Exercise Yard

[Star]

:strong: Thought we could come here to talk about our love-hate relationship with exercise. Hope we can help each other out and get some strong motivation going. What do they say "Use it or lose it"? :tread:

[vibrantecho]

Star, great thread idea! Only when I first read "Exercise Yard," you know what I immediately thought of? Prison! :rofl:

Fiona

[auditgirl]

Star- Great topic! I'm up to about 4.5 miles per day at least five days a week, alternating between walking and jogging. I feel so much better when I do it, I often dread getting started but am so proud of myself when I'm done...no other feeling like it ;-)

[travkitty]

I'm the same way about exercise. I dread it every minute until I actually get to the gym & start. Then I feel so good during & after. I lift 3x per week, mainly upper body because my legs are already so big & the cardio usually builds enough lean muscle in my legs. The cardio is 4x per week, & now I'm starting tai chi one night per week.

Soon I'll start softball, too!

[Karen]

Here are my exercises for the "Yard" today... :dancer: :barbell: :tread: :workout: :kickcan: :strong: :faint: Don't I wish.... :lol:

[Karen]

I do have to admit though, once I get my butt in gear and actually do something, I do feel better and have more energy. Sounds like a good reason to keep it up huh?

[vibrantecho]

Amen RustyK!

By the way, my exercise so far this week: I went to yoga on Tuesday night and it kicked my butt. And I missed two weeks ago because of a schedule conflict, so I'm going again tonight! Except I'm "taking it easy" and going to the beginner-level class because it's the only one that fits my schedule. I told DH it's too bad we don't have a sitter or he could come, too. ;)

The SELF challenge calls for 3 days x 30 minutes of cardio and 2 days x 25 minutes of strength training per week, and since my only exercise right now is the yoga class (which I found out counts as a strength and not a cardio) I decided to look into the gym thing - I love my commercial-quality elliptical machines! Actually treadmills aren't too bad either, although I'm always afraid of pulling one of these: :tread: LOL!

Fiona

[Star]

You guys Rock! :cp:
Jen - you have really been working it girl! I plan on starting to jog again when the weather gets nice. Years ago I jogged three miles a day, could eat anything that got in my way (that was then, this is now :( ). You keep it up and you will have one hot pair of legs ;)

Fiona - Well you know inmates have the best bodies :lol: They have all the time in the world to workout...... :strong: There is nothing like going to a good gym, you get motivation, learn new stuff and meet same minded people. Doing it with DH is another plus, more together time :love:

Travkitty - I lift 2 sometimes 3xper week all upper body. Like you I get plenty leg work on the cardio. My arms have made a huge improvement in the last year (I love to ride Sleeveless). Lifting to me is so inpowering, just love it :strong: I'm getting definitioin in my upper arms, back and chest.

Rusty - You have quite the 'icon' routine there, work it girl! :cheer: Like others have said, just get dressed to workout and start - you end up going furter everyday......

PLUS - daisy duke season is almost here, we need to get ready :tread: :strong: :workout: :coach: :grouphug: Let's do it :cp:

[Karen]

Star...Tell me if this is okay...Since I'm just starting out slow, here's what I'll be doing. Monday through Saturday- cardio-10 minutes. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday-ultra track- one set. I'm taking Sunday off... :lol: I'll do this for 2 weeks and then start adding more. I've also put a calendar up on the wall to keep track of what I'm doing..How's that.. ;)

[Star]

Rusty -
For someone starting out that is great! I can offer a change up, if you like. This might just help ease you into your routine.
Monday-Wed-Friday - Cardio Only :tread:
Tues-Thrus-Sat - Ultra Track Only :strong:
Sunday - Day of Rest

Now for cardio, try and increase your time to 15 minutes. Work up to eventually 30 minutes (down the road)
Ultra Track, try to do two sets (How long does a set take?)

This way you will have one thing to do aday until you are use to it then you could possibly mix them both in again.

How does that sound to you?

The calendar will help you to stay on track and motivated. I keep track of my exercise program in my day planner. At the end of the month I can see a month full of big X's and I feel very strong and proud......

[Karen]

One set on the ultra track takes about 10-15 minutes, I think. I'll have to time myself on it in the morning and see how long it actually takes... :)

[Star]

Rusty - How many different exercises do you do on the Ultra Track?

[textjewel]

Here's a question for you exercise chicks - do you eat something before you work out? Or do you do it on an empty stomach?

[vibrantecho]

I try to eat something light - toast or fruit, something like that - half an hour to an hour before. Exercising on either a totally empty stomach or a full one makes me feel sick.

Fiona

[aag118]

I have been going to the gym and walking 2 miles :tread: , but I only made it there 3 times this week. One of the days this week I did the Easy Steps. I also try to do my ab dvd, and once this week I did my arms too. I do Tamilee Webb's I Want That Body, very hard for me, but did the Abs tape in the past and had great results. Although honestly I haven't been able to make it through either program all the way :( . I am going to try and go the gym Mon-Fri and walk 2 to 3 miles each day and then I want to do my abs and arms :workout: at least 4 times a week.

Have a question for you exercise :queen: 's, do you think I need to also do leg and buns exercises, or should the walking be enough? Any info and/or advice is always much appreciated :) , you ladies are just the best :D !!

[Karen]

Star..One set on the ultra track only takes 7-8 minutes instead of 10-15. I guess it just felt longer.. :lol: There are 5 different exercises and 4 of them you have to do it for each leg and then I do the one for the stomach twice.
Julie...I don't eat anything before I do my little workout but I do it so early in the morning that I couldn't possibly eat before. :p

[SyracuseNY]

Julie: I normally go to the gym between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (after work). I go home and change, and have a fruit and/or starch. Save my 2 veggies and protein for dinner after exercising. My second LA Lite bar for the 7:00pm timeframe - sometimes with decafe tea. Then I'm good for the night.

[Star]

Julie - I get up at 5 a.m. and so no I don't eat first. I do however drink water as I work out...
Athena - I would say since you are getting use to your routine and walking quite abit, no need for legs and buns (IMHO). But do remember to skip a day between any strength training, you muscles need to recover.
Rusty - So are you gonna add in another set on that Ultra Track? Your doing good - keep it up....
Sy - Did you get those new daisey dukes yet?

[BAS]

Question Star - I have no exercise equipment nor a gym to work out in around here other than my treadmill. WHen I do the WATP they use weights for about 15 minutes of the program. Other than that what other lifting weights or strength training could I do? What are pilates??? What tapes could you suggest? I need more variety - walked on the treadmill 45 min tonight. Thats getting easier to do so I know I need to do something different with that. :tread:

I would love to go sleeveless this summer - arms are good but I want that muscle to show. Thanks

GO GO GO :cb: :cb: :cb:

[vibrantecho]

Beverley - go to www.self.com/challenge - there is a GREAT whole-body strength training routine that takes about 25 minutes. You need whatever size hand weights you are comfortable with, a towel and preferably an exercise ball ($15-20 at Target). (Okay, I'm realizing you need to sign up for the challenge to access the specific workout I'm talking about, but it's FREE to sign up and there's lots of good information in the "challenge" part of the site, so I'd go for it!) Also, if you just click on "Fitness" on the Self.com home page, it takes you to a whole page of links to different suggested workouts. :D

Fiona

[SyracuseNY]

Star, no daisy-dukes, or at least not this year. LOL! You and Julie would have been proud of me last night. I did an hour on the elliptical, every 5 minutes I would turn the tension up to 9 (the highest) and then down for the entire hour. Man, does make a difference and I was sweating (which always proves to me a good workout as I don't sweat that much in general). Then, I did the weights for the arms and that general area (where I needs lots of help), and a few floor exercises for the butt and legs. Slept like a baby last night and woke up so refreshed.

[Star]

Bev - I'm so glad you found us! Sounds like you are working out and if I remember correctly, you have always done cardio (walking, treadmill).
The perfect refrence regarding light weight, toning and strength training for you is the 6WBMO. I know you have it, just look thru the exercise cards for the body parts you want to work on (amrs, back, etc). The cards show you what to do with the toning bands, remember? Plus, if you got light hand weights you can use those instead of the toning band.
About getting you arms in shape, with muscles showing. That actually takes awhile to accomplish, so start right now....lol That's exactly what I have been focused on for the last year, since I viewed my high school reunion tape of me in a sleeveless pantsuit!
I'm very-very proud to say, that I have made tremendous imrovement. But remember you need to do about 3 arm exercises, 3 sets with 12 reps each,like I said this takes effort and desire.....You go girl!!!

Sy - Aboutthe daisy-dukes, that's an inside joke of Rusty and mine...lol We talked about designing some that were capri daisy-dukes, just for us.......cute huh? Sounds like you are taking it up a notch and sometimes that is just what it takes. Did you mean squats and not swats, right? Squats are great for you thighs and buns, I do those also....But in my basement with no horny little jocks around....(in my case, they would be laughing)..lol
When I get alittle time I plan on posting some information here about your target heart rate. It is info that we learned from 6 week body makeover and Michael Thurman, very helpful info to make your cardio really work. He just says the you need to do cardio at 60 to 65%, which is your target heart rate for fat buring. I have the formula to find what your rate should be for your age. What I found is that I was working out too hard and burning blood sugars and not stored body fat. So I had to slow it down, which to me was alittle hard to do, but once there I loved it! Bev, Rusty you already know all this. But if anyone else wants to know the numbers for your age, you can PM me......
Fiona - Doesn't that gym have floor employees that can help clients with using the equipment and proper form? It has been my experience that most gyms do? Since you don't work out that much or on a regular basis, once you start with the basics on a schedule, your body will respond.
Later fit chicks.....

[SyracuseNY]

Hi Star: When you can Karen get done with the DD capri's I'll be the first to order. I have to admit, my ankles don't look bad at all! LOL! My legs wouldn't either if my knees were not sagging. And, yes - I meant squats! LOL! The owner at my gym did tell us about the heart rate being very important and has a portable heart rate monitor we can use to checkout things while we are working out. The treadmill can be setup for heart-rate which makes it easy to know where your at. I never knew this before joining the gym.

[Star]

Sy - My recumbent bike shows where your heart rate is, I love that. My treadmill computer is out of order so I have to time it myself, I do the 10 second version. I think Rusty has her own monitor.
Recently I had stopped checking that out and remembered how important it is. I would much rather burn stored body fat than blood sugars! So now even though I might think I can guess-ta-mate I will do it the right way. Why waste even one workout, right?

[Karen]

I decided to continue with the bike for 10 minutes, Monday-Saturday with one set on the ultra track Tues, Thurs, Sat. Next Monday I'm going to do what Star suggested. MWF 15 minutes on the bike and TTS I might up the ultra track to two sets. I'll see when that day gets here. ;)

[Star]

Karen, you are doing great..keep up the good work. You are gonna look hot on that boat this summer....

Oh Dear God, talk about practice what you preach. I just started timiming my heart rate when I do cardio again. I had to slow down quite abit and for me that's almost harder than speeding up......lol So now that I know I'm going at the wrong pace I have to keep a really close eye on that - which might mess up my tv viewing....lol

I love my easy days, those are the ab tape, bun and thigh roller, recumbent bike and treadmill days. I guess becuz that's all stuff I don't have to think about too hard. The weight days are alittle different, have to think about sets, reps, form (can't watch tv).......lol. I think I was really cut out to be a certified couch potato...

later chicks.....

[Karen]

Star...You could never be a "couch potato" you'd get too bored. You love working out way too much for that... :D

[vibrantecho]

So, I went to my yoga class last night and my arms and legs still have their wet-noodle-ish qualities this afternoon. Wow! It made me think of the guy who gave us the tour of the gym last week - he commented that the club's "yoga" class is really a combo yoga-pilates class, "so that it's a little more active rather than just relaxing." I thought about saying something to him, but if I took the time to re-educate everyone I meet who thinks that yoga is just lying on the floor going "om," I'd never get anything else done. ;)

Fiona

[Star]

Fiona - Don't you just love it when you workout and your body says "ouch"....lol
About the Lifetime employee that made the "comment," I'm surprised a trainer would in a round-about way diss any form of exercise. Shame on him! He's lucky you were in a reserved mood that particular day....lol

[vibrantecho]

Sy - lol! :lol: Yeah, he was one of those giant no-neck guys that probably can't touch his toes to save his life, and has obviously never attended a REAL yoga class. I pretty much just mentally shake my head and forgive them their ignorance. :angel:

Fiona

[aphil]

I wanted to comment on the "I walk-should I do leg/bun exercises" thing a few posts back. :)

If you are doing regular walking-like treadmill or walking outdoors then YES by all means do lower body strength training. If you are doing Walk Away The Pounds or something similar-you may find that you are getting more all around leg and bun toning.

The reason is because regular walking tones and works mainly your quadriceps (front thighs) hamstrings (back of thighs) and calves (back of lower legs). Regular walking will get the buns some IF you are using the incline on your treadmill, or the outdoor path that you walk has some places where you are going up hills.
This is all well and good, but your inner and outer thighs aren't used all that much.
Walk Away The Pounds, Denise Austin Trimwalk, and other walking videos also incorporate knee lifts, side steps, and other things that involve a little more inner/outer thigh muscles and hips/buns. Leslie Sansone has designed the program that way on purpose.
I hope that helps. :)

[Star]

Aphil, Good advice about the inner/outer thigs. I could use some toning on my inners,, I get alittle with my bun and thigh roller, but always room for improvement!
Maybe I will incorporate my toning bands in somewhere for inner thighs. (There just isn't enuf time in the day....lol)
Today I started out with weights, about 40minutes. Then when I went on my recumbent bike I really had to keep it s-l-o-w to keep maintain my target heart rate.

[SyracuseNY]

Hi ladies:

Well, have been adding exercise (with Julie, the workout-buddy from hell - LOL!) and Fiona - I'm right there with you. My body hurts in places that I didn't know I had. Especially the ABS/Stomach area and I'm loving it as I know that it's working! LOL!

[Karen]

I added an extra set on just the stomach on my ultra track. It kicked my butt up one side and down the other this morning. But I did it...Yippeeee :D

[Karen]

Hey...Does anyone else have the walking tape from LA. I have it but of course I haven't looked at it yet. I was just wondering if it was any good... :o

[textjewel]

Hi Karen - I do have the walking tape - Easy Steps - it is really only 20 minutes, it's not difficult or hard to follow - I did breathe harder when I did it, but didn't sweat.

Does this help?
Julie

[Star]

Hum.....Today was abs/buns and cardio day. Usually my favorite workout, but I did notice that I had to work harder to get and keep my heart rate on target. I guess when I lift weights, it is higher by the time I start the cardio and that's why I have to slow it down. Today I had to work to get it high enuf - oh well, just thought I'd share.....lol

[textjewel]

Star, do you do some sort of cardio to warm up before the weights? The P:Y stuff suggests the cardio before the weight training portion.

[Star]

Julie - I do the weights first and then cardio, it is a time thing.
Thanks....

[SyracuseNY]

Hi Star and Julie:

My workout buddy has a heart monitor, she purchased her's for $50 at Dick's (if you have that store in your area - it's a Clothing and Sporting Goods store). I'm thinking of getting one myself. She compares are rate on her monitor to the one on the machines at the gym and she said they are always both at the same rate. She has a strap of some sort that snaps around her torso in the area of the bra band (if you wear one) - she licks it, I guess it must have something that sticks to your body? The other piece looks like a watch. She can hang it on a machine or wear it. She loves it and says it's the basic model in case your looking before I do.

Sy

[Karen]

I have the same type of heart rate monitor. I bought mine at Walmart for 30.00 back in sporting goods. It sure makes a difference. You don't have to work as hard as you think you do... :lol:

By the way, I'm still working at the exercise...Woo Hoo... ;)

[BAS]

Karen - WTG - I'm so proud of your exercising - its a very healthy thing to do and when you get old as me you'll be so comfortable with it .

Reason I encourage you: I never had any blood pressure or cholestoral problems until I quit my period two years ago. The doc's tell me thats what brought my health problems on :( . With all my walking and exercising both are very much in control. If I didn't exercise I would be taking lots of meds to control this stuff - meds are no fun to take.

THe heart monitor that you folks have - does it do the blood pressure thing too> I think my sister has one that does both because she has to monitor her heart rate and blood pressure. I want to get one ASAP. I was trying to use the heart rate on the treadmill - goofy thing - one minute it says 78 and the next 183 -I think NOT.

My hubby is making popcorn - I had to leave the room. I got an apple and came in here to get away - it smells so good - some day - some day soon I'll have my popcorn and skinny jeans too.

Okay what Aphil said about Walk Away the Pounds - ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! My inner things- why they don't seem like mine anymore - I am amazed how tight they are getting. THe jigging is 1/2 gone at least and I'll keep on a going. THe funny part with WATP's is when you walk in place real fast but spread your legs a little apart- funny looking but it works on those inner thighs not to mention the knee lifts. whew-

Okay I'm gonna hit the showers - did my Treadmill tonight - feel good about that - actually for a Saturday - weekend - I did great - I am so glad to have control again. I guess I've made up my mind I'd rather be skinnier than have that food. RIGHT GIRLS!

Hugs to all -

[Star]

Aphil,

I want to thank you for your comment about needing to work our inner thigh area. ;) Prior to that comment, I was having a blonde moment. Wondering what to do for my inner thighs. Then Friday something clicked in my head, I went to my (forgotten) vast collection of workout tapes. Oh my Gosh, there were so many, in a box in the closet. A really good set is the Beach Body Series, it has abs (which I use), thigs, stretch, buns, the whole body. So Saturday I did the thighs -just let me say "Outch" Then Sunday I did the stretch tape, really good and short so I can throw it in anywhere.
Ocourse on Sunday I could barely walk becuz of the thigh tape.... :lol:

So now my routine has to change up alittle. This is my new plan:
M-W-F Thigh Tape, Ab Tape, Bun/Thigh Roller, 20 recumbent Bike, 20 minute treadmill

T&T (maybe SorS) Stretch tape, weights and light cardio

I'll just do this for this week and see how it works out, I did it this morning and it wasn't bad, took 1 1/2 hours.

[textjewel]

I did the first two tapes today of Project You. I am so out of shape. I SWEAT BUCKETS. I drank almost a whole liter of water. I feel every muscle in my legs.

Today was the foundation cardio and lower body sculpting.
Tomorrow is foundation again and upper body.

Hopefully by Friday I'll have the steps down on foundation . .
I have to remember that the first few times I do a tape I'm always tripping over my feet.

But I am so proud of myself that I DID IT!

[SyracuseNY]

I'm like the WalMart queen in my office as I go there several times a week during lunch. Hey, when they have such great prices - why shop anyplace else? Anyway, Karen/Rusty - thanks for the tip. I'll checkout WalMart this week for a HRM. Never thought they'd have them there? Happy exercising. Sy

[Star]

Julie - Way to go girl! Glad your drinking your water as you work out......
I too started a couple new workout tapes this week - it does take afew times doing them to feel like comfortable. We have to start somewhere!
Geez, I'm gonna have to check out Walmart too for the HRM, seems like a much easier way to keep track of where the heck your heart rate is when your killing yourself...lol

[~Chris]

Hi...
Has working out sped up your weight loss?
Chris

[Star]

Chris -

Working out burns calories. As far as working out to lose weight, well if you eat more calories than your body normally burns, it won't make you lose weight. If you eat less calories and workout - I believe that is a winning combination.

[textjewel]

GROAN.

I think it's the kickboxing moves in this cardio tape that just confuse me. Okay. I decided to get the legs right first.

And then arms. MORE GROAN. and abs. . .

But Good for me! I did at least TRY the moves. And I'll be able to see my progress when I can keep to tempo . ..

Julie

[textjewel]

I wanted to add something to what Star posted - I think it's really hard to lose weight without dieting - just doing exercise - the changes are really SLOW. I've had friends that have done boot camps, etc, and didn't change their eating and then got discouraged because they expected major changes.

You can lose weight by changing your eating (which is what I've been doing for the past 4 months), but:

I think that if you challenge your body physically (and by that I mean bumping up the workout when it gets too easy) you get two benefits. The weight loss is more consistent (less plateaus) and you get better muscle defination - so you can actually weigh more and look smaller.

Does this make sense???

Julie

[Star]

Julie - It is so good to have a smartie pants around. You always make such good sense (gee, you should be a writer).
About starting out with one pair of limbs; arms or legs. That is what most tapes, instructors tell you to do. Get one down first and then add on. You'll have it all put together in no time...
About working out without dieting. I have exercised til the cows come home without dieting.......result? No weight loss. My trainer once told me, to lose weight it's 90%what you eat.

[textjewel]

Star, thank you - I don't feel like a complete doofus with two left legs and two right arms.. . I will work on getting the legs right since it is a cardio tape! According to the program the first tape is for the first week, and then there is a more intense (!) tape for the next four weeks, but I figure that if it takes me two weeks to get this down that's okay.

Also, thanks for the stats from your trainer -
(and for the compliment. .)

[Star]

Julie- this has probably been mentioned in the program "Project You" But if you haven't done so yet, you should take your measurements since you are just starting to workout, that way you can chart your progress. Even if they do it at the center of doom, you should notice some increase in inches lost now with the workout.

[textjewel]

Star it is in the 12 week journal - along with a place to put before and after pictures! I just need to find my tape measure!

[textjewel]

Did the pilates and yoga tapes last night - had to really talk myself into it -

However, my abs doth protest! They've seen more action in 3 days than in months!
But the yogu tape was very relaxing - except for the ones where the calves get action - never knew they were so tight.

Did sleep like a baby last night. . .

I like the fact that these two tapes are mid week - just when you need a break from the cardio and strength. I am looking forward to the cardio tape again today. Hopefully I will feel the same tomorrow.

And, then Saturday is a choice cardio day - haven't figured out what to do for that yet - there is an audio tape, Steady Strides, which you can use on a treadmill, or for a walk - if I feel adventurous, I may try it on my stepper.

Hugs,
Julie

[Star]

Julie - WOW - you jumped in head first.......sounds like a tough program.
I workout M-F for sure; cardio, tapes, strength. On S&S I play it by ear and do what I feel like, if I have time. Weekends can be very busy. Since I workout regular M-F if I miss a weekend it doesn't hurt my feelings. If I do workout on S and/or Sunday I just pick what I really want to do. Sometimes my S/S workouts are better becuz I can take my dear sweet time and enjoy it..... NOW, did I confuse you....lol ?

[textjewel]

Star - no I understand - during the week you have it streamlined for what you have time for and what you want to accomplish, fitness wise, but on the weekends you can choose whatever you want and really enjoy it. You are my idol - I hope that I get to that point where I choose exercise for fun, and not soley for the results. I would like to get past the point where it is like brushing my teeth . ..

Julie

[Star]

Julie - Thank you for explaining what I wanted to say so clearly.....lol
Sometimes when the weather is nice, on the weekends I go for really fun exercise like; walking at the park, roller blading or bike riding. To me that is just the cat's pajamas.
I hope you start to enjoy working out too, because when that happens - you will actually look forward to the workout and the results will just be a nice bonus.

[textjewel]

Day 4 down!

Did concentrate mainly on the feet today, which really helped. It really does get easier every day. There are still sections of the lower body workout that I can only do one or two of . . I am so glad that I don't have one of those exercise balls; I'd be tempted to use it and that is for the advanced stuff!

I am still going through half a liter of water for both workouts . . .

I am noticing that I really need a snack about 30 minutes after the workout!

(Still haven't found that tape measure yet. . .)

Julie

[Star]

Morning Fit Chicks -
As I was doing my (what use to be) my 'easy workout day', I thought now who was it that made me think I needed to add that Thigh Tape? So now my 'easy workout days' aren't that easy anymore.....lol! I do like the thigh tape and boy can I ever feel it. Oh Dear God - does it sting, I'm glad it is only like 10 minutes! Today is day three of the thigh tape and I've already noticed I'm more steady with it.....
Julie - as I was reading your post about the exercise ball, I pictured you rolling around the room, falling from side to side.......of maybe that was me....lol For now I think your new workout routine is quite full without the 'ball of torture'....
Hey find the tape measure becuz your losing inches as I type, and you want to be able to have that total number of 'inchels lost' It is really gonna surprise you how this exercise thing works........
hey Fit Chicks - we are gonna be so happy we are doing this prior to summer clothes, it does make a huge difference.....Let's go girls......

[textjewel]

Star, I always giggle at your posts - That would be me draped over that ball-of-torture - I'm glad that I don't have one at this point.

I may just BUY a new tape measure, what do you think of that???

Speaking of thighs - has anyone ever experienced fatigue in the weight bearing leg while doing standing exercises for the other leg? Sometimes I'm not sure which is the leg getting the workout!!

And BTW, there is this killer hamstring exercise - you put your heels on the seat of a chair, while laying down, and lift your behind while digging your heels into the seat of your chair. GROAN. And then she wants us to PULSE it.

Luckily there is MUCH room for improvement in this tape (since I get to do it for 5 weeks. By that time I will hopefully be able to do every rep.

Julie

[Star]

Julie -
Yes I know what you are talking about the fatigue of the weight bearing leg. This is normal - your muscles have to get stonger, it will improve with time. (like a fine wine).

About these exercise tapes. These instructors and their team, spend many many hours developing painful, tortureous moves, so that we will think we are even more out of shape than possible. You know that saying "no pain- no gain"? Well they want to make sure we feel alot of pain. It's all in their big plan of things. Then they make yet another tape, that is 'advanced' and ofcourse we will have to prove that we can handle that one. Let the torture continue......

[textjewel]

Star - thank's for affirming what I was experiencing (fatigue) - and giving me a light at the end of the tunnel . . .

I was looking at the BB site - there is a yoga booty ballet series - I may pick that up in the summer - let's see if I can complete this first. . .

[Star]

Julie - I too was checking out, with GREAT interest the yoga booty ballet series . Matter of fact, I talked to several workout friends about it. Does that look like a blast or what? Like you, I thought, how much can one chick fit into a day???? But if I see the infomercial again, I could be in the order mode before I realize it...that's what happened with the Bun & Thigh Roller infomercial. Thank goodness, I really do like that piece of equipment and tape.

[textjewel]

Star - if you try it first, let me know . . . there will be an infomercial on tomorrow am (at 5:00!!!) which I may try to catch - maybe it's 6:30 --

BTW, what would you say is the difference between circuit training and weight training?

[Star]

Julie- yeah I'll keep my eye open for the infomercial again. It actually looks like a ton of fun, almost like not working out.....

It has been years since I have done circuit training at the gym. When I do my weights I do them just like circuit training. Which is doing 3 sets of a body part with like 12 reps, then doing a different exercise for the same body part, 3 sets again 12 reps. That way it makes circuit training and weight training exactly the same thing. Understand? Circuit training is just doing a weight bearing exercise, then moving on to the next exercise, waiting maybe 3 minutes inbetween. It keeps your muscles pumped and your heart rate up at the same time. Hope I explained that okay.

[vibrantecho]

Star - you REALLY need to watch out, or you're going to end up working out with every exercise video ever made, and then when will you find time to POST?!? :lol:

Fiona

[Star]

Fiona - You got my number, it's exercise shopping I'm addicted to....lol The really good part is that at one point or another I use all of it.
Ofcourse no matter how much I workout I'll always have time to post. As long as I keep this JOB - LOL

[synn1977]

Oh Jeez~
Thanks for the advice Star...I never thought of using the exercises from 6WBMO....now to find my little black book and the darned band....I can do that just about anywhere and need very little room.
As far as the WATP videos, I still do not have the space for those, but maybe once I get back to work and rent a storage space, I will be able to convince the MIL to let me use the basement as a mini-workout room.

[Star]

Keri - Yeah there's afew of us on here that have done 6WBMO - that's a good workout plan to follow. Like I said, just fear the toning band ball, I got knocked in the head once at the gym - bong....lol
Basements were met to be gyms. We are downsizing and I'm losing my basement gym and that is the biggest lost of the whole move. I'll probably have to go back to the 'real' gym...and pack all that stuff; shower stuff, work clothes, etc.

[textjewel]

Star - the reason I asked about the difference is because in the self challenge you can log your exercise - and it calculates calories burned based on your height/weight, minutes and exercise done - and there are different calculations for weight training and circuit training. It seems that these sculpting tapes are really circuit training. . .since we work the same muscle in different ways, and sometimes exercising a different muscle in between. (I don't think I explained this very well)

[Star]

IMHO - that would be circuit training. I think when they talk of weight training they refer to heavier weights. Circuit Training is what you explained in your above post.

I'll be leaving in a minute here. I won't be here Monday or Tuesday, I get to watch David (the Oh Dear God GB). That will be considered weight lifting becuz he is one big baby.....and at 15 months still loves to be picked up....lol Talk to you Wed.

[vibrantecho]

WOOO HOOOO!!! I JOINED THE GYM!!!!! :strong: :tread: :strong:

I don't know what took me so long to realize that, hello, since DH and I aren't doing a joint membership, I could go in whenever and do it, and put my charges on my credit card (to be paid off next week on payday, of course). So I went tonight!

I took DD with me and she was really looking forward to hanging out in the play room, which we ended up not doing cause it was so quick, so I promised her I'd take her tomorrow morning.

I'm excited!

Fiona

[textjewel]

Star - sorry I missed this post yesterday - Have fun with DDavid,and whisper Grandma in his ear all the time. . .

I've been using circuit training, so I'm glad you think that's right.

Fiona - congrats on joining the gym!

[vibrantecho]

Well I did it - I let the treadmill at the gym kick my butt for 20 minutes this morning. And speaking of my butt - it HURTS! :lol: Anyway, I'm so glad I get to actually contribute to the Yard from now on, rrather than just watching from the sidelines. :yes:

Fiona

[textjewel]

Day 6 on the P:Y plan is a choice day - I did 30 min on the stepper using the walking tape provided with the program - it is a pretty fast clip - I was DRIPPING when I finished.

Today is a REST day, and I am ready for it!

Julie

[Karen]

Julie...You've really been working your butt off on this new program..Way to go.. :tread: :strong:
I wish I could say the same for me but I can't... :^:

[textjewel]

Karen - I always tend to go whole hog into something new - plus I never had any real excuse to not exercise - I just had to be mentally ready to do it. So something really involved is good for my interest level (does that make sense :?: ) Plus, it is VERY challenging so I can see progress everyday, which is good for my spirit.

Julie

[vibrantecho]

Well, I'm just burning a new mix CD and then off to the gym. :tread: Hopefully no falling on my face this time!

Fiona

[vibrantecho]

This is kind of cool - apparently I'm not quite as out of shape as I thought. Saturday I did 20 minutes on the treadmill at speeds between 2.8-3.0 (out of 5.5), today I bumped it up to 3.3-3.5 - a brisk walk, not quite to jogging - and did 30 minutes, and I probably could have kept going. I'm looking forward to my real fitness assessment later this week.

Fiona

[textjewel]

Here's a question for the exercise experts (Star??) -
For the circuit stuff on Project You - I'm starting off with 3 and 5 pound weights. When I start the exercise - it's not too difficult, but I'm really feeling at the end of the set (and then of course, we move to the opposing muscle, then back again, and again :dizzy: ). When do I know to move to the next higher weights? I do have a set of 8lbs - do I get rid of the 3's and move to 5's and 8's? And then to 8's and 10s?

Julie

[textjewel]

Don't know if you all have ever heard about these, but there's a company
http://www.workoutmusicvideo.com/ that puts out tapes and cds of music all within a certain beat/speed range. . . I use these on the stepper and it keeps me going at a steady pace.

Julie

[Star]

Julie - For my arms and shoulders I use 5,6's and 8's. Your muscle will start to burn at the middle or end of set.....I still feel the burn with the 8's. Actually, for arms I don't plan on going any higher than the 8's, that still works the muscle and for sure will tone.
The only place I use heavier weights is for lying down bench presses and lying down shoulder exercises and then I go to 10's and 12's.
The way you know to move up weights is when you can't feel any pressure, even at the end of your reps. Then it is time to move up. Be sure that you are really focusing on the muscle targeted in that exercise. For instance when doing a bicep curl, don't do all the work with your hands and wrist, make sure you feel the bicep muscle do the pulling up of the weight. Just really focus on the correct muscle. I'm sure they explain this in Project You.......With weight bearing exercises you don't have to keep going heavier and heavier,becuz you don't want to build bulk, you are losing weight and want to tone, right?
Hope this helps alittle.....you are doing great!

[textjewel]

Star, that is a big help - I don't want big muscles, I just want efficient muscles (if that makes sense) I want them to help me burn more calories!
About using the muscles - I am still learning the routines, but have begun to pay attention to which one is supposed to do the work. Instead of just trying to get myself in some sort of position, and getting the weight to go where it is supposed to go, I am starting to say to myself - okay, I'm supposed to use that shoulder muscle to get that weight up there . . . does that make sense?

The tricep dips at the end of a chair are still killer - there is no way to reduce the weight since it is ME. But at least I'm moving my arms now, instead of just raising my shoulders.

[Star]

Julie -
Yes, Yes - what you are doing is exactly what I was trying to explain to you. Some people exercise for years and never get it that you have to work "that" muscle. Good for you. The more you concentrate on the correct muscle, the faster you will see results. That's what they mean when they say feel the burn,becuz if you don't use the target muscle you may never feel the burn or see the result you want.
Glad to help Julie - ask me anything......

[textjewel]

I will say this, Star, it's interesting that I can identify the particular muscle. I've never thought of that before. Also, doing them slow, so I don't let momentum carry that weight to where it should be. The cueing on the tapes help!

[Karen]

I like coming to this thread and reading the great exercising tips. Now, if I can just get with the program.. :p
I went to the Dr. yesterday and asked him about diet pills. He told me I needed to start excersing and that would take care of my appetite and give me more energy. I just let him go on and on. I didn't tell him that Star has been trying to pound that in my head for going on two years now.... :lol:

[Star]

Julie - yes you don't ever want to get that momentum swing thing going on. Even if it means stopping at the starting point and starting over with the movement. You are a fast learner.....
Karen - I hope you listen to your 'smart' doctor. Besides I know you want to be as tough as the rest of us exercise chicks.......come on let's go........

[textjewel]

I have to be honest - I am still trying to work out the best times to eat and exercise. If I wait too long, I get too hungry, and then I eat. And then I have to wait for a little digestion to happen . . .And I'm just not ready to face it first thing - although I used to do it first thing. . .

Karen, had to laugh at your reaction to your doctor- we keep on wanting for something magic to be put on the market - something that will take all our unwanted desires away. . .it would be nice if we could pick and choose when we want to be hungry, wouldn't it?

[Star]

Julie - With my workout history of 35 years I have learned one thing. You have to schedule workout time for yourself. There is not always a perfect time, but you have to say I'm gonna do it. Once you develope the habit, all the little details will work themselves out (like working, eating, sleeping, etc). lol
With my moving, I will have to give up my "Star Gym" in the basement, which I have grown to love. Luckily our new place has a small gym with all the equipment my "Star Gym" had - go figure huh?

[auditgirl]

Carmen-Anything that gets you moving is good exercise, often times getting started is the hardest part. Most days I don’t look forward to exercise, but I tell myself “Just do 20 minutes, if you do 20 minutes then you can stop-guilt free” usually by that point I find I can finish my planned workout (though some days I don’t and just stop). Start with 5 minutes and work your way up. That’s how I started….5 minutes on the treadmill everyday for a week. When I felt better I moved it to 10, then 15. I didn’t push myself too hard in the beginning, even when I felt I could go longer I stayed on my planned time. Now I’m up to 4.5-4.7 miles a day at least 5 days a week (65-70 minutes). I can even jog for limited amounts of time…never imagined at 230+ lbs that I would jog, who knew???

Star-i agree 100% that you have to schedule exercise like any other appt and stick to it.

Julie-i exercise right after work, before I get too involved in anything else. I usually eat lunch around 11:30 and have a snack around 3 and exercise around 5pm. i usually can't exercise on a full stomach and if i'm really hungry after I have a piece of fruit while I'm making dinner. It's just what works for me.

Take care,
Jen

[Star]

Julie - Becuz of work I get up at 4:45 a.m. and grab some coffee, water and go down to the "Star Gym" I drink water while I workout. Then at around 8:15 I eat breakfast at work.
I love working out that early becuz it's done and out of the way. It also makes me feel better all day. That way I have my nights free to do whatever. Ofcourse I have worked out after work too. When that was the case, I did the same as Jen - worked out and then ate dinner.
The only time I can't work out is late at night, it keeps me up and I can't go to sleep.

[textjewel]

Yes, it seems that the best time for me is mid afternoon, but just doing it is part of the victory!

Julie

[Chklithunder]

Thanks ladies, for all the input. There is a fitness center right here where I work, and I am a member, but I do not go in there because the skinny folk look at me like I am a leper whenever its time to change clothes, shower, etc. So for now, I will pick up a couple of tapes and workout in the mornings before I get the kids up for school.

[textjewel]

Carmen - if you're unused to a certain instructor, try renting the tape first at the video rental place- I've done that for some and was REALLY glad I had a test run before purchasing. . .

[Karen]

Carmen...I would tell them to kiss your butt, you're there for the same reason as they are, to get in shape... :smug: Walk in like you own the place...

[textjewel]

This is something that Fiona pointed me to - I lurk at the forum there, and saw this from this weeks expert. It fits in with what I was trying to say about cardio and strength. . .The expert is Jeff Rochford of Jeff's Gym in New York.
*****
Yes those last 5 to 10 are the hardest to get rid of. Weight training is key, but do not ignore cardio. This is about being healthy. I'll give you a quick break down of what they each do for you and what you can expect from them. If it sometimes seems I'm stating the obvious, it is because sometimes we ignore the most obvious simple rules when it comes to fitness.

Cardio works your heart and lungs, as they get stronger, you can comfortably work harder and longer. Translation, burn more calories. Don't fall into the trap, " I'm going to go easy and stay in my fat burning zone". It doesn't exist. The more calories burned help in weight loss. Calories in, calories out. The only draw back to cardio, when your session ends, so does your accelerated calorie burning. That's where weight training comes in. When you lift you burn calories. When your done, the body burns calories to help the muscle recover from the workout. The best part is. once you have muscle, the body burns calories on a consistent basis to sustain the muscle. So if you maintain your muscle tone you will permanently raise your metabolism.
****

It's always nice to get someone else's words. . (I didn't plagerize!)

[auditgirl]

Julie- Great point about weight training....I need to get started with that again...okay, here's my goal. I'm going to use hand weights at home for arm toning at least 3 days a week, starting tonight. Anyone know a good website to check out to make sure I'm doing it right? I was doing strength training for months (and aobut 30 mintues of cardio 3 days a week) before I decided to lose weight and I'm convinced it's the only thing that kept my weight somewhat stabilized while I was being such an oinker.

Anyone else have any exercise goals they would like to share?

[Star]

Carmen - About going to the gym with the skinny snots, I have a secret for you. You should go becuz your results will show more and faster than the skinny people that go all the time. It will be very rewarding to workout in front of them, have them snub you and then when you consistantly show progress, who will have the smug look on her face then? lol Trust me it will happen, seen it many times. You will get that last chuckle......

Julie - Thanks for the article, I actually knew all of that....don't mean to sound like a know-it-all, but I have been around the gym afew years. The one part, I do not agree with is "Don't fall into the trap, " I'm going to go easy and stay in my fat burning zone". It doesn't exist." The target heart rate is explained in Michael Thurmans book, but I'm not gonna post that. To each her own. I think no matter how we may disagree about some things, the key is to do the work, both cardio and weight training.
Jen -you plan sounds great. My plan is to continue working out 6-7 days a week, alternating cardio, toning and weights. When the weather breaks (it's snowing right now) I plan on jogging again. Short of quitting my job, I can't do much more....lol

[vibrantecho]

Star - PLEASE post what info you have on target heart rate - or a synopsis, anyway! I don't have the book you are referring to, and I'm curious. I know all the cardio machines at my gym are programmable and have the palm sensors to track your heart rate (which nobody uses anyway, but that's a different topic) - funny thing is, the treadmill says that if I choose the "fat burn" program, my THR is only 135, which is not that much over my resting, while the "cardio" program gives me a THR of 156, which actually feels like I'm working, but without killing myself. So I'm curious to know how the ones in the know decide what your THR should be???

Thanks, dear!

Fiona

[Karen]

According to Michael Thurmond...My target heart rate for my age is 97-115. The heart rate monitor I have is just a tiny bit higher.

[Star]

Fiona - Well I do use the palm sensors on my recumbent bike, I want to know where my heart rate is and if I"m in my target heart rate or not. The funny thing is I usually have to slow down to be at the right pace. The sensors are a great tool.
Here is what I posted a few pages back on this thread:
When I get alittle time I plan on posting some information here about your target heart rate. It is info that we learned from 6 week body makeover and Michael Thurman, very helpful info to make your cardio really work. He just says the you need to do cardio at 60 to 65%, which is your target heart rate for fat buring. I have the formula to find what your rate should be for your age. What I found is that I was working out too hard and burning blood sugars and not stored body fat. So I had to slow it down, which to me was alittle hard to do, but once there I loved it! Bev, Rusty you already know all this. But if anyone else wants to know the numbers for your age, you can PM me......

I don't have the book with me here at work. But will bring it in on Monday, if you need to know what he says your target heart rate is.

[textjewel]

Star, you never sound like a know-it-all - I was just posting something that put in better words what I had tried to post before. . . About the fat-burning range, etc, I remember hearing about that about 10 years ago, but sometimes theories change and I get behind. . .

It is still true that even if you are above the fat burning zone, you are still burning cals right? I mean something has to make these fat little legs go!

And if you bring the book to work on Monday you don't have to pack it. . .
Hugs,
Julie

[Star]

Morning Workout Chicks.....

Julie- I'm so glad I don't come off as a "know-it-all" I really just feel lucky to have picked up some stuff along the way over the years of working out.....
Even if you work out above your target heart rate, yes you will still burn calories, you just won't burn stored body fat......But trust me, anything is far better than nothing!
Even with packing all weekend, I made it a point to workout before the packing started. LOL - funny becuz since DH worked this weekend I was the packing crew, so the hours were pretty much under my control...lol
This morning I did tapes and cardio, which use to be my favorte exercise days, but now that I have three tapes to do, recumbent bike and treadmill - I'm thinking it may not be my favorite anymore.......hum???
I'm pretty sad about losing my gym. I know the apartments we are moving to have a fine gym, but there hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Which means I will have to start working out after work, which I don't care for. I guess I could always go back to the Weight Station where I went before I built up my home gym. They open at 6 a.m. which works out fine for me and lets me get it over and done before going to work.....decisions-decisions.....
Another feature of the new apartments- it is right across the street from a fitness path that covers probably 50 miles or more from park to park. You can walk, rollerblade, run, jog, bike or I guess skip if you want to, which is so cool! Several years ago I lived off a fitness path and I used it everyday, rode my bike or rollerbladed - it was fun exercise!

Later Chicks......

[textjewel]

Star - I think that if you're happier exercising early, then you deserve to make it happen. You will be much more unhappy if you can't make the time to make it work the way you want it. You're going to be at this place for a while, right? Can you ask the apartment people to open the gym earlier? I'm sure you're not the only person who prefers early workouts.

You must have terrific balance to be able to do stuff like roller blading - I sprained my wrists many times trying to roller skate!

Got both my workouts in today - cardio and upper body - the cardio is more interval based - and it's a toughie. I did get the first set of tricep dips done today, and part of the second - PROGRESS!

Heart monitor question - does anybody have one that also calculates calories burned? I guess you'd have to be able to put in weight and other info . .

Julie

[Star]

Julie -

Thanks for the vote of confindence and your right - I deserve to pick my own time of torture (just kidding). Your right, I'll be doing it for several more years here and may as well get it suited to fit me.
I already ask the Apartment Manger about opening early and she gave me some excuse. I think it was that they would have to make a new entrance to the gym from outside the pool facility??????? I will stir the pot again maybe when I move in. I kinda hate to cause too much trouble before I actually live there. But it worth several more trys........
About balance, we use to skate (4 wheels) back when we were kids, everyday and weekends at the rink, also ice skated evey winter. I use to having running races with my older brothers freinds daily too. I was kinda a tomboy. Then a cheerleader, so balance never came hard for me. Heck, I learned how to waterski at 40, our whole family did when we bought the boat.....I'm too dumb to be scared of anything....lol
Julie - you are hanging in there with your new workout program - way to go girl!
About the monitor - I don't have one but I know Rusty does. I'd love to get one, but don't want to spend over $30.........if you learn anything more let me know. Meanwhile I'll be counting outloud here with my fingers on my neck, while watching the clock.......lol

[textjewel]

Star - you got my point exactly - this is something that gives you satisfaction, joy - you won't be happy if it's a hassel --

About the tapes - I feel quite accomplished that I haven't broken any bones or glassware yet with the jumping I've been doing -

Waterski - I have thought about doing that - If I can ever get those tricep dips down with my own weight, I may just be able to hang on to that rope. . .At least I don't think I'd have vertigo with that!

Hugs,
Julie

[Star]

Julie- Keep it up with the exercise and you will get stronger and stronger, in every phase of your life......You are woman - you will roar......lol
Really - it does give you a sense of power - it's all good......

[vibrantecho]

Hey - I don't think I ever shared about my first session with the personal trainer last week! We only did the basic fitness assessment tests, but I thought the results were pretty interesting.

First was BMI - she used waist, thigh and forearm measurements. The PT said that as my body fat %age goes down, the caliper test will be even more accurate than measurements, although as a female, I think measurements are what will matter to me cause it's all about the CLOTHES! :lol:. I won't even tell you what my BMI came out to, let's just say it was a big ugly number!

Next was the cardio test - hopped on the treadmill at 3.0 and 5% incline for five minutes, did a heart rate check and came up with a VO2 measurement of 20 - I guess this measures how well your body is utilizing oxygen? 20 is really, really bad, I found out, which explains why I can't climb stairs to save my life. I didn't feel winded at the end, but my calves were burning and my heart rate was way up.

Strength (biceps) test - stood on the scale platform and pulled up on a metal bar as hard as I could. That one actually went better than I expected, I ended up right in the middle of the "good" section of the spectrum.

And last, flexibility - the classic sit-and-reach. I scored right on the border between Good and Very Good there - thank you yoga classes! The PT said most new people barely make a blip on the chart for flexibility.

I feel like I'm forgetting something we did, but I don't have my little printouts with me to check. Anyway, I've got my next appointment tonight, we are focusing on developing a cardio program. Next session will be a full strength training assessment - yikes!

Fiona

[textjewel]

Wow - Fiona - that is terrific to have such a great assessment - you'll be able to see exactly how you progress! Will they develop a program for you too? (my BMI is pretty ugly too)

[Star]

LOL - You know who is gonna need some muscle? The movers when they go to pick up my cedar chest full to the brim with my life's treasures.....LOL

[vibrantecho]

LOL, Star! :lol:

Julie - yes, they sure will. I guess every new member gets the basic fitness assessment as part of their membership, but I sprung for 5 sessions with a personal trainer on top of that, because I have no idea what to do with myself aside from climbing on the treadmill and hitting "GO." :tread: I'm trying not to set my expectations up too high, but believe me, if I don't think I'm getting my $$$ worth, they're going to hear about it! :rollpin:

And on a related note, one of the goals that I'm going to be working on is cardio endurance, because I've decided to do the MS Challenge Walk in September!! If you're not familiar with it, that's the MS Society's "3 days, 50 miles" fundraising walk. I did it two years ago and actually did pretty well the first day despite doing next to nothing in the way of training - unfortunately I had a back injury flare up at the end of the first day (probably due to lousy walking form) and only completed about half of the 50 miles (the on-site doc wouldn't let me walk AT ALL the second day). Anyway, September is 6 months away and my goal is to be so ready that these 50 miles feel like 5. :yes:

Fiona

[textjewel]

Fiona - that is a terrific goal - I did the Avon 3 day a few years ago - I did walk every mile, but I limped the week afterwards - I did train, too, but think I probably had bad stretching form, and didn't take the time TO stretch. I'll be interested to hear what the MS leaders tell you about training and dieting - they told us not to go on a crazy diet, we needed to eat good foods, fuel ourselves, and get used to gatoraide. . .

Julie

[textjewel]

BTW, total bummer- my vcr has swallowed a tape and won't spit it out! May get a combo VCR/DVD player today at Best Buy (and then figure out how to attach it . . .) I think I can still get in a cardio workout today, though, using the walking tape. . .

I can't complain - the VCR is at least 6 years old and is used ALOT to record old movies. . .

Julie

[Star]

Julie - My VCR ate my Beach Body Ab Tape last year. Thank goodness I had copied it for family and friends prior to that. So I had to snatch back a copy from a non-user. That tape works so well - I can't figure out why everyone doesn't use it? I gave it to three people, none of them shared in my excitement over it....luckily I got a copy back with no fight....lol
Today was weight day for me, had a good workout, about 40 minutes weights and 20 minutes cardio. First warming up with the Beach Body Stretch Tape.....which is probably less than 10 minutes.....
I had to laugh at myself today, as I was doing the stretch tape I noticed I could really use some extra attention to my inner thighs. Just when we think we are looking good - BAM - we notice yet another 'needy' area. As long as I look great before DH drops me off at the retirement home - that's my goal........
later....

[textjewel]

Sigh - got the new player. . . Now for the fun part! May call in my electronically minded brother. . .

[~Chris]

Hiya!
I know it's "the ones you'll use"....but what do you ladies rank as the best of the best & why?
Thanks!
Chris

[auditgirl]

I like Gilad, he has a show on the Health Network, called Bodies in Motion. It's 30 minutes long, with warm up, cardio, toning and stretching...nice variety. he has several for purchase, but I usually just tape them from tv.

[Star]

I like the Beach Body Series - it has three or four tapes and works all major muscle groups......They have one person do advanced and one do beginner......your choice.
Really - the choices are endless.

[~Chris]

Hi Star...
Is that the exact name? I want to search it out.
Thanks.
Chris

[Star]

Chris,
If you go on www.beachbody.com under fitness products it's sold as "Great Body Guaranted." But all of their tapes, Slim in 6, Power 90 are all similar. so that would be a good website to check some tapes out.
I want to check out Booty-Yoga-Ballet, it looks like real fun.......
I think some of them come with a money back guarantee too.

[textjewel]

Chris - I am using the Kathy Smith Project:You which was developed by Kathy Smith, but produced by Beach Body. I really like it - it starts of easier (sort of) and then gets progressively more intense. However, I like Kathy Smith. And she has so many tapes I can do all sorts of combinations.

But, Beachbody has all sorts of programs - they have an extensive forum at www.beachbody.com - you can look at their different solutions - they even have infomercials, although I haven't seen one yet.

I have also heard good things about Gilad, although I don't think I get the Health Network. Also a woman who does shows on PBS. And the TaeBo tapes always seem to get good press.

But, truthfully, the options are endless - the first question would be - what's your fitness level? And then, what do you like to do? If you have access to a treadmill, maybe just getting music or a book on tape will be the answer for you. Actually, I think this would work for anytype of cardio machine . . . I tend to look at an old movie, although I usually can't hear the words since I'm listening to the music, but it keeps my head busy, and I don't notice how long I've been working out.

Julie

[textjewel]

Yes, Star, I think they do have a 30 day money back guarantee - the YBB looks really fun - want to get through Project You first. . .

There is a questionaire at the site that asks you what your fitness goals are and then it matches you up to the best program - it gave me Slim in 6 and P90 - but no P:Y - I decided to wait and see how I did on this go around.

[Star]

Okay - Just wanted to share this thought. Being around for awhile, seeing tapes, programs come and go. I have decided that these trainers all have similar products but just change it up alittle bit. If Beach Body sponsors them, the more the merrier, they all make a ton of money. At the same time, giving us more options and more ways to spend our money. Like Julie said, a treadmill (as basic as it is) is a wonderful tool. I like to get on and watch tv. But the way to make the time 'speed' by is if your at the gym and you can get the person on the next treadmill to talk - that makes the time fly by. Since I had two treadmills in my basement gym, all I really need to do is rent someone to talk and walk with me.....lol
Another way to exercise, that is too much fun to be real work is to ride a bike outside or rollerblade to and around the park........plus you can get some fresh air and sun at the same time......great way to meet people too.....

[vibrantecho]

Julie - I didn't notice the questionnaire the last time I checked out the BB website - I just did it now and it recommended Yoga Booty Ballet :dancer: . And Slim in 6, of course. :)

I have three more classes in the current session at my yoga place, then I'm going to check out the "Fitness Yoga" class at the gym - considering it's free and all! I guess it's sort of a pilates-yoga-combo class. Should be interesting.

Fiona

[Star]

Julie - Fiona - Okay you chicks got me thinking now, I'm gonna have to go and so the questionnaire - they could hold the answer as to how to get that perfect body.

Fiona -tell us more about your consult with the PT at the gym last night.
Lifetime Fitness has everything you need and more, or so my friend says......lucky you!

[textjewel]

Fiona and Star - maybe we'll be here in the fall all doing YBB. . .

Star - you're right, the techniques come and go - 15 years ago, what was kick boxing??

I think that if you can find the enjoyment factor, which you seem to have done so well, Star, that you can be fit even when the hair is blue. .

[Star]

Well for me, they suggested Slim-N-Six and Power 90....so Julie I'll meet you there. I was secretly hoping for YBB......lol

[textjewel]

Me too - well what do they know, anyway?? I wonder what Fiona put in to get the YBB?

And, yes, Fiona, DEETS on the consult.

[Star]

I think I missed the kick boxing, but I'm thinking 15 years ago would have been around the "step" phase.
I still want to call and see if I can locate a Jazzercise class around me, they are a hoot.
Fiona - Fitness Yoga sounds great and actually there is something similar to that advertised on tv right now.....it looks very effective.
Julie - you know my goal is to be the blue haired arobics instructor at the retirement home.....DH will run the juice bar....

[vibrantecho]

Oh, right, the PT. Yesterday we did a more extended cardio fitness test to establish my (wait let me get out my cheat sheet) ah - anaerobic threshold. (Although I understand what this is and how it relates to my own workouts, I don't think I can explain it so I'm just going to assume you guys know already. ;) ) Aside from establishing target heart rate and all that jazz, the part I found most interesting was that I discovered that 1) I don't walk straight - I stride longer and strike harder with my right foot than my left, which I'm going to need to work on so that I don't end up injuring myself; and 2) I need to put a priority on interval/incline training. During the test we did the how hard are you working, scale of 1-10 test, and on a flat plane I was fine, but as soon as we started bumping the incline up my heart rate jumped and my legs started feeling fatigued really quickly. So, considering the MS Walk is all outdoors, it's really important that I get better at dealing with inclines (hills).

Then, based on the results of the cardio test, she generated a sample 30-minute treadmill workout for me to try before our next appointment on Thursday. It's all at 2% incline except for two intervals at 4 and 6(!!!)%. Yikes! I think I'm going to be feeling it on Friday. Of course, part of the exercise is to keep your heart rate within certain "zones" at the same time, so if I'm feeling fatigued or my heart rate goes out of whatever "zone," I'll need to remember to slow down so that I can complete the whole 30 minutes. I think I'm going to need a heart rate monitor! I don't like using the hand sensors - it throws off my stride to hang onto them all the time, and minute-by-minute monitoring is a must.

So anyway, that's what it was! My next appointment is on building core strength - I'm guessing that means sit-ups - blech. :lol:

Fiona

[vibrantecho]

Oh, and I clicked: have been fit/out of shape; lose weight; 50-100 pounds; entire body; 3-5x/week, 30-60 min/day.

And wow, $40 + shipping isn't bad - although I think DH would kill me for spending $$$ on at-home workout stuff when we just joined a 24-hour gym. :^:

Fiona

[textjewel]

Star - oh yes, Step and Jane Fonda. . .maybe 10 years ago for kick boxing??
Also, I am sure that workouts and the juice bar will be the most popular place in the retirement home.

Fiona - that sounds like a great assessment - very interesting on your stride!
Let me know what you find out about heart rate monitors. I'm looking for one that's not too expensive but also gives calorie burn . . .When you did the walk the last time did they give you any kind of walking plan, sort of like marathon training? BTW, my defination of core is changing to PILATES - but I'm thinking that with yoga you may already have a pretty good core. .

[Star]

Fiona - I guess to understand target heart rate or zones you just have it explained correctly. Now you know why I'm timing and counting all the time, I need the heart monitor too.....With time the fatigue feeling will pass, and you'll find it easier to stay in your 'zone.'
I can't do incline becuz my foot doctor told me it was too much pressure on my bunions,but I know it is more trying than flat surface. Unfortunately I have to listen to my foot doctor until I have surgery.
Working on Core strength is far more than abs, it's a balancing act using the core muscles of your body. I believe it is similar to what you do in pilates. Your yoga should come in handy for you here and in other areas of your new program.
Keep us posted and remember no matter how sore you get - it's all good!

[Star]

Julie - Your showing your age with Jane Fonda, her tape was out in the late 70's becuz I remember I just gave birth to my youngest......lol

Hey and now that FI gave us all the right answers - we can cheat and be directed to use the YBB......oh goodie.....lol

[vibrantecho]

There is a suggested 18-week training plan included with the registration materials - the first week you walk 3-4 miles x 4 days (13 miles total), and it steadily increases from there so that the last weeks before the event you are doing 30+ miles a week. If you follow the plan exactly, starting 18 weeks before the event, you'll walk about 425 training miles!

Okay, I'm still obsessing over YBB - some of those before and after pics are impressive!

Fiona

[Star]

Fi - YBB looks like so much fun and I'm gonna go look at the before and afters.
Prior to this 'want' of YBB I was really liking the looks of the Urban Rebounder, but it passed......
Do you have good walking shoes?

[vibrantecho]

New shoes are on my list of things I'm going to have to get in the near future - two pairs (Ka-ching!). There is a specialty ski-bike-run store on the way out to my parents' house, so I'm going to stop in there one of these days to get some expert advice on shoes, and maybe some help with my walking issues, too! I think my off-balance stride is probably part of the reason I hurt myself the last time I did the Walk, and we don't want to go there again.

Fiona

[Star]

Fi - That is exactly where you need to go to get professional help with the correct shoe for you and your issue......sometimes it's a small thing that can make all the difference. With bunions I'm pretty anal about my workout shoes. I replace them real regular becuz I wear the inner heel area out, causing it to rub that area and possibly blister. Geez, so many issues to keep in check to try and stay fit.....lol

[textjewel]

Fiona - also, listen to all the advice about shoes - I wear 7 1/2's and once I got up to 5 miles, my toes were going numb - I went up to 8's and was very happy. . . Will you be able to find a group of people to train with? Much easier to do those really long training walks with other people.

Star - I heard about Jane in the 70's, but didn't try her step tapes until the early 90's. .

[~Chris]

Thanks for all of the wonderful & useful info, everyone!!

[Star]

Chris - You are so welcome, for one, I am full of hot air that has to be expelled somehow.....lol But did you decide your plan of attack?
Had a good workout this a.m. It was tape/cardio day. When I get on the recumbent bike it is 6 a.m. and I watch Texas Ranger. It is a very physical show and entertains me for an hour.....Prior to 6, I watch Animal Rescue, sometimes QVC or HSN. That early in the morning I'm not too fussy about whats on.
Plan on going to the Power House gym near my new place this weekend. Want to check it out and see what time they open. Possibly I could get up, go there and come back home to get ready for work. My other option is too go back to the little gym I belong to near work. That means I would have to pack my gym bag to get ready for work there, like I use to. Decisions-Decisions.
I think I will lose my basement gym this Friday, DH is taking a truck load of "up north" stuff then and my gym is part of that load......I'm very sad.....boo-hoo
Later Fit Chicks.....

[vibrantecho]

Morning Star!

Well, I was lazy last night and missed my yoga class :( . So instead I went to Target to look over there selection of heart rate monitors - HA! They had exactly ONE on the shelf, and it was a cheapo $25 one that you have to press your finger on the sensor to read your HR - not much better than using the palm sensors on the machine, I think. I did find an MP3 player I really liked (need something other than the clunky CD walkman that I keep tripping over!), but it was still $80 even on sale so passed for now.

For HRMs, I think I'm going to try my luck with ebay (big surprise). I did some research and I think I know what brand and model I want, so I'm just going to wait until one pops up on ebay in my price range. :D

Fiona

[Star]

Fiona -
Tell us more about the model monitor you want, what all does it do and the price range, please...........................thx....

[auditgirl]

Well gals, I still haven't worked with hand weights for arm toning even though i said I would last week. I'm keeping up with cardio and plan to work arms tonight! I will report back tomorrow. DH had to get up early for work (3:30am) and woke me, I gave up around 4am and got up and hit the treadmill...now I'm halfway through my planned workout...will finish the other 30-35 minutes this afternoon.

Jen

[Star]

Jen- Go get those arms! Summer is coming - sleeveless tops.....yoo-whoo...
Hey Chicks - Rate this thread - up at the top.......
Later

[auditgirl]

Star-this is going to sound really petty, but I have a flat mole on my right arm about the size a pencil eraser and have never been comfortable in sleeveless anything because of it. I don't mind when I'm in a bathing suit, but have just never worn anything else without sleeves...odd, I know!

[textjewel]

Star - I added my rating, now we're 5 *****!

Jen - I have this thing with my legs. . .which is why no bathing suits for decades. . This year I have to get one, since I have a friend taking me snorkling (another new experience) this summer. . .What have you decided to do for an arm routine?

[Star]

Jen - Have you ever looked into having it removed? With your new body - you should be thinking about all the ways you can change the styles you wore in the past. I mean at a size 12 you must be looking pretty dang good.....
Don't get me started on my body flaws. Okay just a funny one, I have really big ears. When I was a young teenager I always said I was gonna get them fixed when I was 21. Then other things became more important and they didn't bother me anymore. Today I love my ears, I do feel kinda sorry for my DS that got them too though......Thank God the GB's missed the gene......lol
You go chick!

Julie - Your legs are gonna see some big changes......and soon....

Note - I hope this dumb post about my 'ears' won't hurt our rating......

[textjewel]

Star - from your lips to God's ears (and I hope they are BIG ones) about the legs. . .

[vibrantecho]

Yeah Star, I'm going to rate this thread a ONE STAR just cause I had to read about your ears! ROFL!!!! :rofl: It's okay, I've NEVER liked my nose, but I'll probably never have a nose job - I'm way too indecisive and I'd never be able to pick a new one! :dizzy:

About the HRMs: Polar and Ekho are the two brands sold by my local bike/run store, which is a pretty good endorsement, I think. Polar is probably the best known - they are also the ones that LTF sells. But I found a GREAT deal on an Ekho that I just don't think I can pass up: go HERE (http://www.greenfishsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=390) to check it out. $40!!! Plus about $6-7 for shipping via UPS. (Even better than e-bay!) It has the chest strap for constant monitoring, the programmable "target zone" with the audio/visual alarm that goes off when you go out of your programmed zone, and a calorie counter, which is not something I really care about, but is a neat perk nonetheless. Oh, and for $20 more you can get the next model up which has FIVE programmable target zones plus five "activity mode programs" whatever they are.

Whew.

Fiona

[Star]

FI - Oh no I'm tempted too...I really could use one. Plus I could save the extra 20$ becuz I could never figure out FIVE programmable target zones plus five "activity mode programs." I still haven't programmed my Health-o-Meter scale.....lol
Thanks for doing the research!
I'm so glad you had a giggle over my ears.....lol

[vibrantecho]

Star - I never use the "save" settings on my scale, either. I should - that's why I bought it, after all...maybe if I can figure out how to CLEAR all the memory and start over from scratch.

I think I'm definitely getting that HRM as soon as I have $50 to spare. I also think that it's the coolest because it's red. :lol:

Fiona

[Star]

FI - the HRM is very cute...and so red...I think I have to have it........
Julie - Did you check it out?

Let's consider changing this to:
"Happiness is not found in Having....or Being..... it is in SHOPPING!"

[vibrantecho]

Shopping is a type of doing, isn't it??? :devil:

Fiona

[Star]

Well, ofcourse it is......... :hyper:

[textjewel]

Yes, I did take a look - I like that it counts calories, but not sure how you put your weight in so it gets that right. . . Maybe I'll take a look at them this week in brick and morter stores. . .

I totally agree that shopping is doing - plus it keeps the world going. . .

[vibrantecho]

Me again - thought I'd post the sample treadmill workout my PT gave me and see if you guys had any insights, before I try and tackle it tonight. Here's some background:

My "AT" is 163, my "Zones" that I'm supposed to try and stay within are 1: 97-114 BPM, 2: 114-146, 3: 146-163. I know that at 0% incline, walking at 3.2, my HR is fairly steady at 160.

The program I'm supposed to follow looks like this:

5 minutes: incline 2%, Zone 1 (97-114 BPM) - warm up
5 minutes: 2%, Z2 (114-130) - warm up
2 minutes: 2%, Z3 (146-163)
1 minute: 2%, AT (163)
4 minutes: 2%, Z2 (114-130)
2 minutes: 4%, Z3 (146-163)
1 minute: 6%, AT (163)
5 minutes: 2%, Z2 (114-130) - cool down
5 minutes, 2%, Z1 (97-114) - cool down

I guess I'm concerned that I'm going to be fumbling with the speed buttons trying to guess how fast or slow I need to cause the appropriate change in HR, and not be moving my HR up or down (mostly down) quickly enough to match the intervals? Thoughts?

Fiona

[textjewel]

Fiona - could you pick one to get straight first - are you most concerned with heart or doing the program as written?

[Star]

Fiona - Order the HRM yesterday.....lol
My guess is that your heart rate will be up and you will have to relax and concentrate on staying at the correct rate. This doesn't happen right away either - so just look at it as a learning period...
It sounds like a great program.......you go chick!
My report today is - I DIDN'T workout this morning.......BUT I have a reason. My DH is home packing a truck to take up north and so I slept in with him, danrk coffee and got ready for work. It felt really strange....lol
Plus, I just found out that I don't have to work tomorrow. This is wonderful news becuz he was taking the truck up north tomorrow, now I can go and maybe drive the car hauler with the 57 Chevy in it. I was kinda worried about not being able to atleast supervise......lol

[textjewel]

Star - so you went ahead and ordered the HRM? You are so brave to drive the car hauler ---is it a long trip?

Fiona - I agree with the learning period/curve. . .It took me two weeks to learn the foundation moves on these tapes - and by the time I had the rhythm down my heart rate had settle down (by perceived exertion rate). .

My brother called last night at 9:00 to say he'd be here before noon

[Star]

Julie - No I was telling Fiona with her new treadmill program she needed the HRM yesterday.......
Glad your brother is helping you out...with the VCR/CD thingy.....males are so handy....

[Star]

Julie - the trip up north is 3 hours, well 2/5 - 3. About hauling the car, like I've told you before, I'm too blonde to be scared of anything......lol

[textjewel]

Star -I wish I had that blonde trait. . . will it work if it comes out of a bottle? (Although I truly don't think I have the coloring for blonde. . .)

Yes, males are so handy - and I'm really lucky that my DB does this kind of stuff so well, since otherwise I'd be out of luck! The only problem is that his internal clock/schedule is so different than anyone elses. . .

[vibrantecho]

Morning fellow getting-fit chicks. :)

Well, that that workout sucks! :( I was thinking the day we did the threshold test that my top number - the 163 - didn't seem high enough, and based on trying that program last night, I think I'm right. My resting HR is pretty high anyway - in the 70s, gotta get that down too - so trying to keep it under 130 for a third of the workout meant I had to go so slow I was practically walking backwards. And then to get my HR up rapidly, I practically had to start jogging, then it was too much - all in all, kind of a mess. And I could REALLY have used a proper HRM - the hand grips take 10 full seconds to register, and when you're doing 1-2 minute intervals, there's just not enough time to adjust the speed up/down to correct it.

I think it would have made more sense, for me, to find a comfortable walking speed and work my HR by changing the incline, rather than vice versa. And of course, these are all things I plan to go over with the PT when I meet with her this afternoon.

Definitely getting that HRM as soon as there's money in the bank.

Fiona

[Star]

Fiona - I think you should talk with the personal T and tell them that you want to get use to the treadmill and how your HR ranges before trying such a varied routine....
I know you'll stand your ground......
Remember - it's all good!
I want the HRM too, I'm tempted to order it today....

Julie - I get all my blonde moments out of the bottle.....lol

[vibrantecho]

Star - I just ordered mine! :dancer: Too bad you live like, 800 miles away or something, we could be workout buddies with matching HRMs. LOL!

Fiona

[Star]

Okay miss smarty pants - I'm right behind you with the ordering. We could meet in the middle? Where would that put us? Julie will know, she's the traveler.....? So if we all three meet in the middle, where are we Julie?

[vibrantecho]

Our little bride, Diane, is somewhere on the eastern end of Wisconsin - we could meet at her house. Wouldn't that be a fun wedding/honeymoon surprise? :lol:

Edit - scratch that, I can't read today. :dizzy:

Fiona

[textjewel]

Just give me a couple of days to get there- from the east coast??? Actually, geography is NOT my good point - I'm getting pretty good with road maps, though..

[vibrantecho]

PT said to try the routine at least one more time - I think I'll wait til next week when my HRM gets here - and if it's just not working, do whatever cardio I'm comfortable with until our next appointment (she's going on vacation so I have a week to work out on my own), then if it still seems awkward we'll do the threshold test again when she gets back.

Did that core stuff today - no actual sit ups, but plenty of modified pushups and squats. Boy did I feel it! Supposed to do 30 minutes of cardio and a whole list of core exercises 3x each over the next week. I'm going to be a tired gal!

Fiona

[textjewel]

Fiona - just a thought, since I went through this learning curve thing on the exercise series I'm doing now - pick the complicated thing first and get it down, and then add in the easier part (or the other way around) - it doesn't have to be perfectly right the first few times.

I'm with you on the core stuff - pilates (and only 30 min once a week) kicks my b*tt. well, my abs. And the strength training - I am doing more reps each time.

[videochick]

Hi, All -

I know that some of us who have started to add exercise to our lives, regardless of what LAWL says, have been concerned about muscle weighing more, maybe not seeing an immediate loss from adding exercise, etc. I came across this in Bob Green's new book, Ultimate Weightloss Makeover (I think) - anyway, I'm going to include this as a quote, make us feel a little better:

"In the beginning, as you start exercising and ramping up your workouts and as you change your eating habits, the water you body holds on to (or lets go of) will largely dictate your losses - or even gains. As you become more active and drink more water, your muscles will retain water. The primary culprit here is glycogen, a form of carbohydrate that's stored in your muscles and is the main fuel for exercise. The more active you are, the more glycogen your muscles will retain and thus the more water you'll hold on to: Each gram of glycogen stores an addtional 2.5 grams of water. What's more, the fitter you become, the more glycogen you store.

This initial water weight gain can be disheartening, but hang in there. Water-weight gain will cover up the body fat losses that you will be experiencing. After a few weeks, you will begin to see fat loss. And the reality is, this is a part of charging up your metoabolism, which will ultimately lead to an increase in your fat-burning power."

Even though I'm committed to LAWL because of the $$ I've invested, I still borrow all the new diet/exercise books from the library to see what the hype is.

Anyway, I've heard this explanation before - especially at the Firm Forum (for the firm videos - which I've had for too long to remember and used to do faithfully, now the most exercise I get from then is running the duster over them - but that's another story.) So, for years, over at the Firm boards, some people noted that when they started working out and using dumbbells, (the firm is Aerobic Weight Training combining cardio and weights) that they seemed to get bigger rather than smaller in the first couple of weeks or so, and then suddenly the weight seemed to drop off all at once.

The Firm also preaches that you have to feed your body more if you are working out, and are proponents of clean eating and I feel LAWL is pretty consistent - except for the LA Bars which to me have a lot of sugar and even some partially hydrogenated oils - with the lean proteins, fruits and veggies, etc.

I'm not saying that any of this will work or apply to everyone, but I do feel that as we get closer to our goals, we have to change things up and tweak as our bodies change. Our bodies are going to react differently to getting and being in shape, than it's reaction to our being sedentary and eating food with no nutritional value which it just stored as fat.

That's why I think, and maybe Star said this too, that LAWL needs to rethink their views of exercise. Many of the people who are featured in Thin for Life, and in that weightloss study that I can't remember the name of, all do at least an hour of exercise a day to maintain their weight.

Enough from me for now. I am home today trying to clean and as you can see, I am easily distracted!

Melissa

[textjewel]

Melissa, thanks for adding in the expert speak! I've seen that alot in various forums - that when we first ramp up the exercise, the scale weight doesn't drop - but then will starting 3-4 weeks afterward. . . I do wish that LAWL was a little more supportive of this!

Running the duster, hmmm? Well, I cleaned my sliding glass door windows yesterday, does that count?

[videochick]

So soon you say!?! I do thing's backwards, I was so anxious to post what I read in Bob Green's book, I didn't read the rest of the thread first.

Fiona - Thanks for the link for that Ekho, it is really cute and the price is right. Hopefully my tax refund will be here soon and I might make the purchase.

If I may add one thing about Polar, you must send your HRM back to them to get the battery changed and that usually costs about $50-60. I had one years ago when I was seriously working out and that was the one draw back, while the battery lasted a year, to pack everything up, yep chest strap too, mail it out, when a watch battery is like five dollars was a pain in the butt.

I've heard good things about an hrm called Sigma Fit or something like that, I know a guy sells them on ebay, and you can change the battery yourself. I think it sells for about $50-60, but it is not as cute as that Ekho. Also, CardioSport hrms allow you to change the battery yourself.

If you're wondering why I am such a font of information (HA!) - my old BF was/is a fairly accomplished runner and first introduced me years ago to using an HRM because he felt I wasn't working in the zone, etc, etc, more like I zoned out. He had all those extras on his, I think it was Polar that was like $300! His last time, time in zone, out of zone, beeping, lights - danger Will Robinson!

Let me tell you when I first got one, I wore it all the time because I wanted to know my hr for everything, it can be addictive.

Well, the dust bunnies are calling me.
Melissa

[textjewel]

Melissa - thanks for the info on the HRM. I keep on thinking that there should be one that attaches to you shoes, so it knows how much you weigh, and then can calculate the calories? Now, that would probably really be Star Trekkie...

Okay, these are my exercise goals for the week. . . My VCR is up and running. I did get in workouts on Friday and Saturday - I'm going to use Sunday as my rest day. .

These tapes are based on the ProjectYou system - so the schedule is already set - I just have to DO them.

Monday/Thursday - 30 minutes cardio tape, 30 min Lower Body Workout
Tuesday/Friday - 30 minutes cardio tape, 30 min Upper Body Workout
Wednesday - 20 minutes pilates, 20 min yoga
Saturday - 30 min cardio - I've been doing a walking tape on my stepper. It also comes with ProjectYou - The tape also continues onto the second side with an interval workout, which I haven't even listened to yet. I'd love to get through that portion by the end of April.

Since I missed several days last week, I'm considering myself at week 3, still, so I still have at three more weeks at this schedule. Then there is a 'rest week', then the program shifts again for weeks 7 through 12. . .

Also, I haven't taken my measurements yet. Not sure if this is a good day to do it after a week of steroids, but have to start somewhere, right?

I may just get that HRM as a reward for following the program this week!

[Star]

Julie - WOW - you are one bad chick! As of this newly posted workout schedule - you kick butt! Very impressive, is this as instructed by Project You? If so, it doesn't look like they are messing around.
As of last Thrusday, I have closed the "Star Gym" - It is a very sad time for me.
I still have afew tapes I'm doing at home, but right now I am inbetween deciding on when and which gym to go to.
I am glad to report that with all the weekend moving I was the one that complained the least and suffered no injuries or soreness......GO-Trina Go-Trina!
This coming Saturday is move day to the apartment - I'm rather excited now and anxious to be so near the fitness trail.
Melissa - Thanks for the info on weight training and so why is this all so complicated anyhow? It's just not fair.

[textjewel]

Star - yes it is the projected plan via project you - I'm just hoping I can keep up with it. I did the lower body today, and I still can't do all the reps in each of the exercises - but I can do at least two . . Oh well - I've got three more weeks to see if I can complete the whole tape. If I can't I can always tack on another week!

So sorry that the Star gym is closed for a while. I can't believe that you are able to actually move in two weeks.

BTW - It doesn't surprise me in the least that you complained the least over the weekend. And are the strongest.

And you'll be moving on daylight savings weekend - so you'll have more light at night to enjoy your new fitness trail.

[vibrantecho]

Hey chickies -

My HRM is supposed to be here tomorrow - can't wait! Also, DH and I were trying to count how many times I've been to the gym so far since I joined - need to get in 8 times a month to get the rebate from my health insurance - and realized I had been in 7 times already, and it wasn't even a full month. The counting was pretty funny, though, sounded like this: "Okay, I got a freebie the day I signed up, then the day after because I had promised DD she could go in the playroom (child care center), then there was the two times that I fell off the treadmill, and the one time I DIDN'T, and the two personal trainer sessions. Wow, seven!" :rofl:

What's great is all they monitor is your check-in, so I get attendance "credits" even if all I do is sit in the hot tub for an hour or do a session in the tanning bed or get a massage. :D

Fiona

[Star]

Julie -
About your exercise program, I can't tell you anything anymore - you are one fast study! Like you said, just do as many reps as you can, you'll be at the head of the class in no time.....or head of the tape.....lol Your moving at such a fast rate I'm almost glad you aren't my workout buddy....lol Go-Julie Go-Julie!
I'll keep you posted on what my new workout routine brings, always something new with me.....sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[textjewel]

I will say this about this program - it doesn't take much thought - it just takes DOING. And that's really what I needed right now. I needed an integrated program that worked me all over and I could just put my legs and arms in the right place. (I had higher expectations of my strength though. . .)

Once I get the basics down (and I can finish the entire tape without my supporting limbs trembling) then I can mix it up with other stuff.

Star - cannot wait to see how you construct a new program. I confess, this is still so new to me that I really had to convince myself to restart again last week when I got my new VCR.

Fiona - Wow - 7 times already, and that's not counting any massages! Will they report to your insurance company about your attendance? How do you get it refunded?

Jen, how are you doing on your arm exercises?

[vibrantecho]

Julie - when I registered they took down my insurance number, then I guess they report to the insurer at the end of the month whether I was in 8 times, and then the insurer pays them, then the credit shows up on my bill the next month. Something like that. They are always two months behind in crediting, due to "getting you in the system," but if/when I ever cancel my membership, they will cut me a check for the two months' credit. Kinda neat.

Fiona

[Star]

Julie - Well I'm really glad you got back to it after your DB hooked up the VCR. All it takes is something like 2 weeks (?) to form a habit......
You know about just watching the tape and DOING is why so many people love exercise classes, it doesn't take much thinking.....lol
Fiona - That is cool that your insurance pays part of your membership fees. BUT here's hoping you won't ever cancel your membership.....lol Sounds like your enjoying it so far and once that HRM gets to you - watch out!

Getting back to fashion - Oh that was on the other thread. Anyhow, I was wondering if you girls have cute workout clothes that motivate you to get going? I only ask becuz I truly think it makes a difference; if I look good - I feel better. :lol: What do you think?

[textjewel]

Star - you're right, sometimes it's much easier to let an expert tell you what to do than to try to b