I'm slowly learning what I should not do for my knee. Today I tried out an arc trainer/elliptical thingy for my cardio workout and by the end of that my knee is stiff. Not sore, but it does seem to stress out my knee a bit more than it should when it's on higher resistance. Maybe I should lower it a bit. I think it's a bit too close to a stairclimber for my knee to like it very much. Pity. It was kinda fun. So, so far that's swimming with careful form, walking fast and the regular exercise bike that don't bother it so I know I can do those without harm.
I'm just trying to vary things up a bit, but I suppose I'll learn slowly what machines are not a great idea to use. I'm trying to ride the fine line between building muscle and pushing too far and hurting and having to stop. Today was close. When I noticed a stiffness at about 10 minutes on the machine I probably should have stopped. I decided to keep going and see what happened...dumb I know. No real harm done but still. I should know better. Perhaps I need to have a stronger knee first...we'll see. All I know is if I could heal my knee with attitude I'd be better by now :)
At any rate, I did do my leg/knee exercises and other arm & sit up stuff and after the robot clocking me off at 379 calories I'm in for another day. I'm all stocked up with healthy food and I know it'll be a good day. It'll be another 15 hour day here at Chez Laboratory so I have healthy meals and snacks and coffee (precious coffee).
The anti-Jared said something the other day. He was listing off a bunch of "happiness is" things (reminded me of the old Peanuts book I had as a kid). One of them was having to get your ring resized because you're smaller. This struck me, as I need to get mine resized again - I keep putting it off. Made me smile when I thought about it. When your fingers have shrunk you know you're onto something. :)
With any luck this will be a good day! Have a good one everyone!
Showing posts with label knee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knee. Show all posts
a delicious, but long day
This morning I had to come in to work early and finish up a statistics assignment on multiple regression and get some work done before work and classes started, so sadly, no swimming. I could have taken the risk to fit it in but quite honestly? I'm exhausted.
Last night (after another 12 hour day...) we went out for a late supper with some family who are in town visiting. It was great to see them - I truly enjoy their presence. We went out to a local very "foody" restaurant. Pricey but delicious. Truly delicious...the kind of place where the food is art and you groan with delight at every bit. They refused to let us pay which was a bonus (as it's a rather high end place). I have to say - the beauty of good quality, locally sourced food in normal portions of healthy food was a pleasant change. Even my dessert was lush, but small (a small pot of pumpkin custard with 2 tiny gingerbread cookies...heaven). I had a full meal and felt satisfied but not overfull and after a glass of wine and good conversation I was quite tired and happy.
We got back too late to finish up my stats homework...I was off to bed. I'm worried I'm getting to be a terrible partner - I hope J and I can have some time together on the weekend. My knee is a bit stiff but I think it should be OK for me to go tomorrow to the gym. So...I will do that and hopefully enjoy myself thoroughly. Today will be another long LOOOONG day...
Cheers all.
Music to do statistics to: Bjork - Debut (I just love Venus as a Boy)
Last night (after another 12 hour day...) we went out for a late supper with some family who are in town visiting. It was great to see them - I truly enjoy their presence. We went out to a local very "foody" restaurant. Pricey but delicious. Truly delicious...the kind of place where the food is art and you groan with delight at every bit. They refused to let us pay which was a bonus (as it's a rather high end place). I have to say - the beauty of good quality, locally sourced food in normal portions of healthy food was a pleasant change. Even my dessert was lush, but small (a small pot of pumpkin custard with 2 tiny gingerbread cookies...heaven). I had a full meal and felt satisfied but not overfull and after a glass of wine and good conversation I was quite tired and happy.
We got back too late to finish up my stats homework...I was off to bed. I'm worried I'm getting to be a terrible partner - I hope J and I can have some time together on the weekend. My knee is a bit stiff but I think it should be OK for me to go tomorrow to the gym. So...I will do that and hopefully enjoy myself thoroughly. Today will be another long LOOOONG day...
Cheers all.
Music to do statistics to: Bjork - Debut (I just love Venus as a Boy)
Rest day
Yesterday I got up and went swimming. I finally got around to getting a set of noseplugs so it was nice to not drown as I swam! In my last lap my knee went *TWINGE* big time. So I got out and went on with my day. It was OK at first but towards the end of the day I kept getting random twinges in it, mostly when I sat for too long in the lab chairs, which are at odd heights.
Grrrrrr.
I am tired of my knee being an issue. This morning I slept in a bit and just came in to work to get some stuff done early. I let the knee rest...and it still hints of stiffness but hasn't twinged yet. Here's hoping. I'm really really sick of this. It doesn't hurt, but I keep wondering what I'm doing to my knee...why it keeps doing this. Is it just me getting older or is it more? I no longer run. I swim. I bike. I do hamstring and quad strengthening. I've even started taking glucosamine supplements. I don't know what else I can do.
So tomorrow I am going to my doc and getting a referral to a physiotherapist so they can have a serious look at what is what and maybe offer me some more useful info. I'm not going to stop what I was told to do. What I was told to do by a regular sports doc at the clinic is not causing pain, but I am not normal either. I want to be sure I'm not damaging my knee...maybe it's supposed to do this as I strengthen it. Maybe this is how it is from now on...maybe I should be doing more. I have no idea. I just want an expert to tell me what to do, before I take the risk of making it worse. I have (knock on wood) many many years to go in life. I'll likely need my knee for most of that...:)
Grrrrrr.
I am tired of my knee being an issue. This morning I slept in a bit and just came in to work to get some stuff done early. I let the knee rest...and it still hints of stiffness but hasn't twinged yet. Here's hoping. I'm really really sick of this. It doesn't hurt, but I keep wondering what I'm doing to my knee...why it keeps doing this. Is it just me getting older or is it more? I no longer run. I swim. I bike. I do hamstring and quad strengthening. I've even started taking glucosamine supplements. I don't know what else I can do.
So tomorrow I am going to my doc and getting a referral to a physiotherapist so they can have a serious look at what is what and maybe offer me some more useful info. I'm not going to stop what I was told to do. What I was told to do by a regular sports doc at the clinic is not causing pain, but I am not normal either. I want to be sure I'm not damaging my knee...maybe it's supposed to do this as I strengthen it. Maybe this is how it is from now on...maybe I should be doing more. I have no idea. I just want an expert to tell me what to do, before I take the risk of making it worse. I have (knock on wood) many many years to go in life. I'll likely need my knee for most of that...:)
Step one: Obtain underpants
This morning I got up and tried on some of my new workout gear. There was a lululemon sale so I have a new top, bra, headband and shorts (on sale they are the same price as normal stuff!). Man their stuff fits so well and breathes so well. Pity it's so pricey. The shorts are nice with a built in shortyshort bit so I don't flash my butt when I stretch. I get the impression they're made for yoga though because they're super comfy for stretching and weights, but by the end of my 30 minutes speed walking on an incline in on the treadmill they were riding up all over like granny undies...annoying. If I could return them I would but they've been sweated in, so I suppose I'll just live with a slight undie line when they do that and make it an inspiration to firm up things in my netherregion more so they don't!
It's hard to just speedwalk, but I did it. I didn't feel right hopping on a bike...I'm just freaked I'll get "the pain" back again. I did a bunch of upper body weight stuff and then did the 2 weight machines for my butt and upper legs that I've been told will help. My knee got a bit twingy at the end, and I can tell it was being pushed a bit but I know I have to find the balance between building up the strength I need and hurting it so that it will be stronger. I've been promised that after a month I should see improvement if I'm nice, but consistent...higher reps at low weight to build up some strength so my legs are more balanced. I sure hope so...
I must be off. Lots to do. :)
It's hard to just speedwalk, but I did it. I didn't feel right hopping on a bike...I'm just freaked I'll get "the pain" back again. I did a bunch of upper body weight stuff and then did the 2 weight machines for my butt and upper legs that I've been told will help. My knee got a bit twingy at the end, and I can tell it was being pushed a bit but I know I have to find the balance between building up the strength I need and hurting it so that it will be stronger. I've been promised that after a month I should see improvement if I'm nice, but consistent...higher reps at low weight to build up some strength so my legs are more balanced. I sure hope so...
I must be off. Lots to do. :)
and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
Well, I'm back again. I left here at 9:30 and am back again at 7AM for another long day. Sheesh.
My knee is still stiff from that stupid spin bike, so it's getting one more day of relaxing before I give it a go at swimming tomorrow. That should give me a bit of a guage to see if I need to lay off again until monday or if I can try some cycling on friday. We shall see.
I am encouraged. Once again I stepped on the scale. Not being at the gym I was actually home for a long hot leisurely shower and was curious. I tried to ignore it but I ended up stepping on the scale - and wouldn't you know it? 128.5. Lowest...well ever, in my adult life.
Apparently when you are insanely busy and only stopping for meals to cram food in your mouth and keep going it's easier to lose weight. As a nibbler I usually snack away at calories. Having healthy meals packed has basically taken that out of the equation lately - I've not have any time for nibbles. Just focusing on eating healthy and no crap. Guess that works :)
source which I totally do NOT endorse...it's stupid and crazy to fast like that. The toon just made me laugh and I just finished a lecture on plagiarism so I feel like I have to reference everything!
I'm encouraged that in all the insanity of things I'm doing (it's gonna be another 14 hour day today) I am NOT overeating to fend off stress. If anything it's a challenge to make sure I eat enough and drink 8 glasses of liquid a day - which I'm making sure I do.
Time for another day! Have a good one everyone :)
My knee is still stiff from that stupid spin bike, so it's getting one more day of relaxing before I give it a go at swimming tomorrow. That should give me a bit of a guage to see if I need to lay off again until monday or if I can try some cycling on friday. We shall see.
I am encouraged. Once again I stepped on the scale. Not being at the gym I was actually home for a long hot leisurely shower and was curious. I tried to ignore it but I ended up stepping on the scale - and wouldn't you know it? 128.5. Lowest...well ever, in my adult life.
Apparently when you are insanely busy and only stopping for meals to cram food in your mouth and keep going it's easier to lose weight. As a nibbler I usually snack away at calories. Having healthy meals packed has basically taken that out of the equation lately - I've not have any time for nibbles. Just focusing on eating healthy and no crap. Guess that works :)
source which I totally do NOT endorse...it's stupid and crazy to fast like that. The toon just made me laugh and I just finished a lecture on plagiarism so I feel like I have to reference everything!
I'm encouraged that in all the insanity of things I'm doing (it's gonna be another 14 hour day today) I am NOT overeating to fend off stress. If anything it's a challenge to make sure I eat enough and drink 8 glasses of liquid a day - which I'm making sure I do.
Time for another day! Have a good one everyone :)
Meh
So it turns out the crap bike in spin class did leave my knee with a bit of a twinge after and it still hinted at me of slight stiffness this morning so I plan on taking a few days off to be gentle to it. I have no desire to be limping about when a few days rest is all it needs (knock on wood). This morning I just came into work instead of working out. Which is bad, but yet good as I am insanely-beyond-it-all busy.
How busy?
Well, I was in here at 7AM and it's 7:45PM and I still have about an hour left to do before I can go hop on the bus to go home and nom some supper and flop into bed.
Wait...what am I even doing here?
Buh bye!
How busy?
Well, I was in here at 7AM and it's 7:45PM and I still have about an hour left to do before I can go hop on the bus to go home and nom some supper and flop into bed.
Wait...what am I even doing here?
Buh bye!
Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be...
Well, this weekend was busy but I got a lot of work done on my project and my husband helped me destress. I got some frustrating news about my project on friday that means a lot more work for me...so I ranted and raved a bit and then got to work, because really, I can whine all I want about how it's unfair, but it all needs to be done so I might as well get at it. Still angry, but it is what it is. To help destress J took me out for thai food and I got to visit some old friends on sunday so that helped.
I went to spin class today - another full on crazy workout. I forgot my chest strap so I have no numbers but I know I worked hard. I got there late so I ended up with a crappy bike and it bothered my knee a bit. Hopefully it will be alright...I asked the teacher to give me the "look" if I was doing wrong form for my knee or if there was a move coming up that I shouldn't be doing and that was great but the seat on my bike kept sloooooooooowly sinking. I keep forgetting - riding a "normal bike" I'm used to stopping pedalling for a drink and there is no tension on the flywheel. With the exercise ones for the class the wheel keeps turning slowly which sort of wrenches your knee a bit...I think that may be most of my problem with my knee being a bit sore. I'll be nice to my knee for the rest of the day - I did some extra stretching and tomorrow is swimming, so hopefully things will stay OK. I managed to fit into the spin class on wednesday as well so we'll see just how that goes. If my knee is still sore I'll drop out and just walk instead.
I'm all stocked up on healthy food and we did well over the weekend. The one indulgence was chili pizza (mmmm) but I didn't pig out on it so I feel fine about our food lately. The trick for me seems to be to have healthy snacks...that and learning that most of the time when I feel nibbly it's actually because I'm thirsty. Usually I've started having a drink of water when I feel peckish and wait 5 minutes. If I'm still hungry I have something. 8 times out of 10 it's been thirst...a good lesson to know...
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
I leave you with this song that's been in my head all morning :)
I went to spin class today - another full on crazy workout. I forgot my chest strap so I have no numbers but I know I worked hard. I got there late so I ended up with a crappy bike and it bothered my knee a bit. Hopefully it will be alright...I asked the teacher to give me the "look" if I was doing wrong form for my knee or if there was a move coming up that I shouldn't be doing and that was great but the seat on my bike kept sloooooooooowly sinking. I keep forgetting - riding a "normal bike" I'm used to stopping pedalling for a drink and there is no tension on the flywheel. With the exercise ones for the class the wheel keeps turning slowly which sort of wrenches your knee a bit...I think that may be most of my problem with my knee being a bit sore. I'll be nice to my knee for the rest of the day - I did some extra stretching and tomorrow is swimming, so hopefully things will stay OK. I managed to fit into the spin class on wednesday as well so we'll see just how that goes. If my knee is still sore I'll drop out and just walk instead.
I'm all stocked up on healthy food and we did well over the weekend. The one indulgence was chili pizza (mmmm) but I didn't pig out on it so I feel fine about our food lately. The trick for me seems to be to have healthy snacks...that and learning that most of the time when I feel nibbly it's actually because I'm thirsty. Usually I've started having a drink of water when I feel peckish and wait 5 minutes. If I'm still hungry I have something. 8 times out of 10 it's been thirst...a good lesson to know...
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
I leave you with this song that's been in my head all morning :)
My baby's back!
Yesterday I ditched belly dance, because it tends to aggravate my knee. I want it to rest up and be my friend again. I'm making a conscious effort to not mope about it. It just is what it is.
On the plus side though, last night I went to pick up my bike from the shop - my bike is back! YES!!!!
I love my bike - a girly bar style Trek 3500, with 18 gears, fenders and comfy seat...She had a flat tire and needed a tune up after a winter of rest and use, so on the weekend I cleaned her off and took her in to Doug at Doug's Spoke and Sport (great guy...really...got my bike there too). He took my girl in and shined her up, tightened and oiled the chain, checked all the bolts and screws, adjusted the brakes and fixed my flat back tire. We took her home last night after work and she's all ready to go. And Doug, being a sweetheart that he is, wouldn't let me pay him for the tune up. What a guy :)
It rained to day, so I left her at home, but I'm hoping (knock on wood) that since my knee feels better today, by monday I'll be able to bike again. I do so love the walking to work in the mornings, but at the end of the day, the last thing I want is a 35 minute walk in the hot hot heat (or rain). On my bike I can zip home in about 15 minutes...and, even better, there will be no more bus delays. You have no idea how grateful I am for that. J has been sweet in picking me up when he can after work after I do my MSc work after along day's regular work, but a lot of days (with the crappy summer bus schedule) it can take me up to one and a half hours to get home...which after a 12-13 hour day is not what I'm up for. I bring a book and my iPod, but having my bike back will be so very very sweet.
This weekend I have lots to do in the lab, but things are working so far and working well. It's supposed to be rainy and miserable all weekend so I won't be missing too much. AND it's my Mum-in-laws birthday on sunday so we're going to get together and make *her* supper for once. She wants turkey. Heh...I've only made one, so I hope it'll be edible! Ah well...there will be mashed potatoes, and gravy drowns all mistakes doesn't it? :)
Have a good weekend all...
On the plus side though, last night I went to pick up my bike from the shop - my bike is back! YES!!!!
I love my bike - a girly bar style Trek 3500, with 18 gears, fenders and comfy seat...She had a flat tire and needed a tune up after a winter of rest and use, so on the weekend I cleaned her off and took her in to Doug at Doug's Spoke and Sport (great guy...really...got my bike there too). He took my girl in and shined her up, tightened and oiled the chain, checked all the bolts and screws, adjusted the brakes and fixed my flat back tire. We took her home last night after work and she's all ready to go. And Doug, being a sweetheart that he is, wouldn't let me pay him for the tune up. What a guy :)
It rained to day, so I left her at home, but I'm hoping (knock on wood) that since my knee feels better today, by monday I'll be able to bike again. I do so love the walking to work in the mornings, but at the end of the day, the last thing I want is a 35 minute walk in the hot hot heat (or rain). On my bike I can zip home in about 15 minutes...and, even better, there will be no more bus delays. You have no idea how grateful I am for that. J has been sweet in picking me up when he can after work after I do my MSc work after along day's regular work, but a lot of days (with the crappy summer bus schedule) it can take me up to one and a half hours to get home...which after a 12-13 hour day is not what I'm up for. I bring a book and my iPod, but having my bike back will be so very very sweet.
This weekend I have lots to do in the lab, but things are working so far and working well. It's supposed to be rainy and miserable all weekend so I won't be missing too much. AND it's my Mum-in-laws birthday on sunday so we're going to get together and make *her* supper for once. She wants turkey. Heh...I've only made one, so I hope it'll be edible! Ah well...there will be mashed potatoes, and gravy drowns all mistakes doesn't it? :)
Have a good weekend all...
I'm baaack!
Well this Am my knee is a bit stiff so I did stretches and used a tennis ball and my foam roller to try and massage out my hamstrings, knee and ITB... No workout. I walked to work, and by the time I got here it had the odd twinge...going up the stairs I get the odd twinge. One that feels like the old Chondromalacia Patellae acting up. Yup. Goody.
*sigh*
I suppose it's up to me to take it easy again until it goes away...I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor to see if I can get some physio...this is just not acceptable. Maybe I need a brace to keep my knee in check. Perhaps my super stiff hamstrings pulled things abit out of whack. Who knows?
All I know is I can't stay in shape if I have to stop exercising every time I get there.
Grrr...I'm trying to not let this get to me but I have to say. This is really not a good day for it...makes me want to crawl back into bed under the covers.
*sigh*
I suppose it's up to me to take it easy again until it goes away...I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor to see if I can get some physio...this is just not acceptable. Maybe I need a brace to keep my knee in check. Perhaps my super stiff hamstrings pulled things abit out of whack. Who knows?
All I know is I can't stay in shape if I have to stop exercising every time I get there.
Grrr...I'm trying to not let this get to me but I have to say. This is really not a good day for it...makes me want to crawl back into bed under the covers.
The horror. The horror.
When I was out today on the walking part of my Endurance day of the Core Performance workout, I did that thing again of stepping up on the park bench to get my heart rate up. I only did 10 on each side and then kept walking, as my legs are pretty fatigued...and as I was walking my knee did that "thing" again.
NO.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
Just no.
I walked at a lighter pace and it went away, and I walked to work and it didn't come back but now I'm terrified. I am not ready mentally to have to stop exercising AGAIN for my knee. I chose this program to strengthen it. I know perhaps I am doing too much...but don't you have to push yourself? I'm just following the program. I'm not even progressing at the speed you're supposed to for the workouts, I'm just moving up levels once my muscles sort of get used to the current level instead of a step up every week. I do not want to stop exercising for my knee to heal. For the 6th time. I've accepted the fact that I might not be able to run anymore...but why can't I do this? Am I just trying to do too much?
I am hoping it won't come back. I want to ride my bike to work once it gets tuned up. I want to keep working out. I can see the difference in my body now.
I know I'll be very paranoid about it. I'll be doing some extra stretches and things.
They don't make robot knees yet, so I'll have to be careful.
Here's crossing my fingers. And toes.
Stupid knee.
NO.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
Just no.
I walked at a lighter pace and it went away, and I walked to work and it didn't come back but now I'm terrified. I am not ready mentally to have to stop exercising AGAIN for my knee. I chose this program to strengthen it. I know perhaps I am doing too much...but don't you have to push yourself? I'm just following the program. I'm not even progressing at the speed you're supposed to for the workouts, I'm just moving up levels once my muscles sort of get used to the current level instead of a step up every week. I do not want to stop exercising for my knee to heal. For the 6th time. I've accepted the fact that I might not be able to run anymore...but why can't I do this? Am I just trying to do too much?
I am hoping it won't come back. I want to ride my bike to work once it gets tuned up. I want to keep working out. I can see the difference in my body now.
I know I'll be very paranoid about it. I'll be doing some extra stretches and things.
They don't make robot knees yet, so I'll have to be careful.
Here's crossing my fingers. And toes.
Stupid knee.
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