July Challenge - Week 2

[Molli526]

Hello!

Again Sneezles, Yay for the weight loss!! All that hard work is paying off.


I got in my 5 workouts last week. Saturday, it just was not happening for me to do something :o

My goal this week is 5. I did the 50 minute Winsor Pilates yesterday and it was great.

What are your goals for the week?

[SandyM]

Susan, congratulations on your loss!! :D

Molli - great job with your workouts. It was hot and sticky, wasn't it? I walked both days, but it wasn't easy. I only did it because I had a really ugly food weekend. :confused:

Goals this week are 6/7. I'm checking out a new gym in Brighton, called Lady of America, or something like that. I drove over there yesterday, but they're closed on Sundays. I peered in the window, and it's nothing like Curves (I visited a Curves location and it didn't knock me out). This is a huge place with a ton of equipment and about 6 different classes offered every day.

Onward and upward (or, rather, downward ;) ) everyone! :D

[aggie94]

I finished last week with 4 workouts, just shy of my goal of 5. And I have no excuses. I was just feeling lazy on Saturday and Sunday and didn't go to the gym. But I did get two Body Pump classes and two good runs in last week. I'll try for 5 again this week.

[RebeccaT]

Well, last week was a wash. For the first time in ages, I got in fewer than three workouts in a week. It will make it very hard to achieve my July goal of 20+ workouts, but I will keep plugging away. This week will be tough too - I am in a wedding in North Carolina on Saturday, Friday will be spent ALL DAY flying, in rehearsal, at rehearsal dinner, etc. Saturday I am booked w/ bridesmaid stuff from 9AM on... maybe, just maybe, I can get in a workout that morning. So my goal is to workout every day between now and Thursday... I did some strength training work at home yesterday, so I am 1/1 so far this week!

Way to go on the loss, sneezles! Sometimes it just all falls off at once like that! :)

[shoefling]

Hey everyone! It has been hot and humid, humid, humid here! I can stand the heat but this humidity is killing me! I did go for a run yesterday morning. It was warm and humid and my legs felt tired but I got it done! At least it clouded up about halfway through and there was a little breeze so it was tolerable. DH and I also went for a walk last evening. Tonight will either be a run by myself or a walk with DH. And I plan on running in the AM. So my goal is for at least 4 workouts this week. So far so good!

[JenniferJJ]

Hi Everybody,
Well, I got in about an hour of rollerblading last Thursday evening. Then I worked in the garden for about two hours Saturday. Saturday was just the perfect day here - not too hot with a breeze. Yesterday, though, whew. I worked in the garden but feel that wasn't really the best workout - it was so hot and humid that I really was shoveling slowly and taking lots of breaks.

Thursday after work I finally quit my old gym. Hopefully I will have some time to join the new one later this week or next.

Susan,
Congrats on the weight loss!! I must admit that I'm struggling with no A/C. If that was my only issue, I would be fine because I grew up with no air - just always had the windows open. However, I live in a ranch, so feel nervous with windows open at night or when I'm away. So, as soon as I get home, I open all the windows and then close them right before I go to bed. I do have a ceiling fan, but sometimes that's too noisy for me. My goal is to sell my house and move into another one that has A/C this year. The houses in the neighborhood I'm looking at also have basements, a brick face, a dishwasher and an attached garage. We'll see...I have some projects I feel I need to do before I'm ready to put it on the market. Oh, and I like the idea of getting someone else to do the work near the poison ivy. Since I'm not sure how I got mine, Saturday I put on a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.

Thanks for the food suggestions. I've been able to maintain my weight since last week.

Rebecca,
Maybe you can get in a walk after the rehersal dinner? Hope you have fun in NC.

Hi Molli, Eva, Sarah and Sandy.

My goal is still 3xs. I hope to get in a walk tonight. Wednesday I have a doctor appointment in the morning so I'm thinking of taking the afternoon off for errands, which would give me some time to go rollerblading. My other goals include more fruits/vegies and four glasses of water/day.

[sneezles]

Jennifer,
I'm just the opposite from you as far as feeling safer in the country. While we do have A/C I don't lock any doors or windows, not even when we go to bed! You could put in a window unit to survive until you find a new place!

Did the 55 minutes cardio sculpt this morning. Tried to up the weights from 10# to 15# (each hand) for squats but couldn't even get up off the stool :o :p :rolleyes: !!! Then I started laughing so hard DH came in to see if I was all right! Didn't even think about using the 12#rs!!

[JenniferJJ]

Oh Susan, I'm sorry, I meant a ranch-style house, but I live in the surburbs. I live on a main road and don't know my neighbors super-well. The neighborhood I'm looking at is the kind where everyone knows each other real well. I would feel real safe there. I have two married-couple friends who live there and then through them have gotten to know some of the other neighbors. I know what you mean though about feeling safer in the country: I lived in Amarillo for nine months and was invited to a ranch of one of my friends an hour away. It was a pretty neat experience for this suburb girl. Nobody needed to lock anything. Nothing's ever happened to me physically, but I do take my cell phone with me everyone - walking, rollerblading, biking - just to be sure. I did have my car stolen (recovered after $1500 worth of damage) and my mountain bike stolen - both from my parents house in an even nicer city, so I have personal experience to teach me to lock everything.

[sneezles]

OK, I agree about safety in that situation. When we still ived in Houston I kept all the doors and windows locked even while I was home during the day and didn't answer the door if I didn't know who was on the other side!

[Molli526]

Well, I am 2/2.

It wasn't the greatest, but 100x better than the nothing I wanted to do. I took Max for a 2 mile walk. Halfway through our loop is Main St. A motorcycle spooked him so we ran all the way home. I am more proud of the dog for running a mile in this heat than I am that I exercised. But, b/c I didn't want to, I am counting, and it was 2 miles.

[sneezles]

Molli,
I would certainly count that walk/run! 2 miles is great!

I went for a walk tonight but don't know how far I went will have to clcok with the car next time I'm out driving. The rain had dropped the temp down to 80º and there was a wonderful breeze so even though the humidity was still a bit high I enjoyed being able to walk outside! Normally at this time of year it's still up around 90º at 7:00 and very humid.

[JenniferJJ]

Good Morning!

Yes, Molli, I'd certainly count your 2 mile run/walk.

Susan,
That's great that you had a breeze so walking outside was enjoyable. I lived in San Antonio for six months several years ago. I loved in January when I moved there, but boy was the humidity miserable in July.

Well, I finally approached my yard work with the right work-out attitude. I had to clear some leaves from under some shrubs. Normally I approach yard work with a dreaded "this is so much work and I'm never going to finish" attitude and so I force myself to work for a few hours or until it gets dark. Last night, I just told myself this was my work-out and that I only needed to do it for 30 minutes. Then I worked so much quicker and believe I got more done that I usually do in 1.5 hours! I had to clear some leaves from under some shrubs and then rake them - something that could be done quickly and not with much straining or heavy lifting. Then I came in and took a shower and slept so much better and so was able to get up earlier, too! Tonight my mom and I might plant some perenials - and lots of them - in a big area that I dug up. That's IF it doesn't rain tonight.

[SandyM]

<gulp>

I had a run-in with some frozen custard last night. :o But - I can look at it this way - it's not like I'm never going to eat ice cream again! The horrors! ;)

I'm checking out that gym tonight, and before I go, I'm stopping home to get workout clothes. The woman I spoke to on the phone yesterday used to work here, so she's excited about meeting me, and she really got me pumped up about it. :)

[sneezles]

Originally posted by SandyM
<gulp>

I had a run-in with some frozen custard last night. :o But - I can look at it this way - it's not like I'm never going to eat ice cream again! The horrors! ;)

Well, his buddy's not looking too happy about that run-in either! ;)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid69/p4d6ac9c10d4f2023b4d94f782d142a3b/fbb9bfa5.jpg.thumb.jpg

Well, he's not as cute without the animation but can't figure tht part out!!!


Did the Belly Dancing for Beginners and abdominals. Need to advance on the belly dancing as it just isn't long enough these days to keep my THR up long enough.[

[RebeccaT]

Did biceps and back yesterday at the gym. But then last night I had some stair issues (I missed the last step going down, and came down really hard on my right foot/ankle) and I think I hyper-extended it. :( It still hurts today. This AM, DH decided that I should ice it... fine and dandy, except his version of "icing" means plunging entire foot and ankle into a bucket of ice water. YIKES! It hurt worse than my ankle! I couldn't stand it, so I used an ice pack instead. He laughed and told me he had always heard that women have a higher pain threshold than men... I said "THAT IS NOT THE REGION WHERE WE CAN BEAR PAIN!!" :rolleyes: :o

I can put weight on it fine, but I am a little dicey going down stairs, and it's still a little painful. I am going to try doing the ellpitical trainer tonight and see how it goes, if that doesn't work I'll do the recumbant bike.

Sandy, no worries about frozen custard. It's not the beginning of a downward spiral, it's an isolated incident, and besides... a treat every now and then does NOT mean the undoing of all your progress!!!

Way to go on your walk/run, Molli!

[SandyM]

Cute, Susan. :D :D I know it's not a horrible thing. My obsession started right around dinnertime. Must. Have. Ice cream. I was on a mission. :)

Ouch, Rebecca - I hope that ankle/foot thing heals up quickly! Aren't DH's funny...... :rolleyes: ;) :D :D :D

[shoefling]

Well, I didn't get any exercise in yesterday. DH and I were planning on going for a walk after supper but then it decided to start lightening out. So those plans were cancelled. I suppose I could have walked on the treadmill, but I didn't. I had also planned to get up early this morning and run but I woke up to thunderstorms. So that was out. I wanted to do 4 miles and I hate going that long on the treadmill. I am hoping that it will clear off enough this afternoon to fit in a run outside, otherwise I will have to hop on the treadmill after all. One good thing about the rain, it has cooled off around here!

Rebecca, Sorry to hear about your ankle/foot! Hope it feels better soon!

Molli, I would definitely count the run/walk. In my book it ALL counts!

Jennifer, Way to go on getting the yardwork done quickly! Isn't it funny how we can trick ourselves into getting things done?

Sandy, That talk about ice cream is making me hungry for some! Must quiet the voice!

Have a great day everyone!

Sarah

[shoefling]

I got my run in tonight! 4 miles! WOOHOO!!!

Sarah

[aggie94]

I met up with a friend to run last night. She and I used to run this 3-mile loop together last summer and fall, and we hadn't gotten together since probably October. Holy cow, she kicked my butt! I used to leave her behind at about the last mile, but this time she did it to me. :o She's been training and is in way better shape than I am now. We have plans to run together twice a week - I think it will be good for both of us, as we keep each other motivated.

Nothing today. :( I had to fly to Fort Worth for work, and even though I got back at a decent hour (6:00), flying just takes it out of me. And I haven't been sleeping well lately. I'll get back in the groove tomorrow with a Body Pump class.

1/2 so far this week. :)

[sneezles]

This morning I did the Tough Tape 2 again and was tempted to quit about half way through but stayed with it and now feel better than before I started.
I was looking through all the old videos hoping to find an old cardio one I've had for years. Couldn't find it but found a copy of Jane Fonda's Workout. Put it in the vcr and was LMAO! Plus alot of the things she does are now considered harmful (like bouncing while stretching).

[RebeccaT]

Rode the bike last night, but I must not have had the resistance up high enough b/c it wasn't as good a workout as usual. Also did 3 sets of 18 military pushups. Hoping I can squeeze out 3 set of 20 tomorrow. :)

My ankle is feeling much better today! It's amazing how fast it healed!

Today is chest and triceps. Might add on a little cardio since last night wasn't that hard. :(

[lhall]

So I'm only 1/4 so far this week and only because it was hot and we went to the pool last night. I did do a few laps too.

[JenniferJJ]

Rebecca,
So glad to hear your ankle is healing. That just sounded painful.

Leigh,
All your pool trips sound fun.

Sarah,
Glad to hear you got your run in.
Sandy,
I understand about the custard. I have an obsession with ice cream. Every week I get a half gallon of whatever premium ice cream is on sale at Meijer or Farmer Jack.

Susan,
That Jane Fonda tape reminded me of all the leg warmers people used to wear then! Funny! Cute picture!

Eva,
Good to hear about your new running partner to keep you motivated.

My mom and I were planting last night and then had dinner with my dad. Just as they left my house, it started raining. Happily, perfect timing! I was too tired to water the plants I just planted. I would count last night as a workout (okay, maybe a half) since it just didn't seem like enough work, but at least it was physical activity. Saturday, if the weather will cooperate, I'll go kayaking

[HARRYET]

Hi everyone!

You gals really kick some butt! I'm glad to read that you gals are getting your workouts in, (something is always better then nothing).

I begged off on Sunday and Monday, but got in some weight training Tuesday night and today more weight training and 50 mins on the treadmill. So I won't make my original goal of working out everyng day in July from the 1st to the 27th when we go out of town, but if I can keep myself motivated 25 out of 31 will be great!

Have a good week everyone! Ann :cool:

[Molli526]

Well, somewhere deep inside, I found the motivation to workout. I got in my body sculpting. I don't know what is with me this week, but I DO NOT want to work out. AUGH! Bad Molli! I am 3/3 and will try to find the strength somewhere to get in 2 more.

[aggie94]

Ugh. I had a cruddy workout yesterday. I went to Body Pump class, and things were going fine for awhile. About halfway into the class, I started feeling really nauseous and thought I was going to throw up. :eek: I hadn't been to this class since last Wednesday, so if anything, I went a little lighter on weights than usual. I don't think I was overdoing it, but I have been REALLY tired lately. I've gotten very little sleep in the last week. Maybe my body was rebelling.

Anyway, the last two sets of exercises were pretty much a wash, although I got a decent workout for the first half of class. I wonder if I didn't just eat something bad for lunch, as I felt mostly fine last night.

I am exhausted today. I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night, and now I'm kicking myself that I told my friend I would meet her to run this evening. I don't want to bail on her, so I'll go and try to keep up, but I have a feeling tonight's workout will be more like a 3-mile walk than a run. Still better than nothing.

[RebeccaT]

Molli, I just think that sometimes our bodies rebel against us! You've been working really hard, it's ok for you to be "going through the motions" a bit this week. I think the fact that you are staying in the habit of working out, even if you are having to struggle with motivation, will keep you primed and ready for when your motivation returns!

I had a good chest and triceps workout yesterday - I reached a personal best on the bench press! :D I was able to do 6 reps at 80 lbs., barely squeezing out the last one but I made it (don't worry, I had a spotter)!

Today I am going to go to the gym at lunchtime - this afternoon I have a haircut, and I have a lot to do to get ready to go out of town this weekend.

Happy Thursday, all!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
I reached a personal best on the bench press! :D I was able to do 6 reps at 80 lbs., barely squeezing out the last one but I made it (don't worry, I had a spotter)!

Way to go, Rebecca - that's awesome!!! :)

[SandyM]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
I had a good chest and triceps workout yesterday - I reached a personal best on the bench press! :D I was able to do 6 reps at 80 lbs., barely squeezing out the last one but I made it (don't worry, I had a spotter)!

Have mercy - that's great, Rebecca!!

<gulp> I joined a gym.

I go today to be "assessed". I'll try to hold steady when they give me my body fat percentage. :o ;)

I'm really excited. I've never been IN a gym, much less joined. This is an all-chick gym, and the owners have guaranteed my success. :D

No pool, but any kind of class you could think of - which is the main reason why I joined.

Eva - you need sleep! Go for that run (or walk, if it should be), and try to be in bed by 10:00 tonight. TRY!! :)

Molli - dig deep! You have it in you, I know you do! Get through this week, and you'll feel better. Lets compare notes on Sunday. :)

[Molli526]

Way to go Rebecca! WOWZA!!!!


Sandy, I think your gym sounds great. I can't wait to hear all about it. I love classes too.

[RebeccaT]

I knew this would happen. Too much c**p around here, didn't make it to the gym, and now I don't have time before I have to leave this afternoon to get haircut, pick up bridesmaid dress from alterations shop, run to drugstore, etc.

Oh well. I've gotten in 4 workouts this week. I am so not going to make my July goal, though... don't kick me off the thread! :( :o

[Molli526]

Never, you are too much of an inspiration :D

[SandyM]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
Oh well. I've gotten in 4 workouts this week. I am so not going to make my July goal, though... don't kick me off the thread! :( :o

Hah. Nice try, chickaboom. You're stuck here. :p :D

[SandyM]

First session after orientation at the gym yesterday - have MERCY.

One of the owners convinced me to try her spin class. I obviously came ill prepared, since I had no idea what I was going to do that evening, and I didn't know what to expect with spinning. I had no water. No towel. And bad clothes for that kind of class (big t-shirt and baggy shorts). She brought me a bottle of water, and then she proceeded to kick my but ROYALLY.

I was ready to bail after the first 15 minutes. There were women in that class that had at least 40 lbs. on me, and they were going like women obsessed! I hung in there though, with everyone's encouragement, and boy am I glad I did. :) I have never, ever sweat like that in my entire life. Whew!

Everyone told me once I started spinning, I'd be hooked. I can see that happening. Once my cheeks start to heal......:o ;)

Gonna try to spin twice a week, and mix it up a few other days.

Endorphins ROCK!! WE ROCK!!! :D :D :D

Happy Friday, everyone! :)

[sneezles]

Originally posted by SandyM
Everyone told me once I started spinning, I'd be hooked. I can see that happening. Once my cheeks start to heal......:o ;)

LOL! Who woulda thunk anyone would want calluses on their rear! :p

Yesterday I did the Cardio Sculpt but today I'm taking the day off since it's my birthday and I really think my body needs the break :( !

Have a great weekend all!

[Molli526]

Yay Sandy!!! It does take a day to get your cheeks in order after the first time. Next time, you'll be just fine :)

[SandyM]

Originally posted by Molli526
Yay Sandy!!! It does take a day to get your cheeks in order after the first time. Next time, you'll be just fine :)

Hey Molli! :)

You spin? I didn't know that. Or maybe I didn't remember it. :rolleyes: ;) Anyway, the owner/instructor said "the third time's a charm", and the girls that have only been participating for 4-5 times were all able to keep up. It gives me hope. :D

Definitely need to get some decent workout clothes, though. Target? Any thoughts? I don't care what they look like - this isn't a fashion statement, it's a comfort/functionability statement. :D :D :D

[Molli526]

I used to when I belonged to a gym. Loved it.

[SandyM]

Happy birthday, Susan!

http://aunimages.animfactory.com/animations/animals/dogs/binkys_birthday_cake_lg_wht.gif

[Molli526]

Happy Birthday Susan!!

[Molli526]

Well, I just got in another body sculpt. That puts me at 4 for the week. Yay!

[JenniferJJ]

Happy Birthday Susan!!!

Yay for trying the gym and the spin class Sandy!

Hopefully it will not rain tomorrow and then I can go kayaking with a friend at a small lake at a local park here (for Molli and Sandy - Kensington Metro Park is the plan). That's IF it doesn't rain.

[lhall]

Happy Birthday Susan!!!

I've been avoiding this thread, but my old workouts just weren't challenging me anymore. I got a Firm Parts Hips, Buns & Thighs workout. I couldn't do it all, but I did do most of it. I also got Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss. I may do that tomorrow.

That makes me 2/4 this week and we might go to the pool later if it doesn't rain.

Leigh

[sneezles]

Thanks all for the birthday wishes and for the cake, Sandy!

Leigh,
Does the Firm workout you got use the Fannylifter? How long is it? I have ordered the Fannylifter because right now I'm using a 13.5" stool that doesn't break down but this company is really slow with deliveries but I love the workouts!

[Molli526]

I love, love, love my fanny lifter/ Firm tapes. I have all the newer ones, well since the body sculpting system that came out a couple of years ago. I rotate the tapes.

[shoefling]

Just checking in!

Happy Belated Birthday Susan!

I only got three runs in this week, one shy of my goal. But I hope to get a walk or something in later today. Still, I am happy with what I accomplished. So on to next week!

Sarah

[SandyM]

Another spin class happened today, and I'm proud to say I made it through again! I'm going to target for twice a week (spinning). The owner of the gym said I should be all "caught up" in a month if I keep that schedule. They climb hills standing up, and I stand up for part of the time, sit for part of it. I'm easing myself in. The legs still spin like crazy, and I increase the tension when they shout it out, but I can't hold myself up for the entire time quite yet. I sure can feel a difference! :)

Here's to next week, ladies. Once again, may I reiterate:

We rock!!! :D :D :D

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Molli526
I love, love, love my fanny lifter/ Firm tapes. I have all the newer ones, well since the body sculpting system that came out a couple of years ago. I rotate the tapes.

I wish mine would get here! Can't believe they take 4-6 weeks, it's been just about 5 so I keep hoping...
I ordered the BSS2 with the lifter, sculpting stick and 4 DVDs. I have 7 videos that I rotate except for the 5-day abs which I use every other day (but only one day's workout).
This morning I did the Body Sculpt. Good workout but not as intense as either the Cardio Sculpt or Tough Tape 2.

[Molli526]

I have both sets of videos and really love the ones with the sculpting stick. I hope you will be as happy as I have been.

I got these extra and like these. They use the sculpting stick too.

http://www.firmdirect.com/images/08-02892.jpg

[Molli526]

Susan,

I have these tapes too.


The New Super Set 6-Pack

GET FIRM with the new FIRM Super Set 6-pack, which includes: SuperBody Sculpt, Super Cardio Sculpt, Cardio Sculpt Blaster, Body Sculpt Blaster, Lower Body Sculpt I and Lower Body Sculpt II.
In this fabulous pack you will be able to maximize you cardio and your toning while burning fat. Workout with a variety of different workouts led by your favorite Master Instructors: Lisa Kay, Nancy Tucker, Stephanie Corely and Libby Heath.

http://www.firmdirect.com/images/08-02208.jpg

[sneezles]

OK, Mollie, you have now made me want to hunt down my UPS guy!!!

Did Tough Tape 2 this morning and it was a bit tough but managed to get through! Then did some gardening...weeds are growing very well even if the flowers aren't!

[lhall]

Sneezles,

Sorry I haven't been online for a while. No, this doesn't have fannylifter. I don't even know that that is. The whole workout is 34 minutes and is beginner to advanced. The Advanced just ads weights. Right now I have 3lb weights, but I might get heavier ones. I didn't do the whole workout the first time. It's 34 minutes total. I wasn't stiff the next day, but I was a little sore for a couple of days.

Leigh