I’ve had some of you ask me what it is I do exactly when it
comes to working out. So here you go… The oh so BIG “secret” revealed (drum
roll…)
This could get real
technical, but I’m just going to put it in simple terms because fact is, there
is no secret and it doesn’t need to be all elaborate and whatnot.
For me, weight training was (AND STILL IS) a learning
process. My mom use to teach aerobics like a madwoman and she went to school
for some time to personal train, so she was initially my ultimate resource and
“teacher” when it came to working out. That is where it all started…Yes, I was
that kid who was dragged to the gym nursery who eventually became Mama’s “mini
me” at about age 13. I took her classes and really enjoyed the whole working
out thing. But my love and passion for fitness has just developed within this
past year or so.
Gosh, I honestly couldn’t tell you when it was exactly that
I transitioned from strictly cardio to doing at least some sort of strength
training. However, at first I was intimidated by the free weights and the bars…
I stuck with the machines. NO WAY was I going to make a fool… silly me! I wish
I had picked ‘em up sooner!!
So from personal experience I can say weight training at
first:
1. Was scary… (I’m a girl.. and there are a lot of guys
around screeeech)
2. Uncomfortable (I didn’t feel secure with my body and I
didn’t want people staring at me, and I definitely didn’t want all of those
mirrors pointing out my flaws)
3. Had me CLUELESS (walking around like a lost
puppy/meatheads staring at me because I’m on the machine backwards/my form was
bad…hah, whatever the case… I felt awkward)
My point is, you have to start somewhere. With anything new,
it might seem impossible at first, it just takes
time.
When I became more interested in weight training, I
researched a whole bunch. There is so much information out there and I still
find the internet quite helpful. Just be sure it comes from a credible
source... BodyBuilding has great info! What I find so awesome about this
hobby/sport is that I am always always always learning something new. Sometimes
I do not retain all the information, so I may hear the same thing again later
and it’s just as new as the first time. Another aspect I love is that you have
so much freedom… you control how you want to look. There’s a lot of playing
around with your macro intake and the way you train (the weight amount, sets,
reps, intervals…etc.) But that’s the technical part I’m not really going to get
into.
With me, I learn best “hands on”… I can read and watch
something all the live long day, but I have to get a feel of it first. However,
that doesn’t go without saying someone who is more knowledgeable in that area
can’t help and guide you. I’ve just recently grasped this concept… the whole
“help and advice thing.” I can be quite stubborn and independent; but I’m
learning to not take offense to someone showing me correct form or lending me
their advice/input. As long as they come across in a sincere and “genuinely
want to help you and not being cocky” kind of way… TAKE IT!!!
So, without further ado- (this really has become quite
elaborate)- here’s what my “lifting life” consists of.
And please if you are reading this and want to correct me…
FEEL FREE. I am no expert by any means… this just happens to work for me and my
current goals.
First off, I want to gain muscle, to physically become
stronger. I want to be able to do a daggum pull up (unassisted).
I received help about a month ago. I was basically
overtraining (would spend about 2 hours each time I went into the gym) I’d lift
and then run all my muscle away with cardio) I was maintaining, essentially,
but my hard work was being put to shame…I wasn’t getting stronger by any means.
However, I kind of knew it, but my mind just wasn’t right. This was me: “Say
what? You mean only THR33 different exercises and I’m done!...psh *hand up*
That can’t be effective.”
But I gave it a try and he was willing to spot and push me.
And boy, was I proved wrong! It has forever changed the way I train.
Key points:
- You only need to perform 3-4 exercises per muscle (anything beyond and you may be overtraining)…your sets and reps play a role in that too.
- If the weight isn’t challenging, you’re not going to build. Period, the end. You must create stress on the body for it to change/grow.
- When you feel like you can’t do anymore, pump out five more reps! (HOWEVER, correct form and training in the full range of motion is so crucial and I cannot stress that enough!!)
- Rest!! Do not work the same muscle the day after… two/three days after may even be too soon. Why? You don’t build muscle at the gym, technically speaking, instead you are breaking it down, you rebuild inbetween (when resting).
- Pre and Post Workout nutrition is very important… fuel your workouts, and feed the muscles with the correct ratio of carbs to protein. 2:1 works for me. Some say simple carbs are the best…Anyway, its crucial. Just read up! I’m always playing around with this. But I almost always drink a whey protein shake and my carb may be rice cakes, banana, dried fruit, sweet potato... something like that.
- Incorporate warm ups and stretching to prevent injury… this is where I stress form again!! It’s important people! Don’t wait to have someone approach you…just ask! Usually people are more than willing to help. Just know the difference between “available help” and the dude/dudette with the headphones in (they mean serious business and are on a mission) àThis isn’t me at all…..Hey, I’m starting to “let my hair down”
- And ALWAYS remember it’s a process… for me… never ending, God willing! I love it too much.
So that is really it (that’s a lie, I could go on and on)
But I just wanted to get the basics out there. I feel like I’m still missing a
whole bunch…
--I believe my numbers are irrelevant and will not do anyone
any good. Our bodies are different. However, when I get a little “proud” or egoistic…
I might throw out a max number!
I love questions, so ask away. I may not know the answer
to it, but you bet I’ll find it… that is how I learn too!
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