Sacredwlkr’s BodyBlog

My forearms had been sore for a few weeks.  I figured I had tendinitis in my right distal (near the elbow) biceps tendon so I backed off on the weight and intensity.  Then, a few days after Christmas while shaking hands with someone, of all things, it went ‘twang’! and I felt a severe pain in my arm - wow, talk about ouch!  Not putting two and two together, I iced it for a few days, took time off and tried again. I’d lost a lot of grip strength and biceps strength, but the arm still worked so I didn’t think it was serious.  Well, it didn’t get any better so I finally went to the doctor.  It is partially torn and I go for an MRI next week and then they will determine the treatment plan.  Until then, nothing that fires the biceps; so, no back or bi’s.    (sigh)

After I sent Brad a video of Mike Mentzer illustrating HIt leg training, he suggested we train legs today using HIT.  Needless to say, my legs were BURNING throughout the workout, which was short, but sweet.  More HIT - and bigger legs - to come! 

Worked chest and tri’s today with Brad.  Started with flat bench to pre-fatigue (3×95-115), then moved to incline dumbells (50), and flat cable flyes.  Overhead tri press and rope pressdowns to finish. 

I rode my bike to the gym today and it felt pretty good. Spinning has strengthened my legs so I’ll be riding some more.  But, all of that on an empty stomach just didn’t work for me today. I needed to grab a protein bar at the gym to settle my stomach.

Tomorrow we’e going to just do high rep supersetting of back and chest with light weight for pumps…that’ll be fun.

Getting back into the swing of things…recommitting to diet and increasing cardio.  I’ve added spinning once a week, and I’m hoping to add another day in a week or two, depending how my back does.  I am still getting smaller but definition is still slow in coming.  I think once my fat burners kick in I’ll be seeing some more shape.  Whoo-hoo!

(SIGH*)  You know how life tends to go full swing regardless of what your plans may be?  Well, I feel like I’ve been in the back seat trying to clib into the driver’s seat, but the car keeps swerving and keeping me off balance.  I’m okay, but getting my diet clean is where I’m struggling.  Sugar is a BIG coping mechanism right now, and the cookies & carbs are in abundant supply.  Meanwhile, my strength and size is getting better daily, it seems.  My training partner and I have been having some killer workouts lately; and if I can just get my eating together, which is 80% of the battle, then I think I’d show some pretty good gains.  :/

Ten years ago, I packed away my silk and linen suits, shoes and accessories, vowing that I would fit back into them one day if it killed me.  I had spent too much money on these classic tailored suits to give them away or put them on consignment.  It was hard enough finding clothes to suit my broad shoulders, longer arms and full thighs in women’s clothes at is was.  Athletic female bodies are not so easy to shop for, especially if one has big shoulders and arms. 

 Two weeks ago, I pulled out my suits and tried them on.  Success!!  I’m now able to wear my suits comfortably.  And, I’m not done yet…  

…and I managed to complete the 1-hour class!  No back pain!!!  It looks like I’ll be adding a spin class once a week to my cardio routine. 

Today a friend said that I was getting skinny enough to get blown away by the wind.  Well, that’s not going to happen for a while, if ever, but it was really nice to have someone recognize my changes. 

Went solo in the gym today, which was kinda nice to have some solitude.  Since it was a holiday and my shoulders were still sore from Saturday, I decided to go light today.  I basically just did some warm-up type weights on chest, shoulders, biceps, lats and back, followed by some cardio.  On a whim, I tried some kettle-bell type swings with a 25lb dumbell.  Wow, that’s a great exercise for getting the heart rate up, and for working the legs, abs, back and arms.  I’m going to incorporate it into my workouts.

Today I got a ride to the gym, which is a good thing because I don’t think I could have worked the pedals after today’s leg workout.  The boys & I did four sets of Freemotion squats to warm up, then we did four sets of leg extensions with the last set being a drop-set.  I love drop sets!  I swear I could see my legs swelling through my sweat pants.  I did a three drop set and collapsed two steps away from the machine!  My legs completely gave out, and Brad was nauseous for the rest of the workout.  And we weren’t done yet!  After extensions, we went to the leg press, standing calf raises, and deadlifts.  From there, we did dumbell rows for four sets.  I hit another best with 70 after Darryl challenged me to do 100’s - yeah right!  Wide grip pull-downs completed the day - for the men - I went to the treadmill for cardio.  (sigh, I think I need a nap)