Video - Exercise band basic workout

I tried my new exercise band the other day and pulled something in my shoulder. I mentioned this to my husband and it turns out that he adjusted the band before I had ever used it! Good grief.

Once, about five years ago, we were on our way to an appt. with our realtor and running a tad late. He was driving badly IMO and I kept pointing out cars to him as in "watch out." I was also using the invisible brake pedal on the passenger side. I couldn't help myself! After a while of this, I thought he might pull over and order me out but he didn't. He just finally looked over at me and said "Honey, don't help me so much." This made me laugh and suddenly I wasn't so nervous with his bad driving.

Well, I'm definitely irritated with him for adjusting MY exercise band but I guess this is just what happens in a long term marriage. We take turns being irritating as hell or as some might say, being too helpful.

Energy drinks - friend or foe?

Several weeks ago while shopping, I bought a bunch of single cans of energy drinks -- only the low calorie ones. I thought I'd try them out, see what they tasted like and if they made any difference while using the treadmill. So far I've tried FRS low cal peach mango and diet Go Girl. I really did feel more energized using the treadmill after drinking the FRS and I liked the taste of it. Diet Go Girl was OK but didn't seem to make me feel as good while I was actually exercising.

I wonder if there's a danger of becoming dependent upon feeling like I need to drink an energy drink before I work out. Another thing, these little puppies are a bit pricey!

And the verdict is...

When I first started this blog, I was also giving some thought to joining Weight Watchers. It was mainly appealing because I know people who have achieved great results and because it would facilitate meeting other people who are committed to losing weight and maintaining a healthy way of life. Maybe I would make a walking pal. I was also really, really curious to know the impact of public weigh ins on my behavior.

Well, I've decided to see if posting my weight and progress toward my goal of reaching 140 lbs and staying there on this blog would be enough to hold me accountable. Got a new, accurate scale yesterday that I can actually read. Stepped on first thing this morning. Result: 156.8. I'm 5' 4 1/2".

Verdict is: I'm not going to join WW at this time. Going to see if I can make progress on my own with help from all the wit and wisdom I've found in blogland.

Two steps forward, one back

Finally sat down and watched the step aerobics DVD. I liked it. Tried some segments and was grateful to do this in complete privacy let-me-tell-you sistah & brotha. The DVD that came with the Reebok step was almost as good so it'll do just fine. Not sure how this is going to play out with my right knee but I'm going to give it a shot.

I did 30 minutes on the treadmill today. Felt great. If hubbysan was home I'd ask if he'd take a "sweaty pic" of me. Another time.

Overall, feeling ready to get serious about getting fit.

Confession: my step back (setback) was eating the rest of the Haagen Dazs Extra Rich Light Vanilla Bean last night. About 400 calories. I know!

Ode to Seared Ahi Tuna

It was a beautiful day when we found the frozen ahi tuna steaks at Costco. We've been using an elegant & simple recipe from Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet. We serve the tuna on top of lightly sauteed shredded green cabbage. Add a drizzle of Terrapin Ridge's Hot Wasabi Garnishing Squeeze and it looks beautiful and tastes heavenly. I think snow peas would be a great side dish with this but we haven't tried that yet.

Here's a link to the recipe. Enjoy!

I picked up this book

I'm going to give this a try

I've watched both the frontside and backside dvds and today I'm going to actually try it. Think I'll start with the frontside. Here's a link to a clip of this dvd. What do you think? Have you had any success working out with a dvd?

I liked this dvd enough to buy it because it truly seems geared to beginners. Jillian also addresses modifications for those of us with knee issues along with ways to amp up the workout as we get stronger.

Thinking about step aerobics

I did 45 minutes on the treadmill and I feel better. Advil + water + treadmill = good. I've been thinking about step aerobics. I gave it a try in class that was supposed to accommodate beginners a gazillion years ago and I never felt like I was doing what everyone else was (and that's because I wasn't!). It was a good workout though even if I looked like a freak. I'd like to try it at home this time -- no embarrassment.

Any tips on where to buy a step or about good dvds for true, uncoordinated beginner types? Or about step aerobics in general. I just added this dvd to my netflix list based on very little info.

It's a new year

While I haven't been active here, I've had a ton of stuff going on. Going out of town to visit relatives over the holidays; home improvement projects (mainly painting); holiday socializing & eating (yep); cooking & baking; and recently, not feeling very well --very sore neck, stomach upset and fatigue - bleh. In between all this, I've been following Karen's reports of her "dreadmill" progress. Inspiring! So, I've taken up using the treadmill. I haven't gotten into an everyday habit yet, but that's the goal. I feel great after I do it. Right now, I'm going at a speed of 3.7 for 45 minutes. I will build up to what I used to do: 4.1 for 3 miles with "hills." Hills are what I call it when I increase the incline -- not by very much because I don't lower my speed. I alternate five minutes at no incline with five minutes of slight incline. This seemed to really make a difference. I'm working toward getting back on track with this.

There's a minor problem though with the treadmill, I watch the Food network! I need to find the Fit network and at least alternate.

Neck is still sore today but I'm going to take some advil and drink a lot of water and see how it goes.