Anonymous Accountability
 

So, I decided to start working out without telling friends or family about my plans because every time I've started that in the past it hasn't worked out. BUT I am not very self motivated (hence the needing to work out in the first place bit) so I thought maybe if I put up a thread in the cellar, I could have the best of both worlds? Anonymously working out in real life while enjoying support and accountability from the cellar?

Diabetes runs pretty hardcore in my family so I've always had good intentions on getting healthy, I just never did. I have no job and all the free time in the world at the moment, so there's really no excuse for me to NOT do it. Earlier this week I put together a photo album of Husband and I's relationship together and seeing all the pictures of me in sequential order made me realize exactly how much I've gained over the last 5 years or so.. it's a lot.

So here is me, just started out today. It was very difficult because of exactly how out of shape I am, but I'm proud of actually trying!

I decided to start out with this:
http://www.gymjunkies.com/home-workout-for-beginner/

I only got in 2 "cycles" before my legs turned into jello, and I had to do "wall push ups" instead of regular ones because I'm not near strong enough to do real push ups yet, but I'd rather start slow and do something manageable than go crazy with it and fail.

I got the "my fitness pal" app on my phone, and so far it's pretty cool... tips are welcome, especially tips involving no gym equipment or workouts for the seriously out of shape folks.

No tips from me, but a big virtual hug and pom-pom waving e-cheer.


And a supportive nibbly kiss on the ear from Carrot.

Thanks Dana & Carrot! :)

I want to get a treadmill and set it up in front of a huge monitor so i can play video games while I walk.

Congrats! :cheerldr:

I've been doing the same thing over on the I joined a gym thread. I kind of slacked this weekend and today. I need to go back to the gym and start the routine again.

My parents got two out of the trash and set theirs up pointing at the Wii. People are throwing treadmills away all the time.

in fact,
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/spo/3249126509.html

Me too, although people are noticing now :) Well done and good luck. My tip is do NOT let yourself get bored. You do not need to follow this workout to the end. If you start finding excuses not to do it because you get bored, pick another one, or walk, run, swim, bike, something. Don't give up. When you start it's all about doing something to burn the calories and build muscle, doesn't really matter what.

WOW.

that thing looks like something off the set of Flash Gordon.

Fitness can be as addicting as eating. You go Razz! :)

Good Luck Razz! I know how hard it is, for the last 10 years, Ive been trying to get back to the fitness regime I was doing before I met my husband.

Thanks everyone!
Jim - I want a treadmill really bad but I can't justify buying one until I start a fitness routine and stick to it.
bbro- Thanks! I decided to start my own thread so there would be more "attention" ... at least in my head anyway. I don't wanna let the cellar down! :)
glatt - I'm checking the craigslist in my area, we'll see.
monster - Thanks! I started with this one because it's got that 30 day thingy and I've heard it takes 30 days to make something into a habit, it's not so good to get winded if you have to go up and down the steps...
Nirvana - I hope so! I love me some foods!
Pico and ME - Thanks! I never really had a fitness regime to get back into in the first place, unfortunately! I used to do things recreationally which counted as excersize (used to do a lot of walking, did marching band in high schoo etc) but never really a specific "work out".

It's wonderful that you're starting something. The only tip I have is to print the schedule out, so it's right there in front of you rather than you taking time to look at it. Pull the sheet out and get to work....that's how I prevent procrastination. Second, be familiar with the workout moves if you're not familiar with them. If you are following his diet plan, I guarantee that you WILL lose weight and fat. Remember not to eat any pasta or bread. If you really crave some carbs that's not veggies (yes, those are considered as carbs), try brown rice.

As for the workout, I think it's okay to do wall push-ups for now if you're really out of shape. However, do graduate to the knee push-up, and from there, do the regular push-ups. Remember, no more than a week of wall push-ups.

Razz, good luck! Put on some music and work it! :D You know what would make you more accountable? Posting pics up, hihi. I just started Jillian Michaels' Extreme Shed and Shred. It's supposed to be a 30 day program too. You and me, Razz, we can do this! :D

I want to add the reason why I feel you need to get off wall push-ups and do ground push-ups as soon as is because wall push-up will only make your arms stronger while doing push-ups on the ground will also work your abs. :)

Right, only I can't physically DO any pushups on the ground yet... or if I can I've no clue how. So I figured if I started with the baby ones, maybe I could work my way up

Also, I took pictures earlier today to post here... just before a friend called and asked me to accompany her on a last minute overnight trip out of town. Maybe I'll be able to post tomorrow hehe

Did you try the modified push ups? You bend your legs at the knees instead of having them straight. That might help you get to the ground sooner.

Hehe, they called those "girl push ups" when I was in school... I didn't realize it was a real thing (exercise wise)... I'll try it thanks. :)

Yes, it's a real thing, it's called "girl push-ups." :lol: Okay, I'm joking around. If you can't do regular push-ups, most trainers will tell you to do girl push-ups, modified push-ups, push-ups done from the knee (as stated in the Gym Junkies website), or as I called it, knee push-ups. :p:

Did you say something about knee push ups before, Lola? I totally missed that! Sorry!


ETA:
I suppose I'm just blind :blush:

Huh - I missed it too. Sorry Lola! :)

I'm ok with girl pushups - I AM a girl! LOL

I'm against it. Spoils all MY fun, anyhow.

HEY! Gladiators! Am I banned yet? Am I? Am I?

Penis Spam? Izat you?

It's no biggie; I overlook things all the time. :p:

Bbro: I used to struggle with girl push-ups. :blush:

Razz: As Tony Horton said, "Try your best and forget the rest!" :D You will become stronger in no time. :thumb:

Just in case you were wondering, I haven't given up entirely or anything, my first day was too much at once, and instead of "pleasantly sore" I ended up at "unable to walk" sooo I have been recuperating this week. I think I'll be able to try again tomorrow but I will include a lot more stretching this time. I've mostly been focusing on diet changes in the meantime. Not following any kind of plan yet, mostly just eating smarter and learning about food (again).

I like this a lot, and it's SUPER filling: Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for One

It's slow going but I'm trying. All weight fluctuations have been water related I'm sure lately... not enough of a change to worry about yet. I'm still hopeful and I'm still trying :)

Razz - it happens. Diet changes are just as important :) If you are interested, I use a site called sparkpeople to track all my food and exercise. It's free to sign up and will give you a range of calories to eat in to aid in weight loss.

Razz, why don't you take a week and start just walking, uppping the speed/distance each day and prepare your body a little? you could take a couple of canned beans or similar and do a few bicep and tricep ecercises every now and then......

OK Raz, I just went back to the workout you posted. That is not a beginner's work out. 25 push-ups? * 4-8 reps. NO. Also, do you know how to do a proper squat? If you are out of shape and not doing squats properly, you are going to cause yourself serious injury at that rate.

Why can't you go to a gym? Isn't there one provided for you at the barracks? Or is it that there is, but you don't want anyone to know/see you? If you're as out of shape as you say, you need to get your body used to exercise before you start going all out. You do need to be on a treadmill or elliptical or sidewalk, or in a pool.......

note the site is called Gymjunkies: Hardcore Fitness Training. Not Absolute Beginners: A place to start.

Monster: I can't walk or go to a gym simply because I won't. I've been telling myself for years that "I'll totally go to the FREE GYM THAT IS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE tomorrow and work out. Yeah." then I don't. Or "I'll totally get up and go for a walk tomorrow." then I don't. I need something that is inside my house that I have absolutely positively no excuse not to do.

I have no idea how to do anything, I was watching that person's youtube vids of how to do stuff properly. It said "beginner" on it so I thought it was legit, apparently I missed the not part. Sigh. See as embarrassing as this is to admit on the cellar, at least I didn't have to tell anyone in real life about it yet.

Don't despair. The Sparkpeople website has videos and demonstrations on how to do a lot of things. They have 10 minute videos that you can start with - short with positively no excuses to skip. You can do this - don't beat yourself up so much.


*I am not being paid to promote the website ;) *

Thanks bbro. :) I needed that (even if you are being paid...)

You're welcome. I've been there, too. Trying to not be there now, so I know how you feel. :)

let me know if you decide to sign up on SP - we can connect there and I can help you with the site. Although, it is a pretty simple site.

Just go on youtube to find demonstrations of how to do stuff. i really really don't mean to be critical and/or/put you off, but I think you'll put yourself off if you start out too hard.....

and what bbro said

Sadly, i found I had to pay money i could ill afford to make me do stuff. i have plenty of equipment here. Do I use it? no. i joined a cheap place... and didn't go. i joined an expensive place with a spa/whirlpool I love....... bingo! you need to find your reward. Bbro has stickers. What would give you a buzz? just to kickstart?

Sorry monster, I didn't mean to imply that you were being a big meanie or anything. I just felt dumb for not noticing the info you pointed out on the website. I'm glad for the help, I really don't want to do anything crazy to start out with because I won't be able to continue it (such as doing the workout that I did which set me back a week because I couldn't move after.)

I used to pay for a really nice 24 hr gym back home, paid for it for 2 years and I went... I dunno... maybe 20 times? Of course this was when I lived with my parents and had hardly any bills and my own paycheck so maybe it would be different now, but I just don't want to risk it. I think I have access to something like 3 gyms for free (2 big gyms on base and 1 small one in our community) but that always sets anxiety on me like,

well if I go to the gym then I'll need gym clothes so I should go buy some of that and I dunno if it's in the budget, and if I get clothes I should probably get sneakers because mine are very worn at this point and I don't want to mess up my ankles again and what sort of clothes should I get because I'd like to be comfortable IE shorts and tank top but I don't want anyone to see me in shorts and a tank top so what would I wear to walk over to get to the gym oh well maybe I should just get like some tshirts and work out pants even though that would probably be hot and ew it's all humid and gross outside (and probably raining because I'm in NC and it's always raining) so now I don't want to walk to the gym anymore... ooh.. let's just see what's on the cellar instead


So for now I just want to do something I can do at home, maybe if I lose a little weight and start feeling more comfortable about it I can start going to the little gym across the street. As far as motivation goes, my husband is deployed overseas for the next 6-9 months... I'd really like to lose a noticeable amount of weight while he's gone. He worries about me a lot since he's aware of all the diabetes and other medical issues my family has gone through, so I'd like to take this time to actually do something about it and start getting healthier. I've got nothing but free time and a deadline to use, so why not?

OK so look and see what's free on Craig's list (stepper, treadmill, whatever), then set up the celar in front of it.

And I didn't mean to imply you should spend money, I meant to imply that you need to find yourself a reward for each workout.

Mine is the whirlpool, bbro's is stickers on the chart. it doesn't matter what it is, but it will make a huge difference if you find something that you only allow yourself to enjoy once you've worked out. Suddenly there will be fewer excuses.....

I don't have time read everything yet so I'll apologize first if anyone gets offended for any reason. My comment is for Razz's sake at the moment and not directed at anyone...

Razz, I think you can do that workout just fine. Don't let anything discourage you. If I can do the Insanity workout when I was out of shape, you too can do this workout. I'll tell you why later...because I gotta run now. :p: Sorry, I really should reply when I have more time but I don't want you to think you can't do it. You really can. I'll get back to this post in a few hours. Hang in there, Razz. Believe in yourself. ;)

I disagree. I think you can do it eventually, but not right now. And If the first day (which was incomplete) rendered you incapacitated for 4 days, the facts appear to back me up.

Consider looking for an exercise program modeled after your husband's military physical fitness regimen so you can easily work out together when he returns. You're obviously not going to exercise at the same level; but, he gets his exercise at work anyway. He'll probably enjoy sometimes accompanying you in an easy (for him) workout just for seeing you improving your physical fitness level. Local places to start searching for info on military styled, in-home beginner programs would be the Activities Director at a base gym and the Community Services office (online you can check out its national website http://www.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromo...smid=6&ssmid=1 for some Exercise Program Information). If you can't find anything official at your base, there are unofficial military (branch specific) based exercise programs online including some adjusted for beginners. Perhaps you can get a local recommendation for one of them.

Lola, thanks for the encouragement even though I happen to agree with monster for now... but I still await to hear your reply later.

monster, I see what you're saying with the rewards thing, I just haven't really found one yet that works for me I guess. Even though day 1 was clearly not the way to start out, I felt much better having just gotten off my ass and accomplished it in the first place. Right now, THAT is my reward. I am mostly healed at this point, so I think I'll try again tomorrow with something much lighter/scaled back if I can find it.

sexobon, I started working out with hubs before he joined and was just starting out with workouts, it got me really discouraged really fast because he improved and dropped weight so quickly while I... didn't.


I feel like this thread has just become a ton of excuses from me for everything you all are suggesting, ugh. I don't mean to be that way, I just feel like I should explain what all lead me to this point in the first place.

What is it that a life coach; or, psychologist could help you learn about your situation that you don't already know?

Before you work out TODAY (;)), Razz, make sure to warm up properly. Start really slowly, walking in place, slowly take it up to a march and add arms. after five minutes or so, start adding some reaches and sligh lunges or squats just to get everything truly ready to face whatever workout you decide to throw at it. Good luck. I'll post you a special sticker here if you achieve a workout you are pleased with. :)

WARNING: extremely long post...:p:

Razz, I was so gungho about giving you tips and pointers until I saw that you decided to give up. Although I was disappointed, I decided not to give up on you and went ahead with my plan this morning to do the “Shredded for Summer.” I figured unless I’ve done it, I wouldn’t know exactly what I’m talking about.

Okay, a quick fitness lesson. You want fast fat loss, you work the big muscles on your body, which are your quads, your butt, your back, and your chest. The theory is that after a workout, your muscle breakdown, and it needs energy to recuperate. Therefore, your body will continue to consume calories throughout the day even after you’re finished working out.

Let’s look at the exercises in this workout: Squat, Lunge, Push Up, Squat Jump, Hop Scotch, and Baby Burpee. With the exception ‘hop scotch,’ all the exercises work your butt, quads, hamstrings, chest, back, and a bonus core (abs). The ‘hop scotch’ is a great cardio exercise. So is the baby burpee.

Okay, I don’t know what’s your fitness level is, but you do. What’s even better is that you’ve done the first workout, so you know what you can and cannot do.

Squat and push-up, it says to do 25 reps or as many as possible before a rest is needed – whichever comes first.
Hop scotch, it says to do 30 seconds of max effort.

The goal here is to work your muscles and keep the heart beating for a good cardio workout. Squats, don’t go down as deep, just as much as you could. Go down farther when you’ve become stronger. Push-ups, just do as many as you could and as they say, as many as possible. And stick with girlie style. You don’t even have to go down that deep, just enough to work your muscles. Who says you HAVE TO do 25 reps? It sure didn’t. Do as much as possible to your strength. Hop scotch, if you watched the video, the jump is pretty far. Don’t do that unless you could. This morning, my jumps were very close, just a foot apart or so. Shameful to admit? Not really, I got a good workout, who cares what others can do. I was able to jump for 30 seconds, but if you’re exhausted in 15, 20 seconds, stop. Or just jump slower and closer to be able to last the 30 seconds. The goal here is to have a good workout to your body’s capability. You can do more as you get stronger. This is YOUR workout, follow your body’s ability.

I know I’m being lengthy, but here’s a short example. In ‘Insanity,’ there’s the knee jump exercise. You jump and pull your knees up as high as possible, and everyone in the dvd was had their quads at least parallel to the floor. Me? I was hopping like a bunny rabbit. Feel barely off the floor and knees just bent. But hey, I was in my own home, so who cares. Eventually, I was able to jump up and pull my knees like those people in the dvd. It wasn’t done in a day or two, or a week, but I eventually did it.

In the website, the ‘Shredded for Summer’ workout, right above the WARM UP, it lists the 6 exercises in red. If you click on it, it directs you to an instructional youtube video. You can modify it to your level. For example, the important thing about the lunge is have your knee above your ankle and not past it. But you do not have go down that far.

That’s why I said, “Do your best, and forget the rest.” This is YOUR workout, do what you can and become stronger from there. You said you were only able to do 2 rounds the first time you did it? I say that is WONDERFUL!! Give yourself a pat on the back to even have done it. If you follow the plan, by next week, maybe you could do 3 rounds, and eventually, you’ll get four. By then, you would’ve been toner and stronger and not realize it.

The website said to warm-up for 3-5 minutes before working out. I recommend putting on 2 songs and walk in place, do jumping jacks, mirco squats to warm the quads, etc. I decided to go for a 15 mins jog. Do whatever you please.

Razz: If you decided that an intense workout is not for you but you still want to workout at home, I have Jillian Michaels's 30 Day Shred and Extreme Shed Shred. Each dvd has two levels and within each level there's an advance and beginner modification. I'm more than happy to send you copies of these if you don't mind giving me your addy. Just pm me if you might like them.

Whatever you choose to do, good luck. I wish you success on your journey to better health. It seems like there are lots of people with their own experiences in fitness. Just ask and I'm sure someone's experience could help you. :)

Razz, did you earn the special sticker??? hmmm????? ;)

Razzie........

What do you like, Razz? What can we tempt you with? Do you like necklaces? My daughter says all women like necklaces (I don't but then I don't like shoes either.....)

We need to find your Achiles Heel....

There's something that I noticed. Not only society has double standards, the universe does too. My sister only has to walk 30 mins/day and portion control her meals, and she loses weight. A friend eats less, and she loses weight. My friend does the stair climber for a week, and she loses an inch off her thigh. Me? I jog 30 mins 6 days/wk and eat less. All I'd lose is barely 1/5 lb in a week. If I really noticeable want to lose weight, I'd have to do intense exercise and cut out all starchy carbs and sweets/junk food. Basically, eat like the diet in the gymjunkies website. I'm only telling you about myself to show you that it's okay not to lose weight quickly. If you can't lose weight fast, maybe you should concentrate on exercising to feel better and for better health. You've got 6-9 months. If you just exercise regularly and eat right, not only will you feel good, you'll look good too.

Razz, I know you probably thinking I'm talking in cliches, but honestly, I'm speaking with sincerity and experience.

Do you have internet at home? If you do (don't want to assume), you could check out these exercise shows in Hulu.com. You can exercise in the privacy of your home and not have to pay for workout dvds. If you wish, you can check these out:

Gaiam's Wake Up Workout
Get Fit, Stay Fit
Fabulously Fit Moms

To be honest, I've never tried these. And the drawbacks with Hulu is that there are commercials.

I agree with Lola - you definitely cannot judge your progress by comparing to other people. Not only what she mentioned above, but Men in general have an easier time of losing weight. I experienced this with my ex and he wasn't even trying!!

Another example: I have been working on this since July and have lost a total of 6.6 pounds. Not a lot to some, but at least the scale is going DOWN. That is the key.

Stop in and give us an update!!

Yeah thanks for everything you all posted. I wasn't comparing myself to other people (at least not purposely) especially when my husband and I were going together, but when you're getting an update every day 3 times a day about how someone else is losing weight constantly, it tends to get inside your head no matter what you do. I was proud of him, but it wasn't helpful for me.

Today I earned my sticker, I found a friend who has similar goals to me and needs just as much encouragement/motivation as I do and we went to the little gym this morning. She did 2 miles on the eliptical and I did 20 mins on the treadmil (almost a mile). We then had breakfast together so I could show her my excellent pumpkin boatmeal breakfast that we found, and started talking about how to work on our diet choices as well.

For now, this works for me. :)

Here's your sticker :)
 

I'm glad you found a buddy, Razz. I hope you are feeling stronger and more confident now :)

20 minutes again today! :) I love my sticker, monster. lol

did you see the teeth? It's a bit small, sorry

And that is excellent. i'll have to make you another one tonight

I'm glad you found something that works for you. :) Good luck!

Sticker
 

Attachment 40631

This is what you find if you google images for Skinny Razz!

Hahaha Thanks Mon! (I didn't notice the teeth till you said something, very cute!!)

I did it on the 13th as well, and I made the entire mile today in 20:45, so I'm getting faster, slowly but surely!

I took these the day I started this thread, sorry for the tilty-ness, I had to prop the camera up since I couldn't find my tripod.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...r/09-04-12.jpg

The pics are embarrassing as they're not in any way flattering, but since I'm working on the flat part, I'm hoping I'll have some nicer ones to show you soon. :)

Also apparently the husband has started working out over seas, so I'm getting daily weight loss updates from him again. :rolleyes:

Razz, the weightloss will come and its an added bonus, because before it does, you suddenly starte to notice your limbs become more shapely and some things become easier.

If you are at a gym with a good range of equipment, I strongly suggest starting to use the weight machines. "A bigger Engine burns more fuel" Plus you can really see/feel and appreciate the change in your body, even if the weightloss is slow, and it gives you another incentive to keep going. Are there any "Newbie induction" sessions to show you how to use the machines safely?

Razz, adding extra exercise helps a lot, but diet is paramount. Keep your exercise easy to maintain while you re-shape your diet habits. Seriously. Eating the the wrong food is like smoking....just as addicting. And changing your eating habits is just as tough as quitting smoking. But really important to do...not just for losing weight, but for long term health. Start slow. Start by cutting out a few bad things, and adding a few good. And read up as much as you can about what you should be eating.

Or, just keep doing what you're doing and worry about addressing other factors later. As long as you'r addressing one thing/something, you're on the right track. Baby steps.