It’s almost time to get back to it!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!! Guess what, guess what? Happy dance happy dance. I am getting ready to enter the gym and lift something that has some weight to it. My back feels 85% better and my muscles are loosey goosey-ish. I am seeing the specialist who banned me from training this Wednesday and discussing how I feel I’d like to re-approach my weight training. But it’s time. I can feel it.

How, you say, will this go down?

Well, first, with a whole new respect. To not only proper form and execution which I have to say I was fairly diligent with but with listening. Listening to my back and my body when there are any weird tweaks or twangs and not just ignoring it. I will assess whether the weight is too heavy, whether there is a better fit of an exercise and to treat each muscle group as individuals. Meaning it’s not a one size fits all. For example, my lower back will mostly enjoy stretching and I’ll likely work my upper back a little more.

Next. I have a total appreciation and understanding that I must give as much time to stretching if not more, than I do to lifting. Over the last 5 weeks, I have felt my body do natural adjustments (aka cracking) as their range of motion has been increased. This has been due to softer more supple muscles that aren’t in constant spasm mode. This has also been due to deep myofascial massages, rolfing (another type of deep tissue work), acupuncture and adjustments. Stretching my rehabilitated muscles will keep them supple with good blood flow to more of the area. When you have a spasm, there isn’t quite as much flow there and I am not interested in that anymore. It feels like having ping pong and tennis balls inside of you that hurt to the touch man!!!

Finally, I will be setting a new commitment schedule that will start by including Yoga twice a week (one of which will be stretch Yin Yoga), 2-3 lifting dates and 2 cardio sessions. Morning stretching every day. This is to start. You know I am all about do-able steps that mesh with what feels right for me. I would be lying if I said a part of me sometimes says, “Well, I really should do more cardio” or only 3 sessions? Boooo.” BUT. A) This has to work with my crazy schedule which involves creating a new program for you! and B) It just feels like enough.

It’s what I am willing to do. It is not absolute. It is enough. Progress is fluid. Everything is progress.

I know that when I have completed these measurable goals and action items, I can re-assess and see what I will add or modify.

My Shapeshiftin’ galpal suggested I get back into it by priming my muscles with a total body workout and stay on the machines to force myself to keep awesome form. Higher reps, less weight. Ok! Ok!!

I’m just so psyched to lift weights again that I actually said out loud to her, “Is it crazy that my arms are aching to lift some kind of weight repeatedly?” Ummm not to her. That’s why I love her. However, she was extremely clear about priming and re-introducing my bod to the gym.

It means leaving ego at the door. Done. It’s not a race. I’m fine with that. Woo hooo! I AM FINE WITH THAT.

Do you know what that means???????

When I set out on this journey and really thought about the person I wanted to be, my vision included being a person who wanted to be physically active and enjoyed weight training. A woman who wanted to train because well, at the risk of sound boring and repetitive she wanted to and not because she thought she should. You know, because all the health journals and magazines say it’s awesome and you really should incorporate it into your regime and yadda yadda yadda.

The joy and sheer calm that I feel in knowing I am now the woman of my vision gives me such a feeling of inner peace, groundedness and happiness. It’s a part and only a part of who I am. But it was a goal I wanted all my life.

So here’s what. My body fat percentage has likely gone up as my muscle mass has probably gone down. I’m the same weight but things feel a little softer. I’m so ok with that. I just want to pick up where I left off because I’m really only doing this for me. I liked my muscles. I love my shape. I adore how it made me feel internally to be physically strong. As I am certain I’ve written before, I have lived without and with muscles. I’ll take the latter any day, hands down.

I cannot explain fully how it feels mentally and physically to be tight and fit. Note I did not say perfect. What is that anyway?
But it feels like perfection:) Meaning it’s perfect for me.

Oh boy Oh boy Oh boy. I can’t wait.

And you know what? I’ll still share my numbers with you as being able to chronicle my progress and tell you about it has been such an incredible part of this adventure.

Stay with me and I’ll keep you up to date as to the particulars of when I get started. I’m hoping next week!

EEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Love,

Arlene

PS Have not forgot my promise to video blog! Equipment ordered and mini studio in my office being created as we speak.

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