Gym Training For the Body and Mind

Last week I decided to add in a third weight lifting training day. Time to really push myself. Trainer Mark has been encouraging me to add in the extra weight days.. Well it's time. Last week after my second day of training with Mark I asked him what muscle group I should do on my own the next day. After complete shock from him he gave me the plan and a high five for pushing myself.

I never understood when people said this, until now.
Best feeling when I complete a workout, dripping with sweat,
Amazed at what I just accomplished!

I left work the next day, heading to the gym, and was determined to complete the routine. I got my workout folder, starting looking at it, went blank in the brain, closed the folder, returned it to the cabinet and did cardio. FAIL! High five not earned. I felt defeated. I got home from the gym wondering what happened? Why did I basically turn and run? It's not because I am intimidated, because truth is, we are all their working on ourselves. So if that wasn't it, what is it? Then it hit me, I am not confident in completing the workouts and knowing how to complete them properly. Well that's a problem, since the whole reason I got a trainer was to learn. This means he is showing me, I am repeating, but not retaining...Not good!!

You have to start somewhere and grow

Frustrated. That's how I felt. I'm a smart girl, I work hard, I learn, so why should the gym be any different? It got me thinking about school. Kids and adults learn differently, some need to hear something, some need to see something, some need to do it only once and they remember. Me? I need to write it. I was like in school and I am the same way at work. If I need to remember something I will write it down on a post-in note. I may never see that post-in note again, but I will remember what it said, because I wrote it. Aha!  That's my learning style. 

My workout journal
Yes, leaopard print. Have to have some fun!

Time to incorporate that into my fitness. I found a small notebook and brought it with me to my next training session. I explained my plan to work, who seemed a little confused at first but never complained and was very patient. As I did a workout he helped me write it down including small details for me to remember like my hand placement, the amount of reps and weights, even my stance. 

Be kind to yourself.
You are learning, at least you are trying!

The next morning after I got ready for work I took a second and went through the routine without weights. I wanted to see if my plan of writing helped it click in my memory and here's the best part, it did!!  I was able to repeat the entire routine without looking at my notes, proper hand placement and all. I believe when you can do something without evening thinking about it, it's called muscle memory and I believe I have found a way to connect my brain and muscles!! I can't wait to try it on more routines this week. 

All or Nothing

Growing up my mom used to tell me to stop looking at things as either black or white; sometimes there is grey. It used to drive me crazy when she would say that, until I started realizing she was right. Mom if you are reading this, I am 100% admitting you are right and thank you for always saying that line to me. Gray area to me equals the middle of all or nothing.

I've been using this all or nothing mentality for the longest time with working out. Unless I could do a full high intensity workout I would think what is the point. Now I am learning that even a little bit is better than nothing. Some days, weeks, months, are busier than others so instead of saying I can't do an hour I won't do anything, I now do what I can. If I can give 20 minutes I give a hardworking 20 minutes.

The other thing I learned is that a little bit can go a long way. I fully admit that a few weeks ago I could not do one push up. Not even using my knees. I felt like such a let down to myself. I have recently become more determined than ever to nail push-ups. Every day I have to at least try. It may sound like a long process, but as of today I can do 6 beautiful push-ups and I am feeling pretty accomplished. I know I have lots of work ahead of me, but this is a great start and it is just a reminder that my hard work is paying off. It may not happen overnight like I would like but it is happening.

So drop and give me 10 or 6 or 1! Just don't stop trying.

I used my new ipad camera timer app. 

Pretty neat, but next time I promise better lighting