Update from Becka

[Becka]

Well, worked out on Monday, skipped yesterday because I wasn't feeling
well (but I still managed to work with the weights and a bit on the
stability ball, but not a "full" work out), then worked out again
today. I had to talk myself into it today because I had to go to the
store. But while the kids did their chores, I made myself do it!

I'm still drinking a lot of water, and in fact, get really thirsty for
it. Perhaps I'm getting a taste for it, I don't know, but at random
times during the day, I'll be smacking my lips wanting a tall bottle
of water, so that's helping me drink what I need to drink.

I haven't lost any weight since my 2 pound gain when friends were
here, but I haven't gained anything either. At this point, I'm happy
to maintain rather than gain. :) But I do believe this exercising is
building muscle mass, because my legs are two inches smaller and my
arms have some definition to them (I say "some" because they still
have flab...lol) But when I flex in the mirror, I can see it. (Yes,
I flex in the mirror *snort*) I'm hoping when I do lose more weight,
my arms will be attractive enough to wear a tank top. Some fat women
wear tank tops - I just ain't that brave--YET! :P

Anyhow, that's where I am right now. I'm toying with the idea of
either exercising every other day or 5 days a week with weekends off.
What do you guys do?

~~Becka

[Luann Hopkins]

Becka,

 

I exercise at least 6 days a week (with few exceptions).  Monday through Friday, I walk 3 miles during my lunch hour at work.  Then in the evening I do treadmill for half an hour and one of my videos for half an hour (pilates, the ball, weights, whatever).  I take either Saturday or Sunday off from exercising normally depending on what we are doing.  The one weekend day I do exercise, I may only do one hour of walking or one hour of my exercise videos.

 

I think it might be better to exercise five days a week and take weekends off versus exercising every other day; but I don't have any hard facts to support that.  Personally, I find it too easy to go back to not exercising at all if I give myself too many breaks.  That's why I only allow myself one day off a week.  It takes quite a long time for me to build a lasting habit and I want my current eating and exercise habits to take a strong hold.  I've been in the overeating with too little exercise for far too long - I don't want to go back to that again.  Also, I've gotten so used to walking every day that I rather miss it if I can't do it.  You may have more discipline than I do, so every other day might work great for you.

 

Amazon emailed me that my Wii Fit shipped and it should be here tomorrow or Friday.  I'll start using that when I return from vacation.  I'm excited about using it because I think it will add another element of fun to my exercise routine.  One thing I do think is important is to have several options in your exercise routines so that it never gets boring.

 

Becka, you have done so well in losing weight and you maintaining that loss is an accomplishment, but I know your goal is to continue building muscle mass and getting more toned and fit.  Experiment a bit and see what exercise schedule works best for you.  You have teaching, children's functions, guests, book writing, etc. to work around - that's a busy schedule already, but you are doing so good in losing weight and getting fit . . . make sure a part of your busy schedule is keeping yourself healthy and still focused on your weight loss goal.  You'll be showing off your bicep muscles in a tank top in no time!

 

Love you lots,

Mom