Taking the Bull By the Horns

As I sat here yesterday, looking at the huge quantity of snow outside and lamenting the fact that I couldn't get to the gym. I really did not feel like another battle with the Wii Fit, so I spent the time cleaning out a closet that desperately needed it. Probably a better workout than the Wii anyway...

So, I got to thinking, "Damn, I really wish I had an Elliptical here at home!" I've often said if I ever owned another fitness machine, it would be an Elliptical. But where would I put it? Besides, I go to the gym 5-6 times a week, why do I need one at home. Well, all that snow sure answered THAT question! Besides, when I get home from work, sometimes I really don't want to head back out into the cold and go to the gym.

I talked to my sister (who was snowed in with us--what fun!) and we discussed the issue of where I could put it that I could still watch TV but it wouldn't be squeezed in somewhere or in the way. And then it came to me--what do I need more? The 25 year old loveseat in my family room (that is accompanied by 2 chairs and a big sofa anyway) or an Elliptical? They have about the same footprint. I rarely need seats for that many people in here, and could always move in some chairs from other rooms. Hmmmmmm...that really got me thinking.

I had actually talked to my trainer about Ellipticals on Tuesday, and she had said the ones at the gym were like $8000!!! Who knew? But she said Precor made cheaper ones, and they were the best. Well, I looked online and they may be "cheaper" but they sure ain't cheap! The lowest price I saw was still over $3000! So I read some reviews from various sources, and one other brand kept coming up--Smooth. I ventured over to their website, plugged in my height, weight, level of activity, price range, etc., and it spit out some suggestions. The lowest one was still $1899. But I had seen mention of yet another model that looked like it would meet my needs, so I checked it out. Brand new 2010 model--special introductory price of $1399! Now THAT's what I'm talking about!

I called the sales department at Smooth and talked to a very nice, helpful young man. I told him what I needed, which models I was considering, and asked what he would recommend. Based on my height (5'4") and the fact that my 4'10" daughter will likely be using it too, he said the higher priced one would likely be too long of a stride. He recommended the lower priced model, assured me it would meet our needs very nicely, and answered my few remaining questions.

OK, so, do I go for it? YES!!! I placed the order, and requested their "White Glove Delivery" which includes bringing it into the house and setting it up for me! (Regular delivery leaves it at the curb--NOT an option for a 210 pound piece of equipment!)

It should be here in 2-3 weeks. That won't help me through the next snowstorm (forecast for this coming Monday), but I will sure be prepared for the future!

ANOTHER Blizzard...UGH!

For the second time in a week, we are getting slammed with a snowstorm. 16 inches over the weekend, and this time we are forecast to get 16-22 more. Right now it's coming down hard and fast.

Heavy snow means I get stuck at home. Now, this is not completely a bad thing (although my kids are known to drive me crazy on snow days). But stuck at home means no going to the gym. And that IS a bad thing.

On Saturday, I made do with 30 minutes of Wii Fit. Not bad, but it pales in comparison to my usual workout. So, knowing the snow was coming and I would likely not get to the gym today, I opted to go Monday night. AFTER working all day and doing grocery shopping. This is new for me, I have NEVER done it before! I always exercise in the morning anyway. But I thought it would be a good idea.

I went yesterday and did my usual workout and an hour with my trainer, and figured today would be a Wii Fit day. Well, it turned out that the roads were well plowed this morning, and with the worst of the snow forecast for later in the day, I decided to venture out after all. The roads were fine, and I happily got in 45 minutes of cardio before it started looking questionable. The roads going home weren't bad, other than when turning corners, but I could see it was getting bad fast.

So now I'm home, and have the satisfaction of knowing that, not once but TWICE, I made a decision in favor of health. Which means I can sit back and watch the ugly white stuff fall, and not have to worry about going anywhere until tomorrow afternoon. When hopefully, this will have cleared up.

So much for global warming!

My Battle With the Wii Fit

Since we were in the middle of a major snowstorm today, I was unable to get to the gym. So I decided to get on the Wii Fit for the first time in ages. It was fun doing the different exercises again. Admittedly, I'm a little rusty after all this time.

But that stupid machine told me I'm obese! Hello? I have 26% body fat--that is NOT obese! Not only that, it says my body age is 59. Which is 10 years older than I actually am. Now, I'm in pretty decent shape, so I find this hard to believe. OK, my balance leaves alot to be desired, but still, 59?

So I yelled at the Wii Fit. "Are you crazy?" "I am NOT obese you idiot!" "What the hell do you know anyway?" Didn't change anything, but it did make me feel a little better.

Stupid machine...I'm going back tomorrow to show it what I'm made of!

What the HECK is Going On Here???

My food has been perfect. Only one very minor "cheat" (an extra 1/4 cup of granola one night last week, dutifully logged, BTW) in 4 weeks. I've been right around 1600 calories daily, with the proper mix of protein, carbs and fats. My sodium intake has been fine. I've been at the gym 5 days a week, doing cardio and strength training. I'm drinking water like a fish.

So WHY is the scale UP 3 pounds???

It's not TOM--I'm long done with that. I don't seem to be retaining fluid anywhere. "Traffic is moving" quite efficiently. So what IS the problem?

On Tuesday my trainer is hooking me up to my "Body Bugg", so we can get a closer look at what's happening. I sure as heck hope we get some answers, because this is frustrating as all get out!