No cool pictures to share right now. But, I wanted to update my fitness program efforts. I’ve been focusing on increasing my pace on the treadmill and adding some strength training. I finally reached 3.0 walking/4.0 jogging with my heart rate happy about it. So, yesterday I moved up to Week Three of my 5K training plan. Who knows if I’ll ever actually run a 5K, but it gives me some guideline to follow in how to improve my fitness level. Week Three is walking for two minutes, jogging for one for 24-30 minutes.
Yesterday I did that and more. After my bike experience on the hills of Kauai last weekend I realized my heart needs to get more used to inclines. I mean, I do random hill stationary bike riding, but it obviously needs more. So, after the 30 minutes of Week Three, I did 15 minutes of increasing the incline every three minutes, from 0-2.5. I think I may try doing all of my treadwork on at least a level 1 incline. See what happens.
I ventured into the World of Machines again this week, too. But, I feel so stupid trying to figure out how to adjust the machines and then how to use them properly. I tried one for pectorals, since I am a woman of a certain age whose girls have recently, and only recently, decided to start creeping south. Well, I followed the instructions, adjusted the seat and the weight, and then tried to release the arm things with the foot lever, as it said to do, then put my feet where they were supposed to go, and then couldn’t figure out which way I was supposed to grip the hand thingies and which way I was supposed to move them. I tried a few different approaches, and then gave up. Next time I’ll try a machine with fewer moving parts. And I might even remember to bring the notes I made when Beth, the nice trainer, showed me how to use some of them.
It IS intimidating, though, walking between all the different machines with obviously experienced users, peering at the instructions, trying to see what they’re for and how to use them. I spend some time on the bike watching other people use them, but more than a few times people have looked at me, like, “What are you staring at?” I’m not sure what the answer is, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually.
So, since I really, really do want to add strength training to my program, I took two, not one, but two, strength training classes this week. One was pretty much strictly weight training, the other, this morning was kind of a combined weightlifting/cardio class, with emphasis on weights. Kicked my butt! Lots of lunges and squats and Step moves. My knees and thighs are soooooo sore. Besides the obvious benefit of these classes, people were really nice and welcoming. Someone in each class offered me equipment I needed. Many levels of fitness in each class. That’s something that has really surprised me going to the gym. As the treadmiller next to me replied after I told him I want to be just like him when I grow up, running more than walking, “At least you’re here. That’s the main thing, right?” And for now, it is.
Had some fun yesterday with my daughter Pua and her boyfriend. They were going to hike the Waimano Ridge Trail, but it was too rainy. I was considering going with them,
but it’s 14 miles roundtrip and I’m not sure I could keep up yet. Soon, but maybe not yet.
Yesterday I did that and more. After my bike experience on the hills of Kauai last weekend I realized my heart needs to get more used to inclines. I mean, I do random hill stationary bike riding, but it obviously needs more. So, after the 30 minutes of Week Three, I did 15 minutes of increasing the incline every three minutes, from 0-2.5. I think I may try doing all of my treadwork on at least a level 1 incline. See what happens.
I ventured into the World of Machines again this week, too. But, I feel so stupid trying to figure out how to adjust the machines and then how to use them properly. I tried one for pectorals, since I am a woman of a certain age whose girls have recently, and only recently, decided to start creeping south. Well, I followed the instructions, adjusted the seat and the weight, and then tried to release the arm things with the foot lever, as it said to do, then put my feet where they were supposed to go, and then couldn’t figure out which way I was supposed to grip the hand thingies and which way I was supposed to move them. I tried a few different approaches, and then gave up. Next time I’ll try a machine with fewer moving parts. And I might even remember to bring the notes I made when Beth, the nice trainer, showed me how to use some of them.
It IS intimidating, though, walking between all the different machines with obviously experienced users, peering at the instructions, trying to see what they’re for and how to use them. I spend some time on the bike watching other people use them, but more than a few times people have looked at me, like, “What are you staring at?” I’m not sure what the answer is, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually.
So, since I really, really do want to add strength training to my program, I took two, not one, but two, strength training classes this week. One was pretty much strictly weight training, the other, this morning was kind of a combined weightlifting/cardio class, with emphasis on weights. Kicked my butt! Lots of lunges and squats and Step moves. My knees and thighs are soooooo sore. Besides the obvious benefit of these classes, people were really nice and welcoming. Someone in each class offered me equipment I needed. Many levels of fitness in each class. That’s something that has really surprised me going to the gym. As the treadmiller next to me replied after I told him I want to be just like him when I grow up, running more than walking, “At least you’re here. That’s the main thing, right?” And for now, it is.
Had some fun yesterday with my daughter Pua and her boyfriend. They were going to hike the Waimano Ridge Trail, but it was too rainy. I was considering going with them,
but it’s 14 miles roundtrip and I’m not sure I could keep up yet. Soon, but maybe not yet. Instead, we went to Kalama’s and played around in the waves. There was a big wind swell, just like the one when I broke my ribs, so I didn’t take my board in, but had fun diving under, and jumping and swimming over the waves. Pua and Ale both caught a few waves that looked really fast and really fun. I also made my favorite turkey/LCLW/veggie/kim chee sandwiches for them for lunch, and then boca burgers for a snack before they headed out. Nice that they’re eating healthy these days too. So far a fun weekend. Not sure what I’m going to do tomorrow, but I think I probably should go to Costco and replenish supplies.
2 comments:
You're doing so great! I think that ridge trail may have been the one Marc ('member him?) took me on that almost killed me. Can't be sure though. Maybe next time Miguel and I visit we can all do it together. Can P get us discounted tix?
http://pollyespics.blogspot.com/
the new blog.
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