STS first time!

Checking in with a planned rest day today. Felt good to sleep in. I am feeling my triceps from yesterday's workout. Tomorrow is Legs!! I have such a love/hate relationship with leg workouts. I've really grown to love them because of the results, but man my heart rate gets so high with lower body workout.

Missy, I had the same thing happen to me. Such a pain, please don’t forget to update any accounts that automatically credit/debit your card. Congrats on the raise, how exciting!!!

Jean, my parents had a Shih Tzu that lived until she was 19! My husband and I always joke that we want to have our dog cloned (of course we would never do that). She is such a good, sweet dog. I do remember that video, it was too cute!

Betty, yesterday I picked up a coconut milk creamer at our local health store. I tried it in my coffee this morning and it’s wasn’t my milk, but it did come close.

Marie, yes, please relax and enjoy your last few weeks! I was off almost 5 months with my daughter and was able to take off the 4 weeks before (I lived in NJ at the time and the state laws are different than PA). With my son, I worked up to the day I had him. Worked on Friday and then Saturday I went into labor. I was home with my son for 12 weeks. Both of mine went straight into daycare. We’ve been at the same daycare of 6.5 years. It was not easy, but now my daughter is in 2nd grade and my son is now in Pre-K. I also read babywise and used the concept with both of my kids. My daughter slept through the night at 7 week and my son at 8 week.

ColleenK, I’ve tried making protein bars as well, but never really has any good results. I have tried the KIND bars too. They are really good. They also make granola which is really yummy too.
 
What is this world coming too? I work my ass of to pay all these worthless piece of craps to stay home and collect. Then people go to the extent of running crazy with all of our debit/credit cards. This is BS!!!

Okay, now that I have vented!!!!

I am having a time with the months period. Super Cramps, and the bloating is aweful!!! I feel so fat! I feel like I am the good year blimp!!!

Tonight I was thinking of doing Afterburn, but now I am thinking B&G!!!! I really need to start working my abs again!

Marie---take these last few months and do "Me" things. You deserve it!!!!

Okay, today I have a Office Mangers meeting at the hospital from 12-1. Which means I will have to eat there food. I swear....they better have a salad. Becuase I already feel fat! If not I will have to go get something afterwards. :) I guess I am just in a funk! Carolyn---Did you send your funk South to Me? hehehe :)

Okay, gotta run claims, so I can walk across the street at 11:45 to the hospital.

Check back later!
 
Forgot to say that I've been wearing my Who's Boss t-shirt for the first time. It has a great feminine fit and I love the charcoal color. But I don't like having words on my shirts!:eek:

Woke up this morning and dove straight into making a lemon yogurt cake (Ina's). Boy, was it a lot of work. More like I used tons of accessories! So much washing! That's why I prefer to buy!

I started a sore throat yesterday afternoon!:mad: It's now gone and my nose is dripping! Oh joy!:mad: I used to rarely catch colds, which I attribute to doing Cathe.

ColleenD, you sure have come to the right place! Jean and I hate legs! I so agree with you about the palpitations when doing lower body; I really dislike that. I hated Plyo Legs. I don't mind working legs when there are slow and controlled exercises, but when there is a lot of jumping and high impact stuff which make my heart rate thump, that's when it turns me off.

We have been encouraging Jean to do leg workouts and she's getting really good at it!

That's great that the coconut creamer comes close. I've tried that too, but I don't think I should drink a whole cup of that in my cafe mocha:D.

Jean, how about reading SK's latest, I've Got Your Number, which I really liked. No order necessary. I prefer reading the newest first. She's also got the Shopaholic series--so much fun to read! Order on these is necessary.

One of today's DOOT is HSCh. It would be really inexpensive including the 15% off, but I don't want to buy that and HST! What to do, as Carolyn says??

Is HST fast-paced? I like that HSCh is not. I hate when I get it into my head that I need something, even though had I not come across it, I wouldn't have missed it.

Carolyn, on AT, the first portion uses a step, then she does kind of like a whole-body strength training. Tris, abs, back, bis, shoulders, still using the step on some.

I notice that my STS Cardios are my least used. Even more, I rarely pull out any dancy step nowadays...

Better get off. Going to start a soup. Tonight's curriculum night--3 hrs!
 
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Today I did Afterburn, although I made the mistake of drinking a glass of water after my coffee this morning (for some reason I felt really thirsty!). I ended up having to pause twice to pee in the middle of the workout! :mad: I also used lighter weights than Cathe since I'm still sore in the upper body from the last two days. Didn't really want to challenge myself with the weights! :eek: When Cathe used 10's I'd use 8's, when she used 12 I'd use 10. When she got to the upright row with plie I went with 10 instead of 15 :eek:. I probably should've just done CSS if I wanted to keep it a little less intense...oh well! :p

I've been feeling really PMS'y, too the past 5 days. :mad: I go from being happy and feeling good to being cranky. I'm not usually prone to mood swings like that :confused: Missy- you asked about the cream and I do find it helps a lot. I especially noticed this month because I was using it at the right days and feeling fine, then I forgot to use it Friday and Sat, so I just figured I should stop until my period. Within 24-36 hours I felt cranky, bloated and my face totally broke out in zits! Arrgh! I rarely got pimples when I was a teenager and now my hormones are swinging all over the place and I have to deal with it at almost 40! Phooey!

Missy- I'm so sorry about your debit card! I hope that gets resolved for you quickly! Worrying and dealing with identity theft is just awful! :( I had my credit card stolen in optometry school. Someone stole my purse and used it to buy $89 worth of groceries :confused:. Yippee for the raise though! I hope your feeling better today with the PMS stuff, too.

Carolyn- I would probably consider BC more upper body and core. The leg work is mostly in the form of plyometrics and since we do Cathe we're pretty well set to handle that stuff, I think ;). My lats were crazy sore after doing BC last week! :eek:

Jean- oh we're all just a bunch of enablers here! :p Books, videos, you name it! Hee! Hey, at least it's a good way to get feedback on this stuff. I gotta say, before I found VF and this site I wasted a lot of money on inferior workout dvds. Now, I know what the good stuff is! :eek:

Betty- so sorry about your cold, too! Aaack! Everybody's getting colds and viruses! Tis the season! :( I wanted to say about the DOMS thing, I don't get 'em like I used to! Although this week, I really pushed myself (especially by swinging the heavier bell for the first time). I always say it's getting harder and harder for me to get lower body DOMS because I think I've beaten my lower body into submission! lol I can't believe how much stronger I've gotten...this year especially. I'm so proud of myself! :D I'll never forget about two years ago when I bought my first kettlebell...it was 10 lbs and I thought it was soooo heavy! :eek: Now it seems soooo light! :D I never dreamed I'd be able to obtain the strength gains I've gotten, so I'm really happy about that. It's sort of like a science experiment. How far can I take this? How strong can I get? I know there will be a limit at some point...but it's been fun challenging myself! :)

ColleenD- we are here to cheer you on with legs! :D That's what this thread is all about really. We're just a bunch of cheerleaders! :p Your dog is such a cutie, too! Love the avatar picture!

Okay, now that I've written a novel, I'd better run! lol
 
Jean, small world!! I actually work in West Chester. My office is about 5 minutes from QVC (I've never been there, but I have ordered from them a few times). Home is about 15 minutes away.
 
Good Afternoon! I am back from the meeting. It lasted till 1:15! :(

Okay, I ate a salad with unsweet tea! YUM YUM!!! I did pass on the cookies and brownies!!! I give myself a pat on the back for that one! I still have massive cramos, but I feel a little better. I think the self control on the sweets helped! It picked my spirts up! Also, sitting in a room full of fat people helps!!! hahaha :)

Betty---HST is a must. And to everyone who does not have it! It is not fast paced at all. It really focuses on toning. I just absolutely love it! I feel like I have to do it every week! It is a killer workout!!!! You just have to get it!!!! :) I also have High Step Chal but have never done it!! hahaha :)

Colleen--- I forgot to cream all month, so now I am paying for it. I really think it helps too! Dang it!!!! When I warned my husband about it going to be a bad month, his first question was...Did you cream? Opps!! :)

ColleenD---You Dog is adorable! I just love animals. My heart is for the 4 legged!

Jean---Enjoy your days off of exervise, and hit is hard tomorrow! The beast and Cathe are waiting on you!

Okay, gotta run! BBL!!!!:D
 
Betty---I almost forgot....Are you sure it a cold....I have drainage too witrh a sore throat, but it is just the change in season that causes it. My dr's recommend an antihistamine to help. Of course, I am just toughing it out! I hate taking pills! :) Hope you feel better!!!

Dr Missy is out! hehehe :)
 
Carolyn---Not sure if I told you....but that is strange, the so called company, that was taking my money was Apple Itunes too! So strange!!!

Okay, off to workout! Be back later!

Oh, BTW....thanks for listening to me vent!!! I feel much better! :):p:eek::D
 
New STSer here!

Hi everyone!
I just finished week 1 of STS and I love it so far!! I was looking for an STS check in home and Mini-Natty graciously invited me (thanks!).

For a bit of background, I'm in my mid-30s and I've been working out with Cathe since 1998. I used to run (about 10 yrs ago, not really since then), but now I pretty much exclusively work out with Cathe. This yr, I set out to lose 10-15 lbs, and thru a combination of going vegan and really pushing myself with Cathe workouts (consistently working out at least an hour a day, 5-6 days a week, instead of the maybe-I'll-get-in-2-or-3-workouts-this-week story), I've lost about 40 lbs and feel great.

Now, I'd really like to work on building muscle definition and strength and STS seems like the perfect way to accomplish that, especially as I wait oh so patiently for XTRAINs release. :) I'm planning to follow the original 3.5 month STS rotation that Cathe posted in '09 (tweaked a little to incorporate the LIS and TTM/CF).

Here's a question for you more seasoned STS fans....when I print out my workout card, some of the exercises don't have a target weight listed (and I don't remember doing a 1RM test for them). I'm not talking about the exercises that rely on body weight. For those moves, do I just make a best guess as to the weight to use? Did I somehow miss doing the 1RM for those?


Looking forward to checking in with you all and to learning from your STS experiences!
 
Hey all-

Just wanted to check in real quick! Didn't have a chance to read posts yet.

Work was insane. First moment of free time just now...10 minutes before I leave.

Walked on my break. I think the fresh air did me good. I have been so nauseous lately.....not fun!

I'm off tomorrow...yay! Preg pics are at 330.

Hope everyone had a good day.
 
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Good Morning!

Checking in with disk 3 (legs) done this morning with bonus standing portion as well! I used 12 for most exercises and 15 for all the squats, ball squats, Lateral Step Ups and Drop Side Lunges into Leg Abduction. I hope my lower body is feeling it tomorrow! Does anyone have problems with the One Leg Slide Back Lunges with Paper Plate? I can put the weight down easy, but coming up it's hard on my back. I started with 8 pounds the weight is not heavy, but I can feel it in my back. I ended up not using weight at all. I’m hoping to get some abs in tonight.

Several weeks ago I got mirrors for my workout room. Boy it really does make a difference for me. If I’m not going as deep and I feel guilty and try to really focus more on my form.

Colleen & Carolyn, I really want to focus on my core as well with this round of STS. I read that you both are doing HC. Are you seeing any improvements to your core/abs with these in strength and/or definition? I would love your feedback.

I’m thinking of either TTM or CF for tomorrow’s workout.

I am so happy that it is Friday. As my 4 year old says “tomorrow is a home day, yeah!!”

Have a great Friday!!!
 
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Good Morning and TGIF!!!!

I struggled getting up this morning as I was having massive cramps! But, finally got up and did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Tonight I will need to hit is hard and make up for this morning!

Marie---Have fun with your pictures today!!!!

Colleen2---I put mirrors in my exercise room also probably 6 months or so ago. I too felt, it helped me with form. Now I am always watching myself. Pushing myself harder and harder. Just love it!!!

Sunsdaughter---Welcome! Tell us about yourself! I am 29 yrs old, live in south Georgia, work fulltime, married, have 2 horses, 1 inside dog, 2 inside cats, and 1 outside cat! I am always busy!!!! But love life! You have come to a great check in. We all motivate each other and bring something crazy and different to talk about daily.

Okay, at work.....Be back later! So much to do!!!!! :eek:
 
Welcome Sunsdaughter! This is a great check in group! :D Lots of support and encouragement to be found! Most of us have done STS at least once, some are still doing it or starting again.

My name is Colleen and I'm an optometrist from Wisconsin with my husband and two awesome kiddos (Dylan almost 8 and Lydia 5). I did the 3.5 month rotation starting in January and made it to the second week of Meso 3 before I wimped out and stopped a bit early:eek:. I continued to use STS every other week alternating with circuit workouts for a few months then I stopped for a few months to do other workouts. Now I plan to use the STS leg discs again once a week. The leg discs were my absolute favorite!:eek: Lately I've been using Horizontal Conditioning for most of my upper body and core work and will probably continue that until XTrain comes. I can't wait to see what Cathe has up her sleeve for XTrain!! :eek:

ColleenD- Speaking of HC, I just love it! :eek: I'm a total enabler with it and will likely tell you to get them all! lol My core has never been stronger and I feel stronger and more defined in my upper body than even with STS. I think it's because with body weight exercise (being in plank all the time) I can't cheat and go with a lighter weight like when I use dumbells:eek:. My body weight is what it is! That said, I'm excited to do the XTrain rotation. Whenever I can manage to do a total body strength dvd it feel so good to curl those dumbells! :D
My kids love "stay home days", too! lol Today is my day off so I get that cherished stay home day all to myself today. I take a week day off twice a month on the weeks when I have to work Saturday. I get to relax and be at my own pace today! Whoo hoo!

Jean- I know what you mean about life getting in the way of the workouts! I'm usually so good about getting 5-6 days in but last week was a 4 day workout week for me, too. I get so cranky if I can't get that 5th day in! Between that, my PMS and the fact that Mark was dragging me to that muscle car get together it's no wonder we got in a little argument :eek:. All's good with the world now, though! The monthly monster finally came today and I feel better already! ;)

Carolyn- be careful with your knees! Good luck with the MRI on Tuesday and Bootcamp on Saturday! :eek:

Marie- Good luck with the pregancy pics! Can't wait to see them!

Missy- Hope you feel better today! I'm right there with ya :eek:!

I think today will be an Horizontal Conditioning day...we shall see what I feel up to once I drag my butt off this computer! :D
 
Missy, did you see you are the featured success story?!!! You look fantastic, congrats!

I did Disc 9 Legs this morning. I really don't like all the lunges, but they get the job done. And I enjoyed the bonus at the end too. Colleen D, I have trouble with those One Leg Slide Back Lunges also, on one side. Try lowing the weight and see if that helps.

Welcome Sunsdaughter! I live in MA (north of Boston) with DH and 3 daughters. I also work. I am on my 2nd round of STS, and I like it even better this time.

ColleenD, I also work in IT but have not been enjoying it much lately. Long story, but way too much outsourcing.

I hope everyone is feeling better. We all woke up sniffly today but I think it must be allergies. And its cold - brr - too early to be this chilly.
 
Mary, what type if IT work do you do? I completely understand about the outsourcing. My company has done a lot of it in the last several months.

Thanks everyone for the recommendation on the one leg slide back lunges and remember to lower my weight and hold in my abs next time.

Carolyn, sorry about your knees. I have been really feeling mine lately. They are tender today and I wore heels today and I think that is making them hurt more. :-(

I had to run out at lunch today to go to Target. With the cooler weather my son does not have enough long pants to wear. I also got their Halloween costumes. My son wants to be spiderman and my daughter wanted to be a vampire. I was able to fine them both. I just hope the vampire one is to my daughters liking.

So I'm really considering ordering the HC pack with volumes 1-4 and boot camp. Some how I have to convince my husband how much I need them. I've been spending way too much on work out stuff lately. I always rather spend money on workout stuff than anything else.
 
Hey everyone!
I did BM2 today, and that was another that I've not done in a long time. Oddly enough, my random workouts this week were all cardio with weights and abs. So, I've done all body parts including abs 3x this week already!

Wow, Missy! Congrats on the Success Story! We're so proud!:D You really are amazing!

Incidentally, mine is truly a cold (I don't have allergies, thankfully, but it's very very mild, thankfully.) Carolyn, hope you managed to avoid it. When your teeth ache, it's because of sinus pressure. My dentist told me that yrs ago and she had said to dry the fluid up with Sudafed.

Jean, have you ever considered borrowing books from your local library? (I am an avid library supporter and user. I read tons too.) That way, you can use your $$ for workout stuff, and won't have the books sitting around after you're done.

Carolyn, good thing your MRI is soon. Hopefully it can reveal what's bothering your knee once and for all. Can't believe you went running in 45 degree temps. It is too chilly the last 2 days. Listen to me complaining that 60s is chilly!:confused:

Welcome, Sunsdaughter! What's your first name? I also live in MA (Boston area), with DH and 2 boys, and am a SAHM. I finished STS in the early summer, and probably will wait until it's a dim memory before I start again:D. Not that I didn't like it, but more that I want time to do the rest of Cathe's workouts. I simply don't work out as many days as everyone else here. Absolutely cannot wait for XTrain!

Marie, have fun taking the pics. Nice job walking!

Yawn! Why am I so sleepy? I could put my head down and zzzzz....
 
Well the first half of the preg pics went well. We did them In the nursery. Now it's raining :( Hoping it stops so we can go to the lake and do some more. I really don't want to have to schedule another day. I hate putting on makeup lol and trying to look pretty!

Carolyn- The dr said nausea is normal for third tri...ugh! I was a little sick this morning but not as bad as yesterday thank goodness.

Missy- Congrats on the success story. It was so fun to read and see you featured! You look amazing!

Welcome suns daughter! You have found a great check in. We love to keep each other motivated. Little about me.......I live I MN with my husband. We have a baby boy on the way. He is due Oct 10th. We are so excited to begin this new adventure in our life. He will be our first baby. I'm 33 years old and a RN that floats between the Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependency units.

Hi to everyone else :)
 
Hey everyone~ i'm back to talk about STS some more...about to start MESO 3 this week, so far loving it! Tell me what ya thought about meso 3 and what do I have to look forward to and...do I need to do another 1rep max before I start? (confused for some reason about that)...next my plan is some type of rotation with STS that I found on here
 
Good Morning and Happy Saturday!!!

I was so busy yesterday afternoon, I never checked in. But, this morning I was in total shock!!! I was choosen! OMG!!! Thanks for all the compliments!!! Now, I am motivated to workout!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!

Off to eat breakfast!!! Be back soon!

For all of my friends here....Thanks for always being here for me! I truely appreciate you girls. Hopefully, one day we can all go to a road trip and workout together!!! That would be so much fun!!!! :eek:
 
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