Fitness Fun - February 10

LW's...how are you today? 

Boy oh boy am I tired today. I am not sure there is enough caffeine to help me out today.

Today, I have planned cardio @ the YMCA. I truly enjoy switching up the cardio between the elliptical and treadmill. Some people think the treadmill is boring but you know what, you can do so much with it, it is amazing.

Here are treadmill tips: www.treadmilltalk.com/treadmill-workouts.html

Increase your speed during a few of the intervals every four weeks. If you only do this with one or two intervals, you will be more apt to be successful over time. The best time to push yourself with an interval is mid-way through your treadmill workout.

Try varying your stride during the flat incline intervals periodically. By stretching out your legs to an unusually long stride you will be using muscle groups that may not otherwise “see a lot of action."

You can combine sprint intervals and incline intervals. For instance, five minutes of moderate treadmill walking, a two minute sprint, five minutes of walking, then five minutes at an incline, then another sprint, etc.

I like to do the crazy inclines...those are fun and doing the varying stride along with that...I promise you'll feel it for sure! 

So, what is your game plan today? What fitness fun will you have today? How are we doing on our steps? I am at 15,273. Yesterday was sitting for 90% of the day between work and school so bad 'walking' day.

Have a great day everyone

Thanks for the treadmill tips! You've inspired me. I get on that thing and think I need to run...and I hate it. I may hit the treadmill and toy around with intervals and stride while walking. I would feel much more stable on it that way.

So, I just got back from a 1 hour weights class. Made it there twice this week. I am SORE! I also feel that my back is a little out of whack so I will be going to the chiropractor tomorrow for an adjustment.

Happy Thursday!!

That's awesome...try the inclines and increase your pace...I bet you could knock out a killer workout! have fun @ chiro's... :)

Trying to gear up for my outside c25K training program starting Sunday.  So today on the treadmill I set the incline to .5% (that's point 5) and did long intervals of 1/2 mile walk, 1/2 mile run.  I covered 4.2 miles in 65 minutes doing 4 interval sets.  That means I actually ran today for 2 miles, a new record for me.  Now if only that were 2 miles continuously.  Oh well, I'll get there.

Love your treadmill tips.

Hey there...I love the c25k program...and great job on your progress... :)

What  wonderful timing you have!!!!   I just started with the treadmill 2 times per week (for 2 weeks now)...  did something to my hip while walking down the steps at the parking garage Tuesday morning now I have it my it in BOTH hips.   I think my gate must have been really messed up last night at the fitness center.   I only walk for 1/2 hour.  At 233# it is all I can do.

Have you used a Woodway treadmill????  It has horizontal slats and they do not go the entire width of the treadmill.... I'm wondering if that is psyching me out, too... I'm afraid I'm going to walk off the sides???

I'm trying to up to 3 days per week next week... keeping it slow at first.  I'm waiting for my surgeon's office to submit me for insurance approval now and need to exercise DAILY to reduce stress!!!! ARGH....

If you have any suggestions for stretching out hips that would be good!!! I had on one of those heat patches for 6 hours yesterday and it actually did work.

Thanks!

Meg

Hey Meg...I do several stretches so instead of trying to explain them in writing...I though i'd attach a link for video...

here is one :  www.ehow.com/video_2357825_seated-lower-back-hip-stretch.htm l

Another: (this is my favorite one...feels sooooo goood!!!!)
www.ehow.com/video_2357814_kneeling-hip-flexor-stretch.html

There is one more that I cannot find an image so I will try to explain. Lord help me...lol

It's a variation of the hurdler stretch. Where you have a leg tucked behind you and a leg out straight in front of you. But my variation is that the leg behind me is in a 90 degree angle as well as the front  leg. then just lean forward and stretch your arms out forward. Slowly. You will feel this in your hip flexors (inside of hips) of the back leg and the glutes of the front leg. i usually do this stretch for 15 sec or so then switch...a couple on each leg does the trick.

So, there's the scoop on hip stretches.

I'll have to google the treadmill you mentioned, never heard of it. Sounds interesting though.

Thanks, Diana - I'll try those stretches -- didn't even think to look online for videos!

The best part of the treadmill is that it has a little give to it... not sure if I mentioned that...

Happy Friday!

Hi Everyone,
  I went to an intermediate ballet class last night (Thursday), which was much much harder than what I've been doing.  We did all sorts of steps I haven't done (this time around) and it was much faster-paced.  I'm sore!