Wow! It seems like more than 14 days since I began this program. I've missed a few, but I think I've been pretty dedicated overall. I even had a friend make .mp4 files out of the workouts so I could put them on my iPod for travel. However, because I hadn't done these workouts before, the iPod was a little awkward. Trying to view the screen to see the exercises, while keeping my headphones from getting tangled up in the bands was a bit of a challenge. I think once I know the exercise I will be able to listen without much looking at the screen, which will help a lot.
Generally, I really like the Back & Biceps workout and I'm sure I'll enjoy it even more when I'm at home with my own space and weights. Because I'm traveling I brought along my bands, which I only use for chin-ups at home (using the chin-up bar). Here, I had to use them for every exercise ... and that wasn't fun. First, for many of the exercises you have to make a loop and stand on the band to get the right tension. But because the space I'm working out in has carpet the bands kept slipping. So I was constantly pausing the iPod to re-wrap and/or tighten the bands. They also provide a very limited range-of-motion for shorter exercises. Then, when it came to chin-ups, I had to improvise by looping the band between the door and the hinge. It worked fine, but I was a little worried about pulling the door off so I took it a bit easy on these exercises.
The Ab Ripper is just that ... a ripper! I'm glad I listened to the intro because Tony Horton gave caution to doing too many exercises. If you kept up with them you would do over 300 ... which is WAY more than you should do when you start. As well, from my Pilates training I've learned it's quality over quantity. So I did no more than 10 of each exercise, but focused on keeping good form with my abs tight and good breathing throughout. I do wish I'd have started this at the beginning as I know my abs would be looking good already.
So after two weeks here's my assessment ... I do feel stronger in my arms and legs, but I'm not losing any weight. In fact, I've put on 2 lbs since I started! I am still very motivated to keep with the program, but I am beginning to think that the 90 days isn't going to be enough for me to get into the "shape of my life." I can see sticking to the program exactly how it is (without upgrading to the intense level) for a full 6 months. For now, though, it is interesting enough that I don't think I'll get bored even after that amount of time. I'm hoping that in the next two weeks the weight starts to come off ... then I'll really be sold.
Day 14 down, 79 to go.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Holiday with the Parents
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day filled with love, family and good food. I definitely had all the above. Despite my mom being a vegitarian and my dad being on a fairly strict diet, they cooked the full traditional Thanksgiving dinner for me and it was wonderful! Of course after dinner and dishes, we did the all American thing and passed out while watching TV!
We do not participate in Black Friday. I dislike shopping, traffic and crowds enough already ... I don't need to add to the mix the frenzy that comes with people rushing around in a panic to snap up all the savings they can. I suppose if I had everybody's Christmas lists, or if we purchased big-ticket items for Christmas presents it would be important; but we don't, so it's not.
Instead we started the day with a long, fast walk (4.5 miles) through M&D's neighborhood. It is so nice to walk/run around here because it is perfectly flat. At home, there isn't a flat stretch of road within 15 miles so running is extremely difficult (for me, someone who doesn't run anyways). On the downside, it was 30 degrees with a windchill of about 20! I thought my face was going to freeze! At least I got some description of a work out completed and some nice one-on-one time with my mom.
The remainder of the day doing Mom and Dad stuff ... replacing and setting up a printer, setting up shelves in Mom's "office" and generally puttering around. It was while doing these things that I learned my fate for the evening. UGH!
My parents are very musically talented; my dad traveled with a gospel quartet most of my childhood and my mom is a piano, chior and band teacher. This means that they are very involved in the music at their church. Throughout the day I had heard them mention that they needed to practice for church service the next day, but I thought it was going to be just the two of them at home. Boy, was I wrong. Instead, I spent 2 1/2 hours sitting in their church listening to them practice with several other musicians. I love music of all kinds and this wasn't bad music, but listening to people learn music is just one step above fingernails on a chalkboard ... especially when they're trying to change the key on the fly so being out-of-tune was a regular sound. I finally succumbed to putting on my iPod and playing it a full sound to drown out what I was hearing. I love my parents dearly, but no child (or adult child) should be subjected to that!
When they finished I found a different set of religious rules than I was raised on. Growing up, our world stopped from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. No TV, no shopping, no work (that part wasn't bad), no nothing. Typically the majority of the cooking for Saturday was done Friday afternoon so the work after church was minimal. So you can imagine my surprise when we went out to eat after practice at the church. Then, when we got home, Dad turned on the TV to watch the football game. The funny thing was he didn't turn on the volume ... like maybe that wasn't breaking the "rules." Finally, after we all sat there for about 15 minutes watching a silent TV I suggested he turn on the sound. He seemed reluctant, but I didn't come from the "talkies" era and silent TV isn't for me.
I did get out of going to church today ... I don't mean that as bad as it might sound. It's just after years of being in the church and attending church school, and the struggles that created in my life, I prefer not to go when given the choice. So I was thrilled when attendance was presented as an option ... and I opted out.
I've had a good sleep in and am going to tackle Backs and Biceps with the Abs Ripper (finally!) now.
Day 13 down, 80 to go.
We do not participate in Black Friday. I dislike shopping, traffic and crowds enough already ... I don't need to add to the mix the frenzy that comes with people rushing around in a panic to snap up all the savings they can. I suppose if I had everybody's Christmas lists, or if we purchased big-ticket items for Christmas presents it would be important; but we don't, so it's not.
Instead we started the day with a long, fast walk (4.5 miles) through M&D's neighborhood. It is so nice to walk/run around here because it is perfectly flat. At home, there isn't a flat stretch of road within 15 miles so running is extremely difficult (for me, someone who doesn't run anyways). On the downside, it was 30 degrees with a windchill of about 20! I thought my face was going to freeze! At least I got some description of a work out completed and some nice one-on-one time with my mom.
The remainder of the day doing Mom and Dad stuff ... replacing and setting up a printer, setting up shelves in Mom's "office" and generally puttering around. It was while doing these things that I learned my fate for the evening. UGH!
My parents are very musically talented; my dad traveled with a gospel quartet most of my childhood and my mom is a piano, chior and band teacher. This means that they are very involved in the music at their church. Throughout the day I had heard them mention that they needed to practice for church service the next day, but I thought it was going to be just the two of them at home. Boy, was I wrong. Instead, I spent 2 1/2 hours sitting in their church listening to them practice with several other musicians. I love music of all kinds and this wasn't bad music, but listening to people learn music is just one step above fingernails on a chalkboard ... especially when they're trying to change the key on the fly so being out-of-tune was a regular sound. I finally succumbed to putting on my iPod and playing it a full sound to drown out what I was hearing. I love my parents dearly, but no child (or adult child) should be subjected to that!
When they finished I found a different set of religious rules than I was raised on. Growing up, our world stopped from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. No TV, no shopping, no work (that part wasn't bad), no nothing. Typically the majority of the cooking for Saturday was done Friday afternoon so the work after church was minimal. So you can imagine my surprise when we went out to eat after practice at the church. Then, when we got home, Dad turned on the TV to watch the football game. The funny thing was he didn't turn on the volume ... like maybe that wasn't breaking the "rules." Finally, after we all sat there for about 15 minutes watching a silent TV I suggested he turn on the sound. He seemed reluctant, but I didn't come from the "talkies" era and silent TV isn't for me.
I did get out of going to church today ... I don't mean that as bad as it might sound. It's just after years of being in the church and attending church school, and the struggles that created in my life, I prefer not to go when given the choice. So I was thrilled when attendance was presented as an option ... and I opted out.
I've had a good sleep in and am going to tackle Backs and Biceps with the Abs Ripper (finally!) now.
Day 13 down, 80 to go.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Shoulders, Arms and Back -- Day 12
Due to a 4 hour difference between Tony and Ashton's flight, and mine, I decided to go back home and get a workout in before I left. I know when I get to Mom and Dad's we'll do lots of walking/running (mom will walk and I will run to keep up!), but I wanted to get at least one disc workout in.
So it was Shoulders, Arms and Back today. This is a killer workout that is supposed to be part of the second 4 week rotation ... but I decided to do it today. The difficult thing for me was it contains LOTS of push-ups ... something I'm still not able to do very many of. I'll admit to skipping through the push-ups after the first 3 because I simply couldn't do any more. They were doing sliding push-ups, one armed push-ups, etc. Maybe someday I'll be able to do these, but not right now. I was in fear of getting a rug burn on my forehead from falling!
I recomment waiting on this one until the right rotation as I can now see how a full 4 weeks of the first rotation builds you up for this one.
Now I'm off to shower and leave for the airport.
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!
Day 12 down, 80 to go.
So it was Shoulders, Arms and Back today. This is a killer workout that is supposed to be part of the second 4 week rotation ... but I decided to do it today. The difficult thing for me was it contains LOTS of push-ups ... something I'm still not able to do very many of. I'll admit to skipping through the push-ups after the first 3 because I simply couldn't do any more. They were doing sliding push-ups, one armed push-ups, etc. Maybe someday I'll be able to do these, but not right now. I was in fear of getting a rug burn on my forehead from falling!
I recomment waiting on this one until the right rotation as I can now see how a full 4 weeks of the first rotation builds you up for this one.
Now I'm off to shower and leave for the airport.
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!
Day 12 down, 80 to go.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Getting the Family Ready to be Up, Up and Away!
Obviously, Tony and I are pretty seasoned travelers so the packing process to get out of town is fairly painless for us. We pride ourselves in only taking carry-on bags and have learned the secrets of minimization, while still having an outfit for every occasion. Our son, however, does not have our same efficiency thoughts.
I have two wonderful sons, but I swear my youngest is part girl. I'll start with the fact that he can have 5 loads of dirty clothes in his hamper and still have enough clothes to last another week without doing laundry. His double-decker closet has two full rods of nothing but t-shirts. And another with nothing but hoodies and jackets! Add to that the fact that he has over 26 pairs of sneakers, and you have a packing nightmare.
"No, honey, the people in Grandma's village won't be impressed that you have matching shoes for every outfit." And "No, dear, you don't have to take a different hoodie for every day." You should have seen his face when Tony told him he could only take two pairs of shoes (including the ones he wears on the plane). Or when he was told that one coat and two hoodies would last him the week (and that's being generous). I'm pretty sure he's ready to call Child Services for cruel and unusual punishment.
Then of course, you have to add to all this the electronic entertainment that he has to travel with. BMI Baby limits your carry-on to one bag that weighs no more than 10 kgs (est. 22 lbs) which means that's how much/little his backpack can weigh (yes, for the final leg of the journey they're going to have to check their clothes bags). Thank goodness finals are over and no school books will be going along! But let's see ... we have the cellphone and accessories (no thoughts that it won't work in England ... he's got to have it), PSP and accessories, iPod and accessories, toiletries (thank goodness for 3 oz. limits!), and a portable DVD player and accessories. The backpack is sure to also contain no fewer than 3 baseball caps (another thing he has in abundance), at least two scarves and gloves. I'm pretty sure he's going to be pushing the 22 lb. limit.
Our son's packing production began a few days ago with laying out all the items he wanted to take, us cutting it back, him adding more things and us cutting it back again. So as his big packing production continues, I can promise you that at 8:00p tonight Tony and I will pull out our suitcases, lay everything out and by 8:30p be fully packed and ready to go.
As for my workout today ... it's not looking good. I thought I was all caught up on laundry, etc. then Ashton appeared with several arm loads of dirty clothes that magically materialized in his room in the past two days. So I'm spending my morning washing, drying, folding laundry so everybody can pack finish packing this afternoon.
Following that the house has to be cleaned (yes, I've turned into my mother). I never understood why she cleaned the house before we left. But now I do it too because it's just so nice to come back to a clean home. So please don't think just because I might miss my workout I won't be getting any exercise! My office is 3 flights of stairs away from the laundry room ... so it's up and down I go all day.
For now I'll wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving ... Cheri
P.S. I may sneak in an Abs workout (yes, I got my disc back!) before day's end. I'll let you know.
I have two wonderful sons, but I swear my youngest is part girl. I'll start with the fact that he can have 5 loads of dirty clothes in his hamper and still have enough clothes to last another week without doing laundry. His double-decker closet has two full rods of nothing but t-shirts. And another with nothing but hoodies and jackets! Add to that the fact that he has over 26 pairs of sneakers, and you have a packing nightmare.
"No, honey, the people in Grandma's village won't be impressed that you have matching shoes for every outfit." And "No, dear, you don't have to take a different hoodie for every day." You should have seen his face when Tony told him he could only take two pairs of shoes (including the ones he wears on the plane). Or when he was told that one coat and two hoodies would last him the week (and that's being generous). I'm pretty sure he's ready to call Child Services for cruel and unusual punishment.
Then of course, you have to add to all this the electronic entertainment that he has to travel with. BMI Baby limits your carry-on to one bag that weighs no more than 10 kgs (est. 22 lbs) which means that's how much/little his backpack can weigh (yes, for the final leg of the journey they're going to have to check their clothes bags). Thank goodness finals are over and no school books will be going along! But let's see ... we have the cellphone and accessories (no thoughts that it won't work in England ... he's got to have it), PSP and accessories, iPod and accessories, toiletries (thank goodness for 3 oz. limits!), and a portable DVD player and accessories. The backpack is sure to also contain no fewer than 3 baseball caps (another thing he has in abundance), at least two scarves and gloves. I'm pretty sure he's going to be pushing the 22 lb. limit.
Our son's packing production began a few days ago with laying out all the items he wanted to take, us cutting it back, him adding more things and us cutting it back again. So as his big packing production continues, I can promise you that at 8:00p tonight Tony and I will pull out our suitcases, lay everything out and by 8:30p be fully packed and ready to go.
As for my workout today ... it's not looking good. I thought I was all caught up on laundry, etc. then Ashton appeared with several arm loads of dirty clothes that magically materialized in his room in the past two days. So I'm spending my morning washing, drying, folding laundry so everybody can pack finish packing this afternoon.
Following that the house has to be cleaned (yes, I've turned into my mother). I never understood why she cleaned the house before we left. But now I do it too because it's just so nice to come back to a clean home. So please don't think just because I might miss my workout I won't be getting any exercise! My office is 3 flights of stairs away from the laundry room ... so it's up and down I go all day.
For now I'll wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving ... Cheri
P.S. I may sneak in an Abs workout (yes, I got my disc back!) before day's end. I'll let you know.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Plyometrics -- Day 10
Well, the day finally came to do Plyometrics again. I admit I was a little nervous going into this workout. I just did not want to fail And guess what ... I made it all the way through! YEA!!! I'll admit to not doing a full 30 seconds on all exercises and to hitting the pause button (twice) to take a few extra seconds rest, but overall I did everything. Okay, I didn't do the bonus exercises. But hey, that's not bad. And you know what? I know that in just a few weeks this is going to be my favorite workout of the entire program.
I sincerely love a workout that makes sweat drip in your eyes, and this one does that. You're moving, jumping, pushing, pushing some more ... and then when you think you've reached the bottom you're pushing again.
The weird thing is, there are some exercises that are seriously difficult, and others that I don't find difficult at all. Twist like you're skiing? I can do that all day long. Jump over a creek? Yep, that one too. Jump in the air and hit your knees on your hands? Not so much.
Yes, muscles burn. Yes, you sweat a TON. Yes, you can feel like you're going to collapse. But at the end you feel wonderful. My BodyBugg says I burned 300 calories in 60 minutes. And I know if I'd have done the full time on each exercise it would have been closer to 450. That's fantastic!
Despite the difficult workout, I was able to function the remainder of the day without any ill affects. Typically after a workout like that I'm battling between eating everything in site and taking a long nap. Didn't do either today ... didn't even feel like doing either. One trick I took from the disc was to spike my water with a 1/2-strength dose of the post-workout drink. It's now 6+ hours after my workout and I still feel energized and ready to go.
The only thing I regretted today was eating my energy bar about 30 mins. before I worked out. I know I should have given myself more time, but time got away from me a bit. I didn't get sick or anything, but there was definitely about a 10 minute period when I was realizing what a dumb mistake that was.
My workouts are going to get a little crazy for the next few days. Typically up next is Shoulders and Arms. But tomorrow I'm going to do Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. There will be some other modifications this week due to Holiday travel, but I'll let you know what I substitute and how well it works out.
Day 10 down, 81 to go.
I sincerely love a workout that makes sweat drip in your eyes, and this one does that. You're moving, jumping, pushing, pushing some more ... and then when you think you've reached the bottom you're pushing again.
The weird thing is, there are some exercises that are seriously difficult, and others that I don't find difficult at all. Twist like you're skiing? I can do that all day long. Jump over a creek? Yep, that one too. Jump in the air and hit your knees on your hands? Not so much.
Yes, muscles burn. Yes, you sweat a TON. Yes, you can feel like you're going to collapse. But at the end you feel wonderful. My BodyBugg says I burned 300 calories in 60 minutes. And I know if I'd have done the full time on each exercise it would have been closer to 450. That's fantastic!
Despite the difficult workout, I was able to function the remainder of the day without any ill affects. Typically after a workout like that I'm battling between eating everything in site and taking a long nap. Didn't do either today ... didn't even feel like doing either. One trick I took from the disc was to spike my water with a 1/2-strength dose of the post-workout drink. It's now 6+ hours after my workout and I still feel energized and ready to go.
The only thing I regretted today was eating my energy bar about 30 mins. before I worked out. I know I should have given myself more time, but time got away from me a bit. I didn't get sick or anything, but there was definitely about a 10 minute period when I was realizing what a dumb mistake that was.
My workouts are going to get a little crazy for the next few days. Typically up next is Shoulders and Arms. But tomorrow I'm going to do Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. There will be some other modifications this week due to Holiday travel, but I'll let you know what I substitute and how well it works out.
Day 10 down, 81 to go.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Chest and Back -- Day 9
Today I was back to the first workout of the program. I'd love to say it was easier the second time around, but it wasn't. Despite feeling stronger, my push-ups were worse that before!
Well, maybe that isn't completely fair. Last time I did all of them from my knees. This time I focused on doing all the push-ups in the first round in true push-up form. My reps were exactly 1/2 what they were the first time, and I wasn't able to achieve the depth demonstrated on the DVD. The second round I ended up doing them all from my knees, but maintaining the same number of reps ... the depth was inconsistent.
For the chin-ups, I am still using the "red" band, but positioned myself further back and worked on making sure that my chin was well above my hands on each rep.
There are a few exercises in this workout that use weights and I am happy to say that I was able to use the same weight as before while maintaining the same number of reps. In addition, I have already ear-marked one exercise for more weight next time around.
I can tell this workout gets to me. After my workout I had to quickly shower and dress for a meeting. Putting my eyeliner on with shaky hands was quite an experience! After two tries I decided today I would go without ... I thought that better than having a squiggly lines all over my eyelids!
Tomorrow is the dreaded Plyometrics. I am going to try DESPERATELY to get through the entire workout in one session. Wish me luck!
Day 9 down, 82 to go.
Well, maybe that isn't completely fair. Last time I did all of them from my knees. This time I focused on doing all the push-ups in the first round in true push-up form. My reps were exactly 1/2 what they were the first time, and I wasn't able to achieve the depth demonstrated on the DVD. The second round I ended up doing them all from my knees, but maintaining the same number of reps ... the depth was inconsistent.
For the chin-ups, I am still using the "red" band, but positioned myself further back and worked on making sure that my chin was well above my hands on each rep.
There are a few exercises in this workout that use weights and I am happy to say that I was able to use the same weight as before while maintaining the same number of reps. In addition, I have already ear-marked one exercise for more weight next time around.
I can tell this workout gets to me. After my workout I had to quickly shower and dress for a meeting. Putting my eyeliner on with shaky hands was quite an experience! After two tries I decided today I would go without ... I thought that better than having a squiggly lines all over my eyelids!
Tomorrow is the dreaded Plyometrics. I am going to try DESPERATELY to get through the entire workout in one session. Wish me luck!
Day 9 down, 82 to go.
Stretch X -- Day 8
Ahhh ... stretching. So peaceful, so wonderful.
I was originally going to skip the Stretch X disc this week and go straight into starting at the beginning because I had taken a "day of rest" earlier this week. But Staurday after my workout I spent several hours in the yard cleaning up leaves and generally doing Fall gardening. That left my already tired and sore (in a good way) muscles even more sore Sunday morning. So I decided to go ahead and stick with the program's schedule and stretch; and boy did it feel good! I could feel my muscles loosening up and found that on some exercises I am already getting lower and deeper into the moves.
So for the first week I was fairly dedicated (only missed one day) and didn't get on the scale for the entire week. At the end of my stretch I broke down and stepped on the scale. UGH! This is the point in working out that I typically lose my focus. My clothes are tighter and the scale says I've gained 2 lbs! I know this is part of what happens, I know that muscles build-up faster than the fat goes down so for a while I'm toting both around. I also know that muscle weighs more than fat so my weight is going to go up before it goes down. But it was still a bummer.
I have an Apex BodyBugg that I haven't used this first week (due to a flat battery). So this week I'm going to wear it during each workout and report how many calories each workout burns. I admit I haven't been logging my food intake (I typically use livestrong.com because they have the best food database) but I haven't been eating bad either. This week I'm going to focus on wearing the BodyBugg for each workout and making sure I don't have any wine or desserts during the week. I know it's Thanksgiving week, but I will be with my parents who are really healthy eaters and don't drink so this shouldn't be difficult.
I am taking my discs with me over Thanksgiving so I can keep up the workouts. I do wish there was an iPod version of the workouts available in the package. For as much as we travel it would be very handy and make it easier to keep up on the program.
Because I won't have my weights there (I'll take my bands) and their workout space is fairly small, I'm going to mix up the discs and take those that will be easy to use while there (e.g., no chin-up exercises, no jumping around).
Because I won't have my weights there (I'll take my bands) and their workout space is fairly small, I'm going to mix up the discs and take those that will be easy to use while there (e.g., no chin-up exercises, no jumping around).
Day 8 down, 83 to go!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Kenpo X -- Day 7
There are two things I am finding very important to this program. The first is the post-workout drink. I'm not much of a believer in these things, but I can definitely tell a difference in the days I drink it and the days I don't. I don't feel as tired the rest of the day and I feel like I rehydrate a lot faster.
The other thing is my Body Stick. If you don't know what this is, it's a short stick with handles at the ends and rollers in the middle. It is amazing for rolling out sore, stiff muscles. I got one for PT after I injured my leg last year skiing. I took it with me to the Grand Canyon (I even carried it into the canyon) and rolled my legs out several times during and after the hike. And it REALLY helps!
After yesterday's legs workout I was definitely both sore and stiff this morning, but nearly as bad as I thought I would be. A quick roll with the Body Stick and I was ready to go.
As suspected, the Kenpo X is kick boxing-like moves. One thing this workout makes you keenly aware of is your body's coordination. I am not very coordinated when it comes to boxing moves like jabs, uppercuts, hooks, etc. I am so glad I am doing this workout alone or the other person would have died of laughter at my spastic moves! On some of the exercises, I did just the footwork for the first half of the time, and at half speed. I also have to admit that I didn't to the last 4 exercises on the disc ... I just jumped ahead to the cool-down. This is mostly because these were complicated moves and I felt like I would probably hurt myself trying them. For this workout, my goal is to one-by-one master the exercises with regards to getting the moves right. I feel confident that once I get an exercise down, I'll be very good at it.
Tomorrow is supposed to be my rest/stretch day. But because I skipped working out two days ago I'm going to start right back at the top with Arms and Shoulders tomorrow. The goal for tomorrow will be to increase the band resistance on the chin-ups and the weight from 5 lbs. to 10 lbs. on half of the weighted exercises.
Day 7 down, 84 to go!
The other thing is my Body Stick. If you don't know what this is, it's a short stick with handles at the ends and rollers in the middle. It is amazing for rolling out sore, stiff muscles. I got one for PT after I injured my leg last year skiing. I took it with me to the Grand Canyon (I even carried it into the canyon) and rolled my legs out several times during and after the hike. And it REALLY helps!
After yesterday's legs workout I was definitely both sore and stiff this morning, but nearly as bad as I thought I would be. A quick roll with the Body Stick and I was ready to go.
As suspected, the Kenpo X is kick boxing-like moves. One thing this workout makes you keenly aware of is your body's coordination. I am not very coordinated when it comes to boxing moves like jabs, uppercuts, hooks, etc. I am so glad I am doing this workout alone or the other person would have died of laughter at my spastic moves! On some of the exercises, I did just the footwork for the first half of the time, and at half speed. I also have to admit that I didn't to the last 4 exercises on the disc ... I just jumped ahead to the cool-down. This is mostly because these were complicated moves and I felt like I would probably hurt myself trying them. For this workout, my goal is to one-by-one master the exercises with regards to getting the moves right. I feel confident that once I get an exercise down, I'll be very good at it.
Tomorrow is supposed to be my rest/stretch day. But because I skipped working out two days ago I'm going to start right back at the top with Arms and Shoulders tomorrow. The goal for tomorrow will be to increase the band resistance on the chin-ups and the weight from 5 lbs. to 10 lbs. on half of the weighted exercises.
Day 7 down, 84 to go!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Legs and Back -- Day 6
I got back to it today; although I didn't get the two workouts in I had hoped.
I was a little concerned about the Legs and Back workout. I just was worried with how difficult the other discs have been if I'd be able to do it. So I took it slow and smart ... actually almost too smart!
On the first pass of exercises I was smart about the weights I selected and the # of reps I pushed myself to. Often if the "minimum" reps was 20, I would do 15. And by mixing the back with the legs, you keep your body warm and working, but give your legs a nice rest while doing chin-ups. Here again I was conservative with the # of reps I did ... but I did increase the weight* from my previous chin-ups. I just really wanted to be sure I had enough to do it all again.
And then guess what! There was no second round. Just when I think I have the pattern of the workouts figured out, the next disc is different. But I guess that's the idea.
There are some CRAZY moves in this program. The most interesting (and difficult) was the three-way lunge. Now, doing a lunge 90-degrees to the side, 45-degrees to the side and straight ahead isn't that big of a deal. The kicker is just that ... a kick! As you come back from the lunge you are supposed to kick (like in karate) your leg. I did it, sort of. Not much height from me (the people on the disc kicked seriously high), but for every lunge I did something that could have been considered a kick.
I was also supposed to do the Abs Ripper X disc, but it's still with my friend ... I really need to get that back!
Tomorrow is Kinbo X, which looks like it's going to be a kickboxing working. I'm a little scared after my experience with Plyometrics, but I'm also looking forward to giving it my best.
Day 6 down, 85 to go.
*For every exercise there are alternatives for less and more difficult. I know I am not strong at chin-ups and don't want to over do it right away. So the alternative is to use a band looped over the chin-up bar. You then kneel down and angle your body so the movement is the same as if you were using the bar. There are other "baby" steps to getting to a full-blown chin-up and I'll tell you about them as I get to them.
I was a little concerned about the Legs and Back workout. I just was worried with how difficult the other discs have been if I'd be able to do it. So I took it slow and smart ... actually almost too smart!
On the first pass of exercises I was smart about the weights I selected and the # of reps I pushed myself to. Often if the "minimum" reps was 20, I would do 15. And by mixing the back with the legs, you keep your body warm and working, but give your legs a nice rest while doing chin-ups. Here again I was conservative with the # of reps I did ... but I did increase the weight* from my previous chin-ups. I just really wanted to be sure I had enough to do it all again.
And then guess what! There was no second round. Just when I think I have the pattern of the workouts figured out, the next disc is different. But I guess that's the idea.
There are some CRAZY moves in this program. The most interesting (and difficult) was the three-way lunge. Now, doing a lunge 90-degrees to the side, 45-degrees to the side and straight ahead isn't that big of a deal. The kicker is just that ... a kick! As you come back from the lunge you are supposed to kick (like in karate) your leg. I did it, sort of. Not much height from me (the people on the disc kicked seriously high), but for every lunge I did something that could have been considered a kick.
I was also supposed to do the Abs Ripper X disc, but it's still with my friend ... I really need to get that back!
Tomorrow is Kinbo X, which looks like it's going to be a kickboxing working. I'm a little scared after my experience with Plyometrics, but I'm also looking forward to giving it my best.
Day 6 down, 85 to go.
*For every exercise there are alternatives for less and more difficult. I know I am not strong at chin-ups and don't want to over do it right away. So the alternative is to use a band looped over the chin-up bar. You then kneel down and angle your body so the movement is the same as if you were using the bar. There are other "baby" steps to getting to a full-blown chin-up and I'll tell you about them as I get to them.
Working Out -- Day 5 (Not!)
It's happened already! I missed a day working out yesterday. I could say I have good excuses, but I also know that no matter what you can make the time.
I had my day all planned out ... dentist, leaf blower at Home Depot, Costco, home to work out and clean house. But this is the day I got ... dentist, visit with friend to finalize Burning Man money, home to baby sit, clean house and Costco. By the time I got back from the store it was 6:30p and I had dinner to make! On top of all this I'm trying to scan 100s of photos of our son for Christmas books for our parents which takes a lot of "babysitting" of the scanner.
So yesterday I just didn't get to it (and didn't get my leaf blower either!). I'm going to try to do two workouts today ... one in the morning and one in the afternoon before I pick up Tony at the airport. But the morning one is legs and back, and the afternoon one will be something like kick boxing. I don't know if I have it in me to do both, but I will try.
So it's 5 days down, but still 86 to go!
I had my day all planned out ... dentist, leaf blower at Home Depot, Costco, home to work out and clean house. But this is the day I got ... dentist, visit with friend to finalize Burning Man money, home to baby sit, clean house and Costco. By the time I got back from the store it was 6:30p and I had dinner to make! On top of all this I'm trying to scan 100s of photos of our son for Christmas books for our parents which takes a lot of "babysitting" of the scanner.
So yesterday I just didn't get to it (and didn't get my leaf blower either!). I'm going to try to do two workouts today ... one in the morning and one in the afternoon before I pick up Tony at the airport. But the morning one is legs and back, and the afternoon one will be something like kick boxing. I don't know if I have it in me to do both, but I will try.
So it's 5 days down, but still 86 to go!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Yoga -- Day 4
First, I have to admit that I'm not much for instructions or directions. So today as I was looking through the booklet that came with the discs I realized that I'm not doing this entirely correctly. Generally I had it right, but there is a week-by-week routine order. Like Weeks 1-3 you do these discs (some days you do two discs!) then Week 4 you do a different set of discs, then Weeks 5-7 you do a different set of discs, and so on. I'd have probably survived doing it my way, but I'm glad I figured this out because it actually has a day of rest built into each week!. As well, I found out I didn't have to make my own worksheets ... they are downloadable from the website. Oh well ... I like mine better anyways.
So today was Yoga. I have been looking forward to this for two days. I LOVE yoga ... at least the stretching part. I'm not so good at the balancing part, which became painfully clear today.
This workout was a lot longer than the others. I had originally tried to fit it in in the morning, but when I realized it was a full hour-and-a- half I knew I wouldn't have time, so had to do it this evening. The first 45 mins were very difficult and I know I'm going to feel them tomorrow. As usual, I tried to keep up with the trainers on some of the more difficult moves. So I got really tired in this section.
The second 45 minutes started with balance poses and had me tipping and falling all over the place ... but I made it through. These poses were made a little harder because I am working out on a padded/carpeted floor. I finally got smart and used the balance board from my Wii Fit, which did help a bit ... I just need more practice.
I've had some Stott pilates training so one thing I'm struggling with is keeping my body aligned while doing the poses. Until I get more flexible I think this is going to continue to be an issue for me. I don't want "untrain" by body what I spent so long training it to do right. It's not to say the yoga poses are wrong, it's just when you're not fully flexible they don't give you a lot of other options to make sure you keep good form.
I feel like once I've made it through the all the discs once I'll have a better handle on how to pace myself. Tomorrow is Legs & Back ... and Ab Ripper X. The only problem with this is I loaned this disc to a friend (thinking it was the last one I'd use in the set). So next week I'll do all this 100% "by the book" ... and we'll call this week a trial run.
Day 4 down ... 86 to go!
So today was Yoga. I have been looking forward to this for two days. I LOVE yoga ... at least the stretching part. I'm not so good at the balancing part, which became painfully clear today.
This workout was a lot longer than the others. I had originally tried to fit it in in the morning, but when I realized it was a full hour-and-a- half I knew I wouldn't have time, so had to do it this evening. The first 45 mins were very difficult and I know I'm going to feel them tomorrow. As usual, I tried to keep up with the trainers on some of the more difficult moves. So I got really tired in this section.
The second 45 minutes started with balance poses and had me tipping and falling all over the place ... but I made it through. These poses were made a little harder because I am working out on a padded/carpeted floor. I finally got smart and used the balance board from my Wii Fit, which did help a bit ... I just need more practice.
I've had some Stott pilates training so one thing I'm struggling with is keeping my body aligned while doing the poses. Until I get more flexible I think this is going to continue to be an issue for me. I don't want "untrain" by body what I spent so long training it to do right. It's not to say the yoga poses are wrong, it's just when you're not fully flexible they don't give you a lot of other options to make sure you keep good form.
I feel like once I've made it through the all the discs once I'll have a better handle on how to pace myself. Tomorrow is Legs & Back ... and Ab Ripper X. The only problem with this is I loaned this disc to a friend (thinking it was the last one I'd use in the set). So next week I'll do all this 100% "by the book" ... and we'll call this week a trial run.
Day 4 down ... 86 to go!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Shoulders and Arms -- Day 3
I am SO PROUD of myself!
Although I worked this morning, met with a girlfriend for coffee, am babysitting this afternoon and working this evening, I made the time to work out. My typical self would be to take what little "down" time I had to putz around the house. But I sucked it up today and got 'er done!
I am also proud because I'm learning ... rather than jump right in with the weights I'd like to think I can lift, I went with something lighter to pace myself; and it worked! I was able to complete all the exercises and all the groupings and all the reps/times without stopping. For some exercises the weight was just right, but for some I made a note that next time around I need something heavier.
I really liked this workout. The warm-up included stretches that loosened up the muscles that were still a little tight from my first workout and prepared me well for what was ahead. Although all workouts are an hour long, this one seemed to go by really quickly.
I have to say that's one thing I really like so far. The running commentary by Tony Horton isn't so insanely cheezey that it drives you crazy ... yet.
So it's Day 3 down, 87 to go. Tomorrow, yoga!
Although I worked this morning, met with a girlfriend for coffee, am babysitting this afternoon and working this evening, I made the time to work out. My typical self would be to take what little "down" time I had to putz around the house. But I sucked it up today and got 'er done!
I am also proud because I'm learning ... rather than jump right in with the weights I'd like to think I can lift, I went with something lighter to pace myself; and it worked! I was able to complete all the exercises and all the groupings and all the reps/times without stopping. For some exercises the weight was just right, but for some I made a note that next time around I need something heavier.
I really liked this workout. The warm-up included stretches that loosened up the muscles that were still a little tight from my first workout and prepared me well for what was ahead. Although all workouts are an hour long, this one seemed to go by really quickly.
I have to say that's one thing I really like so far. The running commentary by Tony Horton isn't so insanely cheezey that it drives you crazy ... yet.
So it's Day 3 down, 87 to go. Tomorrow, yoga!
What Is High Maintenance?
I often hear people talk about being or knowing someone that is high maintenance. But how do you define that?
Is it someone that is emotionally demanding? Or someone that is financially expensive to maintain? Or is it someone that generally has to have things their way?
When we were at Burning Man a woman was looking at an "art" display of women's breasts and commented that you don't see many "fake" boobs at BM because those women are too high maintenance. I took a personal offense to that. I don't see myself as high maintenance (although Tony may disagree).
Without making judgement, I think of women that need regular spa manicures/pedicures or that spend a lot of money on cosmetic treatments as high maintenance. But maybe that's how their men like them and therefore the men don't see that as an issue. For that matter, is being high maintance an issue in a relationship?
What are your thoughts? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who's "needs" were just too demanding or expensive? If yes, what were the issues and how did you resolve them? Can men be high maintenance?
Is it someone that is emotionally demanding? Or someone that is financially expensive to maintain? Or is it someone that generally has to have things their way?
When we were at Burning Man a woman was looking at an "art" display of women's breasts and commented that you don't see many "fake" boobs at BM because those women are too high maintenance. I took a personal offense to that. I don't see myself as high maintenance (although Tony may disagree).
Without making judgement, I think of women that need regular spa manicures/pedicures or that spend a lot of money on cosmetic treatments as high maintenance. But maybe that's how their men like them and therefore the men don't see that as an issue. For that matter, is being high maintance an issue in a relationship?
What are your thoughts? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who's "needs" were just too demanding or expensive? If yes, what were the issues and how did you resolve them? Can men be high maintenance?
Working Out -- Day 2, Part II
I finally completed the 2nd disc yesterday. The second half was just as difficult as the first, but now I was doing the exercises on tired/sore legs; so I'm not sure it was worth stopping half-way through.
It's interesting what you learn about your body with the Plyometrics exercises. Some of the ones they said were "killers" I didn't have much trouble with ... and others that would appear to be fairly simple I found to be most difficult. There's so much jumping (something I'm not good at) and leg-lift moves that my legs feel like they've just done the Grand Canyon again ... although not quite as bad.
To be honest, the only way I made it through the last-half of the workout was to take my competitor hat off and be realistic about what I could do. For some exercises, rather than try to keep up with the pace they set, I worked on keeping good form and going slower. This often meant that while they may have done 20+ exercises in the 30 seconds, I generally completed 10. This also was a good pace that allowed me to do the same number of reps for the repeat.
By the end of the day I was pretty tired and achy all over (in a good way). I'm glad the Yoga Disc is only two days away!
So now I can officially say 2 days down, 88 to go!
It's interesting what you learn about your body with the Plyometrics exercises. Some of the ones they said were "killers" I didn't have much trouble with ... and others that would appear to be fairly simple I found to be most difficult. There's so much jumping (something I'm not good at) and leg-lift moves that my legs feel like they've just done the Grand Canyon again ... although not quite as bad.
To be honest, the only way I made it through the last-half of the workout was to take my competitor hat off and be realistic about what I could do. For some exercises, rather than try to keep up with the pace they set, I worked on keeping good form and going slower. This often meant that while they may have done 20+ exercises in the 30 seconds, I generally completed 10. This also was a good pace that allowed me to do the same number of reps for the repeat.
By the end of the day I was pretty tired and achy all over (in a good way). I'm glad the Yoga Disc is only two days away!
So now I can officially say 2 days down, 88 to go!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Plyometrics -- Day 2
We'll start with how I feel after Day 1. Generally, I felt good ... as long as I didn't try to do too much with my arms! Right now, they feel like they weigh 20 lbs each! So I started out the morning (after my 4:30a wake-up call to take Tony to the airport) with some good, slow, long stretches. And I've kept doing them throughout the day. The stretches are definitely helping, but my arms can certainly tell they did something yesterday.
This afternoon I loaded up Disc 2 (Plyometrics) and got ready for Day 2. Right from the start you're told this is the "Mother Of All P90X Workouts." Great. They had to make this Disc 2. No letting you get stronger before killing you ... they just jump right into it. And I used the word "jump" on purpose, because that's what this workout is all about. Jumping and landing soft; with a lot of work in between. I warmed up with the disc (I LOVE that they have the warm-up built right in) and started in on the exercises. I won't say that any one exercise is difficult, but added together they are killer. For this program they put together groups of 4 exercises that you rotate through twice before moving on. Each one is based on time vs. reps (something I like). I was able to keep up with the workout crew wrt reps for most of the exercises ... even through the second set. But truth be told I only made it through two sets of the first two groups of exercises before I was done. And believe me, I tried and tried to push myself harder.
My one BIG weakness is aerobic. I've never been much for things like running and jumping rope that increase your aerobic ability ... and it sure showed in this workout. It probably took me a good 5 mins. until my breathing returned to somewhere near normal.
It's late in the day and I probaby won't tackle the second half of this workout tonight; so I'll save it for tomorrow. I'll re-do the warm-up and pick-up where I left off. I do hate that I'm stopping half way through, but the moto of the program is to Do Your Best and Forget The Rest ... and for today I did my best.
So it's day 1.5 down, 88.5 to go.
This afternoon I loaded up Disc 2 (Plyometrics) and got ready for Day 2. Right from the start you're told this is the "Mother Of All P90X Workouts." Great. They had to make this Disc 2. No letting you get stronger before killing you ... they just jump right into it. And I used the word "jump" on purpose, because that's what this workout is all about. Jumping and landing soft; with a lot of work in between. I warmed up with the disc (I LOVE that they have the warm-up built right in) and started in on the exercises. I won't say that any one exercise is difficult, but added together they are killer. For this program they put together groups of 4 exercises that you rotate through twice before moving on. Each one is based on time vs. reps (something I like). I was able to keep up with the workout crew wrt reps for most of the exercises ... even through the second set. But truth be told I only made it through two sets of the first two groups of exercises before I was done. And believe me, I tried and tried to push myself harder.
My one BIG weakness is aerobic. I've never been much for things like running and jumping rope that increase your aerobic ability ... and it sure showed in this workout. It probably took me a good 5 mins. until my breathing returned to somewhere near normal.
It's late in the day and I probaby won't tackle the second half of this workout tonight; so I'll save it for tomorrow. I'll re-do the warm-up and pick-up where I left off. I do hate that I'm stopping half way through, but the moto of the program is to Do Your Best and Forget The Rest ... and for today I did my best.
So it's day 1.5 down, 88.5 to go.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Chest and Back -- Day 1
Well, despite still being sore, I loaded up the DVD and began my P90X workout today.
If I had read through the materials correctly, I could have done all the prep work yesterday. There's a lot more than just doing the workouts. First, I didn't have a sheet to document my progress. I'll have to make sure I get one made before tomorrow. Second, the program comes with a nutritional book that I need to spend some time reviewing. I could/should have done that yesterday. And third, like all programs, they push their own supplementals. Because it came with the starter package, I got the post-workout drink, but nothing else. As I progress through the program I'll determine if I want/need these things and let you know.
The first thing I noticed about the workouts is that they build in time for you to write down how many reps you did and what weight you used. The second thing I like is that before an exercise begins they ask you to set a goal. So you're not trying to keep up with them, you're trying to reach or break the goal you set for yourself within the timeframe of the exercise (each exercise last about 2 minutes with a clock running on the screen so you can pace yourself).
This particular routine is going to be a challenge for me because it includes A LOT of push-ups ... something I am not very good at. A bad shoulder break when I was a kid has left one shoulder extremely weak. But the way this is set-up, I didn't feel like a failure for only getting in 5 reps. Again, it's about setting the goal. This is where the documentation of reps, etc. comes in; it's all so you see progress.
They go through the set of exercises twice in one workout. But the difference with this program is the order of the exercises is different the second time around; keeping the focus on the workout on muscle confusion.
I also like that they cool-down and stretch with you at the end. That is one thing my trainer at the gym never did and an element I always thought was missing.
Despite the fact that I didn't keep up with their rep numbers, I feel like I got a very good workout. My arms are very tired and I'm sure I'm going to feel it tomorrow.
Day one down ... 89 to go!
If I had read through the materials correctly, I could have done all the prep work yesterday. There's a lot more than just doing the workouts. First, I didn't have a sheet to document my progress. I'll have to make sure I get one made before tomorrow. Second, the program comes with a nutritional book that I need to spend some time reviewing. I could/should have done that yesterday. And third, like all programs, they push their own supplementals. Because it came with the starter package, I got the post-workout drink, but nothing else. As I progress through the program I'll determine if I want/need these things and let you know.
The first thing I noticed about the workouts is that they build in time for you to write down how many reps you did and what weight you used. The second thing I like is that before an exercise begins they ask you to set a goal. So you're not trying to keep up with them, you're trying to reach or break the goal you set for yourself within the timeframe of the exercise (each exercise last about 2 minutes with a clock running on the screen so you can pace yourself).
This particular routine is going to be a challenge for me because it includes A LOT of push-ups ... something I am not very good at. A bad shoulder break when I was a kid has left one shoulder extremely weak. But the way this is set-up, I didn't feel like a failure for only getting in 5 reps. Again, it's about setting the goal. This is where the documentation of reps, etc. comes in; it's all so you see progress.
They go through the set of exercises twice in one workout. But the difference with this program is the order of the exercises is different the second time around; keeping the focus on the workout on muscle confusion.
I also like that they cool-down and stretch with you at the end. That is one thing my trainer at the gym never did and an element I always thought was missing.
Despite the fact that I didn't keep up with their rep numbers, I feel like I got a very good workout. My arms are very tired and I'm sure I'm going to feel it tomorrow.
Day one down ... 89 to go!
Friday, November 13, 2009
P90X -- Workout Day 1 (Not!)
Today was supposed to be the first day of my P90X workout. Unfortunately, yesterday's little mishap left me a little more bruised and battered than I originally thought. Those things that hurt the most immediately after have now taken a back seat to aches and pains all over my body.
In hindsight, it was a good thing my hands were full when I went down, or I probably would have tried to grab onto the adjacent bookshelf and pulled it down on myself. So I'm pretty lucky the damages are as minor as they are.
I will definitely start this thing tomorrow. And I'll give you a full report when I'm done.
Have a great weekend everybody!
In hindsight, it was a good thing my hands were full when I went down, or I probably would have tried to grab onto the adjacent bookshelf and pulled it down on myself. So I'm pretty lucky the damages are as minor as they are.
I will definitely start this thing tomorrow. And I'll give you a full report when I'm done.
Have a great weekend everybody!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Working Out
I'm not a gym rat, but I do like working out. My biggest problem is motivation. I can ALWAYS find something better to do and my promises to myself to work out "in 15 minutes" never seem to happen. My second problem is know what do to when I get there.
Last year I committed the time and money to work out with a trainer 3 days a week and what a difference that made! He kept the workouts interesting and allowed me to work all parts of my body without having to put too much thought into it. But who can afford to keep that up?
For my birthday I requested and got the Wii Fit program. It's great for testing your balance, core strength, tracking your progress, etc. But it doesn't give me the level of intensity I'm used to. And the trainers are a bit corny.
So this year at Fantasy Fest I saw four friends I hadn't seen since last year that looked absolutely FANTASTIC! When asked what their secret was I was surprised to find out they were all doing the P90X workout.
For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a set of 12 DVDs by Tony Horton (http://www.beachbody.com/) that are based on keeping your muscles "confused." Each of these people said it was very difficult, but "fun" because it was always something new ... and their results were undeniable.
So I ordered the discs. I was surprised at how inexpensive they were compared to a personal trainer. For the price of all the DVDs I could only get about 3 training sessions, so right there I'm ahead of the game.
Well, the discs arrived today. And with all the anticipation of Christmas I dove right into the boxes. First up was assembling the chin-up bar. Right there I got my work-out. I'm pretty handy and am used to assembling things, but this was a real challenge. The stay-tight screws were very difficult to get tightened and 45 mins and a lot of tools later I had it completed.
Now came the fun part ... mounting it on the doorway. It's not a permanent mount, but you do have to install brakets that hold it in place while you're using it. So to my office door I went (best place to mount it). I got the screws, anchors, hammer, etc. But with my hands that full I didn't wasn't able to carry a ladder as well ... and who wants to make two trips! Luckily (or unluckily) I have a desk chair in my office that I thought would work perfectly.
Dear readers ... please DO NOT try this at home! I rolled my bar stool-height chair to the door and began my measurements. Oh dang! The chair kept turning. So I thought it would be "smart" to steady myself by putting one foot on a shelf inside the door while I began marking the screw holes. Bad idea! The minute the chair began turning and I put weight on my "support" foot the shelf gave way and me, my tools, the shelf and everything on it went crashing to the floor!
I'll let you contemplate that visual for a moment ...
I am now sporting a severly banged up thumb and a scratch/bruise on my hip that is going to leave a lovely mark for a few weeks. Still trying to decide if I need a Dr. or not.
Once I get the status of my thumb and am able, I'm going to start a daily blog on my workouts. You, my reading audience, are going to be my motivation ... and I'll review the product for you as I go. When I work out, I'll tell you and let you know what I thought of it. The days after, I'll let you know how bad I hurt or how good I feel. If I don't work out, I'll tell you that as well, but I expect you to hold me to only GOOD excuses. No "I was just too lazy" posts will be allowed.
For today, I think I've had enough of a work out.
Last year I committed the time and money to work out with a trainer 3 days a week and what a difference that made! He kept the workouts interesting and allowed me to work all parts of my body without having to put too much thought into it. But who can afford to keep that up?
For my birthday I requested and got the Wii Fit program. It's great for testing your balance, core strength, tracking your progress, etc. But it doesn't give me the level of intensity I'm used to. And the trainers are a bit corny.
So this year at Fantasy Fest I saw four friends I hadn't seen since last year that looked absolutely FANTASTIC! When asked what their secret was I was surprised to find out they were all doing the P90X workout.
For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a set of 12 DVDs by Tony Horton (http://www.beachbody.com/) that are based on keeping your muscles "confused." Each of these people said it was very difficult, but "fun" because it was always something new ... and their results were undeniable.
So I ordered the discs. I was surprised at how inexpensive they were compared to a personal trainer. For the price of all the DVDs I could only get about 3 training sessions, so right there I'm ahead of the game.
Well, the discs arrived today. And with all the anticipation of Christmas I dove right into the boxes. First up was assembling the chin-up bar. Right there I got my work-out. I'm pretty handy and am used to assembling things, but this was a real challenge. The stay-tight screws were very difficult to get tightened and 45 mins and a lot of tools later I had it completed.
Now came the fun part ... mounting it on the doorway. It's not a permanent mount, but you do have to install brakets that hold it in place while you're using it. So to my office door I went (best place to mount it). I got the screws, anchors, hammer, etc. But with my hands that full I didn't wasn't able to carry a ladder as well ... and who wants to make two trips! Luckily (or unluckily) I have a desk chair in my office that I thought would work perfectly.
Dear readers ... please DO NOT try this at home! I rolled my bar stool-height chair to the door and began my measurements. Oh dang! The chair kept turning. So I thought it would be "smart" to steady myself by putting one foot on a shelf inside the door while I began marking the screw holes. Bad idea! The minute the chair began turning and I put weight on my "support" foot the shelf gave way and me, my tools, the shelf and everything on it went crashing to the floor!
I'll let you contemplate that visual for a moment ...
I am now sporting a severly banged up thumb and a scratch/bruise on my hip that is going to leave a lovely mark for a few weeks. Still trying to decide if I need a Dr. or not.
Once I get the status of my thumb and am able, I'm going to start a daily blog on my workouts. You, my reading audience, are going to be my motivation ... and I'll review the product for you as I go. When I work out, I'll tell you and let you know what I thought of it. The days after, I'll let you know how bad I hurt or how good I feel. If I don't work out, I'll tell you that as well, but I expect you to hold me to only GOOD excuses. No "I was just too lazy" posts will be allowed.
For today, I think I've had enough of a work out.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Answers to Some FAQs
Every so often we hear from people with feedback on our website and they often have the same comments/assumptions … that we were raised to be living this life.
So I thought it might help others if we set the record straight. I was raise in a very religious family and attended private, church schools through my first year of college. It wasn’t until I was married with my own child that I started looking at who I really was and what truly made me happy.
That did not always create a harmonious environment with my family. My actions are not to be disrespectful to them, but to honor me and how I have chosen to live my life. Luckily, we finally came to an understanding that they shouldn’t ask the question if they couldn’t accept the truth. It still took a couple of years for them to full accept the life that Tony and I have built. I’m sure there are still things they don’t know, but overall they have come to accept and love us as we are.
Our home has many pieces of art, and many of them feature the naked female form. As well, there are several nearly-life-sized nude photos of me throughout the house. Over the years, it has been very interesting and amusing to see people’s reaction to them.
There was the elementary school mom who wouldn’t allow her daughter into our home after she saw the photos and there were the neighborhood boys I caught peering through the windows to see the pictures. I began telling parents ahead of time that we had artwork featuring a naked woman in our house before we got into an awkward moment at the door (I admit I didn’t tell them it was me!).
My favorite situation was when we had our son’s little league team over for a post-season BBQ. Everybody was out back and we though the boys were playing baseball in the cul-du-sac. I was in the kitchen when suddenly our son came in asking if I’d see the boys. He found them in the living room starting at my nude photo over the fireplace. His reaction was priceless! He said, “Come on guys! It’s just a naked woman. Let’s go play ball.” I was so proud!
The funniest and most liberating story was for my mom’s 60th birthday. We had invited her friends, her conservative, religious friends … one of whom had been my orthopedic surgeon since I was a kid (see my previous blog about my feet!). Some came into the house, took one look at the picture and retreated into the kitchen, never to return. Others purposefully seated themselves in so their backs were to it. Towards the end of the evening as the group was getting smaller the orthopedists said, “I see you don’t have your feet showing in the picture.” And that was all it took. It opened the flood gates with questions about when I had them taken, where I had them taken, was I nervous, etc. Turns out everybody wanted to talk about it, but nobody was comfortable bringing it up.
In hindsight I think that was a major turning point for my parents as well. I know they were nervous having their friends into our home, but bless them for not asking me to take the photos and art down. And after they saw how their friends didn’t judge me (or them) because of it I think they really realized it was okay.
I am also often asked if it isn’t difficult to walk on the street in Key West with nothing on but body paint. My first thought is that after standing still for up to three hours being painted, I am painfully aware that I am not naked. On the other hand, walking down a street naked would not be a problem for me. It’s not a sexual thing, it’s just how I am comfortable.
There are also a lot of photos taken at FF that might appear that I am more “open” than I really am. In general, I am not one to show it all just for the fun of it. However, over the years we have become friends with many professional photographers, who ask nicely for certain shots. And I do accommodate these requests. Of course it is impossible to ensure that only they get “the shot,” but as soon as they say “Thank you” the pose ends. I don’t sit on the bikes or get body painted to draw attention to myself; although I realize both of these things do draw attention to me. Again, if people are respectful of me, I am willing to accommodate them.
So, yes, we live a very liberal lifestyle. But we weren’t raised that way. It took us testing the waters and finding out which ones worked for us … and then being willing to stand-up for what makes us happy.
There aren’t a lot of people around where we live that know about, or would understand, how we live our lives. And many that do know and don’t get it. I had a friend introduce me once as her “nudist friend.” I was horribly offended! It might be what I do, but it is not who I am. We have lives very similar to 90% of the population … we volunteer in the community, attend sports games and are parents and grand parents.
We just have found what makes us happy and comfortable, and pursued it despite what others might think. And as long as we’re not hurting anybody else, what harm can there be in being happy?
So I thought it might help others if we set the record straight. I was raise in a very religious family and attended private, church schools through my first year of college. It wasn’t until I was married with my own child that I started looking at who I really was and what truly made me happy.
That did not always create a harmonious environment with my family. My actions are not to be disrespectful to them, but to honor me and how I have chosen to live my life. Luckily, we finally came to an understanding that they shouldn’t ask the question if they couldn’t accept the truth. It still took a couple of years for them to full accept the life that Tony and I have built. I’m sure there are still things they don’t know, but overall they have come to accept and love us as we are.
Our home has many pieces of art, and many of them feature the naked female form. As well, there are several nearly-life-sized nude photos of me throughout the house. Over the years, it has been very interesting and amusing to see people’s reaction to them.
There was the elementary school mom who wouldn’t allow her daughter into our home after she saw the photos and there were the neighborhood boys I caught peering through the windows to see the pictures. I began telling parents ahead of time that we had artwork featuring a naked woman in our house before we got into an awkward moment at the door (I admit I didn’t tell them it was me!).
My favorite situation was when we had our son’s little league team over for a post-season BBQ. Everybody was out back and we though the boys were playing baseball in the cul-du-sac. I was in the kitchen when suddenly our son came in asking if I’d see the boys. He found them in the living room starting at my nude photo over the fireplace. His reaction was priceless! He said, “Come on guys! It’s just a naked woman. Let’s go play ball.” I was so proud!
The funniest and most liberating story was for my mom’s 60th birthday. We had invited her friends, her conservative, religious friends … one of whom had been my orthopedic surgeon since I was a kid (see my previous blog about my feet!). Some came into the house, took one look at the picture and retreated into the kitchen, never to return. Others purposefully seated themselves in so their backs were to it. Towards the end of the evening as the group was getting smaller the orthopedists said, “I see you don’t have your feet showing in the picture.” And that was all it took. It opened the flood gates with questions about when I had them taken, where I had them taken, was I nervous, etc. Turns out everybody wanted to talk about it, but nobody was comfortable bringing it up.
In hindsight I think that was a major turning point for my parents as well. I know they were nervous having their friends into our home, but bless them for not asking me to take the photos and art down. And after they saw how their friends didn’t judge me (or them) because of it I think they really realized it was okay.
I am also often asked if it isn’t difficult to walk on the street in Key West with nothing on but body paint. My first thought is that after standing still for up to three hours being painted, I am painfully aware that I am not naked. On the other hand, walking down a street naked would not be a problem for me. It’s not a sexual thing, it’s just how I am comfortable.
There are also a lot of photos taken at FF that might appear that I am more “open” than I really am. In general, I am not one to show it all just for the fun of it. However, over the years we have become friends with many professional photographers, who ask nicely for certain shots. And I do accommodate these requests. Of course it is impossible to ensure that only they get “the shot,” but as soon as they say “Thank you” the pose ends. I don’t sit on the bikes or get body painted to draw attention to myself; although I realize both of these things do draw attention to me. Again, if people are respectful of me, I am willing to accommodate them.
So, yes, we live a very liberal lifestyle. But we weren’t raised that way. It took us testing the waters and finding out which ones worked for us … and then being willing to stand-up for what makes us happy.
There aren’t a lot of people around where we live that know about, or would understand, how we live our lives. And many that do know and don’t get it. I had a friend introduce me once as her “nudist friend.” I was horribly offended! It might be what I do, but it is not who I am. We have lives very similar to 90% of the population … we volunteer in the community, attend sports games and are parents and grand parents.
We just have found what makes us happy and comfortable, and pursued it despite what others might think. And as long as we’re not hurting anybody else, what harm can there be in being happy?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Real World Re-Entry Complete
It has actually taken us a full week to re-enter the "real world" after Fantasy Fest. I have to admit it's strange to go from crowds and friends and festivities and drinking to the quite life of home.
Once we get home, things really slow down for us. For day to day, it's back to work for both of us ... and because our offices are in the house it's pretty quite work. On a personal level, we don't really have many friends in our area, and especially after a week life FF we turn into almost homebodies while we get caught up and rested.
We returned home to cooler temperatures, wind and rain, which meant our wardrobes have changed significantly. Gone are the shorts and skimpy tops (or no tops at all!). We're into jeans, sweatshirts and coats. We also both had to jump back into our work right away. For Tony that meant hours (and days) in his home office doing paperwork and for me it meant begin up early, running all over town, and getting to bed very late.
So this weekend was really our first chance to begin settling back in to regular meals, healthier meals and some much needed sleep. Fortunately the weather cooperated by producing a mid-winter type storm that made yard work impossible and laying on the sofa watching movies acceptable.
Personally, I brought several things back from FF with me this year, one of which was a strange bug that kept me feeling "punky" all week. Tony said it was withdrawl because I don't drink much at home. LOL Luckily, I can finally say whatever it was I've beat it thanks to two full days of R&R.
I hope that all of you that were in attendance at this year's FF have also recovered and are back into your daily routines. It's great to break out of them once in a while, but sometimes the re-entry takes as long as the entire trip!
Once we get home, things really slow down for us. For day to day, it's back to work for both of us ... and because our offices are in the house it's pretty quite work. On a personal level, we don't really have many friends in our area, and especially after a week life FF we turn into almost homebodies while we get caught up and rested.
We returned home to cooler temperatures, wind and rain, which meant our wardrobes have changed significantly. Gone are the shorts and skimpy tops (or no tops at all!). We're into jeans, sweatshirts and coats. We also both had to jump back into our work right away. For Tony that meant hours (and days) in his home office doing paperwork and for me it meant begin up early, running all over town, and getting to bed very late.
So this weekend was really our first chance to begin settling back in to regular meals, healthier meals and some much needed sleep. Fortunately the weather cooperated by producing a mid-winter type storm that made yard work impossible and laying on the sofa watching movies acceptable.
Personally, I brought several things back from FF with me this year, one of which was a strange bug that kept me feeling "punky" all week. Tony said it was withdrawl because I don't drink much at home. LOL Luckily, I can finally say whatever it was I've beat it thanks to two full days of R&R.
I hope that all of you that were in attendance at this year's FF have also recovered and are back into your daily routines. It's great to break out of them once in a while, but sometimes the re-entry takes as long as the entire trip!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Demystifying Women
I recently saw a friend I hadn't seen in about a year. She'd lost a lot of weight and she looked GREAT! She was rockin' her jeans big-time. But when I told her how great she looked she said, "OMG! I've put on like 5 lbs. in the past couple of months."
And it made me realize why men get so frustrated with us.
Let's say I weigh 140 lbs. If last year I weighed 150, then 140 ROCKS! But if last year I weighed 130 lbs. 140 SUCKS!
Likewise if last week I put on a pair of pants and they felt tight; and today they feel loose, I’m in heaven! If they feel the same or tighter, it can flat-out ruin my day (and probably yours). It doesn’t even have to do with tightness/looseness; all it takes is something shifting a bit (which happens as we get older).
We know you think we look great, and we appreciate that, but what really matters to us is what we think. So keep the compliments coming, but don’t expect us to always agree with you.
I hope that helped a bit. Have a great weekend!
And it made me realize why men get so frustrated with us.
Let's say I weigh 140 lbs. If last year I weighed 150, then 140 ROCKS! But if last year I weighed 130 lbs. 140 SUCKS!
Likewise if last week I put on a pair of pants and they felt tight; and today they feel loose, I’m in heaven! If they feel the same or tighter, it can flat-out ruin my day (and probably yours). It doesn’t even have to do with tightness/looseness; all it takes is something shifting a bit (which happens as we get older).
We know you think we look great, and we appreciate that, but what really matters to us is what we think. So keep the compliments coming, but don’t expect us to always agree with you.
I hope that helped a bit. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Do We Choose Our Careers, Or Do They Choose Us?
When I started this I warned you that sometimes the topics would be random … and this is one of those.
From mid-high school, I knew what I wanted to do for a career. When I headed off to college it was the only thing I could think of. And then I met the counselor. He promptly told me that I would never do well at that career and that business was where I belonged. It was the 80’s and everybody was taking business. Besides, he was the counselor, what did I know?
Very shortly after beginning my classes I was 100% sure he was 100% wrong. So I took matters into my own hands and left. I wandered around working various jobs in the medical field (the family business) and realized it wasn’t for me.
Eventually, I happened upon a job that while it didn’t look like a career, seemed interesting and paid the bills. It was an entry-level job doing mundane typing and coordinating mailings. Woot! But believe it or in that silly, mundane job I found my career. Or did it find me?
I’m a corporate event planner. I’m not a party planner, not a wedding planner, a corporate event planner. And 20 years ago I didn’t even know that job existed! I never applied to be an event manager. So how did I get here?
In hindsight, and my mom will attest to this, it was in my blood from a young age. I used to show horses and I was the one that made the lists, loaded things in the horse trailer in the order they came out and generally had to know for myself that everything was ready to go. I was always about organizing the details.
But, at the highest level, my job is to be invisible. And believe it or not that’s where I’m the most comfortable. Yes, I sometimes do things that draw attention to myself, but I don’t do things to draw attention to myself. I like being in the background. I’m just as happy quietly reading a book on a beach to partying on one. So hanging back, watching, anticipating is where I’ve spent much of my life.
How did I get here? Blind luck? Hard work? Probably a little of both. I often still can’t believe I found something I love to do, that comes easily, and allows me to meet wonderful people while letting me stay in my “comfort zone.” Looking back, I guess I owe my college counselor a “Thank you.” I am still sure I would have loved, and been good at, my “other” career. But when he derailed that idea, when he made me find my own path, my true calling found me. I am so lucky!
From mid-high school, I knew what I wanted to do for a career. When I headed off to college it was the only thing I could think of. And then I met the counselor. He promptly told me that I would never do well at that career and that business was where I belonged. It was the 80’s and everybody was taking business. Besides, he was the counselor, what did I know?
Very shortly after beginning my classes I was 100% sure he was 100% wrong. So I took matters into my own hands and left. I wandered around working various jobs in the medical field (the family business) and realized it wasn’t for me.
Eventually, I happened upon a job that while it didn’t look like a career, seemed interesting and paid the bills. It was an entry-level job doing mundane typing and coordinating mailings. Woot! But believe it or in that silly, mundane job I found my career. Or did it find me?
I’m a corporate event planner. I’m not a party planner, not a wedding planner, a corporate event planner. And 20 years ago I didn’t even know that job existed! I never applied to be an event manager. So how did I get here?
In hindsight, and my mom will attest to this, it was in my blood from a young age. I used to show horses and I was the one that made the lists, loaded things in the horse trailer in the order they came out and generally had to know for myself that everything was ready to go. I was always about organizing the details.
But, at the highest level, my job is to be invisible. And believe it or not that’s where I’m the most comfortable. Yes, I sometimes do things that draw attention to myself, but I don’t do things to draw attention to myself. I like being in the background. I’m just as happy quietly reading a book on a beach to partying on one. So hanging back, watching, anticipating is where I’ve spent much of my life.
How did I get here? Blind luck? Hard work? Probably a little of both. I often still can’t believe I found something I love to do, that comes easily, and allows me to meet wonderful people while letting me stay in my “comfort zone.” Looking back, I guess I owe my college counselor a “Thank you.” I am still sure I would have loved, and been good at, my “other” career. But when he derailed that idea, when he made me find my own path, my true calling found me. I am so lucky!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Fantasy Fest 2009
Well, so much for daily updates during Fantasy Fest. I have a somewhat good excuse; the wi-fi signal only worked in the seating area outside our room so posting from bed wasn't possible. LOL On the other hand, that may have been a blessing in disguise as our late (late, late) nights left my brain tired enough that my thoughts would have been scrambled anyways. Honestly, I am still suffering from a muddled mind because the pain in my legs/feet woke me up at 2:00a! But more on that later.
Tony and I have a "game" we play after each vacation where we list our Top and Bottom Three things for the tirp. So there they are (although there are more than three on both lists).
Top
Thanks to everybody that stopped us to say "Hi" and tell us they are members of our site. I would love to say I remember all your names, but I probably don't. But please don't let that stop you from saying "Hi" when you see us. We LOVE meeting you all!
Tony and I have a "game" we play after each vacation where we list our Top and Bottom Three things for the tirp. So there they are (although there are more than three on both lists).
Top
- The Artist House. We absolutely love this B&B! The rooms are large, the staff is wonderful, they altered their breakfast times for FF from 8-10 (who's up that early???) to 9:30 - 11:30, added an extra Happy Hour on Thursdsay and allowed us to entertain our guests on the deck out back. Our room was called the Turret Room and was a two-story room with a King bed on the main floor and a Full bed in the upper room. We had a small dressing room, living room area and large deck. The house is called the most haunted in Key West and I recommend visiting www.artisthousekeywest.com and www.squidoo.com/dollrobert for the full story. We didn't have any direct encounters with Robert, but we highly suspect he took one of Tony's t-shirts. And the last night, as I laid there awake (couldn't sleep) there were some suspicious lights moving about the room. I admit, I was freaked out enough that wandering downstairs at night was not something I was interested in doing.
- The Hard Rock Cafe and Staff. We have been to over 50 Hard Rock Cafes around the world and this one personifies exactly why. The staff is always friendly and the food is always good. When things got too crazy on Duvall Street there was always a warm smile, a good drink and a filling appetizer awaiting us. We'd like to give a big shout out to bartenders Andy and JC for always having a drink ready for us when we walked in. Sorry Tony drank all your Newcastle Brown beer! LOL
- Our "Harley" Friends. Once again our biker friends were ever-present on Duvall Street. We love chatting with them, sitting on their bikes (nice break for tired feet) and generally hanging out with them. We wish they all lived closer and hope they all made it home safely.
- Watching the parade on Whitehead Street. For years we've avoided the parade because the crowds are so unruly and the street is so crowded. But this year we joined two other couples and watched it on Whitehead Street across from Kelly's Bar. We had a good 12 feet all to ourselves and nobody behind us crowding us into the street.
- Pashur. Every year I give him suggestions for designs/themes and he always finds a way to kick-it-up beyond my imagination. The Go-Go paint job was AMAZING!
- Skipping the Fetish Party at Kelly's Bar. When we arrived the line was over a block long so we decided not to go in. That turned out to be a great decision as it rained that night and because most of the party space was outside everybody ended up holed up in the small covered lobby area. Instead we went to Irish Kevin's when the rains came; there were two great bands playing, and we danced and partied the night away.
- 801 Bourbon. Always a great show! 'Nuf said.
- Rude people. I have to put a dislaimer on this. I do dress up and get painted, and I know that with that comes lots and lots of photographs. So this should not be read as me complaining about having my picture taken. However, my name is not "Hey you!" or "Wait! Wait! Wait" or "Stop! or "I gotta get your picture!" My name is "May I take your picture, please." And when you want my photo, have your camera ready. Don't stop me then start getting your camera out of a zipped-up, well hidden case in the bottom of your purse. I do not want to stand there all day while you turn on or figure out how to operate your camera. As well, cell phones are not good cameras. They take so much longer to take the picture ... especially if you're trying to talk on them at the same time!
- Mangoes Restaurant. On Sunday night we were really looking forward to a nice quiet dinner to wind down. We had heard mixed reviews about the food, but had enjoyed drinks there several nights and wanted to give them a try. We stopped in our way back from the "Fat Lasy Dings party" at La Te Da and because we were in costume were asked to leave!
- The Footwear. Tony and I laugh about this one every year. I can guarantee you that less than 1% of the photos take of me include my feet, but it's true that everything looks better in high heels. Unfortunately, I have had problems with my feet my entire life and my orthopedist would cringe to know I spend up to 14 hours a day walking around in up to 5" heels at FF. By the end of the week every inch of me below my knees is in constant pain. This year I did alternate out to my doc Martens a couple of days (these are hands-down the most comfortable shoes I own), but even they startrd to hurt after that many hours.
- The Heat/Humidity. We actually love warm weather, but this year Key West is experiencing record high temperatures. As a result, twice my body paint literally started melting. Once was on Thursday while we were having dinner (thanks to all the patrons who jumped up with their menus and started fanning me) and once was on Saturday. Pashur even tried a body paint sealer on me! It was helpful for general wear, but even it couldn't withstand the heat.
Thanks to everybody that stopped us to say "Hi" and tell us they are members of our site. I would love to say I remember all your names, but I probably don't. But please don't let that stop you from saying "Hi" when you see us. We LOVE meeting you all!
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