Working out
Posted on August 8, 2008
A few weeks ago, I joined NIFS which is basically a gym on the IUPUI campus, though I went for the first time on Wednesday. It’s been years since I worked out, so I have to work myself into it.
My general goal is to become “healthier”. A few months ago at a routine physical (the first one in about 15 years) it was suggested I had borderline high blood pressure. IMO, the blood pressure is fine, but the blood pressure rate increases with only a little exertion, then recovers slowly. A sign I’m getting older, I guess, but poor diet and little exercise certainly contribute. Doing some cardio work, I should be able to better manage the blood pressure in time for my next appointment in October. Improving my diet is also ongoing, especially since I want to lose 20 lbs (from ~200 lbs now to ~180 lbs at some point).
Wednesday I did 20 minutes on the stationary bike and 15 minutes jogging on the treadmill. The bike was too low, but I stuck with it. I set the program to Random since I didn’t know the differences between the various programs. I didn’t like the program that much because it wasn’t that challenging. On the other hand, the treadmill was easier than expected. I didn’t note the distance, but I was jogging at about 6 mph for most of the 15 minutes. After hopping off the treadmill I the “sea legs” feeling. Pressed for time, I headed to the showers then to work. NIFS opens at 5:15 am, but I got there after 5:30 and worked out until almost 6:30.
Yesterday I did 20 minutes on the stationary bike again, but I set the seat higher and selected the “Rolling” program. More challenging, my legs definitely felt it, especially the thighs. I arrived earlier, so I had more time to work out. NIFS has a large variety of weight machines, so I went to one where I sat down and pulled the weight down from overhead. Kind of like a chin-up, but not quite. Twenty repetitions at 70 lbs, then 20 at 90 lbs. After that was 15 minutes on the treadmill, which was a lot more difficult than Wednesday. The stationary bike workout might have had an affect on that, but I don’t know for sure. Either way, it was a challenge.
Since it’s the wee hours of the morning (I won’t get into the odd sleeping schedule) I’m trying to decide what to do for today’s workout. I’ll probably try something not so exerting on the stationary bike, which will hopefully let me do better on the treadmill later. I think I get more of a workout from the treadmill, but the stationary bike is good for getting the legs loosened up. I’ll probably try some more weight machines. While the cardio work is more important to me, doing some work on upper body strength is a good idea, especially since the machines are there.
Related posts:
- Exercising
- Hot and cold
- I wanna ride my bicycle
- Review Haiku – American Flyers
- Mocha2 work continues
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