Its been a busy last couple of weeks. Lets start with last Thursday.
Last Thor's day was pretty terrific exercise wise. Our instructor let us loose on the trails behind Aquarina Springs. My previous post has lot of info on the area. Zac was persuaded to go with me after only a little bit of nudging. We decided to take the intermediate trail. It is shorter but steeper and much more rough in the terrain. I imagine it was probably half a mile to the top. I loved the twists and turns as well as the changes in incline.
When you get out of that route, it joins up again with the regular path and soon you arrive at a big sun dial. Its kind of fun to stand on the month chiseled into a big block of granite and look for your shadow to see what time of the day it is. It was about 2:30 pm when I got there. Zac took a rest in the shade (it was blazing hot and his sunglasses were nowhere to be found) and worked on his fives with a stick he picked up.
If you continue along the path, you will go up a ramped section of the trail that takes you up to a lovely high spot where you can see all the way into Kyle. I skipped that part so I could get back to Zac and get back to the starting point in time to sign back in for class credit.
Next time, instead of water bottles, I'll want to bring my Camelbak. I want my hands free when I hike and I'd feel better about being in the woods, possibly sometimes alone, if I could carry a few things with me. There apparently are frequent reports of wild boar in the area and god knows what else or who else I might run into. A snack would be nice too.
Monday was a lot more strenuous. The DECK OF DEATH, as it was spelled out in all caps on the syllabus, was on the schedule. So here is the run down.
Supplies: one deck of cards
Rules:
1. Choose one exercise for each suit. Hearts= body squats or, Diamonds=8 count body builders, squat jumps, or mountain climbers, Clubs= crunches, Spades= jumping jacks...or whatever you choose but once you set the exercises, they are law.
2. The number on the card is the number of reps for each exercise. Kings are a 45 second plank, Queens are 12, Jacks are a 30 second break, Jokers are instructor's choice.
3. Hope that you hydrated enough before the workout begins.
I am still incredibly sore from this workout. The most sore part of me is my inner thigh. With all of the jumping, that area was targeted hard and now I know what I need to do more of to get my thighs lean and strong. It doesn't mean I like it though. This workout was pretty hard on my knees...and boobs.
Tuesday was intimidating on the syllabus written as DEVIL'S REVENGE. It was silly. We ran relay races back and forth where we had to do silly challenges at the end.
1. Sprint down the court, hula hoop 5 rotations, sprint back.
2. Sprint down, hula hoop 10 rotations and print back.
3. Frog jump down the court, hula hoop 20 rotations, running grapevine back.
4. Everyone gets in plank position, last person low crawls under the rest of the line. the rest of the line raises their butt into downward facing dog position as the person crawls under you and then lowers back into a plank after they are clear of you. Repeat until you get to the other side of the gym.
5. Everyone get in line, hold hands, and move the hula hoop down the line, without breaking the chain, and move it back.
6. Do the same thing in a circle.
7. The whole class holds hands in a circle, first person lets loose of one hand and starts walking to the inside of the circle making a giant walking spiral. When they get to the center, they change directions and works the spiral back out into a circle. the people on the end of the line end up running for their lives to keep up.
I have to add that those hula hoops were of the lightweight child variety. The kind you pick up at Walmart to keep a birthday party of kids busy. She had large ones and small ones. Our group was the group with the 25-50 age group, a few of us bigger than the others, and she gave us the small hoop that would be more suitable for a 5 year old. I took it upon myself to switch it out for a bigger hoop.
When we were given our teacher/course review surveys, I put "get grown up hoops" and suggested the YouTube sites where one can learn to make them DIY style. I also suggested that she look into Hoopnotica exercise routines. The class consists of a variety of different types of aerobic and resistance training. If she can look into alternative exercise like Zumba, Hoopnotica and other hooping exercises would not be out of the realm of the objectives of the course.
Yesterday was our final exam. It had some nutritional and body chemistry/composition, and kinesiology content on it. All of which could be found on the 4 page review sheet she sent home with us. Easy Peesey.
I had my German II final yesterday as well. I think I did well. I studied pretty hard for it and I didn't get the test anxiety I usually get. Should turn out good.
Today, I have my German II oral exam. I have to do a skit in German with a partner discussing my last holiday activities, what i did last weekend, what i liked to do as a child, and future plans to visit Germany. Next he will give each of us an individual exam, asking us questions and he will grade us on how well we respond. I would rather slam my nuts in a sliding door than do this.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
SPY Training and Nature Trails
SPY training. It is not nearly as exciting as it sounds. It means Strength-Power-Yoga. This is a routine that consists of 30 exercises to all be done at 60 seconds each. 10 sets of 3
You start with a strength exercise. We used dumbbells for all of them. Use your imagination. Bicep curls, lunges, lat raises, calf raises, hip raises, body squats....undsoweiter.
Immediately after your strength component, jump into your power exercise. Squat jumps, jump rope, quick feet, jumping jacks....and so on.
Next is the yoga. You go straight into a yoga pose. Tree pose, Warrior 1,2,+3, Happy Baby pose, Downward Dog.... and so on.
Complete sets of SPY ten times and you just had yourself a 30 minute workout that leaves you sweating your ass off and really sore. Yesterday was tough for me asthma wise. I was able to take breaks for water and I used that time to raise up my arms and get the ole lungs caught up on the air intake and the airways open again.
Today, we will be going over to the Aquarena area to walk their nature trails. She has a main trail that most of the girls will be taking. It's half a mile up and half a mile back down the other side. There are alternate trails she is allowing us to take but only with a partner or group. They go a little deeper into the woods and she doesn't want us running into any wildlife alone. She said there have been wild boar down there, deer, snakes, feral cats and dogs, vultures, etc.
Sounds like the trail for me! The most exciting part is that Zac needs to be in San Marcos today anyways so he is going to pick me up after German class, drive us over, and he's going on the trails with us! I'm so stinking excited. Of course he will be bringing the snake hook.
I have been wearing my vibram toe shoes for the last couple of weeks. My ankles and shins are still sore as hell. I'm hoping that pain will subside in the next few weeks when my stabilizer muscles in my legs get stronger. I am going to leave them at home today though. If they were the next model up with the beefier sole for rougher terrain, I would probably hit the trail with them. Even though the main trail is crushed granite, I don't want to risk hurting myself. I have no idea if the the alternate trails have this fine gravel or not. They might just have a worn path.
In that case I will be wearing my North Face Gortex lined hiking shoes. I bought them a few years ago to hike the ancient temple ruins of the Maya. I never went to Central America so, now I only wear them for mowing the lawn...and hiking!
I probably won't have the money to pay for monthly Zumba classes. When I went to TCC in Fort Worth, I hit the walking trails along the Trinity River almost everyday. It was wonderful. Time to myself, a nice safe path, the homeless were polite, great calorie burn, very little shade until you hit mile 3 but, it was free. Yay for free! These trails are free and more interesting to walk. They wind up, down, and around the wildlife preserve. I like it already.
I can't wait to hit these trails when the weather gets cooler too. The woods will be gorgeous in the fall and I won't have to worry about heat stroke so much. As for now, SHADE, glorious sun shielding shade provided by my favorite lady, Mother Nature.
For more info on Aquarena Springs, click on their Home Page. This hidden gem of San Marcos is so beautiful and it has a rich history. The water coming into Spring Lake is three times cleaner than the water that comes out of your tap. Check it out. Take the tour. Hike the trails.
You start with a strength exercise. We used dumbbells for all of them. Use your imagination. Bicep curls, lunges, lat raises, calf raises, hip raises, body squats....undsoweiter.
Immediately after your strength component, jump into your power exercise. Squat jumps, jump rope, quick feet, jumping jacks....and so on.
Next is the yoga. You go straight into a yoga pose. Tree pose, Warrior 1,2,+3, Happy Baby pose, Downward Dog.... and so on.
Complete sets of SPY ten times and you just had yourself a 30 minute workout that leaves you sweating your ass off and really sore. Yesterday was tough for me asthma wise. I was able to take breaks for water and I used that time to raise up my arms and get the ole lungs caught up on the air intake and the airways open again.
Today, we will be going over to the Aquarena area to walk their nature trails. She has a main trail that most of the girls will be taking. It's half a mile up and half a mile back down the other side. There are alternate trails she is allowing us to take but only with a partner or group. They go a little deeper into the woods and she doesn't want us running into any wildlife alone. She said there have been wild boar down there, deer, snakes, feral cats and dogs, vultures, etc.
Sounds like the trail for me! The most exciting part is that Zac needs to be in San Marcos today anyways so he is going to pick me up after German class, drive us over, and he's going on the trails with us! I'm so stinking excited. Of course he will be bringing the snake hook.
I have been wearing my vibram toe shoes for the last couple of weeks. My ankles and shins are still sore as hell. I'm hoping that pain will subside in the next few weeks when my stabilizer muscles in my legs get stronger. I am going to leave them at home today though. If they were the next model up with the beefier sole for rougher terrain, I would probably hit the trail with them. Even though the main trail is crushed granite, I don't want to risk hurting myself. I have no idea if the the alternate trails have this fine gravel or not. They might just have a worn path.
In that case I will be wearing my North Face Gortex lined hiking shoes. I bought them a few years ago to hike the ancient temple ruins of the Maya. I never went to Central America so, now I only wear them for mowing the lawn...and hiking!
I probably won't have the money to pay for monthly Zumba classes. When I went to TCC in Fort Worth, I hit the walking trails along the Trinity River almost everyday. It was wonderful. Time to myself, a nice safe path, the homeless were polite, great calorie burn, very little shade until you hit mile 3 but, it was free. Yay for free! These trails are free and more interesting to walk. They wind up, down, and around the wildlife preserve. I like it already.
I can't wait to hit these trails when the weather gets cooler too. The woods will be gorgeous in the fall and I won't have to worry about heat stroke so much. As for now, SHADE, glorious sun shielding shade provided by my favorite lady, Mother Nature.
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| Aerial View |
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| The Viewing Deck |
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| The View from the Viewing Deck |
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| Glass Bottom Boat Tours |
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| New Discovery Hall and Aquarium Exhibit |
For more info on Aquarena Springs, click on their Home Page. This hidden gem of San Marcos is so beautiful and it has a rich history. The water coming into Spring Lake is three times cleaner than the water that comes out of your tap. Check it out. Take the tour. Hike the trails.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
"Boot Camp" or So We Were Told...
Today's aerobics class was scheduled to be a "Boot Camp" training class. It turned out to be several foot work drills back and forth on the gym floor and one session of tababa. The tabata consisted of jump rope, lunges, mountain climbers, and squat jumps with ten seconds rest in between each exercise for a total of four minutes.
As she went to start the next bit of "boot camp" training, she said,"Just kidding, this is the end of boot camp. Now its surprise dance party time!" Ok, why not. She had us start with the chicken dance and the line up went as follows:
1. Chicken Dance
2. Macarena
3. Gangnam Style
4. Tootsie Roll
5. Wobble Baby Wobble (yeah I'm not smooth at this one)
6. Cha-Cha Slide
7. Cupid Shuffle
8. Waka Waka-This Time for Africa (one of my favorites!)
9. Hips Don't Lie (I did surprisingly well with this one)
10. Cotton Eye Joe (Guess who got to be the instructor for this little diddy...this girl. City Slicker amateurs.)
11. Copperhead Road
So yeah, it was a really fun afternoon. She said it was our reward for running in the heat and doing exercise stations outside yesterday. Tangent, I totally jumped in the river after the running and stations yesterday. Cannonball!!! Back on track now. I'm cool with it.
I can't dance worth shit but I have a lot of fun trying. Back in my Marine Corps days, my friends and I would go out a few times a week to the honky tonks and dance our asses off. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's how I kept my ass off. Dance is a great workout and its fun. Its a handy way to trick yourself into exercising.
Enjoy the links to the dance party lineup!
As she went to start the next bit of "boot camp" training, she said,"Just kidding, this is the end of boot camp. Now its surprise dance party time!" Ok, why not. She had us start with the chicken dance and the line up went as follows:
1. Chicken Dance
2. Macarena
3. Gangnam Style
4. Tootsie Roll
5. Wobble Baby Wobble (yeah I'm not smooth at this one)
6. Cha-Cha Slide
7. Cupid Shuffle
8. Waka Waka-This Time for Africa (one of my favorites!)
9. Hips Don't Lie (I did surprisingly well with this one)
10. Cotton Eye Joe (Guess who got to be the instructor for this little diddy...this girl. City Slicker amateurs.)
11. Copperhead Road
So yeah, it was a really fun afternoon. She said it was our reward for running in the heat and doing exercise stations outside yesterday. Tangent, I totally jumped in the river after the running and stations yesterday. Cannonball!!! Back on track now. I'm cool with it.
I can't dance worth shit but I have a lot of fun trying. Back in my Marine Corps days, my friends and I would go out a few times a week to the honky tonks and dance our asses off. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's how I kept my ass off. Dance is a great workout and its fun. Its a handy way to trick yourself into exercising.
Enjoy the links to the dance party lineup!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Dietary Analysis and Things to Work On.
I completed a dietary analysis today as part of the paper I was required to write for my Aerobics class. We were instructed to go to this government sponsored site.
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/supertracker/
I do have to say that if you shop for generic food products, this site does not help much. It calculates all of your nutrient intake, recommends a diet and exercise plan based on a profile you fill out. Zac and I try our best to not eat so much processed food and stick to the outside perimeter of the store when grocery shopping. However, when the money gets tight we find ourselves wandering into the isles to get the best bang for the buck.
Despite the things I do not like about this site, it is a useful tool. For instance, I have way too much salt in my diet. I love salt, i'm addicted to it! All of the sodium in my diet, despite all the good foods I eat too, plus my levels of stress are heading me straight to a myocardial infarction (heart attack...I used to be a smarty pants premed student, don't judge me). I never really had a sweet tooth. I'll take salted pop corn over ice cream.
Things to work on:
1. Find an affordable Zumba class I can go to at least 3-4 times per week. Preferably near the school so I can walk there after classes.
2. Remake my hula hoops. I left my original two at scarbie so we would not have to shove them in the over packed car.
3. Make a better effort to buy the good foods, despite the barren wallet.
4. Stop putting salt on every thing I eat.
5. Check food labels for sodium and carbohydrate content.
6. Wash laundry.
7.Vac the carpet again.
7. Finish the damn sewing queue. Even the freebie small stuff so I won't have to look at it on the list anymore.
8. Take more orders. I'm not turning down any work right now. You like it, I make it! There is another month break in between semesters again and mama needs to pay the bills.
9. Clean the rat cages, move Zap into a bigger cage.
10. Jump in the river with my kick ass boyfriend! Its in the triple digits this week.
So, yeah. These are my immediate priorities. I'm actually having a pretty good day so far. I may say differently after today's "fun run." The teacher told us we are allowed to jump in the river after we complete our running/calisthenics circuits. I may have to take her up on that. I did wear my usual river clothes for class today.
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/supertracker/
I do have to say that if you shop for generic food products, this site does not help much. It calculates all of your nutrient intake, recommends a diet and exercise plan based on a profile you fill out. Zac and I try our best to not eat so much processed food and stick to the outside perimeter of the store when grocery shopping. However, when the money gets tight we find ourselves wandering into the isles to get the best bang for the buck.
Despite the things I do not like about this site, it is a useful tool. For instance, I have way too much salt in my diet. I love salt, i'm addicted to it! All of the sodium in my diet, despite all the good foods I eat too, plus my levels of stress are heading me straight to a myocardial infarction (heart attack...I used to be a smarty pants premed student, don't judge me). I never really had a sweet tooth. I'll take salted pop corn over ice cream.
Things to work on:
1. Find an affordable Zumba class I can go to at least 3-4 times per week. Preferably near the school so I can walk there after classes.
2. Remake my hula hoops. I left my original two at scarbie so we would not have to shove them in the over packed car.
3. Make a better effort to buy the good foods, despite the barren wallet.
4. Stop putting salt on every thing I eat.
5. Check food labels for sodium and carbohydrate content.
6. Wash laundry.
7.Vac the carpet again.
7. Finish the damn sewing queue. Even the freebie small stuff so I won't have to look at it on the list anymore.
8. Take more orders. I'm not turning down any work right now. You like it, I make it! There is another month break in between semesters again and mama needs to pay the bills.
9. Clean the rat cages, move Zap into a bigger cage.
10. Jump in the river with my kick ass boyfriend! Its in the triple digits this week.
So, yeah. These are my immediate priorities. I'm actually having a pretty good day so far. I may say differently after today's "fun run." The teacher told us we are allowed to jump in the river after we complete our running/calisthenics circuits. I may have to take her up on that. I did wear my usual river clothes for class today.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Another Round of Step / Core Aerobics and the Tootsie Shoe Report
Nothing truly remarkable about today's workout. It was round two of Step and Core. She upped the level of difficulty with the moves though. I am constantly reminded how uncoordinated and nonrhythmic I am.
I managed to get an epic sweat on and I am grateful for that. Before we take our final exam, we will be doing the Harvard step test again and hopefully my heart rate will be lower and that means improved cardiovascular performance.
Monday is the fun run day. I generally do not find running very fun. She is having us run laps around Sewell Park which is about the size of a football field and it is not level.
1.One lap
2.push ups
3.one lap
4.body squats
5.one lap
6.lunges
7.one lap
8.crunch sets
9.one lap
10.exercise tbd
This could be fun. It is to be seen.
I'd like to report on my Vibram toe shoes. I've been wearing them for about a week and a half during exercise and general hiking about the campus. My ankles feel a little stronger but my shin splints are killing me. There is zero shock absorption. Because of the lack of shock absorption, I'm starting to not stomp around so much as I walk. I feel more aware of how I place my foot when I take steps and I'm not marching so hard on my heels. Despite this initial pain I'm still working through, I am indeed more sure footed. I'm not sure about the claims that they are supposed to help with back pain. I have not noticed any improvement on that end.
I do love that they are machine washable. Wearing shoes with bare feet gets down right out unpleasant smelling. I just throw them in with a normal load and hang them up to dry. No problems so far.
I'm feeling better from yesterday. I'm not all rage filled and ready to beat down the next person that looks at me crosswise. I had a productive day in German class and a good workout during aerobics. Roasted chicken and green beans for dinner was glorious.
I have a short day at school tomorrow and I'll actually get a chance to sew tomorrow. I'm determined to make this a very productive weekend.
I managed to get an epic sweat on and I am grateful for that. Before we take our final exam, we will be doing the Harvard step test again and hopefully my heart rate will be lower and that means improved cardiovascular performance.
Monday is the fun run day. I generally do not find running very fun. She is having us run laps around Sewell Park which is about the size of a football field and it is not level.
1.One lap
2.push ups
3.one lap
4.body squats
5.one lap
6.lunges
7.one lap
8.crunch sets
9.one lap
10.exercise tbd
This could be fun. It is to be seen.
I'd like to report on my Vibram toe shoes. I've been wearing them for about a week and a half during exercise and general hiking about the campus. My ankles feel a little stronger but my shin splints are killing me. There is zero shock absorption. Because of the lack of shock absorption, I'm starting to not stomp around so much as I walk. I feel more aware of how I place my foot when I take steps and I'm not marching so hard on my heels. Despite this initial pain I'm still working through, I am indeed more sure footed. I'm not sure about the claims that they are supposed to help with back pain. I have not noticed any improvement on that end.
I do love that they are machine washable. Wearing shoes with bare feet gets down right out unpleasant smelling. I just throw them in with a normal load and hang them up to dry. No problems so far.
I'm feeling better from yesterday. I'm not all rage filled and ready to beat down the next person that looks at me crosswise. I had a productive day in German class and a good workout during aerobics. Roasted chicken and green beans for dinner was glorious.
I have a short day at school tomorrow and I'll actually get a chance to sew tomorrow. I'm determined to make this a very productive weekend.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Not My Best Day and Yoga Made it Worse
It is not a very good day for me. I thought I was prepared for my German exam and I was really only half prepared. I guess its to the Deutsch Assistentin for me. To make things worse, I had two online quizes that I had due today at 12 and I didn't do either one. I am super distracted and unfocused. I never have been a good test taker. I do great on homework and classwork but, when it come to sitting down and taking a test, I get in this panic zone that just makes me forget everything I just learned. I took an hour and a half to finish this test. If I can't keep it together now, what is it going to be like with my overload of classes in the fall?
What I really could have used today was a couple of hours of dead lifts, leg presses, and squat deck with the angriest death metal piped into my ears. A heavy bag and some boxing gloves could have been good too. I have a few faces I wouldn't mind taping to one of those. What I got was an hour of hippy tranquility sounds and yoga poses. I couldn't control my breathing to go any slower than usual which is just painful when you are bent over in half. I had to do modified poses whenever I had to move my left leg back and stretch it. My left upper quad is still pulled, torn, or something bad.
I want to hit something, I want to hit it hard! <<<----This is me today, right now. M'Lynn, I feel you sister.
So, that's my rant. Its been a shit-tastic day. All I can do is study harder and thank my lucky stars that he drops the lowest test grade. I'm going to push out the murder thoughts and any residual violence from my mind. Well, at least try to. I always have a little something or other violent rattling around in there.
Tomorrow, the gym class is back to regular stuff like step aerobics. I don't love step aerobics but I don't hate it either. It would be great if it were not so hard on my knees. Part of it is for making the knees stronger though. Either way, I'll get a good sweat going, great cardio workout, and the lower body will be nice and sore.
German class will be moving on to the next chapter and I hope this next exam goes better than the last. I blame myself for all of my stresses. I have failed to pace myself through all of this college business and now I'm worn out with two and a half semesters left to complete. I will have about a month break before fall starts but that is no comfort because there is no GI Bill housing allowance for the days you are not attending class. Back to the whore house I call my sewing room where I sew copious amounts of projects priced far less than what they are worth.
What I really could have used today was a couple of hours of dead lifts, leg presses, and squat deck with the angriest death metal piped into my ears. A heavy bag and some boxing gloves could have been good too. I have a few faces I wouldn't mind taping to one of those. What I got was an hour of hippy tranquility sounds and yoga poses. I couldn't control my breathing to go any slower than usual which is just painful when you are bent over in half. I had to do modified poses whenever I had to move my left leg back and stretch it. My left upper quad is still pulled, torn, or something bad.
I want to hit something, I want to hit it hard! <<<----This is me today, right now. M'Lynn, I feel you sister.
So, that's my rant. Its been a shit-tastic day. All I can do is study harder and thank my lucky stars that he drops the lowest test grade. I'm going to push out the murder thoughts and any residual violence from my mind. Well, at least try to. I always have a little something or other violent rattling around in there.
Tomorrow, the gym class is back to regular stuff like step aerobics. I don't love step aerobics but I don't hate it either. It would be great if it were not so hard on my knees. Part of it is for making the knees stronger though. Either way, I'll get a good sweat going, great cardio workout, and the lower body will be nice and sore.
German class will be moving on to the next chapter and I hope this next exam goes better than the last. I blame myself for all of my stresses. I have failed to pace myself through all of this college business and now I'm worn out with two and a half semesters left to complete. I will have about a month break before fall starts but that is no comfort because there is no GI Bill housing allowance for the days you are not attending class. Back to the whore house I call my sewing room where I sew copious amounts of projects priced far less than what they are worth.
Monday, July 22, 2013
The Adventures of the Whitest Girl You Know in the Exotic Land of Zumba
Zumba + Me = Hot Mess
Zumba today was actually a lot of fun. It was really fast paced but it roller coasters during the songs mixing in some slower rhythms. It was created originally as a Latin based dance aerobics routine. The more it developed, a variety of different types of music were mixed in.
I did not do so well with the booty popping of the hip hop sections. However, there were some parts that were Indian Bhangra inspired. That was fun and left me out of breath. If you have never seen Bhangra, here is a link to a short documentary on a Bhangra competition made by one of my favorite YouTube personalities IISuperwomanII. Superwoman: Elite 8 2011 Bhangra Competition Documentary and the link to her YouTube channel IISuperwomanII. Subscribe! She is hilarious and family friendly.
The same section had some belly dancing moves thrown in. You may not know this about me but...I can hip drop like a pro! If I only had a jingly hip scarf. Who am I kidding? I never would have worn it in front of everyone.
The benefit of Zumba is being made clear to me as I sit here writing this blog. every part of me is sore. Arms, abs, ass, legs, everything. It was a great workout even though I felt like a newborn baby giraffe trying to do all those dance moves. If you have never seen a Zumba class, check this out Zumba to Macklemore's Thrift Shop, Zumbas Bollywood Say Na Say Na, and my favorite "Shake Senora" pitbull featuring t-pain & sean paul. In the last one, I'm more like the young lady in the middle wearing the purple.
If I can get the money together, I would be willing to try Zumba regularly. If anything, its fun, people don't make fun of you for your lack of booty shaking skills, and it is a complete Aerobic workout. Some classes add weights. Their is such a variety available that you will probably never do the same routine twice. I might start with the X box Kinect version though.
Have fun imagining the hilarity of me trying to do all of this. I had a good laugh and you should too. I'm going to go ice my shin splints now as I listen to my Zumba Pandora Station.
Zumba today was actually a lot of fun. It was really fast paced but it roller coasters during the songs mixing in some slower rhythms. It was created originally as a Latin based dance aerobics routine. The more it developed, a variety of different types of music were mixed in.
I did not do so well with the booty popping of the hip hop sections. However, there were some parts that were Indian Bhangra inspired. That was fun and left me out of breath. If you have never seen Bhangra, here is a link to a short documentary on a Bhangra competition made by one of my favorite YouTube personalities IISuperwomanII. Superwoman: Elite 8 2011 Bhangra Competition Documentary and the link to her YouTube channel IISuperwomanII. Subscribe! She is hilarious and family friendly.
The same section had some belly dancing moves thrown in. You may not know this about me but...I can hip drop like a pro! If I only had a jingly hip scarf. Who am I kidding? I never would have worn it in front of everyone.
The benefit of Zumba is being made clear to me as I sit here writing this blog. every part of me is sore. Arms, abs, ass, legs, everything. It was a great workout even though I felt like a newborn baby giraffe trying to do all those dance moves. If you have never seen a Zumba class, check this out Zumba to Macklemore's Thrift Shop, Zumbas Bollywood Say Na Say Na, and my favorite "Shake Senora" pitbull featuring t-pain & sean paul. In the last one, I'm more like the young lady in the middle wearing the purple.
If I can get the money together, I would be willing to try Zumba regularly. If anything, its fun, people don't make fun of you for your lack of booty shaking skills, and it is a complete Aerobic workout. Some classes add weights. Their is such a variety available that you will probably never do the same routine twice. I might start with the X box Kinect version though.
Have fun imagining the hilarity of me trying to do all of this. I had a good laugh and you should too. I'm going to go ice my shin splints now as I listen to my Zumba Pandora Station.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Being a Better Friend and Partner.
Zac did a great job on the kitchen last night. We have been cleaning all weekend because, one, the house desperately needed it, and two, we have guests coming tonight.
Zac is my boyfriend, if you can call him that. What I mean is that we are not married but we may as well be. He's more than a boyfriend. I'm afraid that I don't show my appreciation to him as much as I should. Everyone deserves a "great job, honey," and a "I am so proud of you" more often than not.
I grew up in a family where praise was few and far between. I was a classic overachiever apple polisher because I was so hungry for praise from my parents. They brag about me all the time now, but even though I still look for my own value in the eyes and thoughts of other people, It is still a struggle for me to give said praise.
We were not huggers or "I love you" everydayers. Well, not until I went off to the Marines. It shocked the hell out of me when Mom and Dad hugged, kissed me, and said, "I love you" all at once at the bus station when they were sending me off to Marine Combat Training. It blew my mind. Our house was a house of plentiful love and pride but expressing those things was hard to do. My parents were brought up in bottom line, work, study, or else homes. Their work ethic was put at the top of the list because if it wasn't the top priority, they starved.
I tend to get my priorities out of whack most of the time. I put school, work, and the condition of the house ahead of everything. Including Zac. That isn't fair and he does not deserve that. He deserves...more. I just have to reach in and pull more out of me and not be as frugal with my affection as I am with my money.
Despite all of the exercise and protein vs. carbs counting, finding new friends and a kick ass organization that is already proving to be a promising lifetime of camaraderie and loads of interesting fun, I'm getting a little depressed. I'm tired of school. I've been in school for 3 years straight with no breaks. I still have another two semesters left...if the GI Bill money holds out. The work I do with sewing and crochet is the same old stuff over and over again because its what pays. I'm itching to get my hands fully into the viking garb and crafts but the star wars community still has its hooks in me. I know, first world white girl problems.
Zac is suffering because I can't get my shit together. Its going to be on me to pull myself out of this. No one else can help me. I hate the notion of taking medicine. I have a hard time taking a Tylenol for a headache. However, I have been on a yo yo roller coaster ride of depression for the larger portion of 25 years. I remember having these same issues but in different contexts when I was a small child. I pushed the babysitter's kids away from art projects or building forts in the woods because I thought they weren't building it right and I thought the structural integrity was compromised or the picture we were painting wasn't good enough to put on their Mom's wall. Perhaps I should get myself on some mood stabilizers.
Ugh. Frack that noise. I've never been on those kinds of meds in my life and its just one more thing to keep me poor. I have it in me to be a better friend and partner. He deserves more from me and I need to make things right by him. He deserves to be raised up for his love for me, his devotion, his creativity, and his zest for life. I can learn a lot from him. I need to open my heart and mind to allow him to teach me.
Zac is my boyfriend, if you can call him that. What I mean is that we are not married but we may as well be. He's more than a boyfriend. I'm afraid that I don't show my appreciation to him as much as I should. Everyone deserves a "great job, honey," and a "I am so proud of you" more often than not.
I grew up in a family where praise was few and far between. I was a classic overachiever apple polisher because I was so hungry for praise from my parents. They brag about me all the time now, but even though I still look for my own value in the eyes and thoughts of other people, It is still a struggle for me to give said praise.
We were not huggers or "I love you" everydayers. Well, not until I went off to the Marines. It shocked the hell out of me when Mom and Dad hugged, kissed me, and said, "I love you" all at once at the bus station when they were sending me off to Marine Combat Training. It blew my mind. Our house was a house of plentiful love and pride but expressing those things was hard to do. My parents were brought up in bottom line, work, study, or else homes. Their work ethic was put at the top of the list because if it wasn't the top priority, they starved.
I tend to get my priorities out of whack most of the time. I put school, work, and the condition of the house ahead of everything. Including Zac. That isn't fair and he does not deserve that. He deserves...more. I just have to reach in and pull more out of me and not be as frugal with my affection as I am with my money.
Despite all of the exercise and protein vs. carbs counting, finding new friends and a kick ass organization that is already proving to be a promising lifetime of camaraderie and loads of interesting fun, I'm getting a little depressed. I'm tired of school. I've been in school for 3 years straight with no breaks. I still have another two semesters left...if the GI Bill money holds out. The work I do with sewing and crochet is the same old stuff over and over again because its what pays. I'm itching to get my hands fully into the viking garb and crafts but the star wars community still has its hooks in me. I know, first world white girl problems.
Zac is suffering because I can't get my shit together. Its going to be on me to pull myself out of this. No one else can help me. I hate the notion of taking medicine. I have a hard time taking a Tylenol for a headache. However, I have been on a yo yo roller coaster ride of depression for the larger portion of 25 years. I remember having these same issues but in different contexts when I was a small child. I pushed the babysitter's kids away from art projects or building forts in the woods because I thought they weren't building it right and I thought the structural integrity was compromised or the picture we were painting wasn't good enough to put on their Mom's wall. Perhaps I should get myself on some mood stabilizers.
Ugh. Frack that noise. I've never been on those kinds of meds in my life and its just one more thing to keep me poor. I have it in me to be a better friend and partner. He deserves more from me and I need to make things right by him. He deserves to be raised up for his love for me, his devotion, his creativity, and his zest for life. I can learn a lot from him. I need to open my heart and mind to allow him to teach me.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Kickboxing, Tabata, Balance, and Eating the Floor
Today was actually pretty fun. She mixed kickboxing and tabata for the cardio portion and wrapped it up with some balance work. The beats per minute was set somewhere around 140bpm. Not light speed but still pretty fast. I know I was sweating my ass off by the end and my muscles are quite sore
Kickboxing is pretty much self explanatory. Think Tai Bo. We used the jab, hook, upper cut, knee, front kick and round house kick. There is never a time we are not in motion. While waiting for the next combo, we shuffle in place with our fists up. The round house is rough on my hip joints. At certain angles, my hip tends to slide a bit out of place. I wasn't able to kick as high but I am definitely worked out.
Tabata is a four minute workout. Its good for when you don't have a lot of time for exercise. You do one exercise for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds. Start up the next exercise immediately after your rest period. Here are some examples.
1. squat jacks
2. jump rope
3. mountain climbers
4. push ups
5. jump shots
6. hammy curls
7. windmills
8. frog jumps
9. etc...etc... you get the idea
The balance work involved some yoga and other stretching. We started in tree pose and without putting your foot down, grab the foot and move into a quad stretch. Without putting the foot down, move into warrior 3 pose, back into quad stretch and then back into tree pose. We did this for both sides. Then she wanted us to do it all over again but with our eyes closed. By the time i got to warrior 3 pose, I found the floor, with my face. Good times. My chin is sore but not bruised.
Monday, we will be working out with a Zumba instructor. I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. When I stop, the rest of my body takes a couple of seconds to catch up and settle down. Lots of booty shaking going on there.
Kickboxing is pretty much self explanatory. Think Tai Bo. We used the jab, hook, upper cut, knee, front kick and round house kick. There is never a time we are not in motion. While waiting for the next combo, we shuffle in place with our fists up. The round house is rough on my hip joints. At certain angles, my hip tends to slide a bit out of place. I wasn't able to kick as high but I am definitely worked out.
Tabata is a four minute workout. Its good for when you don't have a lot of time for exercise. You do one exercise for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds. Start up the next exercise immediately after your rest period. Here are some examples.
1. squat jacks
2. jump rope
3. mountain climbers
4. push ups
5. jump shots
6. hammy curls
7. windmills
8. frog jumps
9. etc...etc... you get the idea
The balance work involved some yoga and other stretching. We started in tree pose and without putting your foot down, grab the foot and move into a quad stretch. Without putting the foot down, move into warrior 3 pose, back into quad stretch and then back into tree pose. We did this for both sides. Then she wanted us to do it all over again but with our eyes closed. By the time i got to warrior 3 pose, I found the floor, with my face. Good times. My chin is sore but not bruised.
Monday, we will be working out with a Zumba instructor. I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. When I stop, the rest of my body takes a couple of seconds to catch up and settle down. Lots of booty shaking going on there.
Trying out the Tootsie Shoes
Yesterday we did a selection of athletic training. It was set up kind of like the stations from earlier this week.
1. push ups
2. body squats
3. ladder drills
4. crunches
5. Russian twists
6. not sure what to call this. Basketball drills? There are four spots on the floor. You run to the first one, shuffle sideways as low as you can get, next run backwards, then shuffle low to the first spot. Quick feet and agility are the goals.
The next portion consisted of sprinting drills. While standing in line you had to make jump roping motions, do the running man, or jumping jacks depending on what drill she had us doing.
1. sprint to the end of the gym and back
2. half way, back, to the end of the gym, and back
3. frog leaps to halfway, sprint to end of the gym, and back
4. frog leaps to the end of the gym, and sprint back
5. to the end of the gym and back
6. half way, back, to the end of the gym, and back
7. rock, tree, bridge
8. cool down
Let me explain rock, tree, bridge if you are not familiar. First person in line gets on the floor and balls up, they are now the rock. Next person leap frogs over the rock and stands tall with arms up, they are now the tree. Next person leap frogs the rock runs around the tree and gets into push up position with their butt high up in the air, they are now the bridge. Next person leap frogs the rock, runs around the tree, crawls under the bridge and become the new rock. It was pretty fun, but I did feel like i was in kindergarten again.
I put on my Vibram toe shoes and gave them a try. My Reebok running shoes were just not working out. They are light as a feather but my foot keeps sliding off the side and I was loosing secure footing, even just walking around. Dave noticed it at Viking PT and suggested I try wearing toe shoes instead. I tried them out. The sprinting was weird and there is no shock absorption at all.
You have to train your feet and legs to do physical activity in these types of shoes. They make you learn to step lighter instead of stomping around everywhere. I am a heavy heel walker and stander. With all of the marching and boot wearing I have done, its just how my body knows how to walk. The heels of any of my boots all have the outer edge of the heel worn off, some all the way up to the welt.
I'm hurting from it but it just feels like work hurt, not injured hurt. The shoes made me work different stabilizer muscles and tendons than I usually do not use. They are ugly as sin itself but I recommend you try them if you have ever been curious. My advice is to try to find a place that sells them so you can try them on in person. Online, you can find them for around $45. In stores and boutique outdoor shops, thy will run you about $100 plus depending on what model you get.
There is the thin, grippy boat deck ones, the running ones with a bit more rubber grabby sole, and the most expensive one is meant more for hiking. It's sole is beefier and you'll get more protection from rougher terrain. That is the pair I wanted but I got the second model. They were 50% off and in my midget size. They come with velcro strap closures and lace ups and just about any color you can think of. Mine are velcro. I wanted them originally for going down to the river and now they are my athletic shoes.
On a completely unrelated note. Two Twi'lek beanies I made for a girl out in California arrived at her door just in time for her to leave for San Diego Comic Con. This is a mixed blessing because one, They will be seen by a lot of people. Possibly some big name people too. On the other hand, I am really stinking tired of making these. They should take me no time at all to make but they take longer because I'm bored as hell with them. I could be persuaded to make one for someone like Felicia Day though. That would be incredibly cool.
Ok, I'm off to finish the last 3 pages out of 18 of German homework. Three more weeks of this. I hope my book allowance, scholarships, and grants come in within the next few weeks. I am one tired puppy.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Partner Yoga Was Starting to Get a Little...Tantric
Out of the variety of different types of exercise they are showing us in this class, Yoga is my least favorite. Partner Yoga, although fun, started getting a bit weird for a bunch of strangers asked to touch thighs and butts together, hold hands, touch palms, lace fingers, and massage each other's backs while in downward facing dog position.
I did have a little sweat going and concentrating on my breathing while bending myself up into difficult positions was a challenge. I would do it again if it were part of another PFW class but, I really do not see myself going out of my way to pay for this outside of school. This looks like it would be highly beneficial for people with problems getting their full range of motion in their joints or having issues with balance (i.e. me). Making a commitment to something like this would be a problem for me. I won't stick to something if I don't like it. That being said, on to Viking PT.
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We missed Viking PT last night. Rob was not able to attend, ergo, we had no ride. He had work to catch up on and I totally understand that one hundred percent! I really hate bumming rides off of people to begin with. It makes me feel like a mooching, well, bum. We have an eighth of a tank of gas left and it is only Wednesday morning. I have about 3 bucks in my wallet and I will have to give them to the oh so judgmental girl at the gas station today. It breaks my heart to miss PT but, we may need to wait until the money starts rolling in from school stuff again. I want to be able to drive out there whether we have a ride or not.
Having reliable transportation has always been a big must for me. Its higher on my list of priorities than groceries. I'm just saying...I make my own laundry detergent, bug repellent, electrolyte drinks, medicines, and sometimes toothpaste. Zac calls me cheap. I call it being a resourceful broke ass college student. I give up a lot to have a little of other things that make me happy...or to just break even and by a miracle even save a little.
Tangent----I have decided not to use flat rate boxes anymore for shipping anything crocheted, or clothing items under 5 lbs. I lose a shit ton of money in shipping. I'm going to have to start purchasing shipping envelopes by the box. It should not cost over 15 bucks to ship two twi'lek hats weighing a grand total of 2.30 lbs.
School is draining all the life out of me this summer. I really can't afford to take a break either. The grants I won will be coming in hopefully in August. Those will help a great deal with catching up with the summer's deficits. Gotta pay my parents back for paying my car payment for what is looking like its going to total out to three months worth, Have to pay my land lady for the month of rent that got stolen at HEB. Yeah, from now on I will be having my bank send a check directly to her house. Getting more secure money orders from the bank is six freaking dollars. I was hoping to use those grants to get us through the gap of time in between semesters when we don't get paid. Guess I'll just have to sew and crochet my way through it as per usual. We always make it through, always.
Sundays at Viking training is the only thing keeping me going right now. Knowing my friends will be there ready for commencing with the vikingy goodness every week is what keeps me getting out of bed, doing my homework, making my crafts to make money so I can continue to take care of business, and exercising to keep me healthy.
Ok folks, its random food for breakfast time, I'm thinking baked beans, celery, and toast. Protein, fiber, and carbs. It's all there. Its certainly better than ramen noodles, the staple of most broke ass college students.
These posts are cranky because I'm stressed out for a number or reasons. I'm sorry for that. Here is a picture of how I felt about yoga yesterday to make you smile.
I did have a little sweat going and concentrating on my breathing while bending myself up into difficult positions was a challenge. I would do it again if it were part of another PFW class but, I really do not see myself going out of my way to pay for this outside of school. This looks like it would be highly beneficial for people with problems getting their full range of motion in their joints or having issues with balance (i.e. me). Making a commitment to something like this would be a problem for me. I won't stick to something if I don't like it. That being said, on to Viking PT.
----------------------------------------------------------------
We missed Viking PT last night. Rob was not able to attend, ergo, we had no ride. He had work to catch up on and I totally understand that one hundred percent! I really hate bumming rides off of people to begin with. It makes me feel like a mooching, well, bum. We have an eighth of a tank of gas left and it is only Wednesday morning. I have about 3 bucks in my wallet and I will have to give them to the oh so judgmental girl at the gas station today. It breaks my heart to miss PT but, we may need to wait until the money starts rolling in from school stuff again. I want to be able to drive out there whether we have a ride or not.
Having reliable transportation has always been a big must for me. Its higher on my list of priorities than groceries. I'm just saying...I make my own laundry detergent, bug repellent, electrolyte drinks, medicines, and sometimes toothpaste. Zac calls me cheap. I call it being a resourceful broke ass college student. I give up a lot to have a little of other things that make me happy...or to just break even and by a miracle even save a little.
Tangent----I have decided not to use flat rate boxes anymore for shipping anything crocheted, or clothing items under 5 lbs. I lose a shit ton of money in shipping. I'm going to have to start purchasing shipping envelopes by the box. It should not cost over 15 bucks to ship two twi'lek hats weighing a grand total of 2.30 lbs.
School is draining all the life out of me this summer. I really can't afford to take a break either. The grants I won will be coming in hopefully in August. Those will help a great deal with catching up with the summer's deficits. Gotta pay my parents back for paying my car payment for what is looking like its going to total out to three months worth, Have to pay my land lady for the month of rent that got stolen at HEB. Yeah, from now on I will be having my bank send a check directly to her house. Getting more secure money orders from the bank is six freaking dollars. I was hoping to use those grants to get us through the gap of time in between semesters when we don't get paid. Guess I'll just have to sew and crochet my way through it as per usual. We always make it through, always.
Sundays at Viking training is the only thing keeping me going right now. Knowing my friends will be there ready for commencing with the vikingy goodness every week is what keeps me getting out of bed, doing my homework, making my crafts to make money so I can continue to take care of business, and exercising to keep me healthy.
Ok folks, its random food for breakfast time, I'm thinking baked beans, celery, and toast. Protein, fiber, and carbs. It's all there. Its certainly better than ramen noodles, the staple of most broke ass college students.
These posts are cranky because I'm stressed out for a number or reasons. I'm sorry for that. Here is a picture of how I felt about yoga yesterday to make you smile.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Rain Brings Green Grass and Joint Pain
The rain today seemed to sap all of my energy as it nourished the dry Texas earth. All of my joints ache and I fell asleep shortly after I came home. Zac was down for the count too.
Aerobics today consisted of stations to be done for one minute each.
1. 12 lbs body bar squats
2. The running man dance station (kill me now)
3. Push ups
4. Jump Rope
5. Ski slalom-jumping side to side with alternating legs. felt more like skating. Very hard on the knees
6. Forward and backward lunges
7. Stretching
8. Crunches
9. Russian twists, hold yourself up in a sitting position with your legs up and quickly touch either side of the mat with both hands.
10. Bicep curls with slow concentric phase, up quick, down slow.
11. Side straddle hop, that's jumping jacks for you civilians
12. Triceps kickbacks or extensions. slow concentric phase
13. Volleyball blocks. Jump up as high as you can, over and over, as quickly as possible, and touch the wall like you are popping a volleyball over the net
14. Riser step ups in cadence with the music. 140 beats per minute.
15. Mountain climbers
16. 8 count body builders
17. Water and stretching
I quickly noticed after arrival that all of the older students had conveniently opted out of attendance today. So, I had extra motivation to stick in there and finish this workout. My asthma started to act up around station eleven. It was scary because I did not have an inhaler with me. It was still in my purse from last Thursday. There was a lot of wheezing but I didn't have a full blown attack.
I was determined to remain on my feet and not pass out or start crying. I felt like doing all of those things though. I just forgot all the bouncy little sorority girls were there miraculously not sweating and pictured Brent's backyard, the foam mats, medicine balls, dirt, grass, and all my boys there with me knocking that shit out. One more instance were my new family pulled me through.
I managed to make it through all three rotations but it took me awhile to compose myself even after the cool down portion. I was afraid to drive right away because I was experiencing a little tunnel vision and dizziness. Before running some errands, I sat and talked with Val, my former mother-in-law, and got caught up on life and other adventures. It was nice talking with mom while I calmed down my body and mind.
This was by far one of the most strenuous days of this class. The step aerobics would be one down from there and the balance ball fiasco right after that. Tomorrow is going to be Yoga. I'm hoping that will stretch me out and get me prepared for the Tuesday night Viking PT. I would honestly rather be there in Brent's back yard with the stinky, grunting, sweaty Vikings working my body out to failure and beyond than in this class with 60 plus Lycra wearing twats, i mean energetic young adults on their journey to higher learning. I had to bite my tongue a few times today because I got the stink eye from a few girls and a couple of guys. I think it was the bouncing.
I do my best to keep my breasts strapped down. I wore a regular bra and 2 sports bras today and I still just don't get any benefit from it. When I have money again, I am going to have to go down to Lane Bryant and see what they can do for me in the ways of sports bras. I hope they will be having their yearly bra sale of buy 2 get 1 free. That sale changed my life. True story.
I have 4 more weeks of this. We do something different every day with the purpose of showing us a variety of aerobic exercises so we can try them out and hopefully chose one or more of said activities to continue regularly after the class is completed. They have a lot more in store for us and I am hopeful that I will find one that I like that will compliment Viking PT. In order for me to achieve my weight loss and functional strength goals, I will need more than just the Viking PT. I will have to exercise more than twice a week no matter what the intensity is.
Ok, I'm off to get cracking on my what is looking to be several more hours of homework. I'm so glad this is my last summer semester. Good night everybody. Carry on in good health.
Aerobics today consisted of stations to be done for one minute each.
1. 12 lbs body bar squats
2. The running man dance station (kill me now)
3. Push ups
4. Jump Rope
5. Ski slalom-jumping side to side with alternating legs. felt more like skating. Very hard on the knees
6. Forward and backward lunges
7. Stretching
8. Crunches
9. Russian twists, hold yourself up in a sitting position with your legs up and quickly touch either side of the mat with both hands.
10. Bicep curls with slow concentric phase, up quick, down slow.
11. Side straddle hop, that's jumping jacks for you civilians
12. Triceps kickbacks or extensions. slow concentric phase
13. Volleyball blocks. Jump up as high as you can, over and over, as quickly as possible, and touch the wall like you are popping a volleyball over the net
14. Riser step ups in cadence with the music. 140 beats per minute.
15. Mountain climbers
16. 8 count body builders
17. Water and stretching
I quickly noticed after arrival that all of the older students had conveniently opted out of attendance today. So, I had extra motivation to stick in there and finish this workout. My asthma started to act up around station eleven. It was scary because I did not have an inhaler with me. It was still in my purse from last Thursday. There was a lot of wheezing but I didn't have a full blown attack.
I was determined to remain on my feet and not pass out or start crying. I felt like doing all of those things though. I just forgot all the bouncy little sorority girls were there miraculously not sweating and pictured Brent's backyard, the foam mats, medicine balls, dirt, grass, and all my boys there with me knocking that shit out. One more instance were my new family pulled me through.
I managed to make it through all three rotations but it took me awhile to compose myself even after the cool down portion. I was afraid to drive right away because I was experiencing a little tunnel vision and dizziness. Before running some errands, I sat and talked with Val, my former mother-in-law, and got caught up on life and other adventures. It was nice talking with mom while I calmed down my body and mind.
This was by far one of the most strenuous days of this class. The step aerobics would be one down from there and the balance ball fiasco right after that. Tomorrow is going to be Yoga. I'm hoping that will stretch me out and get me prepared for the Tuesday night Viking PT. I would honestly rather be there in Brent's back yard with the stinky, grunting, sweaty Vikings working my body out to failure and beyond than in this class with 60 plus Lycra wearing twats, i mean energetic young adults on their journey to higher learning. I had to bite my tongue a few times today because I got the stink eye from a few girls and a couple of guys. I think it was the bouncing.
I do my best to keep my breasts strapped down. I wore a regular bra and 2 sports bras today and I still just don't get any benefit from it. When I have money again, I am going to have to go down to Lane Bryant and see what they can do for me in the ways of sports bras. I hope they will be having their yearly bra sale of buy 2 get 1 free. That sale changed my life. True story.
I have 4 more weeks of this. We do something different every day with the purpose of showing us a variety of aerobic exercises so we can try them out and hopefully chose one or more of said activities to continue regularly after the class is completed. They have a lot more in store for us and I am hopeful that I will find one that I like that will compliment Viking PT. In order for me to achieve my weight loss and functional strength goals, I will need more than just the Viking PT. I will have to exercise more than twice a week no matter what the intensity is.
Ok, I'm off to get cracking on my what is looking to be several more hours of homework. I'm so glad this is my last summer semester. Good night everybody. Carry on in good health.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Raining on our Training: UPDATED
Definition: (il·lus·tri·ous
- extremely distinguished: extremely distinguished and deservedly famous
Synonyms: distinguished, famous, celebrated, renowned, great,well-known, eminent, grand, glorious, admired
I'm new to the Jomsborg but in my short time with them, I have come to fall in love with the Hearth. I feel like it is where I always belonged and I'm still kicking myself for waiting so long to get involved in this. We would not even have the Hearth without Laura. She started it sharing her knowledge and skills and added a whole new dimension to the Elag. I for one am grateful to her and the rest of the Hearth for welcoming me with open arms. Most weeks, especially this summer, the only thing that gets me through the week is Sunday Jomsborg training.
I spent most of my free time last week crocheting blanket squares with the most random chunky yarn in creation. Zac's mom Diane gifted me a grand portion of her fancy schmancy boutique yarn earlier this year. Mom, if you are reading this, that yarn has not gone to waste! I was able to complete 20 6.5"-7" squares. I may be able to do some more but I do have other orders to take care of this week. It was fun working with all those different textures of yarn though. I was glad to pass along a big bag of it for others to play with and make square too. The sad part is, using up and giving away all that yarn barely made a dent in my collection. I have a yarn problem. I'm hoping to use up a great deal of it this winter though. My crocheting tends to be seasonal. No one really wants to knit or crochet when its 100 degrees outside. Bleh.
I'm looking forward to Viking PT on Tuesday. The Aerobics schedule says I will have yoga and partner yoga Tuesday and Thursday I will have Kickboxing, Tabata, and Balance training. I have the aerobics class everyday Monday through Thursday but I generally only care about what I will be doing the day of Viking PT so I can anticipate how much pain I'm going to be in. It isn't bad pain though. It is the kind of pain that lets me know the weakness is leaving my body (that was a USMC promotional T shirt quote). That being said, i had a hard time getting rest for a few days after the last session. I'm usually a side sleeper and that just would not do. The only relief I found was throwing my pillow off the bed and just laying there flat. It was pitiful.
This journey to fitness and vikingness is a slow one but I'm really enjoying the ride. Rain with thunder and lightning is a bummer for training purposes but it sent us to Val's Halla three hours early and the beer drinking, toast giving, pizza nomming, shield boss kissing, person impersonating, and a little food fighting (Name drop!....John Gover!) ensued.
Itty bitty rant: I still use the Oxford Comma. Deal with it.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
My First Try at Viking PT
Today was hard on my body. It started off with my usual hike up the hill to Centennial Hall. After German class I had my aerobics class. We did a step core workout and complete ab series. I was certainly sore when I got home. I was nervous all day about the punishment that was to come.
Rob came to pick us up around 5:45pm to take us to Viking PT. I spent the ride trying to calm my mind in preparation. The workout was intense. I worked until failure on every exercise. All major muscle groups were slammed as well as the finite stabilizer muscles. To tell the truth, I'm shocked that I did not pass out or vomit. I felt my eyes roll back into my head several times but I picked the clear spot in the tunnel vision and focused on that to snap me out of fainting. My asthma acted up a bit but I breathed through it without my inhaler.
I really like this workout based on first impressions. It makes you get angry and channel it into your muscle performance. I'll try to list all the exercises, I might forget the names of some or the order though.
Warm up with sword motions
Push ups X 30, X 25, X 20, X 15, X 10, X 5, X 1
Standing torso twists with a staff across the shoulders X 100, Rob and Dave did this with a 45 lbs barbell.
Grip with fingers until failure 25 lbs plates. Its harder than it looks. Brent tested the strength of my grip before he allowed me to try this. I passed.
Squat jumps with medicine ball, not sure of the weight. It was heavy. X 30
Step touch X 100. I did 150. Stand still in front of a box and lift knees alternately to touch feet to the box. Its like running in place with high knees and a target to put your feet. The boys did X 200.
30/30 squats. Get down into deep squat position and hold for 30 seconds all together as a group. Next you squat in time with each other for 30 more seconds, the slowest member of the group sets the cadence. You go directly back into the deep squat position and hold for 30 seconds and repeat the whole process.
Crunches with arms at sides X 30
Crunches with right foot over left knee, left hand behind the head, crunch across to touch left elbow to right knee. Repeat for opposite side X 30 each side.
Crunches with arms stretched out above head and brought in at the same time as bringing in the knees. Crunching into a ball X 30.
Leg lifts. arms down, hands under bottom, lift legs together and lower to 6 inches off the ground X 30
I feel like I'm forgetting something. I'm exhausted and very sore. I had 2 intense workouts today and I am sure to feel it in the morning. I was slow at this but I finished. Everyone was very encouraging and motivating. I have decided to go back again on Tuesday for another go at it.
I want to thank Brent for allowing me to join in, for his patience, and his expert instruction. Rob for coming to get us and also for his encouragement. Dave for his motivation and taking the time to show me how to do the exercises. Jarvis for hanging in there with me. Zac for trying this with me and his his continuous faith he has in me.
Rob came to pick us up around 5:45pm to take us to Viking PT. I spent the ride trying to calm my mind in preparation. The workout was intense. I worked until failure on every exercise. All major muscle groups were slammed as well as the finite stabilizer muscles. To tell the truth, I'm shocked that I did not pass out or vomit. I felt my eyes roll back into my head several times but I picked the clear spot in the tunnel vision and focused on that to snap me out of fainting. My asthma acted up a bit but I breathed through it without my inhaler.
I really like this workout based on first impressions. It makes you get angry and channel it into your muscle performance. I'll try to list all the exercises, I might forget the names of some or the order though.
Warm up with sword motions
Push ups X 30, X 25, X 20, X 15, X 10, X 5, X 1
Standing torso twists with a staff across the shoulders X 100, Rob and Dave did this with a 45 lbs barbell.
Grip with fingers until failure 25 lbs plates. Its harder than it looks. Brent tested the strength of my grip before he allowed me to try this. I passed.
Squat jumps with medicine ball, not sure of the weight. It was heavy. X 30
Step touch X 100. I did 150. Stand still in front of a box and lift knees alternately to touch feet to the box. Its like running in place with high knees and a target to put your feet. The boys did X 200.
30/30 squats. Get down into deep squat position and hold for 30 seconds all together as a group. Next you squat in time with each other for 30 more seconds, the slowest member of the group sets the cadence. You go directly back into the deep squat position and hold for 30 seconds and repeat the whole process.
Crunches with arms at sides X 30
Crunches with right foot over left knee, left hand behind the head, crunch across to touch left elbow to right knee. Repeat for opposite side X 30 each side.
Crunches with arms stretched out above head and brought in at the same time as bringing in the knees. Crunching into a ball X 30.
Leg lifts. arms down, hands under bottom, lift legs together and lower to 6 inches off the ground X 30
I feel like I'm forgetting something. I'm exhausted and very sore. I had 2 intense workouts today and I am sure to feel it in the morning. I was slow at this but I finished. Everyone was very encouraging and motivating. I have decided to go back again on Tuesday for another go at it.
I want to thank Brent for allowing me to join in, for his patience, and his expert instruction. Rob for coming to get us and also for his encouragement. Dave for his motivation and taking the time to show me how to do the exercises. Jarvis for hanging in there with me. Zac for trying this with me and his his continuous faith he has in me.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Felt Like a Beached Whale Today
Today's aerobics class used those giant inflated stability balls and dumbbells. I was doing well with the dumbbells until she had us roll down the ball to rest our shoulders and do bench presses. Wobblier still was balancing my lower back and butt on it to do crunches. The height of me feeling like a porpoise came when she had us lay on the ball with our belly button in the middle and do back extensions. It gets better... now we had to roll forward without getting up off the ball and with only our feet and ankles on the ball, hold a plank position for one minute. The truly beautiful part was rolling back into the back extension position. The thoughts going through my mind resembled songs of the humpback whale.
I am convinced that this would have been leagues easier if I had not walked over fresh asphalt tar that morning and through the grass. There was no traction on my shoes whatsoever. So lolling about on a giant bouncy ball unable to get a grip on the floor, I'm sure, will be high quality entertainment for me in retrospect. The good news is that I am certain I can handle heavier dumbbells next time. Because we were going for endurance and I had never done this type of exercise before, I went for the five pounders. Next time I think I may go for seven or nine pounders.
She had us do lots of squats and lunges today as well. I have to be careful with lunges because I am convinced that I have strained or even torn something in my left superior end of my quadriceps. I injured it several weeks ago in my weightlifting class doing exactly that, lunges.
My abdominals are still burning. She has us work the different areas in succession to get a complete workout. I'm grateful for that but, it is a smile through gritting teeth.
I'm feeling the burn even after the exercises are done. That means its working. As much as my body is not used to this and it keeps screaming at me to cut it out, I'm actually having fun among the bouncing tight bodied sorority bitches. Tomorrow we have a core workout with step risers and in the evening I have Viking PT.
I don't remember if I wrote about it but, we missed our ride to Viking PT on Tuesday. Zac's phone was on silent and we didn't hear Rob call. Poo. I messaged Rob and Dave and apologized. If we had any money at all for gas we would have high tailed it up to the PT site quick, fast, and in a hurry.
I'm still nervous about it though. I think I heard them say the group completion thing was going to be Thursday. 50 plus reps of a few exercises but everyone has to finish within a given time even if that means the other group members picking up the extra reps others cannot finish. That's a lot of pressure. I understand the purpose though. We did similar exercises on Parris Island. Team building, cohesion. I'm trying really hard not to psych myself out about this but I can't help but predict that I will be the weakest link.
I am convinced that this would have been leagues easier if I had not walked over fresh asphalt tar that morning and through the grass. There was no traction on my shoes whatsoever. So lolling about on a giant bouncy ball unable to get a grip on the floor, I'm sure, will be high quality entertainment for me in retrospect. The good news is that I am certain I can handle heavier dumbbells next time. Because we were going for endurance and I had never done this type of exercise before, I went for the five pounders. Next time I think I may go for seven or nine pounders.
She had us do lots of squats and lunges today as well. I have to be careful with lunges because I am convinced that I have strained or even torn something in my left superior end of my quadriceps. I injured it several weeks ago in my weightlifting class doing exactly that, lunges.
My abdominals are still burning. She has us work the different areas in succession to get a complete workout. I'm grateful for that but, it is a smile through gritting teeth.
I'm feeling the burn even after the exercises are done. That means its working. As much as my body is not used to this and it keeps screaming at me to cut it out, I'm actually having fun among the bouncing tight bodied sorority bitches. Tomorrow we have a core workout with step risers and in the evening I have Viking PT.
I don't remember if I wrote about it but, we missed our ride to Viking PT on Tuesday. Zac's phone was on silent and we didn't hear Rob call. Poo. I messaged Rob and Dave and apologized. If we had any money at all for gas we would have high tailed it up to the PT site quick, fast, and in a hurry.
I'm still nervous about it though. I think I heard them say the group completion thing was going to be Thursday. 50 plus reps of a few exercises but everyone has to finish within a given time even if that means the other group members picking up the extra reps others cannot finish. That's a lot of pressure. I understand the purpose though. We did similar exercises on Parris Island. Team building, cohesion. I'm trying really hard not to psych myself out about this but I can't help but predict that I will be the weakest link.
The Purpose of the Step Test
So, I took my Harvard Step Test yesterday. I thought it was going to be an endurance thing but it wasn't. It serves as a base line measurement for your resting and working heart rate.
We take our relaxed resting heart rate. Mine was 88. Then, you step in cadence with a metronome on a raised step for 3 minutes, wait 15 seconds and then take your heart rate again. Mine was 114. According to the Harvard Step test, I'm in an average range.
I'm quite frankly surprised. By the time I make it from Jowers to Centennial I usually have my heart pounding in my throat, I'm gasping for air, and sweating profusely. I thought I would be a lot worse. I'm 5 foot 1 and about 210 lbs. My heart has to work really hard to keep me circulated and alive.
My goal for this aerobics class is pretty standard. To improve my cardiovascular and pulmonary performance. Basically, make my heart and lungs stronger in order to not feel like Fatty McGee going up the stairs. That's an Adam Sandler reference for you youngins.
With that, I'm going to finish my protien shake and meine Deutsch Hausaufgaben (German homework) before heading out to school. Tschüs!
We take our relaxed resting heart rate. Mine was 88. Then, you step in cadence with a metronome on a raised step for 3 minutes, wait 15 seconds and then take your heart rate again. Mine was 114. According to the Harvard Step test, I'm in an average range.
I'm quite frankly surprised. By the time I make it from Jowers to Centennial I usually have my heart pounding in my throat, I'm gasping for air, and sweating profusely. I thought I would be a lot worse. I'm 5 foot 1 and about 210 lbs. My heart has to work really hard to keep me circulated and alive.
My goal for this aerobics class is pretty standard. To improve my cardiovascular and pulmonary performance. Basically, make my heart and lungs stronger in order to not feel like Fatty McGee going up the stairs. That's an Adam Sandler reference for you youngins.
With that, I'm going to finish my protien shake and meine Deutsch Hausaufgaben (German homework) before heading out to school. Tschüs!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
First Aerobics Class Done
That bouncy little graduate assistant doesn't fuck around. That was a serious workout. Things in the aerobics world have changed since Jane Fonda and Denise Austin. This was a high energy, fast paced, core workout. We were doing step combos and grapevines but there were also 8 count body builders, squats, planks, complete ab work, balance work, push ups, all rolled up into fast cardio and a little yoga at the end to cool down.
My ass is kicked. Now I have to get some German homework done before Rob comes to pick us up and then I'll have my ass kicked by the Viking trainer. I start it all over again tomorrow. I need water and something for a headache. I drank a protein shake right after the aerobics class so maybe a salad with some sort of protein tonight for dinner.
My ass is kicked. Now I have to get some German homework done before Rob comes to pick us up and then I'll have my ass kicked by the Viking trainer. I start it all over again tomorrow. I need water and something for a headache. I drank a protein shake right after the aerobics class so maybe a salad with some sort of protein tonight for dinner.
It's Tuesday. Dun Dun DUN!
I had my first aerobics class yesterday. It was mostly an orientation and review of the syllabus. They actually have a pretty diverse schedule lined up for the next 5 weeks. The instructors are a team of two bouncy, overly chipper women. One has been an aerobics instructor for 30+ years and the other is her graduate assistant.
There are lots of younger girls in their Lycra and under armor coordinating outfits but there are a fair amount of older women with just as much aches, pains, and arthritis as me. This is promising. I think I'll be in their group for the "fun runs."
We jump right into the curriculum today starting with a step test. I have no idea what this means. I'm assuming it involves an endurance test for how high and how long we can use the step up block things. I have no idea what they are called but I used to see them tucked away in a corner of the gyms on base gathering dust because aerobics classes did not exist in military base gyms.
Today Rob will be picking Zac and me up for what I am affectionately calling "Viking PT." Still scared shitless about it but I'm going to do it anyways. I'm hoping that the combination of this aerobics class and the viking PT will not be too much. I've been hydrating as much as I can stand. sticking to mostly protein foods and I'll have a few carbs before we go. I actually don't feel right for going because I don't have any money to give him for gas.
I also have to squeeze in study and homework time as well as sewing and crochet time because all of my bills are paid and I have some groceries in the pantry but, it is only the 9th of the month and I'm already more than broke. I'm thankful that I have 10 bucks on an HEB card so I can have enough gas to get to school this week. I may have to find out if and when the bus to Austin stops in Kyle this summer. I may be spending even more hours on campus. Those hours would not be wasted though. I can spend them on homework or hand sewing.
The combination of stress and extreme physical activity will either make me stronger or break me. I have been hospitalized for exhaustion before. That's one thing I absolutely cannot afford.
I have a few projects to finish up that haven't been paid yet. That will be good money for gas and other expenses. Zac has horns to carve and I can make a living out of nothing. I have always been able to pull money out of my ass somehow. I am thankful that I have fairly lucrative skills. In the right circumstances. I'll patch jeans, hem pants, make new garments, crochet weird shit, or simple stuff too, the name of my business is indeed "You like it? I make it."
I did not write this blog for sympathy or handouts. I rarely accept either of those things. I write because I tend to be more eloquent when I write rather than when I speak. This is just a record of my personal journey. Its truth from my life. I work. Its who I am. I am a work horse. I always have the plow to my shoulder and I am always pulling or pushing away at the task at hand. The weight of the world is on my shoulders. I feel I am responsible for everything. It is my lot in life and I have felt this way since I was a very small child.
This drives Zac absolutely mad. He hates seeing me stressed out. He hates seeing me take joy in only a very select few things. Creating and designing new garb is one of them. Jomsborg is another, actually Jomsborg is at the top of my list right now in the happy things list. Its making up for the void of being able to walk through the mountains of Virginia enjoying unpolluted wilderness and hanging out with my brother and parents. The Jomsborg, even though I have only known them for a few months, are my family. The family I get to see and hang out with every week. I have Glenn's family in Shertz. I miss them, I don't get to see them regularly though.
I posted a quote on Facebook a little while ago. "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." We have always made it through before. We will make it through this time. We always do.
There are lots of younger girls in their Lycra and under armor coordinating outfits but there are a fair amount of older women with just as much aches, pains, and arthritis as me. This is promising. I think I'll be in their group for the "fun runs."
We jump right into the curriculum today starting with a step test. I have no idea what this means. I'm assuming it involves an endurance test for how high and how long we can use the step up block things. I have no idea what they are called but I used to see them tucked away in a corner of the gyms on base gathering dust because aerobics classes did not exist in military base gyms.
Today Rob will be picking Zac and me up for what I am affectionately calling "Viking PT." Still scared shitless about it but I'm going to do it anyways. I'm hoping that the combination of this aerobics class and the viking PT will not be too much. I've been hydrating as much as I can stand. sticking to mostly protein foods and I'll have a few carbs before we go. I actually don't feel right for going because I don't have any money to give him for gas.
I also have to squeeze in study and homework time as well as sewing and crochet time because all of my bills are paid and I have some groceries in the pantry but, it is only the 9th of the month and I'm already more than broke. I'm thankful that I have 10 bucks on an HEB card so I can have enough gas to get to school this week. I may have to find out if and when the bus to Austin stops in Kyle this summer. I may be spending even more hours on campus. Those hours would not be wasted though. I can spend them on homework or hand sewing.
The combination of stress and extreme physical activity will either make me stronger or break me. I have been hospitalized for exhaustion before. That's one thing I absolutely cannot afford.
I have a few projects to finish up that haven't been paid yet. That will be good money for gas and other expenses. Zac has horns to carve and I can make a living out of nothing. I have always been able to pull money out of my ass somehow. I am thankful that I have fairly lucrative skills. In the right circumstances. I'll patch jeans, hem pants, make new garments, crochet weird shit, or simple stuff too, the name of my business is indeed "You like it? I make it."
I did not write this blog for sympathy or handouts. I rarely accept either of those things. I write because I tend to be more eloquent when I write rather than when I speak. This is just a record of my personal journey. Its truth from my life. I work. Its who I am. I am a work horse. I always have the plow to my shoulder and I am always pulling or pushing away at the task at hand. The weight of the world is on my shoulders. I feel I am responsible for everything. It is my lot in life and I have felt this way since I was a very small child.
This drives Zac absolutely mad. He hates seeing me stressed out. He hates seeing me take joy in only a very select few things. Creating and designing new garb is one of them. Jomsborg is another, actually Jomsborg is at the top of my list right now in the happy things list. Its making up for the void of being able to walk through the mountains of Virginia enjoying unpolluted wilderness and hanging out with my brother and parents. The Jomsborg, even though I have only known them for a few months, are my family. The family I get to see and hang out with every week. I have Glenn's family in Shertz. I miss them, I don't get to see them regularly though.
I posted a quote on Facebook a little while ago. "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." We have always made it through before. We will make it through this time. We always do.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Back to my own personal sweat shop.
I had a really fun time last night. We went over to Rob's ranch and ate some brisket, drink some beer and kicked back with our Viking brothers and sisters. I expressed an interest in doing the PT Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our styrsman gave me a rundown of what it consists of. I can't lie and say am not intimidated. I'm scared as hell. I decided to put it out of my mind until next week.
For now I have work to do before this summer two semester starts. I've got a bunch of Star Wars Mandalorian vests to make for friends and other clients. As until Monday to get them all done or at least most of them done. It's good money coming in but I can't say that I really like making Mando vests anymore. If it wasn't such easy money I probably wouldn't do it anymore. But, alas and a poor college student and I always need the money. I'm really not turning down any work right now.
What I really want to do is finish off all the items in my queue and switch to making the majority of my work Viking garb. I also also want to hold some classes here at the house for my Jomsborg brothers and sisters. I'd really like to teach a class on making Viking garb items such as hats, tunics, pants, dresses, etc...
We already held a boot making party here at the house, they worked so hard. They were here for 15 hours straight working that leather. I don't imagine it would take that long to teach classes on single items. I think maybe we should start with hats. They are pretty simple and they can be more extensively decorated later.
Embroidery would also be another good thing to teach. I get a satisfaction out of being able to help people be self-sufficient. It's a good feeling to be able to do things for yourself. I know this would take a bite out of my business but there are always people in other states and other areas that will need clothes made. I'm hoping to make up a stock of clothing items that I can take to Ravensborg and possibly sell and make a little money or trade for other items to put back into my business.
For now I have work to do before this summer two semester starts. I've got a bunch of Star Wars Mandalorian vests to make for friends and other clients. As until Monday to get them all done or at least most of them done. It's good money coming in but I can't say that I really like making Mando vests anymore. If it wasn't such easy money I probably wouldn't do it anymore. But, alas and a poor college student and I always need the money. I'm really not turning down any work right now.
What I really want to do is finish off all the items in my queue and switch to making the majority of my work Viking garb. I also also want to hold some classes here at the house for my Jomsborg brothers and sisters. I'd really like to teach a class on making Viking garb items such as hats, tunics, pants, dresses, etc...
We already held a boot making party here at the house, they worked so hard. They were here for 15 hours straight working that leather. I don't imagine it would take that long to teach classes on single items. I think maybe we should start with hats. They are pretty simple and they can be more extensively decorated later.
Embroidery would also be another good thing to teach. I get a satisfaction out of being able to help people be self-sufficient. It's a good feeling to be able to do things for yourself. I know this would take a bite out of my business but there are always people in other states and other areas that will need clothes made. I'm hoping to make up a stock of clothing items that I can take to Ravensborg and possibly sell and make a little money or trade for other items to put back into my business.
Viking PT
Gym rant is out of the way. Tuesday I am going to attempt PT with the Jomsborg Elag. They started this a couple of years ago to benefit the members that wanted to take their training beyond the weekly or biweekly weapons training. They told me that I would definitely cry. I will definitely vomit. Most of them do, twice a week. There are a lot of large body movements involved, some kettle bells, free weight plates with handles built in. The workout is meant to condition with goals of being the best sword or ax fighter one can be. I'm not going to be fighting with the Jomsborg army, my talents and skill are better served in the Hearth faction of the Jomsborg.
Permanent muscle is built up, that being what has been explained to me as if you have to stop training, your body doesn't spiral down to its original pre training state but minimal loss happens. This takes a long time to achieve.
Major muscle groups are worked but there is more emphasis on the stabilizer muscles. for example: juggling a 10 lbs medicine ball back and forth in your hand with your arms bent is easy. Juggling a 10 lbs ball in your hand with your arms held out straight in front of you, not so easy. it completely changes which muscles you punish.
Teamwork is a huge factor. the group work is meant to motivate and bring you tighter together as a team. The "25 minute thing" is a perfect example. 3-5 people in a group. 100 push ups, 100 lunges, 100 side straddle hop (jumping jacks), 100 crunches/sit ups... any combo of body weight exercises. All group members have to complete it all in 25 minutes. However, if one can only do 50 pushups, another who is done with his will knock out 30 or so of your push ups and you finish your last 20. All reps for all people have to be completed as a unit.
They are not fucking around. The only other female to try this is a lot leaner and more fit than I am and she tried it once and decided that she was not ready for this level of PT. They dont hold it against you if you are not ready but they do encourage you to get back up to the point where you can come back and bring the beast with the rest of them.
Its sort of like being thrown to the wolves but they do not throw you weights that are too heavy for you right away, I will probably be working with just my own body weight on Tuesday for just about everything. I'm not afraid to get ugly around these men. They are my family. As brutal as the PT is, it is overwhelmingly supportive and non competitive. Failure is the point of all this. To work the body to failure and then do just a little bit more. I'm terrified, its going to be a huge thing for me. It is also meant to not just rework your body's blueprint but also rework your mental schema that holds you back from your full potential.
I have a lot of unwarranted anxiety about this. It is unwarranted because of how supportive my brothers are for us. I'm crying right now just thinking about all of this, wondering what is going to happen next week. I'm confused because I don't know if the tears are from fear of failure, fear of hurting myself, disappointing my brothers, disappointing myself, disappointing Zac, etc.... Or are they from just not knowing what to do with their gracious offer and enthusiastic willingness to allow my fat ass to train along with their warriors. They have all taken Zac and I in with open arms and hearts. I guess the thing that I have to overcome is deciding that i deserve that affection, praise, help, health, effort,... Shit, I have a hard time buying a 99 cent eyeliner because I don't think I deserve to have it.
Permanent muscle is built up, that being what has been explained to me as if you have to stop training, your body doesn't spiral down to its original pre training state but minimal loss happens. This takes a long time to achieve.
Major muscle groups are worked but there is more emphasis on the stabilizer muscles. for example: juggling a 10 lbs medicine ball back and forth in your hand with your arms bent is easy. Juggling a 10 lbs ball in your hand with your arms held out straight in front of you, not so easy. it completely changes which muscles you punish.
Teamwork is a huge factor. the group work is meant to motivate and bring you tighter together as a team. The "25 minute thing" is a perfect example. 3-5 people in a group. 100 push ups, 100 lunges, 100 side straddle hop (jumping jacks), 100 crunches/sit ups... any combo of body weight exercises. All group members have to complete it all in 25 minutes. However, if one can only do 50 pushups, another who is done with his will knock out 30 or so of your push ups and you finish your last 20. All reps for all people have to be completed as a unit.
They are not fucking around. The only other female to try this is a lot leaner and more fit than I am and she tried it once and decided that she was not ready for this level of PT. They dont hold it against you if you are not ready but they do encourage you to get back up to the point where you can come back and bring the beast with the rest of them.
Its sort of like being thrown to the wolves but they do not throw you weights that are too heavy for you right away, I will probably be working with just my own body weight on Tuesday for just about everything. I'm not afraid to get ugly around these men. They are my family. As brutal as the PT is, it is overwhelmingly supportive and non competitive. Failure is the point of all this. To work the body to failure and then do just a little bit more. I'm terrified, its going to be a huge thing for me. It is also meant to not just rework your body's blueprint but also rework your mental schema that holds you back from your full potential.
I have a lot of unwarranted anxiety about this. It is unwarranted because of how supportive my brothers are for us. I'm crying right now just thinking about all of this, wondering what is going to happen next week. I'm confused because I don't know if the tears are from fear of failure, fear of hurting myself, disappointing my brothers, disappointing myself, disappointing Zac, etc.... Or are they from just not knowing what to do with their gracious offer and enthusiastic willingness to allow my fat ass to train along with their warriors. They have all taken Zac and I in with open arms and hearts. I guess the thing that I have to overcome is deciding that i deserve that affection, praise, help, health, effort,... Shit, I have a hard time buying a 99 cent eyeliner because I don't think I deserve to have it.
The end of my weight lifting summer PFW course
The weightlifting class is over. Very little weight loss but some good muscle gain. I wish I could continue going to the athletics gym in the Jowers building. its simple and old. No fancy equipment and i never felt like I had to get all dolled up to go pump some iron. The rec center on campus is a fancy state of the art facility and when I went there I was that kid that was not like the others. I came prepared to knock out my workout, maybe get a little ugly trying out my maxes and I felt halted in my tracks.
All the students that work there look like you plucked them out of fitness magazine add (all dudes) every girl on the floor had makeup and coordinating slutty workout "clothes" I've seen bathing suits cover more. I finished my workout anyways and got the hell out of there.
There are 60 plus different cable machines for shit I can knock out in free weights faster because 1, I'm not wasting time searching for the right machine, and 2, I would work better by not isolating the muscle so much and getting the stabilizing muscles worked out. All it takes is one little stabilizing muscle or tendon to fail and you are boned. It wouldn't even matter how big and strong your bicep or quads are.
I'm ranting. I'l keep going for the tread mills because each one has a TV attached to it and I think there is a fan to blow on your face in each one as well. Plus, I pay a shit ton for that gym whether I use it or not. I'm paying for it, I might as well use it.
All the students that work there look like you plucked them out of fitness magazine add (all dudes) every girl on the floor had makeup and coordinating slutty workout "clothes" I've seen bathing suits cover more. I finished my workout anyways and got the hell out of there.
There are 60 plus different cable machines for shit I can knock out in free weights faster because 1, I'm not wasting time searching for the right machine, and 2, I would work better by not isolating the muscle so much and getting the stabilizing muscles worked out. All it takes is one little stabilizing muscle or tendon to fail and you are boned. It wouldn't even matter how big and strong your bicep or quads are.
I'm ranting. I'l keep going for the tread mills because each one has a TV attached to it and I think there is a fan to blow on your face in each one as well. Plus, I pay a shit ton for that gym whether I use it or not. I'm paying for it, I might as well use it.
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