Hello to all! The Unleashed One here.
This past Tuesday the 7th, I worked on legs and abdominals. The glute machine is one I tend to bypass because I use other exercises to target my glutes. However, since I was working out later than usual, and I don't like to do my glute brides and squats when there are lots of people, I decided to give this machine a whirl.
My impression of it is that it's awkward. It took time to get used to the chest pad. However, once I did, it wasn't so bad. I suppose it will do in a pinch.
Speaking of crowds, it has started to become easier for me to become comfortable. I made up my mind to become more adaptable. If there is a situation where I know it's more beneficial to have the machines to do my workouts, then I still go to the gym. With there being more people, I mask up more than usual. I tend to do less rest between sets and limit my number of reps.
Do I have to? No, I don't have to. I do want to be respectful of others who may be waiting on a machine. I want to be that person who practices good gym etiquette. I even put the weights back in the proper place, and I confess it irks the crap out of me when they are out of order.
The 7th was the last day of my staycation. Although I did not do any traveling, my mind and spirit felt rather rested. Some activities I did not have the opportunity to do before I had the chance to invest in. Perhaps I should do this "staycation" business more often heading into the new year.
Today was my first day back since the end of last month. In hindsight, I should have worn an extra layer under my pants. I think someone forgot to turn up the heat in the building. I was cold the majority of the day but didn't want to stay wrapped up in my coat.
Speaking of coat, I got a chance to wear the salmon pick side of the reversible coat. I do admit that I still prefer the gray, but only because the gray side has more pockets.
I had some catching up to do but not as much as I feared. I was told by my co-workers that I was featured in a slideshow at the small holiday shindig, which I missed because I was still on vacation. I did wonder which pictures were being displayed. I hoped it was the one in the asymmetrical top I loved so much that has since been donated. I haven't been able to find another top like that yet which has suited my fancy.
Since I didn't get up super early to go to the gym, I traveled to the gym after work. Funny enough, there is a gym in the city in which I work, but I still drive the extra ten minutes to go to the one I'm familiar with. Plus, even on its busiest day, it's less crowded and congested than the one closest to my job. Today, my focus was shoulders, biceps, and triceps. Admittedly, this is one I have done at home in the past, using my barbell and dumbbells. Therefore, focusing on just these three areas, and not having them paired with other body parts, is new for me.
Usually, when I work out, I completely zone out on purpose. I have a systematic way of doing my sets and reps, dependent on time constraints, if I'm going light or heavy, what body part(s) I am training the next day ... there are so many variables. Rarely am I aware if anyone is looking at me while I'm working out. That is, until today.
I admit, in the past, it would have freaked me out. I would have had all of these questions, like "What in the hell are you staring at?" or "Does he think I'm weird for lifting weights?" Maybe I would have even walked away and gone to a different area due to feeling uncomfortable.
This time, I just stood my ground and kept lifting my weights. I didn't get preoccupied with what he might or might not be thinking. I just focused on what I came there to do without walking away or giving him any stank eye.
Not to say that I am going to switch my schedule fully to working in the afternoons. But I am getting to a space where I don't mind it as much if and when I have to do so. That, in the realm of working through my anxiety, is progress.
Now if only I can get to the next step of recruiting activity buddies.
I guess I'll save that for another entry.
Until next time,
Deuces.
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