Home Workout Enthusiasts Week of June 15th

[srahndennis]

Hello, everyone! Today was Cathe's Cardio & Weights. My first step workout in six weeks!! It's my favorite step workout -- lots of fun. I modified a few moves and my knee cooperated for the most part. I feel it a little now but it doesn't hurt; it just feels different. I'm supposed to do Low Impact Circuit on Thursday but it's another step workout. Probably my second favorite but I'm not sure I should do more than one step per week.

Over the weekend, I did Muscle Max and tried Chalene Johnson's Turbo Jam Cardio Party on Sunday. What a blast! It really was a lot of fun. I've never done one of her workouts before but I've heard other people mention them. Now I've ordered a couple of them from Amazon...so much for not getting any new workouts!

How's everyone else doing? Hope the start of the week is good....

[Valerie226]

Hey, Stacy I logged in to start the thread and you already had things going. Yesterday there was some sort of board issue early on and I never got back.

I'm getting loopy, can't remember disk I did, #14 legs? sunday. yes, still feeling the effects of THAT one. What does Cathe say, "you'll remember us tomorrow"? Well, I certainly remember and it's now tuesday. Repeating the same exercises 3x in a row is a nice method, time flies by. plus if you under/over estimate weight there's time to get it right.

Must be a mind game ... I wouldn't start lunges with two 20's but if I get thru the first set with 15's I'm quite willing to move up, and did. If I go heavy the first set I don't want to do any more, period, but starting a little lighter helps. Was feeling so good I did Coremax 2 after, and am amazed that the ball roll-ins that so defeated me are now quite doable. even the pikes. and I haven't been doing core workouts that regularly. Yesterday I got behind and fit in a 30 minute treadmill session. this morning was yoga, hair maintenance, groceries. I think the next upper body one, #15 will be on the agenda today.

Stacy, I'd treat the step workouts gingerly. don't want to repeat the unpleasant knee situation right out of the box especially since you don't know for sure what caused it to act up. The only knee exercise I remember giving me fits were weight machine thigh extensions. weight across your ankles,you lift your feet. that one absolutely killed my knees, they'd ache for days after.

Wish I could do step workouts.... I get tired of the treadmill/elliptical, but I am just pathetic at step of all kinds. beyond pathetic, if there's a word for it.

hope everyone else is doing Ok this week and is just deterred by the boards being out of commission for at least part of yesterday.

[cniles]

Hi guys!

I did my first workout in 2 weeks since being sick - ugh! I did Step, Pump and Jump - I felt shaky on some of the weights.. but have resolved to get back into things!!

Workout is at 8am today :)

Stacy - yes definately be careful. I love that DVD - The Buttercup song just keeps me smiling!!

Valerie - Disc #14, hiking, hair maintenance, lunges.... Love how that was thrown in there!!:) And oh my, lunges with 2 20's!! yikes! You guys amaze me!

**** We got carpet in our basement**** You know what this means!! 2 years of working out in my bedroom is soon over!! We just need to get a TV and I'm moving everything down! It's amazing how it just transforms the basement! yay!:)

[lindrusso]

Stacy - I tried doing one of Cathe's step workouts at home and got all turned around. I'm quite coordinated in class when I'm behind the teacher, but trying to do it with her facing me - I could NOT do it. :o :o

Valerie - I'm with Charisse - 20-pounds for lunges! Yikes. ;) I started one of Cathe's lower body workouts with weights and realized that I'd be much better off doing all the squats and lunges w/o weights first and then add if I can still walk the next day. ;) I have been doing lunges and squats here and there (w/o weights), but I know she'll still kick my butt with them. Sounds like you're doing great!

Charisse - Glad you're feeling better and are able to get back to it. I need to move my weights back downstairs to where it's nice and cool. I didn't want to face the cold basement this winter, so I moved them upstairs.

Well, I'm still behind in my weight workouts but I did my first 2-mile run today! Slowly but surely I'm getting there. I think getting to 3 miles is going to be a bit tougher though.......

I'm just glad I'm doing SOMETHING this summer. I was such a slug last summer. :mad:

Have a great week ladies. :)

[srahndennis]

Yea, Charisse!!! Back to the basement with you! You're going to love that. How I would *love* to have a basement. I hate dragging everything out then putting it away again. Of course, my barbell has become a piece of bedroom furniture. I used to put it away, too -- now I don't bother. Good job on your workout --- glad you're feeling better!

Valerie -- I used to forget what STS disc I was on, too! Glad you like the meso 2 workouts and congrats on 20 lb lunges!! I would get bored with treadmill and eliptical, too. I have to change it up to stay interested. Have you ever tried a Turbo Jam Cardio Party workout? They are like kickboxing but a little more dancy. It's not dance steps but just a little more shakin'. I wouldn't want anyone to see me do it 'cause I know I look ridiculous but it's a little break from Cathe; not quite as tough but still a really good calorie burn.

I have decided not to do the step workout tomorrow. I'll do a 30 weight workout then a 30 minute kickbox instead. I think I'll keep the step to no more than once per week for a while. No sense in pushing fate!

So I've started on the flat belly diet. We have this biggest loser type of challenge going on at work and a friend brought in the book. I think it's a little gimicky but after the first four 1,200 calorie days, it breaks your day into four 400 calorie meals and you're supposed to incorporate a monounsaturated fat with each meal. The diet is clean and it's the first time I've been able to fathom the small meal concept. I think it's something I can actually do most of the time. I did the 1,600 calorie plan over the weekend and felt really good. Never starving and didn't crave carbs like I usually do (sugar, chips, crackers). I do think that I have to do something different for days I will eat out, etc because the overall fat and calories for the day would be way too high otherwise. I'd also like to see if I could eat a little less of the MUFA and maybe a little more of something else, keeping the calories the same. We'll see. I did make an appointment with a dietitian, too, so I'll see what she recommends for me and what she thinks of this eating plan and how I might tweak it.

Whew! Long post! Aren't I chatty today?

[srahndennis]

Alysaha, I think we were posting at the same time!! Congrats on your two miler!!! Very cool!! That's funny about the step video! I never thought of that. I've never taken a step class -- when I used to go to the gym they hadn't even dreamed of step; it was all floor aerobics. So it's never been an issue for me. Keep trying, though, and I think you'll get used to it. Cathe's coreography isn't easy, either; it takes time and practice to learn.

For many years, I had only one step workout. Well, it was my only workout. :) It was Gin Miller's Step Reebok on VHS. DH and I used it so much that we bought it again when it came out on DVD. It's still a good workout but not complicated at all. Cathe, though, is a little different!

[lindrusso]

I think I got that Gin Miller workout when I bought my step - not sure I still have it though. I was able to do that one and a Cher (!) step workout I bought but they are kind of boring. I actually like the more complicated routines (I had an instructor that would turn us around in circles all over the place and I loved it) but I was having a REALLY hard time with the orientation with the DVD.

I dunno. Maybe running is enough for now. ;)

Running's been a bit harder this week because we hiked on Sunday and even though I'm getting in better shape, I am apparently NOT in good hiking shape. My shins and calves are still feeling it!

[srahndennis]

Ha, ha!! Yep, that's the same workout! And I'm still using that same step! :eek: You know, a good Cathe step that's not too complicated is Low Max. It's a lower impact (but don't be fooled) interval workout. The moves are fun but more athletic and might be good middle ground until you get used to the front view.

I hear you about the shin splints! I still get them when I walkt sometimes, too. I do use different shoes (i.e. not my running shoes) for walking and I think that helps.

[cniles]

I have that workout too - it has the drums in it, right?!!

Well I did Power Half Hour this am as I spent too much time on the computer putzing around facebook etc.!!!! Just made it in time to have a quick shower and pick up Jack from soccer practice. I

'm quite proud of him. The middle schoolers are working out with the high schoolers - they are doing cardio (running, doing the bleachers!) abs, push ups, light weights and scrimmages. This will be a great way for him to get in shape for the fall!!

Alysha - I think our body is amazing - using all those different muscles to do different activites. Great job btw on your run!!

Stacy - I really like my workouts that involve kickboxing b/c they really work my core!! Interesting diet. I've never heard of it. But you've obviously done your homework. How much do you want to lose? And I gotta ask... what's MUFA?

[Valerie226]

Alysha.... ITA on working out "opposite" what you're watching. It completely mixes me up if it's step. I can't do it at all!, even simple warm up moves. I get confused and stand there with glazed eyes like I've been hit by a truck. so you're not alone! congrats on the 2 miler. One day you'll feel strong and kick out an extra mile and wonder how come it was so imtimidating.

I started squats /lunges with light or no weight. for most of Cathe's stuff I could not go this heavy. this part of STS is a series of 12, 10, then 8 lunges/squats. none of the "half way up" :eek: stuff, or 24 consequtive reps. I can go heavier than I imagined. For some unknown reason, doing a series of decreasing numbers is way easier for me. Cathe uses a lot of new techniques in this series and I'm very pleased. I don't know the why of it, but I've progressed after plateauing for a long time. I bought 25 lb dumbbells yesterday.... hopeless optimist... I did disk 15 on tuesday along with coremax 3. yesterday didn't do anything, we're truck and camper shopping and it ate up the day.

Today I 'll repeat disk 13. I didn't do that one with the needed intensity and am thinking about a repeat on 14 and 15 too. we're taking a long weekend and will be gone until Wed so repeats seem like a good plan.

Charisse , that's great you can get back to the basement. workout space. I'll bet it's cooler down there too, a big help in summer. Illness always puts a dent in progress but it comes back quickly because the baseline work is there, so you will tune back up in no time.

Stacy, good plan. I'd stick with once a week step until you knee is totally happy again. It's so important to listen to what you body is telling you cause it's usually not wrong.
DH will hang me if I buy any more workout DVDs... the 25 # dumbbells were expensive. I of couse wanted the good rubber/stainless ones.
I have Cathe's KPC that I could do ... that one is about as complicated as I can manage. I am truly unable to do any thing resembling a step workout. I had a Kathy smith VHS tape that I finally tossed. no matter how much I tried, I was just like Trigger when I tried to do it, and the confusion about going opposite the instructor totalled me. I'd get so frustrated it wasn't fun at all. I keep it uncomplicated... as they say, with running ... as long as you remember to alternate feet, you will be OK.

[cniles]

Hey Valerie - be careful with those 25lb weights!! They can put quite a dent on toes!!!:o:D

I did Ultimate Fat Blasting something or other this morning. Light weights and cardio for 50 mins. It feels soooo good to get back in the swing of things!!!

Hey look, the sun is shining after 3 days of rain. Maybe I'll get outside today!!

Have a great one guys!:)

[srahndennis]

Valerie -- I need 25 pounders, too, but I havne't sprung for them yet. I'm spending too much money on new workouts....well, you know, with limited stepping, there's a hole in my library! :D You're repeat plan sounds like a good one. Enjoy the long weekend!

Oh, the thing that I liked about the Turbo Jam was that it was even LESS complicated than KPC - at least for me. I did it without a preview and got it pretty quick.

Charisse -- I guess everyone has that workout!!! It's definatley the one with the drums.

You asked what a MUFA is -- it's just an abbreviation for monounsaturated fat. So you add nuts, oil, olives, chocolate or avacado to each meal. Cheese is very limited (I assume because of the saturated fat) which is probably good for me. I eat too much of it. I'd *really* like to lose 20 lbs but I'd be happy to just see the scale going down for more than one week in a row! I feel like I workout hard and pretty consistently but the weight just doesn't move. When I've tracked calories or done WW (albeit not religiously), I don't seem too out of whack but I guess it's just not good enough. I dunno -- we'll see how this works. It makes sense to me and I think I can do it most of the time. I think the book came out last year.

Today I did KCM Kickbox #2 and Bootcamp Weight Premix. I'd never done the weights before. Some different exercises & ways of doing them than what Cathe usually does.

I probably won't be around tomorrow. It's my day to chaperone at Cub Scout Camp. Wish me luck -- we'll be outside all day; it's HOT (95!); and I just don't have a lot of patience with some of our boys!! :eek:

[Jessica]

Hey all...this thread is so inspirational. You all do some amazing work.

I am still doing my every-other-day video and I am up to about half an hour each time. I know that is far from where I need to be but also far from what I was doing a few months ago...namely, nothing. So I am happy about it. I am going to stick with this plan through June and then try to throw in an extra workout so I am consistently doing 4-5 a week. It sounds like most of you do something every day.

I am getting in at least one long walk each week, too, although the weather is getting nastier and with my DH's travel, it can be hard to get out of the house. My older son is not real keen on stroller rides.

Scale is not moving but I have more energy, and that is a good start.

[cniles]

Jessica - sounds good!! Keep doing what you're doing and up it when you feel like you're ready. Kids definately play a factor in your workout routine. I'm finally at a point where I can workout just about when I want to!!

Stacy - Gotcha! I'll be interested to hear how it goes. I'm another one where my weight has stayed consistent for a couple of years - up and down a couple of pounds...

I walked today - nice, brisk 3.5 mile walk around the park. I did it in 50 mins which isn't bad considering I've been out of the loop for 2 weeks. It felt really good!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Stacy - I hope today went well with the scout stuff!!:)

[srahndennis]

Well, I survived cub scout camp!!! Yea! I got really lucky -- it was just a short day and we had cloud coverage for most of it. So it wasn't nearly as hot as I expected. AND the boys were pretty wiped out after four days of the heat and activity so they were relatively calm. Great combination! I missed my workout yesterday -- DH couldn't sleep so I didn't sleep (we're always in it together, 'ya know?? ;). Anyway, stayed pretty active all day so I don't think it was a great loss.

This morning I did Turbo Jam Cardio Party and tacked on the 20-Minute Turbo Jam after that. We have family coming over to celebrate Father's Day so I better get crackin'!!!

Jessica -- Good job sticking to your plan. You're making progress! Taking it slower is the best way to go. When you try to do too much you just get frustrated or worse yet, injured.

Charisse -- Your walk sounds nice. It always feels better to be back in the groove. Glad you're feeling better!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

[Valerie226]

Thought I'd be gone by now but DH has been sick and so our long weekend may or may not happen. bronchitis type symptoms, not a good thing to have if planning a backpack. may tone down our plans.

Me, redid disk 13 and cranked up the weight and did it properly. much better "feel" to it this time. I'll repeat disk 14 today and 15 whenever. then I'll feel OK about moving on.