4/29/2009

Weightloss Wednesday Stretching And Core Strengthing

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There are alot of links on todays post. I hope you will take the time to read a few of them. Learning about how the body functions and what we can do to make it function better is a gift to yourself on your journey to the best you can be.


Losing the weight is just half the life style change. Toning and shaping muscle is the other. I am slowly working my way up to full regiment of exercise daily. Stretching, strengthening, cardio, endurance.


Stretching is so important! Here is a great article on the topic with lots of how to demos. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1034 Make stretching a habit! I do a good portion in the shower! I also do it in three segments throughout the day.


Taking care of your core muscles is vital.Your core is composed of three muscle regions on your body: 1) abdominal, 2) pelvic, and 3) lower back. Basically, your core is any muscle located between your pelvis and the base of your ribcage. These 29 muscles work together to support your spine. When you strengthen your core, you gain greater balance and stability.  Here is an article that describes what the core is and how to get started. It is written for folks age 50 and above ( thats me!) but the info is valuable for any age. http://www.fitness-after-50.com/core_exercises.html  Go here for some easy ( no equipment necessary) core exercises. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/exercise_demos.asp?exercise_type=core


http://exercise.about.com/cs/abs/a/coreandposture.htm


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=What+are+Core+exercises


Again this needs to become a habit! Start small with just a few exercises and build on that. Finding time in your day is not at difficult at you might think. Some of these can be done while waiting in line, waiting at the doctors office in a chair, at church in the pew, etc,


If you are consistant, over time you will begin to notice a difference in your fatigue level, balance, and have less pain in your back. Building muscle takes time so be patient with yourself!


I have maintained my weight within a 4lbs. My weight actually varies up to 4lbs in a day and week. But I know I am building muscle which weighs much more than fat and my clothes fit much differently. I can actually get into a size 8!


I have increased my walking each day. Yesterday I did two miles. I am paying for it today! But the good thing is I had plenty of energy to walk the two miles and I enjoyed it. ( its a loop around a lake) We so enjoyed the spring blooms and wildlife.


Small things I have notices since loosing the weight and exercising consistantly: I can go up and down the stairs easily! This is huge for me. I have more strength in my arms.. I can bend over an tie my shoes! My balance has improved.


Stay the journey no matter how long it takes! One step at a time.

3 comments:

  1. Hey sweet friend. You are doing great. I love all the articles in my inbox from Spark People. I have really learned alot from the site. I am hoping with school being over, I can add exercise back more consistantly. If I can do it till school starts back, it should be habit then.

    I also float about 5 lbs from day to day, week to week. It is good to know, so I am not shocked on the scale daily.

    Size 8, WAHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

    Be blessed,

    Chasity

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  2. I think that's so true about establishing a good habit. I also think that's a great point about weight varying up to 4 lbs. without any change in diet on a daily or weekly basis anyhow. Don't get discouraged by a temporary weight fluctuation. But, do watch your habits on a long term basis.


    Cathy

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  3. Thank you for all these great links. I really need to get stretching in a habbit. I am finding my upper back is going out of place a lot lately. I am sure it is b/c I am doing my upper body exercises and need to stretch more. I haven't taken the weight off but I am strong. Someday I hope to have both. [0;


    Sending you HUGE ((HUGS)) my SSiC

    In Him<><

    -Mary

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Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalms 143:8