Tuesday morning, in the maw of the machines....

[fajrdrako]

Today was my first session doing a full workout at the fitness club.

It was fun.

I never, never would have believed I would ever be saying that. Or doing that. I am surprising myself.

I couldn't remember exactly which weight machines were which, and I think I used at least one that the trainer on Saturday hadn't demonstrated. Okay: a bonus. On the whole, it was easy and I wondered if I should be making the weights heavier. I could handle more. On the other hand, I probably couldn't handle more without strain, and I'd be exhausted at the end, so maybe this is better.

After doing a full set of weight machines - and forgetting to count them - 8 or 10 of them, I think, for 12 repetitions each - I went to the elliptical trainer with my comic books for 20 minutes and read an issue of X-Men (Xtreme X-Men #2 "Xpose") and an issue of Superman (#194) while doing the 'cardio' programme.

Both comics were very good. The issue of X-Men featured Gambit and Rogue, two of my favourite characters, and featured one of my favourite themes: prejudice, and how people deal with unjust aggression. The issue of Superman had Superman in a very interesting 'secret identity' role; I didn't guess who he was till halfway through the story. I liked it that the story dealt with LexCorp (which was why I bought it in the first place), and I was amused to see in X-Men that the company featured was X-Corp. Heh.

The Superman story, though punchy, was much simpler than the X-Men story, which (as I love)had complex characters in a shades-of-grey dilemma. And Gambit - using his charm while playing pool! Being sexy with Rogue! Just being the all-round devious charmer I know and love. It was another of those wonderful issues that shows Gambit and Rogue about to kiss on the cover. I love the theme.

The art was less than stunning inside, though. Not terrible, but I didn't think it did justice to the characters. Arthur Ransom was the artist.

I learned a few things about exercising in the morning. I should leave myself more time for a shower and then for walking back to work - an factoring in something to eat en route. I suppose the weight machines will become quicker when I don't have to read the instructions attached each time, and when I start remembering what weights I should use with each instead of looking it up every single time. And walking downtown will be more pleasant if I leave earlier. In July, it's stifling by 7.30 a.m.

Oh, and the real joy of the day? I lost another pound: 18 lbs. altogether since mid-March. I couldn't be happier about it.

Comments

Weights.

[thornsilver]

The standard recommendation for the weights, is that in an 8 set rep, first two should be easy, and last two should be extremely difficult.

(And I know this stuff, why?)

Re: Weights.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Because you're well-informed, maybe?

Bruce Wayne would know all about this.

Re: Weights.

[thornsilver]

Yes, he would. He would probably made up a schedule for you too. Heh.

Of course I do 20 reps, because I use it as aerobic activity as well as for muscle building.

Where is Bruce Wayne when you need him? :)

Re: Weights.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

He would probably made up a schedule for you too.

I think you've just given me greater fantasy incentive than I already had. Whoo - Bruce Wayne as my trainer? I'll never stop!

Re: Weights.

[thornsilver]

I use make belive people for motivation all the time. Tyr Anasazi from "Andromeda" has always been good for this stuff. :)

Re: Weights.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

He'd be a good one. Benjamin J. Grimm sprang to my mind too, and Matt Murdock, as another self-made man in many ways. Elektra. Lara Croft. Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2.

Yeah, I can think of lots of people for incentive. But Bruce Wayne really pushes all my buttons in this. I think he's the one for now.

Steady Progress

[walkingowl.livejournal.com]

Good for you on all accounts! I bow in admiration.

As for the weight machines: keep in mind that increased weight will put more stress on your body, particularly on your joints. Lower weights are fine. They are easy on your physical make-up, and all you need to do is increase your repetitions. Larger weights will cause you to build up more muscle mass, while smaller weights will not, and will probably aid in bringing you smoother, less bulky-looking muscles. So, resist increasing your weights, just go for more repetitions, yes?

New Balance are my shoe of choice: excellent soles. May you stride confidently and healthily!

Re: Steady Progress

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I wore the shoes to walk home on Tuesday and to walk to work on Wednesday and they still feel terrific. They're gorgeous too, and I'm a happy walker.

As for the weights: I'm still getting used to the machines. I'll do another session or two at least at the weights/reps the trainer suggested.

Now I just have to decide what comics to take today.