Fitness - If it came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body. Cher
Fitness in a bottle what a novel idea. How many people have been searching for the easy way to get fit? How many times do we see the latest fitness gadget advertized? What happens to these items? They gather dust in the basement and end up in eventually in the land fill. There is no easy and quick fix. Like everything else in life you have to work for what you want. That's how it works. You put in the time and reap the benefits - don't put it off. It's never to early to start exercising!
After work I am headed to the gym to start my fourth week on Breast Cancer Beta Fitness Trial study. I have finally done a small step toward my fitness. Why has this taken so long? Like most people I told myself I'll do it tomorrow. One tomorrow turns into another tomorrow. There's always an excuse. It's to cold, it's raining, it's to hot, it's, it's, it's. We are all full of these type of lame excuses and promises to ourselves.
My excuses came to an end when I applied to be part of this fitness study. They were asking for committment and this was a motivator for me as well as the fact that I would be making a contribution to the future wellness of women. The bonus is that I am getting something out of this as well. I have a gym membership for one year, they supply the participants with a trainer to chat with and there are other women in the program that are all trying to achieve the same goal. Everyone is a winner!
Reflections on my journey in my 12 months of fitness. Moving from the couch to the stairmaster, running and other activities.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Week 3 on the Breast Cancer Beta Fitness journey
Devote yourself to something so daring even you can’t believe that you are doing it – Oprah Winfrey
If you had told me last year that I would be participating in a fitness study and enjoying it I would have told you that you were dreaming. Yes, I can't believe I am doing it!
Yes, this is my third week in the Brest Cancer Beta fitness study and all is going well. I seem to be improving very slowly however it is really hard to tell. The only measure that I can really see if the length of time that I and do my aerobic training and my heart rate during that time. I sure hope it is doing something to my body as well but not sure what at this point! The results will take one year so it's a bit like waiting for Christmas morning to come when you were a child.
The shoe issue seems to have solved itself so I feel that the shoes that I have now are the ones for these little Cinderella feet! I am hoping that these shoes are going to transform me as Cinderella was transformed. I'm not looking for the prince (I got one already), for the pumpkin coach (I have my Nissan Versa already) or the other princess trimmings (diamonds) however I do hope that this effort that I am putting in will make a difference in my health and will contribute to the health of my friends daughters and grand daughters. This is my only wish. I hope that it is not to much to ask for.
I met Vicky while on the treadmill. She is a realtor and was randomized for the 1 hour portion of the study and she is in her 1st week. She is motivated and excited to be in the program as well. It is great to meet so many people with a common goal. It is very inspiring and motivating!
If you had told me last year that I would be participating in a fitness study and enjoying it I would have told you that you were dreaming. Yes, I can't believe I am doing it!
Yes, this is my third week in the Brest Cancer Beta fitness study and all is going well. I seem to be improving very slowly however it is really hard to tell. The only measure that I can really see if the length of time that I and do my aerobic training and my heart rate during that time. I sure hope it is doing something to my body as well but not sure what at this point! The results will take one year so it's a bit like waiting for Christmas morning to come when you were a child.
The shoe issue seems to have solved itself so I feel that the shoes that I have now are the ones for these little Cinderella feet! I am hoping that these shoes are going to transform me as Cinderella was transformed. I'm not looking for the prince (I got one already), for the pumpkin coach (I have my Nissan Versa already) or the other princess trimmings (diamonds) however I do hope that this effort that I am putting in will make a difference in my health and will contribute to the health of my friends daughters and grand daughters. This is my only wish. I hope that it is not to much to ask for.
I met Vicky while on the treadmill. She is a realtor and was randomized for the 1 hour portion of the study and she is in her 1st week. She is motivated and excited to be in the program as well. It is great to meet so many people with a common goal. It is very inspiring and motivating!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
My first training session on my own
It is interesting to go to the gym when the trainers are not there and really not know anyone else that is there working out. I prefer the interaction with others in the program for the motivation. I enjoyed being able to come in and get my workout done early but there was no one around to ask questions when I ran into a problem. It was my choice to work out on Family Day when the trainers had a day off so I can’t complain. I did find that there were a lot less people working out on the holiday but that perhaps was because I was there at 8 am. Not everyone is an early bird like me!
My issue was with my watch. This is the 2nd time I have had a watch issue so not sure what this means. I am zipping along on the elliptical machine and staying within my allotted heart rate. Keeping a close eye on the watch to make sure when all of a sudden my heart rate went from 118 to 60 and then stayed there. I had my watch sitting on the ledge of the elliptical machine where I could see it better. After I noticed this issue I checked the elliptical machine for my heart rate and it was at the 118 mark still. So far the elliptical was bang on with the watch or just one mark below depending on the machine. I then picked up the watch and brought it closer to the transmission equipment on my body and it them changed back to the heart rate that was on the elliptical. I think it was the same machine the same elliptical that I used last time when I encountered the problem. Is it me or the watch?
My shoes might still be an issue. My feet felt ok on the elliptical however when I moved to the treadmill my arches seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable as well as my right foot on the top right near where it joins the leg in the front. This occurred when I raised the level of the treadmill. I then lowered the treadmill however could still feel the shoes on my arches. I guess I will have to check up on the shoes again. I hope I don’t have to resort to wearing boxes on my feet.
Not sure if this exercise is making a difference my body composition and I will have to wait and see. I know I want to see immediate results but it would be nice to know if I am making any progress at all. I am looking forward to working my way up to doing my training for a longer period of time so that perhaps I will get more benefit of the work out. I know that this program has been designed to ensure that the participants work up to the level that they should be at according to their preliminary tests but I am anxious to get on with it now that I have made the commitment. I have to trust their judgment.
My issue was with my watch. This is the 2nd time I have had a watch issue so not sure what this means. I am zipping along on the elliptical machine and staying within my allotted heart rate. Keeping a close eye on the watch to make sure when all of a sudden my heart rate went from 118 to 60 and then stayed there. I had my watch sitting on the ledge of the elliptical machine where I could see it better. After I noticed this issue I checked the elliptical machine for my heart rate and it was at the 118 mark still. So far the elliptical was bang on with the watch or just one mark below depending on the machine. I then picked up the watch and brought it closer to the transmission equipment on my body and it them changed back to the heart rate that was on the elliptical. I think it was the same machine the same elliptical that I used last time when I encountered the problem. Is it me or the watch?
My shoes might still be an issue. My feet felt ok on the elliptical however when I moved to the treadmill my arches seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable as well as my right foot on the top right near where it joins the leg in the front. This occurred when I raised the level of the treadmill. I then lowered the treadmill however could still feel the shoes on my arches. I guess I will have to check up on the shoes again. I hope I don’t have to resort to wearing boxes on my feet.
Not sure if this exercise is making a difference my body composition and I will have to wait and see. I know I want to see immediate results but it would be nice to know if I am making any progress at all. I am looking forward to working my way up to doing my training for a longer period of time so that perhaps I will get more benefit of the work out. I know that this program has been designed to ensure that the participants work up to the level that they should be at according to their preliminary tests but I am anxious to get on with it now that I have made the commitment. I have to trust their judgment.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Burst of Energy
What is with this burst of energy??? Is this the result of exercising? I feel like I can do more...I just finished doing a total revamp of my family room. Vacuumed the place from corner to corner and got rid of a huge family of dust bunnies, some pieces of dog kibble, cob webs and other unknown substances. Man where does all that dust come from...it's winter and there is snow. You have to wonder. I moved the furniture around to a new configuration. Why did we buy such heavy furniture? I will be checking that out when we buy the next ones. We need furniture that is easier to move.
Well I feel like I could tackle another room but think maybe I should hold back for a day or two. Don't want to over do it. Besides I am heading to Westside Fitness center tomorrow morning bright and early so I need to save something for my work out. I'll be done by 9 am and everyone else will be just getting there.
Tomorrow the fitness trainer will not be there but she has said that I can go in and do my work out and then she will get the information off of my watch. I plan on being there when they open...8 am. I want to do my thing and get on with the day. I bet for once I will find a very nice parking spot. The lot won't be full at that time of the morning. I will be nice.
I have been getting plenty of exercise today catering to my husband who had knee surgery on Thursday last week. He has to have his leg up and with the ice on it. I am bringing juice, then the ice pack, oh I forgot the towel. I run down stairs to get that. It is a mini workout on it's ok. I wish I could be recording this one too.
Well I feel like I could tackle another room but think maybe I should hold back for a day or two. Don't want to over do it. Besides I am heading to Westside Fitness center tomorrow morning bright and early so I need to save something for my work out. I'll be done by 9 am and everyone else will be just getting there.
Tomorrow the fitness trainer will not be there but she has said that I can go in and do my work out and then she will get the information off of my watch. I plan on being there when they open...8 am. I want to do my thing and get on with the day. I bet for once I will find a very nice parking spot. The lot won't be full at that time of the morning. I will be nice.
I have been getting plenty of exercise today catering to my husband who had knee surgery on Thursday last week. He has to have his leg up and with the ice on it. I am bringing juice, then the ice pack, oh I forgot the towel. I run down stairs to get that. It is a mini workout on it's ok. I wish I could be recording this one too.
Thoughts on blogging
Blogging seems to take a bit of effort to make it interesting. I have been working on figuring out how to put in some advertising so that I can donate any funds raised to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This is the group that is sponsoring the Beta Fitness study that I am participating in. I guess I will have to read a bit more and get this going.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Today the sun rises for me
Today the sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animate, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.
Anne De Lenclos
Anne De Lenclos
Thursday, February 17, 2011
New shoes
Gord's Running Store www.gordsrunningstore.com is supplying the participants in this study with a pair of running shoes. Nice shoes...to bad my feet don't fit most of them. I've tired on 12 pairs now! First women's and I had a beautiful pair that seemed to be a very comfortable pair of shoes however they were not for me. No, I had to try one more and am the luck women who can wear a nice pair of men's Saucony runners. So be it. As long as they are good for my feel that is ok with me. Mark was very helpful and returning my first pair that I found did not fit well. Mark is patient with making sure that he found a pair of shoes that fit my wide foot and the narrow heel. Great guy and very understanding.
Make sure you stop by Gord's store. You will be surprised by very personalized service and they will work with you for as long as you need to get it right. It's nice to see a store like that. They are more interested in getting the right shoes for your foot than hurrying you into a sale. Thanks for the great personal service.
I'm off to do my fitness tonight again and will find out how these shoes work for me. Mark said that if they bother my feet or my knees etc make a note of where and give him a call and come back in. They are just toooooo awesome!
Make sure you stop by Gord's store. You will be surprised by very personalized service and they will work with you for as long as you need to get it right. It's nice to see a store like that. They are more interested in getting the right shoes for your foot than hurrying you into a sale. Thanks for the great personal service.
I'm off to do my fitness tonight again and will find out how these shoes work for me. Mark said that if they bother my feet or my knees etc make a note of where and give him a call and come back in. They are just toooooo awesome!
Monday, February 14, 2011
A remarkable woman
A remarkable woman.
The warmth.
The wisdom.
A life worth living, recording and remembering.
An authentic journey.
Her moments.
Her memories.
Her compassion.
Her courage.
Her journal.
This is her life.
Celebrate her.
The warmth.
The wisdom.
A life worth living, recording and remembering.
An authentic journey.
Her moments.
Her memories.
Her compassion.
Her courage.
Her journal.
This is her life.
Celebrate her.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
I survived the first week!
Wow - my first week of actual fitness training I completed today. That was fast! I survived moving from being a couch potato to making an attempt at fitness. I guess you would say I am moving down this road, slowly but it is not a race but a journey that will provide the study with the results they need. I know it will probably help me as well improve my over all health.
I still feel a great privilege to be in this program. I was unaware of where the funding was used from the many funding drives that the different fund raising groups goes. I volunteer and collect funds door to door for a number of groups and I can now see first hand where some of the money that is raised is going. It is a behind the scenes look at how my small contribution of volunteering pays off working toward intervention in disease. Next time I am volunteering for door to door fund raising I will be thinking of what those funds will be doing when they are allocated.
Parking can be a bit of an issue here it seems. I found a parking spot around the back but the entrance was for hockey so I had to take a puzzle route through the complete complex to get to the sign in area. I won't be parking in that area again. Not only is it difficult to find your way to the front desk you also have to maneuver your way around 8 year old boys scrambling down the hall unsupervised with their hockey equipment. A sight to see to say the least.
When I arrived I met Sue. Another slim, petite and friendly blond. She used to be a nurse and now she is a trainer. I also met Alexandria again. She is a lady I met on Thursday evening who also joined the same week as I have. We both started on the spin bikes. Those seats are NOT designed for women's butts that is for sure. The seat that Alexandria sat on was designed for men and she had to move to the elliptical instead. Her seat was just to uncomfortable for her. My seat was better but not great for a big butt however I finished my 5 minutes and moved on to the elliptical. I don't mind the spin bike and would rate the experience at a 7 out of 10 however that is only because the seat could have been more comfortable for a heavier person.
There was another lady on an elliptical and she was moving at the speed of light. I am looking at her and thinking I am a sad excuse for an exerciser and then the trainer mentioned that she had been in the program now for 6 months and she is now at that level. It looked pretty easy for her. She is definitely inspiring however quite a bit skinner than I am. I still enjoy using the elliptical and so far it is one of my favorites. May be it is the variety of moving more than one part of the body at the same time or perhaps it is just the view of the outside. I am not sure that this point.
Our next introduction was to the rope machine. Interesting. Pulling a rope from above your head using hand over hand movements above your head and pulling down on the rope. This seemed to make my arms and shoulders tired quite quickly in after one minutes I was happy to move on to the rowing machine. I would rate the rope pull as a 6 however once I am able to use it better will probably be ok with it.
After the rope machine Alexandria and I were off to the rowing machine again. Still not my favorite piece of equipment because it is awkward to get into and on top of that there is no view, not much to see. I did however survive the 5 minutes I needed on there. I can see the befits of using the rower and will make sure I incorporate it into my schedule but will want to get it over with as soon as possible to move on to a machine that has more interesting things to look at when I am using it.
I jumped off the rowing machine and walked around the track twice to cool down and then learned how to use the stretching machine. Pretty neat piece of equipment that will stretch you all out after your work out. Sounds a bit mid evil - like a stretcher where they put your feet and your hands in irons and then use a lever to crank a big chain. This piece of equipment is much more sophisticated and it is easy to use with detailed instructions right on the machine so there is no missing what to do for each one. I think there were 5 or 6 things to do. I would rate using this machine as a 9 out of 10.
When I got home I got a burst of energy and cleaned my laundry room that I had wanted to clean for awhile. It was a great feeling. I feet a bit more energized than I have in the past. Not sure if this physiological or if it real but it felt good. I hope this is the start of good things to come.
I asked the trainer why everyone that is a trainer that I have ever seem is always young. What happens to trainers when they get old? Are they all trained out....use up and or in some back room? She explained that there were quite a few of them still around and explained her age. Looks are deceiving...I guess exercise makes you look younger. Now all I want to know can it turn back the clock. I want to be Cinderella......I'm looking for the glass slippers but when I look down there are my gym shoes....maybe in the weeks to come my Versa will turn into that pumpkin and transport me. Alas it will probably be hard work and perseverance and the encouragement of the trainers that will move me toward this goal.
I am finding it easier to want to go to the fitness centre when I know that there will be other people there my age. I have been at fitness centres before but everyone is years and pounds younger than I am so it is a bit disheartening. It really didn't want to make me go back. I felt out of place. So far I have not felt that way with this study. I am seeing plenty of people in my age group so it is encouraging.
One thing that I am noticing and have noticed in the past when I have used a fitness centre is that they do not seem to be equipped for heavy overweight people who want to work out. Of course these are people who really need to use the facilities and would like to try. You ask why I say this.
The seating for the equipment is uncomfortable. They are not designed to encourage the overweight and obese to use them. Being overweight it is confidence issue when going to the gym in the first place because everyone is much fitter than you and then faced with using equipment that is not designed for someone with your current physic and current body structure is definitely discouraging. A small seat that disappears when you sit down and all you can see if flesh hanging over and the seat seems to feel it is jammed into your body. Sure you can say this is the excuse of a person who has not worked out however we need to encourage the public to improve their health. Today it is reported that society is becoming more and more overweight and unhealthy and the design of these facilities does not focus on helping this segment of the population to want to use these services. It seems that there are services at fitness facilities for the youth and the fit but nothing for the unfit, obese and elderly. It is interesting that you see very few middle age people using these facilities. These comments are observations only and in no way reflect the quality of this trial.
Today I was in range (111 - 117) for 17 minutes and my average heart rate was 114. I don't know if that is good or bad however it is where they want me to be so I know that it is good.
I still feel a great privilege to be in this program. I was unaware of where the funding was used from the many funding drives that the different fund raising groups goes. I volunteer and collect funds door to door for a number of groups and I can now see first hand where some of the money that is raised is going. It is a behind the scenes look at how my small contribution of volunteering pays off working toward intervention in disease. Next time I am volunteering for door to door fund raising I will be thinking of what those funds will be doing when they are allocated.
Parking can be a bit of an issue here it seems. I found a parking spot around the back but the entrance was for hockey so I had to take a puzzle route through the complete complex to get to the sign in area. I won't be parking in that area again. Not only is it difficult to find your way to the front desk you also have to maneuver your way around 8 year old boys scrambling down the hall unsupervised with their hockey equipment. A sight to see to say the least.
When I arrived I met Sue. Another slim, petite and friendly blond. She used to be a nurse and now she is a trainer. I also met Alexandria again. She is a lady I met on Thursday evening who also joined the same week as I have. We both started on the spin bikes. Those seats are NOT designed for women's butts that is for sure. The seat that Alexandria sat on was designed for men and she had to move to the elliptical instead. Her seat was just to uncomfortable for her. My seat was better but not great for a big butt however I finished my 5 minutes and moved on to the elliptical. I don't mind the spin bike and would rate the experience at a 7 out of 10 however that is only because the seat could have been more comfortable for a heavier person.
There was another lady on an elliptical and she was moving at the speed of light. I am looking at her and thinking I am a sad excuse for an exerciser and then the trainer mentioned that she had been in the program now for 6 months and she is now at that level. It looked pretty easy for her. She is definitely inspiring however quite a bit skinner than I am. I still enjoy using the elliptical and so far it is one of my favorites. May be it is the variety of moving more than one part of the body at the same time or perhaps it is just the view of the outside. I am not sure that this point.
Our next introduction was to the rope machine. Interesting. Pulling a rope from above your head using hand over hand movements above your head and pulling down on the rope. This seemed to make my arms and shoulders tired quite quickly in after one minutes I was happy to move on to the rowing machine. I would rate the rope pull as a 6 however once I am able to use it better will probably be ok with it.
After the rope machine Alexandria and I were off to the rowing machine again. Still not my favorite piece of equipment because it is awkward to get into and on top of that there is no view, not much to see. I did however survive the 5 minutes I needed on there. I can see the befits of using the rower and will make sure I incorporate it into my schedule but will want to get it over with as soon as possible to move on to a machine that has more interesting things to look at when I am using it.
I jumped off the rowing machine and walked around the track twice to cool down and then learned how to use the stretching machine. Pretty neat piece of equipment that will stretch you all out after your work out. Sounds a bit mid evil - like a stretcher where they put your feet and your hands in irons and then use a lever to crank a big chain. This piece of equipment is much more sophisticated and it is easy to use with detailed instructions right on the machine so there is no missing what to do for each one. I think there were 5 or 6 things to do. I would rate using this machine as a 9 out of 10.
When I got home I got a burst of energy and cleaned my laundry room that I had wanted to clean for awhile. It was a great feeling. I feet a bit more energized than I have in the past. Not sure if this physiological or if it real but it felt good. I hope this is the start of good things to come.
I asked the trainer why everyone that is a trainer that I have ever seem is always young. What happens to trainers when they get old? Are they all trained out....use up and or in some back room? She explained that there were quite a few of them still around and explained her age. Looks are deceiving...I guess exercise makes you look younger. Now all I want to know can it turn back the clock. I want to be Cinderella......I'm looking for the glass slippers but when I look down there are my gym shoes....maybe in the weeks to come my Versa will turn into that pumpkin and transport me. Alas it will probably be hard work and perseverance and the encouragement of the trainers that will move me toward this goal.
I am finding it easier to want to go to the fitness centre when I know that there will be other people there my age. I have been at fitness centres before but everyone is years and pounds younger than I am so it is a bit disheartening. It really didn't want to make me go back. I felt out of place. So far I have not felt that way with this study. I am seeing plenty of people in my age group so it is encouraging.
One thing that I am noticing and have noticed in the past when I have used a fitness centre is that they do not seem to be equipped for heavy overweight people who want to work out. Of course these are people who really need to use the facilities and would like to try. You ask why I say this.
The seating for the equipment is uncomfortable. They are not designed to encourage the overweight and obese to use them. Being overweight it is confidence issue when going to the gym in the first place because everyone is much fitter than you and then faced with using equipment that is not designed for someone with your current physic and current body structure is definitely discouraging. A small seat that disappears when you sit down and all you can see if flesh hanging over and the seat seems to feel it is jammed into your body. Sure you can say this is the excuse of a person who has not worked out however we need to encourage the public to improve their health. Today it is reported that society is becoming more and more overweight and unhealthy and the design of these facilities does not focus on helping this segment of the population to want to use these services. It seems that there are services at fitness facilities for the youth and the fit but nothing for the unfit, obese and elderly. It is interesting that you see very few middle age people using these facilities. These comments are observations only and in no way reflect the quality of this trial.
Today I was in range (111 - 117) for 17 minutes and my average heart rate was 114. I don't know if that is good or bad however it is where they want me to be so I know that it is good.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 2 of my Beta Exercise Trial Study
Getting the the fitness centre was a whole lot easier tonight. I left work a few minutes early and headed down Crowchild trail and was breezing along thinking this is great and I will be there early this time. All of a sudden I heard the screams of sirens and sure enough in my rear view mirror I could see a fire truck flying in my direction. I pulled over to the edge of the road and it flew by and I could see an ambulance coming. The accident was just in front of me but once the traffic started to move again I had enough time to pull into the far left hand lane of traffic and managed to get by with out much delay. I guess I hadn't left work early I may have been late getting there. The joys of traffic in Calgary. Don't they know I am on the way to an important Beta Trial Study? Really still need to figure out how to get there by going on Sarcee Trail so I have an alternate route.
I arrived still a bit early no trainer was around so waited and then met Tanya. Nice very friendly petite and slim blond.....oh to be that fit! My dream. She introduced herself and said that I should warm up by walking around the track two times. Off I go to see the sights! It was interesting to walk around the track. There is much to see in the centre. The centre itself is huge and has plenty of windows to other fitness areas - swimming pool, climbing wall, skating rink and of course the beautiful outdoors where you can see the mountains. They have a spectacular view there. The other thing of course is the people watching as you are walking by - weight lifters, other walkers, runners and lots of people on other aerobic machines. It is easy to entertain yourself while you walk by casually and checking out what everyone is doing.
Once done the walking I met with Tanya and she provided me with my heart rate monitor and advised me how to put it on. You put what appears to be a type of large elastic band around your upper torso just below your bra. I had no idea that you had to wet the little connectors on the starp so that they would transmit your heart rate. I learned something new - that's how it works. I received instruction on what button to push to start recording and when to stop.....what button was that...I hope I hit the right one!
I was then off to try the Express bike. Now that is a piece of equipment I like. I has a video screen and it is similar to riding a bike outside because a path appears on the screen in front of you and there are different inclines. It was fun and I enjoyed it. Not like riding a stationary bike at home in front of TV. My stationary bike was tooooo noisy so I got rid of it. You need entertainment when riding a bike if you are not outside. 5 minutes on the bike and on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate the experience as 10. I then headed to a new piece of equipment - rowing machine! Never been on a rowing machine and I thought it was going to be much harder than it seemed. The tricky part was sitting as it seemed tippy and then getting your both feet secured before you fell off. I managed to negotiate it and again 5 minutes flew by quickly. I guess I would rate it as a 6. I need a bit more stimulation when I am working out. Not enough entertainment value here but definitely good for you but BORING. I went back to see Tanya and she gave the option and I chose the elliptical for my last 5 minutes of workout tonight. I felt that elliptical was good because it works your arms and your legs. Rating on this was about an 8 out of 10. A good view of the outside with people walking or diving arriving or leaving. That was a fast 5 minutes. Yup. I pressed the wrong button on the watch already but Tanya was there to save the day. Another walk around the track and I am done! I must remember to take my head set with me so that I can listen to my iphone music or plug into their systems.
I sat with Tanya and she explained what my fitness level is and who it relates to my risk of heart disease etc. I am of course in the increased risk but only by 4%. I guess this is good but I thought I was worse than that so I perhaps I can improve. I am hoping by the end of the study that will be drop to below the 4% rate. It is a goal to keep in mind while doing the study. I have a year to work on it!
Tanya also recorded all my results. There is a lot of recording and paper work that needs to be done for the study. This study is important so tracking the information is extremely important.
Tanya sent me home with homework. Well not really home work but it is a book about the study and some hints on how to be successful as well, how to set some goals and nutritional information. Looks like some good information but will have to read it later. I breezed through it just to see what was in there but want to read it better so that I can incorporate the information that they suggest. I am sure it will be useful.
It was a nice workout and I am feeling good. Not exhausted but good. I thought this was going to be much harder to do. I know that the pace will increase as we go along but that is to be expected but I will work up to that level. It is so much easier when you have a trainer. You know how to get started and not work so hard that you never want to go back to exercise again. I will have to wait to see how I feel tomorrow if I have any aches from the little workout I have done. The other advantage of the trainer is they are their to encourage you and make sure you are successful - it is such a treat to have someone interested in seeing you be successful. Everyone should have this type of positive exercise experience. I think if I had a trainer before I may have exercised regularly (or maybe not but I feel interested and motivated). If did have a gym membership before but not a trainer and it was hard to know how much to do and how to work up to more. I never really felt that it was for me - even in the beginning. It was hard to go and not have anyone who met you or said hi that you knew. I guess for me I need a bit of the socialization to stay motivated.
Other participants in the study are constantly coming and going and there are lots of people that are at the same level I am at or just a bit ahead of me. The time goes by very fast and before you know it you are done for the session.
My next session is on Saturday morning at 9 am. It's a good start to a Saturday. I'm an early bird so it will be great to go and do it first thing in the morning.
I arrived still a bit early no trainer was around so waited and then met Tanya. Nice very friendly petite and slim blond.....oh to be that fit! My dream. She introduced herself and said that I should warm up by walking around the track two times. Off I go to see the sights! It was interesting to walk around the track. There is much to see in the centre. The centre itself is huge and has plenty of windows to other fitness areas - swimming pool, climbing wall, skating rink and of course the beautiful outdoors where you can see the mountains. They have a spectacular view there. The other thing of course is the people watching as you are walking by - weight lifters, other walkers, runners and lots of people on other aerobic machines. It is easy to entertain yourself while you walk by casually and checking out what everyone is doing.
Once done the walking I met with Tanya and she provided me with my heart rate monitor and advised me how to put it on. You put what appears to be a type of large elastic band around your upper torso just below your bra. I had no idea that you had to wet the little connectors on the starp so that they would transmit your heart rate. I learned something new - that's how it works. I received instruction on what button to push to start recording and when to stop.....what button was that...I hope I hit the right one!
I was then off to try the Express bike. Now that is a piece of equipment I like. I has a video screen and it is similar to riding a bike outside because a path appears on the screen in front of you and there are different inclines. It was fun and I enjoyed it. Not like riding a stationary bike at home in front of TV. My stationary bike was tooooo noisy so I got rid of it. You need entertainment when riding a bike if you are not outside. 5 minutes on the bike and on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate the experience as 10. I then headed to a new piece of equipment - rowing machine! Never been on a rowing machine and I thought it was going to be much harder than it seemed. The tricky part was sitting as it seemed tippy and then getting your both feet secured before you fell off. I managed to negotiate it and again 5 minutes flew by quickly. I guess I would rate it as a 6. I need a bit more stimulation when I am working out. Not enough entertainment value here but definitely good for you but BORING. I went back to see Tanya and she gave the option and I chose the elliptical for my last 5 minutes of workout tonight. I felt that elliptical was good because it works your arms and your legs. Rating on this was about an 8 out of 10. A good view of the outside with people walking or diving arriving or leaving. That was a fast 5 minutes. Yup. I pressed the wrong button on the watch already but Tanya was there to save the day. Another walk around the track and I am done! I must remember to take my head set with me so that I can listen to my iphone music or plug into their systems.
I sat with Tanya and she explained what my fitness level is and who it relates to my risk of heart disease etc. I am of course in the increased risk but only by 4%. I guess this is good but I thought I was worse than that so I perhaps I can improve. I am hoping by the end of the study that will be drop to below the 4% rate. It is a goal to keep in mind while doing the study. I have a year to work on it!
Tanya also recorded all my results. There is a lot of recording and paper work that needs to be done for the study. This study is important so tracking the information is extremely important.
Tanya sent me home with homework. Well not really home work but it is a book about the study and some hints on how to be successful as well, how to set some goals and nutritional information. Looks like some good information but will have to read it later. I breezed through it just to see what was in there but want to read it better so that I can incorporate the information that they suggest. I am sure it will be useful.
It was a nice workout and I am feeling good. Not exhausted but good. I thought this was going to be much harder to do. I know that the pace will increase as we go along but that is to be expected but I will work up to that level. It is so much easier when you have a trainer. You know how to get started and not work so hard that you never want to go back to exercise again. I will have to wait to see how I feel tomorrow if I have any aches from the little workout I have done. The other advantage of the trainer is they are their to encourage you and make sure you are successful - it is such a treat to have someone interested in seeing you be successful. Everyone should have this type of positive exercise experience. I think if I had a trainer before I may have exercised regularly (or maybe not but I feel interested and motivated). If did have a gym membership before but not a trainer and it was hard to know how much to do and how to work up to more. I never really felt that it was for me - even in the beginning. It was hard to go and not have anyone who met you or said hi that you knew. I guess for me I need a bit of the socialization to stay motivated.
Other participants in the study are constantly coming and going and there are lots of people that are at the same level I am at or just a bit ahead of me. The time goes by very fast and before you know it you are done for the session.
My next session is on Saturday morning at 9 am. It's a good start to a Saturday. I'm an early bird so it will be great to go and do it first thing in the morning.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The day has come to start
It seems that my journey to start this beta fitness trail has taken forever! The drive to the fitness center was an experience. I am still trying to figure out the best way to go from where I work at SAIT in the NW to the fitness centre located in the SW. It is a journey in rush hour to say the least.
When I arrived Jason, one of the trainers, was there to meet me at the door. He took me to get my membership and a photo taken. Just as bad as my driver's photo but no one is going to see it. I will make sure! It is horrible....is that really what I look like.......help!
I then had a tour of the fitness centre different areas and changed into my exercise cloths. Jason showed me the upstairs area and where the beta trainer staff meeting room was. He explained how the program would work and gave me freebies! Yes, I received a very nice pink Beta t-shirt, a pink water bottle, a note book and also a certificate for running shoes.
The beta study office is a busy little office with study participants coming and going. Every one is friendly and welcoming. Jason got me started on the tread mill, the elliptical and finally on the bike - 5 minutes on each. That's it for tonight. I guess they don't want you to go from inactive to active to fast so you don't injure yourself. They have a plan that will work me up to 30 minutes exercise 5 days a week over a 6 week period. I had myself psyched out that I would be doing the 30 minutes right off and was expecting to go home exhausted but I feel great! Makes you want to go back. I can't wait to do more.
I learned today that they now have 92 people in the program and that only about 10% of the people who apply meet the criteria for the study. Not sure if that is good for me or bad....I guess I am bad enough for the study but still good enough but not to healthy. It will be interesting to see the results at the end.
I have two more sessions to attend this week. I have chosen Thursday evening and Saturday morning. I will be exercising 15 minutes those days and will be given a heart rate monitor on Thursday evening to record my information.
When I arrived Jason, one of the trainers, was there to meet me at the door. He took me to get my membership and a photo taken. Just as bad as my driver's photo but no one is going to see it. I will make sure! It is horrible....is that really what I look like.......help!
I then had a tour of the fitness centre different areas and changed into my exercise cloths. Jason showed me the upstairs area and where the beta trainer staff meeting room was. He explained how the program would work and gave me freebies! Yes, I received a very nice pink Beta t-shirt, a pink water bottle, a note book and also a certificate for running shoes.
The beta study office is a busy little office with study participants coming and going. Every one is friendly and welcoming. Jason got me started on the tread mill, the elliptical and finally on the bike - 5 minutes on each. That's it for tonight. I guess they don't want you to go from inactive to active to fast so you don't injure yourself. They have a plan that will work me up to 30 minutes exercise 5 days a week over a 6 week period. I had myself psyched out that I would be doing the 30 minutes right off and was expecting to go home exhausted but I feel great! Makes you want to go back. I can't wait to do more.
I learned today that they now have 92 people in the program and that only about 10% of the people who apply meet the criteria for the study. Not sure if that is good for me or bad....I guess I am bad enough for the study but still good enough but not to healthy. It will be interesting to see the results at the end.
I have two more sessions to attend this week. I have chosen Thursday evening and Saturday morning. I will be exercising 15 minutes those days and will be given a heart rate monitor on Thursday evening to record my information.
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