Bodycombat - now and then

It's good that I kept this blog alive, makes it so easy to back track to my previous life!
September 2008, I declared bodycombat as my new hobby - here.
Back then, I would be at the gym every other day and I'd go to every quarterly launch.

Going into the fifth year now in 2013, while, I'm not that "crazy" anymore, it's still one of the main activities that keeps me fit, active and happy.  It's like a regular dosage of happy vitamins ahaha. Not a bad thing eh..

To me, "Shopping, Beauty treatments, Exercise, Eating good food, Family and Friends" are the key elements to keep us happy.  Apart from the fact that I'm not married yet, I think I have all the above.  Don't mind a little bit more cash to do more though. Hee..


Oh..back to Bodycombat.

Yah,.I was saying, I do less of it now, only about 2, max 3 classes a week.  I've not attended any quarterly launches for quite some time, but I do make sure I try any new quarterly release as soon as I can.  Les Mills does a mighty good job in making sure that each release is tougher if not better than previous.

And time flies..just tried the 55th release on Sunday morning.  It was release 36 back in 2008 when I first started, oh boy..so much has changed.  I'd say it's 10 times faster, tougher and harder in current releases.

See below.. a 'trailer' of the 55th module presented by the program directors themselves. With them is another one of the top presenters in the world.







If you're interested, the one hour for this particular release goes something like this:

Track 1:
Very long warm up - about 7-8 mins - enough to start you panting and sweating

Track 2:
Lower body work - 5+ mins - lots of kicks and lunges - absolutely a torture for my weak lower body

Track 3-4:
Arms, arms arms - 5+ mins - you won't feel your arms after this.
More leg work! - 6+ mins - urgh...my poor back and legs.


Track 5:
Fun track! - 4+ mins - most fun and relaxing of all but can be quite taxing cardio wise

Track 6-7:
Recovery (not) - 5+ mins - more kicks, with some cool moves, I like.
(Track 6 was suppose to be a recovery track those days, not anymore)

Inspired by Muay Thai - 6 + mins of knees, jump knees, downward punches..normally numbeb and pumped if one lasts till this stage of the class.

Track 8:
Back to arms - 6 + mins - always the favourite part for me..no more legs! Great music and awesome epic end.

Track 9:
Well, not really the end yet, only 3+ mins of conditioning but..3 mins seems never ending when there are  shoulder tap push ups , abs work and that whatever it's called mountain climb move for the core...



There's something about all these exercise programs, that I can't explain and I'm not a qualified trainer nor practitioner to give any advice. I can only share my experience as a 'user'... my back and knees didn't feel good for the last week, I told myself I'd still come and try out the class but will take it easy and leave if pain get worse.

It was quite tough in the beginning, I was preparing to leave if it gets worse..but the program was designed for a whole body workout.  Surprisingly, I felt much better as the class progresses, so I stayed till the end and the feeling of satisfaction is beyond description.  The back and knees are still sore as I'm writing this, I shall be responsible to my body and rest for a day or two, if I can help it :P

A friend was just telling me that whenever we talk about pains and injuries, she gets the impression that BC causes injuries. Speaking on behalf of all exercise junkies, we don't deny that we do get our share of injuries and pains as a result of exercising.

Why don't we look at the the other side of the coin instead.

Going back to before I get involved in all these..I had my fair share of problems due to poor blood circulation.  I had shoulder aches, back aches, neck aches, I was unfit and sluggish.

True..I developed some aches and pains probably due to overuse or wrong technique. Let's not blame the exercise.  It all boils down to the individual, how we do the movements, how much we push ourselves, etc.  For me personally, I feel stronger, healthier, fitter and happier now, I'd describe the pain as happy pains :D

In conclusion, in my case I think I gained more than I lose.  Many times, I've wondered if I'd be able to use some of the techniques when a robber attacks, for example :D D D

While it's true that all these don't guarantee that I live longer and I'm immuned from sickness..I may even drop dead one day due to over exertion (note : a man aged 50 died after collapsing during a run on a Sunday event) but the bottom line is I'm happy doing what I like doing now.  I'm happy having something else to look forward to apart from working, eating, watching TV, surfing the net and sleeping.


We can argue the different school of thoughts until the cows come home..there won't be a perfect answer.  It's all very individual.

Drama in the gym

Life has been pretty interesting I must say :P

Try to picture this..

I was cooling down in the changing room, before going into shower after a class at the gym.

It was Sunday morning, so it was very quiet, less than 5 persons in the huge changing room.

Subconsciously, I know someone came out from the shower and walked pass me, I was sitting near the mirror where all the hair dryers are, browsing my phone.


All of a sudden, there's a loud "poooofff" and then "roarrrr" and I felt HEAT!

I was like..WHAT THE...

It felt like I was just next to a huge oven....not exaggerating..there was a huge ball of fire

Like really HUGE...


I stood up...couldn't believe what I was seeing...at the same trying to figure out what I should do...are we in any danger..shall I switch off the hair dryer..shall we just pack and leave..etc etc

Yes..the hair dryer switched on by itself and started blowing fire..from its front and back.

So scary it was.


The gal who just came out of shower was just using the hair dryer next to it..she was still in towels and was equally shocked.

I couldn't find any fire extinguisher within reach..so the next best thing to do is to run out and inform the staff.

The nearest staff available would be the Fitness Department, right outside the changing room.

The guys daren't come in..because it's a ladies room.  The only gal staff available came in after making a call to whoever it is.


When she came in..the fire had subsided..it was only smoke..so..she went out..to check if anyone's coming.


After she left..it started again...and then more smoke and then more fire..


So..I ran out again..to tell them to hurry up..by now we started to wonder if we should evacuate for safety lol.


The lady staff said..yes..maintenance is on the way..but you gals may want to leave the room before the guys enter.

The other gal who was still in her towel was like..ohhh yaaa...I should change!   :D

By now, there's another gal who just came in..she was cool and changing into her work out clothes while watching the commotion, and then she locked up her locker and left for her work out LOL.



Picture..below is only the smaller version of the fire..
The gal in towel came back after changing to get this pic from me :D :D

When the guys arrived, the fire had stopped..there was only smoke and a very strong smell.

Hair dryer completely destroyed.

I was reluctant to leave before shower..so I hung around for a bit..to make sure it's safe to go into shower..and I did.

By the time I came out of shower, everything was cleaned up...and everyone has left.

I was having a headache by then and now feeling slightly unwell, with a itchy throat and running nose, I think I inhaled too much smoke :D

On a more serious note...shouldn't there be a fire extinguisher or fire alarm somewhere? I asked for one..no one could tell me.  Hmm...

Body Attack is Not Body Combat.

My gym membership is expiring some time in September. There's been some random suggestions..that I should try out other gyms.  I've been with this gym for more than 7 years!  It's probably time to move on..if I can find a good deal out there.



The current gym offered to convert my regular membership to a lifetime package by pro-rating the amount of credit balance left from my current membership i.e. I only have to pay about 6K+ instead of 8K+ ..something like that.  Stretch it to a 36 months instalment I only pay about $167 a month and ta daaa I'm a lifetime member. I'm only subject to $99 yearly renewal fee and any price increase will not affect me.


Sounds like a good deal? But I didn't take it..cos I don't think it's a good idea to be 'married' to one gym for a whole lifetime.  After all no one knows what's gonna happen to this gym and other gyms around town in..let's say 5 years time.


So...today I walked into a friendly competitor.

Here's what happened..

First, I was asked to have a sit

Then..there were smiles...I had to wait quite a few mins..then I heard some whispers..I think I heard someone say.."Chinese Speaking"


A Chinese guy came buy....shook hands..sat down..and started asking the 'general questions'


Have you been to any gym before this?

Yes, I'm currently with XX  membership's expiring soon in September I'm looking around to see if I can get better deal elsewhere


Expiring in September, why so soon looking around..




Well, Just for fun..I need time to decide..




Oh ok..so do you have any fitness goals?

Not really.I just go for classes.

What classes do you go to?

RPM, Body Combat, Body Attack..I think you don't have Body Attack right?


Err arrr..RPM we have..Body Attack and Combat is the same..


No it's not. ..

(He turned to ask someone who seem like senior..)

The "senior"came by...and said:


No..we don't have Body Attack..but they are similar..lebih kurang sama.  What do you do in Body Combat?

I said ..Ha??

"Senior" turned to look at Chinese guy and said..tell her it's the same..sama.

(He thought I couldn't understand his English/Bahasa)

Totally not Impressed.




To all sales consultants at the gyms..please learnt up your in-house products and services, will ya?

And..although Kepong is majority Chinese speaking...that doesn't mean we cannot understand simple English and Bahasa...and even if it's so..there's no excuse for not knowing about your own products & services dude.

Sigh..I had such high hopes in this gym..lemme try again at another branch..in an 'English' speaking area

:D

It ain't the same anymore

Stayed out a tad bit too late last night.
Only slept at 3am, as expected couldn't wake up for morning gym.
And the rest of the day went by in a daze.

This is a symptom of aging.  During younger days, sleeping at 3-4am was no big deal..we could still wake up at 7am to go for classes, games etc.


Sleeping in till 10am did not help.  I thought it did initially..and went for RPM at 4pm.  It was rather disastrous. My mind was strong but my legs were weak.  When my legs finally got some momentum, the rest of my body refused to co-operate.  Hence, all systems went haywire.  Mission failed...it wasn't even half way.  I had to abort as signs of blacking out was beginning to kick in.

Boo.

BODYATTACK 2.0

I just did my second BODYATTACK class.
My first experience was back in April last year once upon a time when I was much more fitter.
This time around I'm probably a few kgs heavier all built up around the abs and thighs!

It was TOUGH! But I made it \o/
It's a 55 mins class (compared to 60 mins for BODYCOMBAT) but I was looking forward to the end after only 10 mins

Imagine doing these for 55 mins NON STOP , exactly at this pace.




I'm not exaggerating. Neither is the video.

If I can find time to do 2 or 3 classes a week, I'll definitely lose that spare tyre around the abs and surely be fit enough to go back to running ;-)

Here's to fitness!

What we Eat vs. How we Work

Sure..we can eat, life is too short? But..make sure you work it out after eating
I just had McD :(

Mc Donald's burger = at least x1 RPM class and a CXWORX class

Subway = at least x1 BODYATTACK class

KFC = at least x1 BODYPUMP class and a CXWORX class

Pizza Hut = at least x1 BODYCOMBAT class and a  x3 CXWORX class

Taco = at least x1 BODYSTEP class and CXWORX class

Starbucks & donut's combo = at least X1 BODYPUMP class and a RPM class

Source : http://andstaywiththefight.blogspot.com/2011/12/dont-eat-this-food-if-you-want-to-loose.html

Why we need a sports bra?

Read this :



"Breasts are mostly composed of fatty tissue and are supported mainly by skin and fragile ligaments called Coopers' ligaments. Because these are not elastic, during repetitive or high impact sport the breasts bounce and pull on the ligaments, forcing them to stretch. 


Once these ligaments have stretched they stay this way. The result is every woman's nightmare - sagging breasts.Going without the correct support can also cause breast pain and upper back and shoulder problems.

Running without any bra at all causes the average woman's breasts to move up and down by 8.5cm. Wearing an ordinary bra reduces this by 32 per cent. A sports bra reduces this by at least another 20 per cent"

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-35692/Why-need-sports-bra.html#ixzz1dvWfWmfH

Gym plan gone haywire

It was a Tuesday evening, used to be a 'super' day for me at the gym by doing RPM and BC back to back.  Had not been that super after picking up a back problem, been trying to get back to that state though.

Everything seems to be as planned, was 45 mins earlier..so I had more than enough time to warm up and do some weights bla bla...  but then..as with life...there are always surprises around the corner..haha...I was about to change and realised that I didn't have a sports bra. Damn...

Can I workout without a sports bra? I stood there for a few mins asking myself the question many times.  I took off my working top and tried putting on my workout top on top of the regular non sports bra.  It just didn't feel right. And it doesn't look right too : /

I decided to drive home...to get a sports bra .. lol!

Class starts at 8.15, I managed to get back and changed around 8,30.  So I was 15 mins late.  They were already at the 2nd track.  Not too bad..I thought, I'll just catch up.  By the time I got on to the bike, they started track 3, one of the tougher working track out of the 9.  I took the earlier part to warm up and tried to match the pace when I thought I was ready.  Was abit breathless, legs were stiff and crampy, I slowed down occasionally then picked up , then slowed down.  By the end of track 7, the nausea feeling kicked in.  Track 8 and 9 is just cooling down and stretching but I just couldn't stay on, if I had I would have toppled off the bike.  I had to sit down for a while at the staircase even though the changing room was just seconds away.

Not really sure what triggered it.  May be I didn't warm up enough.  Or all the rushing to and fro to get the sports bra :D

Or may be it's that time of the month..PMS.

Oh well..just ain't my day.  I was contemplating to try doing BC, but legs were still weak..so better not la.

Woke up feeling sore inside out...physically and mentally :(

Well... that's life.. sometimes things just go wrong when you least expect it.

By the way, can you work out without a sports bra?

More than a work out..

It's no longer about forcing myself to drive to the gym or dragging my feet to the pool /  treadmill and looking forward to a break of sweat..and then giving myself 101 reasons to leave after 30 mins..

It's has become more than a work out..I can't agree more to THIS written by an instructor whom I enjoy working out with.

Well, I do need the regular work out cos I have a tendency to overeat ...  And I can't afford staying away for too long cos I'd end up eating instead.  Since, the gym fees are contractual, it makes perfect sense for me to spend more time at the gym instead of spending time and additional cash on food.  After all, each work out leaves me with an incredible sense of satisfaction and gleefulness.  Rejuvenation...

Secondly, somehow, sub-consciously I got acquainted to a regular routine, certain days, certain time, specific instructors,etc etc.

It's Thursday evening now, I'm normally at the gym at this time getting changed for a class.  Been attending this slot for quite some time.  Perfect time to sweat it out after a long day.  Great instructor.  Not too crowded.  Familiar faces among the other attendees, we don't talk much but somehow we got so used to each other's presence to the extend that we have our own known 'favourite' spots.  Everything just fits in somewhat nicely.

I was asking Mich who is also more a less a gym freak like me,  which is the key motivation point.  The class, the time or the instructors?  We don't have an answer.  I admit that I do have one or two personal instructors preference. There were occasions where I tried other slots, different day, different instructor, different group...I don't get the same 'results', for some reasons.

Anyway, why am I here..not getting my regular endorphin fix?

..cos I feel wrecked ~

Last work out was Tuesday night.

Ever since the injury, I realised it takes longer for me to recover from each work out...


I. shall. bounce back.

"Patience is passion tamed." -Lyman Abbott - http://tinybuddha.com

I survived Body Attack

I started with body combat (martial arts based cardio exercises), then rpm (endurance indoor cycling), then body balance (flexibility and strengthening).

Heard lot's about body attack (combi of athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilization exercises) but I was cautious, afraid, reluctant to try it out.

What I  heard said was :

..it's super tough. One of the toughest programme from Les Mills.  There isn't any rest.  It's all jogging and jogging and jogging.

..in others..you can 'cheat' or take it easy when you are tired..i.e. punch or kick softly, or cycle slowly but in this...when you stop it will be so obvious.

..some said..it's very tough for the knees..yikes..

So..I wasn't interested..until recently, I got "itchy", since I feel somewhat stronger and fitter now, relatively speaking.   Basically, I felt that I can do more ..ahem.

On a rare Friday evening, I happened to be in the gym (normally I'm out feasting on Fridays :P), and it so happened there is a body attack class...and so I took the opportunity.

It wasn't that bad after all!  In fact I enjoyed it.  Well, it was a bit tough on my weak ankle and my calves hurt for days after that, but it was all good.  Most importantly, I pulled through and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I actually like it.

And guess what, I think it's a very good form of training for the marathons...since I find it soooo hard to get my butt out to run.

Another hobby, goody good good =)


Read more about it HERE

Saw stars again..

It happened again....third time.  Don't mean to create drama here ..just wanna note down as record.  This blog had served well as a reference point for me. 

When I had my first surgery.
When I started or stopped doing certain activities..etc etc etc.

So..I was saying..I almost passed out again.  Rpm again..and same instructor :s  Thank God I didn't throw up...almost did!  Don't know what was the cause.  It was just any other class. Not my first time either.  And I had a packet of Milo before ...was even drinking the accelerade recovery during the session.

It was real scary ...  feeling the blood slowly draining away from the head, the neck, and whole body started to feel so weak. So thankful I managed to recover after some 5 mins....got down from the bike slowly and made my way out of the studio without creating a scene.

Felt alot better after resting for a while in the changing room ..so much of cold sweat.

Still not too sure what was the cause..may be post period.  or I have not been eating enough nutritious food over the week?  Couldn't be over worked out....cos I wasn't feeling good on Thursday itself..so left the gym early after the first class  and have not done anything since.


Anyway..should be feeling very much better now since I'm still awake at 1.44am..hehe.

I have a soft spot...

There was this strange in fact rather aggressive lady at the gym.  I've seen her shouting and cursing at some other gym members (very aggressively) many times at walk ways, in classes, in the changing room, shower room.  I've even seen her shouting to a man who was with a child at the lift lobby outside the gym.  Most time very harsh words.

On better days she can be as normal as everyone..in fact very friendly and helpful.  More friendly than me I must say.  She won't hesitate to say Hi, or Good Morning...etc.  Yes, we've spoken before.   And I've seen her talking to many others..members or instructors.  I've also seen her help instructors with the floor mats...even helped to fix a broken wood plank on stage.

We heard that she was banned from a few other gyms due to her erratic behaviour.

I believe many had lodged complaints about her in this gym too.  I saw her being escorted out from classes twice this week at two different branches.  I overheard her saying .."looks like people don't like me here and want me to leave permanently"


I feel sorry for her...but then...

Yeah...I have a soft spot...

Kickboxing!

I tried it !

I suddenly remembered that the gym offered a complimentary trial one to one session upon my membership renewal, went to fix an appointment and last night I was punching and kicking away :P

It wasn't easy at all...totally different from punching and kicking the air in a typical BC class.

No music..just the trainer and me with proper gloves, punching bags, pads, etc. Well, most of the moves are similar to body combat....but executing on a real physical target is another story all together.  I know now that my legs, especially left one, are.... such a softies.

It was only an introductory class, apparently, he only made me work 40% of what a normal session does.  The first 45 mins was all about  kicks and punching drills which was fun for me..and what I'm looking for but I hated the last part.  Core strengthening training :s One word - weak!

Other than that..I feel great! Was expecting lots of body aches but..all seems well this morning..*pat pat*.

Nothing comes free....as always, I have to oblige to a feedback session plus a digital body analysis thingy, something I've done before many years ago when I first joined the gym, good news is the numbers looks so much better now!.

Feedback sesion means they will try to sell recommend next steps. ....proper programmes that help to lose more fat, gain more muscle mass, strengthen the core hence stronger joints, less injuries etc etc etc

I have not decided if I really want to go into it...they are not cheap.  One session can cost up to RM100 minimum.

But..being me..the softie....I gave in and signed up for two sessions just for fun and will be getting an additional session free.


Will see how it goes. Not that I can afford more sessions for now , at least not in the short term.
I'm so impulsive right??? Well..better than spending on food ?

It's getting tougher

It's been more than than two years since I gathered enough courage to walk into a GX studio at the gym.  My first class was none other than bodycombat which should be the most popular Les Mills GX programme to date.  It's still my favourite : )

Thank you to GX, my fitness and endurance level had improved by leaps and bound (relatively) over the years.  Imagine being able to complete a half marathon without much training (running in particular) plus I wasn't even a running enthusiast to begin with.

Many have asked me how I motivate myself to work out regularly..well I don't have to.  GX makes it  addictive fun to work out, when it is enjoyable, it isn't a chore anymore!  Hence, no discipline nor motivation needed.  It has become like some sort of entertainment, stress reliever, endorphine fix etc etc.  Well, I admit..it does keep me fit and healthy, very very important since I'm quite of a foodie.  I can really eat!

The best reward from working out regularly is  --- you can eat regularly too :D


Anyway ...one would think that when we work out regularly long enough, the routine will become as easy as a a stroll in the park.


NOT.

Not with Les Mills programmes at least.


Rode RPM46 (the Q4' 10 release) for the first time few days ago.
Killing! Breathless by 3rd track!

Adam Lambert on track 2 itself took my breath away.
Not much left to enjoy the fun Russian Roulette remix in Track 3.
Track 4 is  was supposed to be recovery...but it didn't seem like so!
Track 5 was fun..if only I had more endurance to enjoy it.
Track 6...nice nice..journey ..managed to catch some breath there. (I shall blame the pro-longed mild cold that is somehow only evident when I work out rigorously)
Track 7 @___@

I can't recall the last time I enjoyed a full RPM session...



Same goes to Bodycombat 46.
Tough, breath taking but contagious. Didn't like most of it after the first class..but as with most releases..one will surely grow to like the tracks and the moves slowly.

Totally couldn't relate / connect to the warm up tracks ,  even after several classes.
Track 2 - not so fond..but seriously. I found myself out-of-breath as early as this stage!
Track 3..upbeat and fun but..I have to shamefully admit that I was panting..even after the doing it for the 4th time today. *Blaming the cold again*

Track 4 ..not so fond..but..t i r i n g.
Track 5 is c o t a g i o u s.  If you a regular, you will know what I mean :)

Track 6 ahem...I read in a blog about how tough this is gonna be..I'm proud to say that..I didn't have much problem with the lunges and esquiva :P  Meaning..my core and legs are strong enough? Then why do I feel like my stamina are not as good before?

Track 7 ..Braveheart! Somewhat ..cool :P
Track 8 ... was it 8 mins long? Always amazed by the sense of euphoria when we reach the end \o\



Won't say much about Bodybalance since I'd only started doing it recently but I must say..it ain't easy too~

Still bored

One of those days..where it seemed like one hell of a busy day..but....nothing seems Done in the end.
So...yupe..I'm still bored. Don;t ask me why..I don't . know.

I'm just. bored.

Gan has been asking me how I feel, how are my legs.....hoping that I can join her at the coming Klang run this Sunday.  Sorry..I can't.

1. my legs still feel like jello
2. I'm not in a mood
3. I just don't feel good


I'm temporary happy now though. Evening meeting postponed!  So ..I can give another try on BC>Run>BB at the gym.  Yep..I'm suppose to be unwell..but I need to do something before I go into depression.  Will evaluate the muscle aches.as I go along.  And yes..I'm giving another go at the TREADMILL.  *shiver*

Oh..I do look forward to some stretching and calming effect at the Body Balance class..


Wait a minute..I only brought one top today ..cos I only expected to be able to make it for BB.  So..I need to control my sweating : /  Any idea how to do that???

Body Balance

Not sure if this is of any interest to you but I just need to note this down for future reference.  Here goes..

I attended a Body Balance class for the second time last night.  Well, I attended once very long time ago so that doesn't count.

It's something like yoga but not so.

BODYBALANCE™ is the Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Controlled breathing, concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches, moves and poses to music create a holistic workout that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance. 
Find out more - HERE

So..it's something very different from all the 'sports' that I normally do these days.  And I'm beginning to feel that my muscles are not benefiting from all the 'abuse'.  I'm not concluding that working out is not good. May be I'm getting too old..or I just don't warm up or cool down properly.

The muscle soreness in the thigh never really healed completely...and  some muscles here and there are always sore during before or after working out.

Since I stopped tai chi...I thought I need to balance out with something else..to help the body relax and stretch.

So ..I've been trying to fit Body Balance into my so called schedule :D

How was it?

Basically..one won't know the body so well until you go through something like Body Balance.  Other alternatives could be yoga or pilates.  Anything that requires stretching and poise.  

Think I've written before long long time agoo when I tired yoga.  A simple 'move' like breathing can be a task!
And I'm not even talking about let's say...

http://sal2009.com/index.php?key=Sun+Salutation

Some moments I felt like a complete clown..some moments I felt like a stranger to my own limbs and body...but..towards the end..I felt refreshed..and light.


Try it =)





                

Exercise Addict?

Source : Staronline

TEN signs that you’re exercising too much (in no particular order):

1. You feel a flu coming but still head out to the gym to get as much as you possibly can. After all, if you’re going to be sick for a couple of days, you better work harder in advance ~ *nod*

2. A family emergency has cropped up but you’re still trying desperately to fit in a two-hour workout sometime during the day  ~ *nod*

3. You feel guilty, anxious, restless and depressed if you have to miss a day at the gym  ~ *nod*

4. You spend 45 minutes on the treadmill everyday. If, for some reason, you’re in a rush and can only afford 35 minutes, you try and think of how you can make up for the lost 10 minutes: climb the stairs at work all day or skip dinner, perhaps? 

5. You would rather exercise than spend time at the movies with your friends  ~ *nod*

6. You feel tired all the time.

7. Your legs feel heavy, your resting heart rate is high, you get tired faster and you can’t seem to push yourself as hard as you used to.

8. You think you can actually feel your “muffin top” getting bigger just because you missed a day at the gym  ~ *nod*

9, You can’t seem to fall asleep easily at night.

10. You experience little or no sexual desire. Seriously, you’d rather exercise ~ TBC :D

Random from the Gym

Gonna keep this short. I'm so sleepy and tired.  Had not been sleeping well last few nites but still went to the gym just now.  Gila.  I really couldn't decide, my body says I shoudn't go, my heart wanted to, so I left it to fate i.e. see if there's a parking lot :D Guess what...there was one..within seconds..I didn't even have to make any rounds, a car drove out just as I approached!  Fated ya? 

It's alright I didn't push too hard..was ready to walk out if body really can't take it..surprisingly I felt quite refreshed towards the end.  JH told me recently that a friend of hers who was an outgoing, active and adventurous passed away suddenly.  Not sure what was the main cause of death.  Some say high blood. Some say over exercised.  Few years ago, a friend of mine passed away after a sudden heart attack.  He was only 35 at most.  Worked hard. Played hard.  But he didn't listen to his body.  He didn't stop when he was supposed to..was it fate or could he livelonger if he had gone to a doctor earlier?

Whatever it is..let's just do things moderately, regardless of whether it is food intake, exercise or work.  Listen to our body for signs and signals.  Rest when need to.  Exercise regularly but not to over exert. I'm no professional athlete but I had my fair share of injuries and problems. To my surprise, over the years of regular and consistent work out...my core muscles became stronger and aches and injuries become less.  Naturally, I learnt how to use proper muscle groups while doing different exercises...I suspect that's the reason why I'm more tired after each session these days.  It's also important to listen carefully and pay attention to  intructions from the instructors.. there must be reasons why they are trained to learn up and repeat the scripts over and over , class after class...nobody wants to be like a broken record for no valid reasons. :-)

On lighter note..haha...I've soem strange encounters at the gym lately.

First..as I told some of you before..there is this person whom I've only spoken to ...less than 5 times..suddenly became over friendly..asking me out and all.  yikes.  Don't think I wanna go into details here..my intention is not to talk in length about it anyway.  In fact.I shouldn't..but a second incident with a second person..happened yesterday and today..at another branch!  wth.

Last night, I was near my car about to cross over to head to the gym...when I suddenly heard a voice asking if I'm heading to a class..then I saw this person looking towards me with his window down while driving past me.  Looked familiar..but I swear I hadn;t spoken to this person before.  He must have mistaken me for someone else,,I thought.  Later..at the gym...I thought I saw this same person grining at me..while I was in another class.  I was 'busy'..so didn't pay attention,

Tonight - I met this same person again.  Confirm...this person was indeed speaking to me last night cos he spoke to me again :D..asking me about the same question as last night.  haha.  I didn't really respond..cos..I don't think I know him le.

Lol.

Next time..I wil respond properly lar.

P/S : Sorry..I'm all over the place..really very sleepy.

I was at RPM Challenge !

Ai ya..wanted to do a quick entry about my first attempt in a RPM Challenge Class..ended up hooked on to a blog I stumbled upon when I did a quick google search about RPM Challenge. It's late now. And I kind of lost momentum on what I wanna write already. Will try anyway..


Thursday evenings...normally I'd catch an early BC lass (if I can get off early) then to tai chi class (if I'm not too lazy). Today, I decided that I needed RPM more then BC. I think RPM releases more endorphins and I needed that today..quite badly but all RPM classes today are Challenge classes..whatever that is...it sounds scary. I'd normally be half dead after a normal class..I wasn't sure if I can endure a Challenge class.

It has additional 2 working tracks on top of the normal 7..so I found out after checking with an intructor that I'm connected to in FB. See..I told you FB is useful..hehe.

Additional 2 working tracks...I will probably die! Moreover..I wasn't prepared for a long workout today. I didn't have any energy bar nor drink for pre-work out snack. And lunch was sandwich only. When I told Jenny that there will be additional 2 working tracks...she said "please go buy your energy bar" :-D

Long story cut short...I went for it la. It's all in the mind actually. My mind was full of apprehension..all because I know it's gonna be a longer than usual class...I was so tired and out of breath by Track 3 (song :right by your side) ...lol. Barely recovered during the slower pace track 4..and was in a total daze during track 5 (the round and around song).  Thank goodness I managed to recover in Track 6...and was back energised for Track 7..if only this was a normal class.Track 7 will be a finale mountain track...that I normally enjoy alot. Not. For this class..Track 7 is a repeat of Track 3 format..uhuh...I can declare now that I dislike Track 3!


I can't remember how I went through the remaining 3 working tracks. I also can't remember the songs played.

Most importantly..I did it wor! I lasted the whole hour wor! Miraculously..I didnt' feel as bad as I anticipated it to be upon completion.

*pat on the shoulder*
P/S: Craving for a wan tan mee now .

RPM 44 - my say

Not too long ago,,I posted this graphic illustration representation my own description of a typical RPM class.

I couldn't wait till tomorrow to try out RPM44. Itchi-fied..I went for a class just now.

How was it??

See below!

3 Letters - O.M.G.

Whatever happened to recovery tracks 4 & 6...why no rest geh?? Can die man...!

P/S: Sorry..two gym related post in a row :) Okla..a foodie post rught after this, k.