No Sweets week of August 5

Affirm

Cathlete
Rose, I am glad that your mom and close friend are supporting you during the loss of your cat. It is always comforting to have someone to talk to. As far as your back, don't push it. You definitely don't want to re-injure it. Did you get a chance to go back to the doctor yet, or is that Monday?

This morning I did 35 minutes of Rhythmic Step. I am preparing to get braces. My spacers have been put in and now it is painful to chew. I am adjusting to soft foods. I forget it until it is time to eat. So, I won't be able to enjoy salads, etc. for a while. It is my understanding that I will continue to have problems chewing a few weeks after I get my braces, so I guess I preparing to change my diet a little for about month or so. I have printed a list of soft foods from the internet, and I need to focus on ones that will be better for me. I guess I need to get some fish, meatloaf, salmon cakes, green beans, watermelon....anything soft. It can be easy to fill with carbs (potatoes, rice, pasta salads) in situations like this so I have to focus on healthy ways to get in my protein, veggies and low carbs.

Fitfairy, I am glad you took a minute to check in. I am sure you are pretty busy. I guess you are headed to RT right after this, so you will have a lot to share at the end.
 
I haven't been able to exercise yet, but I plan to do the low impact premix from Kick Max later today. I have to go to Costco to buy a couple of things and I'm also expecting a visit from my aunt, so here I am bored to tears waiting for her so then I can go shopping and when I'm finally back here then I plan to exercise. I'm going to the doctor on Monday (finally!) but my back feels I'd say 85% better. I needed a full week of rest instead of 3 days and I'm also going back to work on Monday since I only had a note for one week. Today I did my usual Sunday weigh-in and without exercising I lost the two pounds I gained these past few weeks. So now I have 10 more to lose instead of 12. The journal works because it helps me keep track of my calories and that's what always works for me.

Affirm - yikes I had braces in the mid 90s for about a year and although they were a pain in the a** the first few weeks they were totally worth it at the end. It's good to have a plan like you're doing, but after a couple of weeks you'll be eating all the foods you enjoy again. The only thing that is always going to be a pain is flossing, but make sure you do it regardless, also spending at least 2 minutes while brushing will definitely help you so when they finally take them out you don't have stains on your teeth. Also if you drink tea or any beverages with caffeine, grape juice, or wine, even if you can't brush, make sure to rinse your mouth with clean water so you don't stain your enamel. People don't think about doing things like that but with braces those become extremely important. When they took mine out they were shocked that I didn't have any stains and that's because I was very disciplined with those things. Good luck with yours and don't worry it'll be worth it at the end.


Catherine - I hope you had fun despite being in all those seminars. I can't wait to read your posts again.
 
Hi Ladies!! Got back in at 7ish last night. I am tired, but back into the grind of things LOL!! NYC was fun. Did some touristy stuff, but not alot. Did do the Statue of Liberty cruise at dusk. So it was neat to see the city become all light up. Also saw Wicked and it was very good. Walked lots. Got up early every morning and took long walks before the seminars started. Did a little shopping during down time. And of course ate lots!! I tried to be sensible about it so it didn't get too out of hand. Oh, I almost forgot, we went to the Today Show. And Al Rocher was standing right in front of me. So I WAS ON THE TODAY SHOW!! My sister called me and said I just saw you!! It was fun.

Now I am prepping for the RT. Did tons of laundry last night and dropped a lot of stuff off at the dry cleaners today. I am mostly packed already- thank goodness!!

Rose, I hope your back is better real soon. Affirm is right be careful!!

Affirm, I had braces in my twenties. I don't ever recall them keeping me from eating LOL!! Well, maybe a little- but not bad.

I am going to try to get in a leg and back w/o today then upper body tomorrow- hopefully. I will do something. I just have to see how I feel. I do not sleep when I travel 2-4 hours per night and I am an 8 hour person. So you can imagine how I feel.


Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
Wow Catherine sounds like you had tons of fun!

Affirm - I hope you had a good day at work and that you're doing well with the new braces.

Although I wanted to exercise yesterday I didn't because I wanted to wait until I picked up my x-ray results. Well, I picked them up today and I just have them with me. The paper says: "minimal scoliosis or positional. (I don't like that one) Pedicles are intact. Lateral view shows no compression fracture or dislocation. (That's good I guess) There is minimal narrowing of the L5-S1 invertebral disc space. (???? What does that mean?) Finally, it says: "Impression: Mild Degenerative Disc Disease." (I sure hope that's not true). So that's the verdict. Now I have to take those to an orthopedist. My pain has diminished but not 100% and I want to exercise because I suffer from insomnia and exercise helps me with that. I'm very anxious. My plan was to do some low impact step with the weight segment from C&W. I wanted to do abs but after reading that I don't think I should. I don't know what to do ladies.

Changing the subject, I checked my mail and I got the sweetest card from my cat's vet. All the staff signed it and they left the sweetest messages. Ahhh they made me cry. The card has the cutest drawing of a cat and a dog on top of a mountain staring at the sky and a sweet message. I should call them to thank them for the card.
 
Hello Ladies. Fitfairy, welcome back and I'm glad you had fun. I bet your moment on the Today Show was one of the biggest highlights.

Rose, I hope you the orthopedist can help you understand your test results. That is totally beyond me. Keep us posted.

It will be another couple of weeks before I get the braces. My first day at work was great. It is so nice being closer to home. My family just got back in town this morning so I didn't exercise, but did a little catching up with them before heading out to work.
 
Right Affirm, I forgot, you only have the spacers now. I think those are worse than the braces, but the pain and discomfort will be temporary. I'm glad you had fun at your new job.

I don't know about those test results either...it says that I might have minimal scoliosis and that the narrowing in my vertebrae might be an indication of degenerative disk disease. What the heck?! Meanwhile I'm sitting here debating if I should exercise or not.
 
Rose, don't workout- it is not worth it. I'll try to shed a little light on your x-ray. I don't remember how old you are, but the narrowing between the discs occur as we age. We maintain less water between them and there for some mild narrowing. This starts usually in the 30s. DDD (degenerative disc disease) is just that- wear and tear that occurs with aging. We all have it to a degree after a certain age. The scoliosis/curvature- could be from muscle spasm. Your spine can be pulled out of alignment from spasm. This will show up on x-ray. The other thought is that maybe you do have scoliosis. Did your x-ray say what degree of curvature?? I know this isn't much help. When do you get to see the specialist?

Affirm, glad your first day at work was good!! About the braces. Personally, I thought the spacers hurt worse.

Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
I forgot to say eating is back to good. I did have a tiny piece of ghiradelli dark chocolate- it really was small :) I did workout this evening and it felt so good!!
Chinups- same numbers as last week-6,6,5,4,3, & 4
Legs:
Squats 70# 3x8
Bulgarian Squats (2)20# DBs 1x8 and 2x7 (1 more rep on 1st set)
DL 70# 3x9 same
Plie Squats- skipped
Calf Raises 30# 1x15 32.5 2x15 (forgot I'd upped wt to 32.5 last week till I looked-oops)

Then I did C&W step for 20mins followed by abs.

Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
Catherine I'm 28 (will be 29 in October). I didn't work out at all today so it is rest day #8. I will call tomorrow for an appointment with an orthopedist (but I've never been to one so I'll have to pick from the ones that are covered by my insurance). My other doctor said to rest until most of the pain goes away (whatever it takes; could be a couple of days or weeks) and then to start with low impact, light weights (of course no deadlifts and other exercises that might put pressure on my back) and no fancy ab work (i.e. no hip lifts, no pikes on the ball, etc.), but he told me to go to an orthopedist as soon as possible. I thought DDD had something to do with aging so I feel better about that because I can't help aging, it would disappoint me if I got injured because of overtraining or something of that nature. I am watching my diet closely and writing my daily caloric intake in a journal to keep track.

By the way, don't worry about that piece of dark chocolate. Those are gooooood for you (in moderation of course). Your workout looks good. Wow I'm going to miss lifting heavy weights.
 
Rose, hang in there. Don't overdo it and wait to hear what the doctor says.

This morning was Interval Max. Oldie, but fun.
 
Hey ladies. Today I did some exercise (finally), but I had to modify tons of moves including moves that I never knew could hurt my back like bobs and weaves and others. I did about 30 mins of low impact floor cardio (the pace was slow but that's the best I could do), then I did the timesaver compound and heavy weights premix from C&W but I skipped the warm-up and abs, I followed Cedie on back exercises (she always modifies), and I didn't lift heavy. I didn't sweat as I usually do either (just a little on my forehead, can you believe that?!), but at least I did something. I won't see the orthopedist for awhile, they're pretty much booked for weeks and since I don't have a dislocation or fracture, I'll have to wait a couple of weeks for my appointment. So that's that.

Affirm - I love Interval Max. It doesn't have any fancy choreography but it gets your heart rate up.

Catherine - I hope you don't have DOMS today. Your workout yesterday was tough!
 
Rose, so how did your back tolerate that workout? I hope you did ok!!

Affirm, I admire you for being able to get up early and do such a tough w/o as Interval Max

My eating has still been good today- YIPPEEEE!!

I did upper body as planned:
Bench Press: 75# 2x5, 2x4 and 1x3 (last time was 3x4 and 3x3)
Pec Flys: 22.5# 3x8 (up 1 rep on last set)
BB Row: 80# 1x8 (felt it in back so lowered wt) 70# 2x8
OHP: 50# 1x9, 1x8 and 1x6 (was 1x9 and 2x8- I don't understand why I can not make gains here x( )
Skull crushers: 17.5# 1x4, 4x3 and 15# 1x4 (last time did 3x6 & 1x4)
Incline curls: 20# 3x6 (last was 4x5)

I blame some of my issues with fatigue from my trip LOL!! I do wonder if increasing my BP has interfered with my OHP and Skull crushers since bench works shoulders and triceps too. Maybe that's an excuse, I don't know???

I finally got to see the video of me on the Today Show. I didn't look as goofy as I thought I would LOL!!

Oh and Rose, I do have some DOMS in my legs today }(
I hope I can do P90X legs and back tomorrow :eek:



Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
Hello ladies. Well, yesterday I made tons of modifications. I actually looked like an 80 year old taking aerobics at the Y, except that the 80 year olds look cute when they try to throw punches and all that and I don't, but that's life. I felt better when I woke up today. Unfortunately the pain is still there but I feel it less. I'm scared this pain will never go away and that I will never be able to exercise like I did before (no running, almost no Cathe, etc. just thinking about it makes me anxious). Today I did the step portion of Low Max with tons of modifications: step in 6" (I do this one on an 8"), interval # 5 with the high kicks was more of a medium/low kick, interval # 7 where they tap the step and then do a side kick was more of me tapping my knee and the side kick instead of the 90 degree kick with my body in the same line than my leg was more of a 30 degree kick with my back straight.:p Another thing is that I'm exercising at a much lower intensity, I'd say 60% or less when I'm normally at the peak of my target heart rate. I also did some abs today, but pretty much upper abs and obliques (it didn't hurt whatsoever). I can't do lower ab exercises yet. I finished my workout with segment 3 of Stretch Max.
 
Rose, did you have any pain with your modified w/o? I'd say as long as you are pain free you are doing ok. But if you are having pain you should be careful. Just trying to look out for ya ;) I have been there and know how hard it is to not w/o. But in the long run I was much better off taking the time I needed to repair and recover.

I did BM2 step combos and KPC abs tonight. Eating is still good!!

I am so psyched about the RT!!! I really wish you ladies were going though :( Maybe another time or another place we'll all get to meet.

Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
No, I didn't have any pain doing my modified workout (unless a bruised ego counts as pain...all of a sudden I've gone from doing a perfect side kick to an almost kick and I can't do a lot of exercises I used to do like it was nothing). It is still a learning process for me. If I start to do a move and it feels uncomfortable then I modify it. These two days I noticed that side kicks and high kicks are tough on my back. Also hooks and any movement where I have to bend my back beyond a 45 degree angle (like doing rows with a flat back or tapping the step followed by a side kick like they do in Low Max). Oh and almost any low ab exercise is uncomfortable so I just don't do them. I would never work out with pain. Initially the doctor told me that I could start exercising slowly after 3 complete days of rest if the pain was almost gone, but I decided to listen to my body and I took 8 full days of rest instead. I'm starting slow and I'm in no rush. I figured that just as long as I move and I lift a little weight I'll be okay. I now appreciate the benefits of exercise even more. Now that I'm not exercising as hard I see that I still can benefit. Last night I slept like a baby, I don't remember waking up at all and I normally wake up several times during the night.

I hope you enjoy the RT! It sold out in 3 minutes lol! I will definitely go to a future RT and I hope I can do it the next time.
 
Rose, I think you are being so smart about this. And I hope your back is better soon!! It sounds like it is already doing better and you just need to continue doing what you are doing with your activities. Hopefully the specialist can shed some light on when you will be all better ;)

Affirm, I hope you are doing ok. How is your puppy doing?? I bet he's getting big!!

Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
Today I did KM's low impact premix (I skipped combo #4 and modified most movements in the toning segments at the end). I don't know what's going on (if it is the fact that I'm keeping a food journal or that I'm training more at a fat burning zone), but I'm losing inches. Today I was trying out clothes I haven't worn in years (I didn't get rid of them because they were bought on trips to NY and other places and some of them I couldn't even afford right now!) I'm so glad I kept them and most of all that I believed in myself when I said I was going to wear them one day when I lost weight. The best thing is that they're all fall clothes and most of them still have tags on so it's like I'm getting a couple of new pieces to wear right now without spending a dime! :)

Affirm - you must be super busy. I hope you can post soon.

Catherine - I can't wait until all of you come back from the RT. I remember years ago when the ladies got back (I couldn't go back then either). I spent hours reading all the threads and checking out all the pictures.
 
Hi Ladies. My puppy took ill the Wed. night out of no where and it kind of scared us. He started vomiting when it was time to go to bed. We kept getting up through the night to check on him. The next morning, he wouldn't eat or drink and looked so sad. He kept hacking and spitting up mucus. He just rested on the floor. I didn't put him in the crate, so he could be able to walk around the room if he wanted. We got an appt. to take him to the vet in the afternoon. Now I see why it is so nice to be close to home. I left for work shortly before 8. I came home at 10 to check on him and again at 1:00 and then my DH was home by 3:30. When I came home at 10, I was able to get him to eat a couple of ice cubes. The vet said he probably ate something that upset his stomach or he has eated an object that is stuck. She said the idea that it was mucus the next day is more positive that it is not an object. She injected him with some different meds. It was so hard seeing him sick. He was bouncing around by the time my DH came home and I could tell that he didn't really think I needed to take him to the vet, but I took him anyway. I wanted to know why this happened and it will help me understand what I could do next time. Yes, I spent $142, but it was worth it.

Work is going well. I didn't exercise yesterday morning as I didn't get much sleep being up and down checking on the puppy. My eating has been pretty good though. Yesterday, we ended up going out to a buffet for dinner. I had some baked chicken and potatoes, and salad, cantelope and a little peach cobbler/ice cream. I don't like buffet places, but my kids like it...as I am sure most kids do.

Rose, I am glad that you are feeling comfortable with your modified exercise. Continue to listen to your body.

Fitfairy, I hope you have fun at the RT
 
Rose, glad to hear that you are losing inches- go figure huh? Sometimes it seems as though when one is trying their hardest it just doesn't happen LOL!! Glad you saved those clothes!!

Affirm, your poor puppy!! I am glad he is better. It is hard to see them sick. And I agree it's always worth the money to get them checked out- my DH sounds like yours ;)

I am up early- wonder why??? Can't sleep. Excited for the RT!!! I am truly ready to stay home for a weekend though after last weekends travel LOL!!

Catherine

http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=14665913&uid=7769645&members=1


http://69.89.25.157/~extremf4/forums/images/smilies/chinup.gif
 
I always listen to my body and my body is saying: "I want to SLEEP!" so it's a rest day for me today. I got an appointment with an orthopedist for Tuesday, but I'm feeling better. I decided to see my GP this afternoon and I took my x-rays and he said that if I have scoliosis is minimal. He couldn't even see it on the x-ray. The DDD however is something that will happen to most people eventually and he said that it's better to know sooner and take care of myself early. He said that it was a good idea to see an orthopedist and that's what I'm going to do. While I was there I asked for a CMP and a Blood Type test. The CMP is to know about my cholesterol levels and all that (my mom's results a couple of months ago scared me and now I want to check mine) and the second one is to know my blood type because I have no idea. So that's that. My weight was ok (I still have the same 10-12 pounds to lose), but I'm losing inches, I don't know, hopefully I got some muscle hidden somewhere.:+

Affirm - I'm so sorry about your puppy. Ugh it's awful when those things happen. I hope he gets better soon.

Catherine - omg! lol! I'm so jealous! :p
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top