Super Cats Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 54)

I'm still working on losing weight, 40 lbs gone, about 3.5 down sizes so far but I'm still less than half way to my goal. I have been stuck for a couple weeks at the same weight but my body is still changing. My scale just died when I tried to weigh in this week (I hate them anyway) but I have been doing some of the challenges in the forums so I have to weigh to play.

Have you considered strength training? KathyG just posted an interesting link in her blog on Wednesday about strength training really kicking it up for weight loss and leaning out. I am about to start P90X but I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do (I can't do chin ups and do girl pushups but I'm working up to boy pushups). Kettlebell workouts are another thing I've heard good reports on.

I too am off to the beach in 2 weeks. I am going to Aruba for a week. I might not be a bathing beauty but I do look much better than 6 months ago. I like to wear my tri suit to the beach or pool.

Oh...I'm in.

Edited by losta 2009-10-22 10:49 PM

Right - I have pretty strong thoughts on strength training and weight loss.... mainly that it helps...

Increased muscle mass increases your metabolism so that helps as well as reshaping your body... not loosing weight on the scales but losing inches is a reality and something Ive experienced myself.

I will be weight training pretty full in the next 4 weeks for sure... probably circuits 4 times a week but obviously not the same muscle groups all the time! Ive ordered a book from Jillian Michaels (yes the biggest loser chick) and Im hoping that might give me some ideas as she is big into circuit training...

If you have not done much full on weight training something like Crossfit or P90x might be a bit much for you to start out with and thats ok... a full body routine twice a week can be just as effective dependent on your goals...

I certainly think strength training is a really important piece of the puzzle for weight loss and overall health.. at least it is for me... and we know how i feel about taking all the information available and finding what works for you!

Im happy to help with that aspect of it... if anyone has any questions or wants help putting routines etc together let me know... being a gym bunny in a former life I still can get some enjoyment out of doing weights... although the boredom can set in too...

Given that its the off season in the US its the absolute best time to focus on weight loss and body reshaping so Im sure we will all do really well... just set some realistic goals and get started...

I will report back as soon as I have a *plan*

Oh one more thing... kettlebells can be good just make sure you know how to do it properly as with all weight traiing just attempting something can cause injuries so be careful!

Im a BIG fan of compound exercises/combined exercises so doing a squat with a shoulder press, lunges with bicep curls or things like step ups and exercises with cables that engage more than one muscle group at a time and use them together in a natural way...

The thing with weight training is that you need to shake it up every 4-8 weeks just to keep it fresh, to keep yourself interested and to shock your body into adapting again. The changes can be a new set of exercises, new intensity, putting the exercises together differently, changing the weights/reps.... lots of possibilities!!!

Basically anything will work - just try to chose the option that most compliments your goals!

Any new plan Cat?

Busy weekend and a training course today so first chance online Im afraid...

Plan is circuit training with weights 4 times a week, additional cardio when I have the energy
(my health is still up and down) and a pretty strict eating plan 6 days (or 18 meals...) so a bit of built in flexibility!!!

Can write out the details if you are interested... Im basing it loosely on the original Jillian Michaels book until the new one arrives... basically high intensity cardio circuits and additional cardio..

Fingers crossed it makes a difference

I'd be interested in sort of joining you. Perhaps not for all 4 days but some. I already have a bootcamp class on Wednesdays. But I want to ramp up strength training. If you could figure an easy way to write it up good otherwise I can make up my own. I actually have P90X and want to start with that anyway.

Bootcamp would definatley count as a full body strength training workout!!!

Its Tuesday here so day one.,.. so far I havent done anything great.. Im really tired and still sore from bushwalking Sunday... in fact if anything Im MORE sore than I was!

My plan for today is to hit the gym for a strength circuit and then hopping on the bikes to spin the legs out (depending on energy levels!) and stretch my legs out...

Im using a circuit today Ive modified from the book I had, the idea is to do each 3 times but will see how i go! It looks like this:

Circuit 1:
Push Ups
Squats
Step Ups (1 minute on low bench - 30 secs each leg)

Circuit 2:
Dumbell Press
Chest Fly
Swiss Ball Squats
Step Ups (as above)

Circuit 3
Tripcep dips (on bech)
Backward Lunges
Jump Rope (1 min)

Circuit 4
Lat Raises
Ball Crunches
Jump Rope (1 min)

Circuit 5
Tricep Pulldowns
Leg Lowers
Jump Rope (1 min)

Not sure if Im coordinated enough to remember how to jump rope... especially for a minute as its so hard so fast but will see!

Basically Im going to give it a go after work and see how I feel about it...

Edited by kaqphin 2009-10-26 6:16 PM

I look forward to your report. Sounds like a good workout!
I have started doing assisted pullups at my Y. I currently have alot of assist but today I did 1 more than I did Saturday.

Are you using the assitsted chins machine? That thing is fantastic... I must go back to using it sometime but it makes me dizzy!!!

Doesnt matter if you need lots of help... just that you get to do it!

I'm not sure what it's called but that is what it does. There are 3 hand positions on top and one on the bottom I think.

Its sounds like the machine Im used to

I did it! Survive the circuit but had to make a couple of modifications.... had to reduce the jump rope length to 45 secs and 30 secs as it was too much, I even managed to trip over the rope more often as the workout progressed...

Didnt push the weights to high... enough to feel it but I wasnt sure how my body would cope...

Will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow! How Im feeling etc!

Good job!!

So... 3 days in and there is some good and some bad...

Firstly.. I went to a function last night and ate well... even had dinner out and ate well...

Had a work lunch today... and apart from a couple of spring rolls I ate healthy...

The not so good.. my lower back was sore after the bushwalk on Sunday and since then it has got more and more sore... its now so bad I cant sit still comfortably and when I stand up to move around it takes ages to be able to straighten up... Im in agony...

So... no training for me since the first circuit...

I WAS planning on going to the gym tonight but after talking to my mum who has back problems it seems its best I just dont... so instead Im dropping past the shops to pick up photos then going home for a hot shower and some rest... 

The other thing is Im really tired and my tummy is not great.. at all... so I just need to get back on top of my health... 

Its not going to plan right now but hopefully after some extra sleep and the weekend Im hoping to be back on plan! 

Yes, indeed - nice avatar! 

Cat, usually my lower back pain is an issue of tightness in my legs combined with my weak abs creating bad posture.  I can imagine that hiking for hours could cause some seriously tight hamstrings and other issues with your legs.  Try giving yourself a good stretch and try to hold good posture while sitting at your desk.

If I keep this up, I usually feel much better in a couple of days.  The worst thing I can do is to sit around hoping it gets better.

Here's hoping it clears up and you can get back to your plan soon!

Cat has a new avatar? Hold on, hitting CTRL + F5 now!

Oooooo. Cat DOES have a new avatar! I was waiting for that to happen!

Looks good, Cat!

As for the tightness in the back, I agree with Shawn. A little gentle stretching might be helpful.

Thanks - I spent last night on painkillers and lying flat on my back with heat on it... its loosened it up a touch but not great...

I can bend forward a little but no twisting at all and im walking around like a very old lady...

I hear you on the stretching and posture... as soon as Im in a bit less pain and able to move into stretch positions I will definatley be doing it... right now I cant even move much to try but yeah...

I do a bit of core work but maybe more is required... also I dont do much in the way of running/walking for exercise so Im thinking just doing that much without my body conditioned for the specifity of that much walking probably hasnt helped...

Seriously feel broken!!! Hot showers, heat and staying flat on my back is my friend (although not doable while Im here in the office! )

Wish it was just tightness Im in agony... sitting at my desk is bad...

Meant to be going to drinks tonight for a leaving function then seeing S and I just want to go home and lie flat on my back with heat!

Cadel Evans! Allright!!!

Take care of your back. Feel better, I've had that happen once or twice. It went away in a few days. In general I have a good strong back but have abused it several times and paid for it.

Edited by losta 2009-10-29 9:06 PM

I read this quickly and thought it said something about drinks and then S brining the heat while Cat was laying flat on her back.  I had to read it twice more to make sure that Cat hadn't already had a few when she posted it. 

That little episode just about sums up my week! 

*blush* Umm no nothing like that..

In the end I met him at his office after work... he was working... and watched a couple of episodes of Greys Anatomy while eating a takeaway!

So umm.. the diets not been so good since the weekend hit... but being stuck flat not able to train doesnt help! On a positive note the back isnt quite as painful so Im thinking now I just need to take time and let it heal...

LOL!

Great post. Cat is all embarrassed now though. LOL