Boot Camp is Done… Now What?

I have always enjoyed working out but it has been many years since I really have done it with any regularity.

I would get on a little jag for a few weeks at a time but then get sidelined… because I have always loved cardio more than lifting weights or doing body weight exercises.  Running and aerobics come much easier to me.  And I think I was talked into believing that cardio work was better for me, somehow.  And let’s be honest… when I am running regularly I just don’t feel like doing strength training on top of it.   Running makes me tired. There, I said it. As much as I love it, it makes me tired.  Strength work gets pushed to the back burner most of the time, and forgotten, or neglected.

But over the last couple of years I have had little tastes of how good strength training feels… and I have read a lot and learned how good it is for me, so I have been doing more but on kind of a willy-nilly basis… no regularity, no particular routines.  And of course, no visible results. 

I knew that had to change.  I wanted it to change.  And it has changed.  During the past 8 weeks I have been doing strength/resistance workouts 3 times every week.

I took part in round 5 of Tina Reale’s Best Body Boot Camp and really immersed myself in the workouts. 

And I learned a lot of things… about working out and about myself.

• I really enjoy variety.  I don’t like to do the same workout over and over again. I get bored and I find it difficult to maintain focus and keep at it
• I like to workout first thing in the morning, before breakfast
• Working out makes me hungry
• I have worked out in the evening, but I find it stimulates me too much and I don’t sleep well
• Working hard and finishing a session exhausted and shaky gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence
• Watching myself in the mirror helps me focus on the muscles each exercise is working
• When my muscles are sore and tired after a workout I am convinced I can feel them growing and getting stronger
• I like to know ahead of time what I will be doing in a given workout so planning is important for me
• I like to work out at home by myself
• I love seeing results;  I love feeling results

The next round of Best Body Boot Camp does not begin until June 17th… so I woke up today a bit anxious about what I am going to do with myself until then.  At first I thought I might enjoy a break in the routine… run when it’s not raining, walk lots, do some DVDs… whatever and whenever I feel like… but then I realized that is not the way to go.

I don’t want to get out of the routine of working out 3 times a week.  I don’t want to backslide on the great results I am seeing in my upper body especially.  So I am spending some time today, planning the week’s workouts.   I will fit in my cardio where I can, and if the weather cooperates I would love to get out sailing for a day or two…  but I am going to plan 3 strength workouts.

Monday

• a workout I designed for myself some time ago that takes 20 – 25 minutes

• a 10- minute core workout from fitknitchick’s #FatblasterFriday video library

Tuesday

• run or walk, if raining
• 30 minute yoga flow

Wednesday

• 25 minute Reebok kettlebell workout DVD, levels beginner and intermediate

Thursday

• 30 minute walk before work
• afternoon run , walk, or swim

Friday

• 20 minute full body tabata workout

Saturday/Sunday

• run, walk, or swim
• 30 minute Pilates for Dummies session on either day

And there you have it…. these workouts are somewhat less intense than I have been doing but there is enough variety to keep me engaged, and I will be working my whole body and doing some cardio so I should not be compromising my current fitness level.

I will keep ya posted as to how it all pans out.

What is your favorite non-cardio workout?  Any at-home workouts to recommend?