Fitness Monday (provisional series title)

So, last week, I wrote a diary about health & fitness that got the most responses of any diary I have ever written. Obviously this is something people are interested in. And something people who support different candidates can agree on.

We discussed having multiple authors, which I have not set up yet (sorry! My birthday was Friday & I had a busier than usual social calendar last week.) So, if you want to write one of these, respond to the tip jar. I will re-copy roses' info from last week & try to actually do what she said this week.

And there's a poll about when you want this to appear. I cannot do it Wednesday evening - I'll have a class starting on the 30th (choice between a Sufi class & one on the book The Emerging Christian Way, which I already own, don't know which one I want). Besides, if you're at DK on Wednesday evening, you really should be visiting Bookflurries by cfk, IMHO. Also, Fridays are bad for some of us - plf515 has the What Are You Reading? diary, which I never miss (and which I really want to see on the rec list), and TexDem has Mojo Friday, which several people who commented last week are regulars in). But we will go with what is best for the most people.

Last week, I rode my bike to work once, continued my ungodly-hour-of-the-morning hour on the elliptical machine on the other day, and did not make it to the gym as I intended to on Friday. It was too cold to ride my bike to work this morning - around 38 at the time I would have set out - but I did go to the gym & do the elliptical machine. How about you? What are you up to? Do you need encouragement? Praise? Scolding? Do you want to tell me what I cold weather wimp I am?

I am going to find as many people who wrote in last week's diary as I can & tell you that this diary is here. If I don't find you, I'm sorry - but I will do my best.

•  tips for multiple hosts

  If you want to host one of these, please respond here.

  by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:24:28 PM PDT

  •  me! next one is MINE!

    i have some ideas already :-) !!

    by jlms qkw on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:45:12 PM PDT

    •  done

      I have your e-mail addy, right? (I think I sent you an e-mail). But the next one is yours.

      by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:06:08 PM PDT

  •  I'll help

    I was thinking of starting a Sun. Morning Fitness blog.  Glad someone beat me to it. =)  I even have a first post mostly written.

    by riles on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:17:12 PM PDT

    •  how about week after next?

      You can go after jlms qkw - is that ok?

      by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:23:33 PM PDT

      •  Sounds great

        by riles on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:25:23 PM PDT

      •  Happy Birthday

        by the way

        by riles on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:28:01 PM PDT

        •  thanks!

          If I had gotten to the gym, it would have been a perfect day. But, sleeping in, going to the movies, Italian food lunch, with chocolate cheesecake (guilt-free - you can have cheesecake on your birthday!), and a trip to the book store, topped off with an evening watching the SciFi channel qualifies as near-perfect.

          by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:48:40 PM PDT

  •  Maybe me, too,

    I would just like to see a few diaries first, to see what you're looking for.

    by Just Saying on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:56:36 PM PDT

  •  I could host a diary....

    Let me know how to get in touch.

    by Azdak on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:58:36 PM PDT

  •  Cold-weather wimp.

    ICEBIKE

    by nu on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:10:05 PM PDT

  •  Happy belated Birthday, AD!

    By the time I posted in MF last week, you were long gone, but I'm glad you had a good one!

    by sarahnity on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:16:48 PM PDT

    •  sorry I missed FF

      I was out being a social butterfly. But I dispensed much mojo.

      by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:25:37 PM PDT

      •  I saw! I saw!

        I was wondering what had happened to you (I was so busy writing, I didn't read MF till late that night).  Glad to hear you were out having fun.

        by sarahnity on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:49:54 PM PDT

  •  I would take a turn

    But like Just Saying, I'd like to see a couple before I jump in.

    Only fair since I am one who had asked you to get this started!

    by 1864 House on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 04:00:37 PM PDT

•  Cold weather is

  tough to exercise in - except skiing that is.  I ran for the frist time in a number of months (Friday) and would like to think about doing so again today.  It is awful yucky out there though.

  by newfie on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:35:43 PM PDT

  •  I snowshoed to work today

    And balanced the workout by eating a plateful of cookies.  

    I bike to work in warm weather, and pledged to walk/snowshow in anything but torrential downpours.

    by Tracker on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:41:06 PM PDT

    •  Where I live in PA

      we do not have option. Plus - I work out of the house so I walk to work everyday - rain or shine, hot or cold.

      by newfie on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:43:45 PM PDT

      •  Home office - the death of my lifting regime

        by tjlord on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:47:29 PM PDT

  •  i use videos

    for foul weather exercise.  there's a zillion of them out there.  you can check them out from your local library, or rent from netflix or blockbuster to try them out.  Collage Video - Exercise is one site for sales.  

    and sometimes, there's no bad weather, just inadequate gear.  

    by jlms qkw on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:47:23 PM PDT

    •  well, "foul weather" is a bit strong

      there was no precipitation, just really really cold (to me)

      Understand that for it to even get to freezing over night is the exception here. We have winters when it never does. I know that many of y'all live where it doesn't get up to freezing. So, 38 is cold enough to me that I thought it wouldn't be a good thing to create my own wind chill factor.

      by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:56:04 PM PDT

      •  I was once a bicycle courier

        as long as you have good gloves & waterproof socks you'll be fine. The temp won't be an issue, once you're pumping along...

        by Independant Man on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:59:56 PM PDT

    •  I have Time Warner Cable

      On Demand Service and they have an On Demand fitness channel that you can access cardio, strength training, stretching, programs whenever you want. You don't have to rent anything. It's pretty cool.

      by DJShay on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:57:11 PM PDT

  •  It's been a while

    since I've run in the cold.  (I live in Florida now) The one tip that I know of is to cover your ears with a hat, ear-muffs, or sweat band.  It helps warm the air going into your lungs.  I didn't belie it for a long time until I tried it.

    by riles on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:19:56 PM PDT

•  Can't Help You Host But Thanks for the Topic

  I've just made my 2nd fitness run in the past 35 years, the first being two days ago. Just finished a round of catch-up physical exams, and healing from colds and some dental problems. Had an extensive cardiac workup that proved entirely normal apart from occasional extra beats, so I've got a clean bill.

  My speed is a very easy jog when level and downhill, and near stop uphill but maintaining a very light jog pace. Takes about 12 minutes to creep around one block that has very good lighting and footing, and I'm doing it every other day till it begins to come easy.

  I used to casually run distance easily, but in my mid 50's now I'm not expecting a quick rebound.

  by Gooserock on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:37:45 PM PDT

  •  Awesome

    You should borrow my dogs for a few weeks.  They'll get you walking/outside on a regular schedule.  If we don't take out for an extened walk everyday (1 hour plus), they make us pay the price by pacing back in forth, wanting to go in and out, all evening/night long.

    by egarratt on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:51:05 PM PDT

    •  Nothing worse

      than a dog with cabin fever!

      by Many Dogs Barking on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:58:54 PM PDT

      •  Maybe wife . . . .

        with cabin fever.  Just kidding.

        by egarratt on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:07:52 PM PDT

•  Great Idea!

  Thanks and I will be happy to participate as a reader!

  by DevonTexas on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:38:12 PM PDT

•  I don't care what day or time

  not sure when or if I can host....let's pick a day and then we'll see.  I already have two series (What Are You Reading? on Friday morning, and What Have You Got to Learn? on Saturday morning)

  by plf515 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:39:37 PM PDT

  •  i also have no pref for day/time

    i know, i am so helpful.  

    by jlms qkw on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:48:08 PM PDT

  •  yes, I should have added

    a comment about how busy Fridays are - will update diary

    by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:48:30 PM PDT

    •  The series fits in well with a bunch

      of the Saturday Morning Series.

      by plf515 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:51:03 PM PDT

      •  Yes it does

        I sometimes have trouble getting to DK during the work day - either diaries won't open or I'm in meetings. Evenings or Saturday morning would be good for me.

        by 1864 House on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 04:03:20 PM PDT

•  I vote Thursday

  What I would like to see is a Presidential candidate come right out and say, "Most Americans are uninformed, overweight, and live an unhealthy lifestyle.  Let's work hard over the next few years to rectify this situation."

  Just one of my crazy ideas.  

  by egarratt on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:48:02 PM PDT

  •  well, I know that John Edwards

    blocks out 2 hours a day for running.

    Don't know what the others do

    by plf515 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:09:01 PM PDT

  •  Thursday Go! n/t

    by RisingTide on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:44:00 PM PDT

•  I love the idea and would also

  participate, but my work schedule really doesn't allow me to author, as my proflic amount of diaries can attest.  

  I did, however, get up and do my yoga this morning for the first time in eons.  A few years ago, I was a hard core gym rat, up at 4:45 and at the gym by 5:00 a.m., 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of free weights.

  Then we moved, then I discovered this place and suffered an early addiction to Cheers and Jeers (which posts real early here in the west coast) and that became my morning work out routine.  Unfortunately it also led to a case of "blogger belly."  Now, I am trying to reverse the effects...

  So yes, I would like encouragement, praise and scoldings to be mete out as earned.

  by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:49:05 PM PDT

  •  Do you use a yoga DVD?

    I've been using the varous versions of Yoga Zone, but they get so boring after a year or so. I don't really like the heavy-duty meditation type, just a good stretch.

    by Many Dogs Barking on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:05:53 PM PDT

    •  I do DVD

      the yoga, they are Susan Deason (sp?) one is 25 minutes, which is good for the mornings I'm running behind (takes away the excuse not to do it) and the other is about an hour.  And they are not the heavy duty meditation type - they are more "weight loss with yoga" type DVDs. And I notice when I am consistent with using them, the joint aches I have so noticably the last few years, go away!

      by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:10:26 PM PDT

      •  My hip arthritis is gone

        because of Yoga. A-f'ing-mazing!

        by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:18:42 PM PDT

        •  Agreed

          I had to stop walking because of the hip thing, I can bike or do the elliptical or swim, but no long distance walking.  The turn around once I faithfully started yoga was A-f'ing amamzing and the return of the pain (with the blogger belly) is what motivated me to return to the morning routine.

          by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:26:19 PM PDT

          •  I gave up my arthritis meds as well

            AND yoga makes mev feel younger. LOVE that :)

            by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:31:07 PM PDT

            •  and it makes me more patient and understanding

              with my family. In fact, I don't think I have found anything bad about yoga as a form of mental and physical exercise which is all I know about, I know nothing about the spiritual side.  

              by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:36:31 PM PDT

              •  The spiritual side is interesting

                I became a Buddhist this past summer (bet you couldn't tell from my language on here, LOL) and the two philosophies dovetail nicely. If you're curious, you can look into it online.

                by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:40:11 PM PDT

      •  Thanks!

        I've been looking for a Yoga DVD for a complete beginner that was about 20 minutes long.  I'll look into these.

        by sarahnity on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:06:39 PM PDT

        •  Check into them

          it's called AM & PM Yoga condition for weight loss with, I stand corrected, Suzanne Deason. Probably about the best ten dollar investment I've ever made.

          by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 10:35:38 PM PDT

      •  Thanks

        Mine are all an hour and sometimes I don't have that much time-or ambition

        by Many Dogs Barking on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:46:29 PM PDT

        •  I may have to contact Susan for

          some royalty monies!

          by dansk47 on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 10:31:05 PM PDT

•  Been on a diet since Dec 26

  Today, started the day by meeting my mother at the health club. I'm not going to win Greatest Loser, but I'm not trying to do that. My goal is just a loss of one or two pounds a week and with that goal, I should be at goal weight next Christmas.

  I think this series is a good idea. The smoke-quitters have theirs, we need a support blog, too.

  by pucklady on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:49:39 PM PDT

  •  I cannot give up sweets

    Cannot. CANNOT! I like the idea of this series as well. I can read it while I eat my box of cookies...

    by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:20:14 PM PDT

•  Now that it's on sale at Amazon

  I finally bought The Step Diet :) I found a pedometer on Ebay and I was ready to roll. After two weeks I had gotten so back into working out, I no longer use the gadgets. I race around the block/house whatever and the adrenalin kicks in. My IPOD is the key. I have a "masterlist" of good workout music I've compiled from CD's and ITunes.

  I've been doing Yoga for about thirty years (yeah, I know - longer than many of you have been alive. Let's not go there :) ) It's good for body AND mind.

  by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:53:44 PM PDT

  •  Could you post a song list?

    I have a friend who is looking to get into walking, and I've suggested that he get a 20 minute playlist together that motivates him.  I'd love to know what you use...

    by sccs on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:55:25 PM PDT

    •  mine starts with

      Let's Get It Started by Blackeyed Peas. Also includes the theme song from Queer Eye (I call it "All Things Just Keep Getting Better"), Elevation by U2 - lots of U2, REM, Cult, Cure, B52s, Foo Fighters..... Mostly '80's & '90's stuff.

      by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:01:26 PM PDT

      •  Oh, Foo Fighters! Good idea! n/t

        by sccs on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:15:57 PM PDT

        •  how can you have a workout list

          without Learn To Fly and Times Like These? And I just like Everlong.

          by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:25:44 PM PDT

    •  Would love to

      It's a mix of EVERYTHING - as long as it gets me motivated and has a solid beat:

      Can't list all 75, here are some

      Turn The Beat Around
      Fundamentum
      Om Mani Padme Om (I'm not kidding - I'm Buddhist)
      Rawhide
      They Call the Wind Maria (frustrated cowgirl)
      Joyful, Joyful
      Devil Went Down to Georgia
      Man of La Mancha
      Do You Hear The People Sing
      Hafanana
      Fanfare for the Common Man
      Hoedown
      Carmina Burana (Fortuna)
      Doug Kershaw (bluegrass fiddle)
      Dueling Banjoes
      Stray Cats
      Wipeout
      Pointer Sisters

      Can you say eclectic :)

      by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:11:17 PM PDT

•  I can't host, but I love the idea

  I'm a dance freak.  I take ballroom dance lessons two nights a week (two hours each night), have a private lesson for one hour every other Monday, and dance every Saturday for three hours.

  And that's just the ballroom.  If there's blues dancing (a recent Friday night addition), I'm there.  It's not always high-intensity, but it's MOTION.  It's good to get my butt out of the office chair.

  Oh, and add blockwalking to my regime.  I'll be doing that in spades this season.

  by sccs on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:53:49 PM PDT

  •  yes, I said something

    about block walking counting as exercise last week. You do have 1 or 2 candidates who you will be working hard for, don't you?

    by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:57:31 PM PDT

    •  Yep...

      Naturally, there's the Paul Labuda for Constable 2 campaign, and then Dan Grant for TX-10.  

      Thankfully, they have about 45 precincts that overlap, so I can do a two-birds-one-stone job!

      And then, there's my eventual run for SDEC, but I don't have to blockwalk for that one. :)

      (No, I'm not trying to count running for office!)

      by sccs on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:15:13 PM PDT

  •  Wow

    I watched DWTS and got intrigued. But if I ever were to try dance lessons - I think tap appeals. I like the percussion.

    by anotherCt Dem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:22:22 PM PDT

•  Good idea

  I find it hard to get much exercise this time of year because it's dark before I leave for work, and dark when I get home. When there's more daylight I walk the dog every evening-it takes us about 50 minutes to walk 3 miles around the lake by my house.

  I used to walk 1.5 miles of hilly terrain every day at lunch, but my walking partner was pregnant, so we switched to circling the parking lot which is level. She had her baby last week, so now I can get back my hills.

  I signed up for a subscription of Fitness magazine (a fundraiser for my daughter's golf team), so I've been trying all the little workouts and spot exercises. It's a nice way to kind of mix it up.

  by Many Dogs Barking on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:56:47 PM PDT

•  I'm here - but heading home from work!

  Thanks for posting - Monday whenever is fine with me, as long as I know approximately when to look for it!  :)

  by Pandoras Box on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 12:59:55 PM PDT

•  Yoga!

  I'm moderately active---I lift weights 3 times  a week, and do some cardio too, plus I walk to get around.
  A couple months ago I did a  4 week beginner yoga course, and now that the holidays are over I'm going again. I highly recommend it! I find yoga unlike anything I've done, except for singing lessons, a long time ago. It will make you feel great.

  by BoringDem on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:00:25 PM PDT

•  I think this is a wonderful idea...

  .and I would like to sign on as a contributing author - no matter what day is decided on.
   Before I got sick this summer, I was working out 4-5 days a week with cardio/resistance/free weights as well as walking an Australian Cattle Dog for him to get some exercise every day.  Now that my surgeon has cleared me for re-starting resistance training, I would really enjoy participating in the series!

  by drchelo on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:00:31 PM PDT

•  Check for programs

  Your employer &/or health insurance may have some kind of wellness or rewards program. I'm participating in both the Get Fit Texas (also known as the Texas Round Up) and Blue Cross's wellness points program. Even small rewards can get your competitive juices going.

  by anotherdemocrat on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:04:48 PM PDT

•  I don't like this idea

  I love it.

  If things work out. Get it? ;7)

  Perhaps I might be able to contribute later.

  by paul2port on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:11:01 PM PDT

•  posting here means I won't be walking home today.

  but it's a mile to the buss top!

  by RisingTide on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:44:21 PM PDT

•  Weekday late morning/early afternoon

  would be best for me.

  I'd be very interested in this series. I'm trying to get back into the regular habit of working out, and it's so easy to skip a day at the gym, which often becomes two, then three...

  Getting better, but it's a slow process!

  by Lashe on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:49:35 PM PDT

•  I walked to the gym today

  in sunny California weather.  When it rains or is too cold or dark, I drive.  I prefer the walk so I don't have to use the treadmill when I get to the gym.  Walking also involves more coordination, avoiding bumps in the sidewalk, etc.

  by ybruti on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:59:58 PM PDT

•  Existing series

  Judging from the calendar of existing series, M, Tu, Th mornings or M-Th afternoons wouldn't conflict with anything else.  

  by sarahnity on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:12:14 PM PDT