Question:

Hello When someone is sick, sometimes he gets blocked nostrils, is that some body mechanism to regulate energy flow? Can it be compared when one consciously does pranayam? — Elias

Response:

Hello When someone is sick, sometimes he gets blocked nostrils, is that some body mechanism to regulate energy flow? Can it be compared when one consciously does pranayam? — Elias

Hi Elias, I don’t think it can be compared. The late Harish Johari published a lot of information about correct breathing and keeping both nostrils open. He believed that there was a correlation with oxygenating both hemispheres of the brain. He said that the goal was to keep both open, as much as possible, and gave techniques for that. For example, when one nostril becomes stuffed up during sleeping, one should turn over onto the other side, so that that nostril is "up." Or, better yet, lie on stomach and turn face so that the obstructed nostril is "up." One should not lie on the side where the obstructed nostril is, because drainage will get into the sinuses, where infection can occur. I have used a combination of "shower pranayama" (breathing shower steam alternately through each nostril) and Johari’s sleeping techniques to successfully avoid sinus infection for over twenty years. Best regards, –Don http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yogabare

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello When someone is sick, sometimes he gets blocked nostrils, is that some body mechanism to regulate energy flow? Can it be compared when one consciously does pranayam? — Elias Hi Elias, I don’t think it can be compared. The late Harish Johari published a lot of information about correct breathing and keeping both nostrils open. He believed that there was a correlation with oxygenating both hemispheres of the brain. He said that the goal was to keep both open, as much as possible, and gave techniques for that. For example, when one nostril becomes stuffed up during sleeping, one should turn over onto the other side, so that that nostril is "up." Or, better yet, lie on stomach and turn face so that the obstructed nostril is "up." One should not lie on the side where the obstructed nostril is, because drainage will get into the sinuses, where infection can occur. I have used a combination of "shower pranayama" (breathing shower steam alternately through each nostril) and Johari’s sleeping techniques to successfully avoid sinus infection for over twenty years. Best regards, –Don http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yogabare

I would like to add that blocked nostrils are a sign of illness, either bacterial, viral or allergy.  An open respiratory system is a sign of vitality, life.  Pranyam is all about connecting to that vitality. As far as I can think I don’t believe the body has any "natural" yogic autoreactions.  Part of the yogic practice is bringing creative intelligence into the body.  Yoga starts with intention.  Though one can use natural indicators to guide the practice, as in noticing ease in breath, or not forcing muscles. But I may be wrong here and would welcome any comments on that. — ~Stu

Response:

I respectfully must disagree with you.

No problem Perhaps an interesting topic for another discussion. In this case though I am interested to know if you agree that the ultradian nasal rhythm represents the body’s "natural" balancing of the nadis (ida, pingala), which is the design of Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)? Namaste

Response:

I respectfully must disagree with you. No problem Perhaps an interesting topic for another discussion. In this case though I am interested to know if you agree that the ultradian nasal rhythm represents the body’s "natural" balancing of the nadis (ida, pingala), which is the design of Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)? Namaste

My yoga teacher calls Nadi Sodhana, digital breathing.  I think she likes the "hi tech" sound of it even though she is referring to the use of the fingers in the practice.  She teaches it in a very concise way that makes the practice extremely effective. My experience with Nadi Sodhana goes back to learning it when I was 10 years old.  It is an interesting practice, because by merely doing it, the breath naturally slows and becomes an ojai breath.  The activity is just difficult enough to practice to fully engage the mind.  A wonderful way to train the mind.  An excellent practice as a preparation to meditation. Are you asking me if you think it "naturally" balances the nadis?   Because my answer would be that the nadis have naturally become imbalanced left on their own (prolly due to life’s little stresses).   Nadi Sodhana is a way to direct a balanced rhythm to the respiratory system, sort of an applied intelligent orchestration. The question then goes:  Is this intelligent orchestration natural? Its really semantics.  And how we define "nature". I think we agree on the important issue – that the practice is good for you.   And it is within our natures to better ourselves. — ~Stu

Response:

My understanding is that hatha yoga is a detailed and systematic (intentional) application of what the body is designed to do naturally. It is the science of understanding and exercising the natural functions of the body. This would explain why yogis who do not practice hatha may still accrue the benefits of doing so by using other yogic methods wherein they allow the body to "naturally" marshal and express it’s innate health and considerable powers.

I respectfully must disagree with you. I think the problem is in the definition of "natural".  Left to its own natural devices the body withers and dies.  We are "naturally" attracted to sugar and fat.  We are "naturally" lazy.  With time our posture suffers as our shoulders naturally roll forward, our necks move forward, until we walk slumped in a permanent state of looking at our feet. Yoga (asana) is about awaking the bodies innate intelligence.  The body’s intelligence is "natural" as well, but somehow it takes a form of artifice (as in something man made) in the form of yoga to resist the natural tendencies of the body (withering and dying). That is why yoga is referred to as both a science and an art.  It is not "natural". — ~Stu

Response:

My understanding is that hatha yoga is a detailed and systematic (intentional) application of what the body is designed to do naturally. It is the science of understanding and exercising the natural functions of the body. This would explain why yogis who do not practice hatha may still accrue the benefits of doing so by using other yogic methods wherein they allow the body to "naturally" marshal and express it’s innate health and considerable powers. Here are a couple of citations which suggest there is a distinct correlation between alternate nasal breathing which occurs naturally and the higher functions of the brain and social function. I did a google search on "ultradian rhythm+nasal" and found lots of stuff to read on this subject. Breathing, Ultradian Rhythms, and Headaches (http://www.authentic-breathing.com/breathing_tips.htm#ultradian) Those readers who have observed their breathing for any length of time have probably noticed that, in general, air does not move through the nasal passages equally at the same time. Usually when the left nostril is more open, the right one is more congested and vice versa. This occurs because the flow of blood shifts back and forth between the nostrils in a rhythm that takes approximately one and a half to two hours. This "ultradian rhythm," long observed by medical science, is related to the functioning of the brain hemispheres and can play an important role in healing. When the left nostril is more open, the right hemisphere of the brain is generally more dominant; when the right nostril is more open, the left hemisphere is generally more dominant. (http://www.23nlpeople.com/Rhythm.htm) Another ultradian rhythm, and noted by Rossi, is that of nasal chamber dilation. Like many bodily functions, nasal chamber dilation corresponds to contralateral activity in the brain. When the left nasal chamber is most dilated (the right chamber partially blocked) then the right hemisphere is most active, and vice versa. During my yoga training in India, an advanced yoga practice is the control of nasal breathing and chamber dilation. This is said to bring about great psychological and physiological control. There are several variations of the exercise using the hands to alternate manually blocking of the nasal airways. Adepts appear able to do this at will without using their hands (Brown, 1991; Rossi, 1991b) One of the most intriguing areas of recent research exploring the ultradian interface between the mind-brain level, stress, psychosomatics and personality is the so-called nasal rhythm. The German rhinologist, Kayser (1895) is credited with recognizing and measuring the widely varying ultradian shifts in "nasal dominance" in humans whereby the left and right chambers of the nose alternate in their size and shape to change the degree of air flow through each every few hours. Table one outlines some of the major studies in a century of research in this still highly controversial area. The most significant of these studies for understanding mind-body communication are those of Debra Werntz (1981) who reported a contralateral relationship between cerebral hemispheric activity (EEG) and the ultradian rhythm of the nasal cycle. They found that relatively greater integrated EEG values in the right hemisphere are positively correlated with a predominant airflow in the left nostril and visa versa. Table 1  A century of research on the duration of the nasal cycle. In a wide ranging series of studies Werntz et al (1982a & b) found that subjects could voluntary shift their nasal dominance by forced uni-nostril breathing through the closed nostril. Further, this shift in nasal dominance was associated with an accompanying shift in cerebral dominance to the contralateral hemisphere and autonomic nervous system balance throughout the body (Klein et al. 1986). The ultradian nasal cycle is not only a marker for cerebral hemispheric activity, but it also could be used to voluntarily change the loci of activity in the highest centers of the brain and autonomic system that are involved in cybrenetic loops of communication with most organ systems, tissues and cells of the body. Some of these investigators hypothesize that this nasal-brain-mind link may be the essential path by which the ancient practice of breath regulation in yoga led to the the voluntary control of many autonomic nervous system functions for which the Eastern adeps are noted. These relationships inspired a recent Ph.D dissertation by Darlene Osowiec (1991) who assessed hypothesized associations between the nasal ultradian rhythm, anxiety, symptoms of stress and the personality process of self-actualization. She found that: "(1) there is a significant positive correlation between self-actualizing individuals having low trait anxiety and stress related symptoms and a regular nasal cycle… and (2) non-self-actualizing individuals with high levels of trait anxiety and stress-related symptoms exhibit significantly greater irregularity in the nasal cycle…" These results are reminiscent of the ancient texts that emphasize that an irregular nasal cycle, particularly one in which the person remains dominant in one nostril or the other for an excessively long period of time are associated with illness and mental disorder (Rama, Ballentine and Ajaya, 1976) Osowiec’s findings with the ultradian nasal rhythm are similar to the types of associations that are found between stress, symptoms, personality and responsiveness to therapeutic hypnosis. Since hypnosis, like chronobiology, was a historically significant turning point in the study of these cybrenetic pathways of mind-body communication and healing, it will be used here as a paradigm of how psychology and biology may find a common denominator in ultradian time, rhythm and information transduction (Rapp, 1987) ( http://ernestrossi.com/wave_nature_of_being.htm) Namaste

Response:

Hi Elias, The condition you are describing is called rhinitis. So far as I know, it is caused by head congestion resulting from infection or allergies. The "alternating" part seems strange (though it is a classic symptom), but appears to have a lot to do with the position of the head. Sometimes both nostrils will become blocked at the same time, and when that happens I have found that slow, deep "yogic" breathing is the most helpful, and sometimes clears it up. I also highly recommend the shower steam that I mentioned earlier. If this is a chronic problem, it might be a good idea to see a doctor about it. There is a possibility that you are allergic to something, and they might be able to identify the allergen. –Don http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yogabare – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello The body is intelligent in many ways, for instance, when sick it closes appetite so to give space for the body to rest, I guess we all agree on that. So that’s why I assumed that when infected or in disease, a blocked nostril strategy started by the body is just to balance the energy. Haven’t you noticed that sometimes the left nostril is blocked, then it is opened so that the other is blocked…a certain cycle…. Yet again, I am like you just assuming. Thanks for your feedback. — Elias

Response:

Hello The body is intelligent in many ways, for instance, when sick it closes appetite so to give space for the body to rest, I guess we all agree on that. So that’s why I assumed that when infected or in disease, a blocked nostril strategy started by the body is just to balance the energy. Haven’t you noticed that sometimes the left nostril is blocked, then it is opened so that the other is blocked…a certain cycle…. Yet again, I am like you just assuming. Thanks for your feedback. — Elias

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello When someone is sick, sometimes he gets blocked nostrils, is that some body mechanism to regulate energy flow? Can it be compared when one consciously does pranayam? — Elias Hi Elias, I don’t think it can be compared. The late Harish Johari published a lot of information about correct breathing and keeping both nostrils open. He believed that there was a correlation with oxygenating both hemispheres of the brain. He said that the goal was to keep both open, as much as possible, and gave techniques for that. For example, when one nostril becomes stuffed up during sleeping, one should turn over onto the other side, so that that nostril is "up." Or, better yet, lie on stomach and turn face so that the obstructed nostril is "up." One should not lie on the side where the obstructed nostril is, because drainage will get into the sinuses, where infection can occur. I have used a combination of "shower pranayama" (breathing shower steam alternately through each nostril) and Johari’s sleeping techniques to successfully avoid sinus infection for over twenty years. Best regards, –Don http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yogabare I would like to add that blocked nostrils are a sign of illness, either bacterial, viral or allergy.  An open respiratory system is a sign of vitality, life.  Pranyam is all about connecting to that vitality. As far as I can think I don’t believe the body has any "natural" yogic autoreactions.  Part of the yogic practice is bringing creative intelligence into the body.  Yoga starts with intention.  Though one can use natural indicators to guide the practice, as in noticing ease in breath, or not forcing muscles. But I may be wrong here and would welcome any comments on that. — ~Stu

Response:

Question:

I live in Cincinnati Ohio and I would like to study Yoga.  Does anyone know of a good place that I could go to?  Could somebody tell me of a resource I could use to find a school. Thanks in advance Brian

Response:

I live in Cincinnati Ohio and I would like to study Yoga.  Does anyone know of a good place that I could go to?  Could somebody tell me of a resource I could use to find a school. Thanks in advance Brian

I was in a traffic accident about 12 years ago and screwed up my back to no end.  I was fortunate to go to a physical therapist that was also a yoga teacher.  From there I was introduced to the world of Iyengar method yoga. In the matter a year I aligned my spine so that I was completely relieved of back pain. Mr. Iyengar was one of a number of Yoga teachers that brought Yoga to the west in the 50’s and 60’s.  He has written numerous books on the practice of yoga.  His book "Light on Yoga" has become a "bible" to a number of schools of yoga.  His latest book "Yoga the Path to Holistic Health" is really a must read for the practicing yogi. His students have set up institutes throughout the world and a system of rigourous training to insure that Iyengar taught teachers have a consistent method of teaching.  This includes training in physiology and understanding of physical ailments and how to tailor the practice to the student. Two Web sites about Iyengar Method Yoga can be found at: http://www.iyengar-yoga.com/ (this site has a directory of teachers for the world) http://www.bksiyengar.com/ Good luck, and enjoy the journey. — ~Stu

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Question:

You didn’t really read it wrong. What I wanted to say was that I do run 4 or 5K almost every day at a fairly casual pace but I usually do intervals of high and low intensity. I have never tried an all out 5K at my maximum pace. As for the mile time, my last police test I ran the mile and a half in 10 minutes 28 seconds or something like that. I have busted my butt for the last year and a half or two and I am extremely proud of the times I have achieved. Even with that I still have to perform better at the obstacle course portion because there a lot of people that run a whole lot better than I do. Now mind you, the testing is now an obstacle course and the shuttle run. Still not my cup of tea but I am trying. Now if you wouldn’t mind answering a question for me. What is the best to train for a shuttle run? Continue with intervals or run longer? The time of the shuttle run works out to about 10 minutes of a progressively faster pace. Thanks if you can help. Bruce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me get this straight: You weigh almost 300 pounds and run a daily 5K at a 7 minute per mile pace?  Or did I read that wrong, and you run one mile in 7 minutes?  The former is unbelievable, the latter is pretty incredible if true.   – Mike I am 36, 6′ tall and weigh 292 [...] I now run 4 – 5 kms a day, in addition to my weightlifting, I run a 7 minute mile, which I know is nothing special but for my size, I will take that time.

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To everyone with the helpful advice I wanted to thank you. I am excited about running and have learned to ignore the naysayers who say I’m too old.  I believe the key is starting slow and just being careful and gradually increasing time, speed, and mileage. I feel I’m doing great so far and actually had a very good run today.

Response:

Is he awesome, or what?!? Bruce failed to mention how much weight he can weight lift, which is pretty impressive, but it does also mean that he’s not 292lbs of fat, There’s a LOT of muscle in there. — gabrielle http://go.to/jayde

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me get this straight: You weigh almost 300 pounds and run a daily 5K at a 7 minute per mile pace?  Or did I read that wrong, and you run one mile in 7 minutes?  The former is unbelievable, the latter is pretty incredible if true.   – Mike I am 36, 6′ tall and weigh 292 [...] I now run 4 – 5 kms a day, in addition to my weightlifting, I run a 7 minute mile, which I know is nothing special but for my size, I will take that time.

Response:

I believe the key is starting slow and just being careful and gradually increasing time, speed, and mileage.

Remember your own advice here – it is excellent and will carry you through the rest of your running days. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) — .

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Vincesurfr spoke the following words of wisdom: : I appreciate all the responses.  Well to make a long story short I have been : big my whole life. Well I guess around 5 years ago I was 220 or so but now I’m : up to 245 and I know 250 is just around the quarter. Hmmmm… I’m 1.65 meters tall (which is very little here in the Netherlands, we dutch are a tall species and weigh some 75kg. I’m heavily set, but I do not have much fat. Okay, I have a slight belly, but my girlfriend will kill me if I lose it. Talk about being supportive. I’m 24 years old and I started running 4 months ago. I haven’t lost much weight, but that was never my intention. I feel better and apparently look better, judging the amount of female attention I get. *snip* : I’ve talked to friends about it and most of them don’t do anything active, : they just sit around when they’re not at work and I guess I do the same. If they are the ones that tell you such rubbish, have them read the FAQs for this newsgroup. I started with virtually no physical condition and four months later I run 12 kilometers twice a week. I haven’t had any injuries so far, apart from a slight case of sore calves. However, if you and your family suffer from certain medical problems, you should consult a doctor. read the FAQ for further information. *snip* : I guess to each his own : but thats’ what got me thinking about running and if I should do it or not. I’d say yes, considering what it has done to me in such little time. Judging from what I’ve read from this ng, a lot of people would agree with me. Success & happy running, der Joachim — Computational linguistics student at Tilburg U., the Netherlands http://www.der-joachim.myweb.nl/ Servant of reality my hairy ass! (H.P. Derleth, Hollow One)

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Can you imagine, 25 and over the hill? My stats huh. Well this should get a good laugh here. First of all , I am 36, 6′ tall and weigh 292 in the off season. I have been weightlifting for close to 15 years seriously. Due to the fact I am getting ready for a police career, I took up running about a year and a half ago. When I started I was in great shape physically but endurance wise, well it sucked to be me. Over time progress has come rather well. I now run 4 – 5 kms a day, in addition to my weightlifting, I run a 7 minute mile, which I know is nothing special but for my size, I will take that time. I guess like everyone else is saying, I believe age is state of mind and once you set your mind nothing can stop you. I probably won’t be running any marathons any time soon but I have started to finally enjoy running. I guess this is my official de-lurking in the group and I have to tell you the info here has been great. Bruce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HEY, Bruce! Yes its me, stuck between being a powerlifter and an aerobics bunny, so I’ve recently been told (by a fellow female lifter of course). WHAT are you doing here yourself??? I hope you plan on telling this kid YOUR body stats! gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde Excuse me, Gabrielle is it?, are you allowed in this NG?  You will be banned from ASW if this gets out. ; ) Bruce I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I appreciate all the responses.  Well to make a long story short I have been big my whole life.  Well I guess around 5 years ago I was 220 or so but now I’m up to 245 and I know 250 is just around the quarter.  I keep in touch with most of the people I went to high school with and the same thing happened to them, most have put on a lot of weight since then.  I don’t want to put anymore on but I’ve talked to friends about it and most of them don’t do anything active, they just sit around when they’re not at work and I guess I do the same. I think that’s what’s making me gain weight but when I speak of working out most just tell me at this age I’ll hurt myself and they say 25 is just too old to go to a gym or do anything athletic.  I think it’s still possible at this age though.  I’d like to get some friends to join me but they are scared of it because of their age.  Anyway, I finally made the move and joined a gym last week.  I have gone now for a week and I lift weights everyday but don’t do the same muscles each day.  This should help me a lot but I’m not sure what to do about the size.  The gym automatically gives you a person you can talk to about your fitness, it’s not really a personal trainer but you go to them for advice.  Well he wants to sell me some protein suppliments.  It would cost me $60 a week though but it’s a lot of vitamins and protein drinks you can take to help out.  I’m not sure if it’s worth it but it shoudl help build muscle.

Run, do not walk, from the sleazebag trying to sell you supplements at the gym. I’m serious. Tell him that you can provide nutrients for yourself, thankyewveramuch. I guarantee you, if you were to decide that supplementing is the way to go (and it probably isn’t–you can probably do just fine with real food to acheive an appropriate macronutrional balance, at an appropriate caloric intake) you can mail-order that stuff off the web for much, much cheaper. Get your advice from a reputable, independent source, not this thievin’ asshole. I talked to him about my weight and he said actually 245 is a good weight and I should try to stabilize around 250.  I have to admit now it’s mostly fat, not muscle but he said if I convert it to muscle 250 is great.

Run, do not walk, from this idiot. You cannot "convert" body fat to muscle. You can lose one, and gain the other,  but one does not miraculously become the other. Have they done a bodyfat composition test on you yet, with calipers? Determined your VO2 Max? Didn’t think so. Have I mentioned these people are morons? Please tell them to piss off, do some research on your own, and look at the gym at a convenient place where heavy things reside for you to move around–not as a source of wisdom. What got me into running is I don’t do any cardio and this guy I work with is into running. Actually he’s in his 30’s.  He’s very thin though, just 6′2” and about 170.  Not sure if I mentioned him earlier but I just don’t want to be that thin.

Don’t worry, it’s not going to happen overnight. I can’t see myself at 190 and almost wondered if I be too thin if I went down to 220. I just don’t want to overdo it.

Worry about small steps. 190 is hell and gone from where you are now. 220 won’t be easy, and should take months if you do it right. The thing is I was suggesting he gain weight but he said he wants to remain at 170 and maybe drop to 160.  The thing is he is also a vegetarian and I would definitely not do that.  I guess to each his

own Good idea. Your runner friend is probably a serious endurance runner. You’re just looking for an interesting activity as part of a fitness program. Two different things. but thats’ what got me thinking about running and if I should do it or not.  I will check out the web site mentioned and maybe give it a try.  Thanks for all the help.

You’re welcome. But please, be extremely wary of health-club advice. By the way, please go here: http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html and don’t be put off by the seeming gender-specificity. It is an excellent resource for those who are just getting into this stuff. Krista’s got a good basic-dieting section–read it, learn it: http://www.stumptuous.com/dummies.html and make abso-freekin’-lootley sure to check out this URL: http://www.stumptuous.com/crap.html and you’ll be better armed when they try to sell you supps at the gym. –Dirk Lame Home Page at: http://home.att.net/~da_bender/home.htm

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Thanks Gabrielle, the pass for part of the test is to run the mile and a half in under 12 minutes. So the better I do, the more points you accumulate. I quit my full time  network admin/accounting position and I am now fulltime at a youth home. You can believe they keep me moving on my feet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BRUCE, Damn… a 7 minute mile is awesome for you! OK honestly, I am slightly younger and weigh half as much as you (during all seasons!) and I can’t come close to running a 7 minute mile! But I bet I can squat more than you (I am obviously kidding!). I’m sure you’ll make a great cop btw- pure intimidation. gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde Can you imagine, 25 and over the hill? My stats huh. Well this should get a good laugh here. First of all , I am 36, 6′ tall and weigh 292 in the off season. I have been weightlifting for close to 15 years seriously. Due to the fact I am getting ready for a police career, I took up running about a year and a half ago. When I started I was in great shape physically but endurance wise, well it sucked to be me. Over time progress has come rather well. I now run 4 – 5 kms a day, in addition to my weightlifting, I run a 7 minute mile, which I know is nothing special but for my size, I will take that time. I guess like everyone else is saying, I believe age is state of mind and once you set your mind nothing can stop you. I probably won’t be running any marathons any time soon but I have started to finally enjoy running. I guess this is my official de-lurking in the group and I have to tell you the info here has been great. Bruce HEY, Bruce! Yes its me, stuck between being a powerlifter and an aerobics bunny, so I’ve recently been told (by a fellow female lifter of course). WHAT are you doing here yourself??? I hope you plan on telling this kid YOUR body stats! gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde Excuse me, Gabrielle is it?, are you allowed in this NG?  You will be banned from ASW if this gets out. ; ) Bruce I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school

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I am also 25 and a beginner runner.  Believe me you are not remotly too old to start.  The suggestions of starting with fast walking then progressing to walk/run intervals are great.  You might also do some days of riding a bike or stair machine to give your joints a break from the workout they will get running.   I’m sorry you don’t really have anyone around that wants to go work out with you.  But believe me, when you start feeling better physically and mentally some of them will join you! During college I was really into weight lifting and to an extent still am. The advice your getting from this person at the gym sounds like it’s coming from a "let’s get huge" perspective.  I wouldn’t suggest spending mega amounts of money on protein suppliments.  I’ve taken them and they have a purpose but if your true goal is to get in shape and loose body fat I would suggest learning how to eat…that includes getting enough protein in your diet which many of us don’t.  Many of the protien suppliments also have suppliments that are intended to gain mass…this doesn’t sound like one of your goals. Good luck & congrats on getting started! Caryn

: I appreciate all the responses.  Well to make a long story short I have been : big my whole life.  Well I guess around 5 years ago I was 220 or so but now I’m : up to 245 and I know 250 is just around the quarter.  I keep in touch with most : of the people I went to high school with and the same thing happened to them, : most have put on a lot of weight since then.  I don’t want to put anymore on : but I’ve talked to friends about it and most of them don’t do anything active, : they just sit around when they’re not at work and I guess I do the same.  I : think that’s what’s making me gain weight but when I speak of working out most : just tell me at this age I’ll hurt myself and they say 25 is just too old to go : to a gym or do anything athletic.  I think it’s still possible at this age : though.  I’d like to get some friends to join me but they are scared of it : because of their age.  Anyway, I finally made the move and joined a gym last : week.  I have gone now for a week and I lift weights everyday but don’t do the : same muscles each day.  This should help me a lot but I’m not sure what to do : about the size.  The gym automatically gives you a person you can talk to about : your fitness, it’s not really a personal trainer but you go to them for advice. :  Well he wants to sell me some protein suppliments.  It would cost me $60 a : week though but it’s a lot of vitamins and protein drinks you can take to help : out.  I’m not sure if it’s worth it but it shoudl help build muscle. I talked : to him about my weight and he said actually 245 is a good weight and I should : try to stabilize around 250.  I have to admit now it’s mostly fat, not muscle : but he said if I convert it to muscle 250 is great.  What got me into running : is I don’t do any cardio and this guy I work with is into running.  Actually : he’s in his 30’s.  He’s very thin though, just 6′2” and about 170.  Not sure : if I mentioned him earlier but I just don’t want to be that thin.  I can’t see : myself at 190 and almost wondered if I be too thin if I went down to 220. I : just don’t want to overdo it.  The thing is I was suggesting he gain weight but : he said he wants to remain at 170 and maybe drop to 160.  The thing is he is : also a vegetarian and I would definitely not do that.  I guess to each his own : but thats’ what got me thinking about running and if I should do it or not.  I : will check out the web site mentioned and maybe give it a try.  Thanks for all : the help.

Response:

You are definitely not too old to start running.  It seems most people who make comments like that are just lazy and looking for excuses.  I am 31 now and just started running about a year ago but before that i went to a gym to work out.  I remember I had people telling me I’m too old to do that (when I was in my mid and late 20’s) or either they were impressed saying most people they know that age can no longer go to a gym and in the evenings just sit in front of the tv tired. I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.  My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

Mark Broomfield, CO http://pages.prodigy.net/markw1

Response:

BRUCE, Damn… a 7 minute mile is awesome for you! OK honestly, I am slightly younger and weigh half as much as you (during all seasons!) and I can’t come close to running a 7 minute mile! But I bet I can squat more than you (I am obviously kidding!). I’m sure you’ll make a great cop btw- pure intimidation. gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you imagine, 25 and over the hill? My stats huh. Well this should get a good laugh here. First of all , I am 36, 6′ tall and weigh 292 in the off season. I have been weightlifting for close to 15 years seriously. Due to the fact I am getting ready for a police career, I took up running about a year and a half ago. When I started I was in great shape physically but endurance wise, well it sucked to be me. Over time progress has come rather well. I now run 4 – 5 kms a day, in addition to my weightlifting, I run a 7 minute mile, which I know is nothing special but for my size, I will take that time. I guess like everyone else is saying, I believe age is state of mind and once you set your mind nothing can stop you. I probably won’t be running any marathons any time soon but I have started to finally enjoy running. I guess this is my official de-lurking in the group and I have to tell you the info here has been great. Bruce HEY, Bruce! Yes its me, stuck between being a powerlifter and an aerobics bunny, so I’ve recently been told (by a fellow female lifter of course). WHAT are you doing here yourself??? I hope you plan on telling this kid YOUR body stats! gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde Excuse me, Gabrielle is it?, are you allowed in this NG?  You will be banned from ASW if this gets out. ; ) Bruce I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school

Response:

[snip] << Lordy. Too old to run? I’m glad nobody told me that when I was 39 and started running in earnest. Earnest, NJ?  So you’ve moved after all? Jennifer – and how is the running in Earnest?  Which exit?

You were doing fine until the gratuitous "exit" comment. — Dirk (70A off I-95, if you must know) Lame Home Page at: http://home.att.net/~da_bender/home.htm

Response:

Ooh! Bags I be first with the ‘of course you’re not too old!’ Speaking as a 40-year-old who’s just started. Can I recommend ‘Run Away From Fat’ by Dave Kuehls? (Or aren’t I allowed to say the F word in a US-dominated newsgroup?) It starts you off at 10 minutes a day, which is short enough for even the most hardened slacker to put up with (and I speak from experience). Just watch your joints.

Response:

HEY, Bruce! Yes its me, stuck between being a powerlifter and an aerobics bunny, so I’ve recently been told (by a fellow female lifter of course). WHAT are you doing here yourself??? I hope you plan on telling this kid YOUR body stats! gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Excuse me, Gabrielle is it?, are you allowed in this NG?  You will be banned from ASW if this gets out. ; ) Bruce I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school

Response:

I’m 26 and don’t consider myself too old to do anything!  You’ve got somewhere around 50 years of your life yet, I would say that’s pretty young I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.  My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

Heather "Exercise is not a part of life, it is a way of life"

Response:

I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.  My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

Too old? I got back into running about 10 weeks ago. I’m 45 and will be 46 in May. This is really the first time I’ve taken running for fitness  seriously. I’m up to 7.6K as of this week. Too old? I don’t think so. One word of advice I can give you is listen to your body. Rob Remember to remove "mypants" before e-mailing me.

Response:

Excuse me, Gabrielle is it?, are you allowed in this NG?  You will be banned from ASW if this gets out. ; ) Bruce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school

Response:

[snip] << Lordy. Too old to run? I’m glad nobody told me that when I was 39 and started running in earnest. Earnest, NJ?  So you’ve moved after all? Jennifer – and how is the running in Earnest?  Which exit?

Response:

You are definitely not too old. Running is a great aid to losing weight. As a beginner you will need to start slow, particularly considering your weight and height. From my own experience I can say that many of my physical problems were a result from running too much too fast while weighing too much. Your experience might not be the same as I was much older and had been sedentary. Still, I would advise easing into it with a beginning runners program. There are many out there in books and on the web. Try www.runnersworld.com Rich

Response:

I started running seriously when I was 49.  I am now running 30 miles a week, and have gone from 220 lbs to 178 and still falling.  Hope to get to 160.  If I look "so thin .. or damn near anorexic" at that point – GREAT!  better than being morbidly obese. I am 6′. You will have to start out slow, get proper running shoes, and take it easy for the first couple of months.  You will not appear to lose any weight – but you should notice some remodeling going on.  I lost 2" round my waist before I really noticed I was losing weight. At 25 you have a good 50 years of running ahead of you. I wish I did. I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.  My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

– Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

Response:

I appreciate all the responses.  Well to make a long story short I have been big my whole life.  Well I guess around 5 years ago I was 220 or so but now I’m up to 245 and I know 250 is just around the quarter.  I keep in touch with most of the people I went to high school with and the same thing happened to them, most have put on a lot of weight since then.  I don’t want to put anymore on but I’ve talked to friends about it and most of them don’t do anything active, they just sit around when they’re not at work and I guess I do the same.  I think that’s what’s making me gain weight but when I speak of working out most just tell me at this age I’ll hurt myself and they say 25 is just too old to go to a gym or do anything athletic.  I think it’s still possible at this age though.  I’d like to get some friends to join me but they are scared of it because of their age.  Anyway, I finally made the move and joined a gym last week.  I have gone now for a week and I lift weights everyday but don’t do the same muscles each day.  This should help me a lot but I’m not sure what to do about the size.  The gym automatically gives you a person you can talk to about your fitness, it’s not really a personal trainer but you go to them for advice.  Well he wants to sell me some protein suppliments.  It would cost me $60 a week though but it’s a lot of vitamins and protein drinks you can take to help out.  I’m not sure if it’s worth it but it shoudl help build muscle. I talked to him about my weight and he said actually 245 is a good weight and I should try to stabilize around 250.  I have to admit now it’s mostly fat, not muscle but he said if I convert it to muscle 250 is great.  What got me into running is I don’t do any cardio and this guy I work with is into running.  Actually he’s in his 30’s.  He’s very thin though, just 6′2” and about 170.  Not sure if I mentioned him earlier but I just don’t want to be that thin.  I can’t see myself at 190 and almost wondered if I be too thin if I went down to 220. I just don’t want to overdo it.  The thing is I was suggesting he gain weight but he said he wants to remain at 170 and maybe drop to 160.  The thing is he is also a vegetarian and I would definitely not do that.  I guess to each his own but thats’ what got me thinking about running and if I should do it or not.  I will check out the web site mentioned and maybe give it a try.  Thanks for all the help.

Response:

I see its been asked before, but.. ARE YOU KIDDING? 25 too old to run?? I suppose it is if you plan on enrolling in high school again, but how many runners do you see on the road that are younger than 25? I haven’t been running for very long, but I did lose a significant amount of wieght (100 lbs in a year), and kept it off for around 2 years so far. When I was still too heavy to even think about running to the foot of my driveway, I would just go for really fast walks. When I could do a 1 hour, really fast walk, I progressed to running one block, then walking till I could breath again, then running one block, etc. Try the one hour fast walk. If it takes a lot out of you, keep doing it. And watch your diet. And lift some weights. And, good luck gabrielle — http://go.to/jayde

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic. My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

Response:

I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  

You’re kidding, right? There are probably a million Americans more than twice your age and millions more in between who run for fitness. Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.

I think 190 is about the upper limit for someone your height.  I think running would be a good way.

Running can help, but running and cutting back on the calories is actually the best way. Running a mile will burn approximately 120 kcal. at your present weight and you need to burn about 3500 kcal to lose a pound. Assuming that you do not cut back on calories, you would need to run about 730 miles to get to your target of 220 lbs. and about 1600 miles to get to a more ideal 190 lbs. This is certainly doable if you are patient enough and run regularly. If you can progress to running or a combination of running and walking about 15 miles per week and can cut your calorie intake by 300 kcal per day (one candy bar or doughnut), you will be at 220 lbs. in less than 6 months and at 190 lbs. in about a year. You will also look and feel a lot better at the end of a year than you do now. The downside is that you’ll have to buy a lot of new clothes. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.

I don’t think you have anything to worry about in this regard. My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.

See runnersworld.com for some good ideas on beginning a running program. Basically you start by doing a mile or two of mostly walking with a little running thrown in and slowly, over time, progress to running continuously for several miles at a time. Piece of cake. Oops, make that a piece of fruit. Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.

Hogwash. Thanks for help.

Don’t mention it. George Deliz

Response:

I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?

Lordy. Too old to run? I’m glad nobody told me that when I was 39 and started running in earnest. Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way.

It’s one way, but it’s just one component. Losing weight entails operating your body at a caloric deficit. Even with the exercise, you’ll still have to curb intake to a certain extent, and that requires some discipline. But, being physically active, may make it easier for your to impose that discipline upon yourself. A sedentary person (generally) requires about 10-12 kcals per day to maintain a pound of lean body mass. Figure out what yours is, factor in your actual physical activity (figure a half hour of running will burn, oh, around 300-400 kcals) and then slice a bit off of that for a daily caloric goal. Don’t cut back too much–certainly no more than 500 kcals a day. (And get checked out by a doctor if you haven’t recently, you want to make sure your heart’s up for this.) Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.

Serious endurance runners are very thin, it’s true. But I see a lot of ordinary-looking folks who like to run, out in the parks and at local 5K races. Maybe they’re not managing a very fast pace, but they’re enjoying themselves and that’s what counts. Obviously you’re pretty heavy–you don’t say what your bodyfat percentage is, but I’m going to assume that your 245 lbs isn’t a bodybuilder’s freaky-huge frame, but rather a fleshier one. Make sure to start out very slowly, just running a minute or two, then walking a few minutes, alternating between the two until you can manage longer running (really jogging, to start) intervals. And make sure you procure shoes with plenty of cushioning, that are designed for the heavier runner. Brooks Beast is one model I hear mentioned a lot, but a knowledgeable running store (and other, heavier rec.runners here) can tell you more. My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.

Sounds like a lame excuse. And anyway, at 25 you’re really just hitting your physical peak. As you get older, it may require more of a concerted effort to get and stay slim, but you’re just a pup. You can certainly do it. You’ll see other "beginner runner" type threads in here. Most of us will point you to the Runner’s World site, I’m no different. Check out http://www.newrunner.com/ Also, I’d strongly suggest you research general diet and fitness resources that are out there. You want to take a multi-dimensional look at your options; you might find that running only gets you so far. You might want some other cross-training, you might want weight training, you might even want to include some flexibility (yoga?) training. Learn all you can, be prepared for it to be challenging, and you might be surprised at how much progress you can manage. good luck, Dirk — Lame Home Page at: http://home.att.net/~da_bender/home.htm

Response:

I am wondering if I should take up running.  I’m currently 25 and I’m 5′10” and around 245 lbs.  What I’m wondering is if I’m too old to run or am I still young enough for it?  Also, I’d like to lose weight.  I think for my height I should set my goal at around 220 lbs.  I think running would be a good way. Most runners I see are so thin and actually most look damn near anorexic.  My only concern is I may be too old for this but if not I’d like some good tips for a beginner and if it will be possible to lose my goal.  Most tell me by my age my metabolism is slowing down so it’s impossible to be a normal weight any longer.  Thanks for help.

Response:

Question:

Terri, Welcome and post.  Don’t be shy.  I have Greer’s book also and I don’t do it but I did notice results when I did do it.  Like most things I get bored with exercise.  I like a variety of work outs.  I’m trying Pilates, doing yoga, training with a trainer you name it because I get bored.  So whatever works for you and you like it, DO IT! Remember don’t be shy to post, we like to read and share new insight and opinions. Dimpil

Hello to everyone from Texas!!!  I’m also what’s known as a lurker. : )  I started reading the board about 7 months ago, never posted, fell off the wagon, stopped reading, stopped trying, yes, it’s true, I completely fell from grace. I’m back it now, going strong and feeling great!  I’d like to share a couple of things. First, I like to eat out every so often.  One of my biggest down falls has always been, not thinking I could go through Wendy’s w/o staying in ketosis. NOT TRUE! I’ve learned to order a triple meat w/ cheese, no ketchup, no pickles, toss the bread and be very happy!  The other day, I ordered the new bacon mushroom melt. I did it ALL right and it came out all wrong. I was totally crushed to find myself out of ketosis.  The only thing I can think is that the cheese sauce they used had to have had flour in it.  So, for those of you who may be tempted to try this, buyer beware! Second, I’d like to share some exercise info I’ve learned about.  I’m not here to tell you what you are doing is wrong or convert anyone from changing what is working for them.  But, I figure aside from those of you who are pumping iron and liking it (gag!!!), there are still a lot of you who are like me, i.e., I HATE TO WORK OUT!!!  There’s a book called, "How To Be A Loser" by Greer Childers.  She has a video tape you can also purchase.  I’ve found that her concept, just like high protein/low carb, makes so much sense, it’s startling! She teaches you to breath aerobically and spot train.  And no, I’m not talking 30 min warm ups either, I’m talking IMMEDIATELY, right then!  Her entire work out is 15 mins, and yes, it works!  Is it hard? NO!  How can it work if it’s not hard?  How hard is it to chow down on a nice juicy steak and a salad w/ your favorite dressing? We all know that works!  The beauty of this is, that if you have an absolute favorite repetitious exercise, you can combine the breathing w/ the exercise to reap maximum benefits.  I have an Ab Dolly Plus and I do my breathing w/ it.  It’s spot training, because just like w/ any injury or stress to the body, the oxygen w/i my body is going to the place that most needs it, i.e., my abs at that given moment.  It also puts your energy level at an incredible high.  I bought the book at Barnes & Noble at 9:30 PM one night and started to read, at 1:00 AM I was practicing breathing while reading, at 5:00 AM I was laying in my bed too oxygenated to sleep, but laughing my butt off.  I was amazed!  Doctors are actually dragging oxygen tanks home w/ them on the weekends because they are finding that oxygen rich blood prevents many illnesses. I’m off the perverbial soap box on this topic.  I sincerely hope this info will help someone out there.  I’m glad to now be part of this forum.  Thanks to so many of you who’ve shared so much great info.  This board is a blessing! Sincerely, Terri

Response:

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and the awesome support and encouragement!  I’m really enjoying this board.  Very motivating! Oh, and Houston is the part of TX I’m from. : )

Response:

Hello to everyone from Texas!!!  I’m also what’s known as a lurker. : )  I started reading the board about 7 months ago, never posted, fell off the wagon, stopped reading, stopped trying, yes, it’s true, I completely fell from grace. I’m back it now, going strong and feeling great!  I’d like to share a couple of things.

Hiya Terri! Welcome!Glad that you have come out of the LC closet to share with us!:)   Isn’t it great to find something that works so well?  It’s such a personalized thing! Keep up the great work!   Looking forward to your future posts, S.L. MacDonald P.S.  What part of the Lone Star State are you in?

Response:

welcome terri! — read and post daily, it works! rosie ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th,  I WILL VOTE FOR AL GORE ! http://www.algore2000.com/byoc/campaign/39ac3eb7b527b.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello to everyone from Texas!!!  I’m also what’s known as a lurker. : )  I started reading the board about 7 months ago, never posted, fell off the wagon, stopped reading, stopped trying, yes, it’s true, I completely fell from grace. I’m back it now, going strong and feeling great!  I’d like to share a couple of things. First, I like to eat out every so often.  One of my biggest down falls has always been, not thinking I could go through Wendy’s w/o staying in ketosis. NOT TRUE! I’ve learned to order a triple meat w/ cheese, no ketchup, no pickles, toss the bread and be very happy!  The other day, I ordered the new bacon mushroom melt. I did it ALL right and it came out all wrong. I was totally crushed to find myself out of ketosis.  The only thing I can think is that the cheese sauce they used had to have had flour in it.  So, for those of you who may be tempted to try this, buyer beware! Second, I’d like to share some exercise info I’ve learned about.  I’m not here to tell you what you are doing is wrong or convert anyone from changing what is working for them.  But, I figure aside from those of you who are pumping iron and liking it (gag!!!), there are still a lot of you who are like me, i.e., I HATE TO WORK OUT!!!  There’s a book called, "How To Be A Loser" by Greer Childers.  She has a video tape you can also purchase.  I’ve found that her concept, just like high protein/low carb, makes so much sense, it’s startling! She teaches you to breath aerobically and spot train.  And no, I’m not talking 30 min warm ups either, I’m talking IMMEDIATELY, right then!  Her entire work out is 15 mins, and yes, it works!  Is it hard? NO!  How can it work if it’s not hard?  How hard is it to chow down on a nice juicy steak and a salad w/ your favorite dressing? We all know that works!  The beauty of this is, that if you have an absolute favorite repetitious exercise, you can combine the breathing w/ the exercise to reap maximum benefits.  I have an Ab Dolly Plus and I do my breathing w/ it.  It’s spot training, because just like w/ any injury or stress to the body, the oxygen w/i my body is going to the place that most needs it, i.e., my abs at that given moment.  It also puts your energy level at an incredible high.  I bought the book at Barnes & Noble at 9:30 PM one night and started to read, at 1:00 AM I was practicing breathing while reading, at 5:00 AM I was laying in my bed too oxygenated to sleep, but laughing my butt off.  I was amazed!  Doctors are actually dragging oxygen tanks home w/ them on the weekends because they are finding that oxygen rich blood prevents many illnesses. I’m off the perverbial soap box on this topic.  I sincerely hope this info will help someone out there.  I’m glad to now be part of this forum.  Thanks to so many of you who’ve shared so much great info.  This board is a blessing! Sincerely, Terri

Response:

Hello to everyone from Texas!!!  I’m also what’s known as a lurker. : )  I started reading the board about 7 months ago, never posted, fell off the wagon, stopped reading, stopped trying, yes, it’s true, I completely fell from grace. I’m back it now, going strong and feeling great!  I’d like to share a couple of things. First, I like to eat out every so often.  One of my biggest down falls has always been, not thinking I could go through Wendy’s w/o staying in ketosis. NOT TRUE! I’ve learned to order a triple meat w/ cheese, no ketchup, no pickles, toss the bread and be very happy!  The other day, I ordered the new bacon mushroom melt. I did it ALL right and it came out all wrong. I was totally crushed to find myself out of ketosis.  The only thing I can think is that the cheese sauce they used had to have had flour in it.  So, for those of you who may be tempted to try this, buyer beware! Second, I’d like to share some exercise info I’ve learned about.  I’m not here to tell you what you are doing is wrong or convert anyone from changing what is working for them.  But, I figure aside from those of you who are pumping iron and liking it (gag!!!), there are still a lot of you who are like me, i.e., I HATE TO WORK OUT!!!  There’s a book called, "How To Be A Loser" by Greer Childers.  She has a video tape you can also purchase.  I’ve found that her concept, just like high protein/low carb, makes so much sense, it’s startling! She teaches you to breath aerobically and spot train.  And no, I’m not talking 30 min warm ups either, I’m talking IMMEDIATELY, right then!  Her entire work out is 15 mins, and yes, it works!  Is it hard? NO!  How can it work if it’s not hard?  How hard is it to chow down on a nice juicy steak and a salad w/ your favorite dressing? We all know that works!  The beauty of this is, that if you have an absolute favorite repetitious exercise, you can combine the breathing w/ the exercise to reap maximum benefits.  I have an Ab Dolly Plus and I do my breathing w/ it.  It’s spot training, because just like w/ any injury or stress to the body, the oxygen w/i my body is going to the place that most needs it, i.e., my abs at that given moment.  It also puts your energy level at an incredible high.  I bought the book at Barnes & Noble at 9:30 PM one night and started to read, at 1:00 AM I was practicing breathing while reading, at 5:00 AM I was laying in my bed too oxygenated to sleep, but laughing my butt off.  I was amazed!  Doctors are actually dragging oxygen tanks home w/ them on the weekends because they are finding that oxygen rich blood prevents many illnesses.   I’m off the perverbial soap box on this topic.  I sincerely hope this info will help someone out there.  I’m glad to now be part of this forum.  Thanks to so many of you who’ve shared so much great info.  This board is a blessing! Sincerely, Terri

Response:

Question:

hello!  i am interested in finding a yoga teacher training program.  i am particularly interested in exploring the field of yoga therapy.  there seem to be many such programs out there…  does anybody have any advice on choosing a good program?  thanks in advance.  best wishes–eg

Kriplau Center near Lennox Mass. is great.  800 741-7333.  The very best to you.   Bernard

Response:

hello!  i am interested in finding a yoga teacher training program.  i am particularly interested in exploring the field of yoga therapy.  there seem to be many such programs out there…  does anybody have any advice on choosing a good program?  thanks in advance.  best wishes–eg

Response:

Yoga teacher trainings program very quite widely in breadth and depth. As you might imagine, the term ‘yoga therapy’ is used quite differently as well,  with widely different amounts of training required.  Some say the program by Gary Kraftsow in Maui is the best in the US.  Its essentially a 1 to 2 year program after his 3 year viniyoga program, which is an essential foundation.  The viniyoga approach itself inherently has many theraputic applications, because, in part, it emphasises adaptions for individuals and knowing the body very well.   I’m sure other people have their thoughts and I too would like to see their replies.  Have you ever seen the journal put out by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.  I recently sent them a letter asking them if they would compare and contrast the yoga therapy programs in the US.  Two others that I know of are from Intergral Yoga and Phoenix Rising. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hello!  i am interested in finding a yoga teacher training program.  i am particularly interested in exploring the field of yoga therapy.  there seem to be many such programs out there…  does anybody have any advice on choosing a good program?  thanks in advance.  best wishes–eg

Response: