Getting Our Licks In!

Today was Butts and Guts day: the 80 minute workout. I've been doing the 50 minute premix versions the past couple of weekends and decided it was time to just stop being a weenie and go for the whole 9 yards. Woosh! By the end of the floor glute work, my butt was so happy. Love the ab work on B&G. One of my favorites. Poor Ripken. I wore him out. He finally relocated his napping position in the salon so I didn't "disturb" him. But he did get his licks in during the beginning of the workout. Silly pup.

Shadowpup: nice to have you back home and with our check-in. Those are some major weight amounts for the lower body. WOW! Too bad it is damp out your way. Maybe you can just go brush out the kids and love on them a little bit.

Elle-P: a day at the spa sounds like fun and relaxing. Good for you, treating yourself right!

Sister, sister, sister: where did you go? I tried calling but you must be outside or something. Hope you enjoyed your workout.

Hi to Laura, Shoegal, and Janie. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
~michelle
 
This weekend was very busy. On Friday - I took off early and went over to my sister's house to see my nephew go off to Prom. We took pictures, had a little get together with food and drink - then I drove on home. DH & I took all the pups out of a walk then headed out to a neighbors house for a little bonfire get together.

Saturday - it poured!!! And poured and then it rained some more. :(:rolleyes:
We had actually decided to finally stick the boat in the water - and we chose a lousy day for it. It was generally unpleasant. We tried to wait a bit - we had heard a rumor that the rain was on its way out - but it continued to pour so we just got it done. Raising the mast went very smoothly - had no trouble - and it went up without a hitch - but the entire ordeal took up the better part of the day and I was soaked through. I barely had any time to clean and Rex's sister is supposed to come stay next weekend. I will have to clean all week long to make up for it. The puppy shreds absolutely everything she can get her paws on. Little bits of tennis balls and other misc toys are every where. :rolleyes: I went out on Sunday and bought heavy duty toys for Gracie to play with - we are running low in the toy department since she eats up everything.

Gracie is a little joy and a living terror all at the same time. She has UNLIMITED energy. DH has less patience with her than I do - but it is really difficult not to enjoy her enthusiasm. I can't help but just love her.

We then went out to dinner with Rex's other sister - had a nice time and then watched Avatar on Pay per View - I stayed awake - actually really enjoyed the movie too. On Sunday we celebrated my sister's birthday - I also got some flowers to plant in the planters on the deck. Lots going on.

Glad to have Shadowpup back. Hello to everyone.
 
First, I want to say how much I adore everyone in our group. You guys are great and I'm thankful everyday to have you all as part of my life and I'm thankful to Cathe for providing us with a forum to develop new friendships and share the joy of exercising and striving to live healthy, happy lives.

In that spirit of sweating: this morning was Slow and Heavy Chest, Back and Planks. Oh boy--it has been a few months since I've done the S&H series. Ripken says this is a super, duper puppy licking workout. All I know is that my arms were quivering by the time I got through the last set of chest presses. WhewWee! Givent the way my arms felt after the chest presses and flys, I was shocked that I made it fairly easily through the bonus push-ups on toes(thank you Cathe and STS).

Shoegal: boating in the rain is not my favorite thing. All I can suggest is for you and your DH to invest in a good set of raingear (jacket and pants). I'm partial to Helle Hansen (okay NW gals--which city did Helle Hansen originate in?) and have a set on the boat and at home (for dogwalking of course). Speaking of puppies: ah the joys of puppyhood. Gracie sounds like she is full of personality.

Hope everyone has a great week.
~michelle
 
Hi Everyone,
Today is a holiday (Victoria Day) here in Canada but my weekend feels like it just flew by.

The weather has been really good so yesterday i took advantage and took a two hour walk to get some errands done.

This afternoon i got in a yoga workout and then at around 5pm i did Body Fusion. My energy was low due to the humidity i think so everything seemed harder but i made it through somehow.

Michelle: I'm also thankful for this group and all the encouragement and support. It really does help keep me motivated and inspired especially since i'm surrounded by people at work who have absolutely no desire to exercise.:rolleyes: There's always someone bringing in timbits (little doughnut balls) or ordering takeout for lunch.
Pushups have always been a challenge for me so i salute you.;)

Shoegal: Your weekend sounds really busy, not to mention Gracie keeping you busy as well. She sounds adorable though! Reminds me of how Marino was when he was "little".:)

I hope everyone else is having a great weekend. I'm hoping to see some fireworks from my balcony once the sun goes down. Have a wonderful evening.
 
WOW did I really not post since last thursday??? I guess that is how busy it has been around here, although I did get my workouts in.

Quick Recap: Friday off :)D Yes I did have privates Michelle!! But generally I rarely workout for those I do demonstrate a move from time to time if the client is missing the essence of the movement, and I certainly engage my TA alot more than NORMAL!!!) Dinner and the Biggest Loser at a friends house with my girls.

Saturday: Girls violin recital, but did squeeze in the Back work of STS Meso 2 Week 3, dropped the girls off to a sleep over and had a date night with DH, sushi and Iron Man 2 (which was not nearly as good as Iron Man)

Sunday: breakfast with friend, a little yard work, Biceps that I missed from Saturday and Cardio only Premix from 4DS FINALLY GETTING THAT ROUTINE!:eek::p Dinner BBQ at friends.

Monday: Hike with friend 93 minutes, Pilates Class and Total Tone Class:p

H mmm writing this all done makes me realize how much exercise I do and how much EATING/Partys I do as well!!!

I love our group to, thank you so much for your support and friendship!! I am to far behind (once again) for personals, but did READ them all!!!
 
I am thankful as well for our group - I've always said I force you guys to listen to the details of my workout otherwise it falls on the deaf ears of my husband. He could care less!! So I'm grateful that everyone here listens and comments. It's nice.

Elle - Happy Victoria Day!! I find that an office environment generally is a lousy place to support a healthy lifestyle. If I want to get rid of food I always bring it to work - the people here will eat anything!!! At Christmas there are loads of cookies around - and donuts, bagels, candy etc the rest of the year. :rolleyes:

Laura - You do have a lot of exercise in your day - it is nice that you have the time to fit in all of these walks and hikes and skiing etc. It is inspiring - instead of sitting in a coffee shop when you have a couple minutes - you are out and about enjoying the outdoors and getting your heart rate up. You have to get out & socialize as well - there must be a balance in life. If all you did was exercise and work - it would be pretty dull.

Michelle - It has been awhile since I've done S&H - makes me think about giving that one another go around. I love that about this check in - if somebody just mentions a workout they've done I get excited about it and want to do it myself.

Last night I planted some flowers I bought to bring a little bit of color to the planters on the deck. Usually we plant cannas in there - and that's it. This year I decided to add a couple annuals. Then I came in and did HiiT 30/30. I had my doubts about getting through -but I did fine. I am really shocked at how I have this feeling of dread lurking in the back of my mind - but when I do it and I'm sweating and breathing heavy - I just love it. :D

Hi to everyone else - hope you all have a great day.
 
Did Pour Hour today and walked Rolly for about 45 min.

Debroah, You must be in the plane as I write this. Take care and go get em. Be safe.

Michelle, OMG, I've done B&G only once before (along time ago) and I have to tell ya it was a fantastic workout. I was full of energy that day and was able to get through it with minor modifications. Good for you! Very proud of ya.

Shoegal, A bonfire sounds like such fun! Gracie sounds like she will be happy with special people who also has a lot of energy. LOL I can't wait to see who will get her, the lucky people. I can understand your hubby's love hate relationship with little Gracie. Bring on the heavy duty toys. LOL;)

Joey and I watched Avatar the day before yesterday, and I really really enjoyed that movie too. Talk about a fantasy and in harmony with their environment! So many people didn't like it, but I just don't understand that. What's not to like?

I bet those planters are beautiful on the deck.

30/30 is one tough workout, Wow. You did it!

Michelle, I too feel we have a special group of people here. We get along with each other so well. I just love that!:D Every day it is such a pleasure to read the posts and interact.

You worked especially hard when your arms quiver. Good for you! That's the way do it!;)

Elle, Did you have a nice holiday? Hope you enjoyed those fireworks? Lots of workouts today. Good job, especially when you worked at so hard at it.

Laura, Sounds like a busy and very accomplished few days. Just the right balance it looks like with your exercises and food. Good job.


Take care everyone, and have a nice day.

Janie
 
I was getting ready to post earlier and then the internet went down, the phones went out, and we evacuated our building here in Alexandria. Not sure if all that was connected, but we are back inside and connectivity with the world has been restored.

This morning Ripken and I got up 20 minutes earlier than usual because I had to leave earlier for a meeting. Walked outside and it was icky-booty rain. So we ended up doing a short walk which gave me more time than I expected to exercise. Originally I was planning on doing 4DS HIS but I opted for Step Moves. Was one of those days where I was in the "aerobic zone." Felt like I could have done the workout again, alas time did not allow it. I have to admit that my body went into a bit of a funk after completing STS. Everything seemed to be falling apart (or maybe just a few weeks of less instense exercise). I feel like my body does feel like it has gotten over this feeling: my right elbow feels pretty good, my feet are good, and my energy is good.

Janie: wow, you've only done B&G once? That's one of my tried and true workouts for the boat. Kicks my but every time. I recommend you dust that puppy off and give it go.

Shoegal: HIIT 30/30? Hmmmm. Might have to think about that one for Thursday. The shock cardios were off my list for the past 6 weeks or so, but I'm feeling like I can give one a go every week or two now. It's nice to be hearing from you and Laura again.

Laura: yup, you kind of fell off the block for a few days. But that usually means you are busy doing stuff. Nothing wrong with exercising and eating. As I said to my buddies yesterday, what's the point of doing all this exercise if I can't eat some fun food every once in a while?

Elle-P: ya'll have humidity in Canada? I thought it didn't get humid up there. Huh. I've learned something new. Hope you enjoyed your holiday.

Hi to sister and Shadowpup.
~michelle
 
Michelle, Sorry, I got confused with another workout. I have done B&G more than I stated. I have so many and starting to not remember which is which.

You sound like you are ready to take on the workouts again. Good for you!

Janie
 
ONLY 10 more DAYS! Come on summer!

I did STS 8, tri's and back today. Good workout, lots of sweat. Yesterday was Power Max and Ab Circuit med ball. Loved it. Tomorrow is Body Max 2, no upper body weights, just the cardio. I'm nearing the end of Cathe's October 09 rotation. Which I highly recommend by the way. I think I will be doing a combination of Janie's Insanity/STS and Fitness Freaks "Get Ready for Summer 2010". Plus once school is out, hiking, biking and MMA classes. OH yeah, I'm psyched! :D

I may have to break down and order Avatar on pay per view. I've heard more positive then negative. My only problem is sitting still long enough. lol

My college best friend and her husband are coming in this weekend for a visit. She has lost almost 50 pounds since I last saw her...can't wait to see her and catch up. I hope I inspired her to lose all that weight. BUT, doesn't really matter, she says she feels great and wonders why she let herself get to nearly 200 pounds. Hey, I can relate to that!!! I hope she stays on this healthy lifestyle. Its been almost a year for her. Me? I am going into my 3rd year of changing my life/health for the better, and I'm not going back. That was a lot of work to get here, and I love how I feel and look. :)

Our little group here is such a blessing. Helps to know that there are people who do give a d*#m about exercise and are supportive. I love each and every one of ya!

ttfn

~Renee
 
Well sounds like some GREAT workouts happening out there in our little group of Cathe Fans! I had my Pilates class this morning and did my STS C,S,& T disc 22, man I sure haven't missed those pushups!:eek::(:confused: I was really dragging today and felt like I was more going through the motions than working out, but hey I got it done right? I did listen to my complaining body and did drop some of the weights a little bit. I also did Slim in 6 Abs with Debbie Seiger. (SP)

I am hoping I am just tired and not coming down with anything! STS does take a lot out of you and the 6 month rotation is feeling very long right now,as I mentioned before I did have to extend Meso 1 by 3 weeks due to vacations so it is even longer. I have 2 more weeks of this last week of Meso 2 and moving on to Meso 3!!

Shoegal: Thanks for the supportive words!! It is about balance after all isn't it? Good job on 30/30 not for the faint of heart!!

Janie: Butts and Gutts always gets me as well. I was actually thinking of subbing it in for a leg STS but decided to stick to the program as it is. Bet that puppy is loving his walks!

Michelle: I hear you on STS taking it's toll on the body! I am feeling it in my feet as well. I think I strained my left foot during the accident on the break and it has been bothering me ever since. Especially on the calf raises and step routines.

Catchicks: hey send me some of that energy won't you!!??? LOL! Great job on the weight loss and 3 years maintenance! Do you stick to the clean eating principles or what is your nutritional plan of action? I got the exercise covered but need help on the nutritional front...

Elle: Hope you had a fun holiday! We have Memorial Day coming up this weekend.! Looking forward to a long weekend. Going to hang low at home with the family though.
 
Yesterday's workout was Lower Body from BS/BF and StretchMax Routine # 2.

I've been sticking to Cathe's beginner rotation subbing in Jari Love on the full body toning days but next week i'll be starting my new rotation and i'm looking forward to dusting off LoMax which i really like and attempting Kick, Punch, & Crunch which i only ever attempted once before. I included it in my rotation so that i'll do it a few times and give myself a chance to learn the routine.

Michelle: Yes, we have major humidity here in Toronto! Today is going to be a scorcher with a high of 31°C that will feel even hotter due to the humidity. We have a heat warning in effect so i'm glad to be sitting in an air conditioned office.

Laura: Some days it's definitely easier than others. On Cathe's beginner rotation she says to take down the intensity and do what you can on those days where you feel you don't have as much energy. I remind myself of that when it's harder than normal to get through a workout.

Renee: Congratulations on sticking with it and doing all the hard work for three years to change your life.

Janie: I know what you mean about getting the workouts confused! I could have sworn i had Imax2 but apparently i don't!:p

Shoegal: I agree. This office environment is lousy support for a healthy lifestyle. I used to have a coworker who exercised and ate healthy but she left the company and we lost touch due to busy schedules. It seems like it's just easier to eat junk around here since it's so readily available. I bring my own food whenever possible to avoid that pitfall but most of the people here eat bagels loaded with cream cheese for breakfast and fast food for lunch. It's sometimes hard to resist the smell of freshly baked muffins and have fibre1 with fruit instead, although i do feel better afterwards.

Have a great day.
 
Quick report: Slow and Heavy Triceps and Biceps today. That was hard. Not quite as much fun as I was anticipating, but I made it through the workout. I'm not sure why I have such fond memories of S&H from last year? Doing the slow weight lifting is much harder than I remember. I've got to run to a bunch of meetings. Will try to be back later, but I wanted to get my check-in recorded.
Michelle
 
Last night was awful. DH discovered that he needed to go out of town today all of a sudden and had a very early flight. So he goes to bed early - at around 10pm. He puts little Gracie in her crate so she doesn't disturb him. I fall asleep in front of the tv following my workout - wake up at about 2 am and decide I ought to put myself to bed. I sneek out quietly - but despite my efforts I wake up Gracie - she starts to cry. I go to bed anyway figuring that I can't get her out - and I can't teach her that someone will come running everytime she cries. She doesn't stop - DH asks if I can hear her - I told him why I wasn't getting her out - but I go get her anyway. She comes bounding up the stairs ready to play!! She won't lay down - she won't stay still. I get out of bed and go downstairs - she isn't laying still there either - she goes back in the crate - she starts to cry. It is now 3am - DH gets up to go - I go back up to bed - Gracie follows me up there - bouncing around. DH leaves - she manages to nap a bit but I'm wedged in that king sized bed with 3 dogs and beleive me they are taking up all the room. I don't fall asleep - Gracie gets up again - decides it is time to play - again. Finally time to get up - I leave all 3 dogs out - and lay on the couch and I fall asleep!!! Now I'm dead tired!!!

Gracie needs so much exercise to tire her out - it is killing us. I am going to walk her and play with her as much as possible tonight so that she'll be ready for bed.

I did Tone it up by Kari Anderson - total body band workout. It went by super fast but felt good working the muslces in a different way than lifting weights.

Ok - I'm going to go -hello to everyone - I need a nap!
 
I ended up taking the day off, still not up to par, and tired out by simple things, thinking 1.} allergies 2.} coming down with something 3.) over training, either way seemed like a down day was needed..

Elle: trying to listen to my body! Sometimes it is hard to know to push harder ( and sometimes you do feel better for that) or to rest. Well let's hope I made the right choice. Is obesity as bad in Canada as bad as in the states? Must be hard to resist the temptations at work

Michelle: You always raved about S&H, always made me want to get it though it was so dated, the body responds differently to different types of workouts at different times, which is why it is so good to change it up as much as you can to keep the muscle confusion going so even if it felt challenging it is probably just what your body needed to feel that challenge!

Shoegal: my sympathies to you and your Dh and your lack of sleep, of a mother of premature twins I can PROMISE you I now what it feels like to be sleep deprived and long time bouts of it are a common form of torture. I have never believed in drugs for dogs, but maybe Gracie needs a mild sedative at night so you and Hubby can stay sane until she finds a new home?
 
Laura - You win -2 tiny babies beat a whining puppy anyday. :eek::eek: Now I feel silly about one night of lost sleep!!! You are talking about weeks - months of no sleep. You know - it is funny though - I don't remember Dot being such a pain in the rear. Her puppyhood was rather painless. I do hope you are feeling better - by the way.

Michelle - I have to say that when I did Slo Mo strength challenge (Amy Bento workout) the 1st time, I rather liked it. I remember coming away loving the challenge. The 2nd time I did it, I thought it was too slow and way too boring. So I've had kind of the same experience with workouts. One day you like it - the next time you don't. I suppose it depends on a number of different factors: How you feel, time of day, state of mind that determine our perception.

Elle - I'd like to know too if obsesity is as bad in Canada as it is here as well. Too much processed food here - too much junk food available - not enough time to plan and eat properly are some reasons. I'd also like to know your impression of Jari Love. I have a couple of her workouts - I do like her, she can be very motivating at times - but that drab, dark set turns me off. I also find her to be little dry at times - but overall I like her workouts.

Last night - we tied a heavy chain to Gracie and she pulled like a bulldozer to get around. It slowed her way way down, let her have freedom to explore, she got to run with the girls and gave her a ton of exercise. She was panting big time. Despite all of this, however, she still had tons of pep in her and didnt' really conk out or anything. She did sleep through the night though.

As for me - I did HiiT 40/20. I was sweating like crazy. Those butt kickers kick my butt!!!! Tonight I will do another band workout - this one by Amy Bento.

Hope you all have a great day.
 
Hi Ladies!
Yesterday the magic wasn't really there but i did Body Fusion anyways. I'm looking forward to doing my Yoga practice tonight.:D

Shoegal & Laura: In many ways Canadian's have a lot of American influences in our lifestyle since we are neighbours and have access to a lot of the same TV shows etc.
There are a lot of unhealthy Canadians but I think Americans still get top honours in that department! Whenever i visit the USA it's always a bit of a shock to see so many All-U-Can-Eat buffets or Enormous Mega-Supersized portions. Everything just seems bigger in the States but i think Obesity is a problem in all of North America due to our fast paced, convenience/fast food culture.

Shoegal: I find Jari Love to be kind of weird but her workouts are pretty effective and i find them pretty challenging.There is just something "off" about her personality to me. She doesn't come across as genuine and friendly as Cathe and there is a "fun factor" missing from her workouts although they do get the job done. I've been subbing them in once a week for a full body workout and that's more than enough Jari for me right now. I'm not sure i would buy any of her newer DVD's.
 
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Joey and I have did TBS yesterday. Didn't take out Rolly, it was raining big time. Today, I don't know yet.:rolleyes: Looking for inspiration and motivation.

Laura, Listening to your body I believe is essential. When you are ready you'll know. Have a great rest day.

Ella, Good for you doing BF! Magic or no, you still did the workout. Oh, yoga sounds really good to me, perhaps today I'll do that. Thanks for the inspiration.

Michelle, Just past the middle of the week, and finding there is a couple of us here, (including me) that our get up and go is low. Hmmmmmmm. You stuck with your workout and making me think, I better get mine done too.;) Good job by the way, I know it isn't easy sometimes.


Shoegal, I don't really like to give animals drugs either, but maybe a little for Gracie before bed time. Then all can get some sleep. Maybe the heavy chain will do the trick. Glad she slept through the night.

Great job on 40/20 and have fun with Amy tonight. You know, maybe I should do that one today, then walk Rolly and be back for yoga. Sounds like a good plan to me. Thanks for the idea! I think I'll be sleeping very well tonight.LOL:D

Have a great day everyone,

Janie
 
Hey, Hey, Hey!

What a week! Exercise...going great guns. Yesterday I did BodyMax 2 Cardio Premix...OMG, it was so much fun. I had the best time. It felt great, and surprisingly todays felt great too. I say that because I had MIC (max intensity cardio) on my rotation. Not one of my favorites, but its been a while. A long while. Not a big fan of hi/lo aerobics but I actually (very slowly) came around and had a good time with it. Then on to the step portion. Yikes! But, I gotta say, it grew on me, though I was definately feeling it by the end. That workout is nearly 75 minutes long! Its a killer, but I'm glad to have done it. I feel very accomplished and good tonight. Tomorrow is ab circuits no equipment and a stretch. Yeah, it may turn into a rest day. Day 7 usually is, but we will see.

8 days of school left. A three day weekend. College friends coming in. Life is Good!

Puppies! Gotta a love 'em. But cats are so much easier. lol

Sounds like everybody is doing OK. At least I hope so. Take care!
~Renee
 
Never got back yesterday--just got really busy. Today I did Powermax--I always forget how tough that workout is. I think I've mentioned before that Ripken has figured out where to sit at the end of the workout during the cool down so I can pet him on the mambos. Such a silly pup.

Sounds like everyone is doing great, except maybe Laura. Sounds like maybe you are a bit under the weather. I hope you are able to get some rest and feel better.

Shoegal: sounds like you have discovered what Gracie's issues are. I'm not sure what I would do with such an energetic pup. Fortunately, you can let her outside to run and play with the other dogs. By the way, has Dot snapped out of her funk?

Elle-P: great job sticking to the rotation and getting through Body Fusion. Those circuit workouts are challenging. Do you have any of Cathe's stretch dvds or do you prefer yoga.

Janie: What exercise did you end up doing today?

Sister: have fun visiting with Lisa and Eric. Tell Lisa I say hello.

Hi to Shadowpup wherever you are.

We are at the boat through Tuesday. So far it is quiet here, but that won't last. Wishing everyone a good evening and a peaceful and restful sleep.

~michelle
 
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