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Newbie At the Gym... The Diary
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Everything You Need To Know?
I'm getting up there. I know that I should be exercising more, so I just joined a gym. And for someone who hates exercising, it should be fun. I'm saying this with dismay... Join me for an ongoing diary of what I'm going through.
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Session One:
Tonight's orientation. I have never belonged to a gym and my idea of a workout is either to a video in the privacy of my own home, or a walk around the block. What have I let myself in for?
Oh my goodness, there is so much to remember. Adam (not sure what title he has) took us around the room, showing us the machines that we would be using. I think there were about 8 machines and we would be doing 12 reps on each. Doesn't sound like very much, but they certainly look complicated to someone who hasn't a clue. But before we start, we have to do a cardio workout. I have 15 minutes on the treadmill which I did try tonight at a walking pace. For some reason as I'm typing this, I am very light headed. But I'm not alone. My daughter said the same thing. I guess you have to get used to it. So when do we go back? Well not tomorrow. Friday's my day to go shopping!
Session Two:
Actually this isn't too bad. An entire hour and I'm not ready to sit out the rest of the afternoon. The treadmill for 15 minutes and then all the machines. Started out at the lowest weights might have had something to do with it. I am finding that I have no strength in my arms and my stomach muscles... I don't think I have any.
Session Three:
Okay, I'm bored. I spent 16 minutes on the treadmill and even increased the speed, but I'm not even close to those around me. They are actually jogging. I'm having difficulty keeping my balance at a walk which strikes me as rather odd. I can walk all around town with no balance problems, but put me on a treadmill and I have to hang on??
While the weight machines were easy a few days ago, something happened. They are much harder now. At least that is the case for the upper body. I seem to have no problem with the leg area, but my arms seem like jello. Actually walking from one machine to the next, everything feels like jello. I do think that I did a little better with the ab crunches though.
December Sessions:
I just finished reading the earlier entries and I feel like such a wuss... is that how you spell it? I'm now into my 6th week and I have come so far. I am even enjoying it. I'm doing much better on the treadmill and no, I don't have to hang on. ;) I'm up to 20 minutes which is the same time as my 21 year old daughter and I'm doing quite nicely. After the cardio, I'm off to the weight machines and I'm enjoying that as well. I'm able to increase the weights on the machines, though not as much as my daughter and the ab crunches I'm most pleased with. I am up to 50 which I wouldn't have believed possible a few months ago. So, am I seeing any lost inches? Actually I have the flattest tummy I have had in the past 23 years. With two C-sections behind me, I'm quite pleased with what I am seeing to date. And even more surprising, I am enjoying it. Be sure to check back in January for my next update.
January Sessions:
It's the end of January and I'm still visiting the gym three times a week. My strength has increased more than I ever expected possible and in most cases, I have more than doubled what I was first able to do. I have also added some new machines. There is an unusual machine for sit-ups that unnerved me for the first few sessions. I thought for sure that I would fall off. You are seated at such an angle that requires you to tuck your feet under bars and then lean back. Once you are in that position, you have to pull yourself up so that you are seated upright. A little more difficult to manage, but I'm getting there. And then there is the machine to whittle the waist. I didn't think that it was that difficult until I tried it. Obviously, I haven't been working those muscles at all. They were sore for an entire weekend. Now, hopefully by my February entry, I can tell you that I have a 29 inch waist. Keeping fingers crossed on that one but if pain is anything to go on... See you next month.
February Sessions:
Sorry about the 29 inch waist promise. Didn't happen and I have to admit, I don't really see too much happening, but the reason for me joining the gym was for health benefits. My doctor is quite impressed. ;)
March Sessions:
Okay, I'm gaining weight. I have put on about four pounds. Now whether that is my fondness for chocolate, I can't really be sure. I really do need to take that candy jar off the coffee table. On the other hand, my daughter pointed out, that I probably didn't have an ounce of muscle before and after the last few months, I'm starting to build some. Muscles = extra weight. Okay, I can handle that, but the chocolate has to go.
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