Bikini Body 3/2 (formerly Beat the Blues)

B

brenda21

Cathlete
Good morning everyone~

I took the liberty of changing the name although its not set in stone- please change it tomorrow if anyone comes up with something better. I called it "bikini" instead of "beach" - figured why not set the bar high?

I just had one of those moments aka Holly Hunter in Broadcast News where I sat at my computer and sobbed. Received a forwarded article regarding appreciating your children and motherhood (look for it Pinky & Joy) and now I'm feeling a little wiped out~ I just came on to check what workout I should be doing today and now I'm a basket case.:) I guess its been a long time since I cried. Just thought I'd share. Whew...

OK, I'm going to check what we're doing today and move on-

Regarding the carbs, I did exactly what you were talking about Tracy & Pinky- was great w/the carbs all day, then my husband came home late and sat with him while he had dinner at 11pm. I found a box of dark chocolates that was unopened and ate 5, one of them being apricot cream which I did spit out after realizing it wasn't good but my thighs wouldn't know that. I'm waiting for my non-fat cottage cheese and sugar-free applesauce to kick in this a.m. to give me the energy I need to plug along.

Pinky, I have a friend whose husband is Chinese and I never put it together- she's always complaining when her mother-in-law (she calls the Dragon Lady) comes in to visit and needs to be waited on and stays extensively. She said she also feels bad because she has a son and two daughters and she says their first born son is treated much better... you're almost 1/2 way there, though. right?

Tracy, I can't believe Ann Arbor is so expensive. That's the first thing I thought is that at least you'll get a huge profit from your sell and be able to buy so much lower... that stinks! Did your house go on the market yet?

Sabine, Lisa, Lori, Lori, Elizabeth, Shywolf- have a great day!

Sorry this is so long- am feeling a little chatty and emotional at the same time- a bad combination.

Brenda
 
HMMMMM........you started your day with a cry? I don't know if that was a good idea!;) For me it wouldn't be.I would have a headache for the rest of the day.But I have one now so whats the dif?
I started my period last night and I feel the pain of it today.It seems as if it as taken 2 yrs for the birth control pills to get totally out of my system.I was all over the place for a year,now my periods are getting closer together,the last couple of monthes my boobs have started to hurt and now today I have a bad belly,which I never get.IT seems as is all of the dreaded signs are getting stronger and MORE!!! Oh,who said being a women was fun????
Despite the fact that I didn't feel 100% ,I took my run outside today.I was wondering how I would do b/c I think running outside and running on a treadmill are very different.Plus I havent done any hills in a while.Well,I was very impressed with myself.I did the hills without having to stop and we did a 14kms run.Last summer there were time when that run felt like it was 30 miles long.I think doing the Imax 2 and runs have really improved my endurance.
Today was suppose to be back and chest but I did 1/2 of BC yesterday and I can feel the back work.So I may do tri,bic,and shoulders tonight.
Anyway,I hope everyone else is having a good day and I will check back later.I am off to work.
Lori
:)
 
Good Morning Everyone,
Well sometimes I wish I could become a pm exerciser. Right now I’m pooped and I still have to work all day.

Brenda, I like the bikini bodies. The beach body has that overtone of the slim series stuff and so this is more unencumbered. I have been having a lot of emotional garbage lately. Mostly I try not to care because when you care you get hurt...

Pinky I cannot even imagine that family duty thing (I know of it from literature – but to really understand – well my family is truly a non-imposing kind and through two marriages, I’ve never had a mother-in-law!

Lori, I agree that running outside is VERY different then a treadmill – much harder IMHO. You did really, really well.

Tracy I don’t know what gives with housing prices but it is everywhere. I think it is the currently low mgt rates + something screwy is going on in the ‘banking’ industry because you cannot believe what amount of mtg you can qualify for! I know what you are saying about Annapolis v Ann Arbor. Michigan is a different kind of beauty. The one time I was in Annapolis I thought it was one of the most picturesque cities I had ever seen. (BTW, my DH lived in MD for a long time and he makes us Blue Crabs Maryland style (using Old Bay) The blue crabs here are good and we have a great supplier. In fact we had crab cakes last night with the leftovers we picked.


Hello Shywolf, Lisa and Elizabeth.

Thank you all for compliments about the 8” step, but this really isn’t so amazing when you know that I am 5’6” tall with my height in my legs.

Well, this am I got it in my head that it was time for legs in the beach bodies rotation and so I did the push/pull lower body premix x2 and then I discovered it was supposed to be upper body day. Oh well. Now, let me comment on the premix. First, the menu shows lb premix x3 at 37” and the 2x premix at 39” whoops! Secondly, the x2 premix only does the calves/shins one time – which seemed enough to me. Finally, I think a better combo would be the x2 premix until you get to the outer/inner thigh then switch to the floor work in PLB, then back to the calves/shins in pp (if you really want to get it all)
I went as heavy as I could with the barbell, and whoa. I’m fried. I also went heavier and slower with the step ups. I only got 10 done where Cathe does 16. Even if I have no weight I cannot do them as fast as Cathe without using momentum. Tomorrow I must rest – its time.
-joy
 
Good Morning!

Hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic day.

I did KPC this morning and I was really into it but some sad news kept popping into my head every once in awhile.

You see my 13 yr old daughter told me yesterday after school that a 12 yr old girl from her and my son's school died over the weekend and it has been all over the news and papers. I live in a pretty close knit community albeit it a military one too. It has deeply affected me to no end. It is just so sad, she was her parents only child and died right after midnight early Saturday morning in a fire that broke out in her home. The alarm went off and woke her parents but her dad could not get to her. Her bedroom was on the other side of their home from her parents bedroom, they found her body in her bedroom closet , she was layed to rest yesterday which also happened to be her mother's birthday.

Now I would be completely devastated , wouldn't know what to do with myself ...so give your loved ones a big hug today and let them know how much they mean to you.

Sorry to put a damper here but it was just weighing so heavily on my chest this morning.And i just had to vent a bit if you will. Well I'm off to get ready to go get my kids home from school as they get out early today
 
Hi everyone,

Brenda, I got your e-mail and was very delighted that the attachment was written by none other than one of my favorite writers, Anna Quindlen. Thanks for sending it. It reinforced what I've always believed: that parents can err on the side of caution, and their kids will still turn out fine.:)

Lori, as always, I am very impressed with your running, hills and all... What kind of pills were you taking? I'm on the low-estrogen kind and when I stopped one month due to the need to switch brands, my period went back to normal right away. Heavy, with those awful cramps, bloating in my lower abdomen... wasn't pretty. Hope you feel better tomorrow.:)

Joy, you're right about "Bikini Bodies" as opposed to "Beach Bodies". No wonder it sounded so familiar!

ShyWolf, I'm sorry to hear about your friend's daughter.

I appreciate all your comments about the family thing. Believe me, they are all very well taken.:) Joy, it's okay to not be able to imagine/fathom family duty. The concept/practice has its advantages, but it's ALWAYS taken to extremes and thereby becomes CORRUPTED. I once watched this documentary about drug addiction in Asia, and my heart broke when I watched this father who was so addicted to heroin sell his daughter to white slavery so he can pay for his vice. The daughter didn't have a choice. This is an extreme case, but I know of many Asian women (married to Asian men) who don't really have that many choices in their lives because they are Asian, and they are WOMEN. Brenda, what you described is very much what is practiced in the Philippines, especially by those who have Chinese bloodlines. Fortunately, that first born son being treated better is not practiced in my family, although every damn Filipino in-law out there believes he/she has every right to demand things/money/services/love/respect (even though they don't deserve it) from the woman his/her son married because she is ONLY the WOMAN, and she is subjugated to her husband, the precious son. It's a new millenium, and we're still into this dark-age $h!+.

Yesterday was S&H T/B/S. I'm barely sore, but I'm not going onto Chest/Back 'til tomorrow. Maybe I'll do leg floorwork today.

Pinky
 
Hello everyone!

I'm going to do things in reverse today- post now and workout right after (does this count as muscle confusion or Elizabeth confusion?:p ...) Going to do TS2 today and in a week or two substitute one of the other w/o's- I think Muscle Endurance is calling my name... Then a shower and going out to a late lunch with DH.

Shywolf- I was so sorry to hear about the tragic death of that young girl. It must rock everyone to the core! I don't have kids but I can only imagine the pain her poor family must be experiencing now- and also her friends and the military community. I'll say a prayer for her and for her family.... You take care and thanks so much for the reminder about how fragile and fleeting Life can be and to cherish and love those in our lives...

Brenda- I think we all need a good cry now and then. Releases alot of emotions and feelings- keeping them bottled inside, IMO, can hurt us. I can understand that that article must've even further deepened you love for and appreciation of your kids (and your role of mother). It's alright to be emotional - that's one of the reasons we're all here- to support and *validate* each other through good and *bad*.


Lorihart- congrats on running the hills and no stopping! DH runs and he also agrees that running on pavement is different than on a treadmill.

Joy- hey, I still think you're awesome even though you carry most of your 5'6" height in your legs (wanna pass an inch or so my way?...:p- I'm 5'2"). You had another really great workout- a rest day definitely sounds in order for tomorrow. BTW, I love crab and crab cakes- yummm! Makin' me hungry!:)

Tracy- I know DC/Annapolis has SO much to do and is very pretty, esp with the Japanese Blossoms (forgot the name of the trees) blooming in the spring- I haven't been to DC at that time of year but I've seen pics by friends- fabulous and gorgeous! I bet that you will probably find some wonderful things in Michigan as well and I'm sure you and DH did not arrive at the decision to move lightly- you weighed everything out and decided this was the best thing for the family. I wish you all the best in your move to your new home and city.

Pinky- sorry to hear about how your inlaws are - sil needs an *attitude adjustment*, IMO. But they're almost gone so whew! you made it girl. You kept your head high and drew your boundaries and limits- proud of you!:) How's working with Billy going? Please keep us posted, OK? And enjoy your visit with Lisa!


You know, I feel the need to share something with all of you. I read the posts over the last few days and the Asian culture part really caught my attention. I think in large part those are old-country values and I think it probably does exist in some families here in the states and around the world. But I can honestly say that my parents (and my aunts and uncles) never subscribed to those *values* (and I use the term values loosely here). They treated everyone with respect, kindness and courtesy were high on their list- ie show hospitality to everyone and never take advantage of the hospitality of others. In fact, they would turn their head in disgust when they heard/saw someone behave so poorly. First-born son or not- didn't mean a thing to them. It's unfortunate that it does to some. My father used to say, *We're not in China anymore* when he saw people act like that. It was a personal choice on my family's part to take responsibilty for their actions instead of pointing to *tradition* and using it as justification for p***-poor behavior. I know my SIL tries to treat me poorly and she isn't Asian (DH is Caucasion).

I know that the posts were not meant as a slight to the Asian culture (and Pinky I know you were just venting and that's OK)- I wanted to also tell of another side of it as well. Thanks for listening everyone.

Hellos to Lisa and Sabine.

Elizabeth
 
Good Morning all!

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day (albeit it a little chilly still). Got a great night's sleep and have lots of energy and enthusiasm for today.

This morning was step cardio for me so I did another new-to-me Cathe workout, PowerMax. I really liked this one! Some power moves but no endless power 15's or 7's. Saw some familiar moves which made the workout flow so it was not a totally novel experience. I'm hoping to come back to this one soon so I can get comfortable with the choreography where I don't have to mentally strain to stay on top of the moves.

So, quick question, do you have a workout that you pretty much know by heart? That you know so well that you don't have to expend much mental energy and can just have fun with the movements? Mine are Reebok Step Rhythm and Moves and Jay Blahnik's Step Revival. I could do these in a semi conscious state I know them so well.

Brenda- no need to apologize for being chatty or emotional. I am a very emotional person and can cry at pretty much anything. Sometimes I chastise myself for being such a sap. And other times I know this is a gift which allows me to really understand and relate to people, very important as a counselor. And I hear you about the 'I got blindsided and didn't expect this strong a reaction' stuff. It can be unnerving. Bless you for being such a sensitive and caring woman!

BTW, love the new title. Considering I bought two bikinis over my birthday weekend I need the high aspirations.

Lorihart- Great job with the run! With my bad knees the idea of running can send me cringing, especially outdoor concrete jungle running. Were you running on dirt or grass? I imagine that would provide more cushioning than concrete or ashpalt. I admire runners so much! At times I get down right jealous}( .

Tracy- I live in the land of over inflated real estate, California. I can totally relate to the sticker shock when you expect to be paying less for the new area. Hopefully you can find a house you love and make it into a wonderful home for you and your family.

Joy- Do not downplay your accomplishments! IMAX on 8 inches = Joy rocks!!!! I am 5'7" and almost all torso and I barely make it on a 4 inch step!! You go girl!! I was wondering why the lower body split premixes got such weird times (I would have assumed the 3X would be considerably longer). Thanks for the info. Would you recommend substituting a premix for one of the regular leg workouts (as I secretly want to get out of doing Leaner Legs cause this one gets me EVERY TIME).

Pinky- I just admire how much spunk you have and can only imagine the frustration when outdated traditions try to squash that out. I think it's great that you're trying to set different examples for your family.

Shywolf- Any child dying is such a tragedy. I really feel for the parents and their sense of helplessness. I also want to send out a big hug to you as things such as this that happen to people we know can be quite upsetting and unnerving.

Lisa- how are you feeling? What was the result of your son's check up?

Elizabeth- What did you today? Timesaver or are you venturing to some of your other purchases?

Hey Lorisax, I miss you! Check in and share how you're doing!

I think that's everyone. Have a great day!
 
Checking in again. Not feeling so good today, especially after doing so much laundry and sneezing my way through it. Carole (Mackmaine), one of the nice ladies here, sent me an old Firm tape after I posted a question about leg floorwork in the DVD questions forum. So I did that today without any weight and barely felt it. Maybe I wasn't doing it right as I felt kind of disoriented. I'm so used to doing Cathe's leg workouts. There's room to learn.

Sabine, thank you for the kind words. I have been fighting tradition all my life and it unnerves me greatly when it chases me halfway around the planet to demand a hug.

Elizabeth, it's good to read your point-of-view. I surely didn't want people to think that all Asians, especially those who live in and were born in this country, still cling to old-world values. So thank you for your refreshing input, and I apologize if my words got to you in a bad way. Thank you also for understanding where I come from. My family has gotten used to my way of thinking, which they label "liberal", over the years and no longer expect me to live, walk, talk, act and think the "traditional" way. But I still get a lot of flak from my compatriots (uh, such a formal word, don't you think?) who think I should be behaving in a manner that is suitable to my skin color, nationality, race and creed, whatever the heck that is. When I was pregnant and was expressing my desire that the baby be a girl, a bunch of Filipino women criticized such desire. A girl wouldn't "carry the family name". A girl would only want clothes, braces, make-up, while a boy can bring "honor" to the family by excelling in school. A girl could get pregnant out of wedlock, while a boy can have all the sex he wants and still not end up "disgracing" the family. A girl would only get married and end up leaving home, while a boy would bring home grandbabies and decide (since he's the guy and can override his wife's decisions) to live near his parents. I wanted to bang their heads together. This is getting long, and I don't want to keep harping on it anymore. This, after all, is a fitness forum. I simply feel incensed and hopeless every time I find myself pulled back by ancient beliefs I find oppressive. And my knee-jerk reaction is to fight back. Thanks for listening.:)

Tracy, I'm glad your daughter is out of her cast and doing better.

Lisa, tomorrow's the big day! Can't wait.

Pinky
 
Hey everyone, it was another pilates day for me. I'm flying to Texas tomorrow, so I'm still taking it easy. I just did the Winsor 20 minute workout. Actually I feel good after doing just pilates for a few days. I'll have to make more of an effort to work it in on a regular basis.

Brenda, Bikini Body is a great name! Thanks! Also, I would be interested in reading that piece on appreciating your kids. By the way, Chevy Chase is a beautiful area.

Elizabeth, I feel so bad, some how I missed your note to me yesterday, which is why I didn't respond. That was so nice of you.

Sabine, thank you for asking about me and Michael. I'm still coughing, but I'm feeling much better. The doctor does want Michael to get a CT scan to check his sinuses. He'll be getting it tomorrow, while I'm gone. In the meantime, she suggested giving him Motrin more as a preventative, to try to keep the headaches under control while trying to figure out what's causing them, and also said he looked puffy under the eyes, and that she's noticed that in the past, and gave him Zirtek (sp?), for allergies. She also is referring him to a pediatric neurologist, just in case.

Pinky, can't wait to see you tomorrow. I'm sorry though that your in-laws treat you as they do. My mother-in-law is Japanese, and has always been very kind to me. I'm Caucasian; I don't know if that makes any difference to her or not.

Shywolf, I'm so sorry to her about the little girl. How are your kids taking it?

Hello to Joy, Lorihart, Lorisax and Tracy.

All of you rock with your workouts! I wish I had more time to do more, and was feeling better. When I get back to it, I think I'll do a week of Timesaver, with lower weights, and then start my rotation I mentioned in a previous post.

I probably won't talk to you all before the weekend. Stay well, and happy exercising!
 
Pinky, it's OK, hon. I know you were just venting and after what you've gone through in your life, I would, too! I hope I didn't offend you with MY words- if I did, I am truly sorry. One of my old boyfriend's grandfather was very *traditional*- eg as in your post, only thought boys were worthy, always wanted a son and ended up having four girls... Karma, I say! And my parents, in their infrequent interaction with him, would give each other looks like: *Can you believe this guy?*. I read your second post with open-mouthed amazement and I hurt inside for you, Pinky. Unbelievable! And of course you would find it oppressive- I would too. True this is a fitness forum but I consider you gals my cyber-girlfriends who are there for me as I am for all of you. And good for you- you rose above all that and are living your life according to your own terms. That took courage to go against the tide. BTW, to make this fitness-oriented, have you considered acupuncture for your knees? It did wonders for an old hamstring injury DH had and for me, an injured rotator cuff. Not kidding you- the pain was gone within a few treatments (good thing as I was getting tired of doing one-armed push-ups- don't be too impressed, I didn't do too many of them!:p)

Lisa- I hope your son is doing better. I'm thinking about him and your family- sending good, healing thoughts your way. Enjoy your visit with Pinky. I would love to meet her as well- she's a pistol!:)

Sabine- you must've read my mind. I was thinking today of trying one of the other workouts. I stand and sway in front of my DVD collection like a kid in a candy store- *which should I choose, which should I choose...*:p I have noticed that my endurance is improving and I think I want to work on that a bit more (w/ME) before tackling the strength w/o's. Thanks for asking. And no I don't know any videos by heart, yet (hiding my head in shame, here...- just kidding!). How are you workouts going? And you are going to look even more fabulous in your new bikinis come summer- I think you probably do already!:)

Hope I didn't hog the bandwidth today. Enjoy the rest of your day/evening, everyone!

Elizabeth
 
Good Evening Everyone,
Sabine-I really wish I could see a blade of grass or a little bit of dirt.BUT all I can see is snow and pavement.We ran on the streets of this town.Most of the streets were pretty good but some of them had some of snow on them.You can't even see the sidewalks.The streets weren't to busy that hour in the morning though so we could "take over" the roads.
Joy-I am not on any pills now.I haven't been on anything since Sept '01.A month before we got married I went off b/c I was all fooled up.I never did go back on and then we decided last year we would start trying for a baby.That hasn't been going as planned either.DH as a low sperm count so it could take a while.But neither one of us are devasted.I have done it all before so I know what it takes to be a parent.Its alot of work and right now we are aren't use to alot of work.She is pretty independent and more of a young person then a child.But like any kid we have our days.
Shywolf-sorry to hear of the loss.They must be in so much pain.I can't imagine what they must be going through.

I wasn't feeling 100% today.I am not sure why.Prehaps I needed more water.I am sure I didn't drink the fluids that I lost after my run.Or prehaps this period is getting the best of me.:-( But I had a nap so I am feeling a little better.Tonight is suppose to be weights but I will see how i feel.
Anyway,I will probably check back again later.
Lori:)
 
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