I have written about a few things now... Diet, Goal Setting, Programs, Commitment, My Story, etc.... and I hope at this point, I have inspired you to maybe start your own wellness regime. First off, today was a good day, I got up at 6am, got to the gym by 6:30pm, continued working on C25K (and I would like to say that I am very excited about completing the program) and I ate well for most of the day, I did have lunch out, but I was careful with my selections and I had a nice hearty salad for dinner. I took in all my recommended water and I feel good and ready to get up tomorrow at 6am and continue.
As I have had lots of personal training in the past as taken a lot of classes, I know where my strengths and weaknesses fall, I do recommend if you are just starting to get into a gym / fitness regime, I recommend starting slow and learning about your body. When I began, I started with a good cardio routine... Spin class, Treadmill, Stair Master and I joined a boot camp that used light barbells and body weight to help me figure out what I was good at. I had a leg injury many years ago and favoured that side for many years and now have much more muscle and strength on one side and not the other. My trainer and I worked on dynamic balance to try to even things out for completing events.
If you are unsure what to try, see if your gym offers lessons or feedback sessions. The YMCA that I am a part of offers Wellness Sessions that helps you co-ordinate the different machines and teaches you to use each piece correctly. If you feel more comfortable using hand weights and bar bells, Google different exercise regiments. For example, I entered "Weight Training" into Google and got the following (just a sample):
Power Muscle
Muscle-Munch Training
Exercises that Boost Your Metabolism
YouTube is also a very excellent resource as it will show you proper form machine settings. Make notes and take that notebook with you. Write down your weights and reps and try to beat it the next time, even just slightly.
I am not, by any means, a trainer, but I don't want you to feel discouraged when you arrive at the gym, nervous, self-conscious and not wanting to ask for help quite yet... So start small, do some research and take your time... We all know that you won't be competing in the Olympics tomorrow, but using the vast information on the internet will help you to get started. It is only 2 weeks into January and you have a lot of different weight groups to learn yet.
When first starting, it is important to remember this: If it hurts, and I mean HURTS, not just 'burns', stop what you are doing and get some help. Even the slightest improper form can cause damage. If you don't know what you are doing, use low weights with a lot of reps, as opposed to high weights that can hurt you if they fall! And if you cramp up a little bit (we all know that feeling), slow down a smidge and keep going... You can walk off a cramp, it's your bodies way of telling you that it is aware you are doing something different and isn't quite sure if it likes it, but I assure you, it will get better and you will enjoy this pain one day.
Anyway, to conclude for today as I need to hit the hay to ensure I get up at 6am... I am not a trainer, I am simply letting you know that I have been there... Well over 200 lbs and starting brand new at the gym to try to get healthy and in better shape. Part of this 21 Day Challenge is to get me back to where I felt optimal and then kick the crap out of that until my most recent memory of Optimal is nothing but a laugh!
Use the ample resources around you and keep checking back! Tomorrow, tips to keep you motivated!
Take care,
A
No comments:
Post a Comment