Diary of a Gym user
September 2011
When I read Dr J Ratey's book "A users guide to the brain" I found the information so easy to read and take in, so I was happy to sit down and get into his other book "Spark" at the weekend. Well it did spark something. I joined the gym on the Monday and I've spent 40 minutes over 3 days now getting good aerobic exercise and muscle building. I made the decision to do it because I needed to build my core muscles up as I have a bad back.
The upshot is though that over the last week I have lost weight and changed shape and yes my mood is upbeat. For someone who enjoyed walking and cycling the gym was not something I really thought about before, but I'm going to keep up this blog just to see what I can achieve - because it's even more amazing when you do things you never thought you could, or would enjoy.
Week 13 plus
Walked up White Horse Hill Uffingdon from the carpark to the horse, without stopping to catch my breath - first time ever I think, but it shows how much fitter these regular sessions have made me. Despite the cold weather I'm making use of the gym on wet days and dry days I'm out and about walking or cycling.
Week 12
I was fully expecting to have lost a certain amount of muscle tone with not doing a great deal for the last 3 weeks, but was amazed that I managed to do more. I have taken advise from my Osteopath not to do the arm exercises on the cross trainer, and to just stick to legs. I was able to run more on the treadmill too. The cramp I was experiencing on a regular bases that kept me awake at night, is back but as bad as it has been. In short - I'm pleased I'm back exercising again.
Week 11
Back to exercise slowly, not going to push myself knowing we're coming up to Christmas
Week 10
Have cold now as well so that's put pay to exercise as well - we'll see how we get on next week, as back is still sore. Have upped my walking though.
Week 9
Injured self on cross trainer, and after seeing my osteopath she's suggested I take a small break
week 8
It's not feeling such an effort now and I've found the best time to go down the gym is lunchtime - it's so quiet! This suits me fine as I'm in clinic afternoons and evenings generally.
Week 7
Haven't done as much gym work this week due to the fact I've been doing lots of walking anyway, so that all helps and despite a lot going on with house moving stress, I feel so relaxed and able to cope with so much more.
Week 6
I've lost a few pounds and an inch off my hips, so the effort is beginning to show already. My stomach muscles are beginning to tone up now I'm allowed to use the rowing machine - I had been advised to avoid this until my back and leg muscles had significantly strengthened - and after a week or two I feel more able to pull my muscles in.
Week 5
Back to the gym and managed to fit in 3 sessions this week, each session much easier than the last. I also starting running on the treadmill which surprised me, as I hadn't thought it would take such a short time to get to this point. No change in weight yet, but after a holiday of eating well, I don't expect miracles, but the back pain has gone and I'm in a much better mood, so plus points all round.
Week 4
On holiday this week and managed to get some walking done, have noticed that walking up steep slopes and steps significantly easier. I am also missing going down the gym, which I never thought I would.
Week 3
Again only managed 2 days this week, but definately feeling fitter, my back pain has gone, I'm sleeping better, though I haven't lost any more weight - probably because it's turning to muscle and that weighs more than fat. I'm beginning to find my own pace and managed to even break into a run without looking as if I was about to die, unlike the chap next to me on the running machine who looked like he might need the helicopter ambulance himself.
Week 2
Only managed to get to the gym twice this week because on the Friday I came down with a cold - whether I got it from handling the gym equipment as they don't appear to clean them and cold viruses are passed via the hands...
Generally though feeling more upbeat and not aching so much so my sleep has improved. One thing I have noticed at the gym though is what an effect watching the TVs can have. I had the choice of an emergency helicopter ambulance, or the Rugby - watching unpleasant scenes made the the work more difficult but if I was wrapped up in the Rugby I felt motivated. I'm guessing this has a lot to do with Mirror Neurons. When watching Bodie and Doyle in the Professionals running about I put more effort into the workout.
Note perhaps for gym owners then - play more high powered TV.
