February 16th to 22nd

[maryaz]

Guess we are suppose to have a new week. Since Merry is gone, I guess someone should start it.

I did it again. I did the 13 minutes okay but struggled the last 2 minutes. The very last minute I overdid it a little but I wanted so bad to get that 'one minute more'. I will keep it at 15 minutes for a while now before increasing. At least I am back.

TM 15 minutes @ 1.1 (always 1.5 built-in incline if at home)

[Colleen-NC]

Time to get off my lazy arse!! I did 12 mins @ 1.2, was hoping to do better but its a start!! Also 3 sets with 3lb. weights and some squats. Hopefully I will do at least this or more 3 days a week.

[sue]

you both did good! Keep up the great work!!

[blondie]

I try and get out most days to walk downtown or the malls. But we've had alot of rain lately, so that curtailed my walking outside. I'm not crazy about driving in the rain very far. Anywho..I did get out this morning after my ABG and walked the mall or at least part of it. I walked from about 11:30 to 1:30pm. My hip started hurting like crazy, so couldn't finish walking. I think I should look into a hip replacement.

What I need to do is get back to the Y. I'm being neglectful..Pat

[maryaz]

Rainy weather is rough for many of us. I was not up to walking yesterday. I sort of plan on Wednesday and Sunday for days off. I didn't walk yesterday and so I did today.

TM 15 AGAIN (Yippee for Me) @ 1.1

[blondie]

Mary, congrat's on walking the TM for 15 minutes. Being consistent is the key. Keep up the good work. Pat

[blondie]

I went to Target's yesterday to buy a pedometer. I ended up with a pedometer and walking poles. The walking poles claim to burn up to 45% more calories. Strengthen 90% of your muscles. Improve joint health, posture and balance(I need the balance). Build core muscles without weight training. Reduce stress on hips, knees and feet. Improve stamina and endurance. I'm planning on walking with them today. I'll let you know how it goes..Pat

[Toby]

I never heard of walking poles. You all put me to shame. I only did 8 minutes on my bike.

[blondie]

Toby, first thing I learned in Pulmonary Rehab was NOT to compare yourself to others. If you walk 8 minutes on the TM, then that's good for you.

I did walk with the poles today. I felt kind've funny, but walked with them anyway. Long story short, the rubber tip came off one and I couldn't get it to stay on. So I walked maybe 1-1/2 miles and decided to catch the bus home before I made it to Old Town La Verne. There was a nice young man at the bus stop and he kindly put the rubber tip back on for me. His name is Robert and he ships off to Afghanistan next week. I think all our wonderful young people are going off to war. I told him I would pray for him..

This afternoon I had to go to Albertson's for a few things and parked my car near downtown and then walked to end of town and back. So I probably got in 3 miles today. BTW, my pedometer wasn't working for me. grrrrrrrrr It's working now Pat

[Texas Toni]

I have said a prayer for Robert, for his protection while in Afghanistan. We do still have some fine young people.

[blondie]

rvtoni, how nice of you to say a prayer for that young boy going off to war. He didn't look like even shaved yet. Pat

[sue]

Pat, how is it going with the walking poles?

I walked 2 stores yesterday, so I got something in at least!

[blondie]

Well Sue, for one thing (LOL) I was walking with them wrong. I watched the CD that came with them. I did walk a short distance with them after watching it and I can feel the difference. Pat

[SheilaE guest]

I'm curious about the poles-I use a walker so I don't have to carry the oxygen-are you using the poles and carrying oxygen?
I thought with the poles I'd have something to hold onto if I became too sob and could try to walk with my oxygen in a backpack and help my spine and back.

[blondie]

SheilaE,

I'm not on oxygen and I bought the walking poles for a 'little' more strenuous workout. Now, please don't think you'll be sweating up a storm or anything like that. I just notice it worked my arms more. I have a balance problem and I figure these would keep me more steady. I don't know why you couldn't put your oxygen tank in a backpack and walk with the poles. Ask you doc if it's ok with him. Good luck and let me know what you decide. Pat

[Sheila E]

Thanks for the reply. My husband thinks that it would be too strenuous for me carrying the o2 and working my upper body while walking. He's probably right. I'll stick to the walker.

[muffin]

May I ask what you are talking about "poles"? I don't mean to intrude but would like to know what they are.

Thanks

[SheilaE]

They're like walking sticks that you use when walking(duh) to give your upper body and core muscles a workout too.
www.walkingpoles.com/ explains all the benefits. On looking closer at them, I think they would be too much for my fev but if you're not on o2 they look like they would be a great way to increase the benefits of walking.