May 7th, 2008 by Cynthia
I did my very first suspended plank today! Lasted all of 4 seconds. Heck, just getting my feet properly in the loops and rotated over into position without slipping out of the TRX trainer was a first!
I'd tried once before when I first got the trainer, and found it to be absolutely impossible. Could NOT do it. Worse, the DVD said that unless you could do a full regular plank for at least a minute, you shouldn't try to go suspended.
But I CAN'T do a regular plank... the position my feet are in for that stretches them in a scream provoking and painful manner. I tried briefly last fall and set my foot progress back a good while. So I had thought that with my feet suspended, maybe I could do it.
Then I couldn't because my core was too weak!
So I always substituted kneeling planks for as long as I could hold 'em instead. I don't know why I tried the suspended plank today... just did.
I was so jazzed that I managed to get my body up for even those few seconds, I rested and then tried again! I made 10 seconds. My heart rate went from 106 to 125 bpm! I know, seems so pitiful. But I was practically dancing, because I can DO it!
Oh yeah... I also managed 12 lunges on each leg with the trainer assist. Progress forward!
According to my heart rate monitor, I burned 350 calories for the 35 minutes I did on the trainer. Average heart rate 111 bpm (64%). Max heart rate 143 (83%). 25 minutes in the light aerobic zone... 8 minutes in my regular working aerobic zone. I managed Nordic Track skiing for 20 minutes after. Supposedly that burnt 275 calories... hard to believe, but my heart rate was up, so maybe. Average heart rate 137 bpm (79%) and max rate 147 bpm (85%). Had to stop after 20 minutes, my feet were going numb.
Made a wonderful Gourmet Nutrition v2.0 Pina Colada smoothie in my new Vita-Mix with green tea, light coconut milk, fresh pineapple and banana for my very necessary post-workout meal.
May 7th, 2008 by Cynthia
About a month ago, my twenty year old Vita-Mix Maxi-4000 blender started showing signs of imminent death. I started seeing chunks of ice, fruit, even spinach left in my smoothies, the motor didn't sound good at all and it was starting to emit some nasty burning smells.
I was immediately sad. I used this kitchen appliance daily, sometimes more than once a day. It ground my flax seeds and made my smoothies and protein shakes. I've made fresh applesauce in it, ground wheat berries to flour and more. Truth is, I barely tapped the full potential of the machine while I owned it, but for what it did do well, it was super! And it provided such a neat retro look in my kitchen.
If you are familiar with Vita-Mix blender models at all, I'm sure the first thing you are thinking is "WHY is she writing a review/obituary on a 20 YEAR OLD MACHINE?"
I'm not entirely crazy... yes, this model is OLD, but I've heard of machines that have lasted as long as thirty years with daily usage! Furthermore, there is a thriving trade in old Vita-Mix blenders, parts and accessories on eBay. It's possible to find barely used or even like new machines with all stickers intact! Given the high price of a brand new model, many folks DO search for these older models! You can still buy replacement parts for the 4000, including Action Domes and seals and in fact, Vita-Mix will still repair the Maxi-4000 motor bases for $110. So I hope that shoppers for used equipment find this information useful.
Besides... I was fond of my Vita-Mix 4000, it had served me long and well. Respect is due. I am the kind of person who buys quality, takes care of it and has her stuff last for many years.
With the death of my 4000 coming, I knew I'd like to upgrade to the new 5200 model. Fortunately, my wonderful husband said I could for my birthday! Needless to say, he is now reaping the food rewards! Vita-Mix offers a $75 credit trade-in program on some models including the 4000 and they don't have to be working!
Continue reading 'R.I.P. Vita-Mix Maxi-4000'
I'd tried once before when I first got the trainer, and found it to be absolutely impossible. Could NOT do it. Worse, the DVD said that unless you could do a full regular plank for at least a minute, you shouldn't try to go suspended.
According to my heart rate monitor, I burned 350 calories for the 35 minutes I did on the trainer. Average heart rate 111 bpm (64%). Max heart rate 143 (83%). 25 minutes in the light aerobic zone... 8 minutes in my regular working aerobic zone. I managed Nordic Track skiing for 20 minutes after. Supposedly that burnt 275 calories... hard to believe, but my heart rate was up, so maybe. Average heart rate 137 bpm (79%) and max rate 147 bpm (85%). Had to stop after 20 minutes, my feet were going numb.
