Over the past year or so, I’ve been on a kick to get back in shape. I started running, then started hitting the Y to do indoor cycling which lead to doing a weight class which I’ve diligently showed up to twice a week. For a while, I was cycling twice and hitting the weight class twice a week and throwing in a run or two.
My weight class has produced amazing results. It’s a low weight / high rep class meant to sculpt more than build mass, and at near-40, I’ve never looked better. I feel better, have more energy, and can get more work done as my ability to recover is now measured in seconds rather than “I just mowed the yard, I need a nap”.
So, now that I’ve toned up, I decided to start building a bit more mass which means heavy weights and fewer reps. Because I’m antisocial and don’t really feel like having to stare at some guy’s sweaty ball-sack while he spots me, I decided to use the Nautilus machines at the Y. I went on Tuesday and picked weights that I could just barely do 10 reps of, then do 2 more sets. I couldn’t finish the 3rd set, which is fine. I did some free-weights for biceps and triceps and pretty much hit every machine for upper body (I don’t need to build up my legs any more. They’re fine as they are).
I can’t raise my hands above my head right now. I kept waking up last night because I’d try to move and the pain was… interesting.
Couldn’t be happier. With the weight class, I could increase my weights and possibly feel a little tired the next day, but the soreness stopped after 2 weeks of class. After the soreness stopped, I really started seeing the difference. The same thing will happen here, and I’m thrilled.
Right now however, I’m just going to sit here and groan continuously for a while.