Home workout enthusiasts - week of February 16th

[cniles]

Good morning everyone!

We have off school today so I'm planning on logging off and going upstairs to workout! Saturday I did Pump, Jump and Jab and yesterday I walked at the park. It's only 3 miles so I'm going to have to loop it twice to at least get in 6 - need to do this once a week.

I'm planning to take the boys to Borders today and then out to lunch. Nice and sunny here - 40 degrees :) I'm getting ready for mild weather!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[avariell]

Good morning Charisse. I love Presidents' Day - I get it off too :)

Saturday I worked out with my PT. We did arms and abs, and wow, did I feel it. I got about 30 minutes of elliptical cardio in after. I spent the rest of Saturday cleaning and cooking since I hosted a dinner party for girls only that night. Then we all went out to dance. I got a whole extra workout dancing in some ridiculous heels.

Sunday morning I peeled myself out of bed and actually made it to yoga. I thought I was going to die - my feet were killing me from the aforementioned ridiculous heels, and I might have been a tiny bit hung over. Nonetheless, I made it through class and got a little something out of it. I am eager to try again next week when I hopefully won't be so exhausted from Saturday night ;)

I am on my way to the gym in 45 minutes to work out with my PT again. Chest and back today... I am not certain how much cardio I will get in, I am pretty beat up from the weekend ;)

[cniles]

Josie - It sounds like you had a blast!!! I miss going out to dance. Seems like I only get to do it at weddings and those are few and far between these days!!

I just got done with the 500 calorie burn. I decided to give it another chance. pfffbt! The workout is great but the music kills me. I decided I need to count the routine instead of listening for the cues.. I was able to stay with the workout just not as fun.

Oh well -

[Valerie226]

I am such an awful dancer... no hope at all there. I've tried and failed... just call me Trigger! It is great exercise though!

I did plenty on saturday, 15 bike, 30 treadmill, 20 elliptical, and then chest triceps. Sunday we did a bike ride, our usual ride but shortened to about 26 miles. It was a pleasant sunny day but colder than expected. we knew what the temp was but riding fast ... well the wind chill is daunting. Fun .

[avariell]

Charisse- if we ever find a weekend that works, I say we go dancing at the midwest klatch ;)
Valerie - I hate riding/walking/running into the wind. It makes me want to run and hide more than any other type of cold.

I got chest and back in yesterday with some good plank work at the end. I am easily holding my planks for over 90 seconds now! Woo :) Then I did 30 mins of cardio on the Cybex.

Tonight is ballet, and tomorrow I may or may not do just cardio :cool:;)

[LakeMartinGal]

The pool's still broken, so today, I did 20 minutes on the wii fit, then played tennis for 15 minutes, and bowled for 15 minutes (on the wii;)). Going to the chiropractor later for sciatica...:(

[testkitchen45]

Happy Tuesday! Boy, after reading this thread, I wonder if I should just slink back into my anonymous, newbie-exercising little corner . . . the routines y'all do would put me in the ER. :D

Did legs and triceps last night, plus abs. Am up to 16 leg lifts in the Chair of Death, and DH started me on pushups. OMG, are my arms weak! I don't even want to tell you how many pushups I could do, and I had to switch to knees-down instead of having just hands & toes on the floor. DH was very reassuring but sheesh, is it going to be this hard to look great after 40? :( ;)

We have two other workouts planned this week, and I'd like to get to the gym on my own to do cardio. Can't schedule too much yet until I get confirmation on some band events for my DS, & other kid craziness. Am determined to get those workouts in, though--one side effect will be the increasing responsibility for my older kids. Last night, I made an Italian loaf in the bread machine, and CL's Garden Vegetable Crustless Quiche. I left written instructions on how to finish up the quiche, and DS was very proud of how he got dinner finished up for us. :)

Have a great week, everyone!

[LakeMartinGal]

Happy Tuesday! Boy, after reading this thread, I wonder if I should just slink back into my anonymous, newbie-exercising little corner . . . the routines y'all do would put me in the ER. :D

Did legs and triceps last night, plus abs. Am up to 16 leg lifts in the Chair of Death, and DH started me on pushups. OMG, are my arms weak! I don't even want to tell you how many pushups I could do, and I had to switch to knees-down instead of having just hands & toes on the floor. DH was very reassuring but sheesh, is it going to be this hard to look great after 40? :( ;)

We have two other workouts planned this week, and I'd like to get to the gym on my own to do cardio. Can't schedule too much yet until I get confirmation on some band events for my DS, & other kid craziness. Am determined to get those workouts in, though--one side effect will be the increasing responsibility for my older kids. Last night, I made an Italian loaf in the bread machine, and CL's Garden Vegetable Crustless Quiche. I left written instructions on how to finish up the quiche, and DS was very proud of how he got dinner finished up for us. :)

Have a great week, everyone!
Sounds like you are winning on all fronts! Getting in that exercise with DH, and giving DS a sense of accomplishment and responsibility! I don't think you have to crawl into a corner at all -- your workout is way harder than mine, though you sound about 20 years younger!;) Give yourself some credit!:cool:

[Valerie226]

Didn't work that hard on monday, 15 minute bike warm up and then Power Hour. Went to yoga this morning and haven't decided what else to do today.... something cardio.

TK, there's nothing wrong with pushups on your knees. that's how most people start. I think it's better to do "good form" knee pushups that "crummy form" straight leg ones. I can do "real" pushups but if I get too tired I go to the knees to finish. You re making great progress.. 16 on the death chair! And also great progress on getting DS proficient in the kitchen. It makes me sad when I see kids ( boys and girls) who know nothing about putting together a meal without takeout. It doesn't have to be that way! saves you some time and teaches valuable life skills.

LMG, too bad your pool is unusable so much of the time. Hope they get it back to functioning soon.

Josie.. biking is all about wind.. no matter which direction you ride, seems there's always a headwind plus you generate your own wind the faster you go. it was about 40 degrrees and when you're riding at 12-16 mph it gets cold! Lots of special bike clothes for winter but we seldom ride when it's cold so weren't well prepared.

charisse.. are the 6 mile walks preparation for the half marathon?

[cniles]

I got an unexpected half day as I got a call from the school that Sam had a fever. Gotta love liquid tylenol! He's feeling much better. So I putzed around, did laundry and am getting ready to go workout.

Valerie - yes the 6 miles are 1/2 of what the half marathon will be. We had that sunny but COLD day yesterday!

TK - I always do push ups on my knees. Have been since day one. My upperbody is not really strong and I know I do good ones on my knees and am ok with it:D Great news that your kids are helping out!! How old is your oldest?

Kay - you are becoming a Wii expert!! Tennis gives you a good workout:)

Josie - I would love to go dancing if we get a weekend set up;) I can't stand the wind either - my ears ache so bad!!!

OK - off to workout now!!:)

[lindrusso]

Mornin' everyone. :)

I'm lazy about posting but fortunately I haven't been lazy about working out. ;) I got some form of movement/exercise every day last week.

I looked back on my workout spreadsheet and it looks like I've only missed two days in the last 3-4 weeks. Now granted some days are just a short 25 minute walk with the dog, but that does include two good hills, so my heart rate does get up a bit. ;)

I'm continuing with the heavy and slow type of workout - also doing slow for sit-ups - and I feel this is giving my muscles a much-needed change of pace. I feel a little sore after every workout which is what I'm looking for. But I want to work on a superset routine to throw in one day a week so that my muscles don't get too used to any one routine.

And I did Pilates on Sunday - it's one of my goals that I never get around to! I really love Pilates for a great ab workout.

I miss going out to dance. Seems like I only get to do it at weddings and those are few and far between these days!!

Charisse- if we ever find a weekend that works, I say we go dancing at the midwest klatch ;)


Me too, me too! Love to dance, miss it a lot. I wish I was in a more central location - I'd love to have everyone here. But between location and Williamsport not being a real happening town.......there are much better options! ;)

OMG, are my arms weak! I don't even want to tell you how many pushups I could do, and I had to switch to knees-down instead of having just hands & toes on the floor.

I have started doing pushups and I am shocked at how weak my upper body (chest specifically) is right now! I can only muster about 6 or 7 in a row! :eek:

TK45 - I hope my suggestions/observations on last week's thread didn't come off sounding too harsh - I just wanted to throw some stuff out there as food for thought. :) Sounds like you are on the right track.

Today I am planning a four mile walk. My I keep forgetting to charge my iPod, so I hope it lasts the whole time!

[KristiB]

I started doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video last week. It looks easy but it's decepetively hard. I feel shredded afterwards but probably not the kind they're talking about. :D

I've definitely noticed a difference. I wouldn't say it's fun but at least the torture goes by really fast. :D

Thre are pushups. I have to use push-up handlebars because of a wrist problem. I'm getting much better at them though.

[testkitchen45]

Mornin' everyone. :) . . . TK45 - I hope my suggestions/observations on last week's thread didn't come off sounding too harsh - I just wanted to throw some stuff out there as food for thought. :) Sounds like you are on the right track.

Mornin', yourself. ;) There's no chance your comments came off harsh--in fact, I've been meaning to reread that thread b/c it had so many encouraging suggestions & ideas. :)

Went to the gym again last night. Achieved 20 leg lifts in the chair of death. Arms sore today. DH is very encouraging about weight loss; he said don't even think about it until I max out the weight I can lift, so that when the diet clamps down & I start losing weight, I'll reveal actual muscle instead of being thin & flabby. Sounds like a plan. But he agrees that I should hit the cardio on our off days, just don't slash the calories while I'm trying to build up weights--be smart about eating but don't go all lettuce-leaf on him. :D

Happy midweek, everyone! :)

[avariell]

testkitchen - my favorite benefit from working out is being able to eat more - LOL! The more muscle you have from lifting, the more calories you will burn at rest. I wholeheartedly agree about not going all lettuce leaf ;) I haven't cut my calories significantly while working with my personal trainer, just changed the order I eat them in by usually splitting them into several meals instead of 3 big ones (I actually feel like I am eating more). Of course I didn't start that until I had been working out consistently for about 7 months. I didn't want "dieting" to interfere with my dedication to working out. I think you are totally on the right track. Congrats on the chair o' death success! I bet you could beat me on that thing.

Kay- everytime you post, I want to buy a wii! Stop it ;)

Valerie- I must've jinxed myself yesterday about wind. It was so insanely windy here- the air temperature wasn't that cold but the wind just whipped through me (and I only had a sweater jacket on :()

Charisse- I hope Sam is feeling better today.

Alysha- We will dance! and we will figure this dumb klatch out. Good luck on your walk today. I wish music helped me exercise.

Kristi- I am glad to see you join the thread :) Shredded can be good as long as you can still walk afterwards. Or sit down to pee! When I first started doing really challenging leg workouts, I nearly died everytime I had to drop down to the toilet ;)

Phew. sorry for my long-windedness. I am usually fairly bored at work so I use the bb as my entertainment :D

Ballet was fun last night. We learned a new routine to a really pretty version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I cannot pirouette for sh!t and that really frustrates me. I should probably spend some time on it at home or at the gym on my own. Maybe I will take my ballet shoes to the gym tonight - how dorky would that be?? :)

[srahndennis]

Hi, everyone! Seems like I've been way too busy the last couple of weeks!!! Goodness. I'm keeping up with workouts fairly well. I think I did Pyramids Lower Body on Friday and Imax 2 on Saturday.

Then yesterday did the first workout of Cathe's new STS series!! I really liked the workout. It was paced very well - I only had to stop once to change the weight on my barbell. I didn't do the 1RM testing (seemed too much trouble) but guessed what I thought I could do. Based on the weight recommended for the first workout, I think my guesses were pretty good! The production quality is great and I love how they tell you what the next exercise is and how much time is left until it starts. I'm a little sore but not too bad - exactly what I'd hoped for.

Another first for today -- I tried a Cardio Coach workout on the treadmill. My DH runs but I don't really have the stamina for it. And I get bored. So I tried one of these MP3 workouts. Coach Sean guides you through the entire thing. There are hill challenges, etc. The time went by much, much faster and I paced myself better than when I'm on my own. I ran (ok, jogged) for 35 minutes which is a huge accomplishment for me!! I can already feel it in my legs, though. I'm going to be hurting tomorrow.

Charrise - It's nice to have a little extra workout time, huh? But I do hope Sam is feeling better. Is he the one who wears glasses? My DS got glasses in December. We also got him some sports goggles but wouldn't you know he was hit with a tennis ball wearing his other glasses before they were ready!

Josie -- You are doing such a great job varying your activities. And you get huge bonus points for the high heels!! Ouch!

Alysha -- Good job on your workouts. Yes, Supersets is a Cathe workout. Most of the stuff I do is hers. I just really like her style and she challenges me. Supersets is one of her easier full body workouts. I'll do that one to come back if I've been slacking off. I'm now committed to her new STS program. 3 1/2 months of three day splits! It's going to take a huge effort to stay on track but I'm going to do it. I'll fill in cardio on 2 - 3 other days.

Valerie -- You're bike ride sounds fun but not at that temperature. I'm a cold wimp. Good thing I live in Texas, huh? I was really proud of my leg work with the Pyramids on Friday. Increased my weights with squats and lunges and finished all the reps. I was sore but not bad at all. Maybe I'm getting better?

TK -- Don't sweat the pushups! I do mostly bent knees, too. Cathe's first STS workout had so many pushups staggered through it, I though I was going to die. I think there were 98 or something crazy like that. I did all of them bent kneed and considered myself lucky to have finished them all. Based on feedback from others who did the workout, I think there are many, many people who can't do them on their toes.

[srahndennis]

Kristi -- I forgot to "introduce" myself. Nice to have you join us!

[testkitchen45]

I cannot pirouette for sh!t . . .

I'm sorry, but the juxtaposition of fancy-schmancy "pirouette" with "sh!t" in the same sentence just cracked me up. :D

Back to our thread . . .

[cniles]

ARGH I'm ready to throw my computer through the window!! Having server issues - taking FOREVER to load - only getting half pages etc.. I need to call Comcast but don't seem to have the time!!!

Anyway - Sam stayed home with MIL today - better but decided to let him get rid of all the tummy stuff!!

I did Coremax #1 this afternoon - my butt and legs are sore from the last couple of days. Giving myself a break.

Wow - you guys are busy!! Everyone sounds like they are doing great :) Welcome Kristi!!

Stacy - we need to get Sam sports goggles as he is playing baseball this spring. Did you go through your optomitrist or somewhere like Walmart or Pearl?? I've heard they cost about $100 and like the look of the goggles vs the deck tech - they look like a scuba mask instead.

Gotta run guys! More personals later!!

[SueK]

Hi all!

I'm back on the thread after a week of somewhat bad luck. First we lost power last Thursday so no workouts then. Then my computer and I both came down with viruses. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I was computerless until late last night. My laptop ended up being toast from what had infected it, so we had to get a new one, which I'm now using. And I am over whatever sinus/throat issues I had, so I'm back in the swing of things on all fronts. yeah!

I have not had a chance to use my new Cathe step DVD yet cause of the aforementioned issues, but my plan is to do it Friday while Sammy's at preschool. Or maybe I'd better wait until Saturday in case I keel over while doing it, cause then DH will be home to help me. ;)

[LakeMartinGal]

I was surprised to see that a couple of you are sore after you workout... Our aerobics instructor really emphasizes the merits of stretching after a workout. Now, it may be that our workouts are not so intense as yours, but all soreness is gone after a couple of hours, and I've been attributing it to the stretches we do...

[lindrusso]

I was surprised to see that a couple of you are sore after you workout... Our aerobics instructor really emphasizes the merits of stretching after a workout. Now, it may be that our workouts are not so intense as yours, but all soreness is gone after a couple of hours, and I've been attributing it to the stretches we do...

I do try to stretch a bit before and after. I think there's a good sore and a bad sore. A bad sore is when you feel like you can't keep working out because it hurts too much. A good sore is when you just feel like you've had a good workout - your muscles are just a little sore - like you can tell you worked them out - but nothing that would keep you from doing a workout. I tend to get sore when trying new things or when I really kick up my strength/weight training. I think it's pretty normal, even if you do stretch out.

[srahndennis]

Charrise -- We got Kyle's goggles through our optometrist but it's a no-brainer. DH's sister is the office manager there so we're on the "family plan". She gets us all kind of great deals. I paid about $140 total for 2 pairs of glasses and the sports glasses. I'm not familiar with the deck tech but I do like his sports goggles. They look pretty good, all things considered.

Urgh!!! Comcast! They are what led us to Verizon FIOS!!!

Kay - You are so right that stretching does help with muscle soreness but it doesn't always eliminate it completely. I always stretch after I work out -- I'm too afraid not to. If I'm really pushing myself, though, or doing a new type of exercise, I'm going to be sore. To be honest, if it's *mild*, I enjoy it -- makes me feel like I'm really working!! :D

Sue -- Glad you're feeling better but so sorry about your computer! I'm sure you'll do just fine with your Cathe step dvd. Which one did you get? Are you still working with kettlebells?

[KristiB]

Another first for today -- I tried a Cardio Coach workout on the treadmill. My DH runs but I don't really have the stamina for it. And I get bored. So I tried one of these MP3 workouts. Coach Sean guides you through the entire thing. There are hill challenges, etc. The time went by much, much faster and I paced myself better than when I'm on my own. I ran (ok, jogged) for 35 minutes which is a huge accomplishment for me!! I can already feel it in my legs, though. I'm going to be hurting tomorrow.



Oooh Cardio Coach sounds interesting. How do I get it?

I used to do a lot of Cathe workouts. I'll have to check her out again.

[avariell]

I am pretty much always (good) sore after weight-lifting. I agree with Alysha that it is a good indicator of my workout, and I look forward to the soreness in a certain way :)

This conversation reminded me of an article I read last year in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=stretching&st=cse
So much research is being done regarding stretching and the right way to do it - very interesting to me.

I got 30 mins of elliptical in last night (after getting blood drawn - which was a little weird feeling). I also do a small ab work out - and I was inspired by testkitchen to do 3 sets of 18 (!!!) on the chair of death!

[testkitchen45]

I also do a small ab work out - and I was inspired by testkitchen to do 3 sets of 18 (!!!) on the chair of death!

Hell has officially frozen over. :D I, the newbie, have inspired *anyone* to exercise in *any* way.

YOU all inspire ME. :)

Just reading these threads, I'll be buying Cathe DVDs before I know it. ;)

[srahndennis]

Oooh Cardio Coach sounds interesting. How do I get it?

I used to do a lot of Cathe workouts. I'll have to check her out again.

Check out www.cardiocoach.com

I love Cathe's workouts, too. She really gives you a gym-quality workout at home.

[Cafe Latte]

I started doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video last week. It looks easy but it's decepetively hard. I feel shredded afterwards but probably not the kind they're talking about. :D

I've definitely noticed a difference. I wouldn't say it's fun but at least the torture goes by really fast. :D

Thre are pushups. I have to use push-up handlebars because of a wrist problem. I'm getting much better at them though.


I'm interested in this DVD. What else can you tell me about it? What are the differences have you noticed already? I need more in my workout and this may be it.

[KristiB]

There are 3 workeouts each about 30 minutes.

Level 1 is the easiest and level 3 is the hardest.

The workout is cardio interval training. Jumping jacks followed by a weight/lunge move followed by jump roping followed by abs etc....there are no breaks.

My cardio level is up and I noticed I'm more sculpted looking.

I do a longer warm up and cool down than she does. There's not much of either of those there.

I think it's too short to be considered a total workout so I combine it with treadmill/elliptical routines.

I looked at Cathe's STS. Looks great but unfortunately I can't afford it right now.

Cardio Coach looks awesome! And I can afford it! :)

[Valerie226]

I get sore pretty regularly, whether I stretch or not. Cathe puts a warm up at the beginning and a stretch at the end of all her workouts but if it's a tough workout, I get sore anyway. I try to adjust workouts so I get a little sore... to the degree where I'd be Ok with repeating the same workout in 3 days, but not so sore that I can't look at the blasted thing for a week. with that in mind I've been doing squats and lunges regularly and the last time I didn't get sore at all so it's almost time to increase the intensity.

I'm looking forward to hearing about Cathe's STS. I wasn't sure so I didn't "invest" in it but if I start hearing really great things, then maybe. the different cycles are available for $129 each, making it a little easier if you are unsure if the program will be one you'll use.

I won't be around for a week.. going to go on a winter vacation xcskiing and snowshoeing. :) See you all in a while.

[srahndennis]

I did STS Disc 2 this morning -- back & tripceps. Nice workout. I didn't have anything to do the pullups and chinups with (not that I could do them, anyway) so I subbed other exercises there.

Valerie -- So far (all two discs :rolleyes:) I like STS. The weights seem just a tad light on some exercises so far (I didn't do 1RM testing -- I just guessed) but over time you increase the weight you are lifting so I think I'm okay. You do have to commit to it three days per week but the way you've used the GS series, I could see you doing something like this.

Enjoy your vacation!!

Kristi -- I saw that Cardio Coach was offering 50% off when you buy 4 MP3s. Thought I'd let you know in case you didn't see it. Not that I can run...er, jog for an hour but I'm thinking about getting some more.

[Valerie226]

stacy.. I have a birthday coming up and am thinking about STS as a present ... DH would get it for me if I asked. I'm just not sure. please keep reporting back. I have a month to decide.
you're right...I'm happy with GS but a different workout each day has a nice ring to it. I've been mixing it up, not getting sick of any workout and it's nice in a way to do the same routine because I can tell progress.

Pullups and chinups?? :eek:Not a chance in the world.... I don't have a place either. used to have a chinup bar and never got the slightest bit of upward movement. I think the doorjamb started to split and we took it down. I'm just proud I can do some pushups!

So please keep reporting on how you like STS even if I don't respond for a week or so.

[SueK]

I had a good workout this morning! I tried out my new Cathe Step DVD and it was a lot of fun. I haven't done any of her workouts before but I think she's a great instructor. I'm looking forward to doing this again, and want to check out some of her other DVDs.

After that I did weights for upper body and then some abs.