I know this is resolution season because my gym has been packed for the last two weeks. I find myself hoping these new people will slack off on their resolutions so I can get a treadmill or elliptical more quickly. Mind you, one year ago was one of "these new people" and I'm sure the gym regulars back then were placing bets on how long I (and the other newbies) would last. I have to say, I surprised myself by sticking with it so long and so consistently.
A year ago, I thought if I could make it to the gym two days a week, that would be good progress. Compulsive overachiever that I am, of course, I had to beat that and went to the gym three days a week most weeks.
With the new year, I've decided a new routine is in order. I've started going to the gym four days a week. It's been only two weeks and my body is not happy. I'm working out the same amount of time per week as I did last year. The only difference is, I'm alternating lower intensity and higher intensity workouts. Two days a week I do a longer, lower intensity workout. Two days a week I do a shorter, higher intensity workout. It's the shorter, higher intensity workouts that my body doesn't like. It has made it very clear that it does not want to work that hard, ever.
To which I say, "Too bad!"
Last January, I could barely complete 30 minutes on the treadmill. Eleven months later, I was able to complete a 5K in less than an hour. So the shorter workouts are hard on me. Eleven months from now, I'm sure they'll seem easy--or at least, easier. Until then, there's Tylenol.
A year ago, I thought if I could make it to the gym two days a week, that would be good progress. Compulsive overachiever that I am, of course, I had to beat that and went to the gym three days a week most weeks.
With the new year, I've decided a new routine is in order. I've started going to the gym four days a week. It's been only two weeks and my body is not happy. I'm working out the same amount of time per week as I did last year. The only difference is, I'm alternating lower intensity and higher intensity workouts. Two days a week I do a longer, lower intensity workout. Two days a week I do a shorter, higher intensity workout. It's the shorter, higher intensity workouts that my body doesn't like. It has made it very clear that it does not want to work that hard, ever.
To which I say, "Too bad!"
Last January, I could barely complete 30 minutes on the treadmill. Eleven months later, I was able to complete a 5K in less than an hour. So the shorter workouts are hard on me. Eleven months from now, I'm sure they'll seem easy--or at least, easier. Until then, there's Tylenol.