Q's from an H&F novice

[kurt_messick]

Okay.

Part of my new year's resolutions (the ones I intend, or at least hope, to keep) is to get into some fitness activities. I notice lots of logs and postings here, but don't really know where to begin with reporting in and joining in the mutual support and accountability here. Can anyone give me a brief guide?

Here's what I intend to start doing. I intend to start walking, through the winter and into spring, until I can starting jogging a bit outside.

I intend to start doing basic exercises at home, too.

Where would I fit in?

[emeleel]

If you're going to be walking, go get yourself a pedometer and join us in the Step Club! Cruise the pedometer threads and find one you think you'll like (I like my Omron HJ104), clip it on and count steps. Then ask Tanster for access to the step club board so you can record your progress.

Yay, Kurt! Let's get fit!

[taurusmoon]

Originally posted by kurt_messick
Where would I fit in?

Well, you've definitely come to the right place.

There's several ways you can benefit from the support network here.

Daily logs:
The "what are you doing for yourself today" log should be seeing a little more action after the First of the year. Just chime in with whatever it is you plan to be doing to further your personal goal. Or, come back and boast after you've actually completed the task. Or, both.

The Daily "loosah's" log is customizable for your own personal demons. Use it to keep track of your food, water and/or vitamin intake or your exercise accomplishments. Whatever it is that you're having trouble with can be posted there. It helps keep a person honest with themselves when there's a measure of accountability.

Weekly weigh in:
Whether you're trying to lose weight or maintain it, the Monday weigh in will help you stay mindful of your goal. If you know that you have to report your success and/or failure each week you'll be more mindful of what you shove down your throat during the week.

Steppers club:
Get yourself a pedometer and play along. Measuring your daily activity in terms of steps taken is not only motivating, it's fun. Wear your pedometer all day and you'll start looking for ways to up your activity level. Wear it while you workout and track your progress easily.


So, will we be seeing more of your around these parts?

Sara

[cyndilouwhoo]

I originally composed a lengthy reply to your post but after seeing Melanie and Sara's reply I will just say:

"What they said".

I will however add a "Welcome to the loony bin!" to all the salutations.

And as for where you fit in? Wherever you like!

Have you given any thought to specific activity goals you would like to achieve (i.e., a 2 mile walk daily or 30 minutes of weights or whatever)? I think that would be good for a start.

We here in H&F will take care of the rest (Which usually involves some level of good natured nagging peppered with a liberal amount of support)

Ms. Whoo

[jenninca]

Yay Kurt! Good luck on keeping your New Year's resolutions! Glad to see you'll be hanging out here more often.

Cindy

[kurt_messick]

I'll give it a go. I used to have a pedometer. I'll have to see if I can find it. In any case, the more inexpensive, the better.

I don't have a scale at home, but weight isn't as much a concern as is the distribution, so I'm not sure tracking that numerically helps.

I'll see where it goes from here

[lynnzop[$]]

Welcome Welcome! Yay Kurt! I'm so glad to see you here! And yeah, what Sara said. We do all that and more.

Sara, you need to put your little dissertation in the "IMPORTANT" section. It's a great overview of our crazy little corner of EA.

Lynn

[taurusmoon]

Okiedoke. Done.

Sara

[magenta321]

Ok, I have some questions, as someone just getting into the swing of things.

If my base number of steps in a day is X, how much more than X should I strive for in a day? Is there a certain percent?

Pain -- the slight and very bareable kind... is this a sign of doing something right or wrong (ie, butt muscles being tight, shin splints)

What stretches should one do? Are they done before or after the walk?

What do ya'll do when it's too cold or hot to walk?

You are training for a walk. The walk is X miles long per day. I'm assuming that during training, your goal is to eventually walk that distance (preferably, the day of the walk would not be the first time). Now say you walk Y in a day while at work, and then you walk Z after work. Let's say Y+Z=X. Is that enough? Or should Z=X?

The EA ladies won't see this for a while, I'm assuming, but I'm curious how many days a week they trained. I'm curious how much they walked a day.

What does nausia during a walk mean? Is it related to asthma? Dehydration? Being out of shape?

MMMk. That's enough for now. I'll post more when I think of them.

[Helen_B[$]]

Try drinking before, during and after your walk. That may stop the nausea. Walking backwards is a good way to stretch out calves, and hamstrings generally, and also the soles of your feet. Walk next to a wall, fence, or building, and run one hand along it for balance. Walking backwards with "no hands" just isn't as effective. (I walk backwards in the pool at the gym, which takes care of the balance part. Shoulder deep in the water works best for me, but shallower is better than no walking at all.)