Lurkers Invitation June

[Shadowpup]

Hi all,

It's cold out there! Temps dropped from a nice 80-ish down to high 40s. Brrr .... definitely an indoor activity day.

Had some nice hikes yesterday, and a mostly nice ride on my youngest horse. It went well up until we hit a section of very tall grass while we were on a hill, during a windstorm that kicked up, and a pair of ducks flew out under his nose. Ack! Panic! Up goes the horse, sideways goes me, and then somehow I'm rolling downward and he's running away from the Deadly Horse Eating Ducks. Poor Sierra was okay, just terrified he'd done something wrong. When I caught up with him, he was by our barn, all bugeyed and scared and snorty - got myself back in the saddle, which frankly hurt less than walking, let him trot a little, then over a few tiny six inch jumps to rebuild our mutual self esteem, then a little two footer, and praised him to death for behaving. He went back into the pasture a much happier horse. His pasture buddies were pretty wild eyed and I decided against trying to ride anyone else. Am now packing a handful of bruises plus lots of gratitude to both my martial arts instructor from the mid90s, who taught me to do a rollup properly under any circumstances and any terrain (or height), and my parents, who raised me to always always always wear a helmet.

Laura, what a wonderful way to spend your anniversary! I bet you were a knockout in that dress, too Do you have pictures? The Fairy costume sounds great, also. Good job on keeping up those workouts. Getting them to fit our needs is important.

Janie, hope you're enjoying father's day with your Joey! So nice he's back for that... And isn't it nice to feel stronger on the old faves. It will make meso 3 just that much enjoyable for you to start it off after a break.

Ironlady, you and your family have so much to deal with - what survivors you are. No wonder you are "iron"! And I missed something in the posts; you're doing a rotation that uses STS a little differently? Will have to go back and see what you've written about that.

Michelle, look at you, doing toe pushups for the sheer glory of it!!! Wheee!!! Do you also do Ilaria? My cardio tends to focus on the kickbox nowadays, and CardioCoach, probably because you can pack so much into the interval style and it is not as hard on my knees as step. How do you like the side kicks? They are such great ways to practice balance, some stretching, and strength.

Hi to everyone else; time now to see what the critters are doing outside.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Lot's of good workouts going on. I'm taking a break today and will start the week anew tomorrow moring with GSC&T. That's quickly becoming one of my favorites--drops set push-ups and all! Just call me crazy.

Shadowpup: Glad to hear you weathered your fall off the horse well. It seems like our U.S. duck population is becoming more and more comfortable with people and other animals. Each year here at the marina, the ducks seem less skittish about people and dogs. Yesterday, Rip and I walked right by a female duck who was walking down the dock--she didn't even fly down to the water, just watched us walk by. And of course, Ripken could have cared less. He might be a golden retriever but he just doesn't get too excited about water fowl.

Shadow, I'm not familiar with Ilaria. I'll have to google that one. I'm an old dancer, so I like the side kicks in kickboxing. I usually manage to do part of the leg drills in kick max without the assistance of a chair or body bar for balance. And balance is really the key.

Laura: sounds like you all have had a real nice anniversary weekend. Very romantic.

Janie: I like your attitude about making time for life with our workouts. Sometimes I get all tangled up in emotional knots about missing a day. Hope you all have a great meal today.

Ironlady: wow--you have sure had some challenges in your lifetime. Your iron lady strength obviously comes from meeting life's challenges head-on. Sending good thoughts and energy your way.

Happy father's day to all the dad's out there.
~michelle

 

[Shadowpup]

Michelle,

You may really like BodyStrikes from Ilaria. Ilaria has several powerstrike dvds, and I enjoy them, but my favorite is BodyStrikes due to the focus on the lower body. Her form pointers have been very helpful to me, and I like the way she builds up to her moves. It lets you focus on form, then go for endurance and repetition. I like her powerstrike dvds also; the production quality is not up to Cathe, and she doesn't have the variety (who does???) but she's lots of fun.

I keep thinking about Amy Bento, but I'm not really one who enjoys fast and furious choreography for kickbox ...

 

[janiejoey]

Hi all,
It's cold out there! Temps dropped from a nice 80-ish down to high 40s. Brrr .... definitely an indoor activity day.
Had some nice hikes yesterday, and a mostly nice ride on my youngest horse. It went well up until we hit a section of very tall grass while we were on a hill, during a windstorm that kicked up, and a pair of ducks flew out under his nose. Ack! Panic! Up goes the horse, sideways goes me, and then somehow I'm rolling downward and he's running away from the Deadly Horse Eating Ducks. Poor Sierra was okay, just terrified he'd done something wrong. When I caught up with him, he was by our barn, all bugeyed and scared and snorty - got myself back in the saddle, which frankly hurt less than walking, let him trot a little, then over a few tiny six inch jumps to rebuild our mutual self esteem, then a little two footer, and praised him to death for behaving. He went back into the pasture a much happier horse. His pasture buddies were pretty wild eyed and I decided against trying to ride anyone else. Am now packing a handful of bruises plus lots of gratitude to both my martial arts instructor from the mid90s, who taught me to do a rollup properly under any circumstances and any terrain (or height), and my parents, who raised me to always always always wear a helmet.
Janie, hope you're enjoying father's day with your Joey! So nice he's back for that... And isn't it nice to feel stronger on the old faves. It will make meso 3 just that much enjoyable for you to start it off after a break.
Hi to everyone else; time now to see what the critters are doing outside.

Shadowpup, OMG! 40 degrees? Brrrrr is right! It's almost Summer for pete sake. Riding a horse can be difficult. I feel for the both of you. So glad you know how to be safe. Thank God you are OK. We are enjoying Father's Day. It been really good.

Lot's of good workouts going on. I'm taking a break today and will start the week anew tomorrow moring with GSC&T. That's quickly becoming one of my favorites--drops set push-ups and all! Just call me crazy.
Janie: I like your attitude about making time for life with our workouts. Sometimes I get all tangled up in emotional knots about missing a day. Hope you all have a great meal today.
Happy father's day to all the dad's out there.~michelle

Michelle, Hey crazy lady, you are doing really well. I'm proud of you.

I keep thinking about Amy Bento, but I'm not really one who enjoys fast and furious choreography for kickbox ...

Shadowpup, I agree on Body Strikes, I don't have them, but I do have Forza which is a sword workout that I just love. Ilaria Montagnani is in fantastic shape and would love to look like that. Maybe in another life, but she does have great workouts.

Tomorrow is a full body workout and for me also a cardio day. Let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

Have a nice evening everyone,

Janie

 

[Shoegal]

Well - you miss a couple days and WOW - the entire world and their mothers post a message!!!! Oh well - my fault - meant to get on Friday and never did.

Thursday evening DH and I were about to settle in for the evening when Natalie - our neice calls up - says she is in the area and she wants to camp on the property with her boyfriend and her boyfriend's son. Oh ok. So we were already in our PJs and it is pitch black outside and a little rainy and she arrives a little while later. I'm running around the house cleaning, putting our towels, straightening the guest room. DH says - don't worry about the bedroom - they won't stay here. I'm thinking - oh come on - pitch a tent in the pitch black?!?!? I straighen it up. They stay. That night we all go out for dinner and they stay another night. So - it was interesting and nice having a little visit with them. On Saturday - DH takes me out to buy a birch tree for my birthday. I love Birch Trees - and I was delighted. Sunday we planted said tree and went to a winery, sat outside, met some people and enjoyed some wine. So nice weekend.

Back report: Friday the back hurt - and continued to hurt until the evening when by then I felt pretty good. I continued to put ice on my back and had some pain Saturday - especially riding around in the truck. (Awful - it was like torture) and on Sunday - hurt a little all day - but again by the evening I felt fine. Today - not so bad. I decided to discontinue the chiropractor appts. - it is too much $$$$$!!! And I felt that the ice and the stretches I was doing were probably doing the most good anyway - not those little adjustments. Slowly though - I am healing and I think that tonight I will do a little something. I don't know what yet. Thanks for the support out there and advice.

Laura - Your anniversary sounded lovely - I'm glad you went out and enjoyed each other and had some alone time. Love that you were a fairy - how fun!!! I bet you were rocking that red dress.

Shadowpup - so there you are!!! Good to have you back - and back triumphantly!! It is nice to hear that you were successful exercising and at work. Sorry that Sierra was spooked & of course that you fell but I suppose that happens sometimes with horses but I'm glad you both are well.

Michelle - the boat at night sounded so peaceful and wonderful - I'm glad you are out there enjoying it. Good job on that pull up!!!

Ironlady - glad that you found the time to check in, it can't be easy with everything going on - and that you are hanging in there - you have such a good attitude - and I agree your name is quite appropriate. Good work on STS.

Janie - well - it so nice to hear that Joey is back home and you both worked out together!! I think of you sometimes when I think about my goals - I found myself saying - it's okay - I'll get there. I realize that I get that from you. Hope Molly is on the mend - by taking such good care of her - I know she'll get better soon.

Well - I'm going to go each lunch - Hungry!!

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Quick post during lunch and then back to the Marine Corps. This morning was GSC&T--quickly becoming a favorite. Also ab routine #6 from the ab hits dvd.

I was up an hour earlier than normal this morning in order to stick to my normal morning routine and be to Quantico for a 9 am meeting with the LtGen. Meeting at 9 got pushed to 11, now 7 am tomorrow morning. There's goes my normal routine tomorrow morning. Oh well--it's good to be busy at work. Lots of folks aren't--right?

Shoegal: good to hear that you are slowly on the mend. You'll be "back" exercising at full steam quicker than you think.

Janie and Shadowpup: thanks for the recommendations. I'll be checking those out. But it's hard for me to stray from Cathe.

~michelle

 

[Shoegal]

Oh - forgot some things -

Laura - how did you know I was going to ask for some pilates tape recomendations???!! Thanks for that. I also looked at your pictures from the hike - your girls are so pretty - what a nice day out.

 

[janiejoey]

Well - you miss a couple days and WOW - the entire world and their mothers post a message!!!! Oh well - my fault - meant to get on Friday and never did.
Thursday evening DH and I were about to settle in for the evening when Natalie - our neice calls up - says she is in the area and she wants to camp on the property with her boyfriend and her boyfriend's son. Oh ok. So we were already in our PJs and it is pitch black outside and a little rainy and she arrives a little while later. I'm running around the house cleaning, putting our towels, straightening the guest room. DH says - don't worry about the bedroom - they won't stay here. I'm thinking - oh come on - pitch a tent in the pitch black?!?!? I straighen it up. They stay. That night we all go out for dinner and they stay another night. So - it was interesting and nice having a little visit with them. On Saturday - DH takes me out to buy a birch tree for my birthday. I love Birch Trees - and I was delighted. Sunday we planted said tree and went to a winery, sat outside, met some people and enjoyed some wine. So nice weekend.
Back report: Friday the back hurt - and continued to hurt until the evening when by then I felt pretty good. I continued to put ice on my back and had some pain Saturday - especially riding around in the truck. (Awful - it was like torture) and on Sunday - hurt a little all day - but again by the evening I felt fine. Today - not so bad. I decided to discontinue the chiropractor appts. - it is too much $$$$$!!! And I felt that the ice and the stretches I was doing were probably doing the most good anyway - not those little adjustments. Slowly though - I am healing and I think that tonight I will do a little something. I don't know what yet. Thanks for the support out there and advice.
Janie - well - it so nice to hear that Joey is back home and you both worked out together!! I think of you sometimes when I think about my goals - I found myself saying - it's okay - I'll get there. I realize that I get that from you. Hope Molly is on the mend - by taking such good care of her - I know she'll get better soon.
Well - I'm going to go each lunch - Hungry!!

Shoegal, Your weekend sounded lovely. It's great to catch up with family isn't it? Trust me, you don't want to do anything exerces yet. Give Your Back Some Time To Heal! Really! If your body is not ready, you may be in worse pain than before. Take it easy enjoy the time off and be patient. Please. Awe, I'm glad you think of me about letting life happen. Molly is doing better I think. Just have to do a little adjustments to her meals. Last night she threw up everything. I think there was just too much fat from the hamburger. Have a nice lunch.

Quick post during lunch and then back to the Marine Corps. This morning was GSC&T--quickly becoming a favorite. Also ab routine #6 from the ab hits dvd.
I was up an hour earlier than normal this morning in order to stick to my normal morning routine and be to Quantico for a 9 am meeting with the LtGen. Meeting at 9 got pushed to 11, now 7 am tomorrow morning. There's goes my normal routine tomorrow morning. Oh well--it's good to be busy at work. Lots of folks aren't--right?~michelle

Michelle, Great workout! It's always hard when a routine is interrupted. You are doing fine.

Janie

 

[ladubose]

Wow,Shoegal is right miss a day and so much happens! Read all the posts and was good to hear what is going on for everyone. So yesterday was Father's Day! Bo slept in and then he wanted to go to town to this Italian restaurant that used to be open when we first moved here and then closed and just re-opened last Thursday. He used to love their lasagna. So we went and it was delicious and very fattening! I had their angel hair pasta with shiitake mushrooms in butter and garlic. Between my b-day, anniversary, parties, father's day I have had way to much to eat and drink lately! Almost as bad as X-mas! So need to get seriously back on track starting now!

I did manage to squeeze in Kick, Punch & Crunch yesterday. Today I rode my bike on a road with a friend, I did really well, I am in so much better shape than the first time I did that ride! Really different experience than my friend who really was struggling....felt kind of bad for her but it is the only way to improve is by doing it right? Than I taught my two classes tonight. Basically taught the Supersets since it was a workout I missed this week due to celebrating so much!!

I need to run now so no time for personals and so far behind!! Well try to come back soon!

 

[janiejoey]

Laura,

I know you'll do just fine getting back into the swing of things. We rode our bikes today too. We went for about an hour of easy riding. We most likely will do this a couple times a week for our cardio. Great job on your class. Making up for exercises, wow, that is so cool.

Come back real soon,

Janie

 

[Shadowpup]

Shoegal, that truck ride sounds excruciating! Back injuries are the pits. Every little jostle hurts. Is yours from a pinched nerve or similar? Sometimes exercise can make things so much worse, and sometimes light walking or other activities can loosen up the muscle. Or massage. I rubbed my poor husbands back out pretty thoroughly the other day; he had lifted too any posts during our barn extension project, and was getting muscle spasms

Janie, the bikes together sound terrific! You are so good at finding ways to work out as a couple. BTW, how is your garden going? It's strawberry season here, yummmm. And you like Forza? Hm, I bought that one on a whim along with the others by Ilaria, and it is the last one sitting unopened. Do you use a sword with it, or substitute something else? I've been wondering how to factor it in with the other workouts, but it really does seem like a neat contrast to the other items on my shelf.

Laura, absolutely, the only way to improve is by getting started! Your friend is paying her dues, and I bet she appreciated having you there as inspiration and to take her mind off of those tired legs. Great job on your own improvements. Sometimes it takes seeing the contrast with someone else getting started before we can see our own improvements. It's amazing to me that you can teach such a physical class and then also have so many good workouts on your own. You are energetic!

I'm feeling the restart of STS meso 2 on Sunday, and that is not a bad thing. It takes my mind off of those other bruises! Since it is a cardio day, I did steady working outdoors, carrying bark in a 30 gallon bucket up a hill, dumping it, then walking down for more. It took about an hour and a half to finish, looks great, and burned 300 calories. Not bad! I also tried a Gin Miller dvd, intense intervals. It's a 45 minute workout. I am not sure about the intense part. It reminded me of a kinder, gentler, IMAX2. Probably about right for a sore day. It got my body loosened and heart rate up to 80% max; okay, but not up to the Cathe dvds. On the one hand, I had to eliminate some of the jumping Gin does, because I don't trust my step to remain stable. It rattles if I jump on a corner. But on the other hand, I substituted more difficult moves when I could, so it should have come out evenly. Still, calorie burn was over 300 cals for 45 minutes and so perhaps I was working harder than it felt. It has been awhile since I've done much step.

 

[janiejoey]

Janie, the bikes together sound terrific! You are so good at finding ways to work out as a couple. BTW, how is your garden going? It's strawberry season here, yummmm. And you like Forza? Hm, I bought that one on a whim along with the others by Ilaria, and it is the last one sitting unopened. Do you use a sword with it, or substitute something else? I've been wondering how to factor it in with the other workouts, but it really does seem like a neat contrast to the other items on my shelf.
I'm feeling the restart of STS meso 2 on Sunday, and that is not a bad thing. It takes my mind off of those other bruises! Since it is a cardio day, I did steady working outdoors, carrying bark in a 30 gallon bucket up a hill, dumping it, then walking down for more. It took about an hour and a half to finish, looks great, and burned 300 calories. Not bad! I also tried a Gin Miller dvd, intense intervals. It's a 45 minute workout. I am not sure about the intense part. It reminded me of a kinder, gentler, IMAX2. Probably about right for a sore day. It got my body loosened and heart rate up to 80% max; okay, but not up to the Cathe dvds. On the one hand, I had to eliminate some of the jumping Gin does, because I don't trust my step to remain stable. It rattles if I jump on a corner. But on the other hand, I substituted more difficult moves when I could, so it should have come out evenly. Still, calorie burn was over 300 cals for 45 minutes and so perhaps I was working harder than it felt. It has been awhile since I've done much step.

Shadowpup, I want to work out with Joey, cause he's 74 years old and now more than ever he needs this stuff in his life. I don't want him slowing down. You look at other men his age, and he is truly younger looking. I want to keep him as long as I can, my dear old man.

My asparagus I planted this early Spring, did not make it. Not one! So, I did get my money back. We don't know what happen at all. The rest of the garden is doing OK except we did have a terrific wind come by and ruined half of my tomato plants. Not too good for me in the way of our garden this year. Zucchini, some tomatoes, peas and cukes, all are doing well though.

I love Forza because it is so unique from anything I've ever done in the way of exercises. I use a sword type weapon that is called a bukon. It is a full body workout, more intense, I think for the upper body. Says it is an intermediate workout, and I feel so powerful as a woman, truly do. The bukon that I bought on amazon.com is a heavy duty plastic with no handles, that will last a lifetime. (if you get handles it just rubs on your wrists and hurts, I use workout gloves) I liked it so much that I bought one for my grandson and another for myself that was heavier and wooden. I use that one when I'm feeling extra strong. I don't seem to feel much at first, but once I'm in the middle of the routine, it gets harder and harder to raise the bukon, then the muscles start to fatigue. It's an excellent workout. When you try the Powestrikes, will you let me know how they are for you? I'm thinking about purchasing them as well.

Working in the yard is in itself an amazing workout.

I agree with you that Gin Miller is not as intense as Cathe, but she does work you. I think I'm probably at a near high end intermediate. At least I hope so. I do need to get better on my cardio though.

You did a great workout because you manipulated it to make it right/more intense for you. Good job!

Here's a link to check out Ilaria with Forza.

YouTube - Forza on Today

Today will be a full body workout for Joey and I. ME. Yep.

Talk later, and have a great day,

Janie

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Tuesday

Back is feeling better - I have been applying ice packs when I can and doing a bit of stretching. Last night I actually put in 4DS and did the leg portion from Kickbox - with modifications, of course. So I believe I can get back in the saddle soon. I won't be doing anything tonight but I plan on doing something light tomorrow.

Shadowpup & Janie - I must admit that I have no idea what Forza is about what a bukon is - all Greek to me. I must admit it is extremely intriguing especially this stuff about a sword? I will look this up when I finish here. So much out there!!! I get upset actually because I want to stay on top of all the new things in the fitness world and I can't - I find I don't even know half of what is out there now.

Laura - yes I know about indulging on special occasions - seems like I have a special occasion every time I come home from work and grab the Cheez Its. Gotta stop doing that!!! I'm so awful. Seriously - it is very important to celebrate the good times and do something you don't usually - you have to or everyday will be the same & who wants that?

Michelle - it is hard for me to stray from Cathe too - I feel like I'm not doing enough if I don't do one of hers. Thank God she has such a large library - and I still have more to get - which is a good thing.

Well - will be off now - hope everyone enjoys their day!!!

 

[janiejoey]

Shoegal, try this link, it should help to understand Forza and the equipment needed. A bukon is just a fake sword made out of heavy plastic or wood. Enjoy your workout tomorrow, but please do be careful.

YouTube - Forza on Today

So glad your back is feeling better.

I finished ME and 30 min. on the treadmill. Burned 745 calories, and so far have eaten correctly.

Janie

 

[ladubose]

Q!

Hi! Taught my pilates class today with Bende Balls. It was a good class. Attendance was high. Just finished with Cardio & Weights. Really like that step in there I get it really quickly, which I usually don't on other routines, I didn't have to rewind once. I liked the weight work better than I remembered and the core section is nice and tough! Overall felt great and burnt 634 calories.

Shadopup: Gosh your horse/duck incident sounds scary I am so glad you or your horse were not badly hurt! Such a close call! Glad to hear you can still move around with those bruises! Never tried Gina Miller either, I like Shoegal, find it hard to stray from Cathe, but that might change with time! Still have my eye on P90X and Insanity series, but would rather get STS first!

Janie: your bike ride sounds very relaxing! I don't like to ride with my Husband because he prefers way more technical riding than I do, you know jumping off rocks and roots and hardcore stuff, it stresses me out way to much! Love ME! haven't done it in awhile so I should see when it is next on my schedule.

Shoegal: glad to hear you are on the mend! Although it probably feels like forever for you it really hasn't been that long! Put down those Chez-It's!!! Did you get more? Funny thing is after you talking about them on here I was at the store and needed quick snacks for the girl so I bought a 12 pack of those individual servings of Cheeze-It's and guess who ended up eating most of them! Yep yours truly!!! Such a weakness!! LOL

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all, quick one now, more later ... my internet kept conking out on me last night, so though I read everything I couldn't post. Took half a day off, too. Workout wise - rode my biggest horse (got to keep getting back in the saddle!), did STS Meso 2 week 1 back/biceps, and got a nice long hike in.

And ... would it surprise anyone here to learn that I'd been stashing away $$ so as to get a new piece of fitness equipment if my review went well ... ???

 

[janiejoey]

Hi! Taught my pilates class today with Bende Balls. It was a good class. Attendance was high. Just finished with Cardio & Weights. Really like that step in there I get it really quickly, which I usually don't on other routines, I didn't have to rewind once. I liked the weight work better than I remembered and the core section is nice and tough! Overall felt great and burnt 634 calories.
Janie: your bike ride sounds very relaxing! I don't like to ride with my Husband because he prefers way more technical riding than I do, you know jumping off rocks and roots and hardcore stuff, it stresses me out way to much! Love ME! haven't done it in awhile so I should see when it is next on my schedule.

Laura, What are Bende Balls. Sounds interesting. Great job on your workout; C&W. Your calorie burn is fantastic. I think age forces us to stay on the road/trails, but if he were younger who knows. lol

Hi all, quick one now, more later ... my internet kept conking out on me last night, so though I read everything I couldn't post. Took half a day off, too. Workout wise - rode my biggest horse (got to keep getting back in the saddle!), did STS Meso 2 week 1 back/biceps, and got a nice long hike in.
And ... would it surprise anyone here to learn that I'd been stashing away $$ so as to get a new piece of fitness equipment if my review went well ... ???

Shadowpup, Dislike it much when computers don't behave as they should. Riding and Meso 2, and hiking, must have burned a few calories. Good for you. Glad you got back on the saddle again too. What equipment are you planing to get? Oooo, I'm picturing all kinds of things.

See ya later,

Janie

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Wednesday

Well - Wednesday already. I didn't do anything yesterday - took another rest day for the back and right now it is not 100% (STILL!) but it is much much better. I know - it takes awhile. I do plan on doing something tonight - I'm actually dying to do something - really itching to work out hard but I know I can't right now.

Janie - I watched the Forza segment with IIaria - it really looks like fun. I thought that it looked dangerous in a class setting - someone might swing big and hit someone else. I don't think it is up my alley - I've investigated IIaria before and decided against the Powerstrikes workouts because I'm not a fan of the kickbox.

Laura - yes - unfortunately - DH bought more Cheez Its - I protested telling him not to buy those things - I'm powerless with them. It is definitely an exercise in self control. I think I know what I'm giving up for lent next year. Glad that your class is popular and went well - and I adore C&W - I want to do it too!

Shadowpup - No I'm not surprised your stashing cash for more fitness stuff - in fact I'd be shocked if you didn't. Michelle is raising money through ebay sales - I've been holiding myself back from buying anything but it is a constant struggle. Right now I'm acutally rationalizing another purchase. Well - let us know what you get!!!

Michelle - just wondering if you're around?

Okay - I'm going to go - I'd love to take a litte nap right now - don't know why I'm so tired.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Hey guys. I'm here. Yesterday was one of the crazy early mornings for me with no exercise. But today, I was back to the normal workday routine. After my walk with Ripken, I did Step Blast again. It takes as much mental concentration as physical exertion. I was a sopping mess by the end, but it felt so good.

Shoegal: glad to hear that your back is feeling better. Doing beginner Cathe workouts (Basic step, body fusion, etc) are a good way to get back in the saddle. But don't overdo.

Laura: C&W--I've been eyeing that dvd lately. I love the step portion but I feel like Cathe rushes through the weight work a little. Might have to pop that one in the dvd player Friday morning if we haven't already gone over to the boat.

Janie: bummer on the garden regarding the tomatoes. Nothing like fresh tomatoes out of the garden. Hopefully everything else will keep going strong for you.

Shadowpup: I'd be disappointed if you weren't saving up to buy new equipment. What are you thinking about buying?

My niece Chelsea is here. Yeah! She and DH washed the Hi Ho Silver this afternoon--that's our jetdrive dinghy. The boat is Silver Lining, so Hi Ho Silver seemed an appropriate name for the dink. We'll be heading over to the boat either tomorrow or Friday for about 10 days. I'm so looking forward to taking some time off. I've got over 2 and 1/2 months of leave stored up--time to use a little.

~michelle

 

[ladubose]

Hi ya'll! Sophia had a dentist appointment in Boulder today, and we met up with friends afterwards at the pool. I just got home and have to get them dinner. I am debating wether or not to motivate for my workout which is Kick Max. I should........

Shadowpup: back in the saddle again! Good for you! How many horses do you have? Sounds like an active day to me. I too am wondering what piece of equipment you have been saving for!

Janey: I prefer roads and easy trails myself...sorry about those tomatoes too. I loved fresh tomatoes from my daddy's garden in the South! One of the best things about summer! Did you have a rest day today or did I miss your workout post?

Shoegal: It is good you are taking it easy. Who knows you might feel real strong after a forced rest!

Michelle: I agree the weight work is rushed a little on C&W especially the compound exercises. This time when I went through it though it seemed to flow a little better. It is the routine with the song Buttercup that you mentioned awhile back and the step is really easy to catch on to and a good physical challenge at the same time. I wonder if there is a step only premix on it?