Results in 10 Workouts or Less!

About 15 years ago, I bought my first exercise video from "The Firm".  Actually, I started with two videos--Standing Legs and Upper Body.  The covers said "Guaranteed: Visible Results in Ten Workouts or Less".  I was a little skeptical, but hey, why not give it a try.

  

Since I had done limited strength training in the past, I didn't have a lot of knowledge on the subject.  These videos had good cues to the degree that I thought they could actually see  me.  On the first day, I ignored the advice of the tapes ("do not use weights") and did both videos with light weights.  The next day, I was in agony if anyone touched me.  I quickly advanced though, and I literally lost two inches in both my hips and thighs within a few weeks.  I alternated the two videos daily and saw results in 5-6 workouts.  I added a few other Firm videos to my regimen and loved them.

A few years ago, my husband got a flat screen TV for the exercise room and it didn't have VHS, but only had a DVD player in it.  I started doing P90X and got away from The Firm.  A couple of weeks ago, I saw my original videos in DVD format on the Barnes and Noble website.  The two were together in one DVD and I got it for $2.50 plus shipping.  I started doing it and have lost an inch in my hips and waist already (but only 1/4 inch from my thighs).  I'm alternating it with other workouts, so I only do Standing Legs twice a week.  If you're looking for something different where you will actually see results, try this.  You just have to get past the leg warmers and occasional mullet.  The only equipment you'll need are ankle weights, a 10-14 inch step and a few dumbbells.  Let me know if you like it and see results.

Happy Birthday, Annie

Twenty nine years ago, I became a mother for the first time.  At 9:42 a.m., I gave birth to a 7lb. 7 oz. baby girl.  My husband picked out her name--Anne.

Thanks for being patient with us, Annie, as we fumbled our way through this new adventure called "parenting".  You turned into an amazing person in spite of our trials and errors.  We love you more than life itself.  Happy Birthday, Pumpkin.

Love,

Mom (and Dad)

Anniversary

Thirty one years ago, my husband and I went on our first date.  I had met him at a party on Valentine's Day and he asked me out for Feb. 17th.  Of course, I said yes and then immediately thought about what I would wear.  I decided on a pink sweater and jeans.  It worked.  We were married one year later.

For some reason, I saved the sweater and pull it out every Feb 17th.  It still fits, although it's a little tight in the armpits.  It must be muscle.

Heart Healthy Valentine's Day

As a cardiac rehab nurse, I'm always looking for ways to be a bit more healthy when it comes to treats.  So I decided to make my husbands Valentine's Day gift this year.

I bought a "manly" container and filled it with a variety of yummy, somewhat healthy chocolate treats.  This was so easy.  I layered (starting with the bottom layer) cocoa dusted almonds, dark chocolate M&M's, dark chocolate covered coffee beans, dark chocolate covered pretzels, and dark chocolate raisin clusters.
He'll love it!

Global Warming

This has been the warmest winter in West Michigan that I can remember.  We've had very little snow and record high temperatures.

My husband speculates that it's my hot flashes.