STS DEAL OF THE DAY!!!!!

Justina
Welcome fellow "Beastette" lol :D. What I found to be helpful, were the worksheets. Here is the link to print as many as you like!
http://images.beachbody.com/pdf/bodybeast/BEAST_worksheet.pdf

I found I was a little disorganized with chest & tri's :eek:, but as soon as I started logging my #'s on the worksheets and had them to refer back to during my w/o, it went SO much smoother. For my first attempt, I was a little conservative with my #'s. I'm pretty good at knowing what weights to use for higher reps-low reps for each muscle group, but I still took it "easy" just in case. What I have learned is that the decrease from 15R to 8R is a world of difference! I can typically go much heavier on the 8R -- so keep that in mind for yourself too.

Regarding my diet, it's very clean about 80-90% of the week. I am trying to increase my calories, but it's hard! So what I have been doing is adding a protein shake before bed with a few pistachios :p. I have also added a morning snack of egg white omelet w/veggies to increase my protein. My typical meals are always protein/carbs/fats -- lots and lots of veggies!! Did you skim through the book?

BBL in the afternoon! Have a good day ladies!
 
Hi Nancy, Natasha,

Wow, I'm loving standing. People are stopping by to ask questions like how did you get it??? :D Or make comments like "this looks interesting". I think it's great that it's getting attention. I'm supposed to provide feedback to the office on how I like it. I think the company will make it an option for others as well! :D It would be awesome if we can all stand when we want to.

So I'm checking in twice today to make up for not checking in much last week. :)

I'm looking forward to tonight's work out. Thanks for the worksheets Natasha! :D I found some early this morning too but have not had a chance to print. I'm sure it will make a big difference having the work sheets to follow along. I agree. At 8 reps I can definitely lift heavier. I was kind of going conservative too until I know his style. Wow, the partial chest flies. I had to go low weight. My chest was on fire!

I had a protein shake this morning too since I have to up it to gain muscles. For lunch I had tuna, egg whites, avacado, spring mix salad, whole grain toast with almond butter. Tonight I need to have chicken (more protein). I skimmed through the book. I like the basic recipes in there; pretty doable. What do you think?

The cheese cake recipe looks delish! I would have three slices! Have to give it a try. I've made the not-so-healthy version before and I eat the heck out of it. Mine also had rasberry swirls in it. :D But this healthy version looks great!

Nancy, how's farming going? :) I have the thoughts but no action. ha! I want to grow all kinds of veggies but have not a clue how to start. I want to do something easy first on the back deck. What do you suggest?


ok, gotta get back to work. Talk to you ladies later!!

Justina
 
G'morning Nancy & Justina :)

Yesterday's w/o was a 30min Jessica Smith power walk from youtube (I really like her btw. She has so many on-line w/o's and they're FREE: jessicasmithtv's channel - YouTube) + BB Tempo Chest & Tri's. My entire body is DOMS'ing hard right now. Today will be a rest day.

So, I am 1 w/o away from finishing the Build Phase of Beast :eek:. I really have nothing negative to say about this program -- IT'S AMAZING. My results so far? Noticeable muscle definition overall, especially in my obliques and arms. My legs and tush seem firmer. I believe I may have lost a few lbs (not intentionally). I think the weight loss has more to do with the increase in activity though, since I walk several miles every day. I'm getting stronger too! I was able to increase my #'s from the first week. I love Sagi as a trainer! He always makes me laugh with his little witty comments. Bottom line: if you want wicked muscles, this program yields results fast!

Justina
You better get a padded toilet seat cover once you've done Build Legs :eek:. I had DOMS for 5 days after my first time!
I'm so happy your company paid for the standing desk! And I'm even happier that you are enjoying it :).
LOL those partial chest flies are inane in the membrane :eek:. Wait until you do the Temp w/o's :eek:. Muhahahaha :eek:.
Regarding the recipes, I find they are all pretty simple and doable. I loved your lunch btw! It sounded very tasty :p.

Nancy
How are you doing? I'm headed out the grocery store today and was thinking of picking-up some seeds to start my own little herb garden on the balcony. Cilantro here I come!

Have a beautiful day ladies :cool:
 
HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!​

I was lifting tons of weight one day,
In the Very Merry Month of May.....:p

Hello My Hardcore Beasties!:D
You guys are really inspiring me, I'll tell ya! I started this week (a mix of Pyramids/LIS) with PUB and increased weights like never before!!! I STILL have DOMS in my chest! Last night was my low Tabata/HIIT medley and tonight will be LIS TBT Lower Body Split. I've already got the big weights out and ready for when I get home! I just want to take a moment to congratulate you, Natasha, on being so close to completing that first phase of your program! I know it was a challenge for you and YOU DID IT!!! I imagine a lot of your success comes from your previous STS experience, better eating habits, and unwavering drive! I am proud of you! I'm also proud of Justina for taking a stand at work :p! I'm sure everyone will be following your lead!

The push up thing here at work has attracted followers. I don't have a private office and end up just unrolling the mat between 2 lab benches! Right now I am only doing 3 sets of 10 toe push-ups :eek:. I don't want to over do it like last time! Right now I can't imagine doing them with my DOMS in my chest! But I will. I used to span myself across the 2 benches for triceps dips (feet on one bench, hands on the other)...they are 3 feet apart and are perfect for it! Maybe I'll start that up again too! I just have to make sure there are no experiments going on at the time!:rolleyes: I used to have 2 students in here that ate that stuff up! We did all kinds of crazy plank work and even had a stability ball for a while before someone broke a beaker and left small bits of glass on the floor (deflated!)! It's some much fun to challenge the 20 somethings, it gives them hope about getting older! I would love to put a pull up bar in the doorway between our 2 lab spaces....hmmmmm:rolleyes: Sometimes I love the relaxed atmosphere of academia!!!!

Well, I am just rambling away here so I better sign off! I am looking forward to a great workout tonight to start the month off with a bang! How 'bout you guys????
 
Hi Nancy, Natasha,

Yes, I am feeling sore after BB Legs. :D I had to sit down slowly. I feel like I am gaining weight though; must be all that extra protein shakes I'm having. I definitely have to throw in some cardio since my lab test came back last week with high triglycerides level. The nurse told me to eat less carbs and excercise more. :eek: I thought I'm in good shape but clearly I have some work to do! Anyway, cutting the carbs; I don't even eat anything white (rice, bread, pasta). The only thing I can think of is doing more cardio. I will need carbs to fuel my BB workouts and gain muscle mass. Not sure what I should do here....help! :)

Nancy, you are an awesome example to those 20 somethings! You are active, in great shape and a workout warrior. If they learn from you, they will know not aging. :D And you're doing three sets of 10 on your toes? That's impressive. I will have to work up to that.

As for the standing platform, a lot of people are asking me about it. They asked me how I got the company to pay for it! :D I'm enjoying it so far. I stand most of the day now. I sit for an hour in the morning, an hour at lunch and an hour in the afternoon.

Natasha, congrats on almost done with Build! you have to share some pictures when you can. :D Are you changing your diet much? Up calorie intake? This is a great program. I do find the speed too fast for me at times. The lifting is fast. Sometimes I can't keep up!:D The warm up could be longer too.

Tonight is BB cardio for me. Not sure what Sagi is going to do for cardio. He seems like a weight guy!

Have a good day!

Justina
 
Justina
My advice would be to be patient with the rotation -- you are only going on day 3. Read fit44's response on OD: http://cathe.com/forum/f97/poll-best-rotation-293123/. I personally believe she gives excellent advice w/regards to lifting and nutrition (she is in her late 40's I believe. She also did BB and got great results btw). I honestly don't think doing *more* cardio is always the best solution to weight loss/fitness. That's just my opinion though -- others might disagree. You do what you feel is right for you. I can tell you this though -- Body Beast w/o's are very intense (consider the legs and cardio w/o's to definitely be great cardio's. They get the HR up high). Adding muscle mass will allow you to burn more calories, which will cause fat loss. As far as the carbs, they are not all created equal. I don't think you need to drastically reduce them TBH. Oatmeal, quinoa, sweet potato, veggies, fruits, legumes; all carbs, all excellent nutrition for the body. For the protein shakes, do you add milk? To make it lower cal, try using water and some berries. Another thing that I find to be helpful is walking, walking, walking. In the summer my pants always are looser and my clothes fit better, and I TRULY believe it has to do with walking several miles every day. Those steps might not seem like much, but trust me they are magical for the body and the mind. One lady from my check-in actually purchased a FitBit to track her steps, and she was only averaging around 5-6,000/day. Now she tries her hardest to get closer to 10,000. Last but not least, have faith in your body. Trust it and it won't let you down ;). Hope I've helped you a bit.

BB tomorrow!!!!!
 
Ahhh spring has finally arrived :). We've been having balmy temps these past few days. Love it :p.

Yesterday was my last w/o of the Build Phase: Tempo Back & Bi's. I was able to successfully do 1 unassisted pull-up :eek: AND increase my weight #'s for bi's. So I'm patting myself on the back :D. Soon I will be able to climb Mt.Everest ;).

Nancy
You are right about the previous STS experience helping me plow through this rotation. I was thinking that after I'm done BB, I will go back to doing STS M1 & 2 :eek:. However, this time, I will be doing it similar to BB: 5X splits + 1X cardio. I feel my muscles have exploded with this way of training :eek:. I'm already trying to follow your lead, and thinking of a kick a** STS/XT rotation I can do :eek:.
Congrats on upping your weight #'s with PUB :eek:. Holy cow strong woman!
I love that you are doing the push-ups at work :eek:. What an inspiration you are, not only to those wussy 20 somethings ;), but to EVERYONE at EVERY AGE. I wish I would have known someone like you in my teens and 20's. I want to be just like you when I grow up :p.

Justina
I also forgot to mention not to fret if you see the scale # climb with BB. You have read all those articles Cathe posts about lifting heavy and temporary water retention and glucose in the muscles right? You can look totally different with more muscles at your current weight (or more!) than when you had less muscles. A number on the scale does not truly reflect how fit you are and how much muscle mass you have. Take me for example. My lowest weight in my 20's was 105lbs. I'm certain I weigh at least 15lbs more than that now, but I look so much smaller, fitter, with more muscle definition. People ask me all the time if I have lost weight -- no, I actually gained weight! I honestly think that if I would have tried to stay at a # that was totally unrealistic, my body would have never changed the way it has :).

Have a beautiful day ladies :)
 
Natasha, congrats on the pull up!!!! I think you'll be up to at least 10 by the end of summer ;)!!! I also love to hear about uppin' those weights! I'm so happy about your results! Let us know how your rotation with STS/Xtrain works out. I'm still thinking about the "Summer Heat" rotation. I also want to thank you for your kind words regarding my dedication to a healthier lifestyle! I'm so happy when people react positively to living a healthier life and welcome as many of them that want to jump on our bandwagon! You are quite inspiring to many people not only on this forum, but I'm sure in your every day life too! What a great role model for Bella (lucky girl!)!
Justina, Natasha is so right on about weight being a number and not to get to caught up in that stuff as you are just becoming a Beastette! I certainly would not start eliminating carbs totally. Take an honest look at how you are fueling your body. Have you really eliminated the junk (and eating out) and processed food? It takes a very long time to get to the point to where you are eating only stuff your grandma would recognize! Think of it like an onion and every day you peel away a layer.....soon you will hit that perfect center! Don't make big changes all at once...let your body get used to the changes gradually. I know you can do this! Are you still keeping the food diary?

Today I'll be doing High Reps! It has really been a long time since I've done the whole program and not just parts for add ons to work outs. I wonder what weights I'll end up using??? Last night I did Slide 'n Glide for the first time in a while too and had so much fun! Who know discs and a band could kick butt so much!:eek:

For lunch today I have turkey on a whole grain flatbread with avocado and sprouts, and a big leafy green salad. I am SO hungry right now!:p I've got some chili going in the crockpot for tonight so I'll be able to go right from workout to stuffing my face!!! I use Kal's Nutritional Yeast Flakes in place of Parmesan cheese on lots of stuff (including tonight's chili). It is loaded with vitamins and minerals because it is grown on black strap molasses. It also has 9 grams of protein per serving!!! Check out the nutrition label:
Kal Nutritional Yeast Flakes -- 22 oz - Vitacost
A vegan friend of mine introduced me to it. I use it everyday on a salad or on veggies. No vitamin pills for me!!!;) You ladies might be interested in it especially with the heavy weights you're using!

So about 10 minutes ago my boss came in and told me that it was too nice outside to be here at work and to "get out of here" so I am :D!
BEST. BOSS. EVER.
 
Hi Natasha, Nancy,
Hope you enjoyed your weekend! I had a busy one. I took my son to a birthday party on Saturday (it rained all day by the way) from 10 to noon. Then after that, we had a party for him. He's turning three this Thursday! Friday I pretty much ran around preparing for his birthday party, Saturday went to one party and hosted another, Sunday I cleaned up and tried to rest up for the work week! :p

Natasha, I love, love, love BB Cardio. I did it last week and was drenched in sweat when I was done. I felt so great afterwards! Last night was the Build Shoulder and Tris. It was the end of week 1. I can't wait to start week 2. :D
Awesome on the pull-up by the way!

I'm not so concerned about the number on the scale, more on the triglycerides level. I have always had healthy numbers on the lab work at my physical, so when I received news that my triglycerides level was too high I was concerned. It can cause heart disease if not corrected or managed better. I did not expect to have high level since I eat the good carbs (sweet potatoes, whole grain pasta, veggies and fruit). For my protein shake I only use water since I hate milk. :D

Nancy, I'm still keeping a food diary. On the weekends I don't do so well. I would forget to write something down and an entire meal. :eek: Your lunch sounds really good! I have recently started using avocado in my salad; it's delicious. How's your foot by the way?

I think standing for most of the day will also help me become healthier. I'm glad I made that change. You should see the responses I received last week. Many people want to set it up now too.

Thanks for all your helpful advice, what would I do without my buddies?? :)
Checking in with you ladies and hearing the accomplishments you are making help me move forward with my goals. Sometimes I have to push through roadblocks; definitely worth the effort.


Have a good day ladies!

Justina
 
This is the last week of my Spring Ahead Rotation!!! :eek:

Tonight I'll start "Gym Styles/STS Mix Module #2" with Gym Styles Legs!!!
I've been thinking of following this week with a body weight only week, but I haven't really decided yet. I've got to sit down and do some figurin' for the Summer Heat 2013 Rotation. I've been lovin' the heavy weights and blasty type cardio, especially the last 6 weeks of this rotation where it gets all mixed up. Lots to think about!

Yesterday was my Rest Day. I've really liked having them on Sundays. I may stick with that and it will make things much easier for hiking. We usually go on Sunday mornings and have the park to ourselves (and a few other "heathens")! We've been delaying things this year due to my foot. I'm okay for about 45 minutes...I don't hurt while walking...it's when I stop that the pain kicks in. If I go longer than 45 minutes THEN I do feel it! So, I'll be working my way up to that. Doing everything that my PT friends recommend. There's no way I'm going to opt for the cortisone shot! I've read it does no good over the long run and actually breaks down the fat pad in the heel! In the meantime I just keep things sort in duration and GROUNDED!!!

How much protein are you ladies getting each day? I've increased mine a bit and get around 115 grams. I'm not sure, but I think I'm seeing some differences...especially in my abs. I haven't been that concerned about my weight since I dropped about 4 pounds and lost 1/2 inch off each thigh. Right now I'm just focusing on firming and sculpting. I'm really loving being able to increase the weights, too....I wonder if it's all due to the increase in protein????
 
Hello to my fab check-in ladies :cool:

We are having such balmy temps! Summer weather :cool:. This saddens me a bit cuz' we really didn't have a Spring this year...again:(

I've been busy doing a lot of walking, outdoor activities, beach outings with my family of 3 :). It's nice to enjoy the nature and outdoors -- everyone seems to be much more happier too!

I'm still pluggin away at my BB rotation of course :eek:. Today was Bulk Back, yesterday was Beast Cardio + Abs, Sat was Bulk Arms, Fri was Bulk Legs. I actually feel pretty good, no extreme DOMS...which means I need to up my #'s :eek:. I'm kinda bummed because I overestimated the weight on my new EZ bar -- it's 10lbs NOT 15lbs. So Here I was thinking I was doing bicep curls with 25lbs when it was only 20lbs (lol it did feel on the easy side. I thought I was getting stronger :eek:). That means I have to adjust all my weight #'s for the exercises that used the bar :mad:.

So I have decided that after BB, I want to do a Nia Shank's program. I purchased her PDF Muscle Sculpting Program. I might do that, or STS, I'm still undecided. I love that woman! She is such an inspiration to me. I quickly glanced at the program, and me likey :eek:. She has such a healthy mental attitude about health and fitness.

Justina
About the high triglyceride levels, is it always caused by diet/inactivity? I mean, could there be another reason why you have it? I was curious so I pulled up this article link from Web MD:
High Triglycerides: Causes, Treatment, and How to Lower Triglycerides
Happy b-day to your little man this week! Three is such a cute age...sometimes :rolleyes:;).
Funny you talk about carbs, because in Nia Shank's program, she really encourages eating them -- all potatoes, rice, whole grains, beans. I think you are eating very well, actually. I'm a big advocate on enjoying all foods in moderation :).
Glad you are enjoying The Beast :eek:. How do you like Sagi? You know what, he makes me laugh so hard sometimes! It does not hurt that he is hot as heck too :eek::eek:;).

Nancy
I'm so happy to hear that you can up your walks to 45min :). I've never heard about the cortisone shots. I can see why you would be weary of getting them though -- anything with the word "shot" in it, IS kinda scary.
I try to get over 100g of protein daily. I'm really focused on making sure I get adequate protein at every meal and snack. It makes sense that more protein would allow you to up your weights #'s. Added protein helps build muscle, and the more muscle you have the stronger you are (I would think?). More muscle also means you burn more calories, which means stubborn fat stores don't stand a chance -- hence the flatter stomach?
And thank you so much for your kind words about me being a positive influence on Bella. I really DO try my best.
I will def look into the Yeast Flakes! I hope they sell them here in Siberia :rolleyes:.

Have a great evening ladies :)
 
Hi ladies!

Hope everyone is doing well.

Natasha, I love your picture with Bella! You both look fabulous. Not sure what caused the high level. When the nurse called me with the lab results, she told me to cut the carbs and excercise. In my mind I'm saying to myself "I already work out 5 days a week and I don't eat white carbs". I was dumbfounded about the news. I don't know what to do about it. I'm at a healthy weight, BMI, LDL, HDL and other measures of health except for Trig level. Weird. I fasted the night before the physical..well, I had a piece of gum on my way to the doctor's office. I don't think that caused any issues? I don't know. Anyway, I'll continue to eat well and maybe do one more day of BB Cardio a week. I really enjoy that one! I like Sagi and he makes me laugh too; especially the Barbie comment and when he asks one of the guys if he wants to call his mother :D. I see Sagi as a very disciplined person. You would have to be to look like that! :D

Nancy, I try to eat as much protein as I can since I want to gain muscle mass. So I have a protein shake within one hour after I get out of bed, and another one right after my work out in the evening. I also have boiled eggs for snack or breakfast. Chicken and tuna are two other of my favorites. I will have tofu sometimes on the weekends. I don't know how much protein I'm consuming, I just try to have some protein at every meal (Natasha's tip by the way). What about you? What kind of protein do you like best? Also, congrats on your weight loss! Firming is what I want to do too, but I wouldn't mind losing some fat in the middle. :)

I like Nia Shank's posts. I will have to check out her workouts. I signed up for her newsletter but I haven't had time to read them all.

Jackson is my little guy. More of his personality comes out every day. He just started daycare about a month ago, and he is just now adjusting to it. He cried every morning when I dropped him off. He used to hold on to my pant leg. Now he has a lot of fun and is making friends. He was invited to his first birthday party over the weekend. :)

Have a great day!

Justina
 
I've got the giggles right now...I just bought Cycle Max because it is the Deal of the Day! I bought Ride a few weeks back and it is still in its pristine packaging. What am I doing with spin DVDs and no bike?????:rolleyes:;)

Last night was STS M2 #19 Chest, Shoulders, & Tris, with Bis & Core from LIS TBT UB added on. (I really love all of our acronyms, don't you guys?). It was a long workout but I really enjoyed it! I was able to increase weights on a few moves (if only by 1/2 pound on tris!). I have to tell you that those Pace Weights were a great investment! They really help you move up the weights in small safe increments!
Tonight will be Xtrain All Out HIIT + Core 1. My calves are still screaming from Monday's GS Legs so it will be interesting to see how that works out!

Justina, I've been thinking about your triglyceride test results. It bothers me that all of a sudden the levels are high when you have always been "normal" in the past. Perhaps you can have a new test done? Sometimes weird things can happen in the lab....and maybe no gum this time :p??? In response to your question about what kinds of protein I like, it seems to follow close to what you like with tuna, salmon, chicken, and occasionally beef /buffalo (all pasture raised);beans/lentils/nuts; tempeh; feta cheese; greek yogurt/organic skim milk/kefir; Nature's Path Optimum Slim cereal/ ancient grain blends...etc. I opt for Non-GMO/Organic where ever I can. I also have started making a 16 oz. 20 gram non-sweetened (no real or artificial sugar!) protein drink with water that I sip through out my weight workouts (along with plain water on the side). I sip about half during my workout and save half for before the stretch. I think this making a huge difference in recovery. I try not to eat more than 30 grams at one time though since the body can't assimilate all that protein at once. By stretching it out over an hour I think it goes better with the 25 grams of protein I get at dinner and the 20 I get later with my yogurt snack. I find it all quite fascinating!:eek: Logging it all really helps keep track of excess....

Natasha, I bet you're seeing some great definition by now with the Beast. That long ring finger of yours makes me jealous (remember that thing I posted about long ring fingers meaning you have better access to use the testosterone in your body?)! I've got stumpy ones (shorter than my pointer fingers) and it shows! SO hard to get muscle!

Well, I think we are all feeling more energized with the approaching warmer weather! We've had tons of rainy grey skies for about 2 weeks now (my veggie plants are thriving!), but I think it's time for some sunshine :cool:!!!
 
Nothing really new to report on this side of Siberia ;). Yesterday was Bulk Shoulder's (great DOMS today!) and today is my rest day. I went for a 1hr walk today, and yesterday I had a lovely 2hr outing at the park with Bella. Did I ever mention that it is really hilly here? So when I'm walking I always get a great leg w/o too :p.

Justina
Thank you so much for the pic compliment :eek::).
You know what, perhaps Nancy had a point. Are you able to get the test re-done? I mean, those tests are not always 100% accurate, right? If they can screw up pregnancy results tests at the lab :rolleyes: then anything is possible.
Glad you like Sagi! Isn't the BB Cardio super intense?! The plyo push-ups downright make me want to DIE. I also like the static holds. I find they add so much intensity and you are not really doing anything but holding in position. How crazy!

Nancy
Hold up, did you say ring finger longer than pointer finger? Not sure if I misread that last time (mixing up the fingers:eek:), but it is NOT longer than my pointer. It is def a bit shorter :(. Not by much if that changes anything. No worries though! Most things in life don't come easy, and you have to work super hard to get them, so as far as I'm concerned muscles are no exception. BUT I am seeing more muscle definition!
LOL about your spin w/o's :D. Hey you know what, a bike WILL be in your future, so who the heck cares when you get em'?!
WTG on increasing your weight #'s! 1/2lbs on tri's is fantastic! I like how you mixed the w/o together. I always really loved the bi's section of LIS TBT.

HAve a great evening ladies :)
 
Hi Natasha, Nancy,

Hope you are doing well today. I knew I sholdn't have had that piece of gum before testing. :D Seriously, I was thinking about it but then I was like I'm not ingesting it......how silly. Shouldn't have done it. I will see if I can re-take the test. It would put my mind at ease if it comes back normal.

Funny about acronyms. When I first joined the forum I'm thinking why is everybody using acronyms..I have had to look them up each time someone uses one. :D Now I have a clue what people are talking about.

I have to invest in those pace weights Nancy. Last night I did BB Back and Biceps, I had to move up the weight since I no longer felt challenged. So I used 20's for the heaviest. I could not finish the set. I did managed to do 6 though. It was a big jump from 15. I think I could've finished if I had 18. Maybe it's time to go get new dumbells. :)

My ring finger is a bit longer than my pointer finger. I don't feel like I gain muscles easily. :D Of course, all of that comes with hard work. Last night I felt like I worked really hard and lifted heavy.

Natasha,
I spent some time on Nia Shank's website yesterday. I printed off some posts and read them on the way home. Very interesting stuff. She's definitely a bada**. I love how you have the logo on your posts now!:D I like her style of going back to the basics and keeping things simple. Her idea of fat loss is eye-opening. Fat loss obsession can have a negative impact. Instead, we should focus on training for performance. If today I can only do 2 push-up on my toes, next time I should strive to do 3. Everything she said makes sense to me. Using the word; excerise vs. training makes a difference. This woman is something else. :D I find her very inspiring. All those ladies in the Girls Gone Strong team are just amazing. Wow.

I find BB cardio very intense and fun at the same time. Doing things that I haven't done before is the fun factor.

I hope to have some time today at lunch to go outside and take a walk. It's supposed to be very warm and sunny! :)

Have a great day ladies!

Justina
 
I'll be back in a bit for a "proper" post, but I thought that this article would be a good one for that whole index (pointer) finger vs ring finger thingy :p! My ring finger is freakishly shorter than my index finger on my left hand (at least 1/2 a fingernail length) and on my right hand my ring finger is about 1/4 of a fingernail length shorter). I'm left handed for writing, but play sports (golf, tennis) and use tools with my right hand. Weird, ey?:rolleyes:
Anyway, here's the article from Nat Geo:
Why Most Men's Ring Fingers Are So Long
 
Several reasons I'm happy today:
1. The sun was out most of the day :cool: and then a cleansing good-smelling rainstorm came in while I was doing the stretch portion of my workout this evening. Makes my veggies very happy, too!
2. I finished my Spring Ahead Rotation with a last minute substitution for today's leg workout: I did Turbo Barre in its entirety.:p
3. Cycle Max arrived in the mail!:D
4. I've decided to do one of Cathe's Xtrain Rotations, the 30 Day Cardio/Strenth Rotation next starting on Monday. I know I'll have to make some substitutions for some of the cardio, but I am intrigued about the strength part in doing just one body part per day. The whole concept of doing cardio and strength EVERY DAY is new to me....thought I'd see what it's all about :p;)!
5. Gonna kick back with popcorn (cooked in coconut oil!), vodka, and a movie with my DH!

I hope that you both have been doing great and have a WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY tomorrow!:)
 
Hope you both had a great Mother's Day (yes, kitties do count Nancy :))

On Friday DH and I went out to lunch for Mother's Day. I WENT ALL OUT :eek:. We shared an appetizer w/baked goat cheese, roasted garlic, fig sauce, pita slices. I had this cinnamon Goldschlager Martini, but I think they skimped on the alcohol cuz' I didn't taste a damn thing :mad:. My main was an Asian salad w/flank steak and noodles. Mark and I shared dessert which was an apple crumble w/ice cream and caramel [oh heaven does exist]. All in all, it was a very tasty lunch :p. Since the restaurant we went to is in a mall, we walked around for about 1 1/2hrs afterwards so our food would go down. We were nice and full :D.

My w/o Fri was Bulk Legs and Sat's was Bulk Arms. I can't believe I have already made it to week 5 without veering from the rotation! I'm def proud of me :D. I am finally starting to feel my bi's & tri's stronger w/more muscle definition! I think the key for me is to be consistent w/the same w/o's every week and try my hardest to increase my weight #'s and/or reps. Next time I do any type of rotation, I WILL stick to the same weight workouts for at least 1 month before changing it up.

Nancy
I loved your Happy List :). I think it would be a good idea for all of us to do one every so often. It made me smile :).
I never thought I would like doing 1X body part/week, but now that I have got accustomed to it, I love it!
How did TB go? I just *heart* that one :).
Happy to hear your veggies are thriving! Can you believe it SNOWED here yesterday?! :mad: It didn't stick, but still! HOW CRAZY!

Justina
How did your Mother's Day go? I always tell everyone the best "gift" you can give to a mother, is babysit her kids for the day :D;).
Using 20's for back is great! I never fret about finishing the reps. For me, it is more important to be challenged/work to failure, even if that means doing 2 or 3 reps less. You did good :).
Glad you like Nia. I really like her also. I emailed her for suitable exercise substitutions (exercises that use a machine), and she emailed me back so promptly! She does make a lot of sense with her approach to health/fitness. Since I ditched my scale and focused more on my performance, I def notice a difference -- in my body, as well as confidence.

Have a beautiful day ladies!
 
Hi Natasha, Nancy,
Hope you ladies had a good weekend!

Nancy, I love your happy list too. It's a great idea. It's like a gratitude journal people talk about. Happy list is doable. While I track my food, I can also think about the things (big or little) that I'm happy about at the end of the day. :D
Glad your veggies are doing well! My herbs are dying because Jackson has been pulling them out of the pots. :mad: Any time he goes near the windowsill, I have tell him to leave my plants alone. :D

Natasha, your mother's day luncheon sounds delicious! :) Glad you went all out and enjoyed yourself. I agree. The best gift to a mother on mother's day is baby sitting!

On Saturday we went to this tea place to have lunch. It's sort of a tradition. :D They have the best tea and the food is outstanding. Ladies and girls wear dresses and hats. It's like English style tea. Jack had his first tea luncheon. :D It's so cute to see him sip tea from this little tea cup!
On Sunday, I ditched the kids and went shopping at the mall. :D Remember I told you ladies I hate the mall, I still do! I was there for a hour and a half and the highlight of the mall trip was the fatfree green tea latte I had at Startbucks. :) It was such a treat.
I walked around a lot but did not buy a thing. As usual, I tried on a lot of shirts and pants but nothing fit me well. So frustrating. I ended up buying a purse. I better stick to the stores, brands that I know work for me.

Natasha, I'm so glad you are seeing good results and not veering off from the rotation. I haven't been working out 6 days a week. Last week I had two rest days. I was just exhausted and also needed some study time. I picked it back up the next day. Last night was BB Cardio. It was challenging! I definitely had to pace myself so I can finish the sets.
I know. Nia's idea of focusing on performance makes a lot of sense. Last night noted that I can only do about 4 good plyo pushups, my goal is to do 5 next time. Just keep striving to do better. I have to remember that for all my workouts. :)

On the work front, I have training for the next 4 days; all day long. :( It's one of those weeks when I won't get anything done and still come home exhausted.

Have a good day ladies! The weather is going to be nice tody and I hope I get a chance to go outside for a little bit. :)

Justina
 
I have a tomato!!!! The nerdy scientist in me is measuring it with a metric ruler: on Saturday it was 9mm, Sunday it was 13mm, and yesterday it was 15mm!!! :eek: Yes, I guess I'm feeling like the Farmer in the Dell! Let's hope our luck continues and by July 4th I'll be eating tomatoes and peppers!

Last night was my first workout in the XTRAIN 30 Day Cardio/Strength rotation and I enjoyed it! I was pretty spent after All Out HIIT and was worried that I wouldn't be able to do the chest work effectively, but I did okay! I used 25# for the flat bench presses, 23# for the flat bench flies, and 22# for the incline presses. Squeeked out an extra 2 reps on the failure set of the flat presses! Everything else was 10 reps so I'll probably stick with that weight for next week.
Tonight is Legs (all sections except Barre) and rear delts. I've been making notes for some of the impact moves in Tabatacise and Cardio Leg Blast that I have to substitute and also I'll be doing Slide 'n Glide cardio portion in place of the cardio portion of Hard Strikes. Other that that I think I can stick true to the program!

Natasha, you mentioned that you're doing one body part a day...how long is the session? Are you doing cardio along with it? I am VERY PROUD of you for sticking to your rotation! I actually prefer having a rotation set up because it gives me a goal and takes the thinking out of it :p! My first rotation was Cathe's 3 Month Transformation Rotation back when the LIS series came out and it gave me great insight into the design of rotations. I think I get better results with rotations too. I think it's awesome that you're noticing good things with your bis and tris! I agree that the key is to gradually increase the weights/reps (that's why I love those little magnetic Pace weights!), I'm noticing better gains by increasing ever so slightly each time if I can. How much longer do you have with this rotation?

Justina, I'm sorry your schedule is going to be so crazy this week! You've got quite a full plate with a full time job and a full time family! I think you deserve 2 rest day per week! :p I hope you can at least fit in some push-ups, body weight lunges, and planks in between all the craziness (way to go on the plyo push-ups btw!)!

Well, I have to get back to work...
Hope to hear from you both soon!:D
 
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