discrepancy in measurement, he said, "is it that important to you?"
I was irritated that he would ask this. I felt that he was calling me vain for caring about getting an accurate measure of my weight. This was a 12 pound difference. Kind of a big deal, right?
Beyond that, who is he to judge what should be important to me? It's important because it's something I've been doing to track my weight for health reasons. Hell, the doctor weighs you every time you come in. It's useful information to have. And since the difference was so dramatic, I wanted to know why. I don't think that's unreasonable.
I'm not the type to fret over a single pound or two, as I'm accustomed to my weight fluctuating slightly for various reasons. But maintaining a healthy weight, tracking my BMI, and having records on my progress are that important to me.
So take that, dude at the Y. Maybe it's time to invest in a scale for my house.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Bit o' Sunny
I spent four days last week at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in the mountains of Tennessee. This was my third year at the festival. I find it incredible how easy it is to stay healthy out there. For one, it's on a huge 700 acre farm and you have to walk everywhere. Just walking from the campsite to "Centeroo" where all the stages and tents are is a great workout. On average, I think I attended about 7 or 8 concerts every day, so I felt like I could afford to indulge in beers and the occasional junk food.
Because Bonnaroo strives to be a green, sustainable music festival, they offer a lot of healthy food options--much better than typical festival/carnival fare. For every fried Twinkie there's a hummus and fattoush plate. For every slice of pizza there's a vegan taco stand. It's pretty easy to maintain your weight, or even drop a couple of pounds.
Because of the heat (it was over 90 degrees every day), we had to drink a ton of water to survive. I drank a couple gallons every day.
Then there's the dancing. I got to see one of my heroes, Wanda Jackson, perform. This was an absolutely life-changing experience for me. Wanda Jackson is the first lady of rock & roll. Elvis himself gave her his blessing, and even dated her for a short period of time when she made the leap from country to rockabilly music in the mid to late 50s. Jack White of the White Stripes (another hero of mine) produced her recent comeback record "The Party Ain't Over."
I love traditional rockabilly and classic American music. I love Wanda Jackson. Her band, the Hi Dollars, were incredible. It was impossible to stand still during this show. I never stopped dancing. I must have burned a billion calories. The same thing happened when we checked out Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears' set. They're one of my favorite live bands, and this time they brought out a bunch of soul singers in matching suits at the end of their set. Tail shaking was an absolute must.
Now that I'm back from the festival, I'm focusing more on traditional workouts and healthy food. I did an early morning cardio/core split yesterday and today I plan to bike to the Indians game to meet some friends.
For now, I leave you with a very simple, healthy, nutritious recipe. Seriously, it's foolproof and a great quick, healthy meal. I don't usually shy away from taking my time when I cook, but I had a busy night the other day and had to come up with something fast:
Penne with Broccoli and Toasted Nuts
1 box whole wheat pasta (I used penne)
3/4 cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or almonds
1/2 cup julienne carrots
2 cloves garlic
salt, pepper, your choice of spice
Boil your water and cook pasta according to the instructions. While it's boiling, blanch your broccoli. Once the broccoli is cooked (it should still be slightly firm, not soggy--if you overcook it will lose nutrients), drain the pan and add a little olive oil, garlic, carrots, and nuts. Sautee these items together until the nuts are toasted and the ingredients are well-mixed.
Drain the pasta and toss with the veggie mixture, remaining olive oil, and cheese. Stir well.
There you go. It's not anything special, but it's a good, light summer pasta dish.
Because Bonnaroo strives to be a green, sustainable music festival, they offer a lot of healthy food options--much better than typical festival/carnival fare. For every fried Twinkie there's a hummus and fattoush plate. For every slice of pizza there's a vegan taco stand. It's pretty easy to maintain your weight, or even drop a couple of pounds.
Because of the heat (it was over 90 degrees every day), we had to drink a ton of water to survive. I drank a couple gallons every day.
Then there's the dancing. I got to see one of my heroes, Wanda Jackson, perform. This was an absolutely life-changing experience for me. Wanda Jackson is the first lady of rock & roll. Elvis himself gave her his blessing, and even dated her for a short period of time when she made the leap from country to rockabilly music in the mid to late 50s. Jack White of the White Stripes (another hero of mine) produced her recent comeback record "The Party Ain't Over."
I love traditional rockabilly and classic American music. I love Wanda Jackson. Her band, the Hi Dollars, were incredible. It was impossible to stand still during this show. I never stopped dancing. I must have burned a billion calories. The same thing happened when we checked out Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears' set. They're one of my favorite live bands, and this time they brought out a bunch of soul singers in matching suits at the end of their set. Tail shaking was an absolute must.
Now that I'm back from the festival, I'm focusing more on traditional workouts and healthy food. I did an early morning cardio/core split yesterday and today I plan to bike to the Indians game to meet some friends.
For now, I leave you with a very simple, healthy, nutritious recipe. Seriously, it's foolproof and a great quick, healthy meal. I don't usually shy away from taking my time when I cook, but I had a busy night the other day and had to come up with something fast:
Penne with Broccoli and Toasted Nuts
1 box whole wheat pasta (I used penne)
3/4 cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or almonds
1/2 cup julienne carrots
2 cloves garlic
salt, pepper, your choice of spice
Boil your water and cook pasta according to the instructions. While it's boiling, blanch your broccoli. Once the broccoli is cooked (it should still be slightly firm, not soggy--if you overcook it will lose nutrients), drain the pan and add a little olive oil, garlic, carrots, and nuts. Sautee these items together until the nuts are toasted and the ingredients are well-mixed.
Drain the pasta and toss with the veggie mixture, remaining olive oil, and cheese. Stir well.
There you go. It's not anything special, but it's a good, light summer pasta dish.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Outdoor workouts and V8
Hey, all. Been a while for me (and for all of us!). Hope you're all working out happily and successfully. As for me, well, the past semester wreaked havoc on my well-laid plans, as usual. I had a really good streak of workouts going in February, but then I came down with a nasty virus that kept me in bed for several days and without energy for over a week. It was all downhill from there.
Last month I got in a few hours of exercise here and there. Last week I lifted some weights, and today I walked 5 miles briskly outdoors (including lots of hills). So I'm pleased with this upward trend.
Usually the summer months offer the best chance for me to get in shape simply because of all the outdoor opportunities. I love fast-paced walks in the park (with several stops for lunges and stretching along the way), tennis, frisbee, playing catch, anything that gets me moving and in the sun. I haven't cycled outdoors in years but hope to start up with that again this summer. Give me a beach, and I'll play paddle ball for hours.
What are your favorite outdoor activities in the summer months?
In addition to lots of activity this summer, I'm also making renewed efforts at eating well. I'm currently hooked on V8 fusions -- a delicious juice blend containing fruits and vegetables. My flavor of choice is strawberry banana, but mango peach is also good. There are lots of others to choose from.
Today at the store I bought some all-natural whole grain cereal, salad ingredients, a red pepper, watermelon, pomegranate apple juice, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, wheat crackers, and... okay, I'll admit it, Nutella.
How are you all doing?
Last month I got in a few hours of exercise here and there. Last week I lifted some weights, and today I walked 5 miles briskly outdoors (including lots of hills). So I'm pleased with this upward trend.
Usually the summer months offer the best chance for me to get in shape simply because of all the outdoor opportunities. I love fast-paced walks in the park (with several stops for lunges and stretching along the way), tennis, frisbee, playing catch, anything that gets me moving and in the sun. I haven't cycled outdoors in years but hope to start up with that again this summer. Give me a beach, and I'll play paddle ball for hours.
What are your favorite outdoor activities in the summer months?
In addition to lots of activity this summer, I'm also making renewed efforts at eating well. I'm currently hooked on V8 fusions -- a delicious juice blend containing fruits and vegetables. My flavor of choice is strawberry banana, but mango peach is also good. There are lots of others to choose from.
Today at the store I bought some all-natural whole grain cereal, salad ingredients, a red pepper, watermelon, pomegranate apple juice, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, wheat crackers, and... okay, I'll admit it, Nutella.
How are you all doing?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Paper Plate Workout
I stumbled across this link that my cousin posted online, and I think it offers some good at-home workouts. The plates seem mostly unnecessary, but I suppose they could be good for people who like visual markers to align their body with. I've done some of these exercises (called by various other names); the "mountain climber" one is a FABULOUS ab workout. And by fabulous, I mean you will be sore for 3-4 days after trying it for the first time. Love it.
Check it out!
How is everyone doing? I have slacked big time this semester, but tonight I cycled for an hour and did over 11 miles. It felt wonderful. If only I could do that every day..... I watched half of a movie (500 Days of Summer) while cycling, which I like to do because it really makes the time go fast. Also, I don't let myself watch the second half until I work out again, thus providing motivation to work out again, and soon.
That's all for now! Oh, I should mention that I am eating lots of chicken. And lots more veggies than usual (including broccoli and cauliflower). And lots of fruit (mainly mandarins, strawberries, and cantaloupe).
I gave up desserts starting around the 2nd week of Lent, and I've only cheated once or twice. That feels good too, considering I was back to my old ways of eating 8 tons of sugar per day. Approximately.
Okay, I think that really is all now.
Check it out!
How is everyone doing? I have slacked big time this semester, but tonight I cycled for an hour and did over 11 miles. It felt wonderful. If only I could do that every day..... I watched half of a movie (500 Days of Summer) while cycling, which I like to do because it really makes the time go fast. Also, I don't let myself watch the second half until I work out again, thus providing motivation to work out again, and soon.
That's all for now! Oh, I should mention that I am eating lots of chicken. And lots more veggies than usual (including broccoli and cauliflower). And lots of fruit (mainly mandarins, strawberries, and cantaloupe).
I gave up desserts starting around the 2nd week of Lent, and I've only cheated once or twice. That feels good too, considering I was back to my old ways of eating 8 tons of sugar per day. Approximately.
Okay, I think that really is all now.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Joints
Over the past few months I've experienced snapping in my hips and an increase in joint pain in my knees after workouts. I finally decided to see a doctor.
After several x-rays, it was determined that I do not have any breaks or tears, but the muscles around my knees are weak, and it's affecting my stride. This is likely the cause of my hip pain. My doctor is setting me up with a physical therapist, and if that doesn't help I may have to see a sports medicine specialist.
She also recommended that I visit a shoe store called Second Sole to be fitted with a shoe that can give me better arch support. I went today and the knowledgeable employee I worked with recommended a few pairs for me to try. I went with these: http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/10752/58796/218740
I don't know much about shoes. This pair definitely felt like it had less padding than some of the other pairs I tried on, but a lot of the super-padded ones felt weird on my feet. I'm thinking maybe I should have thought a little more about my final decision. The shoes I bought are comfortable, but maybe the slight annoyance of having my feet hugged in weird places (arch, sides, heel) is something I need to get used to. Maybe that's the best for my feet. This is a $100+ investment so I want to make sure it's right. I'm kind of stressing about it.
I've never spent this much on a pair of shoes in my life. I see it as an investment in my health and well-being. I want to take care of my feet and legs now so this doesn't become a chronic issue.
So right now I'm feeling nervous, anxious, and a little defeated. I am worried about how long physical therapy is going to take, if I'm going to see results, how much it's going to cost if it's not covered by my insurance, and whether these shoes are going to work out. I'm also disappointed that this stuff is affecting my workout. I was finally starting to see results from my shift in workout regimen, consultation with a trainer, and change in diet (I've begun counting calories on Livestrong.com and I'm doing really well with it). Now I find that I can't do the workout I want to do because I'm experiencing pain. I feel like I'm doing everything right and my body is working against me. It's pretty disconcerting.
Right now I need to try and stay positive. I need to be more careful about what I consume since I might not be able to do as much cardio or work out as extensively as I'm used to. I'm a determined person and I know I can do well with physical therapy and that I'll be diligent with whatever exercises they give me. So here it goes. Here's to getting back into top form.
After several x-rays, it was determined that I do not have any breaks or tears, but the muscles around my knees are weak, and it's affecting my stride. This is likely the cause of my hip pain. My doctor is setting me up with a physical therapist, and if that doesn't help I may have to see a sports medicine specialist.
She also recommended that I visit a shoe store called Second Sole to be fitted with a shoe that can give me better arch support. I went today and the knowledgeable employee I worked with recommended a few pairs for me to try. I went with these: http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/10752/58796/218740
I don't know much about shoes. This pair definitely felt like it had less padding than some of the other pairs I tried on, but a lot of the super-padded ones felt weird on my feet. I'm thinking maybe I should have thought a little more about my final decision. The shoes I bought are comfortable, but maybe the slight annoyance of having my feet hugged in weird places (arch, sides, heel) is something I need to get used to. Maybe that's the best for my feet. This is a $100+ investment so I want to make sure it's right. I'm kind of stressing about it.
I've never spent this much on a pair of shoes in my life. I see it as an investment in my health and well-being. I want to take care of my feet and legs now so this doesn't become a chronic issue.
So right now I'm feeling nervous, anxious, and a little defeated. I am worried about how long physical therapy is going to take, if I'm going to see results, how much it's going to cost if it's not covered by my insurance, and whether these shoes are going to work out. I'm also disappointed that this stuff is affecting my workout. I was finally starting to see results from my shift in workout regimen, consultation with a trainer, and change in diet (I've begun counting calories on Livestrong.com and I'm doing really well with it). Now I find that I can't do the workout I want to do because I'm experiencing pain. I feel like I'm doing everything right and my body is working against me. It's pretty disconcerting.
Right now I need to try and stay positive. I need to be more careful about what I consume since I might not be able to do as much cardio or work out as extensively as I'm used to. I'm a determined person and I know I can do well with physical therapy and that I'll be diligent with whatever exercises they give me. So here it goes. Here's to getting back into top form.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Successful Month
About a month ago, I finally busted out of my slump and have managed to exercise 5+ days/week since then. I'm not seeing a huge physical difference yet, but cardio is definitely getting easier. I've been mostly doing the elliptical, but occasionally mixing it up with a bike or a treadmill (or a cardio kickboxing class).
Also, as a habitual soda drinker, I've decided that, rather than trying to cut it out completely, I'd cut back. During the slump I was definitely drinking some every day. Now, I'm at about half as much. Not ideal, but, better.
I hope I can keep my momentum going and at least improvise some on my upcoming trip out of town on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Anyone have suggestions for exercise on the go?
How's everyone else doing?? (I think Mary is busy eating a 3-pound cinnamon roll?)
Also, as a habitual soda drinker, I've decided that, rather than trying to cut it out completely, I'd cut back. During the slump I was definitely drinking some every day. Now, I'm at about half as much. Not ideal, but, better.
I hope I can keep my momentum going and at least improvise some on my upcoming trip out of town on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Anyone have suggestions for exercise on the go?
How's everyone else doing?? (I think Mary is busy eating a 3-pound cinnamon roll?)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Sick Diet
I caught some sort of nasty bug (half flu, half cold) last week, and within 7 days I'd lost 5 pounds. Let's just say my fitness goal does NOT involve losing weight since I'm already a petite gal, and I'm trying to build muscle tone. GRRRRRR.
At least my abs look flat in the mirror. I do not recommend this approach, however.
Oh, and of course, I couldn't work out while sick. So I'm way behind in my workouts. Yesterday I did a lot of walking, though, and my quads are actually sore. That's a good thing.
My goal is to get in a few good workouts within the next week. And also to stop coughing.
Hope you are all faring better than me!
At least my abs look flat in the mirror. I do not recommend this approach, however.
Oh, and of course, I couldn't work out while sick. So I'm way behind in my workouts. Yesterday I did a lot of walking, though, and my quads are actually sore. That's a good thing.
My goal is to get in a few good workouts within the next week. And also to stop coughing.
Hope you are all faring better than me!
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