RSVP Blog

Blog now closed; thank you for your comments!

Posted by: rsvpproducttest at January 3, 2008 9:09 AM

How do men exercise on the beach?

By sucking in their stomachs every time they see a bikini.

What's the best way to force a man to do sit ups?

Put the remote control between his toes.

When an applicant asked if the company had a fitness program, the human resources manager replied, "Oh, our employees don't need one.
They are routinely jumping to conclusions, flying off the handle, beating around the bush, running down the boss, going around in circles, dragging their feet, dodging responsibility, passing the buck, climbing the ladder, wading through paperwork, pulling strings, throwing their weight around, stretching the truth, bending the rules, stabbing others in their backs and pushing their luck!"

Posted by: jenjen57 at January 2, 2008 11:25 PM

Oh jenjen - what a bargain - $5,000 a month!! (how old do we have to be to get in?)

Thanks istj54, yes, we should catch up for that G&T, but save stamps and find that previous email - sent from lock34.

Get a few strange looks from walking in the park without a dog, but that sunset walk by the river still does wonders for fitness, as well as general wellbeing and state of mind (saw a roo this evening) - most enjoyable, even if travelling solo :)

Posted by: riversong1 at January 2, 2008 11:18 PM

Keep your mind fit during the holidays. Physical fitness is important but so is mental fitness. Personally, I found the holidays slightly depressing but that was because I was alone. I have more holidays coming up in 2 weeks so I will make more of an effort. It is easy to rely on others for our happiness but it is more important to be happy and include others.
WnW

Posted by: woodnwine at January 2, 2008 9:40 PM

jenjen, thanks now I will walk the dog very quickly. Hope it has a similar effect. Ha ha ha again.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 2, 2008 8:00 PM

It is well documented that for every mile that you jog, you add one minute to your life. This enables you, at age 85, to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5,000 per month.

Hehehe !

Posted by: jenjen57 at January 2, 2008 7:28 PM

getting out and doing some runnimg on the beach will keep you fit but just be careful you never know who you will run into

Posted by: jabowoky at January 2, 2008 7:19 PM

Posted by: neuroticfish at January 2, 2008 11:47 AM

"and a meaningful range of activities to keep the mind occupied keeps the devil away."

Good on you neuroticfish, sounds ideal, we will look forward to the results and take a leaf out of your book perhaps. Guess I didn't read your post properly.
Slightsinchronicity

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 2, 2008 7:03 PM

two eyes: just before I take my dog for a brisk walk to fit in with the topic of fitness during the "holidays" that is a rather funny Happy New Year greeting. Laughing can be exercise but am not sure about snoring.

neuroticfish: Happy New Year and after you posed the question to the women on the blog.(how were we going to make ourselves interesting to men, via New Years Resolutions..I was curious as to your own resolutions. No fitness tips, from you then, or other advice...? Thanks to misswendyxx (I think) some of us bloggers may be sitting on those fitness balls.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at January 2, 2008 6:58 PM

Dolphin - Maybe try down south instead ...Melbourne....Hot hot summers and mild mild winters, we seemed to have stolen QLDs weather.

Posted by: misswendyxx at January 2, 2008 6:56 PM

i need to move north for a permanent summer

Posted by: dolphin46 at January 2, 2008 11:40 AM

Dont stop in Brisbane, we are wet and freezing !!!!!!!!! Darwin perhaps ??

Posted by: jenjen57 at January 2, 2008 6:35 PM

I would just quickly like to say that this Get A Life Program (2008) that my doctor has put me on is starting to work wonders.

A healthy diet, healthy exercise, and a meaningful range of activities to keep the mind occupied keeps the devil away. Everyone should try it.

Posted by: neuroticfish at January 2, 2008 11:47 AM

Happy New Year bloggers one and all. Staying fit is easier for me in summer, I love the water as my name suggests. Home now from 9 days camping near a lake, great exercise, swimming, snorkeling and wake boarding. Naughty girl that i am have also acquired a tan... and yes I did slip.slop,slap.
Winter is another story...over the gym etc,think i need to move north for a permanent summer

Posted by: dolphin46 at January 2, 2008 11:40 AM

Hi Today122

Peeked at your profile last night and saw your great new photo .......encouragement kiss coming your way too!

Okay, on topic......it has been so hot that I find it really hard to get motivated to go out for a run, gym workout etc, it makes you feel more lethargic than energetic. I know that the best time to go is very early in the morning before it gets hot, but being in holiday mode.....I have been sleeping in!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at January 2, 2008 9:53 AM

Hi Twoeyes.........goodmorning to you, I have been trying to get a post up on the other blog but it is not happening for me!! Thanks for this kiss, there is one coming back your way!!!!!!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at January 2, 2008 9:36 AM

To all the people who are real and contribute in a positive, and uplifting way here................

Best wishes for 2008, keep blogging, and remember....." LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU,.......SNORE AND YOU SLEEP ALONE,....:

Posted by: twoeyes at January 2, 2008 9:20 AM

To all RSVP bloggers regardsless of whether you were naughty or nice may 2008 be a Happy New Year for you all.

xxxxxx mstingle

Posted by: mstingle at January 1, 2008 1:29 AM

Thank you MissWendyxx for the kind wishes.Hope 2008 is everything you wish for.
Just home from work and it is about 20 degrees ,windy and showery here on the coast and I'm loving it!!!!

Happy new year everyone.
Kenny

Posted by: abckenny at December 31, 2007 10:45 PM

Rolling on the floor, laughing my ar** off, sorry ( i can never spell it) cya.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 31, 2007 6:40 PM

what does ROTFLMAO mean?
and laughing is always the best exercise, with or without balls

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 6:09 PM

ROTFLMAO, sorry

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 31, 2007 5:41 PM

Posted by: istj54 at December 31, 2007 1:09 PM

My list is similar istj54, good on you, its a good list. Mine is more modified..have I posted it before..1 be more relaxed
2 have fun, therefore
3 laugh more
4 make a difference in the world

some other things, but basically to live moment by moment and try to be more accepting. I keep forgetting about 3 of them. misswendyxx that was a nice post, and ha ha about the pilates? balls. ROLFMAO, I just read the rest of it. Well yeah some of you could be at the computer on the fitness balls with hand weights also. today122 doing something off the computer is appropriate for the topic hey, good idea. My poor Spanish needs brushing up, speaking of languages. We cant do everything and I guess don't be too hard on ourselves. Have a good one everyone.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 31, 2007 5:40 PM

himenanigma: my cat would be very interested but you have no visible profile. today122 says sending RSVP kisses is not exercise..perhaps you are on the wrong blog topic? Seeing as your profile is hidden, it would be difficult for the ladies to contact you. What about Miss Australia? ( I will be sent to Coventry or naughty blogger land for posting in response to you).

Oh its 41 degrees today here, so I will only be replying to kisses or emails from snowmen or similar cool men.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 31, 2007 5:26 PM

Saphires4me - And a happy new year to you! New it had to more than 40!! I think we are heading toward sauna status!! That's on topic sauna's? I think any exercise is a good effort in this heat.

Okay have to go!!

Cheers everyone.

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 4:21 PM

Hello Misswendyxx 42.7 here just got home from work. Happy New Year to all.
Do you call bending the elbows keeping fit during the holidays.

Posted by: saphires4me at December 31, 2007 4:11 PM

ah yes. A friend of mine is learning Italian and my daughter is currently in Indonesia and is learning Bahasa, and writing it too, which is even harder apparently.
Exercise for the mind? on topic?? we can pretend anyway.
and bush fires around too?

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 3:57 PM

My New Years resolutions have always been to not make any!

Que Sera Sera.......

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:50 PM

No pool and no pool where I am going either :(

I heard it was pretty stormy up your way. The weather has been hot like this for days and more days to come!

No can't see giving up drinking I might get too thirsty. Funny you say about studying another language I have been discussing this with my sister who is learning one and it inspired me too!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:47 PM

that was supposed to say - and a happy new year for you too, misswendyxxx.
resolutions? giving up drinking? hiking Nepal? studying another language?

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 3:44 PM

and to you miss not the window cleaner!
and it's cold and stormy here.
ah the world is upside down these days.
a pool handy for you?

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 3:42 PM

Today122 & AbcKenny all the best for 2008 and may there be many more laughs to come!!!

It's is sweltering here, 40 degrees!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:40 PM

ha ha ha
and maybe not only useful at the computer? for us I meant.....

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 3:36 PM

Abckenny.....Hehehe....I was laughing too after I pressed post.....and I was going to put an addit......but decided it was way too funny.

But in all honesty I thought some men might benefit by getting themselves some balls....as I said it can keep you fit at the computer!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:35 PM

istj54 and misswendyxxx - better exercise trying to hold those abs in and hang on while being oh so profound?! not a pretty sight from this neck of the woods.

happy new year ladies and to all those in blogland - may we accomplish something that may even drag us away from the keyboard!
cheers all

Posted by: today122 at December 31, 2007 3:30 PM

Lovely thoughts Wendy....must admit i'm still rolling on the floor at you previous comment though.Do all women have balls these days?

Posted by: abckenny at December 31, 2007 3:27 PM

Some New Year Thoughts:

Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

When you say "I'm sorry" look the person in the eye.

Believe in love at first sight

Never laugh at anyone's dreams

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

Talk slow but think quick

Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk

When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

Read between the lines.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes the blessing.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

All the best in 2008!

Cheers!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:24 PM

Okay finally able to log in!! I was beginning to wonder if I was locked out or something.......maybe they are about to release a new topic??? and that has caused sign in problems.

Istj54 I was getting that same vision of everyone happily bouncing away or chasing their balls whilst at the computer.......very funny!!!

Just here to wish everybody who contributes or reads the blogs a Happy New Year !!!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 31, 2007 3:13 PM

Misswendy, think my exercise ball went the way of my list but you gave me a good laugh imagining us all writing our oh, so profound blogs whilst precariously balancing on our exercise balls.
Slightsynchronicity: I think my list is always pretty much the same....to become a better more giving person in all respects, mind, spirit, body and soul!!...work in progress as life and other people get in the way of all my good intentions.

Riversong: Thank you for words, you are drop dead gorgeous...we will have that G&T in 2008

Happy New Year all of you in RSVPland!

Posted by: istj54 at December 31, 2007 1:09 PM

riversong1: sounds nice I just had 2 days swimming and snorkelling at a divine beach, sooo nice. misswendyxx yes I must get the exercise ball down.
istj45 I wrote a new list, its stored on the computer somewhere. It had 4 things on it. One was be more relaxed, another was have fun and I can't remember the other 2. Maybe I will stick with the first 2. Is it time for a new list istj54??? Cheers oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR of course.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 30, 2007 7:18 PM

A few days at the beach surfing does wonders for finess too!
Lastmanonearth - brave of you being in here with the girls :)

Posted by: riversong1 at December 30, 2007 12:38 PM

You can also stay fit even sitting at the computer at work or at home. Try sitting on an exercise ball instead of a desk chair. It can improve posture, strengthen abdominal muscles aswell as working out the gluteal and leg muscles.....all this while sitting down!

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 30, 2007 9:43 AM

I like the positivity of this blog title:Staying Fit during the holiday...it kind of infers we were already fit...I like that...and I like all your advice but unfortunately the holiday is almost over and the new year beckons so most of the great advice will have to be listed with the rest of my resolutions...if I could just find my list.

I've had the same one for ten years now!

Posted by: istj54 at December 29, 2007 10:52 PM

hi SSC - there was a post on here from someone called malakava earlier on this morning - but it's disappeared. can't remember what was in it. I'm sure I read it, maybe it's just me going mad in my old age!! so - sorry but nothing to do with tai chi or anything calming.
but maybe RSVP kissing exercises the fingers??? now that's just me being silly.

Posted by: today122 at December 29, 2007 12:25 PM

hi tammy, this blog does not post everyone in real time. Yes we hear about tennis as a social sport. Was thinking of it as an occasional fun activity. It is a good idea, and there is mixed and social tennis isn't there?

today122, what is malakava...never heard of it? tai chi is supposed to be brilliant for the lymphatic system (probably other things too). Yoga calms us down, lowers the basal rate and can lower the blood pressure in some people (they should seek doctors advice before beginning)

today122 but if you read the extract jenjen posted about kissing, she was not talking about RSVP kissing! That is so funny of you so early in the morning too. Though I do know a guy who sent out 400 kisses on one day, he was quite busy after that. Got about 15 interested in him so his metabolism probably did get raised. Would not recommend that either : ))

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 29, 2007 10:44 AM

apparently malakava, it is supposed to increase metabolism or something. never thought of it that way. it's not something I would consider as exercise either.
And SSC - RSVP kissing just aint the same! no exercise in that!

Posted by: today122 at December 29, 2007 7:26 AM

enjoylaughing: hi, the way the kisses turn out with ordinary RSVP seems that for me, due to the reply I sent, the man usually responded to me saying they looked forward to my email. As a female, I sort of object to having to get lots of stamps as quite a few of them are "wasted". (Going to buy a book of stamps soon though).The thing is with me, I have sent emails and sometimes they don't reply ever, although they said they were interested. I think some people do not think when sending kisses and replying. Who knows why some people seem interested and look at the profile lots. Some one else speculated they could be hoping the lady did the emailing. If you go to the "Relationship Matters" topic you will find more bloggers. I used to get lots of contact from men with little on their profiles. Sending the please update...did not work out.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 11:59 PM

My comment is that the excitement you feel when you are sent a kiss and you then look at that person's profile and think 'oh yes' they seem 'normal'. So you reply saying you are looking forward to their email and then you dont hear from them but they still look at your profile. Has anyone else come across this?

Posted by: enjoylaughing at December 28, 2007 11:12 PM

misswendyxx: my fitness is not at its peak. If I had pride the thought of climbing that huge hill would not make me baulk (I think thats a word). Shudder. My neighbourhood is flat, so there is no challenge there. Dance class is probably the sensible choice. Youtube, ha ha ha, that is soooo funny, thanks. Enjoy this silly season hey.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 10:56 PM

Laughs4sure - Setting a goal with a friend and some healthy competition does challenge you. Maybe some pride in there too? So good luck with the training and I hope I don't see you on Youtube anytime soon.

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 28, 2007 10:43 PM

time off to do their triathlathon training, and hill climbs.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 9:54 PM

You RSVP bloggers : ))) yeah I noticed it seemed a bit suss, so I logged in and out 8 or so times just to see if it was real. See if I had a boyfriend, there would maybe be no time for that. Now who is the naughty RSVPer who tried to pretend they were rsvpproducttest person??? We do have lives I know. Ya see I am not watching TV currently. This is a vice of mine maybe but it is kinda amusing.

misswendyxx: no guilt hey, its pointless. I did have some trifle yesterday but on Christmas day, I avoided the light cream and light custard (and anything full fat). Ate cherries. My 16 year old drank the rest of the two custard containers (we bought it, not made it) but then he goes out to the beach and burns off the kilojoules. Cherries are yummy though and there are nice fruits around. Like mangoes, strawberries. Enjoy yourself...and do we need to lose weight or gain fitness. Lots of people get that yo-yo dieting thing. Surely if we walked for 30 mins a day, or most days, climbed steps when we could, all that stuff. Walk to the local shop instead of driving...doing the little things adds up. May have found someone to play tennis with, see how that goes.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 6:59 PM

I think it is possible to loose weight during the festive season if you avoid anywhere that lovely and scrumptious food is likely to be. Let's face it who wants to celebrate this time of year on a diet of lettuce leaves and carrot sticks??? Not me.....I'm going to just enjoy it. I think when the weather is warm you tend to eat lighter foods anyway.

Posted by: misswendyxx at December 28, 2007 6:20 PM

ha ha - of course you can spell.
But I don't think this is really closed - I think there's too many "p"'s or something. and if it was we wouldn't still be able to post

Posted by: today122 at December 28, 2007 4:59 PM

Ssc, its not really closed I dont think :) someone is teasing us !!

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 28, 2007 4:59 PM

RSVP, employ me please cos I can spell with a spell checker on.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 4:57 PM

this topic should stay open for the benefit of our heart health maybe????...and yes we should go away from our computers a bit. ( I have been outside doing work in the yard!

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 4:56 PM

Going walking, not up a mountain...today. Then two days at the beach. Probably swimming and bodyboarding. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you, as bloggers are in and out of the place at this time of year.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 28, 2007 11:31 AM

Never posted here before but I read through a few things every now and then...

When trying to achieve something I like to really challenge myself. So to get fit in the last few months I made a bet with a personal trainer mate of mine.

Bet is:
800m race
Loser has to sing/mime the song of the winners choice to be put onto Youtube and sent to everyone in both runners address book.

Start of the song this declaration needs t o be said" I was just beaten by the greatest athlete alive and I dedicate this song to him..."

When that type of pressure is on it's easy to win the battle of the mind when you think should I train or should I eat a bowl of ice cream!

Not for eveyone but it is working for me.

Posted by: laughs4sure at December 27, 2007 9:58 PM

today122: reading a book about my exercise challenge would be nice...I have made excuses but am going to try not to do that now. I may not make it to the top of Mt Lofty..but I can try. Laughter is good for you, and jenjen did point out the benefits of kissing. Have to meet the guy first though Jen, love those facts you post.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 27, 2007 9:11 PM

and I always make excuses!!
and I wasn't doubting that waltzing or any other dancing was good exercise. I think dancing's great - I love it, and it's terrific exercise.

Posted by: today122 at December 27, 2007 9:06 PM

auntykaz...its true, dance is not just fun, but gets the pulse racing too, and yep, you do work up a sweat. Its a laugh too. today122, I would rather read a novel about climbing hills and most other exercise...but that won't do.

exercising by yourself is fun, but sometimes some of us lack motivation, then all these excuses come along. Dancing was big in other generations wasn't it. Its never too late to go to a dance class, belly or other : )

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 27, 2007 9:00 PM

hi
I read a novel about belly dancing - now that was good exercise ha! and it was all about how liberating it can be for girlies like us. sounds really good and fun. but one excuse or another and I just didn't do anything about it.
And I prefer to exercise on my own - gym or bike riding or whatever. I always think that if I need to have someone else motivating me, then if they don't do it then I probably won't either.
and yeah - blogging doesn't really count I don't think as exercise!
The only waltzing I've seen has been in period dramas, where ladies didn't even perspire.

Posted by: today122 at December 27, 2007 8:37 PM

today122 the belly dance teacher dazzled us by showing how she made a coin go from the top of her torso down her whole abdomen...by the undulations of her muscles, or whatever it was she did. It would take many years for most people to get to that level. In a beginners class, the point is fun. Oh and I had to go to post Christmas sales today.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 27, 2007 8:16 PM

today122 any kind of dancing is good excercise. I do ballroom and latin dancing and its so much fun, believe it or not you work up an unreal sweat and its great to learn..............K

Posted by: auntykaz at December 27, 2007 8:12 PM

thelastmanonearth, hi...nice name and today122, well dance is fun and yes it is exercise.

today122, uni gym had an 8 week bellydance class. Ran by a lady who has done lots of touring with her dance. She also does some kind of modern dance class with Ausdance. OK well I thought if I did a fun exercise class, it could lead to ongoing exercise...some friends did it. A real laugh, no huge expectations...she got us to do a choreographed routine. Oh and before the dancing she made us do, sit ups and crunches etc!!!!!!!!!!!! There will be a stage II class or a person can just redo beginners. I did not do stage to cos I did yoga, to help with exam "stress." If exercise is fun, I am more likely to keep at it. Walzing is nice and any kind of dance. Put music on and dance round the house......
Waltzing is probably a fair bit healthier than sitting at a computer. I love this blog...

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 27, 2007 8:09 PM

hey jenjen, I hear what you are saying re the jogging and gym use. I have a 10 visit pass which truly expires in 2099 : ) still have a few visits on it. I have told myself I do not like exercising alone, then its fine to wait while friends attempt to organise their motivation and schedule. Nope, it does not work so the only way to get my fitness to a level where I will feet like I used to when I swam 2 or 3 times a week and bushwalked every chance I got...is to just start. Not that long ago, it was all doing things like bodyboarding and snorkelling with the kids. That was great when they were younger and would do those activities with me. My closest female friends are not interested in most of the fitness ideas I have. Got strange looks when I asked some friends to go bushwalking in a nice national park recently. So with the RSVP stamp purchase...last time, they included the discount off some sport and other classes. Was tempted by the free surfing lesson.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 27, 2007 8:02 PM

hi auntykaz - does waltzing get you fit? is it that energetic?

Posted by: today122 at December 27, 2007 7:51 PM

arishnakan - there wasn't any intolerance I don't think. I was just asking another blogger about a hobby she mentioned in talking about fitness. Not sure where your statement came from

Posted by: today122 at December 27, 2007 7:40 PM

istj you would love salsa, as well as any street latin or american latin dances, they are so much fun to do and relatively easy to pick up basic steps. I would recommend it to anyone.. Mind you waltzing also is nice....................K

Posted by: auntykaz at December 27, 2007 7:31 PM

Did you have a point to make, arishnakan? Does not look like it.

Posted by: abracadabra40 at December 27, 2007 7:19 PM

slightsynchronicity - you did belly dancing? fun fun? tell us about it - supposed to very very good

Posted by: today122 at December 27, 2007 6:52 PM

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 27, 2007 8:50 AM

I think your post here is spot on Jenjen.How much healthier mentally do I feel if I look at myself as not just an individual,but part of a family and ultimately as part of my wider community.As I've said before when you're single you've just got to look for the love in your life around you and appreciate that,and there is plenty of that about.I'm a member of a world-wide community organisation (with a group based in the town I live in) and have made some wonderful friendships both male and female from it and I love the fact it draws me away from thinking about the lacks in my own life and how I can assist others worse off than me instead.
As for pets I can't speak highly enough of them.High maintenance but the trade off is unconditional love.Wouldn't be without my pooch,cat and bird.

Kissing? Um Jen we're single so do we kiss......a few of the toads that come our way?!!!

Posted by: graceandcharm at December 27, 2007 10:47 AM

Another activity which aids good health is kissing ……………….

Kissing prevents the formation of the stress hormone glucocorticoids which causes high blood pressure, muscle weakening and insomnia.

Kissing does its part to vaccinate people from new germs. Saliva contains bacteria, 80% of them are common to all people with 20% unique to each person. By sharing saliva with a partner, you are stimulating your immune system to respond to the different bacteria you are being exposed to. The result is that your immune system creates certain anti-bodies to these new bacteria, which in effect vaccinates you against these germs. This process is called cross-immunotherapy.

Kissing stabilizes cardiovascular activity, decreases high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.

Kissing prevents cavities and plaque build-up by stimulating saliva production while preventing gingivitis through the calcium present in saliva.

Kissing stimulates over 30 facial muscles which smoothes out skin and increase blood circulation to the face.

Kissing burns 12 calories per five-second episode and three passionate kisses a day will help you lose nearly half a kilo!

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 27, 2007 9:40 AM

One of the things we also need to do to stay healthy is to connect with other people.
By our very nature, humans are social animals. We nurture our young, form families and identify ourselves as part of larger social groups such as circles of friends, neighborhood ties, and memberships in clubs and organizations. Connecting with other people and forming bonds of communication and intimacy nourish our emotional and spiritual health as much as a healthy diet nourishes our bodies.

In this day and age, people can become increasingly cut off from others, leading to an increase in the prevalence of depression and feelings of isolation. Many go through their day-to-day lives surrounded by other people without making meaningful connections. The increasing use of the internet is a mixed blessing, allowing us to connect with other people via email and chat groups while remaining in the isolation of our homes. While the internet makes us feel connected, these communications lack the physical components of touch, body language and face to face communication.

We know that physical touch is extremely important to good health. Being touched in our early lives has been shown to help our brains and nervous systems develop in healthy ways.

The healing power of love and relationships has been documented in an increasing number of well-designed scientific studies. Our perceptions of love and connections to others is a major risk factor that is often overlooked.

The list of studies supporting the notion that intimacy, love and connections with others play an important role in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is growing everyday.Expressing our love and affection to our partners and loved ones on a regular basis promotes intimacy and opens our hearts. Becoming involved in neighborhood organizations and groups that share our common interests increases our connections with our neighbors and creates bonds with those in our community, growing our circle of friends. Learning the names of people we interact with in little ways on a regular basis and greeting them personally grows our sense of connectedness with others.

Pets have also been shown to play hugely important roles in our mental and physical well-being, especially in the elderly, people dealing with chronic diseases, and people who live alone and feel isolated.

Our connection with others is an important part of what makes us healthy, and creating positive relationships provides a healing influence. Make an effort to connect with others on a daily basis and your happiness and sense of wellness will increase.

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 27, 2007 8:50 AM

Fitness thoughts................

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 now & we don't know where the heck she is!

The only reason I would take up jogging is so I could hear heavy breathing again.

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 dollars. Haven't lost a kilo. Apparently you have to show up?

I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.

I don't exercise at all. If God meant us to touch our toes, he would have put them further up our body.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

I don't jog... it makes the ice jump right out of my glass.

Morning everyone :)

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 27, 2007 8:17 AM

watch the food intake and take a walk. The dance floor can help as can some horizontal tango.

Posted by: thelastmanonearth at December 27, 2007 12:25 AM

This is the getting healthy tips blog. OK well I am going to walk my dog up a hill a bit later.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 8:49 PM

people should not judge others

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 8:48 PM

Athletes often seem to have no shortage of dates actually.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 8:27 PM

yes too athletic can mean maybe too much time on oneself??? The topic is "Staying fit in the holidays". I am trying to be less judgmental and not have some silly list saying a person should not be this or that. Do you think you should say sorry to seraphsuzie and any one else you have been in disagreement with?

The bloggers have been on topic generally about fitness here, so share your tips to maintain or lose weight during the holiday season then.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 8:26 PM

you should athletic to me means i do work in gym to loose my fat or me used to be sportsperson 40 years ago or have boring life and no love because too busy with body

Posted by: gabrieltomo at December 26, 2007 8:16 PM

yes gabriel but this man is looking for "slim or athletic" where as I am average but reasonably fit, not athletic though..a person does not want to be deceptive. Some people make it hard for themselves with their criteria. Good point, I could send my photo password and then see. thanks.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 7:55 PM

OK on the topic of fitness, I have on my profile that I am "average". So if someone contacts me who states they are looking for "slim, athletic"..I can ignore the kiss as they did not read my profile??? I do not think there is a kiss that says "SSY is flattered but she does not fit your ideal partner profile" duh.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 7:41 PM

I cant help thinking that these blogs are supposed to be about comments on the topic - not a chat room!

And as for the insults - wow!

Very disappointing ...

Posted by: sydneyinnerwestgirl at December 26, 2007 7:35 PM

Yuck... Yuck .. Yuck... Gabriel.. your post was disgusting ...shows what type of person you are.... that along with having to pretend your someone else...

Posted by: seraphsuzie at December 26, 2007 7:21 PM

jenjen here in SA, we do not have sales on Boxing Day!!!!! Tommorrow am helping my daughter. She is picking me up at 6.30am ha ha..so I will get some exercise rushing through the store. She has the money, I am going to help grab things for her.

gabriel, the sexercise comment was mentioned during the Christmas period when there was just a few of us on the blog (female mainly) and it was relevant to the topic of "staying fit during the holidays." Most people suceed better in exercising if they do something they enjoy. A joke is a joke and RSVP do not tolerate inappropriate and offensive comments. ijst54 as you would know, dancing is great and I would highly recommend Latin Dance classes as it is a social activity, exercise and a laugh. Lots of fun.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 6:55 PM

wHERE ARE THE MODERATORS WHEN YOU NEED THEM????????????????????

Posted by: twoeyes at December 26, 2007 6:48 PM

Sorry, Gabriel, I am nursing a head-cold in Melbourne...what a shame!

On topic: To stay fit we need to read our bodies' messages...rest up when you are ill or it will be a longer recovery time.

Also we need to drink lots of water every day to stay hydrated, especially in summer and when we drink too much alcohol.

Posted by: istj54 at December 26, 2007 6:19 PM

Okay, Gabriel, what say the "horizontal lambada" is great exercise and a most enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy...failing that I think I will add dance classes to my long list of resolutions for 2008 and keeping fit. Salsa sounds like a great workout...I'll try that first!

Posted by: istj54 at December 26, 2007 6:03 PM

riversong and ssc
Just picked my kids up from the shopping centre.........people everywhere laden with bags !! I got to push the kids trolley, now that was a workout through the carpark !!

gabrieltomo
way too much info

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 26, 2007 4:59 PM

riversong1: they don't call it shopping till ya drop for nothing! Sounds like you deserve a rest now. Already had a shopping spree before Christmas...but the best things in life are free, they say. Walking the dog soon, up a hill as this is the fitness topic. Recovery time for some of us.
That brandy drenched trifle is just sitting there in the fridge, and its low fat custard etc..darn teenagers are so picky.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 4:08 PM

Slightsynchronicity, just returned from Boxing Day sales. Yep - 3 hours of trapsing around in the crowds, laden with bags and parcels would probably rate as high intensity work out as well! Phew!! (Gonna put my feet up and ingest some Chrismas goddie left overs to make up for energy expended!)

Posted by: riversong1 at December 26, 2007 2:45 PM

Riversong: I agree with you, good post : ) Running at a sport playing field, on the grass somewhere seems nicer than running on hard surfaces. Jogging on the beach is great. Daughter's boyfriend plays local football and I asked him for fitness tips. He said go find hills to climb and big stairs or steps. Low carbs is good and love that Lindt choccie (with Chilli). Happy post Christmas time...oh we have sales coming up don't we ladies. Shopping could rate as exercise!!!! Enjoy.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 26, 2007 9:57 AM

Riversong, you are so right, sexercise is the best, most enjoyable, easiest workout you can do...but failing that all your other ideas are good too. I'll add walking the dog, or maybe running a little too...maybe not...not great for the face after a certain age.

I keep my weight down by following a low carb diet...ladies you can still eat chocolate(dark Lyndt), nuts, cheese...and drink wine in moderation...Men too...you can eat meat.

I would love to live near a beach like SS does. How wonderful and lucky you are!

Have a great week all and a Happy New Year!

Posted by: istj54 at December 26, 2007 9:34 AM

Sexercise is the best fitness work-out - not only gets the pulse rate up, but gets the hormones surging, puts a glow in your cheeks and a spring in your step, as well as a smile on your face. Oh yeah... I forgot... we're here because we don't have a boyfriend :(

Oh well, shopping (weight lifting) cooking/clean-up (do-ce-dohing) Christmas dinner for family, then some garden acrobatics and domestic gymnastics ;)

Posted by: riversong1 at December 25, 2007 9:31 PM

aliane: extra virgin olive oil and skim everything..remember some Lite and Low Fat Foods are stacked with sugar and other yukky things. A balance and yes dancing is great aliane, sounds like you have the balance worked out. Good on you...

jenjen,hi I do not know how you spell my RSVP name, ha ha...well I am sure you will go for that swim soon. Ok well I had no trifle, and it is drenched in brandy. Had icecream pud and a little bit of chrissie pud. we have lots of fruit and the white meats we had were lean. Cherries is my luxury.

hi today122 no sport watching for me. Another dog walk before friends come over. Bonding time with 18 yr old son. Funny thoughts today122 and jen more of you to love.

NF will you share your interesting plans for 2008 and beyond also. OK well in Cambodia, Intrepid Travel have a program where a person fundraises, an amount of money...they pledge to help a community with house building (huts actually). If they fund raise enough money...they get a heavily discounted fare and stay with a local family. Travel and helping a community. Am planning something like that (do not know the location yet..) for this time next year roughly. It will involve walking around hilly/mountainous areas? I think, so have to get my hiking fitness back. Also there is a (laugh) Ashram??or yoga centre in a place not far from Nepal that I saw in a travel newsletter. A friend also wants to go there. I would go for the peace..(am not exactly New Age) but there would be lots of walking and hiking (swimming?) The fun run too, which will help combat all the study. Study is not good for my metabolism. Doing creative writing at uni....(will be interesting for me) Honestly NF...stuff I am into will not make me interesting to a large proportion of males. I am into sustainable building (laughter)...Strawbale building. I would get on OK with Al Gore maybe..who I probably will not meet. but you know I think I have to do what is right for me. Don't we do these things for us? I did bellydance last year. Could do more advance belly dance this year? Oh and my Mum gave me a book about fitness this year..perfect. For now...in a few days time...bodyboarding, swimming, relaxing (I earned it) Also will go snorkelling at our reef soon. And whats this "be a good girl?" if I do all this fitness stuff there will be no time for anything else. NF..nice to know you are no alley cat. Hope they keep this topic for a while then, and I will go for a walk soon tonight. Phew!

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 25, 2007 8:06 PM

Merry Christmas everyone !! Hi today122,slightsynchronicity and neuroyicfish

Off to do some overindulging for the day in a couple of hours.So there will be more of me too today122 !! For the moment its peaceful..........all the kids are still asleep !

And we are all interesting in our own special way............even you neuroticfish :)

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 25, 2007 9:44 AM

and happy christmas to whoever else is out there in blog land.
enjoy your day, eat whatever, today the fitness can be put on hold, don't drink too much or else you'll miss the cricket and the boat race tomorrow.

take it easy and have fun

Posted by: today122 at December 25, 2007 8:43 AM

but stacking it on around the hips doesn't make us less interesting, just makes more of us that is interesting.
oh - sick of my words these days.
happy christmas neuroticfish - and hope your new year brings what you wish for.

Posted by: today122 at December 25, 2007 8:41 AM

As soon as we get through this round of over indulgence, what are you women going to do to make YOU an interesting person. New Years Eve is when you are supposed to make your new year’s resolutions.

So are you going to say; next year I will lose weight, dye my hair, be a good girl (now that’s a heads up)

Or are you going to powerwalk the Simpson desert, canoe down the Murray, ride from Sydney to Cairns, attempt another assault on Everest?

In the highly competitive singles market, what makes YOU an interesting person to talk to? Just a thought -as everyone stacks it on around the hips today.

Posted by: neuroticfish at December 25, 2007 8:32 AM

Getting your partner up to the level required for tris and marathons, pm

Posted by: neuroticfish at December 24, 2007 7:40 PM

NF I would be happy just to have a partner to not sit on the couch all the time. Dunno about helping with his triathathon training. Just bring on those power snack bars I guess.

Baby steps for some of us with fitness. Bodyboarding is nice but I am afraid of sharks a bit...so you know, some of us have to get past all the excuses. A few girlfriends are interested in walking, but one only wants to go up steep hills. That is how I got the Mt Lofty idea. sounds horrid to me, but I know some friends who do the climb. Planning to get a bike fixed which is lying around the yard.

Everyone: Does anyone know if the shuttle run training is any good? Also should someone exercise 30 mins 6 or 7 days a week (yeah right) or 3 times a week...40 mins.

The turkey breast roll is cooked. The trifle is made and my daughter is making an icecream Chrissie pudding. We have lots of fruit and salad. Oh and alchohol is fattening, hey...we cannot kid ourselves and its best not to gain weight if possible as it is harder to lose when older. Depriving ourselves can make us feel awful though.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 24, 2007 11:32 PM

I don't think I've ever put weight on over the holiday period - not being one to eat much at Christmas (but I do love the baked potatoes!). I figure summer the weight will come off in the heat anyway - drink loads of water, that helps. Not a big fan of the gym, too much else to do....

Everything in moderation usually works!

Posted by: wishfulthinker03 at December 24, 2007 10:55 PM

Cynically, should this be how to increase your chances by slimming up. Will there be a fat blaster ad campaign coming up!!

Energy expended is less that that ingested-create a deficit.

Oh and drink your water-it's part of the energy burning equation.

....now if IU could just heed my own rules........;)

Posted by: thecannulator at December 24, 2007 10:47 PM

ok night all.
happy christmas to all. I'm still baking - a woman's work is almost finished for this year!
and a safe and lucky new year.
cheers

Posted by: today122 at December 24, 2007 9:22 PM

Back in the days when I was a leading ruckman for an Aussie Rules side, our dressing rooms rank of bucket loads of dencorub and heat rub and other lotions (I drew the line at pawpaw juice and goanna oil, that was for wussies)

Women couldn’t bear stand the stench and most of us had to shower furiously after the game or we were dateless and desperate desperados.

Posted by: neuroticfish at December 24, 2007 9:08 PM

don't start. who cares about multi profiles and whatever. just don't start this rubbish all over again. If you want to blog then do it without arguing or there'll be no blog for the rest of us. go vent somewhere else.

Posted by: today122 at December 24, 2007 8:56 PM

BB: Lavender oil massaged into the affected area...anti-inflamatory Dencorub (use it a lot on my poor feet and calf muscles) or green tea or camomile tea before bed...??? If all of the above fails...I usually have some scotch somewhere...

ha ha ha...ho ho ho...!!! Laughing all the way!!! I would love to comment on your last post, but ....Let's just sit back and enjoy the performance, shall we?

Posted by: hiddencharms at December 24, 2007 8:28 PM

and my ten cents worth from my equally worthy non-existent medical degree - magnesium and calcium in powder form and plenty of water. Actually a doctor recommended that.
and it does drive you crazy and it's so painful. I think sometimes you get a short of "shadow" of a cramp for a while after as well, depending on how severe it was.

Posted by: today122 at December 24, 2007 8:12 PM

doesn't cramps mean not enough salt or is it too much salt???

Posted by: seraphsuzie at December 24, 2007 7:50 PM

I would like to know how to avoid getting woken up with those horrid cramps in the calf muscles after excercising...my right calf muscle has been in a state of wanting to cramp since sat after a big night of dancing on fri! Does anyone know how to alleviate this?

Posted by: brilliantblue at December 24, 2007 7:45 PM

Always remember that fitness is not just about YOU. It is also about your partner.

Getting your partner up to the level required for tris and marathons, pm

Posted by: neuroticfish at December 24, 2007 7:40 PM

well all this talk about fitness and losing the odd kilo or 2 or 3 or bugr!!! a few??? got me motivated. will walk to shop to get ciggies now!!!

Posted by: boydididoit at December 24, 2007 7:39 PM

Well speaking of fitness, the beach walk last night was invigorating...a few kilometres. Honestly I would rather do something else than exercise lots of the time. I love swimming, snorkelling and bodyboarding. Have skiied but am not the best at it, prefer tobogganing. So although I would rather watch a DVD..we have a hill/mountain in Adelaide called Mount Lofty and I have challenged a girlfriend to climb part way up it with me. I will get about 1/6th of the way, then collapse but I think you do a bit, then stop. Next time you do it...perhaps not that hard ?? then maybe one day I could make it to the top with persistence. And NF feel free to laugh but I am seriously thinking of going somewhere south of Nepal, in a few years - NOT the Himalayas ( too wussy to mountain climb)...but there will be hilly bits. Going in the City to Bay Fun Run in 2008...you see, they let you walk...so the thing is to do something. Just get started. I will walk the dog tonight. Hopefully we will get some ideas on how to stay motivated.

Posted by: slightsynchronicity at December 24, 2007 7:20 PM

You know the best thing for losing weight?? Get bronchitis... has worked wonders so far for me.. lost 3 kg already!! :-(

Actually since the beginning of the year have lost 17 kg... :-) So happy with that .. and continuining to get fit.. Up at 5am every morning to work out for an hour!! (except for last week.. too crook)

Posted by: seraphsuzie at December 24, 2007 7:11 PM

Tips from Absolute Fitness........

Many people put off fitness during the holidays believing that they do not have the time to exercise and enjoy the holiday season. That is why after New Year’s, so many gyms are full with new members and why so many fitness regimens fail. Staying fit and enjoying the holidays at the same time can be done in together.

1. Eat Before You Go – you will be less tempted to overindulge if you have already eaten.
2. Choose Treats Wisely – Pick something you only have during the holidays and not something that is available all of the time.
3. Don’t Skip Meals – While it might be tempting to skip meals thinking that will make up for the holiday treats, it is actually counterproductive.
4. Control Your Drinking – Alcohol is an easy way to add the calories. Avoid mixed and fruity drinks.
5. Exercise Whenever You Can – Exercised doesn’t mean just at the gym. Park a distance from the shops, use the stairs.
6. Make It A Family Affair – Plan activities to do
7. Don’t Forget Strength Training – Maintain your muscle mass by paring down your routine to basics.
8. Don’t Set Unrealistic Exercise Goals – Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day, instead of an hour. Its alright to divide it up into 10 minute intervals during the day.
9. Don’t Attempt To Stick To An Unrealistic Diet During The Holidays – If you enjoy your favorite foods in small portions, you will feel more satisfied. Trying to stay away from certain foods may cause you to eat more than you intended.
10. Drink Plenty Of Water – Water helps counter the dehydrating affects of travel or alcoholic beverages. Water will also help satiate your appetite as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
11. Spread Out Your Meals – Don’t eat everything at once. Eat dinner early and walk before having dessert.
12. Make workouts a priority – Try early morning workouts.

Hmmmmmm..................right.........

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 24, 2007 7:03 PM

no jenjen - no wussing. it's been cold the last couple of days, very odd, but it'll get hot again.
But I really think it's only this time of year that we really gorge ourselves, so hang the fitness. gotta live and eat and eat sometime

Posted by: today122 at December 24, 2007 6:49 PM

This December weather has been so unusual.......not consistently hot as it usually is. Look at the pool and would love to go swimming but its TOO COLD

Jen the Wuss

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 24, 2007 6:47 PM

The joys of Christmas time junebaby !! Unfortunately I just look at food and gain weight so will have to be soooooooo careful. And my gym is closed from today until the 3rd January. Will have to do what hiddencharms is doing and keep very busy around the house instead !!

Posted by: jenjen57 at December 24, 2007 6:44 PM

I tend to leave all my mountain climbing fitness training for my next assault on Mt Everest to winter when it is cooler.

In summer, water sports provide a measure of fitness with sailing, canoeing, white water rafting, wind surfing and just plain swimming.

You always have to watch dehydration and fluid levels in the summer heat in the sub tropics, so I keep my fluid levels up to a satisfactory level. Cheers

Posted by: neuroticfish at December 24, 2007 6:43 PM

I think over the holidays the routine goes out the window, and because it's hotter I tend to eat lighter. fresh air and sunshine and being busier in a good way all help to get rid of the little excess. And maybe looking at yourselves in bathers again, no thank you! And then we all sign up for gym membership in January!

Posted by: today122 at December 24, 2007 6:43 PM

I tend to work harder during the first part of my holidays: cleaning the garage; windows, walls, cupboards etc as well as putting up and pulling down all the Chrissie lights, and a huge prune-off in the garden. So plenty of exercise.

The 2nd part of the holidays, the surf, sand, swimming, surfing, long walks, happy hour etc..but usually stick to lighter salads for some reason...maybe easier when away...

So I tend to actually lose weight on holidays. (No morning tea breaks with raisin toast smothered in butter or choccie biscuits as we sneak in at work...)

Posted by: hiddencharms at December 24, 2007 6:35 PM

So far, a couple of extra kilos'have already crept on!!! to many lunches, dinners and drinks!!! so once I get over Christmas lunch tomorrow, it will be salads and walking for the rest of my holidays!!!, That will only get ridof what I just put on...it is sooooo unfair!! happy holidays all...jewels

Posted by: junebaby57 at December 24, 2007 5:35 PM