I've been spending the new year reading several fitness and diet-related books. Just reading about these things helps keep me focused and motivated. Of course, actually moving my body helps even more.
One of my recent purchases was The New Rules of Lifting For Women. 
The subtitle "Lift Like A Man; Look Like A Goddess" might have irked me a little at first, but I get the underlying idea here: Too many women are conditioned to believe that if they lift anything over five pounds, they'll end up looking like Hulk Hogan. If only it were that easy to build muscle, particularly for women. If the author had his way, we'd all purge the words "tone" and "sculpt" from our vocabularies (a sentiment I think I've seen over on Stumptuous as well) and start getting used to hefting heavier dumbbells and barbells. It's hard work. Anything worth doing usually is.
His program is broken down into several stages and subworkouts; I did Workout A of Stage 1 on Sunday. Three days later, my abs are still killing me. And it's all due to the evil, evil "Prone Jackknife" move. I should have known that one was going to be trouble; the book recommended 15 reps of all the other exercises in Workout A, but only eight for the dreaded Jackknife. It doesn't *look* that bad in the video -- indeed, nothing in Workout A looked all that forbidding -- but I was one sore puppy for the next couple of days.
One of the nicest things about the workout? I was able to do it at home thanks to the dumbbells, barbells, mats, bands, and Swiss balls we've accumulated over the years. Naturally, it's optimal to do the workouts at gyms where you'll have a wider range of weights and equipment to use, but most of the exercises can be done at home.
And you know what? It was fun. I kinda missed my friendly little basement gym. It may not have all the fancy machines and weights and stuff, but on the other hand I don't have to wait for equipment, or wipe someone else's sweat off a bench I want to use (ewwww!).
That being said, I'm looking forward to trying Workout B at the rec center tomorrow night. I really do like the way I feel when I'm lifting weights; one of my goals is to see this program through to the end.
Thanks really all are very nice. I am very impressed by all.
Thanks again.
Posted by: Physical Therapy Supplies | January 06, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Hard to believe you have been gone for THREE WHOLE YEARS. People do still drop by and wonder about your. . .
Posted by: Vickie | January 17, 2011 at 03:30 AM
I can't believe it has been three whole years you have been gone. I realized your lost blogger anniversary was yesterday. I still wonder about you.
Posted by: Vickie | January 17, 2011 at 03:33 AM
I can't believe it has been three whole years you have been gone. I realized your lost blogger anniversary was yesterday. I still wonder about you.
Posted by: Vickie | January 17, 2011 at 03:34 AM
I can't believe it has been three whole years you have been gone. I realized your lost blogger anniversary was yesterday. I still wonder about you.
Posted by: Vickie | January 17, 2011 at 03:34 AM
I can't believe it has been three whole years you have been gone. I realized your lost blogger anniversary was yesterday. I still wonder about you.
Posted by: Vickie | January 17, 2011 at 03:35 AM
One solution to this problem of dumbbells is to do them from some kind of rig off a power rack.I've since got one made and works great. Set them up so they are just hanging there and you grab them and off you go with your reps.
Posted by: cap fitness | February 01, 2011 at 07:38 PM
We have the same pastime. Well I've also recently been reading a lot about fitness and health stuff, but only blogs and some online articles. Haven't find the time to purchase a book yet. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by: Faith Ellens | February 18, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Sounds great. you are going a great job.
Posted by: Hospice Houston | February 22, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Great post and so true.Congrats on a great blog.
Posted by: AnaVar | March 06, 2011 at 02:20 PM
You lost 61lbs just by walking alone? WOW! I mean really, that must've been some walk. How many miles did you average a day? I should try this. Not that I wanna lose some weight but I badly need the exercise. I just wish I were walking up or around nature, like a grass-covered pathway with trees all around instead of concrete and buildings surrounding you. Tough to be in a city with no park big enough like NY Central Park Nice video, I am looking forward some good blogs to follow and I`ve just found one: yours.
Posted by: Slips and trips Toronto | April 21, 2011 at 05:37 AM
So....The first thing I saw was prevents shrinkage...So i had to go back and make sure what this article I was about to read was focusing on ;)
Have a great day and thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Slips and trips Toronto | April 21, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Hi there! Just checking in - I'm with the others who miss ya! Hope all is well...
Thank you for post.
Posted by: Arteriovenous | April 27, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Hi Nicolle, I hope you are well. I just love reading your blog, thanks for sharing.
Ana
Posted by: Anavar | May 07, 2011 at 03:26 PM
I'm curious to know how this workout has ... worked out for you. It sounds interesting and I've been wanting to try out something similar.
Posted by: Melissa Wright | June 19, 2011 at 07:53 PM
I found this site a few years ago but never commented. You actually helped me start my blog is everything ok or did you just move your site to another location?
-Thomas
Posted by: Waist Hips and Thighs | June 27, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Thanks for the links! I've been meaning to start lifting weights too. Hopefully I can put this to use!
Posted by: David | September 08, 2011 at 12:04 PM
For the Doctor it is tough task to find out the right disease and problem of the patient. They judge the symptoms of patient and after his analysis he judge the problem of patient. And give the drug and proper guidance.
Posted by: generic Levitra | September 17, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Try doing a FEW "Jacknives" every 2-3 hours. A killer stress buster, as well as takes your numbers up seriously quick.
www.diamondhour.com
Posted by: Steven Barnes | September 19, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Losing 1 pound a week also uphill task for the people who have less will power.The desire should be burning.Never crave things that come as hurdles on your path to the goal.Let us put a stiff target to become lighter by some ideal percentage of our weight by this new year and let us start today.Nice blog here to help us in our dream come true.
Posted by: youdeals.us | October 03, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Weight lifting can effect your weight of the body, i this case consult instructor of gym or a personal trainer!!
Posted by: Dr Hulda Clark | October 26, 2011 at 12:06 AM
hi this is gokul new to this blog
i agree with your words in these blogs
thanks for sharing such an informative blog
keep on posting
Posted by: gokul international medical travel | November 16, 2011 at 05:48 AM
Interesting blog.. to bad your not posting anymore would love to see how your doing now
Posted by: Roberta | November 18, 2011 at 06:48 PM
This is what i needed to stumble upon. Agh, a sign of relief. I need something to tell me the that I am going to look toned without looking like a beefy muscle chick.
Thanks for the info, i'll get it next time i'm at chapters.
Posted by: Kourtney | December 11, 2011 at 06:17 PM