40+ Workout Challenge (New Every Month)!

mspix

Hi Sabrina! Never too late, come on in, the water is fine :flowerforyou:

fitnfun1

I am so sore from level 3 Cardio Shred. Ow!!! I also did TJ 20 with weighted gloves.

Sabrina- welcome!

I hope everyone will post how they are doing for their 3rd complete day.

Food wise, I did not do so well. I will be better tomorrow.

mspix

Fitn, sounds like Shred is working for you!

Update on my week:

Already messed up my schedule, lol. The original plan:

Tuesday: 30 min Amy Dixon, 20 min Yoga
Wednesday: 40 Min ST (Turbo Sculpt) 10 min stretch

What really happened:

Tuesday: 40 Min ST (Turbo Sculpt) 15 min stretch (I used the 15 min dynamic stretch at the end of Miss Amy's dvd)
Wednesday: 40 Min Turbo Jam/5 min stretch

For the rest of the week:

Thursday: 30-40 min Amy Dixon, this will include ST +10-20 min of yoga/stretching
Friday: 20 min TJ + 20 min of lighter cardio of some sort, thinking I need to break out the hula hoop again!

I ordered Kettlenetics:
http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Kettlenetics-Slim-Tone-Kit/dp/B001EQW8W2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1325714914&sr=8-9 , it is on its way. Really looking forward to it! Also, part of my Christmas was a new phone, my first Android powered smartphone. Looking at apps, there are TONS of free ones for fitness. Also some guided meditations that I am checking out, very excited about that!

Hope you all are having a great week!

sherrillg

Tuesday - Jan 3 - Hula Hoop (10mins), Kettlebell (12mins), Crunches (10mins)
Wednesday - Jan 4 - Wii Free Step (15mins), Heavy cleaning/packing/lifting (60mins), Crunches (5mins), Walking (15mins)

mspix: I can't stick to an exercise schedule for the life of me!! My life is just too...chaotic! :blushing: I feel your pain! I'm flowing with the idea that movement is the important thing, however I manage to get it!! Let me know how you like your Kettlenetics (I put it on my wish list)

fitfun: I'm not currently doing any type of diet although I've tried all sorts of things. Really didn't have any luck and hated "dieting"

Welcome Jill and Sabrina!

fitnfun1

Mspix- maybe it is your love for TJ that is making you stray. LOL! Do try to mix it up a little more. Our bodies do get used to the same old thing. Also, try the spurts this month too. I think it was your idea! By the way, you are going to love Kettlenetics.

Sherrill- I was wondering if certain foods help. I love your hoola hoop workout and may have to hunt one down. You are really sticking with the challenge too!!!

I had a good day today. 5 min bounce, 11 min, mile walk, kettle bell 20 min., 15 min. mile walk, 10 min. Yoga. I really like splitting the time up.

The 30 DS does work as long as you stick with a good diet and add a little more walking to the program. I was using it for the holidays, but I did gain a couple pounds anyway. I am almost back to weight before, should happen this week.

mspix

Sherrill: You are doing fantastic! You really are an inspiration Your gbaby girls have a great role model!


Fitn: Yes, I need to mix it up more. I am such a creature of habit in that when I find something I like *and* it works, I tend to fear change. My biggest challenge is finding the level of exertion that satisfies me. Thank you for the encouragement, Tomorrow will be a 'light' or 'fun' day, and I promise, no TJ, LOL!

Today I used four of Amy Dixon's 10 minute workouts so that I had 10 minutes cardio, 20 minutes strength and 15 minutes of stretch.

fitnfun1

mspix - I was the same way until I noticed that the TJ results slowed down. Your day today was excellent! We can still do TJ, just maybe not for every workout. I would be lost without my fave TJ workouts.

Today I did 2 miles of the Walk Away the Pounds 5 mile DVD. She really has stepped it up since her beginning workouts. I got rid of one of her earlier ones because it wasn't a challenge at all, but now she does more aerobic moves, small combos and cardio bursts. She's funny too.

I also did Level 2 of Cardio Shred. These workouts have made me sweat more than almost any other workout. You should see my hair afterward. I was giggling when I saw myself in the mirror today. Sweathead city! Hahaha! :laugh:

I was too exhausted to do my last mile I had planned. I'm trying to do 3 miles of "walking" in addition to our challenge in order to make sure I'm not sedentary during the day. So far, I'm doing okay, but I need to fit one more session in. I'm tired of the computer chair butt I have. LOL!

I hope you all had a good day. I hope our new members will post soon so we can cheer you on! :drinker:

fitnfun1

Yesterday I did 10 min. of bouncing and then split up the Walking DVD into 4 different small workouts. So I did 4 miles! I put my pedometer on and it did register 2,000 or more steps for each segment. Nice!


Today is my day off. I might do some stretching or Tai Chi or something. My body was so sore, I really needed the break.

Are you having a good weekend?

mspix

I hope you enjoy your rest day, very important to take those!

Yesterday I did a 10 minute solution dance, 20 minute Booty Barre, 10 minute stretch. I did not feel very worked out at the end, even though the Booty Barre is quite challenging! I think I need to add some additional 10 minute workout dvd's to my arsenal.

Today I popped in TJ cardio party 2. Because I know it so well, I concentrated on taking some moves to a more intense level, the sweat was rolling! Followed up with a 20 minute yoga session and felt quite good about myself

For the last three weeks I have been stalled, a tad frustrated. I think I need to bump back up to an hour of exercise, with a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio. I really saw results during that particular challenge! Also, I think I have been letting myself slide with 20 calories here and 20 calories there 'not really counting' :huh: Time to ramp my accountability back up! I think a HRM would be very helpful, as well and am shopping for one.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

sherrillg

Thurs (1/5) - running/walking intervals 23mins/2miles; swimming-20 mins (Ok, this was all leg work using kick board to work my ankle/foot)
Fri (1/6) - ST: 30mins; running/walking intervals - 35mins/3miles :happy: ; crunches/squats - 15mins
Sat (1/7) - ST: 45mins; crunches/squats - 15mins

Well...I learned that kicking on a kick board for 20 mins creates a SORE feeling the next morning!!! Who knew?? It didn't seem like much of a workout at the time! But my oh my did my ankle feel WONDERFUL!!

Today was going to be a rest day...then I had to get out of the house...and then Wal-mart called my name...and then...well, there was this cool little gadgety thing that you hook to your door (called a "home gym") with resistance bands on it and I thought it looked quite interesting. So, I bought it and then of course had to test it out once I got it home. I think I like it! and it was only $30. but, so much for a rest day! oops

fitnfun: I got my hula hoop off amazon. I went with a 3lb weighted one. They have some that have curves on the inside...i wasn't brave enough to try that. It snaps apart/together relatively easily too. I really like it and it does give you a switch up in your workouts. (Note to self: you WILL have a sore abdomen from the hoop. Smart me got this shortly after I got my bellybutton pierced and spent the first several weeks balancing the hoop on my rib cage!! That was kind of painful too!! :blushing: )

mspix: I feel I need a 30min cardio too, however, I like how the 10-10-10 is feeling and then try to put and additional 20-30min cardio in at a later time.

Tomorrow we are headed to Seattle: Children's Museum, Road Runner (shoe store), Whole Foods, and probably the Spaghetti Factory. I'm going to plan on ZERO cardio but lots of easy walking. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

fitnfun1

Hi all,

So our challenge this month I think has bombed in the 1st week. It is not challenging enough. I think the elements are fine, but the time is not enough. Despite all my working in intervals, I gained 2 pounds. It could be the time of the month, but I am pissed! I really worked out hard, but in the smaller intervals.

There is no shame in trying a different challenge the rest of the month, and it seems like we all need more of everything.

How about a 20-20-20 for a total of 60 minutes for the Circuit days and then the kettle bell on the other two, but bump that workout up to 30-40 min.

You have no idea how sad I was this morning. I got on the scale expecting some positive change, and it said 2 pound gain. It's the same two pounds on and off and on and off again.

With this said, I did 30 min. TJ Remix with the 2 lb weighted gloves and then a 10 min solution ST for legs. I have to go grocery shopping so I added that in today too.

Yesterday, I ended up doing a new Qigong workout I haven't tried before. It is mainly gentle like Tai Chi and a little less moving, but I was relaxed like a noodle and felt quite refreshed. I will add this or Tai Chi for my day off from now on.

Maybe I want to lose the weight too badly. I have no idea that after a year's time and working out so religiously why things are not working for me. I may have to do a shout out to find others like me. Others seem to be making progress. Why not me? :sad:

*************************************************************************************
So - New January Challenge:

5-10 minute meditation in the morning - set an intention for the day! Breathe slowly.
5-10 minute meditation in the evening - gratitude session (count your blessings), positive thoughts and prayers for others. Breathe slowly.

6 days on, one day off

Sunday Warm-up 3 min.- 20 minutes of cardio -20 minutes of strength training - 20 minutes of cardio - 2 min. of stretch
Monday 30-40 minute kettlebell workout (let us know if you do not have a kettlebell or need a good workout) - 10 min yoga
Tuesday Warm-up 3 min.- 20 minutes of cardio -20 minutes of strength training - 20 minutes of cardio - 2 min. of stretch
Wednesday 30-40 minute kettlebell workout - 10 min yoga
Thursday Warm-up 3 min.- 20 minutes of cardio -20 minutes of strength training - 20 minutes of cardio - 2 min. of stretch
Friday Day off or fun exercise day 30-60 minutes (I will be doing a dance workout or going outside to play)
Saturday Day off or fun exercise day 30-60minutes

Your circuit days (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) can be done at different intervals during the day or all at once. I do know, however, that doing it all at once will challenge your body faster than if you take a break. In the spirit of fitting it all in to a busy schedule, do what is best for you, and if you are able, do movements that combine different muscle groups at the same time.

fitnfun1

Sherrill - Thank you for the hoop advise. That sounds fantastic! I need to whittle away my waist!

mspix - I feel the frustration as witnessed in my last post. I'm not sure what to do. We are bumping it up!

mspix

Fitn: I am so sorry that the level of frustration is so high for you. It has taken me almost a year to shed 15 pounds, so believe me when I say I understand. We are in this together, and together we can beat this 40's thing! For me, these challenges that you started have played a key role in keeping me motivated when I may have given up, I am very grateful for that :flowerforyou:

I like the change up, my schedule will be a bit different due to Sunday being my day off of everything (tis the day I give myself permission to skip the shower and stay in jammies, lol). Here is how my weeks will look for the rest of the month:

Sunday Day off

Monday: 30-40 minute kettlebell workout (I have one on the way, meanwhile I am using Amy Dixon's workout for this piece) - 20 min yoga

Tuesday: Warm-up 3 min.- 20 minutes of cardio -20 minutes of strength training - 20 minutes of cardio - 2 min. of stretch

Wednesday: 30-40 minute kettlebell workout - 20 min yoga

Thursday: Warm-up 3 min.- 20 minutes of cardio -20 minutes of strength training - 20 minutes of cardio - 2 min. of stretch

Friday: 20-30 min Kettlebell + 20 min abs

Saturday: Fun exercise day 30-60minutes (I am thinking hula hoop and jumping rope will be fun!)


As an 'extra' for myself, I am challenging myself to work up to doing 200 squats in a row. (found a cool free app, lol) I surprised myself and did 45 today!

Here is to a plateau busting week!

sherrillg

Sun (1/8) - walking - 120mins; gardening/raking - 60mins; heavy cleaning/packing - 60mins; crunches/squats - 10mins
Mon (1/9) - running/walking intervals - 30mins/3miles; hula hoop - 15mins; kettle bell - 20mins; crunches/squats - 20mins

Good work out today (and yesterday)

Too tired to write more tonight! Will catch up later in the week. My infusion is tomorrow (fingers crossed that takes effect quickly!!) hoping some of this swelling will go away soon!

Keep going strong, guys!! You rock!

fitnfun1

mspix - I gained and lost the same 4 pounds last year, so I have not made leeway in a few years now. 15 pounds would be heaven to me.

Sherrill - You are awesome! Really good work, and you are so motivating!

This is my week:

Sunday 30 min. TJ Remix with the 2 lb weighted gloves/10 min solution ST for legs/30 min. Grocery shopping/20 min Qigong
Monday: Mini-tramp 20 min./25 min. kettlebell/10 min. Yoga
Tuesday: 15 min. aerobics with weighted gloves/12 min. ST/15 min. aerobics with 2 1b weights/20 min. resistance cord workout
Wednesday: Mini-tramp 20 min./40 min. Kettlebell/10 min. Yoga/10 min. Qigong
Thursday: 20 min. TJ with weighted gloves/24 min. ST/20 min. Kathy Smith aerobic workout
Friday: Day off or HHA and Qigong
Saturday: Day off or HHA and Qigong

mspix

Sherrill, I have to agree with Fitn, you are very motivational I look forward to your workout and your menu's!

Fitn: How incredibly frustrating for you I wish I had something spectacular to offer, some magical insight, but I don't. I can offer my support, and my shoulder, however

Today I tweaked my existing TJ to meet the 20/20/20: 20 Min TJ/20 Min T Sculpt/ 20 Min TJ

It worked out really well!

I have been perusing Collage Video quite a bit, looking for high intensity work outs to mix in and add to what I have. It seems that the kickboxing really is what interests me the most, as I always end up gravitating to that style. I had not heard of Susan Chung before, but I think I would really like the Rapid Fire workout. As I read the reviews, the last one talked about all the ways the workouts could be combined and customized. That really intrigued me. To the point that this workout is currently languishing in my Amazon cart. LOL!


Check it out: http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/rapidfire-results-with-susan-chung-rapid-fire-6077

fitnfun1

Quick post. Today was a wash. I ate well and was under calorie, but I only bounced today for 20 min. I added the cooking in too since I was walking around a bunch for that recipe.

I have a headache trying to get me, so I'm going to bed now. I hate time of the month day. Once a month I feel awful and there is nothing I can do about it. I've tried taking both OTC and herbal formulas. At least it is only for a day.

Hopefully I will be perky again tomorrow.

Good job mspix for figuring out a fantastic TJ cycle. I think I will try that this week too! I too have been checking out Collage. Not sure what to get yet.

LauraSS

Feel better tomorrow FitnFun. Maybe today is the day your body needs the QiGong.

fitnfun1

Hi Laura! Great that you are joining us. Everyone, Laura was my best buddy over at Beachbody's message boards. Please give her a warm welcome!

I should have thought about the QiGong, but totally forgot. I do feel better today though. Today I did a circuit-like workout. 10 min. bouncing/10 min. weights/10 min. bouncing/10 min. weights. The "weights" was working with the kettlebell I do feel worked out.

Tomorrow I might do a more challenging workout than planned to make up for yesterday. I will do the QiGong workout on Saturday.

mspix- that workout looks interesting. I think I will wait until you have tried it first. I'm going to look over the weekend for something.

I better wrap this up and get to bed. Laura, let us know what you are doing these days. You always are doing an interesting workout.

mspix

Laura: Hi! Welcome I will look forward to getting to know you!

Fitn: Glad you are feeling better! Nice circuit yesterday...you have me thinking I need to look into the mini tramp again. I had one years ago, but never utilized it well.

Sherrill: Have fun on your trip!!


Yesterday I had an all day class that I had to leave early for, so made myself get up and moving earlier than usual and got in a 20 min TJ. Better than nothing and managed to squeak in under on calories *whew*

My Kettlenetics arrived Wednesday! This morning I plugged it in and did the 20 minute 'learning' set, followed by a 20 minute 'basic' workout and tacked on a 10 minute fat blast ala Amy Dixon.
I can tell I am going to love this Kettlebell workout, once I get a better feel for the moves and do them right. I do think it won't be long before the 4 lb weight won't be enough, though.
BONUS: I weighed myself, and was happy to see a 1 lb loss! I still have 1 pound to lose to get back to pre-holiday weight, but was happy to finally see positive progress. Getting back to logging correctly has made a difference.

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!

fitnfun1

Congrats on the weight loss mspix!!! Super duper! I also lost one of the pounds I gained back. I have one more to lose to be completely back on track.


Brace yourself for the 40 min. Kettlenetics workout. The 20 min. is good, and I thought the 40 was going to be similar yet longer. Oh boy! It increases in intensity too, and I was super sore head to toe the first few times. It's a fantastic workout!

Yesterday was not a good day. I ate too much, and I didn't workout very much. I don't know what it is about the time of the month, but for a day or so, I am simply hurting! I had to take an hour nap today and basically lie down most of the day for feeling really bad. I will be working out during the football game tonight, so I will get back to it, and we are eating in today too.

This is becoming more of a standard now that I'm getting older. I may have to figure out how to handle it better. I take an herbal supplement, but it doesn't help that much. Any suggestions?

Tonight I think I will do my rowing machine, mini-tramp, and weights with Jillian.

kro0001

<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com"><img src="http://badges.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/1486/4220/14864220.weight-lost-sm.gif&quot; border="0"></a><p style="text-align: center;width:226px;"><small>MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

fitnfun1

Welcome kro0001. It looks like you are still getting set up. What workouts are you doing now?

I had a weird day. I fell on my ankle funny, but after I stretched it, I was able to keep going. I'm going to have to make sure my ankles are nice and warm before working out.

Yesterday I didn't feel like working out and today was bad too, but I forced myself. Between mini-trampoline, kettlebell, weights and resistance bands, I did okay. I was barely under today on my food, but I made it.

I'm hoping my energy comes back tomorrow so I can burn some higher calorie numbers next week. I'll post my workouts tomorrow.

Maybe we could go for a calorie push next week?

mspix

Fitn: Glad you were not seriously injured! Way to push yourself, I know I have hard days like that, too. I seem to have hurt my wrist somehow, not sure what I did.

What kind of calorie push did you have in mind? I seem to be pushing my points very close (or completely over in the case of the weekend).

Today: 40 min TJ + 10 min stretch (I wanted to give my wrist a day to see if it would feel better)

mspix

Did the 40 minute kettle bell workout.....LOVE it!!!

Some sections were not as intense as I would have liked, so as I get more comfortable with the moves I will have to find ways to increase the intensity level. This workout will definitely find a spot in my regular rotation.

I did not have time for yoga this morning, so am going to try to get that done this evening.

Today: 40 minute Kettle Bell (kettlenetics)

fitnfun1

Oh dear, I am having one of those weeks! I didn't feel like working out these past two days either, but I forced myself.

Monday: Mini-tramp 15/Circuit training 25/Mini-tramp 15 and ST 10 min.
Today: Mini-tramp 10/Resistance Band 5 - almost gave up and forced myself to do 27 min. circuit training

I don't know what is with me! Maybe I'm not enjoying the circuit training workouts even though they are effective.

I'm still looking for some different workouts.

mspix - I started doing kettlebell about a year or so ago. I don't think I was at the level I am at now so you might be right that it isn't as intense as it could be. I started working with a 7 1b kettlebell this year, and that makes a ton of difference. I am dripping afterward. You may need to bump up right away.

Sherrill - I hope you are doing well!

Laura - I see that you are doing Leslie workouts. She's pretty fun!

Anyway, I need to figure out what is going to get me wanting to workout again. Maybe I'm bored, or maybe I need a more extreme challenge? Next week I was thinking of doing the 3500 calories burned challenge that I keep seeing on the boards. That's about 583 calories per day. This is a tough one. We would have to do the more intense workouts all week. Maybe it is what I need to get me out of this rut?

Thoughts?

mspix

Fitn: I have had hard weeks, so I can sympathize. I wonder if maybe there is a bit of burn out going on? Maybe too much working out? I know that one of the signs for me, that I need to take a break, is the dread factor. I had some of that last week, I think primarily because my routine was not settled. This week I found my groove and feel good about my schedule. Boredom or not enjoying a workout is a BIG factor, as well. You and I seem very similar in that regard, so I would suggest maybe a week of workouts you know you enjoy and go from there. :flowerforyou: I am actually considering a week of forced slow down, for example, three days of cardio alternating with three days of yoga. It would be very challenging for me to attempt, but it would also force me to be much more stringent in what I am eating.

Regarding the kettle bell, yes I think I will pick up a heavier one this weekend. I did Amy Dixon's full hour today and I am SORE! Holy Hannah! (I use a set of 3lb and 5lb weights) That tells me that the 4 lb kettle is definitely not challenging enough.

3500 calories is a lot to burn in a week. It would be a definite challenge! I think with the more intense workouts and a couple of 10 minute cardio bursts it could be done, though. Count me in if you decide to go for it!

Have a great day, everyone!

lovestobaketoo

Too late to join?? Looking for a good group of ladies to get AND keep me motivated!! I usually work out 5-6 times a week, so this looks like a good fit for me. Hope I can jump on in!!
michele

mspix

Hi Michelle! It is never too late Welcome to the group! What types of workouts do you enjoy?

lovestobaketoo

I usually take a class at the health club, weights w/ cardo, walking, just got into yoga and I do run.
Should I start logging my workouts on Monday? Looks like that is what the group posts. Thanks for getting us started!