SparkPoints: (4,454)
Fitness Minutes: (2,240)
Posts: 221
2/13/11 11:39 A

Thanks for starting this team. I joined about a week ago and it was a relief that a group like this was set up. Thanks again!!!
Roni

current weight: 366.0

374 314.25 254.5 194.75

135

Posts: 97
2/13/11 3:36 A

Hi
I'm "new" again & it's been suggested that I reintroduce myself. So here goes.

My name is Gloria, I live in Tampa, FL, & I'm 73 years old. Please visit my Spark Page for more info. I founded The Chair Exercise Team as I found it difficult to find exercises I was able to do & knew there must be many others with the same problem. I was tired of being on teams where everyone else was doing activities that I was unable to do & feeling like a second class citizen. My first goal was for 50 members & I really worked to achieve that -
many "invitations to join" & messages. I'm amazed & so pleased that it has grown to over 350 now, thanks to the hard work of our leaders & members! I dropped out of Spark People for about a year due to health problems - spent 11 days in the hospital with emergency surgery on my neck for removal of a calcified disc with a spur pressing on the spinal column,
worsening visual problems (macular degeneration & cataracts), asthma, diabetes, etc. I'm feeling better now, except for the vision which has gotten worse since the surgery (long posts & blogs will be infrequent). I'm back now as I do so much better in progressing towards my goals of a healthy life style & weight loss with all of the support of Spark People & all the team members.

Thank you so much for the many "Welcomes"!

God Bless,
Gloria

Posts: 1,138
2/12/11 6:11 A

Hello: I just joined the Team. I need execise and can't do much. Bad legs. So I think Chair exercise would be something I could do. I think I probably need to get a video to work with. Would appreciate any suggestions or help. Thanks.

Betty

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

SparkPoints: (26,473)
Fitness Minutes: (989)
Posts: 2,240
2/10/11 8:41 P

Welcome to the new members.

current weight: 183.0

242 220 198 176

154

Posts: 28
2/10/11 5:42 P

Log in to SparkPeople and type Anne Burnell into the open area at the top of the page and press search. If you google her name, many addresses will come up. If you need more help finding her, let me know.

Posts: 40
2/10/11 3:39 P

Where did you find the DVD?

Pounds lost: 2.4

0 27.5 55 82.5

110

Posts: 40
2/10/11 3:38 P

Hello Everyone!

You all do live up to being warm and welcoming! :) Thank you for the kind emails.

I'm Becky. I'll be 52 next month. I'm married and have no children. I have a desk job. I currently weigh 284 but my all time highest weight registered at the doctor's office is 314. I lost about 30 pounds in the past several months after the doctor put me on Victoza for my diabetes. Seems weight loss is a side effect. However, it has somewhat stalled. So here I am....again.

I joined in Feb of 2007, but did not fully appreciate the robustness of this website/movement. I bought the book a few weeks ago and I am BLOWN AWAY! I think this is what I've been looking for for a very long time. I've tried about everything but learned while I was still fairly young that healthy was better than quirky. I'm a many-time Weight Watchers drop-out. Weight Watchers is a great program, but I often felt that it's emphasis was more on food, then exercise and just touched on the mental/spiritual enough to be frustrating. It really did not give a guide of HOW to change one's lifestyle. Sure...we set goals, etc. But it just did not go far enough. SparkPeople is different! I was not at all hyped up about trying to lose weight again, but I knew I had to do something. Money was an issue and WW wasn't an option. So back to the free site. Then I learned about the book and decided to buy it. And I'm SOOOO glad I did! My enthusiasm is back and I'm motivated to really do it this time. And I feel that will everyone's help here at SparkPeople, I can and WILL do it!

Thanks everyone.

Becky

Pounds lost: 2.4

0 27.5 55 82.5

110

Posts: 28
2/9/11 2:42 A

Hi! I am a 75 year old lady who is obese and has arthritis. I am able to do weight training with a trainer twice a week, but after I work out, my muscles and joints ache so much that I can only do chair exercises in between my muscle training sessions. I purchased Anne Burnell's DVD's and do them every day. I love the exercises, I love the music, I feel wonderful after I do a DVD. I haven't lost any weight yet, but I feel wonderful. For once in my life I am confident that with Anne's DVD's and dietary management, I will lose weight. Keep the faith.

Posts: 209
2/9/11 12:26 A

Welcome to the team RONI. You will find many friendly and helpful people here. I'm sure you will find some exercises that will help you keep up on the workouts while you are unable to follow your regular exercise program.


Annie

current weight: 222.0

257 234.25 211.5 188.75

166

SparkPoints: (4,454)
Fitness Minutes: (2,240)
Posts: 221
2/9/11 12:18 A

Hello,
My name is Roni. I am 35 and have been ordered by my doctor to stay off my foot because of a sprain legiment. I was just really getting into the swing of things and had so much motivation but then on Dec 21st I missed one lousy step and hurt my ankle pretty bad. Even though it was getting better I still had intense pain in it and was doing Zumba Gold about a month later. Then to my cousins urging I made an appointment with my dr. and he had an MRI done that showed I had a sprain and inflammation in my ankle. He has ordered me to be in a boot for one month and told me to stop the zumba for now and to take it easy. I don't want to lose momentum. It's taken me since 2006 to get motivated and serious about my program. This site was recommended to me by another sparkmember and I'm really glad she came across it because I see you all are pretty active here. I look forward to chatting with you all and seeing your progress.
Thanks,
Roni

current weight: 366.0

374 314.25 254.5 194.75

135

Posts: 209
2/5/11 5:59 P

Greetings to all. I am new to this team and just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 53 and currently live in montana, with an upcoming move to Washington in the near future. I joined Sparkpeople in august 2010. I have finally lost 5 pounds recently. I am diabetic and joined originally to lose weight, but have found sooooo much more. I have degenerative joint disease in my lower back and most other joints and fibromyalgia which at times makes it difficult to excercise. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.

Annie

current weight: 222.0

257 234.25 211.5 188.75

166

SparkPoints: (26,473)
Fitness Minutes: (989)
Posts: 2,240
2/5/11 1:50 P

Welcome Carol

Carol

current weight: 183.0

242 220 198 176

154

SparkPoints: (46,161)
Fitness Minutes: (6,500)
Posts: 1,245
2/5/11 12:28 P

I am a 70 year old who would like to say I'm not obese...that I'm over weight. But, alas, my BMI indicates that a 5'5" female that now weighs 200 pounds -- is indeed obese.

I joined SP five years ago. At 175 pounds, stats showed I was 25 pounds overweight. Hence these name SILVER lady. Alas, this morning weigh in I am at a high of 200 pounds. I have gained 25 pounds! OH MY!! Yep, I'm silver lady okay ...the wrong way!

So, this arthritic riddled, obese lady --who is in need of knee replacement is hereby committed to using chair exercises, moving as much as possible, tracking, counting calories. I look forward to being supported by this team and trying to be of support to all.

Posts: 171
2/2/11 12:14 P

Hi everyone! My name is Linda, I'm 50 and live in Central FL. I have been physically challenged/disabled my entire life, but with age and additional health issues the disability becomes more of a challenge each day. My physical limitations and increased immobility frustrate me and at times I forget that I’m a strong fighter who has went far beyond what was expected. Sometimes I need a nudge, or kick in the pants to remind me to keep pushing the limits.

I’m looking forward to getting to finding and adding addition chair exercises that I can add to the seated Tai Chi that I already do!

current weight: 254.8

265.4 239.05 212.7 186.35

160

Posts: 37
2/1/11 12:58 P

Hello everyone. I am so excited that I found this team. I've been having a very disappointing time trying to modify exercises to meet my needs. Due to an injury at work I am limited to no weight bearing activites - yeah
I can't wait to get started

SparkPoints: (26,473)
Fitness Minutes: (989)
Posts: 2,240
1/31/11 7:23 P

Hello, your team was recommended to me by the disabilities team. I'm 64, live in Wis. have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. and have been married over 40 years.
I was in a terrible car accident when I was 13 and had multiple injuries. The worst was right hip. I've had 8 surgeries on it including 3 hip replacements. I still have a lot of problems with hip and am not looking forward to more surgery. Due to arthritis my left knee and shoulder have also been replaced. Shortly after the 3rd hip replacement in 2006 I was diagnosed with Parkinsons. My balance is getting worse due to the progression of Parkinsons so I'm really careful when I walk.
I'm going to check out the chair exercises and see what I can do.
Carol

current weight: 183.0

242 220 198 176

154

Posts: 264
1/27/11 12:35 A

Hello! I accidentally found this team and I've already found some useful information. I have stage 3 Lymphedema which resulted in a 10 day hospitalization in April '10. Since then I've lost 100 pounds but still have about 60 to go. My Lymphedema is in the legs which limits my mobility some. I was prone to "dancing" in my chair when listening to the iPod so I started searching for chair exercises. I think that will help me continue my weight loss and activity goals. The reviews of various DVDs on these boards are very helpful! Looking forward to learning more. Good luck to everyone!

Posts: 7,945
1/26/11 11:59 P

Hi everyone. I'm also from Pennsylvania. Married to a wonderful man with one daughter who's a Physical Therapist. I'm 65 yrs old, have two osteoarthritic knees and the left one has a torn meniscus. I tend to get lower back problems every once in a while. I have been on a diet all my life but never got any results. I joined SparkPeople in 2006 started a team for locals - the Lehigh Valley Sparks Team. Last year I joined OA and started going to face to face meetings. I am a Compulsive Overeater. With SP and OA I am on my way to recovery. When I learned about your team, I figured this was my big chance to start a regular exercise plan at home. The Silver Sneakers classes I participate in once or twice a week isn't enough and the cold weather and snow here really put a damper on going to classes. I'm looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my weight loss adventures.

current weight: 253.4

255 241.25 227.5 213.75

200

Posts: 3,841
1/26/11 12:13 P

Hi,
I am from Pa. I am a wife, mom and granny to 4 cuties.
I have had a 2 level spinal fusion, got nerve damage from other spinal surgeries, had a knee replacement, a torn patellar tendon, then a knee revision. Ugh...it's like giving a medical report. I walk with a rollator, and can get around fairly well with it. I decided to join the team after I read a bit about it on Dawn;'s page. I am excited to begin.
Looking forward to learning more.
Blessings and miracles.

current weight: 232.0

246 233.75 221.5 209.25

197

Posts: 1,715
1/22/11 1:15 P

Hi thank you so much for the welcome I have arthritis and have just had to have an ankle fusion because I broke the screws they put in last time. go figure i have never broken a bone but I broke 4 cast iron screws. talk about having a screw loose my foot was only just there. Anyway I have to be plaster for three months and I am a home for 5 weeks so I got chatting on spark and you know how it goes being around so many happy living people. I also want to join in but .... you guessed it. I am not allowed to stand on my foot. so i hop around on my zima frame I will get back to the pool as soon as the cast comes off but in the mean time I'd like to do something so I'm eating healthy catching up on sleep (even though I write exams in 2 weeks now) Yes I am 42 but doing post grad theology. So I decided to just drop in an see if you have any good ideas for me.

Posts: 19,413
1/19/11 1:10 A

Hi Jayme, Welcome to the team!

Pounds lost: 15.2

0 12.8 25.6 38.4

51.2

SparkPoints: (1,419)
Fitness Minutes: (60)
Posts: 212
1/18/11 11:53 A

Hi everyone. I'm happy to have found this team. My name is Jayme, and I turn 31 on Monday. I had a spinal cord injury almost a year and a half ago. I am able to walk with the use of a cane, but I have balance and endurance issues. Last fall, I got a copy of Chair Aerobics for Everyone, and I really enjoy that. I'm hoping to get some of the others, eventually. I also really love to swim, when I'm able to, and I like to do a lot of floor exercises.

Posts: 19,413
1/18/11 1:25 A

This is the kind of team I need. I have arthritis in both knees & it is hard to do much for exercising. My name is Peggy & I am 63 years old.

Pounds lost: 15.2

0 12.8 25.6 38.4

51.2

Posts: 3,054
1/16/11 9:41 A

Hello everyone!
I've been a member on Spark for awhile. The last few years I've had quite a difficult time with exercise because of my Lupus, bad knees, lower back problems... I've been checking out some of the DVD videos recommended here for chair exercise and I'm quite excited to get started.

I lost my 'spark' after gaining back most of the 100 pounds I lost a few years back. Once I hit menopause, it seemed to cause lots of problems with my metabolism, thyroid etc...plus a few surgeries kept me from exercise. I just want to get back to feeling better!

My DH could benefit from chair exercises as well so I'm hoping the new DVD's will motivate him too!

Cathy

current weight: 225.0

260 237.5 215 192.5

170

Posts: 6,508
1/13/11 1:23 P

Claire,

to . We are a fun group and here to support you in your journey to better health.

Deb

Posts: 141
1/13/11 12:41 P

Hi everyone! I'm Claire...not sure what to say about myself. I've never done any chair exercising before, although it doesn't sound too bad especially at the weight I am now, where just simply walking can be painful. Mostly, I joined the group for support. You guys look like you have alot of fun and stay active in the group which I could really use right now. I loved sparkpeople when I first found it a year and a half ago. I built myself up a nice set of friends and it really helped having the support of others to help push me along. I got pregnant and was away for awhile and after returning it was like a ghost town. Kind of sad really, to think of all the hopefully people there on sparkpeople to lose weight who just disappeared. Well anyway, I hope I can make some friends around here....and losing some weight wouldn't be too bad either!!!

SparkPoints: (1,081)
Fitness Minutes: (889)
Posts: 24
1/12/11 12:12 A

Hi all, I am disabled and spend most of my day in a wheel chair - I can walk and stand, but for a limited amount of time. I do get pool exercise in 3 to 4 days a week - wonderful - water=no pain :)
I'm hoping to find some chair exercises to do - one I heard about was chair marching - sounds really interesting.

current weight: 352.0

366 341 316 291

266

Posts: 6,508
1/9/11 8:32 P

Nina

I am in Maine. Cold here. I go to HEALTHY LIFESTYLE up top here. Check for Videoes. I do the 20 min band workout. All sitting down and you get a complete workout.

Deb

Edited by: BLPRETTYGIRL1 at: 1/12/2011 (13:38)

Posts: 2,780
1/9/11 3:57 P

Hi, my name is Jineane and I live in BC, Canada. I have sever osteoarthritis in both knees which limits my ability to do weight bearing exercises. I do go to the pool, but have been looking for a way to supplement the pool. I saw this team on a friends page and thought it was just what I had been looking for.
I am intrigued by the "Chair Dancing" exercise resources - has any one tried them and what do you think?
Thanks.

current weight: 267.6

322 276.5 231 185.5

140

SparkPoints: (15,709)
Fitness Minutes: (12,697)
Posts: 2,897
1/9/11 6:30 A

Hi Nina,

My name is Paula and I am from WI, welcome to the Chair Exercise Team. I am still new to this team I think a week new lol

I noticed you wrote that you have neuropathy I do too and it is very painful....
I also have atrophy .....
I am a diabetic too.

I have lost 81 lbs so far with dieting and using many of sparkpeople's recipes. my diabetes is under control which makes me very happy.

have a wonderful day,
take care,
hugs, Paula:)

Posts: 1,350
1/9/11 4:15 A

Hi! I'm Nina, from southwest NM.
I'll be 76 next month, but it's a young 76—even my new kidney doctor called me at home and told me "You're a lot older than I thought you were!"
However, I have diabetes, with quite advanced neuropathy, especially in my thighs and lower back. Consequently, I can't walk very much, but need exercise to lose weight and keep it off. This team seems perfect!
I'm in the long haul of losing 84 pounds (from 229 to 145 lbs.) I can do it—one day at a time!
Nina

current weight: 242.4

262 232.75 203.5 174.25

145

SparkPoints: (15,709)
Fitness Minutes: (12,697)
Posts: 2,897
1/7/11 8:37 P

you are welcome Karena, we are all here to help and support you.

god bless you,
have a great evening ,
paula:)

Posts: 1,578
1/7/11 7:11 A

Thanks, Paula.

SparkPoints: (15,709)
Fitness Minutes: (12,697)
Posts: 2,897
1/7/11 5:39 A

good morning everyone,

new day, to start my day I have my coffee 1/2 & 1/2, take meds, eat breakfast wait one hour and exercise.
exercising in any form is good though I am doing chair exerises to streghten my muscles....great links on here for starters.

Karen I have bursitis of the hips and elbows have lots of pain, I do need to keep moving, I have neuropathy in my legs, I am a mess lol

I feel for you .....

will keep you in my prayers......

wishing everyone a good day, :)

hugs, paula:)

SparkPoints: (15,709)
Fitness Minutes: (12,697)
Posts: 2,897
1/5/11 9:52 P

thank you for the welcome, i went right from here to chat saw new members joining too, and wanted to welcome them..the Chair Exercise Team is growing and that is so nice to see. :)
have a good chair rocking day tomorrow everyone :)

hugs, Paula:)

SparkPoints: (3,190)
Fitness Minutes: (3,160)
Posts: 289
1/5/11 12:18 P

I noticed this team on Karen's page and thought I would give it a try. I have what is usually mild arthritis but in the winter can slow me down and this winter is an example. So going to add this to my routine so my metabolism doesn't go into sleep mode and I start putting the lbs back on.

current weight: 225.0

232 219.5 207 194.5

182

Posts: 119
1/4/11 11:02 P

Thats a good idea to get a pedometer attach to socks.

Karena hi, I hate to exercise to but am going to try good luck.

Posts: 1,578
1/4/11 5:57 P

I would love to be able to walk & hike to get exercise, but I can't do that very much because of chronic bursitis--right now in my heel. I don't really like exercising, but I need to get more.

I noticed SPHAPPYHIKER was on this team & thought I'd check it out.

Thanks for any support you can offer me.

SparkPoints: (89,013)
Fitness Minutes: (45,825)
Posts: 28,495
1/2/11 9:33 P

Pounds lost: 2.6

0 5 10 15

20

Posts: 12,730
1/2/11 1:10 A

Welcome, Paula and Linda. I joined recently also and am aleady doing chair marching. I plan to buy a pedometer to attached to my sock or pants leg to count the steps. I also have back problems, but marching in my chair while I am at my cmputer a little at a time helps. I hope to increase my strength and the number of steps I can do each day. I hope you will join me.

current weight: 212.0

229.8 216.1 202.4 188.7

175

Posts: 15,201
1/1/11 10:25 P

Hi Linda
I have sent you a Sparkmail with a whole lot of ideas - and if you go to Anne Burnells Spark page - in her blogs there are many free video links of sitting exercises that you might find useful

142,895 SparkPoints

Posts: 119
1/1/11 10:03 P

HI I belong to a few other spark teams and decided to join this team also. I loose about 30 a year and always gain it back. Mainly because I only use diet to loose and no exercise. I have messed up balance and neck problems. I know if I don't find a way to exercise I will never be able to keep the weight off. Its just so hard to exercise. I thought maybe chair exercising would be what I need.

Posts: 15,201
12/29/10 2:01 A

Welcome -
I hope that you can find ideas and links in both the team forums and in the Sparkmails I sent you
Meanwhile - if you need any more information we are here to help and support
Enjoy the journey
Ann

142,895 SparkPoints

SparkPoints: (15,709)
Fitness Minutes: (12,697)
Posts: 2,897
12/29/10 1:44 A

My name is Paula I am from WI.
I have had back issues for a long time. After having spinal decompression, it took away the pain in my lower back. Like anything else exercise is still needed to strengthen the muscles in the legs and back.....
I hope this team can give me new ideas on doing this.

SparkPoints: (89,013)
Fitness Minutes: (45,825)
Posts: 28,495
12/28/10 10:32 P

I am hoping this will be an answer to my new mobility issues.

Pounds lost: 2.6

0 5 10 15

20

Posts: 15,201
12/28/10 10:03 P

Welcome to the most friendly and most supportive team on SP!!
I have sent you an email with a lot of links to exercise videos and coupon numbers that will give you discounts on DVDs
I have also sent an email telling you what will be starting in a couple of days - in challenges within the Team.
As I said - we are here to support you - all you need do is ask!!
Best wishes in your journey
Ann

142,895 SparkPoints

SparkPoints: (89,013)
Fitness Minutes: (45,825)
Posts: 28,495
12/28/10 9:40 P

I have lower back OA and have been limited to pool exercises but sometimes it is too hard to get to the Y because of weather and bus schedules. I saw on another team post someone had posted chair dancing. I would love to do that. Dawn was one of my first SparkFriends when I joined about 18 months ago. I want to see if I can find other exercises to do with keeping my back straight and supported in the chair.I have become discouraged with my lack of mobility and want to rekindle my Spark! Thank you for any help!

Pounds lost: 2.6

0 5 10 15

20

Posts: 15,201
12/28/10 7:41 P

Welcome to the most friendly and supportive team in Sparkpeople!!
I have sent you an email to give you a lot of links to exercise videos and a couple of coupon numbers for discounts on DVDs
If you scroll through the Main team page you will find a lot of ideas - and at the start of 2011 we will be starting a whole bunch of new challenges - I sent you a New Year email covering these too!!
We are all here to support you in any way we can - just ask!!
Ann

142,895 SparkPoints

Posts: 12,730
12/28/10 7:20 P

Hi. I have just joined the team. I am especially interested in all the links to chair exercise activities and DVD's. I have a back injury from an auto accident that limits my walking and standing activities. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Gaylinn

current weight: 212.0

229.8 216.1 202.4 188.7

175

Posts: 15,201
12/27/10 2:40 P

We are very happy to have you join us


We are a very active and friendly team and would love to get to know you.
Please tell us a little about yourself in this thread.

142,895 SparkPoints