New poster, longtime reader

[Samurai_Writer]

Hi all,

I have been reading this group for quite a while now, and thought I'd say hello. I am not trying to lose weight, but I am trying to get healthier. I have several medical conditions that makes it difficult for me to be active. However, I do some activities (riding my bike to work and the store, and taking Japanese swordfighting class twice a week). I just joined the YMCA, and will be taking water aerobics and a class called NIA. I have a Wellness appointment with a personal trainer tomorrow, so I will be able to get good advice on how I can increase my activity level even with my physical limitations.

I am quite overweight, but have lost about 50 pounds overall in the last six years. Mostly from moving to a different climate that's more conducive to being outside. I had lost 75 pounds total, but I gained 25 back this winter from being inactive. Thus, the YMCA membership, so I can stay active during the winter as well.

So, that's my story. I enjoy reading the posts in this group and hope to hear from anyone who has any advice on how to start an activity program and stay active even when the interest starts to fade.

[AlCzervik]

1. Welcome! This forum has been a big help to me, it's been a long trip but this place

has been a consistent source of motivation for me.


:hi:

[Samurai_Writer]

4. Thanks for the welcome!

I hope it motivates me, too!

[lavenderdiva]

2. Welcome to the forum, RadFemFL!

I'm so glad you will be posting with us! Getting healthier is what we are all after. I admire your focus on being active, despite your conditions. To have lost 50 lbs and maintained that loss is really remarkable! We've all fluctuated periodically, but you have maintained that loss over a significant period of time-- well done! I think you'll enjoy the YMCA membership- Mr. ld belongs to the 'Y' here, and goes frequently, and really enjoys it.

:hi:

[Samurai_Writer]

5. I went to my first Y class last night!

I decided to take the Pool Fitness (water aerobics) class to start with, because it was marked as "good for newbies". Ha! It was not as easy as it seemed! But it was fun. I was sore last night, but seem to be doing OK today.

Today I go for the wellness appointment with a personal trainer. I hope she has some good advise for me!

Thanks for the welcome!

[auntAgonist]

3. hi there RadFemFL

It's nice to see you posting here. I'm probably the MOST inactive person here. Maybe we can learn together.

Welcome to the group!
:hug: :hug: :hug:

aA

[Samurai_Writer]

6. Thanks auntagonist!

I will keep you posted on my progress! I am not weighing myself, but if I start going down sizes in clothing, I'll definitely let you all know.

Thanks for the welcome!

[Samurai_Writer]

7. Update, after a couple of weeks at the Y.

Wow, do I feel so much better!

I am taking pool fitness classes 3 times a week, working out on strength training equipment twice a week. I'm also taking my Japanese Swordfighting classes twice a week, as usual, and riding my bike to work and the grocery store.

I can really tell the difference in my arms, legs, abdomen and back. Everything is firming up and the best part is that my chronic pain has become much lessened. Things that used to cause me a lot of pain barely bother me now.

I don't think I've lost any weight, but it's hard to tell, because it's just near the end of my cycle and I usually gain 10 pounds of water weight every month. Everyone tells me I look like I've lost weight, though. I think I'm just rearranging the weight into firmer muscles!

I've been having a lot of fun at the Y, and I can really tell if I don't exercise for 2 days, I start to stiffen up. So I'm trying to exercise some every day.

[auntAgonist]

8. This is awesome!

I used to love water aerobics and I'm sure you do too. It's so easy on the body and gives a great work out. Japanese swordfighting sure sounds like a lot of fun.
You're reaping great benefits for sure.

keep up the good work. Feeling great and getting compliments are wonderful motivators.

:applause:

aA
kesha :)

[Broken_Hero]

9. Welcome to the group,

:hi:

[auntAgonist]

10. hey! it's nice to see you Petersond.

:hug:

aA

[Broken_Hero]

11. Thanks, I appreciate it

I've been away for too long...btw, I'm just over a month into my routine again, down 18lbs as of yesterday. :)

[auntAgonist]

12. yes, I've missed you :) and WoW on the 18lb loss

:applause:

:toast:

:hug:

[lavenderdiva]

13. hey you!

I've missed you, but glad to see you posting, and am sending you MANY congratulations on your 18lbs weight loss!!!!!!!:bounce:

[Samurai_Writer]

14. Another update

I've been going through some really traumatic, emotional, life-changing experiences lately. As a result, I've lost 25 pounds in the past 3 weeks. I'm actually having to count calories now to make sure I get /enough/ each day (my doctor said 1500 or I would get malnourished).

Although I wouldn't mind losing a lot of weight, that's never been my goal. It's been my goal to be healthy and active. And right now, I'm neither. I am starting back at working out and going to my swordfighting class. I hope that helps both emotionally and physically.

[lavenderdiva]

15. I'm so glad you posted your update....

Please take good care of yourself. Losing 25lbs in 3 weeks is drastic. Please count all your calories, and concentrate on your nutrition. I'm so very sorry about the situation you have been going through lately, and that it has taken such a toll on you. Are you able to talk to someone about it, or do you have a counselor? It does sound like you have consulted your doctor, which is a good thing.

Good to hear you are starting your swordfighting class again. And you are right: I think it will help you emotionally and physically.

There are so many here who care about you, and what you are going through. Please know that you will be in my prayers! :hug: :hug: :hug: sending you hugs

[Samurai_Writer]

16. I'm feeling better

It's now been 5 weeks since I was so sick (lung infection) and the start of the trauma in my life. It's getting better. I am being /very/ active now... swordfighting twice a week, working out and pool fitness three times a week and I am riding my bike /everywhere/ in town. I am feeling so much better, and am eating and sleeping better, too.

I went to Houston for the July 4th weekend to visit family. I had not seen my sons in a year, and they remarked how great I looked. In fact, everyone kept telling me that, so it was a great ego boost... even if the weight loss did come about in a bad way. Now I'm just determined to get in better shape and firm up.