Project Shapety Shape

[Bob]

*Bob thought the m1469 may have gotten pinned down and stuck on a weight machine after trying to lift too much weight.*


Drinking a cup of coffee before eating curbs appetite too. 

[goldentone]

Also, soon I think I will get myself a lifting belt for squats.

No worry, I will bring mine with me for our next workout.

[thalbergmad]

But, I love it!  Also, soon I think I will get myself a lifting belt for squats.

I have got one for a 40" plus waist if that helps.

Thal

[m1469]

*Bob thought the m1469 may have gotten pinned down and stuck on a weight machine after trying to lift too much weight.*

No, I don't foresee that happening as my Universal machine has adjustable catchers, and I always make sure I can actually get out from underneath them.  My bench setup, for example, is so low that the bar might actually nearly touch me when I'm really working at it, but, it couldn't pin me and I don't think it would actually smack me, really, if it fell or if I failed  .  Similarly with how I set it up for squats.  But, I got the idea that soon I might start "maxing" once in a while ... I forget how often we used to do that ... once a month?  Every term?  I can't remember.  Obviously I can do that as I wish.  But, I'm getting pretty close to moving up in both squats and bench, and I might go ahead in a week move it up in bench, but I'll wait until I get a belt for squats.  Once I hit 100 and over, I don't feel right not having a belt.

Drinking a cup of coffee before eating curbs appetite too.

This is true!

No worry, I will bring mine with me for our next workout.

I have got one for a 40" plus waist if that helps.

Thal

Ah, how very helpful of both of you .  But, I guess I'll still need to get my own .  It will be my very first belt that is actually mine!  I don't know, it seems exciting as though I'm getting a new pet or something ... awwwww ... cute belty belt  .


Well, yesterday I went for what could be considered a little bit of a hike, and I am quite surprised to find out how different it feels to be walking up the hills right now.  I'm not in great shape yet, but I'm definitely stronger and especially to be doing squats again makes such a noticeable difference when I'm walking uphill!  It's like I just have more power and my body is working much more for me than against me.  I like that feeling .

This morning I did what has been my same weight amounts for the last week, but I upped my situps now to a total of 100 -- which I split between 4 sets of 25.  I also did my whole workout in my church dress and nylons ... hee hee ... and my very last set of leg curls and bench press I was even wearing heels ... double-hee hee.  That was strangely fun and, aside from the heels (I was wearing tennies the rest of the time), the dress was remarkable comfortable to workout in  .

[ahinton]

I have got one for a 40" plus waist if that helps.

Your in-principle generosity notwithstanding, I somehow suspect that m1469 would not be able to get much use out of one of those...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

She could fold it in half perhaps.

Thal

[ahinton]

She could fold it in half perhaps.

Perhaps (and apparently chivalry is not entirely dead)...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

It is alive and well in my neck of the woods.

Thal

[ahinton]

It is alive and well in my neck of the woods.

What? Even in le fin des graves? Amazing!

Best,

Alistair

[m1469]

Maybe if I folded it in half, it would fit around my thigh.  I could use it as a thigh belt to help me in my leg curls.  How about them apples?

But, really, my days of concerning myself with trying to have the smallest imagineable waistline are over.  My focus is on being balanced in my habits, and on being fit and sassy and strong.  Woot!

However, I think I need to start posting my food again for awhile to keep myself in check!  I'll start now because it could easily go downhill from here:

Breakfast:  Zone bar (210)
Lunch:   2-egg English muffin sandwhich and super simple salad (375)
Snack:  Some chocolate (200)
Unfortunate snack:  BBQ potato chips ... 350 (obviously I've got a thing for these)
Dinner:  A fish and a yummy salad (400)

Total:  1535 (is that right? -- that's not TOO bad overall)

PLUS an extra walk this evening

[thalbergmad]

But, really, my days of concerning myself with trying to have the smallest imagineable waistline are over.  

I gave up on that years ago.

Thal

[Bob]

What's the point of a weight belt?

[m1469]

hmmm ... I just did a little reading because I realized I had no idea how to answer your question and in fact, I don't *truly* know.  They were just standard for us when we did things like squats and cleans, and since my weights coach wanted us to use them, I did and got psychologically (and physically) used to it.

But, in the reading I just did, there are differing opinions about the pros and cons.  Supposedly it helps to disperse the weight so there is not as much pressure on your lower back, and is supposed to help prevent hernias ... but, I think that is *especially* for super heavy lifters.  What I am lifting is a feather compared to serious lifters, and I don't ever plan to go completely nuts ... at least not that I can foresee.  And, some people even argue that it's not actually good to rely on outward equipment to do lifting, as then without the belt we wouldn't know how to properly use our body and might hurt ourselves.  I don't know.  Some of the reading I did was on a body building forum and I suspect those people get as obssessed with body building as I do about piano and music; that's not me.

Maybe it all means that I can move up on Tuesday without one  .


PS -- ein Javavampir =  a java vampire   what in the world is that?

[m1469]

I gave up on that years ago.

Thal

Yeah, I mean, I guess there are just much more productive things to be thinking about and "obssessing" over.  At least that's how I see it.  For example, I would much prefer to obssess over firmly establishing better habits, and it's not that just because I'm going to quit obsessing about the size of my waist means that I want to be big.  I just want to focus on being in pretty great shape and feeling physically good and ready for life.

[m1469]

Okay, here is today's rundown, including foods:

Tricep lift:  15 lbs.
Longish walk/run (about to go do)

Food:

Break:  Normal (300)
Lunch:  Small salad and large bagel  (450)
Snack:  Some chocolate  (140)
More snack:  Small apple  (80)
Another snack:  Simply fruit fruit roll (50)
Dinner:  Fish, salad, 1 little garlic bread (400)

Total:  1420 ... hmmmm ... that's not as much as I thought

[Bob]

PS -- ein Javavampir =  a java vampire  what in the world is that?

Es ist deutsch.  Und es ist *mein* deutsch.    *Bob wonders about his direct objects.....  and damns the dative case..... Mein... oder meiner... or something mein-ish.... except I don't know whether 'deutsch' is masc/fem/neuter....*

Java = coffee.   Coffee vampire.  

Ich mag Kaffee.    Kaffeevampir was too obvious, too 'coffee.'

Ich hatte ein Kaffee möchten.... so I had one.  And another.  Which is the reason I came back to this thread.... No appetite.  I don't feel like eating anything at all.

Although I've noticed coffee can have the opposite effect too.  More hunger.

*Bob notes that coffee is masculine, at least in Germany.*  Manly coffee.

Vampir refers to my "moon tan," the way the sunlight hurts my eyes sometimes, preference for the night sometimes, etc. 

[m1469]

Okay, I am going to translate with educated and less educated guesses:

Es ist deutsch.  Und es ist *mein* deutsch.

This is Dutch.  And this is *my* Dutch  (es is sort of like este in Spanish and I guess ist is a little like es in Spanish -- but ist is a litlte more like este, but somehow it all makes sense to me (even though maybe I'm wrong)).

Mein... oder meiner...

Mine over (or is it "or" ?) mine.
  

Ich mag Kaffee.

   

I like(?) coffee.

Ich hatte ein Kaffee möchten....

I want(?) a coffee mocha(?)

Okay.  That's my guessing.  I'm going to try look.

[m1469]

haha ... ooopsies, my apologies for the very poor guessing in translation   .  I guess Deustche actually means German?    Okay, and I know there were more mistakes.

[Bob]

It is German.  And it is *my* German. 

Mine...  oder mine (in dative case, but I forgot the endings for dative.... der or den or dem....)

I like coffee, yes.

I had wanted a coffee. 

[m1469]

Okay, the rundown for today, including foods:

Workout:

Squats:  100
Bench:   85 (but, I only did 5 in each set)
Leg curl:  30 (still -- this is difficult and I want to be careful)
Situps:   hundy (100)

Foods:

Breakfast:  Half bagel, 1 egg, half banana (315)
Lunch:   Salad, fish, bread  (400)
Snack:  Chocolate  (140)
Snack:  Fruit Roll    (50)
Snack:  Small apple (80)
Snack:  Zone bar    (210)
Dinner:  Salad and a few crackers and cheese (400)

Total:  1595

So, I moved my weights up in both bench and squats, but I kept thinking about the fact that I don't have a belt for squats and it kept making me nervous.  I might still get one  :-.  No chips today, that is a victory at this point.  I think *some* chips are *OK* once in awhile, but I could definitely do without them today and I did!

[goldentone]

No chips today, that is a victory at this point.  I think *some* chips are *OK* once in awhile, but I could definitely do without them today and I did!

I *love* chips, so I can imagine it was a victory.

[ted]

It all sounds quite incredibly painful, but good luck with it all! I cannot help but think that if I tried to do a week's worth of that kind of thing, everyone here would soon be very relieved that I'd dropped off the face of the earth as a more or less direct consequence!

Best,

Alistair

On the contrary Alistair. You are a true music lover, a fine composer yourself and are doing sterling service with Sorabji's music. Music needs more like you. Don't forget it. You would be sorely missed.

[ahinton]

On the contrary Alistair. You are a true music lover, a fine composer yourself and are doing sterling service with Sorabji's music. Music needs more like you. Don't forget it. You would be sorely missed.

Thank you. That's very kind indeed. I still maintain, however, that "it all sounds quite incredibly painful"!...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

Judging by the size of some of the scores he sells, I would wager Alistair lifts as much weight daily as any of us gym users.

Thal

[ahinton]

Judging by the size of some of the scores he sells, I would wager Alistair lifts as much weight daily as any of us gym users.

Do you know, I hadn't thought of that! Perhaps I'm not so unfit after all! Mind you, you'd not get me on a bicycle to save my own or anyone else's life...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

I would have thought that a bike would be an excellent form of transport in the area in which you currently reside and even more so in the area in which you are moving to.

Thal

[ahinton]

I would have thought that a bike would be an excellent form of transport in the area in which you currently reside and even more so in the area in which you are moving to.

Then you should see the potholes in which they seem to specialise where I currently reside (though these are not a problem in the next location); I'm just not into bicycling full stop and, in any case, I'm nowhere near fit enough to be able to drive one in traffic at the kinds of speed that would enable me to go with the traffic flow and not interefere with it.

Best,

Alistair

[djealnla]

Deleted

[ahinton]

What area?

The southern Charente, in France; I don't yet know when, though.

Best,

Alistair

[m1469]

I *love* chips, so I can imagine it was a victory.

Yeah .  I don't think I'll have any today, either!  These ones I've been eating aren't homemade, but they are also SUPER easy to make, too, and maybe a little better for you.  We used to have a food processor (I broke it, though  ) that would more or less slice the potatoe uniformly thin, and then you just take those slices, drizzle them with olive oil and whatever seasoning(s) you want, stir it around so they are coated, and them put them on a baking pan and bake them for about 40 minutes total (if I'm remembering correctly).  They are very delicious .

Okay, today's foods so far:

Breakfast:  Pasta and an egg (300)
Snack:  Some chocolate  (140)
Lunch:  A salad and some crackers and cheese  (400)
Snack:  Fruit roll (50)
Snack:  Fiber bar  (130)
Snack?
Dinner:


Total so far:  1020  

Oh, excersize:

Tricep:  15 lbs.
Walk:  Still yet to do

[ahinton]

Yeah .  I don't think I'll have any today, either!  These ones I've been eating aren't homemade, but they are also SUPER easy to make, too, and maybe a little better for you.  We used to have a food processor (I broke it, though  ) that would more or less slice the potatoe uniformly thin, and then you just take those slices, drizzle them with olive oil and whatever seasoning(s) you want, stir it around so they are coated, and them put them on a baking pan and bake them for about 40 minutes total (if I'm remembering correctly).  They are very delicious .

Okay, today's foods so far:

Breakfast:  Pasta and an egg (300)
Snack:  Some chocolate  (140)
Lunch:  A salad and some crackers and cheese  (400)
Snack:  Fruit roll (50)
Snack:  Fiber bar  (130)
Snack?
Dinner:


Total so far:  1020  

Oh, excersize:

Tricep:  15 lbs.
Walk:  Still yet to do

As what I recognise as an unreformed and probably unreformable reprobate in such matters, I have to admit that, were I ever to based any decisions on what I eat at any time of day or night on calorie counts, I'd be looking for the revolver. I cannot stand and will not consume any kind of "junk" food but at the same time I just cannot bring myself to do the WeightWatchers' (and others') thing of dedicated calorie watching and counting, lest it remove all possible enjoyment from anything that I may eat or drink. Each to their own, of course - but I simply cannot even contemplate doing that kind of thing.

As to the concept of "fitness", I've never quite forgotten the old adage that one should never play squash to get fit but one should get fit to play squash; I'm sure that the same goes for piano playing, too and, if one gets one's hands on the kinds of piano score that Thal referred to earlier, the need for such physical fitness on the part of the would-be performer is surely pretty self-explanatory.

Anyway, late tonight (at what I'm sure many would contend to be an unhealthy hour to be eating and drinking anyway), it's some Madagascan tiger prawns and chilli lightly fried in a mix of Charentais walnut oil and extra virgin olive oil from Western Australia, would you believe?!, a lightly dressed salad of leaves wot I've grown meself (just lollo rosso, lollo bionda and red oak leaf), some organic watercress and rucola and a few organic Jersey Royal new potatoes tossed in Brittany sea salt and unsalted Charentais butter with some chives wot I've also grown meself - all helped along with Clos Floridčne (Graves) 1990 - ah, roll on midnight (or whenever it will be)!

No - the very word "gym" just has no existence in my vocabulary, which perhaps demonstrates the extent of its limitation (my vocabulary, that is - not the gym)...

Anyway, off to France tomorrow until 16 May, so have a good time, everyone, in my absence!

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

it's some Madagascan tiger prawns and chilli lightly fried in a mix of Charentais walnut oil and extra virgin olive oil from Western Australia, would you believe?!, a lightly dressed salad of leaves wot I've grown meself (just lollo rosso, lollo bionda and red oak leaf), some organic watercress and rucola and a few organic Jersey Royal new potatoes tossed in Brittany sea salt and unsalted Charentais butter with some chives wot I've also grown meself - all helped along with Clos Floridčne (Graves) 1990 - ah, roll on midnight (or whenever it will be)!

I expect many rabbits would consider that a treat.

Thal

[ahinton]

I expect many rabbits would consider that a treat.

If so, I can only conclude that there must be some rare breed of wine-drinking shellfish-eating lapin unique to the Gravesend area.

Best,

Alistair

[goldentone]

Yeah .  I don't think I'll have any today, either!  These ones I've been eating aren't homemade, but they are also SUPER easy to make, too, and maybe a little better for you.  We used to have a food processor (I broke it, though  ) that would more or less slice the potatoe uniformly thin, and then you just take those slices, drizzle them with olive oil and whatever seasoning(s) you want, stir it around so they are coated, and them put them on a baking pan and bake them for about 40 minutes total (if I'm remembering correctly).  They are very delicious .

I've never really thought of making homemade chips, but wouldn't that be fun!  Goldentone's Gourmet Chips.

Okay, today's foods so far:

Breakfast:  Pasta and an egg (300)
Snack:  Some chocolate  (140)
Lunch:  A salad and some crackers and cheese  (400)
Snack:  Fruit roll (50)
Snack:  Fiber bar  (130)
Snack?
Dinner:

Whoa, Four snackety-snacks!

[m1469]

I've never really thought of making homemade chips, but wouldn't that be fun!  Goldentone's Gourmet Chips.

Those seem yummy .
 

Whoa, Four snackety-snacks!

Yeah, well, what really matters to me is how many calories I have overall, whether it's split into 20 little meals or one (although I'd never get through the day on just one meal). 

[goldentone]

Those seem yummy .

Who knows how Goldentone Gourmet Chips would evolve into their final distinctive recipe, but I'm suddenly excited to try my hand at some.  Since Christmas, thanks to my aunt who brought some home from the market, I've been having a lot of Kettle Chips.  Have you ever had them?  I really like them, and I think they are supposed to be a healthier chip.

  

[m1469]

Who knows how Goldentone Gourmet Chips would evolve into their final distinctive recipe, but I'm suddenly excited to try my hand at some.  Since Christmas, thanks to my aunt who brought some home from the market, I've been having a lot of Kettle Chips.  Have you ever had them?  I really like them, and I think they are supposed to be a healthier chip.

Yeah, we have some right now and those are the BBQ chips I've been munching on lately.  I assume they are considered a bit more healthful in the respect that I don't think the potato itself is processed in the same way some of the more 'standard' brands are, but the Kettle chips do still pack a bit of a wallop!  It's 150 calories for 9 chips!  Which, isn't a *huge* deal in and of itself, but when you consider the fact that a medium potato itself is about 120 calories and probably makes ... 50 or something chips, and then you can control how much and what kind of oil you put on it (I've sprayed PAM on them before), there's no comparison.  AND, generally, eating something like a baked potato seems healthful enough, and making your own chips is practically the same thing!

I have a response to the Alistair's last post about counting calories and such, but alas, apparently I'm not going to respond just yet.

Yesterday's workout:

Squats:  100 lbs (this is starting to feel pretty easy)
Bench:   85 lbs (this is not very easy, per se, yet.  I'm still just doing 5 reps/set)
Leg curl:  30 lbs (I might be getting ready to move up)
Situps:   100 total

Now, I'm pretty sure I lost count on almost everything and might have ended up doing an extra set in everything  :-.  I need to figure out a better system!

[Bob]

  *Bob challenges the m1469.* 

How about putting down your BMI and weight? 

There are calculators online.  BMI is body mass index.

I think mine is 24-25.  And I'm ranging around 200lb.   Borderline obese according to the new BMI index, but it depends on how tall I want to be for the calculation. 


I found my heart monitor again.  10 minutes on the treadmill.  I aim for a heart rate of 130 to tell things are pumping.  And that turned out to be 1/3 of a mile.  It's like running uphill.


Will the m1469 put her BMI and weight?  Haha.      We shall see....  To be continued.

[m1469]

haha ... leave it to Bob.  Kuddos to you for telling yours!  *Maybe* I'll join you within the month, but it almost ALWAYS trips me up to start going down that road, in one way or another (sometimes *especially* if I'm having success) ... believe me, I've been down this road PLENTY of times to know that.  What I am doing right now is the most healthful thing I have ever done for myself, aside from about 6 months in high school.

I have a feeling that people think that I must be huge for putting this thread up here.  No, I won't do that for now and it's for more reasons than other people, it's for myself.  I will tell you and the whole world, though, that the lightest I have ever been in my adult life, when I was 19, was about 155 (*maybe* a bit less) and I actually had a severe eating disorder, had lost much of my muscle by then, and scared myself in the mirror (scaring myself in the mirror only happened that single time in my life, so that is saying something).

I will tell you what my goal weight is:  170-175 (*maybe* 165 -- but, I'm ultimately aiming for something very maintainable) IF I keep gaining muscle and get into better and better shape.  I think that is realistic for me for as much muscle as I have and for my height, given all things.  I know very well how I look and feel at that weight and I feel good enough to freely admit my honest weight (and I actually believe it's important that it's known that some women can look very good at that weight).  I absolutely still must stay away from the scale and related things though.  If giving my honest goal weight is not enough of a putting myself out there for now (how many women would admit to being over 120?), then I can't help you out.

I'll also tell you that I would like to lose 2 pant sizes -- I'd like to be sporting size 12.  I've already shrunk out of the last hole in my belt, so I think that's OK anyway.  I have enough experience with this to know that if I start aiming for the weight of 155 ... then I start aiming for the weight of 150 ... and then 145 ... and I, from here, know what that means.  Similarly if I start aiming for size 10 ... then I start aiming for size 8 ... and I've lost myself completely by that point.

[m1469]

My weights workout from yesterday:

Squats:  100
Bench:    85
Leg Curl:  35
Situps:    100

Eating has been somewhat emotional, but not as bad as it used to be (when I would eat emotionally).  Still needs to get better.  I have realized that I definitely set my day up a lot better when I start the day off with my standard bowl of oatmeal.  *plans oatmeal for tomorrow*

Oh!  And, today I upped my tricep lift to 20 -- and I did A walk, a decent walk, though not my standard one.  I'm craving a more intense level of working out, so I'm hoping my sleep gets better and I start feeling like I want to take on the world .  I'm getting more muscles in my arms and in my buns and in my legs and on my shoulders and pecs  .

[m1469]

I found my heart monitor again.  10 minutes on the treadmill.  I aim for a heart rate of 130 to tell things are pumping.  And that turned out to be 1/3 of a mile.  It's like running uphill.


Will the m1469 put her BMI and weight?  Haha.    We shall see....   To be continued.

Bob, good for you .  I think I have my heart rate monitor somewhere around here.  I have been truly craving real running lately ... real athletics.  I have been craving my bicycle and such.  After my last posts, I very briefly contemplated stepping on the scale to *maybe* join in, but I just can't yet.  I instantly got obsessed.  Thank you very much for checking in on this thread though, it's helpful for me that it's active and that other people are using it for themselves, too!  Once I start eating badly, I do tend to not want to post.

[m1469]

Okay.  I won't do weight just yet, for personal reasons, but I've been thinking about a photo and for now I guess I'm going to do it.  If somebody has a problem, just pretend this thread is the Piano Street's "Biggest Loser" thread.  They show WAY more than I do here:

May 9th, 2011 (I'll post another in a month)

[thalbergmad]

VERY CLEVER.

Right where the moustache should go is covered

Thal

[thalbergmad]

By the way, my BMI is 40 which means I am technically dead.

The cycle ride I did recently would indicate that I am a fit fatty.

Thal

[Bob]

https://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Here's one I found.    Must be broken though.  I'm getting a 26 on that one.  Crap.... *Bob considers searching for another BMI index calculator.*  I did see an article recently about stretching exercises to make yourself taller.   


I bet m1469 weighs about 190.  And she sucked her gut in for that pic.  Haha.


Voice and wind instrument require abs that are flexible (ie flabby?) enough to expand to take in lots of air.

[m1469]

Oh, Bob, the charm, the charm.  C'mon Bob, post them abs  .  Thal, I thought you might notice that my moustache could not be appropriately added!

The only truly accurate BMI calculator is in measuring your actual muscle mass, which is not simply taking your height and weight!

*avoids drastic thoughts*

I feel motivated to have a very good menu day -- I enjoy healthy motivation.  A few months back I got a book from Costco, of all places, titled ... well, there's a huge bunch of words ... it reads:  "CookingLight mix&match low-calorie cookbook"  --  for me it's been a really good book.  The basic meal/calorie structure is:

300
400
snack
500
snack

for a total of about 1500 -- with tips on how to add more calories if you need it.

[thalbergmad]

I have a great photo of my gut which will make everyone feel great about themselves.

Just cannot find it at the moment.

Thal

[m1469]

Thaly, I do not take more delight in my own appearance just because of other people's.  But, I understand the gesture .  I accept you how you are, but I also support you if you wish to make a change!

[m1469]

Today I'm going to edit this post as I go:

Squats:  105 |||  <---- that's a tally mark for sets
Bench:    85  |||     (hey!  I actually did a sets of 7!)
Leg Curl:  35  |||    (woah, these are hard for some reason)
Situps:    100  ||||

Food:

Breakfast:  Oatmeals, etc.  (300)
Lunch:  Salat  (300)  and curried sweet potato (100)
Snack:  Fiber bar (130)
Dinner:  Two, tofu and black bean burritos (*maybe* up to 350)
Snack:

Total (so far):  1180

[thalbergmad]

I did not go to gym today, but I did fill up 15 crisp boxes with scores and helped put them in the loft.

Thal