Fit for Xmas - 12/2

S

Stargazer

Cathlete
Hello everybody,
How is it going. I think the new check in name is great. I found myself completing my CTX week and then proceeding to some Body Blast vids, and as it turned out, I basically started Cathe's December rotation a little early. This morning was Step Blast (again) I'm getting better at the third section. That blast section is really a blast. I looked in the mirror when I was finished and I was BEET RED!

I'm truly hoping to get rid of a few pounds by Christmas. Eating is my downfall, but yesterday was pretty good. Also, I did NOT totally pig out on Thanksgiving! Thanks to you forum members my eating has improved greatly in the past 10 days.

Now what is everyone up to? I quickly scanned the 12/1 topic but I confess I did not study it too good. I did see some new names. Hooray!! I too have trouble doing 4-week rotations. Also, Cathe's rotations are just too tough for me. I can do a week but not 4 in a row. I learned this the hard way (over-training crash in August)

What was your last workout like? How is everyone's WW going?

-joy
 
Hi everyone,

Glad to 'see' you, Joy:) . I'm very jealous that you already have the new Body Blast videos. How does Step Blast compare to some of Cathe's other step workouts?

My eating has slipped and I'm a bit perturbed about it. Example, last night at dinnertime I'm thinking to myself 'I'll have a green salad and the leftover Kung Pao chicken on some brown rice'. Healthy enough right?! What do I do? Blow off the salad, still have the chicken and rice, and finish with a small cup of Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch. It's cold and rainy and I'm craving ice cream? Anyway, need to get some self control or all the exercising will be for naught.

This morning was Christi Taylor's Totally Hot Cardio (in lieu of IMAX which I don't have). Very fun! It was my first time doing the workout (I've been insane at the YaYa's swapmeet and half.com) so I had some trouble with the turns. I should cut myself some slack but I'm just one of those people who wants to be able to do the workout exactly like the instructor and then modify as needed. Joy, I know you like Christi. Do you have this one? What do you think of it?

I noticed that there are quite a few on this check in who are doing the Zone. I've been doing the Zone for over 5 years now (although you can tell from my ice cream confession that I'm currently not diehard into it). It's been a godsend for me so good luck to you all. Those of you doing WW, does it focus on balancing protein, carbs, and fats?

Brenda- did you wake up early today;-) ?

Rhonda- are you doing the July rotation exactly as printed or are you making modifications/substitutions?

A happy Tuesday to Lizzy, Lori, Pinky, Carol and Rhonda.
 
Me again...
I had to take this opportunity to tell you how really GREAT WONDERFUL AND FUN Step Blast is. Let me put it this way. I pre-ordered the BB videos and I have done 3 of them 2 times, 1 of them 3 times (legs & glutes), 1 of them 1 time (supersets) and STEP BLAST 6 TIMES (plus one special session to work on the third combo!!!)

About your eating, I don't know the specifics of the Zone, but I have a general idea. It doesn't sound like your slip was too too terrible. Ice cream is such a wonderful comfort food. ... What %'s of protein/carb/fat does zone think is best. What is their position on fiber - how much per day? As long as I stay away from dessert and peanut butter, I generally eat fairly healthy.

I do have Totally Hot Cardio and I haven't done it in a while so I can't remember it too well. Does it have "devil with the blue dress" as one of the songs? I like it okay, but I think I like others more. my absolute favorite is CIA9801 - double impact (once again I really only know the hi/lo) If you get an opportunity to swap for that one, take it. I know what you mean about the turns, and doing the workout like the instructor - me too.

check back later,
-joy
 
Hi Joy,

The Zone goes for the 40-30-30 ratio of protein, carbs, and fats. I think the Coffee Heath Bar Crunch blew the fat ratio through the roof! As for fiber, the more fiber a food has, the more 'favorable' it is and therefore you get to eat a lot of it. Example: for carbs you can have a mega sized green salad and have it count as one carb block or 5 french fries. If you want to feel full, the salad is obviously the better choice (but it ain't no box of fries, now is it).

Yup, Totally Hot Cardio has 'Devil with the Blue Dress'. It's fun that I get step choreography much faster than hi/lo choreography. I really like Christi Taylor a lot and am trying to reel in my compulsion to buy every video she has RIGHT THIS SECOND!!!! I found Cathe in April and have over half her workouts already, am expecting the BB series any day now, and asked for the Intensity Series on DVD for Christmas. I want to slowly transition my Cathe vhs to DVD. I can imagine that one day soon I just get overwhelmed with the 'I want it now' syndrome and order the 27 pack, credit card be damned!!! Sigh!
 
Hi Girls!! Its good to see you again Joy...
I agree- Step Blast is wonderful! I did it yesterday and by the end I was really wiped out. I may have to try one of Christi Taylor's tapes... I've fallen in love with step after years of just running and doing weights. Its also amazing how the steps now make more sense after repetition, and I am in the running for least coordinated stepper.

Sabine, no I didn't get up. I'm thinking about tomorrow a.m. (I'm determined to get to bed after the Charlie Brown Christmas special tonight)

I looked at the total package of DVD's (did you see the 36 set?? WOW) I know, my first impulse was to buy all of them and then buy a new DVD player for my bedroom where I work out. I got a grip on myself and remembered its Christmas and I have many other people to buy for, and my credit card has been smoking lately. ugh...

Hope all is well- I was going to do push/pull but I may do one of the FIRM lower body tapes since I don't have a lot of time and I haven't done them for a few months.

Have a good one!:) Its nice to see all the new names to the check-in...
Brenda
 
Sabine- I didn't realize you did the Zone, too! I've been trying to figure it out and so far it seems to be really good... Carole and Pinky have been great about giving me advice (check the Zone/Pinky? thread). I'd love to add you to the list of experts if you don't mind answering a few of my questions. Would you?:)
 
Happy Tuesday to you too, Sabine. I didn't realize you're also on the Zone. All of Brenda's recent inquiries (Hi Brenda:)!) inspired me to go back to my STRICT Zone habit, not just Zone-based eating. I'm eating a 3-block lunch as I'm typing this: 3 oz. baked chicken breast, 1/2 cup steamed green beans, loosely measured 1/8 cup peanuts, 1 1/2 cups grapes for dessert. I have been working on this lunch for the last 30 minutes. Still have so many grapes left... Whew!

Anyway, thank you all for this thread. It's keeping my motivation from going down as the cold weather affects my relationship with exercise a lot. I'm into less cardio and more strength training this season. I don't know why, but all that appeals to me right now are the IMAX workouts, the PS series and the Pyramids. Can't wait for those BB DVD's to arrive at my doorstep. I would love to try the weight workouts.

Later,
Pinky
 
Sabine - This week I can do the July rotation exactly as planned. I haven't gone further than that but I think I have most of the videos that Cathe used. I think I am going to add on a little walk or something in the evenings. I don't want to do too much but I feel a good walk in the evening would be good and refreshing, especially after sitting at a computer all day. Unfoturnately I have to do the walk in my basement since it is cold out.

I just ate some animal crackers for a snack. Otherwise, eating has been pretty good today.

Hope everyone has a great evening and talk to you tomorrow.

Rhonda
 
lizzyc - I just read that WW home program on their website and it costs $100 for the kit. There is also an online version that does cost a monthly fee. I am still up in the air about it. With the holidays here I probably won't be able to really look into it until after the holidays and I save a few dollars up.

Rhonda
 
Rhonda,
I need to do some more research on the at home WW. The online program was around 59.00 for first 3 months and 15.00 per month after. I didn't see anything about $100.00, but I was in a rush when I was looking it up. I let me husband know that it may be my xmas gift.
Anyway, you all have a great night and will check in tomorow!
Lizzy
ps. Sabine, don't you find the Zone too complicated? Does it become easier once your more involved. My husband and I looked into it, but seemed like alot of planning and calculating.
 
Hey Lizzy,

When I first started the Zone, yes, it was complicated in that you do have to spend a lot of time reading labels and measuring portions. But after a couple of weeks you will get a real sense of it and it becomes easier. I still read labels but because I know exactly how many grams of protein, carbs, and fat make up a block, I can decide pretty quickly if it should be something I should eat. You'll become very familiar with good, moderate, and poor choices in each category very early on. Also, pretty quickly you won't have to measure everything but will be able to eyeball portions. Next thing you know, it's a way of life.

If you need some help with meal planning, Mastering the Zone has lots of recipes included and there is a separate Zone cookbook as well. I usually don't use true Zone recipes, just modify my own personal favorites (which usually means eliminating the potato or rice side dish and serving an extra vegetable).

Good luck,
 
Lizzy-
I've been doing the Zone for about a week now and its not bad at all. I actually find its not that different from how I was eating (watching carbs, no refined sugar) except I'm watching my portion size a little more closely and am eating a little more fat (via olive oil, nuts, etc). Its really a matter of portion control and smart food choices. I have "A Week in the Zone" in paperback which pretty much summarized the plan.

I think I did the Zone a few years ago without realizing that's really what it was and dropped a lot of weight. It was actually strange because it was the first time I had lost noticable weight and I didn't really need to. Then I got pregnant again and went back to eating carbs and a more traditional diet.

Everyone here in the forum has been great with answering questions plus there are a few web sites that give a lot of detail.

Hope this helps! :)
 
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