Yoghurt’s BodyBlog

Tonight was chest n’ bicep night.  During my incline dumbell presses, my BF noticed I was using the li’l 10 pounders.  "Try the 30s!  You can handle so much more than those!" he told me in all sincerity.

I protested immediately (fearing for my face).  Never had I dared take anything over 20lbs, and even then, my spindley arms shook like mad — why would I try 30??  But he persisted; said he’d spot me and be sure I’d leave the gym with all my teeth and nose intact.

So, I nervously (and awkwardly) lugged two 30-pounder dumbells to my bench.  He had to help me lift them, as my arms couldn’t do it, even with some help from my knees.  Anyway, with much grunting and grimacing, I managed to do three reps.  My very first three ever!  It was neat … even though I had to admit he was right.  Ah well … it was worth it.

Sidenote: Remind me to never go grocery shopping after lifting a ridiculous amount during my dumbell presses.  It’s very embarassing to be unable to lift a pound of coffee onto the conveyor belt because your body refuses to listen to you anymore.

Happy Training!

Today, my first ever attempt at pull-ups happened. 

… Following closely on the heels of this historic moment, was my first ever catastrophic failure at pull-ups. 

Even with my boyfriend spotting me (and, truth be told, supporting 110 of my 130 lbs. to get me going), I could barely budge.  My arms wouldn’t bend at the bottom of the pull-up, and then wouldn’t un-bend at the top; my grip was weak, my muscles shaking … not my prettiest moment.

Once I was down, my body was trembling; utterly in shock that I had asked it to do such ridiculous things.  "This wasn’t in my job description!" cried my back and my little arms.  Oh, but it is now …

The good news is that I have a new goal: come heck or high water, I’m gonna do at least three pull-ups come the end of June.  My little back is gonna have to work really hard to impress me, and whether it likes it or not, it started today.

Excuse me while I go browse exercises …  
Happy Sunday to all!

A week since the Grand Feasts of Easter, and my workout/eating plan has gone off the rails.  No gym time and questionable feeding routines (bouncing from not enough calories/protein, to too many calories from carbs) have made me feel lethargic and generally disappointed in myself.

This week, I’ve promised myself to get back on track and train/eat properly.  It’s funny, but the fact that I’ve been away from working out and diet plans has just made me more determined to go back to them.  This whole "fitness" thing is addictive … in a good way.

Worked out my legs tonight, and really tried to push myself to my limits. 

At the moment, it feels like I’m walking on cooked noodles … and not al dente noodles, but overly-boiled, mushy ones.  Feels very rewarding, even though I know that by Wednesday, the stairs will be a mighty foe.

Workout for tonight:

Leg Press - 100lbs - 1 set / 120lbs - 3 set
Barbell Squats - 50lbs - 1 set / 60lbs - 3 sets (I am still new and puny.  Please keep that in mind.)
Calf Raises - 45 lbs - 1 set / 55lbs 2 sets
Leg Extension - 40lbs - 2 sets / 50 lbs - 1 set
Bit of mild cycling and a fast walk home for the cool-down.

Legs gave out after that.  Protein shake and a nice dinner are eagerly awaited (amazing how a workout can make supper so much more enjoyable!)