Another Upper Body

I ducked out on my lunch hour and went to the Snap Fitness near the office today. I started with a quick jog on the treadmill and proceeded to the Smith machine for presses. The past few days I haven't been religious about my creatine, and could really feel the difference. I had to settle for about five pounds less than a week ago. Creatine sure makes a difference!

The trainer there told me that if I wanted to burn more fat, I should lift weights first, then use the treadmill. His explanation was that jogging (aerobic exercise) uses both sugar and fat as fuel. Weightlifting (anaerobic exercise) only uses sugar. So I should deplete my reserve of sugar by weightlifting, then move to the treadmill. Since the sugar reserves are used up, the aerobic exercise burns only fat. I'll have to give that a try.

I Made Up for the Missed Upper Body

With a vengance! I took the opportunity to really take my traps to task. They are killing me today - along with the pecs. Holy Moly! I did a cardio today. I think I'm starting to see some real changes in my body. And I like it.

Upper Body Workout at Home

It's been raining ice here all morning long. The forecast is for 5 to 15 inches of snow in the next 24 hours. I'm not going to make it to the gym! So, I did an upper body workout at home. Since I don't have enough weights here to match Snap Fitness, I had to slow a few of my reps to hit the 10s. Everything worked except shrugs. Not enough weight. I'd have to shrug the TV set, but it's too bulky - probably just end up hurting my back.

Above is a picture of me doing some bench presses. Notice - no spotter. Bad Form! And I can't explain why one leg is off the ground. Just fooling around, I guess. Tomorrow is a cardio day. I 'spose I'll do jumping jacks. Maybe ice skating around the yard?

Flies on the Ball

Yesterday was an upper-body workout. I started with 10 minutes on the treadmill to get the heart pumping then the good stuff--dumbbell flies on the Swiss Ball. It must be a unique idea at our gym. I get quite a few looks.

I couldn't find any pics of people lifting weights on the ball, but the picture shows how it's done. (Imagine him doing flies with a dumbbell in each hand.) I don't really like doing flies on a bench. It always seems to be the wrong height, and then my lower back is not supported. I end up with a sore lower back. Doing a bridge on the ball like this adds a little extra core work while doing the flies. Every little thing helps. If you try this type of lift, choose the largest ball available. It's a bit tricky starting out.

But I've digressed. The workout was fabulous. The pecks are aching this morning--along with the traps.