First of all, thanks for the feedback yesterday. It's good to know that people are joining along for the fitness ride. Working on this stuff can be a lonely thing. Just remember that I'm out there, and I'm stringing together day after day of workouts, which I will document here for your review.
Last night was my Simply Strength class. I don't know if this class will make me strong, but I do know that it has pointed out my weakness. This class, as I have mentioned before, works on muscle groups throughout the body. The instructor on Fridays is one that I like. He really does a good job of targeting the pecs, triceps, biceps, and shoulders. And the back. The exercises really cause my muscles to burn. I especially like that he does reps over partial range of motion. For example, on a curl, you do one set that is only the lower part of the range of motion, a second set that is in the upper part of the range of motion and a third set that is over the entire range of motion. Man, that is good.
I am seeing some small progress. I am thinking that when I am in ND, I will try to incorporate some of these moves into a routine. I hope that these high rep, low weight classes will improve my strength.
Another thing about last night's class. This class is held in a studio with mirrors on the walls. I had to look at myself doing these exercises, which was bad enough, but the worst part was that I still looked like I had a big gut. It's at moments like that, when I've lost 70 pounds and I see a fat guy with grossly inadequate muscle strength that I get discouraged. Damn! What is it going to take to get into a condition that I can be proud of? Well, I don't know the answer, except to say that years of neglect got me here. So, I can't worry about that. Instead, I have to remember that I worked out again today, I worked hard, the muscles that were supposed to be burning were burning, meaning that I was doing what was asked of me. One. Step. Closer.
This morning is a 90 minute spin class.
Anyone else doing these kinds of classes?
I'm going to a boxing class in an hour that I've heard is really strenuous.
The boxing class was incredible. Apparently I have absolutely no core strength.
That's what I have learned, too. But, I have a little more than I did a month ago.
Is boxing class just big bag and speed bag - or do you spar?
Fifteen minutes of warmups (stretching, cardio stuff to get the juices flowing) and then 8 three-minute rounds with a bag. In between each round, there was two minutes of activities (lunges, jumping jacks, etc.). Then, it ended with 10-minute cool down focused on core with a weighball.
On Tuesday nights, my bike store (Cycling Concepts) puts up a screen and shows various training videos /simulated races. A bunch of us show up with our trainers and ride along. Kinda fun and good way to keep bicycling muscles in tact when can't ride outside.
NBBW and I just finished our 12 mi training run this morning. Last 2 miles were really tough on me - I was just moving along on core only. Next two weeks is ramp down (Sat runs are 9 mi, then 5) then the Half in Miami.
I broke 165 at the gym today. I now weigh more than when I got sick.
I do a cycling class about once a week. I haven't been there in a few weeks but plan on going tomorrow.
I don't know if you will find this fact encouraging or discouraging.
My 42 year old friend that ran an Ironman Triathlon this November is 5'10", weighs 165, and still has a gut.