Firm Thread Sept. 1-30th

[sm4987]

Hello, s&k'smom, how is everything? Kathy Smith's workouts are like that. I've only done a few, because I just can't seem to really get into her workouts.

Norma, don't ya just love low max!!!!!!!!! Dripping with sweat is an understatment, but what a WORKOUT!!!!

Kim, don't push yourself to hard. Ease into it. I'm sure that your body will be back into the swing of this soon enough.

It was Cathe's Supersets for me today. I went heavy especially on the leg work. 55 pounds on the squats and hamstrings. Boy were my legs shaking. However, once a week I'm going to push my self to the limits!!!!!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day

 

[s&k'smom]

Speaking of Cathe got in the 30 min step routine which was good after the two days of hour long workouts. Gonna try the second half of the dvd tomorrow.

Yeah luvmydogs is back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sherree I'm afraid to ask what is low max?

 

[luvmydogs]

Love you s&k'smom!

Dh and I took ds10 to practice his hitting last evening, as fall baseball season is almost here, and I pitched. Now, I know nothing about baseball (except I'd give up house and home for one night with Derek Jeter ), so I just threw to him as hard as I could--hit him twice--for around an hour. I SWEAR I CAN BARELY MOVE MY ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE TODAY. So, whom did I need more than ever to motivate me to work out this morning........? AllieAllieAllieAllieAllieAllieAllieAllieAllieAllie and her MCB! This is one of my go-to workouts when I just feel like ditching the exercise and eating Oreos, and although I had to modify down a bit, it still was so much fun. Have I ever mentioned to you how much I love Allie?

Sheree', I sincerely congratulate you on squatting with 55 pounds--that is really incredible, and is a testament to all your hard work. Even when I was at my strongest, the most I could ever load my barbell to was 50 lbs.--I couldn't lift anything else over my head! A *really* awesome accomplishment, Sheree'.

Have a great day, everyone! It's nice to be back.

 

[sm4987]

s&k'smom, do you really want to know? It's one of Cathe's newer workouts. Came out last year all step 70 minute High Intensity Low Impact workout performed on an 8 inch step height. That 8 inch step will kill you!!!! When we say sweat, we mean it. She has had it on fittv, so if you get fittv, look for it. Boy is that a WORKOUT. But is is so worth it. The first couple of times, I wouldn't even attempt it with the 8, but now I just go on with it, moan and groan and pass out with everyone else!!!!! If you got the workout or do it on fittv, it is addictive!!!!!!!!!! No weights at all. Who knew no weights could hurt ya like that????

Kim, I'm trying real hard to just push it. Just do it. As master Yoda would say, do or do not, there is no try My hamstrings are feeling it badly today though. Stretching is supposed to be my friend, but my legs aren't trying to hear that right now.

So today, I did Taebo live plus the 8 minute workout (which eneded up being like 15????) How wonderful for me. My energy is back and I feel like I could exercise all day. Did I just say that I think it has lots to do with the fact that my b-day is next week. I'll be 31!!!!!!!!!!! Don't feel it, don't look, it, but hey.................

Well I'm off. PTA meeting this afternoon plus the stupid school moved my daughter out of her classroom to put her in a new room because of a new teacher coming to the school. So then meet the teacher at 2:30. It's gonna be a long day

Have a good one everyone!

 

[norma1223]

First day of school today. I got up early to get DS off to his first day of high school and then went for a 4.6 mile run. It felt so good.

Kim, I'm so happy to hear you are able to work out again. There's no one like Allie to get you motivated. I'm sure you'll be back up to speed in no time.

sheree', 55 pounds on squats . . . wow!! That's impressive! I don't have a barbell; I just use dumbbells. But at my age I'm afraid to put too much strain on my knees, so I stick to 30 pounds. Keep working hard!!

s&k'smom, which Cathe workout do you have? It sounds like it's an all step workout.

DH walked into the room after I had finished Low Max the other day. I was literally dripping with sweat. He said "You look like you just came out of the shower. Need a towel?" Oh my, that workout has a way of building in intensity. I really have to push myself to finish the last couple of segments. Oh it hurts so good!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi guys, Norma I have the Cathe step and fusion workout that Sheree sent me. I was all set to do another Cathe this am but DS woke up. First day of school plus they are paving my street so he was a little excited! Plan to take a nice long walk with DD this am.

Holy mother of God Sheree. Yes I have seen Cathe on FitTV she is scary! What a workout but you know I think I really need to amp up some of my workouts so I guess I'm gonna have to join the Cathe team. But she's no Allie Del Rio!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[luvmydogs]

...But she's no Allie Del Rio!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I was back on the exercise wagon for two days, and then came the call from the nephrologist this morning, with the results from the kidney-nonsense tests I took last week. It'll take forever if I give details--let's just say no exercise for a week while she puts me on some new medication and my body adjusts. Good news though--she believes she found the root cause of all my problems, and either this new med. will take care of it for good, or I may have to be on it long-term as a form of supression therapy. No other doctor I've seen has come up with this diagnosis, and I have a *great* feeling about all this--I really like her a lot. So, no working out for a week, but I think I'll be getting some resolution to all this mess--FINALLY!

S&k'smom--Low Max is a *great* workout, both for cardio and targeted lower-body. The premixes on the dvd are well worth it--you can do the workout as is, or without the high intensity blasts, or have it broken into halves. She does it on an 8 inch step height, but you can always take it down to 6. It's so versatile, and one of my fave Cathe's ever!

Have a lovely day, everyone!

 

[toystoryduo]

Kimmy Kim~ I am so glad to hear that your new doctor is getting some answers for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie!

s&k's mom~ You are doing a great job with your workouts! I love the idea of getting different workouts from Netflix. I'll have to look into that.

Sheree~ 55 pounds on squats and hamstrings?!?!?! Wow! That is awesome!

Norma~ You are doing a great job with your workouts! That Cathe workout sounds like a good one!

Cindy~ I am so glad to hear that you and your family are doing well. I want to thank you for all that you are doing to help in the Katrina relief efforts. God bless you and your staff. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Well, just a few more days until my "30 days to my 30th birthday exercise challenge" is over. I have to admit that I haven't been FIRMing as frequently as I used to, but I am getting a variety of workouts in and I'm not feeling the burnout I was feeling during August. So, I will gradually add in some FIRM workouts here and there and plan on adding Cathe in the rotation too.

Today was Total Sculpt + Abs with Jen.

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[norma1223]

This morning was Cardio and Weights. For some reason I felt weak this morning. I was really struggling with some of the weights I normally use for this workout. I hope it's temporary.

Have a terrific day everyone!!

 

[sm4987]

Kim, still in my prayers you are. Hang in there. I hope this new medications works for you!!!!!!

Hello Tracy! Good to see you. When is your B-day????? Mine is next Wed. I just love those Sept people!!!!!!! It also seems like we have someone else wanting to do a little Cathe!!! We are going to be a Cathe/Firm board any minute now!!!!

Norma, I know what you mean. However, just remember there are days when you can do a lot and days when you can't. I don't worry about the days that I can't and just do what I can. I love Cardio and weights though, so I really push cause it's so much fun!!!!

I did Stephanie this morning. Total Muscle shaping. I needed to get in a C+S day today. However, I have a few new video's from Cathe coming. I brought the Timesaver DVD, Gym Style Legs, Kick Max, and High Step Training!!! I can't wait till they get here !!!!!!!!!!!!!

S&k'smom, I'm hoping you are enjoying the workouts. She's not Allie, but Cathe has a style of her own. Once I stopped thinking, I can't do that, I became a fanatic!!!! Now you can't get me to stop doing her.

 

[s&k'smom]

I think your right Sheree, I do like her alot. I woke up again so tired. I went back to bed, the cup of coffee couldn't keep me awake so I plan to do another long walk with DD (well after Sponge Bob of course)! I don't know if I'm gettng allergies or what but man am I tired these days. But I'm still eating very well and trying to get rest.

 

[sm4987]

Afternoon ladies!!

Taebo workout for me this afternoon.

Have a good one!

 

[s&k'smom]

hi darlings, rest day for me. I just think that all the stress of the hurricane, finding a job, DH going back to school, debt and such has just got me so tired that is why I've been sleeping so heavily. Just tired all day. 6 cups of coffee and I could sleep right away. Plus with the stress I'm breaking out. Oh I guess I'm having a pity party. Well then ladies put on your dancing shoes and head to MA to dance at my I'm feeling sorry for myself despite all that is going on party!

 

[Foxymoron]

Hello there all. I have nothing philosophical to say on the Firm series, other than "ooof" "oooch" and "ooow" *giggles*

I did however want to sing "It's a Small World After All" for Cindy. I am a Houma native, and was enjoying your perspective on these events Cindy. I hear that Houma is relatively ok, and I hope that you and yours are alright.

I was in Houma for Hurricane Andrew and have witnessed first hand the distruction that hurricanes can cause. Fortunately, our home wasn't touched. Thank heavens for big mercies.

Ok, just wanted to reach out to a fellow Cajun-type. Hope to hear from you more.

Holly,
Who is dreaming of gumbo (with low-fat sausage of course *lol*)

 

[CindyD]

Hello Holly and all my FIRMie friends,

I remain extremely busy!!!! Just a quick post to update all. Still have not had time to work out since the Saturday before Katrina hit. Hoping to change that this weekend.

We continue to operate 3 pharmacies as previously posted. I worked on the clock 72 hours last week. My boss had a meeting with the Red Cross yesterday afternoon. I had to leave before he got back, so I do not know if we are still in the "Shelter Pharmacy" business or what the long term plan is.
There are still 1,000 people in the Civic Center. National Guard with their AK47s or M16s or whatever you call them. Hard to imagine all of this in my hometown!!

I read in the paper yesterday, that the school enrollment in Houma has increased by 500 students in the public system and 300 or so in the private Catholic schools. Everyone is just getting involved and really helping people.
It is SO UPLIFTING!!

Holly, do you FIRM?

Kim, so very glad things are getting better. It is such a rare instance to find a smart, motivating and kind MD. Continue to get better, my friend and I hope to see ALLIE tomorrow

S&Ks mom....hang in there...when it seems things are overwhelming, somehow you will find the strength to carry on.

To all the rest....thanks so very much for the prayers and good wishes. It has really helped in this stressful situation.

LOVE, Cindy

 

[luvmydogs]

Oh, s&k'smom, I feel for you, sweetie. I had no idea you had so much going on right now, and I'm not at all surprised that you're feeling overwhelmed. You take good care of yourself, and do whatever it is you need to do to feel better. Working out may keep you strong and healthy, both mentally and physically, but sometimes you just need to take some "me time" to rest and rejuvinate. Let me tell you something, and I couldn't possibly be more sincere in my words and feelings. If I could, I'd fly up to MA so that we could talk and laugh and eat and drink and just be the friends that I feel we've become in the relatively short time we've 'known' each other. There has not been one time that you haven't been there for me with a kind word or encouraging PM, and if I could give back to you only a fraction of the kindnesses you've shown me, I'd be a happy woman. You are a *wonderful*, *wonderful* wife, mother and friend, s&k'smom, and please know how much we all appreciate the advice, humor and good will that you share with us here, everyday. We love and care about you, so very very much, and do know that I'm *always* here for you---whatever you need.


Oh, Cindy! It's sooooooo good to hear from you! Sigh....I just don't even know how to adequately express our entire country's gratitude for the care and professionalism you've shown in the last few weeks, and I can only imagine how far beyond your job description you've gone. I think I've told you this before, but I hold a dear place in my heart for nurses after our ds10's battle with bacterial meningitis--you feel like part of my extended family. May God continue to give you the strength and comfort you need to continue to help so many. God Bless You, Cindy.

Hi Foxy! I LOVE your username!

Hi Cathe--oh, I mean Sheree'! So when will you be coming out with your own series of workout dvds, you 55 pound barbell-totin' woman?! Glad you enjoyed Billy!

Awww, I'm not supposed to workout until next Wednesday, but I cheated and did Cathe's IMAX3 step-only premix this morning. It's only about 30 minutes, and I took my step height down to make it much less intense. I was just feeling good today, so I thought I'd give it a go--I miss my daily routine. Don't scold me!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! You rock s&k'smom and Cindy!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

Oh you guys, I love you.

Cindy I've been thinking of you and all that is happening. They just flew a few families up to a base up here in MA. I can't even imagine what relocation is like.

Got in Taebo Flex this am. Did feel better working out, plus it's a beautiful morning here which always helps.

 

[norma1223]

Hi fellow FIRMIES! I know I've been MIA for a few days. Here's what I've done the last few days:
Thursday - Step Blast and the ab add-on from UCB.
Friday - rest.
Today - Cardio Sculpt with good ol' Allie.

I'm leaving for Las Vegas on Wednesday, so my plan is to work out hard for the next few days, then no exercise for 5 or 6 days. I'm going to enjoy my time away and not worry about working out. I think the rest will be good for my body.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi guys!

I took a nice long walk with dh early this morning--ds was at a sleepover (goodness, I called it a 'slumber party' and he wigged. "Mom, GIRLS have slumber parties! BOYS have sleepovers!!!") It was more of a leisurely pleasure walk, but the morning was just so pretty, I couldn't resist being outside. I can't wait for October/November, when the mornings are finally cool and smell like autumn.

Hi s&k'smom! Today I saw the commercial for Samuel L. Jackson's new flick with Eugene Levy, and thought of you! I'm glad you enjoyed Mr. Blanks this morning, and I agree --a beautiful morning always lifts my spirits, too. Stay strong and know I'm sending you all my best wishes!

Hi norma! Woo Hoo! Vegas, baby! (How many times have you heard that?!) I see that you have Cathe's Step Blast! SB is my all-time favorite pure cardio workout--Cathe's or anyone else's. I love the music and the moves and Cathe & Crews' personalities in this one. I just sent my dvd back to them, hopefully for a free replacement, as it pixelates then freezes during the last segment and supposedly they guarentee their dvds for life. I can't wait to get a new one--I may not be up for The Challenge portion yet, but I can't wait to do the rest! Fun! Fun!

I'm thinking Allie's MCB tomorrow, or maybe her ABS. I'm all about simplicity lately, and I get tired of dragging out every single handweight I own to do AWT's/circuits. Hmmm...Maybe I'm not about simplicity after all. Maybe I'm just all about laziness!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

 

[sm4987]

Good afternoon all!! Yesterday was an unscheduled rest day. I hateit when that happens!!

Today was the ab section on Core max with the weighted ball and the stability ball. Then I did firm hips, thighs and abs

Have a wonderful saturday everyone