Get Ripped!

I did Jari Love's Get Ripped today for the first time in a long time. I don't know why it's been so long because I really enjoyed it. It's probably her easiest workout, which is why I chose to start with it for my week of Jari, but it's still pretty tough. It's a total body workout, but it's one of those light weights endurance workouts rather than a heavy weight strength workout. I've been doing more heavy weights lately so it was nice to do a light weights workout again, just for the variety. Also, it's not a wimpy workout because of the weights being light, because she does a lot of reps. I like how well she flows from one exercise to the next. I also like how she lists the weights used on the screen. That was very helpful today as I put together a weight worksheet for the workout. That's part of why I chose to do 3 Jari Love workouts this week, so that I can make the worksheets for those particular DVDs. Once I have more of them done I'll upload them to the Fitness Tools page and of course I'll mention it here when it's ready.

Oh, and I'm pretty sore tonight--particularly the upper body.

Tomorrow is some kind of cardio, as far as ankle and knees cooperate.

Get Ripped!

I did Jari Love's Get Ripped today for the first time in a long time. I don't know why it's been so long because I really enjoyed it. It's probably her easiest workout, which is why I chose to start with it for my week of Jari, but it's still pretty tough. It's a total body workout, but it's one of those light weights endurance workouts rather than a heavy weight strength workout. I've been doing more heavy weights lately so it was nice to do a light weights workout again, just for the variety. Also, it's not a wimpy workout because of the weights being light, because she does a lot of reps. I like how well she flows from one exercise to the next. I also like how she lists the weights used on the screen. That was very helpful today as I put together a weight worksheet for the workout. That's part of why I chose to do 3 Jari Love workouts this week, so that I can make the worksheets for those particular DVDs. Once I have more of them done I'll upload them to the Fitness Tools page and of course I'll mention it here when it's ready.

Oh, and I'm pretty sore tonight--particularly the upper body.

Tomorrow is some kind of cardio, as far as ankle and knees cooperate.

Get Ripped!

I did Jari Love's Get Ripped today for the first time in a long time. I don't know why it's been so long because I really enjoyed it. It's probably her easiest workout, which is why I chose to start with it for my week of Jari, but it's still pretty tough. It's a total body workout, but it's one of those light weights endurance workouts rather than a heavy weight strength workout. I've been doing more heavy weights lately so it was nice to do a light weights workout again, just for the variety. Also, it's not a wimpy workout because of the weights being light, because she does a lot of reps. I like how well she flows from one exercise to the next. I also like how she lists the weights used on the screen. That was very helpful today as I put together a weight worksheet for the workout. That's part of why I chose to do 3 Jari Love workouts this week, so that I can make the worksheets for those particular DVDs. Once I have more of them done I'll upload them to the Fitness Tools page and of course I'll mention it here when it's ready.

Oh, and I'm pretty sore tonight--particularly the upper body.

Tomorrow is some kind of cardio, as far as ankle and knees cooperate.

Jari Love Rotation

Today I put together a little Jari Love rotation. I'm going to do at least the first week of it this week. I've left the cardio options very generic and there are only 5 days of regular workouts plus 1 day of yoga. This is my personal choice with my continuing ankle and knee issues. I am only giving myself 2 days of cardio while I continue to work with the pain. Not everyone wants to do a full 6 days of workouts or has the time for them, after all.

I've uploaded the full month-long rotation to my Workout Rotation Ideas document which you can find to download here. I've also added a couple of other spring fat loss rotations I've considered doing (though I might tweak them a bit more tomorrow).

Here's the first week of the rotation, which I'll start tomorrow:

MONDAY..............Get Ripped (Jari Love)
TUESDAY.............Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Dance or walking for me)
WEDNESDAY........Get Ripped & Chiseled (Jari Love)
THURSDAY...........Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Step or Kickboxing for me)
FRIDAY.................Get Ripped to the Core (Jari Love)
SATURDAY...........Yoga (Yogini Workout—Ellen Barrett for me)
SUNDAY...............Rest

Jari Love Rotation

Today I put together a little Jari Love rotation. I'm going to do at least the first week of it this week. I've left the cardio options very generic and there are only 5 days of regular workouts plus 1 day of yoga. This is my personal choice with my continuing ankle and knee issues. I am only giving myself 2 days of cardio while I continue to work with the pain. Not everyone wants to do a full 6 days of workouts or has the time for them, after all.

I've uploaded the full month-long rotation to my Workout Rotation Ideas document which you can find to download here. I've also added a couple of other spring fat loss rotations I've considered doing (though I might tweak them a bit more tomorrow).

Here's the first week of the rotation, which I'll start tomorrow:

MONDAY..............Get Ripped (Jari Love)
TUESDAY.............Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Dance or walking for me)
WEDNESDAY........Get Ripped & Chiseled (Jari Love)
THURSDAY...........Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Step or Kickboxing for me)
FRIDAY.................Get Ripped to the Core (Jari Love)
SATURDAY...........Yoga (Yogini Workout—Ellen Barrett for me)
SUNDAY...............Rest

Jari Love Rotation

Today I put together a little Jari Love rotation. I'm going to do at least the first week of it this week. I've left the cardio options very generic and there are only 5 days of regular workouts plus 1 day of yoga. This is my personal choice with my continuing ankle and knee issues. I am only giving myself 2 days of cardio while I continue to work with the pain. Not everyone wants to do a full 6 days of workouts or has the time for them, after all.

I've uploaded the full month-long rotation to my Workout Rotation Ideas document which you can find to download here. I've also added a couple of other spring fat loss rotations I've considered doing (though I might tweak them a bit more tomorrow).

Here's the first week of the rotation, which I'll start tomorrow:

MONDAY..............Get Ripped (Jari Love)
TUESDAY.............Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Dance or walking for me)
WEDNESDAY........Get Ripped & Chiseled (Jari Love)
THURSDAY...........Cardio of choice (45-60 min--Step or Kickboxing for me)
FRIDAY.................Get Ripped to the Core (Jari Love)
SATURDAY...........Yoga (Yogini Workout—Ellen Barrett for me)
SUNDAY...............Rest

Good News & Bad News

Good news: I think my kids are mostly healthy again. Whew.

Bad news: I have gained weight every week since starting Body for Life (except the very first week). And it's not like it's "muscle weight" or anything because the inches aren't going down or anything.

So, I'm considering stopping BFL. Don't call me a quitter. OK, call me a quitter, but I'll just stick out my tongue and go pbbbbbt! Then I'll hold up my palm and say "Talk to the hand" or make some other similar juvenile response. I still like the idea of the BFL plan. I just think I need to first just focus on losing some more weight. I may go back to good old Weight Watchers, since it has certainly worked for me before--at least when I followed it properly.

Tomorrow I hope to post a couple new rotations. I've been playing around with some fat loss rotation ideas. I've mostly finished those. I may also post a Jari Love-focused rotation to go along with the Jari weight worksheets I still haven't put together. I'm such a procrastinator....

Good News & Bad News

Good news: I think my kids are mostly healthy again. Whew.

Bad news: I have gained weight every week since starting Body for Life (except the very first week). And it's not like it's "muscle weight" or anything because the inches aren't going down or anything.

So, I'm considering stopping BFL. Don't call me a quitter. OK, call me a quitter, but I'll just stick out my tongue and go pbbbbbt! Then I'll hold up my palm and say "Talk to the hand" or make some other similar juvenile response. I still like the idea of the BFL plan. I just think I need to first just focus on losing some more weight. I may go back to good old Weight Watchers, since it has certainly worked for me before--at least when I followed it properly.

Tomorrow I hope to post a couple new rotations. I've been playing around with some fat loss rotation ideas. I've mostly finished those. I may also post a Jari Love-focused rotation to go along with the Jari weight worksheets I still haven't put together. I'm such a procrastinator....

Good News & Bad News

Good news: I think my kids are mostly healthy again. Whew.

Bad news: I have gained weight every week since starting Body for Life (except the very first week). And it's not like it's "muscle weight" or anything because the inches aren't going down or anything.

So, I'm considering stopping BFL. Don't call me a quitter. OK, call me a quitter, but I'll just stick out my tongue and go pbbbbbt! Then I'll hold up my palm and say "Talk to the hand" or make some other similar juvenile response. I still like the idea of the BFL plan. I just think I need to first just focus on losing some more weight. I may go back to good old Weight Watchers, since it has certainly worked for me before--at least when I followed it properly.

Tomorrow I hope to post a couple new rotations. I've been playing around with some fat loss rotation ideas. I've mostly finished those. I may also post a Jari Love-focused rotation to go along with the Jari weight worksheets I still haven't put together. I'm such a procrastinator....

Sick Kids

My boys were very sick today, but before they went downhill I did manage to get in a workout--Amy Bento's ASCII. I did combos 1,4,5, and then all combos (1-5) twice. In between I did some higher intensity intervals.

I enjoyed my workout, but not long after I attempted to feed the boys and they didn't keep it down. :-( My poor boys. I hope to go to bed early and get up early to work out (depending on how much I'm up in the night--hoping they sleep through, though).

Sick Kids

My boys were very sick today, but before they went downhill I did manage to get in a workout--Amy Bento's ASCII. I did combos 1,4,5, and then all combos (1-5) twice. In between I did some higher intensity intervals.

I enjoyed my workout, but not long after I attempted to feed the boys and they didn't keep it down. :-( My poor boys. I hope to go to bed early and get up early to work out (depending on how much I'm up in the night--hoping they sleep through, though).

Sick Kids

My boys were very sick today, but before they went downhill I did manage to get in a workout--Amy Bento's ASCII. I did combos 1,4,5, and then all combos (1-5) twice. In between I did some higher intensity intervals.

I enjoyed my workout, but not long after I attempted to feed the boys and they didn't keep it down. :-( My poor boys. I hope to go to bed early and get up early to work out (depending on how much I'm up in the night--hoping they sleep through, though).

Monday

I know I failed in my effort to work out yesterday, but I got back on that horse today. I did a good upper body workout with Cathe's Pyramid Upper Body. I did the pyramid up only premix--pretty tough even when you do only the upside of the premix. I did it in the morning before taking my oldest son to the doctor (he has a stomach virus). I'm glad I got it done then because later in the afternoon my younger son turned out to be sick as well. What a day. I hate seeing my babies sick.

Tomorrow is a cardio day. I'd like to do some Amy Bento--either her new Hi-Low Knockout or my current favorite ASCII. Or maybe I'll get lucky and her new In the Ring workout will arrive.

Please keep my little feverish and tummy-sick kids in your prayers.

Monday

I know I failed in my effort to work out yesterday, but I got back on that horse today. I did a good upper body workout with Cathe's Pyramid Upper Body. I did the pyramid up only premix--pretty tough even when you do only the upside of the premix. I did it in the morning before taking my oldest son to the doctor (he has a stomach virus). I'm glad I got it done then because later in the afternoon my younger son turned out to be sick as well. What a day. I hate seeing my babies sick.

Tomorrow is a cardio day. I'd like to do some Amy Bento--either her new Hi-Low Knockout or my current favorite ASCII. Or maybe I'll get lucky and her new In the Ring workout will arrive.

Please keep my little feverish and tummy-sick kids in your prayers.

Monday

I know I failed in my effort to work out yesterday, but I got back on that horse today. I did a good upper body workout with Cathe's Pyramid Upper Body. I did the pyramid up only premix--pretty tough even when you do only the upside of the premix. I did it in the morning before taking my oldest son to the doctor (he has a stomach virus). I'm glad I got it done then because later in the afternoon my younger son turned out to be sick as well. What a day. I hate seeing my babies sick.

Tomorrow is a cardio day. I'd like to do some Amy Bento--either her new Hi-Low Knockout or my current favorite ASCII. Or maybe I'll get lucky and her new In the Ring workout will arrive.

Please keep my little feverish and tummy-sick kids in your prayers.

Sleepy Easter Sunday

I was exhausted today. I wish I knew why I'm always so tired--I mean other than the two small boys underfoot all the time. It probably didn't help that Isaac was up in the middle of the night vomiting again (just once, at least). We didn't go to Easter services at church this morning because of him being sick.

I couldn't even get into my new Amy Bento workout (and you know how I love her stuff). I ended up quitting it during the first combo and going to take a nap--my hubby and youngest son were already napping so it was very tempting to join the snooze parade. So my oldest son and I ended up crashing on opposite ends of the couch. I was disappointed in myself because it's the first workout I've missed since starting Body for Life.

Not long after I got up and got productive again, the power went out. It was only out for a couple hours, but at a difficult time of the day--right when I was about to make dinner. So I ended up making beans and rice (something I could make on our gas stove, lighting it with matches). Then I prepared the boys for bed by candlelight and was preparing to read them a bedtime story by flashlight when the lights came back on.

Now I'm about to head to bed fairly early and hope that my son sleeps through the night without stomach upset.

Sleepy Easter Sunday

I was exhausted today. I wish I knew why I'm always so tired--I mean other than the two small boys underfoot all the time. It probably didn't help that Isaac was up in the middle of the night vomiting again (just once, at least). We didn't go to Easter services at church this morning because of him being sick.

I couldn't even get into my new Amy Bento workout (and you know how I love her stuff). I ended up quitting it during the first combo and going to take a nap--my hubby and youngest son were already napping so it was very tempting to join the snooze parade. So my oldest son and I ended up crashing on opposite ends of the couch. I was disappointed in myself because it's the first workout I've missed since starting Body for Life.

Not long after I got up and got productive again, the power went out. It was only out for a couple hours, but at a difficult time of the day--right when I was about to make dinner. So I ended up making beans and rice (something I could make on our gas stove, lighting it with matches). Then I prepared the boys for bed by candlelight and was preparing to read them a bedtime story by flashlight when the lights came back on.

Now I'm about to head to bed fairly early and hope that my son sleeps through the night without stomach upset.

Sleepy Easter Sunday

I was exhausted today. I wish I knew why I'm always so tired--I mean other than the two small boys underfoot all the time. It probably didn't help that Isaac was up in the middle of the night vomiting again (just once, at least). We didn't go to Easter services at church this morning because of him being sick.

I couldn't even get into my new Amy Bento workout (and you know how I love her stuff). I ended up quitting it during the first combo and going to take a nap--my hubby and youngest son were already napping so it was very tempting to join the snooze parade. So my oldest son and I ended up crashing on opposite ends of the couch. I was disappointed in myself because it's the first workout I've missed since starting Body for Life.

Not long after I got up and got productive again, the power went out. It was only out for a couple hours, but at a difficult time of the day--right when I was about to make dinner. So I ended up making beans and rice (something I could make on our gas stove, lighting it with matches). Then I prepared the boys for bed by candlelight and was preparing to read them a bedtime story by flashlight when the lights came back on.

Now I'm about to head to bed fairly early and hope that my son sleeps through the night without stomach upset.

New CIA Workouts Have Arrived!

I received my new CIA workouts in the mail today. I preordered them awhile ago, so it was great fun to open the front door and see them on the porch. Yay! I got All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris, and All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento. If you know me or have read this blog much before, then you know which one I'm most excited about trying--the Amy Bento. I think I'll give it a try tomorrow for my cardio workout. I love me some Amy Bento workouts! I actually started a little Amy Bento fan group on Facebook (I'm spending way too much free time on Facebook, lately).

I hope to be back here tomorrow with a review (which will not be completely objective since I love Amy so).

New CIA Workouts Have Arrived!

I received my new CIA workouts in the mail today. I preordered them awhile ago, so it was great fun to open the front door and see them on the porch. Yay! I got All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris, and All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento. If you know me or have read this blog much before, then you know which one I'm most excited about trying--the Amy Bento. I think I'll give it a try tomorrow for my cardio workout. I love me some Amy Bento workouts! I actually started a little Amy Bento fan group on Facebook (I'm spending way too much free time on Facebook, lately).

I hope to be back here tomorrow with a review (which will not be completely objective since I love Amy so).

New CIA Workouts Have Arrived!

I received my new CIA workouts in the mail today. I preordered them awhile ago, so it was great fun to open the front door and see them on the porch. Yay! I got All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris, and All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento. If you know me or have read this blog much before, then you know which one I'm most excited about trying--the Amy Bento. I think I'll give it a try tomorrow for my cardio workout. I love me some Amy Bento workouts! I actually started a little Amy Bento fan group on Facebook (I'm spending way too much free time on Facebook, lately).

I hope to be back here tomorrow with a review (which will not be completely objective since I love Amy so).

Today Was a Day

Wow, what a week this is. My kids are off school from today until next Tuesday. I woke up prepared for a sort of lazy cozy day indoors with my two boys. Of course, they woke me up earlier than I would have liked, but that's par for the course with rugrats. As soon as I woke up I realized it was pretty cold. Then I realized our heat was not working. Again. It was just out one day last week and the plumber came by and supposedly fixed it. So the dude had to come back today, but this time he wasn't able to make it until almost 5 p.m. Luckily it wasn't too cold today so it only got down to about 60 in here. Still, it sort of messed up our day. However, we survived and I actually managed to be productive more than lazy.

I also got in a great upper body workout, Body for Life style. I pushed myself and worked hard. I love a good workout like that when I feel that sense of accomplishment when I'm done. It's like when I finished a good essay in college (o.k. I was an English major and a bit of a nerd).

Tomorrow is cardio--I'm thinking maybe Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or Cathe's Low Max.

Today Was a Day

Wow, what a week this is. My kids are off school from today until next Tuesday. I woke up prepared for a sort of lazy cozy day indoors with my two boys. Of course, they woke me up earlier than I would have liked, but that's par for the course with rugrats. As soon as I woke up I realized it was pretty cold. Then I realized our heat was not working. Again. It was just out one day last week and the plumber came by and supposedly fixed it. So the dude had to come back today, but this time he wasn't able to make it until almost 5 p.m. Luckily it wasn't too cold today so it only got down to about 60 in here. Still, it sort of messed up our day. However, we survived and I actually managed to be productive more than lazy.

I also got in a great upper body workout, Body for Life style. I pushed myself and worked hard. I love a good workout like that when I feel that sense of accomplishment when I'm done. It's like when I finished a good essay in college (o.k. I was an English major and a bit of a nerd).

Tomorrow is cardio--I'm thinking maybe Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or Cathe's Low Max.

Today Was a Day

Wow, what a week this is. My kids are off school from today until next Tuesday. I woke up prepared for a sort of lazy cozy day indoors with my two boys. Of course, they woke me up earlier than I would have liked, but that's par for the course with rugrats. As soon as I woke up I realized it was pretty cold. Then I realized our heat was not working. Again. It was just out one day last week and the plumber came by and supposedly fixed it. So the dude had to come back today, but this time he wasn't able to make it until almost 5 p.m. Luckily it wasn't too cold today so it only got down to about 60 in here. Still, it sort of messed up our day. However, we survived and I actually managed to be productive more than lazy.

I also got in a great upper body workout, Body for Life style. I pushed myself and worked hard. I love a good workout like that when I feel that sense of accomplishment when I'm done. It's like when I finished a good essay in college (o.k. I was an English major and a bit of a nerd).

Tomorrow is cardio--I'm thinking maybe Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or Cathe's Low Max.

Day 22 of Body for Life!

I have really neglected my blog lately, but I'm back. I've been plugging along at Body for Life, some days I do better than others. I really like the workout program. For those of you not familiar, I'll describe it here.

Week 1:
Mon. Upper Body (pyramid style)
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Lower Body (also pyramids) & Abs
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Upper Body
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Week 2:
Mon. Lower Body & Abs
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Upper Body
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Lower Body & Abs
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Then those plans alternate every week. I love it. It really works well for me--well, I don't know if it works in the "getting buff" sense yet--I'm only 3 weeks in. I just mean I like the flow of it and it gives my muscles some rest. My only worry is my wonky knee problem. I can't do as good a lower body workout as I'd like. In fact, when I have physical therapy sessions I tend to make that my lower body work for the day. One day recently I tried a regular BFL lower body workout with weights and...ouch...I was terribly sore for days. I think I overdid that one. So I have to ease back into that kind of thing.

In other news, I hope to put together some Jari Love weight worksheets for download. I'll let you know when they're ready.

Day 22 of Body for Life!

I have really neglected my blog lately, but I'm back. I've been plugging along at Body for Life, some days I do better than others. I really like the workout program. For those of you not familiar, I'll describe it here.

Week 1:
Mon. Upper Body (pyramid style)
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Lower Body (also pyramids) & Abs
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Upper Body
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Week 2:
Mon. Lower Body & Abs
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Upper Body
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Lower Body & Abs
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Then those plans alternate every week. I love it. It really works well for me--well, I don't know if it works in the "getting buff" sense yet--I'm only 3 weeks in. I just mean I like the flow of it and it gives my muscles some rest. My only worry is my wonky knee problem. I can't do as good a lower body workout as I'd like. In fact, when I have physical therapy sessions I tend to make that my lower body work for the day. One day recently I tried a regular BFL lower body workout with weights and...ouch...I was terribly sore for days. I think I overdid that one. So I have to ease back into that kind of thing.

In other news, I hope to put together some Jari Love weight worksheets for download. I'll let you know when they're ready.

Day 22 of Body for Life!

I have really neglected my blog lately, but I'm back. I've been plugging along at Body for Life, some days I do better than others. I really like the workout program. For those of you not familiar, I'll describe it here.

Week 1:
Mon. Upper Body (pyramid style)
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Lower Body (also pyramids) & Abs
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Upper Body
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Week 2:
Mon. Lower Body & Abs
Tues. Cardio--high intensity interval training
Wed. Upper Body
Thurs. HIIT cardio
Fri. Lower Body & Abs
Sat. HIIT cardio
Sun. Rest

Then those plans alternate every week. I love it. It really works well for me--well, I don't know if it works in the "getting buff" sense yet--I'm only 3 weeks in. I just mean I like the flow of it and it gives my muscles some rest. My only worry is my wonky knee problem. I can't do as good a lower body workout as I'd like. In fact, when I have physical therapy sessions I tend to make that my lower body work for the day. One day recently I tried a regular BFL lower body workout with weights and...ouch...I was terribly sore for days. I think I overdid that one. So I have to ease back into that kind of thing.

In other news, I hope to put together some Jari Love weight worksheets for download. I'll let you know when they're ready.

Another Ewan Video

I've got a new video of my 2-year old Ewan exercising. This time he's stretching with Amy Bento's ASCII.

You can find it by clicking here.

Another Ewan Video

I've got a new video of my 2-year old Ewan exercising. This time he's stretching with Amy Bento's ASCII.

You can find it by clicking here.

Another Ewan Video

I've got a new video of my 2-year old Ewan exercising. This time he's stretching with Amy Bento's ASCII.

You can find it by clicking here.

Physical Therapy Hurt Today

I went to physical therapy this morning and decided that was my workout for the day. I was scheduled to do lower body today, anyway. They put me up to 3 sets of 15 on my exercises--leg press, seated hamstring curls, leg abductions to the side and then standing, pulling my leg back (don't know what that's called). I also do this thing where I have to balance on one leg at a time on a little dome they call a "porcupine" because it has little spines all over it (but it's soft rubber so you're not getting stabbed or anything). I also stand on a short step and bend one knee lowering the other heel to the floor. I also have to do that one with 3 sets of 15 on both sides.

So they work my muscles with all that and then they did something called "Russian stim" which was downright painful. They put the little electrical stimulation pads on my quad muscles and cranked the sucker up. Normally when I get stimulation, they wrap it in a warm or cold wrap around my knees and it's a pretty comfortable amount of stimulation, often set around 12 or lower (the intensity goes up as the numbers go higher). But with the Russian stim they put it on 24! I had to tighten my quads as they were zapped all to heck--each leg was alternately slammed. Yowza. That's part of why I decided I was done with my lower body work after that. At least I got a bit of a massage and stretch as well.

Did I mention my PT said last week that I'm very flexible? That was a big shock--I've never thought of myself as flexible. Apparently it's my hips that are most flexible. I told her maybe it had to be due to giving birth to two big babies or something.

Tomorrow is supposed to be HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) cardio. I'm either going to do Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or her Advanced Step Challenge II--to make that one HIIT I'll have to alternate step combos with segments from her Power Up segment or something. I just love that workout so I'd like to figure out a way to do it.

Physical Therapy Hurt Today

I went to physical therapy this morning and decided that was my workout for the day. I was scheduled to do lower body today, anyway. They put me up to 3 sets of 15 on my exercises--leg press, seated hamstring curls, leg abductions to the side and then standing, pulling my leg back (don't know what that's called). I also do this thing where I have to balance on one leg at a time on a little dome they call a "porcupine" because it has little spines all over it (but it's soft rubber so you're not getting stabbed or anything). I also stand on a short step and bend one knee lowering the other heel to the floor. I also have to do that one with 3 sets of 15 on both sides.

So they work my muscles with all that and then they did something called "Russian stim" which was downright painful. They put the little electrical stimulation pads on my quad muscles and cranked the sucker up. Normally when I get stimulation, they wrap it in a warm or cold wrap around my knees and it's a pretty comfortable amount of stimulation, often set around 12 or lower (the intensity goes up as the numbers go higher). But with the Russian stim they put it on 24! I had to tighten my quads as they were zapped all to heck--each leg was alternately slammed. Yowza. That's part of why I decided I was done with my lower body work after that. At least I got a bit of a massage and stretch as well.

Did I mention my PT said last week that I'm very flexible? That was a big shock--I've never thought of myself as flexible. Apparently it's my hips that are most flexible. I told her maybe it had to be due to giving birth to two big babies or something.

Tomorrow is supposed to be HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) cardio. I'm either going to do Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or her Advanced Step Challenge II--to make that one HIIT I'll have to alternate step combos with segments from her Power Up segment or something. I just love that workout so I'd like to figure out a way to do it.

Physical Therapy Hurt Today

I went to physical therapy this morning and decided that was my workout for the day. I was scheduled to do lower body today, anyway. They put me up to 3 sets of 15 on my exercises--leg press, seated hamstring curls, leg abductions to the side and then standing, pulling my leg back (don't know what that's called). I also do this thing where I have to balance on one leg at a time on a little dome they call a "porcupine" because it has little spines all over it (but it's soft rubber so you're not getting stabbed or anything). I also stand on a short step and bend one knee lowering the other heel to the floor. I also have to do that one with 3 sets of 15 on both sides.

So they work my muscles with all that and then they did something called "Russian stim" which was downright painful. They put the little electrical stimulation pads on my quad muscles and cranked the sucker up. Normally when I get stimulation, they wrap it in a warm or cold wrap around my knees and it's a pretty comfortable amount of stimulation, often set around 12 or lower (the intensity goes up as the numbers go higher). But with the Russian stim they put it on 24! I had to tighten my quads as they were zapped all to heck--each leg was alternately slammed. Yowza. That's part of why I decided I was done with my lower body work after that. At least I got a bit of a massage and stretch as well.

Did I mention my PT said last week that I'm very flexible? That was a big shock--I've never thought of myself as flexible. Apparently it's my hips that are most flexible. I told her maybe it had to be due to giving birth to two big babies or something.

Tomorrow is supposed to be HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) cardio. I'm either going to do Amy Bento's Kickbox Xtreme or her Advanced Step Challenge II--to make that one HIIT I'll have to alternate step combos with segments from her Power Up segment or something. I just love that workout so I'd like to figure out a way to do it.

Upcoming Presale Shipments

I don't know if I mentioned before that I gave up shopping for Lent (I know I mentioned it on my Spiritual Blog, but maybe not here). I won't go into details about that on this blog, but needless to say, one of the hardest parts is not buying new workouts. Honestly, it's not like I need to be buying them when I already own some I haven't even tried yet. Luckily, several great fitness DVD presales happened before Lent, so I managed to pay for those already and I'm just awaiting their arrival.

Here are some I'm looking forward to and their estimated shipping dates.

Creative Instructors Aerobics: I ordered All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento, All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, and Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris. These may ship as early as the 14th--by the end of this week, or maybe not until next week. The one I'm most excited about (and least likely to end up selling later) is of course Amy's Hi-Low Knockout. Amy rocks.

Amy Bento: In the Ring. Amy has a clip up for this one and it looks pretty great. Also, it has intervals which is good for my BFL workouts. She estimates shipping starting March 21st--not long now. I really can't wait to get this one (but I'm patiently waiting and glad it's paid for already).

Kelly Coffey-Meyer: 30 Minutes to Fitness. Any time an instructor promises something in 30 minutes, it's gotta be a great sell. Sure, I like to exercise and some days I want a good long workout, but sometimes 30 minutes is plenty. I haven't seen an estimated shipping date, but I imagine it will be not long after the other two presales. She's working with the same producer, I believe--Greg Twombly from CIA.

Tracey Staehle: Body Master Challenge Series. I ordered 3 of the 5. I think I ordered Circuit Zone, Strike Zone, and Steady State Step. I don't know an estimated shipping date for these yet, but she's already filmed some of them, so hopefully not too long.

Cathe Friedrich (the Queen of Advanced Workouts!): STS--Shock Training System. This is going to be serious, hardcore stuff--the kind of program I'm both dying to try and dreading with fear and trembling. When they say, "Cathe Gets Serious" you know you're in for a butt-whooping. No idea yet when this one is coming out, because they are filming it now, but it will be HUGE. Hopefully some time this summer? It would be ideal for me if it came out just as I finished this round of Body for Life.

Upcoming Presale Shipments

I don't know if I mentioned before that I gave up shopping for Lent (I know I mentioned it on my Spiritual Blog, but maybe not here). I won't go into details about that on this blog, but needless to say, one of the hardest parts is not buying new workouts. Honestly, it's not like I need to be buying them when I already own some I haven't even tried yet. Luckily, several great fitness DVD presales happened before Lent, so I managed to pay for those already and I'm just awaiting their arrival.

Here are some I'm looking forward to and their estimated shipping dates.

Creative Instructors Aerobics: I ordered All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento, All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, and Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris. These may ship as early as the 14th--by the end of this week, or maybe not until next week. The one I'm most excited about (and least likely to end up selling later) is of course Amy's Hi-Low Knockout. Amy rocks.

Amy Bento: In the Ring. Amy has a clip up for this one and it looks pretty great. Also, it has intervals which is good for my BFL workouts. She estimates shipping starting March 21st--not long now. I really can't wait to get this one (but I'm patiently waiting and glad it's paid for already).

Kelly Coffey-Meyer: 30 Minutes to Fitness. Any time an instructor promises something in 30 minutes, it's gotta be a great sell. Sure, I like to exercise and some days I want a good long workout, but sometimes 30 minutes is plenty. I haven't seen an estimated shipping date, but I imagine it will be not long after the other two presales. She's working with the same producer, I believe--Greg Twombly from CIA.

Tracey Staehle: Body Master Challenge Series. I ordered 3 of the 5. I think I ordered Circuit Zone, Strike Zone, and Steady State Step. I don't know an estimated shipping date for these yet, but she's already filmed some of them, so hopefully not too long.

Cathe Friedrich (the Queen of Advanced Workouts!): STS--Shock Training System. This is going to be serious, hardcore stuff--the kind of program I'm both dying to try and dreading with fear and trembling. When they say, "Cathe Gets Serious" you know you're in for a butt-whooping. No idea yet when this one is coming out, because they are filming it now, but it will be HUGE. Hopefully some time this summer? It would be ideal for me if it came out just as I finished this round of Body for Life.

Upcoming Presale Shipments

I don't know if I mentioned before that I gave up shopping for Lent (I know I mentioned it on my Spiritual Blog, but maybe not here). I won't go into details about that on this blog, but needless to say, one of the hardest parts is not buying new workouts. Honestly, it's not like I need to be buying them when I already own some I haven't even tried yet. Luckily, several great fitness DVD presales happened before Lent, so I managed to pay for those already and I'm just awaiting their arrival.

Here are some I'm looking forward to and their estimated shipping dates.

Creative Instructors Aerobics: I ordered All Cardio Hi-Low Knockout with Amy Bento, All Cardio Step with Gay Gasper, and Tap-Less and Step More with Deidre Morris. These may ship as early as the 14th--by the end of this week, or maybe not until next week. The one I'm most excited about (and least likely to end up selling later) is of course Amy's Hi-Low Knockout. Amy rocks.

Amy Bento: In the Ring. Amy has a clip up for this one and it looks pretty great. Also, it has intervals which is good for my BFL workouts. She estimates shipping starting March 21st--not long now. I really can't wait to get this one (but I'm patiently waiting and glad it's paid for already).

Kelly Coffey-Meyer: 30 Minutes to Fitness. Any time an instructor promises something in 30 minutes, it's gotta be a great sell. Sure, I like to exercise and some days I want a good long workout, but sometimes 30 minutes is plenty. I haven't seen an estimated shipping date, but I imagine it will be not long after the other two presales. She's working with the same producer, I believe--Greg Twombly from CIA.

Tracey Staehle: Body Master Challenge Series. I ordered 3 of the 5. I think I ordered Circuit Zone, Strike Zone, and Steady State Step. I don't know an estimated shipping date for these yet, but she's already filmed some of them, so hopefully not too long.

Cathe Friedrich (the Queen of Advanced Workouts!): STS--Shock Training System. This is going to be serious, hardcore stuff--the kind of program I'm both dying to try and dreading with fear and trembling. When they say, "Cathe Gets Serious" you know you're in for a butt-whooping. No idea yet when this one is coming out, because they are filming it now, but it will be HUGE. Hopefully some time this summer? It would be ideal for me if it came out just as I finished this round of Body for Life.

Day 15 of Body for Life

I haven't been online blogging as much lately--I guess because I've been quite busy working on my Body for Life challenge. Ironically the better I'm doing at my personal fitness, the worse I do at blogging about fitness. It takes a bit of planning to do it right, especially if you're an anal retentive type. I'm keeping a detailed record in my Body for Life Success Journal. Every day I see my "before" picture, squeal "eek", and vow to keep up the good work. Don't worry, I'm not trying to convert any readers to BFL, because it's not necessarily for everyone. I don't even know if it's for me until I see results. So far I find it to be something I can handle so I hope it also has good results.

And unrelated, another thing I put together another online gallery of my 5-year old's "art."

Day 15 of Body for Life

I haven't been online blogging as much lately--I guess because I've been quite busy working on my Body for Life challenge. Ironically the better I'm doing at my personal fitness, the worse I do at blogging about fitness. It takes a bit of planning to do it right, especially if you're an anal retentive type. I'm keeping a detailed record in my Body for Life Success Journal. Every day I see my "before" picture, squeal "eek", and vow to keep up the good work. Don't worry, I'm not trying to convert any readers to BFL, because it's not necessarily for everyone. I don't even know if it's for me until I see results. So far I find it to be something I can handle so I hope it also has good results.

And unrelated, another thing I put together another online gallery of my 5-year old's "art."

Day 15 of Body for Life

I haven't been online blogging as much lately--I guess because I've been quite busy working on my Body for Life challenge. Ironically the better I'm doing at my personal fitness, the worse I do at blogging about fitness. It takes a bit of planning to do it right, especially if you're an anal retentive type. I'm keeping a detailed record in my Body for Life Success Journal. Every day I see my "before" picture, squeal "eek", and vow to keep up the good work. Don't worry, I'm not trying to convert any readers to BFL, because it's not necessarily for everyone. I don't even know if it's for me until I see results. So far I find it to be something I can handle so I hope it also has good results.

And unrelated, another thing I put together another online gallery of my 5-year old's "art."

Happy Birthday, Audra!

I meant to write a post tonight, but I got busy writing a Happy Birthday blog entry about my best friend Audra on my main personal blog. Hopefully I'll have some fitness stuff to talk about tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Audra!

I meant to write a post tonight, but I got busy writing a Happy Birthday blog entry about my best friend Audra on my main personal blog. Hopefully I'll have some fitness stuff to talk about tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Audra!

I meant to write a post tonight, but I got busy writing a Happy Birthday blog entry about my best friend Audra on my main personal blog. Hopefully I'll have some fitness stuff to talk about tomorrow!

Body for Life--Day 10 Update

Today was Day 10 of my Body for Life challenge. Overall, I'm doing pretty well, with some minor slip-ups here or there. Bill Phillips (the author of Body for Life) encourages you to focus on progress and not perfection, though, so I try to keep that in mind.

This morning I did a tough BFL upper body workout. Since starting BFL I've been trying to get up early for my workouts as much as possible, and I managed it today. It feels great to start my day off with a killer workout--and gives me a nice sense of accomplishment when I'm done working out early. It also motivates me to eat well the rest of the day--not wanting to waste that effort.

The problem is, being up so early I'm now fading fast before 11pm (it's about a quarter to 11 now). I need to start going to bed earlier now that I'm getting up earlier, but I'm a night owl by nature. Sigh.

In other news, please send healthy recipes if you've got them, and I'll add them to the list to download them. Also, I still have a few DVDs for sale on Amazon. Check them out if you are interested.

Body for Life--Day 10 Update

Today was Day 10 of my Body for Life challenge. Overall, I'm doing pretty well, with some minor slip-ups here or there. Bill Phillips (the author of Body for Life) encourages you to focus on progress and not perfection, though, so I try to keep that in mind.

This morning I did a tough BFL upper body workout. Since starting BFL I've been trying to get up early for my workouts as much as possible, and I managed it today. It feels great to start my day off with a killer workout--and gives me a nice sense of accomplishment when I'm done working out early. It also motivates me to eat well the rest of the day--not wanting to waste that effort.

The problem is, being up so early I'm now fading fast before 11pm (it's about a quarter to 11 now). I need to start going to bed earlier now that I'm getting up earlier, but I'm a night owl by nature. Sigh.

In other news, please send healthy recipes if you've got them, and I'll add them to the list to download them. Also, I still have a few DVDs for sale on Amazon. Check them out if you are interested.

Body for Life--Day 10 Update

Today was Day 10 of my Body for Life challenge. Overall, I'm doing pretty well, with some minor slip-ups here or there. Bill Phillips (the author of Body for Life) encourages you to focus on progress and not perfection, though, so I try to keep that in mind.

This morning I did a tough BFL upper body workout. Since starting BFL I've been trying to get up early for my workouts as much as possible, and I managed it today. It feels great to start my day off with a killer workout--and gives me a nice sense of accomplishment when I'm done working out early. It also motivates me to eat well the rest of the day--not wanting to waste that effort.

The problem is, being up so early I'm now fading fast before 11pm (it's about a quarter to 11 now). I need to start going to bed earlier now that I'm getting up earlier, but I'm a night owl by nature. Sigh.

In other news, please send healthy recipes if you've got them, and I'll add them to the list to download them. Also, I still have a few DVDs for sale on Amazon. Check them out if you are interested.

I'm Plum Tuckered Out

Ya'll, I am so tired. Exhausted. I've been tired and ready to nap all day. So I'm going to bed very soon. I just wanted to mention that I am putting together another document of recipes on the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. This is not specifically for BFL, but just for clean eating (though the BFL recipes are all healthy and clean as well). So far I only have one recipe on there. I hope to add more as people send them or as I find them myself, so send 'em on if you've got 'em.

Now I'm going to bed early. Night.

p.s. Yeah, I know--my Texas upbringing is leaking out all over the place in my writing tonight--must be the fatigue.

I'm Plum Tuckered Out

Ya'll, I am so tired. Exhausted. I've been tired and ready to nap all day. So I'm going to bed very soon. I just wanted to mention that I am putting together another document of recipes on the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. This is not specifically for BFL, but just for clean eating (though the BFL recipes are all healthy and clean as well). So far I only have one recipe on there. I hope to add more as people send them or as I find them myself, so send 'em on if you've got 'em.

Now I'm going to bed early. Night.

p.s. Yeah, I know--my Texas upbringing is leaking out all over the place in my writing tonight--must be the fatigue.

I'm Plum Tuckered Out

Ya'll, I am so tired. Exhausted. I've been tired and ready to nap all day. So I'm going to bed very soon. I just wanted to mention that I am putting together another document of recipes on the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. This is not specifically for BFL, but just for clean eating (though the BFL recipes are all healthy and clean as well). So far I only have one recipe on there. I hope to add more as people send them or as I find them myself, so send 'em on if you've got 'em.

Now I'm going to bed early. Night.

p.s. Yeah, I know--my Texas upbringing is leaking out all over the place in my writing tonight--must be the fatigue.

Body for Life Recipes

I've added a Word document full of great recipes to the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. It's titled Recipes for BFL.doc and is near the top of the list. just click to download it. BFL is for Body for Life, my latest obsession. I got this list from both Banslug/Gayle and Bayerngirl/Belinda from the Cathe.com forums. It's got some nice meals for clean eating, not just for use with BFL. If you have more healthy recipes I could add or put in a new document, email me at fitnessfig@mac.com.

Body for Life Recipes

I've added a Word document full of great recipes to the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. It's titled Recipes for BFL.doc and is near the top of the list. just click to download it. BFL is for Body for Life, my latest obsession. I got this list from both Banslug/Gayle and Bayerngirl/Belinda from the Cathe.com forums. It's got some nice meals for clean eating, not just for use with BFL. If you have more healthy recipes I could add or put in a new document, email me at fitnessfig@mac.com.

Body for Life Recipes

I've added a Word document full of great recipes to the Fitness Tools Available to Download page. It's titled Recipes for BFL.doc and is near the top of the list. just click to download it. BFL is for Body for Life, my latest obsession. I got this list from both Banslug/Gayle and Bayerngirl/Belinda from the Cathe.com forums. It's got some nice meals for clean eating, not just for use with BFL. If you have more healthy recipes I could add or put in a new document, email me at fitnessfig@mac.com.

Bad foods great for your waist?

I found an interesting article entitled "Bad foods that are actually great for your waist". It's old news (from Jan. 2nd) but I'm slow to get around to things. It wasn't much I didn't kind of already know, but it's good stuff. Sadly, the so-called bad foods aren't really fun stuff like cookies and ice cream, but they do at least include pizza (no, not deep dish with pepperoni and extra cheese, though). The info in this article really aligns well with the Body for Life eating plan. Man, I'm really loving BFL so far.

Bad foods great for your waist?

I found an interesting article entitled "Bad foods that are actually great for your waist". It's old news (from Jan. 2nd) but I'm slow to get around to things. It wasn't much I didn't kind of already know, but it's good stuff. Sadly, the so-called bad foods aren't really fun stuff like cookies and ice cream, but they do at least include pizza (no, not deep dish with pepperoni and extra cheese, though). The info in this article really aligns well with the Body for Life eating plan. Man, I'm really loving BFL so far.

Bad foods great for your waist?

I found an interesting article entitled "Bad foods that are actually great for your waist". It's old news (from Jan. 2nd) but I'm slow to get around to things. It wasn't much I didn't kind of already know, but it's good stuff. Sadly, the so-called bad foods aren't really fun stuff like cookies and ice cream, but they do at least include pizza (no, not deep dish with pepperoni and extra cheese, though). The info in this article really aligns well with the Body for Life eating plan. Man, I'm really loving BFL so far.