Exercise at least 3 times a week challenge

jess444_2

Hi SandC,

Right I will try to explain - You will need a 'woggle float' and an ordinary rectangle float.

Excercise 1 - Stand at the edge of the pool. Use one foot to push the 'woggle' under the water and position it so that you can stand with both feet on the centre of it. The idea is to be able to keep your feet straight (so heals or toes don't touch the floor) and gradually let go of the side so that you are using your core muscles to balance. Sounds easy - but at first you will probably only be able to do it for a second or two - build up over time.

Excercise 2 -Again stand facing the edge of the pool. Put ordinary float under one foot and push under the water. Use core muscles to balance as you move float / foot in small circular movements. Repeat with the other side.

Excercise 3 - Stand with your back against the edge of the pool. Bend knees and press back against the edge. Using a float in front of you, lay hands flat on top with arms outstretched. Press down on the float - at the same time lift pelvic floor muscles up and pull stomach muscles in. You can make this progressively more difficult by using two floats, one on top of the other.

Don't know if this makes sense. I have looked for diagrams online, but can't see any. Let me know if you need anything explained.

Jess

SandC

Cool, thanks Jess, you've explained that very well!

Massive improvement today, managed my swim just fine but just cut it a bit short for a sit in the jacuzzi so I didn't overdo it.

I swear that getting fit has helped that 'pull' to heal quicker than it would've done. How annoying though that a few weeks ago I spent well over an hour heaving, pulling, tugging away trying to get a double mattress upstairs on my own with no effects whatsoever and I end up getting a really painful pull from what I can only think was turning to answer the phone at my desk! Tsk.

jess444_2

Well three sessions at the gym again for me this week, plus one day digging at the allotment.
Had to give myself a good talking to today as I was so tempted to cancel going to the gym. Feel much better now I have been though, so I am going to try for 4 next week.

Jess

Willow92

I'd be pleased with just once a week at the moment!

jess444_2

Hi Willow,

I know what you mean, just getting started again can be hard. I am finding that having a set routine is making it easier to keep going. Also I am beginning to feel a bit guilty when I miss a 'gym day' so that is helping.

I hope you manage to fit a session in this week. Good luck.

Jess

jess444_2

At last, all of this excercise is beginning to have an effect on my weight. 6lb off after 4 weeks. :T

Jess

jess444_2

Its seems a bit quiet here, how is everyone doing?

Done my 3 times this week, so have updated my sig. I was planning to go out for a walk / jog today, but looking at the rain I don't know whether I can face it.

Jess

SandC

Did 7x last week despite having a cold. I'm now feeling back to 100% and no sign of niggles in the back area, so I can go back to pump class tomorrow.

Got weighed on Fri at the surgery, lost 4kg since last weigh which was 21st Jan. It's not much but I rather suspect I might have put a bit on over the past week or two. However, it's a slow yet steady reduction of just less than 1lb per week. In total since I started at the gym in Feb 2010 I've lost 2.5 stones. No dieting required!

jess444_2

Good to hear that your back is OK SandyC.

What fantastic weight loss in just over a year. I know you haven't dieted, but did you find that you naturally started to eat healthier?

I have also ordered a Zumba DVD to do on the days when I can't get to the gym.

Jess

SandC

Yes, I think I have a bit. You see, last year although I was losing weight, albeit very slowly, I visited the canteen at work every day for toast or sometimes oatcakes and cheese (it's a north staffs thing) and at the start of this year I decided to ditch the toast as it didn't fill me up and it's got zilch nutritional value (thick sliced white bread). Also, if I'm going to the gym after work there is less liklihood of me snacking on something before tea. I don't know why but straight after exercise I don't immediately feel hungry like I do after an afternoon sitting at my desk. So I can happily take 1/2 hour to prepare something. Then there's the main one which is the reduction in alcohol. I used to reward myself with wine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and believe me I could sink a lot. Because I go swimming at 6.30am I no longer drink on any evening bar Friday and sometimes Sat. I never could do just one glass anyway.

So, yes, there have been tweaks.

Most people would not have been patient enough to do it my way though. And the exercise is hard work even now - you simply cannot expect to get results unless you work very hard.