Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Secret Weapon for Weight Loss

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???

43 comments:

  1. 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!

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    1. Me too. I just cannot get motivated to go outside in the snow and the slush!

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  2. I 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.

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    1. What a difference 35 pounds can make!! Well done!

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  3. That'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:-)

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    1. I hope it is turning nice there for you. I hear MN can have worse weather than here in Michigan!

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  4. I 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!!

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    1. Wow, 2.4 miles for me IS a workout LOL. Way to go!!

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  5. Awesome! 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!
    Dawn

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    1. Just be sure to check the tires. Pedaling on under inflated tires is well tiring lol.

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  6. Okay it is time to dust off Merlin and start riding again. We are having wonderful weather here in Mississippi.

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    1. Yes! Hopefully we can motivate everyone to get out and enjoy some fresh air and nice weather.

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  7. I'd like to bike too. You are SO right, losing weight changes everything doesn't it?

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    1. Oh yes, it sure makes pedaling easier I can tell you that.

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  8. I can't think of a better NS victory then being pain free. Congratulations.

    I 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.

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    1. Pain free is nice.

      My 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!

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  9. 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!

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    1. It will put a smile on your face, that's for sure. It does transport me back to my childhood.

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  10. I 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!

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    1. Yes, it is no fun riding if it hurts...I look forward to reading your post.

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  11. Fantastic NSV! My bike is going to help me too this season! :D

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  12. Can'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.

    We're enjoying a very early spring in Minnesota too!

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    1. Well I hope you can enjoy some time on your bike this year!!

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  13. Paul, 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.

    I am excited to read through your blog this afternoon when I get some time. Yay for weight loss!

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    1. 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 ;(

      Thank you so much for your comment and for stopping by!!

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  14. oh, yes!! i bought a cruiser last year and love it. it is so much more fun to exercise outside.

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  15. Going 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.

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    1. Well Tammy, you are right. Some of the hills here almost give me a heart attack-I cannot imagine mountains!!

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  16. We 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!

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    1. LOL, 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!

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  17. Swimming! It will need to get a bit warmer yet but I can't wait. Glad you found my blog; I am enjoying yours.

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    1. Yep, but here in Michigan swimming is a few moths away!

      Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.

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  18. 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! ;)

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    1. I think I will get some pics. Thanks for the idea, Tim.

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  19. I love the sun - originally from Phoenix (a bit hot for many) and I now live in So. CA - and I like to walk. I have been having some issues with my feet, so the best thing for me right now is the elliptical. I do love when I can go out for a nice walk in the sunshine with a slight breeze.

    Congrats, it's great that you are not having any joint pain after riding your bike. I have one too, but never feel quite comfortable. I'm always afraid I will fall. It's hell getting older!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and following. I'm not the most interesting, but I sure have years of experience dealing with weight issues! ;)

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    1. I 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.

      You should look into getting one of those nice adult tricycles. My daughter doesn't have the best balance and she wants one.

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  20. 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!
    Swimming 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.

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    1. Well the great thing is you never forget how to ride. Hope you can get out there soon.

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  21. Thank 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.

    Thanks again!

    -Ryan
    http://daddyweightloss.blogspot.com

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    1. 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.

      I feel as long as we are breathing we are not to old for a little fun!

      Thanks for reading and your comment!

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