Al–1961’s BodyBlog

I’m not doing cardio for most of the week to give my legs a break.  It really felt like I was slacking off at the gym this morning by doing weights only.  Like a cowboy or policeman without a gun.  Something was missing.   Why, I wasn’t dripping with sweat at the end of my workout!

As I noted last week, my legs were very sluggish during the cardio portion of my workouts, so I decided to take a break from my normal routine.  I usually do cardio every workout, except on leg day.  It’s become 2nd nature to workout with the weights, then hit either the elliptical, treadmill or bike for some interval training.  A little voice keeps nagging me with "you’ll gain BF" or "you won’t reach your goal of dropping BF off the abs area", unless you do cardio everyday. 

I’ll have to control that little voice. 

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!       

I arrived at the gym at 5am this morning, and it was closed.  I guess I may have to revise my motto…..Just getting to the gym is a successful workout, IF IT IS OPEN.   :-/ 

Fortunately, I was able to do an abbreviated workout since there’s another Gold’s Gym in the area.  But I had to rush through & drop off some exercises.  (Legs today.  No cardio, fortunately)   From the moment I walked into the other Gold’s to walking out, I had 45 min’s.  That’s including pit stops in the restroom & lockerroom. 

It was still  a success.  After all, getting that buff physique is nice, but it’s ultimately about staying fit & healthy. 

SOLI DEO GLORIA  — Al

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!       

This morning I finally felt good during the cardio portion of my workout, for the 1st time this week.  After my weights workout for chest, I did 35 min’s of interval training on the elliptical.  I had energy & went hard. 

I think I will still go with my thoughts yesterday.  Next week I will throttle way back on cardio, and make it up by going extra hard & extra sets/exercises on weights.  Should be a good change of pace. 

Have a blessed day.  Encourage someone today…..

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!       

This morning was the 3rd straight workout that I had to grind it out on cardio.  I normally do weights 5 days a week, sometimes 6.  I do cardio on these days also, except on leg day.  Normal cardio is interval training on elliptical or treadmill.  I do 20-45 min’s of cardio, depending on how much I have time for. 

I’m thinking of taking most of next week off from cardio, and do only weight training, if the rest of this week continues to be tough going.  Maybe I’ll get my groove back with a break. 

Whichever happens, I will stay positive.  Rome wasn’t built in a day….

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!     

The last 2 days have been a bit of a slog.  Felt like I was going through the motions on most of my sets.  For cardio this morning, my legs felt heavy heavy heavy. 

It’s a good thing that I’ve found that the real difference between a lousy or tough workout and a great workout is really only 5-10% at most.  That I don’t lift 50-75% more weight on a great day, compared to a bad day.  Habits, persistence & a positive attitude make the difference.  Sticking with it when the motivation wanes. 

Today, I determine to keep that positive attitude.  This is a lifetime process, not a diet or short-term workout program.  It’s not a race, it’s a marathon. 

Have a blessed day.  —  Al

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!    

HABITS:  This morning I woke up before 4am.  This, after getting to bed after 11pm and a long day.  I heard Zig Ziglar say once that when you have created a good habit, try never to break it.  Even when you have to slog through.  I try to maintain that by never missing a morning workout M-F.  I’ve had my share of awful early morning workouts due to lack of sleep, not feeling well, etc.  But I believe I’d be way too tempted to slide right out of that habit if I didn’t maintain a cast iron will to get to the gym every single morning.  Unless I’m deathly sick, have a sick child, etc. 

CEREAL:  Call me crazy, but I’ve found a variation that works well for me.  I’ve discovered that when I mix protein powder in with my cereal I don’t need milk (in my case, soy milk).  Just use water.  With the added flavor of the protein powder, milk isn’t needed.  Fewer calories, sugar, etc.  And more protein.  Give it a try. 

Stay positive.  Rome wasn’t built in a day……..

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!     

Is it true that "JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT"? 

I have found that the real difference between a lousy or tough workout and a great workout is really only 5-10% at most.  I certainly don’t lift 50-75% more weight on a great day, compared to a bad day.  For a bad workout, I might lift 85-90% of my normal weight, or only get 7-8 reps compared to a normal 10 reps.  Unless I’m nursing an injury. 

So, get to the gym.  Or hit the running trail.  Get on that bike.  Whatever.  Because…..

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT!!      

Have a blessed day.   

Yesterday I wrote about PERSISTENCE.  I think persistence is incomplete without HOPE.  Who among us can fight through the daily slog with persistence, without hope?  Same for our fitness/health goals.  We have to believe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel (even if we don’t yet see it). 

"Hope for the future is power in the present!"    (Zig Ziglar)

The reason I believe BB.com is so encouraging is not the incredible physiques that some have.  (Although they are inspiring)  It’s the transformations.  When I see folks who have dropped 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100+ lbs, etc., hope is kindled or given a boost.  If that person can do it, then by golly I can too!  Hope for the future is power in the present! 

Grace & blessings  —-  Al

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT.      

PS:  As a Christian, here’s one more thought (with the long view–eternal hope): 

“God has made us to be fairly resilient…..With undaunted courage we can go through seasons of illness, financial reversals, domestic disappointments, unemployment, or the death of someone dear.  If we don’t lose the one essential ingredient—hope.”    (Chuck Swindoll)

One of my favorite quotes is from my man Calvin Coolidge.  He was known as a man of few words;  but great words when he did speak.   Ole Cal was our 30th President (1923-1929).  This quote regarding success in life (however you define "success") is a great lesson regarding health & fitness goals too: 

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Having all the right knowledge about the best workout routines & nutrition means nothing if I don’t put it into practice one day at a time, today, tomorrow, the next day, etc. 

Here’s hoping each of us has an opportunity to encourage someone today. 

JUST GETTING TO THE GYM IS A SUCCESSFUL WORKOUT.