There are some days that can literally knock you to your knees.
Today was one of those days.
What began as a normal day at the gym transitioned into sitting at a 14 year old's funeral service contemplating my own mortality. One of our gym families lost their youngest son/brother in a horrible accident on Saturday, and the days that transpired sense then have been a blur. I'll never understand why tragedy tends to get our attention more than the day to day blessings we encounter without a second glance. Then life throws a curve ball. A wild curve ball that throws you back on your heels and in the dirt. I am still blown away by the whole thing and my heart aches for the Hubbard family.
Well, as you know yesterday was my big day back in the weights....boy was I ready.
Not going to lie, I felt a little weak. My muscle contraction felt much better than 2 weeks ago though, so I was pretty pumped about that. Overall, I had a good workout on Monday (shoulders, biceps, core), and then it was chest and quads today. Needless to say I had to forgo the cardio. I got my fair share last week. Honestly, I'd hoped to get in at least 30 minutes, but I was shot and my body was tired...it simply wasn't going to happen. Today I did some intervals on the treadmill, which, after 4 sets of squats, leg press, and leg extension was about as exciting as basket weaving. No offense to basket weavers....but you're reading the wrong blog...
I had a new client on Monday who reminded me every 5 minutes that she hates working out and its horrible and its way too hard. I laugh. Really? What do you expect? Are we supposed to sit in a circle and play patty-cake? It amazes me. Its really OK not to enjoy every second, but our society breeds this "everything-needs-to-feel-great-or-its-bad" mentality. I fight it with people everyday.
Accept that its going to be hard.
Expect that you won't enjoy every minute.
Put in the time.
See the results.
I've got approximately 20 minutes before I need to be in bed ready to take hump day by the horns. Have a great night folks. Embrace life. Be thankful for each breath.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
DJ CRANK IT!!!
Saturday afternoon and my house is silent. It is absolutely wonderful to say the least, and was only briefly interrupted when a neighborhood kid thought it was funny to ring my doorbell and run. Really? Is this 1992...who does that anymore? I saw his mullet flapping in the wind as he ran off...enough said.
I am tired...just woke up from a nap.
I felt like I couldn't even relax until after my hip-hop class today. My Friday was completely full of a massive to-do list, then it was off to my parents' house for dinner, back home by 11, then had to finish preparing the routine for this morning,...I was a nut case. The class was an absolute blast, but it was hotter than a confessional in there. If you've ever taken a hip-hop class you can't help but have some appreciation for back-up dancers on tv. I was sucking some serious wind...
Not sure where my rhythm came from...although we used to watch Soul Train with my great-grandmother. Apparently she had an inner gansta....explains a lot.
Today capped off my week-of-cardio. Made it. Monday-Wednesday was distance/steady-state on the treadmill, Thursday and Friday was TABATA intervals which made me want my mama by the end, and today was hip-hop class. I am officially ready to pick up some weights on Monday!! Ahhh, I can't wait! It will be 9 days by that point...dear Jesus...
I honestly wasn't sure I'd make it. That sounds crazy to many of you, but I'm totally serious. I was soooo tempted yesterday. To wake up 5 days in a row and not be sore was the most bazaar thing to me. I'm ready to feel like I've worked. I'm practically counting the hours...
Ok, time for a few housy-chores, and then off to a basketball game. It might be a cup-of-joe-in-the-afternoon kind of day. :)
I am tired...just woke up from a nap.
I felt like I couldn't even relax until after my hip-hop class today. My Friday was completely full of a massive to-do list, then it was off to my parents' house for dinner, back home by 11, then had to finish preparing the routine for this morning,...I was a nut case. The class was an absolute blast, but it was hotter than a confessional in there. If you've ever taken a hip-hop class you can't help but have some appreciation for back-up dancers on tv. I was sucking some serious wind...
Today capped off my week-of-cardio. Made it. Monday-Wednesday was distance/steady-state on the treadmill, Thursday and Friday was TABATA intervals which made me want my mama by the end, and today was hip-hop class. I am officially ready to pick up some weights on Monday!! Ahhh, I can't wait! It will be 9 days by that point...dear Jesus...
I honestly wasn't sure I'd make it. That sounds crazy to many of you, but I'm totally serious. I was soooo tempted yesterday. To wake up 5 days in a row and not be sore was the most bazaar thing to me. I'm ready to feel like I've worked. I'm practically counting the hours...
Ok, time for a few housy-chores, and then off to a basketball game. It might be a cup-of-joe-in-the-afternoon kind of day. :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Cracking epidermis...happy winter...
Nothing on my body is sore right now and I don't understand this concept...
Day 3 of cardio and the treadmill is taking its toll on my feet and sanity. I am counting the days, hours, minutes until I can lift. This is absurd, I realize...some people were born with a silver spoon and I came into the world in squat position ready to toss around an 10lb med ball...
Give me weights asap...
Wednesdays always feel long.
I had a long break in my day since I did my cardio at 5:30 this morning. For the record, there is nothing fun about cardio first thing in the morning except that its too early to even complain about it. I get it. But the good news is that I was done, showered, and onto my 3rd cup of coffee by 7:15am. Thank God. The morning went smoothly, and then I was off to Target to pick up a few items. Its January...so I go through band-aids and neosporin like tic-tacs. My hands are cracking and bleeding and honestly its pretty painful. I sleep in band-aids, lotion, and gloves...yes, I'm that loser, and my husband feels like he's sleeping with a criminal. Need a ransom note? I could write one at 2am. No prints.
So basically, those 2 things were at the top of my list. By the time I left I could hardly keep my eyes open. I made it to my car and that was pretty much it. I leaned my seat back, cracked the windows, and slept for 45 minutes. It was beautiful. I was out cold and probably drooled. Hope someone saw it...
The afternoon was great with clients and the time flew by. I kept having this reoccurring theme today... Even though majority of people will work harder with a trainer standing right there, that's only a single piece of the puzzle. For my folks trying to shed some fat, I have to continually ask how their food-intake is going and if they are adhering to adjustments we've made along the way.
Its interesting to hear similar trends..."I can't just have ONE piece"....."by 4pm I am tired and just want sugar"....."I don't have time for breakfast, so I just skip it"....and the list could go on and on. I think its good for people to realize they are not alone in this and that even us trainers have moments when we crave stuff, over eat, or find ourselves giving into a sweet temptation. No one is perfect. But we need to strive for balance. Our bodies talk to us if we're willing to listen. Craving fats at night? Perhaps you're not getting enough healthy fats during the day. Hit a wall at 4pm? You're body may need a snack mid-day to maintain energy levels. Overeating every night at dinner? Maybe its a matter of adjusting calories during the day so you're more satisfied by the time dinner rolls around. Sometimes the answer is a quick fix and sometimes it requires more trial and error to figure out the main issue. BUT, we can all practice taking a step back and just listening for a moment.
Speaking of, I'm about to listen to mine and get my rear in bed. Thursday is going to be nuts.
Another day.
Another opportunity to be great.
Go with it!
Day 3 of cardio and the treadmill is taking its toll on my feet and sanity. I am counting the days, hours, minutes until I can lift. This is absurd, I realize...some people were born with a silver spoon and I came into the world in squat position ready to toss around an 10lb med ball...
Give me weights asap...
Wednesdays always feel long.
I had a long break in my day since I did my cardio at 5:30 this morning. For the record, there is nothing fun about cardio first thing in the morning except that its too early to even complain about it. I get it. But the good news is that I was done, showered, and onto my 3rd cup of coffee by 7:15am. Thank God. The morning went smoothly, and then I was off to Target to pick up a few items. Its January...so I go through band-aids and neosporin like tic-tacs. My hands are cracking and bleeding and honestly its pretty painful. I sleep in band-aids, lotion, and gloves...yes, I'm that loser, and my husband feels like he's sleeping with a criminal. Need a ransom note? I could write one at 2am. No prints.
So basically, those 2 things were at the top of my list. By the time I left I could hardly keep my eyes open. I made it to my car and that was pretty much it. I leaned my seat back, cracked the windows, and slept for 45 minutes. It was beautiful. I was out cold and probably drooled. Hope someone saw it...
The afternoon was great with clients and the time flew by. I kept having this reoccurring theme today... Even though majority of people will work harder with a trainer standing right there, that's only a single piece of the puzzle. For my folks trying to shed some fat, I have to continually ask how their food-intake is going and if they are adhering to adjustments we've made along the way.
Its interesting to hear similar trends..."I can't just have ONE piece"....."by 4pm I am tired and just want sugar"....."I don't have time for breakfast, so I just skip it"....and the list could go on and on. I think its good for people to realize they are not alone in this and that even us trainers have moments when we crave stuff, over eat, or find ourselves giving into a sweet temptation. No one is perfect. But we need to strive for balance. Our bodies talk to us if we're willing to listen. Craving fats at night? Perhaps you're not getting enough healthy fats during the day. Hit a wall at 4pm? You're body may need a snack mid-day to maintain energy levels. Overeating every night at dinner? Maybe its a matter of adjusting calories during the day so you're more satisfied by the time dinner rolls around. Sometimes the answer is a quick fix and sometimes it requires more trial and error to figure out the main issue. BUT, we can all practice taking a step back and just listening for a moment.
Speaking of, I'm about to listen to mine and get my rear in bed. Thursday is going to be nuts.
Another day.
Another opportunity to be great.
Go with it!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Striding it out...missing my dumbbells
Day 2 no lifting.
Ok, technically, its day 4 since I haven't lifted since Friday. Either way, I am not the happiest camper right now. To say I am anxious would be an understatement. I honestly have to keep reminding myself its only a week, I'll be fine. Ha...I sound like I'm in meathead rehab. Geez.
I was tired from the start today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. By the time my pseudo-workout rolled around I was feeling pretty decent and ready to get on it. I clocked another 5 miles today and then walked on 10 incline to finish out my time. Today my feet were actually a little sore and my body was wondering what the heck was going on and why all the cardio. I suddenly felt the need to apologize to myself in the middle of mile 4...
I could tell my hamstrings were tightening up by the end and realized that by Friday I will be in much need of a massage. Having a total stranger drive their elbow into your butt and then proceed to play your hamstring like a drum is completely underrated. I would get one every week if I could. Man, woman, I don't care...I want to feel borderline-abused when I leave.
The day rolled on like a typical Tuesday. Busy with clients and then 2 high school soccer teams...way too many teenage girls in one room at one time. The chatter was unbelievable. And I'm sure I was the exact same way...I do not miss that age. I was blown away though by the number of girls who simply would not kick it into 5th gear. Frustrating. And seriously, what's with the crew socks? Hideous.
Well, its already 8:45 and I am pretty spent. It will be an early rise in the morning and taking hump day down like a cage fight. Here we go! Night folks!
Ok, technically, its day 4 since I haven't lifted since Friday. Either way, I am not the happiest camper right now. To say I am anxious would be an understatement. I honestly have to keep reminding myself its only a week, I'll be fine. Ha...I sound like I'm in meathead rehab. Geez.
I was tired from the start today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. By the time my pseudo-workout rolled around I was feeling pretty decent and ready to get on it. I clocked another 5 miles today and then walked on 10 incline to finish out my time. Today my feet were actually a little sore and my body was wondering what the heck was going on and why all the cardio. I suddenly felt the need to apologize to myself in the middle of mile 4...
I could tell my hamstrings were tightening up by the end and realized that by Friday I will be in much need of a massage. Having a total stranger drive their elbow into your butt and then proceed to play your hamstring like a drum is completely underrated. I would get one every week if I could. Man, woman, I don't care...I want to feel borderline-abused when I leave.
The day rolled on like a typical Tuesday. Busy with clients and then 2 high school soccer teams...way too many teenage girls in one room at one time. The chatter was unbelievable. And I'm sure I was the exact same way...I do not miss that age. I was blown away though by the number of girls who simply would not kick it into 5th gear. Frustrating. And seriously, what's with the crew socks? Hideous.
Well, its already 8:45 and I am pretty spent. It will be an early rise in the morning and taking hump day down like a cage fight. Here we go! Night folks!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Longest week EVER...
What a day.
I fell asleep around 10pm last night and woke up about 3 times before the alarm went off at 4:18. It might as well yell obscenities at me instead of ring.
The day started off like a typical Monday, and before I knew it I was pretty much nodding off before it was time for me to workout. That is the worst. When you're so tired that you're dizzy and simply laying down to demonstrate an exercise is like a horrible tease. I get on the mat, and no, I don't want to do crunches, I want a back rub and then proceed to lay in fetal position for 20 minutes. Yes, that was me by 11am. Then I made the executive decision to do something that I haven't done in well over 2 years (probably more). The fact is that my strength has been down over the course of the last 2+ weeks, my body is tight and tired, and mentally I need a refocus. SO, I decided to take the week off from lifting. Yes, look for Jesus tomorrow because the world may be ending soon. I was toying with the idea last week and spent a lot of time thinking about it over the weekend...especially Sunday when I had to take a nap at 11am because I could not physically hold my eyes open any longer. It was time.
To be totally honest, its been a huge mental struggle and its only day 1. Lifting is such a huge part of my life and where I derive pleasure, empowerment, and gain strength physically/mentally/emotionally. BUT, I have to listen to my body right now and take a step back.
It was strange for me not to even touch a weight today, but this week I will focus on cardio/stretching. I ran 5.5 miles today and then walked on incline 10 to finish out 70 minutes. I was amazed at how little sense of accomplishment/enjoyment I got from that versus lifting weights. There are certainly things that are necessary in life, but don't always feed your soul. Most days cardio is crap on my soul. But I do it. And this week I'll be doing it until I'm blue in the face and screaming for my mama.
I can't tell you how tempted I am to say to hell with it and lift tomorrow. Ugh...I'd probably bang my head against the wall if I didn't physically have to get out of this chair...just imagine how I'll be by Friday...
I'm currently in a cabbage/chicken coma. Seriously cannot move. And that's how my Monday ends...very non-dramatic.
Night folks!
I fell asleep around 10pm last night and woke up about 3 times before the alarm went off at 4:18. It might as well yell obscenities at me instead of ring.
The day started off like a typical Monday, and before I knew it I was pretty much nodding off before it was time for me to workout. That is the worst. When you're so tired that you're dizzy and simply laying down to demonstrate an exercise is like a horrible tease. I get on the mat, and no, I don't want to do crunches, I want a back rub and then proceed to lay in fetal position for 20 minutes. Yes, that was me by 11am. Then I made the executive decision to do something that I haven't done in well over 2 years (probably more). The fact is that my strength has been down over the course of the last 2+ weeks, my body is tight and tired, and mentally I need a refocus. SO, I decided to take the week off from lifting. Yes, look for Jesus tomorrow because the world may be ending soon. I was toying with the idea last week and spent a lot of time thinking about it over the weekend...especially Sunday when I had to take a nap at 11am because I could not physically hold my eyes open any longer. It was time.
To be totally honest, its been a huge mental struggle and its only day 1. Lifting is such a huge part of my life and where I derive pleasure, empowerment, and gain strength physically/mentally/emotionally. BUT, I have to listen to my body right now and take a step back.
It was strange for me not to even touch a weight today, but this week I will focus on cardio/stretching. I ran 5.5 miles today and then walked on incline 10 to finish out 70 minutes. I was amazed at how little sense of accomplishment/enjoyment I got from that versus lifting weights. There are certainly things that are necessary in life, but don't always feed your soul. Most days cardio is crap on my soul. But I do it. And this week I'll be doing it until I'm blue in the face and screaming for my mama.
I can't tell you how tempted I am to say to hell with it and lift tomorrow. Ugh...I'd probably bang my head against the wall if I didn't physically have to get out of this chair...just imagine how I'll be by Friday...
I'm currently in a cabbage/chicken coma. Seriously cannot move. And that's how my Monday ends...very non-dramatic.
Night folks!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Feeding from the navel...
Its Friday morning, and yes, I've already cleaned my house.
Don't be so shocked. Its part of the highlight of my Fridays, let's be honest.
The week seemed to fly by faster than I thought it would. This can be good and bad. Now here I sit, tired, and ready for a little R & R. It never fails that on my day off I instinctively wake up at 4:30 and freak out "What day is it? Am I late?"...its like clock work. I'll dose off and on for about another hour before I drag myself out of bed and stagger to the coffee pot. I never have the patience to let it completely fill up. Once that bad boy hits 5 cups, I'm pouring.
Quick story...
Went to see my nieces last night. Payton is running around playing and has become quite attached to baby dolls. She watches my sister-in-law and attempts to care for the baby just as Kelly does for Haven. Its adorable. And clearly she's been taking notes...
She comes in the kitchen and announces that she has to "feed her baby"....so she proceeds to sit on her stool, pull up her shirt, and stick the baby's head on her belly button. I am dying laughing at this point and just mad I don't have my camera. She keeps her there for about 30 seconds and then says "ok, now I do the other side", and then turned the baby around...still stuck on the belly button. All I could sit there and think was that this is hilarious now, but not so much in 15 years. Very observant child....which should scare the crap out of my brother...
I'm looking forward to my workout today...shoulders/hamstings/glutes. This week I had to split up my leg routine, which is actually fine because I'm not sure I could have survived my cardio wed/thurs if my legs were shot from a brutal workout. Yesterday's back workout was awesome. I really focused on keeping my rest periods under 45 seconds, which, by set 4 of supersetting cable row with hyperextensions proved to be killer. I was breathing like a pregnant woman.
One thing I did find beneficial was doing all my core exercises before my back exercises. When I was doing it the other way around my mid-back would get so tight that I couldn't get a great contraction in my core. Such a nerdy meathead.
Have to touch on something serious for a moment that has been on my mind. Yesterday I had an athlete come in and the first thing she did was pull up her shirt and start pinching her stomach claiming "I'm fat Meredith, this has got to go!!" Then she pinches her inner thigh and starts spouting off like a mad woman about how she's the fattest person on her team, yadda yadda. It was not in a joking way...she was anxious and serious. It broke my heart and angered me at the same time. This female is extremely tall, and her thighs hardly touch when she puts her feet together, and she's getting ready to face a very competitive atmosphere in Division I sports. I honestly could not believe what I was hearing. She kept going on and on and would not let me get a word in. I finally had to raise my voice and just get very firm and serious with her. I don't play around with this issue. Its a vicious and powerful downward spiral that can get out of control very quickly. Looking back, it still blows my mind that within months in college I was 92 pounds, scared to death of food, and pulling clumps of hair out in the shower. Its not a pretty picture.
I asked her what she wanted me to do because I knew deep down she was about to be completely thrown off with my response.
She said she wanted me to "fix it." Ha. Not going to happen. To offer any type of advice on how to lose fat when you're already extremely thin would simply be to validate this idea of "I'm fat and need to lose weight." I had no plans of that. The whole body-image issue is a tricky thing. Our reality is what we see. However, what we see can be skewed by certain ideals, fears, and experiences we internalize and allow to mold our self-perception. And changing the mind is like going to battle with yourself for yourself. But it is critical.
Sure, she wasn't to the point I'd suggest professional help. But an alcoholic never walked into a bar one day and said "I want to become an alcoholic." And the truth is that its MUCH easier to deal with the thoughts/feelings early than 10 years down the road. Whole new ballgame at that point.
Ugh...it just left my mind burdened last night and today.
All I can say is if you think someone is dealing with this issue, talk to them and encourage them to seek help in whatever form they need. It may be your words that spark healthy change.
Well, I've got to work on a hip-hop routine for tomorrow's class.
I always leave my blinds open while I practice in my kitchen...just to keep my neighbors entertained :)
Your welcome Mebane.
Have a lovely Friday!
Don't be so shocked. Its part of the highlight of my Fridays, let's be honest.
The week seemed to fly by faster than I thought it would. This can be good and bad. Now here I sit, tired, and ready for a little R & R. It never fails that on my day off I instinctively wake up at 4:30 and freak out "What day is it? Am I late?"...its like clock work. I'll dose off and on for about another hour before I drag myself out of bed and stagger to the coffee pot. I never have the patience to let it completely fill up. Once that bad boy hits 5 cups, I'm pouring.
Quick story...
Went to see my nieces last night. Payton is running around playing and has become quite attached to baby dolls. She watches my sister-in-law and attempts to care for the baby just as Kelly does for Haven. Its adorable. And clearly she's been taking notes...
She comes in the kitchen and announces that she has to "feed her baby"....so she proceeds to sit on her stool, pull up her shirt, and stick the baby's head on her belly button. I am dying laughing at this point and just mad I don't have my camera. She keeps her there for about 30 seconds and then says "ok, now I do the other side", and then turned the baby around...still stuck on the belly button. All I could sit there and think was that this is hilarious now, but not so much in 15 years. Very observant child....which should scare the crap out of my brother...
I'm looking forward to my workout today...shoulders/hamstings/glutes. This week I had to split up my leg routine, which is actually fine because I'm not sure I could have survived my cardio wed/thurs if my legs were shot from a brutal workout. Yesterday's back workout was awesome. I really focused on keeping my rest periods under 45 seconds, which, by set 4 of supersetting cable row with hyperextensions proved to be killer. I was breathing like a pregnant woman.
One thing I did find beneficial was doing all my core exercises before my back exercises. When I was doing it the other way around my mid-back would get so tight that I couldn't get a great contraction in my core. Such a nerdy meathead.
Have to touch on something serious for a moment that has been on my mind. Yesterday I had an athlete come in and the first thing she did was pull up her shirt and start pinching her stomach claiming "I'm fat Meredith, this has got to go!!" Then she pinches her inner thigh and starts spouting off like a mad woman about how she's the fattest person on her team, yadda yadda. It was not in a joking way...she was anxious and serious. It broke my heart and angered me at the same time. This female is extremely tall, and her thighs hardly touch when she puts her feet together, and she's getting ready to face a very competitive atmosphere in Division I sports. I honestly could not believe what I was hearing. She kept going on and on and would not let me get a word in. I finally had to raise my voice and just get very firm and serious with her. I don't play around with this issue. Its a vicious and powerful downward spiral that can get out of control very quickly. Looking back, it still blows my mind that within months in college I was 92 pounds, scared to death of food, and pulling clumps of hair out in the shower. Its not a pretty picture.
I asked her what she wanted me to do because I knew deep down she was about to be completely thrown off with my response.
She said she wanted me to "fix it." Ha. Not going to happen. To offer any type of advice on how to lose fat when you're already extremely thin would simply be to validate this idea of "I'm fat and need to lose weight." I had no plans of that. The whole body-image issue is a tricky thing. Our reality is what we see. However, what we see can be skewed by certain ideals, fears, and experiences we internalize and allow to mold our self-perception. And changing the mind is like going to battle with yourself for yourself. But it is critical.
Sure, she wasn't to the point I'd suggest professional help. But an alcoholic never walked into a bar one day and said "I want to become an alcoholic." And the truth is that its MUCH easier to deal with the thoughts/feelings early than 10 years down the road. Whole new ballgame at that point.
Ugh...it just left my mind burdened last night and today.
All I can say is if you think someone is dealing with this issue, talk to them and encourage them to seek help in whatever form they need. It may be your words that spark healthy change.
Well, I've got to work on a hip-hop routine for tomorrow's class.
I always leave my blinds open while I practice in my kitchen...just to keep my neighbors entertained :)
Your welcome Mebane.
Have a lovely Friday!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Where's Tink??
Finally, I exhale.
Its been one heck of a day...not overwhelmingly busy, just tired and a lot on my mind. I swear my brain is swimming in cortisol with worry, stress, busyness, on and on...
You would think that sleep would be a break. Not exactly. I dream like crazy, and very vividly as well. The other night I actually woke myself up saying "I'm an orphan, I'm an orphan." My husband thinks sleeping with me is quite entertaining. Its nothing for me to sit straight up and start spouting out gibberish or stand on the bed screaming there's spiders or something. I'm sure its comical. I claim that I get it from my dad. My mom says he talks in his sleep, but the best story was from years ago....
Mom said that dad was dead asleep and nudged her and said "no no, that's where she sleeps." Yup, my mom was fully awake at that point and said she couldn't help but get a little angry. So she responds to see if my dad will actually talk back to her..."WHO IS SHE?" My mom is slightly dramatic so I can imagine that at this point she is 2 seconds from a freakout or a domestic violence charge. She said my dad just laid there and said in some soft, seductive voice...."Peter Pan". Needless to say, my dad has never lived that one down...
I have yet to reference Disney characters while asleep...that's a whole new level...
Wow, huge sidetrack ride there.
Workout today went better than I thought it would. Because of my schedule tomorrow I had to hit chest, quads, and core. Horrible. Lifting took me an hour and 20 minutes, and then 40 minutes cardio. I was beyond spent. And cardio after squats, leg press, and leg extensions is about as fun as a physical. There I thought of the first non-fun-thing that came to mind. Apparently a physical ranks pretty high in my book. And here's the million dollar question: where do you look when you're laying on the exam table??! Exactly.
Anyway, weights were great and for the next few weeks I'm going 15 reps on all my leg exercises. With my cardio increasing, and simply trying to bring my upper body in proportion, there's no sense in trying to lift for strength/size in the legs. But my God, my legs know exactly when I hot 10 reps. I mean its like a switch goes off. My body likes nothing above 10. Built for speed and power baby.
New concoction: shredded chicken, julienne peeled squash, mushrooms, garlic, and light pasta sauce. Holy crap its amazing. Looks like vom, but oh so good!
Tomorrow looks to be a cardio day. I have a feeling my legs are going to be pretty darn sore. This will be fun.
So I was reading a couple of articles online today, and I am absolutely amazed by the amount of lies people are fed when it comes to nutrition and training. This one female writer was talking about dropping calories to put yourself in a state to lose weight, and she said, "if you want to lose more, just drop your calories by at least 1000 calories per day." UMMMM....NO. If your maintenance is 1700 calories, and you're trying to lose weight, there is no way in hell you should eat 700 calories per day! Idiot. You'll piss away all your muscle, kill your metabolism, and your hair will eventually start falling out. It blows my mind. Get educated people...some bimbo advertising a 1000 calorie diet is not an expert. The ad is fake,...her boobs are fake,...bla bla bla...
Aaaanndd now I'll step down off my soap box.
A handful of almonds and now its time to wash dishes and head to bed. Hump day people...brace yourself. Do something tomorrow that scares you just a little. That's legal...
Night :)
Its been one heck of a day...not overwhelmingly busy, just tired and a lot on my mind. I swear my brain is swimming in cortisol with worry, stress, busyness, on and on...
You would think that sleep would be a break. Not exactly. I dream like crazy, and very vividly as well. The other night I actually woke myself up saying "I'm an orphan, I'm an orphan." My husband thinks sleeping with me is quite entertaining. Its nothing for me to sit straight up and start spouting out gibberish or stand on the bed screaming there's spiders or something. I'm sure its comical. I claim that I get it from my dad. My mom says he talks in his sleep, but the best story was from years ago....
Mom said that dad was dead asleep and nudged her and said "no no, that's where she sleeps." Yup, my mom was fully awake at that point and said she couldn't help but get a little angry. So she responds to see if my dad will actually talk back to her..."WHO IS SHE?" My mom is slightly dramatic so I can imagine that at this point she is 2 seconds from a freakout or a domestic violence charge. She said my dad just laid there and said in some soft, seductive voice...."Peter Pan". Needless to say, my dad has never lived that one down...
I have yet to reference Disney characters while asleep...that's a whole new level...
Wow, huge sidetrack ride there.
Workout today went better than I thought it would. Because of my schedule tomorrow I had to hit chest, quads, and core. Horrible. Lifting took me an hour and 20 minutes, and then 40 minutes cardio. I was beyond spent. And cardio after squats, leg press, and leg extensions is about as fun as a physical. There I thought of the first non-fun-thing that came to mind. Apparently a physical ranks pretty high in my book. And here's the million dollar question: where do you look when you're laying on the exam table??! Exactly.
Anyway, weights were great and for the next few weeks I'm going 15 reps on all my leg exercises. With my cardio increasing, and simply trying to bring my upper body in proportion, there's no sense in trying to lift for strength/size in the legs. But my God, my legs know exactly when I hot 10 reps. I mean its like a switch goes off. My body likes nothing above 10. Built for speed and power baby.
New concoction: shredded chicken, julienne peeled squash, mushrooms, garlic, and light pasta sauce. Holy crap its amazing. Looks like vom, but oh so good!
Tomorrow looks to be a cardio day. I have a feeling my legs are going to be pretty darn sore. This will be fun.
So I was reading a couple of articles online today, and I am absolutely amazed by the amount of lies people are fed when it comes to nutrition and training. This one female writer was talking about dropping calories to put yourself in a state to lose weight, and she said, "if you want to lose more, just drop your calories by at least 1000 calories per day." UMMMM....NO. If your maintenance is 1700 calories, and you're trying to lose weight, there is no way in hell you should eat 700 calories per day! Idiot. You'll piss away all your muscle, kill your metabolism, and your hair will eventually start falling out. It blows my mind. Get educated people...some bimbo advertising a 1000 calorie diet is not an expert. The ad is fake,...her boobs are fake,...bla bla bla...
Aaaanndd now I'll step down off my soap box.
A handful of almonds and now its time to wash dishes and head to bed. Hump day people...brace yourself. Do something tomorrow that scares you just a little. That's legal...
Night :)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Double on the Joe
Monday...back at it.
The weekend absolutely flew by, especially since I taught 2 classes Saturday and by the time I showered and got out to do errands it was 2pm. I was exhausted and the day felt practically over. Yesterday was spent cooking for the week and just resting. I took a nap and was nearly in a coma by the time I needed to get up. I bet when I lay down I fall sleep in no more than 2 minutes. I'm out.
Today was a full day.
I'm drinking 2 full travel mugs worth of coffee now in the morning to get me going. No worries, I throw some protein powder in there and I'm in heaven. But this morning it felt like I could have used another cup...ugh..
My workout felt great. I hit shoulders/biceps and finished with 45 minutes of cardio. Shocker, I know. I needed a break from sprints today though. Weights were heavy, but good. I still struggle with the muscle contraction in my left bicep, but its getting there. The cardio was actually good...I sort of got in a zone and just kept moving...
I finished my afternoon with a variety of clients. Starting my afternoon, I had an 11 year old basketball player and then immediately rolled into a workout with a 66 year old man with numerous health problems. It was such a stark contrast, and yet a reminder that its all about health wherever you are in life. The man was clearly not going to jump over the hurdles as the young boy did, but he could step over and work on his balance and body-awareness. So often we forget what we are truly capable of because we limit ourselves and find strange comfort in our fears and lack of action. There is no doubt in my mind that the man was uncomfortable at times and slightly short of breath. However, he was willing to challenge his weaknesses and trust my guidance. He is amazing himself and I love it.
Whew, I am spent and need to head to bed. 4:30 will come early...I'm already looking forward to my coffee in the morning. Oh, its the little things :)
The weekend absolutely flew by, especially since I taught 2 classes Saturday and by the time I showered and got out to do errands it was 2pm. I was exhausted and the day felt practically over. Yesterday was spent cooking for the week and just resting. I took a nap and was nearly in a coma by the time I needed to get up. I bet when I lay down I fall sleep in no more than 2 minutes. I'm out.
Today was a full day.
I'm drinking 2 full travel mugs worth of coffee now in the morning to get me going. No worries, I throw some protein powder in there and I'm in heaven. But this morning it felt like I could have used another cup...ugh..
My workout felt great. I hit shoulders/biceps and finished with 45 minutes of cardio. Shocker, I know. I needed a break from sprints today though. Weights were heavy, but good. I still struggle with the muscle contraction in my left bicep, but its getting there. The cardio was actually good...I sort of got in a zone and just kept moving...
I finished my afternoon with a variety of clients. Starting my afternoon, I had an 11 year old basketball player and then immediately rolled into a workout with a 66 year old man with numerous health problems. It was such a stark contrast, and yet a reminder that its all about health wherever you are in life. The man was clearly not going to jump over the hurdles as the young boy did, but he could step over and work on his balance and body-awareness. So often we forget what we are truly capable of because we limit ourselves and find strange comfort in our fears and lack of action. There is no doubt in my mind that the man was uncomfortable at times and slightly short of breath. However, he was willing to challenge his weaknesses and trust my guidance. He is amazing himself and I love it.
Whew, I am spent and need to head to bed. 4:30 will come early...I'm already looking forward to my coffee in the morning. Oh, its the little things :)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rest and Recharge
There are times when you struggle physically. There are times when you struggle mentally. There are times when you struggle emotionally. And then there are those times when life throws a curve ball at your face and you conveniently struggle with all 3 at the same time. That has been my week in a nutshell.
I was to the point today when I couldn't even make sense...I sounded ridiculous trying to formulate sentences and like I needed speech therapy. I am spent. In every area. In every way. Majority of my lifts were down in weight this week, mentally I was so stressed I wasn't sleeping well, and emotionally I've been about as stable as a busted tripod.
I had a client come up to me tonight and offer some much needed advice/wisdom. She can simply look at me and tell something is up...and honestly, I can't BS with people or pretend life is a field of daisies when its not. She reminded me that when you repeatedly try to give from an empty cup you AND the receiver are left with nothing. You have to take care of YOU...whatever that means. For some its a day at the spa, for others its a long bath,...whatever it is that energizes and "refills" you, do it.
I needed to hear that. I am all about productivity and being "on my A game" that I forget to step back and recharge.
For me, I need a day by myself. I need to come and go as I please, say as few words as possible, and simply be. I value my quiet time because I have so little of it. I am not saying every job does not carry its own set of stress and things that will simply wear you down, BUT unless you work with people, numerous people, on a daily basis, you don't fully understand the energy it requires. Every single person has to be treated, motivated, and understood differently. Tuning into that with each person is why am in love with and intrigued by what I do, but I would be lying if I said it doesn't drain the hell out of me. Many nights I come home thankful for only 24 hours at a time. God knows that's all we can handle.
Of course today was a long day, but a good day.
My workout was harder than I should have been. I had back and then sprints. I honestly fought the urge to not do my sprints today. I was clearly exhausted, my legs are extremely sore from yesterday's run and lift, and I did sprints Monday and Tuesday. Needless to say it would've been easy to call it a day. Ugh...but onward we roll. I thought of Zimm and sort of pictured him yelling at me to just do it. (For the record, he never yells at me, but for this moment in time I needed someone yelling obscenities in my ear to nudge me a little bit, ha). Once I loosened up I was in the zone and rolling. I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear myself sucking wind, and had to just take them one at a time. If I sat there and thought about having 8 more left, or 6 more left I could feel my body sink into exhaustion. One at a time. I ended up running 17 sprints at 14mph. 10 seconds on, 40 seconds walk. Since the number was not the same (50 seconds total instead of 1 minute), I had to pay more attention to my on/walk time which sort of kept my mind off of the fact that I thought my hamstrings would snap at any moment.
I was glad to be done.
I am always amazed by the number of people that think they need to enjoy every single minute of training. Ummm...no. In fact, I think if you genuinely do, then you're not working hard enough. Its ok not to like every aspect, but you do it. You realize it is essential to meet your goals and you just do it. Reminds me of when my mom used to always say "Sometimes life is about doing necessary things you don't want to do." Ok, so she was referring to some family-reunion 4 hours away, but it still applies. Thank you mom for your wisdom at the dinner table.
I'm looking at these brussel sprouts and really not sure if I can finish them. You know you're tired when you take bigger bites than normal because its one less fork-to-mouth trip you have to make. On that note I'm signing off for the night. Homework is to figure out what recharges you and then seek to do it over the next few days. We are not seeking perfection, but rather our best selves....an evolving process that is always one day at a time...
I was to the point today when I couldn't even make sense...I sounded ridiculous trying to formulate sentences and like I needed speech therapy. I am spent. In every area. In every way. Majority of my lifts were down in weight this week, mentally I was so stressed I wasn't sleeping well, and emotionally I've been about as stable as a busted tripod.
I had a client come up to me tonight and offer some much needed advice/wisdom. She can simply look at me and tell something is up...and honestly, I can't BS with people or pretend life is a field of daisies when its not. She reminded me that when you repeatedly try to give from an empty cup you AND the receiver are left with nothing. You have to take care of YOU...whatever that means. For some its a day at the spa, for others its a long bath,...whatever it is that energizes and "refills" you, do it.
I needed to hear that. I am all about productivity and being "on my A game" that I forget to step back and recharge.
For me, I need a day by myself. I need to come and go as I please, say as few words as possible, and simply be. I value my quiet time because I have so little of it. I am not saying every job does not carry its own set of stress and things that will simply wear you down, BUT unless you work with people, numerous people, on a daily basis, you don't fully understand the energy it requires. Every single person has to be treated, motivated, and understood differently. Tuning into that with each person is why am in love with and intrigued by what I do, but I would be lying if I said it doesn't drain the hell out of me. Many nights I come home thankful for only 24 hours at a time. God knows that's all we can handle.
Of course today was a long day, but a good day.
My workout was harder than I should have been. I had back and then sprints. I honestly fought the urge to not do my sprints today. I was clearly exhausted, my legs are extremely sore from yesterday's run and lift, and I did sprints Monday and Tuesday. Needless to say it would've been easy to call it a day. Ugh...but onward we roll. I thought of Zimm and sort of pictured him yelling at me to just do it. (For the record, he never yells at me, but for this moment in time I needed someone yelling obscenities in my ear to nudge me a little bit, ha). Once I loosened up I was in the zone and rolling. I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear myself sucking wind, and had to just take them one at a time. If I sat there and thought about having 8 more left, or 6 more left I could feel my body sink into exhaustion. One at a time. I ended up running 17 sprints at 14mph. 10 seconds on, 40 seconds walk. Since the number was not the same (50 seconds total instead of 1 minute), I had to pay more attention to my on/walk time which sort of kept my mind off of the fact that I thought my hamstrings would snap at any moment.
I was glad to be done.
I am always amazed by the number of people that think they need to enjoy every single minute of training. Ummm...no. In fact, I think if you genuinely do, then you're not working hard enough. Its ok not to like every aspect, but you do it. You realize it is essential to meet your goals and you just do it. Reminds me of when my mom used to always say "Sometimes life is about doing necessary things you don't want to do." Ok, so she was referring to some family-reunion 4 hours away, but it still applies. Thank you mom for your wisdom at the dinner table.
I'm looking at these brussel sprouts and really not sure if I can finish them. You know you're tired when you take bigger bites than normal because its one less fork-to-mouth trip you have to make. On that note I'm signing off for the night. Homework is to figure out what recharges you and then seek to do it over the next few days. We are not seeking perfection, but rather our best selves....an evolving process that is always one day at a time...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Dragging
Modern Family comes on in 13 minutes, so this will be a quick post. What? There are only a handful of guilty pleasure TV shows I watch, and this just happens to be one of them...
Hard day. I am more exhausted than I've been in a long time. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to being tired on a daily basis, but I feel ridiculous. My day started with 30 minutes of cardio, which proved to make my leg workout extremely difficult. My weights were actually down on squats and leg extensions...boo and boo. I got through the workout, but I wasn't pleased that it felt like more hell than normal. Hump day wins.
Just finished my cabbage/chicken...it was an obscene amount of cabbage...might end up being a poor decision. Eh...ok, this was quick...no worries, I'll be back tomorrow...
Night!
Hard day. I am more exhausted than I've been in a long time. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to being tired on a daily basis, but I feel ridiculous. My day started with 30 minutes of cardio, which proved to make my leg workout extremely difficult. My weights were actually down on squats and leg extensions...boo and boo. I got through the workout, but I wasn't pleased that it felt like more hell than normal. Hump day wins.
Just finished my cabbage/chicken...it was an obscene amount of cabbage...might end up being a poor decision. Eh...ok, this was quick...no worries, I'll be back tomorrow...
Night!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Dino on the run...
Dreary Monday.
Came to the gym,...it was raining.
Left the gym,...still raining.
Most rainy days I find it a little more difficult to workout. I was a little shocked that I had such a great workout. Everything felt good. Yes, even the sprints afterward. I attribute part of it to the 40 minutes of yoga/stretching I did yesterday, and the other part to the 3 hours of sitting I did. I read that entire time. Amazing my eyes were not bleeding by the end.
I did shoulders/biceps today. I've really got to get my arms in gear...biceps need to be a little bigger. I find bicep workouts to be extremely hard. You have to lift more for feel than necessarily weight. And since its more isolation movements, mine are usually shot after 12 sets. After that arm workout, I looked like T-Rex trying to run sprints. I did 17, 20 second sprints at 12mph with a 40 second walk between. Done and done. Finished with some jump rope, (which makes me thankful for small breasts), stretched, and then it was time to hit the shower.
After having such a good run, I was once again reminded of how important it is for me to keep my legs loose...but lets be honest, us meatheads rarely spend time stretching. I look into the pilates room and see Anna in some position that should be illegal and my hamstrings ache just watching. The worst is probably my glutes/hips. I cannot even sit Indian-style (which is no longer PC, but we'll pretend its 1987), without my hips hurting. Horrible...
Devouring some chicken and cabbage right now. Brian started his diet today...vegetarian Engine 2. I cannot wait to see his bowels implode by Thursday. Honestly, I couldn't do it. I love meat/eggs too much. Secondly, I'd be shooting whey protein through a needle just to meet my daily requirements. I really don't know what it would take to make me give up meat. But let's not test it..
I know it sounds like a challenge Zimm, but don't get any ideas. I am already waving the white flag of sweet-meat-surrender!
Already 8:00 and I am pooped. I didn't sleep well last night...way to much on my mind I guess. I hope tonight is different...otherwise, I feel sorry for my early-morning clients :)
Night folks.
Came to the gym,...it was raining.
Left the gym,...still raining.
Most rainy days I find it a little more difficult to workout. I was a little shocked that I had such a great workout. Everything felt good. Yes, even the sprints afterward. I attribute part of it to the 40 minutes of yoga/stretching I did yesterday, and the other part to the 3 hours of sitting I did. I read that entire time. Amazing my eyes were not bleeding by the end.
I did shoulders/biceps today. I've really got to get my arms in gear...biceps need to be a little bigger. I find bicep workouts to be extremely hard. You have to lift more for feel than necessarily weight. And since its more isolation movements, mine are usually shot after 12 sets. After that arm workout, I looked like T-Rex trying to run sprints. I did 17, 20 second sprints at 12mph with a 40 second walk between. Done and done. Finished with some jump rope, (which makes me thankful for small breasts), stretched, and then it was time to hit the shower.
After having such a good run, I was once again reminded of how important it is for me to keep my legs loose...but lets be honest, us meatheads rarely spend time stretching. I look into the pilates room and see Anna in some position that should be illegal and my hamstrings ache just watching. The worst is probably my glutes/hips. I cannot even sit Indian-style (which is no longer PC, but we'll pretend its 1987), without my hips hurting. Horrible...
Devouring some chicken and cabbage right now. Brian started his diet today...vegetarian Engine 2. I cannot wait to see his bowels implode by Thursday. Honestly, I couldn't do it. I love meat/eggs too much. Secondly, I'd be shooting whey protein through a needle just to meet my daily requirements. I really don't know what it would take to make me give up meat. But let's not test it..
I know it sounds like a challenge Zimm, but don't get any ideas. I am already waving the white flag of sweet-meat-surrender!
Already 8:00 and I am pooped. I didn't sleep well last night...way to much on my mind I guess. I hope tonight is different...otherwise, I feel sorry for my early-morning clients :)
Night folks.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Fabulous Florets
I can't go anywhere without sweating.
We just got home from a church basketball game and I'm pretty sure I was the only person in the stands who looked liked they'd played the entire time. Its January and my body sweats like its August. Its a bit ridiculous.
The past 2 days have been very productive to say the least. Thursday night I managed to undecorate everything just in time for Jersey Shore. Perfect timing. Friday was a mixture of cleaning, working out, cleaning, throwing out more stuff,...get the picture? I was on an OCD roll. The day I appear on the show Hoarding will be the day Jesus is coming back. I love getting rid of stuff. Anyway, that was my Friday and some of my day today. Workout Friday was pretty solid, but my legs were beyond sore. I had to do sprints at the end, and it was all I could do to hit 14mph for the last 5 minutes. This time it wasn't so much my hamstrings as it was my quads. They felt like a ton of bricks. I finished, and was glad to be done.
Today was a 5 mile jog...weather was amazing, which made it a little more enjoyable. I am honestly debating whether or not to go completely plyo/sprints with my leg training for about 3 weeks and focus more on my upper body. We'll see.
This coming week is going to be a little crazy. I start teaching 3 ZUMBA classes in addition to my hip-hop class. I am going to be cardio-out by Saturday. On top of sprints, my legs will be exhausted. Yeah,...this will be interesting...
I've eaten so much broccoli today...with tuna....with chicken....by itself...I'm going to turn into a floret. Oh so good.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the typical new year's resolution to "get healthy, lose weight, eat better, etc..." Every year people make these resolutions....and every year the majority of people lose momentum and go back to old habits within a few weeks. And then by November/December they are in the same boat. Where are we going wrong? Well, I don't think its all about discipline. Discipline stems from desire to obtain a particular goal...and that desire comes from a conscious decision to achieve X, Y, or Z. I think we fail to change our mindset.....that its more than THAT particular goal. Its about valuing each step to get there equally....a lifestyle change rather than a destination that may or may not become reality. Is that to say that you cannot achieve it? No. But if the goal is unrealistic, it immediately sets you up to feel like a failure. And then you're back at square one. So perhaps we need to start with realistic goals. Create a plan. Cultivate a mindset that every aspect of the plan is valuable and that there is no destination without a journey. Set bench marks along the way. Then go and don't look back.
On that note, its bedtime. Night!
We just got home from a church basketball game and I'm pretty sure I was the only person in the stands who looked liked they'd played the entire time. Its January and my body sweats like its August. Its a bit ridiculous.
The past 2 days have been very productive to say the least. Thursday night I managed to undecorate everything just in time for Jersey Shore. Perfect timing. Friday was a mixture of cleaning, working out, cleaning, throwing out more stuff,...get the picture? I was on an OCD roll. The day I appear on the show Hoarding will be the day Jesus is coming back. I love getting rid of stuff. Anyway, that was my Friday and some of my day today. Workout Friday was pretty solid, but my legs were beyond sore. I had to do sprints at the end, and it was all I could do to hit 14mph for the last 5 minutes. This time it wasn't so much my hamstrings as it was my quads. They felt like a ton of bricks. I finished, and was glad to be done.
Today was a 5 mile jog...weather was amazing, which made it a little more enjoyable. I am honestly debating whether or not to go completely plyo/sprints with my leg training for about 3 weeks and focus more on my upper body. We'll see.
This coming week is going to be a little crazy. I start teaching 3 ZUMBA classes in addition to my hip-hop class. I am going to be cardio-out by Saturday. On top of sprints, my legs will be exhausted. Yeah,...this will be interesting...
I've eaten so much broccoli today...with tuna....with chicken....by itself...I'm going to turn into a floret. Oh so good.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the typical new year's resolution to "get healthy, lose weight, eat better, etc..." Every year people make these resolutions....and every year the majority of people lose momentum and go back to old habits within a few weeks. And then by November/December they are in the same boat. Where are we going wrong? Well, I don't think its all about discipline. Discipline stems from desire to obtain a particular goal...and that desire comes from a conscious decision to achieve X, Y, or Z. I think we fail to change our mindset.....that its more than THAT particular goal. Its about valuing each step to get there equally....a lifestyle change rather than a destination that may or may not become reality. Is that to say that you cannot achieve it? No. But if the goal is unrealistic, it immediately sets you up to feel like a failure. And then you're back at square one. So perhaps we need to start with realistic goals. Create a plan. Cultivate a mindset that every aspect of the plan is valuable and that there is no destination without a journey. Set bench marks along the way. Then go and don't look back.
On that note, its bedtime. Night!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Back to the attic...
Here comes a mid-afternoon blog.
I have a few extra minutes before my afternoon clients so I figured a little word-vomit would be great. Plus, tonight will begin the Christmas-undecorating-adventure, so there will be little time for anything else. I dread taking everything down. Honestly, it will be a bigger mess before it gets better, and I have a lot of decorations...its giving me anxiety just thinking about it.
I just finished my workout...back and biceps, then finished with 20 minutes of jump rope. I'm not great at jumping rope, and it sort of bothers my head bobbing up and down like a 2 year old on speed. Probably a totally inappropriate metaphor. Anyway, I made it through and then got on the foam roller for a few minutes. Workout felt good, and I've really tried to focus on my tempo lately,...just making sure I keep the eccentric movement slow and controlled. Everything feels pretty heavy, and perhaps this week its due to lack of sleep and a little wine on our new years trip. Umm...yes, I can answer that question myself...its totally due to both of those things. Want crappy workouts? Just increase your alcohol intake and don't sleep much...that will pretty much do the trick.
Speaking of,...I'm exhausted today. I didn't sleep well last night and its just been a long week. I'm nearly falling asleep right now. Ridiculous. Don't underestimate my ability to fall asleep while sitting straight up. I've mastered that art form.
Ok, time to get back on track. A few more hours to go and then home to take down everything that should have been taken down last week. I heard its bad luck to leave your decorations up through New Years Day. Well dang. That explains the last 12 years of my life....ha, just kidding :)
Have a great day peeps!
I have a few extra minutes before my afternoon clients so I figured a little word-vomit would be great. Plus, tonight will begin the Christmas-undecorating-adventure, so there will be little time for anything else. I dread taking everything down. Honestly, it will be a bigger mess before it gets better, and I have a lot of decorations...its giving me anxiety just thinking about it.
I just finished my workout...back and biceps, then finished with 20 minutes of jump rope. I'm not great at jumping rope, and it sort of bothers my head bobbing up and down like a 2 year old on speed. Probably a totally inappropriate metaphor. Anyway, I made it through and then got on the foam roller for a few minutes. Workout felt good, and I've really tried to focus on my tempo lately,...just making sure I keep the eccentric movement slow and controlled. Everything feels pretty heavy, and perhaps this week its due to lack of sleep and a little wine on our new years trip. Umm...yes, I can answer that question myself...its totally due to both of those things. Want crappy workouts? Just increase your alcohol intake and don't sleep much...that will pretty much do the trick.
Speaking of,...I'm exhausted today. I didn't sleep well last night and its just been a long week. I'm nearly falling asleep right now. Ridiculous. Don't underestimate my ability to fall asleep while sitting straight up. I've mastered that art form.
Ok, time to get back on track. A few more hours to go and then home to take down everything that should have been taken down last week. I heard its bad luck to leave your decorations up through New Years Day. Well dang. That explains the last 12 years of my life....ha, just kidding :)
Have a great day peeps!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Redemption
Its been a long week so far and its only Tuesday.
Honestly, it was one of those days that I get home and just scream at the top of my lungs. My cat probably peed himself when I did it. Ha...wouldn't be the first time. But I needed it. It was just one of those days when, by 6pm, the smallest thing could have sent me into "a fit" as my grandma would say. And what a fit it would be...
Part of the issue was my workout yesterday. I hate having a bad workout. I don't mind when its hard, or I'm sucking wind, or if everything hurts....that's life, move on. But I had several factors that created one perfect storm. I felt nauseous from the beginning (not sure if it was the creatine I took), my heartrate was already in the 80s before starting, I was mentally distracted, and simply could not maintain the mind-muscle connection on several of my lifts. By the end I was pissed. I just wanted to hit the shower and go on with my day. And on top of that, it was the first official workout of the new year...what a downer. If that is a reflection of the year, I might as well lay face-down on the treadmill and set that bad boy on speed 12. Rough start to say the least...
So today I needed a redemption workout. I hit shoulders, triceps, and finished with sprints. It was a great second day workout and even though my heartrate was 200 on the sprints, it felt ok and I was pleased with the entire workout. And thank you Zimm for always encouraging me through it!
I really want my delts to pop this year, so I've got to bust it on shoulder routines. I toyed with a couple of different training splits for the next 12 weeks, and after consulting with a few friends who are pro-bodybuilders, I decided to keep it a 5-day split and only hitting legs once a week. That way, I can focus on bringing my upper body in proportion with my legs. If it looks like I could squat a house, it needs to look like I can press a house as well. So that's the plan for now. Started creatine cycle yesterday, weight is at 132,...so we'll see where that number creeps to. But given that I'm not bumping up my calories tremendously, it may not move. Eh, I'm fine either way.
Ugh, already 8:20 and I need to get a move on. One of my new year's resolutions was to read more. And by "more" I mean more than ridiculous facebook status updates. Sooo...that means I need to actually get in bed before 9 so that I have more than 3 minutes to read. Otherwise, I will open the book, read 1/2 a page, and then fall asleep. I never make it through an entire chapter. Which explains my GPA through high school. So here I go...
I'll leave you with a few pictures from New Year's:
Honestly, it was one of those days that I get home and just scream at the top of my lungs. My cat probably peed himself when I did it. Ha...wouldn't be the first time. But I needed it. It was just one of those days when, by 6pm, the smallest thing could have sent me into "a fit" as my grandma would say. And what a fit it would be...
Part of the issue was my workout yesterday. I hate having a bad workout. I don't mind when its hard, or I'm sucking wind, or if everything hurts....that's life, move on. But I had several factors that created one perfect storm. I felt nauseous from the beginning (not sure if it was the creatine I took), my heartrate was already in the 80s before starting, I was mentally distracted, and simply could not maintain the mind-muscle connection on several of my lifts. By the end I was pissed. I just wanted to hit the shower and go on with my day. And on top of that, it was the first official workout of the new year...what a downer. If that is a reflection of the year, I might as well lay face-down on the treadmill and set that bad boy on speed 12. Rough start to say the least...
So today I needed a redemption workout. I hit shoulders, triceps, and finished with sprints. It was a great second day workout and even though my heartrate was 200 on the sprints, it felt ok and I was pleased with the entire workout. And thank you Zimm for always encouraging me through it!
I really want my delts to pop this year, so I've got to bust it on shoulder routines. I toyed with a couple of different training splits for the next 12 weeks, and after consulting with a few friends who are pro-bodybuilders, I decided to keep it a 5-day split and only hitting legs once a week. That way, I can focus on bringing my upper body in proportion with my legs. If it looks like I could squat a house, it needs to look like I can press a house as well. So that's the plan for now. Started creatine cycle yesterday, weight is at 132,...so we'll see where that number creeps to. But given that I'm not bumping up my calories tremendously, it may not move. Eh, I'm fine either way.
Ugh, already 8:20 and I need to get a move on. One of my new year's resolutions was to read more. And by "more" I mean more than ridiculous facebook status updates. Sooo...that means I need to actually get in bed before 9 so that I have more than 3 minutes to read. Otherwise, I will open the book, read 1/2 a page, and then fall asleep. I never make it through an entire chapter. Which explains my GPA through high school. So here I go...
I'll leave you with a few pictures from New Year's:
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