Cool gym math!

Back in the swing with Stefan tonight – lifting heavy things, putting them down, and variations on that theme.

Today was ‘add weight’ day – an odd concept for me, since this type of weight gain is something to celebrate, a sign of progress and increased strength, not the dreaded scale scenario that drives me to chocolate to drown my sorrows.

I like the reversal of meaning here. Take that, diet mentality, I’m gaining weight all the time, and it’s a good thing!

Here’s how it worked. I did more or less the same workout we’ve been doing the past few times. But more weight was added to each individual move and more reps. Weights were even added to the deadlift bar today – I think 20 lbs only which, believe me, I felt!

Ok, so I still am not deadlifting above my head, but the bar was still heavier and I had to hold it above the ground, while bent over, butt sticking out, for 60 seconds - a long, long minute. (not all the math worked out tonight)

So here’s the great math result: Counting the higher weight (e.g. 40 lb step-ups up from 30) and more reps (15 up from 12) across all the exercises adds up to a grand total of 2,260 MORE pounds I hefted around tonight compared to our last session.

I was flabbergasted! This is the kind of math I can come to love, compared to all other math in the universe with whom I don’t get along.

I felt the challenge of the extra weight each time, but all went well, and once again, Stefan said it was a stellar workout. (yay!)

Bulletin from the land of plank:

Previous record still stands at 32 seconds. But tonight, Stefan asked me to repeat the move after I’d once again collapsed face first into the mat. Second attempt – 30 seconds, so overall result still an improvement.

Plank aside, the gym was a happy experience tonight; I feel like I’m starting to ‘get’ this whole weight-lifting thing a little more. I never really understood the draw of barbells and deadlifts and kettlebells – of the slow, careful lifting, the monotonous reps, peoples’ faces set in sweaty grimaces of effort and even pain. Give me a cardio class any time – or just about any other form of exercise.

Now, though, I’m feeling that stirring spark of the converted. I’m finding the process anything but boring and quite miraculous when it comes to results – feeling stronger, less joint pain, and the sense of victory (again, plank excluded) when I can manage to lift, row, pull and push – longer, against tougher resistance.

And I’m finding the intense focus and the pure concentrated effort where I don’t resort to words all the time, my comfort zone of choice, is a new and welcome experience. A different form of meditation, really.

Too Zen? Endorphins taking over my brain? Perhaps. We’ll see what happens when it’s time to move on to the next level of intensity. Will it be like the Buddhist stages of enlightenment or 7th circle of hell? Time will tell.

Bring it. (I think).

 

 

 

 

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