My bodies alarm clock went off at exactly the same time it does every day which is 4:04am. As I get up I feel the same feeling as I always feel which is fear of what lies ahead at Boot Camp. Today's class was surprisingly comfortable for me because we did spin. For those of you are aren't sure what Spin is, here is a quick Demo~ Spin Demo
In Spin we did 20 minutes increments with a break in between filled with sit ups, planks, planks with weights, sit ups that went into shoulder press.
Spinning is an excellent way to burn calories and tone your body.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Circuit Training
I am not sure how it worked out for me the way it did, but today I had the easiest of all my Bootcamp days so far. Today we did circuit training and although its intense in its own right, it is a lot easier for me to pump iron or resistance train than it is to run, jump, fly, sky, bowl, all while sprinting accross the floor with a 50lbs weight in my hand.
Our training started us out with running for 15 min. I have to say running is my most proudest accomplishment when it comes to boot camp because I have always had a mental block about it. Last week I accomplished something I thought I would never do which is run 3 miles straight (with the exception of fixing my music on my IPhone) without feeling I needed to stop at the 1 mile mark. I had to build up to that by doing 2 miles of course but I am curious where this will take me next.
After our run we went into circuit training. For those of you who arent familiar with this sort of training, it is when you move between machines with timed increments in between. Here is a generic example below.
This type of training is usually to build strength. I have to say I enjoy this type of training because its not cardio which is my least favorite excercise. We finished our curcuit training in 30 minutes which was approximately 3 sets of excercises on each machine.
The conclusion of our day was sprints, suicides, planks, wall sits, and 3 flights of stairs.
I can feel myself getting stronger and know my endurance is building. I am very happy with my results so far. I have changed my diet dramatically which is a large part of the success I am seeing. I encourage anyone to make the changes if you want to see results!
Our training started us out with running for 15 min. I have to say running is my most proudest accomplishment when it comes to boot camp because I have always had a mental block about it. Last week I accomplished something I thought I would never do which is run 3 miles straight (with the exception of fixing my music on my IPhone) without feeling I needed to stop at the 1 mile mark. I had to build up to that by doing 2 miles of course but I am curious where this will take me next.
After our run we went into circuit training. For those of you who arent familiar with this sort of training, it is when you move between machines with timed increments in between. Here is a generic example below.
This type of training is usually to build strength. I have to say I enjoy this type of training because its not cardio which is my least favorite excercise. We finished our curcuit training in 30 minutes which was approximately 3 sets of excercises on each machine.
The conclusion of our day was sprints, suicides, planks, wall sits, and 3 flights of stairs.
I can feel myself getting stronger and know my endurance is building. I am very happy with my results so far. I have changed my diet dramatically which is a large part of the success I am seeing. I encourage anyone to make the changes if you want to see results!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Boot camp was very intense today! Class started with a treadmill warm up for 10 min. Once the warm up was over we went down to the gym with our mats. John (our trainer) had us start with laps until he was finished setting up. Our challenge began with 2 different stations with 45lbs weights. One station with the 45lbs weight was used to lift 10x over our head. To be honest I have never lifted any weight over 15lbs with the exception of a 20lbs arm curl so to lift 45lbs weight over my head is truly amazing. I can’t say I did this drill the total 10x, however I did get up to 5x. Please don’t tell my trainer that little tidbit of info. I spent most of my time creatively looking very busy and in pain when he passed me up just so he wouldn't stop next to me and try to chat. Not only would this give him an up close count of the number of reps I am doing, or better yet not doing, but the real issue is its not even possible to talk during this exercise.
The next 45lbs weight was put on a towel and we had to push it across the floor of the gym back and forth. Between each station we had to do a quick lap to keep the oxygen flowing. Once we finished this exercise 5x over we did an exercise called Indian Runs only our version was more like Indian sprints. This exercise is when you have runners all in a line behind one another and at my trainers que the last runner would sprint to the front of the line. Since there were 10 of us we did this exercise 10x around.
The remainder of our exercise class our trainer went easy on us (that is so not true) by having us do 50 push ups, 100 sit ups, 4 minutes of planks and I believe we did a few flights of stairs. We did that twice so I guess that totals 5 flights up and down. My arms are like jelly and my legs are like jam. All I need is the PB.
The next 45lbs weight was put on a towel and we had to push it across the floor of the gym back and forth. Between each station we had to do a quick lap to keep the oxygen flowing. Once we finished this exercise 5x over we did an exercise called Indian Runs only our version was more like Indian sprints. This exercise is when you have runners all in a line behind one another and at my trainers que the last runner would sprint to the front of the line. Since there were 10 of us we did this exercise 10x around.
The remainder of our exercise class our trainer went easy on us (that is so not true) by having us do 50 push ups, 100 sit ups, 4 minutes of planks and I believe we did a few flights of stairs. We did that twice so I guess that totals 5 flights up and down. My arms are like jelly and my legs are like jam. All I need is the PB.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
If At First You Don't Succeed!
Last night after Spanish class I was welcomed by visitors. This was a pleasant surprise however it was not part of my original plan which was to go home, eat dinner and crash by 9pm so I would be ready for boot camp this morning at 5am. I ended up going to bed after 11pm which made it impossible for me to wake up at 4am this morning.
I received a few encouraging posts last night that urged me to not break the cycle, to get up and do my boot camp anyway which was to say the least the motivation I needed. Even though I was unable to do that due to sheer exhaustion, I was however able to mentally determine what I could do in replacement of today's exercise. I have another boot camp class tomorrow so don't worry I will get my share of exercise torture this week. The upside is I am giving my body one more day to rest from the exhaustion and soreness it is undergoing.
I consistently hear how good it is to just work through this soreness and yes I agree however it feels impossible to be able to deliver effective results when your body aches to move even one muscle much less the extent that boot camp requires.
I received a few encouraging posts last night that urged me to not break the cycle, to get up and do my boot camp anyway which was to say the least the motivation I needed. Even though I was unable to do that due to sheer exhaustion, I was however able to mentally determine what I could do in replacement of today's exercise. I have another boot camp class tomorrow so don't worry I will get my share of exercise torture this week. The upside is I am giving my body one more day to rest from the exhaustion and soreness it is undergoing.
I consistently hear how good it is to just work through this soreness and yes I agree however it feels impossible to be able to deliver effective results when your body aches to move even one muscle much less the extent that boot camp requires.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Building A Better Me!
Rigorous exercise is certainly not for everyone and I can solemnly admit that I'm not sure its for me as well. All I know is I will get results from the work that I am doing some day. For a long time I exercised in a fashion that is more suited for an elderly person. Picking up 5lbs or 10lbs weights and doing a set of 10 here or there. Walking on the treadmill while talking on my phone or watching TV while I hardly broke a sweat on the elliptical machine. It was when I actually saw a 75 year old man doing more work than me at the gym that I came the realization~ that old man looks better than me. OMG what is going on here?
It was fear of sweat, hurt, pain, or lack of comfort that I would not allow myself to go out of my comfort zone. Even when I run I talk myself out of running too far for fear that I might work so hard that I might pass out. Yes, it was when I faced my fear and changed my paradigm that I decided to embrace an exercise program that might actually run me in the ground with the hope I might like what I see in the mirror at the end of the day. Speaking of mirrors I now know why men flex in the mirror as they look at themselves. It is because they like what they see and imagine themselves bigger and better. I tried this exercise as I sat and made funny faces as I flexed my muscles that I imagine (yes I am acting like a guy) thanks to the many push ups and resistance training drills I did a few days ago. I found that I liked what I saw and I could envision a better me as time moves forward. I am prepared to get the results that I can get which ultimately means I am prepared to do the work!
I am not sure if I have talked myself out of going to the gym in the morning but I am feeling very much like I am not going to make it. I will set my alarm and see what happens...
It was fear of sweat, hurt, pain, or lack of comfort that I would not allow myself to go out of my comfort zone. Even when I run I talk myself out of running too far for fear that I might work so hard that I might pass out. Yes, it was when I faced my fear and changed my paradigm that I decided to embrace an exercise program that might actually run me in the ground with the hope I might like what I see in the mirror at the end of the day. Speaking of mirrors I now know why men flex in the mirror as they look at themselves. It is because they like what they see and imagine themselves bigger and better. I tried this exercise as I sat and made funny faces as I flexed my muscles that I imagine (yes I am acting like a guy) thanks to the many push ups and resistance training drills I did a few days ago. I found that I liked what I saw and I could envision a better me as time moves forward. I am prepared to get the results that I can get which ultimately means I am prepared to do the work!
I am not sure if I have talked myself out of going to the gym in the morning but I am feeling very much like I am not going to make it. I will set my alarm and see what happens...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
No, Don't Give UP!
Boot camp started today with running. I am grateful that I have some experience with running in my previous training. I have managed to be able to run for about a mile before I mentally sike myself out that I have gone far enough. I am always blown away with people who can run 15 miles straight. Today we ran for 10 min which for me is almost a mile. Secretly I was happy to run because I was thinking the longer we run then there would be less time to do up downs, lunges, and squats!
We managed to get to the lower gym around 5:20am and right away we started with up downs followed by sprints. Whew are you tired yet, because John was just beginning. I felt like I was in a yoga video because he had us go from up down to a push up, to a plank followed by a sprint. It was at this point that it crossed my mind to give up on boot camp. It is very intense but all I could think about is my stupid blog. I started thinking if I quit then what would I write about so I kept going! Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore we then went into running for a bit and during that he went into some basic plyometric drills.
Once we were done with the drills we went into suicides. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a exercise where you sprint back and forth from one point to another. Suicide Drill Example. Finishing up we did resistance sit ups with a partner.
We managed to get to the lower gym around 5:20am and right away we started with up downs followed by sprints. Whew are you tired yet, because John was just beginning. I felt like I was in a yoga video because he had us go from up down to a push up, to a plank followed by a sprint. It was at this point that it crossed my mind to give up on boot camp. It is very intense but all I could think about is my stupid blog. I started thinking if I quit then what would I write about so I kept going! Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore we then went into running for a bit and during that he went into some basic plyometric drills.
Once we were done with the drills we went into suicides. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a exercise where you sprint back and forth from one point to another. Suicide Drill Example. Finishing up we did resistance sit ups with a partner.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
One Step at a Time
I remember feeling by the end of the day of my first work out with my trainer John AKA Billy Blanks that I would be extremely sore. I am so familiar with this feeling and can't say that I love it but I can't say that I hate it either. Ultimately I spent my weekend in recovery from my outpatient work out and probably took my pain and suffering out on my family. So much for work out endorphins, because my attitude really wasn't all that great. I think the only thing I could be happy about was that I didn't have to work out for 3 more days.
To recuperate I took a hot bath, stretched a lot and drank water. What else can you do but tug on the toilet seat with your oohs and ouches as you crouch down? I did however feel better by Monday and was only slightly sore. I felt like it would be possible to work out by tomorrow which is my next boot camp class.
To recuperate I took a hot bath, stretched a lot and drank water. What else can you do but tug on the toilet seat with your oohs and ouches as you crouch down? I did however feel better by Monday and was only slightly sore. I felt like it would be possible to work out by tomorrow which is my next boot camp class.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Do not pass go!
The night prior to boot camp I have to say I was a little nervous. I have never pushed myself in a setting that was so rigorous. Generally, if I entertain a class I go at the pace, and speed that is more so comfortable vs the rigor that I experienced in boot camp. When I showed up I got on a treadmill for a few minutes until our trainer took us downstairs to the gym. On the way down we grabbed mats, balls and courage. As I walked I could hear the other people talking about the previous few days they had worked out and how hard they were worked. My immediate thought was what have I gotten myself into.
Being a novice to this program I decided to be open minded and think pleasant thoughts such as the outcome and benefits I would gain by doing this work out drill. That helped because when we got to the gym and I saw people drop the mats and started running I eagerly followed suit. I am not new to running however I have never been in a situation where I had to run with others behind me or until I was told to stop. The combination of the two made me a little nervous since passing out in front of 10 other adults and being taken out via paramedic transport seemed a little more close than far in my mind. As I finished that thought process our trainer John gave us the OK to stop running (15 laps later) and started the station for the obstacle course.
First thing we did was lunges with a 8lb ball over our head. We were instructed to go up to half court and return. After each station we were instructed to take a run one time around the gym until you arrive to the next station. I felt like I was in a monopoly game as I would run from one station to the next just to pass go only I didn't get to collect $200. I did however get to do 50 push ups, 50 sit ups, 100 step ups, 50 squats, 50 lunges and 100 Russian twist. Once we were finished we ran 3 flights of stairs and did 3 sets of resistance sit ups.
Being a novice to this program I decided to be open minded and think pleasant thoughts such as the outcome and benefits I would gain by doing this work out drill. That helped because when we got to the gym and I saw people drop the mats and started running I eagerly followed suit. I am not new to running however I have never been in a situation where I had to run with others behind me or until I was told to stop. The combination of the two made me a little nervous since passing out in front of 10 other adults and being taken out via paramedic transport seemed a little more close than far in my mind. As I finished that thought process our trainer John gave us the OK to stop running (15 laps later) and started the station for the obstacle course.
First thing we did was lunges with a 8lb ball over our head. We were instructed to go up to half court and return. After each station we were instructed to take a run one time around the gym until you arrive to the next station. I felt like I was in a monopoly game as I would run from one station to the next just to pass go only I didn't get to collect $200. I did however get to do 50 push ups, 50 sit ups, 100 step ups, 50 squats, 50 lunges and 100 Russian twist. Once we were finished we ran 3 flights of stairs and did 3 sets of resistance sit ups.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Changing things up
Fitness and I can be best friends with the exception of the following day after we hang out. Its as if I have done something awful to my friend and I am given this horrible consequence of pain and soreness for 3-4 days to remember what I have done. I am always left with the feelings of... what did I do to deserve the pain I feel now?
Boot camp came about through my spin class. As my partner and I would go to spin at 5:30 M/W/F we would see a group of people running, jumping, and moving all over the gym in group formation. I don't remember seeing them doing anything that seemed too hard but what could I really tell from just a 5 second glance as I walked to my spin class? Well once my spin partner decided to quit spin I was left with a lack of motivation to get up on my own. My husband (who trains as well) strongly suggested that I get a partner to keep myself accountable. He firmly believes its necessary to accomplish my fitness goals since I tend to lackadaisically work out. Generally if I am not with a trainer or in a class I tend to lack purpose which leaves me feeling unproductive in the gym.
After this discussion we decided I could try lifetime's boot camp since it starts at 5am which gives me enough time to make it to work at 7am and promises results. With the group setting I would have my accountability and since its a boot camp I would have the diversity that I like to keep my work outs fresh.
Boot camp came about through my spin class. As my partner and I would go to spin at 5:30 M/W/F we would see a group of people running, jumping, and moving all over the gym in group formation. I don't remember seeing them doing anything that seemed too hard but what could I really tell from just a 5 second glance as I walked to my spin class? Well once my spin partner decided to quit spin I was left with a lack of motivation to get up on my own. My husband (who trains as well) strongly suggested that I get a partner to keep myself accountable. He firmly believes its necessary to accomplish my fitness goals since I tend to lackadaisically work out. Generally if I am not with a trainer or in a class I tend to lack purpose which leaves me feeling unproductive in the gym.
After this discussion we decided I could try lifetime's boot camp since it starts at 5am which gives me enough time to make it to work at 7am and promises results. With the group setting I would have my accountability and since its a boot camp I would have the diversity that I like to keep my work outs fresh.
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