SwapaDVD.com

I've been a member of Paperbackswap.com for a while now, but a couple days ago I also joined SwapaDVD.com. And of course you know what kind of DVDs I'll be looking for--more workouts! When you join, you list DVDs you'd like to exchange. Once you've listed 10, you get a free credit to use to order a DVD from someone else. Also, once you start listing, people begin requesting your DVDs. Once you send it to them and they mark it as received, you get another credit. I wouldn't use it for Cathe DVDs (they're just worth too much) but I'd list random Pilates workouts or my kids old DVDs. Of course, no one else so far has listed Cathe workouts, either, but there are plenty of other workout DVDs on there.

Also, I still have several workout DVDs for sale on Amazon.

SwapaDVD.com

I've been a member of Paperbackswap.com for a while now, but a couple days ago I also joined SwapaDVD.com. And of course you know what kind of DVDs I'll be looking for--more workouts! When you join, you list DVDs you'd like to exchange. Once you've listed 10, you get a free credit to use to order a DVD from someone else. Also, once you start listing, people begin requesting your DVDs. Once you send it to them and they mark it as received, you get another credit. I wouldn't use it for Cathe DVDs (they're just worth too much) but I'd list random Pilates workouts or my kids old DVDs. Of course, no one else so far has listed Cathe workouts, either, but there are plenty of other workout DVDs on there.

Also, I still have several workout DVDs for sale on Amazon.

SwapaDVD.com

I've been a member of Paperbackswap.com for a while now, but a couple days ago I also joined SwapaDVD.com. And of course you know what kind of DVDs I'll be looking for--more workouts! When you join, you list DVDs you'd like to exchange. Once you've listed 10, you get a free credit to use to order a DVD from someone else. Also, once you start listing, people begin requesting your DVDs. Once you send it to them and they mark it as received, you get another credit. I wouldn't use it for Cathe DVDs (they're just worth too much) but I'd list random Pilates workouts or my kids old DVDs. Of course, no one else so far has listed Cathe workouts, either, but there are plenty of other workout DVDs on there.

Also, I still have several workout DVDs for sale on Amazon.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation

Tonight I've been fiddling with rotations again and put together another one--also with Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge but this time alternating with Cathe's Slow & Heavy workouts. It looks like a good solid strength-building rotation.

I'm having a bad backache tonight, though, so it also looks painful to me at the moment. Ouch.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation

Tonight I've been fiddling with rotations again and put together another one--also with Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge but this time alternating with Cathe's Slow & Heavy workouts. It looks like a good solid strength-building rotation.

I'm having a bad backache tonight, though, so it also looks painful to me at the moment. Ouch.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation

Tonight I've been fiddling with rotations again and put together another one--also with Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge but this time alternating with Cathe's Slow & Heavy workouts. It looks like a good solid strength-building rotation.

I'm having a bad backache tonight, though, so it also looks painful to me at the moment. Ouch.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Slow & Heavy Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Slow & Heavy Triceps & Biceps (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Slow & Heavy Legs & Shoulders + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Slow & Heavy Chest & Back (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation

I'm playing with a mix of Amy and Cathe workouts for a rotation again. Can you tell who my two favorite instructors are? This time it's Amy's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge alternating with Cathe's great Pyramid Upper Body and Pyramid Lower Body workouts.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps, Core + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..............Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Advanced Step Challenge (Amy)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Abs from Butts & Guts(Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..............The Next Step (Seasun Zieger)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Kick, Punch, & Crunch Abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Kick, Punch, & Crunch (skip abs) (Cathe)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Wow, this looks like fun to me--might be my next thing after my 4-Day Split Rotation. I'll also add this to my Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation

I'm playing with a mix of Amy and Cathe workouts for a rotation again. Can you tell who my two favorite instructors are? This time it's Amy's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge alternating with Cathe's great Pyramid Upper Body and Pyramid Lower Body workouts.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps, Core + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..............Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Advanced Step Challenge (Amy)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Abs from Butts & Guts(Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..............The Next Step (Seasun Zieger)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Kick, Punch, & Crunch Abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Kick, Punch, & Crunch (skip abs) (Cathe)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Wow, this looks like fun to me--might be my next thing after my 4-Day Split Rotation. I'll also add this to my Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation

I'm playing with a mix of Amy and Cathe workouts for a rotation again. Can you tell who my two favorite instructors are? This time it's Amy's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge alternating with Cathe's great Pyramid Upper Body and Pyramid Lower Body workouts.

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Pyramids Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps, Core + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..............Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Advanced Step Challenge (Amy)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Abs from Butts & Guts(Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...............Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..............The Next Step (Seasun Zieger)
WEDNESDAY........Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...........Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen)
FRIDAY..................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY...............Pyramid Upper Body (Cathe)
TUESDAY..............Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer)
WEDNESDAY........Pyramid Lower Body + Kick, Punch, & Crunch Abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY...........Kick, Punch, & Crunch (skip abs) (Cathe)
FRIDAY..................Muscle Max or PUB/PLB Combo premix (Cathe)
SATURDAY............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY................Rest

Wow, this looks like fun to me--might be my next thing after my 4-Day Split Rotation. I'll also add this to my Workout Rotation Ideas document.

Body Max 2 8-Day Rotation

Let's say, theoretically, that you only own one workout DVD. And it's Cathe Friedrich's Body Max 2. Great choice, I'd say! Whenever anyone asks that question about which workout DVD you'd want on a desert island, it's the one I pick (though her 4-Day Split set is pretty tempting as well). So, for fun I put together a little 8-day rotation using just the premixes from Body Max 2 (plus a little extra homemade cardio for a low impact option between step workouts). I tried to do just a week-long rotation, but there was too much good stuff for just 7 days (plus you'll probably want that rest day in the middle). It might be fun to do if you are just a big fan of BM2, even if it's not really the only workout you own.

Body Max 2 Premix 8-Day Rotation
DAY 1......Cardio & Weights Premix (Upper Body & Cardio Circuit & Abs) – 70 ½ minutes
DAY 2......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 3......Scrambled Eggs Premix (Lower Body & Cardio Circuit) – 80 minutes
DAY 4......Rest
DAY 5......Bootcamp Premix (Upper & Lower Body Circuit with Cardio & Abs) – 78 minutes
DAY 6......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 7......Double Upper Body Premix (Upper Body & Abs) – 72 minutes
DAY 8......Timesaver Cardio Premix (All Cardio) – 43 minutes

I'm adding this to my Workout Rotation Ideas list.

Body Max 2 8-Day Rotation

Let's say, theoretically, that you only own one workout DVD. And it's Cathe Friedrich's Body Max 2. Great choice, I'd say! Whenever anyone asks that question about which workout DVD you'd want on a desert island, it's the one I pick (though her 4-Day Split set is pretty tempting as well). So, for fun I put together a little 8-day rotation using just the premixes from Body Max 2 (plus a little extra homemade cardio for a low impact option between step workouts). I tried to do just a week-long rotation, but there was too much good stuff for just 7 days (plus you'll probably want that rest day in the middle). It might be fun to do if you are just a big fan of BM2, even if it's not really the only workout you own.

Body Max 2 Premix 8-Day Rotation
DAY 1......Cardio & Weights Premix (Upper Body & Cardio Circuit & Abs) – 70 ½ minutes
DAY 2......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 3......Scrambled Eggs Premix (Lower Body & Cardio Circuit) – 80 minutes
DAY 4......Rest
DAY 5......Bootcamp Premix (Upper & Lower Body Circuit with Cardio & Abs) – 78 minutes
DAY 6......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 7......Double Upper Body Premix (Upper Body & Abs) – 72 minutes
DAY 8......Timesaver Cardio Premix (All Cardio) – 43 minutes

I'm adding this to my Workout Rotation Ideas list.

Body Max 2 8-Day Rotation

Let's say, theoretically, that you only own one workout DVD. And it's Cathe Friedrich's Body Max 2. Great choice, I'd say! Whenever anyone asks that question about which workout DVD you'd want on a desert island, it's the one I pick (though her 4-Day Split set is pretty tempting as well). So, for fun I put together a little 8-day rotation using just the premixes from Body Max 2 (plus a little extra homemade cardio for a low impact option between step workouts). I tried to do just a week-long rotation, but there was too much good stuff for just 7 days (plus you'll probably want that rest day in the middle). It might be fun to do if you are just a big fan of BM2, even if it's not really the only workout you own.

Body Max 2 Premix 8-Day Rotation
DAY 1......Cardio & Weights Premix (Upper Body & Cardio Circuit & Abs) – 70 ½ minutes
DAY 2......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 3......Scrambled Eggs Premix (Lower Body & Cardio Circuit) – 80 minutes
DAY 4......Rest
DAY 5......Bootcamp Premix (Upper & Lower Body Circuit with Cardio & Abs) – 78 minutes
DAY 6......Low Impact Cardio (Bike, Walk, Kickboxing, etc.)
DAY 7......Double Upper Body Premix (Upper Body & Abs) – 72 minutes
DAY 8......Timesaver Cardio Premix (All Cardio) – 43 minutes

I'm adding this to my Workout Rotation Ideas list.

More Physical Therapy....

I went back to physical therapy today, this time for my knees. We did a lot of exercises and this time they used the electric muscle stimulation machine on my knees. I also got some advice on my workouts. I told him how I tried the MatStep in a step workout on Saturday, but still got knee pain, perhaps because of the high impact. I said that I could try doing just low impact as well as using the MatStep instead of a step, and he said to go ahead and do that, but to stop if anything hurt. He also said I could do kickboxing unless I started to have pain. However, I can't do lower body work except for what he assigns me. He's going to start fairly easy and then work up slowly to stretch and strengthen my legs and hips so that I walk in a way that doesn't make my knees go all wonky (I'm simplifying and summarizing here).

So I came home and did Cathe's 4-Day Split: Lower Intensity Step workout. It's low impact, and I also used the MatStep. I tried to put a lot of oomph in it but I still burned a lot less calories than usual without my step. It was fun, anyway. I tried to make up for the less intense cardio by cranking my weights up a notch. LIS has weight work for shoulders and calves, so I skipped the calves but went heavier for shoulders, which felt tough but great. Tomorrow is supposed to be a Tracey Staehle's High Intensity Step Mix 2, but I guess I'll be using the MatStep and modify for lower impact.

I'll be adding some more rotations soon, so come back later today or tomorrow for those.

More Physical Therapy....

I went back to physical therapy today, this time for my knees. We did a lot of exercises and this time they used the electric muscle stimulation machine on my knees. I also got some advice on my workouts. I told him how I tried the MatStep in a step workout on Saturday, but still got knee pain, perhaps because of the high impact. I said that I could try doing just low impact as well as using the MatStep instead of a step, and he said to go ahead and do that, but to stop if anything hurt. He also said I could do kickboxing unless I started to have pain. However, I can't do lower body work except for what he assigns me. He's going to start fairly easy and then work up slowly to stretch and strengthen my legs and hips so that I walk in a way that doesn't make my knees go all wonky (I'm simplifying and summarizing here).

So I came home and did Cathe's 4-Day Split: Lower Intensity Step workout. It's low impact, and I also used the MatStep. I tried to put a lot of oomph in it but I still burned a lot less calories than usual without my step. It was fun, anyway. I tried to make up for the less intense cardio by cranking my weights up a notch. LIS has weight work for shoulders and calves, so I skipped the calves but went heavier for shoulders, which felt tough but great. Tomorrow is supposed to be a Tracey Staehle's High Intensity Step Mix 2, but I guess I'll be using the MatStep and modify for lower impact.

I'll be adding some more rotations soon, so come back later today or tomorrow for those.

More Physical Therapy....

I went back to physical therapy today, this time for my knees. We did a lot of exercises and this time they used the electric muscle stimulation machine on my knees. I also got some advice on my workouts. I told him how I tried the MatStep in a step workout on Saturday, but still got knee pain, perhaps because of the high impact. I said that I could try doing just low impact as well as using the MatStep instead of a step, and he said to go ahead and do that, but to stop if anything hurt. He also said I could do kickboxing unless I started to have pain. However, I can't do lower body work except for what he assigns me. He's going to start fairly easy and then work up slowly to stretch and strengthen my legs and hips so that I walk in a way that doesn't make my knees go all wonky (I'm simplifying and summarizing here).

So I came home and did Cathe's 4-Day Split: Lower Intensity Step workout. It's low impact, and I also used the MatStep. I tried to put a lot of oomph in it but I still burned a lot less calories than usual without my step. It was fun, anyway. I tried to make up for the less intense cardio by cranking my weights up a notch. LIS has weight work for shoulders and calves, so I skipped the calves but went heavier for shoulders, which felt tough but great. Tomorrow is supposed to be a Tracey Staehle's High Intensity Step Mix 2, but I guess I'll be using the MatStep and modify for lower impact.

I'll be adding some more rotations soon, so come back later today or tomorrow for those.

Still Sick

3:30 am here on the East Coast. I'm up with my nasty cough again.

I might try sleeping down here on the couch so I don't disturb hubby too much. Or maybe the comfy chair since sitting up makes me cough less. Going to try.

I think I might have to go back to the doc soon. :(

Still Sick

3:30 am here on the East Coast. I'm up with my nasty cough again.

I might try sleeping down here on the couch so I don't disturb hubby too much. Or maybe the comfy chair since sitting up makes me cough less. Going to try.

I think I might have to go back to the doc soon. :(

Still Sick

3:30 am here on the East Coast. I'm up with my nasty cough again.

I might try sleeping down here on the couch so I don't disturb hubby too much. Or maybe the comfy chair since sitting up makes me cough less. Going to try.

I think I might have to go back to the doc soon. :(

New Rotation--Alternating Slo-Mo With Gym Styles

I am halfway through my 4-Day Split Rotation. It's going fairly well so far, though I have a sore knee tonight after doing the Higher Intensity Step workout. Even though I used my MatStep instead of my regular step, I still managed to overdo it. So I might have to be careful next week. I'll be seeing my physical therapist on Monday, so I'll see what he suggests. Meanwhile, I'm already thinking about what I'll do next. One idea was to do a month-long rotation alternating Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge with Cathe Friedrich's Gym Style workouts, like this:

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Gym Styles Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Butts & Guts (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Body Max 2 abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Pyramid Upper Body abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Gym Style Legs + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Step Jump & Pump abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

New Rotation--Alternating Slo-Mo With Gym Styles

I am halfway through my 4-Day Split Rotation. It's going fairly well so far, though I have a sore knee tonight after doing the Higher Intensity Step workout. Even though I used my MatStep instead of my regular step, I still managed to overdo it. So I might have to be careful next week. I'll be seeing my physical therapist on Monday, so I'll see what he suggests. Meanwhile, I'm already thinking about what I'll do next. One idea was to do a month-long rotation alternating Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge with Cathe Friedrich's Gym Style workouts, like this:

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Gym Styles Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Butts & Guts (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Body Max 2 abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Pyramid Upper Body abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Gym Style Legs + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Step Jump & Pump abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

New Rotation--Alternating Slo-Mo With Gym Styles

I am halfway through my 4-Day Split Rotation. It's going fairly well so far, though I have a sore knee tonight after doing the Higher Intensity Step workout. Even though I used my MatStep instead of my regular step, I still managed to overdo it. So I might have to be careful next week. I'll be seeing my physical therapist on Monday, so I'll see what he suggests. Meanwhile, I'm already thinking about what I'll do next. One idea was to do a month-long rotation alternating Amy Bento's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge with Cathe Friedrich's Gym Style workouts, like this:

Amy Bento Slo-Mo Alternating With Cathe’s Gym Styles Rotation
Week 1
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Strength Challenge Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Slo-Mo Core (Amy Bento)
TUESDAY..................Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam (Michelle Dozois) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + 1 section Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Rock Steady Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe Friedrich)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 2
MONDAY...................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Muscle Max abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY..................Advanced Step Challenge (Amy) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Butts & Guts (Cathe)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Body Max 2 abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 3
MONDAY...................Slo-Mo Chest, Biceps & Triceps + Abs & Stretch abs (Amy)
TUESDAY..................The Next Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY............Slo-Mo Legs + All Pump abs (Amy)
THURSDAY...............Cardio Camp (Kimberly Spreen) or other cardio
FRIDAY......................Slo-Mo Back & Shoulders + abs from Kickbox Xtreme (Amy)
SATURDAY................Walk or Bike, 1 section Stretch Max (Cathe)
SUNDAY....................Rest

Week 4
MONDAY..................Gym Style Chest & Triceps + Pyramid Upper Body abs (Cathe)
TUESDAY.................Get Ready Step Go (Kelly Coffey-Meyer) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY...........Gym Style Legs + Kick Punch Crunch abs (Cathe)
THURSDAY..............Kick Punch & Crunch (no abs) (Cathe) or other cardio
FRIDAY.....................Gym Style Back, Shoulders, & Biceps + Step Jump & Pump abs (Cathe)
SATURDAY...............Walk or Bike, 1 section Abs & Stretch stretch (Amy)
SUNDAY....................Rest

I've added this to the Workout Rotation Ideas document.

New Poll--Your Favorite Way to Rotate Weights

I've put a new poll up. This one is about how you like to arrange your weight workouts week-by-week. For those of you fairly new to working out, I'll explain a little further. Total body workouts are obviously when you use weights to tone all the various parts of your body. An upper/lower/total body split would be, for example, Monday you do an upper body workout, Wednesday you do a lower body workout, then Friday you do a total body workout. A 3-day split would be breaking the body parts into 3 groups--so Monday might be biceps & triceps, Wednesday legs, and Friday shoulders, back, and chest. Then a 4-day split or a 5-day split would be breaking them into even smaller groups. These are just examples, of course.

Naturally, many of us will change up how we do things according to current goals, for a change of pace, or to break through a fitness plateau, but you may have a system you really like best even if you don't do it all the time. For instance, right now I'm doing a rotation with Cathe's 4-Day Split but my favorite method is either a 3-day split or an upper/lower/total body split). I've made it possible to choose more than one answer on this poll, in case you also have 2 favorites.

New Poll--Your Favorite Way to Rotate Weights

I've put a new poll up. This one is about how you like to arrange your weight workouts week-by-week. For those of you fairly new to working out, I'll explain a little further. Total body workouts are obviously when you use weights to tone all the various parts of your body. An upper/lower/total body split would be, for example, Monday you do an upper body workout, Wednesday you do a lower body workout, then Friday you do a total body workout. A 3-day split would be breaking the body parts into 3 groups--so Monday might be biceps & triceps, Wednesday legs, and Friday shoulders, back, and chest. Then a 4-day split or a 5-day split would be breaking them into even smaller groups. These are just examples, of course.

Naturally, many of us will change up how we do things according to current goals, for a change of pace, or to break through a fitness plateau, but you may have a system you really like best even if you don't do it all the time. For instance, right now I'm doing a rotation with Cathe's 4-Day Split but my favorite method is either a 3-day split or an upper/lower/total body split). I've made it possible to choose more than one answer on this poll, in case you also have 2 favorites.

New Poll--Your Favorite Way to Rotate Weights

I've put a new poll up. This one is about how you like to arrange your weight workouts week-by-week. For those of you fairly new to working out, I'll explain a little further. Total body workouts are obviously when you use weights to tone all the various parts of your body. An upper/lower/total body split would be, for example, Monday you do an upper body workout, Wednesday you do a lower body workout, then Friday you do a total body workout. A 3-day split would be breaking the body parts into 3 groups--so Monday might be biceps & triceps, Wednesday legs, and Friday shoulders, back, and chest. Then a 4-day split or a 5-day split would be breaking them into even smaller groups. These are just examples, of course.

Naturally, many of us will change up how we do things according to current goals, for a change of pace, or to break through a fitness plateau, but you may have a system you really like best even if you don't do it all the time. For instance, right now I'm doing a rotation with Cathe's 4-Day Split but my favorite method is either a 3-day split or an upper/lower/total body split). I've made it possible to choose more than one answer on this poll, in case you also have 2 favorites.

Ewan Exercising

I just wanted to share this silly video of my 2-year old, Ewan. He's demonstrating the use of the aerobic step in his own special toddler way.

You can find it by clicking here.

I'm not sure why he's breathing heavily or sort of grunting. Either he was filling his diaper at the time or he's really good at imitating the noise Mommy makes when working out.

Ewan Exercising

I just wanted to share this silly video of my 2-year old, Ewan. He's demonstrating the use of the aerobic step in his own special toddler way.

You can find it by clicking here.

I'm not sure why he's breathing heavily or sort of grunting. Either he was filling his diaper at the time or he's really good at imitating the noise Mommy makes when working out.

Ewan Exercising

I just wanted to share this silly video of my 2-year old, Ewan. He's demonstrating the use of the aerobic step in his own special toddler way.

You can find it by clicking here.

I'm not sure why he's breathing heavily or sort of grunting. Either he was filling his diaper at the time or he's really good at imitating the noise Mommy makes when working out.

My MatStep Came Today!

Today I went against the orthopedist's advice again and did a brief step workout--a couple combos from Seasun Zieger's Straight Up Step. I tried not to leap too high and I only used a 4" step. I had hoped the MatStep would arrive early enough to use it for the workout, but wouldn't you know it arrived just after I finished stepping and had started weight work? Yep. I had begun the biceps and triceps weight work from Cathe's 4-Day Split Boot Camp when I heard the klunk of a box hitting the porch (our friendly neighborhood UPS dude rarely even rings the doorbell--just dumps stuff on the porch). I finished up my weights (and sadly I always feel wimpy doing triceps work with Cathe because she lifts much heavier than I can--at least I am much closer on the bicep lifting). Then I got out Cathe's Body Max 2 and did a couple step combos using the new MatStep. I chose BM2 because it's a workout I know well, so I could just focus on the feeling of stepping on a mat instead of a real step. It was a kind of strange sensation when you're used to stepping up at least a few inches, but I got into it and felt o.k. with it. I know I won't burn the same calories but I still enjoyed the feeling of stepping along with Cathe, even though I wasn't really stepping up with her. I know it was better on my wonky knees because I didn't hear them crackling like they usually like to do when I step.

I have an appointment with James, my physical therapist, next Monday to deal with my Rice Krispies knees. I hope I can just get some good advice and some home exercises and not see him as often as I did for my ankle (likable though he is).

I still haven't figured out what to put on the next fitness-related poll, but maybe I'll think of something by tomorrow.

My MatStep Came Today!

Today I went against the orthopedist's advice again and did a brief step workout--a couple combos from Seasun Zieger's Straight Up Step. I tried not to leap too high and I only used a 4" step. I had hoped the MatStep would arrive early enough to use it for the workout, but wouldn't you know it arrived just after I finished stepping and had started weight work? Yep. I had begun the biceps and triceps weight work from Cathe's 4-Day Split Boot Camp when I heard the klunk of a box hitting the porch (our friendly neighborhood UPS dude rarely even rings the doorbell--just dumps stuff on the porch). I finished up my weights (and sadly I always feel wimpy doing triceps work with Cathe because she lifts much heavier than I can--at least I am much closer on the bicep lifting). Then I got out Cathe's Body Max 2 and did a couple step combos using the new MatStep. I chose BM2 because it's a workout I know well, so I could just focus on the feeling of stepping on a mat instead of a real step. It was a kind of strange sensation when you're used to stepping up at least a few inches, but I got into it and felt o.k. with it. I know I won't burn the same calories but I still enjoyed the feeling of stepping along with Cathe, even though I wasn't really stepping up with her. I know it was better on my wonky knees because I didn't hear them crackling like they usually like to do when I step.

I have an appointment with James, my physical therapist, next Monday to deal with my Rice Krispies knees. I hope I can just get some good advice and some home exercises and not see him as often as I did for my ankle (likable though he is).

I still haven't figured out what to put on the next fitness-related poll, but maybe I'll think of something by tomorrow.

My MatStep Came Today!

Today I went against the orthopedist's advice again and did a brief step workout--a couple combos from Seasun Zieger's Straight Up Step. I tried not to leap too high and I only used a 4" step. I had hoped the MatStep would arrive early enough to use it for the workout, but wouldn't you know it arrived just after I finished stepping and had started weight work? Yep. I had begun the biceps and triceps weight work from Cathe's 4-Day Split Boot Camp when I heard the klunk of a box hitting the porch (our friendly neighborhood UPS dude rarely even rings the doorbell--just dumps stuff on the porch). I finished up my weights (and sadly I always feel wimpy doing triceps work with Cathe because she lifts much heavier than I can--at least I am much closer on the bicep lifting). Then I got out Cathe's Body Max 2 and did a couple step combos using the new MatStep. I chose BM2 because it's a workout I know well, so I could just focus on the feeling of stepping on a mat instead of a real step. It was a kind of strange sensation when you're used to stepping up at least a few inches, but I got into it and felt o.k. with it. I know I won't burn the same calories but I still enjoyed the feeling of stepping along with Cathe, even though I wasn't really stepping up with her. I know it was better on my wonky knees because I didn't hear them crackling like they usually like to do when I step.

I have an appointment with James, my physical therapist, next Monday to deal with my Rice Krispies knees. I hope I can just get some good advice and some home exercises and not see him as often as I did for my ankle (likable though he is).

I still haven't figured out what to put on the next fitness-related poll, but maybe I'll think of something by tomorrow.

Latest Poll Results--Hours Per Week you Work Out

Here are the results from the poll of hours per week we work out.

0 hours..............1 vote.........1%
1-5 hours.........14 votes.......25%
6-10 hours......37 votes.......67%
11-15 hours.......2 votes.........3%
16-20 hours......1 votes.........1%
21+ hours.........0 votes........0%

Total votes: 55

It's interesting to compare the results of this poll with the results of the poll of days per week we work out. While 45% of us work out 6 days a week on average, almost 70% of us work out about 6-10 hours a week. So it's interesting to see that while we don't all work out 6 days a week, many of us work out about the same range of hours a week. Of course, it would be more exact if I'd broken down the hours even further, but if you're like me, it would be hard to pick a more exact range in an average week.

Time to come up with a new poll. Any ideas? Add a comment or shoot me an email if you think of something you want to know.

Latest Poll Results--Hours Per Week you Work Out

Here are the results from the poll of hours per week we work out.

0 hours..............1 vote.........1%
1-5 hours.........14 votes.......25%
6-10 hours......37 votes.......67%
11-15 hours.......2 votes.........3%
16-20 hours......1 votes.........1%
21+ hours.........0 votes........0%

Total votes: 55

It's interesting to compare the results of this poll with the results of the poll of days per week we work out. While 45% of us work out 6 days a week on average, almost 70% of us work out about 6-10 hours a week. So it's interesting to see that while we don't all work out 6 days a week, many of us work out about the same range of hours a week. Of course, it would be more exact if I'd broken down the hours even further, but if you're like me, it would be hard to pick a more exact range in an average week.

Time to come up with a new poll. Any ideas? Add a comment or shoot me an email if you think of something you want to know.

Latest Poll Results--Hours Per Week you Work Out

Here are the results from the poll of hours per week we work out.

0 hours..............1 vote.........1%
1-5 hours.........14 votes.......25%
6-10 hours......37 votes.......67%
11-15 hours.......2 votes.........3%
16-20 hours......1 votes.........1%
21+ hours.........0 votes........0%

Total votes: 55

It's interesting to compare the results of this poll with the results of the poll of days per week we work out. While 45% of us work out 6 days a week on average, almost 70% of us work out about 6-10 hours a week. So it's interesting to see that while we don't all work out 6 days a week, many of us work out about the same range of hours a week. Of course, it would be more exact if I'd broken down the hours even further, but if you're like me, it would be hard to pick a more exact range in an average week.

Time to come up with a new poll. Any ideas? Add a comment or shoot me an email if you think of something you want to know.

Reminiscing About Discovering Cathe

Today I did a premix from Kick Max. I kept thinking about the fact that this was my first Cathe Friedrich workout--just back in April of last year. I can't believe it was less than a year ago! I can't believe it took me so long to discover Cathe's great stuff.

When I first did Kick Max all those months ago, I kept up pretty well through the warm-up and the regular kickboxing part. I enjoyed every minute of it, burned some good calories, but felt I could easily handle it. Then she began the blasts. WOW. That was an eye-opener. Suddenly she was leaping up doing air-jacks and tucks and other things I'd never seen before on workout videos. That's when I knew this was no ordinary workout instructor I was watching. (I say watching because I wasn't exactly following her. I was either standing there with my mouth hanging open or trying to do jumping jacks to make up for the other moves I couldn't do.) I can't believe I wasn't too intimidated to try her other workouts, but something made me go ahead and buy an aerobic step which came with her Basic Step and Cardio & Weights workouts. I was able to figure out Basic Step easily enough and soon bumped my step up to 8" and started doing it twice in a row to get a better workout. Then I tried Cardio & Weights and was immediately intimidated again. It's funny to think of now because it doesn't seem that tough to me now (for a Cathe workout), but it seemed killer back then--not even a year ago.

Tomorrow is a cardio day on my rotation. I have step scheduled (yeah, I know, i'm not supposed to step, but I'll do a 4" height or something). Maybe my MatStep will arrive tomorrow! Oh wait, I doubt it--just tracked it with UPS and it doesn't show it getting anywhere yet. Anyway, I'll be careful. I just got a step workout with Seasun Zieger that I'm going to try called Straight Up Step, so that's what I'll try.

Shameless Plug: Don't forget to check out my selection of DVDs for sale on Amazon. I'm using these to finance all the workout preorders I've signed up for lately.

Reminiscing About Discovering Cathe

Today I did a premix from Kick Max. I kept thinking about the fact that this was my first Cathe Friedrich workout--just back in April of last year. I can't believe it was less than a year ago! I can't believe it took me so long to discover Cathe's great stuff.

When I first did Kick Max all those months ago, I kept up pretty well through the warm-up and the regular kickboxing part. I enjoyed every minute of it, burned some good calories, but felt I could easily handle it. Then she began the blasts. WOW. That was an eye-opener. Suddenly she was leaping up doing air-jacks and tucks and other things I'd never seen before on workout videos. That's when I knew this was no ordinary workout instructor I was watching. (I say watching because I wasn't exactly following her. I was either standing there with my mouth hanging open or trying to do jumping jacks to make up for the other moves I couldn't do.) I can't believe I wasn't too intimidated to try her other workouts, but something made me go ahead and buy an aerobic step which came with her Basic Step and Cardio & Weights workouts. I was able to figure out Basic Step easily enough and soon bumped my step up to 8" and started doing it twice in a row to get a better workout. Then I tried Cardio & Weights and was immediately intimidated again. It's funny to think of now because it doesn't seem that tough to me now (for a Cathe workout), but it seemed killer back then--not even a year ago.

Tomorrow is a cardio day on my rotation. I have step scheduled (yeah, I know, i'm not supposed to step, but I'll do a 4" height or something). Maybe my MatStep will arrive tomorrow! Oh wait, I doubt it--just tracked it with UPS and it doesn't show it getting anywhere yet. Anyway, I'll be careful. I just got a step workout with Seasun Zieger that I'm going to try called Straight Up Step, so that's what I'll try.

Shameless Plug: Don't forget to check out my selection of DVDs for sale on Amazon. I'm using these to finance all the workout preorders I've signed up for lately.

Reminiscing About Discovering Cathe

Today I did a premix from Kick Max. I kept thinking about the fact that this was my first Cathe Friedrich workout--just back in April of last year. I can't believe it was less than a year ago! I can't believe it took me so long to discover Cathe's great stuff.

When I first did Kick Max all those months ago, I kept up pretty well through the warm-up and the regular kickboxing part. I enjoyed every minute of it, burned some good calories, but felt I could easily handle it. Then she began the blasts. WOW. That was an eye-opener. Suddenly she was leaping up doing air-jacks and tucks and other things I'd never seen before on workout videos. That's when I knew this was no ordinary workout instructor I was watching. (I say watching because I wasn't exactly following her. I was either standing there with my mouth hanging open or trying to do jumping jacks to make up for the other moves I couldn't do.) I can't believe I wasn't too intimidated to try her other workouts, but something made me go ahead and buy an aerobic step which came with her Basic Step and Cardio & Weights workouts. I was able to figure out Basic Step easily enough and soon bumped my step up to 8" and started doing it twice in a row to get a better workout. Then I tried Cardio & Weights and was immediately intimidated again. It's funny to think of now because it doesn't seem that tough to me now (for a Cathe workout), but it seemed killer back then--not even a year ago.

Tomorrow is a cardio day on my rotation. I have step scheduled (yeah, I know, i'm not supposed to step, but I'll do a 4" height or something). Maybe my MatStep will arrive tomorrow! Oh wait, I doubt it--just tracked it with UPS and it doesn't show it getting anywhere yet. Anyway, I'll be careful. I just got a step workout with Seasun Zieger that I'm going to try called Straight Up Step, so that's what I'll try.

Shameless Plug: Don't forget to check out my selection of DVDs for sale on Amazon. I'm using these to finance all the workout preorders I've signed up for lately.

What's up This Week?

I'm going to continue with my 4-Day Split rotation, though I will modify the cardio a bit to be careful with my funky knees. (You'll notice I like to describe my knees as funky--seems more positive and fun than calling them merely bad, malformed, or weak. I may also use the words wonky or wobbly from time to time so that I don't overuse funky.) My new MatStep is on its way, so hopefully that will come soon.

MONDAY.............Kick Max Low Impact Kickbox premix + abs from 4DS KB (Cathe Friedrich)
TUESDAY............Straight Up Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY......Lower Intensity Step plus Shoulders, Calves, & Core (Cathe)
THURSDAY.........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) + 4DS BC Biceps, Triceps (Cathe)
FRIDAY...............Yoga Class or Fat Free Yoga (Ravi Singh & Ana Brett)
SATURDAY..........Higher Intensity Step plus Chest & Back (Cathe)
SUNDAY..............Rest

I have even more DVDs for sale on Amazon now--particularly some of my really high impact stuff. Click here to see them.

What's up This Week?

I'm going to continue with my 4-Day Split rotation, though I will modify the cardio a bit to be careful with my funky knees. (You'll notice I like to describe my knees as funky--seems more positive and fun than calling them merely bad, malformed, or weak. I may also use the words wonky or wobbly from time to time so that I don't overuse funky.) My new MatStep is on its way, so hopefully that will come soon.

MONDAY.............Kick Max Low Impact Kickbox premix + abs from 4DS KB (Cathe Friedrich)
TUESDAY............Straight Up Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY......Lower Intensity Step plus Shoulders, Calves, & Core (Cathe)
THURSDAY.........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) + 4DS BC Biceps, Triceps (Cathe)
FRIDAY...............Yoga Class or Fat Free Yoga (Ravi Singh & Ana Brett)
SATURDAY..........Higher Intensity Step plus Chest & Back (Cathe)
SUNDAY..............Rest

I have even more DVDs for sale on Amazon now--particularly some of my really high impact stuff. Click here to see them.

What's up This Week?

I'm going to continue with my 4-Day Split rotation, though I will modify the cardio a bit to be careful with my funky knees. (You'll notice I like to describe my knees as funky--seems more positive and fun than calling them merely bad, malformed, or weak. I may also use the words wonky or wobbly from time to time so that I don't overuse funky.) My new MatStep is on its way, so hopefully that will come soon.

MONDAY.............Kick Max Low Impact Kickbox premix + abs from 4DS KB (Cathe Friedrich)
TUESDAY............Straight Up Step (Seasun Zieger) or other cardio
WEDNESDAY......Lower Intensity Step plus Shoulders, Calves, & Core (Cathe)
THURSDAY.........Cardio Sweatfest (Tracey Staehle) + 4DS BC Biceps, Triceps (Cathe)
FRIDAY...............Yoga Class or Fat Free Yoga (Ravi Singh & Ana Brett)
SATURDAY..........Higher Intensity Step plus Chest & Back (Cathe)
SUNDAY..............Rest

I have even more DVDs for sale on Amazon now--particularly some of my really high impact stuff. Click here to see them.

No More Step Aerobics?

I went to the orthopedic surgeon today to ask him about my freaky crackling knees. The bad news is he said I had to stop doing step aerobics. It turns out my kneecaps are funky--move around a lot and look very off-center in the X-rays. He said I'm just built that way, so it's not a result of injury or whatever. Also, my quads have been weakened since the ankle injury (when I stopped doing much cardio and lower body work for a long while) and that made my already weak, wobbly knees even worse.

I asked him about exercise and what kind I do and he immediately said I should quit stepping. Like for good. I suggested a 4" step. Nope. And to quote him "step aerobics are the worst thing you could do with those knees." So I'm pretty bummed because stepping is absolutely my favorite form of exercise.

Anyway, the doc gave me a prescription for physical therapy. I was just seeing a PT recently for my ankle, so I can go back to the same one. It's a pain to schedule it in during the brief time my youngest is at nursery school (just 3 mornings a week) but I guess I'll have to do it again. He did say I could do other things like biking. And I told him I did kickboxing and at least he didn't nix that. I have gone ahead and ordered a MatStep which is a mat the same size as a step, so you can do step aerobics on a flat service (which would be basically like floor aerobics, but around the mat).

In other health news, I got my blood work results back today and it all came out normal, which is pretty much what I expected. However, I was again pretty tired yesterday and today--maybe just because I really cranked up the workouts this week and wore myself out.

Tomorrow I still plan to do my 4-Day Split Higher Intensity Step workout, maybe as a last hoorah for stepping. At least the cardio is fairly short and I can modify a little lower impact. I also just realized that I have it planned again for Monday, which seems awfully quick to do heavy weights for chest and back again, so I'm going to shuffle the rotation around in anticipation of being sore after tomorrow. I'll then put that on my Rotation Ideas document and repost it to the Fitness Tools Available for Download page.

No More Step Aerobics?

I went to the orthopedic surgeon today to ask him about my freaky crackling knees. The bad news is he said I had to stop doing step aerobics. It turns out my kneecaps are funky--move around a lot and look very off-center in the X-rays. He said I'm just built that way, so it's not a result of injury or whatever. Also, my quads have been weakened since the ankle injury (when I stopped doing much cardio and lower body work for a long while) and that made my already weak, wobbly knees even worse.

I asked him about exercise and what kind I do and he immediately said I should quit stepping. Like for good. I suggested a 4" step. Nope. And to quote him "step aerobics are the worst thing you could do with those knees." So I'm pretty bummed because stepping is absolutely my favorite form of exercise.

Anyway, the doc gave me a prescription for physical therapy. I was just seeing a PT recently for my ankle, so I can go back to the same one. It's a pain to schedule it in during the brief time my youngest is at nursery school (just 3 mornings a week) but I guess I'll have to do it again. He did say I could do other things like biking. And I told him I did kickboxing and at least he didn't nix that. I have gone ahead and ordered a MatStep which is a mat the same size as a step, so you can do step aerobics on a flat service (which would be basically like floor aerobics, but around the mat).

In other health news, I got my blood work results back today and it all came out normal, which is pretty much what I expected. However, I was again pretty tired yesterday and today--maybe just because I really cranked up the workouts this week and wore myself out.

Tomorrow I still plan to do my 4-Day Split Higher Intensity Step workout, maybe as a last hoorah for stepping. At least the cardio is fairly short and I can modify a little lower impact. I also just realized that I have it planned again for Monday, which seems awfully quick to do heavy weights for chest and back again, so I'm going to shuffle the rotation around in anticipation of being sore after tomorrow. I'll then put that on my Rotation Ideas document and repost it to the Fitness Tools Available for Download page.

No More Step Aerobics?

I went to the orthopedic surgeon today to ask him about my freaky crackling knees. The bad news is he said I had to stop doing step aerobics. It turns out my kneecaps are funky--move around a lot and look very off-center in the X-rays. He said I'm just built that way, so it's not a result of injury or whatever. Also, my quads have been weakened since the ankle injury (when I stopped doing much cardio and lower body work for a long while) and that made my already weak, wobbly knees even worse.

I asked him about exercise and what kind I do and he immediately said I should quit stepping. Like for good. I suggested a 4" step. Nope. And to quote him "step aerobics are the worst thing you could do with those knees." So I'm pretty bummed because stepping is absolutely my favorite form of exercise.

Anyway, the doc gave me a prescription for physical therapy. I was just seeing a PT recently for my ankle, so I can go back to the same one. It's a pain to schedule it in during the brief time my youngest is at nursery school (just 3 mornings a week) but I guess I'll have to do it again. He did say I could do other things like biking. And I told him I did kickboxing and at least he didn't nix that. I have gone ahead and ordered a MatStep which is a mat the same size as a step, so you can do step aerobics on a flat service (which would be basically like floor aerobics, but around the mat).

In other health news, I got my blood work results back today and it all came out normal, which is pretty much what I expected. However, I was again pretty tired yesterday and today--maybe just because I really cranked up the workouts this week and wore myself out.

Tomorrow I still plan to do my 4-Day Split Higher Intensity Step workout, maybe as a last hoorah for stepping. At least the cardio is fairly short and I can modify a little lower impact. I also just realized that I have it planned again for Monday, which seems awfully quick to do heavy weights for chest and back again, so I'm going to shuffle the rotation around in anticipation of being sore after tomorrow. I'll then put that on my Rotation Ideas document and repost it to the Fitness Tools Available for Download page.

XBox Yourself Fitness Game/Workout

I just got this new toy in the mail today. It's Yourself Fitness for Xbox. My husband bought an Xbox 360 a few months ago and I've wanted to try this fitness "game" ever since.

I haven't customized it for myself yet, just fiddled around with it a bit to see what it could do. I hope I can make the workout more intense after I do the customizing stuff because it looked pretty dull from a first viewing. Maybe I'll play with it tomorrow since all I have planned is yoga. I'll let you know what I think after I give it some effort.