Arc trainer

This is my favorite piece of cardio equipment at my gym. I never thought it was something I'd like, but I tried it last Saturday...and I'm hooked. It's a much better workout for me than the treadmill or the stationary bike. It burns more calories and I'm all for that.


I haven't mastered it enough to use it without holding on...but hope that comes eventually. Check it out!


http://www.expertvillage.com/video/19440_gym-equipment-cardio-arc-trainer.htm

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 14

It's a great day in Weight Watcher Land...this weeks loss

3 lbs.. for a total of 20.6.

whooopeee!!!

Hiking Today

The weather this weekend has been spectacular in New England. It was almost 90 (?) yesterday and today will be in the high 80's. Husband and I decided to tackle our favorite hiking spot. Thanks to a new website I found, MapMyRun.com I was able to see what that hike really looks like. It is 3.31 miles there and back...but the killer is...it's all UPHILL!! It goes up an elevation of over 900 feet.

The first third is the hardest and in the past I have prayed to die as I reach that level. Today was better. I am in a little better shape than I have been in the past.
My husband volunteered to carry a backpack filled with water bottles for us and the dog, as well as some snacks to enjoy when we reached the summit.

My husband found a walking stick for me. It makes it easier to have something to hang onto. There wasn't much of a breeze and my heart was pumping...but I made it to the top with no complaining. We stopped to give the dog water a few times, she was panting quite a bit...but she thoroughly enjoys reading all the 'pee-mail' all the way up and back!
Here's what you see when you get to the top of the mountain. A specatular view of the valley and the Connecticut River. The trees are just starting to bud and within the next week or two the trees will bloom.

We found a cool spot to enjoy a snack of shrimp and cocktail sauce and some fruit, as well as more water. The dog ate her favorite--CHEESE.
After a rest, it was time to head back down the road. Walking downhill uses different muscles than walking up...and here is one of the winding roads that makes the hike more interesting. There are trails through the woods, but I prefer the road. The entire hike took almost 2 hours including the rest period and enjoying the view at the top.

Fiber One English Muffins

I found a new english muffin...thanks to my sister. Fiber One english muffins are so much better than the Thomas' Light Whole Grain that I've been eating. These are also only 1 point... They are 'puffier' and make for a better mini pizza. They are a little pricier, $3.99 for 6, but well worth the money.

Thanks Nancy!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 13

Great day today!! I lost 2.8 lbs last week for a total of 17.6 lbs .

I've been faithful going to the gym for at least 60 minutes everyday and walking an additional 30 minutes in the evenings ...it appears to be paying off.

Join me in another happy dance!!

Water....

Water...plain ole water...
I've been trying to stay away from sugar free drink mixes and diet sodas. I started saving those for a 'treat'. Drinking water just doesn't "do it" for me, but I learned from a friend Shelly, Mom-Getting-Fit, to add fruit to the water to give it some flavor. I started with lemon and lime and realized...I don't care for lime! So I cut up a bunch of lemons and throw in a few chunks with my ice water. I also find that if I drink through a straw, I will drink more than drinking from a glass. Psychological, I'm sure...but whatever works. This container holds 4 glasses of water and I can easily drink 2 full bottles a day. I had to replace my other bottles because they didn't fit in the treadmill cup holder at the gym.

Saturday morning ...

I can't believe I'm actually going to say this...but I enjoy going to the gym. (Looking up to make sure the sky isn't going to fall on me for saying that!)

I have gone every day...faithfully for two weeks (except on Easter Sunday...the hours at the gym were cut down and I couldn't get there and still entertain 16 family members.)

I feel my arms getting a little stronger and my legs are sore...all good signs. My clothes is definitely feeling looser and I ordered a pair of size 16 pants from LL Bean. I'm sure they'll be too small..but I will hang them in the bedroom where I can see them until I can actually wear them -- which hopefully will be by early June.

I'm making good use of my new pedometer and the past two days have logged in over 15,000 steps...that's over 5 miles of walking during the course of the day. Yesterday, my husband and I took our dog for a 3+ mile walk...exactly 1 hour and 35 seconds. Dog and I were both tired after that!! Husband...not so much...he's 8 inches taller than me so if he walks at my pace, it isn't much of a workout for him.

I hinted to my daughters that I'd like a Magic Bullet for Mother's day so I can make smoothies. I don't have a blender and really no great need for one or the room to leave it out....but the Magic Bullet would be ideal!

Cleaned out my closet

Here they are...here they go! These bags are filled with winter clothes that I do not intend to EVER wear again... this time next year I WILL be in a smaller size. So, I bagged up most of my sweaters, turtlenecks, woolen pants...anything 'wintery' in that dreaded XL size and I'm giving it away.

Big Brother/Big Sisters calls periodically to collect clothing for the retail store they have in my area called "Savers". I jumped at the chance to get rid of this clothes. Next winter I will be either A. in a smaller size... or B. very cold and nekked.. so it's definitely motivating to stick with my new eating lifestyle and get a NEW wardrobe next winter. I did keep a few cardigan sweaters and sweatshirts that I can still wear as really warm weather won't hit New England until June!

I bought myself a Pedometer! I had an older one that wasn't working well, so I treated myself to a new one. I bought this one at my WW meeting, though they are available in department stores. This model will tell me how many extra 'points' I've earned after I've taken enough steps. They recommend 10,000 steps per day. I walked about 1.25 miles this morning with my dog...for a total of roughly 3500 steps. I do that twice a day in addition to all the walking I do on a daily basis, so I should easily reach that quota. I put it on first thing in the morning and reset it at night when I take it off.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 12

Today's weigh in: 195.4...I gained 0.4 lbs. I was disappointed considering I'm at the gym everyday for about 1 hour. I thought I had a good week...but this isn't the end of the world.

There's always NEXT WEEK!

I have another appointment tomorrow with my 'trainer' at the gym. She will be adding to my repertoire of weight training equipment.

Monday morning ramblings...

Well, I survived Easter Sunday dinner! I hosted my siblings and their families as well as our Dad, who is in a nursing home. We weren't sure how it would work out, but Dad had a great time and it was nice to see him smile and enjoy himself.

I think I stayed in my points range for the day, it's hard to figure out because I was so busy getting ready for the day and didn't weigh or measure anything...but I made good choices and after everyone had left and I cleaned up, I mustered the energy to walk on the treadmill and ride the exercise bike for 20 minutes each...then I collapsed into bed!

I took some measurements the other day and realized I've lost almost 5 inches from my waistline...insert BIG SMILE here!! I'm going to the gym every day for an hour and trying to build up some upper arm strength because I don't have much. My legs are strong, but not my arms. That should improve soon.

Now, to come up with some recipes for leftover turkey and ham since I have quite a bit...

Pre-packaged protein

I love to eat veggie wraps for lunch and sometimes I like to add a small amount of cooked, grilled chicken. So I grilled a few chicken breasts this morning and cubed them after they cooled.

I recently bought a digital food scale, so I measured out 1 oz. of the cooked chicken, which is just enough for me to add a little protein and flavor to my veggie wraps.

I bagged these 1 oz. portions into snack-size zip top bags and put them in my freezer. I take out a bag as I need it, and it thaws quickly.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 11

I hit my goal for the week!!! 2.2 lbs LOST for a total of 15 lbs!!! YIPEE!!!

It's equivalent to all this butter!!! 60 sticks of butter!!

Doin' a little happy dance today!!!

Gym orientation

Today was orientation at the gym. I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill. They have TVs and I brought my headphones so the 30 minutes went quickly.

I was given instruction on 4 machines. After I do those for about 6-7 days I will be shown a few more. Three of these machines work upper body/arms. I need help there as I don't have a lot of upper body strength. One machine was to build leg muscles.

So, now, to get into a routine. I'm hoping to go between 6:30-7:30 AM most days to start my day. The gym is busiest between 5-8 PM...so I will stay away durng those times.

My arms are a little sore right now...I like these upper arm exercises as I don't want my arms to keep waving after I have stopped!...know what I mean???

Well...I did it...

Actually, WE did it. My husband and I joined a gym today. We are going to start on Sunday morning, though my official orientation is Tuesday, April 7. There was a 'special offer' with no contract, so that appealed to us. Even went out and bought some new 'workout' clothes.

Today's ramblings..

I had my first real challenge last evening. I went to dinner at Red Lobster with my husband and some friends. I planned ahead and ate very low point foods for breakfast and lunch knowing that I would need as many for dinner as possible (without using too many extra points that WW allows.)

I picked wood-grilled bar-b-qued chicken breast with shrimp on a skewer. It came on top of a serving of mashed potatoes with a side of wild rice pilaf. I ate 1/2 of the chicken and shrimp, only a small amount of the mashed potatoes and 1/2 of the rice. But I did have one of their cheddar bay biscuits. It was a treat!

From what I can determine from Calorie King, this meal was about 20 points, so I don't think I went over my limit for the day.

It was early enough when we got home, I jumped on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I generally walk in the evening after dinner, so this wasn't anything unusual.

All in all, it was a good 'test'...and I think I passed!!

My Weight Watcher Leader

There are several people I know who really inspire me. This is Janice. She is my Weight Watcher instructor. She lost 47 lbs and has kept it off for about 15 years. She is a wonderful 'leader' and has a great way of motivating members. She is friendly, kind, compassionate and most of all fun! She is just what a 'leader' should be. I have joined and rejoined this Wednesday group a FEW times, and when she saw me each time, she'd always smile and say "Welcome back"...but this time, I'm not going away. I'm here for the duration. I know with Janice's help, that I will accomplish this goal.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 10

I weigh in each week at my Weight Watcher center on Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. I am thrilled to report that this week I lost 2.6 lbs for a total of 12.8!!! (Yes, cheering out loud is allowed...and required if you are reading this! Thank you!!!)