DVD/Video/At-Home Exercisers, Week of February 21

[Paula H]

How are my favourite exercise divas this fine day??

Thought I'd drop by, start the thread, and then run off to get dinner heating. I've just finished Karen's Streamline Fitness (well, the first half, the strength training segment) - boy, did I feel those muscles today!! They were giving me the tired/aching message about half way through, but I finished off and now they're feeling tired/happy.

Now I have to get us fed, then it's off to salsa/tango for a couple of hours of cardio (and then home for maybe a little more cardio ;) ).

Oh, just saw Dr Love pedal up the driveway, my time is up, I must go forth and cook!

[Gilgamesh37]

Good morning one and all! Not much on the workout front for me this weekend, lots of relaxing and running around doing house stuff with DBF---did get in Super Cardio yesterday (doing the 2 high impact sections on the rebounder) so I feel like I wasn't a total slug! Hoping for better consistency this week, though.

[sweetpea]

Looks to be a slow start to the week for us exercisers! I got in my power walk this a.m.--did like i did last friday, started on the track (to let everyone else get off the treadmills) for about 15 mins. then did 25 min. on the treadmill at 6.0 incline and 4.2 mph. Felt good and sweaty afterwards, what a workout! I love those treadmills..also got in my ab work.

I took, i think emily's advice, and got some V8 at sam's club..i feel better about my eating now. Just needed to get refocused. The Ma Po Tofu last week was yummy (i reviewed it on Food board) and the Pot Roast from cook's country that i also used to make the beef/barley/mushroom soup was fantastic! I didn't review thesoup, but it was very yummy. I must make it again with better/fancier mushrooms!

This weeks dinner plans:
Tonight: Baked fish (probably the one with mayo/breadcrumbs on top?) and the Yeasted Cornbread from CL12/04

Tomorrow: dinner at my sister's--a lasagna that someone gave me when i was prego :)and the strawberry jelly roll from march CL

Wed.: Crunchy pork chops from cook's country (uses melba toasts) and???? (our first night of our baby signs class!)

Thursday: Chunky 2 bean chili and sour cream/cheddar/green onion drop biscuits from March CL

How was everyones' weekend? i really enjoyed my day off yesterday with a trip to IHOP --you all had me craving it! so DH got the harvest grain pancakes (YUM) and i got the stuffed french toast...holy cow. can you say doughnut stuffed with cream cheese filing? very tasty...thank you all for helping me to give into my craving...now back to your regularly schedule exercise thread :)

[Molli526]

I have set some new goals. I start the week off right (Sun- Tues), then by Wednesday, it goes awry. I am now setting the goal of 4 days of something, 3 days at least 45 minutes.

I shoveled the driveway for 35 minutes this morning.

I also want to get in 2 Firms a week.

Thankfully, the closest IHOP is about 45 minutes away, so I can escape that temptation.

[amiable_erin]

Slow start to the week for everyone, eh?

Well, I'm at work and thus posting. My new beau was completely romantic and spontaneous and tried to get me to stay an extra night this past weekend at his place...because of president's day. He just assumed I had the day off. Sigh. No such luck.

So this week is going to be tricky workout wise. I'm staying at my beau's Friday, have Alvin Ailey tickets on Saturday with him, a scotch tasting on Wednesday, and a happy hour that a friend has insisted I go to tonight. That leaves Tuesday and Thursday for workouts. Maybe I'll power walk at lunch on Wednesday too...that would be good.
So: Tuesday, 40 min minimum...either Emergency Workout + I Want those Arms; or Dance Party Workout
Thursday - 30 minute minimum (think hangover)...maybe the ballet workout that is sort of boring, but can also be a little relaxing.

Last week I tried to get in 3 workouts, but only got in 2 official, plus 1 hour of walking...and the second official workout was shorter than what I had hoped for, but I guess you gotta start somewhere, right?

Oh, I also just bought a food processor...the mack daddy Chrome 11 Cup from William's. I still haven't used it (been sucked into new beau bliss) even though I got it Saturday. :D

Q for anyone (Paula?): I'm really keen these days on working out my arms and back, but I must say that my muscles are getting more and more tight...I've always been told when I go to get a massage that I'm too "tense" as it is...anyone else experience this? Ideas on how to "loosen up" ?

[cniles]

Erin- sounds like you are enjoying your time with your new guy - :)

Sweetpea - baby signs? Sign language? I saw a little one at Friendly's today and thought of you - this little baby girl was sooooo cute!!!

Gil - glad you were able to relax and spend time with DBF!!

Molli - shoveling huh? We only got about an inch of the system that came through our area - temps rose too quickly. It's sooo foggy today we can barely see the road from our house!!

Today was a day to spend with my oldest Jack. DH took Sam into PreK and Jack and I hung out - I did get in Express Cardio this am - 26 mins of the 30 min tape was in the zone - 196 calories burned. Which I totally blew by eating fries and frozen yogurt with caramel sauce on it!:rolleyes: Oh well - quality time with my son, right?!!!

DH took off the next couple of days to do Dr. appts and such. We have a lunch date for Wednesday though. I plan on doing a FIRM tape Tuesday and Wednesday - I'm keeping with writing down my exercises - I got in an hour walk with my MIL yesterday too. Just have to watch my food intake!!!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!!!!:)

[cniles]

Oops Paula - so sorry didn't mean to miss you there!!! Hope you enjoyed your tango lesson!!!;)

[engineer]

Good afternoon folks. Thank you Paula for getting the ball rolling this morning (or evening in your case). The weekend was pretty good for me. On Friday I did Cathe’s Body Fusion, which went surprisingly well. Only really got turned around a couple of times. Since it doesn’t have an Ab section I did Firm Abs BSS2, workout 1. Not very hard but a good little add on. Saturday was Bowflex and Treadmill which I am really starting to see progress on the Bowflex so that makes me happy and I did the hill interval program on the treadmill which is always challenging. Then I did an old Firm 5-day stretch tape, which is 5 compilations of stretches from the classic series. And to finish out the weekend I did Complete Body Sculpting with Christa from BSS3. OK (drum roll here) DH finally built me a ramp – yeah! That workout goes so much better when you have a sturdy ramp and aren’t always waiting to fall down. And because I was feeling good about the muscles I upped the weights. So today is a rest day. I can use it my arms and shoulders are sore. And I got all my exercise clothes ordered – now let’s just hope that they all show up before I go on the 1st. To EsteemSamurai – you are not a slob, girl you haven’t seen what I normally workout in. It’s pretty bad but I figure it’s only me so who cares. But when you go in public – things shouldn’t be on public display (if you know what I mean). And for each of my workouts this weekend I tried my public outfits to make sure nothing was binding or would tear open as it were and they survived. Little happy dance here.

On to other things – work stinks and I’m tired of the heard of elephants overhead. I wish I’d had today off like so many other folks did.

Paula – Is Dr. Love still counting in his head or his he focusing more on your lovely eyes? Good girl on getting in the muscle work before the cardio work. They say that’s the order to do stuff in so you don’t short change the muscle building.

Gil – Super Cardio is a workout, how can you say not much on the workout front. That one is tough. And how does it go using the rebounder on the high impact sections? I’ve seen that from other folks as well and thought I should try it.

Sweetpea – Wow! A 6 degree incline and 4.2 mph. You are so totally my hero today. That totally rocks. I figure 3.6 mph is good at a 7 degree incline for a couple of minutes. You really blow me away. I made a chorizo and black bean soup from CL this weekend for lunch stuff. And of course I modified - RoTels for regular diced tomato and extra garlic and it was very good and pretty darn hot. Even DH liked it and he normally likes things allot hotter than I do. Your menu for the week sounds awfully tasty. And aren’t those darn stuffed French toast things good!

Molli – Good goals girl. Those are pretty realistic. We got about 3” of snow yesterday so we didn’t have to shovel. How much did you get?

Erin – Lot’s of distraction on your week’s outlook. You haven’t said how the gym is or if you can get classes or a personal trainer at this gym where you work. What’s the scoop?

Charisse – You got in Express Cardio and that’s what counts. We’ll overlook the fries and caramel sauce ok? Plus you’re getting in that whole good family time thing with Jack. All in all I’d say definitely a winner. How sweet of DH to take some time off for family stuff.


See you tomorrow!

[Grizzly]

Good evening lovely ladies!

Paula I am jealous about your tango and salsa, sounds like so much fun. DH and I took swing when it was popular, but I would love to learn to tango with him and would love for him to learn to salsa (I learned while living in Costa Rica, but he does NOT want to learn from me.)

I did well on the exercise front so far this week. Yesterday 50 minutes on the treadmill (jogged for a whole 12 minutes - not in a row mind you, but I am trying to get my legs eased into it!) I did Firm with Christa today. SPent the rest of the day cooking and cleaning so it has been a good day. But back to the real world tomorrow when I will catch up on personals as my DH just showed back up at home.

[Paula H]

Argh!!!!! Trying to get everything together before I leave to teach my massage class in an hour, so only a sprint through post.

Did the yoga half of Karen's YogaSculpt today - holy chocolate, my legs were worked hard!!!

Then I went to the osteo who inflicted much pain/punishment on me, to the point where I swore a lot.

Time to eat - hope you all had good workouts!!

[TerriS]

morning all! back from my travel. got the week off to a good start with good old TAEBO!!! It has been awhile! I was surprised at both how quickly I got worn out, and how good it felt. I think if anything a big motivator for me to keep working out is that it will be that much easier to get back on the wagon after Baby is born, because I just fall out of shape so quickly!

[sweetpea]

ugh, i hate flyby posts, but here goes mine (horrible day and emma is finally sleeping so i am crammign everythign into 45 min.)

did Body Sclupt with Jen this a.m.--upped my heavy weights from 10 lbs. to 12 lbs and kept the 10 lbs as my medium (which i have been doing all along) tough workout, but i am glad i got it done early this a.m.

got new firm tape i got off ebay, can't wait till thursday!

also, i have 4 VHS tapes i am going to ebay but if you all are interested i will offer them here first, pm if you are interested.
1. the Firm Calorie Killer 2
2. Kathy Smith Aerobox Workout
3. Cardio Boot Camp (The Method)
4. CIA 9804 Video with joan pitt, dawn pappas and lori satta (120 min .video)

[Gilgamesh37]

Ack! No time! Just wanted to say hooray for all of us, yay Engineer, only one week until V-cation! and grr, why can't I win Lotto so I could stay home, read books, work out, cook, and not have to get up for #*()*!)(*$)(@& 7 a.m. meetings????

Did Christa's BSS3 last night--seems to have been a popular one this week, eh Engineer & Grizzly? Still not quite at the right weight level for all things, but getting better--I have to remember to go lighter with dips because they're tough on my knees, heavier with chest work, etc. But it'll get there. Tonight will be upper body of some sort, because tomorrow I need to get some immunization shots and so I figure I'll probably want to stick to lower body tomorrow, give my arm a break (assuming it doesn't just flat knock me on my butt--has anyone gotten an MMR shot as an adult? I have this sense I read somewhere that often if you get these "childhood" shots as an adult, they can really wipe you out?)

[engineer]

Hey gang – I’m here. No workout last night. But the girls decided that they should contribute to my well being (there was a lot of ‘processed’ hay to be picked up in the barn last night). Oh, well – I do love them, even if they only think of me as a treat dispenser. Tonight is Core Cardio. See how that goes, but I need to do something. DH has his violin lesson and I have to bake a cake and do laundry, etc. you all know how that goes right?

Well I got my review and was told that no one is calling for my head anymore and that if I keep doing like I am things should improve. Gee whiz I’ve been here for 9 years and for 7 of them I really cared. The last two I said who cares and now I’m considered a good employee. Ain’t apathy great! He said I should be pleasantly surprised in the next couple of weeks – well I’m not holding my breath. If I do get a raise it will be very small and only the second since I started here so I know I’m not keeping up with inflation and besides it will probably be gobbled up in taxes. Oh well – I have my place and my animals (oh and DH, mustn’t forget him) and that’s what counts in the grand scheme of things.

Grizzly – 50 minutes on the treadmill (and jogging 12 of them) is very impressive. And then to follow that up with Christa. Excellent start to the week.

Paula – No swearing at the osteo, after all you went to them. And I am always amazed at all the things you do – teach (massage and cooking), learn (dancing and Italian) as well as start up a new business and get the new home in order. I’m tired just thinking about it. Hope class went well.

Terri – I was wondering when you were going to pull out the Taebo again. I remember how much you enjoy it. Glad that you got that good tired from it. Kind of a reward for putting it in the machine.

Sweetpea – Sorry to hear about the horrible day. Remember be like Scarlett, ‘tomorrow is another day’. Good job on upping the weights on Body Sculpt. Which tape did you get from e-bay? How did the dinner at your sister go? Hang in there girl – you’ll make it.

Gil – I agree, I too want to be independently wealthy. I also was wondering why there isn’t a job for reading, cooking and working out. 7 am meetings are bad, especially if that just means more work. I don’t mind getting here early if I can leave early. But no, 7:30 am meeting followed by the 4 to 5pm meeting. Sorry can’t help you on the MMR shot. Is this cause you work in the healthcare field? Good plan on the exercise – no use planning a workout that includes arms if you’re figuring it will be sore anyway.

[shoefling]

Hi gang! I have been MIA for the past couple of weeks and have missed you guys! My FIL (who is 70) had a heart attack and cardiac arrest a week ago Friday (Feb. 11) so things have been a little crazy around here. DH and I have spent both of the past two weekends on the other side of the state with his family. FIL is doing ok, he is on a rehab unit at present and they are planning on discharging him on Thursday. Things were pretty scary for a while, but are looking much better now. Workouts have been non-existant but I am trying to get back on the wagon! I haven't even been on the BB for over 2 weeks! Reading your posts has reinspired me so hopefully I can get myself out of bed before class in the morning and get on the treadmill or something!

Take care! I hope to check in more freqently!

[EmilyK]

Short post for me... I haven't done anything resembling exercise in the last 4 days, with the exception of laundry and a little housework! Monday was a holiday for us, so I just tried to relax at home. Yesterday, my consultant taking over for me while I'm on leave started, so I was very busy all day long. Then, I had to leave early for a midwife appointment - again, everything is looking great. I'm going to try to get my 30 minutes of walking squeezed in today, but I'm not sure if I'll have time. Happy middle of the week everybody!! :D

[cniles]

quick post for me too - sorry!!! DH has the day off (!) and we're planning lunch out and then who knows;) !!!

I did BSS3 with Christa this am - (thought I'd join the crowd!!):D Good workout! Nothing yesterday as I was called into school.

Shoefling Sarah - so sorry to hear about your FIL - sounds like he is on the upswing? Thinking good thoughts for your family!!!

Will check in with personals later!! Have a great day everyone!!!!:)

[Grizzly]

Hello ladies! Why is this week so busy for everyone?!? Glad to see that most are accounted for even if for a quick post. I got in 60 minutes onthe elliptical (I am upping my cardio time this week). May try to squeeze in a Firm tonight, but am hosting a Ladies Group for dinner so depends on how exhausted I am.

Shoefling - you and fam are in my thoughts and prayers.

Emily - you have done great so far and you are almost there, hang in there. Walk a little when you can, but otherwise I suggest not sweating it!

Charisse- enjoy lunch, what a great day!

Engineer - life and jobs are pretty ironic aren't they? Keep focusing on the things that make you truly happy!!!

Gil - totally understand on the weight. I need to heavy up the arms as well, but it just isn't always convenient if that makes sense. Keep up the good work.

SweetPea - hope things are better, and yeah for getting in your workout before the day got completely out of hand!!!

Terri - YEAH, YEAH YEAH!!! Good to hear that it went well, hopefully that will provide some additional motivation.

Paula - you keep reminding me that I have got to get out my yoga, it is such a great and relaxing workout...

EsteemSamurai - how are things going?

Talk with everyone soon.

[Gilgamesh37]

((Shoefling Sarah))---I hope your FIL continues to improve. What a scary week it sounds like it was! Just take care of you, the wagon will be here to pick you up whenever you're ready.

Engineer--sorry work is so frustrating right now. You're right, focus on the other stuff, real life is much more important anyway. Although jobs allow us the $$$ to do things like buy new workouts and go to Charleston.....:D

So, did Upper Body Sculpt last night. Ahem. I think I may actually have to sell this one. Yes, I hate the set from this series of videos. Yes, I find some of the exercises just plain weird, and I HATE IT when they make you move your feet around during an upper body tape just because they think it will make you feel like you're getting more bang for your buck (when all I'm doing is losing my form). But mostly--HOLY CROW I CAN"T LOOK AT JANET!!! The implants are WAY outta control here. Moreover, (warning: incredibly shallow and catty statements to follow) I can't believe she spent all that money on her chest without fixing her teeth first! (okay, there ws a bunch of stuff here that I decided was too catty even for me) Plus her eyebrows are plucked in such a way that she looks perpetually astonished. I'll try it again a couple times but boy howdy, I don't think I can cope with this one. Bummer too, because I really wanted another upper body workout or two. Ah well.

Oh, and one other b*tch as long as I'm on a roll---in the Christa and other BSS3 tapes? Does that "Do the Hubba Bubba Baby" song make anyone else nuts, or is it just me?

Happy week everybody---I know I sound crabby as hell, but I'm actually feeling pretty good about life......

[sweetpea]

i am dying over here--i crack up everytime that "do the hubba bubba baby" song plays. what IS that? i must admit i think it goes well with the moves, but it is a rather odd tune...
another quick post as shorty is waking from her nap--grrrr, i hate not having enough time!

my day is going much better today but i thought i was gonig to have to check myself in yesterday! wow, a doozy of a day for sure. got my walk in at the gym this a.m.--all on the treadmill so that i can maintain a good pace and i was sore from my upped weights workout yesterday :) got my ab workout in too--yay! oh and i only did the 6.0 incline for 10 min. today...you'd think i had smoked a pack of cigs yesterday the way i was sucking wind--oh well! friday is another day to try for 15 mins! :)

hugs to shoefling and her hubby and family--hoping things get better!

hmmm...wondering what charisse did after lunch :) hee hee

[cniles]

Originally posted by sweetpea
hmmm...wondering what charisse did after lunch :) hee hee

;) Sometimes ya gotta take advantage of those "scheduled" days off!!!

Gil - I kind of like the Hubba song in a goofy way!!:D I pretty much like all of the BSS3 music in their videos - LOVE the cooldown in Lisa's video - feel like I could "fly away" as I do the mambo cha cha:p

Engineer - yay for new exercise clothes!! I know exactly what you mean about wearing stuff for just YOU and not in public!! I can't believe you're only a week away - you have to be so revved up!!!:)

Sweetpea - hang in there!!!! good days and hangin' by your toenails days!!! ;) 6.0 incline!! woo hoo!

Emily - You are SOOOO close!!!! When is your last day of work????

Grizzly - I admire your tenaciousness! You are really good!! Did you have a good weekend in Williamsburg?

Terri - good to see you!! Glad you were able to get back to Tae Bo! Is it hard to do the kicks with your belly??? I'd probably fall over!:rolleyes: :p

Paula - I may follow your lead and do Power Yoga tomorrow. I think of you everytime I do this tape!! Long and lean (with boots!);)

Will check in tomorrow (unless I get called in!!) Happy sweating!:)

[EsteemSamurai]

Morning all!

Sorry about my MIA status - I had a bad appointment last week, and I've been a little anti-social since. It's hard to be told your body isn't behaving, even when you follow all the rules. :o Still, I haven't let it completely dereail me, and I'm still following my meal plan in hopes that my 'special friend' :rolleyes: is the culprit, not something more sinister.

Over the weekend (sunday), DH and I went to NYC to see 'the Gates' - it was interesting, but to be quite honest (and totally uncouth), I wasn't enthralled or amazed by it. A picture from our walk (http://latentcontent.net/images/69.jpg) The bigger fun, at least for me, was taking pictures of all the different hats people were wearing, as it was a pretty darn cold day out. You can see them here: The Hats (http://cocamidemea.com/index.php?p=53) if you like.

Anyway, we walked around the City for an afternoon, so I counted that as my exercise. Saturday, it was beautiful and clear, so we decided to test DH's ankle on a very easy geocache. It was wonderful to be out in the sunshine again, but really, really cold still - I had to wear silkies underneath my jeans, and I was still chilly. So, we're hoping it will get a little more mild before our next excursion.

Monday it snowed quite hard, so I strapped on my pack and got in a little more hiking practice walking to the grocery store to pick up fixings for the week's meals. I must not have planned well, though, because its only Thursday and I'm out of fresh fruit and vegetables. :( So, it'll be back out today.

But that's been the extent of my exercise... pretty sad, I know, but between the disappointment at the nutritionist and the weather, I've been just blah. I did buy a new cookbook, which I posted over in good food, and made a new dish from it - Mutter Kheema (Groun Lamb w/ Peas). I tweaked it to use ground turkey, since I had that on hand, but otherwise followed the recipe. Very, very yummy.

Charisse - Congrats on your planned holiday! You're right, some times you just gotta do it, and man, I think those days are often the most refreshing. Hope the return to the real world today isn't too harsh.

Sweetpea - Good for you, for continuing through your 'habit'. ;) 10 minutes is 10 minutes more than none. What sort of ab work out do you do?

Gil - I've no idea what the 'Hubba Hubba Baby' dance is (seeing as I haven't broken down and gotten BSS3), but it sounds kind of funny. I have a picture in my mind of Fred Flintstone, for some reason.

Grizzly - How did Ladies Night go? Was there a theme? Do you do it often?

Emily - Are you getting excited as you get closer? What do you think of your consultant? Good job, getting that walk in!

Shoefling - *hugs* Glad to see you pop in your head - I hope everything smooths out and turns up. We'll keep you in our 'happy thoughts'... take care of you and yours first, then jump on the bandwagon.

Engineer - Glad to hear that work is starting to chill a little, even if at your review you didn't get the greatest news. As you said, you've got everything you need/love in your place, your girls, and your man, so all things considered, life's not too bad. And you're getting your new exercise togs! Woohoo! Maybe that's why the gals decided to work on that hay - they want your next formal exercise session to be stylin?

TerriS - How did the travel go? See anything new or different or fun?

Paula - With all you talk about it, I may have to go out and get YogaSculpt... I find the only DVD's I'm looking at as appealing are my yoga ones, but they don't really provide much of a challenge... is that your favorite yoga DVD?

Erin - Your week sounds like lots of fun. How was the scotch tasting? New dating... ahhh, young love. I'm a wee bit jealous - DH and I don't work to impress one another like we once did - but then again, that was a lot of work and coordination of schedules, so perhaps its for the better right now. :p

If I missed anyone, I apologize! I will see you lovely ladies later!

[cniles]

Sarah - I believe the "special Friend" has a lot of influence!! Sounds like you are in good spirits and hope that helps! LOVE the pictures - Is that your website? VERY COOL!!:) My sister went on opening weekend and described it as very overwhelmingly ORANGE.;)

I am SO sore today!:rolleyes: :) My rear end is screaming. Gonna take a break and maybe do Power Yoga later on. We're supposed to get 4-8 inches today - we'll see. All the schools to the south of us have cancelled - maybe the kids will get a half day.

Happy Thursday!!!:)

[EmilyK]

Hi guys, another short post... still training my consultant (who I think will be fine while I'm gone, providing I get more than just 3 days with him!). I'm not sure when I'm going to leave work, but I'm trying to stay here as long as I can. "Things" may be starting to happen down there, so it could be soon... :) Anyway, I only walked for 10 minutes yesterday morning and then walked down the hill to the other building (and back up) in the afternoon. It's getting really painful to walk anymore because of the pelvis pain I'm having, but I'm still going to try. Eating has been so-so... I've been going out to lunch with people to visit before I leave for 12 weeks, so I think it's worth it. Dinners have been healthy at least! In case any of you are curious, my due date is 3/6 so I'm getting pretty close now.

Oh, and to top off my day today, DH called me on the way into work to tell me he was rear-ended on his way in. <sigh> Great... he assured me he wasn't hurt at all and said the damage wasn't too bad, but it's enough that we're going to have to have repairs done.

Charisse, I think the system coming your way is the one that hit us. It really wasn't as bad as they predicted, so maybe you guys won't get as much? Just a thought. Hope you all have a great Thursday!

[Molli526]

Emily,

I saw you posting, so wondered if this was it :)

I didn't have a lot of *signs* that anything was happening. Looking back, the only thing was I had some lower back aches. I started getting them Saturday afternoon, and had them on and off Sunday. I started active labor on Monday morning. I didn't think much of it b/c I was pretty uncomfortable at that point 39 1/2 weeks and I had sat in the car quite a bit on Saturday morning, then went to get a pedicure that afternoon.

I didn't have any of "show" stuff.

[sweetpea]

now emily your DH knows how to log on and tell us everything right??? gotta give us a report so we don't worry and i went for a walk the a.m. that i went into labor, participated in horizontal cardio (barely) then started having what felt like mild menstrual cramping at church that morning then it went away till later that evening and then it was off and running! :) fingers crossed it happens soon as i know you are ready to WALK rather than WADDLE :)

okay, back to exercise stuff...
did my new Firm tape this a.m.--it's old school Firm called Cardio Split with Jen Carmen but Allie (with maiden name :)), Nancy Tucker, and some other gals help lead. I was cracking up b/c they use a barbell well one gall is holding two bleach jugs ,one in each hand, to show that you can use something besides the barbell. Then in another move Nancy is using big water bottles in one angle but in another shot she is using dumbells..hmmm...that was a quick change there nancy! it was a good workout, but still lots of jumping/running in place which was i don't really like the old school Firm tapes, but i think i will keep it anyway. I was using my weighted bar from BSS2 as a barbell but i think i need to use my dumbells instead as they weren't heavy enough at times. And i was very sore when i got started--must be leftover from the day before and yesterdays incline work. charisse, i feel your pain! :)

ahh...esteem welcome back my sweet--sorry you had a rough appt but i loved the orange flags--very cool! and i just do some basic crunches, leg lifts, some stability ball work and some plank work. not a lot but not too little either :)

engineer--so what do your new workout duds look like? i could really use some, but i am too lazy to go shop for them :)dinner with my sister went very well--took over the lasagna/bread/salad and cracked open a bottle of wine--delish and i love spending time with my family so that made it even better!

well, off to get ready for our day of excitement--today is lunch with emma's nana and a play date with her 'boyfriend' cooper.last night was our first baby signs class and i am very excited! :)

[engineer]

Good Morning everybody. Wanted to get this in this morning as I missed yesterday all together. Yuck – work. Anyway, Tuesday was Core Strength and I don’t know I just feel about as uncoordinated as a person can get. My balance was even worse than usual and it’s normally pretty bad. Then last night I did Strong Bear. I should be happy, two days of Tracie usually leaves me very upbeat – but I really just feel like I’m going backwards on this whole fitness thing. I just don’t seem to have the strength; I’ve got the enthusiasm but ….Grrr! This is very frustrating and right before I go to V too. It’s like the universe is trying to warn me. (But I’m very bad at taking hints – I don’t know if I’ve told you all about the adventure moving here but it’s pretty obvious I don’t take the universe’s hint) DH says I’m hypercritical of myself and besides I haven’t gotten much sleep and we ate poorly yesterday during the day (potluck at work ~ BTW the CL Apple ‘n’ spice cake was a hit). I hate excuses, I’m either good or bad and currently it’s bad.

However, I’m going to pull a Scarlet O’Hara “today is another day”. Today I do Cathe’s High Step Circuit. I’m going to be careful with the band as the bruise is finally fading from the last incident. I’m going to eat my good lunch today (no potluck) and I slept pretty good last night. So we’ll see if this makes a difference.

Shoefling – Glad you’re back. FIL is still pretty young (I figure 70 is young as my folks are 84 and 82). That’s a good thing. Hope his rehab goes well. Hang in there and drop in here anytime.

Emily – Don’t push on the walking too hard. Remember listen to your body and good luck with the consultant. Sorry to hear about DH’s incident, but he wasn’t hurt and that’s the good thing. Car’s can be repaired.

Charisse – Pretty romantic, you two are. And good job on doing BSS3, have to do a little vertical cardio as well as that horizontal kind. So the backside is a little sore huh? Well power yoga should help that. Hopefully the snow doesn’t amount to too much.

Grizzly – Wow 60 minutes on the elliptical. So do you watch TV or something when you’re on there? Hope the ladies group went well.

Gil – Upper Body Sculpt is definitely not my favorite tape either. The implants are scary but the constant astonished expression is worse. You know I was so focused on trying to hear Christa (she speaks so softly sometimes the music overwhelms her) that I missed the Hubba Bubba Baby song. I’m really going to be listening for it next time.

Sweetpea – You are sure doing great with the treadmill and the tapes. Are you starting to see a difference yet? Cardio Split is an oldie but a goodie. I enjoy it even if I don’t do all of the high impact stuff. And you are in good enough shape that I bet the stick wasn’t enough of a challenge for you. Go get some bleach bottles LOL. And this cooper fella – is he good enough for princess emma? And what the heck are baby signs?

EsteemSamurai – I’m really bummed to hear that the body isn’t behaving, especially when you have been so super on following the rules. ‘Special friend’, I’m beginning to think it should be ‘Special Fiend’. I did enjoy your photos though. But looking at the hats I realized that it’s good I’m not there as my silver tip fox bomber hat that I wear all winter would probably be frowned upon. But it is warm and that’s the most important thing to me. Glad to hear that DH’s ankle was good enough to do a little geocaching this past weekend. And as for the girls, it’s sweats under insulated coveralls, coat and pack boots until things start warming up. You know it’s hard to move when your under that much stuff. Remember – we’re pulling for you – feel free to drop in and just vent with us when necessary.

Molli – Hey girl, glad to see you post. How are things going in your neck of the woods?

Anyways hang in there gang – Friday’s right around the corner.

[Grizzly]

Hello all! Thank you all for asking the Ladies Group was splendid. I hosted a "Cheesy Wine Party" and we did a wine and cheese tasting. It was a whole lot of fun. Although it ran REALLY late so no workout for me. I hit the sack. I have been so exhausted lately. But we had a great time and do it every month and a different individual hosts each month.

The weekend was also great. We ate at a fantastic restaraunt. We went because we were told to have the Death by Chocolate dessert. A seven layer decadent chocolate concoction. It was wonderful!!! So now you all know why I have been working out so much.

So I have to do the Firm this evening. Have a great day everyone.

[sweetpea]

oh poo, sorry engineer, i think you asked about baby signs before and i forgot to tell you :rolleyes: it is a class for infants to teach them sign language so they can communicate with sign before they are able to communicate verbally. very cool and very fun. i can hardly wait for her to sign back :) and i think that your V-cation (isn't that what it's called?) is JUST what you need! Maybe they can provide some insight and inspiration--you def. have the enthusiasm and dedication to exercising--no lack there--i am always impressed by what you get done even with a full time job that can be stressful and make you eat pitch in food (glad to hear the cake was a success/hit!). so stop being hypercritical (I'm in DH's corner on this one) and get pumped up for V!! you will come back feeling better, i just know it!

grizzly--your trip/indulgence sounds divine!! and so does your wine/cheese party..hmmm sounds like i need to move closer :) hope you had a good Firm workout!

[Paula H]

Hi all - sorry for going AWOL, things just haven't gone as I planned this week.

Yesterday I did 10 minutes of arm work from QuickFix Total Mix, which was good stuff. I had to skip Wednesday as my hip was causing me all sorts of trouble after visiting the osteopath on Tuesday - of course, I went in with my left hip playing up and left with my right one in pain!!!

Then today I got to have a trip to the hospital to see my nurse to confirm that I'm developing an infection on my abdomen that's on the brink of turning nasty. So I need to focus on dealing to it!! That means no work for me over the weekend (very silly, as I feel fabulous, apart from the skin on my abdomen looking a bit sad), as I have to avoid anything that'll make me warm (i.e. sticky and sweaty), and work doesn't have air conditioning in most places. Oh well, how sad, never mind. So instead I'll stay home without pants on (allowing some air flow around that skin) and make sure Dr Love doesn't fall off the roof (he's starting to paint it this weekend). And no workouts either - bah!!! I wanna do cardio! (and vertical cardio at that!)

engineer - V-cation is so close!! And you are fabulous and yes you deserve it and you will have a good time (in a stern and threatening voice).

Oops, my ice cream is melting, I'm off to snuggle (in a non-sweaty way) with Dr Love on the couch....

[cniles]

Oy Paula! Hope your tummy gets better... is this an open wound that is having trouble healing????

Well I got on the scale this morning - ugh. Even though I've been doing well with my exercising, my food intake has been pretty poor this week. Looking back I've been doing a lot of "sneaking" from my kids food - ie a mini donut here and there, a handfull of m&m's, my fries from earlier in the week, mozarella stick etc.....

I have my cookbooks spreadout around me this am as I'm really going to carefully mealplan next week. LOTS of veggies. And I have to put away the snacks - I have no willpower.

We have a 2 hour delay - got 6 inches of snow. The most we've had all year. After the kids get off I'll get a FIRM cardio in this afternoon. I'll post afterwards - you guys keep me focused!

Have a great Friday!! - :)

[EmilyK]

Hey guys, I'm still here... except now I'm convinced this kid is never going to come out! Maybe this weekend... :) Anyway, I only had time to get in 15 minutes of walking on the treadmill yesterday, but it's better than nothing at all. My weight seems to have stalled out a bit, so that's good news (it's supposed to right now, I think). I'll try to get at least one walk in today, but it looks like another busy day. I'm getting a lot of training done with my consultant, so that's good news. (unfortunately, that means I'm not getting as much time on the BB!) I'll make sure somebody sends an e-mail or posts on here to let you guys know if/when I have the baby... no worries there!

Have a great weekend!!

[TerriS]

Hey all! Hanging my head in shame at my inability to get in any more workouts this week...but I am going to try a prenatal yoga class tonight. Busy busy week with lots of meetings and late nights. Gotta run!

Taebo worked okay with the belly - I couldn't kick quite as high but other than that it was all good. I'll be keeping that in the rotation as long as I can.

[EsteemSamurai]

Keep it up ladies! I'm feeling a kind of blue vibe through the monitor and there is NO REASON for it - you are ALL amazing, beautiful, sexy exercise diva-goddesses and should be proud of each and every achievement, whether its maintaining an exercise plan in spite of tempting kiddie treats, shoveling sh*t home AND at work, training a replacement so you can relax when the bundle of joy comes, or managing to kick at ALL while prego, let alone keeping with the kick boxing. You all inspire me.

I'm going nag Paula now... Paula, my dear, could you tell me - favorite yoga DVD for toning and then, separately, favorite for relaxation/stress control. I need to shake things up.

Back to work... we had snow last night, so I used it as an excuse to work from home. It's nice... I can do the **** documentation just as well in my PJs as in bus. casual, and this way I might just get a few chores (cooking, cleaning) and some exercise in as well.

I'll letcha all know... the '10 Minute Arms/Abs' combination for a 20 minute humiliation where I see how weak I really HAVE gotten is calling my name. ;)

[Grizzly]

HAPPY FRIDAY!! I agree with EsteemSamurai - we are doing great and need to remember that we have a bad day now and again, but the important part is that we come back and recognize that one misstep does NOT derail the entire train.

I woke up in a chipper mood, partially because it is Friday and partially because I woke up this AM with energy. I have felt exhausted for the last week and a half and could not figure out what was going on. Still don't know but I feel soooo much better. Maybe it was my workout with Stephanie "Total Muscle Shaping" last night! It was a good workout and I even managed to up some of the arm weights. It felt good. Also ate really well yesterday - lots of fruits and veggies. I made CL meatloaf (it was called Mini Meatloaf, but I made a large loaf instead since DH was not going to be home foro a while - I did not need something quick). It was really good, I think it might have been from Jan/Feb 2003, my favorite issue thus far which is why I still have it.

Charisse boy do I understand about that scale and I do not even have children from whom to snitch food, just myself to blame! :p But you have been doing great with your workouts, so focus on that.

Emily you are doing a spectacular job, I am sending you lots of good vibes for a quick delivery.

Paula - I know its hard to stop when you want to be able to do something, but just think in the long run this will be better. If you do not take care of yourself, then it will only take longer to recuperate! I hope you heal soon.

Sweetpea - if you are coming over for cheese and wine, then I am coming over for breakfast and dessert :D :D Glad to hear that you are able to challenge yourself at the gym in the mornings. Good luck with the baby sign. I would love to know how it goes. It is one of those things that I really want to do with a little one.

Terri - no hanging your head in shame, do what you can we are not judging, just encouraging!!!

Engineer - I agree with Paula - you must have fun on your V!

Gil - you crack me up, I hope that you will be able to continue to use that video I apparently have not seen it, so I just have to imagine what she looks like!

Erin - I too have been really tight in the shoulders specifically between my shoulder blades. My chiro recommended that I do stretches in the shower under hot water. It seems to be working a little. I am also trying to work on my 'yogic posture' pulling my shoulders down away from my ears!

[engineer]

Good morning folks. Sorry my head’s not quite in the game currently. Found out last night that DM has been in the hospital for a couple of days already. (I tell them to tell me but they never do!) I guess DF wanted to take her in on Monday but she (like me) is stubborn and it wasn’t until she could no longer sit or stand that he forced her to go. He said she was lying on the floor of the ER check-in. She’s in for a kidney infection – it must be really bad as she had a fever of 108 and is still fighting bouts of chills and sweats. They’ve got her on IV antibiotics and have taken a second blood sample as the first antibiotics didn’t work. I just got of the phone with her and she sounds weak and tired. Pretty much what I expected.

Well to the matters at hand. I did do Cathe’s High Step Circuit and really should have upped the weights but I wasn’t sure how it would go. Worked up a good sweat so that was positive. Still fighting the demons though – why can’t I get it through my thick skull that I am worthy? But DH says go to Charleston, you can always fly to Denver from there should I need to go back. As it is there is not a darn thing I could do but sit in the hospital room with her. I figure if I call and check-in she knows I’m thinking of her and that I worry. And as long as it’s just a kidney infection and not something with long term treatment/surgery I figure that’s good. (Am I being a bad daughter?) Tonight is my night off and my shoulders and chest are telling me that’s a good thing.

Grizzly – The ladies group sounds like it was a lot of fun. That’s as important as exercise, remember laughter is the best medicine right? OK the 7 layer chocolate concoction sounds fabulous, I thinking I’m putting on lbs just thinking of it. Yeah on that chipper mood – can you send some vibes my way? And excellent job on upping some of the arm weights – feels good to make progress doesn’t it?

Sweetpea – Signing, huh? I thought that’s what crying and giggling were for – silly me. I’ve decided I need to put together a list (I hear DH groaning at that) of what things I need to address while I’m at V – because you’re right maybe they can give me some insight into this bump in the road that I’ve hit. Thanks for the pep talk.

Paula – ouch! Although this going around without pants on – hmm – do you think it could catch on? I hope that infection clears up. Did you get any thing for it – pills, ointment, etc? I remember I get this thing where I get round red patches (the last word in the title is rosa) and I have to get sun exposure for it. Me the burn queen has to go under a sun lamp or out in the sun.

Charisse – Don’t get on that evil scale. Remember it’s how your clothes fit that counts. (OK I have to listen to my own advice there huh?) But you know what the problem is – so you’re half way to solving it! And you and the kids should go out and enjoy the snow, heck it will be gone sometime.

Emily – Good luck getting these last bits of work taken care of. And I certainly hope you enjoy your weekend – kid or no kid. Just keep us posted.

Terri – Busy weeks with late nights are tough. Don’t worry about not getting in any workouts. Go and enjoy the prenatal yoga class – that’s a start of a whole new week.

EsteemSamurai – You’re right, we all need to spend sometime recognizing the good things (you included girl) so thanks for reminding us. Hmmm, PJ’s as bus casual – interesting thought no? and no humiliation – you are going to have 20 minutes of establishing a new starting point. That’s a good thing.

Have a good weekend everyone!

[EsteemSamurai]

VERY quick update, as I've been procrastinating terribly. I *did* do the 10 minute abs and 10 minute arms programs, and I'm saving 10 minute power stretch for when I get worn out in front of the laptop again. It's been really nice working from home, because instead of just puttering on the I'Net when I get worn out on a task, I get up and actually *do* something.

So, a workout (small, short, I know, but it's a start) got added in and I also put the fixings in for CL's Tiny French Beans and Smoked Turkey Sausage in the crock pot. It's from March 2003 - never made it before, and of course, I had to futz with it because I'm just like that and can't accept a recipe as being healthy on its own. But I'm pleased with myself because a) I haven't eaten sausage in more than 2 years, so even if its Casual Gourmet chicken sausage, it's one step closer to normal and b) I only made 2 changes to the recipe as is.

We're planning to go to DM & DF's house on Sunday for the Oscars, so I'll probably bring it along. At least I'll know its healthy... DM wants to make Great Grandaddy's Chili for the group, which isn't my favorite. Too greasy. :rolleyes: Oh well.

Engineer, special hugs and cheerleading for you while you're worrying about your DM. I'm sure she'll be okay; if she has half her daughter's strength, there's no way she couldn't be, but I'll keep her in my positive thoughts until we hear otherwise.

*HUGS*
Later, ladies!

[cniles]

Sarah - pls let me know how the bean and sausage recipe works out!! It's been in my "to try" file for probably about 2 years!! I like the picture!

Engineer - big huge hugs!!! Ban the "i'm not worthy" chant out of your head ---- Scott's right, you can always catch a flight back if you need to. Go and do this for yourself - sitting in a waiting room is not going to help anyone. Your mom's gonna get through this (Sarah's right about mother/daughter strength!!) I like the idea of writing down your issues so they can help you pinpoint some suggestions!!! Sending out positive thoughts and more hugs. YOU ARE worthy.

Ok I haven't done any exercising today - cleaned the house and played with Sam. Eating is much better today (although we're having wings and homemade pizza tonight - and of course wine!) CAN WE SAY MODERATION?!!!:rolleyes: :)

Workout tomorrow and Sunday. Period.:)

Thinking of you all! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!