Strength Training - Just Start

It was about eight years ago when I went from being sedentary and overweight, to getting to goal weight and being unable to stop moving. Seriously, I have trouble sitting still. And while "steps" are an uber important part of my activity, strength training has been there from the start too. 

The theme for this Motivation Monday is Top Tips for Weightlifting.  I've talked about weights a couple times before in this blog ...

Not Just A Weight Watcher

Smart Girls Use Dumbbells 

Those posts told about what I do. Today I'll talk more about weight lifting in general and offer a few recommendations. Not that I'm an expert by ANY means ... but over eight years, I've rarely missed a week of weight workouts.

Now the image/quote here ... there's a preconceived notion that women have a preconceived notion that lifting weights will result in big muscles like a body builder. Do women really think that? Did they ever? Well, THAT is not something you need to worry about. I also think women often avoid weights is because "weightlifting" is a tad intimidating. The machines at the gym that require instruction to use. The possibility of injury from incorrect form. Making comparisons with what other people can do ... 

That's my first tip. Don't be intimidated. Just do it. You don't need fancy machines. You can start with just a few dumbbells, or just your own body weight. There are so many moves for every muscle, just start with something simple.

My second tip is get a good visual. I'm a visual person. Pictures and written explanations are hard for me to follow ... I benefit much more from a video, or an actual example right in front of me. I was lucky enough to have my husband, who's been lifting for years, walk me through the various moves we decided on. Jillian Michael's 30DS introduced several easy to follow moves for me as well.

My third tip today ... again, just DO it. Start. Often, I don't feel like doing weights. I usually have an hour workout on deck, and at times that just feels like a big commitment. I'll tell myself "Ok, you don't have to do the full hour, just 15-20 minutes" and as that isn't as intimidating or time-consuming, I get past my mental block. Nine times out of ten, once I get started, I keep going. I do my full workout even though I'd given myself "permission" to shorten it. Just getting started is the hardest hurdle ... once you're doing it, it's a lot easier to keep going.

There are a lot more tips I could give too...  Shake up your routine, as with any exercise, the body becomes accustomed to the same moves over and over. Keep records, so you can see how you improve and progress.  Be sure to rest and give your muscles time to repair (I like lifting Mon/Wed and Fri ... but always try for at least once a week).

But I don't want to intimidate you.

Just start ... once you've begun, I bet you'll want to keep going.

Join with the Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

Share YOUR tips/experience ... or whatever motivates you!

An InLinkz Link-up

WWI #35 & Friday 5

It's been a busy week!  You can check out all the details in my Day to Day Doings if you'd like. There's been a lot of late night basketball.  Doctor and physical therapy visits (for #2, the basketball boy). School activities too. Busy! But it's been a good exercise week as well. I hit a new high ... and my weigh-in is a new low (if you don't count December Sickness ... that is still throwing off my perspective!) Linking up with Fitness Friday and Follow Through Friday. 

Numbers: Down .6 from last week. That is enough to earn a new number on my MFP ticker though! 32 pounds lost. Yea!  The high was 152.5, low is today's (and yesterday's) weigh-in of 148.3. Still trying to get an entire week under 150!  According to my numbers, I had a weekly deficit of 4990 calories (where's my 1+pound loss?). Average calories in 2100. Average burn 3143 (yea, I topped my 3000 goal). 

Friday Five

I thought I'd participate in the Friday link-ups ... Five Things Friday (Fitting It All In), Friday Five (Eat Pray Run) and Five on Friday (Hello Happiness) with a little spotlight on the things (TV, Books) that have captured my interest and motivated me to workout this past week ... 5 tv series I'm watching and the book I'm reading (you can check out my GoodReads profile for the last 5+ books if you want a peek at what else I've read and reviewed).

I've been happy to have my favorite shows return to prime time. With my PlayLater/Roku combo, I can record the shows from their online postings, then watch them down in my gym while I workout. I've enjoyed having Grey's Anatomy, Scandal & The Good Wife back on. Which reminds me, the first two were just on last night, I best get them recorded so I can watch them! I am currently caught up on The Voice and I'm looking forward to the battle rounds. I like those performances best, the harmonies of the duets are almost always great. I wish Itunes sold the duet versions, I don't want the solo version. As for my "streaming" show, I started watching "Vikings" (History Channel, on Amazon Prime). Wow, it is bloody violent, and you just aren't sure who to cheer for or empathize with. There's not really a "good" guy ... I'm almost through the first season. I don't think I'll watch season 2 immediately (I'd have to revert to PlayLater for that) so I'm looking at my lists to see what I'll be streaming next ...

I've read a few books that were fine, but weren't really capturing my attention. I jumped online to glance through the library offerings and was happy to see "Into The Still Blue" not only at the library, but available for immediate download.  I really enjoyed the first two books of this series and have been happily hitting the bike to get in at least 30minutes of reading a day (plus a little "just" reading here and there as I have the time). 

How was YOUR week.

What are you reading/watching?

40,000

I got this email from Fitbit last night. I was expecting it. I earned it! After a very long day, I went down to my elliptical, with my Fitbit app open and watched as I added the final few hundred steps I needed to earn this little ol' badge. Step, step, step ... 40,000 and stop. *Ü* Ahhhhh.

I have actually exceeded 40,000 before. June 3, 2010 (Pedometer Personal Best). 43,564 steps according to my Omron. I HAD my Fitbit then, in fact, as my Omron and Fitbit aren't always the same for steps ...

I SHOULD have the 45,000 badge from Fitbit. 

See this graph? 45,9110 steps!

I'm not sure when the "badge" system started up ... I think perhaps it was just in this past couple years, and awards were not post-dated, even though the data is in the system. Perhaps I should inquire. Regardless ... I've been at the 35,000 badge for quite a while and was happy to finally change that up yesterday! *Ü*

I got in 90 minutes/9.6 miles on the elliptical yesterday. Four 20minute sessions and one 10 minute one. That added up to about 11,250 steps. I went to Zumba ... 5700 steps there. I jogged a mile on the treadmill for another 1800 steps. I rode the stationary bike for 30minutes/8.1 ... only 2100 "steps" for that activity.  I'd really done enough for the day, but when I took #2 to his basketball game in the evening, there was a track above the basketball court.I could easily walk and watch ... so I did. I got in almost 11,000 steps.

I'm counting my new badge as my non-scale victory for the NSV LinkUp this week (although a little victory DID show on the scale this morning. Hopefully it sticks around for tomorrow's official weigh-in).  I really do love my Fitbit, and it does motivate me to move more. I'm constantly checking it throughout the day. My SIL received the 45,000 badge the other day ... she'd taken her Fitbit off before doing the wash (try NOT to wash your Fitbit) and left it on the dryer for the rest of laundry day. She was NOT expecting the email and did not really earn the badge (the shaking of the dryer added the steps) but it made us all laugh that day. I'm not sure when/if I'll add another 5000 steps to earn the next badge up ... I guess we'll see.

Linking up with Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  What are you thinking about?

Library Love ♥

I've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. But I love my local library even more now as an adult. What does my local library have to do with fitness? Why am I bringing it up here on my blog? There are so many things that a good library offers that I'm not sure everyone is aware of ...

• Books: I think everyone knows libraries carry books. Whether it's novels (I read while working out on my stationary bike... Riding and Reading) or non-fiction (health and exercise or other interests), my library has a huge selection. I am a convert to digital reading.  Most libraries have adapted to the times. I can hold, download, read and return books without even stepping foot in the actual building.
• Magazines: My library has subscriptions to almost every magazine ... including all the health and fitness ones. Personally, I subscribe to many of them (Mucho Magazines), but when my subscriptions have lapsed, I've turned to the library to catch up on anything I might have missed. Like books, many magazines are also available in digital format too.
• Music: Many libraries all across the country participate in a music download service called "Freegal" ... it's a completely legal music offering sponsored by the library service. You can download and keep three songs a week. While not every song is available, there have been many top 10 songs I've been able to snag from my library instead of having to purchase myself. I've added many a workout song to my playlists this way. Of course there are still plenty of CDs to check out and try too ...
• DVDs: Libraries carry a wide range of DVDs. I use the service to grab TV programs to keep me entertained while I workout (TV Time = Exercise Time). I'm content to wait on shows, then watch all the episodes back to back. No waiting between weeks, or commercial breaks (I like subtitles too). There are health and fitness finds too. I'm pretty picky with fitness workouts. I really like to borrow and try before I commit and buy. In my last trip to the library, I grabbed a few workouts...

Another great thing about my library, is that I can look at the catalog online, and request something from ANY of the libraries it is associated with. I can request books or DVDs be transferred to my branch, and held there. I just go in and pick them up. Now I realize, that not every library offers everything MY library does ... but if you haven't checked out YOUR local library lately, you might be surprised at what is available for you!  That's my tip and trick offer for today *Ü* Linking up with Kristen and Lisa and their Tuesday Tips!

Progress Pictures

I've seen a lot of transformation photos ... I mentioned I watched The Biggest Loser for the first time this past season (My Thoughts On The Biggest Loser) and the makeover week there was pretty amazing (as was the change during the season as a whole). Of course that is an extreme ...

The theme for this week's Motivation Monday is "Progression Pictures".  I have taken a couple of the infamous "before" shots which will stay secluded on my computer for my eyes only. I have done an update or two, but unfortunately, I haven't really been able to tell too much difference. After my initial 15 pound loss, it's been slooooow going... and unfortunately I didn't take my "before" pictures until after I'd lost that. 

As I was considering what I was going to write for my post today, I started by trying to find some "before" photos of me. It was HARD. As I'd put on weight over the years, I did a really good job of staying behind the camera. I was rarely in pictures. I'd often delete pictures I didn't like (which were the majority of them) and when I had to pose for a family photo, I'd try to position myself in the back, so as little of me was showing as possible.  I went through our family photos from 2004/2005 and could only find myself in a few (I'm really surprised I hadn't deleted the bottom two!). 

2005

What a difference a year can make!

2006

It's been a struggle to keep the weight off ... in my Family Photos post, you can see some of the ups and downs over the past several years. I did a Comparison Pictures post of two family photos from this past year and there were some pre/post weight loss pictures in my Vacation post as well.

Ever after losing weight again, I still have problems with pictures ... as I mentioned in my Picture Imperfect post. Hiding from the camera. It's a hard habit to break. But it is important to be included in your family photos. I remember another blog post I read that emphasized that (So You Think You're Too Fat To Be Photographed).

I'm still working on it all ... still trying to lose a few more pounds. Trying to improve my picture taking technique, and just trying to be more comfortable in front of the camera. It's all progress ...

The Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

 

An InLinkz Link-up

 

Weekly Weigh-In (#34)

Happy to report a weigh-in UNDER 150 this week. I dipped under Sat/Sun but then had the usual up Monday morning. While it is technically a loss (down 1.4 from last week) it's really just where I was at the end of January (you can see all my Weekly Weigh-Ins at a glance). No new number on my MFP ticker showing up in my blog sidebar ...although I'm happy to have that back at reading 31 pounds lost, as it had been bopping around and changing almost daily.

I'm a little late in posting this morning (err... afternoon). The kids are out of school today, so SLEEP IN time! And not having to take the middle school kids to school at 9:30 with their Friday late start, I went ahead and hit the Friday Zumba class for the first time. When I got home, fed the kids and came in to get my weekly check-in done, I realized I hadn't stayed up to date on all my number entries or Day to Day Doings (that's where the details are, if you want to read up on them).. so I had to catch up on all that and it took a while. 

NUMBERS ... down 1.4 pound from last week. Average down too, although just -.32 (it had a bigger drop last week). High was 151.6. Low for the week is today's weight of 148.9.  I did have a total deficit of the week of 3637. Average intake was 2129. Average burn 2921. 

Linking up with Fitness Friday  and Follow Through Friday.  I'm late for Weigh-In Wednesday, but I'll link up there too *Ü*  It was a good fitness week for me! I hit Zumba FOUR times (counting this morning *Ü*). I got in my 60+minutes of elliptical every day. I jogged my mile Mon-Thurs. I got in 30minutes of reading and riding Mon-Thurs. My strength training ... not perfect. I did my weight workout on Monday and then I've tried out a Biggest Loser DVD, but just one 15 min session on Wed and Thurs. It isn't really the same as one of Jillian's workouts.  I'll continue to fill up my calendar with cardio and weights in the weeks to come ...(you can see January and February's calendars in the recaps for those months).

On the home front ...

The official basketball season for #2 ended last night. 2nd place again, dang it. I know our boys can beat this other team, but I didn't think it would happen last night. #2 has been struggling with pain in his left thigh since last Saturday. They had two games last night. He struggled during the first half, then seemed to work out the pain, but from a mommy standpoint, I just wasn't sure I wanted him to play another game and risk hurting himself worse. And that happened. Poor kid was in so much pain. I think our boys could beat this other team if they were on, and at 100%, which was not the case last night (with my son out and another star player had stayed home sick from school). There was an altercation after the game too (initiated by our assistant coach and parents ... we have some hot heads) which just makes things worse. Good sportsmanship is the most important thing to me, it IS just a game.  #3 has his championship game tomorrow and then we're done ... well, until Spring ball starts in, hmmm, I guess that is just next week. I was actually hoping for a bit of a break (especially after last night)!

Well, I've been sitting down at this computer long enough. Time to hit the elliptical again and get some stuff done around the house. I'll check back in, and check out some of the linkups and blogs I follow a bit later on :)

How was your week?

Have you experienced extreme parents at kid sports?

A Farewell To French Tips

After Zumba class, I've been taking off my HRM and Fitbit and snapping a quick photo to keep a picture reference of my stats for each workout. Now looking at the picture collage above ... there is something different in the snapshots on the left vs the ones on the right.  Yes, I appear to be getting a higher calorie burn in the more recent pictures (maybe my skill is improving?), but that's not what I'm pointing out.

It's my nails. Or lack thereof.

I see many people who list a manicure or pedicure as a reward for losing weight.  I'd never had either for the first 30+ years of my life, but after I initially lost the weight almost eight years ago, a pretty pedicure and some cute nails were some of the other "improvements" I added (in addition to a little tanning and highlights in my hair). I enjoyed my french tips for a while, and then I gave them up, as hubby switched jobs and we needed to make some cut backs.

A little over a year ago, as 2012 wound down,  I was at the height of feeling bad about myself. I was at my highest weight in years. I decided to splurge on nails again, whether I "deserved" it or not. I do really like the look of a simple, short french tip. What I don't like however, is the upkeep. I hated the obligation to go in every few weeks. Seriously, I would dread it! I HATE just sitting. Even though I'd take my phone and read my book as I got a fill, I'd get frustrated knowing I had to carve some time out of my day to go in to the salon. And I'm a SAHM with a completely open schedule! Admittedly, I felt a little guilty about the financial aspect too. I decided to go back to natural.

Now I'll admit it ... I'm a nibbler. In fact, it was a problem even with the thick, artificial nails.  I would gnaw on them. I'd often accidentally break off a piece on the edges. I actually do not bite my nails down to the quick, but I have a really hard time keeping them at a decent length. And of course, after having artificial nails for over a year, my poor nails are in horrible shape.  It will take a few months to grow out of the damage ... and while I do really miss my pretty nails (and hubby DOES miss them, he liked them for back scratching) I feel a little more free. Hopefully in the future, you'll be able to see my natural nails in a better, prettier state.

I do think I'll still sneak back to the salon for an occasional pedicure. There's really nothing relaxing about getting your nails done (the initial application or the fills afterward) ... but a pedicure can be nice. I'm more prone to wanting pretty piggies during the summer, when it's sandal season. I do get quite the callouses on my heels ... while I like to have those shaved down, I know there is some controversy surrounding that service. Beyond just the hygienic concerns, the build up is often a protective layer and I have felt some pain in my feet after having my hard heels softened up.

Linking up with Running With Spoons  this Thursday.
What are your thoughts on manis, pedis and artificial nails?

It's been about three weeks since I had my nails removed ... I would have needed to be going in again for a fill, but instead I was able to do an extra hour of exercise (and save $25-30 too). I stopped by a store on the way home from Zumba yesterday and grabbed a couple new (old ... it was a thrift shop *Ü*) pairs of exercise pants. One pair is Lululemon which I picked up for $3. I'm not a "brand" gal but aren't they an expensive one?) They are a little more snug than the ones I had, which were a bit baggy and falling down (that's a good thing, right?) I'll count that as a non-scale victory (as the scale continues to be stuck!) for the NSV LinkUp  this week.

Jen, over at Morning Coffee Confessions is starting a Thankful Thursday linkup too. Yesterday, I read a post at Healthy Diva Eats called "What I Love Wednesday" about being a SAHM. I have been thinking about that a lot lately too. I must admit, at my point in life ... I have it pretty dang easy, and I'm so grateful for it all! For a handsome hubby who is able to support us, so I am able to stay home. For five healthy and wonderful boys. For our home, and my home gym. I'm thankful that even though the scale seems stuck now ... I'm actually at a place where I am feeling good about myself, I feel strong and healthy, not quite to goal, but not overweight either. I really have been thinking about all the things I should be (and AM) thankful for, so this new linkup comes at a good time :)

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Top Tips

The theme for today's Motivation Monday Link Up is Top Tips for Weight Loss. Now I also participate regularly in two Tuesday Tips and Tricks link-ups, (with with Lisa and Kristin.). So for today's (and tomorrow's *Ü*) post, I thought I'd revisit a couple of my previous TIP posts ... just in case you missed them the first time around ~

• Top Tips: In my Top Tips for Workouts and Weight Loss  post I featured a magazine article which offered up 100 or so tips. I spotlighted those I agreed with, a couple I didn't, and then offered up a few tips of my own.
• Make it Count: Track your activity with a pedometer ... it's an easy addition and can be very motivating (at least it was for me!).  I love my Fitbit, but you can pick up a more inexpensive option to try too.
• Get a Fan if you Can: My Biggest Fan. I'm not talking about someone cheering you on (although that is good too) but an actual FAN that keeps the air circulating and cools you down during a workout.
• TV Time Tips: Take advantage of technology ... in my Streaming vs DVDs post, I mentioned some of the devices out there that can bring YouTube and almost all TV programming to your TV at your convenience. For me, TV Time = Exercise Time.  And don't forget to check out exercise options on YouTube, DVDs and also, if you're an Amazon Prime member, there are a ton of streamable programs there too (Amazon Prime and Exercise).
• Reward Yourself and Give Back: Tying my activity to several "reward" websites has helped motivate me to move a little more (Reaping the Rewards).  Currently, I'm also working with PACT, setting a goal for fitness and food tracking. I plan on doing a review of my experience with that coming up soon.

You can see that MY tips focus more on the fitness part ... Now I KNOW, it's the eating that will actually make the biggest difference in weight loss. I AM working on that. I'm counting calories using MFP and that has made a big difference (My Fitness Pal, A Good Pal to Have). Check out the other posts in the link up for more tips, and share some of your own!

The Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

 Linking up with Nikki and Katie too.

An InLinkz Link-up

February Feedback

Well ... February wasn't FAB as far as the scale goes ... on the first day, I was 149.10. The final day I was 150.3. So no loss this month. Up a bit, but not really enough to call it a gain ... mainly I maintained. I didn't quite hit my goals of 3000 burn, 2000 intake. Gotta keep striving for that.

I hit my goals 15 out of the 28 days ... it's hard to hit goal. 

I can't quite manage it over the weekends. 

I did really well with my main cardio ... I had set a goal to get in 60min Elliptical everyday during February. I succeeded. Generally, getting in 60 minutes (three 20 minute sessions) is easy, but there were a couple days where I really had to push to get in that final session. I was pretty happy with my bike and mile streaks too. I also got in several Zumba sessions.

 

I met my strength training goals too. I got in my Jillian workout (No More Trouble Zones) twice a week, and my full body workout once a week, for a total of three strength workouts a week. So now I'm going to move on from NMTZ for March, I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to switch to. I was considering trying Ripped again, but then I grabbed a few DVDs from the library that I might try. I guess I better make a decision quick, as Monday is a strength training day!

In addition to my STREAKS calendars, 

I made up this exercise calendar.

All my activity at a glance.

Ah ... the eating. The exercise comes so easy now, but the eating ... I did a little better at keeping calories in check (under 2000). I've really struggled to get my serving of fruit in (don't even ask about veggies!)  I am fairly certain that if I changed up my eating, I could see a shift in the scale. I just have such a limited number of foods I like, it's hard to consider giving anything up. I'm not sure if I'll continue to "streak" my calories or fruit though, it's become a bit of a chore.

How was your February?

Which is harder for you, eating or exercise?

February 2014 Daily Doings

Month Recap ... February Feedback

• 0201 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 149.1. Fitbit Steps 17751. Total Burn 2548. Calories in 2900. Calories out 853. Exercise: 60minElliptical, Track - 2miles.  Made Saturday Circles (pancakes) for breakfast. The three oldest had a church ball game in the morning. I got there a little late and so I didn't bother to video. I wish I had though, as they had a good game. Oh well. #5 had his game at 1:00 (I jogged during his practice portion and the quarter he sat on the bench). #4 didn't want to go to his game at 2:00, and as it overlapped and would have required some serious shuffling, I didn't make him. #3 had a bye, and #2 had his game at 7:00 (super slow start in the first half, then our boys finally started making some shots for an easy win). The kids were clamoring for chick-fila. I went down and did my final elliptical session (pushing to get my hour) and told the boys they didn't need to save me any chicken ... but they did. Over on calories by quite a bit today.
• 0202 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 12427. Total Burn 2323. Calories in 3000. Calories out 611. Exercise: 60minElliptical.  Got in a couple elliptical sessions before church. Did the usual Sunday circles (Belgian waffles) and prepped some bbq (marinating chicken, setting rolls to rise).  After meetings we had our Superbowl Smorgasbord; steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls. I overate. I also made Superbowl Sugar cookies. We did have the game on ... family lives in Seattle, so we were cheering for the Seahawks.
• 0203 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 27278. Total Burn 3255. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1561. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 1mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ, 10minHula. So, weight was up after yesterday, not a huge surprise. Extra incentive to be good today, got in my cardio and did Jillian's No More Trouble Zones for strength.   Did good on eating, even banked some calories so I could enjoy a slice of Papa Murphy's pizza (Murphy Monday at our home) ... just white sauce and cheese. I actually prefer the thin crust, but #1 son doesn't and he's the one who picked it up. Hubby left on a business trip. I did make brownies (and ate a brownie) in the evening.
•  0204 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 27560. Total Burn 3083. Calories in 1500. Calories out 1390. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30min/2miles Treadmill, 30minBike, 60minZumba. Happy to see the weight readjust so quickly. Up and down! Had a good morning and got my 10x10. Put in my volunteer shift at the elementary school. Spent a good hour and a half there today. Dropped off #1 son's truck for a small repair. He took Daddy's truck to pick up the 13-year old from school and ... apparently took off before the kid was in the car. A u-turn made him tumble from the truck into the middle of the road. Those nearby, seeing a young boy thrown from a moving vehicle into the street called 911. When I got there, #3 was on a stretcher in the ambulance and their recommendation was to have him taken to the ER to be checked out. While he was scraped up pretty bad, he had not been hit by the truck or any other cars, hadn't hit his head or lost consciousness. I elected to just bring him home (as he was playing on his ipod while lying on the stretcher in the neck brace and other than abrasions all over didn't actually seem injured). I often err on the side of caution with the kids, but I also really try to avoid the ER if at all possible! I washed out his wounds, his right bottom half and got him bandaged up and watched him for any of the warning signs, but he did seem ok. #1 son felt horrible but was also ok (he had been ticketed for having an unrestrained passenger ... that's an understatement!). Then #5 started complaining of headache and looked absolutely miserable. He has a fever ... I sure hope it's not the flu his daddy or I had! Actually kept calories in check today ... rather than stress eating, I lost my appetite completely with all the stress of the latter half of the day!
•  0205 (Wednesday) Ok Day. Weight 149.0.  Fitbit Steps 18583. Total Burn 2698. Calories in 1600. Calories out 1020. Exercise: 70minElliptical. NMTZ. Both boys (injured and sick) slept through the night fine. I did keep #5 home from school as he was still sporting a fever. I had an activity at the middle school, but figured I wouldn't be able to make it with the little sick one. My mom and dad offered to come out and watch him, so I took them up on that. I also hit the store after, stocking up on bandages for #3's road rash. Didn't get as much cardio in as usual. Didn't feel like doing strength (NMTZ) but went ahead and did it anyway. Got caught up on "The Biggest Loser" even though I'd already heard the results of the finale all over the internet. #3 decided to try and play in his basketball game in the evening. I could tell he was limping a bit (perhaps as much from the wrap around his knee than any pain), and was a bit hesitant for any physical play, but he still did good and it was an easy win for the team. #5 had seemed ok much of the day, but fell asleep for almost all the late afternoon. He woke up badly in the evening. I'm thinking he'll still be home sick tomorrow. Stress of the day did still keep calories in check today, which was good as I didn't hit my activity goals.  
• 0206 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 147.9. Fitbit Steps 26676. Total Burn 3054. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1376. Exercise: 90minElliptical, 20minZumbaDVD, 30minBike, 30min/2miles Treadmill. #5 still has a fever. He's almost "normal" on medication, but it's obvious when it wears off. He's better during the day, and seems sicker in the evening. I was still able to get in my exercise. I'd check on him and ask if he needed anything, then pop downstairs for 20-30 minutes. Baby boy has just been resting, watching tv, playing video games and reading. #2 tried his hand at reffing a basketball game (the young women over at the church) ... I think it's a great experience for the boys to have to be in that position so they better understand how difficult it can be and are hopefully less critical of the refs at their own games. #1 also reffed a game (he's been doing it for a few years). I took #3 to his basketball practice (although I would have let him sit it out, due to his leg. Starting to scab up, but portions are still raw). Daddy got home! He's been out of town since Monday night.  
• 0207 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 148.9. Fitbit Steps 13360. Total Burn 2443. Calories in 2400. Calories out 759. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minWeights. Early morning basketball practice for #2. Then I got #4 off to school, #5 is still sick. Picked up #2, then took him and #3 back to school (late start on Fridays). Tried to get some workouts in, but baby boy isn't doing well today. Moaning and some diarrhea. Gave him a bath and some medication. Early out at the elementary, then pickup at the middle school (#2 went home with friends to hang out). #1 was home, so I left him in charge while I went to the nail salon ... I decided I'm done with artificial nails for a bit, just tired of the cost and upkeep. Had them remove them and attempt a manicure. Baby boy finally seemed to be feeling a bit better in the evening, but I was SO run down, I was ready for bed by 8:00. Didn't get to go to sleep until 10:00 though. 
• 0208 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 148.9. Fitbit Steps 17001. Total Burn 2389. Calories in 2300. Calories out 705. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Four basketball games were on the schedule today, but we only ended up going to two. #5 missed his, although almost better I didn't think pushing it running around the court would be a good idea. #4 just didn't want to go (and there are enough kids on the team they are probably happy with the extra playing time when he doesn't show). #3 had some scout stuff in the morning, I had to go grab him a big early, as Grandma wanted to take all the boys to "The Lego Movie".  In the rush, I forgot to give the little one his medicine ... he made it through the movie but had a breakdown when they got home and his fever was back. The older boys basketball games were in the evening, they both won. I was able to get in quite a few steps (3000+) while waiting for the last game (we were there early and the game before went over). But ... very unmotivated today. Earlier while the boys were gone I just lay in bed and read. I don't feel "sick" ... but I do feel rundown.
• 0209 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.1. Fitbit Steps 14793. Total Burn 2326. Calories in 2800. Calories out 635. Exercise: 60minElliptical. 20min/1mile Treadmill.  Got up and got in a session on the elliptical then made our big breakfast. #5 seemed to be feeling fine until it was time to go to church then he was suddenly sick again. Seemed a little coincidental, but I let him stay home and stayed with him. I was lazy again ... ate too much too, and no "Superbowl smorgasbord" to blame this week. #1 son made gingersnaps, and I was craving salty popcorn and hubby obliged.   
• 0210 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 26931. Total Burn 3139. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1437. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 35min/2.5miles Treadmill, 30min/8.1miles Bike, 10minWiiFit, NMTZ. Back to the routine. Baby boy went back to school today and I was able to grab some groceries after dropping the kidlets off.  Got in cardio and weights. Papa Murphy Monday, but #1 son didn't get part of the chicken-garlic pizza without toppings, so none for me. I had a coupon for a couple of the dessert pizzas (cinnawheel and smore)  ... the cinnamon one was a hit, the smore was ok but I don't think we'll get it again.  
• 0211 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 151.6. Fitbit Steps 25320. Total Burn 3005. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1306. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 50minZumba, 30min/1.5mileTreadmill. Dragging a bit, didn't get a good sleep last night. But got my 10x10 ... elliptical and zumba providing the steps. Volunteered at the school ... did a happy dance upon verifying that the elementary is staying on a traditional schedule (we had been told we were being forced back to year-round).  Literally, I danced (just ask the office ladies). Stopped at the store for some groceries. Got in some cardio, but didn't feel up to jogging my mile, just walked - but did up the incline. Busy afternoon with carpools, prepping valentines (taking pictures, adding text, uploading for printing), making dinner ... hubby had requested baked ziti. I made a double batch, taking some to a neighbor and making a smaller pan with gluten-free noodles for my dad. I'd invited my folks over for dinner and games, and so I could help my mom get her Fitbit back up and running (her One had been misbehaving, so Fitbit sent a new one out. I'd had her set up temporarily with the old Flex no one was using. I'm quite expert and switching out and setting up Fitbits now). They enjoyed the dinner and we played rummikub and progressive rummy. #2 and #3 were at the high school watching the basketball games there, so they missed out. Kept calories in check today ... the morning is so crazy I usually don't eat much until later. I don't like baked ziti. I did bake up some of the gingersnap dough and did indulge in some of those.
• 0212 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.0. Fitbit Steps 21694 (Omron 23300). Total Burn 3013. Calories in 2550. Calories out 1317. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 24min/2miles Treadmill, 30min Bike, NMTZ + ping pong. Didn't have a lot on deck today. Got in my cardio and weights during the day. Actually kept going on the treadmill, two miles instead of the one I required myself. Played a little ping pong with #4. Did dinner ... took a lot longer in the making process than I had planned for. We have enough leftovers now that I think I'm off the hook for the next few nights. A little discouraged with the weight not correcting as it usually does after the weekend ... ate too much today. Baked up the last of the gingersnap dough and did partake as well. Technically kept calories under burn, but not by much.
• 0213 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 153.4. Fitbit Steps 26687. Total Burn 3130. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1436. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30min/2.5miles Treadmill, 30minZumbaWii, 30minBike. The scale showed my eating indulgences ... I had thought there was a Thursday Zumba class at a different church, and I went to check it out, but I must have had the info wrong. I'm thinking now it was Friday, not Thursday. I hit the treadmill when I got back home, as I already had my shoes and HRM on. Felt pretty good, so I just kept going. 2.5 miles today! Also did some Wii Zumba, which seemed to get my heart rate up more than the church class. Started a new book, so I did some reading and riding as well. In addition to the daily carpools to/from school, I had to grab #2 from practice, also giving three other boys a ride home. Sweaty boys = smelly car! The other practices ended up not happening, but the three oldest boys had a game at the church and I went to watch and video. Kept calories in check today!
• 0214 (Friday) Bad Day. Weight 150.6. Fitbit Steps 16137. Total Burn 2533. Calories in 2700. Calories out 839. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30min/1.5miles Treadmill, 60minWeights. Busy day. Early morning basketball practice, school carpools, valentine party, early out at the elementary ... that it was Valentine's Day didn't come much into play as hubby was busy with work and a scouting assignment. Even though hubby didn't bring home any new chocolates, there was plenty of junk around and I indulged too much. French Toast Friday for dinner with the kidlets. I was feeling quite full going to bed. With not as much exercise, intake was over burn.
• 0215 (Saturday) UBER Bad Day! Weight 152.0 Fitbit Steps 19035. Total Burn 2451. Calories in 4200. Calories out 738. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 20min/1mile Treadmill, 20min Track. #5 had his last basketball game. We stopped for donuts on the way home, and also picked up a few of their yummy frosted sugar cookies (over 600 calories each!) Yes ... I ate one. A donut too. Perhaps more than one (you know where you cut just a portion, then come back and cut another portion, and pretty soon you've eaten an entire second donut?) Donuts are a downfall. #2 had a basketball game too, and begged to stop at Wendys on the way home. It had been a while, and there was one right on the way, so we grabbed some chicken, fries and frosties. Back at home, hubby suggests going out to dinner. We haven't been on a date in several weeks and I didn't want to kibosh him ... so we went. Some fried cheese sticks and chicken alfredo later and it's the highest calorie day I've had since I started tracking (I wouldn't be surprised if I topped that previously, when I was NOT tracking!) And not a lot of exercise to combat the calories. I got in my elliptical, a mile walk on the treadmill, and a walk around the track before the game (NICE facility for just a high school), not that even my regular amount of cardio could have impacted the calories in today.
• 0216 (Sunday) Uber Bad Day. Weight 153.5. Fitbit Steps 12753. Total Burn 2185. Calories in 3200. Calories out 475. Exercise: 70minElliptical. Well, there was another one of those cookies around. Sunday Circles (belgian waffles) too. Some cocoa and toast in the late afternoon, and hubby's popcorn while we watched "House of Cards" in the evening. Although I did get in my elliptical, not much movement other than that exercise.  
• 0217 (Monday) Ok Day. Weight 154.0. Fitbit Steps 17781. Total Burn 2432. Calories in 2000. Calories out 2432.  Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minWeights. #2 had a basketball tournament today. One of the slightly further locations. I've been spoiled having so many of the games less than 10minutes away. A game at 10:00, and and a game at 12:00. I walked around the building during the hour wait in-between. They lost both games, the second was a nail-biter, but I was actually ok with the loss, because a win would have meant another game at 2:00 and I was about basketballed out. It should have been a NMTZ day, but I just wasn't up to facing Jillian. I told myself I'd do a shortened version of my weight workout, but then I ended up going the entire hour anyway. I did a better job of keeping calories in check, and that was even with #1 going and grabbing donuts (again! We just had them on Saturday!). He didn't grab MY favorite ... so I guess that helped :)
• 0218 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 30158. Total Burn 3228. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1526. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 45minZumba, 30minBike, 60min/4miles Treadmill (1.5mile jog, then incline, intervals and incline intervals). I was SO ready to get back to my routine after the long holiday weekend. Got the kids off to school and went to Zumba. Got my 10x10. Pretty much hit all the exercises on my to-do list. Hubby had a derby, so I was on duty for Pack Meeting for our two little cub scouts in the evening. It was dinner ...  I probably wouldn't really have eaten much that I stayed at home.
• 0219 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 150.9.  Fitbit Steps 23130. Total Burn 2941. Calories in 1500. Calories out 1246. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 12min/1mile Treadmill, NMTZ, 20minZumbaWii, 30min Bike. Dropped the kids off at school and did a grocery store run. #3 had a basketball game in the evening, they won. Kept calories in check today.
• 0220 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.2. Fitbit Steps 25773. Total Burn 3109. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1417. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 1mileTreadmill, 30minBike, 60minZumba. On Tuesday, I double checked the info on the Thursday Zumba class ... I'd actually had it correct, just wrong church! It was the one across the street. I can't believe I didn't see other church at that same address (I needed to turn right instead of left). So ... I went today. Here, the instructors trade off, and these gals had the moves. I still didn't get a huge burn, but better than my Tuesday class ... but I'm still grateful for my Tuesday class. I think it helped ease me in! *Ü* Got in some bike and elliptical at home later in the day. I jogged my mile, but it was hard! #2 had a basketball game in the early evening. They lost. #3 had practice and #1 had a church ball game. Kept eating in check, even though I did indulge in ice cream.
• 0221 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 150.6. Fitbit Steps 3048. Total Burn 3048. Calories in 2250. Calories out 1354. Exercise: 60minElliptial, 12min/1mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ. #2's birthday today. He had early morning basketball practice. After grabbing the kids from early out elementary, I went to the store to grab some cupcakes for the birthday boy. He and #3 had gone straight from the middle school to the high school, to watch the games there. Around 6:00, I picked up pizza and crazy bread, and took them and the cupcakes to the school for an impromptu birthday party. I brought some extra so #3 and his friends could also have some. Hubby got home from his business trip. #2 would have liked to stay out late on his birthday, but we were all so tired, I had him come home after the game. 
• 0222 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 149.8. Fitbit Steps 15701. Total Burn 2492. Calories in 2000. Calories out 650. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Started the morning off with the chocolate cake we did NOT do last night for the birthday boy. Other than that indulgence, I kept calories fairly in check.  Only had two basketball games today (in the afternoon/evening) so I'm not sure why I didn't get more exercise in. Maga and Aunt Ana stopped by to wish the birthday boy happy birthday ... of course he wasn't home, but off watching basketball games before his game. 
  
• 0223 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 12262. Total Burn 2291. Calories in 2800. Calories out 584. Exercise: 60minElliptical. I really thought I was going to get in more exercise today. I got in a nap instead. I was completely out. It felt really good. Hubby gave the boys haircuts. They needed it SO bad! Sunday Circles in the morning. Stroganoff in the evening (had #1 help, good for these boys to know how to prep some meals for when they venture out on their own).  I made homemade oreos ... it had been a while. 
• 0224 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.9. Fitbit Steps 23814. Total Burn 3105. Calories in 2300. Calories out 1398. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 18min/1.5mile Treadmill, 30min/8.4mile Bike, NMTZ. Back to the routine. Felt pretty good during my jog, but didn't want to wear myself out for strength-training. I really felt like I pushed that today and the HRM seemed to reflect that and I got the highest burn since doing this program. I know people say HRMs are NOT for strength-training, but NMTZ is quite cardio (lunges, squats) for much of the time. Anyway, more of a reference number anyway. Pizza night. 
• 0225 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 36595. Total Burn 3608. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1915. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 60min/4.25Treadmill, 30min/8.3 Bike. Up and at 'em today. After Zumba, I went to the elementary for my weekly volunteering. Usually I'm just sitting at a table correcting papers, but today the teacher had me taking down a display board and putting new stuff up. I was walking from the classroom to the hallway a lot. Not a far distance, but enough that the steps registered on my Fitbit as moderately active. Some grocery shopping after, then back home. Alternated exercise with the usual to-do list. Didn't have middle school carpool, as the kids went straight to the high school to watch the game (I did need to pick them up from that at 8:30). I was tempted to try for a new personal best in steps on Fitbit  ... I would have needed about 4000 more. If hubby had been gone, I might have, but as he was home I called it a night. 
• 0226 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.2. Fitbit Steps 25491. Total Burn 3108. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1100. Exercise: 60minEllipical, 60minZumba, 1 mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ. Went to another church Zumba, this one was very energetic. Big crowd, many Polynesian people. A lot of the bangles around the waist. They had multiple instructors on the stage, which was great, more people to follow (as some would alter the steps slightly, one girl would face the back so it wasn't a mirror image, also helpful). I think I'll be coming back :) After I returned from afternoon carpools, the internet was down. After troubleshooting and calling the cable company, we determined the modem was kaput. I could have run it into the local center (across town) and attempted to rewire it all myself (it would have a different modem, replacing our current modem/router setup) and that was just a little intimidating. Enough that I agreed to wait 24hours and pay $35 for a technician to come out and do it. Basketball game in the evening for #2, took 40+ minutes to get there. I really hate driving. It was a close game and our boys lost, which eliminated them from the tournament. Secretly, I was fine with that, as if they had won, the game next week would have been at an even further location and it would have stressed me out completely. I literally didn't see the hubs today, as he left before I got up, had only stopped home a moment (I had been downstairs in the gym) and he was asleep when I got back home :(
•  0227 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 150.2. Fitbit Steps 26959. Total Burn 3157. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1160. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 1 mile Treadmill. I don't like being without my internet connection :(  I've got a backup DVD, as I can't stream Netflix while I workout. In the afternoon, I stayed home and by the phone, waiting for the cable tech to come during the two hour window I'd been given. No call, no one showed. I called and they said the appointment was for tomorrow (when hubby and I have tickets to a show). I was SO mad. They said they'd get someone there first thing in the morning. Grrrr. Went over and watched the oldest three boys play some churchball. Just a scrimmage as the other team didn't have enough players. So instead of my boys being on the same team, it was brother against brother and pretty funny to watch. I took #2 and left early as he had a real game, although ... our boys were the top seed playing the #10 spot and it was an obvious mis-match.
• 0228 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 150.3. Fitbit Steps 15103. Total Burn 2623. Calories in 1900. Calories out 926. Exercise: 60minElliptical, Treadmill Mile, 60minWeights. More Comcast frustration this morning as I called to verify the appointment and they had it scheduled for NEXT Friday. I asked to speak to a supervisor, but they were on another call (unsurprising with this level of "customer service"). Again the rep promised to have someone come this morning, but when I called the automated line to check on the appointment, it was for the afternoon, when I wouldn't be home (going to see a production of LesMiserables at the theater). I was so frustrated. I pulled the modem, drove to the center, which was as bad as the DMV (take a ticket and wait). I exchanged the defective modem and went home and was successful in getting us back up and running. Did make it to the theater (although hubby didn't make it in time to pick me up and had to have #1 son drop me there). It was good, maybe not quite Broadway. It was also "in the round" which was both good and bad as well (much more intimate, but then all we could see was the back of the head in some scenes). I had to push to get my final elliptical session in for the day ... but I did it. 60min of elliptical every day in February.