This morning we did back & biceps, including a move that made me feel like Captain America (cable curl). Here’s my set list.
I skipped the last exercise (incline dumbbell curl) so that I could make it to class on time.
I’m doing pretty well, but I started to have a little freak-out today. I need to reevaluate my methods and my needs. Something needs to change.
Tomorrow is a rest day at the gym, but I’ll be back at fencing in the evening. Also, since Nik didn’t work out Monday, he plans to lift, so I may tag along and do some cardio.
This morning I hit the gym with Tiny Nick, Emmers, and one of our new fencers. We did chest & triceps today. Here’s the set list.
Our new fitness friend is used to playing team sports and is super encouraging. It’s pretty cool. I realized that I generally do individual sports in the vicinity of other people (fencing, swimming, etc.), so that was a nice change.
I also worked on some cardio between sets. I like the amount of time I spend at the gym and don’t want to spend an extra half hour on an elliptical, so between sets, I jogged in place, did box steps (since I’m too scared of jumping), and did some weighted walks.
My fitbit still isn’t acknowledging my physical activity, so I guess I’m still not doing enough cardio. I’m considering getting a second one that will measure my heart rate when I have a little more disposable income (maybe a Charge?). The one I have now (Flex 2) is swim proof, and that was a huge factor when I decided what I wanted. Now that I’ve had it for a year, I’m open to trying something new. Besides, I can always sync the one I have if I want to wear a fitness tracker in the water.
I wasn’t up for fencing practice tonight, so I didn’t go. Tomorrow I’ll work out again in the morning. On Wednesday, we start our 30 days of #fencingeverydamnday to gear up for Meridian Challenge of Arms. I’ll be ready then.
Yesterday was leg day. Here’s the set list.
We’re on track to begin our next cycle in the program tomorrow.
Today was the shire birthday party. We had our annual shire championship. I made it through two rounds in the round robin, and then I had a panic attack. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings to unpack about this. It warrants its own post.
Tomorrow is chest day. My regular crew of gym rats will be there plus one. I’m excited.
This morning Tiny Nick and I were at our own at the gym. We had shoulder day. Here’s the set list.
Tomorrow we wrap the week one day late.
This evening we had fencing. After a warm-up, we had open floor time. Somehow I still didn’t fence a lot. I’m trying to figure out what i need to adjust to get more fencing time. I don’t know if my students expect me to approach them or if they think I’m busy. Next week I’m going to try to make it super clear that I am available to fence.
The great blizzard has passed. The gym was open, so I went (in 20-degree weather) to the gym with Tiny Nick and Nik. Here’s my set list.
We’re back at it tomorrow. Slightly later in the day, if I have any say in it.
This morning we hit the gym and did Monday’s workout (since I was on the road yesterday). Here’s the set list.
Tomorrow will throw off our routine even more since the gym will be closed when we usually work out. I’m game to go another time since my schedule is open, but we’ll see what works for my workout friends.
In the meantime, we’re all buckling down for cold weather. Schools and colleges are closed, and military bases are locked down. Don’t hate. Floridians have no reason to understand how to deal with snow/ice. It looks like fencing is still on for tomorrow night (assuming everyone can get there safely).
In the meantime, I’m irritable and feeling low. I think I’ll do the human version of turning it off and on again by going to bed now.
Friday morning I met my fellow gym rats for leg day. The set list is at the end of this post because Tumblr is dumb.
Friday afternoon/evening, Nik and I drove up to Perry, GA, for an SCA event, Meridies 40th Anniversary .
On Saturday we had an individual tourney and a melee tourney. I went 4 rounds in the individual tourney, and I don’t feel bad about my losses at all. My team won the melee.
On Sunday there were several tourneys: an armatura, two single-elims, and a bear pit (plus a championship among the highest-placing fencers in each tourney). I do notoriously poorly in bear pits (statistically), but I did good fencing. The armatura was pretty good, but I found that I had a target on me during a few rounds (that’s a good thing). I went one round in the single sword tournament and two in the sword & dagger tournament. Again, I feel good about my losses.
I also watched my students and my spouse clean house and represent our school wonderfully. It was just a fantastic weekend full of good fencing among friends.
After two days of fencing, we came home and fenced some more. No kidding.
Tomorrow we’ll be back at the gym bright and early.
Today was shoulder day. Here’s the set list.
After that I changed, did my make up (yeah, that’s right) and made it to class. It looks like I can make this work, especially if I don’t hear up too much during the workout. That means I need to get that cardio on the other days of the week and after class.
I’ve been having rough nights, mental health-wise. I think some of it is environmental, but I hope that the endorphins from working out make me less susceptible to outside stimuli bringing me down.
Today I did my fitness assessment. As I suspected, I gained some weight (about 10 lbs from my last weigh-in) and some fat (1% from my most recent test). The trainer couldn’t measure the fat on my thigh because my quads are so huge. That was nice.
I was pleasantly surprised at my muscular endurance score. I did 40 push ups before losing form.
I don’t fully understand the cardio endurance test. I was supposed to keep a specific rate on the bicycle while the monitor measured my heart rate. Then the computer changed the resistance on the bike. It worked in 3-minute cycles. The computer told me I was done, but I felt like I could have gone longer. Then my report said my cardio needs improvement. I don’t disagree, but I also don’t understand why.
Improving cardio will help the other area that needs help – my fat percentage. I also talked to the trainer about weight lifting for burning day instead of weight lifting to bulk up.
My BP and heart rate (which aren’t bad but could be better) should improve in tandem with my cardio endeavors.
All that leaves is back flex. My plan is to do more yoga and lyra, but I’m not sure what I can afford this month since I need to make some repairs to my car. Yoga is free at UWF, but lyra (which is just so much fun) is off-site and carries a small fee.
Today was rest day, so I don’t have anything to report on that front. I ended up skipping fencing because I didn’t feel prepared for my real job tomorrow, so there’s nothing new there either. We’ll see what tomorrow has in store for me.
This morning I woke up bright and early and met Tiny Nick! and Emmers at the gym. Here’s what I lifted:
After that i had my first day of school for the new semester. That isn’t relevant to working out, but it’s a big deal to me. It looks like I can juggle working out, getting cleaned up, and making it to class on time. Let’s see if I can keep it up!
Marie's Fitness Blog 