Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

As I mentioned last time, I try to diversify the training session as much as possible. So naturally, the workout this evening was considerably different from last time. Hope everyone enjoyed it! Instead of Tabatas, we did 3 ten-minute sets of continuous exercise tonight. The first set was more cardio oriented, including much running (in place), skipping, and hopping. The second set was geared toward lower body muscle stength and endurance, including several variations on power jumps, squats, and lunges. And the last set was done on the grass and included ab work as well as hip and glute exercises. Everyone was encouraged to pace themselves as much as possible in order to keep up with the exercises for the entirety of each set. However, the option to take a quick breather at any point was on the table. Most were able to get by with no more than a few very short breaks in each set, so I must say I'm quite proud of everybody. The better the group dynamic, the better the individual effort (and the greater the results!). Also in contrast to the last session, we had different music selection. I tried to put together as eclectic of a mix as I could, as long as the songs had a good rhythm to workout too. At the end of the workout, I encouraged everyone to start a workout diary or some kind of a journal to keep track of your fitness efforts. It REALLY helps in so many ways. Not only is it a good tool for keeping yourself motivated and on track, but it also allows you to analyze your own workout patterns and figure out WHAT WORKS BEST for you. So for those of you who took my advice to heart, here's some other relevant details that I suggest you include in your entry: the weather was comfortable - pretty warm but with a cool breeze; the first two sets were done on the (cinder) track and the last one on the grass; recovery time between sets was 5 minutes; there was no separate 'warm-up,' since the first set was designed for that purpose ((NOTE: I'm mentioning these details because they can significanly influence how you felt during and after the workout; you should also include how you felt, what you thought, what you ate, what was the best part, what was the worst part, and any other factors you consider important))
Thanks for another great session... see you next time,

~Phil Glotser