Lessons Learned Days 1 Through 7
The transformation begins!
Day 1 8:46 AM on Feb. 9, 2009
I worked like a fiend today and it took more than 1:15 minutes to get through the routine. I was surprised as I went from machine to machine (or apparatus) without waiting and without resting. I did rest between each major body part for less than a minute and a half. I didn’t talk to any one and stayed focused … but it still took longer than expected. I’ll plan for it next time …
The good news is that I burned 840 calories, kept my heart rate at an average of 125 bpm for the time frame and felt like I kicked butt today. I Drank 32 oz of water during the workout too.
Now for the bigger challenge of the day … meals. They are planned. I just have to follow them … EXACTLY!
Day 2
I got in to get 25 minutes of cardio in … better than nothing I guess.
Day 3 8:38 AM on Feb. 11, 2009
Today was a great day … Legs (my favorite) and back/biceps. Like Monday, it took me 1:20 to get through the routine. I went from machine to machine and did not stop. It’s just a lot to get in. Knowing this in advance, I got there earlier today. At 6:05 a.m., I was on the elliptical for my warm up cardio … The best news is that I burned up 1000 calories and kept my average heart rate at 130 (near the top of my 85% range for a guy my age). I am excited.
Lessons Learned: If I don’t get the workout done in the morning, it doesn’t get done.
Day 4 7:59 AM on Feb. 12, 2009
I shaved 15 minutes off the work out today as compared to day one … only one hour and five minutes. I think, knowing the routine a bit better and more importantly, reviewing the work out last night before going to bed had me mentally prepared to get it done. I burned 800 + calories and an average heart rate of 125 (115 – 145).
I had “gym regulars” comment today … what are you doing? … You are really pushing it … Made me feel good as I knew they were sincere and they noticed.
I am going on a long-weekend vacation for the next five days, but I located a Gold’s Gym within 10 blocks of where I am staying, so I am confident I can stay on track AND have a life … can’t wait.
Lessons Learned:
Funny how a small comment like that made by the regulars can fuel the desire to produce and keep going. These people have no idea how they impacted me today!
Day 5 9:07 AM on Feb. 13, 2009
I found Gold’s Gym on vacation. I have moved the work out to tomorrow as the travel and arrival were late and the day just got started later than we planned. I have the work out ready to go and have the directions and have already talked to the front desk … no excuses for tomorrow.
So, today I just went out for a run instead … 30 minutes of run/walk and 400 calories. Heart beat average 120 (110 – 140). AHHHH Florida sun in February beats Minneapolis snow!
Lessons Learned:
Where there is a will there is a way. Even travel will allow for taking care of myself.
Day 6 6:25 AM on Feb. 15, 2009
Yesterday I mentioned being on vacation and finding a Gold’s Gym. I got there today and did my workout. It was leg and back day again. These are my favorites.
Going to an unfamiliar gym can be hard. It took a while to locate the various machines and understand the nuances … different weights and measures, etc. I was most surprised at the level of insecurity I suddenly felt … strange faces, strange surroundings … it was very easy to lose self confidence. But, I pushed on and soon found myself working very hard and staying focused on my routine. The head can play such crazy games.
Lessons Learned:
Since we are on vacation this week, I am not planning on making great gains, but do plan on maintaining, so no ground is lost. Yikes, life is always right in front of you. It really comes down to choices made daily!
Day 7 6:32 AM on Feb. 15, 2009
I believe Day 7 is a day of rest …
When completing my workout from yesterday on line, I realized why it took me longer to get the work outs in … I am so goofy sometimes.
Because I need reading glasses to read the printouts from my exercise plan, I copy the work out into a small notebook that I carry around with me in the gym. In my hurry, I just assumed a pattern to the various body parts and wrote down three routines for each exercise. In reality, the first two exercised are done three times and the last two are only done once (at least for my level and number of times per week).
Today I plan to enjoy friends, family and warm temps in Florida … three more days until its back to the MN tundra.
Lessons Learned:
The bad news is that each day it took another 10 – 15 minutes to get these in. The good news is I got in extra sets. I guess that isn’t such a bad thing.