Holy cow! It's almost a month now! Time flies when you're having fun!
I'm loving this rotation and the results it's giving me. Having so many Cathe live workouts to choose from is so nice!
Monday: Cathe's Step HIIT (upper body) + walk + YWA
This live workout was originally entitled Step HIIT + Upper Body Weights - which is an accurate description. I only did about 15 minutes of the step before I fast-forwarded to weights. And this ended up being a great upper body sequence. It was tough but the moves were different enough that it kept me energized. At lunch, I walked at the rec center and did some planks. And this YWA was really good - it made me sweat just a bit.
Tuesday: Cathe's Lean and Mean Legs Live + walk
I felt a bit better this morning after some good sleep. And it's a good thing because this leg workout contains more cardio - high impact - than the others I've done. You do some in the beginning and then you do a lot of jacks and plie jacks with the fire walker loop. Ouch! I think that's the first time I used the loop for cardio and it was intense! You do some work with weights - squats and lunges, as well. I had to cut this morning short by about 4 minutes due to bad weather. At lunch, I walked again and did my sit-ups.
Wednesday: Cathe's Kickbox and Barre + YWA
This morning, I woke up with a pounding headache. Oy. I got through this workout but I had to modify some of the endless jacks - making them low impact. My head just couldn't handle it. I like this workout but I wish there were more combinations. I didn't do the barre, continuing with my own cardio/boxing instead. After work, this YWA was great to help me calm down after yet another horrible commute.
Thursday: Cathe's Strong & Sweaty: PHA Training + YWA
Weights this morning - and an elevated heart rate, thanks to PHA. This was a fun workout - 12 reps of everything. You repeat one set of exercises 3 times before you start a new set (there are only two sets). It moves fasts and alternates upper and lower body parts to make sure your heart rate stays up. I'll just say - I hate step ups onto a step ladder. UGH! This YWA was nice but not my favorite. At least I stretched a bit.
Friday: Cathe's Fitness Fusion
I did this workout last year but had no memory of it this morning. With the holiday, I was actually able to do the entire workout, though I skipped the abs. This was a fun and varied workout. You start with kickboxing and then move into a HIIT segment. Last but not least is a short weighted leg section. My heart rate stayed up throughout this fun workout. After that 45 minutes, I did a good stretch since I was still sore from Thursday's weights.
Saturday: REST
We were out of town for the holiday.
Sunday: Cathe's Cardio HIIT Metabolic Live + YWA
A new workout! This one was really great. You did a HIIT move, a compound exercise, and then a weighted move (working one muscle group). My heart rate stayed up and I got a great workout! I like these that are varied - I never get bored and I love compound exercises! After the standing work finished, I did some additional cardio to get in 40 minutes. I then finished the video - chest work on the mat and then abs. I stretched and then did this YWA, which helped me stretch some more. Fun!
Calorie Counts:
I ate well Monday through Wednesday, staying at or under 1200 calories. And then the holiday hit. I didn't fall off the wagon completely, but I ate more than I should have. I didn't dare weight.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Blessings
Sometimes, when you get overwhelmed by work or life, or both, it's good to step back and count your blessings....
I've been given a very blessed life. I have a wonderful husband who is content to let me be who I am and still loves me. My parents are great and I consider my mom to be my best friend. My in-laws are fun, nice people who I enjoy being with. My cats are the cutest in the world (no objections - see above) and they bring much joy to our lives (along with hairballs).
My job is good and I work at an incredible place. I must remember that when I bogged down in the minutia of the everyday. So today, I'm counting my blessings.
Happy - almost - Easter!
Monday, March 26, 2018
Metabolic Rotation: Week 3
I'm loving this rotation but it is tough. All the weights, for almost every workout, are already beginning to take a toll on my body.
My eating needs to be better this week. I also need to find a way to increase my protein on the weekends - when I don't use protein powder.
Oh, well - let's see how this week goes...
Monday: Cathe's Low Impact HIIT Plus Upper Body Live + walk + YWA
I was still hurting from yesterday's workout. Sigh. The thought of more arm work was not appealing. I got through the first portion of this workout - the HIIT, which I shortened to 25 minutes - and it was good! Not too traumatic. Then, the weights were actually really well done and effective - through the pain. Cathe never disappoints! At work, I walked, and learned that my legs were super achy. Yay. And after work, a nice release with YWA.
Tuesday: Cathe's Totally Toned Legs + walk
My legs were still achy from Sunday so this workout did not sound appealing. But I made myself do it. And my legs were screaming. Ha! It feels kind of good, in a crazy way, to know that you're really doing something to cause change. But it hurts. At lunch, I walked to get steps and then I stretched - because my legs were still unhappy. Sigh. No yoga because I sat outside, instead.
Wednesday: Cathe's LIS: Afterburn + YWA
Low impact sounded so good this morning - but my bum still hurt! Ha! I used 6 pound weights for this video and still got a great workout. "Low impact does not mean low intensity," Cathe always says. This one doesn't spike my heart rate like some but it comes close! After work, this YWA was really good - it's one of my favorites and one that I'll keep coming back to!
Thursday: Cathe's Total Body Giant Sets
I wasn't feeling good this morning so I did a rare thing and postponed this workout until the evening. And I'm glad I did. This one took a lot more energy than I anticipated! Giant sets are broken up by upper body, lower body, and core. You do a set of exercises and then repeat them before moving on to lower body. Each part of the body gets two rounds of exercises. This was fast-paced and very metabolic....though I wish my heart rate had been higher. I liked it - except for having abs in the middle. I prefer to save that torture for the end.
Friday: Dozois' BodyFit 360 Vol 2: Dance Conditioning
Time to get my Michelle Dozois fix! And I love this workout! This one is just so much fun and so very different from Cathe. Michelle's cardio/dance and bodyweight strength moves are just wonderful - perfect for a day of recovery. I kept it all low impact and had fun. I did all the cardio and then went straight to the stretch. So, so lovely!
Saturday: Cathe's ICE: Metabolic Total Body + Strong and Sweaty Core
I didn't quite know what to expect from this metabolic workout but I ended up loving it! This workout was all about compound exercises. My heart rate went up and stayed up. I loved some of the new and different moves in this "intermediate" workout. Cathe's weights were lighter, to make it less advanced - but I went as heavy as I could...and my heart was pounding! It was great! That lasted for 45 minutes. I then did this core workout, which I didn't remember doing before. Then, a nice stretch. Whew!
Sunday: Cathe's Crossfire + YWA
Last night and this morning, I was dreading Crossfire. I hate this workout; I dread it like nothing else. I thought I would die. Instead, I did great! Maybe my fitness level is getting better but this workout didn't kill me like it usually does. It was tough and my heart rate was the highest it's been all week - but I made it through and felt great. I added on a bit of a cool down which meant I worked for 50 minutes. Nice! After a stretch, I did Adriene's newest video, posted today. It was the perfect finisher!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1197
Tuesday - 1188
Wednesday - 1281
Thursday - bad
Friday - 1667
Saturday - 1456
Sunday - 1289
I got on the scale first thing Thursday morning....I got off and got on again. The number didn't change and I was astonished. I'm down to my pre-cruise weight. I've now lost the five pounds I assumed I gained on the cruise. I can't believe it. I haven't been eating that great. Maybe it's all these metabolic workouts....but I'm ecstatic! And then I had a horrible day of eating on Thursday. Sigh.
My eating needs to be better this week. I also need to find a way to increase my protein on the weekends - when I don't use protein powder.
Oh, well - let's see how this week goes...
Monday: Cathe's Low Impact HIIT Plus Upper Body Live + walk + YWA
I was still hurting from yesterday's workout. Sigh. The thought of more arm work was not appealing. I got through the first portion of this workout - the HIIT, which I shortened to 25 minutes - and it was good! Not too traumatic. Then, the weights were actually really well done and effective - through the pain. Cathe never disappoints! At work, I walked, and learned that my legs were super achy. Yay. And after work, a nice release with YWA.
Tuesday: Cathe's Totally Toned Legs + walk
My legs were still achy from Sunday so this workout did not sound appealing. But I made myself do it. And my legs were screaming. Ha! It feels kind of good, in a crazy way, to know that you're really doing something to cause change. But it hurts. At lunch, I walked to get steps and then I stretched - because my legs were still unhappy. Sigh. No yoga because I sat outside, instead.
Wednesday: Cathe's LIS: Afterburn + YWA
Low impact sounded so good this morning - but my bum still hurt! Ha! I used 6 pound weights for this video and still got a great workout. "Low impact does not mean low intensity," Cathe always says. This one doesn't spike my heart rate like some but it comes close! After work, this YWA was really good - it's one of my favorites and one that I'll keep coming back to!
Thursday: Cathe's Total Body Giant Sets
I wasn't feeling good this morning so I did a rare thing and postponed this workout until the evening. And I'm glad I did. This one took a lot more energy than I anticipated! Giant sets are broken up by upper body, lower body, and core. You do a set of exercises and then repeat them before moving on to lower body. Each part of the body gets two rounds of exercises. This was fast-paced and very metabolic....though I wish my heart rate had been higher. I liked it - except for having abs in the middle. I prefer to save that torture for the end.
Friday: Dozois' BodyFit 360 Vol 2: Dance Conditioning
Time to get my Michelle Dozois fix! And I love this workout! This one is just so much fun and so very different from Cathe. Michelle's cardio/dance and bodyweight strength moves are just wonderful - perfect for a day of recovery. I kept it all low impact and had fun. I did all the cardio and then went straight to the stretch. So, so lovely!
Saturday: Cathe's ICE: Metabolic Total Body + Strong and Sweaty Core
I didn't quite know what to expect from this metabolic workout but I ended up loving it! This workout was all about compound exercises. My heart rate went up and stayed up. I loved some of the new and different moves in this "intermediate" workout. Cathe's weights were lighter, to make it less advanced - but I went as heavy as I could...and my heart was pounding! It was great! That lasted for 45 minutes. I then did this core workout, which I didn't remember doing before. Then, a nice stretch. Whew!
Sunday: Cathe's Crossfire + YWA
Last night and this morning, I was dreading Crossfire. I hate this workout; I dread it like nothing else. I thought I would die. Instead, I did great! Maybe my fitness level is getting better but this workout didn't kill me like it usually does. It was tough and my heart rate was the highest it's been all week - but I made it through and felt great. I added on a bit of a cool down which meant I worked for 50 minutes. Nice! After a stretch, I did Adriene's newest video, posted today. It was the perfect finisher!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1197
Tuesday - 1188
Wednesday - 1281
Thursday - bad
Friday - 1667
Saturday - 1456
Sunday - 1289
I got on the scale first thing Thursday morning....I got off and got on again. The number didn't change and I was astonished. I'm down to my pre-cruise weight. I've now lost the five pounds I assumed I gained on the cruise. I can't believe it. I haven't been eating that great. Maybe it's all these metabolic workouts....but I'm ecstatic! And then I had a horrible day of eating on Thursday. Sigh.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Cathe Friedrich: Low Impact Series: AfterBurn (Review)
Cathe has so many great workouts, it's hard to get through them all! One that has fit nicely into my Metabolic Rotation is AfterBurn, part of her Low Impact Series.
This workout is all about burning calories after the video ends - called afterburn - by ramping up your metabolism. Cathe alternates cardio and weighted cardio sections to achieve this effect.
After about a 5 minute warm-up, Cathe leads you into the circuit-style workout that has little rest. There are 10 circuits, each one has a cardio move and a weighted cardio move which you then repeat. So there are four exercises in each circuit. Examples of the cardio moves...squat digs, lateral skaters, jacks on sliding discs, air squats. Then for the weighted moves you do lunges with bicep curls, squats with overhead presses, burpees and push-ups (on discs). These are all intense moves that work many, many muscles at once.
These circuits last for almost 45 minutes. Cathe then leads you in a cool down/stretch for 5 minutes.
Cathe has done an excellent job with this workout. If you have knee problems, it's great. You will be sore after this workout. If you're already sore, the entire thing will be painful. Ha! After all, every single one of Cathe's workouts is a challenge for the legs and bum.
Equipment needed (though I don't use a lot of this): dumbbells of various weights, sliding discs, and Dixie cups.
Bottom Line: This is an advanced workout suitable for all types but especially for those with knee issues.
This workout is all about burning calories after the video ends - called afterburn - by ramping up your metabolism. Cathe alternates cardio and weighted cardio sections to achieve this effect.
After about a 5 minute warm-up, Cathe leads you into the circuit-style workout that has little rest. There are 10 circuits, each one has a cardio move and a weighted cardio move which you then repeat. So there are four exercises in each circuit. Examples of the cardio moves...squat digs, lateral skaters, jacks on sliding discs, air squats. Then for the weighted moves you do lunges with bicep curls, squats with overhead presses, burpees and push-ups (on discs). These are all intense moves that work many, many muscles at once.
These circuits last for almost 45 minutes. Cathe then leads you in a cool down/stretch for 5 minutes.
Cathe has done an excellent job with this workout. If you have knee problems, it's great. You will be sore after this workout. If you're already sore, the entire thing will be painful. Ha! After all, every single one of Cathe's workouts is a challenge for the legs and bum.
Equipment needed (though I don't use a lot of this): dumbbells of various weights, sliding discs, and Dixie cups.
Bottom Line: This is an advanced workout suitable for all types but especially for those with knee issues.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Metabolic Rotation: Week 2
I'm already super happy with this rotation. Having so many new workouts to choose from with Cathe Live is so much fun! And the ones I've already done - mostly early last year - I can't remember!
So, motivation is not a problem! There will, however, be two days of bad meals this week. But it's Spring Break - for everyone else - so we're seeing some friends we don't normally see much during the school year. Life happens.
Monday: Cathe's Quick Fix Kickboxing... + YWA
And on the subject of not remembering.... I did this workout a year ago and liked it. Today, I wasn't a fan. This was more of a plain cardio workout instead of a kickboxing workout. There were no punch/kick combinations! I wanted kickboxing! Instead, I got cardio. And my feet, for the first time in ages, were beginning to feel unhappy due to all this jumping lately. Hm. After work, this YWA was perfect - challenging and refreshing!
Tuesday: Cathe's RWH: Upper Body Circuit + walk + YWA
Another new workout! I'm slowly getting around the doing bits of RWH and am really liking it, the more I do. This was the upper body metabolic workout and it's really good! You do compound exercises, focusing on the upper body, with cardio blasts interspersed throughout. It was different and fun! At lunch, I walked at the rec center, trying to find some energy after a second night of not sleeping well. This YWA helped with my shoulder, back pain from all these weights!
Wednesday: Cathe's Lean Lower Body + walk
Legs day! And, thankfully, I felt great after some good sleep! This workout was rather painful - but in a productive way! There was no step, which was a minor blessing, but it still kicked my butt. Ha! Gotta love Cathe and her crazy hard leg workouts! But if it gets me her legs, then it's worth it! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some ab work....and really stretched out my legs.
Thursday: Dozois' PeakFit: Dynamic Flexibility
I love rest days! And I love spending them with Michelle Dozois! Dynamic Flexibility is such a fun and unique workout....I always look forward to it! I felt stretched and refreshed after it ended this morning, which is a great way to start the day! I was all about to do yoga after work but then I had a rare opportunity to spend time with Mr. Higgins outside - and I did. So nice!
Friday: Cathe's PHA Training Live
Another new-to-me workout - and a new format: peripheral heart action training. Cathe's definition: "you alternate between upper and lower body resistance training exercises, allowing as little rest as possible between each movement. The lack of rest and recovery keeps your heart rate up, for cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits, while switching between upper and lower body exercises, maximizes blood flow to all parts of your body and reduces build-up of lactic acid." It was a good total body workout and my heart rate stayed high - though not as high as it does with leg-centric workouts.
Saturday: Cathe's RWH: Low Impact HIIT + YWA
I had a rough night, filled with painful stomach issues. My joy that today's workout was low impact was enormous. I started with the second HIIT and did it in it's entirety - it uses a weight for almost every exercise, which ups the intensity. Then, I finished off the morning with most of the first HIIT - going until I'd done 45 minutes of work. Whew! It was intense but fun; I always enjoy Cathe's low impact work! After that, I stretched and then tuned into this new YWA - nice!
Sunday: Cathe's Sweat, Jump, and Pump + XTrain: Core 2
Today, Cathe kicked my butt. She calls Sweat, Jump, and Pump, "random" training because there is no rhyme or reason to when you do cardio versus weights. Your body has no idea what to expect, making the workout especially metabolic. I liked it - it went by fast - but I was struggling at times. Whew! I didn't do the ab work at the end; instead, I added on some light cardio to cool down. So, 50 minutes of hard work. Then, this core workout kicked by bum, too! Dang! I was so happy to stretch, finally!
Calorie Counts:
I had about 3 really good days. The rest weren't great. It was Spring Break week - not that I had a break from anything - but it meant a few more meals out for birthdays and fun. As a result, I stayed away from the scale. Ha!
So, motivation is not a problem! There will, however, be two days of bad meals this week. But it's Spring Break - for everyone else - so we're seeing some friends we don't normally see much during the school year. Life happens.
Monday: Cathe's Quick Fix Kickboxing... + YWA
And on the subject of not remembering.... I did this workout a year ago and liked it. Today, I wasn't a fan. This was more of a plain cardio workout instead of a kickboxing workout. There were no punch/kick combinations! I wanted kickboxing! Instead, I got cardio. And my feet, for the first time in ages, were beginning to feel unhappy due to all this jumping lately. Hm. After work, this YWA was perfect - challenging and refreshing!
Tuesday: Cathe's RWH: Upper Body Circuit + walk + YWA
Another new workout! I'm slowly getting around the doing bits of RWH and am really liking it, the more I do. This was the upper body metabolic workout and it's really good! You do compound exercises, focusing on the upper body, with cardio blasts interspersed throughout. It was different and fun! At lunch, I walked at the rec center, trying to find some energy after a second night of not sleeping well. This YWA helped with my shoulder, back pain from all these weights!
Wednesday: Cathe's Lean Lower Body + walk
Legs day! And, thankfully, I felt great after some good sleep! This workout was rather painful - but in a productive way! There was no step, which was a minor blessing, but it still kicked my butt. Ha! Gotta love Cathe and her crazy hard leg workouts! But if it gets me her legs, then it's worth it! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some ab work....and really stretched out my legs.
Thursday: Dozois' PeakFit: Dynamic Flexibility
I love rest days! And I love spending them with Michelle Dozois! Dynamic Flexibility is such a fun and unique workout....I always look forward to it! I felt stretched and refreshed after it ended this morning, which is a great way to start the day! I was all about to do yoga after work but then I had a rare opportunity to spend time with Mr. Higgins outside - and I did. So nice!
Friday: Cathe's PHA Training Live
Another new-to-me workout - and a new format: peripheral heart action training. Cathe's definition: "you alternate between upper and lower body resistance training exercises, allowing as little rest as possible between each movement. The lack of rest and recovery keeps your heart rate up, for cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits, while switching between upper and lower body exercises, maximizes blood flow to all parts of your body and reduces build-up of lactic acid." It was a good total body workout and my heart rate stayed high - though not as high as it does with leg-centric workouts.
Saturday: Cathe's RWH: Low Impact HIIT + YWA
I had a rough night, filled with painful stomach issues. My joy that today's workout was low impact was enormous. I started with the second HIIT and did it in it's entirety - it uses a weight for almost every exercise, which ups the intensity. Then, I finished off the morning with most of the first HIIT - going until I'd done 45 minutes of work. Whew! It was intense but fun; I always enjoy Cathe's low impact work! After that, I stretched and then tuned into this new YWA - nice!
Sunday: Cathe's Sweat, Jump, and Pump + XTrain: Core 2
Today, Cathe kicked my butt. She calls Sweat, Jump, and Pump, "random" training because there is no rhyme or reason to when you do cardio versus weights. Your body has no idea what to expect, making the workout especially metabolic. I liked it - it went by fast - but I was struggling at times. Whew! I didn't do the ab work at the end; instead, I added on some light cardio to cool down. So, 50 minutes of hard work. Then, this core workout kicked by bum, too! Dang! I was so happy to stretch, finally!
Calorie Counts:
I had about 3 really good days. The rest weren't great. It was Spring Break week - not that I had a break from anything - but it meant a few more meals out for birthdays and fun. As a result, I stayed away from the scale. Ha!
Friday, March 16, 2018
Caribbean Status
On our cruise a few weeks ago, we saw the many Caribbean isles we love so much for the first time since the hurricanes last year.
Our first stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. From the outside, the island looked fine, normal. But once you got into the city, there was a lot of rebuilding going on.
St. Thomas was our second cruise stop. We quickly made our way by ferry to St. John - our favorite place in the Caribbean.
Our first stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. From the outside, the island looked fine, normal. But once you got into the city, there was a lot of rebuilding going on.
St. Thomas was our second cruise stop. We quickly made our way by ferry to St. John - our favorite place in the Caribbean.
The devastation there was obvious from the minute we entered Cruz Bay. Wharfside Village, the sight of many shops and restaurants, is still closed. It had about 5 feet of water in it during the worst of the hurricanes.
The picture above is of Trunk Bay - the most picturesque beach in the Caribbean. You see those structures to the right? Those used to be invisible beneath the trees and foliage. At Cinnamon Bay, our beach for the day, all the structures were leveled or severely damaged. Thankfully, all the beaches themselves were as gorgeous as ever.
St. Maarten, our last stop, had a lot of rebuilding going on. A significant number of waterfront shops and hotels were closed. We gladly gave one hotel our business and used their chairs and umbrellas for the day.
The people of St. John were the nicest we encountered. "Tell everyone you know that we're open," they said. "Thank you so much for coming!"
And we'll be back - many more times!
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And we'll be back - many more times!
Monday, March 12, 2018
Metabolic Rotation: Week 1
I'm back from a very relaxing vacation...and excited to, once again, dig deeper into some of Cathe's workouts in a different way.
A few weeks ago, I ran across an incredibly good article that made me re-think the way I work out. By looking through Cathe's live workouts, I found some great options and put together a great workout calendar with some guidance from 2 Lazy for the Gym's rotation. Mine runs 11 weeks and those last three weeks will be reserved for really changing things up by trying some of Cathe's new workouts and throwing in some Michelle Dozois.
Vacation was great and I didn't exercise at all, except to walk. I was super proud of getting over 10,000 steps every single day. But I needed to rest. My body needed it. Now, I feel rested and ready to get back to it!
Monday: Cathe's Mixed Impact HIIT with Bonus Abs + YWA
My only concession on the first day back was to do a shorter workout. The cardio portion of this workout only lasts for 30 minutes and I didn't add on any more. Really, that much HIIT should be perfect....I just tend to try to do more. In the future, I should just stop when Cathe stops. I did do the bonus abs and they were nice and challenging. At the end of the day, a short but great YWA to open up and flow.
Tuesday: Cathe's Smokin' Upper Body Blast + walk + YWA
I'm really liking the idea of all these new workouts! But then this one started with snowboarders and I realized how my bum hurt from yesterday's workout - yes, a cardio workout from Cathe made my bum hurt. This woman knows how to work the lower body at all times. Smokin' Upper Body alternates a cardio blast move and an upper body sequence. My arms were definitely tired by the end. I walked at lunch and then this YWA was great for my poor lower back.
Wednesday: Cathe's Trisets Legs Live + walk
Time for legs this morning. I did this workout last year and knew it would be painful - but effective. And it was - both. I tried to really support my back since it hasn't been happy, which meant lifting less for dead lifts. And I'm fine with that! At lunch, I walked at the rec and then really stretched out my legs. That felt marvelous! After work, I had every intention of doing yoga, but after a horrible commute, I just couldn't do anything else.
Thursday: YWA + YWA
Rest day! And I needed it today: my muscles are in shock with all these workouts after vacation! This YWA was new-to-me and very good. Adriene really knows how to make you concentrate on one area of the body; this was all about the spine. After work, I did the other yoga, though I wasn't self-doubting; I was decompressing after a very long day. And it was good!
Friday: Cathe's Totally Pumped Total Body Live
My shoulders were killing me this morning. I don't know from what - maybe yesterday's early morning yoga. Either way, weights did not sound fun but weights it was this morning. This was a good, fast-moving weight training video. I enjoyed it - as much as was possible when I hurt so much. I didn't use a step because my legs were still sore from Wednesday.
Saturday: Cathe's ICE: Low Impact Sweat
This was my second workout from Cathe's intermediate series, ICE (well, except for the ab workouts). The other one I'd done, Rock'm Sock'm is great so I had high hopes for Low Impact Sweat...and it did not disappoint. This is a serious workout and a very well seasoned intermediate workout. There were tons of new moves which I loved! And Cathe's concession to intermediate seemed to only be the lighter weights (3s and 5s) she used. I used 6 lbs throughout and got a great workout. I also did the Blizzard Blast, which was fun. After that 50 minutes, I had a good, long stretch.
Sunday: Cathe's Sweat Blast + XTrain: Core 1 + YWA
Another great metabolic workout today. This one alternated one cardio move and a weighted compound exercise. My heart rate stayed amazingly high! And I had fun! The compound moves added some nice variety! After that 40 minutes, I did the 10-minute Core 1 from XTrain. Ouch! Then, a stretch and a YWA. I really like this one!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1200
Tuesday - 1220
Wednesday - 1209
Thursday - 1871
Friday - 1451
Saturday - 1307
Sunday - bad
I'm annoyed with having so many bad calorie counts this week. When I weighed on Thursday morning - before the bad eating, I was up 2.5 pounds from before vacation. Not bad. When I weighed after a crazy workout on Saturday morning, that had dropped to being only 1.6 pounds over my pre-cruise weight. But I'm sure Sunday ruined that. Sigh.
A few weeks ago, I ran across an incredibly good article that made me re-think the way I work out. By looking through Cathe's live workouts, I found some great options and put together a great workout calendar with some guidance from 2 Lazy for the Gym's rotation. Mine runs 11 weeks and those last three weeks will be reserved for really changing things up by trying some of Cathe's new workouts and throwing in some Michelle Dozois.
Vacation was great and I didn't exercise at all, except to walk. I was super proud of getting over 10,000 steps every single day. But I needed to rest. My body needed it. Now, I feel rested and ready to get back to it!
Monday: Cathe's Mixed Impact HIIT with Bonus Abs + YWA
My only concession on the first day back was to do a shorter workout. The cardio portion of this workout only lasts for 30 minutes and I didn't add on any more. Really, that much HIIT should be perfect....I just tend to try to do more. In the future, I should just stop when Cathe stops. I did do the bonus abs and they were nice and challenging. At the end of the day, a short but great YWA to open up and flow.
Tuesday: Cathe's Smokin' Upper Body Blast + walk + YWA
I'm really liking the idea of all these new workouts! But then this one started with snowboarders and I realized how my bum hurt from yesterday's workout - yes, a cardio workout from Cathe made my bum hurt. This woman knows how to work the lower body at all times. Smokin' Upper Body alternates a cardio blast move and an upper body sequence. My arms were definitely tired by the end. I walked at lunch and then this YWA was great for my poor lower back.
Wednesday: Cathe's Trisets Legs Live + walk
Time for legs this morning. I did this workout last year and knew it would be painful - but effective. And it was - both. I tried to really support my back since it hasn't been happy, which meant lifting less for dead lifts. And I'm fine with that! At lunch, I walked at the rec and then really stretched out my legs. That felt marvelous! After work, I had every intention of doing yoga, but after a horrible commute, I just couldn't do anything else.
Thursday: YWA + YWA
Rest day! And I needed it today: my muscles are in shock with all these workouts after vacation! This YWA was new-to-me and very good. Adriene really knows how to make you concentrate on one area of the body; this was all about the spine. After work, I did the other yoga, though I wasn't self-doubting; I was decompressing after a very long day. And it was good!
Friday: Cathe's Totally Pumped Total Body Live
My shoulders were killing me this morning. I don't know from what - maybe yesterday's early morning yoga. Either way, weights did not sound fun but weights it was this morning. This was a good, fast-moving weight training video. I enjoyed it - as much as was possible when I hurt so much. I didn't use a step because my legs were still sore from Wednesday.
Saturday: Cathe's ICE: Low Impact Sweat
This was my second workout from Cathe's intermediate series, ICE (well, except for the ab workouts). The other one I'd done, Rock'm Sock'm is great so I had high hopes for Low Impact Sweat...and it did not disappoint. This is a serious workout and a very well seasoned intermediate workout. There were tons of new moves which I loved! And Cathe's concession to intermediate seemed to only be the lighter weights (3s and 5s) she used. I used 6 lbs throughout and got a great workout. I also did the Blizzard Blast, which was fun. After that 50 minutes, I had a good, long stretch.
Sunday: Cathe's Sweat Blast + XTrain: Core 1 + YWA
Another great metabolic workout today. This one alternated one cardio move and a weighted compound exercise. My heart rate stayed amazingly high! And I had fun! The compound moves added some nice variety! After that 40 minutes, I did the 10-minute Core 1 from XTrain. Ouch! Then, a stretch and a YWA. I really like this one!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1200
Tuesday - 1220
Wednesday - 1209
Thursday - 1871
Friday - 1451
Saturday - 1307
Sunday - bad
I'm annoyed with having so many bad calorie counts this week. When I weighed on Thursday morning - before the bad eating, I was up 2.5 pounds from before vacation. Not bad. When I weighed after a crazy workout on Saturday morning, that had dropped to being only 1.6 pounds over my pre-cruise weight. But I'm sure Sunday ruined that. Sigh.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
The Alice Network
Over vacation, I read a wonderful novel entitled The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn.
My Goodreads review:
I get a bit tired of WWII novels but when I learned that one of my favorite authors, Kate Quinn, was writing a book that took place in WWI and the aftermath of WWII, I couldn't resist. Quinn writes wonderful novels about ancient Rome and now she's successfully transitioned to writing about the 20th century.
The Alice Network is about female spies in WWI. While I was hesitant to like the two main characters, they quickly gained my interest and, quickly, my respect as strong, independent women. Their stories and those of the ones they loved, are fascinating. Quinn does excellent research to blend fiction and real heroines of WWI. I learned quite a bit from this novel - and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
My Goodreads review:
I get a bit tired of WWII novels but when I learned that one of my favorite authors, Kate Quinn, was writing a book that took place in WWI and the aftermath of WWII, I couldn't resist. Quinn writes wonderful novels about ancient Rome and now she's successfully transitioned to writing about the 20th century.
The Alice Network is about female spies in WWI. While I was hesitant to like the two main characters, they quickly gained my interest and, quickly, my respect as strong, independent women. Their stories and those of the ones they loved, are fascinating. Quinn does excellent research to blend fiction and real heroines of WWI. I learned quite a bit from this novel - and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Results and Conclusions: Butt and Plateau Buster Months
It's been a transformative two months. I've found out what - I think - works for my body and I have Cathe to thank for a lot of it.
These past two months consisted of two rotations that Cathe devised - one for busting through plateaus and one for Rock Bottoms.
Motivation
My motivation was great - really, it hardly ever wavers - especially once I started seeing results. It had been so long since I'd seen any change in my body that I was ecstatic to see something.
That being said, my motivation to the the BBW (Bonus Butt Workout) and 300 walking lunges was not that great. Sticking those on to already intense weekend workouts was not easy. I may have to readjust when I do these if I do the Rock Bottoms rotation again.
Results
I lost 4.4 pounds. And I have no idea how much muscle I gained but I think it was quite a bit. Why? I increased my protein, aiming to get 100g a day, which - in theory - should have meant I developed more muscle while burning fat. And it seems to have worked. The minute I upped my protein, the pounds came off. Sure, they were slow to budge but they did, in the end!
By the end, I lost 1.75" off my waist, 1.25" off my hips, .25" off my thighs and arms. Not huge, but, a lot for me!
Going Forward
After vacation, I will embark on a metabolic rotation - filled with Cathe workouts. I'll be doing more of her live workouts, which are always fun.
Because of how much change I saw in my legs - and maybe my bum, I don't know - I'll probably do another Rock Bottoms rotation in the fall.
These past two months consisted of two rotations that Cathe devised - one for busting through plateaus and one for Rock Bottoms.
Motivation
My motivation was great - really, it hardly ever wavers - especially once I started seeing results. It had been so long since I'd seen any change in my body that I was ecstatic to see something.
That being said, my motivation to the the BBW (Bonus Butt Workout) and 300 walking lunges was not that great. Sticking those on to already intense weekend workouts was not easy. I may have to readjust when I do these if I do the Rock Bottoms rotation again.
Results
I lost 4.4 pounds. And I have no idea how much muscle I gained but I think it was quite a bit. Why? I increased my protein, aiming to get 100g a day, which - in theory - should have meant I developed more muscle while burning fat. And it seems to have worked. The minute I upped my protein, the pounds came off. Sure, they were slow to budge but they did, in the end!
By the end, I lost 1.75" off my waist, 1.25" off my hips, .25" off my thighs and arms. Not huge, but, a lot for me!
Going Forward
After vacation, I will embark on a metabolic rotation - filled with Cathe workouts. I'll be doing more of her live workouts, which are always fun.
Because of how much change I saw in my legs - and maybe my bum, I don't know - I'll probably do another Rock Bottoms rotation in the fall.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Visitor
For the past few months, we've had an outside visitor.
After vacation, we'll work on finding him a home. It'll break our hearts to see him go but he needs a safe place and a loving family.
It took Mr. Higgins weeks and weeks before this little guy would let him touch him. He was very scared; clearly he's not been around people before. Finally, now, Mr. Higgins can touch him and even pick him up.
After vacation, we'll work on finding him a home. It'll break our hearts to see him go but he needs a safe place and a loving family.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Butt and Plateau Buster Months: Week 8
My last week of workouts before our cruise!!
I'm ecstatic about my progress. Who knew how much of a difference five pounds could make, especially while you're gaining muscle!?! Amazing!
Pray I can keep eating healthy this week, since I'm so ready for vacation!
Monday: Cathe's Flex Train + walk + YWA
After a lot of cardio on Sunday, I was ready for something less...jumpy today. Flex Train is a great metabolic workout. Though my FitBit didn't agree, my heart felt like it was going to burst from my chest, it was pounding so hard. Whew! And I even had trouble lifting 8 pounds in these exercises since it's all about endurance. That's one good workout! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some planks. After work, this YWA was perfect because I really, really needed to stretch.
Tuesday: Cathe's Kick Max + YWA
Another night of very little sleep meant this workout was very, very difficult. I like the combinations but the cardio blast is brutal when you're exhausted. I made it through by modifying a few moves and by marching while in recovery mode instead of running or jacking. It's truly awful sleeping this horribly. Yucky weather kept me from going to the rec and meant a horrible drive home. This short YWA was all I could manage.
Wednesday: Cathe's Butts and Guts + walk + YWA
I was so dreading this workout. And it came after another night of bad sleep. But I did it! This is such a torturous weighted routine - I guess because of the reps. You do everything two times through so even though you finish it once, you know it'll come again. At lunch, I walked at the rec center, getting out in the cold and wet to trek over there. And after work, I did Adriene's newest practice, which was really good.
Thursday: Cathe's Intensity + YWA
With more sleep, I felt a bit more energized this morning. Intensity isn't my favorite but it was one of my first Cathe workouts so at least I know it. After all these years, it's still not the easiest workout but It's more enjoyable than some of hers. After work, I did this YWA to stretch out my legs. I really wish I could get more flexible - this aspect of my wellness has stagnated. I'll keep working on it!
Friday: Cathe's Metabolic Mashup + RWH Abs 2
I didn't remember having done this workout before. It was good - all compound weighted exercises to get that metabolic benefit. It wasn't easy but I got through it, mainly with 8 pound weights. My workouts after the cruise will be mostly metabolic so I'd better get used to this format! After work, I got in a good ab workout with Cathe's Ripped with HIIT Abs 2. Dang, this one is tough - but good!
Saturday: Cathe's RWH Lift It HIIT It Legs + arms + RWH Abs 1
My last workout before the cruise - and it's leg work, of course! This is similar to XTrain Cardio Legs - you alternate a cardio move and a weighted move. The difference is that with RWH, you lift heavier. I did 17lb with a lot of the moves and that really spiked my heart rate. It was a great workout. After that, I did about 18 minutes of arms - because I hadn't focused on them too much this week. And finally, the other RWH Abs workout. This one was a tiny bit easier than the other one - but still challenging. And finally, I stretched.
Sunday: VACATION!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1194
Tuesday - 1193
Wednesday - 1200
Thursday - 1410
Friday - bad
Saturday - 1266
I didn't lose any additional weight but I'm fine with that. Wearing my pants this week - that have sat, unused for moths - was wonderful.
I'm ecstatic about my progress. Who knew how much of a difference five pounds could make, especially while you're gaining muscle!?! Amazing!
Pray I can keep eating healthy this week, since I'm so ready for vacation!
Monday: Cathe's Flex Train + walk + YWA
After a lot of cardio on Sunday, I was ready for something less...jumpy today. Flex Train is a great metabolic workout. Though my FitBit didn't agree, my heart felt like it was going to burst from my chest, it was pounding so hard. Whew! And I even had trouble lifting 8 pounds in these exercises since it's all about endurance. That's one good workout! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some planks. After work, this YWA was perfect because I really, really needed to stretch.
Tuesday: Cathe's Kick Max + YWA
Another night of very little sleep meant this workout was very, very difficult. I like the combinations but the cardio blast is brutal when you're exhausted. I made it through by modifying a few moves and by marching while in recovery mode instead of running or jacking. It's truly awful sleeping this horribly. Yucky weather kept me from going to the rec and meant a horrible drive home. This short YWA was all I could manage.
Wednesday: Cathe's Butts and Guts + walk + YWA
I was so dreading this workout. And it came after another night of bad sleep. But I did it! This is such a torturous weighted routine - I guess because of the reps. You do everything two times through so even though you finish it once, you know it'll come again. At lunch, I walked at the rec center, getting out in the cold and wet to trek over there. And after work, I did Adriene's newest practice, which was really good.
Thursday: Cathe's Intensity + YWA
With more sleep, I felt a bit more energized this morning. Intensity isn't my favorite but it was one of my first Cathe workouts so at least I know it. After all these years, it's still not the easiest workout but It's more enjoyable than some of hers. After work, I did this YWA to stretch out my legs. I really wish I could get more flexible - this aspect of my wellness has stagnated. I'll keep working on it!
Friday: Cathe's Metabolic Mashup + RWH Abs 2
I didn't remember having done this workout before. It was good - all compound weighted exercises to get that metabolic benefit. It wasn't easy but I got through it, mainly with 8 pound weights. My workouts after the cruise will be mostly metabolic so I'd better get used to this format! After work, I got in a good ab workout with Cathe's Ripped with HIIT Abs 2. Dang, this one is tough - but good!
Saturday: Cathe's RWH Lift It HIIT It Legs + arms + RWH Abs 1
My last workout before the cruise - and it's leg work, of course! This is similar to XTrain Cardio Legs - you alternate a cardio move and a weighted move. The difference is that with RWH, you lift heavier. I did 17lb with a lot of the moves and that really spiked my heart rate. It was a great workout. After that, I did about 18 minutes of arms - because I hadn't focused on them too much this week. And finally, the other RWH Abs workout. This one was a tiny bit easier than the other one - but still challenging. And finally, I stretched.
Sunday: VACATION!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1194
Tuesday - 1193
Wednesday - 1200
Thursday - 1410
Friday - bad
Saturday - 1266
I didn't lose any additional weight but I'm fine with that. Wearing my pants this week - that have sat, unused for moths - was wonderful.
Friday, February 23, 2018
A Few More Days....
...until I'm here....
I can't wait to get back to St. John and see how the island is doing after the hurricanes. It's one of our favorite places and it'll be great to have a day there on our cruise.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Butt and Plateau Buster Months: Week 7
Still buoyed from my four pound weight loss, I'm glad to finally see changes in my body, even if I'm a bit hungry. Only two more weeks and I can eat!
....and hopefully lose weight afterward now that I've found the secret of protein. Ha!
Monday: Cathe's XTrain Legs + BBW + walk + YWA
Another night of no sleep meant this workout was torturous. And my legs were already hurting.... By the end of this workout, I was in serious pain. The BBW did not help. Then the floor work was excruciating. Sigh. But I think these leg workouts are paying off. At lunch, I walked outside - very briskly - for 20 minutes. I just couldn't get to the rec center. After work, this YWA was not what I remembered and didn't really help my legs. I think it made me more sore. Ugh!
Tuesday: Cathe's MMA Boxing + YWA
I finally slept! And it felt....wonderful! So I was actually energized this morning for boxing! This workout is fun but has some challenging cardio bits. It definitely works the arms like crazy....and mine were surprisingly sore from Sunday. WTH?! But it felt lovely to move and feel good! After work, I did this YWA because my hamstrings have been so tight and painful since yesterday's leg workout. It really seemed to help!
Wednesday: Cathe's Pyramid Upper Body + walk
When I first did this arm workout, a few weeks ago, I was a bit traumatized at how soon my arms gave out. So this time, I lowered my weights on a few exercises, just a bit, in order to be able to get through the entirety of the pyramid sets. I was able, however, to increase my weight for a few exercises, which was nice! But this workout is the real deal. My arms were shaking for hours afterward. At lunch, I walked at the rec center to get steps - and then I stretched.
Thursday: YWA + walk
Rest days are the best days! This yoga was really good - not too crazy but challenging enough for 5:30 am. Adriene does a great job getting you to eagle pose - something I do very rarely. At lunch, I walked, despite my rest day status. I ate just a few too many treats for Valentine's Day yesterday (ugh!) so I felt the need to burn some calories, few though they may be.
Friday: Cathe's To the Max
I can never seem to remember To the Max but then, after I start it, I realize how tough it's going to be. You start out with a step routine and then move into tabatas....and then HIIT. It's non-stop! I didn't make it any further than this. I did some more of my own cardio to fill my time and then to cool off. Whew! This one is intense! There was supposed be a YWA today but work was really, really bad and I had no energy for anything afterward.
Saturday: Cathe's 4 Day Split - Kickbox + BBW + YWA
On the rotation for today was a workout from Cathe's 4 Day Split series, which I did for four weeks after STS last fall. It contains kickboxing and weighted leg work. The kickboxing is fun and high impact, which meant my heart rate was up there. I then did my BBW for the week before the weighted leg work started. And I didn't remember so many reps in these leg exercises! Dang! Squats, lunges, deadlifts, presses....many more with many reps! After that I even did the core work that is on the video. Ouch! I then stretched and did a short YWA to finish off the morning. Whew!
Sunday: Cathe's X10 + 300 lunges + Icy Core 2
I can't say I look forward to X10 because it is so intense....but I like that it works me and my legs so hard. Today I did these sections: low impact, cardio blast, and fat-burning. Wow. In between them, I did my 300 lunges. My heart was pounding like nothing else! X10 is insane. But it was amazing, doing my last round of BBW and 300 lunges this weekend. Yes!!! Afterward, I did Icy Core 2, which lasted a little over 11 minutes. And then I was finally able to stretch. Ahh....
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1189
Tuesday - 1183
Wednesday - bad!
Thursday - 1141
Friday - 1413
Saturday - 1445
Sunday - 1334
I'm down 4.4 pounds. And.....my pants fit! All my pants that didn't fit before all this now fit!! And I measured: my hips and thighs are now smaller than they were when I weighed 10 pounds less. My arms are even skinnier! I think this protein + weights thing is working! Hallelujah!
Seriously, I'm happy. If I can maintain this, I'm 100% ecstatic!
....and hopefully lose weight afterward now that I've found the secret of protein. Ha!
Monday: Cathe's XTrain Legs + BBW + walk + YWA
Another night of no sleep meant this workout was torturous. And my legs were already hurting.... By the end of this workout, I was in serious pain. The BBW did not help. Then the floor work was excruciating. Sigh. But I think these leg workouts are paying off. At lunch, I walked outside - very briskly - for 20 minutes. I just couldn't get to the rec center. After work, this YWA was not what I remembered and didn't really help my legs. I think it made me more sore. Ugh!
Tuesday: Cathe's MMA Boxing + YWA
I finally slept! And it felt....wonderful! So I was actually energized this morning for boxing! This workout is fun but has some challenging cardio bits. It definitely works the arms like crazy....and mine were surprisingly sore from Sunday. WTH?! But it felt lovely to move and feel good! After work, I did this YWA because my hamstrings have been so tight and painful since yesterday's leg workout. It really seemed to help!
Wednesday: Cathe's Pyramid Upper Body + walk
When I first did this arm workout, a few weeks ago, I was a bit traumatized at how soon my arms gave out. So this time, I lowered my weights on a few exercises, just a bit, in order to be able to get through the entirety of the pyramid sets. I was able, however, to increase my weight for a few exercises, which was nice! But this workout is the real deal. My arms were shaking for hours afterward. At lunch, I walked at the rec center to get steps - and then I stretched.
Thursday: YWA + walk
Rest days are the best days! This yoga was really good - not too crazy but challenging enough for 5:30 am. Adriene does a great job getting you to eagle pose - something I do very rarely. At lunch, I walked, despite my rest day status. I ate just a few too many treats for Valentine's Day yesterday (ugh!) so I felt the need to burn some calories, few though they may be.
Friday: Cathe's To the Max
I can never seem to remember To the Max but then, after I start it, I realize how tough it's going to be. You start out with a step routine and then move into tabatas....and then HIIT. It's non-stop! I didn't make it any further than this. I did some more of my own cardio to fill my time and then to cool off. Whew! This one is intense! There was supposed be a YWA today but work was really, really bad and I had no energy for anything afterward.
Saturday: Cathe's 4 Day Split - Kickbox + BBW + YWA
On the rotation for today was a workout from Cathe's 4 Day Split series, which I did for four weeks after STS last fall. It contains kickboxing and weighted leg work. The kickboxing is fun and high impact, which meant my heart rate was up there. I then did my BBW for the week before the weighted leg work started. And I didn't remember so many reps in these leg exercises! Dang! Squats, lunges, deadlifts, presses....many more with many reps! After that I even did the core work that is on the video. Ouch! I then stretched and did a short YWA to finish off the morning. Whew!
Sunday: Cathe's X10 + 300 lunges + Icy Core 2
I can't say I look forward to X10 because it is so intense....but I like that it works me and my legs so hard. Today I did these sections: low impact, cardio blast, and fat-burning. Wow. In between them, I did my 300 lunges. My heart was pounding like nothing else! X10 is insane. But it was amazing, doing my last round of BBW and 300 lunges this weekend. Yes!!! Afterward, I did Icy Core 2, which lasted a little over 11 minutes. And then I was finally able to stretch. Ahh....
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1189
Tuesday - 1183
Wednesday - bad!
Thursday - 1141
Friday - 1413
Saturday - 1445
Sunday - 1334
I'm down 4.4 pounds. And.....my pants fit! All my pants that didn't fit before all this now fit!! And I measured: my hips and thighs are now smaller than they were when I weighed 10 pounds less. My arms are even skinnier! I think this protein + weights thing is working! Hallelujah!
Seriously, I'm happy. If I can maintain this, I'm 100% ecstatic!
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Me Too, You Too?
It seems that every single day, when I read the news, there are new sexual assault/abuse allegations against someone. This week: Michael Fassbender and Shaun White. The more I read, the more appalled I become - and I know I'm not the only one.
Have you been the victim of a sexual assault? I have not. But I have been sexually discriminated against. Honestly: what woman has not? And even more honestly, I've heard almost every male in my life say things that are so inherently anti-female that I'm aghast. I personally know people - not at my workplace - who will not hire women of child-bearing age for fear that, once they have a child (which they apparently all do, except me!), they will quit.
In graduate school, in my male-dominated field, I sat through classes where professors made misogynistic remarks and told me to "cover my ears" when talking about the perversions of Roman emperors. My male classmates, I hope, did not agree, but none confronted the professor; one merely made a sarcastic remark in response. I was passed over for departmental jobs and other perks because I wasn't "one of the guys" in the so-called "boys club" of the department. When I complained about this to the department chair (a man), his only response was the I really needed to change my pronouns from boys/girls to men/women.
These are tiny, tiny things in relation to all the horrible crimes we're seeing in the news. But my point is that there is an underlying problem in all of society that is anti-female. Women are catty. Women are shallow. Women always cheat. Women are just paranoid. They worry too much. Women only care about money and clothes. And on and on. Do I hear women talking this way about men? No. I hear things like, "men are fixers" or "men need to feel needed." I hear discussions about how to better get along with men. I do not hear the opposite.
I could also be very, very sheltered. Maybe this dialogue in not as one-sided as I've witnessed. Either way... Maybe if this dialogue didn't happen and if children didn't hear it, they would have more respect for women.
That's my two cents.
Have you been the victim of a sexual assault? I have not. But I have been sexually discriminated against. Honestly: what woman has not? And even more honestly, I've heard almost every male in my life say things that are so inherently anti-female that I'm aghast. I personally know people - not at my workplace - who will not hire women of child-bearing age for fear that, once they have a child (which they apparently all do, except me!), they will quit.
In graduate school, in my male-dominated field, I sat through classes where professors made misogynistic remarks and told me to "cover my ears" when talking about the perversions of Roman emperors. My male classmates, I hope, did not agree, but none confronted the professor; one merely made a sarcastic remark in response. I was passed over for departmental jobs and other perks because I wasn't "one of the guys" in the so-called "boys club" of the department. When I complained about this to the department chair (a man), his only response was the I really needed to change my pronouns from boys/girls to men/women.
These are tiny, tiny things in relation to all the horrible crimes we're seeing in the news. But my point is that there is an underlying problem in all of society that is anti-female. Women are catty. Women are shallow. Women always cheat. Women are just paranoid. They worry too much. Women only care about money and clothes. And on and on. Do I hear women talking this way about men? No. I hear things like, "men are fixers" or "men need to feel needed." I hear discussions about how to better get along with men. I do not hear the opposite.
I could also be very, very sheltered. Maybe this dialogue in not as one-sided as I've witnessed. Either way... Maybe if this dialogue didn't happen and if children didn't hear it, they would have more respect for women.
That's my two cents.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Butt and Plateau Buster Months: Week 6
After last week's weight loss (!), I'm super-duper motivated to keep up the good work. I had a short bad spell last weekend, due to a family birthday and the Super Bowl, but I'm back on track this week!
With only three more weeks until the cruise, I need to make steady progress!
Monday: Cathe's Rock'm Sock'm + Icy Core 1
This workout happened at the end of the day, since I didn't feel well in the morning. And I'm glad I waited because I did 55 minutes of fun kickboxing! This is such a good workout and, after it was done, I added on the Blizzard Blast to get those extra minutes. It was difficult but fun! When that finished, I did the full 11 minutes of Icy Core 1. Whew! Intermediate ab work is still super difficult! My stretch was awesome after all this!
Tuesday: Cathe's Lower Body Blast + walk + YWA
Yet another new-to-me Cathe workout. This one is tough! Lower Body Blast is all strength, with a few cardio bursts interspersed throughout to give your legs a "break." I was really feeling all the weighted work. Dang! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then stretched really well, hoping my legs wouldn't be too sore. My shoulders were sore from Monday's workout - really, really weird. This YWA was perfect today - because it was rainy!
Wednesday: Cathe's XTrain Low Impact HIIT + YWA
It had been a while since I'd done this HIIT....and it was a nice change. Low impact is always appreciated and today it was perfect. My heart rate stayed up, which always amazes me. Moving fast - not jumping - is enough to burn major calories. Awesome! After work, this YWA from the Revolution series was just great.
Thursday: YWA + abs
My new rest day may be Thursdays. And after not sleeping last night, it was perfect for today. This YWA wasn't my first choice but it was good in that it was easy. I needed that - ha! After it ended, I did about 10 minutes of Cathe's abs....never easy. And my abs still hurt from Monday!
Friday: Cathe's Great Glutes + walk + YWA
These leg workouts come around so, so often! Ha! But that's the point, right? This one is especially painful but I got through it. Somehow. I did the floor work instead of the optional standing chair work and it buuuurned. Ouch! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some good leg stretches...since my legs were already hurting from the morning. This YWA was good - and not easy!
Saturday: Cathe's XTrain Tabatacise + 300 lunges + legs
Serious cardio today. Tabatacise is intense. It's crazy! It's Cathe's most difficult cardio workout, in my opinion. And, to make it even more fun, I did my 300 lunges throughout, in 100 increments. I was exhausted after this. My legs hurt, because Cathe's cardio is so leg intense (jumping squats, lunges). Instead of doing the BBW, I did floor work from both Lower Leg Blast and XTrain Legs. So, 55 minutes of cardio and lunges, then 20 minutes of leg work. And, finally, a well-deserved stretch. I'll do the BBW on Monday- oy.
Sunday: Cathe's XTrain SuperCuts + arms + YWA
Metabolic conditioning today! This is a great workout and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's a great mix of weighted and non-weighted moves so your heart rate stays elevated - with no impact! It's tough and never slows done but that's the point. After it finished - about 40 minutes - I did 15 minutes of arm work. Then, a stretch and a short YWA. Whew!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1159
Tuesday - 1183
Wednesday - 1315
Thursday - 1248
Friday - 1353
Saturday - 1314
Sunday - 1357
When I weighed on Thursday, I was still down 4 pounds from my original weight. That's great. Not perfect, but great. I just need to keep up the good work. Two more weeks.
With only three more weeks until the cruise, I need to make steady progress!
Monday: Cathe's Rock'm Sock'm + Icy Core 1
This workout happened at the end of the day, since I didn't feel well in the morning. And I'm glad I waited because I did 55 minutes of fun kickboxing! This is such a good workout and, after it was done, I added on the Blizzard Blast to get those extra minutes. It was difficult but fun! When that finished, I did the full 11 minutes of Icy Core 1. Whew! Intermediate ab work is still super difficult! My stretch was awesome after all this!
Tuesday: Cathe's Lower Body Blast + walk + YWA
Yet another new-to-me Cathe workout. This one is tough! Lower Body Blast is all strength, with a few cardio bursts interspersed throughout to give your legs a "break." I was really feeling all the weighted work. Dang! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then stretched really well, hoping my legs wouldn't be too sore. My shoulders were sore from Monday's workout - really, really weird. This YWA was perfect today - because it was rainy!
Wednesday: Cathe's XTrain Low Impact HIIT + YWA
It had been a while since I'd done this HIIT....and it was a nice change. Low impact is always appreciated and today it was perfect. My heart rate stayed up, which always amazes me. Moving fast - not jumping - is enough to burn major calories. Awesome! After work, this YWA from the Revolution series was just great.
Thursday: YWA + abs
My new rest day may be Thursdays. And after not sleeping last night, it was perfect for today. This YWA wasn't my first choice but it was good in that it was easy. I needed that - ha! After it ended, I did about 10 minutes of Cathe's abs....never easy. And my abs still hurt from Monday!
Friday: Cathe's Great Glutes + walk + YWA
These leg workouts come around so, so often! Ha! But that's the point, right? This one is especially painful but I got through it. Somehow. I did the floor work instead of the optional standing chair work and it buuuurned. Ouch! At lunch, I walked at the rec center and then did some good leg stretches...since my legs were already hurting from the morning. This YWA was good - and not easy!
Saturday: Cathe's XTrain Tabatacise + 300 lunges + legs
Serious cardio today. Tabatacise is intense. It's crazy! It's Cathe's most difficult cardio workout, in my opinion. And, to make it even more fun, I did my 300 lunges throughout, in 100 increments. I was exhausted after this. My legs hurt, because Cathe's cardio is so leg intense (jumping squats, lunges). Instead of doing the BBW, I did floor work from both Lower Leg Blast and XTrain Legs. So, 55 minutes of cardio and lunges, then 20 minutes of leg work. And, finally, a well-deserved stretch. I'll do the BBW on Monday- oy.
Sunday: Cathe's XTrain SuperCuts + arms + YWA
Metabolic conditioning today! This is a great workout and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's a great mix of weighted and non-weighted moves so your heart rate stays elevated - with no impact! It's tough and never slows done but that's the point. After it finished - about 40 minutes - I did 15 minutes of arm work. Then, a stretch and a short YWA. Whew!
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1159
Tuesday - 1183
Wednesday - 1315
Thursday - 1248
Friday - 1353
Saturday - 1314
Sunday - 1357
When I weighed on Thursday, I was still down 4 pounds from my original weight. That's great. Not perfect, but great. I just need to keep up the good work. Two more weeks.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Cathe Friedrich: Great Glutes (Review)
I'm digging deeper into Cathe's huge repertoire of workouts. The latest I'm liking is Great Glutes.
As it says, Great Glutes is all about legs. It is not, however, a heavy lifting program. Cathe relies on body weight, lighter weights, bands, and repetition to work your legs to exhaustion. Your heart rate definitely goes up in the beginning with the intent of burning fat. And your heart rate will stay up - because you're in agony!
After a 7 minute warm-up, Cathe leads you through 16 minutes of compound exercises. These are a lot of squats and lunges, with and without weights. Interspersed throughout are hammer down lunges to keep your heart rate up. These also use the legs like crazy and you quickly get tired of them! You then do work with sliding disks - side lunges, back lunges, and curtsy lunges. Ouch!
Next up: work with the stability ball to really work your bum and inner thighs. I don't have a ball so I always find a way to improvise. You then move to floor work where you will experience horrible pain doing leg raises of several variations. Oooouuuch. If you're not completely incapacitated after all that, there's a bonus section, using a chair, doing legs lifts. There is then a 7 minute stretch.
This workout is 55 minutes in length. It works every portion of your lower body. Cathe uses 8-pound weights but I use 12s regularly to get more out of it. Lift as heavy as you can to get more from these exercises. Equipment needed: dumbbells, sliding disks, stability ball, chair, firewalker band (loop), and a mat.
Bottom Line: This is not Cathe's most advanced lower body workout but it's a great intermediate video.
As it says, Great Glutes is all about legs. It is not, however, a heavy lifting program. Cathe relies on body weight, lighter weights, bands, and repetition to work your legs to exhaustion. Your heart rate definitely goes up in the beginning with the intent of burning fat. And your heart rate will stay up - because you're in agony!
After a 7 minute warm-up, Cathe leads you through 16 minutes of compound exercises. These are a lot of squats and lunges, with and without weights. Interspersed throughout are hammer down lunges to keep your heart rate up. These also use the legs like crazy and you quickly get tired of them! You then do work with sliding disks - side lunges, back lunges, and curtsy lunges. Ouch!
Next up: work with the stability ball to really work your bum and inner thighs. I don't have a ball so I always find a way to improvise. You then move to floor work where you will experience horrible pain doing leg raises of several variations. Oooouuuch. If you're not completely incapacitated after all that, there's a bonus section, using a chair, doing legs lifts. There is then a 7 minute stretch.
This workout is 55 minutes in length. It works every portion of your lower body. Cathe uses 8-pound weights but I use 12s regularly to get more out of it. Lift as heavy as you can to get more from these exercises. Equipment needed: dumbbells, sliding disks, stability ball, chair, firewalker band (loop), and a mat.
Bottom Line: This is not Cathe's most advanced lower body workout but it's a great intermediate video.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Butt and Plateau Buster Months: Week 5
Four more weeks until the cruise!
Regarding my goals last week... I definitely ate more protein, thanks to the protein powder. I was able to eat between 70 and 85 grams a day - much more than usual! As to steps.... I still had one day too many without 10,000 steps. The problem is doing weights on the weekend, when I just don't walk as much. Sigh.
This week is going to be loooong because my rest day must be Sunday. It'll also be sad - the end of YWA: True. I've loved this series and will be sad to see it end. But at least I have it downloaded!
Monday: Cathe's Jabs and Kicks + YWA
Kickboxing is my favorite Monday morning workout. There's no dread factor and Cathe usually makes them so much fun. This one was amazing. Cathe went 30 minutes without regurgitating moves from her other kickboxing routines. It was incredible and different! And fun! What a nice surprise! After work, it was time for True, day 28. Dang! This one got me sweating a bit! It was a nice, challenging surprise!
Tuesday: Cathe's STS Total Body (upper + core) + walk
So glad today was arms because I didn't sleep well. But. This workout is no joke. It's trisets, which you repeat twice: 16 reps, then 12 reps. If you lift heavy, 16 reps is difficult. Going back and doing another 12 reps feels impossible. I did the full upper body workout and then the core - 9 minutes of torture. Ha! At lunch, I walked at the rec center. Due to my evening book group, I missed YWA. So sad. I did 27 consecutive days of yoga up until today.
Wednesday: Cathe's For the Love of Cardio Live + YWA
Cardio today! Thankfully I was a bit more rested today. I'd forgotten it....but I love this workout! Cathe gives you such a good mix of steady cardio and then cardio blasts - or HIIT. It's a great workout. It wore me out! And just look at Cathe's legs - she so rarely wears shorts. I want legs like that! After work, finally, day 29 of YWA: True! It was another good one!
Thursday: Cathe's Lean Legs and Abs + walk
I'm learning that I like Lean Legs much more than Great Glutes....probably because it's a bit easier. Ha! I did only the legs this morning and they were burning by the end of it! Dang! Finishing off with the barre was especially painful....er, effective. At lunch, I walked at the rec center and did some ab work along with some good leg stretches. I had to postpone, again, the last day of YWA: True because of family stuff.
Friday: Cathe's Afterburn + YWA
I miss my Friday rest days. But at least today was low impact! Afterburn, however, is not easy. It's low-impact but high intensity. The squats really got to me today; after yesterday's workout they were tired! But this is a great workout and one I should keep in the rotation. After work, I finally finished YWA: True! Only two days late.... It was great, a culmination of the past 30 days.
Saturday: Cathe's STS Plyo Legs + BBW
Cathe's rotation calls for one Plyo Legs workout and I was so happy to do it, after so many run-throughs with XTrain Cardio Leg Blast. Different is always good! This workout is no laughing matter, however. My heart was pounding throughout. I did my 300 walking lunges - barely. They hurt! After all that (almost 60 minutes of work), it was time for the Bonus Butt Workout. All I can say is....ouch. It was a relief to stretch, finally.
Sunday: REST
I was out of town on Sunday, hence my rest day getting pushed to Sunday.
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1167
Tuesday -1284
Wednesday - 1271
Thursday - 1188
Friday - 1187
Saturday - 1889
Sunday - BAD
Before my bad weekend, I weighed. I'm now down an additional 3 pounds.....4 total since New Year's. I can't tell you how ecstatic I am. All I can think is the extra protein is actually working. Earlier in the week, I was so depressed....this made my week...my month.
Regarding my goals last week... I definitely ate more protein, thanks to the protein powder. I was able to eat between 70 and 85 grams a day - much more than usual! As to steps.... I still had one day too many without 10,000 steps. The problem is doing weights on the weekend, when I just don't walk as much. Sigh.
This week is going to be loooong because my rest day must be Sunday. It'll also be sad - the end of YWA: True. I've loved this series and will be sad to see it end. But at least I have it downloaded!
Monday: Cathe's Jabs and Kicks + YWA
Kickboxing is my favorite Monday morning workout. There's no dread factor and Cathe usually makes them so much fun. This one was amazing. Cathe went 30 minutes without regurgitating moves from her other kickboxing routines. It was incredible and different! And fun! What a nice surprise! After work, it was time for True, day 28. Dang! This one got me sweating a bit! It was a nice, challenging surprise!
Tuesday: Cathe's STS Total Body (upper + core) + walk
So glad today was arms because I didn't sleep well. But. This workout is no joke. It's trisets, which you repeat twice: 16 reps, then 12 reps. If you lift heavy, 16 reps is difficult. Going back and doing another 12 reps feels impossible. I did the full upper body workout and then the core - 9 minutes of torture. Ha! At lunch, I walked at the rec center. Due to my evening book group, I missed YWA. So sad. I did 27 consecutive days of yoga up until today.
Wednesday: Cathe's For the Love of Cardio Live + YWA
Cardio today! Thankfully I was a bit more rested today. I'd forgotten it....but I love this workout! Cathe gives you such a good mix of steady cardio and then cardio blasts - or HIIT. It's a great workout. It wore me out! And just look at Cathe's legs - she so rarely wears shorts. I want legs like that! After work, finally, day 29 of YWA: True! It was another good one!
Thursday: Cathe's Lean Legs and Abs + walk
I'm learning that I like Lean Legs much more than Great Glutes....probably because it's a bit easier. Ha! I did only the legs this morning and they were burning by the end of it! Dang! Finishing off with the barre was especially painful....er, effective. At lunch, I walked at the rec center and did some ab work along with some good leg stretches. I had to postpone, again, the last day of YWA: True because of family stuff.
Friday: Cathe's Afterburn + YWA
I miss my Friday rest days. But at least today was low impact! Afterburn, however, is not easy. It's low-impact but high intensity. The squats really got to me today; after yesterday's workout they were tired! But this is a great workout and one I should keep in the rotation. After work, I finally finished YWA: True! Only two days late.... It was great, a culmination of the past 30 days.
Saturday: Cathe's STS Plyo Legs + BBW
Cathe's rotation calls for one Plyo Legs workout and I was so happy to do it, after so many run-throughs with XTrain Cardio Leg Blast. Different is always good! This workout is no laughing matter, however. My heart was pounding throughout. I did my 300 walking lunges - barely. They hurt! After all that (almost 60 minutes of work), it was time for the Bonus Butt Workout. All I can say is....ouch. It was a relief to stretch, finally.
Sunday: REST
I was out of town on Sunday, hence my rest day getting pushed to Sunday.
Calorie Counts:
Monday - 1167
Tuesday -1284
Wednesday - 1271
Thursday - 1188
Friday - 1187
Saturday - 1889
Sunday - BAD
Before my bad weekend, I weighed. I'm now down an additional 3 pounds.....4 total since New Year's. I can't tell you how ecstatic I am. All I can think is the extra protein is actually working. Earlier in the week, I was so depressed....this made my week...my month.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Fingerless Gloves
After 6.5 years of marriage, I've finally knitted something for Mr. Higgins! It was his Christmas present, though I was a bit late and finished them in January - Fingerless Gloves! Mr. Higgins is always cold in the house so I wanted something that would keep him warm without hindering his mobility (for computer-ing and gaming). These are perfect!
Pattern: Happily Ever After Mitts by Susan B. Anderson
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi - Calumet (purple/brown/grey)
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)
Made for: Mr. H
Time to completion: 3 weeks, though I started, frogged, and restarted several times in October and November
I made a few adjustments to the pattern.... For one thing, the arms are shorter than the pattern's 14 (!) or so inches. I added on some stitches - total of 58 - since his hands are a bit wider. And I also made the thumb hole a bit bigger (16 row). The end edging is a bit wider so he could tell which end was the bottom or top more easily.
About 6 years ago, Mr. H picked out this yarn for socks at one my favorite yarn stores of all time. But he has his favorite super-warm socks that never seem to die and I know I couldn't compete with those. So this was the perfect way to use the yarn he liked. I'm so happy with these and the pattern was so easy....I'll have to make more!
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