Attn: Aquajock

[getnfit@38]

Or should your handle be: "Universaljock"
I thought I was just too impressed with myself when I got to the point of being able to do 2 sets of 12 "off the toes" push ups, but then I read your post:

40-45 first set (6" platform)
20 second set (8" platform)
15 third set (6" platform)
10 fourth set (8" platform)
10 fifth set (6" platform)

Then I do pec flyes and barbell bench presses, and then a 6th set of 20 push-ups off an 8" platform.

I try to vary the width of my hands with each set, going wider and wider, so that the pecs are increasingly recruited.

YOU CAN DO IT. And push-ups are worth the effort, not just for the pec / anterior delt / triceps training, but also for core stability work and the isometric work your leg muscles get. Start slow, do as many as you can off the toes; it's okay if you can only do a couple at first. Just try to do a little bit more each week, and try to do training sets at least twice a week. You'll be amazed at your progress!

Annette

Now, do you realize how many push ups you do? I actually counted them: 120!! So clearly my 24 (that I struggle for!) just pale in comparison, and I now have a new goal: I wanna be like you!
I am just too impressed, I mean you've always been a kind of "guru" to me but "WOW!" Maybe you need to put out your own video! You know, maybe a real sweat busting/grueling athletic style video we can alternate with our Cathe's!
Just a suggestion!

But seriously, you've given me something to shoot for, it may take a few years....

Donna

 

[Aquajock]

RE: Donna - right back atcha

Thank you so much for your kind words. Coming from you, such a continuing source of inspiration to so many others of us, that means a lot.

I tell the participants in my aqua classes, "Just a little bit more than you did before, each and every session, and you will be amazed at the progress you can make." That's one of the preaches that I've practiced myself over the years, and by golly it works.

You, my lady, are the billboard for Doing It Right. Start slow, build the habit, ask questions, apply the answers, don't get sucked in by commercialized hocus-pocus, and be CONSISTENT, PERSISTENT, AND PROGRESSIVE IN INTENSITY. That is the only thing that works, and isn't it a blessing that, in the end, it's very simple.

I think you and I, as well as so many others "here", are simply at somewhat different points on the same continuum. We both have the same physical equipment, and we both have faced the same challenges of the consequences of sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption of less-than-healthy foods. I stumbled out of my darknesses of bulemia, scale-weight obsession, food-as-enemy-and-moral-issue, and non-fitness over several years; it wasn't linear, it wasn't pretty, and who knows that it's over?

I look forward to many more posts and exchanges with you, Miss Donna, and I continue to hold you in the highest regard.

Annette

 

[KatieDid]

soorry to bust in....

Donna and Annette: Both of you provide extremely motivating posts every single day and now Annette, you have me teary eyed with your comments:

I think you and I, as well as so many others "here", are simply at somewhat different points on the same continuum. We both have the same physical equipment, and we both have faced the same challenges of the consequences of sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption of less-than-healthy foods. I stumbled out of my darknesses of bulemia, scale-weight obsession, food-as-enemy-and-moral-issue, and non-fitness over several years; it wasn't linear, it wasn't pretty, and who knows that it's over?

I'm working on the negative self-talk that has me beleiving that I'm just not as good as all the rest of you, and then you both share stories so muchlike mine. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Katie

 

[Aquajock]

RE: To Katie

Now I'm the one who's teary eyed.

What you characterize as "motivating" posts and responses I can only characterize as the plain and simple truth. It is the plain and simple truth that we have what we need, inside, to live strong and healthy lives, and that all of us can look forward to even stronger, more vibrant days if we just keep doing things right.

I know all too well the negative self-talk. I have my moments of "I can't" and "this isn't real". I remember days when I thought my body was this recalcitrant, bloated, horrible THING that would be forever weak and ugly; these thoughts were my constant companions, and the thoughts created the reality.

I find it a blessing that I and so many others have taken the right steps toward healthier, happier lives. I find it an even greater blessing that I have these Cathe forums, as well as my aqua classes, where I can give away the good thoughts and whatever information I might have that's of value. Some cyber-people have called Cathe's forums a "lovefest", and for the life of me I can't see anything wrong with that. Fitness can be a lonely business, and there are plenty of hatefests out there; here is a place where we can keep the good feeling by giving it away.

Keep on keepin' on, Katie! (BTW, my stepmother's name is Katie, and she's one of the most wonderful people on the planet!)

Annette

 

[dogonyx]

RE: Cathe's lovefest

Sorry but this reply isn't directly related to the thread and it will be a little scattered but I had to comment on something related to your "lovefest" comment.

A week or two ago, I told my boyfriend that I was contemplating starting a "What I Love about Cathe" thread. I said that I knew it sounded hokey but it would be a cool thing for Cathe to come back to after having her baby. He laughed and admitted it was hokey and asked if Cathe had ever put up a "What I Love about my Fans" thread?

I said that she didn't have to because: 1) She provides us with great workouts and 2) She took the time to provide us with a great support group (these forums).

Unfortunately, I didn't start the thread. (I get too nervous about no one responding.)

I do think these support forums are awesome and although I like to think I would be motivated enough to keep on working out without the forums, I'm glad I don't have to!

Thanks to all!
Shelley

p.s., my boyfriend really is supportive about my endeavors to workout.

 

[Aquajock]

RE: To Shelley / Dogonyx

If you start the thread I will contribute! I have a lot to be grateful to Cathe for, and it would be a pleasure to write the list!

Annette

 

[LoveMyLab]

Just Do It!

Hi Shelley,

What a brilliant, creative idea!!!Please post I'll contribute also.

Laura

P.S. I am always amazed if someone responds to me but if they did'nt that would be O.K. too.