Back to Hapkido?......No

This was a tough decision. I'd made a lot of progress in hapkido, and I really enjoyed it. Plus, the fitness benefits were terrific. However, between going back to the gym and cycling weather upon us, it seemed like it would be too much of one thing to continue with martial arts too.

I've mentioned on this blog several times that I've been really focused on athletic stuff for a long time, and I guess it's time to make some conscious decisions to set aside time for other interests (like painting, writing, more time for meditation, hanging out with friends, reading, etc.).

I'm going to keep practicing my forms and kicks and punches as part of my routine at the gym. So while I may not be continuing with martial arts (right now), if I can keep the skills I have sharp then nothing has been lost at all.  Taking hapkido was a wonderful experience and I do miss it, but I know this is the right choice. I just don't feel it's very balanced to be so invested in fitness to the exclusion of other aspects of my life. So, instead of continuing to wring my hands about it, it's time to do something about it. Done.

Back to the Gym

I haven't belonged to a gym/health club/fitness center for something close to fifteen years. I always found them to be unwelcoming places with the stench of heterosexual meat market wafting in the air.  However, I was not able to push through my plateau with dumbbells at home, so I began missing those machines.  Plus there is a gym in my building at work...can't get more convenient than that!

I joined a gym about a month or two ago, and I have been really into it! Weirdest of all is that I have suddenly discovered the wonderful world of treadmills. I used to loathe treadmills and all their brethren (stairmasters, ellipticals, cycle machines, etc.) because I'm so used to biking outside that I could never deal with just being stationary while putting out all that energy. But for whatever reason I now enjoy my treadmill time!

If I can get off work early enough, I go down and do the treadmill while watching Judge Judy (I looove Judge Judy!). In the AM, I listen to all my old techno from the 90's: Superstar DJ Keoki, Juno Reactor, Crystal Method, Uberzone...and just go into a zone. It's almost like meditating in a way, because I clear my mind and just do it.

I'm up to about two or three times a week. 40 minutes a pop on the treadmill. And I alternate between two moderate lifting routines. I burn about 550 calories a shot on the treadmill, and I can already feel my body responding to the lifting. Now I just need to get to running on the treadmill. And maybe get a trainer for a week or two to set up a really nice lifting routine for myself. 

Who knows? By this time next year, I might even look like Mr. Yummy in this picture here. No? Well, a boy can dream right?

I Worked Out!!!!

I joined the gym, and today I woke up at 5:30AM and went hit the gym by 6AM. I spent 1.25 hours working out, and even did the treadmill. I'm officially on the road being back in shape, so what did I do to celebrate? Jim and I went to to Red Robin, and I ordered a guacamole bacon burger with fries and a chocolate shake.

My legs ache, my lats are stiff, but I had energy to spare all day long!

Baby Steps

Okay, maybe I'm not this bad off, but I sure feel like I'm starting from scratch. Started practicing forms again to get back in the saddle, and I got winded rather quickly. Not from lack of air, but from sheer lack of fitness. I also did some push-ups, crunches, and curls.

It's pretty clear to me that I'm starting back into this from a really low place. I can't remember the last time I was this out of shape, and it's clearly going to take a lot of time and effort to even get back to where I was. Jim keeps assuring me I've just lost tone and that I'm not flabby. However, I feel very out of shape. It bums me out big time, but I keep reminding myself that the surgery will have been worth it in the long term.

I went to check out the gym where I work, but there was no one at the front desk. Arrrggh! This what I remember gyms to be like. Impersonal, with marginally intelligent employees whose main qualification is the ability to look good in a pink spandex bra. Okay, I'm being bitter. Just shut up and go back tomorrow.

I've got to do this. I can't go back to martial arts class until I get my cardio fitness back, and I shudder to think what our first bike ride will be like if I don't get active soon. I should probably also stop in to see the master and let him know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  Getting back into this is so difficult. Inertia is tough to escape from, but I know I'll feel so much better once I get back on track. Gotta keep my head up and just do it!

First Bike Ride of 2010!

Jim and I rode 17 miles. Not exactly a trek, but we have to start somewhere and work up.  I've been working out again, although just once a week.  I've gone back to multiple exercises per body part and just doing one set at the highest weight I can handle wiht good form.  With that, plus making great progress in martial arts (I've got form 1 down, and most of the punches I need for my blue strip), I am officially a jock once again.

Who'd've thunk?

Navy Seal Ab Workout

I don't know if this is really a workout used by the Navy Seals or not, but it is intense ab punishment. I've adjusted it some and added to my routine. It's quick but brutal. As I get better, I just increase the reps. So it's always going to be pretty punishing. Only caution is I've found I really have to pay attention to form, because these exercises can easily lead to lower back strain - in particular the ones with your feet off the ground. I stretch my back in between every two or three exercises just to make sure I'm not pushing my lower back too hard.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8khz1_the-navy-seals-the-toughest-ab-buil_people