I hope to keep this short as my brain really needs the time to stare at the tv and switch off. For the past two nights the humidity has woken me up numerous times and I need a long shower and cool down before getting an early night. Things could be worse I am sure. But right now, I feel like a gross sticky mess and I want my bed!
Tuesday’s workout was okay. I managed all the workouts fine except the barbell deadlift where I felt my back twinge. So ended up mirroring Mr W while he had the bar to avoid any injuries.
Today, Thursday, I was determined to keep up the pace with adding more weight and stepping up to the ‘plate’ confidently. The rain was kind enough to stay away after today’s deluge in Essex. It has been glorious to smell and watch that glorious water escape the sky. Too long has it avoided our town!
I continued my squat movements from Tuesday and am faring much better. Keeping my back straight but at a different angle to the ground I am definitely able to squat lower. Today Mr W added 2 x 1kg weights to the 7kg bar. So I am up to 9kgs on my squats. I would say that the weight on this set is not the issue. It’s getting the squat movement and back angle correct. The good thing is the pain in my upper thighs is nowhere near as painful as when we first started.
Barbell squat
5 x 9kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 9kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 9kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 9kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 9kgs
Mr W’s set
I am really enjoying the barbell bench press. Today we took it up to 2 x 2kgs on the 7kg barbell and despite struggling on one lift, and then noticing I still had Mr W’s weights on the bar, it went well. I even managed more than 5 on some of the repetitions. I have adjusted my leg placement so I can keep my core in control which will hopefully mean the bar is less wobbly when I bring it back down towards my chest. I need to remember the pace of my breathing, I am focusing on my arms so much that my breathing is often out of sync. I feel more comfortable when my breathing sets the pace. It almost sets the whole situation up for control.
Barbell deadlift
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
8 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
10 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
Today’s barbell deadlift was much better. As I felt a twinge on Tuesday we only added 2 x 2kgs onto the 7kg barbell and I took it very slowly. Ironically it was the other side of my back that started twinging towards the end of the full set. I did feel it for the duration of the workout. It’s more of an ache than pain. So I’ll keep an eye on that. I must admit, this part of the whole workout is really quite boring and I know I’m not keeping my whole spine straight when I stand back up as I’m tending to look around quite a bit. As my hip’s loosen I’m hoping to add more weight and that it starts to spark some interest again.
Barbell deadlift
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
Next, my favourite, the barbell overhead press, 2 x 2kgs and the 7kg barbell. I really like the whole movement in this and the stance. I feel empowered. Like I should have my hands on my hips in the superhero pose! Today I was able to lift the bar for longer than usual but was still very aware of the weight above my face. Self confidence will come in time.
Barbell overhead press
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
6 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
8 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
The same weight was added for the barbell row and even though I could feel my back aching I found the 4kgs on the 7kg barbell relatively easy. Again I am critical of myself for keeping my arms level and working at the same pace. My body is so out of sync with itself it is unbelievable!
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
5 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
8 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
10 x 11kgs
Mr W’s set
The workouts are gradually increasing in time due to how many more repetitions Mr W is doing and the few I added on today. The sweat is coming quicker and even though it makes me feel gross, I am glad to see that the workout is having the desired effect!
Framework Travel 