Movers & Shakers - May 31 - June 6

[Shadow]

Okay, gang, here's yet one more chance to redeem yourselves with me :p! A new month will soon begin. So rev your engines and set your goals - then post here faithfully to avoid the whip :D.

Are you just coasting along doing the same old thing? Let's set some goals and give it some effort. If you want results, you have to work :nod:. It's not going to just be handed to you because you think about it ;).

I finished up my 3 1/2 month cycle so now I'm moving on. I'm going to focus on a split week - short cardios with weights every day. Come the real heat of summer, the cardio will go so I'm going to get some extra in this month. Plus I'm hoping the shorter cardio won't aggravate the "itis" things I have going on :rolleyes:.

So.... what's YOUR plan for the month??? Shake your routine up. It will do you and your body a world of good :exclamation:.

[gitfiddle]

My plan for the month is the usual:
Monday and Thursday, upper body
Tuesday and Friday, lower body

Focus on weights rather than reps, except for anything that my knees are participating in. I noticed this past week that I could add five pounds to most of the arm stuff, which I do when I get up to fifteen comfortable reps. The arc trainer has provided me with another cardio option, so I'm up to a half hour, four times a week.

Take care of your "itis", my friend! :)

[Parisienne]

Just to say that I'm back! My exams are over and I can concentrate on some really important things, like M&S and healthy (which means PP) eating. I'll post later about my goal for June.
Sunday - Tae Bo (core and abs) 15 min

[Shadow]

My plan for the month is the usual:
Monday and Thursday, upper body
Tuesday and Friday, lower body
Hmmm - soon time for a change, huh ;)?

Focus on weights rather than reps, except for anything that my knees are participating in.
Is this a change? Of course, I like focusing on strength like you are now but every while and again, I do train for endurance :nod:.
I noticed this past week that I could add five pounds to most of the arm stuff, which I do when I get up to fifteen comfortable reps.
Well done :thumbsup:!
The arc trainer has provided me with another cardio option, so I'm up to a half hour, four times a week.
Wow :D!!!!!

Take care of your "itis", my friend!
I'm trying ... :rolleyes: ...

[Shadow]

Just to say that I'm back!
'Bout time :razz: :suspicious:!
My exams are over and I can concentrate on some really important things, like M&S and healthy (which means PP) eating.
Again I'll say "'Bout time!" :p
I'll post later about my goal for June.
Oh, okay.... but I know you're not good at planning so don't forget ;)!
Sunday - Tae Bo (core and abs) 15 min
Well done!

[Shadow]

Guess at some point I should actually be responsible and let you guys know *I* am working too ;). So here's the game plan:
Already done:
Sunday - Cardio, Chest, Back, Core; 45 minute bike ride
Monday - Cardio, Legs, Calves

To be done (and YES, it WILL get done ;) ):
Tues - Cardio, Biceps, Triceps
Weds - Cardio, Shoulders
Thur - Cardio, Upper Body, Core

[Parisienne]

Oh, okay.... but I know you're not good at planning so don't forget ;)!
How true! ;) Still haven't planned anything precise for a moment but I know something: it's important that I concentrate this week on consistency. I feel like a complete beginner again! I mean M&S seems so exhausting and I do feel my abs!
Today I had a "cardio day", I did 20 mins of Joanna Hall's programme and it was a long tiring experience. I added 10 minutes of Power Stretch to cool down and it helped to feel better but still... I don't care much for cardio but it was rather surprising how tiresome I found it. Never mind, I did it and tomorrow I'll report on my Tuesday workout. (And - who knows - maybe also on my June goal.)

[Shadow]

How true! ;) Still haven't planned anything precise for a moment but I know something: it's important that I concentrate this week on consistency. I feel like a complete beginner again! I mean M&S seems so exhausting and I do feel my abs!
Consistency is the key :nod:. Every single time you stop, you have to start all over. Hopefully there will come a point when you know it's worth the effort to not drop the M&S rather than to drop it and then have to pick it back up again ;).
Today I had a "cardio day", I did 20 mins of Joanna Hall's programme and it was a long tiring experience. I added 10 minutes of Power Stretch to cool down and it helped to feel better but still... I don't care much for cardio but it was rather surprising how tiresome I found it. Never mind, I did it and tomorrow I'll report on my Tuesday workout. (And - who knows - maybe also on my June goal.)
Yes, cardio can be very tiring when we're not used to it. While I don't think it's as important as weights, I do think it definitely has its place in fitness and needs to be done. So way to go getting it done :thumbsup:!!!

[gitfiddle]

Hmmm - soon time for a change, huh ;)?...Of course, I like focusing on strength like you are now but every while and again, I do train for endurance :nod:.
Okay, I can take a hint! :rolleyes: How far should I back the weights off? Would two sets of fifteen reps work as endurance? How many weeks or what kind of a pattern?

I did upper body tonight with bike and arc trainer. No treadmill, but I walked a mile at work in the hallways auditing inventories on tender knees, so I thought they had had enough. :p

[Karole]

Hi, Shadow. I did 20 min. on the elliptical yesterday but never did get a chance to report it --til late last night and I figured I would just wait til this morning to do it. Had a very busy day inside and out plus dd and dgs came over to visit a while too.

So, as for today: I have done 10 min. upper body and 10 min. lower body with the exercise bands. I really think this one (my new dvd) is going to be a good one for me.

I am wondering if I can't take the dvd with me and try to do these in my camper each day. I have a tiny dvd player and I may just try it and see if it would work. As you can imagine, I won't have a lot of room but it really doesn't take a lot with the bands. Hmmmm we'll see.

[Ammy]

3 mile bike ride last night (6/1) and tonight is a two hour salsa dancing lesson!

[Shadow]

Okay, I can take a hint! :rolleyes: How far should I back the weights off? Would two sets of fifteen reps work as endurance? How many weeks or what kind of a pattern?
Yes, 15 reps would work well - either two or three sets. It can be as short as 2 weeks to as long as 6 or 8 weeks. Depends on how much you're enjoying it - and if you're getting any results ;). As for the pattern, why don't you do something really different? For example, you can invert your days, change the days you're exercising OR do body parts. Or you can even group muscles together - back, biceps on one upper day; chest, shoulders, triceps on the other upper day (or any combination of mix & match). For legs, you can do quads, glutes one day and calves, shins, inner/outer thigh the other. Just anything that spices it up :nod:. How's that for options :p?

I did upper body tonight with bike and arc trainer. No treadmill, but I walked a mile at work in the hallways auditing inventories on tender knees, so I thought they had had enough. :p
Indeed it sounds like those poor knees definitely deserved a break :eek:!

[Shadow]

Hi, Shadow.
Hi, Karole :D!
I did 20 min. on the elliptical yesterday but never did get a chance to report it --til late last night and I figured I would just wait til this morning to do it. Had a very busy day inside and out plus dd and dgs came over to visit a while too.
Yup - you get the credit if it's done, no matter when you report it :nod:. 'Course, you wait too long to report it, then you have me breathing down your neck :tongue:.

So, as for today: I have done 10 min. upper body and 10 min. lower body with the exercise bands. I really think this one (my new dvd) is going to be a good one for me.
That's terrific :thumbsup:!!!!!

I am wondering if I can't take the dvd with me and try to do these in my camper each day. I have a tiny dvd player and I may just try it and see if it would work. As you can imagine, I won't have a lot of room but it really doesn't take a lot with the bands. Hmmmm we'll see.
Sounds like a great idea to try :nod:! If it doesn't work, that's too bad - but if it DOES work, then that's a fantastic bonus :D!

[Shadow]

3 mile bike ride last night (6/1) and tonight is a two hour salsa dancing lesson!
Wow, Amy!!!!!! You definitely get a gold star for the way this week is going so far!

[Parisienne]

Officially it's already Wednesday over here but I have to report my Tuesday workout. It was upper body (Tamilee's dvd, 15 minutes) + 5 minutes abs (callanetics kind). Weights felt heavy again. I agree with everything you said, Shadow.:)

[Shadow]

Officially it's already Wednesday over here but I have to report my Tuesday workout.
Jeez, time goes even faster on your side of the ocean :eek: ;) :p!
It was upper body (Tamilee's dvd, 15 minutes) + 5 minutes abs (callanetics kind). Weights felt heavy again.
Way to go, Adina :D!!!!
I agree with everything you said, Shadow.
Of course you do :razz: :lol: :rolleyes:!

[Karole]

Of course you do :razz: :lol: :rolleyes:!

Don't we all ???? We're not that craaaaazy !!

[Ammy]

Oops, my salsa lesson is only ONE hour, but I did take my library walk (about 1.5 miles).

[Shadow]

Don't we all ???? We're not that craaaaazy !!
:lol:! Just checking - sometimes I'm not sure everyone has their "listening ears" on ;).

[Shadow]

Oops, my salsa lesson is only ONE hour, but I did take my library walk (about 1.5 miles).
Hey, an hour is good, too :thumbsup:! And that walk was a great added bonus :D!

[gitfiddle]

Yes, 15 reps would work well - either two or three sets. It can be as short as 2 weeks to as long as 6 or 8 weeks. Depends on how much you're enjoying it - and if you're getting any results ;). As for the pattern, why don't you do something really different? For example, you can invert your days, change the days you're exercising OR do body parts. Or you can even group muscles together - back, biceps on one upper day; chest, shoulders, triceps on the other upper day (or any combination of mix & match). For legs, you can do quads, glutes one day and calves, shins, inner/outer thigh the other. Just anything that spices it up :nod:. How's that for options :p?I somehow forgot to post last night! :confused: I did inner/outer thigh and hamstrings. The thigh weights I backed off twenty pounds and did two sets of fifteen. I could feel the difference as soon as I was done! I wobbled! The hamstring leg flexion is already light because of the knee action.

I also did the bike and treadmill as usual and the arc trainer with mixed pace, depending on the music. The highest stride rate was 100 (which won me a 4am shin cramp!). I really hate to skip the last three! :cry: I'm in a smaller pant size and I think it's that arc trainer.

Tomorrow I'll start changing the rotation and aim for endurance rather than weight, maybe for the rest of the month.

[Shadow]

I somehow forgot to post last night! I did inner/outer thigh and hamstrings. The thigh weights I backed off twenty pounds and did two sets of fifteen. I could feel the difference as soon as I was done! I wobbled!
I was wondering if I was going to have to track you down :razz:! Glad you could feel the difference :D! Wobbling is great as long as you don't fall down ;)!
The hamstring leg flexion is already light because of the knee action.
Some things you're never going to be able to vary much :).

I also did the bike and treadmill as usual and the arc trainer with mixed pace, depending on the music. The highest stride rate was 100 (which won me a 4am shin cramp!). I really hate to skip the last three!
Ouch! Maybe you should add in some tibialis anterior work to get those shins a bit stronger ;).
I'm in a smaller pant size and I think it's that arc trainer.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow I'll start changing the rotation and aim for endurance rather than weight, maybe for the rest of the month.
Great plan :p!!!!!

[Shadow]

Okay, I finished up my 5th workout this morning so other than some bike riding, mowing & etc, my work is done for the week :thumbsup:. But no worries - there will still be a lot of M&S going on tomorrow and Saturday ;).

[gitfiddle]

I changed up my routine tonight, but still did the bike and the arc trainer. I did a lot of walking during the course of the day so I skipped the dreadmill. I did the lats and chest today and I'll do the delts and arms tomorrow. Frankly, there's such a variety of muscles worked on most of these machines that I'm sure most of them are in use most of the time! ;)

[Shadow]

I changed up my routine tonight, but still did the bike and the arc trainer. I did a lot of walking during the course of the day so I skipped the dreadmill.
Sounds great :thumbsup:!
I did the lats and chest today and I'll do the delts and arms tomorrow. Frankly, there's such a variety of muscles worked on most of these machines that I'm sure most of them are in use most of the time! ;)
Ah ha - something new to learn :D! But the Cliffs Notes version is that exercise tends to work a primary muscle with several secondary muscles. That's why you have to plan out a "parts" routine to make sure you don't overwork any muscles :). FWIW, you should not work shoulders the day after chest/back because the shoulders are used a lot in chest/back work. Every once in a while it won't hurt but if you always do it that way, you'll end up with an overuse injury. JMHO, of course :razz:!

[gitfiddle]

FWIW, you should not work shoulders the day after chest/back because the shoulders are used a lot in chest/back work. Every once in a while it won't hurt but if you always do it that way, you'll end up with an overuse injury. JMHO, of course :razz:!Okay, I think I'll have to make a note of what each station purports to work and use it to make a routine. Thanks!

[Shadow]

Okay, I think I'll have to make a note of what each station purports to work and use it to make a routine. Thanks!
Great thinking, Carol :thumbsup:!

[Ammy]

Library walk today

1.5 miles, walked quickly

[Shadow]

Library walk today

1.5 miles, walked quickly
Great going, Amy :D!!!!! I assume since you walked quickly that heels were NOT involved :razz:?

[gitfiddle]

Another weird workout today. Thighs, hamstrings, delts, biceps, arc trainer & bike. I'm done for the week!

[Ammy]

Nope, no heels this time...I hope I don't get points deducted for doing it in tennies...
;)

[Shadow]

Another weird workout today. Thighs, hamstrings, delts, biceps, arc trainer & bike. I'm done for the week!
Thighs as in quads? Anyway - it may seem really weird, but isn't it nice to change it a bit ;)? I know it takes some thinking to rearrange a routine - but just look at it as exercise for the body AND the mind :razz:!

[Shadow]

Nope, no heels this time...I hope I don't get points deducted for doing it in tennies...
;)
Actually, you get MORE points for doing it in the proper shoes :thumbsup:!

[gitfiddle]

Thighs as in quads?
Nope, as in adductors/abductors, but it's such a mouthful to say! :jawDrop:

I'll get some kind of a routine, but right now it seems to make a difference when I cut back the weight and do more reps. I am having slight DOMS, which tells me those muscles are working! I'm still working until they falter.

[Shadow]

Nope, as in adductors/abductors, but it's such a mouthful to say!
:nod: - I promise next time I'll know ;).

I'll get some kind of a routine, but right now it seems to make a difference when I cut back the weight and do more reps. I am having slight DOMS, which tells me those muscles are working!
That's what you're aiming for :D!
I'm still working until they falter.
Well done :thumbsup:! When doing endurance, I tend to go to failure too, rather than by any set number of reps (unless I'm doing something like lat rows where I don't want to end up "uneven" on one side or the other :p ).