We're in This Together***Jan 2-Jan31st**

[mini-natty]

Good morning ladies

No workout for me yesterday. I took down all my Xmas decor (the tree was BRUTAL to take down ). I'm also really, really sore from Xtrain's w/o's . When Bella went to bed I did a 2 mile Leslie walk.

Today's w/o will be Xtrain Chest, Back & Shoulder's + rear delts AND tomorrow will be Tabatacise + 100RC glute thrust -- if I can swing it .

Marie
Now that you mention it, after I had Bella, I also noticed that if I gained a little weight it would go to my stomach when previously it NEVER did . Keep in mind too, you are still post-partum. Your body is going through all these rapid changes w/hormone fluctuations and sleep disruptions. You just made a human being, so cut yourself some slack. I never felt as though my body was "normal" until 1 1/2yrs post-partum. Definitely not Hollywood standards .
You are totally killing it with your w/o's!!! You are an inspiration to all mommies who have little ones .

Sarah
I love how even when we gain weight, there is still a body part/muscle that looks great . I told you that you had AWESOME ARMS!
Glad you liked Hardstrikes. I really felt like a bad a** too . I just have to pick up a pair of gloves .
I've never really gambled or gone to Casinos. It's just not my thing. And yet I have this strange desire to visit Vegas . I hope you win!!!

Jen
You are putting me to sham with your w/o's! That Xtrain rotation is no joke . Spinning looks incredibly hard, but fun. How great that you can keep up with Brenda!

Colleen
I'm glad Cathe is getting positive reviews for Xtrain. Ultimately, the best workouts are the ones you like and will do, not what everyone else likes.
Same here about the inner thigh and hammies DOMS . Thank goodness I never added the barre! I probably would have needed crutches today .
The Scarecrows look effective, but I can see how some may find it awkward or painful. What lbs did you use? I'm thinking 3lbs for me, but even that might be too much.

Have a great Saturday everyone

 

[JT]

Hello Friends.
SOOO Happy it's the weekend.

Natty-My extra effort to ride with Ms. Brenda has me extremely sore today. I found my biking rythmn in that workout. For almost one year, I was intimidated by my spin bike and came close to getting rid of it. Ride is a smoother workout than Cycle Max. I have Cycle Reebok and Mindy Mylera's Tricycle (3 bike rides) too. Two workouts yesterday has me burnt too. Let us know about chest, back & shoulders.

Sarah-Did Hardstrikes Premix 16. Those gloves had me sweating. Amazing 12 ounces adds to the workout. Have fun at the casino. In MI, people can smoke in them. A few years back, I got nicoteine poisoning so I can only spend a few hours in those without getting ill.

Marie-Way to knock out the workouts.

Colleen-What are scarecrows? I thought I saw the rep challenge for them yesterday but I blew by them. Love the positive reviews too. Cathe uses the forums as an indicator for feedback.

Today is my rest day cause I'm burnt out. Found out, I was still in good shape although I hadn't worked out since October but I was weaker. After shoveling my driveway and walking in the snow, I decided it was time. Finished week 1 of Undulating and Ride 30 days. Tomorrow, I do whatever is on the list. My tentative goal post Xtrain is to spin and to do Cross Fire and To the Max.

 

[mini-natty]

Helpful tip from Cathe when doing Hip Thrusts:

"Hi Natasha....The reason I didn't want anyone to put their head back is because without knowing the exact angle you are in or how high your bench is, putting your head back could be very awkward and place stress in the wrong places. If it feels perfectly natural for your head to be resting on the step and you don't feel it inhibits your glute thrust in any way, then go ahead and do it. If it does feel awkward, then put a firm pillow on the step to assist with your neck and upper back support. Good Luck..."

Quote:
Originally Posted by mini-natty View Post
Loving Xtrain Cathe!

My question is about the barbell hip thrusts. My neck was quite fatigued after the 40th rep. I had to stop early, not so much because my glutes were fatigued, but because my neck just could not hold up any longer. My instinct was to just place my head on the step and continue, but I know this is not correct form. Is this common and normal?

Thank you greatly!

Natasha

 

[JT]

I always have my head on the step for support no matter the exercise.
Looks like a challenge is in my future.

 

[mom2kttj]

My calfs are getting very sore. I did most of "Ride" today I quit for the last song. I just couldn't go anymore. I decided to take an Epsom salts bath this afternoon to try and eliminate some soreness. I will just be walking tomorrow as I want to feel on my A game for Mondays's start of the 90 day undulating X-train Rotation. I read The book today and am not so concerned about getting in HC and spinning. If it happens great, if not, I won't sweat it. There's always Day 91 and so on.

Nat - I hate taking down Christmas decorations also. I know it's because I just have way to much crap. But I love Christmas, and my mom bought me alot of it. I took everything down on Tues. and havent put back all my normal stuff, so it's looks like we are moving out.

I didn't have a disiree to go to Vegas. But my hubby wanted to and so we went about 5 years ago. I really liked it and I really loved the food. We spent alot of money on fine dining. No buffets for this gal.


I didn't win for Bunco. Infact, I sucked. I don't go to a casino, it's just a group of 11 women that get together once a month.

Jen - I hate cigarete smoke. It makes me feel like I'm not getting enough oxygene.

Marie - I too am scared to get on the scale. Actually I dont have one. I am thinking about how I feel when I weigh myself and if it does more harm than good. I was watching the boob tube the other day and Al Roker (today show) was on and talking about how he feels that he is married to his scale. He weighs himself in the morning and at night so he can plan his following day accordingly. I get that, but on the other hand I want to teach my daughters that a number on a scale is no big deal. So I'm not really sure.

Sarah

 

[mfv3]

Hey guys!

Busy day. Step Blast and core from BM2 this morning. Then went to visit my mom at her friend's house. Then ran some errands and then to Tony's mom's house for a family bday party. I ate good all day but had a piece of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. My weakness. It's homemade Better do TTM tomorrow Just got home. Feeding B then off to bed for us.

And guess what...no XTrain.

I'm contacting customer service tomorrow. So bummed. I ordered it before I moved but I did change my address. We used to live with Tony's brother so I called him today to make sure it wasn't send there by mistake. It wasn't. I'll keep ya posted on what customer service says.

 

[cokonkel]

Morning gals!

Yesterday, I did Low Impact Hiit from Xtrain, step plus floor cardio premix and then Chest Shoulders and Back plus the 100 rep challenge for triceps with 3lb weights. I may need to up that to 5 lbs next time as I never really needed to take a break. I loved these two workouts. The only thing I changed was substituting single arm rear delt flies when Cathe did upright rows since I've decided to delete that move from my repetoire.

Today...Cardio Leg Blast plus hip thrusters! Can't wait!

Natty- I actually copied and pasted your tip about the hip thrusters to my check in on VF. I know there are a few ladies on there who are afraid of trying it! For the Scarecrows I used 3 lbs and it was fine, but I would definitely do what you are comfortable with. I would say even doing it without weight the first time isn't a bad idea. Plus, if it feels awkward, maybe not lower your arms all the way to horizontal...like maybe just 45 degrees or so.

Jen- the Scarecrows are supposed to strengthen the rotator cuff. You'll see it when you go to try. Another way to do that, a lady on my other check in said (and she felt personally it was a safer way) is this: Lie on your side, propped up a bit on your elbow. With the non floor arm, (and using a 2-3# weight, no heavier), lie the upper part of that arm on your side and do slight rotations up and down from the bent elbow while holding the weight.

I'm also super sensitive to cigarette smoke! I was never so glad when Wisconsin finally passed laws to ban smoking indoors, even bars and restaurants. I only wish that law had been in effect when I actually went to bars!

Sarah- it is a fine line with our daughters, isn't it? Trying to promote exercise, healthy weight and healthy food choices without emphasizing it TOO much and worrying about the effect on their self image? I worry about that with Lydia, too. I'm always emphasizing when she watches me (or works out with me! ) that we're getting strong muscles and making ourselves healthy. I've been weighing myself in the morning lately, but I get nervous when she watches me do that and sometimes I'll see her step on the scale to copy me. It sort of makes my heart sink.

Marie- it's an unfortunate reality that pregnancy forever changes your body! Unless I ever got a tummy tuck (which I'll never do) I forever will have a handful of loose post-pregnancy skin that I can just grab. Never look down in plank position! LOL The stuff just hangs! When I'm standing up, you totally can't tell (especially when I'm doing HoCo alot) but oh boy...it's always there!

 

[JT]

Colleen-Your rocked those workouts! Awesome. Wow! Cardio Leg Blast is a good workout. It's fun. Thanks for the info on scarecrows. I should preview.

Sarah-Good job on Ride.I stopped 3xs just to stop when I did it for less than one minute. I think it flies by. Interesting that 90 day rotations don't have Ride in it. My parents were never shy about asking me what I've been eating or working out. Stepping on the scale is a guide not the goal.

Natty-How was your workout? Did you like Tabaticize? Do you have lots of snow?

Yesterday, I did a major recovery. Today, I shoveled about 2" of heavy slush from my steep driveway this morning and head to go out and salt it later. Job hunt, laundry and workout. No word yet from the State on either position. If I don't hear from Thursday, I will contact their HR office for status on my applications. My gut right now is telling me that the interview I had over Thanksgiving is that they can't make up their minds so thus no decision. With that being said, I may hear from them now.
Still on Twitter once a day to promote my message and to update followers. Not using my full name makes it harder to trace with an employer. I'm encouraging people to get off the social sites and live life though.

 

[mini-natty]

Happy Sunday!

I forgot to mention that I scored 3 Leslie Sansone w/o DVD's for $15 at Walmart! Walking has been perfect for me in the evenings when I can't do strenuous cardio (AKA- anything Cathe cardio). I have noticed that since I've been eating clean, walking, doing heavy strength training for the past month, that my stomach is flatter and my jeans a little looser .

Yesterday's w/o was Xtrain CBS + bonus rear delts. I love how Cathe really pushes you to grab a heavy weight that is challenging. For 16 reps, she is chest pressing 60lbs for heaven's sake! I think for those presses next time I will use my barbell and step (instead of a stability ball), so I can hoist more weight up there . I'm also a fan of pull/chin-ups, so I might have to add them in there as well. The rear delt bonus was incredible. My goal with Xtrain is to strengthen my "weak links" like rear delts, bi's, tri's.

Today's w/o was Tabatacise (yes, all 5 rounds!) + 100RC glute thrusts. Oh my, Tabata . It was a kick-a** workout no doubt, but somewhat of a dread factor. What makes it bearable is the step recovery sections, which were fun. There were some new moves that I also appreciated like the pop squats, plie jumps in 2nd position, and some other's I can't quite remember. I'm not sure if this would be a workout I would be doing weekly, but if I want to blast mega calories without "thinking", it will be my go-to. You guys know me by now, I'm sincerely not a "cardio gal" .

Colleen
OH MY I bow to your tricep strength! I was BURNING and swearing with my 3lbs . WTG on your w/o yesterday, you totally killed it!
Speaking of the hip thrusts, I used an old contour pillow on my step and found the exercise to be much more bearable. You can also tell the gals from your HC check in, to practice with NO weight and just focus on form. Trust me, they'll feel in the glutes regardless!

Jen
Sorry you have to shovel all that nasty white stuff . Yes, we have lots of snow here too. I wish I lived in Hawaii or another beautiful tropical island .
Congrats on finishing week 1 of your Xtrain rotation!

Marie
I'm the same as Colleen w/the loose hanging skin. Although sometimes I crave my pre-pregnancy stomach which was very flat, I would not trade it for anything, stretch marks and all! My daughter was all worth it .
Sorry no Xtrain yet . Are you sure you don't live in Canada? He he . I'm sure nothing happened to your order and will be on it's way soon!

Sarah
Sorry you didn't win in Buonco .
Yes, I heard the food in Vegas is spectacular. My cousin goes once a year, and he raves how awesome it is.
I don't usually respond to what anyone writes to other's on the check-in, but I will respond to the weigh-in thing and Al Roker. I personally think twice per day is just ridiculous! I mean, to each his own, but I will never become a "victim" to my scale. Do you know how often your weight fluctuates in the day?! My mother was obsessed with the scale. Along with hearing her say how fat she was day in/day out, she was so critical of anyone who remotely had a fit/skinny body. Dieting was her life. She often said how "ugly" her thighs and butt were. I remember as a child listening to all this, and it really bothering me. I will NEVER to that to my child. NEVER! I want her to ultimately have a positive body image and appreciation for healthy food and an active lifestyle. So there's my soap box for the day .

Have a rockin' day ladies!

 

[mfv3]

Good morning ladies

No workout for me yesterday. I took down all my Xmas decor (the tree was BRUTAL to take down ). I'm also really, really sore from Xtrain's w/o's . When Bella went to bed I did a 2 mile Leslie walk.

Today's w/o will be Xtrain Chest, Back & Shoulder's + rear delts AND tomorrow will be Tabatacise + 100RC glute thrust -- if I can swing it .

Marie
Now that you mention it, after I had Bella, I also noticed that if I gained a little weight it would go to my stomach when previously it NEVER did . Keep in mind too, you are still post-partum. Your body is going through all these rapid changes w/hormone fluctuations and sleep disruptions. You just made a human being, so cut yourself some slack. I never felt as though my body was "normal" until 1 1/2yrs post-partum. Definitely not Hollywood standards .
You are totally killing it with your w/o's!!! You are an inspiration to all mommies who have little

Thanks so much Natty! That makes me feel better! Good to know I'm not the only one. I'm going to keep on working it I've been focusing more on core lately so hopefully that helps.

Loving those DOMS you're having

 

[mfv3]

Today is my rest day cause I'm burnt out. Found out, I was still in good shape although I hadn't worked out since October but I was weaker. After shoveling my driveway and walking in the snow, I decided it was time. Finished week 1 of Undulating and Ride 30 days. Tomorrow, I do whatever is on the list. My tentative goal post Xtrain is to spin and to do Cross Fire and To the Max.

Good job taking a rest day. Those are much needed! And WTG getting back into your workouts!

 

[mfv3]

My calfs are getting very sore. I did most of "Ride" today I quit for the last song. I just couldn't go anymore. I decided to take an Epsom salts bath this afternoon to try and eliminate some soreness. I will just be walking tomorrow as I want to feel on my A game for Mondays's start of the 90 day undulating X-train Rotation. I read The book today and am not so concerned about getting in HC and spinning. If it happens great, if not, I won't sweat it. There's always Day 91 and so on.


Marie - I too am scared to get on the scale. Actually I dont have one. I am thinking about how I feel when I weigh myself and if it does more harm than good. I was watching the boob tube the other day and Al Roker (today show) was on and talking about how he feels that he is married to his scale. He weighs himself in the morning and at night so he can plan his following day accordingly. I get that, but on the other hand I want to teach my daughters that a number on a scale is no big deal. So I'm not really sure.

Sarah

I'm thinking once a week for me is good to weigh myself. I get too obsessive with a number if I do it daily. I always have to remember too that muscle weighs more than fat.

Hope you enjoyed your bath. I have never used those but my MIL got me some for Xmas that I'll have to try out.

 

[mfv3]

Morning gals!

Yesterday, I did Low Impact Hiit from Xtrain, step plus floor cardio premix and then Chest Shoulders and Back plus the 100 rep challenge for triceps with 3lb weights. I may need to up that to 5 lbs next time as I never really needed to take a break. I loved these two workouts. The only thing I changed was substituting single arm rear delt flies when Cathe did upright rows since I've decided to delete that move from my repetoire.

Today...Cardio Leg Blast plus hip thrusters! Can't wait

Marie- it's an unfortunate reality that pregnancy forever changes your body! Unless I ever got a tummy tuck (which I'll never do) I forever will have a handful of loose post-pregnancy skin that I can just grab. Never look down in plank position! LOL The stuff just hangs! When I'm standing up, you totally can't tell (especially when I'm doing HoCo alot) but oh boy...it's always there!

Hangage! Isn't that the truth?! Ugh! Oh well! The kids are well worth it I'm just ready for mine to be flat when I stand up....major focus on core lately!

WTG on your workouts. You're killin' it

 

[mfv3]

TTM this morning! Love that one Burned off that carrot cake from last night

Loved your Canada comment Natty! Seriously lol! What is taking so long?! I'm going to email them today to find out what's up.

Sorry, I hope you all don't mind when I "quote" my responses. It's easier sometimes when I'm feeding. He is snoozing in my arms right now...my little love!

 

[cokonkel]

Hello ladies!

Rest day today. Feeling some good lower body and especially glute DOMS!

How was everyone's weekend? We ended up having a few people over for the Packer game on Saturday night. Of course, I never actually watch the game. I'm always in and out of the room...but I cheer for our team anyway!
Yesterday I did Cardio Leg Blast plus the 100 Rep Challenge Hip Thrusts. Oh my. The first time I did it I used 30 lbs on my barbell and this time I decided to try 40 lbs. I couldn't believe what a difference 10 lbs made! I'm definitely planning on doing this one at least once a week. Loved Cardio Leg Blast, too. So far it may be my favorite XTrain workout, although I haven't done Tabatacize yet. I want to try and do that one either Wednesday or Friday...I haven't quite decided yet.

I think on Tuesday I'm going to do a Horizontal Conditioning workout plus Burn set Back. I was going to do the burn set chest, shoulders and back but I'm really missing HoCo, so I think this may be a way for me to get it in at least every other week. I'm thinking maybe of alternating the regular chest, shoulders, back disc with HoCo/burnset back.

Some not so great news, and I'm pretty nervous right about now....DS woke up this morning with what seems to be a stomach virus/flu thing. DH stayed home with him today. I'm afraid we're all doomed. Every time this stomach thing comes around I seem to get it. So freaking nasty. It seems like the last 5 years or so have had alot of stomach viruses. Even though I bust out the lysol and hand sanitizer it still seems to get us all.

I hope you guys all have a good and HEALTHY day today!

 

[mom2kttj]

I'm thinking I gonna do 2 posts today pre-workout and post. Maybe it's another way of saying I'm procrastinating. I'm feeling almost a little nervous about starting the rotation. I just got done watching CB & S. There are alot of push-ups. I feel worried that I'm going to be soooo sore tomorrow. I also feel a little ill prepared because I didn't do the 1 rep max. Usually I'm pretty good about guessing though. I also can't find my husbands tubing. So I am annoyed that it's lost because he doesnt take care of his stuff. I will have to use a band. Alright before I end up getting hungry and have to eat again I better get this going.

Sarah

 

[mfv3]

Look what I got Happy happy!

On the XTrain note....They apparently sent them to my old address even though I did change it in the system so they are sending out another set today....yay!!!

 

[mfv3]

Colleen Sorry to hear about your son Poor lil guy! I just can't handle when kids are sick. It's so sad! Hope it doesn't spread to the rest of the family. Remember to wash those hands....of course you already know that Love the new avatar

Sarah How was the workout? Good luck with the pushups. I have been struggling with those in STS. I always end up going to my knees. Hope you found the tubing. I hate when stuff goes missing. I'm super organized and DH is not so when he can't find things, for example, his keys, I'm like....babe if you would just put them in the same spot every day this would not happen....sometimes they never learn!

Disc 4 for me today. I also did a the plyo and fire walker tabata premix from CF. it was the perfect add-on at 23 minutes.

I had lunch with a girlfriend today. I feel like I've been going out to eat way too much. I always get a healthier option but it's still never as healthy as eating at home.

PS- Not sure why my picture posted upside down but whatever

 

[JT]

Colleen-Hope you don't get sick. I'm feeling not the best due to problably not eating enough plus unusual MI weather.

Sarah-How was your workout? Push-ups aren't that bad. I do half on my knees and half on my toes.

Marie-Great pic. B is a handsome little guy. I go thru spurts of eating out too much as well. Almost easier to count calories that way.

Natty-Hope life is treating you well.

Tonight is Biggest Loser. A famous fitness instructor on FB (not Cathe) is trashing Jillian. No matter how one feels about her, she does produce results. She used to be obese as a child. Today is also Ride.
No word yet from the pending jobs but I need to take assessments on new ones. Sick of job hunting and sick of not working.

 

[mini-natty]

Hi everyone!

Just in case you guys did not see, I responded to your earlier posts on the previous page. I didn't want anyone to think I did a quickie check-in.

Yesterday I went to the mall w/Bella. My plan was to use my Old Navy gift card I got for Xmas, but I was just was not in the mood to shop. This time of year (Jan) is a weird time for fashion -- Winter clothes still in, but on it's way out. Spring clothes almost coming in, but not there yet. Oh well.

I forgot to mention that Tabatacise left me feeling a little "beat-up". No knee or back strains, but just an overall body fatigue. I was also RAVISHING the entire day on Sunday afterwards. Even with all the heavy weight training I've been this past month, I never felt like a bottomless food pit . I think this week I'm going to lay-off the hiit (except for Cardio Leg Blast )
and do some much needed walking. Yesterday I did Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles. It was AWESOME! I ended up only doing 3 miles, but I was sweating nicely and got a great w/o. This one has intervals of walking+jogging. I'll say it once, and I'll say it 1,000 more times, walking is THE BEST hands-down! So underestimated, but it truly works.

Colleen
Sorry Dylan might be getting sick . I hope it's a quick 24hr bug and does not spread to all you guys.
WTG on doing the hip thrusts with a 40lbs barbell!

Sarah
How did CB&S go? I know, soooo many push-ups .

Marie
The past few month have been baby mania in my family! Both my cousin's had baby girls . They are just too darn cute .
I'm so happy SNM is shipping Xtrain to you pronto! I think you are gonna really love this series .

Jen
Why would another famous fitness instructor trash Jillian? Who was it if you don't mind me asking? IDC what anyone thinks of her, I love her! If she could be my personal trainer, I would take her in a heartbeat. Yelling and all .