Squats and Push-Ups and Patterns...Oh My!

Last week was a busy one. I got in a walk every day with the Moon Dog, but that was pretty much it. I did make it to TKD class, and that was great. No other major workouts, though.

This week I have a little more time and a little less stress. Yay! The Artist and I had planned on hiking, but the weather did not cooperate. Instead we did some strength training, and he threw in some TKD practice, too. We don't have class this week, so this was a great idea. I was really proud of him. He did a difficult workout and enjoyed himself.

I'm going to focus on lifting right now. I love it. It's my favorite. Why am I not focused on it already?

For now, I am going for consistency and finding a good weight to start from. I need to do heavy lifting, but it's been so long I don't know where my base is. I've been reading articles on this great site called Eat To Perform, and one was discussing the idea of doing a few basic movements and just going until you can't do anymore. Perfect way to start out and very helpful for finding my starting point.

Today was squats and push ups. I started with a weight I knew I could handle and went up in 10 pound increments from there. I did push ups in between and during my rest times I worked on my pattern. It ended up being a really great workout. Lifting makes me happy. I can tune out the world and just get it done. Love.

Here's my workout for today:

Squats  //  Push Ups (incline at various levels)

95# 8r  // 15r level1
105# 8r  //  15r level 2
115# 10r  // 10r level 3
125# 8r  //  10r level 3
135# 6r  //  12r level 2
145# 6r  //  15r level 1


Obviously, I could have done more, but my legs were wobbly and tired. Rather than push too far, I stopped at 145# and will use that as my jumping off point next time. Not bad for not going heavy in a long time.

Keeping it simple this week. Two exercises and working on my pattern. Hopefully we'll find time for another hike, too. Tomorrow I am thinking Dead Lifts and Chest Press/Flys.

Back On Track Again

This week has been brutally busy. That's why I'm blogging at 4:30 in the morning. No other time to do it. I'm exhausted, but I've also managed to stay on track with my eating. Exercise has been a struggle. The beginning of the week was great. I ran on Monday and didn't stop to walk. TKD class was great. We did a lot of conditioning, and I was sore the next day.

Tuesday I did a heavy leg workout and walked the Moon Dog. Combined with my previous days' exercise, I started to get really sore. I finished off Tuesday with a workout with some clients. Legs and abs and yoga. Ouch.

I haven't been sore like that in a while. I like feeling that way. Feels like I've really worked, and it's been a while since I have really gone all out. Most days I sit for long hours, and it's made me lazy. It feels good to finally be consistent.

I had high hopes for Wednesday and Thursday, but life got in the way. I managed to squeeze in walks with the pooch and some pushups, but that's it. Better than nothing, but I need to get back into it. Today I am determined to fit in a good workout. I want to up my cardio, so I am planning on a plyometric/jump rope workout. No more slacking.

My eating all week has been on track, which seems like a victory since I've been so busy and stressed. I'm determined not to stress eat any more.

The rest of life is going pretty well. Things are busy and crazy and stressful, but I'm also starting some great projects. I'm working on two holiday shows and starting the high school musical. Three great groups of actors. November and December are non-stop, but it's going to be a lot of fun.