Mini-workout in the am before my shower: 20 pushups (most are half/modified, I do as many full ones as I can first - I'm up to 8), 25 crunches, 20 squats. Sun/Tues/Thurs nights (9pm or so - we like late workouts): To the gym w/DF for 20 min. on the treadmill, then a little weight lifting Every night before bed: Stretching exercises (quick, and nothing too straining I started the morning and evening routines because I used to feel *soooo* guilty on those inevitable nights when we'd skip the gym...now since I can do those two things anywhere and they take about 5 minutes, I don't feel bad about missing the gym occasionally, because at least I'm doing *something* on a daily basis. :-)

I've been everything from a rugby player and weight-lifter to an all-day hiker to a total slug...and had gone totally slack when I was in a car accident, and tore two discs... two years later, I have to say that the BEST help I got were from the book and videos by a cat named Rodney Yee... he makes yoga make sense, and 'yoga for strength' would win the approval of Charles Atlas for its isometric work... I work with a yoga ball, a staff, some straps, and a few light weights- the heaviest thing I have is 10 pounds, and that plus my body weight is PLENTY... and not only is my doctor thrilled with my recovery- but I can now do things I couldn't do as a teen- like proper pushups.

I had a long message I posted a few days ago . . .apparently it didn't go through! Annie, re: cellulite, I do think carbs/diet is part of the picture, but I also think it's far more complex than just that. And, unfortunately, it's hard as a vegetarian to limit carbs , but of course, avoiding refined carbs is always a good thing. I do always eat them with fats/protein-- always. As I stated in another thread, I had it since when I was 13! I was underweight, even. My mom does not have it (lucky!) but my aunt did, very badly. There are many causes and it's not understood so well. In my case, I think it's a mix of genetics and hormones. I am going to try dry-brushing to help with my circulation (some say it's tied to the lymphatic system); supposed to yield good results. We'll see . . . Joanie, the best thing is that, even though you feel discouraged, you are not quitting. That counts for a LOT. That is when it's the hardest, I am finding . . .so yay you!!! I suggest you throw the scale away. I really do. The scale does not mean anything. You can gain muscle and feel like you are not losing fat! It's very deceptive. You can retain water weight (or lose it)-- and then what? If you really need numbers, measure yourself with a tape measure. The easiest thing, though, is just to see how your clothes fit. I strongly suggest you add weights to your routine. Building muscle is so good for you (bone density!), AND, the more muscle you have, the better your metabolism is. Have you had physical therapy for your back? I wonder, too, how your "core/center" strength is. (See link below.) The trick will be to find a workout that does not further injure or strain your back/neck . . .I agree that perhaps jogging is not so good for your back at this point. Maybe you need something lower impact? In any case, I am really, really hoping you find answers soon because back pain can affect everything. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. :( Legomom, the Fitbit sounds like a great idea! If you want to add the plank and stretch, just plan ahead of time exactly when you'll do them, and you will get it done! Outside, that sounds like a fun trip! Does your DH exercise with you? I worked out with a ballet video that I hadn't used for awhile this am. I am really thinking that (for me), variation is key. Because each DVD is different, they each work the body in a slightly different way, giving more challenge. Even if one is a little easier, if I've put it away for awhile and come back, I get a benefit from it due to the variety. Yay to everyone for sticking with this, even when we don't feel like it! Here is a link that might be useful: Core Myths

The Complete Domestic Rabbit Cook Book - Bob D. Whitman