6 month appointment / exercise

I went for my six month appointment today. He said all of my blood work came back good. I am happy about that. I only lost 8.5 pounds this month. So he lectured me about exercise. He said I need to step it up. I walk 30 minutes a day at lunch and ride my bike for 20 minutes 5 days a week. What type of exercise are you guys doing? I am still 247 pounds and do not feel comfortable going to the gym yet. So if you have any suggestions that do not involve the gym I would appreciate it. I have lost 86 pounds since surgery and feel really good. I am not losing as fast as most people so I am thinking it must be the exercise issue. Thanks! Melissa

The gym is not a bad place . I go every other day and work on weight training, I try to do some cardio on my off days . I would suggest power walking wround the block , parking a block away and walking, get a sit and be fit book and work out on commercial breaks . My favorite is the water work outs at any pool !

I am still a little self conscience for the gym yet. I know it's not bad. I would just be unconfortable. I will go out and look for the sit and be fit book. I am also planning on power walking on my 30 minute walk at lunch. Thanks for the suggestions. Melissa

Hi Melissa, I am following the sit and be fit exercises, they also have a show. In AZ it airs on: ARIZONA KAET Tempe KUAS Tucson KUAT Tucson (480) 965-3506 (520) 621-5828 You can check these stations if you receive them. Good luck and hugs.

Melissa... I am glad everything is good and they got your bloodwork results. Come check out curves with me... it doesn't have that gym environment. I think you will like it! Call me whenever! ~Nicole

Thanks for your reply Nicole. My daughter and I used to be members of curves before my surgery. At 350 my legs did not fit in all of the machines there. I know they would fit now. But I am a little leary. I know it is all in my head. I just don't like to exercise in front of other people. They had almost all of my blood work. I was suprised. They are just waiting on the b vitamin test. Randy said he would call if anything was not right with that one. Thanks! Melissa

A lot of ladies report they like Curves. It is for women only and the workouts only last about 30-45 min. I hear the workouts are a bit "light weight", but good for those that are just starting the gym expereince. I personally hired a trainer and go to a personal training gym. The clients and staff are all business and I am not self-conscious there even though i am very clumsy and no way athletic. In 8 months, my body has really been transformed by both the weight loss and weight training. Try weight training at Curves or some other ladies only gym and you'll be suprised yourself. Good luck.

Melissa, The weather is perfect now for outside exercise. And...you can get a healthy dose of natural vitamin D, improve your mental health and cross of the the big "E" word on your daily "to do list"...... Here's some ideas....... Good luck! Joyce Ideas to get Your Body MOVING (aka as EXERCISE!) http://www.arizonahikingtrails.com/phoenixhikes.asp Select from hundreds of beautiful hiking trails at every level. http://www.walkingconnection.com/Arizona_Links1.html links for local walks that include scenery, hobbies, some clubs, charity, etc....Travel opportunities for hikes and walks are described as well. http://www.efitness.com/news/article.cfm?article_id=12376&code=2421 efitness has many basic articles on getting started and using the proper form and workouts for specific goals http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/Index.html an excellent site to track your exercise, journal your food and reach your goals! http://getsetaz.com/calendar.php?event=All&evtdesc=All lists all the registered 5K, 10K, charity walks, marathons, etc in Arizona http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/index.htm very basic training program to prepare for a 5K (very beginner) http://www.sierraadventuresports.com/ lists many of the registered adventure competitions in Arizona. http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/byway/az_kaiba.htm Find all type of scenic drives in Arizona. This link gives ideas for Fall Leaves. There are always beautiful walks on all of these drives when you need to stretch and rest your legs! http://www.doggeek.com/Dog%20Parks/Arizona.shtml Exercise your puppy at the same time you work out. This site gives specific ideas and directions for dog walking and dog exercise. http://www.mesamarket.com/ Mesa's Flea market is one of the largest and best in the country. Set a timer to go up and down each isle without stopping and then go back to browse and shop at the spots your "eyed" while speed walking! You can "Google" the individual malls in the area to find out their specific distances for mall walking! It's a great way to avoid hot and cold temps from outside and to get a workout! ** See handout for AZ Mills Walking... http://www.havasufalls.net/ A dream hike to prepare for!!!!! Get to know Arizona! AZ Mills Milers Location: Arizona Mills Common Walking Area Arizona Mills is giving mall walking a new meaning! What Is AZ Mills Milers? AZ Mills Milers is a walking program offered to you free of charge by Arizona Mills as part of their commitment to serve the community by providing an opportunity for health and wellness. The goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment as you walk your way to better health. AZ Mills Milers is open to people of all ages. When And Where Are AZ Mills Milers Scheduled Events? A schedule of events is available at the Customer Service Center Are There Any Fees Involved? There is no registration fee to become a member of the AZ Mills Milers. All monthly events are free to members. How Do I Join? You may sign up for AZ Mills Milers by stopping by the Arizona Mills Customer Service Center. You will receive a free neck pouch with a lanyard, walker's log and blood pressure tracking booklet. Wear your neck pouch while walking and get to know fellow walkers and to receive special AZ Mills Milers discounts at participating businesses and awards for achieving mileage goals. When Can I Walk? Arizona Mills is open to walkers from 8am-10am, Monday through Friday (Entry 2 will be opened at 8am for AZ Mills Milers). The mall offers security, a level walking surface, a temperature- controlled environment and aesthetic surroundings. Who Should I Contact If I Have Additional Questions? For additional information, call 480-491-7300 or visit the Arizona Mills Customer Service Center.

Thanks everyone that posted. Wow! lots of great ideas. I think what I am going to start exercising 7 days a week instead of 5. I will start hiking the mountain behind my house on Saturday and Sundays and also add my resistance bands back into my workouts 3 times a week. Melissa

Hi Melissa, Good to hear from you and see you the other night!! One thing I'm planning on are those excercise videos, I had fun with my daughter dancing to Richard Simmons last summer. I will probably have to buy a piece of equipment 'cause I live in the boonies, any recommendations? I've already had a treadmill and rowing machine I never used, but I used to do a women's gym and like the elliptical and stationary bike. Ofcourse a year round pool I love, but don't have one. Waiting for the YMCA to be built near me, do they have one by you? Hope to see you soon! Katie