I wish I could see her. I love how children move with such abandon.
Research please. I have Rhapsody, however, since he has so many best ofs, I wasn't sure which one.
Workout wise: ha. I've started NROL4W over again. Intending just to do stage 1. I'm done enough to get to the 12-rep stage. 2x a week until this last one where I just did one. Yesterday did a Power Stretch DVD. 20 minutes kind of yogaish until the end which has hamstring, inner thigh, and torso stretching.
I started the NROL4W again to tide me over while I ponder where I want to go on the weight-lifting journey.
Big-girl wise: Still rudderless & not even pondering.
Thank you for checking on me.
Found it - I had trouble before because I'd forgotten the actual title of the CD was Forever Yours.
Workout-wise - for something different, what about taking a class, like spinning? Just to change things up.
As for the big-girl things, you seem like the type of person that will take care of them when the time is right.
__________________
Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Hiya! Read this log all the time and never join in the fun. I don't know why 'cause it has music and humor and all the stuff I love. I honestly don't have a good suggestion for you on where to go weightlifting wise but there are so many good options if NROL4W is not your cup o' tea. I am curious RE the steriods and how they are affecting your workouts. Sounds (from the symptoms and price) almost like they should be enhancing them.
__________________
The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
Tom,
I would love to take a spinning class (and actually did research on padded seats & underwear). However, I am sort of in a catch-22: I don't want to buy the equipment until I'm sure I'd want to keep taking the class & I'm lloathe to try the one at 24 because it's one of those group classes with no tutorial. If you can provide some newbie tips that might help me get over the trepidation.
Thanks for looking up the album for me. I'll give it a listen today.
Hey Karla,
The main reason I haven't settled on a weight-lifting program is because I haven't settled on a weight-lifting goal. I only started weight-lifting as part of the middle-age checklist of keeping healthy banes & muscles. Once I found out I could/would go to the big-boy side of the gym, now I'm floundering because I didn't choose any measurable goals and despite the conflicting information I've read, I have found no physical standard that I'm failing (given my age) that I should be working to achieve.
RE the steroids: The symptoms you mention are actually the known side effects of most steroid medicine. Since I've never been on a steroid, I was/am concerned about how it would affect me. I purposefully haven't been doing anything strenuous so that I could watch for side effects in my natural living patterns. I've been taking it for a week & so far have had some intermittent nausea/gas. So I'll also be interested to see how/if it affects my workouts.
RE music: Did you see the inauguration -- specifically Itzhak Perlman & Yo Yo Ma. I don't know the clarinet & piano players, but I thought it was too hilarious that the one female (piano player) was the only one who wore fingerless gloves. I told my husband, see even though they sound good, you know "we" aren't trying to go anywhere & be too uncomfortable. Thank God for CSPAN. I started out on MSNBC, however, I couldn't take the yapping.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Tom,
I would love to take a spinning class (and actually did research on padded seats & underwear). However, I am sort of in a catch-22: I don't want to buy the equipment until I'm sure I'd want to keep taking the class & I'm lloathe to try the one at 24 because it's one of those group classes with no tutorial. If you can provide some newbie tips that might help me get over the trepidation.
Thanks for looking up the album for me. I'll give it a listen today.
I can tell you what I'd tell anyone taking a class of mine for the first time... It's always YOUR ride. Nobody really knows how much gear you have on the bike but for you, and possibly the instructor (whose job it is to know). Implicit in every cue, if not always explicitly stated is "If you can..." - but if you can't, that's not a negative reflection on you, but rather an opportunity for growth. In that same vein, the only person you're competing with is yourself. As for the trepidation? I had it myself when I started, and I was far less fit than you are now - but with time and effort I got to the point where I got certified as an instructor, much as you did with Nia. I'm sure if I stepped into a class of yours I'd feel much the same way. What would you tell me?
As for the CD, I'm not sure it's on Rhapsody, and even if it is, it's probably not the surround sound version of it. But, I'd very much love to be wrong.
__________________
Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Damn, you're quick. I guess I should have been more specific about my trepidation. I meant about the bike mechanics: how to set up, what to look for so that I could more quickly change the gear, approx what gear I should try to start with and where I should approximately try to aim for position in the class so that I could try & more easily observe the stuff I should be picking up to lessen the kltuz factor. My trepidation was about being aggravated by an inanimate object & never getting to the point of actually being able to assess if I actually liked the class. I have no issue about being the new person in class.
And you'd love NIa: its facilitation is all about YOUR body's way. And the new-agey attendees love to welcome newcomers. BUT you need at least a moticum of rhythm.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Damn, you're quick. I guess I should have been more specific about my trepidation. I meant about the bike mechanics: how to set up, what to look for so that I could more quickly change the gear, approx what gear I should try to start with and where I should approximately try to aim for position in the class so that I could try & more easily observe the stuff I should be picking up to lessen the kltuz factor. My trepidation was about being aggravated by an inanimate object & never getting to the point of actually being able to assess if I actually liked the class. I have no issue about being the new person in class.
And you'd love NIa: its facilitation is all about YOUR body's way. And the new-agey attendees love to welcome newcomers. BUT you need at least a moticum of rhythm.
Well, I just happened to be reading the boards when you replied, so... The instructor should set the bike up for you (least that's how we always do it). That said, you want your seat height adjusted so you have a small break in your knee (so that you're not locked out when your foot is all the way down at 6 o'clock). Also, if you're using sneakers, (not shoes with clips) you want the ball of your foot on the center of the pedal. They probably will have cages to put your foot into, but you don't want to go all the way in because they're designed to handle larger feet. Handlebar height is a matter of comfort - you can adjust that to what suits you best. Some bikes (like the ones at our corporate gym) have handlebars that can be moved toward/away from you as well. These adjustments can be made differently, depending on how the bike's constructed. Ours have a lever mechanism you turn to loosen the tension on the seat/handlebars etc, others have a pin mechanism where you pull the pin out and then adjust the height. This shouldn't be a problem as the instructor SHOULD set you up on your bike.
The instructor will be cueing you as to what gear you'll be using. You can get an idea of where you're at in the warmup if you set up using flat road gear (as you would feel on a street bike if you were on a flat road). Then you can gauge from there what a light hill, medium hill, and heavy hill are. A good rule to follow though is to count the number of pedal strokes you make on one foot in 15 secs. If you come out with a number between 15 and 20, you're on a hill. If you're between 20 and 28, you're on a flat road. If you're less than 15 you probably should reduce gear, and greater than 28, you probably should add it. If you're going too fast on a flat, you'll be bouncing in your seat, which is an indication there's not enough resistance on the bike.
Is that more of what you're looking for?
As for Nia, I'm afraid that counts me out, being a no-rhythm white guy lol.
__________________
Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Tom: Thanks. That was fabulous & just what I'm looking for. I "know" what an instructor should do, however, I wanted to be prepared just in case the one I get is not as conscientious as you.
It just blows my mind that someone who loves music as much as you is rhythmically-challenged.
I've been to the store and got some Asiago cheese. Haven't popped the package yet.
Celeste: I just wanted you to know I read your comment before I went out, then came home & started dinner & did a workout. It made my day.
*********
Have some interesting thoughts about today's workout. Will comment later as I need to get dinner finished & take a bath.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Thank you for the picture -- it's funny because you don't know how timely this picture is.
What I was going to say about my workout on Tuesday, Jan 20 is that I've been restructuring the NROL4W Stage 1 workouts because I think it is time for me to pay more attention to how my body is both naturally and how it is responding to my workouts.
I've talked about it briefly is this log, however, it is now apparent that I have learned how to activate my glutes. My hamstrings & booty be poppin'. In addition, I have been peeing up a storm the last week & 1/2, and I didn't know my stomach could get any flatter, but it has. I think I look fabulous, however, I am starting to not want to see this. It's like, I'm not doing anything "special" to get it, and I don't want to get used to it, then all of a sudden wake up in my fifties & think damn I must do more (in excess) to keep it -- This is why I said your picture was so timely. We'll see. Long as I can keep eating, I guess I'll be alright.
So, I've decided that I'm going to incorporate some strength sets and some lagging bodypart sets in my created workouts.
This is the workout I did on Tuesday (I did this workout at home):
Warm-up:
10 min treadmill walk -- fast speed unknown
YTWL: 1 x 5-lb DBs x 8
1-Leg Glute Bridge: 1 x BW x 10 (e)
Squat-to-Stand: 1 x BW x 10
Wrist Curls (Pronated): 1 x 5-lb DBs x 10
A: BB Deadlift (have no idea what the bar & locks weigh. Weight is the plates)
WU1: 70 lbs x 4
WU2: 90 lbs x 4
WU3: 90 lbs x 3
3 sets x 5 reps x 120 lbs
rest period = 2 min
From here on rest period = 1 min & alternating sets
B1: DB Shoulder Press
2 x 15-lb DBs x 12 I need to get bigger DBs
B2: Wide-Grip BB Pullover
2 x 20 lbs x 12 I have never done this exercise & I'm scared of it. I have no wish to dislocate my shoulder. I am too long to lay on bench such that the bar goes back but if my arms went back too far, the bar would hit the bench. However, I love this exercise. Triceps really felt it.
C1: DB Bicep Curls
1 set x 15-lb DBs x 8 My left arm does not want to lift this weight
1 set x 10 lbs (2 5-lb DBs in 1 hand) x 12 (e) These were done 1 arm at a time. L. arm had no problem. Probably need a 12-lb DB. This is a lagging bodypart exercise.
Note: this replace Alternating Leg Lunges: given my backside status, I've decided to work my legs less
C2: Weighted Swiss Ball Crunch
2 sets x 20 lbs x 10
I really enjoyed this workout. I did it sans music. When I was on the treadmill, I started singing in my head & liked the silence. Then I thought for the deadlifts I need to concentrate so decided not to put on the music. This is the first workout where the mix of aerobic & anaerobic timing was such that I wasn't tired & dripping sweat at the end. I did, however, feel like I worked out.
Intending to do something tomorrow.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
I'm walking 60 miles for a breast cancer cure, September 11-13, 2009! Please support my walk and help me raise funds for cancer research by donating to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/...nal&fr_id=1300
Tom,
I would love to take a spinning class (and actually did research on padded seats & underwear). However, I am sort of in a catch-22: I don't want to buy the equipment until I'm sure I'd want to keep taking the class & I'm lloathe to try the one at 24 because it's one of those group classes with no tutorial. If you can provide some newbie tips that might help me get over the trepidation.
Tracey, most spinning classes I've taken have had instructors who cater to noobs as well as veterans. And, I think once you get into the rhythm (of which you have lots, I am sure!), things sort of fall into place. I don't think you'll need padded shorts for a 45' class, though they might make you more comfy. I think you can buy the padded underwear at REI.com for ~ $25. I haven't looked in awhile.
I love reading about your body awareness... I have very little and I'm trying to pay more attention to what I'm feeling, and then respond appropriately. I appreciate your (unintended) guidance.
I'm walking 60 miles for a breast cancer cure, September 11-13, 2009! Please support my walk and help me raise funds for cancer research by donating to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/...nal&fr_id=1300
Padded underwear would really make your glutes pop.
Thanks for the head's up because I so didn't consider that scenario. It's a good job I'm in "appreciate the poppin' glute" country.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willie
Tracey, most spinning classes I've taken have had instructors who cater to noobs as well as veterans. And, I think once you get into the rhythm (of which you have lots, I am sure!), things sort of fall into place. I don't think you'll need padded shorts for a 45' class, though they might make you more comfy. I think you can buy the padded underwear at REI.com for ~ $25. I haven't looked in awhile.
Thanks for the underwear recommendation. And I think you're right about most instructors. But I kept thinking it would just be my luck to get one of the "snob" type ones (who's only interested in getting his/her ego stroked by the veterans), and I promise that wouldn't go over well with me or the gym after I got finished letting them know what I thought -- cuz I'm definitely not one of the more silent types when I'm displeased.
Quote:
I love reading about your body awareness... I have very little and I'm trying to pay more attention to what I'm feeling, and then respond appropriately. I appreciate your (unintended) guidance.
Thanks for letting me know. I don't think the celebration of body awareness is discussed very often because it is such a touchy subject.
For someone like you who has been an athlete for so long, I would expect that you're more conditioned to pay attention to your conditioning regimen -- being open to moving into this uncharted area is a good step. I know as someone who has been following your journey that you're further along than you think
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Jane, I have fallen in love. You did me up but good. I'm going to buy this album. There wasn't one song that I bypassed. Although I have to say after the previous songs, "Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams" was a surprise. "Standing on the Corner of the Third World" put me in the mind of Marvin's "Trouble Man" so I put that song on as the capper.
I KNEW it!!! How do you like Badman's Song???
ETA: Johnny Panic was NOT part of the original recording; actually the last 4 tracks weren't part of the original 1989 recording. They were added when it was remastered and re-released several years ago. I believe the original had 8 tracks on it.
Kick, Punch & Crunch DVD (abbreviated version from FitTV): 1 hour. Used all commercial breaks for active recovery.
Followed by
Yoga (20 min).
Did this right before my husband came home from work. If I hadn't said in my log that I was doing something on this day, I probably wouldn't have done it. Sometimes recording pre-activity is a good thing.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
2.03 mile walk from the Georgia Dome to a BP Station.
Went to the Battle of the Bands (showcase of historically-black college bands). Didn't account for the 1-hr time-zone change, so got to ATL 1 hour late. Parked at my daughter's and had her drop us off at the dome. Show was fabulous. We had great seats. Saw some fabulously-loud fashions, however, I was definitely underdressed. We walked out in order to not have her caught up in the traffic when she came to get us.
On her way to get us, someone hit the back of her car turning wide in the parking garage. So we ended up standing for an hour outside the BP we stopped at for coffee & the wait. Had a good time standing outside; ended up talking to several homeless (I presume) men, then one guy going into the store who decided to get into a mini-faith testimony with my husband, then to the undercover policeman who came to ensure we weren't loiterers.
Our trip back ended with us going 60 miles out of the way since we didn't bother to map it out. Finally got home, hand some comfort food, some loving, and crashed.
Good times.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Thanks for the underwear recommendation. And I think you're right about most instructors. But I kept thinking it would just be my luck to get one of the "snob" type ones (who's only interested in getting his/her ego stroked by the veterans), and I promise that wouldn't go over well with me or the gym after I got finished letting them know what I thought -- cuz I'm definitely not one of the more silent types when I'm displeased.
I completely understand your reticence to walk in there. But honestly, if the instructor is a snob who turns away newbies, the gym should know about it. Think of it as a public service.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanceDiva
Thanks for letting me know. I don't think the celebration of body awareness is discussed very often because it is such a touchy subject.
For someone like you who has been an athlete for so long, I would expect that you're more conditioned to pay attention to your conditioning regimen -- being open to moving into this uncharted area is a good step. I know as someone who has been following your journey that you're further along than you think
This is so timely for me. It IS a touchy subject. I am only now learning how I view and treat my body, and that while I'm not willing just yet to say that my perceptions are unhealthy, I do realize that I could make some positive changes in terms of my attitude and perception (of me and of others). I used to think that even the term "body awareness" was for wimps-- I prioritized exercise over most other pursuits and told myself that "listening to my body" would just allow me to make excuses for myself. So, I completely tuned out.
This is SUCH a good step for me. This winter has been eye-opening. I used to plan on working out 10x per week; anything less and I was "lazy". I would catalog what I needed to do (lift 3x, GPP 2x, intervals 2x...) and then fill in the rest of the workouts with steady state just because I felt I needed to be exercising. This winter, I've let myself sleep in (oh, the humanity!) three times per week, and I've spent a lot of time thinking about getting back on the water, training hard, and ensuring that I do not re-injure myself. In fact, just yesterday, I woke up with a sore throat. I chose not to exercise yesterday and went straight to bed when I got home from work. I didn't exercise this morning, either (though I am feeling better) and am allowing myself to be flexible about this afternoon's plans. NEVER before would I take off two days for being sick.
I am *loving* the way I feel right now-- well-rested, strong, powerful. And it seems that I feel more powerful, while exercising less, by being far more aware of my body. Huh. Amazing, how that works.
I'm walking 60 miles for a breast cancer cure, September 11-13, 2009! Please support my walk and help me raise funds for cancer research by donating to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/...nal&fr_id=1300
Jane: We cross-posted & I didn't see you post (and update) until today. I am with you on the crank it up.
I don't know how I feel about "expanded" re-issues: if it's the first time in the media (i.e. going from vinyl to cd) AND the additional material is from the original session AND contains something note-worthy then I think it is a plus. However, I hate the new artist "enhanced/expanded" versions of a CD, especially when the new material seems to be better than the initial. I think then the company is just trying to jack its customers.
Kate: I absolutely love the wisdom & insight in your post. I have nothing to add because I promise it needs no enhancement.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Negative Chins (neutral grip):
S1: 1 x 15 sec S2: Began descent, then pulled chin over bar then 1 x 20 sec S3a: 3 horizontal pull-ups with feet on wall & legs bent so body decline parallel to floor S3b: Foot on bench assisted up then quick descent down
Barbell Bench Press
S1: 5 x 40 lbs S2: 5 x 50 lbs S3: 2 x 70 lbs + 5 x 60 lbs
Barbell Squat 1 x 60 lbs x 5 reps
Weighted Crunch on Ball
1 x 30 lbs x 8 reps
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
Last edited by DanceDiva : 02-02-2009 at 05:57 PM.
Hi ya back Tracey: Thanks. I think you just say that because I'm not in the high-rep zone (yes, ma'am, I've been reading your workouts).
Hi Tom: Thank you too. The workout was nice.
I listened to both the Bach choices. But I had intended to do some research (which I haven't gotten to) before I talked about them. Basically my opinion is that I liked them, however, they both started to become monotonous to me. I wanted to research to see if my feeling of monotony was being induced by how the selections were ordered or if Bach compositions are ones I just need to listen to in smaller doses.
__________________ Just because your mother thinks you're special doesn't mean I do
We'll see. Long as I can keep eating, I guess I'll be alright.
and I'm trying to pay more attention to what I'm feeling, and then respond appropriately. I appreciate your (unintended) guidance.
Linear Mode
