Don't always "get" these challenges

H

honeybunch1

Cathlete
I'm sure I'm alienating myself big time for saying this, but I think some of these challenges that we try to lure each other into can get a little extreme. Not only the exercising ones, but the eating ones, too. I totally "get" the fact that the buddy system works for exercise and for losing weight, but please be reasonable!

Mind you, this is just my own opinion, which really ain't worth a hill of beans. How well does taking a dare to give up salt and sugar for a month really work? The 2 months, then 3 months? Does it too often make you just go off on a wild binge after a couple of weeks? Does doing Imax 3 twice in a row make sense as far as setting yourself up for injury, etc.?

Folk, more is not always better! That's it, and now I'll go back in my corner and shut the heck up.
Just Do It! :)
 
RE: Don't always

I don't care if anyone wants to throw flames at me, guess I am use to it by now so who cares, but I think giving up sugar/salt for a month is a good thing, I just think it shouldn't end though...keep avoiding such things and body will adjust for the better. Depends how much willpower and determination one has too, to make it work in the long run.
As for workouts, ME twice is not for everyone. If someone doesn't want to participate then JUST DON'T! That is what I put in my posting. I like doing it twice, maybe a few others do too. I think there are so many here that do things everyday that I think would be extreme for me so I don't do what someone else is doing if it is not right for me. I also take more rest days then most. Basically, everyone has to do what is best for them.

Charlotte~~
 
RE: Don't always

I don't read a lot of posts especially lately but from what I've seen, some of the challenges are a little too extreme. Maybe not for some but for most. BC back to back is not bad although I haven't tried it yet. IMax2 and 3 back to back is WAY too much. Trainers ALWAYS say not to do interval workouts for more than 45 min to an hour 2-3x a week. If you look at fitness magazines and hear trainers talk, you really only have to do intervals for half an hour to 45 min 1-3x a week. I think IMax 3-5x a week is a little too much because you can damage your knees big time.

About the eating, no salt or sugar...I don't see the problem with it. I try not to eat too much salt but a lot of things have salt in them. Naturally or not. Sugar, I eat raw sugar so I don't know if it's a big deal or not.

If you're a fitness model or a body builder, I don't see why you can't work out for 2-3 hours or more a day. Bodybuilders and fitness models know what they're doing more anyway since they have experts helping them and they're much more careful.

This is JMO. I agree with Honeybunch and I also agree with Charlotte. It depends on the person.
 
RE: Don't always

For the most part everyone on this board has made fitness and health a very important part of their lives. It has become apparent to me that a couple of "factions" have emerged. However, not every Cathe forum member is a part of one or the other. It seems that there are those who workout every day and do not like to take rest days. Then there are those who do marathon workouts and take rest days. In my opinion there is not a whole lot of difference between the amount of time each spends working out in a given week. Having said that, I also like to think that for the most part the women (and men) on this board are intelligent enough to make their own judgements about what they can or cannot do. I confess that I do not understand the benefit of doing workouts 2 or 3 times in a row. To me a more beneficial workout would include mixes from different workouts (Aquajock mish moshes are a great example of this.) But to each their own.

As for no sugar, no salt, no _____ (you fill in the blank) - well this type of thing is fine if you think you can make it part of your lifestyle. But if not, then it doesn't really do you much good if you just return to your old habits at the end of the month. This is why so many "diets" fail. People do not understand that it is not about deprivation for a time to reach a number on the scale only to go back to eating the way they did before. It is about changing your lifestyle to improve your health for the long haul.

Same thought goes for workouts. It is good to challenge yourself once in awhile. I believe that was the intent of Cathe's August Bootcamp rotation. If you're looking for motivation, to bust through a plateau or just need a kick in the pants by all means challenge yourself with your workouts. But for the mainstream day to day keep it to something you can maintain in your lifestyle.

I think we are all interested in the same things. We just have differing view of what it takes to reach our goals. My wish is for everyone to have safe and challenging workouts and to stay illness and injury free!:)
 
RE: Don't always

I think we are going to get alot of opinions here but whose right and who is wrong? Well, for one, I am always right!:7 If you lived in this house you would know this by now!}(

Well, I for one am a person who likes to challenge myself, so I get it.I posted a rotation a month ago that got somethings thrown my way but I did it and I did it without any injuries.Im not sure if you are referring to me doing Imax twice b/c I didn't, even though some people thought I was.
The thing is, I like working out.If I have nothing to do and I am full of energy, then yes, I will challenge myself and workout for 2 hours.This is not an every day occurance.
The rotation I did last was mostly weight workouts, I didn't do cardio,cardio,cadrio...b/c I KNEW that that would cause an injury.When I read on these forums that people are training for marathons...I think overtraining.But why is that o.k? B/c someone else said it was? Thats exactly why.B/c people do it all the time.I would rather do ME twice or BC 3 x rather then run 40 miles, b.c I know I wouldn't be able to walk the next day.

I don't see anything wrong with it b/c everyone knows their bodies limits.And if they don't want to listen to their body then thats their problem and no one elses.
Like I said, I made it through my workouts with NO injuries, NOT ONE.B/c I knew my body could do it.And I reconfirmed that with myself.

As for a no sweet/salt check in more power to them.People quit smoking so why can't they quit eating sugar or salt? Its all the same in my eyes.
Lori:)
 
RE: Don't always

***runs to refill coffee and get popcorn***

anyone want some?


"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"

Debbie
 
Rogue, HB, Charlotte, crowd!

Great posts and very interesting thread. Thanks for starting it, HB!

I agree with Rogue, HB and Charlotte. I think to each her (or his) own.

Here's the thing. The lesson Cathe keeps teaching over and over (and living in her own life) is to listen to your body, mix it up, eat clean, sleep well, hydrate, take time off -- essentially, the wellness/fitness variation on the old saw about taking in everything in moderation. We do have some members here whose personal routines (fitness, diet, etc.) would NOT be moderate for me -- in fact would be ultra-extreme for me -- but far be it from me to pretend that I know whether those members are over-extending themselves. I sure hope not, but I'm not in their workout rooms and kitchens with them, and so I have no idea of what their real fitness level, eating habits, sleeping habits, hydration habits and so forth are like. Maybe what would be ultra-extreme for me really IS moderate for them.

I hope that all of us in our own "real worlds" are honestly listening to our wonderful friend Cathe and trying to practice what she preaches. :) And I really do believe that most of us are doing just that -- or trying, anyhow. We are an educated crowd, after all!

Just my .02 worth. :)

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif Kathy S. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sport/sport-smiley-001.gif
 
RE: Don't always

JERRY JERRY JERRY lol couldn't help myself its running joke at my house. his mom reminds me of the ppl that go on springer LOL.

kassia

When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey
 
RE: Don't always

AH! Thats funny! Debbie thinks she is going to watch a nasty movie unfold}(
Well, people can take these comments that have been said, and myself included,personnally but they aren't intended that way.So hopefully everyone will respect everyone opinions here.
Lori:)
 
RE: Don't always

I think to each his own as well...

If someone wants to give up salt/sugar for a month and then go back to eating it after that month is over, I do not see a problem with that at all. She/he is not hurting anyone else...in fact, giving up salt/sugar even for a month every once in a while is better than eating it consistantly, right? I sure do think so. Now if you are the type of person that is likely to binge after giving something up (like HB mentioned), then I would HOPE that person is wise enough not to bother giving it up and just concentrate on consuming it in moderation or just try to consume LESS of it than usual.

As far as exercise goes...I think listening to your own body is the key. There are things gals on this forum do that I would never dream of even attempting but hey, if they can do it, kudos to them! If they are not causing themselves injury then I feel they should go for it! Aren't we supposed to challenge our bodies anyway? If we continue to do the same stuff over and over and never try to go harder or longer, etc, then what are we accomplishing?

Example: I have nothing but TOTAL RESPECT AND ADMIRATION for those who even just ATTEMPTED Cathe's August rotation! If you were able to COMPLETE it than I bow down to you and kiss your feet! :* I think that is totally awesome but I know that is not something I could handle at this point therefore I did not even attempt it.

JMHO!:)
 
RE: Don't always

oh i agree lori. to each their own. and i hope nobody feels they have to do ME or IMAX 2x in order to be fit b/c that was not the purpose of those posts. i don't jump on these challenges b/c i have so much to fit into my day as it is. i workout 1 1/2-2 hours ;( a day(broken up through out the day however)and that includes any pilates or yoga i might be doing for that day. i am into cardio b/c a pear shape like me needs alot of it but i either do one hour 3-4x weekly or 30-45 mins. daily and always mixes up the intensity and impact. but also i need to build up bulk on the upper body to balance out so that takes a lot of heavy weight work as well. and i just couldn't survive a day without yoga or pilates. very relaxing workouts while working on my balance which in turn helps with strength and core connection in my weight workouts. but this is not for everybody, so i would hate for somebody to think my way is the right way. everybody is different and they have to do what is right for their body and what they like to do.

as for sugar i wish some you gals would lean over my shoulder or slap my hand :p . my body shape has been gaining fat easily so its something i need to avoid but its something i love too(mmmmm cherry garcia ice cream). }(

> AH! Thats funny! Debbie thinks she is going to watch a nasty
>movie unfold}(
> Well, people can take these comments that have been said, and
>myself included,personnally but they aren't intended that
>way.So hopefully everyone will respect everyone opinions
>here.
> Lori:)


When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey
 
RE: Don't always

Hi Honeybunch,

I think you posed an interesting question and, unlike others on this forum, appreciate the opportunity for debate. Afterall, I think this is where real learning occurs. Thank God for threads where we can present a viewpoint, ask questions, vent, stretch, and grow!! ;). While the coffee klatch threads can be fun to read, some of us don't wish to be confined there all of the time.

I cannot work out at the same level as many of the younger women on this forum. Being aware of your owm limitations is key. I'm still motivated by being engaged in the conversation though, and I think that's what I most appreciate about this forum. It helps me to direct my thoughts toward a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks for the stimulating debate, Honeybunch!

Edited to correct typos--sory, don't mean to keep bumping--it's Nancy's fault--:D :D I'm paranoid she' going to correct my grammar and spelling! LOL!

Michele
 
RE: Don't always

While I agree with a lot of what has been said (listening to your own body, knowing your own limitations, etc....), I just want to say that just because someone isn't currently injured from hours of exercising doesn't mean that you never will be. In fact, each and every workout could be getting someone closer and closer to an injury and days, weeks, months down the line, it may appear. So although someone is feeling perfectly fine today, that doesn't mean there isn't any damage being done.

Okay, that's all I have to say. Hope I didn't offend anyone.... :)
 
RE: Don't always

My original post was NOT directed at you personally, Charlotte. I'm sorry that you took it that way. Like I said, it's my own opinion, based on experience and observation personally and as a trainer.
Just Do It! :)
 
RE: Don't always

Laura,

Your point was very well made. I wouldn't worry about offending anyone. A person would have to be pretty thin skinned to take offense at your remark, which, by the way, is factually correct.;)

Michele
 
RE: Don't always

Well, I have two minds about this. On the one hand, I think some of the workouts that get posted here are extreme; whether they are Cathe workout rotations or marathon preps or whatever, they just seem almost borderline exercise bulimic. TO ME.

But on the other hand, who am I to say that someone is or isn't overdoing it? I can only make that call for myself and we're all adults here, right? So I say, to each his own, and if someone is going too far, I only hope she/he recognizes the fact before becoming injured.

On the "giving up" challenges, however, I think there is quite a lot to be said for practicing the exercise of personal discipline. I usually give up something for Lent, and in past years I have gone for chocolate, sugar, and caffeine. None of which were easy (caffeine in particular; it is my sole vice these days), but I felt like I learned something positive about my ability to have personal limitations. Therefore, I think avoiding some substance can actually be a powerful personal lesson... as long as you don't feel compelled to consume an entire cheesecake and vats of lattes afterwards. :7

Cheers,
Marie
 
RE: Don't always

While I think some of these challenges are downright silly (at least for me) I think to each their own.

Some of you girls are a bit younger than I am and feel you can still safely push your body to it's limits and not worry about injury. At my age, I feel safer pacing myself. I don't have a lot of time on my hands where I'm by myself either, which certainly is a factor for me.
 
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