Testing

We think we have this thing figured out now.

Jump Rope, our local gym and more to gripe

I am going to take this opportunity to vent... so tune out if you don't want to listen.

First, this GD jump roping thing... If you were subjected to my pitiful attempt at last Thursday's workout then you know just how pissed off I was. For those of you who were not there, well the visual has been likened to MaKenna's expressions when she doesn't get her way. I can just tell you that it's been a long time since I have wanted to punch [yes, physically hit] something! I don't know what the hell has happened to me... I mean I have never been Rocky [or Sharon] like when it comes to jump roping, but I was able to do the workouts. Well, I have gone to hell in a hand basket! Seriously... Char, Dawn, Sharon and Bethany can attest to the fact that I sucked! A 'good' set was 5, yes I said 5 jumps in a row. I whacked myself in the back of the neck/head countless times, caught the f- - -ing rope on my sneakers too many times and ended up jumping so high that my vertical jump may have rivaled a WNBA star [that's slightly exaggerated]. But, what really pissed me off is that I gave up... I opted out of the jump roping for running on the tread mill [that tells you just how desperate I was]! So I have been narotic since Thursday, trying to get my jump roping moe-joe back. We'll see what happens? If I end up missing, check the city streets or city school yards , my last ditch effort will be to see if some school age girls can teach me how to Double - Dutch.

Second vent, our local fitness club and the total lack of Customer Service. I spoke with one of the most rude people that I have ever encountered today. Maybe I am too old school when it comes to my ideas about customer service but holy crap! This broad [can't bring myself to lump her into the same class of women that I respect] couldn't get it through her thick head what I was asking. I tried and re-tried to explain what I was looking for. No luck and she doesn't think that "our facility is looking to serve the part-time gym goer - they are more serious about fitness!" For the sake of trying to be as G-rated as can be I won't indulge my inner anger and tell you how I really feel about this conversation. I think I'll take my part time anger and turn it into a serious fitness workout tomorrow morning with my full time workout friends who, by the way are awesome ladies and not broads!

Thanks for listening. I'll keep you posted on the jump rope thing! Miss Mary Mack, Mack. All dressed in Black, Black. With Silver Buttons all down her Back, Back! Getting ready for the double -dutch option.

A Challenge, who's up for it?

A Challenge for Wednesday, 11-05-08:
It's hump day...
hey trashy ladies, get your minds out of the gutter! It's mid-week. After today's challenge you should have logged 3 days of working out so far this week! If not, get your a_ _ in gear, you have til Sunday to try and get 4-5 days of workouts in!

Bethany kicked our behinds today[tuesday]! A SOLID 30 mins. of Crossfit!

Back to the challenge...

• I am going to walk for 50 mins. Planning on wogging for 2 legs of the route. New to wogging? Check out my post towards the beginning of this blogs history. Basically, start out by walking the first leg of your route, jog the second, walk the third, jog the fourth and so on.
• 3 sets of 20 each of the following: sit ups, squats, jumping jacks, push ups.

• stretch out before and after.

• don't forget your servings of dairy, try for 3 today, 1 being a glass of lowfat milk.

• plan a meal within the next 7 days that is healthy and POST the recipe on this blog!

Roll Call - who's in?

Have a great day! Make the most of it!

Goals

We have all talked about our goals - short term, long term, etc. We talked about posting them on the blog as a way to keep us accountable and motivated.
I'll start, feel free to add yours...

Short term:

• weigh myself every Thursday am before workout.
• lose 15# w/in 3 mos.
• overall goal is to lose a total of 25 - 30# and then maintain!

• no eating after 7:30pm - plan meals - snacks better.
• drink green tea 2x daily
• add additional day of resistance training [total of 3x/wk]

Long term:

• try a new fitness activity frequently throughout the year ...
• snowshoe for 2 hours.
• cross country ski for a morning instead of downhill skiing.
• learn to snowboard.
• try a spinning class.
• try a kick-boxing class.
• kayak on Hemlock Lake.
• bike around Conesus Lake.

Challenge for Monday, November 3rd

1. Walk - fast pace - combination of hills & flat for 45 -60 minutes.
2. 3 sets of 25 each
1. sit ups
2. phisio ball push ups [rest tops of feet on ball and complete push ups - no ball do decline push-ups ]
3. flutter kicks

Have a great day!

Back on Track...

here we go again! Calling all Workout Blogger-Bloggertons! It's a good thing we have been more committed to working out than blogging.

I sent invitations to Char, Kim, Julie, Kelly and Lisa. They can post and comment. So join in Ladies, offer up any motivation, ideas, support , goals, etc.

Our year anniversary has come and gone. I think that we gave ourselves the best gift, a commitment to stick to our workout. I know that I couldn't have done this without you all! Your support, dedication and friendship mean the world to me. Thank you for being you!

Here's to us... healthier, stronger, thinner and more fun than ever!

Love ya!

You Rock!

Ladies, You're amazing! Just wanted to let you know that I think that my drive/motivation is back. You all helped with that, so Thank you! After the last three workouts, I feel like I'm back on track. Plus it helps to know that there is no way in hell that I would have been able to finish the same workouts 6 months ago when we all started this journey. I couldn't have done this without you! I'm glad we have one another to push each other, struggle through a hellaious workout together, sweat profusely with and or course, laugh with!

I like Dawn's idea of setting a goal for the month. I'll join Dawn in the weight loss goal, Sharon in her a little extra something each day... today I walked the loop when I got home from work and Bethany's, increasing our dairy consumption - had my 3 servings today. I'll bring my medicine ball on T&TH and hopefully we can squeeze in a few reps after our workout.

You Go Girls!

SPRING IS HERE!!!!!!!

I know we have all hit a little low point over the last month with our motivation. I was thinking that maybe we could come up with a group goal to try to achieve for the month of April. Let me know what you think.

Motivation???

excite
Originally uploaded by Technogym - The Wellness Company

Happy Easter!

Calling all my workout companions! I'm calling on you for some motivation. I am in a workout rut. I tried to take it easy [still worked out, but not with the same intensity or drive that I normally have] this week because of feeling run-down and fighting this nasty, persistent cold. I pushed through the fact that I really would have rather passed on working out some of the days but I did it. I need to get back on the "horse" so to speak. I feel like I lost my drive.

I know that I am going to have my peaks and valleys but my goal is still a ways away and I need a swift kick in the pants. With that said, I know "a few good women" that can motivate me and at the very least sweat it out with me! See you Tuesday am!

She made a promise and...

she delivered. Holy Crap is about all I have to say about this am's workout. Bethany had told me she was going to work the cold out of me and she sure got a great start! and then some. Thanks to Dawn and Sharon for sticking by my side, I couldn't have done it without you! I am little nervous about Thursday am.
Take Care!

Down for the Count...

Well, it appears that my sporadic signs & symptoms over the past 2 weeks were all in an attempt to warn my of the "brick" that landed on me Thursday pm. I woke up with a full fledged cold Friday am! Yuck, is all I have to say. I feel like crap. I have totally drugged myself and have drank enough fluids to be left in a dessert for a month with no water! Seriously... enough is enough! I just had to vent! Oh, and you know I'm down and out when I cannot even drag my behind to the treadmill. Hoping that tomorrow am I'll get a good workout in on the t-mill and be on my way to feeling better!
thanks for listening! I'll look forward to Tuesday am!
Jess

WAY TO GO

Jessica, hope you are feeling better. You have great dedication. It's such a driving force knowing we are all so committed !!! Dawn

JUST CALL ME RACHAEL

Her is an easy, healthy meal to try.

SAUCY FOILED FILLETS
2+ lbs. tilapia ( I used an entire bag, so I would have left overs)
salt and pepper
1 green, red and yellow pepper, sliced
1 onion ,sliced
1 1/4 cups BBQ sauce
grated parmesan cheese

Divide fish into equal portions. Place each fillet on a square piece of foil, and season with salt and pepper. Rub BBQ sauce on both sides. Saute' veggies some to get them a little soft. The original recipe only called for 1 pepper, but I did not feel it was enough. I also added fresh mushrooms. I like lots of veg. Top each fillet with veg and sprinkle with cheese. Seal each packet securely. Place packets on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min. Serve over rice ( I used long grain). ENJOY!!!!!!

Menu Planning - Week 3

Cooking makes me so happy
Originally uploaded by nifty thrify gal

So this will make 3 weeks of menu options. Do you want one more week or shall we leave it at this for now? I do have some other dinner options that we eat on a semi regular basis. Let me know. I could also post ideas sporatically and anyone else who has ideas.

I thought that I would post early because tomorrow we have Bunco and then it's the weekend. Also, note that I did not post a Sunday meal because it's Connor's b-day and we will be eating out per his choice.

Monday: Mandarin Pork Chops - Top Pork Chops with mandarin
oranges and sprinkle cinnamon over that. Bake until done.
Acorn Squash. Grapefruit.

Tuesday: Chicken Pesto - Butterfly boneless, skinless chicken
breast, spread pesto, placed sliced roma tomatoes,
close chicken breast drizzle white wine and top with
some feta cheese. Bake until done. Zucchini, Squash
with tomatoes. Salad.

Wednesday: Salmon - season and bake as you like. Mashed
Cauliflower. Spinach.

Thursday: Sante Fe Chicken - place boneless, skinless chicken
breasts in Crockpot, top with canned black beans, corn
1/2 cup salsa. Cook on low for 3 hours. Add 3oz. lf
cream cheese and cook 1 more hour. Brown Rice.
Brussels Sprouts.

Friday: Fish.

Rise and Shine

Ladies, don't forget that we are starting at 5:45 tomorrow morning. Looking forward to seeing you!

Menu Planning - Week 2

Dulany Frozen Foods Cookbook, 1956
Originally uploaded by bayswater97

Hi All! I was hoping to post this menu sooner so that you would have some more time to plan, shop etc. if you wanted to. Sorry!
Let me know if you have any questions. Being that I'm starting my new job this week I planned some easier, time friendly meals yet still healthy options. Hope you enjoy!

Also, please feel free to share any of your ideas, recipes, menus. etc.

Sunday: Grilled or Baked Pork Chops. I think that I'll marinate mine
for a few hours in a Lt. Asian Ginger drsg./marinade. Rick
wants Sauerkraut. California Mix Veggies.

Monday: Whole Wheat Boboli Pizza Shells - Home made Pizzas
We will make a veggie and a grilled chix, tomato, bbq.
Salad and sliced pears.

Tuesday: Chicken Marsala. Carrots & Broccoli.

Wednesday: Baked Tilapia with a Mango Salsa [diced mango,
sliced scallions, canned chopped pineapple,
cilantro]. Wild Rice & Spinach.

Thursday: Taco Salad [for me] Taco for the rest of the family. We
make our with ground turkey, cook and drain. Add Taco
seasoning packet and follow directions. My salad goes
like this... Mixed greens, taco turkey, onions, drained
kidney beans, diced tomatoes, black olives, a little shrd.
cheddar cheese. For dressing I mix equal parts Lt.
Italian dressing and Lt. French dressing. Drizzle over
salad.

Friday & Saturday: You're on your own.

Menu Planning - Week 1

"I'll have a Big Shef and a Mr. Pibb, please!"
Originally uploaded by bayswater97

I thought that I would share my menu planning with you all. I know that you have asked on and off for some of Rick's and my recipes so I thought that I would start this thread and try to upkeep it. With me starting back to work in a week I thought that this would help keep me on tract and keep my sanity. I will try to plan 4-5 meals per week for a 4 week cycle - feel free to adapt, ignore, copy for whatever works for you and your family. I'll try to post sometime on Saturday so that you have time to plan what might work for your schedule. Please share your recipe / menu ideas for meals, snacks, etc.

Sunday; 2/17/08: Roasted Chicken with BBQ spice [not sauce as
saves some calories]. Broccoli - cooked in the
microwave, add sliced almonds and spray butter.
Butternut Squash - mashed.

Monday, 2/18/08: Baked Bass [sub Tilapia if you want] - season with
Montreal seasoning. Green Beans - cook in the
microwave. Salad.

Tuesday, 2/19/08: Honey, Lime Baked Chicken Breasts - boneless,
skinless chicken breasts - S&P , 1 TBSP. each -
honey, lime juice for each chicken breast [ex. 4
chix. brsts., use 4TBSP. ea. honey & lime juice]
Mix and pour over Chix. Brsts. sprinkle some
rosemary over and bake. Brown Rice. California
Mix Vegs.[broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini,
summer squash] - cook in microwave.

Wednesday; 2/20/08: Baked Salmon - season however you want.
Whole wheat pasta tossed with sauteed
mushrooms, onions, diced tomatoes, black
olives, artichokes [omit anything you don't
like.] You can top the pasta with a little feta
cheese. Salad.

Thursday; 2/21/08: Pot Roast - I follow the recipe - 1 pkt. dry, onion
soup mix, 1 can beer, 2 tsp. worchesthire sauce.
Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on
high for 6-8 hours. Baked Sweet Potato. Broccoli.
You can use leftover pot roast, canned low
sodium beef broth, frozen mixed veggies and
canned diced tomatoes to make a great soup.

Friday; 2/22/08: It's Lent for some of us - not meat. You're on your
own for Friday and Sat. this week.

Bon Appetite! Jess

Sharon...

Sharon,
I went into the settings and was able to change it so that people can post anonymously to the blog. This should work for you until we can figure out what is going on with your account.
Let me know how you make out.

Wogging....

No I'm not talking about Blogging!
I read this article about wogging and it apparently an even "fresher trend, combines walking and jogging. It is an easy way to take your walking workout to the next level. Apparently you will burn more calories, improve heart health and may even ward off osteoporosis with this more intense but doable workout."

So I decided to give it a try this am and it was a great workout. My heart rate was up and quickly! I also clocked almost.75 miles more than my previous routine. Let me know what you think. In addition I did 3 sets of 20 medicine ball tosses [chest level directly out] with Rick and then 3 sets of 20 medicine ball tosses [under hand- from knee height up to his chest level].

The Wogging Plan:

WEEK 1: Walk [I did a brisk] 4 minutes, jog 2. Repeat three times [I did 4 rounds].
I finished the remaining time [~6-10mins.] walking at a brisk pace to get to 35mins total.

WEEK 2: Walk 3 minutes, jog 3. Repeat four times.
WEEK 3: Walk 2.5 minutes, jog 5. Repeat three times.
WEEK 4: Walk 3 minutes, jog 7. Repeat two times.
WEEK 5: Walk 2 minutes, jog 8. Repeat two times.
WEEK 6: Walk 2 minutes, jog 9. Repeat two times.

GO JESSICA !!!!

I was really happy to hear that Jessica hit her first 20# 's . We all know how hard she has been working. It's nice to see it is paying off. Keep up the hard work Jess!!! I hope that some day I will be able to join the 20# club.

I am so proud!!

I am so proud of Dawn and Jessica for how hard they worked this morning!! It was a tough workout and they plowed through it like troopers. I'm uploading a picture of Craig's "sweat angel" that he left on the gym floor after completing the same work out! You girls are amazing!

SHE'S BACK!!!!!

Sharon we are glad you can finally join us. As I am writing this I need to support my forearms due to the inability to lift them. I hope our phone call helped motivate you today. Jessica don't forget your evening pilates workout. Have a great day.

IT'S TUESDAY AND LETS MOVE

Todays workout was challenging, but tonight everyone try to do the morning pilatis (sp?) workout while watching American Idol. Try to do 10 reps of each of the ex you can remember. Yes Jessica, that includes the "but burns". Just remember June is not far off!!!!

It's Monday...

... so get your a_ _ moving!

Good Morning Ladies!
In case you haven't developed a workout plan for the day I thought I'd share what I did.
T-mill - walk for 5 mins. - run for 10 mins. - walk for 5 mins. - run for 5mins. - walk for 10mins.
Nothing fancy but something none - the - less!

Share your workout or challenge with us!

Feel the Burn...

Skymall - Spring 2007 - 06
Originally uploaded by altuwa

Thinking that I might have to resort to this little piece of equipment after today's 180 squats???
Anyone else?
Jess

Some More Links for Us to Check Out

42-17614190.jpg
Originally uploaded by WICKYE's

Ladies, Sharon had sent me some links to check out and add to our blog. I added them and you should be able to click on the links to the right to get to each site. They all have great info and ideas. I also had heard about another site called Spark People. I checked it out briefly and it looks good. I think that it has message boards also.
Let us know what you think and if you find something that we should check out.
Have a great weekend. Anyone up to posting a challenge for a Monday workout?
TGIF - Jess

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARON

I am so proud that you reached your 1st goal of 20#'s. It is defenitly noticeable. Your hard work is paying off! Again, it is not all about the weight loss, but when you can put being more fit and the weight loss together you really feel like it is all worth it. Keep up the great job. You are truly motivating me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dawn

Trying to be techy here...

Phisio Ball Clip Art
Originally uploaded by jessbecause2008

I have been trying to figure out ways to add clip art, photos from the web, etc. to my blogs. So this is a test... hope it works!
Jess

Thought we needed a color change

Better than changing our hair color!
Jess

Will this motivate you?

Ladies,
When we talked about starting a blog for our group we talked about how it could be a great tool to motivate and make us more accountable in our fitness goals. I know that our schedules are all different and some days are easier than others to squeeze time in for a workout. I know that some days I need an extra push to get going or not give up on myself.
With the above thoughts in mind I thought that I would post what I am going to do tomorrow [Wed.] as far as a workout goes in hopes that it will help to motivate you towards your fitness goals. I am going to do a 30 minute walk on the t-mill - am trying to work my way up to running most of the 30 minutes so I will walk for 5 minutes, run for 7 minutes and walk for the remaining 18 minutes. Then I am going to do 10 pull ups, overhand grip on the total gym at level 6, 10 pull ups, underhand grip, same level - 2 sets. 2 sets of 25 squats on the total gym - highest [steepest incline] level. 50 sit ups. Share with me what your plans are.
I hope that this does not come across as "lofty" or "show boaty", as this is not my intention. Please tell me if you feel that way.
Have a great day and I'll see you on Thursday!
Jess

Hey Guys!! Check this out!

Got my own blog now! http://crossfitgeneseo.blogspot.com/

Looks like a good recipe to try...

Hi All! I was looking for a good, non-cream based soup to try and make, maybe this weekend. I like to try and make soup because then you can have it for lunch a few days and freeze any extra for another time. This recipe looked good and I checked out the nutritional info. The fat grams seem a little high but I think that's because of the avocado and in that case it's okay because avocado's fat is "good" fat. I pasted the link below, so check it out! Jess

http://www.parents.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?sssdmh=dm17.294982&recipeId=R108385&esrc=nwhr29&email=1386029870

WH Fitness Challange

Well I think we did pretty well today with the fitness test. I keep asking myself when am I going to stop being sore, and when is it going to get any easier!!!!! Trina we missed you today. If you want to do the test let me know. We did only 4 tests and it only takes 3-5 min. In regards to the T-mill test, walk at a fast speed 5 min, then restart your T-mill so it reads 0 miles. Next run as far as you can for 5 min. The scores are as follows:

Aspiring- 10 min mile ( 1/2 mile or less on your Tmill in the 5 mins)
Solid- 8-10 min mile ( 1/2 -3/4 of a mile in 5 mins)
Strong- faster than an 8 min mile ( more than 2/3 of a mile in 5 min)

Let me know your results when you are done and I will keep them so we can do it again in 1 month. Aerobic capacity has never been one of my strong points!!!!! I just finished the t-mill and scored a .52 mile. Nothing like just squeezing into the next level. Try to complete this by Tues. Good Luck!

Make the Most of your Day!

How about this challenge... tomorrow, Wednesday, whenever you have the chance to do some "little extras"... do some squats, tighten your glutes and hold for as long as you can, repeat, do calf raises, take the stairs, choose a parking spot that requires you to walk further, do 30 high kicks each side. Drink a glass of milk!

Thought that I would post this tonight so that you can start bright and early. Remember, anything extra that you do will only help get you closer to your goal.

Feel free to post some of your own "little extras" that you like to do each day.

It's hump day [and I don't mean your backsides, Ladies]! tee hee

Jess

WOMENS HEALTH FITNESS CHALLANGE

On Thursday morning prior to Bethanys workout Jessica and myself are going to assess our level of fitness on five different exercises that will give us a fitness score. They say, once we figure this out we are ready to start working towards a stronger, hotter you. Well I am sure we will be able to calculate the score, but I am not exactly sure about the second part. Please come and participate with us, because when we are hot and you are not I don't want you to say it was not fair (I am just killing myself).

Also, for the rest of the week everyone should make sure that they are drinking 32-40oz of water daily. This is an area I am lacking in. Please comment daily if you have.

Some thoughts

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt 1910

I am a simple human being, living every moment as it comes, making the most of every opportunity. Every day is a new lesson in my own ignorance. In the end, I hope to live justly and correctly. This is all that I can do.

ok who said that Sunday was a day of rest

Sunday's Afternoon Body & Mind Challenge!

I challenge you to do the following before you go to bed tonight. Doesn't matter if you already worked out or not. Doesn't matter if this is your day off. Are you up for it?

• 50 squat tosses [squat holding a medicine ball & as you come up toss it to your partner, squat and catch the ball as your partner throws it back to you] If you don't have a medicine ball do dumbbell swings.
• 50 Leg tosses
• 50 push ups

Hey, that's not a ton to do. It's more than you may have done though! Gets you closer to your goal. Who's in? Post a comment to this entry... click on comment below! Come on, I challenge you to learn about blogging and accomplish a fitness goal!

Happy Birthday to Me...

You know that you're serious about getting into shape when you do the following even on your birthday...

• Walk/ Hike down the East side of Hemlock Lake ~ 2hours, not sure how many steps because my pedometer had came unclipped and only read 260 steps.
• Did a Total Gym work -out
• When your sister calls all the way from Baghdad,Iraq to wish you a Happy Birthday and the majority of your conversation is about the Cross Fit web site and the workout programs that she put together.
• Asked Rick and the Kids not to make a birthday cake because I didn't want the temptation around.
• Asked for and received a 12# medicine ball for a birthday gift.

Like I said, it's a step or two in the right direction!

Bye for now! Jess

Our Blog is Born!

Well Ladies, here it is! Our very own Blog to journal our journey to being healthier, more fit and thinner. I was able to set it up so that you can all post messages on the blog. Feel free to look around, it's really pretty easy. I added some links and a category for other blogs. Let me know if want me to add anything. I tried to add some clip art pictures that were rather funny but for some reason I cannot get them to copy... a question for someone more tech savvy than myself!
Hopefully we can make daily posts on the blog and it will serve as another motivational tool for us. If you are at all like me, then you'll like the fact that this adds another sense of accountability. Post about workouts, recipes, what you did fitness wise for the day, reminders about 10,000 steps/day, drinking water... hell bitch about something if it'll make you feel better.

Since we started this program together back in September I have felt so much better about myself and my health. This is the first time in a very long time that I have been able to stay on track. It is because of you ladies and your commitment that I have been able to not give up on myself. Sometimes it seems like a never ending task, but I can now look at it as a goal that I am accomplishing one day at a time. I have also decided that this is more of a lifestyle change than a long term goal of "getting to a certain weight,etc."
I hope that I serve as an inspiration to all of you when you need a "pick-me-up" because you all do that for me. Until next post.... Jess