rjohnsoncook

I'm a forty something year old ICU nurse who is coming off a back injury. I spent months in pain seeking treatment from a massage therapist, chiropractor, physical therapist and pharmaceuticals. I finally found relief after several manipulations by a DO. It almost seems like a miracle to not be in pain after so many months of suffering and now I'm ready to get back into fitness but I'm a little nervous about reinjury. I have been back to the gym for some cardio and a few yoga classes but I am proceeding slowy and cautiously. I feel lucky that I can get back into exercise easily and I don't struggle with my weight. So here are my goals: 1. Cardio- 5 times a week. Hiking with the dog, elliptical, spinning and easy running once the snow melts (believe it or not there is still about 2 feet of snow on the ground where I live.) 2. Flexibilty- Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and back exercises 3-4 times a week. 3. Strength- light weight training 2-3 times a week. 4. Nutrition- drink more water, eat clean (for me that means no processed foods with lots of fruit, veggies, lean protein and some alcohol in moderation.) 5. Life- write everything down. I've used My Plate in the past but I have a new phone with the My Fitness Pal app so I think I'll try that. Also declutter and get ready for a move in the beginning of June. Off to the gym!

I was really excited to see a challenge starting on Monday. It is perfect timing for me- I have been suffering from sciatica for the last 5-6 weeks and have tried chiropractic care, massage, resting, stretching without success so I finally started PT on Monday. Two days in I already feel better, so I'm feeling hopeful. Summer also seems to be a time of excess with lots of social events so more eating, drinking. Finally, 28 days takes me up to the day that we leave for a 3 week vacation to Honduras. I wrote down my goals on Monday and I thought I could just do the challenge without posting but two days in and I have not been doing so well. I realize there are strength in numbers and I appreciate any support I can get from the community. Goal #1- Cardio/Weight Training The PT has given me the OK to continue with some types of exercise- running is out (no problem-I'm not a runner) but I can bike and hike. I am looking forward to adding kickboxing as soon as I can but for now that is out. I can do yoga/pilates and core work if it feels good. I can also do upper body weight training (weights/pushup/pullups) but lower body (squats/lunges is out for now.) Cardio 3-4 times a week. Weight training 3-4 times a week. PT as directed everday on my own and every 3 days with the PT. Goal#2- Food Since the new year I have tried to be more of a locavore especially when it comes to meat so I haven't eaten much meat this year until warm weather and BBQ season started. Definitely more meat and booze in the last few weeks. So, I will try to be more purposeful with what I eat. Try to eat local, healthy foods- mostly veg. Most importantly, eat small meals frequently and drink more water. I am notorious for only eating when I am shaking with hunger. Don't weigh myself but would like to feel good and have my clothes fit well. Will write it all down, too. There it is- excited to get started!

Hi everyone! I learned about NF from my friend who is the merch queen (Mary Grace) on the Sixthman cruises. I actually have met you a couple of times, Steve, (I don't expect you to remember) on the last couple Cayamo cruises when I have been in the gift shop helping sell merch with Mary and Scott. I have been really impressed with the NF approach- seems like good common sense. I have to admit I have been sucked in by a lot of fitness gimmicks in the past- videos, personal trainers, gym memberships etc. I am of a certain age and work in a physically demanding job (ICU RN- a job that requires a lot of lifting.) I have sufferd from some injuries in the last couple of years that could affect my ability to make a living so I need to be smart about my physical activity. In the long run I realize it is just a matter of incorporating a variety of things (weight training, cardio and flexibility) every day and being purposeful in my physical activity. I fortunately have never had to worry about my weight (in fact I don't weigh myself- I worry more about how my clothes fit and how I feel.) However, I do feel I need to pay more attention to what I put in my mouth. I look forward to being more accountable by joining this community and writing down my goals. Congrats, Steve, and good luck in your new ventures! ~Rebecca