I've needed some quiet time lately and haven't been up to writing much recently, and haven't done much either, except working and going to the gym. The weather has been quite nice but I've mostly done garden walks instead of proper walks but that's not bad! I mentioned them in my previous post, about how relaxing it is to just stroll in the garden with the camera, and how I need to make that a habit again.
This week I got in two proper walks, a bike ride, and of course strength training. I forgot about the plyometrics, but I'll be back to that next week.
This post is linked with the Weekly rundown link-up, hosted by Deborah and Kim. It’s where fitness bloggers get together to share their ups and downs with fitness and training, whether it’s about strength, running, cycling or something else. It’s great for accountability as well as inspiring and supporting each other. We also include some bits from everyday life if we want to. Let’s get into it!
Monday - gym
It was Easter Monday and the gym was closed. But I still went to the gym - another gym! My husband has started going to a gym where you can pay for one day, because he wants to use some machines, and I had decided to go with him to see what it was like. Exploring new gyms is fun! I wanted to try some machines and do lat pulldowns, but guess what? My biggest enjoyment was still the free weight section. Ha!
I feel so awkward with machines because I have to figure out how they work, how to set them up for my size (not always obvious that short people can even use them), and I mostly feel it's annoying becauase I just want to train. Dumbbells and barbells fit any body size and you always know how to use them. Win-win!
Having said that, I had a very enjoyable session and used a few machine as well as free weights. I didn't make a program in advance but had decided to do whatever caught my interest, and dumbbell shoulder exercises. I ended up with this:
- Lunges,. 10 kg dumbbells, 3 x 12
- Seated leg press, 74 kgs 3 x 12 + 83 kgs12 reps
- Bulgarian split squats, 10 kg dumbbells, 4 x 10
- Cable tricep press, 25 .. kgs? Pounds? Who knows? 3 x 12
- Lat pulldown, unknown heavy weight, 3 x 12
- Seated cable row, 25 kgs, 3 x 10
- Tried a seated cable fly machine but it was too weird
- Chest press, 12,5 kg dumbbells, 3 x 12
- Lateral raise, 7,5 kg dumbbells, 3 x 10
- Shoulder press, 7,5 kg dumbbells, 3 x 10
- Bent-over lateral raise, 7,5 kg dumbbells, 3 x 10
- Bicep curls, 6 kg dumbbells, 3 x 10
This looks like a massive session, but I took much longer breaks than usual since I took some time to look at machines and making decisions (the gym was almost empty). I felt most productive with the dumbbells, and did quite well with the 7,5 kg shoulder exercises. The Bulgarians also felt really good. Of the out-of-ordinary exercises, I enjoyed the cable row machine and the lat pulldown. For the latter - there was no real explanation about the weight plates, just a number that apparently wasn't about neither kgs nor pounds. I tried my way up to a weight that felt heavy enough but I have no idea what weight that was. It was quite tough though!
With the leg press I could have done a heavier weight. It makes a HUGE difference when you don't have to worry about stability.
Also, I really enjoyed training with my husband!
Tuesday - bike
I finally got onto the Zwift bike again and did a good ride with some hills. I felt good, but I do need some distraction for the bike, and watched a murder case on YouTube.
Wednesday - gym
I started the day with single leg heel raises, glute/lower back stretches and hip rotations.
It was good to be back to the usual gym, with more peace and quiet and just a barbell and weights! I did deadlifts, reverse lunges, flyes, Renegade rows, dumbbell rows, wide grip upright rows, lateral raises and bent-over lateral raises.
I did quite well with the Renegade rows today - I managed 10-8-7-9 and really tried hard to push through when exhaustion set in. Probably my most decent sets of Renegade rows in recent times.
Thursday - Elsa's big day! And a walk.
Today was a big day for Elsa! She was going outdoors for the first time. She walked in and out a few times, looked at birds at the back, enjoyed the front garden where she chased bumblebees and explored the shrub area in front of the hedge, and we did some cat flap training. She probably enjoyed the outdoors because as soon as she came in, she wanted to go out again. When she finally came inside, she was exhausted and slept for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon I went for a walk and it was quite nice! Windy, with storm-like conditions coming over the weekend, but still sunny and quite warm so definitely good enough for a walk. I went down to the sea and back, about 5,5 km. It was lovely to see all the flowers coming back, and the sea was so beautifully turquoise.
Friday - gym
Back to the gym. I wasn't in great mood but hoped I'd pick up some oomph once I came to the gym, and I did. Except I started with Bulgarian split squats, haha. I didn't do great with them today but I got through them without too much trouble. After that I did Romanian deadlifts, barbell chest presses, inclined flyes, one-dumbbell pullovers, good mornings and upright rows.
Saturday
Today we expected wind gusts up to 80 km/h. Not even Elsa was interested in going out! I had some sore hamstrings and calves and took the time to indulge in some music.
In the evening we didn't see Elsa for a while and all of a sudden she came from nowhere, with wet, ice-cold paws. She didn't seem to have much success with the cat flap on Thursday, but did she still manage to go out on her own and then get back in?
Sunday - walking
This morning we definitely understood that Elsa has actually learned to use the cat flap, just like that! My husband let her out at 5 am and later went to look for her but then she was already inside. Finally we can relax, knowing she can get back in on her own - although we dread the little "gifts" she will be giving us sooner or later.
The weather was ok-ish so I went out for a walk. It was colder and windier than I expected so instead of doing a longer loop to the bay, I just walked a few km down the road and back, about 5 km in total. I kept a decent pace, and parts of the route were quite pleasant with the sun warming. I loved seeing bluebells along the road, and some colourful views.
Next week's weather forecast is quite depressing so I suspect there will be a lot of indoor things going on, but we'll see. At least we finally have more daylight (and flowers)!
Comments
The picture of your husband made me laugh.
The picture of Elsa made me go, "Awww..."
So glad she's a smart kitty, but I hope that she holds off on the, um, "presents" for a while.
We are having a delightfully beautiful day here, but I have been inside ALL DAY. Time to change that—thanks for the inspiration.
No presents yet! I also go awww when I see her. She's the sweetest and funniest cat.
I'm glad to hear you have some delightful weather! The US usually catches up very fast when spring comes and then you have better weather than Ireland until late autumn. At least that's my impression!
We had a day without wind today for once, and I didn't get out either. What a shame.
I get that it is both fun and intimidating to use a new gym. I’m with you on the machines. I guess that’s where having a trainer who would set each one up for you would be nice!
How fun for Elsa to play outside. My son takes his cat hiking! (The cat mostly rides on his shoulder). I’ll have to share a picture.
Years ago when I went to a gym in Sweden for a while I had someone show me the machines, that was so helpful. Now I'm happy with using free weights only because I'm so used to it and know all the exercises, but I do like some cable exercises.
That's so cool about your son taking the cat hiking! Elsa is a shoulder cat too, she loves coming up on our shoulders and watching what we do, or get some cuddles.
So Elsa is going to be a free roaming cat! Our neighbor has a cat which visits our house very regularly. We call him Mr Meowy because he meows so loudly and frequently! Our cats are strictly indoor cats. They don't like to see Mr Meowy roaming our yard.
I totally get your comment about the machines. At our gym there is a QR code on each which takes you to a video on how to use the machine. Super handy!! I use both the machines and the free weights. And... the red light therapy booth and the hydromassage beds as much as I can. I have gotten very used to the pampering! :)
Yes, definitely a free roaming cat here! But remember that we live out in the countryside. She's loving it so far, it seems. She goes in and out all the time, and comes in soaking wet and seeking cuddles, lol.
That's great with the QR codes, that must be so helpful! Sometimes machines have a picture attached with how to use them but video is usually better in this case.
I haven't been to a real gym in ages - I would definitely be intimidated. But also excited by all the possibilities with the equipment! Nice job as always - and i LOVE the flower pictures! Spring definitely is here, isn't it?
Yes, all the possibilities in a big gym definitely is exciting - but also almost overwhelming. I love when there's a well-equipped free weight section with good squat bars etc though!
Yes, spring is here! Now we just need the weather for it too!
Obviously I know my way around gym machines and use them frequently with my older clients at the 55+ community, but when I work out, I prefer free weights. I would love to have access to an assisted pull-up machine, though.
Elsa! What a big girl coming and going as she pleases now. :-)
Assisted pull-up machine! I had to do a search on that. I can see how that would be helpful! A bit simpler to use than a resistance band on a pull-up bar.
First off, slightly off-topic: I only just noticed how clean and tidy your blog looks. I really like it. It’s calm and easy to read without any clutter.
I’m with you on dumbbells and barbells! The only machine we use at CrossFit is the rower, which we use for cardio. That said, your "test gym" looks nice! You had some good sessions this week, those renegade rows are strong!
Elsa has officially discovered freedom now, haha! Those "gifts" are only a matter of time now!
I saw your walks on Strava too. Well done getting out. Nothing fancy, just being outside, seeing the sea, noticing what's around you. That must be so calming!
I'm glad you like my layout! I really like this minimalistic style too, I've been playing with a sidebar layout again but always come back to this. For all other little things there are subpages and footer widgets.
Those walks were nice and relaxing in their own way, there was a nice sun but I really need less wind to enjoy walking outside! Yesterday I wanted to do a longer loop but with the cold wind I just couldn't.
I find I lift heavier on machines than with weights, but I also plan my workouts in advance, and make sure I watch videos of the machines or moves I want to do to make sure I know how to do them when I get there.
Elsa is so cute! And how smart that she can use the cat flap! Ive never had an outdoor cat and with the snakes and terrifying bugs (and alligators) down here, I don't want any easy access to my house!
Great job! Beautiful flower photos! And how fun that you got to train with your husband!
Oh, with all those dangerous animals around, I wouldn't let her out either! Here we have mostly foxes, cars and the neighbour's dog to worry about and that's something I have to accept! She's loving the outdoors so far.
Wow, Susanne, your photos are amazing! Spring has definitely sprung where you are. Elsa looks like she's enjoying it too.
We don't have machines at my gym--just barbells and dumbbells.
Thank you! Yes, spring has definitely sprung! Now I just wish the temperatures could follow!
I know exactly what you mean about the machines at the gym- I spend half the time just trying to figure out how to use them. I would much rather use free weights. Machines are good though if you're coming back from an injury and really want to focus on one body part.
Elsa will definitely be living her best life!!! We tried to keep our cats inside, but they just want to go out so much, we end up letting them. They don't stay out for long, but they just like to get a little taste of it. Sylvie's the only one not allowed out (yet) because she's so little. I wish we had a cat flap!
Yes, I've never had cats that were happy to stay indoors either! Elsa wanted to go out long ago but I wanted her to be neutered first, and also the vet recommended to wait until she was at least 6 months because small cats can be killed by adult cats. That was scary! And there are foxes too.
Can't you install a cat flap? We simply made a hole in the back door to install one. And you don't even need to worry about letting cold air in!
Those Bluebells! What a beautiful pic! I’d be totally lost in a gym, trying to navigate the equipment. I’d be hibernating in a corner with dumbbells as well :-)
Haha, good to hear I'm not alone being intimidated with all the machines! I love the dumbbells and how you can do a good, full workout with dumbbells only if you want to!
after our cat drown in a neighbor's pool. We keep our cats indoors. They don't know the outdoors so I think they are fine.
My hubby plays tennis and that's it.
I do enjoy the machines at the gym. It adds variety to my routine.
Love Elsa's pic.
Oh, I totally understand that. I remember when your cat drowned, that was horrible! Here we have the road and foxes as the main danger for cats and I'll have to live with that. I've never had cats that were happy indoors.
BTW your blog is eating all my comments lately! Maybe they end up in spam?
Nice to see you back at it here. Some weeks I don’t feel like photos and writing either. Looking super strong in that gym photo Also looks like you had the place to yourself. I also like free weights better than machines. Thanks for sharing your pretty photos of the flowers and the coastline. Hope you have a better week ahead
Aww, thanks! I rarely see myself training so it's nice to take some photos sometimes (or train in front of a mirror, which I did for the shoulder exercises) and see the progress. When we arrived, the gym was almost empty and it was so nice! It was only at the end that more people showed up but then we stayed in the free weights section so that was ok.
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