Lurker's Invitation May Check In

[ladubose]

JaneyJoey:
Adrian is so cute! How precious! Thanks for sharing him with us. Thanks for the tips on the step.. I think it will take some getting used to and once I get the routines down better I will better be able to position myself in better alignment. Right now I am just a mess half the time just trying to somehow get myself in close proximity to where Cathe is in relationship to her step! LOL!

Shoegal: you are getting me interested in other instructors Oh no! But we are really tight with money and I can't be tempted....it really isn't an option right now! Plus I still haven't even done half of the new Cathe DVD's I so recently got! But I had to smile when I read your post. Lately I have been dripping with sweat too! Literally dripping wet! Love it.

Michelle: Congratulations on getting back on it! I think I was confusing those DVD'S Cardio fusion does look like a workout from hell! It is probably going to take me a while to work up to it. Those blasts on the Intensity series are seriously making me wipe the floor already from the sweat pouring of my brow!

Today I did a nice long hike in Boulder. 2 1/2 hours very beautiful day, took it kinda easy but burnt up to 1143 calories because of the duration!

 

[ladubose]

Janey how did you upload that photo? I would like to share my girls and my Great Pyrenees pup with ya'll!

 

[janiejoey]

Last night I decided to do the Amy Bento premix - on ASC II that I had threatened to do earlier in the week or maybe it was last week. I finally got to it. It has a mix of her step and the weight work from Slo Mo Strength Challenge. I almost changed my mind when I saw that it was 87 minutes - but I thought - oh ok - why not. I have to tell you that I was all fresh and ready to do the step the 1st cardio portion - but right after doing some really heavy weight work I was sweating buckets and the last thing I wanted to do was more cardio. But did it - I did!! I was a wet noodle when I completed it and just sat among the plate weights, dumbells and barbell. step and stability ball hoping somebody would come along and clean it all up.
Janie - I was seeking out Christi Taylor because you had told me that she was good - I wasn't disappointed.
Hope everybody else is well. Have a great day.

Shoegal, I remember now that I told you about Christy. My mind is going you know. Weight training and Cardio? You are truly Super Woman. Great job.

Yesterday I took a break and got back to my regular morning workout schedule today; did Pure Strength chest, shoulders, and triceps plus routines 5 and 11 from Ab hits. I'm finding that it is easier to get back into the swing of things on the weight routines vice the cardio. Tomorrow I'm thinking rhythmic step, so we'll see how that goes.
Janie: used my slanted risers today when I did Pure Strength. Have you gotten yours yet? And for some reason I'm not seeing Adrian's picture.
~michelle

Michelle, Great workout today. Haven't got the slanters yet, but I'm sure it won't be long now. I'll try to put Adrian's picture in here again. Do you see him now?

Updating tag...

Take care and have a great evening everyone.

Janie

 

[ironlady]

Oh Janie!!! He is so adorable!!!! What a blessing!!!!

Well, the news is that I can start working out again! After the pain of the cortisone injection goes away. Bad news no more flip-flops or flat shoes EVER! Any sandals have to have at least a 2 inch heel..... what will I do Shoegal? Also, recommended that I wear Nike Shox to work and alternate between at least 2 pair! And they aren't cheap! Oh well, it's my feet and I can't do without those!!! And that means I get to buy or rather HAVE to buy more "workout" shoes!!!

Conservative treatment is basically stretching although nothing bare footed. Icing and up to 3 cortisone injections but no more than that in a year or we may have to talk about surgery. The "icing" is basically rolling the foot on a frozen orange juice can!!! Also, have to get rigid inserts to support the arch..... Plantar faciaitis (sp?) basically causes the heel spur... a small tear of the tendon away from the heel bone and the body thinks it has a fracture and makes more bone to repair the break.

As for everything else going on I guess I just figure that's life.... GOOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT we all have stuff in our life to deal with. And we all have stuff.... kind of the ebb and flow! Right Janie?

Went to dinner with DD tonight Olive Garden... her pick. We will be going to Japaneiros for sushi this weekend.... I will have a piece or two for you Janie!

Hope everone has a great night!! probably no workout til Friday or Sat.... the heel is pretty tender from that shot!!

 

[janiejoey]

Well, the news is that I can start working out again! After the pain of the cortisone injection goes away. Bad news no more flip-flops or flat shoes EVER! Any sandals have to have at least a 2 inch heel..... what will I do Shoegal? Also, recommended that I wear Nike Shox to work and alternate between at least 2 pair! And they aren't cheap! Oh well, it's my feet and I can't do without those!!! And that means I get to buy or rather HAVE to buy more "workout" shoes!!!
Conservative treatment is basically stretching although nothing bare footed. Icing and up to 3 cortisone injections but no more than that in a year or we may have to talk about surgery. The "icing" is basically rolling the foot on a frozen orange juice can!!! Also, have to get rigid inserts to support the arch..... Plantar faciaitis (sp?) basically causes the heel spur... a small tear of the tendon away from the heel bone and the body thinks it has a fracture and makes more bone to repair the break.

As for everything else going on I guess I just figure that's life.... GOOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT we all have stuff in our life to deal with. And we all have stuff.... kind of the ebb and flow! Right Janie?
Went to dinner with DD tonight Olive Garden... her pick. We will be going to Japaneiros for sushi this weekend.... I will have a piece or two for you Janie!

Ironlady, Yeah, you can workout again! You are so lucky to be able to wear a shoe with heals. I can't wear them at all. What will you do with all the shoes you can't wear? Sorry you have to go through so much with your spur. Yuck! But your right, ebb and flow is life. You are so funny. Oh I do love the sushi, enjoy, I'll be thinking of you guys at Japaneiros.

Laura, My son sent the photo to me in an email. I just copied and pasted in here. With other photos I use picturetrail.com. Just follow the directions and you'll have those photos up in no time. It's free too. Looking forward to seeing those pics.

Did Power Max and burned 402 calories. Will do yoga later today. Saturday I start Meso 3. Can't wait!

Janie

 

[ladubose]

Well I can't seem to paste any photos! Boo! Oh well...

Today I did Muscle Endurance and man I was tired. These new work outs are really kicking my butt! I am feeling a little discouraged actually. I know I shouldn't I mean I don't want a workout that I go "Oh that was easy' but does it have to be soooo hard??? I guess I am feeling lazy lately and I am not seeing the results I want to and that makes me feel like quitting! Does any one else get this way?


I will keep going ultimately I love how working out makes me feel but some days it just plain sucks!

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Thursday 5/7/09

Wow - was really busy here - didn't think I'd have time to post. After I had done that Amy Bento NRG Circuit mix on her ASC II tape on Tuesday - the next morning -yesterday - I was experiencing some horrific lower back pain - more than usual. For awhile I've had some mild back pain - and I've been hoping it would everntually just go away. Nope - now it is much worse. I was going to try Amy Bento's ASC III last night - but after I watched her move preview section (where she breaks down the harder moves slowly before you attempt the workout) I decided I couldn't possibly do a step workout. Plus - I thought it took me a long time to get ASC II and I didn't want to deal with the frustration factor. I chose instead to do the first workout from Stretch Max. Honestly, I don't know if I have ever done this before - I never just do a stretch workout. I don't know how long it was either - but stretched out - it felt good. I intend to contact my doctor when I get back on Monday.

I will be going away over the weekend - so I won't be around to post from Friday through Sunday. DH and I are going to celebrate our anniversary by taking a little weekend trip to Lake Keuka. We will be visiting more wineries as well - that is always fun. I'll let you know how that goes when I get back.
Leaving our pups behind - I really worry about them - we just think no one can take care of them like we do.

Laura & Michelle - I've done Cardio Fusion and I can't remember not one thing about it - I'm a blank slate there - I must have written about in the April thread because it was one of the DVDs I bought with my 20%. I don't think I remember it as the workout from hell. - that impression would have certainly stayed with me.

Ironlady - I actually think your heel spur has presented you with a fabulous opportunity to buy more shoes!!! Don't think of this as a bad thing but a wonderful excuse. I also think that dealing with this without surgical intervention is a blessing. Go out and enjoy your dinner. I have never heard of Japaneiros - but I have to admit it sounds good.

Janie - I wish I felt like Super Woman - thanks for that. WHen I did the circuit workout though - I did the push ups in it - all of them - and on my toes. There weren't many - and I think I did them well enough - I really felt good about that.

Laura - post your pictures - I'd love to see your girls and your puppy!!!

Michelle - Yes - I believe I need to practice some restraint buying these new workouts. But I have located the source of my problem - this FORUM. I hear about all these different workouts and different instructors and I want to try them all.

Hope everyone has a really great weekend. I'll see you when I get back.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Late posting today. It's just been a busy day. I did Rhythmic Step this morning which is one of my favorite step workouts. I got through it, but I was not a thing of beauty. It is definitely taking some time to get back in step on the cardio.

Shadowpup: I can see how this forum would serve as encouragement for making more workout purchases. You have really inspired me to work on my pushups. I did 24 toe pushups on the PS chest, shoulder and tricep workout yesterday and felt like I could do more. But that is all there is in that workout: 2 sets of 12.

Laura: ME is supposed to be a great workout. Gets lots of good gouge here on the forums. Haven't tried that one yet, but I've got to move it up on my list for sure.

Ironlady: good news on the heel spur. I hope you've got it licked. I'm visiting my parents this weekend (like your DD). It's a bonus weekend: my dad's 80th birthday and mother's day.

Janie: Adrian is adorable. I don't know why I couldn't see his picture before. Of course, I'm using my parents' computer right now, so it might be something with the settings on my computer at home.

In a little bit we are going to my sister's elementary school to watch her ORFF program. She's the music teacher. Another bonus activity while I'm visiting.

Hope everyone has a great evening.
~michelle

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Good morning. Just got done with Pure Strength back, biceps, and abs. I'm not too crazy about the t-bar rows. It feels like the bottom end of my barbell is lifting off the floor with all the weight on the one end. For some reason I'm struggling with my bicep work right now. Not sure why. Just have to keep working through it.

Today, sister and I will be running around getting stuff for my dad's birthday party. If it's not raining, we will go to my niece's JV softball game at 5 this afternoon.

My big decision now is do I wear shorts or long pants today? Such problems.
~michelle

 

[ironlady]

Hello ladies,

I got my new insoles today... rigid, with a high arch support to protect the ligament so I get to workout in the morning! Yeah! I know seems strange but, the rigid support feels really good! The cortisone has really helped hope it lasts a while!

Michelle, have a Great time visiting. Wow 80 years! That is so wonderful! I just LOVE Rythmic Step, maybe I'll do that one tomorrow... maybe just the platform height since it will be my first step in a while!

Laura sounds like you are enjoying those new workouts. Muscle Endurance gets me every time! All those legs presses ! But still some of my favorites, I seem to go to them alot!

Shoegal, yes I do get to buy more shoes.... but then I have to buy new outfits to go with them! Oh the dilemma of the vicious cycle!!! there are some really cute sandals with wedge heels!

Janie, is Power Max one of the older workouts? I think I might have had it on tape at one point but, all those are in storage and I haven't quite gotten everything on DVD yet... I still have to get the Power Hour trio on DVD.... Love all the workouts on that one! I bought a cd storage notebook thing to put all the DVD's in and I'm afraid I'm going to fill it up!
It holds over 100! course STS is almost half! But, the space savings is so GREAT!

Wishing all of you with children a Happy Mother's Day! And all of you that don't... I wish you a Happy Day with your Mother's!

 

[MDolfiniReed]

I'm over at my sister's house. We just finished doing Step Heat from the Classics dvd. I've never done that one before so it was fun to do a new step routine. Getting better, still not at 100 percent for the cardio.

Yesterday, we had a fun day. After exercise and getting cleaned up, my mom, sister and I headed into Lynchburg to go shopping. First, we went to the party store and got decorations for my dad's birthday party. Then we had lunch at Macado's (a SW VA restaurant chain), then went to the mall to do mother's day shopping. My mom wanted new clothes. We started in Penneys and they had nothing in the pants department that my mom liked. So, off to Belk we went. Hit the jackpot. Mom wanted new capris with a real waistband (no elastic) and lo and behold, Belk had them and they were on sale. We convinced my mom that she really is a size 10 (not a 12 which she always gets and then complains the stuff is too big). Sister was excited because she found some shorts that she liked and has discovered she has gone down another size (to a size 8--single digits, wooHoo!). And I found an exercise outfit and a new pair of sandals. Everything was on sale, so we felt good about our purchases. Then off to the card store, Sam's Club, and Pet Smart. Went to watch my niece play softball, unfortunately her team lost. Then pizza. I was asleep by 9:30.

Today, after getting a shower, we will be decorating for the birthday party. Should be a nice day.

Ironlady: amazing how a little bit of an arch helps to stretch your foot and deal with the plantars faciitis. Clarks have some really nice sandals out this year with heels--and they are so comfortable. That's what I bought yesterday, a pair of Clark cork wedge sandals. Powermax is on Cardio Hits and is an older step routine, but it's a good one. Powerhour is an oldie but a goodie too.

Happy mother's day weekend to everyone.
~michelle

 

[janiejoey]

Wow! I have a lot to catch up on. Sorry about that, I had one of my grandson's here(as I'm sure you all know). It was so much fun. Now back to work.LOL

Wow - was really busy here - didn't think I'd have time to post. After I had done that Amy Bento NRG Circuit mix on her ASC II tape on Tuesday - the next morning -yesterday - I was experiencing some horrific lower back pain - more than usual. For awhile I've had some mild back pain - and I've been hoping it would everntually just go away. Nope - now it is much worse. I was going to try Amy Bento's ASC III last night - but after I watched her move preview section (where she breaks down the harder moves slowly before you attempt the workout) I decided I couldn't possibly do a step workout. Plus - I thought it took me a long time to get ASC II and I didn't want to deal with the frustration factor. I chose instead to do the first workout from Stretch Max. Honestly, I don't know if I have ever done this before - I never just do a stretch workout. I don't know how long it was either - but stretched out - it felt good. I intend to contact my doctor when I get back on Monday.
I will be going away over the weekend - so I won't be around to post from Friday through Sunday. DH and I are going to celebrate our anniversary by taking a little weekend trip to Lake Keuka. We will be visiting more wineries as well - that is always fun. I'll let you know how that goes when I get back.
Leaving our pups behind - I really worry about them - we just think no one can take care of them like we do.
Janie - I wish I felt like Super Woman - thanks for that. WHen I did the circuit workout though - I did the push ups in it - all of them - and on my toes. There weren't many - and I think I did them well enough - I really felt good about that.

Shoegal, So glad you did Stretch Max. It helps when you overdo exercising sometimes, unless of course you hurt your back(pulled something). In that case don't do anything except but ice on it and rest. I hope you are OK. Let us know what the doc says on Monday. Your pups will be just fine. Just have fun and enjoy yourself on your trip and your anniversary celebration at Lake Keuka. Your pups will be just fine for a couple of days. No, no one will be able to care for them like you, but they'll survive. Really. Congratulations with the push ups on your toes. That is an accomplishment! Yeah!

Well I can't seem to paste any photos! Boo! Oh well...
Today I did Muscle Endurance and man I was tired. These new work outs are really kicking my butt! I am feeling a little discouraged actually. I know I shouldn't I mean I don't want a workout that I go "Oh that was easy' but does it have to be soooo hard??? I guess I am feeling lazy lately and I am not seeing the results I want to and that makes me feel like quitting! Does any one else get this way?
I will keep going ultimately I love how working out makes me feel but some days it just plain sucks!

Laura, Keep trying on posting photos, I would love to see your pictures. I'm sorry I couldn't help you there in that department. I don't know how I do the things I do most of the time. I've been lucky. Perhaps you could as on the Open Discussion Forum. I bet someone there can help you much better than I can. I know the workouts can be hard, but that's what you want. You want a challenge all the time, if it's too easy, then you are not working out to your potential. I'll tell you what, if you do the best you can on any exercise, then that is your best and you will gain muscle mass, and all the other wonderful benefits that come with it. You are doing a great job, and please, never quit. You'll hate yourself for it. You are not alone, I feel like quitting sometimes too, or not do my best, but we just have to continue on anyway. Hope that helps you.

Late posting today. It's just been a busy day. I did Rhythmic Step this morning which is one of my favorite step workouts. I got through it, but I was not a thing of beauty. It is definitely taking some time to get back in step on the cardio.
In a little bit we are going to my sister's elementary school to watch her ORFF program. She's the music teacher. Another bonus activity while I'm visiting.~michelle

Michelle, Rhythmic Step, I just love that one. How was the OREF program? Bet you had a great time.

Good morning. Just got done with Pure Strength back, biceps, and abs. I'm not too crazy about the t-bar rows. It feels like the bottom end of my barbell is lifting off the floor with all the weight on the one end. For some reason I'm struggling with my bicep work right now. Not sure why. Just have to keep working through it.
Today, sister and I will be running around getting stuff for my dad's birthday party. If it's not raining, we will go to my niece's JV softball game at 5 this afternoon.~michelle

Michelle, about the t-bar rows. Were you holding the bar in the middle and spread out evenly? If so, I don't know why it felt like the bottom end was lifting off the floor with weight on one side. Was the weight even on both sides? Hmmmm. When is your dad's birthday. I'm sure you and your sister will make it a happy one for him. Did you go to the softball game?

I got my new insoles today... rigid, with a high arch support to protect the ligament so I get to workout in the morning! Yeah! I know seems strange but, the rigid support feels really good! The cortisone has really helped hope it lasts a while!
Janie, is Power Max one of the older workouts? I think I might have had it on tape at one point but, all those are in storage and I haven't quite gotten everything on DVD yet... I still have to get the Power Hour trio on DVD.... Love all the workouts on that one! I bought a cd storage notebook thing to put all the DVD's in and I'm afraid I'm going to fill it up!
It holds over 100! course STS is almost half! But, the space savings is so GREAT!
Wishing all of you with children a Happy Mother's Day! And all of you that don't... I wish you a Happy Day with your Mother's!

Ironlady, Yeah, so glad you got your new insoles. Power Max is one of the older workouts, it's with the Cardio Hits. I love that one! You'll have that cd storage notebook full in no time. Don't be afraid, just enjoy. Happy Mother's day to you too.

I'm over at my sister's house. We just finished doing Step Heat from the Classics dvd. I've never done that one before so it was fun to do a new step routine. Getting better, still not at 100 percent for the cardio.
Yesterday, we had a fun day. After exercise and getting cleaned up, my mom, sister and I headed into Lynchburg to go shopping. First, we went to the party store and got decorations for my dad's birthday party. Then we had lunch at Macado's (a SW VA restaurant chain), then went to the mall to do mother's day shopping. My mom wanted new clothes. We started in Penneys and they had nothing in the pants department that my mom liked. So, off to Belk we went. Hit the jackpot. Mom wanted new capris with a real waistband (no elastic) and lo and behold, Belk had them and they were on sale. We convinced my mom that she really is a size 10 (not a 12 which she always gets and then complains the stuff is too big). Sister was excited because she found some shorts that she liked and has discovered she has gone down another size (to a size 8--single digits, wooHoo!). And I found an exercise outfit and a new pair of sandals. Everything was on sale, so we felt good about our purchases. Then off to the card store, Sam's Club, and Pet Smart. Went to watch my niece play softball, unfortunately her team lost. Then pizza. I was asleep by 9:30.~michelle

Michelle, Isn't Step Heat fantastic. I love all of Cathe's step workouts. WOW factor! Sounds like you had a great time shopping for your dad's party supplies/lunch and Mother's Day present. Congratulate your sister for me on going down in size. What a nice surprise that must have been. I should get some new workout clothes like you did. It's always nice to have them. You had a very productive day. No wonder you went to bed so early. Hope you slept well.

Will start off with Meso 3 disk 25 today. We will be doing it after I say goodbye here.

Happy Mother's day to everyone! Talk with you soon.

Janie

 

[ironlady]

Just finished Rythmic Step.... well, I didn't do the last round. Started out thinking I should have used at least one riser.... so glad I didn't! The new insoles are going to take some getting used to. Guess I have been doing alot of pronating to protect my foot... the proper alignment sort of made my feet sore LOL! I know it will be better in no time though!

Have a Great Weekend! ttyl

 

[ladubose]

Hi Everyone! I just caught up on the posts. I ended up taking a rest day yesterday. Usually I run and do Pilates but I thought I had a dentist appointment, however I had the wrong day! But I hadn't had a rest day in a while so it turned out ok, I was due for one.

Today I did Cardio & Weights for the first time and loved it!

Michelle that is the one with that song Buttercup that you said you liked. It was a super fun cardio series and the weight work was good to. Lots of new exercises and I liked the heavy lift component! Maybe because it was so short! I think one day I will have to get Rhythmic step because everyone says it is one of their favorites.

Ironlady: Happy Birthday to your daddy! Wow I wish mine had made it that long. I miss him so much! I am glad to hear that you are on top of your heel spur and not letting it deter you from your fitness goals.

Janey: I think you posted as I was writing this! Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. It can be sooooo hard some days. And Boulder is such an exercise/fitness/thin extreme place. I went for a hike today and just couldn't believe the people all thin and built and running up mountains!
I feel like I work so hard and don't show my results. It comes back to the eating....I was doing well but it is sooo hard when we are so busy and with young kids...

Shoegal: Happy Anniversary! Have a great time and don't worry about your pups they will be fine!

Shadowpup: you home yet?

 

[janiejoey]

OK you guys, I surprised myself today. Instead of Meso 3 because we couldn't find the time to do it this month (but next month we can) I did Gym Style chest and biceps. Also one of the ab hits for 7 min. and finally, yes, Step Fit. Modify some, but I finished it. Burned 834 calories and 128 min,! Yeah! Can't believe I did that. I'm so excited, but not looking forward to DOMS tomorrow.

Just finished Rythmic Step.... well, I didn't do the last round. Started out thinking I should have used at least one riser.... so glad I didn't! The new insoles are going to take some getting used to. Guess I have been doing alot of pronating to protect my foot... the proper alignment sort of made my feet sore LOL! I know it will be better in no time though!
Have a Great Weekend! ttyl

Ironlady, Don't worry about getting used to the insoles, it takes awhile as you say. Just glad you are still doing your exercises. Good for you.

Hi Everyone! I just caught up on the posts. I ended up taking a rest day yesterday. Usually I run and do Pilates but I thought I had a dentist appointment, however I had the wrong day! But I hadn't had a rest day in a while so it turned out ok, I was due for one.
Today I did Cardio & Weights for the first time and loved it!
Janey: I think you posted as I was writing this! Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. It can be sooooo hard some days. And Boulder is such an exercise/fitness/thin extreme place. I went for a hike today and just couldn't believe the people all thin and built and running up mountains!
I feel like I work so hard and don't show my results. It comes back to the eating....I was doing well but it is sooo hard when we are so busy and with young kids...Shadowpup: you home yet?

Shoegal, Rest day just seem to not come around so often. Enjoy! I feel for you about the wrong date for the dentist. I've done that too. Oh well, such as life.LOL I here ya about the eating. When I had one of my grandsons here with us just a few days ago, the entire time, I didn't eat clean. Felt aweful too. But he is gone, no distractions, and now I can get back into it. It's OK, just try again tomorrow. If I can do it, so can you. Hey, I'm encouraging myself...LOL. Just kidding.

See you all around,

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Sister and I just finished Step Jam. I think I'm back on the cardio train--felt really good. We were debating doing C&W but I wasn't sure I was up to that one. Maybe one day this week. I love that buttercup song.

Janie: hoo boy--you are like the wonder woman. What a workout!

Ironlady: sounds like you are doing great with the new insoles. RS is one of my favorites. Love the challenge at the end--keep working on it--you'll be zooming through the whole thing in no time.

Shoegal: happy anniversary. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Laura: you are like the exercising energizer bunny. You deserve a break.

Last night we had a nice dinner and birthday party for my dad. A few of my dad and mom's friends joined us. We decorated the house, took lots of pictures. If I get my act together, I will try to add them to my photo albums.

Beautiful weather today in Virginia. Happy mother's day everyone!
~Michelle

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all, and happy mother's day! I hope it is as gorgeous in your area as mine. Finally, spring seems safely here, though it did snow last week ...

The start of my busiest work period is here too, and last week was tough. My team thinks I have the work of three people to do between now and mid June, and that's after I delegated as much as possible to others ... well, that just means working smarter and harder, right??? Fitness and nutrition have to stay a priority or I will not be able to survive After Sunday, I was able to get in - PlyoX, KempoX, 4DS twice, a short Ilaria powerstrike session, STS Week 2 (Triceps, planning Legs today), hikes Friday and both days this weekend, heavy-duty gardening for three or four hours, and yoga four times.

Laura, I made it 45 minutes on the Rodney dvd! That's the best so far. My heels are clearly easing towards the floor, but I'd say the main difference is a loosening of tension. It's as though the hamstrings are kind of realizing that they do not have to stay clenched. My body is definitely going through an adjustment period (good). A little extra tiredness and stiffness in unusual places tells me that I'm building new muscles and flexing in ways that other programs were not been reaching, which is exactly what I'd hoped yoga could do *if only* I could get the right style and program. Having something new to work on is taking my mind off this travel schedule (two states next week, a third next week, home a few days, then a fourth trip, and then two weeks onsite for my major program review).

Janie, you are amazing! what a terrific workout you did. How are you feeling today after burning all those calories??? Adrian is sure looking cute in those photos, too. How is your garden coming?

Laura, please don't worry about those skinny people running up mountains ... you clearly *are* amazingly fit! Just remember, we often compare ourselves to the people who are at their best, doing their best in their very best sport. How many of the mountain runners are as strong as you, or can do yoga with such flexibility, or pilates, hike or skii half the day, and all of your other skills? Eating is the key, yes, with the results showing on the skin, but I'd guess that you are in extraordinary shape (and are probably too hard on yourself in how you look, given that most of us are).

Ironlady, very glad to know you have a non-surgical approach to the bone spurs!!!!

Shoegal, a belated happy anniversary to you! I hope you love it. Leaving our four legged kids with others is always something my husband and I worry about, but they are always okay and yours will be too. Sometimes it seems that they sleep extra, so as to save up all that energy for more dog-walking when we get back. Hope your back is better.

Michelle, yep, I'm back! Just spent yesterday digging new plants into the ground, and didn't get my post in - it was the annual garden club plant sale. I am far worse when it comes to buying plants than dvds but our rule at home is, I have to plant them myself . On the bicep work - I always feel as though my leg, back, tricep work goes steadily, but for biceps and shoulders it takes me forever. Even with STS, the larger muscles are improving much faster than the smaller ones. But if we both stick with it, we'll get there!

Oh yes, I seem to remember someone was wondering if all this travel kept me from buying dvds ... well ... the thing is, I had pre-ordered the Get Ripped, and it came while I was gone, so actually I did buy one. And then yesterday, after feeling so pleased to have done 45 minutes of yoga and enjoyed working my inflexible way through the whole thing, I had to log on and get the AM yoga. But, still within budget since it was on big sale.

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Sunday - Mother's Day

I'm back from my trip - my DH was super duper anxious to get back to the girls that we had to get out and leave early this morning and ride back. So here I am - home again and we did have a wonderful time. My pups were fine like everyone said - they probably didn't miss us half as much as we fretted about them.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!!

I asked Kelly what Howie and Harold got her for Mother's Day. She said that Howie left a mess in the foyer and chewed up her sunglasses. Good Gift!!!
My girls were so super happy to see us - that Scout tinkled on my shoe while we were outside welcoming them - so yes I got a present too.

Michelle - What did Ripken get you??? Sounds like you and your sister put in some great workouts - you make me want Step Jam now and PowerMax. I just really can't help myself either. I always thought my DH was unaware of my shopping behavior but I think he is catching on. I'm trying to keep myself under control.

Laura - I didn't see your earlier post about how hard working out is - or I would have responded. YES!!! I feel that way sometimes - it is hard. But the thing is if it wasn't hard work we'd call it something pleasent instead of "working out." It is always WORK!!! Sometimes we all enjoy hard work - sometimes we don't. It just always goes with the territory. Some days I have a blast - others days I'm like I feel like it is an unbelievable struggle and I never get used to that feeling. I feel like I'd been cheated - I put in all this time and all of this effort - why do I feel like today I haven't worked out a day in my life!!!!?? I used to run track up at the high school and there would be these uber fit little high school boys running the track FAST with their shirts off sporting ripped abs. Talk about intimidating. I felt like this dowdy old lady running around - they'd do 2 1/2 trips around the track to my one. There will always be someone better - you be the best Laura you can be!!!!

Shadowpup - glad you are back - sounds like you put in such a nice day in the garden. I love plants too. I really don't know a whole lot about any one plant but I can't help but get excited about them. Putting in summer bulbs though have cured my planting itch - it takes so long and is such a struggle because we have so much that I dread it every year.

Janie - you must feel really good about your workouts. Sounds like you are the one who is super woman!!! Congrats on that. Happy Mother's Day to you as well. Hope you had a great day. Back feels better today - hope I'm on the mend.

Ironlady - Glad your heel is getting the attention it needs and you are putting in good workouts. Let me ask you a question - because I'm so out of it - what does TTYL mean? My brother sent me a text that said that and my DH and I had no idea what that meant. Usually I can figure that out - but I've been searching my brain and nothing matches up.

Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[Shadowpup]

Thanks, Shoegal! I tend to focus on particular types of plants, and have been lucky that a past president of the local garden club lives in the vicinity. She's really helped in teaching me what will and will not grow in our area. My personal rule is not to plant anything that needs to be dug up to overwinter - it is easier that way

I uploaded a few pictures of this year's spring bulbs, in case anyone is curious. And, so I'll remember how pretty the results will be, when the fall planting shipment comes ... gulp ....

 

[ladubose]

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE MOTHERS OR HAVE MOTHERS!
Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement! I really needed them. Boulder can really be to much some times. It has one of the highest concentration of elite athletes in the states, and if that wasn't enough, elite athletes that live else where come here to train because of the access to high altitude terrain. It really is insane.

So today I did Low Impact Max. It took me an hour and a half because it was new to me and I had to rewind a bit; I didn't preview it. I burnt 850 calories too! It was fun and the step is definitely is coming easier as the various steps become familiar. But man my legs were cooked. And honestly I don't really see how it was lower impact because all the turning around is technical considered high impact because of the torc it causes on knee caps.

Janine wow you really hit it! Congratulartions you are a inspiration!

Shadowpup: You are also an inspiration! I am wondering if the days are longer in Canada? It is the only explanation I can think of to explain how you get so much done in one day! I am so glad the yoga is helping I really love Rodney Yee's approach. He has such a deep understanding of the fundamentals of yoga and he is able to get that across some how while keeping the movements flowing. I think you will like the am/pm yoga and the sessions are shorter so they are easy to incorporate into your busy day.

Shoegal: Welcome home! I am glad you had a good time and that your 4 legged kids were happy, safe and healthy! What anniversary was it for you 2 love birds?

Michelle: I bet you are having a blast with your sis! She must have a big space if you can both work out there together. I hardly have enough space to do some of the step work in my space. I really liked Cardio & Wieghts I think it will be a good go to when I want a combo of cardio & weights!

Ironlady: keep it up! I hope you had a great day with your daughter!

Shadowpup: where and how are you up loading your photos?