I'd love to bump my workouts to an hour or more but it's a time issue right now.
More than an hour is overkill anyway and won't really help.

I've also started on the Champions Program as well.

I registered on the site when Lani first posted the link but I had done nothing with it. Now I've gone back and joined Team MousePlanet and I WILL log my workouts.[...]

I'd love to bump my workouts to an hour or more but it's a time issue right now.
Yay! Coolness. I'm hoping that using the log to see the progress and the bar move across the screen will be a fun enough thing to see happen that people will use it to log their workouts. It's great to be able to visually see the progress this way.
More than an hour is overkill anyway and won't really help.That depends on what you're doing, Bill. I agree that more than one hour of any single activity is more than necessary. I've heard that running for more than 45 minutes at a stretch increases your chances for injury, for example (various things; plantar fasciitis, shin splits, stress fractures, what have you). But if you're in training for a distance event like a half-marathon or full marathon, you cannot avoid the long runs, which can take 2-5 hours to do. Also, if I'm doing cardio AND weight lifting, the total comes out to more than an hour for me.

Regardless, I'm so HAPPY that folks are signing up! Mark, Sactown, MouseWife, Bill, I'm really glad you joined! We now have 13 members in Team MousePlanet. Yay!

By the way, as the group admin I can monitor everyone's logs. I won't disclose any personal information here, but if anyone starts slacking off and forgetting to log their entries, don't be surprised if you get an email from me reminding you. :D

That depends on what you're doing, Bill.
You're right. I was speaking more about SacTown's workouts. Especially weight training. After an hour of training your muscles are depleted of glycogen making any further training after that first hour useless and even potentially harmful. This is true even if you combine cardio and weight training in one session.

If you want to train both cardio and weights in the same day it's best to split them up spending 45 minutes to 1 hour per session and have some meals in-between sessions to replenish the glycogen stores.

After an hour of training your muscles are depleted of glycogen making any further training after that first hour useless and even potentially harmful. This is true even if you combine cardio and weight training in one session.I don't lift for more than an hour at a time. But you know, those of us who purposefully try to stay in lipolysis/ketosis have lowered glycogen stores, anyway. I do, however, make sure to take in 10g of protein and some carbs from 1 to 2 hours before weight lifting.
If you want to train both cardio and weights in the same day it's best to split them up spending 45 minutes to 1 hour per session and have some meals in-between sessions to replenish the glycogen stores.On those days I do both, I do cardio in the morning, and weights after work.

But you know, those of us who purposefully try to stay in lipolysis/ketosis have lowered glycogen stores, anyway. It really depends on what your goals are though. When glycogen levels are too low the potential for burning muscle during workouts is high. If you're losing weight this is not desirable because it slows your metabolism making it easier to put the weight back on. If you are trying to build muscle than you're fighting an up-hill battle.
On those days I do both, I do cardio in the morning, and weights after work. Perfect. It sounds like you're doing things just right Lani. You're keeping low glycogen levels for fat burning but you're not letting it dip too low.

It's just that I see people in the gym who spend 2-3 hours lifting weights and don't seem to make any progress. They think more is better. "Hey, I made great gains lifting for 45 minutes each day. If I go for 90 minutes I'll double my gains." Wrong. So before anybody made this easy error I thought I'd throw out some information.

Usually before long duration training you carbo load getting your glycogen stores up really high, then during the training you continue to consume high carb foods and drinks keeping your glycogen levels up. This is fine too.

You're right. I was speaking more about SacTown's workouts. Especially weight training. After an hour of training your muscles are depleted of glycogen making any further training after that first hour useless and even potentially harmful. This is true even if you combine cardio and weight training in one session.

If you want to train both cardio and weights in the same day it's best to split them up spending 45 minutes to 1 hour per session and have some meals in-between sessions to replenish the glycogen stores.
Yeah, I should have elaborated...I wouldn't do weight training for longer than 45 minutes (I don't think I could if I wanted to) but I'd like to have the time to add 20-25 minutes of cardio on my weight training days. I used to be able to drag my lazy butt out of bed and jog in the morning and weight train at night - but I haven't done that in about two years. My cardio days are 30-45 minutes depending on what I'm doing. That seems to be a good window for me and I have no desire to change it.

Burning calories is more of a priority than adding muscle mass for me. I prefer to (mostly) maintain the size I have and mainly work on toning. Right now I'm in the middle of a 6-week program that incorporates circuit training with high reps (to failure) and moderate weight. I'm trying to stay on a path of 12 weeks of toning followed by 6 weeks of building mass (I will admit to having a little muscle-size vanity). I have found that six weeks is about the most I can do any routine without getting bored, so my 12 weeks of toning is actually (2) six-week routines.

Uh, I signed up too. :)

Uh, I signed up too. :)
Yay!! :)

As of today, those hearty souls of Team MousePlanet who has taken up the President's Challenge consists of:

Bill Catherall
cryan71
DisneyFan25863
Leap For Joy
Mark Goldhaber
millionairegirl
MonorailMan
MouseWife
mrs_toad
SacTown Chronic
hersheythecat
timl33
and me.

Our combined points is now 26064 -- more than enough for a bronze award if we were one person! Wow! I'm amazed at how quickly the numbers are building up!! Good job, everyone!

Since we're heading into our first weekend, how's about if you get out and do something that you can log? Anything -- our list is exhausitvely long, and includes stuff like doing housework and home repair, and not just "exercising."

Ah, yes, we can log housework....I have been doing a bit but I am going to put it into overdrive here soon....party for the 10 year old tomorrow....

Hmm. Usually my weekends are slow. I do go run/walk Sat but walk at the Swapmeet Sundays.

Does anyone swim? The Hubster is trying to get me to go swim but I dunno...the smell bugs me.

Anyways, glad to see everyone on board!

So, are we going to order t-shirts??? :geek:

Okay, I went to the Challenge board and I put in for everything I've done today. Walking, stretching, housework. They are all on there like you said, Lani! So, I will go for it!!

Okay, I hope someone has informed Cryan that drink-lifts and pub crawls probably do not count towards an 'activity'.....;) *








*(If they do, however, count me in!:p).

I assume we get more points for vigorous activity versus moderate activity... but they don't define the difference in every workout category. The only one I've seen specific guidelines for is Walking.

I work out every morning, weights one day then cardio the next. What would you consider "vigorous" weight training as compared to moderate? For cardio, I get up to my target heartrate and keep it there -- is that vigorous?

ps: Mousewife! You are my hero!!!

I am still relatively new to the MousePad board, so if no one knows who I am, that's the reason. This sounds like a great program to help me start a weight loss program. I just hope I remember to log my activity each day. Hi everyone.

Hi simzac...welcome! I haven't been on MP that long myself. But when it comes to starting a weight loss program and getting fit, everyone is welcome. The more the merrier! :)

~mrs_toad

I think we can all be encouraged by everyone's success stories also...Yay MouseWife, you are truly awesome!! Your Hubster must be extremely proud of you.

Welcome Simzac! Don't worry, logging your activity is fun. There is a little star for each week, and when you log your activity for the day it colors in a fifth of the star.

My advice is to skip the "compare to others" section. It compares everyone in the group. Some, like me, are doing Active Lifestyle. Others are doing Presidential Champions. Their points and activity levels are way higher than mine and I come in at the 50th percentile every time, even though I'm really working hard!

Aw, thanks Leap for Joy and mrs_toad! :)

I really do try and help those around me because they are me. Ya know? I think I am even going to start adding an extra leisurely walk to my day just to encourage my buds to walk. There are 3 women who I need to get going with me.

I think people at first are defensive thinking that I am going to tell them how easy it is. It isn't. I know that.

Also, people give me dirty looks now when I go to the plus size clothes...I can't help it! That is where I've always shopped!! AND when shopping I'll see something my new size and start to put it back and then realize 'Hey, that IS my size!' Duh!!

Workout gear~ I don't know if anyone needs anything but I have been going to Ross and checking out their clothes. Geez, I forget what they are called, Active Wear? But, I pick up shirts in that cool breathable/water resistant {?} material and shorts for a fraction of the cost. Nike, Reebok, Oasics {sp}, Adidas. I even picked up a $38. sports bra for $8. Ladies, you know how much a good one costs and how necessary those are!

And a big WELCOME! to you simzac!!! Good luck with your fitness journey.

Oh, and, speaking of...

I found out yesterday my sister and I wear the same size...she is 20lbs lighter!! What is up with that? I am 3 inches taller, does that make THAT much of a difference??? :confused:

I joined!

And yes, I'm still alive...

Hey all,

Lani's invite to join the Presidential Challenge nudged me back over here.

So I joined, and I thought I'd also report that I decided to run the Maine Marathon in Portland this October. I was getting antsy to start "real" training and January is still too far away!

Oh yeah, and I got a friend to sign up for the Disney Marathon too!

I assume we get more points for vigorous activity versus moderate activity... but they don't define the difference in every workout category. The only one I've seen specific guidelines for is Walking.

I work out every morning, weights one day then cardio the next. What would you consider "vigorous" weight training as compared to moderate? For cardio, I get up to my target heartrate and keep it there -- is that vigorous?


Target heartrate isn't a bad way to do it. Personally, I go by breathing. If I'm breathing hard, that's vigorous. For example, the Running category breaks it down into minutes/mile as far as vigorous, moderate and easy go. However, for some people, 8 minutes per mile or less is really moderate/easy, while for others, 10 minutes/mile is pretty vigorous.

Thanks Timl33! I'll enter my cardio as vigorous from now on, because I'm definitely breathing hard!!!

How about the weight training? Do I have to be working to failure in order to call it vigorous? I'm working with enough weight to get very tired/shaky after 8-10 reps, and I do 3 sets. It's not much weight (I'm way out of shape) but it's as much as I can do. Should I call it vigorous as well?

Thanks Timl33! I'll enter my cardio as vigorous from now on, because I'm definitely breathing hard!!!

How about the weight training? Do I have to be working to failure in order to call it vigorous? I'm working with enough weight to get very tired/shaky after 8-10 reps, and I do 3 sets. It's not much weight (I'm way out of shape) but it's as much as I can do. Should I call it vigorous as well?

Weight training is a different category altogether. I don't necessarily like easy, moderate, vigorous as categories. If you're doing 3 sets of 8-10 to failure, I'd call it moderate. If you're doing like 2-5 sets of 20-30 to failure I'd call it easy. If you're doing power sets of 5s, then I'd say that's vigorous, but those definitions are really not necessarily correct either.

I'd just use your current 10-reps to failure as moderate. Any weight that's more than that should be vigorous, and any weight that's lighter (but more reps) should probably be easy.

I have joined the team!
I'm going to start out slow and easy but who knows where it will lead. I need to get in shape for my next Disney visit anyway and this seemed like a great way to start. Now can I start planning my vacation ;)

I was gone for the weekend and just got back. More Padders signed up! Woo hoo!!

Team MousePlanet President's Challengers so far:

Bill Catherall (who is gaining amazing pointage with his home repair!)
cirquelover
cryan71
DisneyFan25863
Leap for Joy
Mark Goldhaber
millionairegirl
MonorailMan
MouseWife
mrs_toad
SacTown Chronic
hersheythecat
simzac
spookrepitus (our President's Performance athlete!)
timl33
and me

That is so cool.

I also earned a few points this weekend by hiking in Yosemite. Unfortunately, the President's Challenge program caps out at no more than 750 qualifying points a day, so a lot of the points I earned won't count towards the Bronze Award. I hiked for 8.5 hours (we went on the Half Dome hike although most of us turned around with about two miles to go because some of us in the group weren't physically ready to do the full hike). I had a blast hiking the 13 or so miles, though. And I'm slightly stiff today but not sore, which is great! I will, however, start incorporating some occasional StairMaster time in my workouts, though. Being short-legged, the really tall rock steps were hard on my... everything. Glutes, quads, hips, etc. Everything you that a step machine will help with.

Wow, you did that hike, Lani? That is great! And that you aren't sore, wow again!

Okay, so, that cap dealio answers my question. I was wondering why it wasn't registering all of my points. Oh well, I have my routine and for now I am pretty much sticking to it. I could change it. Maybe. Might help me, too, anyways. I do all of my things M-W-F. I do at least two T-TH-SA and on Sunday I walk and I MIGHT dance.

But reading what Bill and you were discussing about doing exercise too close for too long? So, I will at least go back to not doing different things back to back. I mostly was doing it to get it over with and have the rest of the day to do other things.

LOL On HB's thread, I see That Guy has a much more group oriented dance exercise in mind. :fez: I think he was looking for The Cure for boring exercise... :geek: