If, at first you don’t succeed…..

Today’s workout was shoulders and trapezius muscles . Your trapezius muscles are located on top of your shoulders, coming off of your neck. I was GASSED after working out today! My wife, Becky, came with me to take some pictures, which I’ll share in this post.

I’m finding myself wanting to do a little more in my workouts. THIS, is a good thing! It tells me my body is beginning to get ready for the next level, so tomorrow, in addition to doing a 15-minute brisk walk before I lift, I’ll add some planks (60 seconds) and jumping jacks after my exercises. I can’t tell you how excited to start these!

Tomorrow is leg day! Here is how the workout will go tomorrow:

• Seated Leg Press
• Seated leg curl
• Leg extensions
• Squats
• calf machine
• goblet squats
• Hip abductions light weight only

I will add photos of these soon!

When I do a set of all of these exercises, I’ll do a plank for 60 seconds. Then, get up, and knock out 15 jumping jacks. Repeat sequence 4 times. The planks, as covered in a previous post, will aid in making my core stronger. The jumping jacks are being added in to keep the heart rate up. If you’re lifting, whether it’s leg day, chest/triceps day, or whatever, you’re doing a variation of cardio. If it gets your heart rate up, it’s cardio, just in different form. I truly believe by adding these to my routine will only aid in my goal of getting to the point of jogging on my cardio day, and jogging 15 minutes before lifting. Once I hit my one month (August 1st) I’ll add extra exercises to my different muscle areas.

After I was done, I told my wife, “I never realized how weak my shoulder and trap muscles were!” But, that’s what I’m working on rectifying. If, at first you don’t succeed…..Work Harder!

And now, for some photos of today’s workout…..

Note: If you’re unsure about performing these or any exercises, please consult your doctor!

Note: When doing these, relax your shoulders, keep your spine neutral. Head upright, looking forward. Shrug your shoulders all the way up, hold for 3 seconds, slowly lower with a 3 count. Do that 5 times, then shrug up and down 10 repetitions.

And now, a couple of videos of stretches, using the foam roller…..

Lower back stretch

Hip roll stretch

As I stated before, I found out just where I’m lacking in strength, but, with hard work and a willingness to put in the work, I will get stronger! Mind over matter! I go in with the mindset that working out is 20% physical, 80% mental. If you go into the gym mentally prepared, the physical will take care of itself. I’m a firm believer in that. We can do anything we put our minds to!

Until next time…….

Drink water, stretch and keep at it!