Weekly Weigh-In: Exercise Equipment
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Finally! My Internet is back on! It’s been out since last night and I was going into withdrawal. Blessings on the cable guy who came out and brought me a new modem!
Now that that’s out of my system, it’s time for the Weekly Weigh-in and, for the second week in a row, I am so excited about my results! I lost 3.8 lbs. this week, for a total weight-loss of 7.8 lbs. in two weeks!! I know that the weight-loss will probably slow down soon, so I’m enjoying these big numbers while they last.
In additional to my weight weigh-in, I also wanted to weigh in on my thoughts about exercise equipment. It seems that every time I really get serious about weight-loss I feel that I have to have some new piece of equipment to be successful. Sometimes it’s something small like a new exercise DVD; sometimes it’s big, like a new treadmill. My husband is extremely generous in this area because he wants me to lose weight as much as I want to. (No, he never nags about it and it’s not physical appearance that he’s concerned about; it’s my health.)
Now, comes the full-disclosure part. While it was my full intention not to do that this time (and what this post was originally going to be about), my husband made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse the Friday after Thanksgiving. After I told him all about the BodyBugg and the great reviews it’s gotten, he offered to get me one for Christmas. I just couldn’t pass that up. I got it last Friday and I’m really loving it so far. After I’ve had a chance to use it for a few weeks, I plan to post more about it.
That being said, it had been my plan not to purchase any additional equipment for exercising or losing weight this go around because, the truth is, equipment doesn’t help you lose weight; eating right and exercising helps you lose weight. I love when, at some point in every Biggest Loser season, the contestants don’t have access to the gym. I’m usually laughing at them because they act like they have no idea what to do (and I guess I shouldn’t laugh because, sadly, many of them probably don’t). I always tell my husband I know the answers (like when they have food quizzes and such) and I know what to do, but I just don’t do it. (Well, I do now.)
There is plenty you can do to exercise your body without expensive exercise equipment, though, such as:
- Walking outside or at the mall
- Use your body’s own weight to your advantage – sit ups, push-ups, leg lifts, squats, wall push-ups, lunges, etc.
- Utilize the stairs – and not just for walking. You could use them for tricep dips. Even if you’ve only got one or two steps, use them as your “step aerobics” platform like my cousin does.
- Go “old school” – running in place and jumping jacks both make a very challenging cardio workout.
- Jump rope – another strenuous cardio that can be tailored to your level of fitness
- Hula-hoop – if you can, that is. I can’t. Perhaps I could learn, though.
- Exercise bands – These are great little inexpensive tools that can be used to get a great upper- and lower-body work-out. Stand on the middle of the band and use the ends for bicep curls or use them to intensify your squats.
What are some other ways you can think of to exercise at home even if you don’t have much exercise equipment?
Now it’s your turn! How did you do on your weight loss this week? Did you lose, gain, or stay the same? You can post it in the comments or on your own blog and link up. Feel free to “weigh in” about any other weight loss issues that are on your mind, as well. I look forward to hearing how YOU did this week!
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
Kris that is super! You must have some fancy scale to do the whole .8 thing lol. How wonderful that your dh got you the bug! I can't wait to hear how you like it. The Biggest Loser people seem to wear theirs all the time. Oh and I guess you will be watching the finale tonight, too. I'm putting watching the new Harry Potter movie (which comes out today) on hold so I can see who wins lol. Priorities you know! Btw I think it will be Amanda, but I hope it will be Danny.
Great job Kris! I loved reading your exercise ideas. I'll keep an eye out for what you think of the BodyBugg, I've always wondered how it works. Can you believe tonight is the Biggest Loser Finale?
I want a Finale right before Eclipe premieres…LOL.
@ Julie — Yeah, you can wear the BodyBugg up to 23 hours a day, so the BL folks are wearing theirs all the time. I'm the exact opposite of you — I want to see Amanda win, but I bet Danny will. I mean, 59 lbs. in two months?? Wow! Of course, I like him, so I wouldn't mind seeing him win.
@ Tristan — We are so excited about the finale tonight! Someone RT'd a tweet from Ali Sweeney yesterday where she said the contestant look unbelievable. Can't wait to watch!
I never would have thought to use steps for step aerobics but it's a perfectly GREAT idea! =D (We have a lot of steps around here so that's a useful tip.)
CONGRATS on the weight lost!
Congrats on the weight loss!
great job! I am not sure of any weight loss though I don't feel like it. I don't own a scale. maybe that should be what I purchase 🙂 I have in the past just gotten a gym membership (which I never finished out) and weighed there.
I did try this week to cut portion sizes even if I didn't keep a calorie count specifically. but like if I normally would eat 3-4 pieces of pizza I ate 2. I think even that makes a difference.
thanks for the tips and the inspiration!
@ Julie — Yeah, you can wear the BodyBugg up to 23 hours a day, so the BL folks are wearing theirs all the time. I'm the exact opposite of you — I want to see Amanda win, but I bet Danny will. I mean, 59 lbs. in two months?? Wow! Of course, I like him, so I wouldn't mind seeing him win.
@ Tristan — We are so excited about the finale tonight! Someone RT'd a tweet from Ali Sweeney yesterday where she said the contestant look unbelievable. Can't wait to watch!
Congrats on the weight loss!