https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:29:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-701072 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:14:51 +0000 Suz 701072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh...Ali, you and I are sisters, I swear it...the wine is my downfall, too. </p> <p>Una, you've got good advice re the cramps. All I can add is I am SUPER impressed with all of you distance-running women and with Cciele for doing 2 pull-ups!!! </p> <p>I am a terrible runner, but nevertheless I run a couple of times a week, but 5 km is my limit, and half the time I do intervals for part of that so I am not even running the entire time. Ugh. </p> <p>So far this week: </p> <p>Monday run.<br /> Tuesday crossfit - weights (that was my weights workout I promised myself, phew, off the hook!)<br /> Wed: run<br /> Thurs: crossfit</p> <p>Tomorrow I really do intend to get to the gym for a proper weights workout, though. &lt;she said, hopefullly....&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-701041 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:27:11 +0000 Anonymous 701041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My eating has been okay-ish, too much wine though.</p> <p>Here's my exercise so far:</p> <p>Mon: 40 minutes of weights</p> <p>Tues: Zumba class</p> <p>Wed: 40 minutes of weights</p> <p>Thurs: Classical Stretch, might do something else this evening. TOM here too, and I was too crampy and grouchy to get myself out the door to Zumba. Probably would have helped my mood if I'd gone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-701038 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:18:09 +0000 citygirldc 701038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually do a weekend update but I'll chime in. </p> <p>This week was a bomb for me. I got sick. It was also that TOM. I was not myself. I didn't feel like exercising. I didn't go to work. I didn't shop. I ate. I exercised once and that was on Monday. </p> <p>I'm finally feel better so tonight and it's time to get back on track. Hubby and I are going on a social bike ride around the city tonight at 8:00. It should be a pleasant evening. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700960 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:33:33 +0000 rute 700960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>to avoid cramps eat bananas and almonds! I had a lot and I'm much better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700897 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 06:13:12 +0000 catgirl 700897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh you all are so wonderful! Sorry I didn't see the earlier thread. Thank you so much for the tips. Now that I think about it, I'd been doing banana smoothies but haven't this week because our bananas went bad. Potassium may be the key. These are stomach cramps for sure, not muscle cramps typically associated with running, but could be cramping stomach muscles.</p> <p>VC, I will look for those supplements for sure!</p> <p>Christy, you've described my running woes exactly. Some days are awesome, others are a drag, and I've yet to figure out why. I know Thai food for lunch does not help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700895 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:57:18 +0000 rae 700895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been swimming and walking! Feels good - way better than sitting in one chair all day. Definitely seeing some waistline improvements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700873 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:54:39 +0000 christy 700873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm training for a half marathon that's coming up in a few weeks so I've been running quite a bit. Today's run was AWFUL...wanted to do 5, felt like quitting after 2 and walked most of mile 4. Yuck! Why are some runs so awful and others feel awesome? </p> <p>I can't advise on the cramps but I can commiserate. I've been having the worst stitches lately when I try to run when I get home after work. I'm eating a relatively early and healthy lunch, so I'm not sure what's going on. It's just been for the last couple of weeks. That's part of the reason today's run was so bad. Might have been a little bit easier if my legs didn't feel like lead weights the entire time! Okay, have I complained enough?! :)</p> <p>Looking forward to a very light and easy run tomorrow in preparation for an 11 miler on Saturday. Yikes! :)</p> <p>VC - great info. Now that I think about it, I've been doing more sandwiches at lunch lately because I'm making one for my kiddo and figured I'd save a few bucks instead of buying the salad I usually get. Maybe tomorrow I'll go back to the salad and see how it goes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700859 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:33:03 +0000 velvetychocolate 700859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been a total slug in the exercise dept. for quite awhile now, so take this with a really big grain of salt, but the first thing I thought of when I read that you're dealing with cramps is that maybe you might want to take a cal-mag-potassium supplement. Also, don't forget that sodium is also an essential nutrient/mineral. </p> <p>I eat a lot of fresh, whole foods and I don't get much sodium in my diet overall - and in the past, when I've amped up the exercise, sometimes it turns out that some natural sodium is just the ticket, even though everyone's always worried about taking in too much sodium in general. </p> <p>Do you like V-8 juice at all? It has a fair amount of both sodium and potassium, and these might help out a wee bit. I'm not saying load up on salt or sodium, just saying that if you're exercising a bit more than usual, then sometimes you actually need a bit more of this essential mineral/nutrient. </p> <p>Boost your cal-mag-potassium intake - take a supplement that has these. Bump up your intake of greens, and don't be shy about sodium either - you might need it. I'm not saying you'd want to eat a bunch of high-sodium, processed foods - just that a tiny bit of salt might help a wee bit. </p> <p>If you're working particularly hard lately, sweating more and so on - you might need a bit of a boost in the electrolytes dept. </p> <p>I'm not always good at taking all my vitamins, but when I need them - taking a cal-mag-potassium supplement helps. A 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium seems to be better than the 'usual' recommended 2:1 of cal to mag. The little bit of potassium in the supplement isn't much, just 99mg, but it does help. You want to get most of your potassium from leafy greens and things like avocado (guacamole works beautifully for this). </p> <p>I recommend:</p> <p>Country Life brand Cal-Mag-Potassium:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Country-Life-Cal-mag-potassium-Tablets-90-Count/dp/B000WSGBLW" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Country-.....B000WSGBLW</a></p> <p>(local stores might have this as well)</p> <p>Electro-Mix Electrolyte Replacement Mix:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/ElectroMIX-Electrolyte-Replacement-Drink-Mix/dp/B000KHIYNI" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/ElectroM.....B000KHIYNI</a></p> <p>Sometimes you can find these in local health food stores. It's a lemon-lime tasting sachet that you add to some water - non-sugar, and does not have fake sweetener added either. Note: it does not have sodium, and call me crazy, but it might be ok to add a pinch of actual salt to the mix.</p> <p>V8 Juice - the tiny cans - lots of sodium *and* potassium. A teensy mini-sized can will do you good. I don't suggest this all the time, just when you need the extra minerals. </p> <p>A salad a day (even just a small side salad) - this will go far in helping alleviate these cramps. Add one serving (just 1/4 cup) of your favourite nuts (magnesium) or 1-2 tbsp. nut butter per day as well. </p> <p>Guacamole (potassium):</p> <p><a href="http://eatwholly.com/products/wholly-guacamole/classic-snack-pack.html" rel="nofollow">http://eatwholly.com/products/.....-pack.html</a></p> <p>The cramping might (?) be related to the main electrolytes: calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These all work together, so consider boosting your intake of all four of these essential minerals, especially if you're working harder than usual. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I'm sure that experienced YLF runners will have more useful and specific suggestions. I just thought I'd throw in that bit about electrolytes - because sometimes when you do more, you might need more in the nutrition dept. </p> <p>Good luck, and I hope you can solve the cramps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700853 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:15:54 +0000 Echo 700853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, muscle cramps (usually in the legs, not the torso) can be caused by pacl of potassium, but generally abdominal cramps are due to breathing technique. But that's more for side-stitches than what you describe, Una. Measured breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth doesn't prevent them? </p> <p>I don't have the stamina you all have, though! I generally only run three miles at a time. Maybe I need to increase my distance. I prefer cycling, actually, but with DH's travel running is easier (the kids can come with me on scooters, bikes or run along). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700852 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:14:30 +0000 cciele 700852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, no idea about the cramps but try Sylvie's remedy re: muscle cramps and potassium.</p> <p>My gym just did a 4-week fitness challenge and tested us last Friday. I improved in several of the tests but I was most happy that I did 2 pullups! :)</p> <p>This week however I fell down and hurt my knee and wrist so haven't been to the gym at all. Hope to go on Friday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700849 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:08:42 +0000 Sylvie 700849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eat a banana! Cramps can be caused by a lack of potassium. Wait, sorry is this is a muscle cramp or a stomach cramp? Lack of potassium causes muscle cramps.</p> <p>For a stomach cramp, I would make sure you've eaten enough beforehand but had long enough to digest the food. I'd still recommend the banana before a morning run. Our bodies can be so touchy sometimes when we exercise. You'll have to experiment a bit with your pre-run diet to see what's going to help you feel best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700833 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:39:50 +0000 anne 700833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una here is this week's thread<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---healthy-habits---week-3" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s---week-3</a></p> <p>Sorry to hear about the cramps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700832 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:33:58 +0000 annagybe 700832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Due to a really horrible night of sleep. I did not make it to the gym today. Then for lunch I had a chicken burger and sweet potato french fries. So basically a very bad day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700829 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:32:05 +0000 KathyL 700829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been very, very bad I went on vacation for a few days and ate horribly and did not run like I was planning to. Got back on Monday. Then, I was on call last night and am just wiped out today to run. Excuses, excuses. I will run tomorrow!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700824 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:26:33 +0000 Transcona Shannon 700824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ran Monday night - first one in about 2.5 weeks (finally over the bought of strep). I managed to do 6 km but it wasn't an easy 6 km! My knee held up well though - just need to work at getting my conditioning back. New meds level for endocrine imbalance seems to be about right - starting to feel like my old self. Definitely need new running shoes. Mine are starting to break down.</p> <p>Eating has been good, except for today, and snacking seems to be under control (always my problem area).</p> <p>I'm afraid I'm no help with the cramps question though - I've had the odd side stitch which I can usually get rid of with some really deep in/out breaths but it sounds like that's not the same thing. Hopefully someone will chime in with some advice.</p> <p>Way to go with your running Una - you're inspiring me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700808 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:12:26 +0000 Mo 700808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ran myself in the rain today and totally enjoyed not overheating for once! I'm doing poorly with food intake so I need to do something there. No help on the cramps, I'm afraid. I've only gotten the side stitches on occasion. And as for running 3 weeks straight - I'm amazed!! That's one lucky doggie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-done-a-fitness-check-in#post-700802 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:08:20 +0000 catgirl 700802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm cooling down from a run as we speak! I've forced myself to run every other day for three weeks now. I wish I could say I was seeing results in weight or size, but the main improvement has been in my endurance and in the dog's attitude. She is thrilled and keeps me motivated by expecting to do something with me now.</p> <p>Eating has been okay, not better, not worse. I feel more motivated to eat well so as not to offset the benefits of exercising, but I still ate a handful of chocolate chips out of the bag just because I felt like it last night.</p> <p>Runners, can anyone explain cramps to me? I seem to get them right at two miles, and if I slow down and walk for a bit, I can run another three without a problem. But they are real cramps (almost like it's that time of the month), not like a side stitch from eating or drinking too soon before running. It's really bugging me to have to stop just as I get going.... I never had this issue before even when I was running long distances back in the day. </p> <p>Do check in! </p>