May 2, 2008. That was my last update here. Since then, it’s all been status quo. Ups and downs on the scale, ups and downs with my level of activity, and finally – the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back”, this past spring/summer I could no longer “deal” with the back pain that I’ve endured since 2005′ish.
About a month ago, a friend had great success with the corticosteroid injection for her lower back. I decided I’d give it a try. I made appointments, had a new MRI, and was told that it was possible that a transforaminal injection would help me. Ohhhh it helped me alright – for one whole day! One! Day!
For one day, I felt like a normal person. For one day, I rolled out of bed instead of cricked, cracked broke your momma’s back got out of bed. I put my shorts on! Without leaning against a wall! I carried a watermelon, too! I look back on that day, 3 weeks ago now, and I want that again. Now that I know it CAN happen, even with 50% of my L5-S1 disk gone, and neuroforaminal stenosis causing me much distress, I am determined (again!) to strengthen my core and lose those few (cough…25..cough) extra pounds that have crept back on over the last few years.
I’ll share my progress thus far – as I am already on day 5. I have been consulting with my client/friend, Joey Atlas, and he has been giving me advice on how to proceed, gently, to increase my core strength and make the changes I need so desperately for decreased pain and increased flexibility and mobility.
I’m a busy mom and self-employed to boot – so though my schedule is more flexible than others, I still have a lot of hurdles and last minute changes, appointments and commitments going on. I am committed to block out at LEAST an hour a day to do this. It’s more important than ever before!
Day 1
I started out day 1 with Chapters 1-14 (floor exercises only) from Joey’s Ultimate Leg, Butt, Hip and Thigh Makeover DVD, and followed it with about 20 minutes on the treadmill.
Day 2
Finished out the ULBHTM video, I think it goes to chapter 26 or 28. These are standing exercises for the most part, squats, lunges, stepping up/down etc. that didn’t seem so tough, but boy from Day 3 on, I felt it. It was not pleasant, but Joey encouraged me and let me know that means that my muscles are already starting to change!
I also walked 30 minutes on the treadmill (I keep it over 3mph, 3% incline the majority of the time).
Day 3
Saturday, Joey recommended his Abs of Stone, Core of Steel DVD. I made it through that one okay, some of the exercises were tough because this one targets an area that is very tender for me. I took it easy, as he suggested, and can feel some tightening but not so much that I am sore.
My daughter and I went out walking on Day 3, we took a route that is hilly – I was really feeling Day 2′s burn in my thighs and we wound up at about 3 miles – just under an hour walk.
Day 4
Sunday – oh my. Church in the morning, then I went and washed the river bugs off my van (and broke a sweat, so that counts!), and we went furniture shopping. 10 stores later, everyone is hungry and we stopped at Noodle’s for a meal. I tried to choose wisely – and went with a Mediterranean pasta with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, spinach and tomato – and added a grilled chicken breast. It is really hard for me to eat out. Better if I don’t. Next time, I think I’ll pass and drink water while everyone else eats. We ran the kids to and fro, then my hubby joined me on the same walk I took with my daughter the day before. Another 3 miles in, excruciatingly painful at times with the burn in my thighs, but they felt better after the walk.
Day 5
Today, Joey recommended an upper body workout. I only have this 8 Minute Arm DVD so I went with that. I have to laugh at trainers who think big broad striped bodysuits are cool. LOL! At least it makes the workout entertaining!
I watched the Bachelor Pad on my laptop while I walked on the treadmill – a good 40 minute walk today. Now my goal is to watch my water intake and get it back up to where it needs to be, and munch on veggies and mixed nuts this afternoon. Tonight I plan on making grilled chicken and veggies so I know I’ll have a better day as far as food consumption goes.
OH yea, I did take measurements (chest, waist, hips in 2 spots, left thigh and bicep) so I’ll update on those changes as well. 
I have created a Facebook Page, please join me over there! I would love to hear about your progress, too. Where weight loss is concerned – I have learned that there IS strength in numbers!
Here’s my facebook page: Pounds2Go on Facebook
See you soon!
