urbanmommy’s BodyBlog

Just got back from the gym…had a rockin’ Back/Biceps/Abs workout. Yeah…I’m burnin’…

While I’m cooling down on the treadmill, I noticed 2 young ladies walk into the gym. They are laughing their cute little laughs, lookin’ all "Fly" in their workout gear. You know the types. They pick out their magazines to read and casually step up on the treadmills beside me.

Unbeknownst to them, I’m watching. No sweat. No breathing in and out from the mouth (which means their heartrates are not up there). No incline. Just gossip time. For about 20 minutes.

Now, I shouldn’t be so critical. Because that was me most of my workout life. I never pushed myself. Never thought it mattered. "I’ve got this gym membership and I’m doing my little routine. That should give me results." WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME!! Why do that to yourself?? Do you want to change your body? Do you want to get more energy and give your heart a challenge? Or are you going to continue down the same path…

Please, my friends…I BEG you! MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT! If you’ve got 1 hour, 3-4 times a week, then make that hour the absolute best workout of your life!! Go into that workout with a plan in mind…know exactly what you want to accomplish. Lift a little heavier today? Run instead of walk? Up the intensity a fraction? YES!!

Disclaimer: I should remind you that if you have not been on a regular exercise program before, please talk to your doctor. You don’t want to go full force into something only to mess up your body. Invest in a trainer for a few sessions to get your baseline figures (find out where your target heartrate should be; learn how to use dumbbells or machines, etc.).

Do I sound mad?! Well, in a way, I am. I’m mad because I didn’t start this type of exercise sooner. I’m mad at myself for not figuring this out years ago. And I don’t want my friends to lose any time, when your transformation is waiting for you…right around the corner.

Make it count!!!

Does the term "bonking" apply to bodybuilders or just to endurance athletes?  Not sure…since I’m kinda new to all this.  Either way, I almost "bonked" last week.  My body has made little progress since December:  bodyfat same; weight same; no change in inch loss.  I had no desire to hit the gym and workout.  NONE!  Doubtful that it was caused by overtraining.  I’m pretty darn sure it’s my lack of quality sleep.

Amazingly enough, I got 8 1/2 hours of sleep last night, and I only woke up 3 times.  Usually, I wake every hour and can’t get back to sleep for 30 minutes.  This time, I forced myself to get back to sleep, and it worked.  I feel AMAZING today!!  And I aced my workout!

So here’s my plan of attack to avoid bonking in the future:

1.  Try for AT LEAST 8 hours of sleep every night.
2.  Add Fish oil to my supplement regime.
3. Never EVER forget to eat high-glycemic carbs after my workout.  Muscles need recovery insulin, right?
4.  Make sure I’m resting at least 30-45 seconds between sets.  (I tend to rush through to keep the heartrate going, but I think my muscles are not recovering as a result.)
5.  Add 1 yoga workout every week.  I need the flexibility training and the relaxation.
6.  Go for a massage twice a month.

Let’s see how it goes.