Good afternoon!
I thought I’d give a little update on how my Workout Log Challenge is going so far. I mentioned last week that I was struggling with motivation and this log seems to be renewing my enthusiasm for exercise. I don’t plan on doing it forever, but for right now it’s giving me the bit of edge that I was looking for.
I’ve been sticking to my plan for the most part, with a couple minor hiccups here and there. The log only takes a couple minutes each day and I find it helps me get excited about exercise, especially when I read the weekly recap over.
The week looked like this:
- Friday Oct 28th: hot yoga
- Saturday Oct 29th: Treadmill hill workout
- Sunday Oct 30th: OFF day
- Monday Oct 31st: Spin class
- Tuesday Nov 1st: OFF day. Skipped planned workout…just wasn’t feeling it!
- Wed Nov 2nd: Body Pump weight class
- Thursday Nov 3rd: Hot yoga
Week summary: 2 yoga classes, 1 spin class, 1 weight class, and a treadmill workout
I’d say it was pretty balanced and fun! I love the variety and the 2 rest days allowed my body time to heal in between workouts.
You can try to read my chicken scratch in the workout log below if you’d like…or not…
Don’t worry that made absolutely no sense to me either.
Some of you asked me what my treadmill hill workouts look like so I thought I would show you an example of what I do. I’ve been doing these treadmill hill workouts for at least 5 years now and I find them to be the most challenging workout that I do on cardio equipment, even more than running on the treadmill.
What I love about hill workouts: The intervals make the time fly by (it’s the only way I will workout on a treadmill!)
What I hate about hill workouts: The hills.
It’s complicated. ;)
A typical 45 minute treadmill hill workout for me looks like:
- 5 min walking warm-up, speed 4 mph, incline 2%
- 5 min running at speed 6.5 mph, incline 5%
- 5 min walking at speed 4.2 mph, incline 13%
- Alternate running and walking intervals until I hit 40 mins.
- 5 min walking cool down at speed 3.5 mph, incline 2%
- Water breaks as necessary!!
This varies greatly depending on my energy levels and whatnot, but I like to keep it mixed up and as challenging as possible. I worked up to this intensity after a lot of training, so if you are starting out I suggest going at the pace and incline that works for YOU and you can’t go wrong. Also, when I don’t want to run I just do walking intervals at different speeds and inclines. This hill workout always leaves me covered in sweat and filled with endorphins!
I really like your workout logging system. I admire how committed you are to hot yoga, I think I would pass out from the temperature. :) You are such an inspiration!
Look at you and all that hot yoga!!! I’ve been missing it dearly and might just have to go and squeeze into one of the Moksha community classes one of these days. I totally agree with you on the hills – I’d love em.. if it wasn’t for the darn hills!!
I’ve been breaking up my cardio with weights in between otherwise I get bored, its a good way to mix things up :)
Wow, looks like you had a great week! I like tracking my workouts too – its motivating when I feel like I’ve been slacking, to look back and realize that I’ve really had a good week!
What do you think of the new bodypump release? I’m finding the lunge track killer!!!
I’m considering HOT YOGA but not sure how I REALLY feel about it… is it hard to breathe during the class?
I don’t find Moksha’s too hot, it’s only been uncomfortable once in the summer when it was during a heat wave. Otherwise I got used to it after the first class. Lots of water is key!!!
Good job you! I am trying to get to the gym three times a week. Trying to see if this muffin top will leave me.
You’re so dedicated! I love the idea of keeping a workout log, but I’m sure I’d get too lazy to actually write in it after the first day. :P
Haha – I’m right there with ya’ on the hills!
Good job. Posting workouts is a great idea. I do the same. And intervals definitely help with the boredom. It also helps if you don’t discover that you’ve lost your headphones the minute you step on the treadmill. Today, I can testify that this truly sucks!
This is so interesting! I love reading about how you’re feeling before/during/after. Spinning really does give you the greatest endorphin rush, huh?!
Congrats to you for sticking with your plan! I love exercising in the morning too, but sometimes it’s HARD. :) I have to say, it was so encouraging to read that you struggled with negative thoughts during one class….I can definitely relate bc I’ve had to really silence my inner critic lately. Thank you!!
Hot Yoga at 6am???? Wow, girl I give you credit!! What a fab workout plan you have, you really get it done!!
Hahaha, I loved the padded shorts comment…that cracked me right up!
xxoo
Congrats on a great week of workouts! I often end up taking a second rest day too when my other workouts are super hardcore. I noticed I was getting really exhausted after a few weeks of intense hot yoga classes – and then I realized I was depleting myself of electrolytes through all the sweating. So drink lots and try adding some salt to your water – unless you like coconut water, in which case drink that!
I might have to try that treadmill workout! I love intervals they really do make the time fly by!
I didn’t think I was up for the whole “logging” my workouts thing, but after reading your first week’s, it really motivated me. Thanks Angelaaaa
I love the idea of your workout log! Writing it down seems to make you more accountable! I should do that!!
What a great recap..that’s awesome that the log is helping you get your groove back!!! :)
I love your scribbles and thoughts on your workout journal! I would love to start one of my own. Such a valuable source of motivation for working out. And it’s awesome being able to look back and see how things have changed over time. :D
now that’s dedication! good job, angela :D
i love this work out log!! it’s great motivation. when you do hot yoga do you go to a studio/organized class or do it from home. I do not have any local (with in 15 miles) yoga classes and was just needing some at home suggestions.