discuss alli and physical activity with our fitness specialist

Wii Fit

suecr — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:04:16 GMT

I am going to purchase Wii Fit for my daughter for Xmas but have no idea what I should be looking for. Does anyone have any suggestions? I thought maybe Wii Fit Plus. Is there anything someone likes better than the Plus?

Thanks.

Sue

Fitness Goals

excellentjeni — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:22:53 GMT

Just posting to keep me accountable!

On Sunday, February 22 I am doing the Hustle Up the Hancock. This is a 94-floor climb to the top of the Hancock building in Chicago. This will be the 5th year in a row I am doing it! The past two years both my boys (now 10 & 8) did the half climb. This year they are doing the full climb with me! Plus, my hubby has decided to do the full climb as well. I am being a drill sargeant planning our "stair climb training days" since the boys are too young to use the fitness equipment at the place where I work out. So we either go to a parking garage and do 4 flights at a time until we reach our goal for the day, or if it's too cold (as it has been here a lot this year) we go up and down one flight of stairs in our house like maniacs.

Also, on Sunday, May 3 I am planning to run the Great Western Half Marathon in St. Charles. I have run 3 halfs and 2 full marathons in the past but not for the last 4 years. I injured my Achilles tendon and subsequently gained weight. After time and physical therapy and losing some of the weight I am back to running. I am so psyched. I did 6.2 miles this morning of run/walk. I walked 1 minute at 3.6 mph and then ran 2 minutes at 5.2-5.5 mph. Eventually, I'll run more and walk less and run faster. I probably won't set any personal records but I am determined to finish!

Hungrier Since Beginning a regular Workout, Help!

NolaBabe — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:40:18 GMT

I've encountered an increased hunger since I began regular workouts of 30-75 minutes a day, five days a week. How do I keep my hunger in check without exceeding my caloric limits? Im already eating a lot of fiber, as I'm also experiencing constipation with alli. Does anyone have any suggestions or helpful tips? Thanks! :)

alli and px90

cathy870 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:10:36 GMT

HI,

I plan on starting alli on sunday in conjunction with px90, with the food restrictions on alli do you think i will getting the things i need to do an exercise program like px90

Question about the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

dolphin9600 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:23:12 GMT

Ok, so I did 90 days of P90X classic version and I didn't see the muscle definition I was hoping for, but I did feel a lot stronger, flexible and had more energy. After completing the 90 days, my photos did show a little improvement in the love handle area and hip/waist area, and I can now wear a size 12 (was a 14 when I started). I'm taking a break from P90X and am switching to Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Now, I know it's best not to train the same muscle groups two days in a row, but the way her dvd is, you do it every day, the same routine. So I'll be working the same muscle groups every day. What is your take on this? It is only a 20-30 minute dvd with 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs, then it's repeated again with a different exercise. I like the dvd, don't get me wrong-I was sore the next day so I figure I'm working something! Is it ok to do this every day (5 days a week, I take the weekend off)? I figure it would be ok since I'm not over working my muscles like I was in P90X which is one reason why they switch up the routine every day (plus to avoid a plateau). What do you think, ok to do every day? Anyone else out there doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred?

Thank you!

WII

blkrse — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:52:39 GMT

I just purchased the WII Fitness Program and I think it is a wonderful program and I think it is really great program

Nancy

Will it help without exercise?

shanbr — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:34:25 GMT

I am disabled with fibromyalgia and rhumatoid arthritis. I can barely walk to the rest room, i have to sit most of the day and half the time i can't move one arm or one hand, so my body is extremely limited and part of the reason is due to my weight around 280lbs.

I can't afford a membership to a swim club and live in a small down, so i am quite stuck.

I want to lower my calories and fat and use the alli to it's rules, but wonder if it will work, even if slowly without the proper exercise.

Thank you.

Have stopped losing weigh since I started walking

patobert — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:56:56 GMT

Have been on Alli since mid April of last year. I was well over 250 lbs at that time. I signed in for the first time with Alli in mid May I weighed 246 lbs. I am now down to 153. During all that time I did light exercise - last week I started a regular walking routine and now have stretched it to almost 2 miles. Since I have started walking I have not lost a single pound. What are your thoughts on this????

walking verses jogging or running

RebekahM — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:56:39 GMT

Hi again,

I know that any exercise is good for you but I have a question. I have just started jogging/running depending on how you look at it. And this is a big deal for me. I have always wanted to run but either not wanted it enough to actually do it or so out of shape going up stairs felt like running a marathon. I ran 1 mile yesterday and 1 and 1tenth of a mile today. What I plan is to reach the same distance that I have ran the day before and add 1 tenth of a mile to it until I can run two miles then three and so on. I figure if I am streesed and can't add to my previous day I can at least maintain until I can continue to reach my goal.

My question is this: what are the benifits of running opposed to walking. is there any specific way I should go about this at this time. I am running on a treadmill because I can't get away to walk/run outside with a baby in the house.

Do you have any suggestions? I would like to maybe run in a marathon some day. I use to think this would be impossible but now I am not so sure. I am from Boston and what a hoot it would be to run in that marathon. Dreams are good don't you think

Thanks

MOTIVATION

MyYear2008 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:03:53 GMT

I can't seem to stay motivated. I will try my best for a brief period of time and if I don't see any progress I go back to my old ways. It's terrible. I have been fighting this battle for 12 years. Any solid suggestions??

Exercise Competition

suecr — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:15:03 GMT

Hi Paul or Kelli,

I would like to do an exercise competition for the 50's forum but I am looking for suggestions on how to set it up. Do I just have people check in on Cardio and Strength or do you have a better suggestion on how to break it apart? It will be made up like a chart so everyone can see how they have been doing.

Thanks,

Sue

Bad Knee exericises

lildebbie0506 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:09:20 GMT

I am starting back on alli plan this week. I was on in june and would do exercies several days a week, and starting at the time my knee started hurting , it still does i went to the dr and they did xrays and they said they couldn't see anything wrong. My dr said i needed to go to a orthpedic surgeron for a mri. I am soo overweight, i know being soo fat is probalby causing it to hurt, I feel like cartlige or something moving over my knee...anyone have some good exercises to do with a bum knee. I will probably go to the orthepeidc surgeon but would like to loose some weight, so at least i can say i have lost xx # OF pounds.

Weight Management - Calories "In" vs. Calories "Out"

KelliCalabrese — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:39:27 GMT

The physiology of weight loss is closely associated with the principle of in an energy-balancing equation: as long as one's caloric (energy) intake is less than than caloric (energy) expenditure, weight loss will be the end result. On the same note, if energy consumption is higher than energy expenditure, weight loss will be the end result and if the two are equal, weight maintenance results. Although this holds much merit, it isn't always true as genetics, environment, and daily life-style habits are all determining factors.

One pound of fat (1 lb.) is equal to 3,500 calories. Therefore in order to lose a pound, a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories must be created. If a caloric deficit of 500 calories is created each day for 7 days (1 week), (7 X 500 = 3,500) a loss of 1 pound will be the result, based upon this principle. This deficit can be created through diet (eating less) and/or exercise.

The most effective, long-term and safe method that produces long-term health is by eating a balanced diet AND exercise. Exercise is the KEY to weight management.

Have an active, healthy week!

Your friend in fitness,

Kelli

My Activity Plan Progress

dgori — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:54:26 GMT

I just did my first check-in and noticed my activity progress was not posted. I exercised 4 days this past week and logged in both cardio and strength-training; however, it does not appear on my progress charts. Do I have to be on the plan for 2 weeks before it appears?

Couple of questions

RebekahM — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:19:51 GMT

I've been walking 30 minutes a day on the treadmill. That is the only amount of time I am able to sqeeze out of the day right now. I am definately challenging myself either by jogging a little the walking a little or by carring hand weights while walking. I also try to do about 30 minutes with my pilates ring or to use my bowflex (older model) both of which I enjoy. I am really seeing a difference with the pilates ring. It may not be noticable to others but I can tell that my muscles are getting more toned.

My questions are these

1. I am finding myself more hingry at my evening meals since I started walking. Is this normal and what can I do.

2. I feel constipated. Not completely but there is a definate difference in my bowel movement. I get plenty of veggetables and started taking a fiber suppliment today. Will this correct itself or should I do something else that I need to do to fix it.

Any reccomendations

morderhd — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:15:13 GMT

I had a back injury less than a year ago where I pinched a nerve between two vertebrae. I was told this was caused by two things 1-I have lordosis (a curvature at the end of the spine) and a weak left hip caused by compensation for the lordosis over time. I was told the lordosis was caused by hypermobility of my joints which made it comfortable for me to have my knees locked most of the time (even with each step mhen the leg is extended).

I was also told that if I strengthen my back muscles, my abdominal muscles and the muscles around my hips (espically the left), that I can prevent future back injuries and reduce the hypermobility of my joints (for instance my arms extend past 180 degrees to 190 degrees and my knees lock back).

My only question is where to start here. I have a lot of difficulty not twisting and arching my spine improperly during exersise. Which exercises wil it be less likely for me to be doing improperly. I am cleared for exersise with my doctor, he just wants me to be careful and to be sure I am doing exersises with limited twisting and arching of my spine that I can do, but shoulden't be able to.

fat grams

RebekahM — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:51:05 GMT

When I walk on the treadmill it says that i burn so many calories and so many fat calories. What does this really mean. When it says that I walked more fat calories off then what I am allowed that day how does this effect my weight loss.

Walking or hiking?

fishystuff00 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:14:15 GMT

Hello!

I live on a fairly steep hill, and I walk up and down it once or twice daily... Takes me about 20 minutes each time. This is definately more work than walking on a flat surface, it always leaves my heart racing, shorty of breath and makes my calves burn.

So, what should I catagorize this as in the cardio log, walking or hiking?

Thanks!

-Chris

Flabby Arms

RebekahM — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:52:11 GMT

Hi, I have a question. I have the flabby arm thing going. I am diligently working to tone my whole body and I am seeing results but how long does it usually take within reason to lose the arm flab. I did weigh 224 and now weigh 191 so I still have a little ways to go and I know some of it will come off when I lose the fat but is it reasonable for me to wxpect with sork to get rid of all of it. I am also 41 years old so I am not a young kid anymore but would like to wear tank tops again. Ilt has been over a decade since I have been able to.

Bruises

RebekahM — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:02:05 GMT

Every time I start exercising I get bruises. I am the kind of person that can sneeze the wrong way and it seems that a bruise will appear.LOL But I walked on the treadmill tonight and now have a bright blue bruise on me butt. I usually get them on my legs (more will probably show up agian tomorrow) and I do have quite a few from my pilates ring. Yes I have had my platlets checked in the past and they are always fine.

Can you tell me why I always bruise?

After 4 weeks, and still nothing?!

al2564 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:55:36 GMT

I'm very confused. I've been on alli for 4 weeks now and I seem to fluctuate between the weight I was at the beginning of the program and -3lbs. I have gone through a total life-style change in my eating habits and fitness routine.

I eat under 1400 calories a day, I quit drinking soda all together (which is a big deal coming from a severe Diet Coke addict!), I drink a lot of water (I calculate anywhere between 68-136 oz a day), I take Centrum at night along with 1 Alli per meal, and I don't eat anything greasy/fatty.

As far as my activity plan goes, I rarely have a chance to sit at home and just watch an hour of T.V.! I work out for an hour 4 days every week (45 mins of cardio and 15 mins of strength training) and I do plenty of activities when I'm not at the gym: indoor rock climbing, hiking, salsa/swing dancing, etc. I have even squeezed in walking around my school during my planning periods!

I just figured that since I'm so active and eat under 1400 calories that I would've have seen much more progress after 4 weeks! Granted, I do feel healthier and I'm glad that I'm taking better care of myself, but I wish I could SEE results. My clothes aren't any looser, and no one has seemed to noticed that I've changed anything in the past month. I'm going to see a doctor about this in 2 weeks, but I thought I would give a shout out here and see what you have to say. Any ideas?

pilates ring

RebekahM — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:58:20 GMT

I recently bought a pilates ring and have been doing about 30 minutes a day with it. I have been following some of the exercises on the tape that came with it but some I am just not physically able to do. I also so went online and found some others that I am able to do. I break it up to a few arm exercises and a few leg exercises. All in all I am able to stretch the routine to 30 minutes. I really like the ring because it is portable, I can do it everyday where as I have to rest between days with weights.

Two questions 1 will working out with the ring really help me lose weight and tone up?

2 Do you have any suggestions and instructions on some different moves I can do with the ring?

Thanks,

Becki

Building strength in the wrists

Smooth...Like_a_Moose! — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:47:01 GMT

Hi,

I am currently follwing a cardio and strength training exercise plan, however; my wrists are extremely weak. I find that can not stay for longer than a few seconds when going into the yoga position "upward dog" or even putting myself into a push-up position. I am still a very basic beginner with the strength training but I think if my wrists were able to support me better, especially without pain or strain, I could advance in the upper body area. Suggestions?

Amount of Activity

chica74 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:15:52 GMT

I have recently decided to start using alli again. I used alli last year for 4 months and lost 50 lbs. At that time I was 196 lbs and I worked out Mon-Fri. Since then I have gotten a full-time job and have many responsibilities with my daughter. Getting to the gym everyday is harder now.

Since last year I put back on 15-20 lbs depending on what scale I'm on. Since I don't always get to the gym everyday will my calorie intake change on those days that I'm not working out? According to the books it states that moderate activty is burning approximately 150 calories. I'm pretty sure that I do that just in daily activity.

I guess I'm looking for direction since I'm not in the same boat as I was last year. I have less to take off. I'd like to get down to 140 this time.

My typical workout is the elliptical trainer for 25 min, then the stair climber for 10 min.. With that I usually burn about 350 cal. Should I be eating more on the days I work out and less on the days I don't work out. I wish I were in the same boat as last year it was so simple then.

Thanks in advance

Chrisitne

Having problems...

lbonfan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:43:44 GMT

I started Alli about 3 weeks ago and haven't really lost any weight. I am totally dumbfounded on why not. I am starting to think that maybe it is not affecting me the way it is meant to. I have always watched what I ate and exercised (probably too much) even before starting Alli. I am a recreational runner (about 20 miles a week) and play tennis 3/4 days per week. I guess my question is should I eat more than suggested since I do exercise so much? Do you think it would help?

I am not terribly overweight and probably have more muscle than your average woman. I want to lose about 15 pounds and thought Alli could help since nothing (even distance running) was helping me get the weight off.

Any help, suggestions, or comments will be appreciated. Thank you.