Cathe Fans Part 5

Hi Ladies, not much of a workout today. I did Yoga Basics and a little low impact cardio.
We finally got some much-needed rain today!

My uncle's funeral was today and my aunt was with him until the last possible minute. She says her neighbors went to her apartment to pay their respects when the coffin was there. They all went to the mass and the funeral too. There were lots of people at mass and funeral. There were reporters, politicians, his friends, and even the mayor of Desio, who introduced himself to my aunt.
Thank God my aunt didn't faint. She did cry a lot obviously, and my cousin told her not to cry because his dad wouldn't like to see her cry. Her answer cracked me up and broke my heart at the same time: If he didn't want me to cry, why did he leave me?

Some flowers had been sent to the house because the funeral home wasn't accepting flowers due to the virus. My aunt took the flowers to the cemetery in the afternoon after the funeral. Another widow walked by and saw my uncle's picture and she recognized him. They both talked about their losses. The lady told my aunt it had been 6 years since her husband's death and she still couldn't get over it. That wasn't very helpful!

I feel so helpless. I don't know how to help my aunt. I was trying to encourage her to eat a little something. Imagine having to cook for yourself when you don't want food or anything? I'm also trying to encourage her to go back to work soon but that's easier said than done. I know I would be feeling exactly as she is feeling.

My aunt told me that she'd gotten over 100 sympathy telegrams. I didn't think telegrams were used anymore!

Erika, you are so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you for praying for us. We need lots of prayers and especially my aunt. I can't stop thinking about how he went from being the healthiest patient at the ward to being the sickest.

It's been hot there too! Once we got some rain in the afternoon, then temps dropped and it felt so good outside.
Great job with your STS rotation!

Laurie, I love the name of that KB workout! Good job! How nice that your dd's bf knows how to smoke meat! Good stuff!

Thank you so much for those prayers. My heart breaks my I hear my aunt's pain. I wish I could make her feel better but the one thing that would make her feel better isn't possible.
The bear video was pretty funny. I don't even think Charmy did anything. She was simply standing by the window looking out. LOL

Laurel, great workouts and kudos to you for doing the Slow & Heavy workout. It really is boring!

Thank you for posting your rotation ideas. I think the rotation sounds really good!
I may ask for workout recommendations as we go. I always get confused with the metabolic workouts if the word metabolic isn't part of the workout name! So I've documented them over the years with the other rotations we've done.
I have found these ones as examples of metabolic workouts: Metabolic Total Body, XT Super Cuts, LIS Athletic Training, Fit Split Metabolic Conditioning.

I'll accept the hug even if a virtual one! My aunt says that the pain she feels is indescribable. Sadly nothing is comforting my aunt. Thank you so much for your kind words and for your prayers.

Goodnight ladies!
Thelma

Hi Ladies! Today’s workout was Slow and Heavy Triceps and Biceps followed by Cathe Live Love Me Some Cardio Kickboxing. Both felt really good. That kickboxing workout, which she filmed in November, is fast becoming a favorite of mine. It is long at 57 minutes, but it is also pure fun.

Tami, great to see you and glad you are doing well. Great job with the workouts! Yes, I whimped out on Body Beast last week. I had pulled my workout sheets out to come up with a rotation, saw the Look Great In 8 rotation and realized how much better that sounded to me right now. I really have loved these last 12 weeks of this rotation (and plan on repeating it), but my body needs a break from ‘heavy’ right now. So happy you will join us in the new rotation despite the last minute change!

Thelma, great job doing any workout right now. I am glad your uncle’s service went well and there has been such an outpouring of support for your aunt. But, no, I literally cannot imagine going home after saying goodbye to somebody you shared a life with a trying to plan a meal. And, no doubt, all of this is wildly complicated by the virus. I just hope that, somehow, you can find a way to work getting her over here if for no other reason than to give her something to look forward to. After what you said about her job, that is probably not going to be much of a release for her. I will be honest, I have no idea what restrictions are being placed on international travel right now. Is it even possible? Anyhow, about the rotation, I will happily provide recommendations whenever you want or need them. That is a good list for metabolic workouts. I would also add LITE Metabolic Blast and even LITE Band and Body Weight to that list. Honestly, in my brain, metabolic workouts and circuit workouts have a tendency to blend together, though I think of metabolic workouts as being slightly less structured (than, for example, the typical rounds of four exercises for Bootcamp workouts) and using weights more to increase the heart rate than for any attempt at strength training. Unfortunately, Cathe’s best metabolic workouts aren’t on DVD, but her LITE Metabolic Blast workout is, for me, about her best on DVD. Please let me know if you have any question. Hugs!!

Laurie, sounds like another fun workout! Have you ever done a Billy workout and not smiled? I cannot even imagine not enjoying a workout from him. Anyhow, glad you like the sound of the rotation....and that it makes sense. I never know when I am writing anything whether I am making any sense at all. IMAX 4, for the record, is way more fun that Low Max! But, yes, they are similar. Except one I look forward to doing and the other I will do if the choice is that or a root canal. Okay, I know it isn’t that bad, but, boy, I have been known to struggle getting into that workout.

Erika, hope you are well!

See you tomorrow.

Laurel

Hi Ladies, a much better day today for my aunt and consequently for me.
I am sooooo proud of my aunt. She went to work today because she realized how difficult it is to be home alone. Her co-workers are awesome. They tried to distract her and make her laugh. My uncle used to drive her to/from work so when she got out of work it was hard not to see him in the car waiting for her.
I don't know it if is in all Latin America but at least in El Salvador, people believe that if you don't let the person who died go, he/she won't rest in peace. My aunt is trying not to cry or ask him why he left her. I totally picked up on that, and tried to re-enforce it because it's working! I know she will cry but at least she's thinking about not making him suffer anymore by seeing her suffer and cry. I personally believe that he is her guardian angel and I think of my grandmother that way too.

I worried most of the day because I hadn't heard from her. I automatically assumed she was having a difficult day, but she was at work. I found out they were married for 48 years!

My workouts today were one of Gina B's 2000 Steps workouts, Beginner Gentle Yoga, and Revive and Restore Yoga.

Laurie, I used to LOVE Tae Bo. Are these YouTube videos? Great job!
AWWW! Thank you so much for the virtual hugs! It really has to suck to lose your DH. They were each other's best friends. He used to drive her to/from work and cooked for both of them. He made her lunches. I hope time will ease the pain. I'm pretty sure telegrams are still used in El Salvador. I know they used to be hand-delivered. I wonder if it's done that way still in Italy too. I'll have to ask my aunt.
I hope the virus restrictions get lifted soon but right now, foreign nationals are not being allowed from European nations and places like China, Brazil, etc.

Ladies, thank you so much for supporting me all this time my uncle was sick and now after his death. My aunt thanks you too. I love you, ladies!

Laurel, great workouts today!!
My aunt totally surprised me today. I know the weekend will be hard but at least there is a mass on Sunday afternoon for my uncle. Some of his friends are planning another mass for him too. His friends are calling to let her know she's not alone. I hope they remember that when this virus thing is over! Even though her job is crazy busy, at this time it is a good thing. Foreign nationals from Europe are not allowed into the US right now.

Thanks for explaining the difference between metabolic and circuit workouts. That makes sense. I'll add those metabolic workouts to my list!

Tami, I don't know how I missed your post last night! Thank you so much for those kind sympathy words, and the hugs and prayers!! I so appreciate your support! I can't wait till the virus restrictions are lifted to be able to bring my aunt here. It was my uncle's dream to come to spend some time here with us in the mountains so I'm sure it will be bittersweet but at least she will come and will spend time away from her house. Thank you so much for the big HUGS!!
Great job getting your workouts during this busy time at work!

Hi Erika!

Goodnight ladies!
Thelma

Hi Ladies ~ I did get in my Peloton Ride last night ….. 30 Min Tabata + Cool Down Ride. Workout tonight will most likely be one of the PHA workouts.

Thelma: I am glad to hear it was a better day for your aunt and then for you as well. What a lovely way of expressing the peace and love for your loved one. Definitely hard to do. I think it is a forever question when you lose someone of “why” I still struggle with that. I would imagine from what you have said about them and their extreme bond that he is right there with her, guarding her and trying to tell her it will be ok. Once the pain subsides a bit maybe she will be able to feel it. Way to get in a workout despite all the feels you have Thelma. Good job. {HUGS}

Laurie: Way to go with your KB – Kickbox workout! Sounds fun! I love that we will be doing the rotation together for the summer. Same theme, same goals and support is what it is all about! Thank you for being here with me & understanding despite my MIA at times. Are you back at work or working from home now?

Erika: Excellent job getting in your STS Legs workout! Meso 2 are so great/tough. Sunny & hot! Sounds wonderful. We had warm and partly sunshine today, I will take it when we can get it as well. Love hearing how much you are liking the STS. Maybe it is the time of day/schedule you have now vs. when you did it before that makes you like it so much this time? Either way, awesome to hear and that you are seeing/feeling results. That’s the best when that happens!

Laurel: Gotta love those HiiT/Hills Rides! YAY. Awesome job getting in some Yoga as well + lawn mowing! WHOASA, do you have a huge yard? I am definitely ready to get back to my old normal schedule forsure. Just switching that clock for my body to get UP. LOL He is still at home quite a bit but having more outings with clients, meeting for lunches or stopping at their offices again. Still not like before so he is home a lot. It is probably nice having your house to yourself, I totally get that. Hope he is doing well so far in AK?

Talk to you ladies tomorrow ~ Tami

Morning Ladies,

This morning was Kettlebell Kickbox Scorcher Series Strength. This series is now complete, and it will be going back on the shelf. I will probably do a longer rotation with these workouts, because I so enjoyed them. Dasha really does chat a lot, but the workouts are very good and work the core in every workouts. I used a 15lb kettlebell and I think that made the difference in how I felt about these workouts vs the last time I tried them. I think that I was using wimpy weights at that time.

Erika, Nice that you have the day off today, go out and enjoy this wonderful weather. We had some cool temps this morning, but yesterday was a beautiful 80 degrees with no humidity. Talk about perfect. Great job on your STS workout. The box is around $45 every 3 months. With that you get a recipe book, and lots of gadgets. They also include something to make. This time they had some flavored sugar that we could use. I'm thinking this would be really good on some sugar cookies. I have gotten some really good rubs, and things like that. They also include some recipe cards. Overall I really like the boxes that I have gotten. Here is the link https://tasteofhomebox.com/

Laurel, Awesome job on the workouts and conquering the lawn. Glad to hear that you are getting that lawn monster under control, you two will become besties by the end of the summer. Sounds like you had similar weather to our yesterday with the lower humidity. Like you we where outside enjoying it at the end of the day. I was having the same problem with my rotation, but I just chose my favorites and ones that I had not tried in a while. Here is what I'm looking at, but it may change depending on my mood of course.

Walk On Get Strong: Stepping Strength
30MTF Step Boxing DB & KB Only Premix
10 Pounds Slimdown Xtreme ~ Total Body
6 Week Six-Pack Level 1
LITE Metabolic Conditioning

Tami, Nice that you where able to get your ride in. Hope PHA was a good one, it usually is. I was suppose to be about 50-60% home and work. I spent one day at home and couldn't stand it. There was way to many distractions, and all I had was my laptop. I really enjoy having my monitors. I do have to say that at first my DH wasn't happy about being at home, but now he is actually talking about retiring. He is going to run the numbers between retiring at the end of the year or June of 21. So one good thing did come out of all the stay at home for my DH. I still have to work, but I'm glad that he was able to adjust to it.

Thelma, Wonderful job on your workouts, good combo! Apparently we all had some really good weather to enjoy. I love being able to open our windows and the breeze just blowing around. LOL about Billy's messy living room, I find that a little distracting also. The one that I did was a good workout, even with the flashy light that he used with his music. Sometimes it was hard to hear him talk, but I liked the music to much to complain.

Have a seriously great weekend everyone!
Laurie

Hi Ladies, I hope you had a nice weekend. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and today we got some rain followed but a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
We had some friends over for lunch on the deck on Saturday and that was a lot of fun.

My poor aunt continues to be sad and brokenhearted. She only finds comfort when she goes to the cemetery to visit my uncle's grave. It breaks my heart not being able to help her.

My workouts on Friday were Restorative Yoga and Barre. I started the new rotation on Sunday with LIS Athletic Training. I can't remember. I don't remember when I did that workout last but it has to be years. Great workout and I survived the 8-inch step!

Laurie, great job finishing up that KB Series and congrats on using the 15lb KB!

We don't have many windows that can be open, but rarely open them due to the pollen so we go outside. I'm going to try one of those Tae Bo workouts, but his messy home was hard to take.

Laurel, great workouts, and congrats on finishing up the rotation! It was 9 months? I can't believe it! I'm so glad your DH is doing well in Alaska!

We really have been having perfect weather. Last Thursday and Friday there was no humidity at all. It was actually cold out on the deck. I had to put a fleece jacket on because I was cold. It was probably in the 70's! LOL.

I really think most people are done with the virus. We also continue to stay at home but have visited a friend's house for dinner.

Have a great week ladies!
Thelma

Hi Ladies! It was a beautiful weekend here, but it also was a pretty quiet weekend for me. I did the grocery shopping and some chores both in and outside of the house. It really was just kind of a perfect weekend for knocking about outside doing little odds and ends. I took long walks both Friday and Saturday which was also nice. Yesterday I felt more like reading a book.

For workouts, on Saturday I did a Jessica Smith power walk and 30 minutes of Kristin McGee yoga. Yesterday was ICE Chiseled Lower Body Blast and core followed by a 30 minute HiiT ride with Peloton. Today was ICE Muscle Meltdown Back followed by two of Cathe’s older and shorter metabolic workouts from Cathe Live. They were Metabolic Circuit Blast and Cardio Strength Blast. Surprisingly, this is the first time I did the Metabolic Circuit Blast workout, and it is a good one for sure.

Thelma, great job with Athletic Step. That one is a challenge. Glad you enjoyed the great weather this weekend and were able to visit with friends. I am sorry your aunt is in so much pain. My heart breaks for her. Our virus numbers are horrible, to be honest. In our county, we have doubled the numbers in two weeks, and the two smaller counties on either side of us are worse. But it is going to be what it is since nobody seems interested in trying to mitigate it anymore. At this rate, our hospital system isn’t going to be able to handle it for too much longer, but even that is being met with a shoulder shrug.

Laurie, frost in June has to be pretty rare, even that far north. Brrr. But I am glad you took advantage of the cooler weather where you are to get some good garden work in. It does make all the difference when you aren’t sweating buckets, doesn’t it? Glad your DD is happy to be back at work and, no doubt, her clients are happy to have her back at work! I am struggling with a feisty raccoon in our yard at the moment as well. It is eating through our garden box where we store our bird seed. Such a crafty creature. But if it is like last year, she will leave when her babies are a little older....hopefully. Great workout this morning!

See you tomorrow.

Laurel

Hi Ladies, my workouts today were JS Cardio Bootcamp Boogie and LITE Metabolic Blast, Bonus Back. I am really loving these metabolic workouts. I guess it's a big change of pace from what we've been doing. I really like the Jessica Smith workout. I discovered that one this morning.

I didn't speak with my aunt today which means she isn't doing well. She clearly needs antidepressants but I doubt she'll go to the doctor to ask for them. She could easily ask their doctor to prescribe something but always has one excuse after another for not asking. All I can do is pray for her.

We had a beautiful day here in the mountains. DH has moved his office to the deck which is great. It's a good thing he is good at staying focused. I couldn't get anything done with all the distractions. I'd be watching the birds, deer, and turkeys all day long. We have a bench at the entrance to the deck from the driveway and I'd never sat there. Don't ask me why but today I did and I loved it! I could look up our driveway and our birdfeeders. I was there for a while and the things I was going to do didn't get done. I came back inside with a horrible black bug on my leggings. I was jumping up and down the thing wouldn't fall off. I finally got it off with my shoe and killed it. I don't mind seeing the bugs outside but on me, not so much. We moved a glider bench to another side of the deck where there was no furniture and OMG, another distraction! We placed it right across from the birdfeeders and I could hear one of our fountain birdbaths and the windchimes going and if I turned my head slightly to the right I could see the beautiful blue mountains.
People in the neighboring towns had hail yesterday and today but not us.

Laurie, I'm glad you had a beautiful weekend and managed to do all that landscaping! I can't wait to see a picture! I can't believe there was frost at your mom's! It's mid-June! I bet the little racconies were adorable! I'm so happy your dd was finally able to go back to work! Great workout today!

You're right about my aunt. I've done all I can for her and I will continue to be here for her. It will be a long time before her grieving stops.
The largest part of our deck isn't screened. The screened area is basically the catio now. LOL Thank God we haven't had to use the screened porch to protect ourselves from bugs. I think the constant breeze and the exterminator help.
I was just trying to select a Tae Bo workout to do tomorrow and I found one home workout that looks good. It is kind of funny because his wife is his sidekick and she gets to do the counting and the entire workout. He takes breaks to talk. The poor woman looks like she's about to die! LOL
https://youtu.be/SS4rl3iOUns

Laurel, I'm glad you had a beautiful weekend too. Great workouts and nice job with the walks around the neighborhood! I wish we had a better walking area in our little neighborhood.

This virus thing is scary. The numbers are going up here too. You're right about people not being interested in mitigating the virus anymore. I can't believe the virus numbers have doubled up in your county in two weeks! I read an article saying that the virus has mutated again and this time it is more infectious. Just a month ago we were told the virus was weakening!

Erika, sorry you got sick! I bet the boys and your DH are excited about their fishing trip! Great job with your workouts.

It really is tough for my aunt. Poor thing. She seems to be finding peace at the cemetery. The Athletic Training workout was hard. I thought I was going to die! I had to take little breaks to catch my breath. LOL

Goodnight ladies!
Thelma