Rho's Diary
- Thread starter RhoRho
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RhoRho
New member
Hey cshani,
I found that it's great to commit yourself. As enthusiastic as I was yesterday about going to the gym today, I found myself drifting away from the idea... But I thought "Damn, I can't fool the damn diary", so around 8pm guilt got the better of me and I legged it to the gym. I got a really good workout too, and feel all the better for it...
Bagels are my downfall. I rue the day they were created. And, for some absurd reason I never seem to find wholemeal bagels - they're usually the creamy white or golden brown ones made with white bread... The weird things we crave...
I found that it's great to commit yourself. As enthusiastic as I was yesterday about going to the gym today, I found myself drifting away from the idea... But I thought "Damn, I can't fool the damn diary", so around 8pm guilt got the better of me and I legged it to the gym. I got a really good workout too, and feel all the better for it...
Bagels are my downfall. I rue the day they were created. And, for some absurd reason I never seem to find wholemeal bagels - they're usually the creamy white or golden brown ones made with white bread... The weird things we crave...
RhoRho
New member
Phew,
Got back from the gym around an hour ago (it's gone midnight again - why is it that when you're not working you stay up late?).
Today was a bit of a lazy day. It was my first day off from work to study. But I didn't feel like doing anything at all - not studying, not doing my food shopping, not getting a new phone (cos my old one's busted and the keys aren't working), and certainly not going to the gym. So I sat at home, did some revising, but spent more time chatting on the phone with my friends. I began to feel really guilty about the gym part though. I told myself I needed a rest and decided to skip the gym, and sat back to watch some TV.
But then I remembered that in my fit of exuberance last night I stated here that I was looking forward to going to the gym. Dang - no more excuse for me. So, I got my lazy ass out the house (thank goodness my gym bag was already packed) at 8pm to go to the gym, even though they close at 10pm. I missed the bus, so ended up walking there. I didn't begin my warm-up until around 8.40 (on the rowing machine), then I did my stretching before getting onto the X-trainer for 45 minutes. But by 7 minutes in I was feeling the strain of not having worked out for 12, yes, 12 whole days. I was gasping like a fish out of water. For the first time since I started this programme I felt self-conscious in the gym. To make matters worse, the music selection in the gym was totally crap and I ended up nearly flinging my earphones away. I mean - why would I want to listen to love songs, slow songs in the middle of a damn workout?!
But I started thinking about how crap I would feel if I left the gym without having a proper workout, so I decided I would work for the 10 minute mark, then 15, then 20, and so on. When I got to 25 I was so happy I was past the halfway point. I managed to press on until the 40 minute mark when I tuned in to another of the gym's music channels and blow me if some banging tunes weren't playing. I ended up staying on the machine for nearly 50 minutes, burning nearly 600 calories in all. It was soooo cool. I was the last to leave the gym (seeing as it was about to close) but I still did my stretching before showering. And then I walked back home, and on the way I bought some beetroot (horrible disgusting colour but yum), some lettuce, carrots, sweet potatoes, wholemeal bread and nuts - I've planned tomorrow's meals so I'm not caught unawares like I've been these past couple of weeks.
So all in all, I feel better. I know I didn't do it myself; if I hadn't promised to go the gym on this diary I would have found an excuse not to go. I intend going every day this week, and possibly next week after my exam. It's just such a good stress reliever.. I'm still alternating between cardio and weight training, which comes tomorrow. I'm sort of bored of my current routine (not that they're not hard enough but I'm bored of working the same muscle groups the same way) so I just spent the last hour going through some of Steve's workout suggestions so I can think up a weight training programme for myself. I'd have asked the gym trainers but they've been acting really weird. It seems that sooner or later everyone becomes a salesman... Their emphasis seems to be on personal training, which costs a whopping £130 a month (which I can't afford). I guess the free ride is over
Still, I'll do it without them.
Ooooh, before I forget, my jeans no longer fit me. They're so baggy on me that I have to keep pulling them up. And the front looks all puffy and weird where my 'stomachpocket' used to sit but which is now empty. I guess I should be happy but all I keep thinking is Where am I going to get good jeans now? Cos I still can't shop in high street stores..
PS: Talking about feeling self-conscious.. The first thing I saw when I came into the gym was this hunk of a muscular Adonis. Lawd did I feel positively fat and blobby in comparison! I think he smiled at me (being polite) but I kinda kept my head down (in shame) and slunk into the 'ladies' gym area. I'm such an idiot sometimes, I know...
PS2: I found a way to liven up couscous and tuna! To the couscous I add a little paprika, crushed mixed nuts, and grated nutmeg! It was so tasty. For the tuna, I added soy sauce, chilli flakes, lemon juice, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, and some balsamic vinegar. One word: yum...
Got back from the gym around an hour ago (it's gone midnight again - why is it that when you're not working you stay up late?).
Today was a bit of a lazy day. It was my first day off from work to study. But I didn't feel like doing anything at all - not studying, not doing my food shopping, not getting a new phone (cos my old one's busted and the keys aren't working), and certainly not going to the gym. So I sat at home, did some revising, but spent more time chatting on the phone with my friends. I began to feel really guilty about the gym part though. I told myself I needed a rest and decided to skip the gym, and sat back to watch some TV.
But then I remembered that in my fit of exuberance last night I stated here that I was looking forward to going to the gym. Dang - no more excuse for me. So, I got my lazy ass out the house (thank goodness my gym bag was already packed) at 8pm to go to the gym, even though they close at 10pm. I missed the bus, so ended up walking there. I didn't begin my warm-up until around 8.40 (on the rowing machine), then I did my stretching before getting onto the X-trainer for 45 minutes. But by 7 minutes in I was feeling the strain of not having worked out for 12, yes, 12 whole days. I was gasping like a fish out of water. For the first time since I started this programme I felt self-conscious in the gym. To make matters worse, the music selection in the gym was totally crap and I ended up nearly flinging my earphones away. I mean - why would I want to listen to love songs, slow songs in the middle of a damn workout?!
But I started thinking about how crap I would feel if I left the gym without having a proper workout, so I decided I would work for the 10 minute mark, then 15, then 20, and so on. When I got to 25 I was so happy I was past the halfway point. I managed to press on until the 40 minute mark when I tuned in to another of the gym's music channels and blow me if some banging tunes weren't playing. I ended up staying on the machine for nearly 50 minutes, burning nearly 600 calories in all. It was soooo cool. I was the last to leave the gym (seeing as it was about to close) but I still did my stretching before showering. And then I walked back home, and on the way I bought some beetroot (horrible disgusting colour but yum), some lettuce, carrots, sweet potatoes, wholemeal bread and nuts - I've planned tomorrow's meals so I'm not caught unawares like I've been these past couple of weeks.
So all in all, I feel better. I know I didn't do it myself; if I hadn't promised to go the gym on this diary I would have found an excuse not to go. I intend going every day this week, and possibly next week after my exam. It's just such a good stress reliever.. I'm still alternating between cardio and weight training, which comes tomorrow. I'm sort of bored of my current routine (not that they're not hard enough but I'm bored of working the same muscle groups the same way) so I just spent the last hour going through some of Steve's workout suggestions so I can think up a weight training programme for myself. I'd have asked the gym trainers but they've been acting really weird. It seems that sooner or later everyone becomes a salesman... Their emphasis seems to be on personal training, which costs a whopping £130 a month (which I can't afford). I guess the free ride is over
Still, I'll do it without them.
Ooooh, before I forget, my jeans no longer fit me. They're so baggy on me that I have to keep pulling them up. And the front looks all puffy and weird where my 'stomachpocket' used to sit but which is now empty. I guess I should be happy but all I keep thinking is Where am I going to get good jeans now? Cos I still can't shop in high street stores..
PS: Talking about feeling self-conscious.. The first thing I saw when I came into the gym was this hunk of a muscular Adonis. Lawd did I feel positively fat and blobby in comparison! I think he smiled at me (being polite) but I kinda kept my head down (in shame) and slunk into the 'ladies' gym area. I'm such an idiot sometimes, I know...
PS2: I found a way to liven up couscous and tuna! To the couscous I add a little paprika, crushed mixed nuts, and grated nutmeg! It was so tasty. For the tuna, I added soy sauce, chilli flakes, lemon juice, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, and some balsamic vinegar. One word: yum...
Last edited:
Risty
New member
Hey Rho!
I am so proud of you for going to the gym when you really didn't feel like it (I hate that lazy mood!) It's the best feeling to just go and do a good job. I feel ashamed in myself for eating so horribly the past 5 days and not going to my class. Although I did go for a walk at lunch, so I did something But anyways, great job on going to the gym! I really hope you will be able to go the gym all week! It really does help relieve stress, that's for sure.
That couscous and tuna thing sounded really good. I've never made couscous before... it's such a funny word Although that has nothing to do with why I've never made it, I just don't know how to or what to do with it, lol.
By the way, congrats on your pants not fitting anymore, that is just so awesome! I wore my huge pants forever until one day I forgot to put on my belt and had to hold my pants up the entire time because otherwise they'd fall... that was when I decided it was really time to get new ones! Plus when I did have the belt on the front would just bunch up so bad it looked ridiculous! lol... So go get yourself some new pants, you'll feel awesome!
I am so proud of you for going to the gym when you really didn't feel like it (I hate that lazy mood!) It's the best feeling to just go and do a good job. I feel ashamed in myself for eating so horribly the past 5 days and not going to my class. Although I did go for a walk at lunch, so I did something
But anyways, great job on going to the gym! I really hope you will be able to go the gym all week! It really does help relieve stress, that's for sure.That couscous and tuna thing sounded really good. I've never made couscous before... it's such a funny word
Although that has nothing to do with why I've never made it, I just don't know how to or what to do with it, lol.By the way, congrats on your pants not fitting anymore, that is just so awesome! I wore my huge pants forever until one day I forgot to put on my belt and had to hold my pants up the entire time because otherwise they'd fall... that was when I decided it was really time to get new ones! Plus when I did have the belt on the front would just bunch up so bad it looked ridiculous! lol... So go get yourself some new pants, you'll feel awesome!
RhoRho
New member
Thanks Risty,
It's a great feeling when you fight through laziness indeed.
Awwww, you poor thing. Don't beat yourself down about the last 5 days. You know we all go through such phases. As horrible as they are, they remind us that there's a better way of living, a healthier way of living. You're a strong one - you will get back on track, I promise you.
I personally think the 5 day rest is good, because you'd got your surgery and the best thing you can do for your body is just relax. So think of it as a much-needed break and plan how you intend coming back when you're all nice and healed. (Good luck with the surgery, by the way)
About the funny sounding foods, I think I sort of got into it through cooking channels. Over here we've got a domestic goddess called Nigella Lawson and she makes food from as many cultures as she can find. Ordinarily couscous can be quite bland, which makes it ideal for eating with a spicy sauce or stew, but I wanted to make things more interesting, I think. Plus I wasn't in the mood for tuna (but I knew I had to eat it for the health benefits) so I just wanted to cheer things up as much as I could..
The pants are only about 6 months old - it's just such a shame I can't wear them for much longer. It's really funny how our bodies work - despite all this inch loss my weight remains woefully the same...
It's a great feeling when you fight through laziness indeed.
Awwww, you poor thing. Don't beat yourself down about the last 5 days. You know we all go through such phases. As horrible as they are, they remind us that there's a better way of living, a healthier way of living. You're a strong one - you will get back on track, I promise you.
I personally think the 5 day rest is good, because you'd got your surgery and the best thing you can do for your body is just relax. So think of it as a much-needed break and plan how you intend coming back when you're all nice and healed. (Good luck with the surgery, by the way)
About the funny sounding foods, I think I sort of got into it through cooking channels. Over here we've got a domestic goddess called Nigella Lawson and she makes food from as many cultures as she can find. Ordinarily couscous can be quite bland, which makes it ideal for eating with a spicy sauce or stew, but I wanted to make things more interesting, I think. Plus I wasn't in the mood for tuna (but I knew I had to eat it for the health benefits) so I just wanted to cheer things up as much as I could..
The pants are only about 6 months old - it's just such a shame I can't wear them for much longer. It's really funny how our bodies work - despite all this inch loss my weight remains woefully the same...
RhoRho
New member
New weight training plan
Ok, today's weight training. But I'm getting bored of doing the same 7 exercises week after week so I've decided to switch it up. I've done some research and have chosen the 7 below:
- Leg press (for the quads, hamstrings and glutes)
- Bench Press (for pecs, forearms and triceps)
- Step-Ups (for glutes, hamstrings and quads)
- Shoulder Press (for pecs, delts and triceps)
- Lat Pulldown (for the lats, biceps and middle back)
- Bent over Row (full back)
That's it so far. I'm thinking of adding the bicep curls but I'm more worried because I'm not doing anything specifically for my abs. I know that if I do all the above exercises I'll end up working my abs also, but I guess I just want to make sure. But sit-ups are soooo out of the question. So I have to hunt down an alternative.. I'll determine the weights and update later.
Ok, today's weight training. But I'm getting bored of doing the same 7 exercises week after week so I've decided to switch it up. I've done some research and have chosen the 7 below:
- Leg press (for the quads, hamstrings and glutes)
- Bench Press (for pecs, forearms and triceps)
- Step-Ups (for glutes, hamstrings and quads)
- Shoulder Press (for pecs, delts and triceps)
- Lat Pulldown (for the lats, biceps and middle back)
- Bent over Row (full back)
That's it so far. I'm thinking of adding the bicep curls but I'm more worried because I'm not doing anything specifically for my abs. I know that if I do all the above exercises I'll end up working my abs also, but I guess I just want to make sure. But sit-ups are soooo out of the question. So I have to hunt down an alternative.. I'll determine the weights and update later.
Juliette1
New member
Hi, Rho!
Congrats on your new program! Looks nice... I'm just curious, why are sit-ups out of the question? Physical problem? Do you have a gym ball? (Sorry if you've just gone through these questions in your earlier posts, I've been away and I just didn't read very far back..)
Julie
Congrats on your new program! Looks nice... I'm just curious, why are sit-ups out of the question? Physical problem? Do you have a gym ball? (Sorry if you've just gone through these questions in your earlier posts, I've been away and I just didn't read very far back..
)Julie
RhoRho
New member
Hey Juliette,
It's nice to have you back. I hope your break was good.
I find sit-ups are the quickest way for me to give up. I never do them properly, unless I've got someone with me, so in the end every other part of my body including my neck, is aching while the abs themselves have not been worked out. My gym, however, is introducing these machines where you'll have to push down using your abs, so I'll try them once they're installed. But no - it's not for a health reason or anything. And there's balls at the gym, but I guess I need to do more research on using them to work out my abs..
You're much better than I am with your routine (good luck on the 25 mile walk, by the walk. I'm doing a 10K walk in June, which is like nothing compared to yours).
People seem to be able to do thousands and thousands of sit-ups but the thought of that continuous neck busting movement just depresses me. And no matter how I work my abs out they'll be still covered with a thick layer of fat.. Is this the loser in me talking?
It's nice to have you back. I hope your break was good.
I find sit-ups are the quickest way for me to give up. I never do them properly, unless I've got someone with me, so in the end every other part of my body including my neck, is aching while the abs themselves have not been worked out. My gym, however, is introducing these machines where you'll have to push down using your abs, so I'll try them once they're installed. But no - it's not for a health reason or anything. And there's balls at the gym, but I guess I need to do more research on using them to work out my abs..
You're much better than I am with your routine (good luck on the 25 mile walk, by the walk. I'm doing a 10K walk in June, which is like nothing compared to yours).
People seem to be able to do thousands and thousands of sit-ups but the thought of that continuous neck busting movement just depresses me. And no matter how I work my abs out they'll be still covered with a thick layer of fat.. Is this the loser in me talking?
Juliette1
New member
Are you trying to sit all the way up?
I'd suggest this: lie on your back, soles on the floor, legs curled. Put your chin to your chest, keep it there, don't lower your head on the floor in between. You can either put your hands behind your neck or keep them straight in front of you so that you do the movement hands moving towards your knees. Lift your shoulder blades up from the floor as high and forward towards your knees as they go and lower them back to touch the floor again. To train your abs with sit-ups there's no need to lift your whole upper body from the floor.
You can do the same with gym ball like the figure in the attachment shows. By trying it you'll find a good position for the ball underneath you. It's not difficult, I assure you!
Julie
I'd suggest this: lie on your back, soles on the floor, legs curled. Put your chin to your chest, keep it there, don't lower your head on the floor in between. You can either put your hands behind your neck or keep them straight in front of you so that you do the movement hands moving towards your knees. Lift your shoulder blades up from the floor as high and forward towards your knees as they go and lower them back to touch the floor again. To train your abs with sit-ups there's no need to lift your whole upper body from the floor.
You can do the same with gym ball like the figure in the attachment shows. By trying it you'll find a good position for the ball underneath you. It's not difficult, I assure you!
Julie
Attachments
RhoRho
New member
Y'know, I've been giving myself excuses on why not to do sit-ups, the biggest being that it doesn't work that many muscle groups (compound groups?). I guess the numbers that people do also discourage me.
I've decided I'll give it a go. Today. After that I'll see what happens. I will, however, do 3 sets of 12, just like my other weight training exercises. I'll see how I feel afterwards - I do like that 'tight muscle' feeling. I'll keep my arms straight in front - that's one I haven't really tried. All the other forms have led to a sore neck. I'll let you know how it went!
Thanks Juliette.
I've decided I'll give it a go. Today. After that I'll see what happens. I will, however, do 3 sets of 12, just like my other weight training exercises. I'll see how I feel afterwards - I do like that 'tight muscle' feeling. I'll keep my arms straight in front - that's one I haven't really tried. All the other forms have led to a sore neck. I'll let you know how it went!
Thanks Juliette.
Juliette1
New member
It'll be nice to hear how it went.. And it's really not about doing millions of them, 3*12 will be good. Keeping your chin on your chest and thus not moving your neck should solve the sore neck problem.. If you don't feel the thing at all in your abs, try staying a second in the upper position and lowering your body slowly.
Go Rho!
Julie
Go Rho!
Julie
Risty
New member
Hey Rho! Man, you! I was listening to this sappy song while reading what you wrote back to me and it made me cry a bit, lol. I'm such a sap! Thanks for the support. I know I'll get back on track, it's just I haven't done this bad in a long time and it's a bit discouraging ya know?
Good job on changing up the exercises. I'm sure your muscles will feel it! I really think you should try the sit ups with the ball, it is a lot easier on the neck and whatnot. Good luck with them! Think of it this way, when you lose the fat your stomach will look awesome! lol
Good job on changing up the exercises. I'm sure your muscles will feel it!
I really think you should try the sit ups with the ball, it is a lot easier on the neck and whatnot. Good luck with them! Think of it this way, when you lose the fat your stomach will look awesome! lol
RhoRho
New member
Thanks Juliette, I'll probably be cussing myself for promising to do it but I'll probably be very happy afterwards
Awww, Risty, you softie...
Crying's good. It really is. You get to clear out some of the negative emotions and you feel like you've been washed clean from the inside, even if you do feel drained. It's one day at a time, my dear, and you're getting closer to getting back on track...
About the exercises, I just knew it was time for a change. My body was starting to 'get used' to it, y'know, and I was starting to lose my enthusiasm for weight training, which has always been my favourite. Today is a day for trying out new things, so I might just try out the ball - not promising because I intend doing a yoga hatha class afterwards. I can't wait to see this awesome stomach you describe! lol
Awww, Risty, you softie...
Crying's good. It really is. You get to clear out some of the negative emotions and you feel like you've been washed clean from the inside, even if you do feel drained. It's one day at a time, my dear, and you're getting closer to getting back on track...
About the exercises, I just knew it was time for a change. My body was starting to 'get used' to it, y'know, and I was starting to lose my enthusiasm for weight training, which has always been my favourite. Today is a day for trying out new things, so I might just try out the ball - not promising because I intend doing a yoga hatha class afterwards. I can't wait to see this awesome stomach you describe! lol
Miss Ladybug
New member
Change is good! I hope you like the ball and the yoga class! I know what you mean about getting burned out on stuff, I've been going through that as well, but geez, one can only take so many classes in a week right. HAHAHA. Are you walking or jogging now?? How's the food going?? I might have missed something on the past 2 pages, I haven't been by in a few days, so forgive me if I'm asking a question you have already answered recently. I wish there was more time in the day, I'm always in a rush lately. Well, I hope to get caught up soon. I hope your day goes well.
~HUGS~
Kim
I wish there was more time in the day, I'm always in a rush lately. Well, I hope to get caught up soon. I hope your day goes well. ~HUGS~
Kim
RhoRho
New member
Hey Miss Ladybug,
Don't feel guilty about not being around - I'm just as bad, plus I know there's so much in life to get done.
I didn't use the ball, but I did the yoga class. I'm so stiff right now it's hard to even type. There's no part of body that isn't aching.
I'll update the diary tomorrow. G'nite..
Don't feel guilty about not being around - I'm just as bad, plus I know there's so much in life to get done.
I didn't use the ball, but I did the yoga class. I'm so stiff right now it's hard to even type. There's no part of body that isn't aching.
I'll update the diary tomorrow. G'nite..
Miss Ladybug
New member
Hey RHO!!! Yoga, YES, I thought the same thing, the first time I took the group Centergy class here. It's part Tia-Chi, yoga, pilates. OOOHHH I thought I was in great shape, until I took that class and it kicked my butt!! LOL LOL it's big time strengthing and stretching, you find muscles you never new you had, it's amazing! But once you get into it, it gets easier. Well, I'll check in later. Hope your day is good!
Kim
Kim
RhoRho
New member
Hey Kim,
It's nice to meet you
It really was tough! Yoga totally kicked my butt!! What made things sort of worse for me was that I had my weight training session before the yoga class. But the stretching was really good, otherwise I'd be in a lot more pain today..
Will update diary shortly..
It's nice to meet you
It really was tough! Yoga totally kicked my butt!! What made things sort of worse for me was that I had my weight training session before the yoga class. But the stretching was really good, otherwise I'd be in a lot more pain today..
Will update diary shortly..
RhoRho
New member
I guess I should update, especially since I'm going for my cardio session tonight. My own session. No classes.
Yesterday was so tough! I put my new weight training plan into use (except the step-ups; I just couldn't raise my legs as I'd done the leg press and they felt dead), and then I did the blasted sit-ups like I promised I would. I didn't use the ball, cos I was already in so much pain from the weights. So I lay on the mat, laughing at myself for dreading it so much. Did the first 3 set of 12 with a 30sec rest in between. During the last 2 reps of the third set I could feel a certain crunching, tightening in my abs region. I liked that feeling, so I thought to myself "Why not do one more set just so you know you've done as much as you can?" So I did!
Once I reached the last rep, my stomach muscles exploded in cramps. The muscles felt so tight I had to curl up in a ball and ride out the pain. All the while I was laughing at myself for being such a damn fool for doing that last unnecessary set. I must have looked crazy, but I didn't care. (The gym was full of identically skinny girls yesterday with ipods strapped to their arms and uber trendy sportswear). Finally, the cramps died down so I stretched and ran off to the yoga hatha class. "Now's my chance to relax", I thought. A little bit of chanting, is it not? And deep breathing exercises - what's so hard about that? I was so stupid like I can't believe.
From the very first 5 minutes I knew I was out of my depth. I was the only newbie in the class, so the teacher asked me to take it easy, and she kept suggesting alternatives to the contortions I beheld in that class. Lord knows I would have broken my back if I did the things they did. I got really warmed up from the Breathe-in, Up, Down, leg back, other leg back (into push up), arms down, chest down, forehead down, then all the way back up into standing position. I kept wondering when the torture would end. Finally it did, with me gasping with the shock of it all. I discovered an unpleasant thing during that class. I couldn't bring my legs from push-up position to standing position because my boobs got in the way. I basically had to drag my leg around my body so it didn't bash into my boobs. I'm sure it looked embarrassing but I was in too much discomfort to care.
The class lasted an hour, but it sure felt like an eternity. I saw the shoulder stand (basically like a headstand only you rest on your arms while your legs dangle above your head upside down). Obviously I couldn't do this (even one or two people in the class needed help) so the teacher got me to rest my legs up against the wall so I could be supported that way. Contorting, contorting, and more contorting. With each move I could see my muscles shaking with the effort of it all (another reason to lose the excess weight - it'd be easier to perform all the contortions if I could at least carry my own body weight!) Anyhoo, the last 5 minutes were the part I'd hoped it all was. I especially liked the part where you had to screw up your whole face - every muscle, every nerve, and then release. I felt the stress seeping away. The teacher was great - she played really soothing music, then even sang to us. It was ever so relaxing. Before I went in I had every intention of doing 15 minutes of cardio, but when I got out, I was so stiff and tired I virtually crawled into the changing room.
So right now, I ache everywhere, even my neck (although I'm not sure whether it's because of yoga or bad posturing during sit-ups still!). I've got a cardio session tonight, but with my limbs this stiff it's going to be hard work. I just hope the music selection is up to scratch cos that's the only thing that keeps me going during these horrible cardio sessions... (even the word cardio is mean and ugly and horrible) The pain feels good though
Yesterday was so tough! I put my new weight training plan into use (except the step-ups; I just couldn't raise my legs as I'd done the leg press and they felt dead), and then I did the blasted sit-ups like I promised I would. I didn't use the ball, cos I was already in so much pain from the weights. So I lay on the mat, laughing at myself for dreading it so much. Did the first 3 set of 12 with a 30sec rest in between. During the last 2 reps of the third set I could feel a certain crunching, tightening in my abs region. I liked that feeling, so I thought to myself "Why not do one more set just so you know you've done as much as you can?" So I did!
Once I reached the last rep, my stomach muscles exploded in cramps. The muscles felt so tight I had to curl up in a ball and ride out the pain. All the while I was laughing at myself for being such a damn fool for doing that last unnecessary set. I must have looked crazy, but I didn't care. (The gym was full of identically skinny girls yesterday with ipods strapped to their arms and uber trendy sportswear). Finally, the cramps died down so I stretched and ran off to the yoga hatha class. "Now's my chance to relax", I thought. A little bit of chanting, is it not? And deep breathing exercises - what's so hard about that? I was so stupid like I can't believe.
From the very first 5 minutes I knew I was out of my depth. I was the only newbie in the class, so the teacher asked me to take it easy, and she kept suggesting alternatives to the contortions I beheld in that class. Lord knows I would have broken my back if I did the things they did. I got really warmed up from the Breathe-in, Up, Down, leg back, other leg back (into push up), arms down, chest down, forehead down, then all the way back up into standing position. I kept wondering when the torture would end. Finally it did, with me gasping with the shock of it all. I discovered an unpleasant thing during that class. I couldn't bring my legs from push-up position to standing position because my boobs got in the way. I basically had to drag my leg around my body so it didn't bash into my boobs. I'm sure it looked embarrassing but I was in too much discomfort to care.
The class lasted an hour, but it sure felt like an eternity. I saw the shoulder stand (basically like a headstand only you rest on your arms while your legs dangle above your head upside down). Obviously I couldn't do this (even one or two people in the class needed help) so the teacher got me to rest my legs up against the wall so I could be supported that way. Contorting, contorting, and more contorting. With each move I could see my muscles shaking with the effort of it all (another reason to lose the excess weight - it'd be easier to perform all the contortions if I could at least carry my own body weight!) Anyhoo, the last 5 minutes were the part I'd hoped it all was. I especially liked the part where you had to screw up your whole face - every muscle, every nerve, and then release. I felt the stress seeping away. The teacher was great - she played really soothing music, then even sang to us. It was ever so relaxing. Before I went in I had every intention of doing 15 minutes of cardio, but when I got out, I was so stiff and tired I virtually crawled into the changing room.
So right now, I ache everywhere, even my neck (although I'm not sure whether it's because of yoga or bad posturing during sit-ups still!). I've got a cardio session tonight, but with my limbs this stiff it's going to be hard work. I just hope the music selection is up to scratch cos that's the only thing that keeps me going during these horrible cardio sessions... (even the word cardio is mean and ugly and horrible) The pain feels good though
Juliette1
New member
I read about your efforts there. Some pain is to be expexted whenever we do something new with our bodies. It should go away in two-three days. If it doesn't, then's the time to consider if something went wrong. Also, you need to have free days also, not exercise every day, to give your body time to recover and the muscles time to relax.
But I'm proud of you trying out the sit-ups and enduring the whole hour of yoga and not giving up. Way to go!
Juliette
But I'm proud of you trying out the sit-ups and enduring the whole hour of yoga and not giving up. Way to go!
Juliette
RhoRho
New member
Thanks Juliette,
I'm happy I tried the sit-ups - I have you to thank for that
I actually quite like the pain...it sort of reminds me that my body is mine to do with as I choose...if that makes any sense. I just like the feeling that I'm carving and shaping it in the direction I want it to go, and even though it's going to take a long time I can feel the slow changes already... Or I could just be addicted to pain
I'm only exercising every day for this week (and possibly next week). Right now is a pretty stressful time for me (I've got an exam and a dissertation) so the time spent at the gym is sort of my reward for working so hard during the day. And it's a good distraction too.. I'll be back to my normal 3 to 4 times a week from the week after next, when my exam's over...
I'm happy I tried the sit-ups - I have you to thank for that
I actually quite like the pain...it sort of reminds me that my body is mine to do with as I choose...if that makes any sense. I just like the feeling that I'm carving and shaping it in the direction I want it to go, and even though it's going to take a long time I can feel the slow changes already... Or I could just be addicted to pain
I'm only exercising every day for this week (and possibly next week). Right now is a pretty stressful time for me (I've got an exam and a dissertation) so the time spent at the gym is sort of my reward for working so hard during the day. And it's a good distraction too.. I'll be back to my normal 3 to 4 times a week from the week after next, when my exam's over...