So, I have a confession. I’m embarrassed to admit I was once intimidated by the weight area at my Gym.
Lame, I know. How many years did I spend conditioning and training in a weight room? After playing college water polo you’d think I’d have that business down…which reminds me, I have 2 more years of NCAA eligibility left. Anyone need a 26 year old Guard with a bionic ankle? No? Aw…
After completing my Couch to 5k program, which totally rocks – everyone that thinks they can’t run NEEDS to try it. You will be amazed at what you can do! So, after C25K I got back into Spinning Classes but found that I wasn’t stoked with the way my body was shaping up – or lack of shaping.
I read The New Rules of Lifting for Women which was very informative and had a new approach to lifting for women. I got inspired to give lifting a go again. So, we all know the gym stereotypes…but I’ll leave you with this reference just in case you need a refresher. So with all the Muscle Men taking up space there seems to be little room for ME to find a place to lift, a machine to use or a pair of free weights not strewn around the floor. Why, oh why can people not RE-RACK! We learned this in Kindergarden people!!! Sing it with me….clean up, clean up….
I’ve learned the secret to peaceful and productive weightlifting. It’s a time of day thing. 11:00am – 1:00pm is when the Gym Rats crawl out of bed and make their way to social hour at the gym. I don’t understand it. If that’s your thing to socialize that the gym between sets, no problemo – but, can you slide off to the side so I can use that leg press? Mmkay?
8:00am – 9:30am is my sweet spot. For months I hit to gym with the 6:00am – 7:30am crowd, which I dig since they’re all about business and getting a good workout in before they hit their 9 – 5. Since I’m working form home these days I have the flexibility to hit the gym after the morning rush and before the afternoon happy hour. I’ve tried to make a workout later in the afternoon/evening, but I’m just not that person. I blame years of 5:30am practices. I’m a better human when I get my workout in early so I can take on the rest of my day.
2 – 3 days a week I do cardio for 20 – 30 minutes and then lift for another 15 – 20 min. I’m usually in and out of the gym in an hour. I know it’s good to mix things up so your body doesn’t get used to what your routine is so I try to Spin a few days and run on the Dreadmill a few days. The Elliptical and I haven’t become bestie’s yet. I just can’t.get.the.rhythm. I find that I’m more concerned about falling off the darn thing, than I am about getting in a good work out. I know it’s good because it’s low impact and all that good stuff but I just haven’t gotten the hang of it.
Lifting is normally a combo of legs and arms with Core work at the end. I try to alternate legs/arms with each set and make sure I work different legs/arms if I’m lifting two consecutive days. It’s working for me now, we’ll see how I’m feeling in a few weeks.
I’m trying to establish a good routine now, so I don’t get thrown off by all the baby gym members come New Years ;)
The Merfett 