Too Sore for a Clever Title

Yesterday's PT was super rough on the upper body, particularly the chest, triceps, and abs. So, naturally, today we got an upper body break.

BWWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAOHMYGOSHICOULDNOTKEEPASTRAIGHTFACEHAAAHAHAAAHAAAA...*snort*

No. Today we did Accumulators again. Very upper-body heavy on the first half (which is deceptive, because the "first half" is repeated way, way more than the "second half"). It was damn near impossible. I made it through, with many rest breaks during the mountain-climbers. Other than those, though, I did every repetition of every exercise (with the exception of the UFCs, because my knees will not cooperate with those; I substituted resistance-band squats). In spite of my soreness and fatigue, I felt really strong and really good today. Sure, I was plotting my revenge against Amber throughout the entire workout; but that was just to keep my mind off the pain. Honest.

Seriously, though, here is why START Fitness works for me and other things like P90X, 30 Day Shred, and working the machines/freeweights at the gym don't. Let's take P90X as an example. That's a darn tough workout; the instructor uses the same methods and concepts as Sgt. Ken (muscle failure, working multiple muscle groups at once, super-sets, etc.). If done properly, one can get into incredible shape with that program. Why won't it work for me? Because when I get tired during a P90X workout, I stop. I have no motivation to push past my perceived limits; but every single time we have done Accumulators in boot camp, about half way through the first round, I have thought "I'm not going to be able to finish this - there is no way." And if I were at home doing the workout on my own, I wouldn't finish. I'd quit, and think "I'll do more of it next time." Then eventually, there isn't a next time and the DVDs are sitting on my entertainment center collecting dust.

But in boot camp, I'm motivated by the energy, encouragement, inspiration, and peer-pressure of the class and the instructors. That pushes me to keep going. Yes, I have to rest sometimes, but I always push through a few extra reps, or a few extra seconds, before I do. Because I want to really, really do the best my body will do. And I feel like everyone else in there wants me to as well. It is exactly what I need.

Subject change.

I had a very yummy breakfast this morning and I wanted to share. I'm calling it "Bananas Foster Oatmeal."

1 serving old-fashioned oats
Pinch salt
1 packet Splenda
1/2 banana, diced
1 Tbsp. International Delights Caramel Macchiato creamer (yes, it adds 40 empty calories; It is worth it)

Make the oatmeal according to directions, and mix everything in. It is super delish, and oatmeal and banana is a great post-workout breakfast.

One final note: I will not be at boot camp in the morning. I have to take my daughter to a doctor appointment, and I won't be able to get my 8 hours in at the office unless I get there early. Amber and Sgt. Ken, if you'll assign me a workout that I can do at the gym, I promise I will do it either tomorrow after her appointment, or Friday if it's too late tomorrow.

Non-boot camp readers: Today's Groupon is a crazy awesome deal for START Fitness. Go get it now and join me in my awesomeness.

What are you doing still reading this? GO NOW!!