Home Exercise Enthusiasts - Last week of 2008!!!!

[cniles]

Woo hoo!!! I made it through the holiday week Company is gone, the decorations are down and the house is cleaned!!

I indulged big time last week - But tis the week of the New Year and I WILL be making some resolutions!!:)

I started yesterday with Burn and Firm (or something like that) 45 min cardio and weights. Today will be cardio... I got my new Collage catalog and earmarked a couple of new FIRM DVD's ;)

Maureen - I will look in my collection for a DVD that may meet your requirements - stay tuned!!

Valerie - I was thinking of you all last week. Glad to hear you were able to survive the ugly weather!

Josie - hope you are feeling better!!

Sue - I just took my parents to the airport - Rose Bowl bound!! BTW LOVED the Christmas picture of the girls!:)

Stacy - How is the weather down in Texas? Have you started your rotation?

I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday!!!

Here's to a New Year - 2009!:)

[Valerie226]

Goodie.. a new thread already started!
Happy days are here again.. the snow has melted (mostly) and our home owner asociation FINALLY got someone to plow. It was almost undriveable on saturday. there was at least 16 inches of snow and ice that got rained on, turning it into the worst mess. Huge lumps and ruts some down to pavement. DH and I drive in the mountains but this was about as bad as it gets... barely 5 mph stuff, sliding and squirrelling all over the place We have a 4WD truck with big tires ( our RV, not an everyday vehicle) and we weren't sure we'd get down the hill to the main road and back again. The UPS truck was last seen here on about Dec 19 when he got stuck on our road and apparently never came back. :(

Maureen what do you call cardio? most exercise involves some "cardio" but there's a range of things. Try looking at www.collage.com. Charisse mentioned it too. They have a big assortment of different exercise DVD's arranged by category. everything from step aerobics to dance, yoga, to heavy lifting. they have a paper catalogue too. their site has clips of each DVD so you have an idea of what you're getting, rather than buying a "who the heck knows what's in it DVD" at Target. On cable or Dish there are some exercise shows, Discovery channel and fitTV are two. I personally like Cathe, www.cathe.com but she's on the tougher end of things. her easier stuff is step aerobics, which I hate and can't do....can't do fancy footwork to save my life. I like kick boxing though.

Speaking of which, I did a generous hour of cardio saturday, 10 bike, 35 treadmill , 30 elliptical and a segment of Coremax on saturday, and sunday did a half hour on the bike and Cathe's Kick, Punch, Crunch (KPC) including the ab section on sunday. I love that workout!

[kima]

Thanks for offering to go through your collection Charisse.

By cardio I mean something that gets you moving about abit-not just doing squats, lunges, weights. This person lives in a small apartment as well.

I am pretty fit myself so have a hard time thinking of something for someone who hates to excerise but wants to get moving.
What about that woman who does the Walk Away the Pounds ones? Are they any good?

I do all my excerise through running ,walking and fitness classes so the wolrd of exercise videos is very new to me.

I will check out the collage website Val.
I am in Canada and don't get those channels. I saw fitv in a hotel in Seattle recently and thought it was pretty cool.

Anyway any suggestions for a beginner are most needed and appreciated.

[Valerie226]

Interestingly, I got a collage catalogue in the mail yesterday.
Maureen, there's a section on collage called "walking music" with music for Ipod or other portable DVD player. also DVD's for the treadmill and cycling. also a jump rope workout! collageVideo.com/walkingMusic. there's a phone line to listen before buying. don't know if it will work from canada. 763 574 7343

Leslie sansone is in the catalog( lots of listings with 'walking music", as is kathy smith.
Cathe's STS series is listed in the catalogue too...

My day didn't go as planned... wind came up and the power was out a good part of the day so I ended up taking a day off.
I need an instructor who's motivating and not annoying... it's funny how grating someone can be after a couple repeats. too "peppy" is a killer for me too. my advice is to check out the clips online and try someone & see how it goes.

[avariell]

Hi everyone... Happy New Year! I gave in and went to the doctor yesterday... she said I should expect another week of feeling like cr@p! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS? Ok. I promise to stop whining. Who knew I would be so jealous of you guys being able to work out (and eat) normally?!

In other news I have lost about 25 pounds since my last visit to the doctor... wow. About 10 of those are from the past week :eek:

[cniles]

Just finished my workout for today - it kicked my butt!! I only did 2 out of the 3 cardio sections but did all of the weight and abwork. Dangerous Curves Ahead - the FIRM. They have some hokey titles but when they work.....

Maureen - I pulled out all of my DVD's - most of them are the FIRM workouts - they use their gadgets - the fanny lifter and step....

I agree with Valerie - go to the Collage site - the previews are great - and I believe they have people who have reviewed them as well. Let us know if you find one!!!

Valerie - I saw Seattle on the news with the wind!! Holy Toledo! I didn't much sleep last night due our siding shifting and squeeking all night b/c of the wind - argh.

Today I need to get my food and wine for tomorrow's party. I also have 2 more books on reserve at the library;) Hmmm how can I fit this all in?!! Thank goodness I'm off till Monday!

Hope all is well with everyone!-

[cniles]

Josie - WOW! I know you said some of those pounds were from being sick but wow!!! Good for you!!!

I truly hope you feel better! Is it the stomach stuff?!!! I know that is making the rounds around here.... (Back, Back I say!!)

[Valerie226]

Josie, I don't know if you wanted to lose weight..... I only know 1 person, total, who isn't trying.... but being sick is such a hard way for it to happen. Hope you are on the mend soon.... rice and soda crackers is dismal. at least add in a little chicken soup for a new years eve treat!

I'd like to add that after I did GS legs and then followed it up with KPC, holy cow, my calves are killing me. those first steps in the morning are quite the challenge. Happy New Year everyone...

[cniles]

Ok doing good so far!! I did Cardio Overdrive this morning. I'm feeling so much better - getting some tone back!

We'll see if I get anything in tomorrow - We're hosting the party tonight so we'll probably be in clean up mode - PLUS Penn State is in the Rose Bowl - since we already hosted NYE, my friend graciously agreed to host for us:D I'll bring over all of my PSU stuff to help decorate - GO LIONS!!!

Have a wonderful and safe New Years everyone!!

[SueK]

Just got done with my workout for today. Did the treadmill, then my Lift Weights to Lose Weight DVD and then I set up my profile on the Wii Fit that we got for Christmas. I'll have to play around with it a bit more today when I have time.

We're doing lots of (somewhat healthy) munchies tonight, along with plenty of champagne, so I'll need a good workout tomorrow to flush out the toxins. :)

Charisse - we'll be partying tomorrow while watching the game as well!

Josie- hope you're feeling a bit better by now.

[Valerie226]

Ok, it's new years day.... resolutions anyone?

I am continuing on my diet but the real Resolution is a Cathe workout 4 times a week in addition and sometimes replacing to my regular treadmill, elliptical. this will involve two workouts involving lower body, and two involving upper body, either a strict leg workout like GS legs or a mixed workout like Power Hour or Muscle Max. Same way for upper body.
Anyone else?

[cniles]

Resolutions....:)

I WILL workout 4 times a week - 3 during the week and 1 time on the weekend. That should be doable for me. Sam starts indoor soccer next week, so we're back to running around. BUT I should be able to do this.

Also - DH and I both said it's time to cut back on the wine during the week. I love my glass at dinner but many times the 1 goes to 2... etc... American Idol starts soon and I like to relax with a glass while I watch - so I need to be smart about the wine consumptions - calories galore!

So those are my 2 big ones - :)

[srahndennis]

Hi, guys! Happy New Year! Been sticking with it but yesterday turned my ankle during Cardio & Weights. Finished the upper body portion & abs but had to bail on the legs & cardio. Doesn't really hurt today but I can still feel it. Really felt lazy this morning and thought about not doing anything but DH inspired me. I did the Push/Pull upper body premix 2x. Felt good; glad I did it! Not sure what I'll do tomorrow - I'll wait to see what Cathe posts for the January rotation.

I have a few goals for 2009: stick with my exercise program (I'd like to workout 5 - 6 days/week); reduce the number of carbs in my diet (crackers, chips & wine ;)) & lose 10 pounds. I can't believe it's 2009!!!!

[avariell]

I am feeling better finally. (I am scared to say it out loud or I might get sick again :p:o)

I ate some real food yesterday, and I think I will be able to work out this weekend. Cross your fingers for me!!

I don't have any real resolutions this year... but I usually don't make a bunch of resolutions anyway. I guess I just have some long term/short term goals in the back of my mind throughout the year. I usually end up feeling like a failure if I set a resolution cuz it often doesn't work out... hehe :cool:

I definitely want to continue working out at the gym at least 4 times a week plus my dance class, and continue to monitor my food intake. I was so excited to learn about the weightloss when I was at the doctor's because I had worked really hard at it over the past few months. As much as it sucked to be sick, it is kinda nice to know I won't have to work off the extra holiday weight.

I am so impressed by all of your dedication to working out during the holidays! I can see how checking in on this thread helps keep you motivated. Feel free to cyber-yell at me on Monday if I don't get to the gym this weekend ;)

[cniles]

Josie - I am glad you are feeling better!! Take it slow - don't rush getting back into workingout!

Stacy - is your ankle better?

I did Cardio Kickboxing this morning - I ate too many oreo cookie truffles yesterday as I wallowed in misery -PSU lost BIG TIME. (Sue - how did you guys fare?!!)

I hope to get in a workout tomorrow or Sunday (or maybe both!) We go back to school on Monday so my am workouts will stop until summer:(

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!:)

[Terri_A]

I started doing DVDs at home about 2 weeks before Christmas. I have to say that last week I only worked out once, but I cut myself some slack since I had family in town.

I'm looking to order a new DVD that's not a lot of jumping around. My stress fracture in my left foot is not completely healed so I can't do anything with a lot of impact yet. Does anyone know of something that is for weight loss, but is more strength/weight training based rather than cardio?

Thanks!

[Valerie226]

Josie.. good to know you're feeling better. don't be too hard on yourself whatever workout you do. Keep it very easy and aim for enjoyable low level activity to get things moving again. I hate that when I feel weak after being ill, but if you don't overdo it will improve quickly.
Stacy.. same for you. whenever I've sprained an ankle ( used to do it regularly) it's weaker and easy to repeat the injury. Can you do an ace wrap or a higher shoe for a little extra support?
Charisse.. oreo truffles sound awfully good.. I've never had one and probably never should... I am a sucker for chocolate.
I weighed one of the chocolates I have for dessert many nights.. keeps my chocolate craving in check. they are very good quality dark chocolate. one is 1/4 oz. I feel pretty good about that... if I have one of these, it keeps me from feeling deprived and maybe overindulging, especially in junk sweets.

I've worked out every day but am forgetting what on what day. one day we tried xc skiing but the weather and snow conditions were awful. we ended up going for barely 2 hours, bagging it, and calling it an "outdoor workout". other than that, I've done treadmill and GS chest/biceps, and bike, treadmill, elliptical for about 75 minutes. today is a leg workout ... not deciding which yet.

[Valerie226]

Terri ... at the beginning of this thread we recommended to Maureen to look at the www.collagevideo.com site. they have loads of different workouts for every purpose. You might take a look too. you can look at clips online and read their reviews so you know what you're buying. A lot depends on what kind of equipment you have or are willing to invest in. Cathe and the Firm are pretty popular with us here.

[srahndennis]

Josie - So glad you are feeling better! I hear you about those resolutions...I hesitated before writing anything down but then decided what the heck! Maybe I'll be a little more motivated! Congrats on your weight loss.

Charisse - Those oreo truffles are yummy! I made them last year but had a lot of trouble dipping them. I have the ingredients to do the Baileys truffles but I haven't gotten to it yet. And probably shouldn't. DH and DS have written "sad day" on our calendar for January 5th. That's when we all go back to work/school. You will miss you morning workouts.....I'll miss my late morning workouts 'cause I'll be back to 5am :eek:. I'm sure it will be a rude awakening!

Valerie - Sorry your xc skiiing was cut short but I have noticed that you've really put some time into your workouts lately! Strength & cardio in the same day is usually more of a time/energy committment than I can make.

Terri - Good to have you join us! I think Valerie's suggestion to look at Collage is a good one. I started out with Step Reebok many years ago, then moved on to The Firm. I've gotten really serious with Cathe but it's tough stuff....sometimes too tough for me. I've heard good things about Leslie Sansone and Kathy Smith but I've never done their workouts.

Ankle is better today but I kept it low impact with Low Impact Circuit. I did the lower body circuit premix since I worked upper body yesterday. Cut it a little short but overall I'm satisfied. Tomorrow is a hike with the Cub Scouts as long as I'm up to it.

[Valerie226]

Ha! when you're retired, Stacy, you'll have more time too! the trouble is, the results are a whole lot slower to come than they used to be. as Cathe says, "work work". so today, I did a bike warm up for 10, then 15 each on treadmill and elliptical, and then Muscle Max. I took a break in between to do some phone calls and house cleaning. that makes it easier. I tell myself it's a new day... :o
We're going to ski tomorrow. driving to Manning park in BC. colder and drier snow usually. if skiing isn't good we will snowshoe. It's a lot of driving for one day and would prefer to stay the weekend but we can't get out camper out of the snow where it's semi buried. winter camping is ok ( for one night, maybe not more) & we've done it before at this park.

[avariell]

This thread has inspired me to make a resolution for 2009- get my butt to some ski slope somewhere!! I miss skiing so much, and I really need to get back to it. :)

Still feeling better... I even played sober-cab last night and went out dancing with the girls. I figured shaking my booty for 4 hours counts as a work out, right?! ;)

Stacy/Valerie- I, too, have made those oreo truffle balls. I have no idea if this helps or not, but I cannot bring myself to eat/enjoy one because the idea of the smooshed up oreos grosses me out so much. I told my DBF what they were and he was very upset because I ruined it for him... hehe. He thought they just tasted like something oreo-ish.

[SueK]

Josie- glad to hear you're feeling better! I would definitely say that 4 hours of dancing is considered working out! :)

I'm ready to get back into the groove next week, with school starting. I've been good about working out over the holidays, but some days it's been so hard to motivate myself, because I know I have the whole day to work out and then am tempted to blow it off.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the kettlebell workouts. I saw one at Target last week and then I did order a DVD from Amazon, so now I need to get the actual kettlebell! It seems like it's a good toning workout and good for the abs. I just figured it'll be something different to throw into my workout mix, instead of the treadmill all the time. I really need to dig into some of the aerobic DVDs I got before Christmas, too. I need to watch them first to get an idea of the workout and pace, and then start using them!

I bought a pair of jeans in November and they were tight around the waist, but I bought them anyway. So today I'm wearing them! Don't get me wrong, they're still tight, but I could at least fasten them easier today, so that's a relief! My waist is my biggest problem area so I was happy about that.

[avariell]

Sue- I say any work outs you do during the holidays are bonus :) Congrats on the jeans!!

I did Billy Blanks Bootcamp DVD today (yes, I do own some home workout dvds). I didn't feel like going to the gym, and it seemed like a good way to ease into exercising (as in I could sit out certain parts when I got worn out ;)). I managed to do about a solid 40 minutes of the work out, but I definitely had to take some breaks. C'est la vie... I am back to the gym tomorrow.