The A2K (virtual) Weight Loss Club !!

Went to the gym last night.1hr on the treadmill(walking)clenching each buttock as I go so I can get my own Sarah Jessica Parker butt.
10 mins on the bike and only 2mins on the rowing machine.
Im improving in time and speeds.
Weird thing is I tested my heart rate about 10mins into walking and it was only 68bpm wheras its usually 128bpm.I tried 2 machines coz I thought the first one was faulty but it was the same on both,eventually it went up to 128bpm.
Am I getting fitter or do you think the equipment was faulty?

I'd say fitter, material girl!

Well done.

KP

Wooohooooo!!!

Still no weight loss to report.
I have taken up bike riding. I bike 8kms with my husband each morn. Yesterday I biked about 12kms and did heaps of walking around the city and in between bustops on the way to Brownies.
I realize my biking distances are not that all that spectacular but there is something about riding bike that really hurts my back so I am just taking it easy for now and will work my way up to greater distances
Still walking and running on the treadmill.

Good job on your 1 pound loss Noddy!

Hey MG,
Try the stairmaster
I don't like the one we have here but at my old gym (many, many moons ago) I spent most of my time on the stairmaster and I had, as you refer to it, a SJP butt
Nice calves too Ain't lost those but the rest needs work

I was just thinking...
Maybe I ought to stop baking
Not that I eat heaps of the stuff that I bake but maybe it is just the aroma ???
I do a lot of volunteer work and like to bring treats to the groups so I bake quite a bit. I always keep back enough for my husband's lunches and enough to keep my boyz off my back

Ever since I came back from India, I start my morning with happy Indian music, hopping around for an hour or so. Seems to work, plus keeps my spirits sky-high!

My oldest son likes to listen to the....zitar? He bought a cd when he first came to Australia and we used to listen to it every Wednesday coz that is when I cook Indian food
Indian food is my husband's reward for making it through Hump Day.

Good on you dagmarka, whatever it takes to start the day in a peaceful, happy way

This is not the week to abandon my nightcaps. Mr. Noddy cracked up the car last night. No one was seriously hurt (although Mr. Noddy had another ambulance ride to the hospital since he was disoriented from low blood sugar). The insurance company is being very co-operative--although I'm sure that our rates are going to jump dramatically.

I am not amused, but my puissant rage is dwindling. Puissant rage does wonders for a sluggish metabolism, but as with all hormonal surges there is the potential for unhappy side effects.

A friend treated me to a decadent piece of chocolate cheesecake--and I couldn't finish it! Perhaps my fat cells are getting exclusive?

I have just invested in natural herbal pills called FreeCarbs. Anyone know about those?

Dag

You've reminded me to look out an old tape I bought in India (Summer '92) which has a great Bollywood-stlye tune on it - has exactly the same effect as you describe.

Ay S

Back pain on a bike is not a good sign but can be prevented by two things - back strength and correct adjustment of the bike.

The back strength I can't comment on but a suggestion is to do shoulder/leg raises while lying on your front.

Bike setup - the saddle should be at a height that you can straighten your leg when your heel is in contact with the pedal - this means that it will be slightly bent when the ball of your foot is on the pedal (correct position).

As for leaning forwards/backwards - from the front point of your saddle to the handlebars should be set by placing one elbow againt the front of the saddle, hand pointing forwards, fingers extended - add to that the width (side to side) of the other hand. You should find that this distance is comfortable.

Handlebar height - should be at the same height or higher than the saddle, unless you are experienced/racing, which doesn't sound like the case!

I hope that helps.

KP

Thanks for the bike set up tips KP.
I am not an experienced rider and am actually quite afraid of riding so toss in a bit of back pain and I am almost ready to throw in the towel! But I won't; bike riding and walking are my main modes of transportation so I have to learn how to ride efficiently and pain free
I had been thinking I needed to adjust the height of the seat but am afraid to put it any higher coz I like to be able to touch the ground...again my fear of being on the bike showing
What can I say, I rode over an embankment back in the day when I was learning how to ride a bike and I guess I never really got over it as I don't think I have owned a bike since I was...11!
Anyway, like I said, I am determined to learn and I will get over my fear of riding!

Ha, KP, isn't that the best? Hopping around to the music of Chitra and Rasikan this morning.

I'm trying to work up some enthusiasm for dieting on the first day of spring. Does anyone have some enthusiasm to spare?

nope. i have none. sorry. got to go finish my donuts.

Dagmarka--

May you learn to eat spicy Indian food with incredible celerity overseas and on this side of the water wander through a maze of Dunkin' Doughnut stands and incredibly wonderful bakeries.

Some support! Hah!

I wish I had some extra enthusiasm to send to you, Noddy. I seem to be too busy being a slug.

J_B--

We have so much in common. At least the snow is melting...

All the energy I have today is focussed on laundry, on-line scrabble, and scowling at the snow that just keeps falling.

It's hard to think about light, bright foods.

Ahem, I was given the title Ambling Armadillo following a silly test to see how fast one could tranquilize sheep escaping from the flock. At least I wasn't a slug, the lowest title on the test. My only comeback is that I didnt' want to unneccesarily tranquilize innocent, nonescapist little sheep. Secretly, I wanted to let the sheep escape, except for the fact that I know how stupid the silly creatures are.

Noddy, here is some enthusiasm I have been saving up. Having come through a rather bad depression, I am finding lots of lovely enthusiasm for healthful eating and moving this short, stocky body of mine.

The Prince is back in London. That will add lots of color and enthusiasm to our lives!