From spring back to winter, it seems like! We were almost 80 degrees yesterday with some pretty fierce winds. Today is rainy and colder with 1 to 2 inches of snow expected tonight. Really Mother Nature?
I had a warmer breakfast today. The banana bread pudding with chocolate PB2 on top. First time trying that and it is pretty good.
Yum!
I worked for a while and then hit the gym. Normally on Tuesdays I like to work until it about runs out and then go to the gym in the afternoon so that I make sure I get enough work in. However, it has been so busy that I knew there was no way it would run out, so I went in the morning (which is my preferred time to exercise).
The lifting:
| Exercise | Set/rep/weight |
| Reverse Cable Wood Chop (low to high) | 3 sets of 8 each side at 30# |
| Jackknife on stability ball | 3 sets of 8 |
| Step Ups | 3 sets of 8 each leg with 30# KBs |
| T Push-ups | 3 sets of 4 each side |
| Pliet Squats | 3 sets of 8 with 30# DB |
| Alternating lateral raise | 3 sets of 8 each arm with 10# DBs |
| Reverse Row | 3 sets of 8 |
| Supine Hip Extension to Leg Curl (SHELC) | 3 sets of 8 |
I wasn’t sure if I ever explained the reverse row, but here is my setup for it. You can use a smith machine or any barbell cage to set it up.
That’s the stability ball I use for the SHELC as well. All ready to go for that superset. Here is what the exercise looks like as I do it.
Very challenging. You can progress from putting the legs out straight to having them on a stability ball or bench.
I have found using the kettle bells for the step ups is much easier than dumbbells as far as grip strength goes. I think maybe the grip is wider? I am using two 30# kettle bells for this exercise. That is 60# total and each time I step up with that, I think about how I used to carry even more than that weight on my whole body going up and down stairs. 😯
It’s funny, I am making great strength gains, but really struggling with body image these last couple months. In navel gazing, I think that it probably stems from a higher level of anxiety between the house closing and job stress (and a bit from the weather). This has left me feeling fairly unsettled and restless, which in turn makes it easier for my brain to beat on my self esteem a bit. You know how they say if you can’t change your situation, you need to change your attitude, so that is what I need to do. Only I am having a hard time figuring out how to do that.
Maybe looking at my roses will help.
Still looking good since Friday – they do make me happy! 😀
Stress most definitely plays into the body image thing. I always feel better about myself when I run; but then the negative thinking creeps back in. Maybe we all need to get together for a self-esteem boosting spa trip (can we find a benevolent sponsor…OPRAH?!!).
I am all for a spa trip!! Woo Hoo!
I love this post for a number of reasons. First, kick ass on the 60 pounds!! And I love your perspective–comparing it to how much extra you used to carry around. That’s a good reminder for all of us!
Second, I’ve been feeling similarly. It’s nice to read that you have felt the same way. I guess I sometimes think other maintainers (like you) don’t ever have those feelings of low self esteem. I don’t know why. I haven’t gained a ton of weight this winter –about 6 pounds. But it’s been enough to make me dislike what I see in the mirror, feeling badly about my body image and hate all the clothes I own. 🙁
I think all maintainers have that period of body image issues. Funny how on the way down the scale the current weight was wonderful, but if you come back up to it, doesn’t seem so wonderful. Perspective. It’s a funny thing.
Wow, your lifting program is IMPRESSIVE! And yep, I get you on the body image thing. For some reason I”ve been on a “high” for a week or so, and wondering why. Nothing in particular has changed. That reverse row interests me–its not hard on your back?
Thanks Debby. I am very proud of my strength. I may never be a small woman, but I will be strong!
The reverse row doesn’t bother my back at all. It’s sort of like a reverse barbell press.
I’m also having great strength gains.
I’m happy I can do the SHELCS easily now, I still remember how hard they were when I first tried the program. I’m not doing the T-pushups of course, still working on incline push ups. On the whole I think my core and upper body are gradually getting stronger so maybe I will be so strong one day I can do military push ups without migraines!
Isn’t it funny how our body image issues reflect our life issues? 🙂
I guess it isn’t so surprising that life issues are reflected in how we see ourselves. If only there was an easy fix!
Hmm if Shelley finds a sponsor for the trip, I know just the location 🙂 (give you a hint it will be biking heaven for you)
I’m impressed with your lifting workout, I always am. And it’s good to see that you’re back at it.
I don’t workout other than in the morning. Afternoon and evening just don’t work for me.
I don’t mind doing afternoon or evening bike rides, but I do like to get my lifting done early.
Let’s all start playing the lottery!
Well you know I have been similarly struggling and therefore similarly working on changing my attitude/perspective. In other words, I get it!!! I would like you to know that I really do admire your strength and fortitude and wish I was more calm as you seem to be. I think we all sometimes go through stuff that just manages to get us. Thankfully it’s temporary!
As for Shelley’s spa idea, that’s what I’ve always said I would do if I hit the lottery – so ya’ll stay friends with me lol!
I don’t know how calm I really am. I don’t feel calm as the house thing really set my teeth on edge from stupid people! LOL.
Love the reverse row Lori!!!! Glad you are getting good gains!
I do understand the tough situation stuff though. I hope things improve for you… yes, they say change your attitude then.. easier said than done at times. 🙂 I was going to suggest stress when you mentioned the body image but then you went on to say that..
HUGS!
At least I am not stress eating…right now anyway 😀
One day, I want to lift like you Lori 🙂 It’s badass and totally awesome!
Your roses are soooo beautiful I am jealous it hit 80 for you – if even for a day!
80s are so long gone now! It will struggle to hit 40 today. Sigh…
I love that reverse row!!!
And, your roses are so beautiful – glad you are still getting to enjoy them.
I get the periods of body image and struggling – I go through a period every spring where I feel like I totally let myself go during the winter (even with consistent working out).
I am surprised at how long the roses are lasting!
Wow, that’s a lot of weight on those kettle bells! I agree, with the stress of the house – the unknown closing, the shitty winter, I think we all are feeling it!
The winter especially! Oh wait, isn’t it spring? Memo to Mother Nature!!
Someone else mentioned reverse rows recently and I had no idea what they meant. This is what I call the horizontal pull-up. They’re super hard for me, which means I should do them more often than I do. 🙂
We had frost warnings last night! All the gardening people were freaking out, and it was a little surreal to see so many flower beds covered in plastic, bed sheets, or newspaper this morning. LOL
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