Well, I'm way behind!

I've been doing all sorts of things but not posting!

Today I went to the gym.  Third 5x5 session since my restart.  I I'm already feeling results, super happy about that.

Pretty sure I'll join this gym.

Feeling it!

Yesterday I went back to the 5x5. I had gone back to my regular lifting but, after a couple of weeks, I stopped seeing results. So I'll try the 5x5 again. I didn't realize it doesn't just go on forever! I'm glad to know there is a stopping point. Anyway, I can really feel the squats I did! Sore legs!

PT Day!

What a really great meeting I had today! We went though all the exercises in the 5x5 so I know what I'm doing and don't hurt myself. So I'll continue to do that at the gym and then, next week, we'll work on other different things. I also asked him to measure me next week so I can keep track of any size changes. I ran there and back. I think it's just under a mile each way. So, fun day!

Day off!

Well, yesterday was a day off from exercise. Today was a day off from work. Today I went and met the personal trainer and I signed up for 6 30 minute sessions. I liked him and his facility. Very low key, I'll feel comfortable there. He is going to show me the 5x5 exercises, per my request. I want to make sure I'm doing them correctly! And then we'll do other things, as well. After that I went to the gym and did one of my 5x5 sessions. Then I did the elliptical for 20 minutes. Level 7 today, not level 9! Still very challenging, though. And, I think, a way better workout. Level 9 was such a grind but I didn't feel all sweaty. Today I was really sweaty. Good sign, I think! Running tomorrow!

Day B of 5x5

Well, I was super sore from squats, I'll tell you that! But they were on the menu again today so I did them. I was going to do them with a bar only. Last time I did them with a weighted bar. But the bars that you actually put weights on seem to weigh more than the pre-weighted bar I used the other day! So I used that 20 pound bar again. After weights, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical which was very challenging. I had it at a high interval level. I have an appointment on Monday with someone at Science Fitness on Adams Avenue. I just want to make sure that I'm doing my weight exercises right! And if our meeting goes well, I'll buy a 6 (30 minute) session package. That package comes out the same as it does for Chuze, my gym. So we will see what Monday brings!

Something Different - For Real!

Not just different listening material! As you know, I've been going to the gym and lifting weights. You also know that I'm not losing any weight. I do think I'm making some muscle gains, but not as much as I'd like. I know I've mentioned that I've been toying with the idea of going to a trainer. But, honestly, I just don't want to spend that money. Anyway. The other day Bart told me about a weightlifting program called 5x5: http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ I decided to give it a try and I mentioned it to Angie. She says this is the program that Mike and Josh have been using! I did day 1 yesterday and, I'm surprised, but it was pretty hard! Challenging. And this morning I can feel it. Which means I didn't start my weight low enough, I suppose. In theory, I'm supposed to go up 5 pounds each new session. But I am going to hold steady till I'm unsore. There are questions. I don't have a workout partner so I never want to lift to the point of needing a spotter. I guess at some point I'll just plateau my weights. But I wonder if it will stop working then or if I will just maintain. Also, the plan says to take a true day off between lifting sessions. I am not going to do that. I am going to run. So......how much will that screw me up? I will find the answers through trial and error, I'm sure! I kinda suspect that these rules are really for meatheads who want to super bulk. Which is not my plan. My goals are: Fat reduction, increased calorie burning, muscle, strength. I have decided I'll try this for 12 weeks and see if I have any changes. I can always go back to my old routine or try a different method, if need be.