Leslie

[Finelly]

Leslie - are you the mod who used to have those extremely buff photos on your signature, who started weight training and looked like a goddess?

If so, could you become sort of an exercise/weight training mentor on this forum?

[leslie0021]

No, that wasn't me. Although I am quite exquisite...lol....

However, my family has been involved with fitness for my entire life. My mother ran cross country, marathons, and weight trained. My father in law is a multi-marathoner and lifts, my sister is a Special Olympic multi-gold medalist in a wide range of sports. I lift, stretch, etc...sooooo, if anyone want to ask questions or needs guidance, I'm happy to help.

Prior to answering any questions, I have a disclaimer...

Always consult your DOCTOR prior to starting any physical fitness activity.

I am NOT a doctor and any information I provide is simply that...information. Any activity a person engages in, including wild sex (which burns approx 400 calories an hour) is done so at their OWN RISK.

So, let's talk about fitness...what is everyone doing? What works, and what doesn't? How do you stay motivated? Who would like to try something new????

[Finelly]

Ok, here's what I do:

Thirty minutes minimum of cardio (stationary bike, efx, treadmill) per day.

Alternating upper and lower body weight training using the machines.

A thirty minute walk on the beach 3 times a week.


I have several yoga tapes that I just haven't gotten around to using, though they always make me feel so much stronger and limber.

I wouldn't mind trying something new! I just have zero coordination and so any dance or choreographed stuff is totally embarassing!

[leslie0021]

Love your workout schedule!

I just got a DVD called "Total Stretch" by Tamilee Webb. I love it.

It's actually pretty challenging, but I think 99% of the people out there can do 90% of what she is doing. There are a couple stretches that have you standing on one leg, but it's doable and great for balance. I find her stretches to be Yoga-esque without the impossible challenge of some Yoga programs. I got a "beginner" Yoga DVD by Rodney Yee, and "beginner" my arse! He nearly killed me and I don't recommend "downward dog" to anyone!

The important this is to do SOMETHING. One program that really helped me the first go round with Atkins was Leslie Sansome's Walk Away the Pounds. (WWTP). She is wonderful, movitvating, NOT intimdating, and the workouts start with one mile (done in your living room, no treadmill required) and go up to 4 miles, I believe. Excellent cardio, and some strenght training (with resistance bands, weighted balls, etc).

Anyone can do WWTP. Its a great way to get started, and for me personally, led to me eventually being able to run almost 2 miles without stopping on a treadmill....holy joe...how did I get there????

:icondance

Get up and move!!!!

[Sarah1341]

I am starting out slow since its been a while for an exercise routine. But, I'm walking at least 30 minutes, 4x per week. More if I can, but its been pretty hot around here. I also have the WATP tapes, but have not pulled those back out yet.

What suggestions do you have for losing/toning the belly area?

Thanks for your input!

[Finelly]

Oh, yah, PLEASE give some good ideas for working out those abs! Mine are.....too disgusting to describe...

[leslie0021]

Abs are a funny thing. Funny "weird", not funny "ha ha".....

You can have strong, toned abs, but with extra "fat" on them, you can't see them. You can't firm fat, you can only lose it. But, the great thing is that since your abs are the "core" of your entire body's support system, they respond very quickly to any attention you give them.

Personally, I can't do situps. (I hated them anyway, so that works out fine). They put too much strain on the spine, and lower back for many folks. What I can do, is the "reverse cruch". Lay on your back on the floor and put your hands under your tush. pull your knees up to your chest and loser them back down. Repeat 12 times....and do 3 to 4 sets.

Once your abs get stronger, you can straighten your legs and lift them straight up into the air, lower down slowly.

If you can't do the reverse crunch, my doctor showed me a move almost anyone can do to start of the road to firming the core (gut). Stand up, and put your hands on your hips. Lean back until you feel a stretch in your belly. (far enough to feel a good strecth, not so far you lose your balance, fall and hit your head, and wake up to the cat staring at you like you're an idiot). Lean back, and then forward. Back, then forward. Do that 12 times, 3 to 4 sets. This move alone will help your abs to tone, and your back to strengthen.

Another thing I do, and this is just vanity for me...but it seems to help (I read the tip on the ADBB months and months ago)....when you go to bed at night...lay on your back and massage firming lotion (I actually use the anti-cellulite lotion that Avon makes) into your belly. Just rub that belly up like it's Pizza dough. Some people believe it helps to break up the fat tone the skin, and speed the appearance of smoother, more taught mid-section. Can't say if it's true or not, but what part of your body couldn't benefit from that kind of attention on a nightly basis. ;-) I rub the same lotion on my tush, and you can bounce a quarter of it and it will come back 50 cents!

I'm gonna give this post it's own thread since the title "Leslie" just screams "diva" and I get accused of that enough already!