Yesterday I had my first appointment back with my trainer Sara Kate (I call her SK in the blog) since June. To be honest I really thought just walking up the stairs to the 2nd level would have worn me out that there would not have been much for us to do. However, I got up the stairs (winded) and made it to a treadmill where I walked for about 8 minutes at a slow pace.
At Lifetime Fitness, they have a ton of treadmills, some with TV’s and some that have games like solitaire on them. That is what I usually do, I walk and play solitaire! But not today, I needed to focus on not falling down, plus SK found me and came over to catch up. It had been awhile since we had seen each other. She came to visit me in the hospital during my first round of chemo and brought me an orchid that I am trying not to kill and am failing at.
SK is in her early 20’s and had been training at Lifetime for almost a year. She became my trainer when my pervious one up and left. I had really wanted a female trainer because I don’t like strange men touching me in a personal way a trainer sometimes has to do. (See the leg stretch picture below). I was never able to fully relax with my previous one. And some of the “trusting” moves …don’t get me started.
Problem was that there were not many female trainers at the time who could fit my work schedule (or that I got a good vibe from). Then came along SK! She is a lot of fun and does push me hard. She is able to work around the whole missing my left leg thing and there for balance “issues”. I tend to forget that I am almost twice her age…until we talk about music and well, I scream rockin’ 40-year-old woman. But That is ok, my music is better! The stuff kids listen to these days…
Stretching was first on order. In the past I have been pretty limber and I was fearful that I had tighten up a lot. I would say I was 75% where I use to be. There were some points where I almost fell off the table but overall I felt pretty good about limberness (not a word but hey, it’s my blog).
We first focused on some resistance work by doing squats and work with bands (really I have no idea what they are called but look at the pictures).
Next we worked on my legs by using three different machines. The burn in my thighs hurt so good! I had missed that feeling. SK had me do 10 reps, three times. I was able to do more weight then I had when I first started working out which made me feel better. I had not turned to total jello while in my Sloth State.
Next we worked on my arms, which by they way I am having a hard time lifting this morning. I guess that means that it is working! I did four different exercises on three machines. I did 10 reps, three times each.
On to the abs! Our hour was almost over, so I did only 10 reps, two times each. I did the crutch machine and the back extender (not sure if that is the name but it is my favorite).
After that we did more stretching! My favorite part!
After my workout I went down to the cafe and SK told me to get the Mocha Madness smoothie with almond milk and a scoop of peanut butter! OMG. Dam thing tasted like a Reese Peanut Butter cup! So Good. She sat with me for a bit and we shot the shit. I wanted to make sure I was ok to make the drive home and appreciated her hanging out with me. Her next client had canceled due to the fact the has a sink hole his is front yard. Pickels!
After 45 minutes I got in the car and headed home a happy camper. I am feeling my workout this morning. Arms, legs, butt. It is good to have that feeling back! I had missed it! Today, I plan to either do some yoga or ride the exercise bike for a min of 20 min.
Readers!!! I hope you all go out and push yourself a bit today! If not today when?!?!
You look great working out! That smoothie sounds goooooooooooood!!!!
My first Facebook read this morning and I must say, it has inspired me to get my but to the gym which I was going to cancel -again- due over booking the day with activities. I like the post gym burn. Thanks for this!
Amazing! What an inspiration you are! You look great. Love you.
Okay, that’s it, time to hit the gym. Thanks Shay, thanks Danielle.
Shay…….an inspiration to us all! You are truly amazing, and a special girl….remember….tons of prayers and good vibes sent to you!!!
Gooooooo Shay!!!!!!! I am proud to know you!!!! Proud of you! And praying for you!!!
Thanks Liz!
Once again you show us all that you are unbelievable and very strong. March beautiful lady to that drummer. Love you lots. Momee