Hopelessly still not motivated..

A couple of months ago, I had plans to make the rest of 2011 my serious workout months and healthy eating, in the hopes of achieving some out of reach abs.  It doesn't hurt to fantasize a little....about the abs part.  Let's just say that I am planning a self imposed bootcamp at home, on non gym days.  I had wanted to start this in Oct. I was supposed to be prepared come October.

Well, it is now officially four days into October.  I had done absolutely no additional workouts at home.  I didn't even feel motivated to even begin doing this.  And even if I were to start, I am slightly clueless on how to begin.  Should I get a DVD workout program by some badass trainer? I would love to own a P90X dvd by Tony Horton but it is so freaking expensive.  Jillian Michaels' dvd would be the next best option but I would need to get it from Amazon, and since I am a chronic procrastinator, I don't see this happening anytime soon. Well...I can follow some workouts from the recent Shape magazine but I will need equipments....u know...the basics....some dumbbells, mat. 

Interestingly enough, 1.5 years ago I wrote a piece about getting my own fitness equipments.  Sad to say,  I had made absolutely no effort to do that.  Now I'm questioning myself...am I really seriously on this self imposed bootcamp program?  Until I get at least a yoga mat and some weights, I don't see how I can even be motivated to even begin...

On the bright side (I think...), at least my food choice is slowly taking off, though I am nowhere near eating steamed food.  That is another story altogether.  Maybe I should pop into a fitness shop this weekend..to at least survey prices..though actually purchasing something would be even better.

Gooooooood Workout

Great Pump class workout this evening.  Biceps feeling a little sore..and it's not even tomorrow yet.  Haven't had this kind of feeling in a long time. I wasn't too thrilled when the instructor played his choice of track list during bicep track but now I shall give thanks to P!nk's Raise Your Glass song..

I am going to enjoy my soreness tomorrow....

Alert: Fitness bitchy rants

I just feel the need to rant,bear with me....

Upon arrival at the gym's locker room last evening and at my usual locker corner, I noticed one member sitting on the bench putting on her shoes.  The entire bench was totally occupied with her bags, 3 in total.. gym bag, handbag, shoe bag, and of course her clothings.  This I don't understand.   This wasn't the first time I noticed some gym members doing this though. Why couldn't they put their stuff into the locker while they are changing?  Don't be so selfish, others need to use the bench as well when they are changing shoes.  Luckily for that lady tonite, she did have some sense to push her bags aside; at least enuff for me to sit down. I shall not call her a stupid dork then.

As I was queuing up at the restroom (I was in front), one lady barge in and stood right in front of one of the toilet door.  OK, ever heard of civic manners? When there is already a queue, you queue, not cut in front.  Lucky for me, the toilet nearest to me became vacant and I was able to use the toilet first. If it was the one nearest to her, I would have eye marked her. Stupid dork!

Yesterday was the instructor's last class at this club as she will be taking some months off due to health reason.  Being a rather popular instructor, naturally the class tonite was packed! I managed to find myself a good spot in the studio so no complains there.  So, this instructor (as she was saying her thanks) was then reminded by one member that it had been 5 years since she started teaching at the club.  To this member....duh! The club just celebrated its 6th years anniversary....this means that instructor has been with the members since 6 years ago, you dork! I knew very well because that member and I joined the same time (ie. when the club newly opened) and the instructor then was new to teaching too. So, why am I bitching about this? Well, just want to. I didn't like that member either...she goes around like as if she owns the gym. Initiated a conversation with her once when we were new and decided afterwards, I didn't like her. Stupid dork!

With the class almost over, suddenly one member who was on the 2nd row came to the back of the class (when we were right in the middle of the track), stood next to me and made a gesture to me to move to her spot instead.  I was like, WTF! Who the hell are u to squeeze into my area (and don't forget the studio was already packed) and then had the audacity to direct me to the front?? Lady, you were in front for 45 mins and then you decided at the last 15mins you didn't want to stand there? OMG is an understatement. Another stupid dork!

The only good thing I could say out of last evening's class was the tracks selection, which we were informed, were track requests from some members.  I was more than happy than there were no recent releases tracks.  New tracks suck!  Not the songs but the choreography..

Can't say if I will ever enjoy this class the way I once used to....

Running for the Goodies

The SHAPE nite run finally came and went yesterday. I only signed up for the 5km and not 12.3 km run, mainly because I dislike running. I get side stitches no matter how deep I breathe, my bunions hurt, my ankles hurts....so yeah, I am not a big fan of running. Just for fun, I joined the Shape run in the Fun Run category....aha! Well, actually it was the Goodies Bag that motivated me to join the run, and I was not shy to admit that. 

Look at the stuffs in the goodie bag..



The bib and the huge recyclable goodie bag



Whey Protein Isolates powder - the ones I usually consume, until the one time they ran out of stock. Then I had to buy GNC brand, which I actually had difficulty drinking. Gonna switch back to this..

 

Toiletries & medicated pain relief cream



Vouchers - fish spa, watch, GNC, 2 weeks trial to True Fitness.  I'm gonna check out all these promos.



Varieties of drinks - No wonder the goodie bag was so heavy.....1L of fruit & veggie drink.



Complimentary magazines - Men's Health & Shape.  I love that the Shape mag has Jillian Michaels on the cover.  Nice!

Overall, it was a good experience, no regrets.  Next time if I ever decide to join another run (I doubt so but anything can happen), it will be a longer distance....why?...well, just for the heck of it....AND only if the goodie bag contents are as good as this one...hah!

A letter to my instructor

Dear Instructor,

I like attending your class because you know how to make the class fun, interesting and most importantly, your class is very energetic.  I've been following your class since the past 5-6 years, so that in itself is an indication of how much I've enjoyed attending each and everyone of your classes over the years. 

I appreciate that you give out tips and advice occassionally.  However, today I didn't quite agree with your action. I believe that if there is something that you need to point out, especially when it clearly refers to somebody in the class, you should pull the person aside after the class and tell that person personally.   Yes, that piece of advice is absolutely beneficial to everyone but in this case, you have indirectly single out one of your member, prompting laughters and giggles in the class. Though you didn't point out anyone in particular, everyone pretty much knew whom you are referring to. I cannot imagine if I was in that person's shoes.  Especially since it touched on something which I deemed quite sensitive and embarrassing, somewhat.

I'm guessing that this member will not be attending your class next week, or the weeks after either.  I could be wrong though. Maybe this member couldn't care less.  Nevertheless, this does not change my perception of you or your class.  I will continue to attend as regularly as I can. 

Yours truly,
Your loyal and regular member.

Did I hear my name?

It's been a while since I last wrote on gym classes. Was supposed to skip gym this entire week due to work but since today the workload eased a little, I decided to pop in for Body Pump.  These days the energy level decreased tremendously, it must be the age factor..sigh.

Today's class was pretty packed.  Lots of members whom I've never seen before.  Saw an Iron Lady who carried very impressive weights throughout.  13kg/side for squats...fuh! That kind of weights will definitely kill my back, no joke.  8.5kg/side for clean & press...fuh! Tabik (salute) to her. Even more impressive, 8.5kg/side for Shoulders track..fuh! I seriously bow down to her.  Now....if she has shoulders like Jillian Michaels, I would have fallen over with admiration but she doesn't.  In fact, I think I have better looking shoulders....ehem!

Anyway, the focus of this piece is really not on Iron Lady.  Throughout the class, I swore I heard the instructor calling out my name.  Well, I don't think he was specifically referring to me since he doesn't know me, other than seeing me regularly in his class.  Besides, anyone in the class could have the same name as me.  At first thought, he might be referring to the Iron Lady, but then there was no facial reaction from her. And everytime he said the name, I swore he was looking at my direction....hmmm. Or maybe I was imagining too much. Maybe he was calling out some name that sounded similar? He was definitely calling out some name.  I actually kinda miss those days when instructors actually do call out MY name, it felt kinda nice to be recognised.  Those instructors are no more....sad! 

Highlight of my day...hearing things.  btw, I still owe a piece on my recent trip to Mount Kinabalu but I've been darn lazy.

Stamina improvement

The focus for this next 2 weeks at the gym is going to be all about cardio.

Did Combat yesterday and there was no panting and being out of breath on my part. Sounded too good to be true so I did another round of Combat today.  Usually I get tired half way into the class, as unbelievable as it sounds. Surprisingly this time it was all good, aside from a few minutes of side stitches.  No sweat, nothing that I cannot handle.

I guess all those rounds of hikings do pay off.  Here I was being worried about my stamina level and I think I can now feel at ease.   Woohoo....

2 more cardio classes, 1 strength training, 3 pilates classes (it helps to tighten the core when going steep uphill) and 3 rounds of hikings...and I think I should be all set for the big mountain.  Yup...

1st ever wall climb

I had my very first wall climbing experience today.  Took a Basic Wall Course (BWC) from Camp 5 at One Utama Shopping Complex with a group of 5 other inexperienced climber friends.  Camp 5 is an indoor climbing facility housed in a glass tower. They offer 2 courses for new climbers-Taster Session (1 hour class) and Basic Wall Course (4 hours class).  The BWC fee is RM100 inclusive of shoes and necesary equipments.  Gym entrance fee is RM28.  Not cheap.....

Upon arriving at the gym and having signed the necessary forms, we were taken to an upper floor for our 2 hours theory session.  We have to learn to identify all the important climbing equipment and we were taught how to wear the harnest, tying rope knots and how to be a belayer (a person who kinda acts like an anchor to secure the climber).  For our belay practice, we used sandbags in place of human beings and must remember the 5-steps of pulling the rope.  This was harder than I thought.  It really took a lot of energy out of me, not to mention blisters on my thumbarea.  We were then tested individually on our belaying skills. It is very important to know how to belay properly because a climber's security during the climb depends on the belayer.  Trust among one another is another important key.



After lunch, we were continued on with practical climbing session.  We were given individual harnest and proper climbing shoes.  We were taught the ABCDE of climbing ie. checking A-Anchor, B-Buckle, C-Carabiner&Knot, D-Device, E-Everything else (shoes, etc etc).  The climber and the belayer have to check each other to ensure everything is in order before climbing.  We were also taught the signalling calls eg.  On Belay (belayer's way of telling the climber that he/she is ready), etc etc, as well as the proper way to descend from the way.

Got some blisters on my hand during belaying practice.....put too much energy onto pulling the rope...guess I was too nervous!

We were divided into 2 groups of 3. Each of us has to do 2 rounds of climbing and 2 rounds of belaying, rotating amongst ourselves to be the belayer.  I was the first climber for my group.  At both my climbs, I only managed to climb 3/4 of the wall height as it was more scary that I had imagined.  As belayer, I was also having slight difficulty towards the end part of the climber's descend because the climber was heavier than me but I managed to hold on.  Since we had time left, we took on another round of climbing at a different section of the wall and this time I was able to climb all the way to the top.  Yeah! but still very scary..

Midway through our training, we saw a group of kids (not much older than 10 years old) starting their climbs (I think this was part of some activities) and damn, these kids can climb and they can climb FASTER than us!  All the way to the top too....shit, I felt so small then.  They were climbing like monkeys climbing trees.



We finished off our training with a short intro to Bouldering, which is another style of rock climbing but without ropes. The wall is not as high and crash pad are laid out to support climbers. It was not easy doing Bouldering as this style emphasizes more on power and strength. 

Overall, a rather enjoyable experience amidst some fears.  Glad I had the guts to go thru.  

We were given a membership identification access card which enables us to enter the gym anytime.  Entrance fee and equipment fee still need to be paid at each climb.  Not too sure when will be my next trip here though...hmmm.  And oh ya...we got a Certificate for completing the training..sweetttttt.

Next activity planned...Paintball!!

It's all for charity

For the first time since I joined the gym, I have decided to attend the annual Miracle Charity event organised by Fitness First.  The main reason for not attending in the past was purely due to location.  This year, however, the format has changed and the event is being held at each FF clubs instead of a central location.  There would be special classes at these clubs and to attend, members have to purchase Miracle coupons.  Each class requires a RM10 coupon to enter.

I bought myself the Miracle Coupons at RM30 per booklet. There was only one interesting class to attend and that is the combo class of Body Combat/Body Jam. Another class is a specially arranged Wing Chun class to be conducted by a Rose Chan, who is a 4th generation Ip Man student, all the way from Hong Kong.  The other event is GX Idol, which is some sort of competition to pick the best winner from a group of participants aspiring to be instructors, I think.....hmmm.

So, today was the Miracle event at my gym club.The BC/BJ class started off with a couple of BJ tracks and then followed by BC tracks, BJ tracks, so forth.  I was totally comfortable in this combo class although I must say, I wished the BJ instructors didn't pick such easy tracks.  The crowd however, was a disappointment.  There were only abt 15 members in a studio that can easily fit 50 people.  Most of the "happening" regular Combaters were not there. Hmm...scared of BJ or simply too stingy to purchase coupons?  Then there were some who came but walked in and out of the class, esp during BJ tracks. I find this extremely annoying.

As low profile as I am, at least I showed up! And I stayed the entire 90 mins class too.  Very proud of myself. 

Finally, since I still have some coupons left from the booklet, I bought myself 2 packets of YoGood cereals at RM10 coupon per box.  I'm sure it was overpriced but this was for charity so I didn't mind.

My breakfast for the week...

New interest at the gym

These days there are only 3 things that interest me...Pilates, Body Jam & So You Think You Can Dance show. 

Thanks to a friend who has gone addicted to Pilates recently,  I now find myself thinking more and more about this exercise too.  Of course, not to the extend of planning to be an instructor, like this friend mine intends to do.While I may not have obtained that elusive 6-packs, I am seeing a huge improvement in core strength ever since taking up this exercise 8 months ago.  People take years to master this form of exercise, so really I am considered a newbie.  Interestingly enough, over the weekend, a class member commented that I am very good in Pilates..ahaks.  There are lots more to learn but I do believe I am progressing really well.  I have been invited by the instructor to be part of her demo team this upcoming Merdeka holiday Pilates class. How's that for coolness??

I can't get enough of Body Jam, thanks to disco. The BJ schedule at the gym isn't doing me any justice cos for me, BJ is only 4 times a month. Never one a good dancer, doing that few classes makes it harder to improve. At times like this, I wish I am a passport holder so that I can visit other clubs.  Watching So You Think You Can Dance ignites more dancing sparks in me. 

It's Monday, so that means BJ later tonite..woot!

Great midweek but weekend is looking exciting too...

Celebrated my good news with a triple gym class yesterday evening.  Traffic was that kind to me so I managed to reach the gym in time to catch the Disco track in BJam. Couldn't have been more happier.  The next class BPump was surprisingly smooth sailing, and BCombat, an hour later was great as well, though not as exciting to me as my first try at this new release. 

An valuer is coming to inspect my home later as part of my mortgage refinancing process.  Then I'm off to the gym again.  Thursday is usually my day off from the gym but today (and the next 2wks) I'm turning up to support a friend who recently became an instructor.

I have so many things to do that I really don't know where to begin. I think I need to turn to FreeMind to help me map my to do list.

For once in my life, I am on cloud nine.

When the room goes round and round

Despite few drops of rain, I still made my way to the gym last nite for usual Body Jam class.  Such is my loyalty and commitment to the one exercise that I don't excel in. I possess neither a dancer's body nor grace but occassionally I like to fantasize that I actually do. 

So, first half of the class last nite was great actually...I knew the moves..everything was going great, no problem.  Basically, I was rocking it, dancing to the praises of the instructor.  I was having fun, showing off every once a while to the newbies  and outside onlookers..

Moments of brilliance....

2nd block of the class, however, was a total nightmare.  There were too many spinnings in the tracks.  After a few turnings, the studio was basically spinning right in front of my eyes.  I was like a little kid trying to find my shadow on the floor.  I could have easily be mistaken for a drunkard. The instructor was no longer singing praises. 

The effect of one spinning too many.

I always tell myself that I don't take this class very seriously, preferring instead to enjoy an hour of fun, which I do really but sometimes stinking at something which I like just isn't fun . 

Another nite wasted

For the 2nd time in recent months, I went to the gym for my usual Body Jam class last nite (and I was really looking forward to it too) only to find the class being replaced by another class.  I had a moment of "Aaaaarrrrggghhh!".  To say that I am pissed is really an understatement, considering that the class was at 8.45pm and I wasted my time and effort to get to the gym only to turn back and walk out.  I wasn't sure if the replacement was a last minute change...but if it wasn't, to say that I am pissed at the group exercise manager (who handles scheduling) is really an understatement.  I had checked the internet schedule earlier to ensure that class was on.

Anyway, it wasn't a good start to my return this week, so let's hope today's pilates class will kick off in a much better way.  I could have gone for that replacement class but then it was Easy Step, a new in-house program introduced by the gym a year ago, of which clearly I am not a favorite.  It really makes no sense to me to invent another program that is identical in format and style to Body Step, an already established Les Mills program that the gym has been running for years.  For goodness sake, if you're gonna create a new program, be original.  Or bring in more creative exciting programs....kettlebell classes, or Capoeira maybe.

We're bored.

I am so sleepy I have to write something...

And again we did Bicep Track to the tune of  "Pump It" (by Black Eyed Peas)  in Body Pump last nite.  So freaking ridiculous.  The program director in Les Mills ought to be shot for this.  I just think that by using this song, a lot of the members compromised their forms, me included, because the song is fast.  So silly.  No, not the song....the song is lovely. I suppose I could have gone with much lighter weights but then again, that will just be a step backward.  I couldn't be more pissed last nite.

Speaking of songs, I am now an adoring fan of P!nk. Watched a few of her interviews in Youtube.  That girl has an infectious laugh.  And I truly believe that P!nk is the most underrated singer in the world.  What I like most is that she does not lip sync...and I love love singers who are able to sing live.  In fact, listening to P!nk singing live is almost like listening to her songs direct from the CD.  That is how awesome and incredible she sounds. She's the real deal.  Her "Glitter in the Air" trapeze performance in the Grammy Awards earlier this year was mesmerising.  Her performance was really the only thing I can remember out of the entire award show. 

I am so glad the weekend is coming soon.  I am so wanting to sleep in.  Aside from that and Pilates and Body Pump, there is really nothing to look forward to this weekend....but I still can't wait for the weekend to arrive anyway.  OH!  I have got to say this.  74 push ups done last Sunday.  24 on my knees during Body Pump and an extra 50 on my toes at home.  Take that!  I am gonna make this a weekly routine and every week the number has to increase.  A real test for me, I'm sure.  Bring it on....

Time well spent at the gym

The trip to the gym yesterday was very much how I liked it.  Both Pump and Combat classes were superb.  At last we are out of the new releases week but the BC instructor still kept that Shoot track in T4 of Combat, not that I mind at all...at least she didn't keep that "sword movement" track.  I did not stay for the last 2 tracks of Combat though...I figured I better not over exert myself as my stamina level is not at its usual 100% level, considering that I had skipped gym the whole of last week. 

I must say that The Black Eyed Peas' "Pump It" music is really not suitable for doing bicep curl singles.  The song was super fast and it was so gruelling to follow the beat of the music.  I felt like I compromised my form and had to stop and pause quite a bit.  I must remember to inform that instructor never never to go with that song again. So silly.....

Other than that, everything else was good.  Felt great to be sweating lots...........

Fitness Equipment Bucket List....

Purchases of sports equipment is now tax deductable for up to RM300.  How neat is that? 

I couldn't help but wonder what constitutes sports equipment though.  Is lifting gloves considered sports equipment?? How about shoes? Or darts and board? Exercise DVD??

Anyway, speaking of equipment, I do have a list of fitness items that I have been wanting to get such as....

Yoga Mat

Isn't it amazing that I practised yoga for 3 years and now doing Pilates for 6 months and yet I don't own a mat?

Fitball

Great equipment for core and stability workouts.  I would love to have one of this at home.  And I think it'll be great to sit on this watching TV while learning to balance myself. I once fear this big ball but thanks to Ball Pilates, I fully embrace it.

Latex tube

Another great item for resistance training.  Tried this once and it's not as easy as it looks.

Dumbbells

The ultimate resistance training equipment.  I like this type of dumbbell because the weights can be easily adjusted and you don't need so many different pairs for different weights. 

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Then there are other sports equipments which I would love to own if I have the money to buy them cos these equipments are super expensive, but they are also super cool, imo.

Kettlebell

Swinging one of this kettlebell can be dangerous if one doesn't know the proper techniques.  One can get head or shoulder injuries. Imagine bowling ball with handles :-)

Bosu Ball

I would love to try doing Squats or single leg standing on one of this (the bosu turned upside down).  Great great for balancing training.

I can set up my own mini gym at home with all these equipments isn't?  I should seriously start shopping around for the best deal already. I'm gonna call this my fitness equipment bucket list....

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This and that....

Life at work was hectic for the past 10 days, I felt like a chicken running without its head. 

It is so much calmer now. 

Now that work life is back to normal, I can focus more on my jobhunt...ahaks.

After having worked 19 hours straight from Sun to Mon, I went home to get my much needed precious sleep but my body refused to cooperate.  I ended up with only 1 hour of nap. Surprisingly enuff, the past couple of nites have been blissful.  Uninterrupted deep sleep is something that is a luxury to me and is hard to come by.  So, I am very grateful...and I hope it continues.

Of late, I have been binge-ing on chocolate chip cookies.  At one shot, I can eat up to 10 or more minis in a day.  So much so that I went out and bought myself 2 more packets. Not a good decision considering that most baked goods contain hydrogenated oil (ie. trans fat....ie. the worst type of fat) but this one only listed vegetable oil in its ingredient so I'm really not sure if the ingredients list is accurate. Even as I'm writing now, I'm already salivating over the visual of the cookie.  Damn.....

Gym life is as it should be. 

This is the 2nd week of new releases and so far I can't say if I'm crazy about the new choreo.

Body Jam 52 is OK for the 1st half of the class. I think I can officially say I am more comfortable doing Latin than Hip Hop.

I don't like the new Body Combat 43 release. What is with the stupid sword move? Instructors kept stressing that this release works the butts but how come I don't feel it? Maybe I've got buns of steel. oh, I like the Tripod Push Up idea but seriously, it needs to be done in a much slower mode, imo, or else it won't be effective at all.

The new Body Pump 73 is gruelling. I love "I gotta feeling" by The Black Eye Peas but I hate the new Chest track. And damn the 3/4 range singles in Biceps track.

I am now an official addict of Oreo Milkshake.  This couldn't have come at a worse time, especially when I found out that Oreos contain HFCS in its ingredient list.  Go to this link "The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup" for indepth understanding of this sweet liquid. Since my addiction won't go away, I am using similar cookies that look and taste like Oreo to blend my milkshake.  Again, I better pray that I have stronger willpower.

Are new instructors really ready?

I am not sure what is with the gym lately.  It seems to me that there is a bunch of new and upcoming instructors, which is always a good thing, but then I noticed that new instructors are given more and more opportunities to lead classes during special events or during new release launch programs.  In a way, this will be considered good because these instructors will get all the exposures that they need to advance and be successful in their own programs. 

However, from a member's standpoint, not all of these instructors are ready for the limelight, not especially those who have just passed their clearance test. Nothing is more frustrating to members than instructors who fail to do proper cue-ing, often forgetting choreos or who simply fail to motivate the class. I understand that instructors need to go through a learning curve, pretty much as we all do in real life...however, I just feel that there needs to be a better instructor selection especially during special launch events. 

I'll speak for myself.  There was a time when I look up to certain instructors in the programs that I join because of their finesse, their fitness levels, the energy that they projected during class and their abilities to lead the class well.  It is these factors that kept me going back to their classes again and again.  Sadly, most of these instructors have either left the fitness industry, or are no longer teaching at the outlet that I go to or their slots have been replaced by new instructors.  It is no wonder that my trips to the gym has reduced significantly too...of course, the class schedule is the other factor.  

I now hear that one of my regular class for Body Pump may be replaced by some other class.  As a dutiful member, I have wrote in to complain but it remains to be seen how effective my feedback will be.  And oh ya, I made 2 of my friends submit feedbacks too. 

Need to re-evaluate my diet

Sigh....face looks a little gaunt.  Always the first sign of weight loss.  It shouldn't come as a surprise, I guess, considering that I haven't been eating as much as I should. The extreme hot weather outside and the lack of cold aircond air inside the office are a contributor to appetite loss.   Thank goodness I haven't been exercising that much.

Gym wise...am slowly returning to usual workout regimen, though am taking it easy on the cardio part.  I did turn up at the gym on Sunday for usual Body Pump only to find the class being replaced with some other class for that day, due to some special event.  Pissed me off that the schedule board isn't updated and I wasted my time and effort turning up.....which reminds me...I haven't submitted a complain feedback yet.

On  a different note, was paying my bills online yestesrday and realised that there were a couple of bills previously which were not paid...and I didn't even remember getting those bills in the post...otherwise I would have paid already.  A bit of a bummer cos that means all budget for this month completely went out of whack. I just hope there are still some balance left after settling the overdues...

Sure feels great to be back

Resuming workouts after a long break is usually something that I fear, a little. What was once easy became challenging.  In a way, that is good because then, I get to feel the burn all over again and that is where the growth is.  However, being someone  who is a self critic, I always walk out from the comeback workout feeling less satisfied.  

This week's fitball pilates and Body Pump workouts were pure hell for me.  I was half beat, half dead, very much struggling and extremely exhausted. Of course, it didn't help that I was very busy, stressed and tired from office work and found myself eating less than normal.  Not enough calories = not enough fuel = less energy.  On top of that, I have been having headache for days.  Stubborn me still insist on returning to the gym though.  Skipping it much longer will probably make it harder to come back. 

Having said that, I think the best part of resuming workouts after a long break is feeling the soreness of the body.  I just love that feeling, as miserable as it might get.  It gives me a sense of satisfaction, that I have pushed my body to the limit and I am reaping the benefits of the workout.

Now that I have gotten the initial post holiday workout struggle out the way, I am looking forward to my normal workout routines.  Stay strong, stay fit, stay healthy.