Gym

[redbird]

A proper workout tonight, though the stretch thing I usually use is still without its safety straps, so I did without, again.

Cardio, 14 minutes, top heart rate 135
Leg press, 220 pounds, 3 sets of 15
Chest press, 55 pounds, 2 sets of 12
Calf raise, 80 pounds, 3 sets of 15
Balance ~fly, 50 pounds, 2 sets of {15 with each leg forward}

Crunches, 3 sets of 30
Back arches, 3 sets of 17
Tree, 5 sets of {3 on each leg}

Biceps curls, 10 pounds each hand, 2 sets of 20
Balance lateral raise, 2.5 pounds each hand, 2 sets of 15
Hip adduction, 100 pounds, 15, 10

Comments

[ashbet]

What are the safety straps for? (Trying to visualize!)

I'm really missing going to the gym -- I had a good 4-to-5-day a week routine going for a while, but since I haven't been able to *breathe* for two weeks, I can feel myself losing condition :/

Good for you for making it in!

-- A <3

[redbird]

With this stretch device, you (and the seat) lean back in various positions, which differ by how you hold the handles and the position of your legs. The straps go around your wrists. I looked at it one day and realized that the strips are so, if your hands slip, you'll sprain or break your wrist instead of cracking your head open. I've not had the straps catch me yet, but I don't like the risk of concussion or worse.

I am impressed by 4 or 5 days a week at the gym.

[ashbet]

It's helped a lot that I've found a daily class that I enjoy -- I'm not naturally an exercise person, and a lot of activities that I used to do are now actively painful, but I started doing physical therapy in a heated pool a few years ago, and eventually graduated to a water-aerobics class. Not something I'd ever thought I'd find myself doing, but it's actually fun, and the water really helps cushion my joints :)

Can you say something to your gym management about the missing straps? I'd be cautious about using the machine without them, too!

-- A <3

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

The rheumatologist won't let me do water aerobics anymore, and right now, not even water-walking. I don't have any cartilege in one knee and I'm not supposed to walk much. (Reinforced by the nephrologist today.)

I'd really like to dance in water!

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

Care to explain the tattoo? That looke like it might be a goat in the middle, but I can't even guess about the rest.

[ashbet]

*smiles*

Better pictures (some are NWS because it's my whole back, shirtless.)

The central image is a character from my art/writing, and the wings are peacock feathers, re-interpreted Charles Rennie Mackintosh roses, and pink-and-black jaguar spots -- all things that are important to me, and represent different aspects of myself. The whole thing is based on drawings that I did, and the majority of the work was done by Paul Roe, who is amazing!

Also, deeper meanings aside, I like pretty colors ;)

-- A <3

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

Wow! That's really beautiful! Much better in color and bigger. :) The angel of death, she has a feline face? How long did that take to do?

I live in NoVA and Paul's name sounded familiar and then I saw the WashPost link on his site and remembered reading about him in the WashPost Magazine.