PYGFO Check-in for February 10-16, 2008

[BelovedHeather]

PYGFO Sisters:

I woke up this morning with y’all on my heart. It has been exactly 6 months since the Road Trip, and I am missing Cathe and my beloved Road Trip sisters! This is another quick check-in to report my workouts for the sixth week of a 12-week challenge:

02-04-08 a.m. 4-Day Split Higher Intensity Step
02-04-08 p.m. water aerobics class

02-05-08 a.m. 4-Day Split Kickbox (cardio) + Gym Style Legs (standing legs and stretch) + Core Max (first segment)

02-06-08 a.m. 4-Day Split Lower Intensity Step (cardio, shoulders, and stretch)
02-06-08 p.m. Biggest Loser Challenge (team training with Laurie)

02-07-08 a.m. 4-Day Split Boot Camp

02-08-08 a.m. Step, Jump, & Pump (step and hi-lo premix)

02-09-08 a.m. Kick Max (boot camp challenge premix) + Core Max (complete core premix)

02-10-08 a.m. Stretch Max (stability ball segment)

My goal for the new week is to get through the week without dropping out of this challenge. Week 6 was not a good week for me. It was a stressful week at work, I did not sleep well at night, I did not have as much energy for my workouts, I had to decrease my weights, and I hit a plateau with my weight. The gym night with Laurie is what actually pushed me over the edge. On the bright side, I worked out every day, resisted the temptation to comfort myself with junk food, and kept from gaining a chunk of weight like I usually do when stress hits. One of my goals for 2008 is to finish what I start, so I may press on with this rotation if I have more energy in the morning. I may need to take a joy break and switch to lighter workouts like Supersets for a week so I can recover and get back on track.

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).

 

[TXGin]

Good Morning PYGFOers!

Today I did Timesavers #5 (legs and abs) and walked 3 miles.

Heather--I have been thinking about that FUN RT also! I really want to be able to go on the next one!!
Hang in there with your challenge. Think of how much you have accomplished and the fact that you have resisted the temptation of junk food. That is great!! Hope you have increased energy today.

Take care everyone and have a great day!
Gin

 

[carolyn122162]

Hi Heather and Gin,

I am starting week 7 of my 12 week challenge. So far so good, I have lost a solid 8 pounds. I have only lost 1 to 1-1/2 inches in the waist and elsewhere. A little discouraging but I know it will come off eventually. I feel like I have hit a plateau as well. I'm going to really work hard these next 6 weeks to reach my goal. For the past 3 weeks I have been doing the October 07 rotation, Back to Heavy. It is S/H and GS. I have seen some nice definition in my upper body. I'm not sure what to do after this week since this rotation has been focusing on heavy weights. Maybe I'll try 4DS and not go too heavy.

I am taking today off since we went skiing yesterday. It was fun but very,very windy. I feel like my cold has come back again I feel crappy.

Heather - your workout schedule looks good and fun! I just read a post about the Road Trip. Kathy S responded stating Cathe is focusing on STS right now but hopefully they will announce something in the near future. I hope I can go this year.

Gin - Hope things are going well for you. Which workout is the timesaver #5 from?

Hello to everyone. Have a great week.

Carolyn

 

[Tess_ATL]

Hi everyone. Heather, thanks for starting us off again. I am feeling very crampy today - TTOM. I got up early but didn't work out. Today is leg day so I will do something when I get home from work.

Carolyn - sorry you are feeling crappy!

Gin - yes I can run on LC. The first week I had zero energy but now I have a lot more energy. It seems I'm more sluggish when I'm eating more carbs.

Heather - looks like you are on the right track for your schedule. I want to go on another RT this year too.

Someone asked about Vicki last week. I have been in touch with her and she is doing fine. She has a lot on her plate right now with some productions she is in. She will be back online in a few weeks.

Take care everyone!

 

[woopig]

Hello everyone.

I just got home from work and ate a HUGE plate of pasta for dinner!! My eating has not been the best today, but yesterday was very healthy. I did GS Legs yesterday. I am SO sore today!! I think it has been about 2 weeks since I have worked legs (other than with cardio or circuits). I can't believe how sore I am--my claves, hams, and quads are screaming at me!! It hurt to walk today!! I love that feeling though

I am so excited!! I finally preordered STS!! I can't wait to get these, but I have a feeling I may only be able to do the first mesocycle until after the baby is born. I am planning to use this series to get back into shape after delivery. I also ordered Low Intensity Step so I would have another low impact DVD for when exercising starts getting more difficult.

Heather...Sorry you did not have a great week. I admire you for hanging in there. I hope you had lots of energy this morning!! Just make sure you are listening to your body. If you need to scale back a bit, I bet it will only help you through the next weeks to come.

Gin...I have the Timesaver DVD, but I have never used it. I always forget I have it!!

Carolyn...Sorry you are not feeling well. Sounds like you are getting good results. Good luck reaching your goals!!

Tess...What leg workout did you do? Please tell Vicki hello and that we can't wait to see her back!!

I hope you all have a great day tomorrow.

 

[buffettgirl]

Hi you guys. This is week 3 post surgery. My knee feels pretty good and I'm getting bored. This is NOT good, since I usually relive boredom with food.

Carolyn, I'm so jealous of you doing so well. I do great for a couple days, then fall back into the back eating habit.

Heather, stay strong. I'm praying for you.

Lara, I'm doing the happy dance for you preordering. I still haven't been able to convince DH I need this series. In all seriousness, I haven't convinced myself.

Tess, here's another request for you to relay a HI to Vickie.

Gin, I'm pretty sure I won't be going to a RT if there is one this year, but hearing you talk about it may change my mind.

Yesterday I did 4DS LIS without a step. I wasn't really working much, but it felt good anyway. I'm resting today. Just doing the exercise the doctor gave me. We are having a lovely snowstorm today. It's so nice to stay home and not have to stress about driving.

 

[TXGin]

Good Afternoon PYGFOers!

Today I did Timesaver #4 (KPC drills and sh) plus I added PS shoulders.

Carolyn--WTG on the weight loss! Sorry you don't feel well!x( Timesaver #5 is all legs from L&G, SPJ and Bonus (new footage) + SJP abs.

Tess--How is the LC eating going? Tell Vicki Hi from me also.

Lara--Are you still sore? Congrats on the STS preorder. I ordered the 1st day. Tell me again when you are due?

Robin--STAY AWAY FROM THE FRIDGE!! Actually, I need to tell myself that! When can you go back to work? How is the knitting? Yeah to being able to do the 4ds --step or no step!! How did it feel?

Have a great day!
Gin

 

[woopig]

Hello.

I am home from work and trying to motivate myself to do some cardio. I am thinking LoMax, but we'll see. I am a little nervous b/c we have a doctor's appointment to hear the heartbeat tomorrow. I think this will all seem real once I hear it!! I hope it is a strong, healthy one!!

I am still wearing all of my regular clothes. I know that will change sometime soon! I have been shopping for a few looser tops and buying one size up in some of them. It is hard to shop b/c I am not sure when and where I will gain. I also bought a belly belt which lets you continue wearing your jeans, but you don't have to button them. Hopefully, this will delay any maternity jean purchases for awhile. I am going to go broke buying all of these clothes!! I love clothes though, so it is fun to shop!

Robin...I hope you enjoyed the snowstorm. I know, as much as I want to go on the RT this year (if there is one), I am sure I will not be able to make it. Maybe next year though!! I hope your knee continues to get stronger!

Gin...Yes, I am actually still sore, but at least I can move a little easier today. I can't believe how sore I was. I am due August 28th. That is their 1st calendar-based estimate. I have read in credible sources that women who exercise throughtout pregnancy deliver about 9 days earlier than their due date. It is going to be one hot summer!!

Does anyone have exciting Valentine's Day plans?

 

[woopig]

Hello.

I guess no one is around to hear about my appointment today. The doctor said everything looked good and she found the heartbeat right away. I am relieved. I only had time for 4DS Kickbox cardio today. I think my allergies are starting to bother me. My throat is very scratchy and my eyes are watery. I hope it doesn't turn into a sinus infection.
Have a great day tomorrow.

 

[TXGin]

Hi Lara!

I'm here! I'm here! That is so exciting to see the baby's heartbeat. I am so happy for you. Was your DH there also? Will you have a sonogram? Your due date is one day after my birthday. Sorry about your allergies.

I did Timesaver #2 and PS back today. Tomorrow is L&G.

Happy Valentine's Day all!
Gin

 

[carolyn122162]

Hi Lara,

That is great news about the heartbeat!! Isn't that the coolest sound ever?? All the swishing and swooshing around in there. Are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl? I knew my first 2 were boys but I didn;t want to know for the 3rd, which was a girl. On one hand its easy to plan but then there is something to be said about the element of surprise.

I hope you don't get sick. I'm just now getting over a 2 week cold/flu.

Happy Valentine's Day to all

Carolyn

 

[woopig]

Hello!!

I had every intention to have a long workout today, but I just don't feel very well. I get so frustrated that I still get so sick with allergies even when I am getting weekly allery shots (and paying a fortune for them)!! I guess I will head to the doctor tomorrow so I won't feel horrible for the whole weekend. The only thing that relieves my symptoms is a steroid shot plus a Z-pack. I asked my OB yesterday if those shots were considered safe for the baby, and she said yes.
We are going to dinner tonight. I wish I felt better thoughx(

Gin...Thank you!! Yes, DH was there. It was a very cool thing to hear!! I will be able to find out the gender at 20 weeks (a little less than 8 weeks away). They will make a DVD and take pictures of the ultrasound. Our next appointment is in 4 weeks for AFP testing. I will be nervous about that one!! My DH's dad's birthday is also on the 27th. We have a lot of August birthdays between our families, so I guess it is only fitting that we add another one!

Carolyn...Yes, we have to find out (for the first one at least). I am ready to start buying things for a nursery, but I am going to wait until we find out. I have often thought IF I have 3 that I could maybe hold off on finding out gender on the third one. I am getting such a late start on starting a family, so I think 2 might be a more realistic number at this point, but you never know! I am glad you are feeling better! How is your 12-week Challenge going?

Have a great Valentine's Day!

 

[BelovedHeather]

PYGFO Check-in

PYGFO Sisters:

Good morning! I kept pressing on this week with my 4-Day Split rotation. I listened to my body and chose lighter weights when necessary, but I faithfully followed my game plan. There will be plenty of time to play with lighter workouts after this 12-week challenge. The desire to faithfully finish a challenge for once in my life is greater than my desire to relax and take it easy this week. I will not likely plan another 12 weeks of heavy weight work without a break, but I am excited to see my results. I felt so accomplished after my workouts this week just knowing that I did not give up!

Laurie (my Biggest Loser trainer) taught a great class Wednesday night. Fun, fun, fun! I am not a calorie counter as I have shared before, but I have been saving my menus in case I got stuck and needed my trainer to take a look at my nutrition. When I returned to 3 meals and a snack, I did not redistribute the extra calories from the snacks I dropped. I have only been eating 1,400 calories a day! No wonder I am tired and hungry! Laurie does not want me to go below 1,800 calories a day with Cathe’s workouts every day. The guy who almost made the cast for Season 4 also had a copy of Jillian’s book that her team works through every season. Her calorie budget is based on height, weight, activity level, and exercise. Based on Laurie’s advice and Jillian’s formula, I need to eat 400 calories more a day.

I maintained my weight again this week, but I am smaller. My waist is way smaller! My chest is bigger though. When the guy who is keeping track of our progress sees my numbers, he will wonder if I had some work done. LOL! It’s all the push-ups!

I took a calculated risk earlier this week and decided to decrease my weights for a few days and pace myself until my energy was restored. I took Laurie’s advice to increase my calories and ate an Amy’s organic bean burrito Wednesday night (made with a whole wheat tortilla, pinto beans, and brown rice). I woke up Thursday morning bursting with energy and renewed hope. After my quiet time, I blasted through 4-Day Split Boot Camp and almost kept up with Cathe during the suicide runs. It was my best workout this year. I was also able to lift heavier than ever, which is good news because my biceps and triceps are my weakest parts. My arms are finally getting stronger!

I added an organic boiled egg and organic kidney beans to my salad and enjoyed extra servings of fruit and a chocolate coconut Thinkorganic raw fruit and nut bar for dessert on Valentine’s Day. It will be interesting to see if this breaks the plateau for me. My energy was consistently high, so this menu is a keeper. It is amazing the difference 400 extra calories makes. My body is rewarding me with abundant energy.

My cycle started yesterday, and I am tired again with cramps. I am looking forward to a restful weekend. After waking up at 3:00 a.m. and seeing that none of the challengers were awake yet, I curled up with a heating pad and fell asleep.

Marica, I am much more successful when I plan a week of menus in advance. I plan my menus for the week and make my grocery list. This saves me time and money. Grocery shopping is faster, and I do not waste money buying more fruits and veggies than I need for the week. By seeing a week at a glance, it is easier to ensure that I have a good balance and variety too. It is also a good idea for me to avoid thinking about food all the time. This helps greatly because I pack my meals and snacks every night while fixing dinner and simply eat what I planned to eat. I am not a fan of detailed record keeping, so this gives me a way to ensure good nutrition without dealing with food logs every day. I have often wondered if I should pack my meals and snacks for the weekend because temptation is not usually a struggle during the week when I do.

Gin, I am hoping to return to Jersey for another Road Trip too, but we need to have a Texas get-together either way!

Carolyn, I would love to meet you. Keep pressing on with the challenge.

Tess, please tell Vicki that I miss her.

Lara, I am excited about STS too. Congratulations on hearing the baby’s heartbeat.

Robin, praise God that you knee is feeling better. Now step away from the food when you get bored! When will you be free to start working out again?

Where is Michelle? I miss her too.

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).