Better Body Goals-Accountability Thread

[Mermaid Kelda]

I think Raina made it very clear just how hard she was trying. It's depressing to try and try and try and not get any results. She posted here asking for help and ideas and help with achieving her goals other than just "try harder lol".

[AniaR]

Thanks guys. I am proud of you harmony you look great!

I am missing a key component. Its not an excuse it is reality. If I was missing a leg but wanting to run and asking for help getting around it you wouldn't say try harder. If cardio gave me asthma attacks and I was asking for alternatives you wouldn't say try harder.

I can't really try harder. All I can do is try different, and try more efficiently. I will always be sick there are no cures for my illnesses. But that doesn't mean I can't try the best I can anyway right?

I think for me what is frustrating is that what always worked is suddenly not and I'm not sure why. And like I said doctors are more concerned about the bigger picture and could care less if my abs go mushy lol

Thanks for the support and advice. Annwyn I contacted that archery group and they were super nice!!! Sounds like something right up my ally. I'm going to check them out in the new year. Thanks for that. Pearlie I found an aqua zumba class I'm just trying to find a way to budget for the cost. Thanks for that idea too.

Ill keep you posted on my progress in my prof mer thread from now on I think I may not be trying to lose weight but my body and fitness has been a long struggle with many ups and downs. It wasn't that long ago I had to relearn how to walk. I used to tell myself if I could live through that I could live through anything.

[Merman Arion]

I used to do archery when I was younger. It's super fun! I would do it again if I had the time but I prefer to work on my swimming skills.


Envoyé de mon iPhone à l'aide de Tapatalk

[Coradion]

Oh. So its my way or the highway huh?

Raina asked for help not a lecture.

Nope, it's I didn't even read her post. People can and will do whatever they want, and I can only share what worked for me.

[CowgirlMermaid]

Nope, it's I didn't even read her post. People can and will do whatever they want, and I can only share what worked for me.

That's even more rude than your very first comment that you placed.
Not reading what sameone says and still replying with a strory like you know everything?
That's not cool!

(First and last comment in this fuss)

[Mermaid Lunette]

I figured what he meant by "didn't read her posts" and "she's on my ignore list" actually meant he wasn't talking to her at all? And was addressing the group as a whole? (But I am a third party so only he can explain what he did or did not mean.)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree here, looking back at the posts. It's likely it was very poorly-timed responses by Coradion, who couldn't actually see Raina's posts because he has all her posts blocked. He may have skimmed what he could see of her posts from what other people had quoted, and then posted general posts that weren't 100% topical in terms of the conversation but seemed callous when applied to Raina's posts.

I do hope this was a misunderstanding. They happen so often and I hate when bad blood rises because of it.

[Rivertee]

Curiosity how does Archery help?

[Mermaid Kelda]

Archery is all about core body strength. Working with recurve bows helps a lot with resistance training, is a sort of weight lifting in itself, and really works your core because you have to stand still while pulling and holding pounds and pounds of weight before loosing the arrow. As opposed to compound bows where you pull it a certain distance and then the bow itself holds the string for you, sort of. Though that can be good too, so if you need to work up your strength you can rest for a little.

Plus throughout the whole thing you have to be calm and centred. It's like meditation crossed with weight lifting, haha.

[PhaylennMurúch]

Raina, have you thought about some prenatal/postnatal workout DVDs? They're really good about working with your core gently and building up from having nothing (10 months of stretching those muscles is brutal) and having no sense of balance.


Sent from my Shellphone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Harmony]

As someone who likes and respects both Coradion and Raina, I know that Coradion feels very strongly about taking action when you want to see results and the way he got fit was constantly pushing himself, not everyone is like that, or feels motivated that way. I think with the quoted bubbles he did read, made it seem more about her illness than of fitness, as she was posting for new ideas and not the progress part. Coradion types succinctly which can come off harsh at times, but I know his motive for this thread is for people to keep working for their results. Raina did good by asking for help, I think things just got a little carried away quickly. and yes Coradion has her ignored so he can't actually read her posts, only what people quote in bubbles. Both are awesome people in my mind and let's get back to workout thoughts, and maybe we can do a weekly rate yourself thing, you write your ups and downs, like i worked out x times, I tried something new...on the other hand had 4 bottles of wine...etc. I think everyone is doing great in their fitness, and it takes a while, and everyone is on different journeys, as mermaids we can get passionate very quickly, maybe because sometimes we are judged harshly in the 'real world' let's give some time to breathe, these two haven't really gotten along, but let's chat about weights, sky dancing, swimming, and work outs. Let's please not turn into Tumblr (although I understand why fences of offence went up so quickly). Did everyone take their recommended dose of glitter this morning?

[AniaR]

He quoted my posts by directly referencing points I made eg the amount of time I spend on cardio. And despite having me on his ignore lists he posts in threads I've started all the time lol so not really but oh well. I don't care what he thinks of me its all cool all he has to do to read my threads is click "show spoiler". It's pretty obvious when you look at his post history what he thinks of me, it's not limited to the fitness thread. -_- I was just disappointed because I was actually looking for some ideas. Fitness forums are full of people going on and on about how you have yo keep trying. I got that, thanks. lol now can you give me some actual tips please? Thanks! (p.s thanks for people actually giving me tips )

[AniaR]

Archery is all about core body strength. Working with recurve bows helps a lot with resistance training, is a sort of weight lifting in itself, and really works your core because you have to stand still while pulling and holding pounds and pounds of weight before loosing the arrow. As opposed to compound bows where you pull it a certain distance and then the bow itself holds the string for you, sort of. Though that can be good too, so if you need to work up your strength you can rest for a little.

Plus throughout the whole thing you have to be calm and centred. It's like meditation crossed with weight lifting, haha.

Honestly hand eye coordination is hard for me so i think this would help it too I am really excited to try it out in the new year.

[Merley]

Most of the time I just lurk on this thread since I have been beyond lazy lately and don't have much to contribute other than cries that I've gained weight due to said laziness, but I have to agree with Harmony. I don't really think Coradion was trying to single anyone out, even if it appears that way. As someone who also knows him personally I know he has a lot of will power and tries to instill that 'no excuses' type of behavior into others--not because he's trying to bring anyone down, but rather the opposite. He's so sure that people have the power within themselves to change if they work hard because he did it himself and continues to persevere every day he works closer to his goal. I would have to agree with him as far as pushing your limits goes. When I was in what I'd consider good shape I had gotten myself unaddicted to junk food (something that isn't true presently and is a hard cycle to break once you've been eating poorly for awhile), I was also chugging lots of water every day; another feat that seems impossible right now as I hate drinking water as opposed to soda or some other tasty yet terrible for you soft drinks, but mostly during that time I was a full time student taking morning classes and night classes while walking about 10 miles a day when I got out after at 8. I don't even recognize that person now, physically or mentally. I just can't get into that mindset right now. My motivation isn't anywhere near where it used to be, though finally getting my Merbellas is going to change that..once the holidays are over and I indulge in some good ol' fashioned over eating.

Regardless, everyone is different and what works for one person might not work for someone else as we all have different body types, individual strengths and weaknesses, workout preferences, as well as things we enjoy and don't enjoy doing in terms of exercise. Sometimes we get overly ambitious, at least that's what happened to me--two different times now--and our workout routines become too much to maintain over time and we fall out of the routine.

Earlier this year I went to the gym at least 5 days a week for 3 hours and was taking pole classes with Coradion, which I admit was excessive, but at the time I was all about it. But as time went on with moving, being short on transportation and being further away from the places where I'd work out (no parking, etc.) it became more difficult to keep to it. Even though I've gained a considerable amount of weight since my gym rat days (20 lbs, ye gods!) I know I have the power to take my life back and get control over my body. But it isn't easy to do. Like most things in life, the hardest part is showing up, then committing. For the most part once I get to the gym, I accept I'm there and I'll do my workout, but the hardest part is actually getting myself to go there when I can be at home watching Netflix or taking a nap. What once worked in the past might not work in the present and vice versa. I know at least for me, that I have to find a new balanced workout regimen, one I can realistically upkeep if I plan to see results and adjusting my poor eating habits is definitely part of that list.

No one is saying to push yourself to the point where your health suffers, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition that interferes with your workouts, but rather to make them count no matter what you do. I think Coradion's response might have come off a little callous, but that's just because he has a lot of will power so he believes everyone else can do the same. I know I also do that sometimes. I believe that because I can do something, anyone else can, mostly because I think I'm not that special. So if I can do it, why couldn't someone else?

In response to your desire for possible solutions Raina, working out might only be part of the solution, as someone who says you've already cut out many foods from your diet maybe upping how much water you drink might be helpful. Although I'd venture to guess you already drink plenty of it. Just a suggestion. It certainly made a huge difference as far as improved aesthetic results (clearer skin, more muscle tone) and overall health (I was hydrated and feeling really good) when I was drinking a lot of water.

I hope people in the future won't take so much offense to Coradion's commitment to fitness. He only wants to see people be the best they can be so they can reach the point where they feel good about themselves. He understands that, and as a former and almost current fat kid, I get that too. I know he has nothing but love for everyone here. He's a stand up guy and a kickass merman with more dedication than the average mer. <3

[SeaGlass Siren]

WELL back on topic, hubby says my thighs are getting thinner... my tuna belly on the otherhand.....

[Mermaid Jaffa]

WELL back on topic, hubby says my thighs are getting thinner... my tuna belly on the otherhand.....

My tuna belly is bigger than yours.

[SeaGlass Siren]

We both might have to start wearing corsets.

[Miyu]

Okay, so I have a question: What cardio exercises are good for someone who has asthma? You say it needs to be well over an hour of cardio workout, but what cardio should I do if I have both asthma and a heart condition, along with bad knees (thanks to genetics)? Not trying to make excuses, but instead trying to find actual things I can actually do without sending me to the hospital. I really do want to work out but don't fancy passing out after 20 min of cardio.

I have no equipment, absolutely no access to gym, and it's dangerous to run on my road because there are logging rucks barrelling around corners at all hours of the day/night. I'm looking for things I can do at home with zero money spent. If I can find some decent exercises I can handle I'll do them all the time.

Does hardcore hooping for long periods of time work if it's getting your heart rate up? I have a polypro hoop, so it's much lighter and it gets my heart rate up faster than a "regular" adult hoop.


Arion, you are my complete inspiration for the squats challenge. May I ask which program in particular you use? How long do you hold your squats? Right now I've been just doing squat-till-i-drop, then doing other exercises, and coming back several times throughout the day to do more squats. A lot of the squat challenges start off with too few squats for me, but then I squat on a regular basis doing everyday things anyways.

I've gotten much better about turning down food. I've started to get out of the mentality that I should eat everything in front of me because I could starve - I spent too long wondering where my next meal was coming from; now I thankfully have food stamps so I always have quality food around. As for desserts... Yeah I love candy and cake, but I buy it a lot less now and have turned to making my own frozen pumpkin/peanut butter greek yogurt and soy-nog chia pudding; I use healthy sweeteners such as natural maple syrup and local honey; I buy things organically whenever I can. I probably should Really watching my diet has helped immensely. Maybe I'll dig out my old photos for comparison. In the meantime, however, I'm still on the hunt for a decent workout that won't literally kill me.

[SeaMansa]

Oooh, so I learned something new and awesome today. I had no idea archery was, well, good for the bod :P my college is going to be offering an archery course next year or so I was told. I know we used to have it in the past but I think they took it away after..."incidents" >> If they bring it back DEFINETLY signing up for it.

[AniaR]

Okay, so I have a question: What cardio exercises are good for someone who has asthma? You say it needs to be well over an hour of cardio workout, but what cardio should I do if I have both asthma and a heart condition, along with bad knees (thanks to genetics)? Not trying to make excuses, but instead trying to find actual things I can actually do without sending me to the hospital. I really do want to work out but don't fancy passing out after 20 min of cardio.

I don't have asthma but my lungs are stunted and make cardio difficult. What I was able to do is have my doc assess my cardio limit! I did the whole simpson regime (think x files episode, lol!) wore electrodes on a treadmill for 10 minutes. They tested my breath beforehand, during, and after, tested my heart rate, and my blood pressure. So they helped me determine the window I had to stay within before I would end up with breathing difficulties. Honest to goodness while I can do 30 minutes now, 3 years ago their recommendation was only 10! And each year I've been assessed by my team to go up by 10. I find now I can go 30-45 minutes, occasionally I can do 60. But sometimes I have to put pressure on my throat to keep from coughing. Not the same as asthma but it def gave me a lot of insight. I also find swimming a good cardio and I've read it's good for asthma because the air you breathe in is so moist it cuts back on inflammation in the lungs and throat.