Monday, April 30, 2012

Taking a (Painful) Break

I didn't go to the gym today. I just couldn't.

When I woke up this morning the migraine that started two days still hadn't let up, my throat was sore, I had a runny nose, my back was killing me, and I had the worst cramps ever. (Not to mention all the aches from yesterday's crazy workout). I normally try to push through the cramps, but it was the rest of the symptoms that made me think otherwise this time ... and seeing how the cramps and dizziness worsened over the day, I know I made the right choice.

So since I didn't workout today, let me tell you about yesterday.

I started Stage 7 of NROL4W yesterday. It's the last stage in the program, and I have to say, I am so proud of myself for sticking to the program over the past ten months! When I looked at Workout 1, I thought it wasn't going to be too bad. OMG - I can't even explain the type of sore I'm feeling, but this soreness is definitely a good type of sore.

2 sets of squats/8 reps each - set 1 @ 50 kg (110 lbs); set 2 @ 55 kg (121 lbs). I really tried to squat as low as possible. It was a bit of a struggle to stand up, especially with the last two reps, but other than that it was fine.

Alternating 4 sets and 20 reps of lunges (rear foot elevated on step) and push ups. I held 10 kg (22 lb) dumbbells in each hand for the first 3 sets of squats and then 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs) dumbbells for the final set. I'm really feeling the after effects of 80 lunges/leg today! OUCH!! I did all 80 push ups on my knees. I dropped all the way down for all of them, but the last 4-5 were a bit of a struggle.

Alternating 4 sets of 20 reps of barbell deadlifts and dumbbell bent-over rows. For the first 3 sets of deadlifts I used 30 kg (66 lbs) and for the final set I went up to 35 kg (77 lbs). I know that I can deadlift more weight ... but 20 reps is a LOT of reps. I struggled towards the end, but I did complete it. I used 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs) dumbbells in each hand for the rows, and then 10 kg (22 lbs.) dumbbells for the last set.

I underestimated how intense the workout was going to be. I worked up an incredible set, and I was also amazed at how high my heart rate got, particularly as I did the last few reps of each set. Still, overall it felt great, and I definitely felt strong.

I had intended to do workout 2 today, but I clearly need a day of rest before continuing the next weights workout.

On a side note, the in-laws and my parents came over for dinner tonight. To change things up I decided to cook what D and I would normally have for dinner to show them how we've been eating lately. So instead of the typical 7-8 dish spread that I would have made, I grilled some salmon and made a few veggie side dishes. Very low fat, but lots of flavor. It turned out really well -- but now I'm knackered. Taking another two painkillers and heading for bed now. I hope these cramps subside. Ugh.

7 comments:

  1. Take care of yourself and feel better soon. :)

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  2. I love your yesterday's workout! I hope you will be feeling better soon, good call on taking a day off :)

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    1. It was intense and I loved it!! I definitely needed the break.

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  3. Oooh...sounds like you needed a break. And like you kicked it yesterday!! Way to go.

    I love that you made what you would normally eat. What a good way to motivate other people to eat healthy. And to stay on plan!

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    1. Cooking our normal dinner for everyone worked out really well. I had no problems or worries at the dinner table and I was able to show our families how simply we usually eat :)

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  4. I'm so sorry you're not feeling well right now, but a day or two of rest is the absolute best idea. I'm fighting a cold myself and a couple of days off and some extra sleep is just what I needed.

    Feel better soon!

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)