Today’s workout was MUCH better than Monday’s. 🙂

First, after Monday’s workout, of course I was VERY sore, which was to be expected. Not just because it was the first workout, but because I found my limit. At this stage it’s more important for me to recover than it is to get back into the gym, so for now I’m opting to go 2x week to maximize rest and recovery, but still tell my body it needs to start adapting and growing. Once I adjust to this, I’ll see about 3x week, and then once that’s good I’ll consider 4x doing a split like upper body one day, lower & abs the next. But that’s a ways off.

Jogged there, and the jog went smoother.

At the gym, the goal was to do the exact same workout as Monday, pushing myself, but not going over the limit. So if I did 3×12 of something, unless it was WAY easy last time still do 3×12 this time. If I could only do 3×8 because I was sore, leave it alone and just do that. I wanted to finish a full workout today and not go past my limit again.

• Squats
• Bent-over barbell rows
• Bench press
• Seated overhead dumbbell press
• Standing machine calf raises
• Barbell bicep curls
• Rope-handle triceps pushdowns
• crunches on ab machine

I managed to get through the whole workout this time. Dropped the reps on squats because my quads are still rather sore. Upped the weight on the rows and it was just right; probably will bump up next time. Bench can be bumped up in weight. I dropped the dumbbell presses 5# and was able to squeeze things out much better — that’s what pushed me too far last time, so pulling it back was good. Upped weight on calf raises and I think I’ll keep it there but go 15 reps now; I seem to recall calf work likes more reps. Curls went fine. And the triceps pushdowns… man, I forgot how much using that rope attachment forces you to squeeze at full extension. I like, but my triceps may be sore after that. 🙂  Tried this ab crunch machine because I’ve never used one before but I’m not sure how well it actually will work my abs just due to how the machine’s range of motion forces/limits how you move. I’ll keep trying it a few times before I pass judgement.

Was able to jog some of the way home… legs were a little weary, especially the calves, so it wasn’t a full-on run, but it was much better than the “oh God please help me just get home” feeling I had on Monday. 🙂

Feeling good!