Tag: strength

Functional Work Out

jaquarryLeave a comment

If you read my last blog, you know what my challenge is when it comes to exercising. I’m working towards my fitness goals but I have to set them first. I’ve starting to incorporate cardio into my workouts by adding at least a 10 minute workout either, jogging or sprinting intervals, but we shall see how that goes.

In the meantime, I can’t neglect the rest of my body. I like lifting weights but for some reason I’m just not arm strong. I have overall body strength but when it comes to exercises like bench press that focus on upper body, I have been falling short. I can do a few reps, then I feel weak and usually give up after one set.

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Photo of dumbbells and kettlebells taken by me.

I’m going to try and do some functional workouts. Functional workouts incorporate exercises that work on strengthening the entire body. I think it will have more of benefit for me. I was doing some research to get some ideas and I stumbled upon a few websites like Kettlebell Workouts that share several kettle bell exercises and I thought, why not try these, I already have access to kettle bells.. It will be something new, but it can be fun to try new things. I’m excited to feel the burn.

Restarted: Cardio

jaquarryLeave a comment

I haven’t been as consistent with this workout and lifestyle regimen as I wanted. I learned to keep making goals that are attainable instead of trying to reach too far, and get discouraged. I found myself setting goals such as running 4 miles, for example, and eating only lean foods. I would run one mile, take a break and walk, and then just give up on the rest of my workout. Now, I feel determined

Strength exercises (push ups, olympic lifts, pulls ups, etc.,) are what I normally go for in the gym. I find them to be the most functional for me and what I believe I need most, and it’s fun. It’s been said that we should try to engage in cardio activity for a minimum of 10 minutes. I’m making that my goal first. 10 minutes of cardio isn’t too bad.

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Photo of the treadmill taken by me.

I will try and focus on doing my cardio first. I believe in getting the harder things over with first, then doing the fun stuff. I have to do at least 10 minutes and since I’m usually able to run a mile in anywhere from 6-8 minutes, I’ll just run a little over 1 mile before getting to my strength workout. I have to continue to remind myself that goals should be realistic and attainable. This is a goal I think I’ll be able to achieve.