Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

A Love of Food, Fitness, & Fashion

  • Home
  • About
    • Sponsorships
    • Contact Me
    • Everything NASM
    • Wedding
      • Courtney & Jay
      • Getting Ready
      • Ceremony
      • Wedding Party
      • Flowers
      • Decorations & Details
      • Reception
      • Honeymoon at Sandals Grande St Lucian
    • Q & A’s
      • Q&A’s – Round 1
      • Q&A’s – Round 2
      • Q&A’s – Round 3
      • Q&A’s – Round 4
      • Q&A’s – Round 5
  • Pregnancy & Babies
  • Meal Planning
  • Recipes
    • Recipes
      • Breads & Muffin Recipes
      • Breakfast
        • Coffee Recipes
        • Egg & Omelet Recipes
        • Oatmeal & Buckwheat Recipes
        • Pancake & French Toast Recipes
        • Smoothie Recipes
      • Cookies/Cookie Bars
      • Cakes/Cupcakes & Frostings
      • Dinners
        • Chicken & Poultry Recipes
        • Beef & Pork Recipes
        • Seafood Recipes
        • Crockpot Recipes
        • Meatless Recipes
        • Pasta Recipes
        • Pizza Recipes
        • Soup/Stew/Chili Recipes
      • Pies/Trifles/Truffles/Candies/Crisps
      • Salads/Sides/Odds & Ends
  • Favorites
    • Shop
    • Blog Love
    • Fashion
    • “Just Because” Posts
    • Workout & Fitness Posts
    • Cody Posts
    • Restaurants (local and travel)
  • Workouts
    • Workouts
      • Circuit Workouts
      • 20-30 Minute Treadmill Routines
      • 35-55 Minute Treadmill Workouts
      • Upper Body Workouts
      • Lower Body Workouts
      • Walking Treadmill Workouts
      • Elliptical Workouts
  • Resources

An Update on My Exercise Routine With HA

By Courtney 63 Comments

Sometimes, a simple salad does the trick.

Other times? A big, beautiful, complex salad full of delicious and surprising flavors is just what the doctor ordered.

IMG_7402

Today happened to be the latter. Winking smile

As I was rummaging through my fridge this afternoon, I knew I was in the mood for a salad, but kept coming across all of the delicious fruit we currently have on hand. I’ve long been a fan of putting fruit in my salads, so I figured today would be the perfect opportunity.

Here’s what we’ve got:

  • romaine and spinach
  • cucumbers
  • beets
  • bread & butter pickles
  • strawberries
  • peach (1/2 of one)
  • blueberries
  • green grapes
  • low-sodium deli turkey
  • feta cheese

IMG_7404

I topped it off with a couple tablespoons of this delicious dressing and called it a day masterpiece. This thing was serious business!

IMG_7405

Before lunch, I did manage to get my workout in for the day…speaking of which, I figured it’d be a good time to give you all a little update on my exercise routine.

As you guys know, I’ve cut back quite a bit on the exercise. While most of my workouts still only consist of walking and yoga, I talked to my doctor a bit and got the go-ahead to incorporate some light weights as well. Still being cautious about everything, I’m making sure to stick to a very light weight training program:

  • nothing above my 5lb weights
  • no jumping/plyometric movements
  • simple, steady exercises

I’ve also been incorporating some various bodyweight exercises here and there, such as leg lifts, bridges, pushups on knees, or chair dips. Actually, my “No Weights Required” Office Workout has happened a couple of times, with only a few slight alterations.

Earlier today, I came across this simple, 10-minute strength building workout and decided to give it a try.

I nixed the jumping jacks, but did pretty much all of the rest of the moves, either with my 5 pound weights or without any at all.

I followed up today’s workout with 20 minutes of yoga for a nice, good stretch.

A lot of people have asked me whether or not it’s hard for me to cut back on the exercise lately, because of my HA diagnosis, and I’m not going to lie. It has. It’s been very hard. Some days have been frustrating than others, but they ARE getting easier, and I know it’s all for the right reasons. Because let’s face it…I want my own little bundle of joy soon and I, by no means, want to do anything to jeopardize that. I mentioned briefly before that my body has shown signs of making progress (WAHOO!), and I want to continue in that direction.

I’ve been told that I’m a pretty determined person; when I want something, I’m going to go after it. And I’m going to do whatever it takes to make it happen. That being said, I’m learning to embrace my lighter exercise more and more everyday. 

Besides…I’m actually not minding staying away from the burpees these days. Winking smile

Share This:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Yummly (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on StumbleUpon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

August 27, 2012 Filed Under: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Lunch, Workouts Tagged With: 10-minute strength video, cutting back on exercise, FitSugar, fruit in salads, HA, update on exercise routine, Yoga

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

« Actually Matching
Roasted Green Beans and Steak Fajita Wraps »

Comments

  1. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    I'm glad to hear things are getting better for you!
    Reply
  2. Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    I LOVE fruit in my salads. Throw some cheese in there, YUM! I'm glad to hear that everything is getting better on the fitness front. I know it is probably difficult mentally, but it's all for a great cause! :)
    Reply
  3. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    That salad is so colorful and looks delicious! I need to try to be more creative with some of my salads at home. I tend to use the same toppings & dressings on a regular basis and then wonder why I get sick of salads! Ha. Again, so proud of you Court! I felt like I could've written those words exactly a few months ago. :) Love you!
    Reply
  4. Angela @ Health's Angel says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Keep on with that positive attitude and you'll be golden! On a different note, your salads always look so incredible. I need to recreate sometime!
    Reply
  5. Debbie (Accidently Delish) says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    hope all is well with you lady and i am so proud that you are able to listen to your body and respect what it needs. i know that is so hard sometimes. i love those fitsugar work outs i do some as well since i am not suppose to be doing any intense work outs. try fitnessblender.com as well. they have some great low key exercise routines i do as well.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks, Debbie! I'll definitely check that out!
      Reply
  6. Elaine says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    So glad to hear you are starting to see signs of progress! That's great :) and I'm sure that only fuels the drive and motivation to continue!
    Reply
  7. Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    So happy to hear that things are getting better!!
    Reply
  8. Khushboo says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    Love this post and you are a constant inspiration! As long as your moving in some way possible, you will undoubtedly reap the benefits...intense or not! You are heading in the right direction, Courtney so stick to it :)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:06 pm

      Thanks, girl! I actually read your email every now and then for inspiration. <--True story :)
      Reply
      • Khushboo Thadani says

        August 28, 2012 at 12:41 am

        As I do with some of your posts :)
        Reply
  9. Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    So happy about your progress. I'm glad it's getting easier for you and you know it will all be worth it in the end :)
    Reply
  10. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    I'm so happy to hear you're making progress, Courtney. You definitely do have courage and determination in tackling your issue head on, ESPECIALLY while being so open about it in the blogosphere. YOU GO GIRL! Now, about that bundle of joy... :D
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      :-D
      Reply
  11. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    You're doing a great job--in fact, it was hard to tell that not exercising has been difficult. I would imagine it would be, but you didn't mention that it was a struggle, so I just thought you were a super-star about it. ;) Hang in there. It sounds like you're on the right track! You should be very proud of yourself!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      Hahaha, I wish I was a super-star about it! ;)
      Reply
  12. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    After a few months of struggling with amenorrhea last year and having to cut back on my exercising I'm now back to 'normal' and looking forward to having a baby myself in the next 2ish years. It's not as hard to deal with putting on a bit of weight and cutting back on something you love when you've got that awesomeness to look forward to :)
    Reply
  13. Michelle@Peachy Palate says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    You're doing a great job, keep up the great work; you are inspiring many and it really is for the greater good. Not being able to have children was the final nail in the coffin for me when it came to facing up to my eating disorder. Yummy salad too btw!
    Reply
  14. Stephanie says

    August 27, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Great job on your progress! It's very brave of you to share on your blog. I know how frustrating it can be when you love to workout and it's part of your daily routine but you can't for health or other personal reasons. Way to keep your chin up! :)
    Reply
  15. Amanda says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    I'm glad things are better for you, and that you're able to incorporate more into your workouts! I hear ya on the burpees - anything to not do them is FINE by me! :)
    Reply
  16. kim@hungryhealthygirl says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I love fruit in my salad too! I don't know if I've ever put that much, but it sure does look delicious. A good excuse to not do burpees....now you have to appreciate that! ;)
    Reply
  17. Brandi says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    You have a great outlook and I am so glad that you are seeing results from the changes! :) Thank you for sharing Courtney!
    Reply
  18. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    I'm so proud of you for sticking to this! I love that you are making your health your number one priority and think you are such an outstanding example of a very healthy woman!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      Thank you so much, Danielle! That means so much :)
      Reply
  19. Karla says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    I commend you for sharing this with us. I enjoy reading about bloggers who are following doctor's orders, listening to their bodies, and treating their bodies with kindness. I am currently struggling with similar issues and find inspiration in posts like these. Thank you for writing and sharing!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Best of luck to you, Karla!
      Reply
  20. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Glad its all working out :)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Thanks, pretty lady ;)
      Reply
  21. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Glad to hear that you're seeing some progress. I would imagine it could be difficult to cut down on exercise, but it's for a fantastic reason!
    Reply
  22. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    The more toppings on a salad, the better in my opinion. :-) Glad to see you're taking it all in stride in regards to the HA - even if it sucks now, it'll be worth it later for sure.
    Reply
  23. Brittany @ Little b's healthy habits says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Oh my goodness your salad looks awesome!!
    Reply
  24. Madison says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    Congrats on the progress!!! I laughed when I saw your salad because I do the same thing. I think I rifle through my fridge and whatever sounds good ends up in the bowl. They end up being the best most satisfying salads!!
    Reply
  25. Tessa @ Amazing Asset says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    Thank you for the update Courtney! This is something I am investigating with my doctor and it's helpful to hear from you and that it is going well :)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:01 pm

      Best of luck to you, Tessa! That's great that you're looking into things - better to nip it in the bud as early as possible.
      Reply
  26. Christina says

    August 27, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    I'm so happy you are doing what you have to do to get the oven ready, so to speak :) It's comforting to read this because it gives me hope that my body can get healthy again too. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm

      Yes, it definitely can! Just listen to it and give it what it needs :)
      Reply
  27. Danica @ It's Progression says

    August 27, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    So happy to hear things are improving...You're absolutely right that your someday-baby will be 100% worth every tough minute of this all!
    Reply
  28. Shana says

    August 27, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    Reading blogs has been especially helpful for me in a variety of ways. It's pushed me to do things I don't normally do and challenged me mentally, physically and emotionally. With all the postives to blog reading, I am just now considering some of the negative impacts that I have allowed to happen over time, such as comparing myself to the blogger, thinking I can eat or exercise the way another blogger eats, or feeling inadequate compared to other bloggers or commenters. I love your message and your reminder that each person is unique and everyone's personal definition of healthy will be different. I am inspired by your ability to step back from an amount of exercise that wasn't working for you. Its nice to know that being healthy doesn't have to mean being able to do 100 burpees a minute and instead is about our bodies being able to do what they were designed to do. Long story short, thank you for your willingness to share your story!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 27, 2012 at 6:56 pm

      You're so very welcome :) Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts! I couldn't agree with you more.
      Reply
  29. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    August 27, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    Love that you are seeing progress!! This looks like a perfect plan! :) Thank you for being such a great source of encouragement and inspiration. xoxo
    Reply
  30. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    August 27, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    I'm so proud of you! You're definitely taking the HARD road, but I can tell you that it is so worth it!!
    Reply
  31. Diane says

    August 27, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    What a coincidence! I actually was watching that workout and thinking "Hey this is do-able". So proud of you! xx
    Reply
  32. Mo says

    August 27, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing your workout/workout ideas. I am on a modified workout routine secondary to some post partum complications and have been told no impact and weights 5 lb or less. I felt like there is nothing I can do, but seeing this is giving me some ideas. Please keep posting your workouts - very helpful. PS- you are doing great keeping your eye on the prize. And, it only prepares you for motherhood and having to sacrifice our workouts sometimes for baby :-)
    Reply
  33. Lauren says

    August 27, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    You are so inspiring! Really, I had SO much more trouble than you, which is how I know i probably wasn't quite ready. You are going to make an incredible mother someday. :)
    Reply
  34. Tara Burner says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    that salad looks soooooooooooooooo delish!
    Reply
  35. Alexandra C says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Just lately realizing that I am in the exact same boat...I've kind of had a feeling for a while as my periods have been super infrequent but never cared until now when my husband and I are ready to start trying to have kids- I have completely cut back on intense exercise and although it's only been a week it has been difficult because running was my ME time and a huge stress reliever for me- the only thing that keeps me going is looking a the bigger picture and reminding myself of the end goal and my number 1 goal in life- being a mom! Nothing is more important to me than that! Thank you for sharing your story and for being an excellent role model! Ill keep u in my prayers :)
    Reply
  36. Jessica says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    You really inspire me, your attitude and balance toward health and fitness. I love your blog and read it daily. Thank you! :-)
    Reply
  37. michelle kim says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    OMG! Your salad looks amazing, ESPECIALLY those beets! I looooove beets :D
    Reply
  38. Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says

    August 27, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    I'm glad that things are getting better for you! If you're looking to mix up your routine, I love Sadie Lincoln's Barre3 DVD... it incorporates ballet, yoga and pilates, and is a great, gentle workout that burns in a good way.
    Reply
  39. Meg says

    August 27, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    I'm so happy to hear your bod has been making progress love <3 you're doing all of the right things! love you so much! you're my gem xo
    Reply
  40. Miz says

    August 28, 2012 at 5:46 am

    so so so grateful youre being super smart about all this and listening to your bod. and the doc :-)
    Reply
  41. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:01 am

    Sounds like you're continuing to do the right thing for yourself. Good for you!! :)
    Reply
  42. Heather says

    August 28, 2012 at 8:00 am

    so happy to hear that light weightlifting has been brought back to the picture :) So proud of you for taking care of your HEALTH, my dear! xo
    Reply
  43. Parita says

    August 28, 2012 at 8:59 am

    You're an inspiration, Courtney! Good job on doing what's right for YOU!
    Reply
  44. Heather @ For the Love of Kale says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    YOU GO GIRL!!! I'm so happy for / proud of you for taking charge of your body. You're inspiring so many girls and women out there to check themselves and do what's best for them. :-)
    Reply
  45. Rachel says

    August 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    I am so glad you are finding your way back to health. I am facing a similar problem with my health, and have a doctor's appointment scheduled to figure out what is wrong with my body, although I know that the answer is probably my excessive exercise and very low caloric intake. Hopefully I can find healing like you. On my blog, I decided to put up a post about coming clean with my problem too. My blog isn't as heavily read as yours, but I figure it might help someone to relate to me because I know it helped me to relate to you. If you wanna take a look I think my website is part of my comment. Keeping you in my prayers!! Thanks for all your posts!
    Reply
  46. Jaclyn says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    When you say things seem to be getting better, what do you mean by that? I only ask because I have struggled with this, so I wonder what progress you are seeing.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 29, 2012 at 8:31 am

      I've had Aunt Flow return once ;)
      Reply
      • Jaclyn says

        September 1, 2012 at 1:16 am

        I'm so proud of you (well that sounds kinda weird, haha) but seriously, you sharing all of this with everyone...and ACTUALLY MAKING STEPS TO CHANGE/FIX the problem.. I think you have gained some major points with readers- at least with me!- and while I would never wish this upon any woman, I really think you are letting your true [bright :)] colors show with being able to kick this thing in the face. It's really annoying to see/hear/read bloggers talk about this and how they are 'going to change' but never actually do. I know how HARD it can be, I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you, but I have to say that recently you seem to have a glow to you, you look like you are so much HAPPIER and just enjoying lIFE and I think that is what really matters, no?! Plus, you and Jay will make some pretty cute lil' bebes and I can't wait to see that happen for you <3
        Reply
  47. Connie says

    August 29, 2012 at 7:59 am

    You are such a great role model Courtney! It's great that you can take an unfortunate situation and turn it into something more positive, and I'm sure others are learning from you as well. I'm so happy that you are doing better and learning to embrace the exercise that you can do. I wish you an even speedier recovery, so you can join in on those torturous burpees;)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 29, 2012 at 8:32 am

      Hahaha, thank you so much, Connie! :)
      Reply
  48. Andrea (Run. Learn. Repeat.) says

    August 31, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    I'm so glad you shared this! I'm in the same boat right now. We've been trying to have another baby for over 1.5 years and have been working with fertility specialists etc. and I've finally accepted the fact that I won't get pregnant again unless I cut back on the excessive exercising. It is hard, and it's taken me 1.5 years to finally accept that and let go. These posts about your HA will definitely be a source of motivation and support for me. I'm learning to enjoy yoga and walking in place of running and weights too. :) Thanks for sharing your story!
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • A Little Living Room Makeover
  • The Five F’s {3/12}
  • My Last 10 Favorite Amazon Purchases
  • Fun Facts Friday – The Five F’s

Courtney’s Recipe Picks!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Subscribe to Sweet Tooth by Email!

Instagram

Instagram has returned invalid data.

Follow Me!

  FitFluential Is Fitness Found 
  
 

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian, or certified fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my own personal knowledge, opinions, and experiences with food, fitness, and life. My Privacy Policy can be found HERE.

Content Marketing Editorial Calendar For WordPress

WordPress Support & Maintenance provided by WP Site Care

· Copyright © 2022 Sweet Tooth Sweet Life ·