[Keladris]

Hey gang, as usual late to the party!

Last night I got hit with the motivation to get back to strength training. Dance is going great, and I seem to be doing a better job with my energy levels again (note to self: sleep, whole carbs , protein, Vit D and relxation are the  way!) . So... It's time to start towards my longer term strength goals.

Ultimately, I want to be doing pull ups and handstands like nobody's business. I am a long way from there! With all the dance and other commitments, I do not have enough time and energy to commit to additional high intensity work outs. So I am thinking little and often, with a focus on careful functional movement will be the way to go.

Going to spend this month figuring out how to build strength into my life again. This week, I am going to experiment with GMB's kickstarter, as it seems like the sort of strength training that could work well with my routine and my goals. We'll see how that goes and reassess in a week! 

I've also re-started my focus on flexbility and I am SO CLOSE to the splits. Will track progress on that here as a bonus challenge.

 

It'll be a month of initiative rolls and figuring stuff out, but by the end I should be in the fight! (shoutout to new D&D group and new Critical Role obsession...) 

Let's hope I roll higher than 1!

 

 

[Alanna]

Looking forward to strength training and GMB! 

[Keladris]

Just posting here to tell myself I WILL do the active rest day today (mobility work) before bed. Yesterday I did an inactive rest day... So  I really need to do SOMETHING today. Then I can do the next strength workout tomorrow on waking up.

[Keladris]

Done my second GMB workout, this was focused on 'play', which I loved! It was about stringing together different movements in as many combos as possible. I made me realise that I have come a long way already with my strength, control and mobility. I can see how these sorts of workouts will support my body in daily life.

Dance today and did a stretching session this eve. So so close to my splits on one side! I'm really grateful to myself for all my work over the last year because I feel better and better in my body and I am seeing results!

[Defining]

On 4/9/2022 at 7:09 PM, Keladris said:

(note to self: sleep, whole carbs , protein, Vit D and relxation are the  way!)

[Keladris]

I didn't manage the 3rd GMB session last week. I think cos I was a bit tired and didn't prioritise it in my scheduling. Going to try to get it done this week... BUT I have run into a back issue. So off to the physio tomorrow to make sure I'm good to keep moving.

 

Seeing as this challenge is all about finding what works for me though, I think I will shake it up next week. I want to add some upper body work on some of my dance and rest days, to start working that push up! I think I'll keep it really simple and just do push ups as many days as I can. Probably 3 sets of 8 reps. I think this kind of very focused strength training will fit alongside my dance.

 

Then... If I am finding I am able to build consistency with that, I'm going to add C25K as my May challenge!

Something about the weather slowly shifting has got me much more motivated to eat well and exercise. I have started tracking calories again, I'd like to lose a couple of kg to bring me to a round 70kg/154lbs. And I'm going to take photos because I have been struggling with body image lately and recognising my new body from all the weight loss last year.

[juliebarkley]

On 4/20/2022 at 10:46 PM, Keladris said:

Seeing as this challenge is all about finding what works for me though, I think I will shake it up next week.

Short challenges are the perfect opportunity to try a few different things before committing to one for a full challenge period.

[Keladris]

Time is flying! Physio gave me cobra exercises to work on to encourage a better curvature in my spine. So that's been my main focus since my last post and I am managing to do that consistently. 

It's funny, I also recently went to the dentist and the hygienist told me I really have to start flossing because my gums are starting to recede, and even though I have never been able to develop good teeth hygeine habits, I now suddenly am able to. I think there is something about really feeling what the consequences are if I don't do it. With both my teeth and my back, I really want to take good care of them to ensure longevity of both! And hey presto, consistent habit building hasn't been an issue because the motivation is strong enough.

Today I started on my new push up challenge. I am going to follow NF's guide (see here). Today I was impressed that I actually haven't lost upper body strength since I stopped regularly training it. I think the cobras and also the increased dance is helping with that. Even though dance is mostly legs and trunk, we do hold our arms out for a lot of the time and that in itself builds strength.

So I am doing elevated push ups, with the bar somewhere between my knees and hips. I managed 2 sets of 10 plus a 3rd set of 4 today. Then I did negatives on my knees, and a 60 second hold at the top of the push up. Not bad! Especially pleased with the 60s hold! Will do my next push up training on Tuesday

Not sure whether C25K or the push ups will be my main focus for the upcoming challenge. Will decide this week! I am taking even more dance classes (starting contemporary on Mondays!) so will see where my energy is at.

[Keladris]

Snuck in some more push ups today...  Once a week is  better than nothing! 

So, wrapping up... I feel like this is something I can focus on for the next challenge. It's just enough of a challenge to fit it in alongside dance but still be doable, And I really want that upper body strength!