Fitness, health and wellbeing 2019 - update - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Off Topic

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Fitness, health and wellbeing 2019 - update

Runcarla

Veteran

The hardest part of winter is over, and spring has sprung for some and is around the corner for others (or going into fall for our Southern Hemisphere friends!) How are you doing with your fitness, health, and wellbeing objectives for 2019?

I set a goal of gym workouts for a minimum of 3 days a week (13 per month or 156 per year) . I've managed: Jan - 13, Feb - 12, March - 15. So, I'm on target. DH and I have just resumed long walks (2-3 hours) after a 3 month hiatus. The first day was tough - endurance was down. The second day was gloriously sunny and went much better.

Spur of the moment I switched to decaf coffee about a month ago. I didn't have any adverse side effects and I find I'm calmer through the day and sleep better at night.

Time to update! How are you doing with your health goals? On target? Time to revise?

Off Topic

29 replies

Latest reply was from anchie

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

That's an impressive record of meeting your goal!

I'm starting to lose my winter fat, just because it isn't so cold anymore. When the living room is done, we can start with the Murphy bed & when that's done, I can hang hooks for the suspension gear and yoga swing. I've also bought a pass for 20 visits to outdoor pools over the summer for the 2 of us.

In the meantime, I've found some yoga studios to check out.

Anonymous

Interesting stats, Carla . I’m interested in your quitting coffee . I drink too much , I think , and havecpme to rely on it when I know I have a long day and evening ahead . So you didn’t feel headachy and sluggish ? Good to know ! As for exercise ,all I can say is that I’m looking forward to getting back outside to walk and bike . Breaking my arm this past winter scared me a bit , and also forced a change in how I exercised . It’s all a work in progress . I’ve been using bands to work out my upper body and am seeing terrific results .

Runcarla

Veteran

*getting on my soap box*

I'm going to put something 'out there' for folks to think about. You all probably know I'm a bit of a gym bunny, but I want to volunteer that it's because running, riding a bike, swimming, weight training, yoga, what ever = FUN and is therefore PLAY for me. Because I like to participate in events (it's PARTY TIME!) I do have to follow some sort of regimine. In other words, I look forward to working out or going to the gym, working my body, getting all sweaty and breathless, and having a good shower after!

That's a roundabout way of saying you should find something you LOVE to do, or at least LIKE that promotes health and wellbeing. Walking, dancing, tennis, golf, gardening, chasing kids or grandkids, gardening are all good. Home-making counts! Pushing a vacuume cleaner, washing floors, making beds, re-arranging furniture, doing laundry, cooking - can be vigorous, as can packing for moving and doing renovation work (painting, etc.). Even some art and some crafts can be physically challenging - painting, weaving, photography, etc. I understand that a gym routine can be a prescription for something specific, like recovery from an injury, or building bone density and doesn't bring the same joy, and you just have to do it. But, please, for health and wellbeing - do something physical that you LOVE to do, and do it a lot!

*getting down from the soap box*

Lisap - I found a decaf coffee that doesn't 'taste' like decaf (President's Choice Gourmet Decaf' - in a green box). I don't do sugar, but I do 10% cream. The bit of richness makes it such a treat, and satisfying that I don't 'keep looking' IYKWIM.

Also, though I don't know what exercise you were doing when you injured your shoulder, I think of you every time I do a quadruped row!

Anonymous

I agree 10000% Runcarla that exercize should be fun (though my Brazillian soul cries at the thought of decaf coffee)! I dance, do martial arts, swim, paddleboard, yoga, etc cause I love it
Winter is really hard for me, good habits wise. Right now I'm up 7lb from the fall-which is normal for me in winter, and I know it will be gone by May-but makes me unhappy. Hopefully this will be my last winter here (I say that every year, but more in reach now).
On the upside, Toban inspired me to train for a (sprint) triathlon. The swim and bike will be no effort, but running is. Last week I had a breakthrough and ran/walked (70/30) 5k-feel good about that I just want to see if I can do it. I don't see myself committing full time to just run/swim/bike though to do Ironman or such. I'd rather keep collecting fitness hobbies

Style Fan

Veteran

I completely agree with you Carla that finding something you love doing is important when exercising. My favourite activities are walking and Yoga. I have been doing a challenging Yoga practice 4 to 5 times a week and walking at least one hour a day. If my feet were not bothering me I would walk longer.

Anonymous

Movement of any kind is not just good for us, it's absolutely critical in maintaining our emotional and physical health as we age. A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributing factor to poor health as we age. *also on soapbox*. Also - DITCH THE SUGAR from our diets. *more a note to self than anything *

Aquamarine

Veteran

This winter really did a job on my workout routine. Plus, dealing with an aging parent and her issues derailed my schedule. And—I can’t believe how easily I gained another 5 pounds, on top of the 5 I have been struggling to lose! They weren’t kidding when they said menopause could do that. But now I have clothes that are really too tight and I do not want to go up a size. I actually slipped on my Fitbit this morning in hopes it would motivate me to get moving.

On the topic of caffeine, I had been on the cusp of borderline high BP (stress-related) but during a stomach bug went off of all coffee for a week. A coincidental doctor visit right after showed a big drop in my numbers so my doctor surmised I might be one of those caffeine-sensitive people. I decided to switch to 75% decaf, with one cheat day a week, and it has worked for me. I buy both kinds (from a coffee shop, so high-end) and mix my own blend. So, you do not need to go cold-turkey in my experience.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

RunCarla, you are SO right. Rock on.

I don't have fitness goals, but am big on nutrition, movement, well being, enjoying life, and laughing a lot. It's easy to move when you have a doggie and lead an urban life! I love that lifestyle. It's all very natural and moderate, accept that I don't drink coffee, alcohol, or eat mammals. I am extremely extreme about that for personal reasons.

Anonymous

I've given up most of my demons (alcohol, smoking, etc.) but don't want to kill all of them, because I might kill the angels, too (thank you, Tennessee Williams). So I'm still on coffee, but doing great on sugar, having almost eliminated it entirely. Have been continuously working with my strength trainer twice a week for over two years now, and it's really paying off in terms of how I'm pain-free and able to do my gardening much more efficiently. Am also enjoying long walks several times a week, enjoying the spring weather. Will have to move that inside to the gym when it gets muggy and buggy ( and much hotter) in a couple of months. I'm just keeping on keeping on, and it seems to be working for me.

Anonymous

I am still on track from the beginning of the year. Lifting more weights. Great definition in my back. Posture has improved tremendously. Legs are more toned. What I have decreased in my regime is stretching. One of my goals for 2019 was to learn more about how our muscles, fascia, etc work. I was a huge proponent of static stretching and am very flexible in my joints, which is not necessarily a great thing. Muscles need strength more than joints need to be hyper mobile.

I am working really hard on my glute strength. It is what helps get us up from sitting down. It is largely responsible for supporting our core, keeping the hips stable and helps us avoid muscle imbalances which can lead to mobility issues.

Re: coffee, I only drink decaf because I cannot handle caffeine. DH and I got a Keurig brewer as a joint Christmas gift and I make lattes for myself and he drinks regular coffee and espresso. It is probably the one of the most utilized appliances in our kitchen thus far.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Suntiger, I’m right there with you on running being the worst part of a triathlon! I’ve never met anyone else who agrees.

Carla, it was the strangest thing a few years back when my mom and I were talking and I realized, for the first time ever, that she had never enjoyed exercise of any sort, didn’t like to “feel the burn”, had no happy exhaustion, and hadn’t been kidding when tennis elbow took her out of the game when I was a kid and she said “oh, good! Now I can just have lunch with my friends (after they play) without having to work for it”. She and I are different in many ways, but this still blew me away—I had never considered it as a possibility for anyone. But then there are some people who can’t comprehend how running, unless it’s part of a game like tennis or soccer, is absolutely miserable for me.

Sal

Veteran

It sounds like lots of great activity going on here....

I have had an active start to the year exercising 5 times a week - sometimes 8 - sometimes 4. Eating has been pretty good too. A mix of gym, walking, running, cycling and yoga.

I am not putting pressure on myself with events right now - I have a bit too much else going on in my life and I get overwhelmed sometimes. I love moving inside and outside though. At times I love having a goal here and I have in the past - and will in the future - but not right now.

I do drink coffee, wine, beer and have sweet treats. I try and keep to the moderate side with them all and succeed almost all the time. I don't plan to give any of them up entirely unless I see negative health effects.

Kathie

Veteran

I’m back to my weight-lifting routine- along with walking (treadmill) at the gym. Goal is 3-4 times/week. Hoping to add back in yoga and/or a dance class. And, I’m with you on finding something you love- for me, that’s walking (nearly 30 years of consistently doing it for exercise) and weight-lifting (started 13 years ago and love more than I ever thought I would.) Whenever I’m off my usual schedule, I can’t wait to get back to it. Oh, and, we’re back to owning a home, so this year I’ll be adding back in yardwork. Got a top soil delivery, and somebody has to spread it!

Gretchen

Veteran

Kudos to all of you on your progress!

I set a health goal for 2019 - to be more aware and to increase movement. So far I’m down a full dress size, and plan to continue.

I can’t imagine life without caffeine (I’m asthmatic and my morning espresso helps me stay away from steroids in most seasons). But I have focused on decreasing carbs which is very helpful for me.

My goal for the 2nd quarter is to continue to be mindful and consciously exercise 4x/week. I’m one of those who doesn’t like exercise, so I have to push myself to fit it in to things I want to do (eg walk to the farmers market, or to get the am coffee!)

I keep reminding myself that this is a practice, and there will be learning in the journey.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gretchen, I drink a LOT of caffeinated black tea. It keeps me calm, focused and centered, and totally helps me think. Caffeinated tea makes me a nicer person! Like you, I cannot imagine life without it. I have been drinking tea since I was a child - (I grew up in Hong Kong). I love green and jasmine tea too. I don't drink coffee because I don't like the taste, and same with alcohol. If I did, I'm sure I'd drink that too.

Gaylene

Veteran

Put me down as another person who thinks it’s important to consider movement as something which is an integral part of my day instead just another “ought-to-do” chore to cross off a list. I’ve always adored walking—to the point where I refuse to even consider a 10km ambulation up and down hills as “exercise”. Same goes for using my bike to get me from one place to another—it’s my preferred mode of transportation since I really dislike sitting in a traffic jam of idling cars when I could be out peddling on trails and side streets enjoying my surroundings.

I’m also a big advocate of moderation instead of denial. I’ll eat and drink whatever I want, but I do try to be thoughtful without putting some types of food and drink on a pedestal while demonizing others.

Like Angie and Gretchen, my health goal for 2019 is mindfulness while enjoying life. I’ve always been skeptical of the value of applying judgmental labels such as “being good” or “being bad” to things like food, beverages, or exercise. Having a glass of wine, or eating an apple, isn’t a moral decision—it’s just a single choice in a lifetime of choices which I can choose to make intentionally or not.

MsMaven

Veteran

I stopped the NYT Fitness challenge after a few days. Although the exercises weren't difficult, I can't do jumping jacks anymore and I have to be careful with my knees.

I've lost 5 of the 10 pounds I need to lose. I have a weakness at this time of year. There is a small grocery store chain near here called Draeger's. They make and sell the best hot cross buns ever. We now live 25 miles away from the closest store, so I load up when I'm near there. Lovely white flour fluffy carbs. In short, didn't lose pounds last month.

This weekend I did a body fat calculator online. You measure various body parts and they calculate a % estimate. I came out 31.9%--just a fraction short of obese! I have skinny arms and legs, so it's all in my belly and on top of the shelf made by my hipbones. I will try to find a different calculator! My BMI is just fine.

I'm getting better and stronger with push ups, now doing them from an 18" bench. I do plank and some balance exercises and my overall balance has improved a lot. Not walking much--too much rain--but I'm doing some gardening every day I can. I can't do stuff I used to do, but I move around a bit.

When I was younger I swore to myself I would be a strong, healthy old lady. I'm motivated to make that happen. I have another class reunion coming up next year, so I'm using that as my motivation to stay in good shape. Our numbers are thinning, but I plan to be there for my--are you ready?--60th year class reunion.

elpgal

Veteran

For those of you who weight- train, what specifically do you do?

Runcarla

Veteran

Elpgal, I've got a pretty rigorous weight training program that is a step up from introductory programs. The goal is strength, power, and muscle building. (My body type DOES NOT easily build muscle so I do not 'bulk up'. It takes 90 minutes to 2 hours to get through my program. Never 2 weight training days in a row.

15 min. warm-up

Day 1: squats, deadlifts, 4 other leg exercises, a 2 exercise core rotation
Day 2: squats, bench press, 2 leg exercises, 2 upper body exercises, a 2 exercise core rotation
Day 3: deadlifts, bench press, 2 leg exercises, 2 upper body exercises, a 2 exercise core rotation.

Compound movements (squat, deadlift, bench press) are performed 5-6 sets each (from 4-10 reps) with a 2 min. rest in between. The other exercises are done in 'supersets' of 4 (from 8-15 reps each) with little or no rest between.

I worked with a trainer experienced in power lifting to hone my squat, deadlift, and bench technique since I lift quite heavy weights. Most other exercises are unilateral (right side, left side) and most involve free weights rather than machines. I rotate through a list of exercises for upper and lower body - so there is lots of variety.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Elpgal, sometimes I follow a routine I did as a young swimmer—squats, calf lifts (body weight), military press (or separate lifts for each of the 3 shoulder heads) bicep & tricep curls, bench press, upright rows. Other times I am on a program from Nick Nilsson or Redefining Strength, both of whom are online. They both know who I am and what’s up with me and will provide alternate ways of doing things but Cori at RS is amazing at getting back to you with a modification. Nick has several ways of doing every single routine and exercise built into his programs. His stuff always starts with a lot of reading.

I like lifting because I like the focus on the muscle and movement, with no rush, and I like charting improvements over time. In the next month or two, I want to hang up my suspension trainer gear, and I’ll be learning about a new-to-me kind of exercise.

elpgal

Veteran

Thanks, that’s interesting to learn. I have been on a ‘try all the things’ fitness kick in an attempt to figure out what I like.

I cognitively understand the benefits of exercise but used to find it a tremendous bore.

Anonymous

elpgal, I don't do the exact routine more than once with my trainer. Typical things for me to do are lat shrugs, lat pull downs (using various hand holds - reverse palms. close hold, shoulder width hold, straight bar, triangular bar), dumbbells: chest presses, flys, tricep presses, skull crushers, bicep curls, hammer curls, shoulder presses, shrugs, etc. I may even do some of the these standing on one leg on a BOSU (shoulder presses, bicep curls), triceps kickbacks, one arm rows, farmer carries (various types), squats using bands, weights or kettlebell , deadlifts, sandbag carries, sled pushes/pulls, rope pulls (pulling sleds with weights). tricep pulldowns, PALOFF presses, overhead presses, wall sits (various - some with just holding weights, some with chest flies, some holding medicine ball right in front of me). I do front and side planks, and probably a lot more than I have listed here. It never gets boring!

RainB

This thread is turning out to be the kick in the butt that I needed

Anonymous

"Try all the things" is my fitness philosophy too * Trouble is I like so many, then have to choose, and still make time for work, family, housework, errands, etc!

*and my creativity philosophy*

elpgal

Veteran

I have never even heard of most of these weight-training ‘drills’! Clearly I have ways to go.

Suntiger, *high-five*. I am the same with arts and crafts too!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I just realized my fitness strategy is 30 for 30. 30ish minutes of exercise (mostly yoga, with some resistance training) most days for 30 years. (Plus a lot of walking.)
For people that find it hard to start an exercise habit, a lot can be accomplished in 30 minutes! I have mostly worked out at home with videos, then DVDs, now streaming, downloads or Youtube.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Elpgal, of the two I mentioned, Redefining Strength has tons of YouTube videos. Some of them are “21 upper body dumbbell exercises” where she does a few repetitions of each move a few times, some are follow along workouts, but some are about specific lifts with instructions and cues of what to watch for. Nilsson tends to do deep dives, writing several pages on something like how to do the bench press. But if you want to get into lifting weights and have never done it before, your best bet is probably CrossFit. You might or might not like the camaraderie they work at (and need to watch out about pushing yourself too far there—dangerous) but they are very good about how to do lifts with proper form. You can injure yourself by doing it incorrectly. Best wishes!

elpgal

Veteran

FashIntern, I debated between doing the CrossFit Foundations class vs getting some semi-private personal training sessions and just today decided on the trainer mostly for the reason you state (no rah-rah cheerleading) . We’ll see how it goes.

anchie

Veteran

I must admit I am not big on fitness, never have been. Hated PE class even in primary school I have a free gym in my apartment building but never use it. But I walk a lot, even though I have driving license I haven’t driven in 15 years, I love riding bike and swimming but that is purely leisure and not exercise. I always feel guilty that I am not doing more, but haven’t found anything yet that doesn’t feel like a chore.