Getting into better shape...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Getting into better shape...
21
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:01am

I think I'm in decent shape--that I can work really hard in classes, did DCAC w/out problem, work hard at the gym.






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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:08am
I would think that it's just like any other class.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:11am
You know the answer to this, Jean.... it's conditioning. I'm betting Millcreek is right and these women have been doing this class for a good long time. Enjoy the fact that there is something that can kick your butt. :) I think that for gymrats that gets to be a challenge.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:13am
If she took them out regularly, I could see it but it's only when the weather is okay.





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:16am

They just seem to be in such awesome shape!






iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:22am

Well, I'd break it down this way... Figure out specifically what you mean by "better shape" - there's lots of room to interpret "better shape." When you figure out what that means to you, then you need to also determine whether you have the expertise/motivation to create a program for yourself.

For a gymrat, I'd probably never say that it's a waste of money (unless you pick an incompetant trainer or someone who doesn't know you at all). You will probably enjoy the heck out of it and that's not a waste of moeny. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 10:27am

I was thinking I'd just tell her I want to be like her.






iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2003
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 11:07am

What a fun class! I'm usually really good at those classes because of endurance and running ability. For example, at blackbelt testings I am usually the one who looks like they are barely working. On the flip side, I can't do anything fast or dancy. I look like the least athletic person when my step teacher adds dance moves to choreography. Then, in tkd I look like I am in horrible shape when we do speed drills.

Moral=I'm sure there are things that you do that those 3-5 amazing women admire about you. I think we are engineered to do some things better than others.

Paula

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 11:35am

i agree with the others, it's conditioning for the specific exercise. even if they don't take the class that often, they may be doing pull ups 3 times a week, running sprints 6 times a week, etc.


you can definitely become a faster runner. how many times a week do you run now? maybe two training runs per week? add in two running workouts a week where you do fartleks or sprints.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 11:49am

yes, exactly - you have to figure out what "better shape" means for you, whether it's being able to do 10 pull ups or run a 5K in 23 minutes. i just have a feeling that for jean it means being able to be really good at nearly EVERYTHING she sees other people doing at the gym - doing 10 pull ups AND running a 5K quickly AND being able to run long distances AND being able to swim 40 laps AND being able to do one armed push ups AND having ball class be easy for her AND...


one thing to keep in mind when comparing one's self to instructors and other dedicated gym rats we see at the gym is lifestyle choices. there's only so much anyone can do in 90 mins a day, 6 days a week. i mean, that's a really good amount of time to spend working out - certainly more than enough to be in great shape and jean, you ARE in great shape!! i think part of the problem is that your "eyes are bigger than your day planner" to mangle an old saying -- your desire to be good at a variety of physical activities far outweighs your available time to train.


what shouldn't get lost here is that you are in really fabulous shape. you are in better shape than most of us here and we are a group of gym rats!!! and all that while still doing all the other things you do in your life too! that is a HUGE accomplishment. yeah, you could be in better shape (so could lance armstrong) but there's a limit on how much you can do without sacrificing other aspects of your lifestyle.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Tue, 08-30-2005 - 1:00pm

Jen's absolutely right. I think your eyes and ambition are far bigger than the number of hours in a day. Something tells me that if you were a trust fund baby with no husband or kids, you STILL wouldn't have enough time to do everything you want to do. :)

But, there IS a way to manage those Type A desires. You can train in mesocycles. Pick something you want to work on and you'll train for that particular thing for six weeks. For the next six week period, pick another activity. This is fantastic cross-training and also allows you to really focus your energies on particular activity but it's not for such a long period of time that you'll get bored.

You can always rely on a Type A to solve another Type A's problem. :)

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