I've decided that instead of having a set goal, I need to just exercise every day, regardless of what that is. It seems that as soon as I set a goal, I don't want to do it! Also, squats were really messing with my knees so I need to build them up slowly rather than jumping in with 30. I've started jogging on the spot, which is something new for me and is giving me some cardio. I'm only doing a little at the moment because running of any kind is a totally new thing for me, but I'm enjoying it. One day I might even leave the house and do it outside!
Newlyn, for me to get the proper squat form, I have to wrap an exercise band around my knees (not the knobby part of the knee....above that!). It helps my valgus knee problem. (This may NOT be your knee issue, so bear with me!)
I did get to the gym on Saturday. A 75-minute cardio session. Felt great. A few weights at the end, but nothing to write home about.
Today, I did heavy lifting, but only got in about 30 minutes (I usually aim for 45). I also did 40 minutes of step-cardio and a light stretch afterward (again, too short....I needed double the time.)
The weather is FINALLY starting to change. I will build in some afternoon walking on some days just to keep me away from the pantry. Nothing dramatic. Even a walk around the block helps!
Newlyn: I have to be careful with squats and lunges for my knees, too. Using support helps a lot at first, even when I don't think balance is an issue. That way I can focus on form until I get strong enough to support the move on my own. I like your idea of exercising every day -- that's been key for me. Keep track of your streaks! The longer it gets, the easier it is to get myself to do at least 10 minutes of dancing or jogging on the spot or stretching, so that I don't break the streak.
MyMarch Goal is 240 mins. of lifting.
6th = 30 m
9th = 30 m (60 total mins.) - snow is still coming down, ugh! Good thing I'm in this challenge.
12th = 30 m
14th = 30 m (120 total mins)
19th = 30 m - 2nd workout using machines instead of free weights, sorta strange and a bit odd lifting with others. I am thankful for the opportunity though.
23rd = 30 m (180 total mins. )
26th = 30 m (210 total Mins., 30 to goal)
Last edited by workinglikeadog; 03-26-2019 at 10:32 PM.
Reason: update
The weather is GLORIOUS today...I am going to go for a walk. I am promising myself none of my "walks" need to be very long - just to stretch my legs and move out of winter-funk mode.
I have already worked out for about 105 minutes today - 45 minutes heavy lifting followed by 50 minutes of cardio-step and 10 minutes of abs/stretching. So, I actually am quite sleepy.
I expect the fresh air might help me wake up, too!
I've completely failed with my March target of working on my handstands practice. I did some whilst I was away in India, but while I've been at home I've just been doing my normal daily gym visits and haven't really got round to the extra handstands practice. Partly there's nowhere obvious to do it, but that's just an excuse.
Actually i'm happy with my exercise this month. I'm still enjoying all the gym stuff and still pushing myself there, and feeling fit and strong, but I haven't done what I said I would do
ange82much, I have a friend (on facebook) who is also doing handstand-practice! She dropped it for a year (not expectedly....just busy-ness) and now that she is trying again, she is posting some of her "attempt" videos up on facebook. I find it interesting because, as a gymnast when I was young, it is nice to see people still trying things "at her age". I am not that interested in doing handstands, headstands or backbends anymore - but I could do them at one point in time and that feels like enough, for me.
I had to miss the gym this morning - work emergency. I am having a massage this afternoon, so I guess "nope" to any workout today. I am doing an outdoor hike tomorrow for a couple of hours and that will have to suffice for my Friday skip-gym day.
Stiff on Sunday, so chose to head to the YMCA for yoga, but the instructor did not show up! 30- of us in class and no instructor? Anyway, they asked if anyone "felt comfortable" leading the class. No takers. So, they turned some soft music on and left all of us to fend for ourselves. Most people left, but I chose to stay and run through the yoga postures I could remember. Took about 40 minutes and it counted more as a "stretch" than yoga - but I consider it a "win".
Today, I did 45 minutes of heavy lifting, 50 minutes of step-cardio and 15 minutes of cool down and stretching.
