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We now return to our regular show... already in progress
January 15, 2008So, I might have done something a bit stupid yesterday.
And because of it... I literally have not been able to completely straighten my arms yet today. I can get to about 20-degrees from flat, and blinding pain hits... on both arms.
It started last week when I decided to put together a dedicated workout plan and start one of my resolutions by getting in better shape.
I've put on a few pounds... and despite a few mediocre attempts last year, I didn't really get a hold of the situation. Having a wonderful girlfriend doesn't help the situation much.
But, we have both started to eat better, more salads, more healthy foods like grilled chicken and whatnot... but a real workout plan was missing from that equation.
Winter is hard anyways... so is football season. There just isn't a whole ton of time to get out on the bike, or hit the YMCA (where I have a membership). But now I'm going to take the reins and get it right.
So yesterday, I hit the YMCA with a dedicated plan of action. I borrowed a few ideas from the "Body for Life" campaign and have a plan.
Day 1 - Upper Body
Day 2 - Cardio 20 minutes
Day 3 - Lower Body
Day 4 - Cardio 20 minutes
Day 5 - Upper Body
Day 6 - Cardio
Day 7 - Rest
So on and so forth.
The plan will work... no doubt. I just have to stick with it and be patient. I know that the results won't happen overnight.
But you know what DID happen overnight..... Pain. Lots of Pain. Pain with a capital P(ain).
There is a key component to recovering from an intensive weight-training program. Healing. Now, I'm not saying that I over-worked it or anything. I only did a moderate set.
But, I worked out about 5 p.m. yesterday, and was in bed and sleeping by 10 p.m. or so. What I should have done was duct tape my arms to my side... because I like to sleep with my arms curled up by the pillow.
Big... freaking.... mistake.
Did you ever see the movie "The Rookie" where that kid breaks his arm and the tendons tighten up allowing him to pitch in the major leagues or something.... yeah, I kinda feel like that.
I literally cannot physically make my arms go straight out right now.
Putting on my socks and shoes this morning wasn't fun at all. I can't even reach across the desk for a pen. Pain pain pain pain.
But what's that old saying... No pain no gain right? Well, there is a lot of pain. So maybe there will be a lot of gain. I'm guessing that if the pain-to-gain ratio is about the same, I should have Hulk Hogan arms within the month.
I mean... it's not like I did something ridiculous like try to lift 50-lb. barbells or anything. And I know the process of muscle building. You have to destroy the muscles to get them to form larger. I guess I just didn't realize how bad it was going to hurt initially.
Don't get me wrong... I'd love to have "guns" to show off when I'm shooting an assignment, but this is the kind of pain that would have 90% of the population rethinking their desire to be fit.
Legs and abs tomorrow.... I may go get a wheelchair now.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
