Good job Val, will be hopin for just a scraping, be good as new. Light week, recovery time, although I missed last week, I can use a light week to get back in the groove. Chest Press (machine): Set 1: 15 reps @ 100.0 lbs | Set 2: 10 reps @ 100.0 lbs Dumbbell Lateral Raise: Set 1: 15 reps @ 15.0 lbs Dumbbell Supported Rear Lateral Raise: Set 1: 15 reps @ 15.0 lbs Cable Triceps Pushdown - reverse grip (short bar): Set 1: 15 reps @ 45.0 lbs Lying Bent Leg Raises: Set 1: 27 reps | Set 2: 27 reps Bent Leg Crunches: Set 1: 65 reps | Set 2: 65 reps Skiing - Nordic:520 calories burned: 1.8 miles, 25 minutes ,4.32 mph (Intensity 3 -- Moderate) Mike

I missed you guys. The past two weeks have been topsy turvy at best, but today I got back out in the garage and worked it GOOD! I worked up a great sweat too, haven't done that in a while either. Yesterday we uncovered the pool. That is a full body workout in itself. So far this week is going pretty good! I did go to the Sports Med doc today. He doesn't feel it's osteoarthritis, and we looked at the xrays. Looks like some kind of meniscus issues, and there is a little spur in my right one and narrowing in my left. The bones in there look all pointed and worn... SO, I am having an MRI on my left knee (it's the worst) and go from there. He said there in no point in PT right now since I am exercising it regularly anyways. I will keep you posted. He said worst case is getting them scoped and cleaned up. I just want to compete sometime this fall! Ok, onto the workout! DB flyes (flat bench) 10# x 12 15# 2 sets of 12 Abs reverse leg raises with 1 set of leg raises and scissors total 3 sets to max reps Front shoulder presses 15# x 12 20# x 8 x 10 Rear lats 15# 2 sets of 12 20# x 12 DB shrugs 40# x 15 45# x 12 x 12 Lat pulldowns (narrow grip/front) 30# x 12 50# x 12 60# x 8 70# x 6 Tricep pushdowns with rope 30# x 8 x 9 x 8 Leg extensions 40# x 12 50# x 8 60# x 8 One legged calf raises 3 sets each leg max reps Abs on decline bench Obliques (twist up) 3 sets max reps. I feel great. Sweaty, stinky, sticky, and GREAT! Have a good one guys! Val

Oh man that was my weekend too! We did the get pool uncovered, whew...that was my workout that day! I am telling you WHOLE BODY WORKOUT! Lordy. You know, God brings us little angels like Timmy. I am really proud of him too! Give him a big ol hug from Aunt Val and tell him he's awesome! I did get my new grill...funny took us all day to pick one out! We were at Lowes and Home Depot all day too! Val

I want to ask you a question. I see you said you can "push your gall bladder removal back" have you been told positively that you'll have to have yours out? I wound up in the ER last Friday from having pain and they said I have "sludge" on my gall bladder. Essentially they said I will have to have it removed..... I've been told by some others it's best to go ahead and get it out before it gets worse and can cause major problems...... I'm freaking out because I just got my teaching schedule set and don't want to loose the spots to be out for surgery. I guess I have to do what I have to do....but I know I'll have to be out when the time comes for me to have plastics...... I know I wasn't expecting this! Your thoughts please ma'am (if you don't mind)

I'm the reverse. If I work out at home I just don't feel motivated to push myself hard enough. We have plenty of equipment at home as well but it just isn't the same as the variety I get at the gym with the spin bikes, assorted cardio equipment, all the different resistance training stuff. I'm not big on cybex machines and prefer free weights but I do like the hammer strength stuff along with the free motion (pulley style more range of motion) machines. I also like the group fitness classes and learn a lot from other regulars that I see all the time. I'm very fortunate though that I can't get out of an excuse of going to the gym. Since my husband is a personal trainer and has clients he trains in the morning at our gym I just go with him before work and then shower at the gym and head to my job. My membership is also free. Normally it would be something like 70 bucks a month since its one of the higher end gyms in the area. On the weekends we also go together as well or we make plans to just have a very active day - going to the park, biking, or using free weights and other assorted stuff he has for his in-home clients,etc. I think when you are deciding on home versus gym you should try out both. It can't hurt to invest in some free weights and a PT ball. Cardio you can always get by just walking outside. I would also check out the local gyms in your area and see if they give a trial membership or if you could just pay a guest fee. You may even want to meet with a personal trainer so they can get you started. Then after you could determine which you like better. If you choose the home route then you could always invest in a good treadmill, bike, or eliptical machine. Check refurbished ones if you want to try and save some money. Good luck!!