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Up Again

A gain of 16 pounds…


After my morning mediation I decided to take an hour long walk. I was up VERY early …it’s the first day of classes and I am VERY excited about successfully starting and finishing this semester.

Getting back to the walk…I decided to take two 8lb hand weights with me on my walk to add more resistance to my upper body during the walk. Also, I wanted to experiment and see how this added weight would affect my walk.

On the first season of The Biggest Loser, the contestants had to run a quarter mile wearing weighted vests that contained the weight that the contestants had lost during the competition. My one hour walk turned into a 45 minute boot camp. The added weight affected my walking speed, breathing, back, knees, and ankles; also, I was clearly reminded of the “not so long ago” period when I had these same feelings and this same additional weight on my body. It was a wake-up call, C2M Community. I’ve answered the call and now I’m out the door…

~Vernita



Comments

I haven't ever tried walking with weights - wow - what a workout! I will start classes today - it's an exciting time :D
Melanie


Hey Vernita, What a good idea, I'm going to try that. That's a good way to see how much we've improved.


Hello Melanie,

Indeed the workout was a different world for me. I will try it again but with much lighter weights.

Hooray! Cheers! to a successful school year!

~Vernita


It is good idea to include weight or resistance training but it can be dangerous doing weights and walking together according to the Mayo Clinic reseachers. The repeated movement of your arms and added weight can increase the chances of injury. Keep up the good work. We're rooting for you.


Hello Jerry,

Thank you for that information. It was definitely a challenge and my body was feeling it every step of the way. When I add 6lbs+ weights again it will be ankle weights or weighted athletic shoes. One or two pound hand weights are more than enough.

Thank you for your positive energy!

~Vernita


When I had lost 40 pounds, I tried to carry a huge case of bottled water that weighed less than that, and I found it was a real chore! I was glad to put that case of water down once I was in the house, and it showed me how much I had been punishing my body with the extra weight that I had carried 24/7/365.


Hello Angie,

You're 60/60/1 correct! What a chore it was to carry only 16 lbs. I think that everyone should try this activity; it was a mentally awakening experience.

Congrats on losing those 40 lbs - I know how much dedication and commitment it took.

~Vernita


Vernita:

I am so touched reading everything in your blog and seeing the transformation through pics. Is there an opportunity to be a distant DDC member? I miss you and God bless! You are a great inspiration to my own weight goals and journey!

Love ya,
Monique
UI Alum


Hello Monique,

You have my vote (25% of the group) to join the DDC via "satellite." I will pass your request to the other ladies and report back to you:)

You have blessed so many women with your journey, too, Monique, including me. I admire the way you organize your time and get a lot accomplished. Keep up the good work taking care of your body, mind, spirit, and heart!

Miss you much,
~Vernita


Yes! Making it 50% of the vote, I whole-heartedly vote for satellite DDC members :) I certainly need the motivation of a new member to get back to a regular schedule.

Tina


Well, Margaret gave her 25% via e-mail and here's my 25%...you're 100% included in DDC as a "satellite" member. Take care and be blessed!
Marsha


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Choose To Move: A Community, A Way of Life

At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.

During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.

From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!

For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.


Recent Comments

My total chol. is 184
HDL is 46
LDL is 106
Trig. is 184

I have been on a low fat, low carb diet since Sept (NutriSystem). Should I be concerm about my Trig?

Comment by on February 12, 2008 2:54 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM