edicius 3,269 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 (edited) I've got several Edi - get yourself an exercise ball http://www.exerciseballworkouts.net/ This website has some amazing picture by picture illustrations for you to compare to. My personal trainer basically put me on this thing ALL the time. UGH. I normally love it for situps/half crunches because you seriously have to use your stomach muscles to get up and down. Make sure you always leave your head dropped back and your chin to the ceiling - ALWAYS... There's even video here for these - http://www.exerciseballworkouts.net/core-a...ll-workout.html Awesome! Thanks, Jacqui! I know I've also seen some 'As Seen On TV' commercials (and I'm not falling for it, dammit ) showing a smaller exercise ball that basically goes along the small of the back, creating more downward motion too. You ever see anything like that? Basically it's like the crunch/sit-up doesn't end at the ground but continues a little further downward. I assume the same would hold true with the larger exercise balls, just in a different fashion. In any case, I think I'm definitely going to get one of those once we're done with the move. There's a couple of plank exercises too...they are so freaking difficult - we do them in dance. Here's the plank - Side Plank - Side Plank - I've actually done the plank exercises in Wii Fit a few times, maybe I should start doing those consistently and see where it takes me. I remember the first time I did them, I actually fell over. I think that would help both the abs and the upper body to some respect, yes? THANK YOU for the great info tho, it's going to come in very handy for me. EDIT: Forgot to ask...what size would you suggest I get? 5'7", 175 lbs. Just looked on Amazon and I'm seeing 55cm, 65cm, 75cm. One chart I saw suggested that someone my height should go for the 65cm, but I figured I'd check with you first. Edited December 1, 2008 by edicius Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 don't get a tiny ball - the bigger sized ball actually will work better for you. There's a lot more you can do than just an ab workout on it..but let's cross one bridge at a time... The plank on wii fit is nothing in comparison to what I'm explaining It's like the junior version of exercise LOL I will never forget when Keith introduced it. I was like are you kidding? He's now got one where you get in plank on one side of the room and it's like a minute or three minute long exercise where you start in plank and on your elbows hold it for 16 counts, then walk (yes, on your elbows and toes in PLANK)..er crawl for 16 counts, then sway (more like twist but it's hard to explain this way) your hips side to side for 16 counts, then repeat...... luckily i couldn't do this one because of my foot when I do plank now I have to put my right ankle over my left to relieve the pressure from my toe.... it's more challenging for sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 (edited) I have the 55cm one. I'm 5'4 and weigh 135 (FIFTEEN POUNDS LEFT TO LOSE). I would think the 65cm would be best for you. Today, I've got dance from 11:30-12:30, then again from 5:30-6:30 and then yoga from 7:30-8:30 with a friend I went to high school with that I promised I'd take class with her. Edited December 1, 2008 by VladyIBELIEVE16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MSUDoubleJ19 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Hey Edi - on the tummy toning - You cannot spot reduce, unfortunately. You can, however as Jacqui suggested do those exercises to help strengthen your abs muscles, but if you still have a layer of fat on top all the toning exercises in the world won't get you anywhere - you won't lose noticable inches or pounds. The only way you can remove that fat is by cardio and diet. I would up whatever cardio you are currently doing and really watch your diet. Some people even suggest that your stomach is entirely diet - so watch your fat/calorie intake and hit the treadmill and you should see some progress! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 Hey Edi - on the tummy toning - You cannot spot reduce, unfortunately. You can, however as Jacqui suggested do those exercises to help strengthen your abs muscles, but if you still have a layer of fat on top all the toning exercises in the world won't get you anywhere - you won't lose noticable inches or pounds. The only way you can remove that fat is by cardio and diet. I would up whatever cardio you are currently doing and really watch your diet. Some people even suggest that your stomach is entirely diet - so watch your fat/calorie intake and hit the treadmill and you should see some progress! Yeah - those are in addition to the cardio/diet too What jj said Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlakChamber 8 Report post Posted December 1, 2008 All the weddings and Thanksgiving are over, so its back to the gym time for me. Ugh, I am going to hurt tomorrow. I spent all day yesterday raking leaves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted December 2, 2008 That's a great time! If you are going to do a 10K or half-marathon, you should definitely look at some training schedules. Your particular race may have one or you could google search for one. If you are doing a half-marathon in February you should begin training immediately - most marathon/half-marathon training begin 4 or 5 months before the race. I might give it a try. My problem is I've never exercised or worked out with any organization or schedule. I just work out usually without a whole lot of expectations or any detailed goals weeks/months down the road. Somebody explain this to me. I know weight usually flucuates a good bit throughout the day, but how can this make any sense? After Thanksgiving meals and stuff, I weigh 150. I eat fast food (for the first time in forever) last night and I weight barely over 145 pounds before doing some exercising tonight. My body is starting to get worn out though. I did a 5-mile run Thursday, worked out Saturday, rode on my bike for 40 miles yesterday, and ran 2 miles very hard today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted December 25, 2008 (edited) Whoohooo a month and a half ago these jeans didn't fit. I decided tonight (Christmas Eve), I'd try them on and viola they fit! HOORAY! Yes, that's another size down!! *sigh* (and yes, I've posted this in the member photo thread as well as here!!) Merry Freaking Christmas to me!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Edited December 25, 2008 by VladyIBELIEVE16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betterREDthandead 58 Report post Posted December 25, 2008 Whoohooo a month and a half ago these jeans didn't fit. I decided tonight (Christmas Eve), I'd try them on and viola they fit! HOORAY! Yes, that's another size down!! *sigh* (and yes, I've posted this in the member photo thread as well as here!!) Merry Freaking Christmas to me!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Congrats Jacqui! Santa giveth and also taketh away (the pounds.) Are we going to need a smaller RGDT soon? I just hope I get through this Christmas without too much damage on the scale. Damn Christmas cookies. (and cheesecake and meat pie and more cookies and cake and ham and more cookies.....) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlakChamber 8 Report post Posted December 25, 2008 Congrats Jacqui! Santa giveth and also taketh away (the pounds.) Are we going to need a smaller RGDT soon? I just hope I get through this Christmas without too much damage on the scale. Damn Christmas cookies. (and cheesecake and meat pie and more cookies and cake and ham and more cookies.....) Yeah, Christmas is rough. Tamales are a tradition Christmas food in Texas (which of course we got from Mexico). We got a couple dozen from Mrs. Chamber's co-worker. And these are real tamales. As in, they are made with lard. I just polished some off. So bad, yet so good. Good thing we got a Wii Fit as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted December 26, 2008 Bah, Christmas sweets and chocolates and the like are always going to be everywhere I go, and it was the case again this year. I love eating and I love chocolate just as much as exercising so I'm going to scarf good stuff up especially around the holidays. Got to enjoy the foods I like. My only problem right now is I've started getting into eating sour cream chips again. Baked so they are a little more "healthier" (), but damn they are tasty. Need to stop buying these from the grocery store. I put on some holiday weight as well but nothing astronomically terrible, just want to lose about 5 pounds or so, but am in no rush to do it since I know I will eventually since holiday eating and holiday chaos in general is now over and I'll be getting back to working out more consistently now that it is over. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted January 5, 2009 Well, time for the post-holiday report. While I did overindulge at some points over the holidays, I came out the other side okay. Since I was on holiday break from work for two weeks, I also didn't end up getting up early most days to do my exercise routine, so the most exercise I got was really shoveling snow and moving boxes upon boxes into the house. So, for a small snapshot: December 15: 171.5 lbs January 5: 166.75 lbs It's a far cry from the 229 lbs I started at, that's for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted January 5, 2009 Congrats Edi! I only lost half a pound during the entire time and my weight is now at one place, no gain no loss. It's ok though I didn't overindulge! WHOOHOOO!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted January 11, 2009 (edited) Lovely stuff edi, much congrats. Today I ran in a 9K (5.6 mile) race that went through one of New Orleans' more historic neighborhoods and ending up at Jackson Square in the French Quarter. I ran it in 50:25, but wasn't really satisfied as I wanted to try to run it in 48 minutes or better. I guess the good part is that I still had plenty of steam left running towards the end of the race after around 5 miles and I was passing up people left and right. I just hate in races like this though where I think I keep a decent pace but it is still slow, and not knowing when to pick my pace up early enough to where I still have enough energy and stuff to cut some time off the final result. Couldn't complain about the weather whatsoever for it. Was about 50 degrees throughout and overcast, loved it. Here is some more info on it. http://www.runnotc.org/races/2009/jacksonday.pdf Edited January 11, 2009 by SouthernWingsFan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted January 16, 2009 Just wanted to post my weight tracker from The Daily Plate. The time frame in the image is from when I started this whole weight loss thing (July 17th) through today. It's just amazing to look at and realize how far I've come. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted January 17, 2009 Edi that's awesome I think the most amazing progress is looking in the mirror and the fact that two nights ago I put on a junior sized jean to wear to the game at the Stapler! WOW!!! I can't believe it! Just a little left to go. I'm sort of simmering around the weight I've lost however, I've noticed the muscle change etc which is also helping me feel and look thinner I love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted February 5, 2009 Homer Simpson gets in shape and wanders what a "gym" is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4i8SpNgzA4&NR=1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted February 19, 2009 (edited) Well, since I think I've pretty much hit my goals - massive weight loss, 'normal' BMI, etc. - and am pretty much at a point where I just maintain my weight now, it's time for the before and after pictures. First picture is from my wedding reception, May 2006. I weighed anywhere between 230 - 245 lbs here, wearing a size 38 or 40 in pants and XL shirts: And this picture was taken this morning before work (in my still-mostly-unpacked office) at a weight of 159 lbs, size 32 jeans, medium shirt: Word, yo. Edited February 19, 2009 by edicius Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted February 19, 2009 (edited) Word, yo. You are darling in either Edi-version, Kevin. Congratulations on your achievement! You're awesome!! PS: did your tattoos shrink or change shape? Just wondering. Edited February 19, 2009 by puckloo39 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Damn edi, you are almost down to my weight! That's awesome man. I got an e-mail today which made me giggle a bit. I ran in a 10K race last weekend in nearby Baton Rouge about an hour or so from the New Orleans area and apparently have some running photos of myself in it. One of them was a terrible attempt of me trying to wave at the camera like a goober. Can't really complain about my results though considering how nuts things have been down here lately and me not running/exercising as much. I ran 10K/6.2 miles in 54:15, roughly an 8:45 pace/mile. I placed 265th out of over 800 racers, so I finished in the upper 3rd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Really excited yesterday I purchased Junior Sized 5 jeans hoooray!! I love this!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Well, since I think I've pretty much hit my goals - massive weight loss, 'normal' BMI, etc. - and am pretty much at a point where I just maintain my weight now, it's time for the before and after pictures. First picture is from my wedding reception, May 2006. I weighed anywhere between 230 - 245 lbs here, wearing a size 38 or 40 in pants and XL shirts: And this picture was taken this morning before work (in my still-mostly-unpacked office) at a weight of 159 lbs, size 32 jeans, medium shirt: Word, yo. Great Work Edi!!! What a remarkable difference!!! So when you look in the mirror please tell me you see the skinny guy for now and evermore!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MSUDoubleJ19 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Great job to Edi, SWF and Jacqui!! You guys have done great. I'm still training for a 25K. Last week I had a horrible week, every run I just felt like crap. This week has been much better. 12 more weeks of training and hopefully I won't collapse during the race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Damn edi, you are almost down to my weight! That's awesome man. I got an e-mail today which made me giggle a bit. I ran in a 10K race last weekend in nearby Baton Rouge about an hour or so from the New Orleans area and apparently have some running photos of myself in it. One of them was a terrible attempt of me trying to wave at the camera like a goober. Can't really complain about my results though considering how nuts things have been down here lately and me not running/exercising as much. I ran 10K/6.2 miles in 54:15, roughly an 8:45 pace/mile. I placed 265th out of over 800 racers, so I finished in the upper 3rd. that is awesome, Jack! You do not look like a goober, either. Everyone is doing so good, I am proud of all of you here. I am still hitting the gym and getting stronger, still losing but slower now, which is OK. I have to safety pin my work slacks, since I am now a 6 or 8 instead of the 10-12 I was 8 months ago. Works for me. I am holding out for warmer weather to buy new clothes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 PS: did your tattoos shrink or change shape? Just wondering. Changed shape. I got more done to that yin-yang one in...'07, I think? Damn edi, you are almost down to my weight! That's awesome man. You still put me to shame with your non-gooberific runs, though. Great Work Edi!!! What a remarkable difference!!! So when you look in the mirror please tell me you see the skinny guy for now and evermore!!! So far, so good. Though I still need to get rid of this little pocket of belly fat I have...I KNOW I have abs under there, dammit! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
