I'm really enjoying the change of pace that this Combat Challenge has brought. And that's why I love these "challenges" - to change things up for a bit!
As summer is winding down, our eating is no better. It has to get better for the second half of this Challenge - September into October - before our trip to Colorado. But until that "strict" time....we're trying to enjoy our favorites.
Which means I need some seriously good workouts to do!
Monday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #15 + Dozois' HIIT - Breathless and Energized + weights
After a restless night, I was glad to have Sh'Bam this morning. It was a lot of fun - though a bit lighter than some of them. After that 30 minute video, I turned to Michelle's HIIT - one of my faves though it kicks my bum every time! Dang! At lunch, I forced myself to do weights at the rec - for the first time in almost three weeks. UGH! But I got it done.
Tuesday: Les Mills' BodyCombat #59 + walk/jog
I generally look forward to BodyCombat days but today my arms were still aching from yesterday's weight session. So all the punches and jabs were a bit painful this morning. At least it was fun! After the video ended, I did my own cardio - sans punching etc. At lunch, I did the treadmill, increasing my incline....and jogging for spurts. Fun.
Wednesday: Les Mills' Grit #5
Wednesdays are great....except for Grit. Ugh. I really don't mind most of these workouts - except getting up and down from the floor. That's tough. And it's tough to do push-ups, moving push-ups, and mountain climbers for 30+ seconds. Whew. When this one was done, I did my own cardio to finish off my workout. At lunch, I went to a wellness talk - so no working out. Yay!
Thursday: Ilyse's Easy to Follow Dance Moves + Dozois' Heart Pumping Total Sculpting + walk/jog
I really needed a lighter morning so I was looking forward to Ilyse's dance workout. It was fun, as always! For some weights, I did Michelle's 20 minute workout.... It really gets your heart pumping, as advertised. Wow! At lunch, I did the treadmill again, gaining some incline and jogging for 60-second stints. Fun.
Friday: Les Mills' BodyFlow #64
My light day - yay! It was nice to not jump around this morning! I worked out barefoot, on carpet....awesome! This BodyFlow workout was good - definitely a lot of stretching with a focus on hamstrings, which was good. I always think nothing is happening with my body during yoga....and then, when it's over, I feel completely stretched out. So nice! I added on my own light cardio and stretched to make this about a 45-minute workout.
Saturday: Combat 60 - Extreme Cardio Fighter + abs/stretch
My triceps were still aching from Michelle's Sculpting video, done on Thursday. Dang! So, I decided against weights today….though all the punching wasn't all that much better. But it was fun! I really do enjoy this Combat 60 workout. I added my own cardio to make it a full 60 minutes of high-impact. Then, some serious ab work and a nice stretch.
Sunday: Dozois' Cardio Strength 2 on Glo + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party
I did the first 5 minutes of Ilyse's workout to warm up and then on to CS2. I really don't look forward to this one. By the fourth circuit, I'm dragging….and the fourth is the hardest!! But I'm always proud of myself for getting through it, especially on a day like today when I just wasn't feeling it. I finished off with 15 more minutes of Ilyse's dance video - so much fun. Then, a nice stretch.
Three weeks down! The fourth will cut a bit short…..
Monday, August 31, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Sanibel Cowl
So it's only been about 10 months since I had a finished knitting project to show wow. How pathetic! It's been slow going on my first adult sweater..... But I managed to finish something in the meantime.
I found some sale yarn over Christmas in black that had silver weaved in and out. It was perfect for a cowl so I found a pattern and got to work. This took me about 3-4 months to complete but I like it! The yarn isn't itchy and it'll go with a lot in my wardrobe.
Pattern: Sanibel Cowl by Beth Ann Paustian
Yarn: Feza Yarns Alp Natural
Needle: US 8 circs
Made for: me!
Time to completion: about 3-4 months
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Spicy Green Chile Pork (2015:15)
We had some pork loin in the freezer that just begged to be used in a new and different way. I love green chile pork tacos so I went about trying to find a good recipe. This one seemed tasty and got great reviews.
I put all the ingredients in the crock-pot and let it cook overnight, just like my BBQ pork. In the late morning, I shredded the pork and kept about 3/4 cup of liquid. I add some additional green salsa to the liquid and blended that up. Then, I added the pork back to the crock-pot and let it soak up that liquid.
The pork was good - but I didn't think it was spicy or flavorful enough. Next time, I'd add more green salsa after shredding the pork - and more SPICE. I guess those of us in Texas are used to spice and it takes a lot to make us happy.
But still, this pork made great tacos and nachos (Mr. Higgins' idea). My tummy was a happy camper all day long!
I put all the ingredients in the crock-pot and let it cook overnight, just like my BBQ pork. In the late morning, I shredded the pork and kept about 3/4 cup of liquid. I add some additional green salsa to the liquid and blended that up. Then, I added the pork back to the crock-pot and let it soak up that liquid.
The pork was good - but I didn't think it was spicy or flavorful enough. Next time, I'd add more green salsa after shredding the pork - and more SPICE. I guess those of us in Texas are used to spice and it takes a lot to make us happy.
But still, this pork made great tacos and nachos (Mr. Higgins' idea). My tummy was a happy camper all day long!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Week Two: Combat Challenge #2
My first week of Combat was fun and different so I was looking forward to week two and different workouts.
I was also a bit achy from week one. Ha!
Monday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #16 + Scott's HIIT - Sports Inspired Intervals + walk
It's so nice looking forward to Monday morning workouts! I finally slept well last night and was rested this morning, making it even better! My second Sh'Bam workout was just as fun as the first! Wow! Once again, there were one or two segments I didn't love but most of them were great! After that workout, I did some HIIT with Jeffery Scott - always fun but difficult. At lunch, I did the bike at the rec. It's a love/hate relationship with that machine.
Tuesday: Les Mills' BodyCombat #60 + walk/jog
Like yesterday, I was practically looking forward to my workout! The Combat classes online are a nice change from the DVDs and this one was intense but fun. I love the kicks and punch/kick combinations. If I dislike anything, it's the non-stop punch sequences. But those aren't too, too bad. At lunch, I did the treadmill, adjusting my incline and jogging a bit. I got nice and sweaty!
Wednesday: Les Mills' Grit #4
This workout never, ever sounds appealing. When do you get up in the morning, longing to do burpees, push-ups, and squat jumps? I never get up feeling so inclined! But I did this workout, which was a mixed blessing.... There were long timed increments of doing the same things over and over....take a break.....do a few new things over and over.... I did not do burpees, not wanting to hurt myself. Still, I was huffing and puffing like nothing else. I did my own cardio after the video ended. I was beat!
Thursday: Amy's Combo Strength Conditioning + Ilyse's Just Dance + walk/jog
I ate horribly yesterday….which motivated me to walk and jog at lunch today. But first, my morning workout. Amy's strength workout was new to me and it was alright - nothing great but okay. I always love this dance video from Ilyse - not too high impact and just right for this morning. At lunch, the students crowded the rec center but I walked and then jogged 1/3 of the track for about 8 laps….then, just a walk. It felt good to stretch and do abs afterward - my bum hurt from Grit.
Friday: Les Mills' BodyFlow #63
Fridays are wonderful for so many reasons and they start early, at 5:30. It's my light day and I really look forward to fun, but gentle moves on this day. For the first time, I tried BodyFlow - yoga by the Les Mills crew. It was really good! My hips definitely opened up. The video lasted about 30 minutes, after which I did abs and some additional stretches and ballet moves. A good morning!
Saturday: Peak 10 More Cardio Strength + McLean's Cardio Hip Hop
I was not 100% this morning but somehow psyched myself up to do this difficult CS. I warmed up with McLean for five minutes and then on to Dozois' workout. Wow, it's tough! Then, about 15 more minutes of McLean's dance workout. Yay, cardio!
Sunday: Les Mills' Combat 60 Live + CRWORX #16
Time for Combat - and a long one! The live DVD version is so much fun! I was dripping sweat in no time. Ha! My favorite thing about Combat is the punch/kick combinations - so fun! I did some of my own cardio to make it 60 minutes. Then, 10 minutes of CRWORX #16 - the ab portion which was tough! Ouch!!
Second week of Combat - done! And so much fun!
I was also a bit achy from week one. Ha!
Monday: Les Mills' Sh'Bam #16 + Scott's HIIT - Sports Inspired Intervals + walk
It's so nice looking forward to Monday morning workouts! I finally slept well last night and was rested this morning, making it even better! My second Sh'Bam workout was just as fun as the first! Wow! Once again, there were one or two segments I didn't love but most of them were great! After that workout, I did some HIIT with Jeffery Scott - always fun but difficult. At lunch, I did the bike at the rec. It's a love/hate relationship with that machine.
Tuesday: Les Mills' BodyCombat #60 + walk/jog
Like yesterday, I was practically looking forward to my workout! The Combat classes online are a nice change from the DVDs and this one was intense but fun. I love the kicks and punch/kick combinations. If I dislike anything, it's the non-stop punch sequences. But those aren't too, too bad. At lunch, I did the treadmill, adjusting my incline and jogging a bit. I got nice and sweaty!
Wednesday: Les Mills' Grit #4
This workout never, ever sounds appealing. When do you get up in the morning, longing to do burpees, push-ups, and squat jumps? I never get up feeling so inclined! But I did this workout, which was a mixed blessing.... There were long timed increments of doing the same things over and over....take a break.....do a few new things over and over.... I did not do burpees, not wanting to hurt myself. Still, I was huffing and puffing like nothing else. I did my own cardio after the video ended. I was beat!
Thursday: Amy's Combo Strength Conditioning + Ilyse's Just Dance + walk/jog
I ate horribly yesterday….which motivated me to walk and jog at lunch today. But first, my morning workout. Amy's strength workout was new to me and it was alright - nothing great but okay. I always love this dance video from Ilyse - not too high impact and just right for this morning. At lunch, the students crowded the rec center but I walked and then jogged 1/3 of the track for about 8 laps….then, just a walk. It felt good to stretch and do abs afterward - my bum hurt from Grit.
Friday: Les Mills' BodyFlow #63
Fridays are wonderful for so many reasons and they start early, at 5:30. It's my light day and I really look forward to fun, but gentle moves on this day. For the first time, I tried BodyFlow - yoga by the Les Mills crew. It was really good! My hips definitely opened up. The video lasted about 30 minutes, after which I did abs and some additional stretches and ballet moves. A good morning!
Saturday: Peak 10 More Cardio Strength + McLean's Cardio Hip Hop
I was not 100% this morning but somehow psyched myself up to do this difficult CS. I warmed up with McLean for five minutes and then on to Dozois' workout. Wow, it's tough! Then, about 15 more minutes of McLean's dance workout. Yay, cardio!
Sunday: Les Mills' Combat 60 Live + CRWORX #16
Time for Combat - and a long one! The live DVD version is so much fun! I was dripping sweat in no time. Ha! My favorite thing about Combat is the punch/kick combinations - so fun! I did some of my own cardio to make it 60 minutes. Then, 10 minutes of CRWORX #16 - the ab portion which was tough! Ouch!!
Second week of Combat - done! And so much fun!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Fudgy Chocolate Chip Yogurt Cake (2015:14)
In our summer of unhealthy eating, I wanted something chocolatey. And something new. This recipe for Fudgy Chocolate Chip Yogurt Cake had been on my Pinterest board for a while and it looked easy but yummy.
I subbed egg substitute for half the eggs and then used a bit of Splenda to cut back on the sugar. I used a combination of semi-sweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips. Once upon a time, I had toffee chips but not anymore so I left off the topping.
When it came time to bake, I wanted this cake under-done. I took it out at 33 minutes and it seemed perfect. When we finally cut into it, I was happy. The chocolate chips fall to the bottom and, if warmed in the microwave, are a bit melty. Yum! This would be great with vanilla ice cream but I didn't want to go overboard. It's also not too rich….perfect for a random dessert.
This one is a good solid recipe - not out-of-this-world but still good!
I subbed egg substitute for half the eggs and then used a bit of Splenda to cut back on the sugar. I used a combination of semi-sweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips. Once upon a time, I had toffee chips but not anymore so I left off the topping.
When it came time to bake, I wanted this cake under-done. I took it out at 33 minutes and it seemed perfect. When we finally cut into it, I was happy. The chocolate chips fall to the bottom and, if warmed in the microwave, are a bit melty. Yum! This would be great with vanilla ice cream but I didn't want to go overboard. It's also not too rich….perfect for a random dessert.
This one is a good solid recipe - not out-of-this-world but still good!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
The Martian
After Mr. Higgins read The Martian in less than a week and raved constantly about it throughout, I decided I should read it as well. And I really must read it before the movie comes out!
If you haven't read it, you should. It's great, nerdy, adventurous fun. Here's my Goodreads review....
"Holy crap!" How many times did I say that as I read this book?!
I can't say enough about how entertaining and addictive this book is. It's also an emotional roller coaster as Watney has a reason to get his hopes up….and then nothing. He's stranded again.
The physics, botany, and chemistry of this book is way over my head but as a nerd, I found it fascinating and I highly recommend it.
If you haven't read it, you should. It's great, nerdy, adventurous fun. Here's my Goodreads review....
"Holy crap!" How many times did I say that as I read this book?!
I can't say enough about how entertaining and addictive this book is. It's also an emotional roller coaster as Watney has a reason to get his hopes up….and then nothing. He's stranded again.
The physics, botany, and chemistry of this book is way over my head but as a nerd, I found it fascinating and I highly recommend it.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Week One: Combat Challenge #2
This week I'm back to Combat. I first tried Les Mills' program earlier this year, using the DVD set. This time around, I'm trying it On Demand on the Combat site. I'll do a few of the longer Combat workouts on DVD but mostly, I'll do what's on the site. Why? Because it includes more workouts and different workouts - yoga, dance, pump (no!), cycling (no!), abs.
I'm excited to try these new workouts. I'll subscribe to the site for only the two months of the Challenge (it's $12.99/month) and will keep FitnessGlo going to supplement the workouts.
Let's get started!
Monday: Les Mill's Sh'Bam #17 + Ilyse's Just Dance + bike
I had so much fun with my first On Demand workout by Les Mills. I tried Sh'Bam and it was great! This "line" of Les Mills is dance. Out of the entire workout - 30 minutes - there was only one routine that I didn't love, and it lasted only 2-4 minutes. So, wow! After that was done, I tuned into Ilyse's dance workout - always fun! So, a fun morning and a great way to start a Monday. At lunch, wanting something different, I got on the bike at the rec. Ugh. I hate bikes but it was a good change today.
Tuesday: Les Mills' BodyCombat #61 + bike
Time for Combat! Yay! It was a lot of fun to get back into this program with the classic workout. This routine was a lot harder than I expected - and I was feeling it! Whew! All those jabs, hooks, and uppercuts really add up when paired with some simple footwork. That lasted about 35 minutes, after which I did my own cardio to get up to 50 minutes. At lunch, I tackled the bike again. I know, I should have done weights....but I have my summer Wellness Challenge weigh-in on Thursday and I need cardio! But I hate bikes. Just sayin'.
Wednesday: Dozois' Heart-Pumping Total Sculpting + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party + walk
Late last night, my shoulders began to ache; this morning, I was almost miserable. All from BodyCombat. Wow. I was looking forward to weights with Dozois today - her 20 minute workout is perfect! Then, dance with Ilyse is always fun. I stopped a few times throughout that video to do some more weights. A good morning workout! At lunch, I walked at the rec and even added some jogging intervals into the mix. I weighed this morning and I'm 0.2 pounds within my "normal" range - so just barely there but amazing nonetheless considering my eating of late. I need to maintain that through tomorrow morning for my weigh-in!
Thursday: Les Mills' Grit #3 + Ilyse's Your Best, Sweaty Self
I was dreading this morning like nothing else. Grit is Les Mills' HIIT workout series. Some have weights, some do not. I chose to not do weights and I tried to find an easier one for my first go-around. This was not easy but at least it didn't have 10 minutes of burpees. Despite my aversion to burpees, I did a few in this workout. And it wasn't too bad. The video lasted 30 minutes and I then switched to Ilyse's new workout which is pure cardio and tough. This one is unlike her usual workouts, which is good….but ouch! So, an hour of cardio, then a stretch. I left for my scrapbook retreat after all this. Yay!
Friday: PeakFit Dynamic Flexibility
After all these crazy workouts I needed something very calm today. Plus, I was out of town at my scrapbook retreat. Michelle's Dynamic Flexibility was just what I needed. I love this one! And despite it being all flexibility, I always start dripping sweat. It felt great this morning!
Saturday: Combat 60 - Extreme Cardio Fighter
On the weekends, I'm going to alternate the two Combat 60s on the Les Mills Combat DVD set. They're the few DVDs that did not screw up in my laptop. This morning - amazingly - my shoulders still hurt from Tuesday. Ugh. I powered through all the punches in this workout and I'm proud of myself for doing it. It's the last day of my scrapbook retreat and I didn't really want to work out. LOL!
Sunday: Peak 10 Cardio Strength - Fat Blaster
Working out was the last thing I wanted to do today, after getting home from my scrapbook retreat. I was tired and my stomach was upset. But I made myself do it - because I ate too much the last three days. I added on some additional cardio to make it 60 minutes - and then a 5 minute stretch.
My first week of Combat was good! And achy! HA!
I'm excited to try these new workouts. I'll subscribe to the site for only the two months of the Challenge (it's $12.99/month) and will keep FitnessGlo going to supplement the workouts.
Let's get started!
Monday: Les Mill's Sh'Bam #17 + Ilyse's Just Dance + bike
I had so much fun with my first On Demand workout by Les Mills. I tried Sh'Bam and it was great! This "line" of Les Mills is dance. Out of the entire workout - 30 minutes - there was only one routine that I didn't love, and it lasted only 2-4 minutes. So, wow! After that was done, I tuned into Ilyse's dance workout - always fun! So, a fun morning and a great way to start a Monday. At lunch, wanting something different, I got on the bike at the rec. Ugh. I hate bikes but it was a good change today.
Tuesday: Les Mills' BodyCombat #61 + bike
Time for Combat! Yay! It was a lot of fun to get back into this program with the classic workout. This routine was a lot harder than I expected - and I was feeling it! Whew! All those jabs, hooks, and uppercuts really add up when paired with some simple footwork. That lasted about 35 minutes, after which I did my own cardio to get up to 50 minutes. At lunch, I tackled the bike again. I know, I should have done weights....but I have my summer Wellness Challenge weigh-in on Thursday and I need cardio! But I hate bikes. Just sayin'.
Wednesday: Dozois' Heart-Pumping Total Sculpting + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party + walk
Late last night, my shoulders began to ache; this morning, I was almost miserable. All from BodyCombat. Wow. I was looking forward to weights with Dozois today - her 20 minute workout is perfect! Then, dance with Ilyse is always fun. I stopped a few times throughout that video to do some more weights. A good morning workout! At lunch, I walked at the rec and even added some jogging intervals into the mix. I weighed this morning and I'm 0.2 pounds within my "normal" range - so just barely there but amazing nonetheless considering my eating of late. I need to maintain that through tomorrow morning for my weigh-in!
Thursday: Les Mills' Grit #3 + Ilyse's Your Best, Sweaty Self
I was dreading this morning like nothing else. Grit is Les Mills' HIIT workout series. Some have weights, some do not. I chose to not do weights and I tried to find an easier one for my first go-around. This was not easy but at least it didn't have 10 minutes of burpees. Despite my aversion to burpees, I did a few in this workout. And it wasn't too bad. The video lasted 30 minutes and I then switched to Ilyse's new workout which is pure cardio and tough. This one is unlike her usual workouts, which is good….but ouch! So, an hour of cardio, then a stretch. I left for my scrapbook retreat after all this. Yay!
Friday: PeakFit Dynamic Flexibility
After all these crazy workouts I needed something very calm today. Plus, I was out of town at my scrapbook retreat. Michelle's Dynamic Flexibility was just what I needed. I love this one! And despite it being all flexibility, I always start dripping sweat. It felt great this morning!
Saturday: Combat 60 - Extreme Cardio Fighter
On the weekends, I'm going to alternate the two Combat 60s on the Les Mills Combat DVD set. They're the few DVDs that did not screw up in my laptop. This morning - amazingly - my shoulders still hurt from Tuesday. Ugh. I powered through all the punches in this workout and I'm proud of myself for doing it. It's the last day of my scrapbook retreat and I didn't really want to work out. LOL!
Sunday: Peak 10 Cardio Strength - Fat Blaster
Working out was the last thing I wanted to do today, after getting home from my scrapbook retreat. I was tired and my stomach was upset. But I made myself do it - because I ate too much the last three days. I added on some additional cardio to make it 60 minutes - and then a 5 minute stretch.
My first week of Combat was good! And achy! HA!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Black Cat Love
Black cats don't photograph well. It's one of their curses. Recently, Mr. Higgins got a good pic of his dear Sidious.
Isn't she cute and Sith-like?
My main souvenir from New Orleans was something I could not live without - Sidious eating a beignet....
How cute is that?! Priceless. Mr. Higgins abhors anything French but he smiles every time he sees this, so mission accomplished!
Isn't she cute and Sith-like?
My main souvenir from New Orleans was something I could not live without - Sidious eating a beignet....
How cute is that?! Priceless. Mr. Higgins abhors anything French but he smiles every time he sees this, so mission accomplished!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Being an Introvert....
...is not easy. We are so often misunderstood. I try not to take it personally but when someone thinks something "is wrong with me" because I don't enjoy crowds or meaningless small-talk, it takes a toll.
I have more fun alone or in small groups, thank you very much.
I love getting away from people - sometimes even people that I love. That's how I recharge my batteries.
This is when I knew Mr. Higgins was the man for me.
I have more fun alone or in small groups, thank you very much.
I love getting away from people - sometimes even people that I love. That's how I recharge my batteries.
This is when I knew Mr. Higgins was the man for me.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Post-Cruise Workouts: Week 10
It's hot. Summer in Texas is miserable. Thankfully, most of my workouts are indoors, but still. The house is hot. Everything is hot.
This is my last week of workouts before I start a Combat Challenge for about 8 weeks. Yay! I'm so excited to do something different. I will, however, miss some of these other workouts as I "shelve" them for a while.
Here we go: week 10!
Monday: McLean's Unleash Your Inner Strength + Amy's Skills and Drills + walk/jog
I'm getting a little desperate as the bad eating continues. I toned it down today but not by much. McLean and Amy kept me going and I even upped the impact on some moves. At lunch, I did the treadmill instead of the track so I could up the incline in preparation of hiking in Colorado this fall. I even got motivated and jogged for 60-second spurts. Wow! Yes, I'm definitely motivated!
Tuesday: McLean's Kickbox Your Way to Fit + Amy's Kickbox Power + weights
Once I started this workout, I realized it means two days of kickboxing. Oh, well. McLean's workout is heavy on the cardio, light on the boxing. Amy's is heavy on the boxing and light on cardio... So it works out well! I was challenged by both and had fun in the process. At lunch, I forced my very unwilling mind and body to do weights at the rec. I hate it - but now it's done for the week.
Wednesday: McLean's HIIT - Bodyweight Circuits + walk/jog
Time for this week's HIIT! I was not looking forward to it but I powered through. I'll be glad to put this workout aside for a while. At lunch, I did the treadmill again, increasing my inclines from Monday. I also increased my jogging time to 90 seconds. Little victories! And more sweat that I'd like! Ha!
Thursday: Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped 1000 + walk
I needed some weights this morning so Jari Love it was. It's hard for me to use my heavy weights in this one, except with dead lifts. There are so many repetitions - eek! I added on some of my own weights/cardio to make this 50 minutes. At lunch, I walked the track at the rec - no jogging today.
Friday: BodyFit 360 Vol 3: Athletic Conditioning
Though I should have taken it easy today, I wanted a bit of cardio. I hadn't done this 360 in a while so I popped it in. It has about 25 minutes of cardio. I then did the arm section and then the stretching. It felt really good to stretch!
Saturday: Dozois' Cardio Strength 2 on Glo + McLean's Cardio Hip Hop
I was dreading this CS - it's just so tough. Forcing myself to ignore the sweat and ickiness,I powered through. I just hate all the floor work; my heart rate never comes down….which is good, I guess. To get more steps for the Fitbit, I did 20 minutes of McLean's cardio, trying to not work too hard. Then, a nice stretch!
Sunday: Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn - Fat Blaster + Dozois' Pilates Core
This CIB is so much fun - but also really tough. It's gotten easier for me but by the last two rounds, I was feeling it. The ascents have more high-impact work than other CIBs…. There's just no stopping. I did about 5 minutes of Dozois' Core workout - skipping to the floor work. All in all, about 75 minutes of work this morning.
And with that, I've finished my 10 weeks of post-cruise workouts. It's been fun, doing new and different FitnessGlo workouts. I feel like I've maintained my fitness level….but we'll see.
Next up, 8 weeks of Combat. Pray my back survives!
This is my last week of workouts before I start a Combat Challenge for about 8 weeks. Yay! I'm so excited to do something different. I will, however, miss some of these other workouts as I "shelve" them for a while.
Here we go: week 10!
Monday: McLean's Unleash Your Inner Strength + Amy's Skills and Drills + walk/jog
I'm getting a little desperate as the bad eating continues. I toned it down today but not by much. McLean and Amy kept me going and I even upped the impact on some moves. At lunch, I did the treadmill instead of the track so I could up the incline in preparation of hiking in Colorado this fall. I even got motivated and jogged for 60-second spurts. Wow! Yes, I'm definitely motivated!
Tuesday: McLean's Kickbox Your Way to Fit + Amy's Kickbox Power + weights
Once I started this workout, I realized it means two days of kickboxing. Oh, well. McLean's workout is heavy on the cardio, light on the boxing. Amy's is heavy on the boxing and light on cardio... So it works out well! I was challenged by both and had fun in the process. At lunch, I forced my very unwilling mind and body to do weights at the rec. I hate it - but now it's done for the week.
Wednesday: McLean's HIIT - Bodyweight Circuits + walk/jog
Time for this week's HIIT! I was not looking forward to it but I powered through. I'll be glad to put this workout aside for a while. At lunch, I did the treadmill again, increasing my inclines from Monday. I also increased my jogging time to 90 seconds. Little victories! And more sweat that I'd like! Ha!
Thursday: Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped 1000 + walk
I needed some weights this morning so Jari Love it was. It's hard for me to use my heavy weights in this one, except with dead lifts. There are so many repetitions - eek! I added on some of my own weights/cardio to make this 50 minutes. At lunch, I walked the track at the rec - no jogging today.
Friday: BodyFit 360 Vol 3: Athletic Conditioning
Though I should have taken it easy today, I wanted a bit of cardio. I hadn't done this 360 in a while so I popped it in. It has about 25 minutes of cardio. I then did the arm section and then the stretching. It felt really good to stretch!
Saturday: Dozois' Cardio Strength 2 on Glo + McLean's Cardio Hip Hop
I was dreading this CS - it's just so tough. Forcing myself to ignore the sweat and ickiness,I powered through. I just hate all the floor work; my heart rate never comes down….which is good, I guess. To get more steps for the Fitbit, I did 20 minutes of McLean's cardio, trying to not work too hard. Then, a nice stretch!
Sunday: Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn - Fat Blaster + Dozois' Pilates Core
This CIB is so much fun - but also really tough. It's gotten easier for me but by the last two rounds, I was feeling it. The ascents have more high-impact work than other CIBs…. There's just no stopping. I did about 5 minutes of Dozois' Core workout - skipping to the floor work. All in all, about 75 minutes of work this morning.
And with that, I've finished my 10 weeks of post-cruise workouts. It's been fun, doing new and different FitnessGlo workouts. I feel like I've maintained my fitness level….but we'll see.
Next up, 8 weeks of Combat. Pray my back survives!
Friday, August 7, 2015
My Summer....
I wonder how many tacos I've consumed this summer... Too many, for sure! But it was so much fun!
The next five days are the last days of our work wellness program's summer challenge. I doubt I've dropped the pound needed to have succeeded, and if not, I'm fine with that. It's been so much fun eating out, having fun, and bonding with friends.
And those tacos were so good!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion
My book group chose a novel by Fannie Flagg for last month: The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion. The title gave me pause and I wasn't sure what to think.
Here's my Goodreads review:
When my book group chose this Southern novel by Fannie Flagg, I was a little apprehensive, having never heard of Flagg. This book, however, was a joy to read! I loved learning about the WASPs and the Jurdabralinski sisters.
My only complaint is this rather consistent stereotype of dumb Southern women. It may be a reality but I'm Southern and haven't met any dumb Southern women! At least Sookie doesn't let the stereotype stop her and her journey of self-discovery is refreshing and lovely to behold.
Here's my Goodreads review:
When my book group chose this Southern novel by Fannie Flagg, I was a little apprehensive, having never heard of Flagg. This book, however, was a joy to read! I loved learning about the WASPs and the Jurdabralinski sisters.
My only complaint is this rather consistent stereotype of dumb Southern women. It may be a reality but I'm Southern and haven't met any dumb Southern women! At least Sookie doesn't let the stereotype stop her and her journey of self-discovery is refreshing and lovely to behold.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Post-Cruise Workouts: Week 9
After New Orleans and all the good food that entailed, I need to work hard this week! That's no surprise given my summer of bad eating....ha!
Here's how the week went...
Monday: Ilyse's Dance Intervals 101 + Dozoi's HIIT - Breathless and Energized + walk
I was so tired this morning after not nearly enough sleep. I powered through Ilyse's workout - so much jumping! - and then moved on to Michelle. I love that HIIT! At lunch, I walked with a co-worker at the rec. It's just too hot here in Texas right now. I hate it. Hate. It.
Tuesday: Shape's Bikini Body Camp Transforming + Scott's HIIT - Sports Inspired Intervals + weights
Must get more cardio! I started with Michelle's cardio segment on Shape's Bikini workout. It's so good! I then tuned into Scott's HIIT workout. It's a bit easier than other HIITs because the breaks are long....too long, it seems. At lunch, I did weights at the rec center - ugh. My arms will probably ache tomorrow!
Wednesday: Amy's Intervals + Cardio Intervals
These workouts did not motivate me to get out of bed, but I did anyway. Ha! As much as I don't look forward to them, they're not too bad. Amy definitely keeps the pace up, not letting you really think about all you have to do. If you just do it without thinking, it goes by relatively quickly. LOL!
Thursday: Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 Hardcore + walk
It was time for some weights today though my arms were still stiff and achy from Tuesday's weight session at the rec. Jari's workout tested me in many ways - so many tricep extensions, so many lunges.... Ack! I did my own cardio/weights to make this workout 50 minutes. At lunch, I walked at the rec, working up a good sweat; then, some ab work.
Friday: Bob Harper's Yoga for the Warrior
I bought this video several months ago but this was my first opportunity to try it. I've really missed my yoga classes at the rec. Amazingly, Harper's workout is a great sub for those classes - it's hard but not too hard. I really liked it and look forward to trying it again....and then I'll give you my official review!
Saturday: Peak 10 Cardio Strength Remix + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party
This was a tough morning to get going. Thankfully, I don't entirely dread this CS Remix - ha! It's fun but a challenge with every circuit going to the floor - except the last one. Wow. To finish things off - and get more steps! - I did 20 minutes of Ilyse's dance workout, which is mostly low-impact dance moves. It was a long workout - but I needed every minute!
Sunday: Cardio Interval Burn on Glo
This isn't my favorite CIB but I don't mind doing it. This morning I was on a timetable so I couldn't do any additional work - though I managed a longer stretch and sit-ups/planks/etc. My hips still hurt from something Bob Harper did to me in yoga on Friday. Ha!
Here's how the week went...
Monday: Ilyse's Dance Intervals 101 + Dozoi's HIIT - Breathless and Energized + walk
I was so tired this morning after not nearly enough sleep. I powered through Ilyse's workout - so much jumping! - and then moved on to Michelle. I love that HIIT! At lunch, I walked with a co-worker at the rec. It's just too hot here in Texas right now. I hate it. Hate. It.
Tuesday: Shape's Bikini Body Camp Transforming + Scott's HIIT - Sports Inspired Intervals + weights
Must get more cardio! I started with Michelle's cardio segment on Shape's Bikini workout. It's so good! I then tuned into Scott's HIIT workout. It's a bit easier than other HIITs because the breaks are long....too long, it seems. At lunch, I did weights at the rec center - ugh. My arms will probably ache tomorrow!
Wednesday: Amy's Intervals + Cardio Intervals
These workouts did not motivate me to get out of bed, but I did anyway. Ha! As much as I don't look forward to them, they're not too bad. Amy definitely keeps the pace up, not letting you really think about all you have to do. If you just do it without thinking, it goes by relatively quickly. LOL!
Thursday: Jari Love's Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 Hardcore + walk
It was time for some weights today though my arms were still stiff and achy from Tuesday's weight session at the rec. Jari's workout tested me in many ways - so many tricep extensions, so many lunges.... Ack! I did my own cardio/weights to make this workout 50 minutes. At lunch, I walked at the rec, working up a good sweat; then, some ab work.
Friday: Bob Harper's Yoga for the Warrior
I bought this video several months ago but this was my first opportunity to try it. I've really missed my yoga classes at the rec. Amazingly, Harper's workout is a great sub for those classes - it's hard but not too hard. I really liked it and look forward to trying it again....and then I'll give you my official review!
Saturday: Peak 10 Cardio Strength Remix + Ilyse's Groovy Dance Party
This was a tough morning to get going. Thankfully, I don't entirely dread this CS Remix - ha! It's fun but a challenge with every circuit going to the floor - except the last one. Wow. To finish things off - and get more steps! - I did 20 minutes of Ilyse's dance workout, which is mostly low-impact dance moves. It was a long workout - but I needed every minute!
Sunday: Cardio Interval Burn on Glo
This isn't my favorite CIB but I don't mind doing it. This morning I was on a timetable so I couldn't do any additional work - though I managed a longer stretch and sit-ups/planks/etc. My hips still hurt from something Bob Harper did to me in yoga on Friday. Ha!
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