Small Steps, Big Successes

Happy start to the week everyone! With reading week finally at a close, I can honestly say it's sort of refreshing to finally be back in the cramped classrooms of university life. Mind you, I know March will be full of study sessions and long nights, but we'll cross that bridge once we get there.

All in all, this week has been very productive for me. I'm finally back teaching at Story Planet and on top of that,  I plan to get started on my 2 essays due in the next couple weeks. With that in mind, I'm happy to say that I a managed to fit in 4 days of fitness last week and plan to do this same for this time slot. I've been working out since January but for the most part, my workouts have been focused around cardio-the bike, the row machine, the elliptical, you name it. But as I have indicated in my last posts, I have finally decided to incorporate weight training into my routine! Exciting!

So, who knew that the weight machines actually weren't so scary? In all honesty, I had to go to the YMCA gym with my boyfriend to muster up the confidence to first start on the machines but hey, we all need to begin somewhere! I am really not the type to try and depend on a man to feel strong, but my boyfriend is a great source of emotional support, and it felt great to work out with him (something we haven't done since the beginning of my university days). Currently, I can't really lift more than 35 pounds in ANYTHING, but I am happy to be taking the initiative to feel fit.

Anyways on top of all this, my biggest success came today when I finally used the weight machines at my university's gym! I guess it's really all about finding the right time when the gym isn't too hectically busy and overcrowded and I can take the time to read the machine's instructions. I'm assuming most people don't work out at 12:30 because it's lunch time, but seeing as I head there right after my 12 o'clock class, you can't blame me for my good timing. As of today, I realized my legs definitely need some work, seeing as the senior lady beside me could do more leg weights than me *cry* but I can undoubtedly say that I feel that my upper body is getting much stronger and leaner! So far I can really only do 3 sets of 12 reps (and less with my legs) but I am happy at my slow progress. I really do need to do more research about when to do certain weights and for different parts of my body, when to do cardio and eat my protein. I still have a long way to go, but I hope to gain at least 3-4 pounds by the end of March. With that in mind, I feel so proud of myself...but that also might be the soreness in my body. Happy Tuesday, xo