Funniegirl - I am thinking that exercise alone gives me a greater appreciation and mind/body connection.

However, I am bummed - since I couldn't get my sculpting tapes to work after I had done the cardio - I think the cardio may have overheated the VCR!

I really like this as it's a complete program - I think that after I finish the initial 12 weeks I may start the second half again after a rest week. (I am going to be traveling this summer, which will make regular exercise a challenge!)

Julie

Great point! You are exactly right. During the habit forming stage I think we are more inclined to think 'let's burn fat and build muscle and get to goal'. There's not a lot of thought in the middle about nurturing the body or connecting with it, and in many cases, not much deep commitment. With yoga, I'm learning more about my physical abilities (or lack thereof!), relaxation, and even appreciation for my body. Although yoga doesn't burn as many calories or build as much muscle as the other parts of the program, it is very beneficial in other ways.

Julie, did you try it again after the vcr cooled down? If it is broken, call customer service and get another. I read on BB that somebody had a defective tape (or dvd) and they expedited another to her.

Hi all -
I force fed it yesterday, and got the cardio and upper body workouts done - I am still wiped out after the first set of tricep dips - but did get it all done.

I've finally got most of the moves of Foundation down, so I'll move to power push next week. What a feeling of accomplishment - I can actually lift and move my body during some of those kickboxing segments!

Afterwards, I moved the VCR slightly - I think it was slightly out of balance - it seems to work much better now. It's an old VCR, at least 5 years old, so I probably will need to buy a new one soon. It's just a hassel getting it connected to the cable correctly, and all that stuff.

I have the yoga and pilates to do today and I am looking forward to it. Still no sticky mat - by next week.

Jennifer -you are right - right now I'm focused on losing weight! Although I really know that fitness and good habits are more important. . I've been a regular exerciser in the past, and let it all slip away. But the good thing about doing this particular suite of programs is that even after ten days I can see certain positive changes in myself.

Julie

Wheeeee, good for you! I can do the tricep dips, but not the rapid-fire dips. I think I do about 4 of them max! That's up from ONE, so it is an improvement.

Tonight I jumped ahead and did Long Lean for cardio instead of Power Push or Steady Strides (it was cardio-only day). Oh boy, it does require more coordination. It reminds me a little of her timesaver workout, which I totally sucked at. :lol: I expected to be more tired at the end, or maybe not finish it, but I did, so that is disappointing for my first try. However, since it was the first time, I probably didn't get the moves executed fully and didn't get all of the exercise. We'll see next week. I'll do it again for cardio-only day.

Today I managed 8 rapid fire tricep dips, so I'm halfway to goal. I sure hope these aren't in the hour long sessions. :lol:

Since I'm still new to this daily workout thing - I missed yesterday. Went off plan big time. But, the sun is shining, tomorrow is the first day of spring, and I'm planning to do the steady strides again. (and maybe lower body since I missed that yesterday).

I think I'm ready to do the power push next week; I've got most of the moves down for the foundation tape.

(People are saying my skin is looking better - I expect it's a side effect of SWEAT!)

Jule

Good for you, Julie, just jump right back in. I've noticed on Power Push that my mileage varies from one workout to another. I do best in the morning as soon as I wake up. I feel like I can do more, and I walk away fatigued in a good way. If I do it at night, I don't do it as well.

I've also realized that sometimes I think I'm doing good, and then realize that I'm not getting my leg up as high as they are, or I'm not lungeing as deep as I could be. I realize something new each time I do it, and it is always helpful to get the reminders from Kathy to hold my shoulders up or to control the move and not let momentum take over. I could complete more of the workout in the beginning than I can now, and I think that is due to better form and more effort, deeper moves, etc.

Jennifer, you are so right - the last time I did the upper body, it was like I finally realized, okay, I'm supposed to use THAT muscle to but the weight up there - instead of just moving it into position.

Also, the cueing really helps with the timing of each move, so I don't get into moving the weight with momentum.

Julie

Okay, I did Power Push - I am so glad that I took an extra few days on Foundation, MUCH easier to follow the routines. . .Hopefully in 4 weeks I can actually lift my body off the floor for the routines at the end. . .

WooHoo, Jennifer - I finished the first full set of the tricep dips today!!! And four of the rapid fire. . .

I noticed from your journal that you're doing the Long Lean - is that also built on top of Power Push?? (I still haven't gotten the jumping jacks of that yet . .)

Julie

Hey Julie! Good for you on the triceps. I'm on upperbody tomorrow, so I'll shoot for 5 rapid fire. I really hate those, lol. I hope they aren't in the full body circuit! :eek:

Some of Long Lean is built on PP, but much of it is new stuff. I recognize a few of the moves from her Timesaver workout. The alternating knee raises where you do it in the middle, and then facing each side - sorry, can't remember the name! - those are in there, and the shuffles are in there, and something similar to the mountain climb (but easier) is in there. This one is a little more dancey in a way. Still not 'dancing' but she calls it attitude. There is one shimmy thing that makes me feel stupid, but it only lasts about 15 seconds so I just skip it. ;)

There isn't any kickboxing in this one. Overall, it doesn't seem harder than PP, but I can't keep up with them in a few spots. My feet just aren't quick enough. I'm wondering if I'd be faster on a hard surface instead of carpet. The carpet might be dragging my feet.

I overslept this morning BIG TIME so no time to exercise (alarm was on PM, duh). I didn't get home until 8:30 tonight, and experience tells me exercising that late is a crappy workout, plus I'll be up all night, which is a guarantee for another crappy one in the morning.

Well, my VCR is good and totally broke :( , so I will be trying to find a new one today. It swallowed a tape and won't give it up! Luckily it wasn't one of the PY tapes!

I have the same question in my mind about the carpet - the 'happy feet' in Power Push - my legs are still not rapid fire enough for that or is the carpet drag - And that shifting shuffle in the later segment? Oh well, when/if I can do them in the next 3 weeks. . . But I keep my feet moving. Sometimes I'm drinking water instead of moving my arms, but oh well!

I'm hoping that those hip lifts at the end of the chair aren't in the full body circuit. . .

Julie

Hello fellow P:You-ers! I'm Connie. I found about this thread from the Ask Kathy Smith board, and I am so excited!! This is a really cool thread, just what I've been looking for! I'm just starting my 7th week of P:Y and am enjoying many great results already. I just love this Project!

I hope it's ok for to me to chirp in here regularly...? :)

I'm not very sure how this board works, and I hope I posted this right. I'd appreciate any posting tips you might have for newbie FC.

Connie

Jennifer,

I overslept this morning too! Ack!! I had to get up very early today to have time to exercise, but I guess my body just doesn't do 6:30 AM. LOL I was really looking forward to my first Full Circuit workout, but I can use today as a Rest day and jump back in with both feet tomorrow- at a more sane time. ;)


Connie

today was my first day with project you and I really liked the workouts. It was really hard trying to schedule in time to get it down with the kids off of school. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Hi Connie, welcome to 3FC! You posted just right. :) You are a about 3 weeks ahead of me. You'll actually be getting more ahead of me as the next few days go because I have to nurse an injury before I get back to the program. I'm swollen from the knee down on my left leg. Most likely not getting my leg all the way up in kickboxing, and dragging it along the carpet. I never felt a specific pain when exercising, so I don't know how it happened. It could have happened anywhere, but I'm guessing the probability is high with PY. I love the program, though, and can't wait to get back to it. I will ask to be released when I go back to the Dr on Thursday. Right now I am supposed to be iced and elevated and I'm not doing either one. :o I'll go do that promptly, though!

I am so grateful to have found this program. I've got an enthusiasm for exercise that I've never had. I feel so GREAT after I workout with this program, and I can really see a difference. The scale is moving slowly (but for me it always has), but after 4 weeks I do see a big difference in my legs and abs for sure, and I feel so much better. I took measurements at the start of the program, so I'll look forward to measuring at the end. :D

Keep your fingers crossed that I get released on Thursday. I can't stand the wait! Let me know how the first full circuit goes. I'll be there in 2 weeks.


Bev, congratulations on the first day! Try and do it in the mornings, if you can squeeze it in. I have so much more energy in the day if I do it in the AM. Be sure and make time for yourself. This is for your health and you deserve it. :D

Hi!

Glad to see some other Project You'ers!

Connie - I've been lurking on the Ivillage and beachbody sites - I think it's so cool that Kathy posts on those boards!

I started week 3 over again, since I missed about 3 days last week for equipment problems, plus not feeling quite the thing since I started a cycle of steroids for a skin problem. :(

So my goal this week is to do it EXACTLY as written. . .

I think the low impact modifier (Jennifer :?: ) is my best friend on Power Push. I did do Foundation for two weeks to get the kickboxing section down, and I'm really glad. I have a problem really keeping the speed up in the skiing section towards the end of Power Push, but I keep on telling myself that I'll be able to really see my progress at the end of this cycle when I can keep up. Same with some of those leg workouts. .

Jennifer - so sorry to hear that your leg hurts. I have a similar problem with the lunge series and the carpet and being able to lift myself fast enough to do them in tempo.

But the 30 minutes fly by! I don't even check the little clock anymore to see how long I have to go!

Julie

well this morning i did foundations and upper body/abs. I did much better this morning than yesterday. I really liked both workouts.

I was wondering if you ladies are following the eatting plan with project you or doing your own thing. If you are following Project you are you using a protein shake like stated in the eatting guide. I am so clueless with protein shakes that I don't know what brand to use. I am still undecided whether to follow Project you or something else. All I know is that my weight keeps going up.

Hi Jennifer,

I'm so glad I posted "right"! I haven't posted on 3FC for a LONG time. Eeekk! I'm excited about being back and having some new friends to share in this P:Y program.

So sorry to hear about your injury! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you to be released on Thursday. ;)

The scale is moving slowly for me, too. It seems that's how these last 60 pounds or so are going to come off. That's ok with me, as long as I keep seeing progress. lol I've noticed wonderful changes in my Core, thighs, and upper arms since I started P:Y. For me, the most important thing this project has given me is the power to connect with myself in a deeper way. My mind and body are working together now and I've become very aware of my hunger and other signals that my body sends to my mind. It's been very enlightening and empowering. I just love how Kathy tells us to make this project our own- that's the secret to success!!

Take care of that knee! Nice to meet you!

Connie :)

Hi textjewel! Nice to meet ya! :)

I just love that Kathy answers questions on those message boards! She's answered a few for me over the past couple years, and it always SO cool! And her advice is always right on. She's a really neat lady.

I'm sorry to hear about those steroids, but I hope they help with your skin problem. My sister has severe eczema and has to go on steroids for a few days sometimes. She has a really rough time handling the side effects. I feel so bad for her during those time. I hope you don't experience many side effects.

Don't worry about having to take a few days away from P:Y. Make it work for yourself, and pick it up as soon as you. That will be fine. :)

I had to take 2 weeks away from P:Y when my grandma died and my whole family went to be with my grandpa. And last week I had to modify my Week 6 (recovery) because I'm having to care for my mom while she's at home recovering from wrist surgery (she fell and severely dislocated her dominant wrist). She's home this week, too but she doesn't need as much help or "supervision".

Life happens, just do your best and make taking care of yourseld a priority each day no matter what. :)

I had a hard time with Ski section of PP, too. I had to do the slow part of the move low impact, otherwise the bottoms of my feet would cramp up. The last week of PP I was finally able to do 1 set of the Ski series just like Kathy, the others I modified to work for me. That PP was a tough workout!! It was neat to watch myself progress through it though. I bet you'll notice improvements, too.

Take care,
Connie :)

Hi Connie

My goal is to do week 3 as in the program this week - I've got Monday and Tuesday done (so that's already 40%, right?).

I sympathise with your sister - I'm definately not used to the low grade hunger I seem to constantly feel while I'm on this stuff. Thankfully, it'll be OVER by Saturday.

Life does happen! One of my goals this year- is to recognize that we can have little victories every day, and eventually they all add up. They each build on each other. Just making sure I drink enough water every day - trying to get the eating as good as I can - making the best decision when I go out to eat with my friends. . .Not buying the package of little debbie cream cakes - just because they are on sale!

Bev - I'm not following the eating plan (I'm still trying to follow LAWL, although I'm on hold until I finish the medications), so I can't help you there. But - if you go to the beachbody site, they probably have the nutrition facts on the protein powder there so you can find something comparable.

Hugs!
Julie

Hi Bev,

Congrats on your first Upper/ABs workout! Those tricep dips are a killer, aren't they? :devil: lol

I am following the P:Y Fat Burning plan, sorta. I've customized it to meet my personal needs by adding in 1 starch at Meal 4 and upping the serving size of veggies and fruits each day. My body and lifestyle require more than 1500 calories a day. These little customizations bring my calories between 1800- 2000 each day. I've really tuned into my hunger since starting P:Y and I let that guide me through the day. {Do you use the food journal that came with the program? It's really helpful.} Usually I eat every 3 hours, and make sure that each meal is well-balanced (1 protein, 1 starch (except for breakfast) and 2 produce with the appropriate amount of fat. Eating this way really has me feeling energized and overall fantastic. :hyper:

I don't know very much about protein shakes. I think Beachbody sells their brand of whey protein on their website. Maybe you could look at that and then compare it to what health food stores in your area carry? Good luck!

Connie

Hi Julie,

Hey, you're doing great- 40% is almost half! You can do it! ;)

I agree whole heartedly with you about the importance, as well as motivation, of celebrating ALL of our victories. Those are the mini steps that add up to great health and long term weight loss. For me weight loss has been a process, each little step has taught me more about myself and what works best for me in terms of good health. I look back and can't believe how far I've come- and wonder where I'll be in another 6 months, a year, 2 years etc. It's exciting and fascinating. And cries out for daily celebration. :)

Take care,
Connie

First Full Circuit workout
 

I am completely in love with Full Circuit. :love: There's something deeply invigorating to me about switching back and forth between cardio and heavy weight lifting (well, heavy for me probably isn't what bodybuilders would consider heavy :lol: ). I felt great doing this workout, the time went by surprisingly fast, and I felt jazzed all day long. Whoohoooo, great job Kathy Smith!

Time for bed....it's late! :tired:

Please share your opinion of Full Circuit, I'd love to hear another perspective and discuss some of the moves.

Connie

Hi Connie -
I haven't even looked at full circuit yet - I'll make that one of my goals this weekend - I still have 3 to 4 weeks before I'm scheduled to do that tape.
Do you need heavier weights? I have 3's, 5's and 8's - I'm willing to spring for 10's. . .

I also realized something yesterday - that doing the program even when I can't do every move with grace - is an important lesson in itself. . .

Goal - 60 % today. . . Pilates and yoga - I'm looking forward to a gentle workout today - I really could feel those glute squeezes last night! (after two continuous days of PP).

Bev, how are you doing?

Good Morning everyone,

today I did pilates and yoga ( these workouts are not my favorite- but I did them). I have always had a hard time with both of these types of workouts so I am happy that I actually completed them. So far I am really enjoying these workouts. When I first saw people talking about them I didn't think I would like them ( i started out with Kathy) but i really enjoy them. I was happy to see Kathy is thinking about doing more workouts for this line in beachbody.

Now about the eatting plan- this is the biggest challenge for me. I have always exercised so I know I can do that ( as long as I do it in the morning). I have always had trouble sticking to an eatting plan 100% but for the next two weeks I will going to try and stick to the fat burning food plan. Depending on my food choices I might have to add more food because I need atleast 1500 calories to even lose weight. I also promise all of you that I will also write everything down in my food journal.

So know that I made these promises to you ladies you have my permission to jump on my if I don't keep them.

Bev

Hi Bev-
Okay, I've been a little lax on measureing my foods since I've been on hold at LAWL because of the meds. My goal today is to MEASURE the food I eat - I've gotten lax on that.

Have you taken your body measurements yet? I haven't done that yet, either.

Julie

Hi Textjewel,

Whether or not you'll need heavier weights depends on how much strength you've gained during the first half of PY. Before I started PY I'd been lifting weights regularly for about 2 years, so I already had some decent strength in lots of places- except my triceps! lol Thanks to PY I have definition and strength in them now!

Most likely you'll be able to use the dumb bells that you already have for Full Circuit. You can always put 2 5 or 8 pound weights in your hand if you find yourself wanting a heavier weight for a specific move. In fact, that what Kathy has you do in Full Circuit for rows. You want to use a heavy enough weight to fatigue your muscles in 12 reps for Full Circuit, that's important. If you don't then you aren't getting full benefit of the exercises, and we don't want that! We've worked too hard to get this far for that, right? ;)

You've got a great attitude! I just love reading your posts. You are absolutely right, we don't have to do every move with ease or grace- just doing it in correct form is almost miracluous sometimes for me. hehe One of the things I love about PY is being able to watch and feel my body changing, experiencing moves getting easier, and being able to lift more weight. It's like continuous motivation for me.

How do you like the Core Flex? I had a hard time with Pilates for the first 1/3 of PY. I just didn't get it and I felt like it was useless. But, I've had a change of heart (after an attitude adjustment) about it after I started noticing my posture improve, my core feel stronger and watching my Abs flatten a bit. Whoohooo! I'm sold, it works!

Take care,
Connie

Hey Connie -
I got through pilates and yoga - I swear it was a new Pilates tape - I didn't remember doing several of the opening moves. I guess that's because I'm only doing it once a week (and I think this is probably my third time).

I love the physical peacefulness I feel after just 20 minutes of yoga. I find that amazing. I think I'm going to try to do it more often - I am not the most flexible chick around.

I am so glad that there's a PY thread here on 3FC -You are such an inspiration, chickie!

Hugs,
Julie

Ok has everyone except Julie taken there measurements. I took mine this morning and I was very surprised by the numbers. I was also wondering if there one body part besides weight loss that you are hoping to see changes in. Mine would be my stomach pouch. After two emergeny c-sections my lower stomach pouch is 5.5 inches more than my waist. That is the one thing I would really like to see go down.

bev

Bev - I would really, really like for my thighs to go down. I also have a pooch, no c-sections, just flabby! But - I know me - my boobs and my waist will go down first. And my ankles. I always lose inches from my extremites towards my hips. I'll be happy with just less pooch.

Hi Textjewel,

I had the same experience with the Pilates workout at the beginning of PY. I would have sworn it was a different workout. LOL Be patient with yourself, you'll start to "get it". It took me at least 4 times before it started sinking in.

I love the peacefulness of yoga, too. I have a yoga workout called Yoga for Weight Loss and I absolutely love it!! I try to do at least the first segment of that workout every week as an "extra" to my PY schedule just because I feel SO good during and after it.

I'm very happy to be part of this thread. I've been looking for some support and comarderie with my P:Y for several weeks. It's fun getting to know new people and cheering each other on. :>

Have a great day,
Connie

Hi Bev,

I took my measurements at the beginning of PY. I'm about halfway through now, and I think I'll take my measurements again this weekend.

The one area I'd like to see some (ha, that's an understatement! lol) reduction are my thighs. They are unproportionatly larger than the rest of me, which makes it very difficult to find pants that fit right. I know I've lost a good bit since starting PY already, but I always want more! hehehe Don't we all?

Keep up the great work and consistentcy! You're doing fantastic!

Connie :)

How are the PY chicks doing???

I took an unplanned rest day yesterday. . . But picked up Power Push and Lower body today. Talk about sweat city!!!

Progress - I actually got myself thru some of the jumps in the ski series! and in the lower body deadlifts(?) I actually did them supporting myself with one leg!

Bev, I'm doing better on the food measuring - but still haven't measured myself! I promise!

How's your search going for the protein powder?

Julie

Hi everyone,

well today I did foundation and upper body/abs. I am still sick so it took every bit of energy I had to do this workout. I will probably end back at the dr on monday.

Concerning the protein powder- I will probably try the chocolate spiru-tein. I am very confused about protein powder because there is both soy and whey. I can't really find a big difference between the two of them.

Julie- You are amazing that you can do the dead lifts on one leg ( without falling over ). Keep up the good work with the measuring of food. Great job on the lower body work out and push power.

Connie- I actually have the same problem as you with pants. I drives me crazy when the pants fit more every where but are tight in the thighs. So without measuring can you tell a difference in your body and energy. Congrats on being half way done.

So where are all the other Project you ladies.

well have a nice day and don't let anyone play any april fools jokes are you

bev

Bev - it was a surprise to me :D - I've been doing them both legged, and then decided to try them with one leg. Sometimes I have to remember to not do the modifier, but to try the 'real' way.

I did take my body measurements today. Always a surprise, but now I have a baseline for May 1st.

I know what you mean about pants - I need elastic in the waist, otherwise a family could go camping in the back.

I'm not sure that there is much difference between soy and whey - unless you are sensitive to milk, then you probably wouldn't want to do whey. Likewise, I don't think soy is that good for some conditions (like thyroid??)

I missed yesterday, so I'm going to try to do PP/UBW tomorrow (and if I'm dedicated, steady strides on Sunday.)

Hope you feel better!

Project You
 

How long does it take to get your program (PY)? I ordered mine from Beachbody this evening and am looking forward to receiving it.. I am sooooo out of shape I hope I can do this. I had been doing the Curves workout until December when I had a new grandson and he was sick, which got me out of the habit of going. Plus I watch the new baby 5 days a week and don't have time to go out for Curves. Wish me luck.. I sure need to do something. Thanks. Barbara :o

Hello ladies, I'm still on 'medical leave'. I was released yesterday, but I put myself back on it within a few hours. My knee has almost a toothache pain, and this afternoon I got really weird ankle pains. Sudden sharp ones and then they were gone in a few minutes. A friend suggested that I was favoring my injury and putting stress on my ankle. Great.

Anyway, I am planning on TRYING to do LongLean tomorrow as a replacement for Power Push. From what I remember, there was less impact and twisting in it. I do remember no kickboxing, and I'm thinking that is probably where I went wrong. It was all 'me' though, and not the workout. I have really crunchy knees anyway, and I was warned that if I can't get some cushion built up from glucosamine that I was headed for knee replacement surgery. So the program is safe, I'm just fragile, lol. I'll try this anyway. If it feels too much then I'll lay off couple of more days. This really stinks. :(

Hi Barbara!

It took me just about two weeks to get my PY. It seemed that I was waiting for the confirmation email over a week, then I got impatient, sent BB an email asking "where is it", and then the same day I got the confirmation email. And I got the package a day or two afterwards. (I did not pay extra for rush postage)

Oh Jennifer-

So sorry to hear about your knee! I've heard that there is no kickboxing in LL,too - and I must admit, I prefer lunge pyramids over a bob-weave. Have you been trying to keep up with the other workouts at all ??

Have a good weekend, chickies!
Julie

Hi Julie, I've been doing the upper body workout, but that is really all I've been able to do. It's driving me crazy, and over all I'm just really unhappy because I'm not working out. I am going to do LL tonight, and upper body, and if I do well then I will do it again tomorrow with lower body. I may have to make adjustments or only do part of lower body, but I'll do all I safely can. Actually, I guess I'd better say I will TRY and do it tonight. My husband really wants me to wait another day or two, but I don't want to. I'll see how convincing he is!