Successful Workout!

I'm immensely proud of myself. I went to Vasa to do a proper workout, and I succeeded!

I did cardio on the Elliptical for 20min while watching Fantastic Beasts, then did a weights circuit for my upper body (arms, chest, back). I've done research, and they say that unless you're looking to be a sort of bodybuilder or build up endurance for a long-distance race, then you want to employ the Strength Method. This is where you lift heavy weight for low reps and sets. Makes sense, right? This method helps build your overall muscle strength and it works when you target multiple muscle groups, instead of just one specific muscle.

For example, instead of just doing tricep curls, then bicep curls, etc. you can combine that all in one set. This also makes it easier to complete a faster workout.

Here's what I did:

-- 3 (3R) Iso-lateral incline press, 30 lbs
-- 4 (6R) Iso-lateral front lat pulldown, 35 lbs
-- 3 (3R) Assisted chin lifts
      - Inner, 85 lbs
      - Middle, 100 lbs
      - Outer, 115 lbs
-- 3 (5R) Chest press, 55 lbs

I should have written down what muscles each of these target, but I know I covered my triceps, biceps, deltoids, pecs, trapezius, etc. What's amazing is that the Assisted chin lifts offset your weight, so you can eventually make it to being able to do them on your own. The machine I was using had three positions. I believe the first was a chin-up (underhand grip), then a neutral grip (parallel handles), and then the pull-up (overhand).

Since my strength gave out more and more with each grip, I'm going to alternate which one I start with, while still decreasing the weight with each grip type. This way, each version gets a chance to start with 85 lbs offset to avoid disproportionate strain. I'm hoping that once I get strong enough to handle 85 lbs offset for all three, then I start increasing the weight at an even pace across all three grip types.

(I hope that makes sense. I don't understand the various terminology. I know what to do, but not how to explain it. After looking on pinterest, I also realized that I didn't control my breathing, but I'll do better next time)

Yeah, so go me! I'm already deeply feeling the strain, but it's a good soreness, not a painful one that means I did something wrong. Tomorrow is lower body! (I'm donating plasma that day so it's best to avoid any sort of strain on my arms)

Oh, and I was also good about eating! I had a Whey Protein Shake right after with a bagel, and I'll have tofu soup for lunch, then chicken curry with rice for dinner, along with green beans.

I'm thinking about posting an end of the week summary of everything I do, to keep me accountable, but also avoid posting here every single day.

LOAN #2 PAID OFF!!

I JUST PAID OFF THE FIRST OF MY FEDERAL LOANS!!

I've saved $250-270 in interest by paying it off about 7 years early. Granted, that doesn't seem like a lot, but it's the smallest loan I had, so it's to be expected. It's also paid off 9 months earlier than if I just kept up the simple Snowball effect by only putting in the monthly payment leftover from my Wells Fargo loan. Now I can put $70 into my second smallest loan!

But first, I do believe I've earned myself a massage! I can't wait. My neck and shoulders could really use the attention.