December 29 - January 4

[merryfl]

Toby - you want to start slow and work up. Just do about 5 minutes to start. And then add about 1 minute per day at a comfortable speed. When you reach a point where it is a struggle, stay there for a few days until it gets easier and then add another minute. That's how they do it at rehab. That way you keep your blood pressure under control and your breathing. I don't use a bike during my workouts - just the treadmill and weights - but most of the people do. They work up to 20 minutes on the treadmill and 20 on the bike during the 8 weeks most of them are at rehab.

I was at rehab this morning. I did my warm-up stretches and 5 minutes on the arm bike. Then 30 minutes on the treadmill at 1.9 mph, leg press at 120, 125 and 130 pounds (6 at each weight), and sit/stand with the 2 kg medicine ball (3 sets of 5). After that, it was another 5 minutes on the arm bike and cool down stretches. I was afraid it would be a hard workout since we were off Friday due to the holidays, but it was one of the easiest I've had. It must be time to up my speed on the treadmill and my weights.

[merryfl]

I didn't do anything today that can pass for exercise. Just wanted to bump this to the top since everyone was still posting on last week's.

[sue]

Hi Merry and all......
I did my usual work stuff last night, tomorrow is grocery shopping day so will get some walking in.

[blondie]

I walked over 2-1/2 miles looking at floats. OMG, sometimes, my shoulders hurt and sometimes my hips hurt and not to mention my neck. Well they ALL hurt today. It really put a damper on my day out. Pat

[merryfl]

I'm having a great time at rehab. I increased my speed on the TM to 2.0mph. So, I actually walked a mile in 30 minutes today. Since I was on a roll, I also increased the weights on the leg press. Did 6 each at 125, 130 and 135 lbs. Did my normal 3 sets of 5 sit/stand with the 2kg medicine ball. Maybe I'll bump the ball back up to 3 kg next time. They are closed Friday, so I won't go back until Monday.

Pat, I'm sorry you had so much pain today. I know that cut into your enjoyment.

[Toby]

Merry, thanks for the workout. I still haven't gotten on it but I just saw this post and decided tomorrow for sure I am on that bike! I am going to tie a pillow to the seat to see if that helps. Why can't we gain weight in places where we need it, not in places we don't! A little padding back there would be really helpful! You girls really work yourself! I'm thankful I have the bike. I do however, get a strange feeling when I think of my poor brother trying to put it together. I'm not going to get morbid, but it was the last thing he ever touched! I guess that's more reason for me to get busy!

Pat, it sounds like you had a real workout at the parade. Did they have places for you to sit?

Sue, I imagine you get a workout just taking care of your family! I am anxious for the weather to get better. I will get out and walk then.

You girls put me to shame!!!!!

[blondie]

Toby, seating was in one area and that was just low walls to sit on. No benches. I was on a guided tour and just couldn't head off to find seating. 100,000+ people there and finding a place to plop down was at a premium. sigh Pat

[Toby]

Well guys I started my exercising routine and only made it through 3 minutes. My legs were like jello. I am just getting over the flu so I'm hoping that was the reason. I'm getting back on to do 2 minutes more. Hope I makes it.

I wonder if there is anything else you could use for the sit/stand with muscle ball. I don't have one of those balls but would like to get one. Until then any suggestions?

[merryfl]

Linda, you can start doing the sit/stand with no extra weight. Just use a solid straight chair. Sit is the chair with your back straight (scoot toward the front of the chair, don't sit all the way back on it). Stand up without using your hands. Then sit back down. Do five and then rest. As your legs get stronger you can add any kind of weight. Hold a can of soup in each hand - that's about 2 pounds total. You'll be amazed how much difference that little bit of weight makes.

Did you get a new seat for your bike? The bigger ones with sheepskin are much more comfortable. If you can't do more than three minutes, do just the 3 minutes. Then do it again later. You might try slowing your speed down and see if you can go longer.

[sue]

Toby, I can send you some of my butt, I have plenty if you need some, lol.....Merry, you do so good. pat, You still sore today?

[Toby]

My daughter came up and I had it set all wrong for me. She adjusted it and said I would probably find it easier. She does spin class a couple times a week. The bike I've got was just like the one she uses at the workout place she goes to. Thanks Merry for the sit/stand exercise. I'll try it. How many do you guys do a day?

[Toby]

I have tried the bike every day but can't get over the 3 minutes. I go back and do more later but I feel so out of shape. Thanks Sue for site about exercising. It's exactly what I need. I have 1 pd weights but have to dig them out. I'm surprised no one has been in here the last couple of days.

[sue]

I've been lazy, lol. And the only walking I've been getting in is at Walmart.