Now I’m Working Hard Enough
July 27, 2009 by Erin
Credit: Rennett Stowe
It’s no secret that Jenn and I are regular exercisers. I mean, our site is about fitness. I’m no stranger to running or hopping on the elliptical or using my dumbbells and DVDs to get a good workout. So even before I started on my Equinox training endeavor, I had a pretty solid level of fitness. I could run without keeling over and do workout DVDs with the best of them.
But I would moan and complain to my husband that I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted to see and ask why my arms didn’t look more buff. And he would tell me that I wasn’t working hard enough. I scoffed at the notion that I wasn’t working hard enough. I thought it was a typical guy thing to say because he can do 10 times as many push-ups as I can, with minimal training and with an arm practically tied behind his back. After all, I knew that some of the DVDs I did were tough. I knew that running a few miles was, quite literally, no walk in the park.
But then I started picking it up a notch. Okay, I started picking it up about 10 notches.
And I realized…
Oh my gosh.
I haven’t been working hard enough.
As I’ve detailed, I push myself (and get pushed) really hard in my training sessions with Jayme. And within just a few weeks, I started seeing a difference. About six sessions in, I found that I could give my workout my all and not feel like I was going to die the rest of the day. After just a few weeks, I had energy to spare. I started seeing more definition in my arms. I noticed I could run three miles easily—and quickly—with no breaks. I found that maybe I didn’t need that day off after all; that maybe I could still get in some cardio while giving my arms a break from lifting.
I’ll admit that at first, when Jayme would suggest a run after one of our sessions or a cardio class on my days off from training, I thought she was slightly insane. But because I’m a good trainee and good student, I did as told. With a little guidance, it finally sunk in that I had way more energy to burn than I’d ever thought. That I didn’t need two (or three) days off when I was feeling sore. That I wasn’t getting in nearly enough cardio. And let me tell you: I felt more than a little triumphant when the hubby and I went on a run recently and I was the one setting the pace for a change. Looks like he’ll have to work a little harder to keep up. —Erin
I know I have been working at 'up-ing' my routine also. It is so easy to fall into the same old, same old and not really push yourself as hard as you should.
Good for you!
I'm pushing myself with the running more lately, but not at all with strength training. Must get on that.
i wanna see the bawd erin! show me the abs, show me the abs!
(say this like the gerbils from that silly movie trailer–poop in his hands, poop in his hands!)
I don't know if it's possible to push yourself as hard as a trainer can push you. Everyone who reads (and writes!) this blog is clearly into working out, but yet we could all probably pick it up 10 notches if pushed. So FBG's, I have a request! I can't afford a gym or a Jayme, but I do have sneakers and NetFlix. Any chance you could come up with a trainer-esque routine for me? One that will really kick my arse? I'll do any videos you prescribe, as many days a week as you command. I'll even do extra cardio after my workouts. I've got motivation to spare (my wedding is in 100 days!) but I need a plan. And a push. Whaddaya say, E&J? Can you help a fellow FBG become a Buff Bride???
Hi Chrystalle–We're not able to give specific workout advice on the site, but love that you asked us for help! Our favorite hard-core get-in-shape quick workout DVDs are Jackie Warner's (http://fitbottomedgirls.blogspot.com/2008/10/workout-one-on-one-training-with-jackie.html), any Biggest Loser title (http://fitbottomedgirls.blogspot.com/2009/01/biggest-loser-boot-camp-and-weight-loss.html), Cathe Friedrich's (http://fitbottomedgirls.blogspot.com/2008/09/fitness-by-cathe-cardioweights-4-day.html) and Mindy Mylrea's (http://fitbottomedgirls.blogspot.com/2008/10/mindy-mylrea-action-packedinterval.html). They all rock! Do those a few times a week plus your favorite cardio activity, and you'll be smokin' hot in no time!
Thanks, Erin! That's super helpful and exactly what I had in mind. My thinking was that if I switch up the DVD's each day, it would be like the variety you get with a trainer. I love BL Yoga so I've been eager (read, "afraid, but in a good way!") to try to the Boot Camp DVD. And Jackie Warner's Workout is the DVD I love to hate the most, so I know it's the real deal. I never heard of Cathe Friedrich or Mindy Mylrea but I'm excited to try them. I'll keep you posted!