STS first time!

Hi Everyone,

I did a cardio workout at my work gym today. The room has a full mirror that runs across the front wall, and I was in the front row. I don't normally stare at myself, but I could not help but notice my inner thigh muscles and quads popping out on my legs! STS is really working! So excited, I just had to share.

Jean, keep working those legs!
 
Congratulations on the leg workout Jean!! Way to go! Just remember if your sore tomorrow to smile and think "oh yeah, I worked it!" ;)

I know what you mean maryk about noticing the muscles in the mirror when you work out. It's a pretty great feeling when you see muscles on your butt and thighs instead of the jiggly "f" word! :eek: I remember one time about a year ago I wasn't even working out, I was just laying down on the couch and I lifted my leg up (I had shorts on) and I sort of flexed my leg and was totally impressed with myself! Hard work does pay off! I also get pretty happy when I see the muscles in my upper body while working out. Like Betty and Carolyn have said though, I don't notice it as much when I'm not flexing but it is still way better than before, no doubt! I still find the almighty 6 pack abs out of reach though...

I have and do love Travel Fit. I actually have borrowed it to my sister right now because I feel like that would be a really good workout for her to start with (she doesn't currently workout but wants to). It can be really tough with a strong band but you can make it easier if need be. That's why I love it even though I don't use it much...I figure if I ever fall off the fitness wagon that'll be a good workout to get me started back up. Unfortunately my sister has yet to try it and it's been over a month! I don't think I could ever borrow out Lower Body Blast like you did Marie! I would go insane if I didn't get that back in a timely manner! I swear if my sister doesn't use Travel Fit soon I may have to start bugging her to give it back!:eek:

Betty you must be trying the Air Optix Multifocal lens! I love that lens and fit it all the time! Here's a little hint/tip...not to take business away from your eyedoctor but if what they charge is really expensive for the boxes (my company just raised the price and I think it's too much) then check out WalGreens.com. I believe they are selling it for around $68 a box which is pretty much our cost price and the cheapest I've ever seen it. Once the contact fitting is concluded you could get a copy of your contact lens prescription and order it from there. Of course, if the price isn't too bad at your doctor's then go ahead and get it from them...I feel bad already taking his/her business away! :confused:

Oh and I don't think you can change your username unless you re-register with a new email account. I wanted to use eyefit but I messed up, and yet I was too lazy to be bothered with opening a different email account just to do that! I've had my email account for a good 12 years already! No need to get a new one!

Later girls!
 
I forgot to mention my workouts! Yesterday was a great one because I did a kettlebell workout that was perfect (no pulled lats!;)). That one was Lauren Brooks Vol.1, totally over priced dvd but I use it all the time and it has a wonderful tutorial on there to teach correct form which helped me a lot. I love the overhead swing...it looks really scary when you see it for the first time but it's one of my favorite moves. I really feel it work the muscle in my back between my shoulder blades in a way I can never quite get with traditional weights. Rear delt flies just bother my neck and traps more than anything.

This morning was a total misadventure. I puttered around too much and it wound up I only had 35 minutes to workout so I put in a new one I just got in a trade: Toby Massenburg's Max 30. I did the step cardio portion and wound up pulling out after 10 minutes. Waaayy too much high impact at a really fast pace with barely any warm up to prepare you for it. Me not likey. I put in MMA Boxing and got about 23 minutes in before I had to stop. At least I got a wee bit of sweat in.:eek:
 
Jean---Isn't it so encouraging when you actually see results. Keep up the good work. And good luck with your new workout. CSS is really fun!!! I too like the pause button.:eek: My elliptical has the Ifit Live---so I can do all the workouts too. They downlaod from the website to the elliptical. Its really cool. I am enjoying them. I actually just finished a Jillian workout---30 minutes. Now off to do Disc#16.

Be Back Later!!! :D
 
Jean - I now have completed Disc 2, Meso 1. Friday I do my first STS leg workout. Wonder if I'll still like doing legs as much, after I do that disc. :p

What do most of you use for pull up/chin ups? How many of you own a Turbo Tower (or something like that)?

mar
 
You busted me Jean! Yep, I do have a pretty big collection. :eek: I went on quite the binge the last few years buying dvd's. Luckily, last fall I discovered trading on the VF forum and that helped slow the hemorhagging from my checkbook! The dvd I tried this morning was a trade I just got this week. I go to the trade exchange link on there and post a trade list of the dvd's I want to get rid of and then below that I write a "wish list" of the ones I want. It's worked amazingly well! Saved me a lot of money! I even got STS Meso 1 and 2 through trading! I had to give up multiple dvd's to get them but it was totally worth it because they were ones I wasn't using or into anymore. The one I did this morning will likely go back on the trade pile though. My knees are bothering me just from those lousy 10 minutes!:mad: They've been cracking and achey all day. :(

I think tomorrow I'll do CSS with you Jean! I definitely need some low impact after today!

ETA: Mar you are going to love STS legs! I loved them all!! As far as pull ups I had to just do the tubing over the door but I really hope to get a turbo tower soon!
 
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Good Morning ladies!

Mar---I have the turbo tower and use it for chin ups/ pull ups. I do have a large power tower but never use it, since I bought the turbo tower. I got mine from Walmart.com

Colleen--I use to have a large collection of DVD's but I sold them all on ebay. They bought a ton of Cathe DVD's. It sounds cool to be able to trade though.

Jean---My elliptical has a resistance of 20---I have gotten to 12 (only when competeing) and rpm I have reached 72---(again, only when competeing) The last few workouts with Jillian I reached 4 resistance with 70 rpm. Tonight I am doing a map route I created. It is about 2 miles. The resistance will go to 7. Wish me luck. It is tough. But I am enjoying it. :eek:

********I CAN'T GET THE DAILY DEALS TO COME UP******** Are you having the same problem? If not, what is on sale?

Be back soon. :) Have a nice day!
 
Today I did the express premix of CSS with the step! I usually like to do the whole workout plus the step bonus but as usual only had time for about 45 minutes of working out!:rolleyes:

Jean- the soreness will definitely get less as you do the workouts more. In fact, you'll adapt a lot quicker than you expect. Pretty soon you won't feel any DOMS after a lower body workout. That's when you know it's time to up the ante! ;) I'm like Carolyn where if I don't feel any soreness at all after what I thought was a tough lower body workout I'm disappointed! I wake up the next day and I'm like "awww, darn it!" :D
Of course, I'm a total baby when it comes to chest DOMS. I don't know why that is but I feel really whiny when I get DOMS there! Probably explains why I don't push myself too much in that area. :eek:

I've actually read somewhere that drinking tart cherry juice or pomegranate juice after a workout can help with soreness too. I always keep a glass of tart cherry juice (I buy it in concentrate form and add water) on the dresser while I work out and take sips off that instead of just plain water when I workout. I want to say I've heard of other things that help but I can't remember right now. Definitely stretching like Carolyn said helps a lot!

Betty- the multifocal contacts are definitely more expensive than the regular spherical ones unfortunately! The price I quoted for the Walgreens.com is almost cost price for retailers...they keep a razor thin margin on those to encourage people to come to the site and buy other things. My company just raised the price on Air Optix Multifocal to $95 a box!!:mad: It used to be $80 which was high enough I thought than our stupid person in charge of contact prices raised it despite everyone in the company complaining and sending him emails. He just won't back down! We're totally going to lose business but all this idiot cares about is keeping gross margin high. Makes me so mad!

The trading thing on VF is really great. You guys should try it! I actually don't have as large a collection as you would think because I'm always trading for new workouts. You pay the postage and for the bubble envelopes to send them in. I usually buy a pack of 5 bubble envelopes and it comes to about 70 cents a piece. The postage is about $2.80 if you send it first class with delivery confirmation. After my first few trades I realized people prefer it if you send it with DC just for peace of mind. It's only 80 cents extra. I also always make sure to put a little piece of bubble wrap in the dvd case to keep the dvd in place. Everyone else seems to do that too. I got one trade where the lady didn't do it and the disc was loose in the case and got a scratch. It's a bit of risk (trading that is) but I figure I'm trading a used DVD that I don't like or use anymore so it's totally worth it to get new ones to try out!

Have a great day everyone!
 
Talking about being sore Jean, Mon and Wed, I did the two SST upper bodies, abs both days and extended stretch. I have the greatest amount of soreness in my upper ab region. Tomorrow I get to work on getting sore legs!!!! :p

Using the firmest tube I have, was much too easy. Not that I can do even 1 real chin up/pull up. I'll be getting the turbo tower from Walmart as soon as it fits into the budget.

Walked 5 miles for my non-strength day.

I'm going to go scan through the leg dvd now so I can have even a tiny chance of getting my weights set up tomorrow, during the 30 sec rest.
 
Today was another rest day. I've been pretty consistent with 5 days a week lately instead of 6 like I used to do. I seem to be fine weight wise and fitness wise so I think I may just keep that up. No need to kill myself!:p Plus TTOTM is coming. Ugh. BTW, I figured out something about my knees and TTOTM. I have been noticing that my knees are far more wonky and unstable around my period and I am less able to tolerate high impact and torquey moves the couple of days before it. I think that's why that workout bothered my knees on Wednesday (well that and the crappy rushed workout it was). I posted about it on VF and someone linked to an article confirming that it does happen and is related to our hormones fluctuating at that time and making our ligaments looser! I'm going to have to remember to keep it low impact during ttotm from now on. ETA: here is the article if anyone is curious: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6354303.stm

Good luck with CSS tomorrow Jean! The first time with leg DOMS is the worst...I promise it'll be better next time! I get the tart cherry concentrate in the refrigerator section at my grocery store. It's a thick liquid and I squirt maybe 1-2 tablespoons in the glass then fill the rest with water. It's so refreshing taking sips of that as I workout. I feel like the little bit of sugar it provides helps the workout too giving me a little more energy, although that could just be in my head!

Have fun shopping at Marshalls Carolyn! I hope you find some good deals!:D Happy Belated Birthday from me too!!

Mar, I agree with you on the tubing over the door being a little too easy. I really want to get a turbo tower soon. Changing the weights around within 30 seconds was the only thing I didn't like about Meso 1 (except all the push-ups of course!!). The pause button is my best friend!:p

Betty I love PJ days! I tend to stay in my jammies until at least 2:00 pm every Sunday! ;)

Have fun in Duluth Marie! That's such a pretty town. I love northern Minnesota so much. It's so gorgeous in the summer...of course winter is another story!:eek:

Hope everything is going great Missy!

Later girls!
 
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Hi Everyone! I started the last week of Meso 2 today. Pushups were back and I had to do them on my knees. I think I have to do pushups all the time to get good at them. And I took some extra time between chest and shoulders so I could lift my weights for presses. I was able to do all the weights on my card, and I was glad the workout was a little shorter this week.
I also was using the tubing but did not feel like I was getting the full benefit of the exercise. I started looking around the house for something else I could do, and we still have a swing set in the yard that has one of those hanging bars. So I used that, and it worked great. I used it like Brenda in the workout, and it was much harder than the tubes. I still want to get the tower though.
Jean, you are not out of shape, you just finished 6 months of STS! You are just using different muscles, a good thing.
Marie, that's alot of walking in one day, good for you!
I also can't wait to hear the bargains Carolyn found at Marshalls today.
I need a little advice. I realized we are going to be away when I am in the middle of Meso 3, so I can get my rest week in after Meso 2 and then probably the first week of Meso 3, then I'll have a week off again. Should I just start up Meso 3 again from the beginning when we get back?
 
Completed meso 1 week 1 legs. Didn't care for the paper plate so my husband stopped by Walmart on the way home from work and bought me some glide discs. Won't have to use the paper plate anymore. I had some very shaky legs during the workout. :eek:

Until I can get a turbo tower, I'm going to use several (all 5 maybe?) of my tubes at a time for push/chin ups. I'll have to hold them above the handle but at least that might give me a better workout. The way I see it, when I begin this entire series next time, I'll be all set with equipment and will actually know how to do the workouts. And can maybe actually DO the workouts better. :p (I'm hesitant to go too deep on some of the squats exercises since I had knee surgery last year but or maybe because of that, I didn't feel any discomfort in my knee at all).

I did my abs again. Who knows when they'll get over their soreness, at this rate.:)
 
Awesome work on CSS Jean! :D Congratulations! I do have to say that I tend to not do the gliding disc exercises because they hurt my knees. Actually the mountain climbers are fine but I have to do the cross country ski, disc jacks and momentum lunges on my rebounder instead. I discovered when I first got LIS that those types of movements really aggravated my chondromalacia so when I got my rebounder it was perfect for those. I actually traded away Slide and Glide because I just couldn't do that workout at all but with CSS it's easy to modify. You could always substitute different moves or just do regular jumping jacks and cross country ski moves instead. Sometimes I find other moves like air squats a little easier on my knees if I add a tiny hop in there instead of keeping it 100% low impact.

I'm so jealous of your pool Carolyn! It sounds like so much fun!! I used to date a guy whose parents had this amazing pool. It was cement and had a really large area around it. It was like going to the town pool at home! So cool! My parents got one after I went to college but it had a wood deck and wasn't as nice but still...they waited until I moved out the stinkers! My younger brother and sisters got to use it!

Mary, that's a good idea to double up on the rubber tubing...I actually have two so I might try that next time if I don't get the tower soon. I still hope to get that before summer.

Today was Butts and Guts! I loooove the standing portion in that one! I tend to skip most of the floor section though, again because of my knees. I try to avoid kneeling at all costs so I can't really do the floor stuff effectively. I did do the thigh raises today on the ball. Forget fire hydrants or anything that requires me to kneel and put pressure on my knee caps. Even with the cushy puzzle mat I'm afraid to do that! I did all the ab stuff and even the bonus ab and leg exercises!

better shower, later girls!
 
Good Afternoon ladies!!!!

I know I have been missing for 1 1/2 days. I was so busy yesterday at work (it was end of month) I am always crazy on that day. And, then I came home and my husband wanted to go to town, then when we got home I exercised, showered and went to bed.

This morning, I did my cardio on my elliptical. And then went to the grocery store.

Oh, but on my way to the store, I stopped by Bealls Outlet....and I found the deal of the year!!!! I bought (2) bathing suits! Yes...I said (2). They are body gloves. I was only going to get 1 but they rang up for $14.99. So I had to go back a get another. They are normally $85.00 a piece. So, I got $190 worth for $30. What a deal!!!! Now I am so excited!!! :p:p:p

So this has been the first change to even get on the computer!!!!

Carolyn---so sorry Marshalls didn't have any killer deals. I never find anything at any of the discount stores, but I was in luck today!!! My husband says if you dig, you will find deals. hahahaa :eek:

Mar---thats awesome your husband buys fitness items for you. Mine does do!!! It's so amazing to have a loving husband that is supportive!!!

Jean---Congrats on CSS---Afterburn is a killer!!! Are you doing the Novemeber rotation of LIS? I am thinking of picking back up on that one too. The STS is getting boring!!! I have been doing LIS dvd's and other Cathe DVD's between, but I miss the Novemebr rotation. I had such great results with it. :D I am thinking that the STS/LIS rotation would be better than just STS? Whats your thoughts?

Okay, gotta go. The horses need to be brushed. It is getting pretty warm and those winter coats have got to go. Be back later! ;)
 
Good Evening!!! I am back. Just finished with horse/barn chores. My hisband and I made a homemade pizza for dinner tonight. It was fantasic!!! Tomato/black olive/ and boars head peporoni. Yummy!!!

Jean---Be careful with your back. Trust me, if it is bothering, rest. Do not continue if it bothers you. I have a bad back, and when my goes out, I am normally in a mess for a while. So be careful. Alot of exercises you can modify for back issues. But, the discs, not so sure your can. I modify the exercises where you put a barbell on you shoulders, I have to hold the barbell in front of my chest or my back feels it immediately. I also go lighter on weights with deadlifts. I use to be a fitness instructor, and I hurt my back several years ago ---- I did not listen to my body and I continued to push through the pain. It was such an injury I ended up not exercising for 1 year. Then I gained alot of weight. My back has never been right since. I stuggle with my back, alot. I have now learned to modify and deal with it. I now know how to modify to keep it in check. It took some learning though. So please be careful. Back pain is the devil!!! :)

I looked over the STS/LIS rotation and I think I will be starting it on Monday. I miss the variety. This way I will still be able to do STS DVD's.

I am taking this evening off from exercise and going to spend some time on the couch watching TV. I have not done that in awhile. My monthy monster is visiting and I need to rest!!! :)

Hope everybody has a lovely evening!!!!
 
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Carolyn how are your knees today?? Did you ice them yesterday after they started hurting? I totally cringe when people have problems with that! I can feel ya! That sucks you've had so many problems with Les Mills. I'm pretty leery of Beachbody in general. Oddly, I've been tempted to get the original P90X though. Even though it's an old set people on VF lately have been talking about it again. I'm so easily enabled!

Missy- the STS/LIS rotation seems to be really popular! I've also heard a lot about the November rotation...I really need to check that one out. Does it involve STS too? That is so great you managed to get back to exercising after your back injury. So many people (my mom does this unfortunately) use pain pills to cover up the pain instead of working to get themselves functional again. Way to go!!

Jean- defintely don't feel bad about waiting a day before attempting Afterburn if you are feeling too sore or your back hurts. That one is pretty tough and the dixie cup lunges are killer! They will shape your butt like nothing else but you may feel some strain in your lower back at first as you try to lunge low so be really careful at first until you build up that endurance. One girl on VF, it was so funny, said she used those extra tall dixie cups to do that workout and then one day her husband replaced the tall ones with regular small ones to be a stinker. She wound up doing it though with the smaller ones laughing and cursing him the whole time ;).

Today I will be revisiting STS Meso 2. :D I think I'll do the step portion of Intensity for some cardio. Natty (of Mini-Natty fame :)) convinced me to attempt some of Cathe's step workouts again. I've always had such a tough time with the choreography but I'm excited to try again after her enthusiasm. I got Intensity, Athletic Step and through trading I acquired Body Max 2, Rhythmic Step and the original IMAX, and IMAX 3. Imax 3 is waaay out of my league at this point though!!

Have a great Sunday ladies!
 
Good Morning!!!

Jean---How are you feeling? I hope you are feeling better!

Colleen---The November rotation is strickly LIS!!! It is truely amazing. I lost alot of inches doing that rotation. I actually did the 5 day rotation for 1 month and then I did the 6 day rotation for 1 month. I loved it!!!!!

Gotta go. Be back later!!! :D
 
Good afternoon. Just returned from Lowe's. Had to get some potting soil. I'm not sure if I told ya'll....My hisband and I have started a veggie garden. We planted all of our crops from seeds, started them in peat pots in a green house in early March. We have been transplanting our plants for several weeks now. I am so excited. All my veggie plants look awesome. This is our first year, so we are expecting some failure. But, at the moment everything looks good. I have tomato, cherry tomato, cucumbers, peaches and cream corn (bi-colored), yellow squash, lettace, carrots (for the horses) hahaha, and watermellon. I am having fun watching them grow. I just bought 2 strawberry plants to plant next to my (3) blueberry and (3) raspberry bushes. I WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON MY CROPS. :eek::eek::eek:

Jean---I will keep you posted on my modifications. I do not do the floor exercise where you are in plank position and sliding feet from side to side. I will do burpees with the discs though. Hope you feel better. :)

Carolyn---Glad your knee is better. Keep up the ab workouts and we will be in bathing suits in no time. I am trying to lose a few more pounds but, the scale will not budge. So I am just continueing with the exercise and healthy eating, and it will move (someday)!!! I am sure of it!! :p

Okay, gotta go....We are having a cookout tonight. Hamburgers, corn on the cobb, salad, and chips. The in-laws are coming over!!! Be back later!!! :D
 
Carolyn---I see we were posting at the same time. Put a heating pad, on your back. It should help. Be careful!!! Back pain is the worst. Rest!!!! :)
 
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