WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN MARCH 24TH, 2018~
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME TO OUR End of the week "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN!....
How has everyone been doing and feeling over this past week?!
For some of us, this was our FIRST week of a new season! Springtime!!.. How has that gone for you? How was your weather!
What have been the biggest "highlights" of the past week?
We will be moving into the Last week of March! What things are you looking forward to as a new month approaches?!
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates @PhoenixAsh @Erato @Elle22 @Keion @rebecca947 @Riggers @Terrytee @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @Sadme70 @Moj @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @Essdee @Windflowers @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @inventiveWheel @softFern50 @intuitiveWest8187 @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @Keola @AlluraRae @Rebekahwriter13 @politeTangerine7243 @Dancersoul @MoreThanAConqueror18 @MelanieDaniels63 @MattRainbow @PurpleNina @DudeWheresMyZip @ruffneckred @ElizaJ @ThatNutritionGuy
**AND ANY & ALL NEWBIES!! YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE!!
**The past week has gone well... the normal and usual day to day... Anxiety remained low, so that is always a plus! .The first week of "Spring-Time" could have been ALOT warmer! lol... It was "ok", but surely not as warm as I would have liked. But I guess there will be time for that.
**Stayed the course with eating and exercises, & teaching my Zumba classes...... One thing I did differently this past week though was I managed to get in some "Strength Training" & Toning~ I was really happy about that. Because I always say I will do that or want to do that, and then I don't manage to work it in at all... But this week, I did. I also have been average with my water intake. And thinking about adding some "warm lemon water".. I have heard about added benefits of drinking it, I tried in the past but it never stuck. So thinking of doing that again and seeing how that goes....I would also like to try to find something for my joints. Or maybe I just need to give them a little break as well? lol
**Looking forward to continuing to "add" on and continue with some Strength training instead of mainly cardio. And I'm also Really ready to get back to my outdoor walking again. Just waiting for this weather to cooperate..... And I also went ahead and FINALLY got registered for my POUND Fitness Training so I can start to possibly teach that sometime in the near future!
**I 've pretty much have remained active 7/7 days a week for the past few months...(Saturdays have always been my Rest Day).... I'm thinking I might actually use today as a "Rest Day". I think my body is talking to me, and telling me to take a load off for once~...
I HOPE EVERYONE ELSE'S WEEK HAS GONE WELL! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL! 
@PoliteOcean I LOVE THE POSITIVE VIBES, KEEP IT UUUUUP!!!! Get that STRENGTH in and CARDIO!!
@SteadfastStatue
Thank you Stead! You are so amazing! Thank you so much for the constant positivity and support!
@PoliteOcean
yay for staying on course and getting in some strength training! Out of curiosity, what did you do? Pushups or weights or something...? Aha Im the opposite of you- I should get more cardio in!! Staying on track with teaching Zumba is amazing too- keep at it! :D
Warm lemon water?? I love cold lemon water, but I had no idea warm lemon water had benefits! I should search that up- thanks for that haha
Cant wait for the weather to get warmer for you! Outdoor walking sounds so nice and relaxing. Its great to hear that anxiety has been on the down-low, lets hope it stays there for a long time!! :p
Great to know your week has been going well :) I hope next week is the same!! xx
@rebecca947
Thank you once again for being so positive and supportive! 
And yes, warm lemon water is supposed to have some really good benefits, google it and see what it says!.... But I know one added benefit is that its supposed to help with weight. I tried it in the past, but I was always so busy with work and falling behind on time that I never kept up with it to see how if it really worked.
As far as 'Strength training", I incorporated Two days this week of weight classes.... I teach Zumba "Toning" as well, but I attended someone elses Zumba Toning class. Its something that I really do love. I love working on my strength, my arms and shoulders. And its something I really do need, but don't give enough time or effort to. I feel like I could start to see even better results if I would take more time to do it.
And yes, I can't wait until it warms up more so I can get back to walking the hills in my neighborhood. Its such an awesome way to get in "interval" training because I have a lot of good hills in my neighborhood, and I get in great steps and burn AMAZING calories... But the air is just still a little too "cool" out there for me still. So I dont like to be out in it for too long. So hopefully soon!
I hope that you have a great weekend ahead!
@PoliteOcean
Ooh, Zumba toning?! That sounds like more hard core Zumba?? Hilly areas are no fun to walk for me :p but like you said, great for interval training...
And thank you :)
@rebecca947
Actually Rebecca, Zumba Toning and the intensity can depend on the class... And what type of "Toning" techniques they are doing and incorporating.. Some might consider it more fun and engaging then Regular, or .. might find it a little more challenging as well if they aren't use to using weights, or doing things like squats and such...
And yes to be honest, I'm really NOT into walking hills either, but... its another one of those things where I have to "push" myself to do a little more to work outside my "comfort zone" as far as exercising. And perhaps better my progress. When I do it on hotter days, I find that I actually burn waaayyy more calories doing that 40 minute walk, then I do in a 60 minute Zumba class! If you can believe that!....
@PoliteOcean
ooh, thanks for the correction! Zumba toning actually sounds fun but yeah... challenging too haha dont think I can do both cardio and weights simultaneously...!! Eek!
and woah, I have to try walking up and down hills on hot days then!!! Although even the thought of going outside the house on a hot day is already a major challenge 😂 My neighbourhood is known for its hills (my local government area is even named after that fact...) and theres heaps around me haha I love at the top of a hill!
@rebecca947
oh wow.. that is really cool Rebecca!... Yes, you have got to get out and utilize those hills in your neighborhood! lolol.....
You will get sooooo many "steps, floors, calories etc.."...including all the "interval training" that it provides. Very Heart Healthy too! I don't like to walk the hills when its warmer out, but, I see now what it can do and provide me in terms of my workouts, so I look forward to it! lol
@rebecca947 i know about the added weights while doing cardio, can be challenging
@rebecca947 How is your strength training going this week?
@SteadfastStatue
hmm, pretty much non-existent unfortunately!!!!!!! I didn
@rebecca947 I am grateful to hear that you are taking the unexpected change in schedule, in stride :)
@PoliteOcean Out of curiosity and truly wanting to know, how did you get into becoming a trainer?
@SteadfastStatue
Hey there Stead!
Thanks for the question..I am not actually a "trainer" so -to-speak, however I am "Licensed" in various Fitness formats. Meaning a can "lead and instruct" classes in these particular formats.
But honestly, its a funny story in a way... I was always an active child and teen into alot of sports etc...never really had to worry about my weight etc..., ...once in my early 20's, life happens, I had a child, I gained ALOT of weight, and it became more challenging for me...
Well, one day literally "out of the blue" I just decided that I wanted to do something about it.. Like it was an "epiphany" of some sort! lol....And the next day I signed up for Weight Watchers. And in that same week, I realized we had a "Community Center" in my neighborhood that I had NEVER been to. (I found it by chance, fate, whatever you wish to call it while taking a sign language class!).... and I saw a ZUMBA class happening!... well.. that was it! I LOVE to dance, but had never heard of Zumba. I immediately came back to the next class the following week..All of that was in 2010...
With eating better and incorporating Zumba, 6 months later, most of the weight was dropped, and I decided to become a Zumba Instructor. That was in 2011. Since then, I have obtained 8 other Zumba licenses in different Zumba Formats, as well as MixxedFit, and getting ready to include POUND Fitness in that as well in a few weeks.
So those are my licenses, credentials etc... Nothing fancy, Nothing Spectacular, but.. just "my story" and how I got involved in all of this Health Stuff! lol..... I like things that are "FUN".. and keep me "engaged" and allow me to have fun with others as well as "motivate" others too in the process. Hope I've answerd your question?! Have a great day!
@PoliteOcean
Okay, so to put it plainly, you are a fitness instructor :) That is so cool :)) You serve as the foundation for motivation for a majority of the attendees. I know someone that does something like this and the way you describe it, that is how your position sounds to be.
I cannot relate but I do have friends that have had children and for the most part, the weight aspect I have seen as an undertaking, naturally. I commend you.
It is funny how the change of heart comes after the change in routine. I always found that to be fascinating. 8 years later, here you are :) What a journey it must feel to be, after all this time. Does it feel like it has been that long?
Amazing ^_^
It sounds like, hidden underneath it all, the fitness, the fun, you really thrive when helping others achieve their fitness goals, as well. That is a beautiful thing, to discover what is intrinsically rewarding to oneself. The greatest gift of all :)
@SteadfastStatue
Thanks Stead! And yes I guess that's what I'd call myself "a fitness instructor"... although, it really seems so funny to call myself that. I really didn't care much for fitness in my 'adult' years until I found Zumba.. (even though I was so very active in my younger years)... Through Sports like baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and some dance classes, I've pretty much have always done something and kept moving...
But yes, its been very rewarding finding Zumba Fitness and seeing how its motivated me and kept me going over these past 8 years! Never thought I'd ever see myself in the places I've been with this. But yes, very rewarding in deed for myself, as well as my "followers/students" who have been with me throughout the years.
@PoliteOcean I love your attitude
@PoliteOcean
How has everyone been doing and feeling over this past week?!
Good! Ive gotten a new phone and set up a wireless printer yesterday! Today was the first day I exercised again, and it was challenging but satisfying! It shouldnt be challenging, but it was as I havent been exercising for months now. I finally managed to sort my life out for now, so I have a scheduled time where I exercise. I tried exercising in the morning today! It was good but really hungry after my shower hahaha
For some of us, this was our FIRST week of a new season! Springtime!!.. How has that gone for you? How was your weather!
Hmm, today was really humid but now its raining and gloomy... gotta love when the weather changes so drastically -_- aside from that, nothing much has changed yet!
What have been the biggest "highlights" of the past week?
Getting a new phone (not an Android user anymore! First time ever haha) and we finally have two new printers, meaning I dont have to go out to a store to print anymore! Always a positive for my lazy self haha
We will be moving into the Last week of March! What things are you looking forward to as a new month approaches?!
Not much unfortunately!! Heaps of stressful things will be coming soon in April, so... woop... 😪😅
What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!!
Hmm, nothing much! Randomly have urges to do stuff but I can control it for now, so thats good. I hope everyone has a great day and week ahead! :) xx
@rebecca947
**That is awesome that you got a new phone! I am so jealous lol... I need a new one so much. I 've had the same phone since 2013 lolol......I'm just too lazy to spend the money to get a new one! I figure as long as I can still make phone calls on it and check the internet once in a while, then theres no need for me to spend money on a new one?! Or maybe I'm just being "cheap" too?! lolol.... Either way, congrats to you! I know its always exciting to get a new phone!
**That is really great that you are getting your life back in order to where you are now able to incorporate a schedule for working out and living healthier for yourself! What type of exercising did you do today? What do you think you will incoroprate into your new workout schedule?!!
**Also, its nice that you can consider your weather to be "humid"! .. I wish we could say the same thing right now. lol.. .Its not cold here or anything but, Im ready for our "Hot" weather! lol...
** I'm sorry to hear that April will be bringing you more "stressors"... however, perhaps looking over whats ahead, could help you to think of things that can prepare you more for those stressors, so that they don't seem so stressful once they arrive? Im not sure what those stressors will be for you, but I do hope that you can manage to ward them off so they aren't too stressful for you in the month ahead. Best wishes on that!
I just want to thank you for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing! Its great to read your posts each week and see how you are moving and progressing in your life. Best wishes on everything that lies ahead for you!...
@PoliteOcean
Woah, since 2013?! Unfortunately, I cant even keep my phones for that long haha the battery gets too bad for me like 2-3 years into its life. Might just be me and how Im taking care of it (not sure) but yeah... I had to get a new phone because my old phone couldnt take clear pictures and it was a super old model. I do like your way of thinking though haha if its good enough for you to use the way you want it to, then it shouldnt warrant a new phone! If its up to your standards still :)
I did Pilates for beginners yesterday :) slowly easing myself (and my muscles...) back into exercising. This time, I did quite well as my muscles arent so sore that they would get worse if I exercised again today! Woohoo haha doing Pilates again today :)
Yep, the weather today is sunny! Yayyy I should get out today and walk my dog, but well see if I can fit that in to my schedule.
And yeah, I got really stressed out yesterday because I didnt realise that I had something due tomorrow... and Im not the best at it either haha so yep, definitely looking ahead would be a great idea for me so nothing suddenly springs up on me. Thanks for that idea!!
And thanks for always being so kind and supportive! I love your check-in questions and reading your answers every week as well :D xx
@rebecca947
Awww... you're very sweet Rebecca! I love reading all of your responses and check-in's each week as well! Its so fun to see what everyone is doing and up to, and what their goals/dreams and plans are. Or just to simply stay in touch!
Awesome job with the Pilates! I hope that you enjoyed your workout! Keep up the great work!
And awww.. I didn't realize you had a "doggie" too!.. What breed and what's their name and how old!!!? I have one too a little ShihTzu. I know what you mean about finding the time to schedule in some walking time for them as well. I try to get mine outside daily, but the weather doesn't cooperate as well this time of year. But soon though I'll be back on "His" schedule and I'll have to find time to incorporate my "own" workouts again! lolol....
Thanks so much Rebecca for your awesome support, positivity and work here in the Healthy Living community. So glad to have you here and to be apart of it my dear!
@PoliteOcean
yes! I love how interactive the check-ins are, and yeah, getting to know everyones stories! I love how friendly the 7 Cups community is in general too, makes it so much easier to interact.
Ooh, shihtzus are so cute!!! How old is he and whats his name? I have a big German Shepherd called Sparky haha hes 9 years old. Everyone is so busy and its hard to fit in a walk, but we try most days! Hes so funny though, because he knows when were going back home so at the corner of our street, he always lies down on the grass for a while, not wanting to go home!
I hope to be doing more work and contributing more to this subcommunity, thank you for being so patient with me! I should be back now with a 7 Cups schedule finally figured out. I just need to stick to it, which has so far been a bit of a struggle 😂
@rebecca947
Aww... German shepards can make great 'walking buddies'! The bigger dogs usually do since they can go longer and have bigger legs lol..... I have to put mine in a "doggie stroller" if I want to take him along on our walk through the neighborhood since its such a long walk lol.....
Also, I think that is soo funny about your dog! lol.. They are soo smart! They know what they like and what they don't like. And they know where they are going as well!... When we are riding in the car, mine knows when we are going to my moms because he will start to "whimper" and "whine" because he's ready to get out.. and when I am taking him to his favorite place to walk by the lake, he will start to "cry and whine" because he wants me to roll the window down so he can see that we are almost there! lolol.. Dogs can be soo funny
And his name is Patches... The people who had him before me had already named him Patches because of all his little "patches of color" on his back, and I just kept the name. He's 2 1/2 years old. He's my little buddy.
@PoliteOcean
Big dogs are high maintenance but are amazing at hugs and cuddles because there's just so much of them and their fur to cuddle!!! When my dog and I sit down next to each other, he's almost a head taller than me haha not sure if that's normal, maybe I'm just super short :p
Aww, Patches sounds so cute!!! Yeah, I love how dogs are so smart and just as in touch with the environment as we are! Haha doggy stroller?! I need to search that up- sounds so cute though!! :D xx (I love how I'm casually fangirlng over your dog that I haven't even seen or met hahaha)
@rebecca947
hahaha.. that is so funny. I do love dogs, I dont' think I would do well with a "larger" dog though. I couldn't imagine sitting next to one that is a "head" taller than me! yikes! lololol..... On the other hand, I might feel even safer though when I'm in the house alone at night! I imagine German Sheps are awesome "guard dogs"! I'm sure it would take some getting used to! I've only really ever been around the small, cute cuddly ones! lolol....(What I like to call little "lap" dogs) that can sit in your lap.
One day soon we will have to share photos!!
@PoliteOcean
Haha he's the first dog I've had, so I have no clue about lap dogs! But yeah, German Shepherds are amazing guard dogs! Some of our neighours definitely weren't too happy with him though when he was just a baby- he woke them up with his high pitched barking at 2am almost every night 😂 and yes, one day photos! :D xx
snow doesnt melt enough fast for me
@vivelespatates
I remember when I used to live in the Northern U.S., it seemed to take forever for snow to melt... I remember one year we still had "snow-piles" well into JUNE!....One year we even had snow flurries in the first week of June. I do miss the snow around the Holiday season where I live now, but I don't miss it any other time of the year anymore! lol Hopefully it will melt soon for you.
This is my one year anniversary with 7 Cups. Last year at this time I was having some major issues with anxiety. Thanks for all the positive support in the check in areas and chat groups. I have been able to keep my anxiety low over the last several months.. Spring is finally here and this allows more time outdoors which always helps with anxiety issues. Moving forward with healthy eating and exercise. A few more pounds to lose and I will have taken off the extra holiday weight. Enjoy your week.
@sail46
HAPPY ONE YEAR CUPS-AVERSARY Sail!!.... I hope you are having an amazing day here in the community!.... We are so glad to have you here, and I am so grateful to see your posts and check-ins here every week! I love reading every word.....
I'm glad that your anxiety has been lower, as a fellow sufferer of anxiety, I know what a great feeling that is! And I agree, with the arrival of Spring and spring weather, it will certainly help with anxiety as well. Especially to feel the warmer weather, the brighter sunshine and to get out more! Keep up the great work that you are doing with healthy eating and exercise! I hear you, I am still working on trying to shed those holiday pounds. Its great that you are getting closer. One day at a time. Thanks for checking in today! Have a great weekend!
@sail46 :)
I've exercised regularly for the past week hehe! 💚
@terrytee
Thats awesome Terry!... Keep up the great work that you are doing!... and thank you for checking in this week in the Healthy Living subcom! We are certainly glad to see you this week!
breakthroughs, well, I am following through with being more social in real life. I adore and admire the regular members I speak with. I am eating more now, since I have a second job and I am looking forward to going to school for my present and future life :) I cannot believe the last week of March is upon us. Best wishes everyone.
@SteadfastStatue
wow Stead! A very positive check in!... BEST OF WISHES to you on your Social Life, your future schooling, AND your second job! Sounds like you have alot of good things in your life at this time, and that's really great. You deserve to have the greatest! Keep up the great work that you are doing. And thank you for all of you continuing positivity and support here in this community! Everyone here is grateful to have you here!
Thank you for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going with you!
@PoliteOcean
How has everyone been doing and feeling over this past week?! TIIIRRRED
For some of us, this was our FIRST week of a new season! Springtime!!.. How has that gone for you? How was your weather! It's still cold in Chicago :(
What have been the biggest "highlights" of the past week? meeting a new friend in the mental health community :)
We will be moving into the Last week of March! What things are you looking forward to as a new month approaches?! Better weather, hopefully!
@Mellietronx
Ha.. I like your spirit Mellie! I'm looking forward to better weather as well! I think most of us are ready and waiting!.... I'm sure it reaches you a little later though living up in Chicago! Sorry to hear that you've been feeling tired, hopefully as the weather warms up and gets better, you'll have more energy to go with it as well!
Thanks for checking in this week!
This week was not great but not too bad. I didn't feel well at the beginning of the week (allergies?) but then I had two days off school for snow so I rested up. Not much exercise and my eating wasn't great eiither, but I went to the state park both Friday and Saturday for walks. On Friday I walked 45 min and then 90 min on Saturday. The Saturday hike took me a little further out into the woods where I seldom see other hikers, and I spent about 15 minutes just sitting and looking at the trees, watching a creek, and listening to total silence. It was nice! If I can stay feeling well this week, I should be able to get to all my planned exercise and eat better.
@SadMe7(
This is actually a really great check in for you Sad!... I'm sorry that you dealt with not feeling well again, but its nice that you were able to get snow days off to rest up.. Its hard to believe that you are still getting "snow days" at the end of March. This weather is being so temperamental right now. But the fact that you were able to manage to get "two" walks in is really awesome. (I've been waiting rather impatiently to get back out to walking again but I prefer it be warmer lol)..... But 45 & 90 minutes is Great!! Good for you! Its cool you were able to get a "hike" in. And sounds like you had a really "Peaceful" time doing so! Did you go by yourself?!......It good that you were able to find time to just relax and take everything in. Sounds like it was really "good for the soul"! Also its good that you are looking ahead at ways to be able to get back on track again with things and planning ahead after not feeling well.
Continue to keep up the great work that you are doing... and also continue to keep doing all those little things that obviously seem to bring you great joy! Sounds like it was time very well spent :) Thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how things are going for you and how you are doing!
A quick reflection of the week shows me that I am moving forward with my goals! I have been busy with my new puppy, walking, training, playing and correcting bad behaviour! He was neutered this week and it seems hes recovering very quickly! I really enjoy taking him out for walks and to the dog park to play. I was only able to make it to the gym once this week so Im going to make it a plan to go 3 times next week! I have decided to apply for a new position with my employer which will change my schedule and I wont be working at 7am anymore but more likely 10am. This will give me more sleep which Ive been lacking for years. I made a promise to myself that this year every month I will try to make a change to improve my health and this is a needed one! My family will miss me being there but they are capable of doing things without me and need to be more independent. The weather has been uncooperative and we have had 2 more dumps of snow! Its going to be awhile before we see spring here!
@politeTangerine7243
That is awesome for you that you are moving forward with your goals.. And a "NEW" Puppy?! How great for you. I'm sure it is keeping you busy! I remember when I first got mine! I never had one before. But I know he certainly keeps me engaged in activity and gets me out of the house and walking too!... And its still great that you had time to make it to the gym even if only "one" time this week.!... At least you made the effort and made the time to go! And thats a good thing! Its also really great that you will be able to get more sleep with a new schedule change.. Sleep is certainly a good thing! Especially if its something you've been lacking!.... And that is really AWESOME that you are making goals and plans to improve your health! I am really so proud of you for doing that and realizing that it was something that you need to do for yourself! That is the best gift that you can give yourself (body, mind and spirit)!... I wish you nothing but the best on all of these goals, plans and changes ahead! And continue to keep up the great work that you are doing for yourself!.. .And take care of that new puppy! Enjoy it,have fun with it... and get out there with it and get moving!! Lol.... Hope to hear from you on the next check in and how things have been progressing for you!
@PoliteOcean after doing careful research, Im embarking on an experiment this week, Im going to fast 3 days. I could sure use support. This is for spiritual and to reduce inflammation increase my bodies natural Health. I will still drink plenty of wanted taker medicine. Just need that nudge when brain thinks it controls the body. Its a lesson of patience and self love.
@Hatepicking
Hey there Hatepicking! Sorry that I did not see your post sooner! Looks like it got buried a little under all the others...
I hope that things are going good for you.. And I have heard of 'Fasting" for both Spiritual and Physcial well being... I do hope that things are going well for you with this and that it is working the way that you wish. Please give us an update on this and let us know how it went for you and if its something that you enjoyed or will do again etc...? Would love to hear more about it! I've heard good things on it when its been done in the right ways.
Thank you for checking in this week and letting us know how things have been going for you!