I guess I’m still going through the break- in and sore muscle phase, cuz I’m having pain in places I didn’t even know I had muscles! But other than that, I’m enjoying my time at the Gym…it’s something different and keeps me out of the polluted and allergen filled outdoor air.
I’m currently putting in 2-3 days per week, spending an average of 2.5 hrs per visit. I’m hoping to increase that to 4 days a week after I get into better shape. On a typical visit I spend about 30 to 45 minutes warming up on the treadmill, during which time I tend to attract a lot of stares (seems not too many people racewalk on a treadmill ). After warming up, I’ll do about 30 minutes of stretching and ab work , followed by a full hour on the arm and leg weight machines.
With my current 3 day schedule I have to do both my pulling and pushing weight exercises on the same day, but eventually when I able to come in 4 days per week, I’ll split my routine up and devote 2 days a week to curling exercises and 2 days a week on press exercises. My trainer/friend Steve, thinks this is a better way to tone up.
So, how’s it going so far ? Too soon to tell. This is the first time ever, that I’ve added cross training to my marathon training schedule. Overall I feel a little stronger, but I’m more tired than usual , I’m constantly sore, and even though I’ve cut back on calories, I’ve gained 4 lbs! I’m now up to 148 lbs which is the most of I’ve weighed in the past year. My trainer thinks it’s probably new muscle forming (I actually have noticeable biceps now.) I don’t know what to think. While it’s true that I’m working out hard in the gym, I’m also walking considerably fewer miles per week, which would translate into few calories burned.
I’ll have to give it another couple months to see what happens with my weight.
On the breathing front, nothing much has changed. Whether I do short intense cross training sessions indoors, or long distance endurance walks outdoors, I’m still experiencing a significant amount of air trapping and dyspnea afterwards.
Related Posts:
Good for you! As you’ll know from reading my LWBA blog, I do swimming, we couldn’t go this week because my washing machine broke down and I had to stay in for the new one to be delivered, but we’ll be back on track next week…and I do think it’s helping because although it makes me breathless and hurt in place that, like you, didn’t realise *could* hurt, I’m glad to be doing it and hope it’ll help stop my muscles atrophing from being in the chair so much and also help with my BA.
Looking good Steve!
Good job on the weight training! I do it 2x/wk myself though only for 50 minutes, but I think it helps make you a lot stronger for walking.
Wow, 148 lbs! We weigh just about the same… I’m at 146 right now but would like to be 143-144. Not sure I can get there. Anyway, yes, you are probably gaining muscle. Have you measured yourself w/a tape measure? Might want to do that – you might be toning up and losing inches even though you’re gaining weight, if the weight is muscle.
I think you’ll be less sore after you get used to the routine. It does take a little while, though, and I still get sore in various muscle groups depending on what I do. I like it, though, because being a little sore makes me feel virtuous.
As for RW on the treadmill, that’s funny that people look at you oddly. I RW on the treadmill sometimes and have never noticed any odd looks, but maybe I’m impervious? I RW a lot outside, and the only comments I’ve ever gotten are positive. People always seem impressed that I can walk that fast :).
My calendar has almost 3 months until the Nike (October 19th) so don’t shortchange me 🙂 🙂 :)! I need that time to train! Seriously, we’re only up to a 12 miler next weekend, so we’re not there yet. I’m hoping for a great fast race, though. Of course I’ll probably celebrate by PIGGING OUT on Ghirardelli chocolate. I know I’m going to spend some serious cash in that store!!!
2.5 hours in the gym per visit? No wonder you’re tired! Your body is going through quite an adjustment. As for the weight gain – don’t freak out about it. A lot of people gain weight at first when they start strength training. Your body will adjust soon. And, gaining weight because of muscle is definitely not a bad thing. 🙂
“I’m having pain in places I didn’t even know I had muscles!”
That happened to my upper arms after I devoted an afternoon to defeating my 9 year-old at Wii tennis. I could barely lift my arms the next morning.
I did kick her butt, though–that’s what’s really important, after all.