I thought that photo with the McDonald’s logo was pretty fitting for this post. I’ve previously mentioned that for my Running Hiatus I have two goals:
- Operation Awesome Abs: Lose that last bit of belly fat that never seems to go away and
- No more Lunch Lady Arms! It’s beyond frustrating that with all my swimming and overly developed shoulders, I still have flabby arms.
In no way do I want Madonna arms.
Eeew! So creepy. Now that’s the body of someone that doesn’t eat enough food and works out all day. Trust me, that’s not the body I crave. I took some “Before” photos that I plan on post once I have some noticeable “After” photos to share too.
Wednesday night I went to the gym and worked on my Lunch Lady Arms. Yep–focusing on the weights for my triceps. Boy do some of those machines really make my arms shake!
I tried not to push myself too hard too soon. I’m very excited about the triceps dip machine and wanted to use it the entire time I worked out. Instead, I was a responsible weight lifter and did my normal routine. Okay, I did more sets than normal with the triceps machines.
When I get set on something I get very determined. Having something to focus on gets my motivation going. It could also be called OCD. Ah, who cares? Either way it gets me motivated and focused.
I did lots of ab work Wednesday night in between the arm machines. I’m happy with the progress I’m making. I’m starting to enjoy looking in the mirror again. I look for changes, I SEE changes, and get excited to continue to work out and see more progress.
Gym Stats:
Time: 1:02
Calories Burned: 460
Not too shabby!
When I was at the gym I saw a class going on–I think it was Turbo Kick. It looked HARD CORE! I definitely want to take that class and see what it’s like. I’m just so intimidated about taking group classes. I’m uncoordinated and always 2 steps behind the rest of the class–which in turn frustrates me.Ā I also dislike the fact that the classes are at set times. That was one of the things I didn’t like about going to school or college: I’d rather do the work on my own time, my own schedule. Oh well.
When I got home from the gym, I ate my leftovers for dinner (pork chop and polenta) and added some raw cauliflower to the plate. I was feeling pretty good with my workout and my food for the day.
QUESTION: What is your favorite weight machine at the gym?
Lori (Finding Radiance)
My arms will probably never really firm up. I have awesome muscles, but there is some loose skin there. If I could just walk around flexed all the time, no one would know LOL!
My very favorite machine at the gym is the cable machine because you can do an entire workout just on that one machine.
Most of the others don’t feel right to me because I am a shortie. Even with adjustments, they are just awkward. Hence my love and pretty much exclusive use of free weights and the cable machine.
Lisa Eirene
There are some machines I avoid because I’m short too. Even if I adjust them it still feels wrong.
Ivie
Good job on finding a new focus.
I used to love the classes offered. I felt like I would push myself in a class more than I would on my own. I encourage you to try the class, there will be just as many uncoordinated people there. š
Ivie
I forgot to add – whenever I see a picture of Madonna – it FREAKS me out. She looks awful and her arms are scary.
Lisa Eirene
I agree. She is so creepy looking now.
Irene
Yes, yes! Try the class! Even if you can only do half the steps, that’s ok, you will eventually be able to keep up. Also, if you’re a member of 24 hour fitness, you can go to any gym and take whatever class is convenient for you. š I’m lucky to have several gyms within a 10 mile radius.
My favorite weight exercise is the barbell squats because it makes me feel badass like the ‘Roid Monsters who use them. I especially love it when they have to wait for me…cuz it’s never with patience. Hee hee.
Lisa Eirene
Those guys are annoying! The grunting, the yelling. Seriously. If it’s that HARD maybe you should do lighter weights. š
Sara
2 things:
1. I found that cutting out cereal has helped rid me of my lower belly pooch and when I suggested it to my Mom (who is 62) she, too, along with her ab routine saw a difference. Not sure what you’re having for breakfast, but try eliminating any cereals other than oats or any carbs that are kind of empty (like toast). This suggestion came from the girl who teaches all of our classes and such at the gym, btw, not me, and even she saw the difference and she is super skinny! š
2. For Group Classes. If you saw the class going on while you’re at the gym at your normal time, isn’t that the time you want to workout anyway? So then the “set time” might only be a few minutes earlier or later than your normal time. I’m sure you won’t have that big of an issue getting there and it will still feel like it was your idea to go workout on your schedule š And don’t worry about if you mess up! Everyone messes up! I’m the LEAST coordinated person ever and even in my body sculpt class that is pretty traditional moves and hardly any choreography I have issues š No one really notices or cares, either, and if they do, they keep it to themselves š I find group classes are awesome on days when you might want to change things up or feeling less motivated to push yourself. In the group classes someone else is cheering you on and telling you what to do and you don’t have to think about anything except the task at hand. š Try it! What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t like it and don’t go back? š
Sara
Lisa Eirene
1. I don’t eat cereal. Breakfast is usually eggs or oatmeal. But I bet I eat too many carbs.
2. The classes that look good usually start when my workout is over and I’m leaving. But yes, I think I will give it a try. It’s FREE so that helps. š
Sara
Sweet! Definitely go for it š And btw, sorry I got all numerical in my comment š I didn’t want to forget and I’m a chronic list maker š I should’ve edited…oh well š
Sara
Lisa Eirene
No worries. I’m a compulsive list maker!
Tori @ FIToriBLOG.com
I love the leg extension! It’s so hard to target JUST THE QUADS w/ any other exercise or machine!
Lisa Eirene
You are so right and that machine HURTS after awhile!
Erin
I love taking classes at the gym. My favorite one is 24 Lift, because I don’t like doing weight lifting on my own. It is more motivating for me in a group. I also have taken that Turbokick class and it is a great, fun workout. I get frustrated sometimes when I am behind or can’t get the moves down, too, but I just keep telling myself no one is looking at me.
Lisa Eirene
I know that my apprehension will disappear once I actually GO to a class…It’s just draggin’ my butt there!
Carbzilla
I’m so excited that you’re feeling good about the weight machines and seeing results, especially since you were so unsure of what not running would bring. I really think it’s good to mix it up.
Once you took a couple classes you’d get the moves down and realize that most people are looking at themselves and nobody else. We’ve been so successful getting friends to do Hydrofit b/c they feel all their mistakes are made underwater and no one can see! Lol.
Lisa Eirene
Yes I am happy with the weight lifting thus far. I want to continue it too!
Kristina @ spabettie
I wouldn’t want EITHER of those arms. both very extreme! :/