Sacredwlkr’s BodyBlog

Taking last week off really helped my body repair and recover.  My workouts have been pretty intense and my muscles have been sore on an almost continual basis since I started this program 8 weeks ago.  My miniscule budget prevents me from getting all the supplements I want (and need), but I just switched from my multivatimin to Animal Pak so I’m feeling optimistic that some of the soreness will improve between workouts.  Good workout today!

Incline Flyes   3 sets 10-12  @ 20lbs

Incline Dumbell Press  3 sets 6-8 @ 35,40,40

Dumbell Pullovers 3 sets 10-12  @ 35

Upright Rows  3 x 10-12 @ 65

Alternating Dumbell Press 3 x 12 x 15 @ 20

Bent Dumbell Raises  3 x 8-10 @ 15

Squats      3 x 6-8  @  135

Crunches  3 x 30

Cardio  20min.  (lazy in cardio today, ran out of steam)  :-[

Last week’s thanksgiving has left me with a lasting feeling of gratitude.  The mystics say that gratitude is like the fertilizer of our prayers.  The energy of gratitude sets the stage for the manifestation of our good and allows it to come into being.  Continue to be grateful for the fertileness of life.  Focus on your goals with the feeling that they have already manifested.  Positively state the achievement of them, giving thanks each time you do so.  Then, watch in wonder as miracles happen!

Well, even though I’ve been plagued with back trouble and getting sick (yes, again this weekend), I’ve noticed positive changes.  This morning while stretching I noticed that my legs are starting to show some shape instead of the formless tree trunks they used to be.  I can see, and feel, the quad muscles individually.  Now I can see that my vastus medialis needs more work, and that I need to also build up my glutes.

My shoulders, pecs and back are also looking stronger.  I can’t wait to really see more definition…it’s going to be exciting.

I’m still having a hard time with my back, but getting my workouts in regardless.  My spine felt so unstable under the bar last night that I had to skip squats and substitute with leg press.  I would be so bummed if I injured my back any further and had to stop working out! 

Halfway into week 5 of my program and my workouts are going great with strength gains at almost every workout.  Happily, the ’stalker’ guy hasn’t been around to gawk at me.  He’s either found something else to interest him, or he’s gotten over whatever his issue was.  Either way, I’m glad because I can focus all of my energy on my workout.  End of topic.  :)   

I’m still losing inches.  My clothes are getting baggier and my overall shape is looking more like my old self.  I’m noticing that my lower body is not as strong as my upper body.  I’ve been partly unable, and partly scared to lift heavy with legs because of bad knees and back.  But, with very strict form, I’ve been able to start doing squats again and leg presses; and things are beginning to improve.  Hyperextensions really highlights the fact that my low back muscles are weak.  I’ll have to focus on strengthening this area for a while - that means core work and glutes. (*sigh*)

Anyone ever had a gym stalker?  That’s someone who either follows you around or just sits and stares while you go about your workout.  Well, this old guy (about 70+) has sat and stared at me for the past two days!  Usually when you catch someone staring and look at them, they either smile or look away realizing they’ve been caught, but not this guy.  He just continues to stare as if I took something from him - even after I smile at him!  I don’t know what it is…maybe he’s never seen a strong woman before, or maybe I’ve shattered his paradigm of what a woman is supposed to be, but I’m getting a little peeved.  I mean s**T, can a woman just lift in peace?!  I don’t mind saying hello to people, that’s no problem, There are lots of friendly, nice people at my gym, but don’t just sit and f****n stare, I mean mad-dog someone while they are working out -  It’s rude!  Right now, he’s spending more time watching me than doing his sets.  I don’t care if his ass is old, I’m ready to ask him what his problem is, or complain to management, as if that will help.  This is the second weird guy I’ve encountered at my gym and it’s starting to freak me out.

I’m open to any constructive ideas on how to handle this guy, so please…