Finally got to the gym yesterday

[GreggC]

and got on the treadmill for an hour. I am going back sometime this morning. I am going to ask the doctors when I can start to lift weights again. I think that right now, all they want me to lift is ten pounds, which is not good, because I would rather lift than get on the treadmill. Supposedly, the best chance for weight loss and muscle gain is the combination. I can hardly wait. It is not that I have gained that much weight, but I am really looking forward to getting into super shape, once I am not restricted.

[kiki-do]

I would say you have done amazing considering all you have been through. We all feel the same way after the Thanksgiving/Christmas indulgence.
You know, this morning I was thinking how I should get out for a walk before bad weather sets in (predicted for afternoon) and my heart wasn't in it. I just read your post and it has inspired me. I will go for my walk!!!!
Your desires to get into super shape and overcome the hurdles thrown your way makes me appreciate what I have been given, and it would be awful to ignor my body's need to exercise and get rid of the extra pounds from the holidays. "Use it or lose it!" (my 98 year old neighbor said one day out for her daily walk). Thanks Gregg. kiki-do

[Grandma M]

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!. Congratulations your progress.

[GreggC]

I cannot tell you all of the benefits of exercise that I have experienced, just over the last two or three years. Because I have had to have many trips to the hospital since August of last year, it has shown me that being in shape before all of the illness which I have had, was the wisest thing that I have ever done. We spend money on all of our indulgences, so it makes sense that we spend money on something that actually needs constant attention--our health. You have much more energy, you feel better and stress is limited once you get into an exercise routine. The other benefit is that if you gained a few pounds over the holiday, you can take them back off with exercise.

[cb977]

Gregg, that's wonderful! I know how you've been looking forward to getting back into your routine and now you've taken a giant step in that direction! Good for you!!!

[GreggC]

anyway. When I do finally get back into my full routine, I will be working part-time, getting on a treadmill at my brother's house, (I still have to get an electrician in there to put in a dedicated line),and doing a regular weight workout. Then I will be back into what I consider a good routine. Having said that, it will depend on what the doctors tell me I am able to do. I walked three and a half miles on the treadmill today. It isn't much, but it's a start.

[cupcake]

Exercise is the life insurance that pays out during your lifetime. (wish I could claim to have thought that up myself!)

[GreggC]

On Friday, my wife and I went to St. Louis for my second clinic visit. My lifting limitation when I first got out of the hospital was no more than ten pounds. They have said that I now can lift up to twenty pounds with each arm. I didn't even bother to exercise with ten pounds being the top that I could lift, but last night, I did 3 sets each of presses, flyes and curls. The next time that I lift, I plan on adding pulldowns and military presses. It will be awhile before I can do anything except treadmill that involves my legs because in most cases, it is closely tied with abdominal muscles, which I have to wait on for quite some time. I am just doing what I can for now.

[GreggC]

to use in my brother's basement. It has been down there since the 2nd and I have used it every day but Sunday. I have been walking three miles each day and I am finally starting to jump the speed and incline up. When I go back to see the doctor in February, I want them to give me some more leeway. I am ready to do this thing. I am maintaining my weight pretty much, but I have gained about eight or nine pounds since the first part of November. As long as I keep getting on the treadmill, I should be able to keep the weight off.

[kiki-do]

I'm so impressed by your stamina, Gregg. Keep up the good work.....you rock! kiki-do