Lurker Invitation September 2009

[Shoegal]

Yes - it is September - OMG - how did that happen???!!!

I did Drill Max last night because it was part of the rotation I am doing - it is a circuit one too - but it isn't call Circuit City. This is the workout I did the day of my wedding - and I was wondering last night if that was the last time I did it. Then I thought - nah - couldn't be. Drill Max is HARD!!! On the last circuit Cathe does squat thrusts and then a tuck jump and then she jumps over the step - yeah, okay . . . . . . I didn't even attempt to do that - I just, uh, . . . watched her do it. I know in the past I would have at least attempted it but not this time - I just didn't have it in me - Cathe took what I had - used it up and spit it out on the first 5 circuits. Then you know - bomb diver push ups - and push ups on the ball - she told us we wanted a challenge. Those push ups weren't happening. I modified and I did try. I was rather proud of myself because this was the first really long workout I've done in quite awhile - and overall I felt very good about my effort.

Michelle - I can't find the September Rotation posted anywhere - I was thinking of ditching what I was doing for that rotation - would you please let me know where I can find it?

Laura - I didn't post pictures of the boat yet - but did you see the pictures of my nephew and DH? You should try Drill Max and see how it goes - but you also have to let me know what you think of P90x. I'm been wondering about it.

I really want to finish up my Slow & Heavy rotation up before trying to do these workouts on the rotation so I'm going to fit those in where I can.

I have to go now - hi to everyone and have a great day!!!

 

[janiejoey]

Shoegal, you are so on top of things. I just started a thread and looked further down when I was finished, and found yours. So sorry about that.

I agree, where in the world did August go? It came and went in a blink of an eye. What happened?

Drill Max I often here is very hard. Never tried it yet, but I will one day along with all the others I haven't done yet of Cathe's. I only have a couple I haven't done. This one and Terminator. That last one scares me.

You did a really good job at that, I must say. With your description it sounds so funny you watching her. Got a kick out of that. Sometimes just watching her is a workout in itself! lol Good job for trying, I'm proud of you.

The Sept. rotation of Cathe's is in the Rotation section, perhaps the first or second line. Good luck with that one, it sounds like a great workout. Joey and I may do it too. we'll see, maybe after we get back from the ocean. We decided we were to tired to do it tomorrow. We'll go for it on Monday.

Good luck on the remainder of S&H rotation.

I picked blackberries this evening, and will make a cobbler tonight, but the good kind without so much butter.

Take care everyone, see you all tomorrow.

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Good morning everyone--wow, I forgot yesterday was the 1st of September and time for a new check-in thread.

Today was Hardcore: High Step Challenge. Not quite as many leg presses in this one and you use a band rather than hold a weight on them. Okay by me. I actually think HSC is a little easier than High Step Advanced Training--neither one is really a walk in the park.

Shoegal: I don't have Drill Max. Sister does and when she describes it to me, I'm like, yup, no hurry to get that one. I've looked at the DM dvd preview on shopcathe. Quite frankly, it scares me. More power to you for giving it your all. Janie is right--Cathe posted the September rotation yesterday on the rotation forums. I'm sticking with Circuit City--just to give my body a shock. I've been rotating cardio and weight workouts for a while, so time for a change. Stick with the S&H--I think you will find that it really helps you get your form correct and slowly get those weight amounts to go up.

Shadowpup--I have to go back to the August thread to see if you responded to my question about the dates you will be in D.C.

Janie: Blackberry cobbler sounds good. Looking forward to hearing more from you on STS--are you about halfway through the 3rd meso now?

Hi to ironlady and Laura.
~michelle

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Shadowpup--checked the August forum. See I have the days correct for when you will be in DC. Shall we communicate through the forum on this or do you want my home email address?

Michelle

 

[Shoegal]

So I had a dinner last night that I went to - my good friend had prepared the meal - and there is way way way too many appetizers before she even serves so - I found myself full even before I had my meal. She did not give me a gift around the time of my birthday - so tonight she did. SO - I now have the Classics Vol 1 and Cardio Hits!!!! I'm thrilled. Right now I have all of the Cathes I felt that I needed. I think I will do Step Heat tonight - or PowerMax or Step Jam or . . . .

I found the Cathe September rotation (found it right away - I was looking in the rotations but didn't see it before) - actually switched to that but I don't think I'll box myself in with it - I believe that I will need to modify it somewhat to suit me. I don't think a step workout is in the rotation for today but I'm too excited not to do something from those new tapes.

Janie - cobbler does sound good - must be great to be a good cook/ baker - I usually don't do too much in the kitchen. So I'm always impressed with somebody else's efforts.

Michelle - yes - Drill Max - I think it is the name that inspires the fear but I love circuit training so I knew that I wanted this one. But no matter what - it is quite a challenge. I love those High Step workouts - those are among my favorites. Hope you and Shadowpup meet up - that should be fun!!

DH is out of town so I should have few distractions. I hope everybody is enjoying their day - it is beautiful here in Pittsburgh!!!

 

[janiejoey]

Did Low Max today. Oh my lord! It was intense, but gratifying to do a long and hard workout. Whew! Did burn calories today.

Today was Hardcore: High Step Challenge. Not quite as many leg presses in this one and you use a band rather than hold a weight on them. Okay by me. I actually think HSC is a little easier than High Step Advanced

Training--neither one is really a walk in the park.

Janie: Blackberry cobbler sounds good. Looking forward to hearing more from you on STS--are you about halfway through the 3rd meso now?
~michelle

Michelle, I also think that HSC is easier than HSCA. Still hard though. Great workout. The cobbler turned out really good. Will be enjoying it for several days. I finished Meso 3 in the STS Series. I was so busy, couldn't post the workout. Had other things on my mind at the time. Anyhoo, will be doing a combination of Cathe's for several days. Monday will go th the ocean for a couple nights. When back home will most likely do a rotation from Cathe. Maybe the Sept. one, it sounds like what we want. I can already see, that starting now and into next year, I do not have 3 months free to do another STS Series. But, that's OK. We'll do them individually until we again can do a three month stretch. Possibly starting in May sometime, we'll have more time. Hope so anyway.

So I had a dinner last night that I went to - my good friend had prepared the meal - and there is way way way too many appetizers before she even serves so - I found myself full even before I had my meal. She did not give me a gift around the time of my birthday - so tonight she did. SO - I now have the Classics Vol 1 and Cardio Hits!!!! I'm thrilled. Right now I have all of the Cathes I felt that I needed. I think I will do Step Heat tonight - or PowerMax or Step Jam or . . . .

I found the Cathe September rotation (found it right away - I was looking in the rotations but didn't see it before) - actually switched to that but I don't think I'll box myself in with it - I believe that I will need to modify it somewhat to suit me. I don't think a step workout is in the rotation for today but I'm too excited not to do something from those new tapes.

Janie - cobbler does sound good - must be great to be a good cook/ baker - I usually don't do too much in the kitchen. So I'm always impressed with somebody else's efforts.

DH is out of town so I should have few distractions. I hope everybody is enjoying their day - it is beautiful here in Pittsburgh!!!

Shoegal, Awwww, how sweet to get Cathe DVD present from your friend. Those DVD's are awesome. The Classics are easier than the Hits, but I tell you, they are still indeed fantastic workouts. Sometimes I think since I have low energy one day to do one of the Classics, but when I do, They always kick my butt. The Hits will always give you a challenge, no matter what. Enjoy your DVD's. That was a great gift.

The beauty of Cathe rotations are that they are good to modify. Tweek it anyway that suits you, you'll still have a great rotation.

The cobbler did turn out good. Now, I have serveral days to eat it. Hmmmm, I think I'll give some to the neighbors. Don't want to get fat, you know what I mean? I just wanted to use up the berries I picked. I had more than I thought.

Take care everyone and have a great day.

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Okay--now listen up, Shoegal--I did Step Fit this morning (from Cardio Hits). It is a fantastic step workout--or maybe I was just feeling really good this morning. I was a sweat factory which Ripken was pretty happy about--lick, lick, lick. Then Ripken decided that the stretch time on the floor should turn into play with Ripken time. I'm such a softy--he knows his mommy will also make time for a little puppy play time.

Janie: Good for you, finishing STS. I agree with you, I think the Cardio Hits routines are a little more intricate and difficult than the Classics, but those classic routines still work you good.

I think giving Cathe gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any other time is a great idea. Sister has her birthday next week and I will be sending her a Cathe gift certificate. I think my parents might do the same. She can figure out what she wants next: slanted risers, the Terminator, weighted vest, weighted gloves, STS Abs, a Cathlete shirt. So many great choices.

Okay--break time is over. Back to work.
~michelle

 

[Shoegal]

Last night I did - STEP JAM - I was under the impression that this would be more intricate choreography - I think for its day it was probably innovative and new - I had done all the moves before from CAthe's other workouts - so none of what she did was difficult. I have to say though, by the time it was over -I was tired and I had a good workout. It is soooo exciting for me to have new workouts (I suppose that is why I keep buying more) that all I want to do is another step workout from these DVDs. I have to contain myself.

I have also come up with a theory that because I have worked out to Kari Anderson for years and years and all her step and hi/lo had complex choreography that I am in a good place to learn Cathe's step. Usually, it takes me 2 tries to do Kari and once to get Cathe's. Amy Bento is another story - it is very difficult to learn her step - it took me over 5 tries to get it down - but I believe this is a special case - there is a complete lack of good cueing and any sort of breakdown. Somebody shut me up. I am all psyched to do the Cardio Hits!!!!

Janie - you finished STS!!! Congrats. That is great - what is your impression not that it is over??? Enjoy the ocean. Tomorrow I am heading to Dewey Beach in Delaware. My sisters and I give my Mom a trip every year as a Mother's Day present (her birthday was right on top of Mother's Day so it got to be a chore finidng gifts - hence this trip). Usually we go in May - but there are birthdays on top of birthdays then so we decided to go in September.

Michelle - I have done Step Fit!! If there are flying angels in it then I've done it. I had bought 2 VHS step tapes of Cathes a long long long time ago and that was one of them. That is a good workout. I was sweaty too last night - my hair was soaked!! Did you get to meet up with Shadowpup?

Laura - where are you??? I am guessing that Shadowpup is away and Ironlady just needs to check in with us. How is everybody doing???

Opps - forgot to mention that I will be doing Slow & Heavy Chest/Back and a 20 minute run on the treadmill this evening (it is in the rotation) and hopefully I will be all packed and ready to go tomorrow morning but that doesn't sound like me at all.

So I will be traveling tomorrow - hope everyone has a good weekend.

 

[janiejoey]

Okay--now listen up, Shoegal--I did Step Fit this morning (from Cardio Hits). It is a fantastic step workout--or maybe I was just feeling really good this morning. I was a sweat factory which Ripken was pretty happy about--lick, lick, lick. Then Ripken decided that the stretch time on the floor should turn into play with Ripken time. I'm such a softy--he knows his mommy will also make time for a little puppy play time.

Janie: Good for you, finishing STS. I agree with you, I think the Cardio Hits routines are a little more intricate and difficult than the Classics, but those classic routines still work you good.

I think giving Cathe gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any other time is a great idea. Sister has her birthday next week and I will be sending her a Cathe gift certificate. I think my parents might do the same. She can figure out what she wants next: slanted risers, the Terminator, weighted vest, weighted gloves, STS Abs, a Cathlete shirt. So many great choices.

Okay--break time is over. Back to work.
~michelle

Michelle, I bet you had a great time with your new DVD Step Fit. I think I love Ripken. LOL Your sister is lucky to have a sister like you, who cares about her health.

Last night I did - STEP JAM - I was under the impression that this would be more intricate choreography - I think for its day it was probably innovative and new - I had done all the moves before from CAthe's other workouts - so none of what she did was difficult. I have to say though, by the time it was over -I was tired and I had a good workout. It is soooo exciting for me to have new workouts (I suppose that is why I keep buying more) that all I want to do is another step workout from these DVDs. I have to contain myself.

I have also come up with a theory that because I have worked out to Kari Anderson for years and years and all her step and hi/lo had complex choreography that I am in a good place to learn Cathe's step. Usually, it takes me 2 tries to do Kari and once to get Cathe's. Amy Bento is another story - it is very difficult to learn her step - it took me over 5 tries to get it down - but I believe this is a special case - there is a complete lack of good cueing and any sort of breakdown. Somebody shut me up. I am all psyched to do the Cardio Hits!!!!

Janie - you finished STS!!! Congrats. That is great - what is your impression not that it is over??? Enjoy the ocean. Tomorrow I am heading to Dewey Beach in Delaware. My sisters and I give my Mom a trip every year as a Mother's Day present (her birthday was right on top of Mother's Day so it got to be a chore finidng gifts - hence this trip). Usually we go in May - but there are birthdays on top of birthdays then so we decided to go in September.

Opps - forgot to mention that I will be doing Slow & Heavy Chest/Back and a 20 minute run on the treadmill this evening (it is in the rotation) and hopefully I will be all packed and ready to go tomorrow morning but that doesn't sound like me at all.

So I will be traveling tomorrow - hope everyone has a good weekend.

Shoegal, Enjoy your Cathe DVD's they are very special. These Classics and the hits, along with Rhythmic Step are my most favorites. I'm the same way when it comes to learning new step workouts. I've done so many from Cathe, and other instructors, that it doesn't take long for me to catch one. Just got to learn the name of the moves and perhaps watch it the night before. At least that's what I do. I just love STS. I think you can't do better than that. It's perfect in every way. I have results that are very impressive to me. Enjoy Dewey Beach with your mom and sister. That will be such a great memory. What are your plans while you are there? Have a great workout tonight. S&H is a great weight workout.

Did Kathy Smith Matrix Method Ultimate Sculpt. It's between interm. and Adv. It was good and about an hour long.

Janie

 

[ladubose]

It always amazes me how much you miss when you don't log on for a day or two~! So much good stuff going on! New DVD's!! How exciting --just hearing that makes my fingers start reaching for the wallet!!!

So yesterday was a day off, as it was the girls first day of 3rd grade and lots of stuff happening! Sunday is my scheduled day off so I will just switch that off...Can't believe my baby's are big 3rd graders now! Where does the time go?? They are learning the violin this year, so we have been busy running around shopping for those...


So I had planned on doing the P90X rotation starting next week, but (to be honest but hush, hush) my friend tried to rip the series and didn't have success. She thought her program could rip most protected DVD's but she could only do 3 of the 13. I did one of those 3 tonight, which was Shoulders and Arms, and there where some problems of it skipping into a set of exercise that had already started. I could still do it but it was definitely off a bit. I liked the workout, but Tony was getting on my nerves by the end of the 55 minutes. There were some good variations on some exercises that I had never heard of or done before, so that was cool. They had these side lying single arm tricep pushups that rocked! My overall take is that my husband would probably prefer Tony to Cathe while I prefer Cathe to Tony. His workouts are definitely more of a masculine approach to lifting, reminding me of all the hours I have spent in the Gym with my husband in Prescott with that Body building fellow. So anyway now I have to spend the money and purchase it legally

read all the post but to tired for personals, probably won't have a chance to check in tomorrow either...I will be in Boulder bright and early and there until late in the evening, due to a part....I am meeting a friend and doing a 1:30 hike in the foothills though, which usually burns up to 1,200 calories!

Goodnight all and have a great day tomorrow!

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Sounds like everyone has plans for enjoying the holiday weekend. We will be heading to the marina as soon as Joe gets his shower, dresses, and loads up the cooler with food.

This morning I did Cardio and Weights. I really like the music in this routine and I've done it a couple of times in the last month, so I think my performance is better just because I'm getting more familiar with it. My favorite part is that Buttercup song on the last cardio--really starting to enjoy those flying squats.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a run and segment one from stretch max. As you all know, I am not a runner. Maybe I'll bike and I need to put stretch max in the bag to go to the boat. Going to be a busy weekend. We have boating friends from Baltimore coming to visit, via boat, of course. It will be great to see them. Boating around the Chesapeake, we've met alot of folks over the years and you tend to run into people again and again. It's nice.

Shoegal: Step fit is the routine with the flying angels. I think Step Jam is easier from a choreography point of view as well, but it is still a great workout.

Laura: 3rd grade. Boy, your girls are halfway through elementary school. Before you know it: middle school, high school, then college. I have a colleague at work who is seriously moving toward getting a great pyrannese. Isn't that what Maggie is? He has 3 kids: 2 girls (ages 8 and 6) and one boy (age 2). I told him that I had an exercise buddy in Colorado with a great pyrannese and that you had kids and she was great with them. He showed me pictures--big pups at 8 weeks. Wow!

Shadowpup and I are going to try to meet next week. I'm hoping my Wednesday doesn't go completely south on me. I've got a morning meeting at Quantico that day that I have to go to for the project I'm working on. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Hope everyone has a safe and fantastic weekend.
~michelle

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all, back again! I need to head to the home office, just wanted to pop in and say Hi - and sign up for the Sept thread. September????

Michelle, I emailed you separately so we can see about getting connected. I'm really hoping that will work out - it would be great fun!

 

[janiejoey]

It always amazes me how much you miss when you don't log on for a day or two~! So much good stuff going on! New DVD's!! How exciting --just hearing that makes my fingers start reaching for the wallet!!!

So yesterday was a day off, as it was the girls first day of 3rd grade and lots of stuff happening! Sunday is my scheduled day off so I will just switch that off...Can't believe my baby's are big 3rd graders now! Where does the time go?? They are learning the violin this year, so we have been busy running around shopping for those...


So I had planned on doing the P90X rotation starting next week, but (to be honest but hush, hush) my friend tried to rip the series and didn't have success. She thought her program could rip most protected DVD's but she could only do 3 of the 13. I did one of those 3 tonight, which was Shoulders and Arms, and there where some problems of it skipping into a set of exercise that had already started. I could still do it but it was definitely off a bit. I liked the workout, but Tony was getting on my nerves by the end of the 55 minutes. There were some good variations on some exercises that I had never heard of or done before, so that was cool. They had these side lying single arm tricep pushups that rocked! My overall take is that my husband would probably prefer Tony to Cathe while I prefer Cathe to Tony. His workouts are definitely more of a masculine approach to lifting, reminding me of all the hours I have spent in the Gym with my husband in Prescott with that Body building fellow. So anyway now I have to spend the money and purchase it legally

read all the post but to tired for personals, probably won't have a chance to check in tomorrow either...I will be in Boulder bright and early and there until late in the evening, due to a part....I am meeting a friend and doing a 1:30 hike in the foothills though, which usually burns up to 1,200 calories!

Goodnight all and have a great day tomorrow!

Laura, Enablers, but we all know that these DVD's are the best. Your girls are in third grade? How adorable! Violin in the third grade. I have to tell ya, when I was in that grade, there was no such thing. These days, there are so many more opportunities. Would love to hear them play. I bet it will be so cute. I think if you make copies of DVD's for yourself in order to protect the original, or for family and friends, (and not selling them) then I think it is OK, or border line. Anyway that is what my Joey does for me. I just don't want any of my precious exercise DVD's to get scratched or harmed in anyway. The good thing is that you were able to see some of what P90X is about. Tony does rattle on, but the workouts themselves are terrific. At one time I thought Joey would like Tony better than Cathe, but when we did a few of the exercises, he decided that Cathe wasn't so bad after all. LOL Can't beat Cathe that's for sure. But I think variety is so very important for the body and mind, so having other instructors is not such a bad thing. IMO Enjoy the hike in Boulder and the foot hills. Sounds fantastic!

Sounds like everyone has plans for enjoying the holiday weekend. We will be heading to the marina as soon as Joe gets his shower, dresses, and loads up the cooler with food.

This morning I did Cardio and Weights. I really like the music in this routine and I've done it a couple of times in the last month, so I think my performance is better just because I'm getting more familiar with it. My favorite part is that Buttercup song on the last cardio--really starting to enjoy those flying squats.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a run and segment one from stretch max. As you all know, I am not a runner. Maybe I'll bike and I need to put stretch max in the bag to go to the boat. Going to be a busy weekend. We have boating friends from Baltimore coming to visit, via boat, of course. It will be great to see them. Boating around the Chesapeake, we've met alot of folks over the years and you tend to run into people again and again. It's nice.

Hope everyone has a safe and fantastic weekend.
~michelle

Michelle, Can't wait to hear the stories on your boat during the holidays! Grate workout on C&W. Oh, love the buttercup song as well. Sounds like you will be enjoying your weekend with new founded and reacquainted friends. Have fun!

Hi all, back again! I need to head to the home office, just wanted to pop in and say Hi - and sign up for the Sept thread. September????

Deborah, Will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today was yoga and budakon (martial arts) by Cameron Shayne. Just another DVD I have that needs to be used. It was very good. I'm going to do more of his DVD's.

Sid is coming over again, he just isn't feeling very well. He says visiting here is so healing to him. Awww. He should be here today through Sunday. Or Sunday and stay a few days.

Janie

 

[ladubose]

Well I guess everyone is busy with the holiday weekend! I thought for sure there would be more posts than there actually were considering I missed yesterday. I had a great hike with my friend yesterday and than we did some bulk shopping together at Sam's and Costco's! Feels good to be stocked up on some household items again.

I did order the P90X used from Amazon, hope it is ok. I did do the Chest & Back today and the Ab Ripper from my friends copy. Man all it is basically is push-ups and chin-ups. Since I can't do a full chin up I had to modify big time by standing on my cadillac, a piece of pilates equipment, and bending my legs on the platform, I used a lot of my lower body strength to get up there but I could feel my back working as well so hopefully that will get me strong enough over time to do a full chin up and pull up.

Michelle: have fun this weekend! How fun to see the same people over the years from different places. I bet you will have a great weekend. Sounds so festive at the Marina. Enjoy your bike rides and stretches. I really love Cardio and Weights as well, in fact I almost did it today but decided to do weights since I did cardio yesterday and have cardio on board for tomorrow.

Janey: I have this latent fantasy of really getting into a Marshal Arts practice, but it is going to have to stay on the back burner for now anyway, life is to full. Yes time does fly by with those girls and their school and after school activities. Right now the violin is not a treat to listen to at all, very strechie and off but I know in time it will be worth enduring the learning phase! I am being very diligent about not saying anything at all degrading to them about it, but it is really something to be endured! They have only had one lesson so I know it will improve soon!

Welcome back Shadowpup and a shout out to Shoegal, Ironlady and anyone else out there still lurking!

 

[MDolfiniReed]

We went to bed early last night and got up early--and the day has been very full. Ripken and I have gotten in 3 walks so far today and I did a light workout: Upper body sculpt, lower body sculpt, and stability ball abs from the BS/BF dvd. Tomorrow might be a rest day--might not. See how I feel.

Our Baltimore friends are here. They are really a great bunch of people. Really perks up the dock to have them here. They really do enjoy themselves. They are like smorgasboard drinkers, a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Fun to watch but I just can't do it.

The marina is full but it doesn't seem full which is kind of strange. We are having beautiful weather which is suppose to hold through Monday.

Laura: I had a colleague with 3 boys: Quartz, Quantum and Quasar (yes, the dad is a physicist) and they used to play their violins at our annual CNA Christmas talent show. When they first started learning, listening was a bit painful. But over the years, those boys got really, really good. It was really nice to hear their progression over the years. I'm guessing you are going through that initial painful part with your twins and their violins, but they'll get there.

Janie: it sounds like you need a name for your home--it's like a retreat and day spa. We need to come up with something good.

Shadowpup: hope we can have a lurkers get together next week.

Hope eveyone has a nice evening.
~michelle
~michelle

 

[janiejoey]

This CHECK-IN is the correct one to post on.

Yesterday was yoga and a sprinkle of martial arts workout with Cameron Shayne. It was really cool to have three people doing this workout with me. My Joey , Sid and me.

Today is a rest day. Will do laundry, floors cook a turkey...

Did you all have a great weekend?

Janie

 

[Shadowpup]

All, I got us all confused (at least Janie and I, thanks Shoegal for catching!) and posted on August. Deleted the wrong thread in haste. I'm going to put my Sept postings here ... and then race off to my plane. Not the best way to start off the week, sorry everyone


INSANITY UPDATE

If any of you decide to do Insanity Cardio Power and Resistance after STS shoulders/biceps/triceps, as I did this morning, don’t say I didn’t warn you … Maybe after doing a long bike ride, STS, and horseback riding it was a bad idea to do Insanity this morning ... but I wanted to check out another dvd, and need a break before the next STS.

Cardio Power and Resistance is the third dvd in the series. Being up on Sean T’s tricks now, I started out this time with the necessary preparation: hydrate well, set aside TWO big glasses of water in a handy location, get a medium (not small) washcloth, and begin with a REAL WARMUP outside. Hah!

That was the last smirk I had. Sean T got right to business, with a NotWarmup that burned a hundred calories in ten minutes and gave my washcloth a nice workout too. Then … a few minutes of stretch, and the real fun began again. We learned many new moves. One is a log jump, where you jog in place at a frantic pace, then leap as high as you possibly can to the side, and go back to jogging. You do this until you are grateful for the next exercise. We did a version of something I’m calling a frog jump – it has a name, I was not in any condition to listen well, but this might be the suicide jump … For this one, you crouch down with hands parallel to the ground, then leap high into the air and throw your arms up too; but before gravity kicks in, you tap your knees (upper thigh horizontal), bring arms back to skii position, then do it again. And again. And again. And …

For some reason Sean T saw fit to give us several 30 second breaks in the last ten minutes. This was puzzling – might be because we did a number of bodyweight resistance exercises about then, and he wanted the muscles to recuperate, so as to be able to torture them more effectively. We did unusual toe pushup variations: one was called a V, where you do a sort of downward dog position combined with tricep pushups that one plus the dips nearly killed me, because Cathe did such an excellent job exhausting my tris and shoulders yesterday – they haven’t recovered yet! Our final exercise was a set of eight squat jumps (squat and jump) followed by eight military style toe pushups. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat.

So far this was the shortest of the workouts. I looked at my GoWearFit indicator, and it tells me I spiked up to 9 mets during much of the workout, and 17 minutes of it was over 6 mets. Considering that we had a ten minute NotWarmup, a five minute stretch, and a cooldown – that’s a pretty intense 40 minutes! Another thing I noticed is that my afterburn continued for at least another ten minutes – my HR had recovered to normal, but my body was still burning more calories than usual. Total calorie burn for me on each Insanity workout has been around 300-350 calories (this was 318 plus afterburn). To put in context, my entire fifteen mile bike ride yesterday, with rolling hills, took two hours including a break in the middle and loading/unloading the bike, burned about 500 calories. I don't usually go above 300 calories for Imax 2. Perhaps when my body gets used to all that jumping it will get easier, but I'm guessing not by much - I'm not keeping up the pace with the fastest exercises, not jumping as high, or as quickly - meaning there is a lot of room for improvement. This dvd was all about explosive power, using core and glutes especially. I'm very grateful for having done all those toe pushups with Cathe in Meso 1, and the Jillian Michaels dvd Burn Fat Boost Metabolism was a good intro as well. Jillian now strikes me as a leisurely, kind version of Sean T.

 

[Shadowpup]

Deborah, Sounds like that bug didn't catch hold. Thank goodness.

I have STS blues right now! LOL I want to do another 3 months so badly. Fortunately we don't have to do 3 or 6 months with STS, We'll just do whatever we want with it when we have the time. Should work very well for us. Things keep changing about where plans are concerned. I might be able to start another STS series in March. Hope so anyway.

Looks like the cruise is out for me. Can't find another sibling to go with me. Oh well. Told my other family about it, (Joey's side) they are planning a cruise to Alaska next Summer. YES!
Janie

Janie, It really is nice to have such a long program as STS to work with! I enjoyed week 3; and week 4 will start next weekend. Probably will have to spread it out over two weekends, since it's another travel week (shorter). Very sorry the first cruise is out, but at least you have this other one to look forward to ...

OMG, your bulbs sounds wonderful! Oh please, you have to take pictures for us this Spring when they all bloom. I bet it is outstanding! 4 or 5 thousand, I can't even imagine it. You put all those bulbs in the ground yourself! Can't wait for pictures!

Janie

Sure! I think I have one or two up from last year, and need to put up more. I've been doing this since about 2002 - the thousands of bulbs in the fall - and yes, every one planted by hand. It doesn't take as long as many people think. It makes for an intense fall, though, lots of planting days, and just as well that STS will be over. Bulb planting really works the back!

Your review of Insanity is, well...INSANE! I want it! Can't wait to get some kind of a deal. Can you see this 58 year old doing something like that? Would love to give it my all though. Will have to try it one day. The calories you are burning are amazing, that in itself seems to me that these workouts are a must have.

Please keep the reviews coming.

Janie

I can definitely see you doing it. It's really intense - I'm not sure I'd get as much benefit from doing it every day as I am from doing about two a week, with traditional strength training, so I'm glad things worked out the way they did. I'd bet that it will show up on ebay or Amazon, deeply discounted, by the end of the year. I'm already seeing a few resales of the package now, and I didn't pay full price for mine. P90x, used, is getting pretty affordable!

Went to Adrian's baptismal today. I got to hold him as often as I liked. Wat a cutie pie. They had a huge spread with all kinds of different breakfast treats, then as the day came about the caterer's came in and brought LASAGNA, garlic bread, Caesar salad, decadent chocolate ice cream between chocolate brownies like crust... Oh My! This was not a good day to stay on a clean diet. No way. I ate everything and had a blast. Tomorrow Joey, Sid and I will do yoga, and Martial art based exercises. Should help with the damage I did today. At least I hope so.

Have a great evening everyone.

Janie

Sounds like you had a terrific time! Such a fun occasion to celebrate. That ice cream sounds like a tremendous temptation, and lasagna is a favorite of mine as well. A little indulgence now and then helps make it easier to stay on the wagon the rest of the time, don't you think?

AND FROM SUNDAY:
Laura, Shoegal, I think I was channeling you both a little! It was OrganizeClosetMax time. Well, maybe not max. I still need to try everything on, give away things that don't fit, that kind of thing. Still, all the socks match and are sorted by color (for easier packing, not because I'm all that organized), all the clothing is clean and hanging in the right place, and all the obvious give-aways are in my basket waiting for removal to the thrift shop. Feels good!

Laura, TRX is called a suspension training system, and it's pretty neat. It was developed by a special forces member as a way to provide a good workout without requiring a lot of equipment. Mainly you use body weight to operate. It reminds me of a gymnast's rings (except these have handles), and usually either your feet will be on the floor (for working upper body), or your hands will (for working lower body). I'm not confident it will give a good lower body workout, but it's great for upper. And Kari Anderson does Reach, one of my favorites for stretching/moving. It's ballet-based, and she looks so graceful doing the moves ... I do them without a mirror, so as to maintain the illusion of grace

All, I am posting midday to brag. Yes, indeed, I cannot help posting this brag, because it is so mind-blowing to me. I did STS Legs today, at 90 percent 1RM, and EVERY WORKOUT WAS ONE HUNDRED POUNDS OR MORE!!!! I did squats at 130, which is more than I weigh by a smidge; deadlifts were 122, lunges at 100. Can you believe it???? I've been kind of dreading this week, because those numbers just seem impossibly huge to me. I know some of us on the Lurker list and many of the cathe-ites are doing more, but to me, being able to handle that much weight is just phenomenal. Had to share with people who would understand

 

[Shoegal]

I hate to say that things are hectic - since all of my time is going toward trying to have a good time. It is ridiculous to say that I would like to spend some time just doing my normal routine - but I would actually like that. Here I got back yesterday from Dewey Beach. (a very very tiny little stretch of beach that we got to share with numerous college age kids) I don't like the fact that we were so close to the people around us on the beach that we regularly heard conversations that weren't our own. I like peace and quiet - no radios, no one talking - just the sound of the surf and the sun. I like ample space around our umbrella and the next group of people. People sat on top of you and thought nothing of it. It isn't like the Outer Banks. Generally, we had a very nice long weekend but somewhere about 3pm on Sunday I just wanted to get off the beach - it ceased to be enjoyable and I am a beach gal from way back! But now - to warn you I shall be preparing to depart on yet another vacation - this time to Keuka Lake with DH & some friends for a week. There really isn't time to settle into my routine!!

Shadowpup - your numbers sound incredible - I am really amazed at what you are lifting - over 100lbs!!! You should be so proud. Wow. Insanity like Janie says - sounds absolutely insane. All that jumping - I get all sweaty just reading about it.

Janie - hosting Sid again - well, that is a good thing - he needs the healing powers of your home and company. I know it is hard but it is so good of you to be there for him.

Laura - I actually took violin lessons in elementary school - but I will refrain from saying that I play the violin - because I don't - I hated it unfortunately. I also took piano lessons as a child but alas - I don't play the piano either. I am actually not sure if those lessons were my idea. So I hope that your girls enjoy embarking on learning to play - even if you don't like listening to it right now. Later on it could be nothing but beautiful music that you hear. I don't have any children (well, human children) but my nephews and neices grew up in a hurry. Time really does fly.

MIchelle - so - it sounds like you had a lovely time visiting friends and boating - that sounds just great to me. I would like to develop friendships through the boat - that would be great - but we are kind of limited since we are at one small marina on the lake -we will probably see the same bunch of people all the time. We will be taking the boat up to Keuka to sail a little. So that should be fun.

I will be doing another step routine form my DVDs tonight - but first I'm going to check the rotation. I know I missed some things but I want to work toward actually completing this rotation anyway.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Well, trying to get back to normal. Did the cardio portion of Body Max. Never got back to do the upper body and abs. Lots going on and it's looking like Shadowpup and I might not be able to hook up tomorrow.

The weekend was going well until Sunday morning. Joe had just come back to the boat to let me know that he was going to take a woman up to the emergency clinic at noon when it opened. She had fallen on her boat the night before and thought she had some broken ribs. Okay--great-boom! Joe lost his footing and down he went in the cockpit. Landed on his left wrist, snap, and his left hip. Now, instead of being the good samaritan, Joe is the patient and I'm running him to the ER up at Prince Frederick. After a relatively short wait, he was seen. Yup, he has a broken wrist. They put a splint on him, told us to see an orthopedic doc, gave him a script for percocet and off we went. As we are leaving the hospital Joe mentions that his left hip is sore. But he was walking okay, so off we went.

We get back to Solomons, get his prescription filled, and then back to the boat. Ripken was happy to see that we were back--a bit concerned, but happy. Once we got in the cabin, we decided we better look at Joe's hip. It was not good. Very swollen and purplish/black. While a break is simple enough, not for Joe. His has COPD, atrial fibrillation, takes warfarin (blood thinners) and the list goes on. Because of the blood thinners, the bruise on his hip is really, really awful. Sleeping Sunday night was not great, was better last night being at home.

We were able to get an appointment with an orthopedic doc today who told us yes, Joe's wrist is broken and there are 2 options: surgery or reset and cast. Surgery is probably the better option for someone without all Joe's preexisting conditions, but....After we left that doctor, Joe decided he wants a second opinion, so he is seeing another doc tomorrow. He also called his cardiologist and spoke to his nurse. I expect that Joe will hear back from him tomorrow or the next day. I've got the perpetual worry face going. Just can't get my brow to relax. One thing is for sure: this is going to be a very slow process. Whatever happened to the good old days where the doc set the bone, put a cast on the wrist, and off you went to heal. Doesn't seem to go like that anymore. On top of it all, I'm just not going to be able to hook up with Shadowpup tomorrow. But we'll keep trying.

On a brighter note, sister turned 44 today. I sent her a Cathe gift certificate. Just couldn't make up my mind what to get her so I decided to let her do that. Mom and Dad gave her some money to buy some Cathe stuff too. Wonder what she will get? Slanted risers? STS ab circuits, The terminator, a Cathlete shirt?

~michelle