Scenes from the Gym

I woke up Saturday morning to a mist hanging over the trees. Summer is definitely over in Portland, Oregon.

I love Fall. It’s my favorite time of year. I love wearing sweaters, I love the cool air, I love Halloween!

Michael got up early (5:30am!!!) to go golfing. I slept in and ate breakfast (half a Cinnamon Raisin bagel with cream cheese and some pears).

I headed to the gym to do my weight routine. It’s only been about a week or so since I started it and I already really enjoy (and—GASP–kinda look forward to) lifting weights. I warmed up on the exercise bike for 15 minutes. Nothing too fast or difficult. Then I went upstairs to do weights.

I’m still focusing on my upper body: arms, abs, chest, shoulders, back.

The weight I do depends on the machine. It could be anywhere from 10 pounds to 40 pounds. I do a circuit of the machines. I’ll do 2 or 3 sets of 10 and then move on to the next machine and do the same. I do the circuit 3 times.

In just one week, I can already notice a difference in my abilities with the ab machines. I can do a TON more crunches than I ever could before.

That’s a cool feeling because my stomach has always been the last part of my body to get any muscle/definition. And it’s also the part of my body I am the most self-conscious of now.

I was really feeling the burn in my arms today! They shook a bit with certain machines I used. The other part of my body that I wish would improve are my Triceps. It’s strange because with swimming you’d think my triceps would be really developed and muscular. Nope!

I’ve got a bit of the “Lunch Lady Arms” aka “Granny Arms” when it comes to my triceps. My biceps and deltoids are actually super developed because of the swimming. I have huge shoulders.

BUT still flab on my underarms. My triceps were screaming at me a little bit during my workout. I hope that means it’s WORKING!

I ventured over to the “Scary Free Weight Section” of the gym where all the muscle guys work out. I am no longer intimidated to go over there! Okay–so I am a little intimidated to use about 75% of those weights but still, I go over there now and use what I can.

I DID test out my legs at the gym today. No, I did not run. I tried two leg weight machines. Just to see how it felt.

It didn’t hurt. I only did one set of 10 on each machines because I didn’t want to hurt myself.

No pain but I still didn’t want to push myself. I went over to the free weight area and did some Ab work with the medicine ball.

I spent some time on the row machine. I didn’t quite get a Runner’s High but I definitely got pumped up! It was even better when this song came up on Pandora:

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta

Haha! It’s from the movie “Office Space” (awesome movie)! It made me chuckle. And workout just a little bit harder. Then I cooled down on the exercise bike for 10 minutes or so. I am really satisfied with the workout I did and I’m REALLY excited to see some progress soon! I want visible results.

Saturday’s Stats:

Time: 1:32

Calories Burned: 550

Exercises: Upper body weights, exercise bike, row machine

Not too shabby for not running!!

Check out The Giggly Bits new series called “Be the 5%” about weight loss maintenance.  She did an interview of me last week. I think it’s a really cool concept and I look forward to reading other success stories!

QUESTION: What’s currently your favorite Pandora Music Station?