Week 6

So I just finished up the sixth week of my weight training program, which means I’m half way finished!

The program is split into three phases (months), each phase becoming a little more intense. Phase one is basic weights, phase two is basic weights with some super sets and moderate cardio, phase three is weights, plyometric training, super sets and interval training.

As I mentioned earlier, I have modified it slightly to fit my life. First of all, I stuck with my regular running and hiking routine through the first month and added in core exercises. Secondly, I changed around leg day because I don’t want to get bigger legs and don’t see a lot of benefit from leg extensions and curls, to be honest. I’d rather do jump lunges and squats.

The biggest difference I’ve noticed in phase two (besides the addition of cardio, since that hasn’t changed for me), is that there are six days of weights. I don’t…. I can’t get to the gym six days a week. It’s just not going to happen. My goal is four days a week and I do my leg exercises at home. The sixth day is a second leg day and I skip it entirely. I figure between my long runs with Team in Training on the weekends and my long hikes with 30lbs in my backpack and any other run or hike I throw in, I’ve got legs covered.

So basically, so far, so good.

As far as differences in my body goes, I started noticing that my arms looked firmer after about two weeks. Although my husband agreed, I’m not convinced that he wasn’t just telling me what I wanted to hear (which, to clarify, is fine). Now, I actually can see a legitimate difference. My arms are bigger and more defined, I see more abs at the top of my stomach just around my ribs and I can even see a little bit of muscle along my chest which makes me excited. As far as poundage goes, I am exactly the same weight as when I started. I haven’t noticed a difference around my waist, though my husband says he has. I suspect that I’ve lost some fat, simply because I’ve quite obviously gained muscle and in order for the scale to stay the same, something’s got to be balancing that out.

The real fun part though, is that I’m actually stronger! I know, right? But seriously, for the first month of tricep exercises, one of the exercises was bench dips. I hold on to the bench with my hands and prop my feet on a second bench. The first time, three sets of ten was a struggle. Last week, I did two sets of 15 and one set of 8 (it was supposed to be 3 sets of 15 but I couldn’t do it) and then today I did three sets of 15!

It’s the same novelty as starting a new running program. If you look too far ahead, it can seem really intimidating and actually turn your off the program. But if you just take it one week, one run, one workout at a time, you make progress.

My husband and I are heading to Sugarloaf in eight days with some friends for some time away. I’m not sure if it’s realistic to plan on working out while there. First of all, I don’t know what the workout facilities will be like. Secondly, I’m a (very) amateur snowboarder and I might just be too tired to exercise. I figure since my sneakers and shorts take up such little space in my suitcase, I’ll bring them along, but I also decided that I won’t put any pressure on myself to get in serious gym time while I’m on vacation.

So basically, I’m happy to report that my New Year’s Resolution is still going strong. What about you? Are you managing to stay active or keep up with your goals through the dreariest part of the winter?