2008-05-15T16:15:37Z Steph Hoelscher Copyright 2008, Steph Hoelscher SPHPBLOG
I hate reality shows. Sorry, I do. But this one caught my attention and I had fun watching their progress all season long. What a fun show to watch!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080416-180253 2008-04-16T00:00:00Z 2008-04-16T00:00:00Z
I also caught up with a friend that just came back from a fabulous trip to the land down under. Akshay surprised me by telling me he reads this blog...yikes! He's a good guy and I'm so proud of all he's accomplished. It was good to see him.

And it reminded me that people do listen and hear what I say, hopefully inspiring some, while just entertaining most. And I guess as long as I'm still having fun, it's a good thing.

So far, this has been a pretty good week.
Plus a bonus...tonight is the finale of the Biggest Loser!
Woohooo!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080415-095201 2008-04-15T00:00:00Z 2008-04-15T00:00:00Z
It's my own fault, of course. I was hoping to hit 230 by this week, but because of some serious diet neglect, I think I've put on a couple pounds. It's so hard to remain focused when the "bad" food temptation seems to always be right in front of me. I know it's all about self-control. I seem to be lacking in that area the past couple weeks. What is this, like my 3rd fall off the wagon? Argh. I feel so hungry all the time. This stinks.

Then there's the other half. I've still been to the gym, but my workouts have been lazy at best. Maybe it's just spring fever. But this time is the best time to really start tightening up my workouts. I'm so disappointed. My workout buddy has disappeared and my spousal unit is too busy with school to get to the gym. I have no encouragement to go other than pure will power, and as I said, that seems to be waning this week. I think I'll kick myself a couple more times...and then get over it.

Just had to blog about it. Thanks for listening. Blah!!!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080408-115531 2008-04-08T00:00:00Z 2008-04-08T00:00:00Z
I have a perfect one-mile track on the roads around my house. Just right for calculating however many miles I wish to knock out that day. It will be nice to get off the treadmill for a while and walk for real. I plan to amp up to a 5 day a week workout plan this spring. Mixing cardio/walking days outside with cardio/weights days inside. I'm looking forward to a more solid routine for a while and then mix it up again when it gets too hot outside.

As for hiking and camping, I love it! And it's great exercise. My siblings and I used to go all the time. I plan on hiking Guadalupe Mountain again this year. My sister, Krissy, and I went several years ago when I was still a smoker (yes I smoked, a lot...I quit 3 years ago now...yay! But that's another blog too!) I remember it was really HARD for me to get up that mountain. I was in better shape, but couldn't breath well at all thanks to the smoking and the altitude change. Plus, the switchbacks were so sharp and hard on the knees. What a mess. Our goal was not only to make it to the top in one piece, but we also planned on staying overnight at a primative campsite 3 miles up. That meant bringing everything with us. Tents, food, clothes, entertainment, and of course, a gallon of water a piece. I have no idea what I weighed at that time. I think I was a lot thinner than I am right now, maybe in the 190's. I haven't been hiking in years. I believe that I quit because I became so heavy that it was just too hard to do anymore. What a loss for me. I've missed it so much.

So this should be an interesting experience, better breathing but more weight to carry along? I'll probably start with some place a little easier maybe, just to test where I'm at physically? We'll see...

Just a little while longer and it'll be warm enough to go! Yay! So I better start working on a sharper incline on that treadmill for now, get those quads ready! I hope to be at least in the 220's by time I go.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080330-082800 2008-03-30T00:00:00Z 2008-03-30T00:00:00Z
But that was not what I was going for. I guess I'll just have to pace myself better next time. I don't want to be scared or discouraged about continuing the class, it's great cardio, but I don't want to be foolish either. ]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080325-184747 2008-03-25T00:00:00Z 2008-03-25T00:00:00Z
Then I went and ate out...twice. Yikes!

It was not only laziness..that I just didn't feel like cooking those couple of nights, but also this craving for anything that wasn't good for me. This resulted in a certain fish joint on Friday with a really large colada and a buffet on Saturday...followed by ice cream. OMG...it was soooooo good!

I didn't overdue it too bad, I didn't eat so much I felt sick or anything, certainly not a TRUE binging. Why is it that we always feel so bad about cheating just a little? I always feel like I'm on a time schedule and that I have to loose all this weight by December or something. But why the rush? It'll probably take me until next May easily to get down to 175 anyway. I guess it's the fear that a little cheating is the start down the pathway of flat-out quitting and going back to the old ways. Luckily, that won't be today. Back to the gym and the grocery store this afternoon.

Well, that ice cream had better have been good. Cause that's it for a while!


]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080316-102437 2008-03-16T00:00:00Z 2008-03-16T00:00:00Z
I've not too much to update this week. I've finally started weight training. On the treadmill, I've slowed that cardio pulse down to a fat burning 135 instead of that 165 I was overdoing it with. Maybe that will move some fat!

So how about it guys? Enough about me this week, how about you? Good or bad, I'd love to hear it. Has life just been too hectic and you've thrown in the towel, or are you still in the game? Are you meeting your goals, or are you like me and every little set back drives you nuts! Let's hear about it!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080309-091346 2008-03-09T00:00:00Z 2008-03-09T00:00:00Z
I have my second headcold of the year already. This isn't fair. I've missed two gym days and not very likely to make it today. Blah.

But is it really a good idea to work out when you are sick anyway? Besides all the yucky germs you would be spreading, can it make you sicker, or should you just stay home and rest?

According to an article at Bodybuilding.com, in most instances of a simple "cold" you can still work out just fine. Here are some of the examples of when and when not to continue your workouts based on a recent study by the American College of Sports Medicine ...

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/maia20.htm

Of course, always check with your doctor if you are really sick or just not sure. Better add some vitamin C to my new vitamin list.]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080301-130910 2008-03-01T00:00:00Z 2008-03-01T00:00:00Z
Also, anyone ever heard the rumor that flax seed is good for keeping your skin nice and taunt as you lose weight? I'm sure I've heard it before somewhere, just haven't been able to find any literature on it.

I'm planning a picture update soon, everyone seems to like those. I figure when I hit 230 or 225, that might be a good time for an update.


Steph :)]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080228-142550 2008-02-28T00:00:00Z 2008-02-28T00:00:00Z
I was reading an online chat weight loss forum the other day and this gal on there was so angry at everyone because they refered to the occasional falling off of the wagon as a "cheat day". Now that's just too silly to waste your effort on. I cheated on my diet, so I choose to call it "cheating". It wasn't me she was mad at, I choose to observe in those forums rather than contribute. But the big deal she made out of other's "cheating" comments just sent everyone into a uproar. Her problem was something to do with making yourself feel negative about having the occasional splurge I guess. I could see her point, but really, who cares what you call it? Kinda funny really. And kinda silly too. Oh well.

So here's a good link I found from the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic about successful weight loss. Although it doesn't mention the word "cheating". Hahaha!

http://www.weightlossmd.com/6_Secrets_o ... t_Loss.asp[/url] ]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080224-155146 2008-02-24T00:00:00Z 2008-02-24T00:00:00Z
Well, now I'm back to 241. Again, just a pound, but it's amazing to me how something so small (and probably just the result of a little too much sodium intake) can be so psychologically damaging. I need to just back awwaaaayyyy from the scale for a while. And keep my calories in check. And maybe quit watching "The Biggest Loser" too! That place has people dumping 16 pounds in a week! I need a Jillian Michaels to ride my butt into the ground too! I wonder how much she charges?!? Hahahah!

I've been doing some re-reading about "starvation" mode and such. I don't think you can really throw yourself into it in just a week. I think that was just wishful thinking on my part. And apparantly it's wishful thinking on a lot of other people's parts too. There is information all over the place out there about it. Who's to say what is accurate and what is just an excuse?

I plan on getting back to the 1500 cal/day diet. I may loosen it up on days that I'm busting out 700 cal on the treadmill. But other than that...it's back to the grind. So, does anyone have Jillian Michael's pager number?

Ideas? Comments? Advice?]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080220-121957 2008-02-20T00:00:00Z 2008-02-20T00:00:00Z
There are any number of articles out there regarding plateaus in your workouts. They can be related to your body just being too used to your routine, or "starving" your body with too little calorie intake. I'm pretty sure the latter was my problem this week. Although most of what I've looked up states that a 6 foot 240 pound female can live on 1200-1500 calories a day, my body doesn't seem to care for anything less than 1600. I had been taking in around 1350 or so most of last week. No results. The fact that I've doubled my efforts at the gym (see last couple of posts) probably didn't help with that either. More burned calories and less food intake = starving body that wants to hold onto the fat. So I ate a little more and lost a pound. Go figure. I've just been so aggressive lately. Maybe there is really a point that you can be too aggressive.

I could be wrong, we're only talking about a pound here. But when you're big like me, every pound counts and I want to see them GONE! I think I'm averaging about a pound a week, some weeks more and some less. And according to the experts, that's the way it's supposed to be done...slowly. And man, is it going SLOWLY! Heehee...until next time!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080217-114312 2008-02-17T00:00:00Z 2008-02-17T00:00:00Z
Before supper last night, Sheilah and I were at the treadmills and decided to change it up a little a try an aerobics class. So we saw there was a step class the next day and decided to go for it. Again...Ouch! I made it through the whole class which was waaayyyy better than I guessed I'd do. But my upper body is worthless! We were "attempting" pushups at the end and FAILURE is probably the best word I can come up with for my efforts. Haha! Sheilah looked pretty roughed up too! But in the end, we both decided that this would be a great weekly addition to our workouts.

So at this point I am treadmilling it for an hour M, W, F and aerobics/home aerobics on Saturday and Sunday. Let's see if this moves some fat!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080209-140511 2008-02-09T00:00:00Z 2008-02-09T00:00:00Z
I was on the treadmill a couple nights ago and there was this nice petite gal on the treadmill next to me. She got started just before I did. She was walking...let me say that again...w-a-l-k-i-n-g around 5 miles an hour. Geesh! That's not what came out of my mouth, but for the purposes of this blog I said "geesh!". She walked that fast, plus with an incline, the entire hour! By some sort of osmosis, I absorbed her energy and pushed myself even harder that night. Busted out like 650 calories in an hour. Yay! I was impressed...and sweating...I never sweat, so that was pretty good for me. 650, oh yeah! Then I look at hers as she was finishing. Now keep in mind, this little gal was tiny and had to be at least a foot shorter than me and I'd guess at least 240 pounds lighter. So I figured I had the calorie competition in the bag....but noooooooo! I looked at her treadmill and she had busted out over 825 calories! In an hour! Holy crap!

Humph! Well, I didn't go home disappointed that I lost the self-imposed calorie battle royale. I can only do what I can do at this point. But I found out that night that I had really not been putting all the effort into my workouts that I could be. And with the proper motivation, I could be doing so much more.

So thanks to my new little inspirational buddy, whoever you are! You should have seen the workout tonight! And I'll let you guess who I parked myself next to again! ]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080206-215309 2008-02-07T00:00:00Z 2008-02-07T00:00:00Z
I guess I'm not too sure of the purpose. I'm pretty sure that I'm a least close to the protein amount I'm supposed to intake everyday food-wise. I'm not really so much trying to build muscle right now as to lose fat. So, is it really needed at this point? Or at all? And then which one, whey or soy? I've been told whey, or even alternating to the two is a good idea.

Let me know all you experts out there!
Have a great day!

Steph
]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080130-195441 2008-01-31T00:00:00Z 2008-01-31T00:00:00Z
The series is called "Walk Away the Pounds" and the workout guru attatched to this one is named Leslie Sansone. She, as with all the other gurus, has a ton of videos on the market. Even some geared towards the older folks. I've found this particular exercise video series to be a little different than most. It's fabulous for just starting out. Low impact, basically walking in place. Great for me, since I'm still really too big to be throwing myself all over a gym-based aerobics class. And great if you have only a small space to workout in. The video really gets my heart rate going and is varietal enough to keep you from getting bored. The series I'm using right now is a 3 pack of fat burning. "Get up and Get Started, 1 Mile", "High Calorie Burn, 2 Mile", and "Super Fat Burning, 3 Mile". The one mile is only about 20 minutes and the others go up from there.

I'll let you know how it goes. If you are interested, she of course has a video website...

http://www.lesliesansonevideos.com/

PS...I've added a before pic. The worst I could find. Couldn't find any of me at 277 pounds. Isn't that horrible how camera shy you get when you don't feel good about how you look?

Until next time!!!]]> http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/getfit/index.php?entry=entry080126-102950 2008-01-26T00:00:00Z 2008-01-26T00:00:00Z