How Amy Got Her Groove Back

I'm sitting here in front of a blank screen, wondering what to write.  I've been training, but it seems so boring to just post my training logs.  I'm pleased with my training - I'm hitting PRs every day in the gym. 

I'm moving more and more regularly.  I've increased my swing density, intensity, and volume.  I'm free of pain.  I'm finding my old groove again.

Or am I finding a new groove?  It's been quite obvious that I'm at a different point in my life.  My goals and motivations have changed.  What seemed so important a year or two ago seems insignificant now.  I have a clearer vision of who I am and what's important to me.

I know what energizes me and what drains me.  I do more of what moves me toward better and less of what tries to move me away from better.  I've developed a keener awareness of the activities and people that "test" well.

Sometimes I fall into old habits of saying yes to the draining activities and people, but I detect it more quickly so I can correct my course of action.  (Because this is a public blog, I will refrain from giving specific examples, even though the writing professor in me is screaming "You MUST provide specific examples so your audience can grasp what you're saying!!")

I used to agonize over every decision I made and stress when I chose unwisely.  Now I don't think so much.  I run tests - Does that course of action result in positive or negative feelings?  Positive? Do more like that.  Negative?  Stop doing that.  No obsessing.  Just data to inform future decisions.

What do they say?  "Every day is a choice."  I agree, but with a small addition:

Every day is series of choices.

Even more, every day is an opportunity for me to learn more about myself; my small corner of the world; and my family, friends, and colleagues.  Every day I get the opportunity to do better.

Now that's a groove I can get used to!

Hands All Over Workout

Maroon 5 provided the music for today's training, specifically songs from their album Hands All Over.  This album is perfect for training. 

Below each movement, I've posted the songs I listened to for that part of my training.

Pushups - 3 minutes
47 reps
"Give a Little More"

Swings - 120 lbs. - 10 minutes
140 reps = 16,800 lbs.
"Stutter"
"Never Gonna Leave this Bed"
"I Can't Lie"

Windmills - 12 kg - 7 minutes
40 reps Left, 40 reps Right = 2080 lbs.
"How"
"Just a Feeling"

I set a PR in swings.  I did 20 more reps in the same time frame.  LOVE biofeedback!

Back Log

Yikes!  I've gotten behind on my postings.  I've been training; I just haven't had an opportunity to post it. 

Here is the info from my last training session:

Sumo Deadlift - 106 lbs. (48 kg)
80 reps = 8480 lbs.
7 minutes 30 seconds - 1211 lbs./minute

Two Hand Swings - 120 lbs.
120 reps = 14,400 lbs.
10 minutes - 1440 lbs./min.

Body Weight 500
1. Split Switch with Kick
2. Sumo Squat w/ Jump
3. Plank Jump Backs
4. Hindu Pushups
5. Sumo Squat with a Twist
6. Reverse Lunge to Side Lunge
21 minutes 30 seconds to get to 500 reps

Sweatin to the Oldies

Let's give it up for Richard Simmons.  He was the inspiration for this post. 
I went back to basics today with my training and it felt great.

What are the basics? 

• Deadlifts
• High Pulls
• Pushups
• Snatches

I just wanted to get my heart pumping and sweat.  It felt great!

Circuit of 10s - 17 minutes
1. Sumo DL - 106 lbs. - 80 reps
2. High Pulls - 26 lbs. - 80 reps each arm
3. TRX Pushups - 80 reps

I stopped after 17 minutes because my ROM was not returning.  On to the next drill.

Snatches - 10 minutes
70 reps Left
70 reps Right

This was exactly what I needed today.  A gold, old-fashioned sweat.  I feel like myself again.