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If you read yesterday's entry you know that I was headed to the gym to work my chest, biceps and core. If you read one of last week's entries you know that I can chest press a 25 lbs dumbbell in each hand but thought I could possibly do more, like 30 lbs. So today's entry will reveal if in fact I can press 30 lbs dumbbells.
I headed to the gym. Hubby couldn't join me so I was on my own. Wasn't too busy. A lot of regulars. Some people who at the beginning of the year were newbies are now regulars. Their goal to get in shape is something they are sticking to. I am very happy for them. I guess the gym was packed the day before. Probably due to the holiday and the fact that Monday's are always packed. Well, this day, there was room at the gym. So, I claimed an incline bench. I had my workout all planned out. I always know what body parts I'll be working before I even get there and usually I know what exercises I will do, but sometimes I decide what I will work while I warm up on the elliptical. Its important to get the blood flowing before you start lifting so I always do at least 5 minutes on the elliptical. Anyway, I pick up two 30 lbs weights and place them by my bench. I then grab two 20 lbs weights and put these by my bench. I'm going to do bicep curls with these. Now, if you have ever watched the Biggest Loser or been to a 24 Hour Fitness gym you know that they usually have two kinds of free weights. Shiny silver ones that basically look exactly the same but are gradual in size, they start at 8 lbs and go up to 15 lbs. and the signature black weights that range in weight from 5 lbs to a very large amount, probably 140 lbs or so. They are black and look like plates attached to a silver bar. Most women, at least in my experience, use both the silver and the black weights and rarely use over the 25 lbs. weight. There are a few, myself included, that when we do one arm bar rows or stiff legged dead lifts will use a heavier weight, maybe up to 50 lbs. But MOST women (in my experience) stay under 25. Now, the guys, they are all over the place and they use both silver and black but tend to stick to the black cuz these are heavier and start getting heavier in increments of 2.5 lbs. Anyway, I'm sharing all of this cuz the 25 lbs weight looks "easy" but when you get to the 30 lbs weight, it starts to "look" bigger and more menacing. You have to be really strong to lift these bad boys. So, I sit down on the incline bench and hoist the two 30 lbs weights up onto my knees. No problem. A little awkward but no problem. I lean back and bring the weights to my chest. Still no problem. As I move my arms out to the side so I can begin the press up, I realize, these weights are indeed heavy, and I'm not in Kansas anymore. This is serious. I try the first press, no go. My left arm raises a bit but my right slips backward. I adjust on the bench. I try again. Dude, these things are heavy. Its still a no go. Okay, breathe. Focus. Press! So not happening. Well THAT sucks. So, I drop the weights to the floor. Man! I get up, I go pick up the 27.5 lbs weights. I know I can do 25 and if I had a spotter I could probably get the 30s going. Its just the initial press up that I can't do. So, I start again with the 27.5 lbs. And slowly, but surely, I press these bad boys 15 times. And I am struggling but I am so doing it! After the set, I switch and do 15 bicep curls with 20 lbs. I rest. Then I do the presses again. Could you hear my chest muscles scream!? And I did it a third time. I know you're thinking, "who cares if she can press 27.5 lbs 15 times? what's the big deal?" Well, honey, can you do it? I was VERY proud of myself! I ROCK! Its a personal accomplishment for me and can you hear me ROAR?!!! Humph.
The rest of my workout was nothing special. I did add in some one-legged lunges holding 10 lbs weights for good measure. And my arms were on fire as I headed down to do my cardio. Next time, I am going to curl 25 lbs. And if hubby is there, I'm going to press the 30s at least once. Go big or go home, right?
And this morning the scale said 106. See ya, Aunt Flo. She'll be packing her bags and headed out probably late tomorrow night. Once she leaves, no more bloating and all her drama. Thank God!!!
Today is track practice and all I gotta do is cardio. I'm secretly praying it rains so its cancelled and I can do my cardio inside. If not, I'll run the track. Pray for rain!
Until next time... |
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Posted by FigureCompetingMom on 2008-02-20 13:23:12 | Rating: | Views: 55
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