Push It

[atompki1]

Today was Cardio and Weights. I love that workout, but boy does Cathe move fast. I tried to keep up, but a couple times I had to rewind while getting my weights together My back was very tight this morning, but I felt much better after the workout. Seemed to loosen everything up. And that workout isn't heavy on back moves so it was perfect in that regard. I'll be doing Cardio SuperSets tomorrow to finish up my week. I'm going to visit my uncle this weekend, which is again going to mess up my workout week. However, I think I've decided that I'm going to take my bike and do a steady state cardio ride for 45-60 minutes. That will keep me on track for the week. I also think I'm going to start STS next week instead of the week after.

Natty - good info about the squat rack routine. Sorry you were not able to do that, but we must stay safe at all times!! I'm not sure how it will go for me, but I will evaluate when I get there.

Stacie - it is so hard to catch up on personals after you have been gone!! Glad to see you had a great time on your trip.

 

[mini-natty]

Hello ladies

Today my back was still feeling a bit achy, and so I opted out of plyo legs and did a "softer" version, LBB w/leg conditioning drills . I really miss my other Cathe weight workouts . Later on this week, I will continue with plyo legs as planned. I am going to try and attempt 2X leg workouts/week and forget about Squat Rack.

Ok, on a scale of 1-10, how would you guys rate B&G? I know Susan was a huge fan of it and often tried to enable me . I was thinking of downloading it since I am opting out of Squat Rack and want to add an intense LB workout. Yes or no?

Heartymax
Very wise words about leaning on the side of caution with heavy weights.
BM2 premix + 6 Week/6 pack??!!! You beast you!!
Are you ordering XTrain?

Toni
Ahhh, bike riding. My second love after walking . A few years before I had Bella, all I did was walk and bike ride and I never gained a pound.
I'll have to get Cardio & Weights one day...heck I should have just got Cathe's entire collection for $999 when I found her last year (the download prices on sale ).

Have a great day ladies

 

[heartymax]

Natty----I like Butts and Gutts. I am not a fan of floor work but I know you love the floor work and leg conditioning drills--but I will give it a 10 anyway because it is a great workout. I do parts of the floorwork but not all of it. I love the way it works the hamstrings. I have DOMS after this one for days. While doing STS earlier this year, I would do a premix from this one as a 2nd leg workout for the week. It is hard getting in a long 2nd leg workout while doing STS and getting in the right amount of cardio. STS rotations requires a 6 day committment and I definitely need those 3 days of cardio so it is so hard to tack on another leg workout. Anyway, I managed to add on 30 minutes by using the premix form B&G and GS. B&G also has my favorite ab work. I own ab hits but I reach for B&G abs the most. It is a fun 15 minute routine---did I say that???? Hope this helps.

 

[mini-natty]

Heartymax
Thanks for the tip on B&G. It's funny, I love floor work but I'm not good at it! Those STS leg lifts on the ball had me crying like a little baby . On the upside while doing LBB leg conditioning drills, I kept up with Cathe and had my leg way up there, when previously I failed and had to take lots of pauses. STS HAS DEFINITELY made my legs stronger .

BBL! Have a rockin' day!

 

[Jenniferlove]

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Drill Max was this morning - I forgot how much I love that workout. Someone mentioned it earlier so thank you

Also this week was Afterburn; I was pumped for it - no dread factor this time! (what about you, Toni?!) and Crossfire. It was a toss up between that one and To The Max but I had more recently done TTM so I went with Crossfie. Frankly I think I do like TTM a wee bit more for some reason; I can't quite put my finger on it yet.


Natty, it is very sweet of you to mention pretty and youthful about my Avatar. It pales in comparison to yours but I won't complain
It was just time to update it. And I do like my Cathe hat though I still prefer visors and have posted a wish for one.

I am sorry to hear about your back and the squat rack. Your back up plan sounds good, though, and safe.
As much as I love TriSets upper body it's almost crazy that I haven't tried the TriSets lower body yet... It is in my very near future, though!
Like Heartymax I have DOMS for DAYS after B&G, not so much w/ LBB. So... put B&G on your MUST HAVE list; I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.


Heartymax, Thanks for the tip about the 100 Push Up Challenge; I think I've heard of a fund raiser along those lines (?) but maybe not... I will check it out, though!

Stacie, what a great vacation! Glad Colorado finally got some rain indeed. So your son likes shooting?! Boys will be boys I think it's kind of fun, too, but I haven't been in years. I want to try out Craig's Ruger (sp?).
Congrats on rowing and getting noticed for it - and I hope you get caught up on your sleep soon!

Toni, glad your back loosened up after Cardio and Weights. It must have been just the right amount of energy and strength that you needed.

I best get - Toodles everyone, and have an awesome day!

 

[heartymax]

No workout for me today. A friend called early this morning. She is having marital problems and really needed someone to talk too. We spent a long time talking as I want her to know that I care and willing to listen. Afterwards, I decided to bake a loaf if zucchini bread for the first time. I must admit it turned out delicious. Will have to make it again in the future.

 

[mini-natty]

Hello everyone

Ugghh, my back is still hurting . One wrong twist, turn or move, and I'm out of commission. I was going to do my first M3 disc for shoulder's, bi's and tri's today, but I shall have to wait until tomorrow. Today I did some cardio with 4DS Low Intensity Step.
On a positive note, LBB gave me some nice DOMS today

BTW, have you guys tried Amy's frozen pizza? Holy delish . I know it's a tad bit on the expensive side (well in Canada it is ), but has quality ingredients and worth the splurge if I do say so myself

Jennifer
You are too kind
I'm with you, I like TTM a bit more, but I'm not sure why yet. It must be the step portion. I'm lovin' me some hiit step
LIS TBT LB (lol, got that abbreviation?) is a great leg workout! You should give it a go!
Heartymax
You are such a good person to be there for your friend during her difficult time. Sometimes it's not advice you particularly need, but just a sympathetic ear.
I LOVE zucchini bread! Oh heck, it's hard to find a food that I don't like .


Have a great weekend ladies! I hope you are all enjoying the summer

 

[mini-natty]

Hello everyone

Yesterday's w/o was M3 shoulder's, tri's & bi's. It's amazing how much you're forced to engage your lower back when lifting heavy. For that reason, I had to err on the side of caution since my lower back has been achy. Simple exercises like seated concentration curls were tough, especially with a heavy weight. I have come to the conclusion that M3 may have limitations with my bad lower back . I will listen to my body, not push myself, and probably won't be able to go up 5% every week, but that's ok. I try to look at the positive side always, and remind myself that I'm still healthy, fit, and strong, despite some limitations
I ordered Leslie's 5 Really Big Miles. It comes with a toning band . I'm looking forward to incorporating some walking miles into my workout routines.

Today we enjoyed a fun (but exhausting!) day at the beach. Since I consider a beach outing with my daughter a workout in itself, no Cathe workout for me today .

Hope everyone had a great w/e

 

[Jenniferlove]

Another weekend bites the dust.
No, still have not gotten the chance to see Magic Mike; it's hard to get a group together with everyone's schedules... Maybe next Sunday?!

I'm taking a Sports Conditioning Workshop on Saturday with the American Council on Exercise; it's 9am to 6:30 pm and I think it's going to be super interesting and fun.

Today was Body Max 2 since it has cardio, legs, and upper body. I figured that was what I needed after a day of BBQ and wine (of course).


Heartymax, you are a good friend and I'm glad your friend has you to talk to. I hope she is there for you if you ever need it, too.

I did look up the Hundred Push up Challenge - when I have more time I will study up on it; it looked like there were some training pages based on micro-cycles or something along those lines. I also noticed there is a link to Make a Donation so I'm thining that it is the same push up challenge I heard of, and I'm anxious to learn more about it so I can pass it along to some friends

Natty, sorry to hear your back is still being difficult! I reallly hope you're on the up-swing of things and can get back to your program.

LOL! Yes, I did catch the abbreviations. Why is abbreviation such a long word?! I heard a comedian say that once and it cracked me up.

Anyway, my plan was to try LIS TBT LB on Saturday but I didn't get a chance to do any workout at all... we slept late and had to take the dogs for a walk before meeting up with some friends and being gone for the day so I just couldn't work it in. I thought about doing it today but BM2 was a better fit and it was a lot of fun; I was totally in the mood for that one


Stacie and Toni I hope your weekend was great.

Take care and good night!

 

[heartymax]

Jennifer----here is the link to the push up challenge that I use. Take a look at it and give it a try.

one hundred push ups


Natty---take it easy in Meso 3. Those weights are really heavy. I know for the back exercises---I think it is the overheard extension with the one weight. I can lift the 30 lbs easily but it always feels like it may slip out my hand (i wear gloves already). Therefore, I don't even think about going heavier than 30lbs and sometimes just use my 25 and wear wrist weights for 28lbs. I know that is not the same as your back pain-----but it is making the best decision for me---which is what you are doing. Also there was a time that my shoulder bother me and I didn't increase the 5% one week.

Saturday I walked on the elliptical for 45 minutes. We visited with some friends that evening and a wonderful time. Sunday was church and a treat from TCBY. It was the first time we have taken the kids there. They opened one at a shopping center near the church and the boys had been asking for a long time so we finally stopped. It has been years since I have been to one of these.

I am going to start my workout in the next hour. I am planning to do a push up exhaustion test this morning and start the challenge again. I will report back later.

 

[heartymax]

I am back from finishing my workout. I have decided to do the STS/LIS 3 month transformation rotation. Today was disc 16 Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. Before my workout, I did the push up exhaustion test and I did 22 push ups. I couldn't remember how many push ups I did when we started this check in so I went back to check. I did 20 in March when we started this check in and I saw that I said that I probably could have pushed out about 3 more but stopped. So basically, I guess I am back at where I was. Based on 22 push ups, I should start the 100 push up challenge at week 3. Last time I did that, I struggled quickly the following week. I think I am going to start at week 2. After the STS workout, I added on 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical so I had a 90 minute workout today which I needed since my eating wasn't that great last week. I had a periodontal procedure and had to eat soft foods for several days---well that means rice, potatoes, bread, sherbet----you get the drill. Back to better eating this week.

 

[TRSTACIE]

Good morning everyone! I am sorry I have been away for a bit. We came back from vacation and I was so exhausted. Wednesday night through Friday night I did not workout because I have been really tired and very headachy. Thursday I actually stayed home from work because my head hurt so bad....too little sleep on the camping trip I think. I felt better Saturday but then stayed up late again because we went to the drive-in. It was worth it to see Chris Hemsworth -- lol. Anyway, that made me tired for Sunday so again no workout. Tonight though it's on again. I will go back to STS and finish up week 4. This next Meso cycle will be a bit of catch up time but I miss lifting so much. The funny thing too though is that even though I didn't workout I still lost 3 lbs. Go figure...

Natty
I am so sorry to hear that the squat rack discs didn't workout for you. You know how much I loved those discs. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Heartymax
Your workouts always amaze me. So are so motivated and dedicated to fitness. It is truly inspirational.

Zucchini bread is one of my favorite breads. Most people like my banana bread and pumpkin bread better. Soon, I will be making bread since I see three zucchinis growing in the garden. Just as an FYI, the zucchini bread recipes with pineapple in them are super tasty.


Jennifer
The avatar is cute. I didn't realize it was a Cathe hat to boot! Even better!

Toni
So are soooo right about catching up on things after vacation. I knocked out most of the laundry and did some cleaning over the weekend but there is still a lot to do. I feel like I am always behind on EVERYTHING. Next year I have already decided that I will take the day off after scout camp and maybe the entire week since it was extremely hard to sleep there and the schedule is go go go go.

Presale: Anyone read about the presale? I think I am going to get the DVDs and the downloads this time. I usually always go for the DVDs instead of the downloads because if I don't like the workout I can recoup some of what I paid for it by selling it on ebay or Craigslist. However, for only $30 more I can get 10 downloads which sounds like a great deal to me. There are a couple of spin bikes at my apt complex gym and the gym at work so having "the ride" would be awesome too. Are you guys planning on doing the presale?

 

[Jenniferlove]

Happy Monday everyone. No workout for me today - got a late start and the dogs were begging for a walk; I can't say no to them. They have me trained.

Heartymax, great job on the pushups - not practicing but still banging out a great number; that's awesome! I guess that hundredpushup challenge really is the bomb, that and STS I'll let you know when I'm ready to commit to that challenge.

Stacie, (thanks! [my avatar/hat]) So glad you're feeling better and getting back on track from the trip. I like having at least a day or two to catch up from trips, and that's without having a little man to also take care of... no wonder you were drained, of course the lack of sleep didn't help.

I did buy the presale DVDs (only). The DVDs/Download deal is great but I really don't see myself using the downloads and so far I haven't wished that I had access to a download.

I'm looking forward to the low impact, kickboxing, and rear delts/legs workouts (especially). Meanwhile I have already started to work on my rear delts by subbing one set of those for another set of lateral or anterior... they really do need help partly because of all the slumping at a PC all day for 20 years no matter how hard I try to sit upright.

Natty, keep icing your back and taking it slow and easy.


Toodles for now!

 

[mini-natty]

Hello ladies

I've updated my profile with some new pics (if you want to check them out, help yourself ). There is a recent one of Bella and I at the beach, along with a 4 month post-partum pic I found (I had about 45lbs to lose in that pic). It's amazing how far I've come since then. For the first time in my life, I feel at peace, happy, fit and strong. I wish all those wonderful things for you ladies as well. I'm very grateful to have found such a motivating bunch .

Later on today, I will venture over to the dark side and do Crossfire . My back is still a bit stiff, but I'm ok with cardio.

Stacie
Glad to have you back . Sometimes you really need a vacation from your vacation . It's good you rested up and got some much needed R&R.
It's ok about Squat Rack. Perhaps sometime in the future if I have access to a squat rack or run into Greg and ask him to be my spotter .

Jennifer
Did you read those 50 Shades of Grey books? They are getting an incredible amount of attention . That book along with Magic Mike, and oh boy (I won't say anything more, but you get it ).
Good luck with your Sports Conditioning Workshop! What a great thing to do. I'm sure you'll kick some serious booty
I'm looking forward to the legs/rear delts too! That seems like an interesting and effective combo.

Heartymax
Ditto what Jennifer said! I'm going to start practicing my push-ups again too, so I will join ya .
I'm sorry to hear about your tooth procedure. I hope you are feeling better .
I was thinking of doing the LIS/STS rotation after M3 is done but include Crossfire and To The Max. We'll see...
You always inspire me with the workouts you do .

Have a great day ladies

 

[mini-natty]

Hello ladies

Yesterday's w/o was Crossfire...wait for it...Triple Tabata premix . This consists of Plyo Tabata, Firewalker Tabata and Low Impact Tabata. 30min of my heart beating in my throat. My body looked like it just got out of the shower. Tough stuff . I attempted to add the fitness blast section which is only 15min, but I got 5min in and called it a day.

Today's w/o is back and chest. I have a feeling I will have to lower all my weight for my back exercises .

Heartymax
I love it when I see new Avatar's. You look amazing . You work hard and it shows

Have a great day ladies

 

[heartymax]

Natty----you are scaring me with your review of Cross Fire I didn't order them but I hope to grab them one day. Thanks for the compliment.

Stacie---glad your vacation was fun. It is so nice to get away and relax and do something fun. I truly want to purchase Xtrain. I told myself that I would not buy any other DVDs or equipment after I purchased the elliptical in February. So far, I have stuck to that. I was planning on asking DH for the CrossFire and To the Max for my birthday. However, there is no way that I will pass up on paying 50% less for these workouts. I don't recall what the original price of STS was compared to what they were later offered for at a discounted price. I am just going to wait and make my purchase right before the presale ends. I spend quite a bit of money on back to school shopping and school supplies each year.

Jennifer---I am looking forward to the rear delts and legs workout too. What a great combination!

Today was LIC Lower Body Tri-Sets. Those one leg squats alternating the weights O-----M-----G.....I got some work to do on that one.

 

[atompki1]

Hello all. Sorry haven't been around much. Things are a bit stressful at home. My mother has COPD and has been in the hosptial all weekend. She is still in the hospital, but they have removed the breathing tube from her. I have to call my uncle today to get an update. I'll be going back to Columbus this weekend to check on her. Hoping she's out of the hospital by then.

And other breaking news, my 16 year old step daughter is pregnant She's approx 5 months and we just found out last Friday. I keep waking up at night hoping it's a dream, but nope. So we are going to be busy making adjustments in school and getting house ready for a new baby. And my 16 year old is not the most mature 16 year old. I can tell none of this has really hit her yet. She's still walking around like she's a carefree teenager. It's just sad all around. These kids I tell ya....

Well there was no workout for me today. I was up late last night and I just needed some sleep. Yesterday I did part of a step workout, but something in my right hip is still not right so I didn't finish. I'm going to attempt AfterBurn tomorrow and see how it goes. I really don't want the stress of life to totally derail my fitness program so I've decided that I will still get up everyday and attempt a workout each day. If it's not working, I'll adjust for the day. I don't think I'm going to start STS right now. I just don't have the mental capacity to do anything that formal right now. Maybe next month. We'll see.

Natty - love the new avatar and the new pics!! You look great.

HeartyMax - I did see the pre-sale. I think I'm going to get the series, but I think I'll wait until they start filming before I order. I'm looking forward to them. I'm doing DVDs personally.

 

[mini-natty]

Toni
I just read your post. Firstly, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Positive thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult & stressful time. Please update us on her progress.

Secondly, I'm sorry your step-daughter is pregnant. I can sort of relate to this when my sister-in-law got pregnant at 17 (my DH sister). No 16 year old is mature (NONE). It's not like how it was 30, 40 years ago when 17 year old's were getting married and starting a family by the time they were 20. Anyway, my sister-in-law looked into all options including abortion and adoption, but in her heart she felt it was the best thing to have and raise the child. In the end, she turned out to be a wonderful mom, despite her young age being a negative factor. It was hard, she had to let go a big piece of her life, but ultimately she got through it and it turned out alright. I can't imagine how you must be feeling, and I feel bad your family has to endure such a stressful life event. Stay strong, and although it's hard for you to see that far ahead, you will all get through it ok.

 

[Jenniferlove]

Hello! I'm getting spoiled; able to chat in the forum during my down time at work has been fun and making the day go by quickly.

Anywho, Kick Max for me today; since I was short on time I did not do the leg drills. That means that I will finally try TriSets lower body tomorrow

By the way, I followed Natty's lead and posted pictures of my furbabies (cat and 3 dogs). I wanted to use them as my avatar, actually, but it wouldn't have been fair to pick just one of them. I'm glad at least I can share them with you because they really are my kids

Heartymax, Love your new avatar! You do look fantastic! How is your mouth feeling since your dental? I hope much better and you're able to eat solid food again.

Thanks for the warning about TriSets lower body! Natty has encouraged me to try that one since I'm practically in love with TriSets Upper body.

I completely understand waiting to buy on the presale but you're right, the discount is too huge to pass up. If you can also grab Crossfire and TTM you won't be disappointed. The work is hard but do-able and fun... however I don't know about Natty's premix - WOW, girl!

Natty, your album pictures are great! You look great and you sure have worked for it; you earned it! What a good feeling

Triple Tabata? I'm so impressed! You made me laugh when you mentioned your heart beating in your throat I'm glad you were able to take it on even with your back bothering you; decreasing the weight for Back tells me it's still bothering you, though Be careful during Chest, too, since you'll need to stabilize yourself.

Toni, I am sorry to hear about your mom, and that your daughter is pregnant at 16. Natty had very encouranging words and I will leave it at that. It is a lot of stress right now and I think continuing to try your workouts will help you deal with that.

Wonder what's up with your hip; it's frustrating I know. Have you tried a foam roller? Maybe that would help? It did with me... I thought for sure I was having pain from arthritis or something dreadful but it really was just muscular tension and the foam roller worked beautifully (I was shocked, honestly).
Either way I do hope you feel better soon.


That's all for now. Have a great day

 

[heartymax]

Natty---I forgot to say how great you look in your pics. Your hard work with exercising and eating healthy has definitely paid off. Bella is so cute.

Toni--sending some hugs your way.

Jennifer---having a few weeks off for the summer will spoil me too. It is nice not having to get up at 4:30 to workout. I don't sleep too late but sometimes I just lounge around and I can start my workout around 6:30 or some days even 7:00.