Planks, Push-ups, and Positivity

The next few days will be all about surrounding myself with positive thoughts, positive people, and anything else that brings positive energy ... as well as brushing up a bit of my upper body strength.

My medical leave was approved by the department, and two of my colleagues have agreed to cover the classes that I'll miss. Luckily I'm actually not missing too many classes because of the upcoming Eid holiday.

I spent a few hours with KD another one of the trainers at the gym (Body Combat & Body Pump instructor) and her support and advice was really good. I feel so lucky to have many of the trainers at the gym supporting me. It makes a big difference. I mean, I've got my friends and family, but the trainers are both my friends and family too ... it's such a big difference from 3 years ago.

Losing the strength and fitness that I've developed over the past two years has obviously been a big concern of mine. Perhaps for some people it may not seem like the thing I should be worried about when I'm about to go through surgery ... but it is a big deal. To be honest, the idea of not being able to exercise for almost two months is really freaking me out.

In trying to stay positive, however, I'm reminding myself that I'm in a MUCH better place with this surgery than the last one. During the last surgery I worked out a little but ate like crap ... this time, for the past 2 years I've changed my habits and my approach to food. This time instead of having chocolates and biscuits in the house, there will be lots of fruits and other things that will be healthy and satisfying ... I'm sure (well I hope) that these measures will help me get back on my feet quickly (and not gain weight)!!

My core is going to take a major hit during this surgery, so I'm trying to do a few planks and push-ups throughout the day to strengthen both my arms and my abs. I know I'll need the strength. They're two of my toughest exercises, but I think they're the most important ones for me at the moment. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want to prepare a bit. Tomorrow I hope to focus on cardio.

Rested and Restored

I had a really good night's sleep last night -- I haven't slept that well in over a month, and as soon as I woke up, I could feel the difference. I had a lot scheduled for today (papers to grade, research paper to write, thesis to edit - still!), but the first thing I wanted to do was head to the gym and make the most of my energy.

Although I knew I wanted to go to the gym, I was indecisive about what workout I wanted to do. I was thinking about doing some warm-up cardio and then weights ... and possibly RPM class ... but that class started at 12. What would I do in the meantime (as I was planning on being at the gym around 9:30)? In any case, I got there and spoke to MC who was doing a Power House session at 10 ... so I thought - why not? It's been about a year since I did Power House; perhaps the change in routine will do me some good.

Power House is a circuit training class, and it is TOUGH. There are 16 stations. You spend a minute at each station completing as many reps of the exercise at that station as possible before moving to the next. For example, today the first few were: chest presses, weighted squats, running on trampoline, bicep curls, tricep dips, abs etc. The pattern is basically 2 weights, 1 cardio, 2 weights, abs, and repeat. It's quite challenging - especially because you have to transition from one station to the next immediately and get started. The goal is to do as many reps as possible, but you also have to pay attention to your form. [I'm very proud that I bench pressed 20 kg (45 lbs); I can't remember how many reps I did coz' I lost count, but I did well!] Anyway. It was a really good class. I was totally drenched, but didn't have any time to change my t-shirt before the 11 a.m. Pilates class.

That class was soooo good! I know there are a lot of people, especially guys, who think that Pilates isn't challenging. However, I assure you, if you're doing it correctly, it is very challenging! You try doing about 10 minutes of plank pose variations and let me know if you're sweating or not! TJ was teaching the class, and she is excellent. Though you look at her tiny little body doing these poses in perfect posture and you think - damn, she makes it look so easy!

Finally, RPM. I haven't done 3 classes in a row for a LONG time ... however I really wanted to do today's class, and I'm glad I did. Great session - more sweat, more adrenaline pumping. It was fab.

Now, it's back to work for me ... I'm feeling energetic from the cardio, but sore from the weights and Pilates ...

Tomorrow is weigh-in day ... as you could tell I didn't eat perfectly according to The Plan, but I think I was able to make smart choices, and I know I hit my workouts really hard this week. So we'll see if it all worked out or if I messed up!

Dreaded Workout

Today was my 'core' day. I decided, what better way to distract myself from the stress of my writing than by adding a bit of abdominal pain? LOL

I started off with burpees. I absolutely hate these exercises. I remember last summer I would refuse to do them properly. I'd be able to jump into plank position but pure fear of falling/failing was preventing me from jumping my legs back ... Finally one day I said to myself - Enough is enough. What's the worst thing that can happen? So I fall, big deal. Try it!!! So I tried it ... and I did it! I'm still amazed at how much fear plays a role in keeping me from pushing to my potential. Anyway. I'm pleased to say that I can do 20 burpees in a row without too much difficulty - it sure does get my heart rate up!

The burpees were followed by plank position variations. How can such a simple looking exercise cause so much pain and be so tough? I hate this exercise but I was determined to do the variations and get past the dread. So I started with the basic plank position, followed by keeping the same position but with one leg raised up. Then side plank followed by side plank with a raised arm twist (you twist the raised arm under your torso then back to starting position) and finally normal plank position but with both one leg and opposite arm raised/extended - I only did 15 per side. (Obviously all the positions were done for each side). In between each variation I did the regular plank pose. I held each position for 30 seconds. There were a few positions - namely the side planks - ithat I couldn't hold for 30 seconds straight but I did do a total of 30 seconds. Can I just say OUCH??!!! I never imagined so much sweat from an exercise that basically requires you to stay still ... Well I did wobble quite a bit, but you know what I mean!

I finished off the routine with my third least favorite and absolutely dreaded exercise - bicycle crunches. I did 100 of those and wanted to burst into tears.

Well, that's another workout on 'holiday' done ... I have to admit it does help relieve some of the anxiety I'm feeling over my thesis draft ... Still, pushing through as always :)