I have not fallen off the wagon!

It is hard to believe, but I have been at this for a year already.

Planet Fitness, Modesto CA

My progress is not as good as I would have liked it to be. But I have lost 35 pounds. Not great (gee just watch The Biggest Loser and they lose that and more in just a few weeks!)  but not bad.

While I do not go to the gym every day like I did the first few months, I still go on average 5 days a week.

My routine? I have been spending 65 minutes on the eliptical. During that time, I pedal close to or dead on 6 miles, and burn just around 900 calories (or so the read out says). Then I go and work on some of the machines for arms, abs and legs, changing up the routine a bit from day to day.

Back in October, I did the hike to Tiger's Nest Monestary in Bhutan. Those who are fit would probably say its nothing. But for me, it was. Two years ago, I could not hike at that altitude (around 10,000 ft). This time, I did! Sure I was huffing and puffing. But I did the hike. I was very pleased since that was the reward of all my hard work at the gym!

A new gym, Planet Fitness, has opened in my neighborhood. So just last week, I sent in my cancellation for InShape and joined Planet Fitness. The price of $10 per month versus $39 was enough to make me think. Also, I really like Planet Fitness. The equipment is tip top shape (ok...it is NEW so gotta expect that), plus I like the atmosphere. It is much more open and airy.

Here I am...looking mean and sweaty after a workout!

So...one foot in front of the other...I continue on!

Week 29

It’s been a while since I posted. I have not gone away, or given up. It’s just been the same old routine, and slow, slow, slow progress. I could bore you with the details, but I won't. Not this time.

I have a question. Why do we say we “Lost Weight” when our poundage decreases? I know I say this too, “I have lost X pounds”. It’s just that recently it struck me as odd, saying I “Lost” weight.

When the scale says I weigh 5 pounds more than the last time I weighed myself, I don’t say I “Found weight”.

To say I lost weight implies I did not mean to have it displaced from my body. I did not mean to displace it like I always seem to lose my keys. I WORK to have the weight dislodged from my body, hopefully to never be found again. It is not a loss, but an ACHIEVEMENT!!

Since my last post, my weight has dropped 4 pounds.

Week 25

Days 177-183

This week has been a little better than last. The pound and half that found its way back to me has packed up and left. And I dropped another 2 pounds, I think.

I say “I think” because now these 2 pounds keep coming and going, going and coming.

My workouts this week are still a little guarded. Especially if it requires any pressure on the front of the leg that took the brunt of my fall a few weeks ago. It still smarts. It doesn’t hurt to put weight on it so I am ok on the elliptical. Just no kneeling, or working on the leg lift machine which puts slight pressure on my shins.

Go to the Doctor you say?? HA you don’t know me. They have to come and haul me away under force. I hate going to the doctor more than anything else in this life.

Enough of that…

Gym sightings:

There are these two guys who look like they might be brothers. Both of them are HUGE. I am guessing 400+  pounds each. They get on the treadmill and walk briskly, then they work out on the machines. I’ve noticed them for a couple months. They are steady consistent gym rats much like myself. They give me inspiration.

There is an older man who must  be in the mid 300’s. He too is at the gym every day when I go (now 5-6 times per week). He is hoofing it on the eliptical just like me. He struggles for about 30-45 min and sweats up puddles. He too give me inspiration.

I got on the treadmill a few times this last week for something different. I am still afraid to bump it up to a jog. Mostly now because of my sore shin, but even if that was not an issue, I think I would still be fearful of being flung off the darn thing.

Up and down these 15 times without a stop!!

On a positive note, Holly had me go up and down the stairs 15 times during training this week. I could hardly believe it!! I did it all without stopping and at a fairly fast pace at that!! Last time I did that exercise, I could barely do 3 sets without a break!

Oh yes!!! Improvement even though the scale begs to differ!!

Week 24

Days 169-176

Ugh...I have not lost a single pound in 2 weeks.

Not one ounce.

Worse than that, I GAINED a pound and 1/2.

Just how can that be?

I went to the gym faithfully. On the days this last week that I didn't go, I really didn't need to since I was lifting heavy boxes and furniture helping my daughter move from my home to her second floor apartment. I can't tell you how many times I went up and down her apartment complex stairs. 19 up, 19 down. Up with heavy item, down with screaming leg muscles.

My diet has been fairly good. Not perfect, but good. Lots and lots of salad. Dressing? Sure, a squeeze of fresh lemon, with a drip or 2  (not even a tablespoon) of olive oil , my favorite way of dressing a salad.

And I GAINED weight?

My daughter said she lost 4 pounds this last week. I think some of her homeless pounds came to live with me. They say matter cannot be destroyed. So her 4 pounds had to go somewhere, right? Nothing like keeping it in the family.

I hope I will have progress next week!

Week 22

Days 149-155

Last Thursday, Hollie had me work my legs. She TORTURED me!! Lots and lots of squats and lunges.

Friday, I was sore but went to work out anyways.

Saturday, I felt sorer yet. I did not go to the gym. Not because I was sore (I did go on Friday despite my soreness). But my daughter, husband and I decided to go to Berkeley and had a lot of walking planned. Berkeley is hilly so I figured that would be a great form of exercise.

And it was until I unwillingly flung myself to the ground on a very busy intersection. Yes....there I was having an unwanted lie down, an mini nap right on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley. My trip to the ground was as graceful as a swan hurtling its snow white body against a glass building. SMACK!!

Now I was even more sore.

I took Sunday off from the Gym.

And Monday.

Tuesday I went back very gingerly. I wouldn't want to fall again. I might start a new trend.

Wednesday, I had my training session. NO LUNGES!! NO SQUATS!! We worked on biceps and abs. My poor knee is still swollen and in pain. But at least I am not giving up.

Today, I went to the gym. Did my hour on the eliptical. I stayed away from the stairmaster since that would be too tough on my knee.

Despite my setback, I still lost 1 pound YIPPEE!!

I thought I should include progress photos.

Here I am in February 2011, at the start of my work outs!

27 pounds lighter at the end of June, 2011
See my bruised knee/black and blue leg??

Week 21

Days 142-148

The Smell of New Clothes

I am at the point where I am in between sizes now. My old size is getting a tad loose.  The next size down is still a tad tight. At a total loss of 26 pounds since I started at the gym, I am slowly starting to feel the difference in how my clothing fits.

Should I wear clothes that are baggy?  Some of my pants need a belt to keep them from falling off me.

Here is the problem. Some stores have clothes in my (new) size that fit just right!! I am soooo excited.

Other stores have clothes in my (new) size that I need to lose 20 pounds in order to fit into.

So, I am in the no man’s land of a 20/22.

I guess that’s ok for those stores that label their clothes 20/22. In this case, I have not changed sizes. But  some stores size their clothing 18/20 and 22/24. Now I have to choose.

I have been opting for the smaller size.  Hoping that I will continue my downhill trend on the scale and the smaller size will get more and more comfortable.

I like the smell of new clothes. I guess it is the equivalent of the new car smell that guys go all crazy for. I love the fresh from the store feel of new clothes. The crisp newness that leaves as soon as it is worn never comes back. There is something about a new shirt/pants/skirt that is so exciting, especially if it is a smaller size.

I treated myself to a few new goodies in my "new size" to encourage me to stay on track!!

I can hardly wait until all of my old size is too big for me.

I changed up my work out at my trainer’s suggestion. She wants me to do at least 20 minutes on the stair master.

I worked up a compromise. 45 minutes on the Cybex Eliptical Trainer and 15 minutes on the Stair master. The 15 minutes in the Stair master kill me. I climb slowly, but I sweat puddles. So much so, that I half expect there to be miniature figures of a man with a long white beard building a wooden ship and animals lined up two by two.

It kills me!

This week’s weigh in is a standstill. No loss, no gain, despite my extra sweat.

Week 20

Days 135-141

Does sweating while sitting count as exercising?

Summer has finally arrived in California, after a long cool spring. The weather up until this past week was fabulous. Just warm enough. Our 90 degree temps have arrived.

I don't know about you, but hot weather saps my energy. I don't want to do anything.

Just thinking about doing something makes me sweat a bundle.

I did drag my sweaty butt to the gym every day but Sunday.

It was torture.

How do you gather up the energy to go when it almost hurts? Do you give up? What keeps you going?

I have gotten to the point that I feel guilty when I do not go. Even taking just one day off this week made me feel guilty. I think about the calories I will use in my workout. At 1100 calories for the hour on the instrument of torture, that's a lot of calories, not counting my weight training for 20-30 min afterwards.

I sweat puddles. You should see the wet spots on the floor around the machine. You should see my dripping wet T shirt. Yes it is literally dripping wet.

I keep telling myself it is worth it, even though my progress is slow.

Weigh in  -1 pound.