Work it

Hi.

I've been meaning to post about a few crochet/knit projects I've been working on, including one I just finished yesterday, that just needs to be blocked, finished, etc... finally - it took quite a bit of reworking, possibly due to the fact that I'm still a bit of a noob at knitting... But I figured I should add in the last project and make sure I complete all the finishing touches on the projects before I post them. Personally it's been hilarious because I have been working on items for winter over the course of April thru August... well at least they'll be ready for this upcoming winter? :P

Regardless, the yarning projects are only one of several things I've picked up lately in addition to the list of items I've had on my list to accomplish since I've had a bit more time on my hands since June...  which of course has included things I hadn't meant to do, like (re)binging a few beloved television series (i.e. Veronica Mars, Psych, Chuck, Korean dramas on Netflix, Totally Spies - yes. Totally Spies. It's so bad... I blame Amazon prime video for that one). But unemployment of course has some downsides, so lately I have been determined to work on one of my wayside personal goals: getting back in shape.

Working out and dancing has always been a way for me to just get out of my head. Focusing on the way I need to move my body allows me to discard all the random thoughts in my head and gives me a great endorphin rush from the adrenaline kick. I honestly like working out with full effort (I mean if you're gonna do it, just do it right and all the way) - I'm just really bad at getting to the gym. that's what my college roomie was great at getting me to do :P.

But when I had gained weight from going on the pill about 5 years ago, I realized I wanted to lose about 15lbs. I have a decently healthy lifestyle in all aspects aside from exercise - but I like how I look when I'm a bit more trim. And over the last few years, I've become just that much more sedentary despite having to walk around for work - and it's starting to show. I basically went from 10+ hrs a week of dancing and rock climbing to sitting for most of my day.

Lately I had gotten into this kick of just doing cardio.
Elliptical, treadmill, all the weird machines during a trial at a new gym, and swimming (though it's seriously a pain to deal with the chlorine on my hair).
Intermittently.

For those of you that are familiar with the process necessary for getting fit, you will easily identify the critical gap in that plan. Not only was there no consistency, I was neglecting to do any strength training (swimming was doing a bit of this, but no where what was necessary). Just attempting to do cardio might have helped lose weight eventually, but in the process I would have likely lost much of my muscle in the process. Honestly, I'm probably the weakest I've ever been strength wise.

The other day I noticed via facebook an old college-mate had posted about her exercise regime at home for the past 2 years using fitness blender. At first I was a bit skeptical - I mean it was posted on facebook... But I followed through and started checking it out myself, even sending a message to get a bit more info. Unfortunately I never did hear back from the owners, but I decided to dive in myself. And I actually really like what I've been doing so far.

Now I'm only a week in - so I have no idea how things will go moving forward, but the workout model really works for me.

I absolutely hate that when you go to a trainer, a lot of the training they give you is mindless and tied to the gym. They tell you guide you through a series of exercises without guiding you to workout yourself. I mean I understand to a certain extent, they want you to keep coming back to them. It is their job/livelihood. But I have always been self motivated at the gym - so I've always wanted to be able to develop a routine that I can take to pursue on my own. And unless you specify in clear terms, most of the exercises tend to require the use of the gym's equipment. Once again, if you have a gym membership you are going to use the equipment. But I don't like to have to rely on using the gym aside from the cardio systems (Have to since cardio outside mid-winter = freezing off your extremities. No thank you O.o ) and the studio is a great place for me to dance once I get the strength for endurance again...

I will say that standard practice has started to change and body weight and dynamic exercises are gaining momentum these days. But that probably is the base of what bugs me about working with a trainer. I've worked with some really good trainers who not only give me that schedule of what to do in between sessions, they make sure you are doing the exercises correctly: identifying what you should and should not feel in your body while going through the motions, how to adjust an exercise to avoid straining something I shouldn't, and how to push myself if it starts to get easy. I'm not a chatter. I honestly could care less about their personal life when I'm in my session. Small talk is fine when I'm not working out (think talking when dentist is in your mouth feeling...). I want my trainer to be fully focused on me and the way I'm moving. So basically I had the good stuff and I dislike settling for anything less.

And please, please, please don't make me count my repetitions. I'm focusing on breathing and moving things right, I will lose track of what number I am at because it will be the last thing on my mind. On top of which I like moving at my own pace unless I'm pushing myself for cardio - I am inherently an endurance oriented gal. So please count for me, or give me a time limit/pace to drive the exercise. Please.

I will admit having a trainer gets you to the gym - I mean you paid for it, so don't lose your money. But outside of the sessions? I'm horrendous about getting to the gym. It probably also has to do with the fact that I have to walk the 0.7mi to get there. Not that having a car would help, I'm kinda lazy about that too hehe. *Pst* I think it's a theme. ^_^

So fitness blender. Why does it work for me? I can workout at home (where no one will care if I haven't waxed... honestly, it's a hinderance), at the most you might need a mat or dumbells (recently purchased a set!), the exercises are rated by difficulty and all the movements have modifications if necessary, exercises are performed in timed sets, and there's a nifty tracking calendar to monitor your workouts. And I have plans for future workout plans. But the best part is that not only am I doing activity for at least 25min a day (except rest days), I'm pretty optimistic about moving forward with it.

Currently I have placed my gym membership on hold, but I think I will eventually start dipping back into longer cardio sessions as I move forward just to make sure I'm keeping up with my cardio endurance. Starting next week I will start one of the 5-day challenge video series they have released and if I get through it and try their 30min or less challenge, I think I'll support them by purchasing their compilation for an 8 week workout plan based off of that idea!

I'm hopeful and trying to keep myself working on getting a new revenue stream or into post-bachelors education. In the mean time, this is not only giving me a way to tick off a personal goal, it's something that will be great for my mental and physical health in the long run.


I'll leave you with a few of my favorite tracks from my latest favorite Korean drama Strong-woman Do Bong Soon: