Day 29: More running intervals

One reason I've never joined a gym is that I'm a little intimidated by the cardio machines and the weight machines. I don't know how to use the weight machines at all. Part of the problem is that I'm short so I have to fidddle with the settings to get the right height. I also find it to be a pain to have to adjust the weight settings, I have no idea what weight to use. None of that seems worth the effort.

I am more comfortable using the free weights, especially since I started doing DVDs like Jillian's and Jari's which have plenty of strength training moves. I have written out a little cheat sheet and take it with me to the gym. I only feel slightly dorky doing that, but at my age, I'm beyond worrying about what other people think of me and what I'm doing.

As for the cardio machines, I know the basics of how to use them. I know how to get started, but I don't take advantage of all the different settings and training programs. I usually just use "Quick Start" and then adjust manually as I go along. I've used the elliptical and stair master machines in the past, but I don't really like those machines (I don't even know if stair masters still exist.) The past few times I've gone to the gym, I've stuck to the treadmill.

Today, I tried an interval training program. I set the time for 30 minutes, and the machine went back and forth between 2 minutes of walking at a 3.5 mph pace on a 3% incline and 90 seconds of running at a 4.7 mph pace. It was perfect!

As I have written before, I'm considering joing the rec center for the summer months, so I guess I should figure out how to use these machines to my advantage.

Gym update

I had a chance to read the "rules and regulations" for the "childwatch" at the rec center. There is a 15 minute "grace period" before they start charging for the second hour. I'm glad I checked that out, because I felt rushed the other day. I also found out that there are lockers located right outside of the cardio and track areas. I had been going into the pool area locker room to stash my stuff which also added extra time. Now that I spotted those, I should be able to get my full workout in well within the allotted time.

Day 22: Gym workout

The kids and I had a very busy day today. It started at the rec center. I had hoped to be there right at 8:30, but M slept in a little later than usual, so we didn't get there until 9:15 or so. I'm glad that I decided to have R be at the child care area with M for the first time, because M pulled her usual, "mommy, don't leave me" act. I'm hoping that she'll be fine if I decide to go back there again next week. Once again, I did 25 minutes on the treadmill, alternating 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking. I could definitely do more, but the plan I'm following says to start slow and not to jump ahead, "even if you feel like you can." Now, that's advice I can follow. I then followed up the cardio with about 30 minutes of strength training. I wanted to do more, but I had to get back to pick up the kids. But, in general, I was happy with my efforts today.

I didn't do a very good job with food today, though. Between the baby shower and the birthday party, it was hard to make good choices. I declined cake at the shower, but I couldn't resist the cake at the birthday party. My mom is having us over for dinner tomorrow to celebrate Easter because they're leaving for D.C. to spend Easter with my sister's family.