FitChick_Maybe

Congratulations!!!! What is degree in, if ya don't mind me asking? Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

I have found that strength training is better for me (at almost 34) than cardio. Even when I wasn't going to the gym (various reasons like the flu, then a constant migraine), I was still dropping pounds. I have lost a total of 16 pounds. Only 10 of that was while I was hitting the gym 4-5 days a week. I feel that I did get much stronger and it does take more calories to maintain strong muscles, so I believe that is why I continue to lose weight. I've been told my weight is the cause of every single ailment including migraines, IBS, and fibromyalgia. But even after the weight loss, the migraines are constant, the IBS is still bad, and the fibro is still here. Hmmm, go figure. Sorry, not trying to be negative! Let me re-state that I am an advocate for strength training over cardio. I personally think it is very smart for us women to be strong, especially to fight against the slow metabolism. It will also help strengthen our bodies as we reach the time when osteoporosis could start affecting us. Hang in there. It seems that many of the comments offer great advice. You will find what works for you.

That's hilarious! Now that I think about it, you're probably right.

I love this!!! I'm also a person. I haven't a clue what I would be called. All these damn labels and names have me confused. I was born a female, sometimes think I was meant to be a dude.....But don't intend to change my gender or identify as anything else. I am sexually attracted to both males and females, also some transgender folks. So, I have no idea what I would be considered. But the fact is: what I do with my genitals or the genitals of consenting sexual partners is no one else's business. Amiright? Right now, though, I need some motivation to get my butt back in the gym. I stopped going while I was sick with the flu and now I can't get motivated again. Any advice?

Thanks so much! Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

I have been waiting since day one to share something here! And now I finally can. I've officially lost 10 lbs since beginning my journey and I am so freaking proud of myself! So now I'm here to brag a little. That's allowed though, right?! Kinda the point of this place. Lol Side note: I also just completed my bachelor's degree program yesterday!! Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

Thank you! It helps to see that I've actually accomplished something during my "short" workouts. Lol Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

Thanks! I'm actually at 10 lbs of weight loss now! Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

I have never consider things from that end of the spectrum. I'm sorry that happens to you. Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

Thank you. 😀 Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

Thanks! Sent from my NXA8QC116 using Tapatalk

Evening NF World, I needed to vent a little, and for some reason I felt this was the place to do it. I have been busting my ass at the gym for the past 3 weeks.... increasing my time spent there, increasing my weight lifted, trying out new machines, increasing reps, and I've even lost 7 pounds. For those things, I was proud. Until some jerk had the nerve to confront me after my workout tonight and state, "Done working out already"? Um, excuse me sir, do I know you? Do you know how many times a week I'm in that gym? Do you realize what I'm putting my body through? Sure, you see an overweight chick who should probably be spending hours running on the treadmill or whatever. But what is really there is a mother of 3, full time student, and chronic pain sufferer giving it all she's got. Your approval is not needed. Therefore, your comments are unnecessary and downright ignorant. What the hell makes people give their two cents? I'm pretty sure I'm not wearing a sign that says "Please tell me your opinions of me" so who the f*ck does he think he is? UGH!! I needed to get that out! Thanks, FitChick_Maybe

Thanks so much for the support!

Hello all, As a sufferer of chronic pain linked to migraines and fibromyalgia, I personally would like a group that is primarily focused on getting past the pain in order to become more fit. Does anyone know where we Nerds may find a group like this? Or will this suffice to begin one of those groups? I know I am not alone in my struggle against chronic pain and I know others are out here looking for support. Perhaps those that have been in this longer may have some suggestions for getting past the pain and pushing through at the gym. Many of us are looking to meet our fitness goals but aside from the usual roadblocks, we are faced with seemingly insurmountable pain. Any ideas, suggestions, advice, or information is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I will get started on that! I'm not looking to be called an expert by any means, but I do know a little about pain.

Hi Mr. Six. My diagnosis is still new, still under a year. And I am very new to fitness. However, what I have done is taken ibuprofen for pain and inflammation before and sometimes even after a workout depending on how long I work out and what I have done. I really have to give myself a lot of pep talks to get in the gym. I knew it was going to hurt like hell, but I also knew that I needed to make a change. Strengthening the joints and muscles can go a long way in providing overall well being even with fibromyalgia. So it's really a lot of holding myself accountable. I tell myself, my boyfriend, and my kids that I intend to go to the gym the next day by a certain time. They act as additional accountability even when I really don't feel like pushing myself. They are my cheering section, if you will. However, we know our bodies and if she feels that pushing herself more than a few days a week is causing more harm than good, by all means don't make her push it. We still have to listen to our bodies. I'm still learning what mine needs. As an example, today I was physically not well enough to hit the gym. I've truly just gotten motivated to move and it's almost 3 pm. But I think I can blame lack of sleep. So, perhaps another bit of advice, setting a decent bedtime and sticking to it. Even if I'm not tired, I still force myself to lay down by a certain time most nights. Last night was not one of those nights. Today I didn't hit the gym. Coincidence? Perhaps...As I learn more things I will surely post them here for all to see. Have you seen if there is a particular thread just for chronic pain sufferers? ~Kris

I have read so much conflicting information regarding which burns more. I personally enjoy weight training more, but as I said, I still use cardio. It depends on the day. I'm still very new to all fitness training, so I can't say which has been better. I was very athletic as a teen and I used to run daily. Sure, I kept a lean figure but I also had incredible metabolism before age and child-rearing caught up to me. At this point, I found it best to primarily use weight training as it will continue to strengthen my body after I'm done my workout.

Thanks so much! I do cardio some days along with my strength training so I'm not anti-cardio! I suppose anything that gets your heart rate up and endorphins flowing has the potential to give you that energetic "high". So I think it boils down to whatever works, keep doing it. Right?

Hi Stella, I'm actually a writer and I have tried using a bullet journal to track my daily life, ideas or thoughts to blog or write about, and keeping track of physical activity (which was limited from my chronic illness). I have thought about tracking my fitness goals as well. I have not joined any of the fitness challenges yet, since I'm new here. But I think I will give it a try. Since I'm slowly working my way into the fitness world, it would be good to set goals and then see what it takes to reach them. Thanks for the inspiration! ~Kris

Thanks for your support! I'm definitely up for the Accountability Buddy thing I read in a previous email from Steve. Whatdya say?

Arkham, I understand how the stress of college can translate to physical illness. It is tough. I hope that you follow your goals, even if they don't include college at this point. I will be here cheering you on! RevQu, looks like we already found accountability buddies! I will gladly assist with the encouragement. Having chronic illness is so frustrating. I'm hoping to start a program at my local gym for people like me. It truly is getting past the first few workouts. And then maybe a bad flare up day here and there. I'm here if y'all need a friend! Oh crap, my southern accent just showed up. Lol. You know what I mean! Always willing to listen or offer encouragement.

Thanks! My degree is in psychology. Next will be a masters in applied behavior analysis. What about you? What are your goals? Any advice?

Hello, I'm new here, as you could probably guess. I'm not really sure where I fit into the Nerd Fitness world. I just know that I have not ever been interested in joining a fitness blog or forum until I read the information that Steve shared. I'm 33 and pretty overweight. I would like to blame it all on my medicine, but let's be honest. Cupcakes, Reese cups, and other random junk had a lot to do with it. That, and a very sedentary lifestyle. See, I became increasingly ill about 2 years ago. Headaches, joint pain, body aches, etc. Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia. Great. That's not going away. So I think I used that as a crutch. I allowed myself to lay in bed and blame the fibro. But that changed about 3 weeks ago. I hadn't found this blog yet, but I had decided to join the local YMCA. I started slowly. 10 mins on the bike was all I could handle. But the next day, a little more. Then more. You get the picture. Then I started with weights instead of cardio, just to see if that was better for me. I LOVE IT!! I feel so energized, powerful, and incredible after a workout now. That wasn't happening after cardio. I've changed little things here and there in my diet, but not too much at once. I realized though that my body is craving healthy things rather than sugar and fatty crap. That right there is amazing to me. It's like my body knows what it needs and has all along. I just wasn't paying attention. Well I am now. And I'm going to get involved in the forums here in case I can be of any assistance to someone else that is also dealing with chronic pain. By the way, I've gone from 3 pills a day for fibro down to 1. I've also lost 5 pounds. Plus, some days I may need that extra push from another member here. Someone may need to give me a virtual kick in the ass to get into the gym. My main goals are to fit back into my clothes from 2 years ago, look good naked, and to walk across the stage in June with confidence! When I walk that stage for my Bachelor's, I will not be the large woman I am right now. I will be lean, sexy, and proud! Just wait and see.