Today's homework is about stepping out of our exercise comfort zones. I've been resisting weight training because I'm afraid that with my hormone imbalance (I have too much testerone due to PCOS) I might build too much muscle and end up looking freaky. However, over the past month, I've been doing 1 weight workout a week and have seen a new level of toning. So I've decided to take it to the next level and add a few more times a week of Weight training.
What exercise/activity have you been thinking about but hesitant in actually trying? What's stopping you from trying it?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: SpaceCityPaula,
Originally posted by SpaceCityPaula: I've been resisting weight training because I'm afraid that with my hormone imbalance (I have too much testerone due to PCOS) I might build too much muscle and end up looking freaky.
I understand this because, due to a birth defect, I also have more testosterone than the average woman. I have been lifting weights on and off for 7-8 years and am definitely not hugely bulky. Of course, I still have a good bit of fat on top of the muscle. When I flex my bicep or calf, there is noticeable muscle, but you don't see it if I don't flex it (because of the fat). My dream is to one day be thin enough that you can see it without me flexing it! After all, I worked hard for it.
You can definitely see improvement in my legs because of all the walking I've been doing over the last few months. I found a women's health and fitness magazine called Oxygen that I like overall. There's a few too many ads for protein supplements but the recipes in it are fantastic in terms of clean eating (definitely on Par with KD). My hope is that with really clean eating and the weight training, there soon will not be a layer of fat over the muscles. I can actually see some definition through the fat which is why I decided to up the number of times I weight train.
DH and I have been to a new gym twice now (last Friday and yesterday). I know that I need to kick it up a notch (doing Curves and walking) and I think this is just the thing for me!
It is weight training and they have eliptical trainers, bikes and treadmills. I really like the treadmill and I tried the eliptical which I think I will like better when I get more strength in my legs. You would think walking for 4+ years would have helped!
We are doing a 30 day free trial and then we will decide. I am hooked already and I think DH is too.
We were both leary about going, but it is for 40 and over (I am illegal at 38 1/2) so it is a very comfortable atmosphere and we know a lot of people.
Kat
Goal: Exercise at least 3 times per week.
Remember the positives.
Get the munchies under control!
Posts: 1068 | Location: Mount Vernon, WA | Registered: July 03, 2005
it has been a while since i have taken a dance class. i love dance! i have taken latin dancing, bellydancing, and latin hip hop fusion. i would love to actually learn ballet but i don't want rigidity or to take it too seriously. i want to have fun! perhaps i will look into a class.
Goals: 1. Stop thinking like a chronic dieter and start living to inspire. 2. HALT (hungry, anxious, lonely, tired) I will stop and tune in with myself should I experience these things, and respond with something healthy. 3. One word 2008: courage 4. Eat slow and mindfully.
Working with my PT, I've seen what weights can do for stretching and strengthening my muscles. without adding bulk. When I am finished with PT I will try their Freedom to Fitness class. After which IF my knees hold out, I'd love to try Yoga, Tai Chi, or maybe even dance. We'll see what the new year brings.
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
Originally posted by SpaceCityPaula: I've been resisting weight training because I'm afraid that with my hormone imbalance (I have too much testerone due to PCOS) I might build too much muscle and end up looking freaky.
I understand this because, due to a birth defect, I also have more testosterone than the average woman. I have been lifting weights on and off for 7-8 years and am definitely not hugely bulky. Of course, I still have a good bit of fat on top of the muscle. When I flex my bicep or calf, there is noticeable muscle, but you don't see it if I don't flex it (because of the fat). My dream is to one day be thin enough that you can see it without me flexing it! After all, I worked hard for it.
Personal Healthy Habits Challenge - 10/1 to 12/31/08: 1. Exercise: Get back to consistently working out 3-5 X week. 2. Food: Get back to consistently preparing healthy lunches for the week with increased veg servings. 3. Behavior: Reduce intake of sweets.
Posts: 7298 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Originally posted by SpaceCityPaula: What exercise/activity have you been thinking about but hesitant in actually trying? What's stopping you from trying it?
I can't really think of anything in the realm of regular exercise. I've tried a little of everything, though certainly I enjoy some things more than others.
In the activity/sports realm, I have often thought that snow skiing would be cool. What's stopping me is: 1) fear...on many levels, including fear of heights, but especially of hurting myself, esp. at my age and esp. with a considerable amount of arthritis in my spine; and 2) no one to do it with and few people who could afford to do it with me even if they wanted to. Not a single one of my friends skis (or as far as I know has EVER skiied) and most make considerably less money than me so, while I could personally afford it, it wouldn't be much fun to do alone.
Rock climbing is another fantasy of mine. If I can get the arm fully rehabilitated where I can have overhead mobility again, I might actually try that on my own.
Personal Healthy Habits Challenge - 10/1 to 12/31/08: 1. Exercise: Get back to consistently working out 3-5 X week. 2. Food: Get back to consistently preparing healthy lunches for the week with increased veg servings. 3. Behavior: Reduce intake of sweets.
Posts: 7298 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
I don't really have any sports that I have wanted to try that I haven't.
I don't think I've ever been afraid to try a sport. I also do some sports that I am down right dreadful at, but I think it is fun so I do it (raquetball comes to mind...). I did give up on tennis though, because no one wants to play with me. I have taken lessons to no avail. In H.S. my gym teacher said "Dawn, even if I curved this test, it wouldn't help you!" but I always got an A for effort.
Dawn
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You have to set yourself on fire." anonymous
Posts: 4303 | Location: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: March 15, 2004
Originally posted by Brie: I'm dying to go indoor rock climbing. !
Brie, you've got to go. DH and I used to do that a lot when we lived in Indy. It is a lot of fun. (I have to admit, I like repelling more than the actually climbing...) Anyway, my DH is afraid of heights, but he still enjoyed the rock climbing. Don't know if that is your DH's hesitation or not. You are so close to the wall, that you can't really see down, so it isn't scary.
Dawn
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You have to set yourself on fire." anonymous
Posts: 4303 | Location: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: March 15, 2004
I'm dying to go indoor rock climbing. What's stopping me is my dh - when he heard that I wanted to do it, he begged to go with me. Now he's hemming and hawing over the cost and when to schedule.
If he won't commit to doing it tonight, I'm going alone!
Thanks for the wake up call!
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
