Food n Fitness Thread #9837483

[skcin]

i've been eating too much fried chicken to lose weight :distress:

I don't recall that being part of our plan, Michelle. :(


:laugh:

^^

Hell. I'm eating a cookie as I type :laugh:

On the other side - I just bought a cheap ass elliptical off Craigslist for $15 - it works -so I'll just keep excersing...and eating crap :p


YES! I knew you would find one eventually.


I'm doing great. Not counting points, but pretty much eating the same that I was when I was counting, I'm just so used to it now that I don't have to keep track as carefully. Still doing at least 30 minutes of cardio 5 - 6 days a week. The weight/resistance workouts have fallen to twice a week, I've had a few setbacks (I was sick for a while, now I have a pinched nerve in my neck/shoulder) but I still do them. Got nervous when I put on 2 pounds, but it was gone again after 2 weeks, so I guess I'm still doing something right. :D

[skcin]

JUst checking in. Everyone OK? My arm/shoulder/neck are killing me, so I've been able to keep up with my cardio but I'm being really cautious with the weights. My D.O. tried to adjust my allignment, but he couldn't. I'm on an anti-inflammatory right now, which gives me heartburn, so I'm not a happy camper. Still at goal weight though. :D

Been snacking more lately too, for some reason. Just got back from camping, so maybe that's why. :shrug: I just have to watch my portions & try to keep busy - sitting in front of the TV all evening won't help any, that's for sure.

Was able to go for a short bike ride while we were camping, but HFAW (husband's friend's annoying wife) cut it short. You guys remember her - the one I went to the Stevie concert in Camden with? Yeah, well, I was better able to tolerate her there where I didn't have to listen to her. :laugh: We're riding for, like, 15 minutes tops & she wants to stop. :rolleyes: Now, granted, I'm pretty fit these days, but she's my age and pretty active, so I assumed she'd be in decent shape. Guess not. I mean, it was paved roads, only a few gradual hills, nothing major. I'm ready to give her to key to go back to the camper & keep going, but the boys start heading back so I do too.

All that evening I heard about how tired & sore she was. The next day, we went on a hike which was described as one "almost anyone can enjoy." In her defense, it was a bit more strenuous that that, but it wasn't bad. Still she started bitching literally 5 minutes in, gasping that her heart was racing. We were able to keep going another 5 or 10 minutes & had to stop to rest. I checked her "racing" pulse - it was only 4 beat per minue faster than mine. So annoying. I tried to tell myself that I should be happy that I'm apparently the "in shape" one now. Instead, I was aggravated that we couldn't do things together besides sitting & eating & drinking. Thank God that's over.

[DrummerDeanna]

Been doing a lot of hiking. My girlfriend is all active and outdoorsy - so that's been good - I've always wanted to do more of that stuff - this is giving me an excuse.

I've been rocking out on my little exercise machine and am all in all doing well. Except for that whole eating like damn pig thing.

But today someone asked if I was losing weight...so I'm going to be wearing the exact same outfit for the next couple of months as it's apparently slimming :p

[amber]

So. Weak. That girl is totally wasting a camping trip that less fortunate girls who live way far away would love. I would've hiked and biked forevah. Stupid b*tch. :laugh:

You should do yoga a few times to help your back. I've been doing a lot 'cause all my muscles were/are so f*cked up - it has been helping quite a bit, especially doing it regularly.
I swear to god, the two sides of my body were different sizes and occupied different levels of space in the air, my body was so crunched up and twisty. My whole left side was compacted down.

[skcin]

^ How did I know you were going to tell me to do yoga? :laugh: No really, I've thought about it. Didn't love that class I tried last year, but I may give it a try again. And yeah, that girl annoys me to no end. I wanted to scream "YOU'RE 32, NOT 62! WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU?! GET IN SHAPE, GIRL!" Not to mention that fact that she's not that smart, has no personality or a mind of her own. :mad:

And Dee, it so helps when you're on the same page with your partner. mark won't exercise with me, he's pretty lazy as far as working out. But he's active, and we do go for walks or bike rides together.

[amber]

^ How did I know you were going to tell me to do yoga? :laugh: No really, I've thought about it. Didn't love that class I tried last year, but I may give it a try again. And yeah, that girl annoys me to no end. I wanted to scream "YOU'RE 32, NOT 62! WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU?! GET IN SHAPE, GIRL!" Not to mention that fact that she's not that smart, has no personality or a mind of her own. :mad:

And Dee, it so helps when you're on the same page with your partner. mark won't exercise with me, he's pretty lazy as far as working out. But he's active, and we do go for walks or bike rides together.

We should go on "Friend Swap", I change places with someone totally boring and lame that would usually accompany you on camping trips, and they change places with me and stay in my house and sit on their fat asses and feed my cats, which is apparently what they want to do anyway. We'll see if they take their camping for granted next time. Not sure it would solve that personality problem...

Yeah, yoga - because whenever my back or muscles hurt, it helps a lot, cures it, mostleh. Maybe you could get a beginner DVD if you don't want to go to a class. Nothing else really aligns my muscles as well. I mean, that is why your muscles hurt, because they're not properly aligned and stretched, so it only makes sense to do yoga. Especially for a back problem.

[jannieC]

I haven't been a contributor to this thread (I don't think) but I was hoping I could pop in and get some inspiration. I really don't know what is wrong with me. When I quit smoking about 2 yrs ago, I gained 20 lbs. Then, after 10 months, I started smoking again. I lost maybe 8 of the 20 gained. I quit smoking again about 4 and 1/2 months ago (with Chantix this time) and have done so well- no weight gain at all. But. No weight loss either. I'm happier than I've ever been, my life is going GREAT, but I'm miserable about this mid section of mine that makes my clothes so f-ing tight and uncomfortable.

Physical activity is difficult for me because of the issues with my back. I really don't think anyone on the planet has the back issues I have. I finally broke down and began a beginner yoga class with my mother in law and had to stop because it was too advanced for me. I ended up pinching a nerve in my shoulder after my last session. I would love to take "Gentle Yoga" but it's only offered one day a week and it is during my school hours.

I want to jog/eventually run but I feel so unmotivated! I walk nightly with my husband and stepson but it's a short non strenuous walk and I doubt it's doing anything for weight loss.

How do you all stay motivated long enough to see results?

[skcin]

Amber - They have "on demand" yoga programs through my cable company, I should try one. This time it's not my usual tense/tight/cramped muscles, btw. It's def. more of a pinched nerve or something, so it's just awful.

Jannie - It took me a while to actualy see real results, and by thatp oint I was so into a routine that it was like second nature to me, so it didn't feel like 'exercise" any more - it just became a normal daily routine. Have you tried an elliptical? They're usually not as rough on the knees, hips & back as running - it's been my saving grace. As far as the midsection, have you looked into any "core" moves that won't harm your back? Crunches alone never did anything for me, but core moves along with cardio really helped me get rid of my gut/muffin top, almost to the point of a 6 pack.

[jannieC]

Crunches alone never did anything for me, but core moves along with cardio really helped me get rid of my gut/muffin top, almost to the point of a 6 pack.

:shocked:
Uh, excuse me but where does one learn about these core moves?

[amber]

:shocked:
Uh, excuse me but where does one learn about these core moves?

look online. There are also millions of tapes/DVD's. I have a Pilates one that is 20 minutes and works the core mostly.

[jannieC]

http://sparkpeople.com/

One of my friends just directed me to this site. I joined (free of charge) and am really going to try and do this. I even found a core exercise. :)

[amber]

http://sparkpeople.com/

One of my friends just directed me to this site. I joined (free of charge) and am really going to try and do this. I even found a core exercise. :)

I'm glad to hear that! :woohoo: Hopefully, you can strengthen and stretch your lower back (part of your core) and it will help your overall back health. It is important for your stomach and lower/mid back to be equally strong.
It would be nice if you could find some yoga that is actually very gentle, because it will help you. You just found a class not appropriate for you. Keep looking!! The benefits of stretching your muscles and tendons and toning your organs is immeasurable. Except when they measure it and find out it helps so much that everyone should do it. :p You can find gentle yoga stretches online, as well, just so you know. I found a video sequence for my arms just the other day.

[jannieC]

I'm glad to hear that! :woohoo: Hopefully, you can strengthen and stretch your lower back (part of your core) and it will help your overall back health. It is important for your stomach and lower/mid back to be equally strong.
It would be nice if you could find some yoga that is actually very gentle, because it will help you. You just found a class not appropriate for you. Keep looking!! The benefits of stretching your muscles and tendons and toning your organs is immeasurable. Except when they measure it and find out it helps so much that everyone should do it. :p You can find gentle yoga stretches online, as well, just so you know. I found a video sequence for my arms just the other day.

I was just so disappointed in Yoga. I know it was just my own experience, but I was really excited about FINALLY trying it. The instructor was even one of my previous physical therapists from the last time I had a serious back injury. She tried to look out for me during yoga class (altering certain poses for me, etc) but it was just too much. We would all get into a pose and I would hear people sighing in relief at how good it felt; like, "aaaaaaaah." And I was like :shocked:, uh, ow. Once I get settled into this semester, I may try to find another yoga place and see if I can find a gentle yoga during a time frame I can manage. I know that if I could do it correctly, it would be hugely beneficial for me.

[amber]

I was just so disappointed in Yoga. I know it was just my own experience, but I was really excited about FINALLY trying it. The instructor was even one of my previous physical therapists from the last time I had a serious back injury. She tried to look out for me during yoga class (altering certain poses for me, etc) but it was just too much. We would all get into a pose and I would hear people sighing in relief at how good it felt; like, "aaaaaaaah." And I was like :shocked:, uh, ow. Once I get settled into this semester, I may try to find another yoga place and see if I can find a gentle yoga during a time frame I can manage. I know that if I could do it correctly, it would be hugely beneficial for me.

Well, you have a good attitude. I've been to some sucky yoga classes, too, and had things be too challenging. The reason why I suggested looking for sequences online is that you have time to breathe and relax into the pose at your own pace, and you don't have to do it if it is too challenging. You should read some about yoga, too. Sometimes if the poses move too fast, I find myself getting tense and trying to reach the pose, instead of breathing into the pose and the muscles, and letting my breath relax me into the pose, at my comfort level. This is the opposite of everything that should happen. The point of yoga is breathing, really, and allowing your body to follow as it can into that breath and pose.
I like slow yoga, you probably would, too. My lungs are bad, and my muscles are incredibly tight, so for the most part I need a lot of time to breathe and sink into the pose in a real way, where each breath opens my body more into the pose. That is what you need, or you are not doing good yoga. The point is to bring your breath and awareness into your body to loosen it, and that can take time. Especially to get your breath to the tight parts that hurt the most, and let those muscles relax. It works, though. I literally have to imagine breathing white light breath into those painful areas, and at the same time relax as much as possible to deepen the pose. And you have to breath through your whole body, from your diaphragm, while relaxing your shoulders and chest and jaw and everything else, just letting the proper muscles do the breathing. That is hard for me as well, as I tend to tense my shoulders/neck/throat/jaw while breathing. Your jaw doesn't breathe, your diaphragm and lungs do. The whole thing is hard for me, I have to light candles, darken the room, drink relaxing tea, etc. So don't be discouraged.

Anyway, my point is that it is very important to find that pace for yourself, the one where you have time to breathe deeply, relax your body, and loosen into the pose at your breathing pace, without strain. I find that alone challenging. Your mind has to be calm, you have to be aware of your body to breathe and align it properly. Of course, all this deep breathing and calm and breath into your muscles is the whole point. Even just deep breathing alone is incredibly beneficial.

I hope this doesn't sound bad to you, and I have done it - yoga for seniors can be very good for those who want a slower pace and have pain or are less flexible and strong. I must say, though, it is important to learn the proper alignment of your body for the poses, so hopefully you can find a good teacher, or read/watch enough to understand the precise movements that are beneficial. When you just try to force yourself into a pose, without breathing and being conscious of alignment, that is very bad, and the opposite of what yoga should feel like.

Sorry so long. I totally read about this too much. Overexplanation is my specialty. I should hang out with Linds, we would never stop talking, or finding unnecessary additional ways to explain things - "Yoga is more like painting a picture...it goes in cycles..." :rolleyes::p:laugh:
Which reminds me, I would recommend yoga magazine to you without reservation. :laugh::wavey::xoxo:

[skcin]

Word to the wise - not a great idea to try to start doing yoga during a current inflammation/injury. I was about 3 minutes in to the video & had to stop because I was in so much pain. :distress: Maybe when I'm feeling better, but for now, yoga's on hold for me.

[buckymcnix]

So i did a quick search and only saw a quick reference to Aspartame in this thread. I just saw part of a tv show talking about it and how it's FDA OK was pushed through the fda by none other than donald rumsfeld.
They say it is just terrible for you.

and this stuff is in damn near all gum and diet sodas.

I just saw people talking about diet sodas in the obsessions thread as well -

http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/index.htm


anyone have any different or other info on it?
i have always heard shaky things about artificial sweetners but this show really got me thinking.

[SuzeQuze]

Well, Dr. Weil says to avoid them. I wouldn't drink diet sodas daily but once in a while doesn't hurt. He makes a good point too, that people don't lose weight by using these sweeteners.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QA/QA106654/

[JazmenFlowers]

So i did a quick search and only saw a quick reference to Aspartame in this thread. I just saw part of a tv show talking about it and how it's FDA OK was pushed through the fda by none other than donald rumsfeld.
They say it is just terrible for you.

and this stuff is in damn near all gum and diet sodas.

I just saw people talking about diet sodas in the obsessions thread as well -

http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/index.htm


anyone have any different or other info on it?
i have always heard shaky things about artificial sweetners but this show really got me thinking.

Well, Dr. Weil says to avoid them. I wouldn't drink diet sodas daily but once in a while doesn't hurt. He makes a good point too, that people don't lose weight by using these sweeteners.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QA/QA106654/
I drink at least 6 Diet Mountain Dews and a couple Diet Cokes each day. I drink water in between those too. I have thought about the artificial sweeteners in them and it does worry me and I know I shouldn't drink as many, but lord, I have cut out so much. I guess I should do a little research and contemplate giving this up too...:(

[SuzeQuze]

I drink at least 6 Diet Mountain Dews and a couple Diet Cokes each day. I drink water in between those too. I have thought about the artificial sweeteners in them and it does worry me and I know I shouldn't drink as many, but lord, I have cut out so much. I guess I should do a little research and contemplate giving this up too...:(

That's how I feel about coffee. But the research on its detriments/benefits is pretty much neck and neck. I have about 3 cups a day so it is moderate use and I don't worry about it. 8 sodas is probably way too many but in the scheme of things it may not do much harm. If you don't have that disease and it doesn't give you headaches then it may not be too harmful. Do you like tea? That might be a good substitute. The thing is that foreign molecules do damage to your cells which accelerates aging.

[kathy1]

janniec i wish you good luck with this. keep us posted.

[jannieC]

janniec i wish you good luck with this. keep us posted.

Thank you, Kathy. This is very sweet of you and I will keep you posted.

[GODDESS6]

So i did a quick search and only saw a quick reference to Aspartame in this thread. I just saw part of a tv show talking about it and how it's FDA OK was pushed through the fda by none other than donald rumsfeld.
They say it is just terrible for you.

and this stuff is in damn near all gum and diet sodas.

I just saw people talking about diet sodas in the obsessions thread as well -

http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/index.htm


anyone have any different or other info on it?
i have always heard shaky things about artificial sweetners but this show really got me thinking.

when i was pregnant i had gestational diabetes & had totally quit drinking soda of any kind since i heard it wasn't a good thing to be drinking while preggers~ i have never been a big diet soda drinker, i'd rather have the full sugar stuff, my poison is the red mountain dew, but i had a huge craving for just a little sip of soda & asked my DR if it would be ok to have just a little soda if it was diet & caffine free, because of the diabetes i didn't want to send my levels soaring & my DR freaked out~ he said pregnant or not diabetes or not, or for anyone trying to lose weight, he would never recommend drinking diet soda of any kind~ he said the Aspartame & other artificial sweetners were like drinking formaldahyde (*sp)~ it does the same thing to your insides~ so i just don't do it~ i drink 2 of those 20oz red mountain dews a day & the rest of the time it is fiji water or iced tea~

[kathy1]

your welcome jannie.

[JazmenFlowers]

I love doing yoga late late at night. why? I don't know. namaste yoga is my favorite.

I'm still at almost exactly the same weight I've been at for 2 months. I'm pretty much into a maintenance phase although it would be lovely to reach my actual goal weight (5 pounds away).

[skcin]

HUGE setback. MY neck problems got worse last weekend. Way worse. It progressed from a stiff neck & some right shoulder pain to severe neck/spine pain, to sharp stabbing pains radiating down my right arm, to numbness & tingling in the right hand & a few fingers. :( At first, it was sore when I'd move a certain way - by Monday I was in constant pain with no relief from anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or even narctoic analgesics.

So. It's been determined that I have a pinched nerve in my neck somewhere around C7. I have started PT (right now they're just adjusting my spine, using heat therapy & traction to my head/neck), and I'm on a course of low dose steroids as well as narcotic analgesics (which I'm terrified to take, to be honest, but I literally cannot function if I don't .) I go with this plan ("conservative treatment") and hope it works. If not, MRIs and neurosurgical consults are next.

Evidently, there is no specific cause. Inflammation of the spinal cord - I could have slept wrong, my posture may have been too slouchy/tense, it's anything and nothing. My right arm is noticably weaker than the left, I can't feel 2of my fingers. I haven't been on much because computer work is killing me. Worst pain I've EVER experienced in my life. I was crying at the doctor's office, waking up in the middle of the night howling in pain. Awful.

I have been bant ;) from working upper body AT ALL. Lower body cardio is OK as long as there's no arm involvement - so I can use the elliptical, but I have to hold on the the stationary handles, not the moving bars. Can't jog. Biking is iffy because of the slight weight bearing on my arms. Even walking is tricky - I have pain every step I take, so a power walk is out of the question. I'm so annoyed. :mad: I will really have to watch every little thing I eat & count every point again - since I've been at goal I've been able to estimate & keep up the workouts & stay at that weight. But with this activity restriction, it won't be as easy.

[JazmenFlowers]

gosh Paula, that sounds awful. I'm so sorry. hope you feel better soon.

:xoxo:

[skcin]

Anyone have any updates?

My pinched nerve is no better despite PT & medications. :( I see my MD again tomorrow & we'll take it from there - MRI is pretty much a definite. I'm up 4 pounds, I'm assuming partially due to decreased activity & the meds. The only thing I can really do is the elliptical without arm movement, which I guess is better than nothing.

So I'm not happy, although my clothes still fit fine. In fact, I prescribed some retail therapy for myself this week (I was in so much pain afterwards, but it was worth it) and I was fitting into anywhere between a 6 & a 10. I got a bunch of great deals at Sears (I think it's the first time I've ever gotten clothes there) and NY&Co. and ended up with 2 dresses, a pair of pants, a skirt, and 2 shirts for less than $80. :thumbsup: God bless coupons & clearance racks!

[AliceLover]

Anyone have any updates?

My pinched nerve is no better despite PT & medications. :( I see my MD again tomorrow & we'll take it from there - MRI is pretty much a definite. I'm up 4 pounds, I'm assuming partially due to decreased activity & the meds. The only thing I can really do is the elliptical without arm movement, which I guess is better than nothing.

So I'm not happy, although my clothes still fit fine. In fact, I prescribed some retail therapy for myself this week (I was in so much pain afterwards, but it was worth it) and I was fitting into anywhere between a 6 & a 10. I got a bunch of great deals at Sears (I think it's the first time I've ever gotten clothes there) and NY&Co. and ended up with 2 dresses, a pair of pants, a skirt, and 2 shirts for less than $80. :thumbsup: God bless coupons & clearance racks!


Oh jeez Paula!! I hope they can find some sort of solution for that nerve. Get better sweetie.

Me and my friend Courtney have been running the elevated track here at College. Its so fun and we both realize the best time for us to go is like 9 pm on weeknights. We tend to be able to go longer. Its great!

[David]

Anyone have any updates?I've been adding a lot of wheat germ to my food & cooking. I've also switched from the treadmill to the bike on cardio days. Still strength training twice a week -- down from three times a week years ago. Seem to be making more progress on current regimen. I'm ripped & cut now. ;)

My pinched nerve is no better despite PT & medications.Paula, I'm not ordinarily an advocate of alternative medicine. I think a lot of it is a cottage bunco industry. But did you see this story today?

www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/10/04/ep.alt.med/index.html

1. Acupuncture for pain
Hands, down, this was the No. 1 recommendation from our panel of experts.

[skcin]

^ No, I didn't see that until now. Couldn't hurt, right? :shrug: Better than relying on pain pills just to be able to move, that's for sure. Thanks for the link. I'm actually feeling a tad bit beter this morning, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

Jimmy - glad to hear you're keeping up with the running - good for you!

[skcin]

OK. So. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck, one of which is pressing on my spinal cord as well as the radial nerve root. At least I know I'm not crazy, and we've found the reason for my pain. Neurosurgical consult is next. :( Continuing PT twice a week.

Still plugging away on the elliptical though. :laugh: Better than nothing, but I don't feel toned anymore & that pisses me off. Eating has been OK, but I've definitely been craving junky carb food more often than usual - comfort food, I suppose. Got to keep that in check.

[JazmenFlowers]

wow. keep us posted and don't overdo it on that elliptical!

I've kinda sank into a binge the past 2 weeks. I've gained like 3 pounds. I don't know what my deal is. I think I'm burnt out and just frustrated. I think I need to take a week off and rest up and then get back to it.

[skcin]

^ Oh trust me, I do. I hold on to the stationary handlebar & move my legs only. :p I look ridiculous.

It's been about a year for you, right? Since you started? That's how long it's been for me & I'm going through the same thing. I guess we have to allow ourselves to slide a bit & not beat ourselves up, but force ourselves not permanently fall back into old habits. Back on track, baby.

[JazmenFlowers]

^
yep. I started June 1, 2006. I am in the "what the hell" kind of mood most of the time. I'm eating sugar and white flour more than I have in a LONG time. not really drinking my water. I know I will get back to it, I just need a little time away to get my head right again.

[David]

Eating has been OK, but I've definitely been craving junky carb food more often than usual - comfort food, I suppose. Got to keep that in check.Another thing I just thought of is that as we move into late fall & winter & the amount of sunlight dwindles, our bodies & minds go into a little bit of a funk. We slow down a bit, get a little more lethargic, maybe some of us crave more carbs (the ancient instincts in our genetics probably to "pack up" with fat for the winter, when hunting & grain are at low ebb).

So to that end, I've heard that it's helpful to get more light -- in your face, on your body, everywhere. If you're at home during the day, throw open the blinds or shutters & let more sunlight than you normally do stream in. Sit outside. Watch TV at night or have sex with the lights on. Some people even have light therapy at clinics.

If you have the time, go find some grass in a park & lie down, face up, for awhile. Try to get more exposure to sunlight than you usually do. And if you're hungry between meals, buy some of those chicken on a stick things that you can keep at home & microwave a few of those when you're hungry. Snack on protein rather than simple carbs or sugars.

[JazmenFlowers]

have sex with the lights on
lord have you lost your mind?!

:laugh:
Snack on protein rather than simple carbs or sugars.
very true! :nod:

[skcin]

I'm familiar with the change in season thing. Thing is, it's still mostly sunny with temps in the 60's & 70's here. :p Crazy - this time last year that massive ice storm hit & we were without power for almost a week! Anyway, daylight is getting shorter every day of course, so that def. doesn't help.

[bikerchic]

OK. So. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck, one of which is pressing on my spinal cord as well as the radial nerve root.

:shocked: WTF!!! How did that happened? Are you ok? :xoxo:

[skcin]

:shocked: WTF!!! How did that happened? Are you ok? :xoxo:

Does it sound like I'm OK, you stupid Canadian? :mad:



:lol: I'm functioning, working, able to comb my hair & apply makeup, etc. So I'm not that bad off. But I do have pain 24/7 - never stops, even with meds. They said I'll probably never know exactly how it happened - could have slept wrong or twisted my neck slightly a few months ago & it slowly gets worse without you really noticing until you can't feel your appendages or can't move your head. Fun, huh?

[DrummerDeanna]

^^

Ugh. That sounds horrible - I'm glad they found the reason though -and maybe now can do something about it!

[amber]

OK. So. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck, one of which is pressing on my spinal cord as well as the radial nerve root. At least I know I'm not crazy, and we've found the reason for my pain. Neurosurgical consult is next. :( Continuing PT twice a week.

Still plugging away on the elliptical though. :laugh: Better than nothing, but I don't feel toned anymore & that pisses me off. Eating has been OK, but I've definitely been craving junky carb food more often than usual - comfort food, I suppose. Got to keep that in check.

Holy crap, P! I'm so sorry, that sucks so much nard. I hope everything works out. :(

Naturally, as usual, I prescribe (I play a doctor on TV!) yoga for back problems. Trouble is, your stuff is pretty bad, so you would need supervised, special yoga. Although you might be able to do some light back stretches on your own. Forward bends, standing and sitting maybe.
If we aren't that used to working out our upper body, things can get out of alignment fast. Especially when you add in weird sleeping, and randomness. When you get back on your feet, arm/back wise, you might want to include yoga with your weight training. I guess you'll probably have to get PT, yeah? I would think they'd prescribe that as part of your recovery.
It's kind a cool you still do your legwork exercise, considering the amount of pain it sounds like you must be in. :nod:
wow, I just feel so bad for you. I hope it all works out smoothly. Like <STRIKE> buttah.</STRIKE> coconut oil. :xoxo:

[skcin]

^ Oh yeah, I've been doing PT for the past 4 weeks. It's basically a combination of weight training, chiro & yoga-like stretching. :laugh: I have been banned from doing any other exercises (esp. yoga or chiro treatments) that's outside my treatment program - it could aggravate the injury.

I'm thinking the new job has caused this - lots more time sitting at a desk typing as opposed to running around seeing patients all day. I had an ergonomic study done last week, so hopefully with some adjustments (new chair & keyboard, moving around more, being more conscious of my body mechanics) I can progress more quickly & prevent this from happening again.

[JazmenFlowers]

everyone still hanging in there? I slacked off last week because I had a lot going on and just needed a break, but I'm back on. I ran 3 miles last night. I wasn't sure I could do it and maintain momentum, but I did.

we're coming up on holidays and it's hard to maintain portion control. good luck to everyone! :laugh: