Fitness Fellowship 2026: Check-in Six

[sylvanwitch]

We're still experiencing Arctic cold here, though tomorrow it's supposed to get up to 38F, a regular heat wave. The consequence of the cold has been deepening Seasonal Affective Disorder for me. Yes, I have a special lamp; no, I haven't been using it. *rolls eyes at self* I am pleased to report that unlike in previous years, this year I've avoided overeating and overspending to counteract my grim mood.

So far, anyway, I've stuck to my exercise and eating plans, and I'm proud of myself for that. Have you had a health- and/or fitness-related experience lately of which you're proud? I've learned over the years that it's important to take joy in even the smallest positive changes, and I hope you'll share one of those little happy moments with us all.



Weight: 193.4, down 1 pound from last week and a total of 19 pounds since I began in earnest on 1 September 2025. Yay!

Exercise: Yoga 4/4, strength-training 3/3, steps every day. We were able to get to the mall to walk on Saturday, and yesterday I used the elliptical to good effect. Otherwise, I've been getting steps in during free periods at work.

Eating plan: I've been mostly good, though depression means I don't always have the energy to cook fresh food. I did, however, make a creamy white bean and greens soup yesterday, which I'm hoping turned out well. (We'll have it today for supper.) I'm avoiding snacking, overeating, and too many sweets, though not all of my meal choices have been well-rounded.

Hydration: Yes!

Meditation: Yes!

Sleep: Ugh. I mean, I'm mostly in bed on time during the work week, but my dreams have been somewhat gnarly lately, and I've had a three-day weekend, during which I've gone off the rails with my night-owl ways, a fact for which I will definitely pay tomorrow. *sighs*

The week ahead: I need to focus on getting better sleep, if possible, and I'm hoping it's "warm" enough to get outdoors. We're heading to the zoo today to walk a bit, even though it's still pretty damned cold. I need fresh air and sunshine, though.



May the week ahead bring sunshine and blue skies, if those are conditions you'd enjoy.

Comments

[china_shop]

So far, anyway, I've stuck to my exercise and eating plans, and I'm proud of myself for that.

Hurray, you!! *\o/*

[oschun]

Well done for sticking to your good habits despite experiencing low mood. That shows serious resilience.

I guess I'm proud of myself for sticking to a weekday routine of fasting until lunchtime and then having home-made bean and veg soup for lunch.

This week has been a washout though. I've just spent two days in bed with a cold virus. Back to work tomorrow, even though I don't feel 100%. At least it's half-term next week.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

My week has consisted of:

* The Poetry Fishbowl (still writing)

* birdfeeding

* staring out the window watching the snow slowly melt.

[cornerofmadness]

I've been n oping out of yoga but it's not really what I'm hoping for. I'm trying to get that water aerobics going at work but it looks like it'll be a non starter

[sylvanwitch]

*thanks you with twirly hugs*

[sylvanwitch]

Thank you, my friend. I am *trying*. This week has been better so far, I think because we did get outdoors yesterday. I have to keep trying as the weather permits.

Sticking to your fasting routine and breaking your fast with homemade food is SO GOOD, hon! You absolutely deserve to be proud for that. As for working out, you definitely need to rest and get healthy first; colds suck! I hope today (Tuesday) wasn't too draining for you and that you're doing okay now. Big *hugs*!

Re: Well ...

[sylvanwitch]

I'm so glad we finally have above-freezing temps here, though it's not likely to hold long. Even so, it's exciting to see things melting. I hope you're able to get outdoors soonish, though if you're getting the same ups and downs we are, you probably have more cold and/or snow on the way. *sighs*

[sylvanwitch]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that about the water aerobics. Believe me, I get it about yoga. There are only certain programs and instructors I vibe with, and I've learned that I have to respect my own feelings on that or I just don't get much out of yoga practice. I hope you're able to find something else that you can do that isn't expensive and/or a pain in the butt to get to/from.

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Much of the snow has melted. Daytime highs are above freezing, which means a lot of mud and some puddles. So if the ground dries out, I may have a chance for some yardening.

progress-ish

[oldtoadwoman]

So as of this morning, I was at my lowest weight since ... before Christmas. And I'm the same weight I was in June. (Which means that I'm still up the huge amount that I gained last year during a stressful job.)

But I am feeling a bit better about things. The heatwave is already here. (It's 40°F here!) Having the temperature above freezing is probably a big part of my improved mood. I might actually be able to go for a walk this weekend.

I've been eating mostly better, but still too much. Not really exercising at all. And mostly sleeping okay (although last night the neighbor's barking dog ensured I did not get a full night's sleep.)