Emily's Journal

[kelliewrx]

I think workout length is really more of a personal preference, and just depends on your schedule. Mine take about 45 minutes, but my friend spends two hours at the gym when he goes.

There have been a series of threads trying to prove/disprove the benefits of the abductor and adductor machines. Personally, I don't use them because I don't feel they do anything for me. If you feel you should shorten your workout, those would be the first two I'd eliminate. If you want to replace them with something, try reading other peoples' leg workouts in their journals and steal ideas from there. That's usually what I do when I'm ready for a new routine.

You and my sister would get along. She is just starting college and picking a major, but she wants to do something music related. She plays the piano and sings, and loves classical and opera. She wants to be an opera singer.

[shadowphoenix]

Originally Posted by kelliewrx

I think workout length is really more of a personal preference, and just depends on your schedule. Mine take about 45 minutes, but my friend spends two hours at the gym when he goes.

There have been a series of threads trying to prove/disprove the benefits of the abductor and adductor machines. Personally, I don't use them because I don't feel they do anything for me. If you feel you should shorten your workout, those would be the first two I'd eliminate. If you want to replace them with something, try reading other peoples' leg workouts in their journals and steal ideas from there. That's usually what I do when I'm ready for a new routine.

You and my sister would get along. She is just starting college and picking a major, but she wants to do something music related. She plays the piano and sings, and loves classical and opera. She wants to be an opera singer.

It's actually not the length of the workout I'm worried about. 45 minutes is perfect for me; what I'm mostly concerned about is if I should be doing fewer exercises, if I'm doing too much. If that makes any sense. I guess maybe a decreased time frame would be a result of that. However, I do think I'll grab some ideas from other peoples work outs because I would like to try a few new things. I tend to get bored really quickly and easily :-P

What does your sister sing (soprano, etc.)? I've always wanted to, but all of my life has been invested into violin. Plus, if I've learned anything, it's that singers are a bunch of divas and competing with them is crazy. Then again, maybe that's because all of my singer friends are gay men. Who knows. Either way, good luck to her

[kelliewrx]

I think you're doing a perfect amount of exercises, I just think you can make better use of your 45 minutes by doing better exercises. Try step-ups or lunges....they suck in a good way.

I have no idea what my sister sings. I try not to listen to her because it drives me insane. She's always singing, so I've just learned to tune it out. She's not really a diva or your typical singer, she's kind of a strange bird. She is really into all sorts of European death metal, and so is her boyfriend. He is a very talented guitarist, and a lot of what they listen to is inspired by classical and opera. I don't really know anything about it though, I don't even try to understand. Here is her MySpace...she has a very interesting list of favorite musicians: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...2-e557d8e81ce5

[shadowphoenix]

Originally Posted by kelliewrx

I think you're doing a perfect amount of exercises, I just think you can make better use of your 45 minutes by doing better exercises. Try step-ups or lunges....they suck in a good way.

I have no idea what my sister sings. I try not to listen to her because it drives me insane. She's always singing, so I've just learned to tune it out. She's not really a diva or your typical singer, she's kind of a strange bird. She is really into all sorts of European death metal, and so is her boyfriend. He is a very talented guitarist, and a lot of what they listen to is inspired by classical and opera. I don't really know anything about it though, I don't even try to understand. Here is her MySpace...she has a very interesting list of favorite musicians: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...2-e557d8e81ce5

Mmm, European death metal. The only kind I can stand :P Well going by typical singer stereotypes, she looks like she'd be a soprano. Mezzo/altos usually have longer necks.

Either way, thanks for the advice. I guess we learn as we go, eh?

P.S. I tried out a delicious recipe for eggplant Parmesan, and it turned out great! If anyone is interested.

[shadowphoenix]

Back and biceps like what

Lateral pull:
40 lbs.: 2x6
50 lbs.: 2x6

Incline bench pull:
10 lbs.: 3x6
12 lbs.: 2x5

Low pull:
50 lbs.: 2x6
60 lbs.: 2x5

Vertical row:
30 lbs.: 3x6
40 lbs.: 1x5

Bicep curl:
12 lbs.: 3x6
15 lbs.: 3x3

Also, almost got hit head on by an old woman driving on the wrong side of the road on the way home, so now I'm all shook up. Sad thing is I don't even think it phased her that there were headlights in her face because she was on the wrong side of the road. Ugh.

[kelliewrx]

[rant mode] I really think they need to do thorough driving and vision tests on people over the age of 70 every couple of years. I cannot even tell you how many times I've nearly been hit by an elderly person who should NOT be allowed to operate a vehicle. I can understand that it's difficult for people to come to terms with the fact that they just aren't as independent as they used to be, but when it's for your own safety and other peoples' safety, it's important. Damn selfish old people! I'm glad you're okay! [/rant mode]

Nice workout, but what's a low pull? I think I've been on a roll with learning the names of all of my exercises, but when I first came here, I had no idea what anything was. I should just start making up names for everything...like the lateral extendulator and the lowsided bench-up. Bwahahaha...

[shadowphoenix]

Oh, sorry, low pulls are seated cable rows. I think.

I had a hard time remembering names of things when I started, as well, but I have a very interesting way of connecting names and what I'm supposed to be doing. However, when I look at the words "seated cable row", I can't remember for the life of me what I'm supposed to be doing. But when I think low pull, I know immediately what it is and so when I write it in my notebook I write it as that. I don't know if I do that with any other exercises, come to think of it, just that one.

I'm weird.

I came home and ranted the exact same thing you did to my boyfriend. He, of course, sympathized because the exact same thing happened to him (interestingly enough, on the same street) about a month ago. We both promised each other that once we turn 65 we're going to turn over our keys, as well.

[shadowphoenix]

Oh man do I hate school right now. The end of the semester is never good.

So much work. I look noticeably thinner, but it's just stress right now, so that will probably last only until the end of the semester.

I hope everyone who reads this is doing well. If you're feeling generous, send me some positive energy, because getting to the gym is seriously cutting in my work and stressing me out. But it's that important to me and I haven't given up yet, and I'm seeing results because of it. I hope it continues; I really don't want to fail again.

[kelliewrx]

Stress doesn't make you thin, it makes you fat! It makes you eat bad food and retain water. You look noticeably thinner because of your hard work, and as long as you stick with it, it will last forever. Good job, lady! I'm proud!