Gym Photo with Logo by Ben
I have been going to the gym for about 10 years now. To hold myself accountable in going, I schedule time every day after work to leave at 4 pm and meet my cousin there at the gym between 4:20 and 4:30 pm depending on traffic to start our routines. We are not just there to hold each other accountable to going (but I highly recommend that if you need the motivation to go consistently). We also spot, challenge, encourage, motivate, talk and laugh with each other while we are doing it. We had one older gentleman come up to us during a workout and tell us with a smile, “you guys are having too much fun,” and why not, working out doesn’t have to be a tedious chore!
Monday is Chest and Back day, Tuesday is Biceps day, Wednesday is Triceps Day, Thursday we do Shoulders and Legs. We repeat the routine of Monday again on Friday if we can make it (but to be honest we most often do not make it). The method we do consists of 5 reps of gradually increasing the weight for each machine. We do reps of 12, 10, 8, 6 and 4. We push the maximum weight we can do at 6 and then add on top of that for the final 4 to really give the muscles a burn, and of course, we spot closely. This usually helps us bulk up as long as we are consistent at it. Taking a 40-day trip overseas did put a damper on the routine, and we had to start all over again, break those muscles in and deal with the muscle pain. We remind ourselves however that this is a welcome pain, the muscle fibers tearing and repairing into a stronger system. It’s also a reminder not to stop the routine again.
As a part of my mourning routines, I do get in my 3 sets of 12 pushups and 3 sets of 50 to 70 crunches before I leave the house every morning to get my blood pumping and is a part of building my foundation for the day. This is a part of my taking control of my day and my life, and I highly recommend checking out the blog post “How I Control My Days and So Can You” to learn more about it.
But as good as this is for us, and as hard as we work out, nothing beats the exercise you do at the dinner table if you want to get in great shape and stay fit. Watch what you eat, cut portions and try intermittent fasting if you can’t fast for 36 to 48 hours (but really, the word can’t is in your mind, and you can do anything that you set your mind to do) as I do at times. This works wonders for your body when you fast your body can heal and get stronger without the side effects of your metabolism slowing down from a low-calorie diet. That’s an important note, fasting does not decrease metabolism like a low-calorie diet does robbing you of burning 900 calories per day! The mind is the most powerful instrument in your body, it has the power to dictate every part of your life. With goals, targets to complete every day and affirmations to change your subliminal mindset. You can do this; I know you can! When you do, I want to hear about it. Please share your experience, your wins, your challenges, and we can do this together.
Here is to a happier and healthy you!