Dealing With Ankle Pain

For about a week now, I've been dealing with pain at the back of my left ankle.  I have no idea how it got that way.  Last Sunday I woke up, started going about my business, and halfway through the day it started to hurt.

I haven't done any unusual workouts or tried anything new that should have bothered my ankle.  I didn't whack it against anything or even notice any problems during my usual exercise.  It feels like it just showed up all of a sudden.  I wish it would go away all of a sudden as well...it's starting to feel better but still giving me some problems.

So what have I been doing for the last week?  The old me would have just sat on the couch and "babied" my ankle, afraid to do anything.  But this is a new me - while I'm still being careful with it, I am also finding ways to work around it so I can still work out.

I don't put a lot of weight on it when it's not necessary.  I do ankle exercises that are supposed to stretch and strengthen the area.  And I'm skipping the step, but still doing the kettlebells.  I do a lot of leg and knee lifts where I can set my foot down gently.  Plus, I'm doing something I learned from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition - inspired by Chris Powell making someone sit in every seat in a stadium, I'm doing the same with my couch, moving from one end to the other sitting and standing over and over again.  It turns out that getting up and down out of your seat repeatedly really works your legs, core, and butt...and gets your heart rate going pretty well.

I also can still go to spin class, since there is limited pressure on the ankles.  I've found that I feel fine after spin, so I scheduled an extra class for this week to keep myself moving.  I've come a long way, and I refuse to sit around and backslide, letting weight creep back on because of this.  I will continue to do what I can with whatever issues or circumstances comes up, in fitness and in life.  God gives me the strength to be creative and do what I need to do.

So if you have any type of issue with your workouts, I urge you to find a way to work with or around them.  You will be so glad you did and a stronger person than you were before!

Surviving The Hot Summer

The fans are going WILD!!!!!

No, I'm not at a sporting event or a concert.  I'm not even in the vicinity of those right now.  I'm sitting in my home office, at my computer, in a house with no air conditioning.  The only thing saving me right now is the desk fan my husband got for me, so I don't become delirious while trying to write.  (although I might come up with some VERY interesting stories that way!)

Our air conditioner bit the dust at the end of last summer.  We had it checked, and found out that the unit the builder used in our house (which is only 10 years old) is no longer being made - nor can we get parts for it.  So...that means we have to buy a whole new unit.  We didn't have the money to do it then, but thought we would by the time this summer rolled around. 

Well, we still don't have the funds.  Car repairs and other emergencies came up, and our budget is extremely tight.  So we're fighting our way through this especially hot summer, thankful for each time there is a break for a day or two from the intense temperatures.  Anytime a breeze blows through a window, I say a prayer to God thanking Him for it.  And the fans really are going wild - the one at my desk, plus the three others that we move around depending what room we are in at any given time.  Most days they help...unless the temperatures climb into the 90's when it just feels like hot air blowing around.

You know what it's like when the heat gets to you, especially if you are still overweight.  And that's the case for me.  Although I'm down over 35 pounds, I still have quite a bit to lose.  So it's uncomfortable.  But I also realize it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't lost any of the weight yet!

The real trick is getting my workouts done without passing out.  When I go to spin class it's fine, because the studio has plenty of air and fans to keep us sane.  It's working out at home that becomes challenging.  I'm so grateful that our finished basement is much cooler than the rest of the house, because I can do DVD workouts there.  Sometimes I still exercise on the first floor, using my step and kettlebells with a fan going.  But if it's in the mid-90's or above, I don't exert myself like that.  It gets to be too much for my body.  Then I try to just go for a light walk if I can to at least keep moving.

The other key is to stay hydrated.  I'm drinking cold water like it's going out of style, but it's necessary in this heat - before, during, and after exercise.  I've also been known to open the freezer door and stand in front of it for a quick cooldown. (And possibly get a little jealous of my frozen foods right now...)

The weight is still coming off...a little slower than before, but that's OK.  I'm doing my best with what I have, still moving forward.  I'm not just giving up and sitting around all the time because it's so hot; I won't give up on my progress just because of the heat. 

I will continue with my fitness no matter what.  It's something I can be proud of, and will push me to get stronger in the long run.  Will keep working on that hot body - and I don't mean overheated!

Spin Till You Win!

No, I'm not talking about a slot machine for all of you gamblers out there.  (Though I've been known to play that one on rare occasion...)  I'm talking Spinning class!

Many of you know how much I love spinning.  My budget only allows me to take a class once a week, maybe with an extra Friday class here or there - but I look forward to it each and every time.  And lately I love it even more.

Why?  Because I'm getting stronger and pushing myself harder...not only at the studio but at home with step and kettlebell workouts, Pilates, and Zumba.  All of the cross-training I do makes me better on the bike.

Last night I had my best spin EVER.  I could do a lot more work out of the saddle, while still pushing myself in the saddle and making attempts at some of the moves I didn't think I was strong enough to do in the past.  I discovered I could do it...and I DID!

I'll let you in on a little secret...before every spin class I say a prayer, asking God to help me have a great spin and do more than I did the last time.  Believe me, it works.  When you realize that you can do anything through His strength, it's empowering.  And the momentum only builds from there.

So I encourage you to give spinning a try...just remember to pray for that extra "push" from above!

Having a Swingin' Friday!

No...not THAT kind of swinging. Once I picked the title, all I could think of was the episode of Just Shoot Me where Maya and Elliott wanted to learn swing dancing, and when they met up with another couple who were "swingers", they totally misunderstood and had to flee quickly. DEFINITELY NOT that kind of swinging...no thank you!!!

Today I'm swinging the kettlebell around. I've been wanting the Kettlenetics set for quite a while, and I finally was able to pick it up at Target with a gift card I was given. The kettlebell that comes with this set is 4 pounds, which will be a good start for me. Once I master that, I can work my way up to heavier weights. I practiced a little bit with it last night...at first it felt like I was swinging around nothing (my PURSE used to weigh more than that!) but after a while I could really feel it. I may graduate to a heavier kettlebell sooner than I thought, but I will use this one for a while to keep variety in my workouts.

Today is a good indoor workout day, since I saw snowflakes outside and there is also a light drizzle. (Spring weather, please come back!) Tonight I will have my special grilled chicken, marinated with Frank's Chile-n-Lime sauce, hit the treadmill, and swing my little kettlebell around. Swing dancing is coming soon...and maybe the swings at the park, but none of the other kind! :o)