So I've been doing my strength training in the morning usually before Karen gets there, but this week I was on vacation. Still going in for classes, on strength training days, I'd go in a little early. Because I'm going almost at class time, Karen is there. She kept an eye on me on Tuesday and corrected some squat positioning. But today... today she said that the bench press (at my 8 pound weight) was looking to easy and suggested I do 10. So I did.... Just a moment, but pretty cool. I realize bench pressing 8 or 10 pound dumbbells is probably nothing to some...but to me it's more than I've ever done before! I'm not in this to compete with anyone else (but myself) and I am getting stronger.. (and in less pain afterwards) all good!
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Really more of an update than a moment: It's been about a month since I got more serious.... meaning consistently 2-3 times a week (mostly 2 during this crazy time) w/ rest day(s) in between... and I'm really liking it. Doesn't take too long and although I know the goal that "failure is success", I feel completely energized afterwards and am already seeing some results.
Met with Karen who gave me a strength training program to do. I had at one time done the same with Leah who I think called it a "recovery program". But at that time, I don't think I was ready to do that in addition to everything else I was doing; and I was having frequent injuries from using dumbbells in various classes; and at that time all I'd do was turn the wrong way and pull a muscle in my neck... so I never really stuck with it.
Well now I'm a bit stronger and even graduated from 2-3 to 3-5 pound weights in the group classes. Woot, woot! I probably could go higher on some but shy away from it due to the speed that we do some of the things and nervousness about doing something too fast, messing up the form and then pulling something..... So after some more reading, research and talking all about the benefits of strength training, I believe I'm ready both mentally and physically to make it work this time. Still trying to figure out how to fit it in with other stuff I'm doing and what or if I will need to drop something. Daily morning work meetings have subsided....so if I can get myself to to the Fitness Center at a reasonable time, I can do some quick sets before starting the day. Exercise in the morning is always a good time to help boost that metabolism and maybe even get in some afterburn! haha! And I usually have no problem getting up in the morning... It's just all these other volunteer time-sinks.... oh, oh, I mean ... responsibilities that might interfere with adding something in the morning ... but back a year ago I was doing P90X3 so maybe it will work.... Oh and BTW, I'm getting P90 for Christmas (from me... to me... shhhhh it's a surprise). I do think if I have to give up something, the first thing that I'd give up is Zumba. I do like Zumba, it's fun, but I'm plagued with my un-coordinated-ness and there are sooooo many people in the class, and it is an aerobic type class, but I don't feel it's as challenging as some of the other classes and it's just not my favorite. I'm also taking 2 yoga classes and would consider giving up Hatha Yoga (love the Vinyasa Yoga). I know that consistency is necessary with strength training. At least 2-3 times a week. I'm hoping for 3 but won't beat myself up if it only ends up being 2. The program Karen came up with involves using a bar the pull-up machine and some dumbbells. So some of it I can do at home on the weekends as well. I've done it twice so far, once with Karen and once on my own. I know I'm weak in the upper body and I could definitely feel it especially across the chest the next day! I really like the Pull-up machine. Karen said I have great form in squats and lunges. She also was saying that I'm very flexible and asking if I've ever done gymnastics. "Where did you come from?" were her exact words... haha.... Nope, nope... learned just about everything I know with the exception of skiing, hula hooping, line dancing and roller skating from the wonderful folks at the South Street Fitness Center! Today I went for my free Birthday PT session at SHARC. I did things on the Bosu Balance Trainer that I had never done (or even seen before)! Also some stretching with balance that were completely new to me... And even learned more about some of the machines they have. At one point, on the Bosu doing plans and tilting side to side and back and forth, she said to me "oh, you're fun to play with". I was a bit nervous but also looking forward to the session and also wondering if doing future Personal Training would benefit me. I've done a lot in group classes without having a dedicated personal trainer, but now wonder if one could be a benefit for specific issues.... but find the cost prohibitive and actually wonder how folks do it. So at least for now.... I think I'm already on a good path and have the dedication, knowledge and ability to make it work on my own. So right now my new plan is to continue my group classes as much as possible; continue running 2-3 times a week outside through the winter; and to incorporate strength training. My beginning of the year goals included doing 1 pull-up by the end of the year. I do not believe that is possible, but maybe by the end of 2015. And for now, we'll see where this new challenge takes me. My Fitness Center is starting a 21 day clean eating challenge. I decided to join the challenge... Later found out the challenge was specifically geared towards weight-loss. Karen (fitness manager) told me that I should not... (yep, should not) be doing a weight-loss challenge. She'd recommend alternate clean eating plans or additional strength training but not specifically a weight-loss challenge... I know the scale, BMI and body Fat % all say I am right where I should be, but to specifically hear from someone that I really admire that weight loss is not something I should be doing is such a great feeling!!!!
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