My Arms and the Army

Yesterday was the first real day back in the gym in a long time. Yes, we did go to the gym on August 1, but that was 2 weeks ago!  Ugh, I feel gross.  I hate going that long without hitting the gym.  I ran a couple laps on the track, and that seriously made my chest burn---key indicators that my body is mad at me because I haven't run lately.  H had me focus on my arms, back, and chest because it's been so long and I still have a dream to be able to do a full, properly formed dip before summer is over.  After lots of lat pulls, tricep pulls, tricep extensions, chest presses, bench presses, shruggs, and dips (with higher weights than normal on all of them, and new forms on the dips), I decided that just wasn't enough so I hopped onto the leg press and instead of starting at 70lbs and working up to 85lbs, I started at 85lbs and worked up to 115lbs.

Needless to say, I woke up barely able to move my upper body and arms.  :)
Gosh I love that feelling!

You know how I know I'm sick and twisted?  I can't wait to go back today!  Our community center gym is closed all week for maintenance, so we get to use the gym at our local University for free---totally okay with us, because they have free weights and barbells, which our community center gym does not.  Round 2 starts today!

In other news, to help H celebrate finally signing his Army contract, I made him an awesome dinner!  Cedar plank salmon, roasted crab legs, and broccoli!  Check out the recipes and try it for yourself--we paired it with Leinenkugel Summer Shandy and it was a perfect celebration dinner!!  Yum!

xoxo, M

6/8/2011

Mmmm arms day.
Yesterday I really focused on legs at the gym.  Here's my standard procedure:  Run for 30 minutes on the elliptical (roughly 2.25 miles), then hit the weights (bench presses and squats on the Jones machine, leg presses, arms, and back on the circuit machines).  Yesterday I ran and really focused on leg presses, leg curls, and using the medicine ball to do some CrossFit moves that really made my hammies mad at me  :)  But today, H came with me and really pushed me to do more with the weights. 

Truth: I have basically zero upper body strength.
Truth:  H is really pushing me to build my arm strength and back muscles.
Truth:  Every time I do a few more pounds on the bar, it's hard but I feel super proud when I can finally do it!

I also really struggle with form.  Keeping my elbows tucked in, coming all the way down and pushing all the way up, and really making each rep count.  Having H there today meant I pushed myself a lot harder than normal, but it also was a check up on my form, and it means that when I'm there tomorrow I'll be paying a lot more attention to that!  Good--I need to.  I need to get these sexy muscles going! ;)

We also had a really good chat about the whole weight-loss, Paleo, workout thing.  It made me feel a little more secure in what I'm doing, and I was able to really open up to him about things.  I just hope H appreciates/understands how serious I'm taking all of this and how important this is to me--Paleo and weight-lifting is truly changing my outlook on food, body image, self-confidence, and so much more. And I hope he knows how thankful I am to have him by my side as I do it.  <3

In the wonderful world of Paleo...
We made some kick-butt guac today, ala Chipotle-style.  Next time, I'm going to document our making of it and post it here, along with the recipe.  It's seriously so yummy, you don't even need anything to eat it with besides a spoon!
We also stocked up on red, yellow, and orange bell peppers at Meijer today since they were on sale for super cheap.  I sliced them up, cooked them with some sea salt and a little EVOO, and they are delicioso!!  Got to enjoy some super yummy steak tonight, too--always a good thing.

I <3 steak.
That is all.

xoxo, M