finally got back to the gym

Nigel was doing interviews last night so after work I was alone in the gym but at least I managed to go.

I used the rowing machine as a warm up. 10 minutes setting number 4 (setting 4 is somewhere between wimpy and difficult settings). The clock thing on it was broken so only showed the time and distance but it was no bother for me and upon completion I was sufficiently warmed up.

Before I really got a sweat on I went around and worked the machines with seats (to avoid the slightly embarrassing bum sweat wipe down that follows).

Free weights. 15 reps 2 sets of curls with the 5kgs. 10 reps 2 sets of curls with the 7.5kgs. The 5kg weights are almost too easy, and the 7.5kg weights are almost too hard, as there isn’t a 6kg weight I am currently using both until I can lift the 7.5’s with ease.

Back extension exercises. 59kgs 3 sets of 15-ish reps (give or take a couple). Each rep on this exercise takes quite long as you slowly go from the sitting to the upright pushing the weights, so I sort of forget how many reps I am up to.

Leg pushes. 3 sets of 15 reps pushing the 42kgs. Piece of cake, though I wish I had done these exercises first as I was then off to the cross trainer and my calves were still a bit achy.

Cross trainer. Level 8. 20 minutes of intervals. Despite starting with a slight calf ache I blitzed this and am thinking next time I will either knock the level up a few notches or will add another 10 minutes.

Time was ticking on though so I forwent the time on the treadmill and headed to the pool. I was pleasantly surprised to find it pretty much empty so donned the goggles and set about some lengths.

I had a bit of a groin strain pretty much straight away as the water was quite cool and I hadn’t given my legs enough of a warm up but 30 minutes of solid swimming seemed to banish that minor twinge.

And that was me done. Happy with my effort.

This morning I have been to the doctors for some blood tests. They are checking my general blood quality and also for arthritis and other degenerative conditions that may be manifesting in my still painful shoulder. I believe that deep down the doctor is more than happy with his diagnosis that it is a self inflicted trauma injury from the gym, so I am not overly worried about the results.