Working Through It

I woke up Saturday morning after a rough night of bad dreams and Michael and I laid in bed watching episodes of “Designed to Sell” on HGTV. I can totally crack out on HGTV for hours. It’s a dangerous channel to get sucked into! Before long I realize I’ve spent hours in front of the TV.

I process things usually pretty quickly. Last night I went through the stages of grief rapidly. I seem to be settling in at the Anger Stage about the injuries AND my job. I hope I don’t stay there too long because anger and hatred just poison the body and the mind and it will get me nowhere.

I decided to get up, get dressed for the gym and try and work through my frustrations in a positive way.

It’s  little dark in the photo but yes, I am wearing my big-ass Achilles Boots on my left foot and my hiking boot on the right foot. Sexy huh?

I lucked out at the gym and found a parking spot right in front and I spent my entire workout doing upper body weights.

I used the Gravitron machine to do the Triceps dips plus I did chin ups (hard!).

I pushed myself pretty hard on my workout Saturday. I was working through a lot of emotions and I had The Most Angry Music Possible to fuel me:

Eminem. Now that’s a boy that has a LOT of rage. Either way, it fueled my workout. I focused on all the machines that worked:

• Biceps
• Chest
• Triceps
• Upper Back
• Shoulders
• Lower Back
• Abs

I did three trips around the weight room, alternately breaking up the upper body routine with the ab machines.

I felt really focused and happy with my weight routine, despite the stupid Boot on my foot and the injuries I currently have. I didn’t let it get me down. I just directed all my emotions into the weight lifting. I even tried this weird machine:

I guess it’s an upper body workout? It’s sort of like peddling a bike but with your arms. It’s definitely bizarre and I’m not sure what muscles it works, or if it adds any value to my workout. But I gave it a shot and tried it for a few minutes. I can tell that eventually over time my arms would start burning from exhaustion but I still don’t see how it’s a benefit…anyone use this thing at the gym?

After about an hour of lifting weights and doing crunches on the ab machine, I made my way to the mat do what limited exercises I could do. I tried to do my hip strengthening exercises but I think they will have to wait until I’m out of the boot. I spent about 10 minutes with the 8 Pound Medicine ball doing the Russian Twist until I was sweaty and out of breath. Then I called it a day. I’d worked hard. I’d gotten out some of the emotions. I might be switching from Rage to Apathy now…we’ll see.

Gym Stats:

Time: 1:22

Calories Burned: 635

Workouts: Weights, Core

QUESTION: Does anyone have any good examples of upper body stretches after a weight lifting session?

After the gym I ate leftover Eggplant Parm for lunch and watched “The Single Man” on Netflix. It’s an excellent movie! I love Colin Firth in everything he does. He nailed this movie. I’ve read Christopher Isherwood’s books in the past and this movie was just elegantly made. I recommend it.

Plus, I received the Triple Flex vitamin I won from She’s a Fit Chick!

Free stuff is cool. And my body apparently needs some Triple Strength!

Positive Thinking

I’m going to end this post with some positive vibes.

Lynne said: “Hi Lisa, love your blog, you keep me going when I get frustrated and hit roadblocks. I’ve lost about 70 pounds so far and have another 75 or so to go. Thanks for the inspiration!”

Thank you, Lynne for reminding me what’s important. I write this blog because I wanted to share my story with people and I wanted to inspire people who may or may not struggle with motivation. I’ve been there. I’ve been frustrated, obese, and thought “I guess I’ll just always be fat.” I know how it feels to just give up and be depressed. Please use my own struggles to motivate you and learn from my battles and errors. I am glad that my voice is heard. 🙂

I am so grateful for Michael and his undying support and unconditional love.

I am so grateful for my swimming. It’s where this all started and time after time, it’s been there for me through various injuries.

I am so grateful for my friends and my blog friends who listen to me vent and try to cheer me up.

I am so grateful for my readers who continue to come to my blog and comment, cheering me up, giving me great information and sharing your personal experiences with me!

Thank you all!