After thinking about getting back on the bull, I did manage to seat myself upright. I am *thinking* about my meal plan for the next week. That's a start. And, I've made a mental note of what's in the fridge and still edible! I've even thought about what to make for dinner tonight = Mango and black bean salad topped with salmon.
On the workout front, I've challenged myself to have 1 80-minute workout this week. I'm still lacking 5 minutes on that challenge. My usual workouts consist of a class (Zumba or Turbo) and if the class is only scheduled for 45 minutes, I will arrive at the gym at least 20minutes prior and get on the treadmill. No wonder I've plateaued.
A FB friend posts her workouts and times. I noticed that she works out for 80minutes at a time, usually doing interval training on the elliptical. Hmmm.... I hate the elliptical. Actually, I don't hate inanimate objects, I'm just not coordinated enough to use that machine. So I stick with the treadmill or bike. I found my inner Macho Man Savage (that's the new nickname for the voice(s) in my head) and decided that if this woman (who I don't even know) can last 80 minutes in the gym, so can I. CHALLENGE!!!!
I tried Monday and lasted 60 minutes (15 treadmill/45 Turbo). I tried again yesterday. 75mins (getting close). 15min walk to the gym carrying a 6-8lb bag (freaking bag was heavy, next week I will carry my backpack), 35 min Turbo, 30 min Strength. I will try again on Saturday for 40 min strength and 60 min Turbo. Next week, I plan to have 2 80-min workout days.
There is conflicting information about the amount of time spent working out, high vs. low intensity, full-body vs. target part strength training, how many days to workout, etc. But it all boils down to putting in your best effort for each workout. Some days it may be 30mins of high intensity and some days may be something different. My thinking is that if I allot 80 mins to a workout at least 1-2 days per week, I can get in cardio AND strength training (which has been a goal for a hot minute).
Do you set a time limit to your workouts? Do you combine strength and cardio on the same day?
3 comments:
I have time limits on my workouts only because I have limited time to do them...at least this time of year because I'm working so many hours. When work does slow down, my priority is going to be to add strength training because that is something I have not done yet (gasp!).
Girl - sounds like you have a plan! Can't wait to see you achieve your goals!!! Bye bye plateau!!!
I set time limits on my workouts to make sure I keep on track with cardio. I'm working on a strength training plan where I do cardio/strength on three days on only cardio on the other two. We'll see how it goes.
I do what I have time for. I try to get in an hour 4 to 5 days a week, but if I don't have an hour to spare my favorite (favorite in terms of results, as it is one tough work out) is Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. There are three different work outs that only last about 25 minutes each and they are killer (at least for me, I still can't do Level 3).
Kudos for working on pushing through your plateau and for creating a challenge for yourself!
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