StressMonkey’s BodyBlog

I had an awesome week at the gym.

Tuesday was International Chest Day.  My eyes lit up when I saw that the weight belt was sitting unused on the accessories stand.  I don’t have a weight belt and usually the gym’s one is locked up with the personal trainers’ things.  I grabbed it, headed over to the dip station,  and strapped on a 45 pound plate.  I did 15 reps and immediately started toying with the idea of strapping on another 45 pounds (which I’ve never done).  I debated it for a few seconds and then said “screw it” and did it and banged out 10 reps.  I wasn’t even sure I could do any so I was thrilled that I managed to get 10.  After another rest period I did another 10 reps.  Wow, that was defnitely an “I can’t believe I’m doing this” feeling as I was doing them.

Yesterday I was working the arms with barbell curls.  Those have always been one of the hardest arm exercises for me but I really enjoy them.  I can vividly remember doing them with my trainer.  After a few sets my arms would just be blasted and I would think that I had nothing left in my tank but he made me keep going.  As I was trying to curl he would push the bar up just a tiny bit.  I can remember I could barely do reps with the 60 pound barbell without him helping me.  Yesterday I decided to try using the 80 pound barbell and I was able to get 8 reps with it.  I made it a point to force myself not to swing my back around.  That was a bad habit of mine it took me a long time to break.  Man that felt awesome getting those reps out.

I officially take back what I said about not caring how strong I am.  Strength gains kick @ss!

Hmmm, maybe the fitness equipment in that Brookstone catalog isn’t so weird after all!

Is that thing attacking her?

In three months this kid is going to be ripped!

Er, exactly what muscle group does this work?

Please tell me he’s not doing what it looks like he’s doing.

http://lumq.com/07/vintage-fitness-equipment

One year ago I decided to start training and eating properly. I forced myself to join a gym, which is something I had been putting off for years. I knew next to nothing about weightlifting and was off the charts intimidated and self conscious the first day. I could not have felt more out of place.

I was incredibly lucky that I was placed with a fantastic personal trainer and stumbled across Bodyspace. Both have been great sources of information and motivation.

Now I look forward to lifting and can’t imagine not doing it.

I had tears in my eyes after watching this for some reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVjzd320gew