December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas Eve!
This week, I advanced to "Max Strength!" While called "max" strength, don't picture me straining to do dead lifts! For me, "max" means that I am simply using machines to build strength. My coach showed me how to use the machines on Monday. Being 61 years old, I felt a little out-of-place among all the buff athletes working out, but once again said, "Go away pride!" as I tried the machines. I have to admit, it was fun!
Then today, I did my first max strength workout! I was so excited! Everything went well. I kept thinking about how funny it must look to everyone to see this old lady on the strength machines. I asked a random person to take my picture. We both laughed. Ha!
My coach didn't have me lift a lot of weight today, probably so I could just get used to the machines. The only time I felt a little burn was on the Lat Pull Ups - but it was a good burn. (I loved it.) I really, really, really wanted to add weight or do more than 10 reps during each set, but I've learned that my coach will scold me if I do more than he assigns, so I made myself stop.
The strength that I've been doing for the past couple of months has been making a difference. I now have little muscles that I can "fire" on command. I can pop out little biceps and flex my pectoral muscles. Flexing my quads, calves and hamstrings is no problem. I'm starting to be able to flex my lats. Ha! Who would have thought that at age 61, I'd be standing in front of the mirror flexing my muscles! What a hoot! LOL.
LOVE STRENGTH!
