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POST 200: Seeking Something

from beej 2.02.2010 at 10:50 PM

Here we are.  200 Posts!  Not that I'm big on milestone posts (in fact, I didn't even realize that this was going to be my 200th post until earlier this week), but it happens to coincide with something I've been wanting to talk about.  I'm stuck.  It's not a plateau (although I've only lost 5 pounds in the past 3 weeks).  It's not for lack of motivation (I only have 3.8 pounds to go).  And it's not that I'm not working for my loss (I've been doing pretty well--when I'm actually in the gym).  I'm just kinda stuck.  I think I've gotten used to this new life.  I'm not really challenging myself anymore.  It's almost like I'm coasting through.  I need to shock myself.  I've let myself feel like I'm there, and it gets much harder once you get this close to your goal.  So I need to punch it up.  I did some of that myself.  I decided not to do my regular workout routine today,  instead, I ran--outside--with some friends.  It was great!  And now, I'm looking for more options.  So, here's the thing.  I've never been one to one of these challenges (other than the charity thing), but I'm looking for challenges.  

Here's a challenge challenge.  I'd like all of you (my few commenters, and slightly more numerous readers) to drop me a comment and offer a suggestion.  There are only a few stipulations: A) the exercise should be able to be completed in a regular small gym, or with no equipment at all; B) it must be reasonable (but a bit of a challenge is cool) and C) it must not take more than 20 minutes.  I will do any exercise that is suggested, and I will do at least one exercise (maybe two) a day, every day, until they're all done.  And each commenter can suggest 1 exercise per day--I will keep collecting suggestions until I hit my goal weight.  But even once I hit my goal weight, I'll still complete all of the suggexercises.  And duplicates are okay. Does that make sense? Or is it too convoluted? We'll see how this goes. So bring it on!       

Tuesday:
30 sit ups
Run 4 miles (at work)
Walk 3 miles (at home)
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
120 sit ups
Walk 8 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 2,150 Calories
Sunday: 2,000 Calories
Monday: 1,485 Calories
Tuesday: 1,750 Calories

I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.

 

7 comments:

  South Beach Steve

February 3, 2010 at 4:58 AM

Two words:

Tabata Jacks!

  Call Me Ishmael

February 3, 2010 at 5:59 AM

Ahhhh! South Beach Steve got in the Tabata suggestion first. Ta.ba.ta. It hurts. So...hmmm, ok. I have a little exercise I used to do back in the day when I was a hard-core skier on my high-school ski team. It's not hard to learn, but it takes a few times to get it right.

Start off by lying on your back, like you are going to do a regular crunch. Put your hands behind your head to support it, but be sure not to pull your chin to your chest. Keep your chin pointed up toward the ceiling. With your shoulders/head relaxed on the floor (hands behind head to minimize cheating), lift your legs so they are pointed at the ceiling (you don't have to point your toes, just hold legs extended, soles facing the ceiling). Cross your ankles. That helps keep your legs right over your hips, don't let them sway forward or backward. Slowly, keeping your head on the ground, chin pointing up, lift your hips up off the floor, basically making a gentle thrust with the soles of your feet toward the ceiling. You are using your stomach muscles to lift your hips and gently push your legs toward the ceiling (and lift your hips off the ground). Hips don't need to go high -- can be half an inch, or an inch, whatever is comfy.

When you get that part worked out, you want to combine that with an upper body crunch.

So, at the same time you lift your hips and slowly thrust heels (soles) to ceiling, also try to lift your shoulders slightly off the ground. Again, doesn't need to be high. Make sure you do not pull your head/neck with your hands, and keep your chin pointed toward ceiling.

Done correctly, you are essentially using all your tummy muscles to do two crunches at once -- one that lifts shoulders, the other your hips. Once you've done as many as you want with your ankles crossed one way, cross them the other way and do another set.

If I of other tortures, I'll be back. You realize, of course, I'm going to be suggesting all the really hard-care exercises I want to do but am too scared to try!

  Anonymous

February 3, 2010 at 8:15 AM

Jump rope for 5-10 minutes (whatever your fitness level is) trying not to stop. Such great cardio!

  Anonymous

February 3, 2010 at 3:27 PM

I think you should hit the swimming pool!

  josie

February 3, 2010 at 8:50 PM

Yoga!

and I double dog dare ya!

:-)

  Shelli Belly

February 3, 2010 at 11:32 PM

Brave idea! Especially since tonight I walked past the gym at my school and caught a glimpse of a hulla hoop class. Hmmmm! I immediately thought of you. But I decided to just settle for a Kettlebells routine. Have fun!

  natalie a

February 5, 2010 at 5:38 PM

ooh, ooh... pick me! I vote burpees, why you ask - beacuse they kick my trash like nothin' else and I secretly don't want to suffer alone :)

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