Lightening Online

One of the things I have found fascinating since starting work with a personal trainer is the number of muscle groups I never knew I had. It’s probably a bit of a stretch to actually call these “muscle groups”. They certainly aren’t “strong” muscle groups. But they’re there nonetheless.

Usually the morning after my session, I can tell which muscle groups have been targeted in the session the day before.

From that perspective, training with a trainer has been a fantastic learning curve. In the past I would have termed “fitness” as doing a bit of a run or a session on the bike. I might do a few push-ups or sit ups. But it really is SO much more than I ever understood.

I learnt something else this morning. The term “DOMS” which was mentioned in response to a Plurk I made yesterday and stands for “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness”.

Anyway, I sure have DOMS today!!!!

My outer arms, across my back and my lower abs. Although my lower abs aren’t as sore as I thought they might be (considering I did indeed think I was a “dying cockroach” during one of the exercises ).

I’m beginning to LOVE that feeling of tiredness after a good session. Physical tiredness rather than emotional or mental. There’s a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve given it your all (or maybe even a little bit more than “all”).

I did sleep well last night (and most of this morning). Although that could be in part due to taking extra sleepy medications after having a session with my counsellor that went for more than 2 hours!!!

So, yesterday was a reasonably full-on day and today I have only half a day to get done what I need to get done. The kids have a day off school today (teacher’s strike) and are off tailing lambs but I expect they’ll be home soon.

Not that anything that “needs” doing today couldn’t wait.

Would you like me to throw THIS at you????

* Image courtesy of www.a2zequipment .com

You would? Okay then!!!!

Going to they gym was probably just what I needed yesterday when I had the grumps!!!

And no, I’m pretty sure we weren’t using a 12kg medicine ball. LOL. I had trouble finding an appropriate image to steal borrow.

Although, in my searching I did stumble upon a few images showing some of the exercises we did do today. Here’s one of them.

* Image courtesy of www.health.howstuffworks.com

Yep, that’s totally me!!!! In my dreams!!!! ROFLOL. Look at that tiny waist!!!!

So we did lots with a medicine ball today. And some other arm work. Plus some cardio.

And I’m pretty sure I’m going to be able to feel my arms tomorrow.

But it was a good workout - except for the part where I drank too much water!!!! You really shouldn’t do that just before going on the cross-trainer.

So I had to take it easy because I started to feel like I was going to throw up. And I didn’t WANT to take it easy cos I really LOVE the cross-trainer. It makes me feel like I’m running on air.

Ooh, and I got to use a couple of new machines today. One was the rowing machine (well, I did have a try on it last week with my gym buddy but it was the first time “properly”) and the other was umm….. I have no idea what it’s called. Anyway, it had weights and these pulley things for working the arm muscles.

I noticed last week at netball training that I didn’t feel quite as unfit as I have been feeling, so I think progress is being made.

I went to my session today with mixed feelings - some excitement and some trepidation. I knew last week was kind of a “warm up” and “settle in” type sesssion. Plus I spent about 20 minutes of last weeks session doing paperwork and weigh and measure etc. This week I had to face the full HOUR.

What I learnt today:

1. A fitball is NOT just for sitting on during pregnancy because it’s the only way to sit comfortably.

2. I am THE most unco-ordinated person that ever walked into a gym.

3. Lifting weights without any weights attached to the bar (and struggling) makes one feel a little stupid.

4. I have muscles (or a lack thereof) in places I’d never even thought about.

5. I can survive a full 60 minute session (although I did get slightly nauseous at one point) AND still be smiling at the end.

In all seriousness, it was fun - even if it was HARD at the same time.

And I figure the only way from here is up. I might not be able to achieve much yet. But I WILL!!!

(And I still think my personal trainer is lovely!!!!)

Okay, that might be stretching things a little given I’m not actually FIT or anything yet. But I did venture to the local gym today for my first session with my personal trainer.

And I’m still alive.

And I didn’t throw up once.

And it was FUN!!!

Well, most of the time anyway.

Ask me again after next Monday and I might have a better idea of how hard it is. Today was just a bit of a “get to know you” type day with her assessing my current abilities (and the whole dreaded weigh and measure ).

Or ask me again in the morning and we’ll see how stiff I am.

But my trainer is lovely and positive and even gave me a massage at the end. I felt very decadent.

So far I’m feeling like this has been a very good decision. Something for ME!!!

Yah!!! I’m so excited I’m bouncing (I guess she can’t have worked me too hard if I’ve still got enough energy left to bounce )!!!