I like the gym, actually that is a lie, I love the gym. If I could go back in time, I'd re-train as a personal instructor. I've had a really strange week when it comes to the gym. Monday I did a strength test so my judo coach can see where my fitness level is at. It was quite a good experience, involving:
- Broad jump (measured in cm)
- Right leg hop and left leg hop (measured in cm)
- Level 10 on the rower, 20 sec row as hard as you can, 10 sec rest. Repeat 8 times, total distance added (674 metres - Damn pleased with that, i've never rowed on level ten before!!)
- Squat (1 rep max - 70kg)
- Bench press (1 rep max - 40kg)
- Row (1 rep max - 45kg)
All of the weights are personal bests!! Darn tooting chuffed with that, especially when i consider that 4 months ago I had never done a squat from the rack, never cared for the bench press and row? I wouldn't even dream of doing that kind of weight! I am already looking forward to getting reassessed before Christmas! Eager to see my progress.
So after these, it was surprising to me to feel very anti-gym. I have spent the last three days battling a very real and extreme exhaustion. When it came to today's gym session with my PT, it was the very last thing I wanted to go and do! As is often the case, i enjoyed it immensely when i got there. I worked my legs to death, by the end of 30 mins, i genuinely wanted to vomit. My face was beetroot red and sweat was rolling between my boobs (guys this is a very really issue!) and yet somehow I managed to get my jellifed arms and legs on to a Spin bike for 45 minutes.
So why do I work out so much?
It is a question i get asked a lot.
Well firstly, each to their own. I feel every one should have a hobby, the gym is one of mine.
Secondly, i would like the body of a goddess - unlikely to ever happen, as food is another hobby of mine, albeit in moderation, i still like chocolate a little bit too much.
Thirdly, it helps me get fit and cross train for other sports and activities.
Fourthly, my health. Yes physical health, i want strong muscles, strong bones, a healthy heart, low blood pressure etc, but also mental health. I genuinely find that gym time is my time, even when i am working hard with my PT, it is my time, i switch off from all of life's other problems, worries and cares. If i'm trying to lift a heavy (to me) weight, then i need to focus on form and technique and their isn't room left in my head for anything else. Now this is really important as someone who has suffered from depression. Switching off is something i find difficult to do, negative things affect me greatly. The gym is nearly always a positive experience, that helps me to recharge my batteries and also the endorphins make me happy!
Another thing i love about the gym, people don't care what you look like, you are all there for the same reason! I really like the different styles of training you can do, some days i'll just do cardio (let's face it, you don't have to think a lot to sit on a bike). Other days i'll do classes, currently in the mix are, pilates, yogalates, yoga, boxfit, spin, FTR circuits and Abs, core and flex. At least once a week I have a PT session where do do cross fit based work outs, and I try to do some of these on my own. If i get up and feel really insecure about an aspect of myself then heading to the gym and focussing on that area gives me the knowledge that i'm doing something positive to change.
In fact the only thing i'm struggling to change is my diet. Their is a lot of conflicting information on the net, and one cannot be sure the person giving advice is actually qualified either. Lots of fruit and veg it is good but also a bad thing now? Too many carbs...not enough carbs? Calories...wait no, it is all about fats....yeah CONFUSED.COM!
I doubt i'm the only gym nut, but i really hope i'm not the only gym nut constantly asked why i do it to myself, or called nuts. And i hope someone with more intelligence can explain decent nutrition to me, or as least send me to a good, verifiable web page!!
Until next time folks.....Train hard!
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