Kicking LEs butt!! Exercise & Self Care Log
Comments
-
Yesterday I did self care routines but no exercise. Packed and finished last minute paperwork. Hey, remember the bathing suit I wore last month that made me sad? Well, I took some scissors and cut the cups out, and it feels and looks much better. Works as an extra suit for swimming in pool at night. Foot is feeling good, and when I arrive in FL tomorrow, I am getting some walking/jogging in. I wonder if being thrown back and forth while walking in the train counts as extra steps??
0 -
Just whizzed through the posts and noticed that some were having truncal problems. Can't remember who.
What I found out was, since I have been inactive my breast gets a bit stingy and my back of armpit gets a fuller feeling. I think I solved the problem with the stingy breast area...yup!
You see when I was regularly walking I had very little truncal problem(do wear shapers daily though) and no stingy breast at all. The secret is.....It was because when I walked I bent my elbow so my hands wouldn't hang and then I would pump my fists occasionally. But I think the best was I also got my shoulder blades involved and this helped clear fluid. This shoulder movement is like sawing wood movement. Of course the nordic poles do the same thing and I used those alot to. I know it works because yesterday I had the breast stingy feeling and I went out for a slow brief walk and pumped my fists and shoulders as described above.------Guess what. Stingy breast left the scene! yeah! And...............................hasn't come back!
Found out I can do 10 minute walks and then strectch out hips/quads/legs and then I am ok, so.... I have divided my walk today into 3 segments. If there is a will there is a way.
Of course my theory above could change as fast as the dirty LE devil changes. But it worked yesterday.
All the rest of you having a hard time in the heat. I just feel for you. I generally love the sun but today with the clouds out I actually told my DH that this was a perfect LE weather day! I do miss the effects when the sun is out though. I get really happy, cause the coast is so rainy all the time it can pull you down.
Dawne-hope, Oh my girl, what is going on with you? Sending chocolate brownies to cheer you up with all that garbage you are dealing with.
The rest of you hang on and remember Tina's new hobby. Redesigning Swim Suits. It sure made her feel better about the LE suit situation she had. Let me see, what can I do to my suit. I know...Sew in a shaper that sucks off 30lbs of fat!
0 -
Just did an hour on treadmill--wiped as I did intervals. As long as I stay inside I do fine. Oh well.
Hugz--Glad you figured out a program for yourself.
Tina--Way to go on the suit. Now go buy 10 more just like it!
Dawne--Add chocolate chips to the top of the brownies--oh and they are calorie free!
0 -
Hi, Hugz! It is all about improvising and finding a way, isn't it? Glad you found 10 min segments and stretching makes walking doable. I know what you mean about not moving contributing to swelling. Definitely true for me, too. That and WATER!!!
Let's not forget to hydrate as a way to deal with that LE misery. A bite of chocolate, then a few sips of water, repeat as needed!!!
Speaking of improvising, in the private car of the train there's enough room to jog in place! Inside curtains closed, of course. I was facing outside jogging, and some guy in a car on the highway looked over and saw me, his mouth sort of dropped open. I started waving!! Decided it was better to shut all curtains during jogging sessions. It felt better getting up and moving. Any kind of moving. Oh, and I am improvising drawing while on train because you can't do much intentional with markers and hope for a happy result. So that was fun and different for a while. Now it's time for dinner. Trying to save computer time for later when it's dark.0 -
Tina, thanks for WATER reminder. Deep breaths everyone. For sheer fun of it, I really think you should keep jogging with the curtains open. We only live once and we need to keep the shock factor alive in our lives. I think what you did was a hoot and you are wise to exercise anywhere you can. I am so proud of you. We all are.
ps. I fist pump walking in public and I don't care. One guy past me and said, "oh I thought you were waving at me" He waved back.
Ohio. In religious services I put my arm around my daughter like I am her buddy, but really I am keeping my arm up instead of on my lap. Just watch the chairtop doesn't dig into your arm, cause that is bad. By the way I really love my girl, I feel like I am taking advantage of her though. After all if there was a freaky person next to me, I wouldn't dare put my arm around them.
Becky. You just floor me! You rock even on treadmills.
How many others here being sedentry adds to swelling?
0 -
Dawne-Hope, I have lived that frustration of dragging baggage down interminably long corridors, only to find the key does not work. And it already took all the patience and persistance you could muster to get from home to that hotel, so any ability to take the irritation in stride is long gone. Add to that the knowledge that your LE is already gonna bark at you after all the un-ergonomic movement from hauling stuff through the day's travels, and well, those desk people should deliver you a replacement key on a platter, right next to a 6-inch brownie. If only you could get their attention without dragging butt and luggage back to the lobby. On your behalf, I'm growling loud enough that they'll hear me all the way over in the grrrr thread! You have had way too many LE-related frustrations lately. I sure hope your days improve a bit now.
There are two really good lessons to learn from what's been posted on this thread today:1) find ways to stay active, and 2) find the humor in our LE world. Hugz's posts make me laugh out loud pretty often, and this evening I am howling at the thought of Tina jogging in place while waving at people who are scowling as they are stuck waiting for the train to get by the railroad crossing. And Tina Scissorhands is a good visual, too...take THAT you malfunctional bathing suit!!
Ohio, I love Hugz's suggestion for putting her arm around a loved one's shoulder at church. You could also try crossing your arms to keep them up a bit, but then people might think you're in some kind of anger mode, so if you do that, keep a smile, or at least an angelic look, on your face.
Today my ferry ride across Lake Michigan was well, rocky, from the storm. People were having a hard time walking on the ferry--lurching is a better way to describe it--so I stayed firmly planted in my seat for the 2.5 hours. But wonderfully, the storm moved east as I moved west, and just about on arrival, the storm ended. Only then it got hot, up to 95 degrees, and in the sun, that was too hot for me to walk very far or very long. So, no boat deck walking, followed by no pleasant city walking. Instead I did a long session of Leslie Sansone DVD in my hotel room. I asked for a main floor room to avoid making people below unhappy, and I had to put the coffee table on top of the bed to make enough room--small room! But I got about 15,400 steps in, plus another 2,200 steps when I went to a grocery store in search of a salad and yogurt for dinner. I made a walking detour to a camping store I had passed on the way, where I searched good bug repellent products to try (6-day river kayaking-camping trip coming up next month, so I need to start testing my options now).
MLD in another hour or so and I will feel like I had a pretty good LE-care day.
Carol
0 -
Hugz, thanks for the encouragement. Rounds two, three and four of jogging were with curtains open! It is weird jogging on something that's moving . . over water, or horns blaring going through little towns. I love riding on the train. The porter just put my bed down, so no more room to jog tonight unless it's through the cars. I think I will just get cozy and catch up with what's happening on BCO. I love the fist pumping while walking, gotta do it, and people do think you are waving. It gets their attention anyway! Aw, that is sweet you can put your arm around your girl, accomplishing two things at once that make you feel good. :-)
Carol, that's a humorous visual of you in the hotel room, coffee table on bed and Leslie Sansone blaring, "Now march! Work it out!" Very kind of you to ask for ground floor. LOL Great step count today!0 -
Today I did the Lebed DVD - just the first 15; MLD; Flexi. I got my water in, didn't get the steps in. Just gotta get consistent on those steps.
Still have some swelling but greatly reduced. Think I'll look for the Sansone DVD's online - I used to have the VHS but DVDs will travel more easily.
I'm pretty sure my mom won't mind if I put my arm around her during church - I'll get creative finding ways to move that arm during service. Wondering how many of the Leded stretches I can do without being too obvious.
Off to sleep - will increase the exercise tomorrow.
0 -
You all are 100% diehards.
I bet Carol sneaks off to the airplane toilet to step on the seat to do some quick dance moves, and they wonder why she is in there so long! You all are so dedicated. Everyone deserves 5 stars today including myself...... if you don't mind. Looks like some of us had dates with Leslie today?
Ohio. Once the dreaded LE arm is around your loved one, Try sneaking in a few fist pumps. It can't hurt to try.
Tina, You jogging, looking out the curtain is priceless! cracks me up. Don't forget to deep breath a few times when the waiter asks for your order. Hum.... breath in ,out, in out, in out," Yes I will have the gourmet salad sir!"
0 -
Hugz, I love you! I am laughing so hard in my little car!! Carol stepping on the toilet seat for dance moves!! Hysterical! And me with my gourmet salad! The waiter in the dining car knows me as Ms. Water. Everyone at meals is getting wine, ice tea, coffee, but not me. Just water, please.
0 -
Yes, we are conjuring up fabulously entertaining images today! Ohio, you know that part of Lebed where she talks about how she always has to reach into the farthest point in the grocery store freezer? You can reach waaaaay over for a distant hymnal! And just keep nudging yourself to get those steps in. Take a one-flight detour each time you travel from home office to kitchen?
I would not try step aerobics using the airplane toilet seat, because even though I'm short, I'm pretty certain I would do damage to my head when it hit the ceiling of that midget space!
Carol
0 -
Sorry Carol, At first,I was going to suggest jumping jacks on the toilet seat. I know you could have modified them. Anything to get that exercise in. Maybe asking for glass cleaner to scrub the mirror inside the bathroom could count as arm exercise. After all we all know you have arms of steel after being the best spider doo remover in the country.
Oh my goodness.......... not the freezer reach move......... Can't she at least say, "Now, everyone it's 90 degrees outside so let's all reach far into the freezer for a slushy margarita!" Me like.
Tina, You must be bored out of your tree to have us entertain you. Come on girl!.Never mind sweetly asking for water.... How about tossing a wrap down the isle and asking the waiter for help,only to throw another roll. Then ask him in the sweetest voice if he could re-roll it for you.
Oh we are saucy little brats tonight. 0 -
Sorry all! Just skimming. I really believe that my kids are the last ones still in school in the U.S. Seriously! End of the year stuff and recitals is making me a crazy woman!
Hugz, hmmmm, grinding does not sound as much like a muscular thing as a catching or snapping feeling/sound would. I am assuming you are referring to the glute medius? It is a difficult muscle to strengthen since some of the other ones that tend to get tight will take over the motions when the medius gets weak. The key to strengthening that muscle is to make sure you are doing the exercises precisely that are specific to it. I hope your chiropractor is addressing any muscle imbalances with specific strengthening and stretching? If not, maybe ask for a referal to a good orthopedic PT. As for the 5 fingers - yes, I own some. Yes, I have run in them, do I like them? Yes... and no. My biggest issue in running in them was when I would run over a rock. Ouch! The soles are really so thin- they are the closest thing to being barefoot! So any large rock, feels like a large rock! My toes are too short for the new 5 fingers that have a thicker sole. They tork my little pinky toe and pull it to the side! So, my new favorite shoe is the New Balance Minimus wt20. You can find them for $69 to $99 at onlineshoes.com. I love them so much that I bought a second pair (they tend to run a bit small, so I ordered up a half size and they are perfect). They are also more of a barefoot shoe - no support, low heal, minimal sole - but enough that I am not in agony if I run over a rock! Keep in mind that if you intend to run in the five fingers, the wt20 or any other minimalist shoe, that you need to ease into it. The typical running shoe has an elevated heel that tends to put people into a position where they have a heavy heel strike during running - minimal shoes encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike - more like what little kids do when they run barefoot. So, it uses a lot more calf muscle than most people are used to. So ease in! Too much too soon, HURTS (I know this by experience!) and you could set yourself up for injury. However, I have to say, that I suffered from painful knees for years with running. I still have some kind of medial miniscal thing - but my left knee no longer hurts at all, and the right knee does not hurt at all when I run. It hurts when I do things like pidgeon pose and the medial side of the knee is compressed... so not related to running, but to the old injury! Good luck with your new shoes! I hope they work well for you!
Bathroom dancing.... Running on the train.... Reaching for margaritas... You guys are hysterical0 -
Binney - Yes, it was like dominoes. Still putting them back together.
Thanks for the brownies everybody!
Carol - Glad to know you can relate but it is a really big grrrrrrr. When I got up to my room and my key didn't work I just put my head against the door and had a good cry. Knew I was going to pay for it.
Nordy - I HAVE THOSE SAME SHOES! Love them! I'm still working my way into running with them but I love them!
Tina - Thanks for the laugh and I so agree ... keep those windows open! LOL! Good for you! xoxo
I did my first step aerobic class in over twenty years tonight. I made it thru! I'm not the most coordinated gal on the planet, being left-handed doesn't help but I did it. Wasn't a pretty sight but I made it! Sweat like a mad dog too. Came home and fixed me a kale, coconut milk, cherry, banana and greek yogurt smoothie to help get hydrated. Yumm!!!!
Love you all!
0 -
Nordy. I think you found the right word for the top of my front leg that I will call panty line area. It catches when I move and especially certain ways, even when driving or sitting. The hip does feel grindy but not bone on bone grind. Hard to describe it.
Here is what I found out today, If I stretch everything in that hip area and do the medius too. I get pain releif. But it does tighten up 15-30 minutes later. So I have been stretching out medius and butt/ itb all day and did 3 ,10 segments of walking slow. It worked out pretty good. But still not the answer.
I really think this is comming from the medius from my falling off step injury a couple years ago. My medius has been tight ever since. But with stairclimbing and overgardening it finished me off. Chiro says the medius wraps around to the front and that is why I have tightening in the hip and ITB. Yes, he gave me stretches and pulled out my leg as it was shorter due to such tight muscles. I have had improvement since. Do you think my medius is weak. I was working out in the yard, digging etc, all day long the last couple months. I thought I would be stronger.
5 fingers, I got Daughter ones with thick soles. I cautioned her to be careful starting out. I won't be running in them. Fast walking once I recover from hip.
Thanks for concern, I will talk to chiro, maybe get more exercises.
Dawne- Thank smoothie sounds really good. I am growing kale this year.
0 -
Hugz, have you been to a myofascial release therapist? I had problems with my back that were chronic, especially one area I turned a certain way to dry my leg after shower. I ended up on floor and couldn't get up. Chiro, massage, both provided a temporary fix. When I started to go to myofascial guy for my recon scars, I was having back, neck and shoulder issues because of the weight of the implants. Anyway, he worked on my back a lot to get my shoulders right, but in the process of doing my whole back, all of my old injuries and pains went away. I couldn't believe if, but they are gone. A fall, trauma or injury, surgical scar can cause problems. I am a total fan, well, at least of my therapist. I don't let him work on LE problem areas without telling me first what he's going to do. That way I feel safe and teach him more about my body and LE. He is gentle and respectful. Wish I could go for several hours and have him work on my legs, lower stomach. I got increased LE flow from scar release on implant//side of chest.
0 -
Yes, I got myofascial right after BMX/ recostruction surgery and then for about 1 year about once a month to keep me supple. I got full body work. Just lovely isn't it. I will probably end up doing this but just can't see myself going to my Myo girl in Vancouver yet. I highly recommend it. Being the real MCcoy certified yoga master she gave me yoga moves to go with it. She taught me all the precise ways to do the therapuetic yoga. I never felt better in my life. I know if I commit to it she expects me to do everything or she will ditch me. No fooling around with her. I hope she hasn't left town. Will consider this and thanks for reminding me. Off to bed.
Hope you are ok with LE on your trip, Do swim a lot. hugzeeeeeeeeees
0 -
Just a quick check in...teaching at youth camp today - the room was totally cool, so much better than last year. Thankful.
I haven't done much LE care yet, just loads of water but will go to pool later this evening. My arm still aches but swelling is better. The pool is at my local community college so the water will be cool. I'm hoping things feel better after.0 -
Good to check in Dawne-hope. Yeah for water. I think if you can go up past your shoulders in the water I heard that is best. Don't go to gung-ho unless you are used to that. Just fool around and not get your LE tired out.
0 -
Dawn: Back to your housework post... I used to have someone clean every other week when I was working full time. That went away with semi-retirement. My best solution is to take off my glasses. You can't see the dirt. Oh, and try to only invite people over 60 to your house. Or boys of any age who don't see anything but food & girls. Sounds funny, but it's really true.
0 -
MinusTwo - LOL! Yes indeed! Love! xo
_______
I have access to the pool through the LiveStrong program for free 6:30-8:30 pm. M-F. I fell asleep and missed it. Going to do some MLD and go to bed.
hugs4u - Thank you! I'm not a good enough swimmer to have a good cardio workout doing it. Most of the time I just walk around in the deep end, do some stretches, tread some water. I look a little silly, but whatever works, right?
0 -
Dawne. You do exactly what I do and no one blinks an eye.
If there is an area where the guards have shut down the pool I ask if I can quietly go there and take up a 6 by 6 space to do theraputic exercises. I stay in my space so I don't attract kids, otherwise they want to flock to the area and it is closed off. Usually they are very good about it and let me. That way I don't have a kid comming near me kicking my LE, etc. Now if I didn't get so itchy from the chlorine after a month of use,I would be in heaven.
I did no exercise today as I got my hip/back accupunctured and then went to MLD. Well... the day cost me 195.00 out of pocket. Sheesh this hobby is expensive! My wages don't near cover that. I believe a person could sink very fast financially with LE. Thankfully we both work.
0 -
Dawne--Watch the TV show on people hoarding in their houses. It will make your house look spotless! I often stand in one place shoulder deep in water and move around slowly. Don't worry about what people think.
I did an hour on treadmill yesterday since it was so hot outside. I am trying to do intervals in minute increments. I can do 7mph for only 15 seconds and 6 mph only for 30. So I am trying to increase second by second. I usually stay at 4 with 5 minute increments.
I am going to do the same today plus pack for a trip to Indiana tomorrow. Packing does count as exercise doesn't it? Especially when I have to pack all of that extra LE stuff that is now in my life. Going to see my cousin who had a double lung transplant last November. She is doing very well. Makes LE seem minor.
0 -
The heat/humidity has hit the east coast. I don't know how those of you who live in hot climates do it. It's only 80 degrees, and I only did 2.5 miles in 45 minutes (instead of 6 in < 90 minutes), and I am drenched with sweat. I could almost wring my tribute out, it is so drenched with sweat. Thank goodness for A/C, and telecommuting, because I would get arrested if I wore what I am wearing now to work.
I hve learned one thing from this thread -- any exercise is better than no exercise. KS1
0 -
KS, I live in a HOT climate (triple digits all summer long), and one tip for exercise is to move the walking inside to the mall before it opens for business. Many malls offer that time for walkers. It's safe, cool, no traffic stops, and you can window browse before the crowds hit. We've made a lot of casual friends among the people who walk there regularly, and for the last several years we've all had a monthly get-together in the food court where we recognize birthdays and anniversaries, have a sing-along and some refreshments. Nice! Our mall is all on one level, but if yours has stairs that's even better. Another plus: because we get there before the crowds we can park in one of those few spaces that offer some shade, so when we come out to the car it's not blazing hot. They frown on jogging in the mall, but we have several speed walkers, and that's fine.
Just a thought,
Binney0 -
I'ts kinda strange how the weather affects our exercise regimen.All you easterners are moving inside to the treadmills/malls to walk/ indoor swimm pools etc. cause it's cookin out and then there is is westerners freezing our buns off waiting for the good weather to come so we can hit the streets. I am so sick of the indoors! Guess what? The radio keeps announcing how awful our JUNE-U-ARY wheather is! Finally we have a nice day about 65 out now and then I have too many chores to do inside. Off course on this nice day, luck of the Irish I scheduled a hair cut 5 weeks ago and can't cancel because my hairdresser has cancer and only works 3 half days a week and I look like a hairy beast. So no time to enjoy the outdoors..thanks for letting me rant!
Binney-smarty pants early parkin in the shade, you sneaky devil! Go for it
KS1, You deserve a hugh chocolate milkshake for exercising in a triby. We are glad you have noticed that exercise is important. Sure is.
Becky, I can picture you getting airborne doing 7pm. Watch that packing stuff. Take breaks doing it so LE beast doesn't bite you.
Dawne- I picture you just jumping into the pool and getting healthier by the minute!
Tina, Carol and the rest I missed. Well you gals are so faithful I don't even need to ask how you are moving around, you just do .
EVERYONE, DEEP BREATHS AND WATER, WATER, WATER! COME ON LET'S DO 3 VIRTUAL DEEP BREATHS!
0 -
I got in 5100+ steps today. Had to have my blood drawn so parked at the cancer center then decided to walk to the other end of the hospital to business office to discuss billing. Nice thing - I got in a lot of steps inside where it was cool and resolved the billing issue, too!
Drank lots of water - the heat makes it easy to drink even more water.
0 -
Hugz, I wish I could report that I am moving, but yesterday and today have been a challenge. Yesterday I taught a seminar all day and then hopped into my car for what ended up being a 5 hour drive, including some annoying time in Chicago traffic. Got home around 11 pm and too pooped to consider exercise. Today--sucked into work and catching up on errands I could not do while away the past few days. Darn work. LE should be only for people with leisure time. Which leaves oh, all of us out! I'm home today but I had to talk myself into exercise. I did my stair walk down to the lake, enough times to eke out the equivalent of 36 staircases today. (My pedometer is fancy enough to tell me that!) Otherwise, I'm not taking any credit for moving my butt much today.
Ohio, Pat yourself on the back over and over and over, with your non-LE arm so you don't create a monster performing repetitive motions. But truly 5100 steps is a great day, and it means that you did a wonderful job of working steps into your daily business. Resolving the billing issue is a fabulous bonus!
Time for bed for moi! I'll resolve to get more exercise into my day tomorrow.
Carol
0 -
Went to the pool tonight. Haven't been in a year. It was interesting, last year it felt weird to do any kind of stroke (with the implants). This year it didn't feel weird ... only when doing the breast stroke. I don't know if it is just me, that I'm getting used to them, or something has changed. I'm coming upon my two year exchange surgery date. The swelling is down in my fingers and my arm feels better. I haven't drunk enough water today, though. If I could have a day where I do enough exercise AND drink enough water AND do the MLD AND the Lebed ... I'd be doing great.
0 -
Dawne, Good to hear you enjoyed the swim. Watch for weird symptoms tomorrow morn as breast stroke is alot of arm work. Good to hear swelling is down, maybe the swim helped and that is a good sign
OK Dawne , Here it is. You are in trouble from Tina and I, cause you didn't drink enough water.......so important girl! I want 8 glasses down tomorrow. OK! (then you get a giant pat on the back) Keep up the good work Dawne, Yah, kick LE right wear it hurts! In the butt!
Carol, I am not to worried about you cause I know you will catch up on the exercise. Boy,you really have a hectic life with all that travel. You need to go watch your eagles and chill for a few hours to recharge your batteries. Of course the steep steps are in order first! haha
0
