Even up here in the frigid north, winter seems to be losing it's grip. Today I was outside with no jacket. Tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees. That may not sound like a big deal where you are, but for us folk here in Michigan, it is awesome to have such pleasant weather so early in the year. Yesterday, I rolled out my secret weapon for weight loss, my bike lol. I bought this bike several years ago when I was first diagnosed with diabetes. My intention then was to ride to lose weight. Unfortunately, riding just killed my knee joints. So I put the bike away thinking that I would bring it back our when I lost some weight and the strain on my joints would not be so bad. Well that was about 30-40 pounds ago. After inflating the tires and riding all around for two days, I am thrilled to report I have not had any joint pain.
I love having my elliptical and I use it all the time. Even in the summer if the weather gets bad, I will jump on for a little exercise. However, the elliptic can get a little boring. So, as Michigan starts to warm, I am hoping to melt of a few pounds on my "new" bike that I can finally ride. How is that for a non-scale victory? What do you all look forward to doing now that the weather is starting to change???
I'd like to do more outdoor runs. I've been using the treadmill all winter because I don't like running in the cold. Yay for spring weather early!
ReplyDeleteMe too. I just cannot get motivated to go outside in the snow and the slush!
DeleteI haven't had any knee problems or pain in some time but when I was 35 pounds heavier, I certainly did. I'm looking forward to riding my bike soon. Right now it is in Mississippi and I am in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference 35 pounds can make!! Well done!
DeleteThat's awesome Paul. I look forward to more walking & running in some different areas. I've been doing it during winter but sticking close to home so now that its nicer it's time to venture out & see what beauty Mn has to offer since Mpls/St Paul has been voted one of the best places for running:-)
ReplyDeleteI hope it is turning nice there for you. I hear MN can have worse weather than here in Michigan!
DeleteI walked back and forth to the gym and then later to the post office, which added 2.4 miles to my workouts today. It's 65* here on LI!!
ReplyDeleteWow, 2.4 miles for me IS a workout LOL. Way to go!!
DeleteAwesome! I need to haul my bike out too - we've had beautiful weather also! DS just picked up his bike from our shed and brought it to his house, so now my bike isn't packed behind too many others and I can get at it! Will have to look at it and make sure everything is ready so I can get moving on it! Yah spring!
ReplyDeleteDawn
Just be sure to check the tires. Pedaling on under inflated tires is well tiring lol.
DeleteOkay it is time to dust off Merlin and start riding again. We are having wonderful weather here in Mississippi.
ReplyDeleteYes! Hopefully we can motivate everyone to get out and enjoy some fresh air and nice weather.
DeleteI'd like to bike too. You are SO right, losing weight changes everything doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it sure makes pedaling easier I can tell you that.
DeleteI can't think of a better NS victory then being pain free. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to getting back out on the hiking trails around here. It will take a lot of this unseasonably warm weather to dry the trails. But I will be out there ASAP! I may even go in the mud??? The warm temps sure do have a strong pull to get you outside.
Pain free is nice.
DeleteMy kids and I went hiking last weekend. I will say the trails were spongy. The wet leaves still on the ground from last fall are slippery on the inclines also!
What a great idea! I'm gonna wait until I get to NYC to buy me a bike. But that's something I've definitely forgotten and missed from childhood!
ReplyDeleteIt will put a smile on your face, that's for sure. It does transport me back to my childhood.
DeleteGreat NSV. Go you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and for your support!!
DeleteI just got my bike out too. I am going to write about it on Friday I think. It was hurting my knee so I had the hubby raise the seat voila the pain went away. Enjoy your great weather!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is no fun riding if it hurts...I look forward to reading your post.
DeleteFantastic NSV! My bike is going to help me too this season! :D
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to be able to ride my bike. I couldn't last year because of an injury, but it is one of my favorite things to do.
ReplyDeleteWe're enjoying a very early spring in Minnesota too!
Well I hope you can enjoy some time on your bike this year!!
DeletePaul, thank you for your comment on my blog! I look forward to following yours~~I take all the motivation I can get! So happy that your bike is working for you--I need to get a bike as well one of these days. I'm very jealous of your elliptical, I love that machine. I am newly in Washington State, after having spent the past 4 years in Hawaii and California, so this bad weather is kind of discouraging, as well as the fact that my 3 youngest make it impossible for me to have a gym membership--I love those awesome machines, but I am stuck doing videos instead. Luckily I have some great ones that I really like.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to read through your blog this afternoon when I get some time. Yay for weight loss!
Oh wow moving from CA to WA has got be hard. I have lived in neither, but I know CA is known for sun and WA is known for rain ;(
DeleteThank you so much for your comment and for stopping by!!
oh, yes!! i bought a cruiser last year and love it. it is so much more fun to exercise outside.
ReplyDeleteAt least when it is nice out ;)
DeleteGoing for walks without freezing and without having to wear layers!!LOL Also going to the mountains and hiking some..not a lot YET, because I don't want to shock my body too much since I AM still pretty fat.
ReplyDeleteWell Tammy, you are right. Some of the hills here almost give me a heart attack-I cannot imagine mountains!!
DeleteWe live in sunny Florida so the weather is rarely a factor. Unless you count the heat! LOL I too love my elliptical!! It actually does get used! My kids will even get on it and workout for about 5 mins at a time. hehe I figure every little bit helps!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Dee that is funny, my son is 11 and will get on the elliptical and blaze off a quick mile...then he's done. You are right every little bit counts!
DeleteSwimming! It will need to get a bit warmer yet but I can't wait. Glad you found my blog; I am enjoying yours.
ReplyDeleteYep, but here in Michigan swimming is a few moths away!
DeleteThanks for stopping by and for your comment.
I'd LOVE it if it was 70F in the UK! I'm glad you're enjoying the weather. You should post some pics of you on your bike! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think I will get some pics. Thanks for the idea, Tim.
DeleteI understand about being afraid. My wife has a horse, but I am too scared to ride it. I do not like to feel I have no control.
ReplyDeleteYou should look into getting one of those nice adult tricycles. My daughter doesn't have the best balance and she wants one.
Great NSV! I am excited about getting a bike after the big move, I don't think I have been on a bike for at least 5 years, isn't that sad!
ReplyDeleteSwimming is a great all body workout, and if you are lucky enough to be close to an indoor pool you can do it all year round.
Well the great thing is you never forget how to ride. Hope you can get out there soon.
DeleteThank you so much for posting this. I used to ride bikes like it was going out of style and after getting my driver's license 10 years ago I gave up riding. I read your post on Friday and drove home wishing I still owned a bike. While at my parent's house on Saturday I fixed up a couple of my old bikes for my nephews. My father appreciated it and offered to let me take his brand new mountain bike home with me. I rode on Friday and Sunday and I got a great workout both times. I live in a small community with little traffic and a lot of sidewalks.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
-Ryan
http://daddyweightloss.blogspot.com
Hey Ryan, I absolutely love hearing this. It is so cool to see how words can and do help bring about change!! Reading this thrilled me, and I am so glad you are enjoying again what you used to enjoy.
DeleteI feel as long as we are breathing we are not to old for a little fun!
Thanks for reading and your comment!