Good Morning FIRMies!
We just got back from a week-long vacation yesterday afternoon and I'm so excitied to check in to see how you're all doing!
Hi s&k'smom! Ooooo, when I'm a baaaaad girl (as I was on vacation--more on this later!), it goes right to my waistline, too! I usually try to blame it on my clothesdryer, but deep down inside...we all know the truth!

Great job getting your workouts in!
Hi Tracy! I see you've added Kathy Smith's LWtLW! I've read good things on the FIRM Ya Ya's site about that video, and I'm glad you like it! It's nice to change things up every now and then, isn't it?! Excellent job with the muscle confusion, girl, and I bet you'll be seeing results real soon! Keep up your awesome work!
Hi sueg! It's great that you're staying so motivated and enjoying your workouts! That Nancy Tucker is sooooo lean--I swear there's not an ounce of fat on her! I think it's s&k'smom who wants to take her out for a cheeseburger.

Keep up all your terrific work---you FIRMies are all so inspirational!
Hey Melanie! I know you haven't posted yet, but I'm sure you'll be checking in! I just did Cathe's Bootcamp workout for the first time this morning and wanted to give you a little review. I think you said you taped it off of FitTv, so I'm probably telling you everything you already know! This is a really different kind of workout than all her others. A definite "shock your body" type that I really think could pack an added punch to any workout rotation. I was able to keep up fairly well except for three things: tricep dips, plank position hip-dips (my weak lower back really felt it), and these things called squat thrust terminators--a cardio section in which I truly believe that Cathe has lost her mind. I could only do about 1/2 of what she does! I used a 35# loaded barbell for the heavier lower body work, but if you have low to high weight dumbells you can easily substitute them for any barbell work--she really doesn't use it that much. Overall, I really liked the DVD--it has many premixes, and I know I'll be adding the cardio-only premix on some of my strength training days--I'm trying to do a bit of that HIT work. Some of the Ya Yas are doing a 4 X week Bootcamp-only rotation, but I know I'd get too bored--IMAX2 and Pyramid Upper Body are two workouts I can't seem to live the week without. This is my favorite of her circuit-style workouts--it moved fairly quickly and I try to just keep repeating what Cathe says-- "You can do anything for a minute!" (Except those dang squat thrust terminators!

) I'm really glad I added this one to my collection, and will probably try to do it once a week. It's very different and very challenging!
Ok, FIRMies, it's confession time. I just got back yesterday from a really wonderful Western Caribbean cruise.
I GAINED 7 POUNDS!!! 
I ate huge meals, snacked like crazy (free ice cream on the pool deck!!!), exercised no willpower (I actually exercised nothing at all!) and went from 123 pounds the day I left to 130 this morning! But.....I'm not apologizing for a single pound!!!

We had the best time, and I know that going back to my normal exercise routine and eating habits will get me back down again. It's funny, but I ate so much junk this past week, that my body actually was craving vegetables this morning--I ate a big salad for breakfast! Next vacation, I will bring workout clothes with me, though. I was always up early and could have used the time in the gym or walking on deck instead of grabbing a yummy donut BEFORE going to breakfast! Keep all your stories of exercise and hard work coming my way! I really need you guys now!
Have a great Monday, FIRMies, and make this week your best ever!
***Edited to add a BIG HELLO with LOVE and HUGS to my WISH Sis, Lisa! I want to hear all about your trip, Miss Sexy Thang!
