THE OFFICIAL VNA EXERCIZE & FITNESS DEPARTMENT...

[Kirstie]

I feel like that's too easy. Lol. I was starting to take Melatonin again cause I thought it helped me sleep about a year ago and when I was taking it, it almost made me feel drained and exhausted when I got up, so I dunno what happened. I just miss sleeping at night and hate sleeping during the day. My best night's sleep are on the days I have off, which is only 2 days a week.

[WalterB]

Over the weekend you should maintain your sleep schedule. Yes, I know it's hard to stay up at night on a day off. I used to alter a little bit, for example, if I had things to do. But I'd still stay up at night. Boring as hell, I know. Not a lot to do. But if you can manage it, it will make you overall feel better.

Also, make sure EVERY source of light is blocked from any windows. Any light at all can keep you from getting that deep sleep you need. Also make sure everyone understands you need quiet. Sleep as far from the living area as you can. When working night shifts, you really need to take drastic measures to ensure that you get much-needed sleep.

[Kirstie]

I don't have problems sleeping on my days off, but during the week when I'm working. I struggle with wanting to be up during the day doing stuff but wanting to sleep at the same time.
I'm actually going to go to the gym tomorrow... It's been like 6 months. So, we'll see how this goes.

[stickyvicky]

KIrstie what about your days off? Yes go to the gym on your days off! Let us know how it goes tomorrow! Does your gym have any bodypump classes? Bootcamp? Small Group Training? That is the best! Join a group so you motivate each other!

[Kirstie]

I'm really shy and get anxiety, so I don't think I can handle a group thing. I went to the gym this morning. I did a little over 12 miles on a sitting bike in an hour and did 2.6 miles on an elliptical in 25 minutes. I could have stayed at the gym longer but didn't want to overdue it.
I can go to the gym on my days off but that's when I usually hang out with Josh and at my gym, you can't get in without a membership. I'd be able to take him with me if I paid double the money every month. When I'm with Josh, I like for us to take a hike each day, a couple miles long, to get out of the house and move around.

[stickyvicky]

As long as you keep moving! Good for you! What gym do you go to anyway? Just curious? Is it a chain?

[rokkerr]

I had a rough day on the treadmill....

[aperry1515]

[Andrew35]

Everyone should be doing the Muscle Man Dance:

[CGYMike]

I went to the gym tonight and came to the realization that I've now turned into the old creepy dude who goes to the gym.

[stickyvicky]

Awww don't say that! I'm sure you were creepy when you were young too? Lol

[lance_s]

Dear Diary,

For my fiftieth birthday this year, my wife (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing on my college football team 30 yrs ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

Called the club and made my reservation with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26 yr old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My wife seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00am. Tough to get out of bed, but it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She was something of a Greek goddess -- with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a
dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!!!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines.. She took my pulse after 5 minutes on the treadmill. She was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attributed it to standing next to her in her Lycra aerobics outfit. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today.

Very inspiring, Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air, and then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.

THURSDAY: Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the men's room.. She sent Lars to find me, then, as punishment, put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY: I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic little cheerleader. If there were a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps. And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the *&%#(#&**!!@*@ barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir
director?

SATURDAY: Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength
to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY: I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year, my wife, will choose a gift for me that is fun like a root canal or a vasectomy.

[lance_s]

Awww don't say that! I'm sure you were creepy when you were young too? Lol

Then was creepy young. Now is creepy old....

[Andrew35]

I went to the gym tonight and came to the realization that I've now turned into the old creepy dude who goes to the gym.

Just do the Muscle Man Dance should make everything better

[stickyvicky]

Uhhh...I'm destroyed today! I went running at 7:30 am with my club from the gym, it was brutal 81 degrees and 80% humidity. We were all redfaced and dripping when we got back to the gym! Dave was smart, lol.. he ran on the treadmill in airconditioning in front of a TV! Then he took Skittles home, and I stayed to do 30 min of upper body, and 30 min of kick boxing! I had to take a nap from 1 - 2 pm lol...

[lance_s]

Uhhh...I'm destroyed today! I went running at 7:30 am with my club from the gym, it was brutal 81 degrees and 80% humidity. We were all redfaced and dripping when we got back to the gym! Dave was smart, lol.. he ran on the treadmill in airconditioning in front of a TV! Then he took Skittles home, and I stayed to do 30 min of upper body, and 30 min of kick boxing! I had to take a nap from 1 - 2 pm lol...

How far do you run Vicky? We did 5k of hills yesterday in 30C weather (85F, but not quite as humid as you had it). Pilates tomorrow morning and another 5K in the evening. Work in between.

[stickyvicky]

Just over 3 miles, it's the damn humidity that just sucks the life out of you. The air is thick! Hard to breathe just walking never mind running! The run club goes way faster than I would normally run on my own. I do a 10 min mile on the treadmill and probably 10 or 11 min mile running outside with skittles. The club runs at a 9 min mile pace, so it's uncomfortable for me and I struggle to keep up! But that's how we improve!

[lance_s]

Just over 3 miles, it's the damn humidity that just sucks the life out of you. The air is thick! Hard to breathe just walking never mind running! The run club goes way faster than I would normally run on my own. I do a 10 min mile on the treadmill and probably 10 or 11 min mile running outside with skittles. The club runs at a 9 min mile pace, so it's uncomfortable for me and I struggle to keep up! But that's how we improve!

I know what you mean about the humidity. It feels like you're pushing your way through a wet sponge.

I would not be able to keep up a 9 min. mile pace for 3 miles - good for you. But that is the advantage of running with a group - they push you to better yourself.

My kilt run is coming up in 2 weeks.

[CGYMike]

I ran a 1/2 Marathon in southern California in those kinds of conditions, and it started at 6:00am...it was brutal !! But I latched onto a couple of ponytails in front of me and they willed me to the finish line :)

[stickyvicky]

How is your training going now Mikey? How is your foot?