gru·el·ing
[groo-uh-ling, groo-ling]

1. exhausting; very tiring; arduously severe: the grueling Boston marathon
2. any trying or exhausting procedure or experience.

G R U E L I N G!!     Is the only way to describe yesterday’s leg workout   All of the exercises, or shall I say the “amount of weight,” made for a profusely nitty-gritty, and nasty workout.

If I had to pinpoint which exercise took me over the edge…  I’d have to say the seated leg presses tops the list.

I did:

• Three (3) rounds each starting at 270+   (Six 45 pounds weights, three on each side,  plus the weight of the equipment)
• 6-8 Reps.  After a set is completed, I pause for a second (literally) and one (1) weight is removed…  On to the next 6-8 counts, then another weight is removed…
• …the process continues until I am pressing with only the weight of the machine

At any moment, I expected my hamstrings to explode.  With pure ugliness on my face, all the willpower and determination I could muscle up, and with my friend’s encouragement, I did it!

I barely stood up…  feeling like big foot had risen again!!  I could only feebly wobble a few steps before gaining composure.  Lol!!   My “friend” kicked my butt yesterday.  Did I say “friend?”  Lol!

Umm … what else?  My first time using the HOIST!!   If you ask me, the “Beast” is a better suited name for this equipment.  Don’t let the smooth and sleek look of it fool you; it will work your gluts very well.

While I’d I’d like to post videos of my workouts, my friend and trainer is all about business. Just putzing around for an extra few seconds will get me dirty looks.  If I take time to snap snap or shoot a video, I can’t even begin to imagine what she will have me doing.  Take for example, if I let a weight down too quickly– the rep doesn’t count… do it again!

I respect her knowledge and commitment toward my goal and cannot ask for any more from her.  So for now, I will have to tell you about my workouts.

Last weeks Barbell Squats to a Bench had my hamstrings and gluts aching for nearly a week.  Yesterday we, I mean “I” did deeper squats down to a stepper with four risers on each side.  We’re— why do I keep saying, “We?”   Lol!  I do about three sets of everything.  Heavier weights nets eight reps; a tad bit lighter nets 12 reps.  Either case, with each rep, I’m pushing harder.

I am stretched out in the bed now, resting my achy muscles and trying to finish today’s one gallon water bottle.  I started out strong at work, but then slowed down around 5 p.m.

Today’s water consumption progress.

B’Dazzle’s school had a mandatory parent meeting at 6 p.m., So I slowed up on the water because I didn’t want to keep jumping up and down to go to the bathroom. Workout days are easy to drink water than rest days. The frigid temperatures here in Jersey does not entice me to drink water. Every day I force myself to chug it down.

I’m looking forward to a few heat waves this summer.  Give me steamy hot weather any day. This cold weather stinks. And I’m going to sleep.

Sweet dreams!