I’ve been pursuing the “100 push-ups” and “200 sit-ups” programs that I mentioned earlier.
I had to adjust to “just” doing “natural” exercises rather than using machines or weights.
There’s a ritual to lifting with gear – you have to change the weights, set the machines, and so on. Moving around the machine(s) becomes part of the routine. It’s a “break” between sets and the break takes on its own life.
With this approach – where the only weight I lift is my own – the breaks between sets are silent. If you are doing push-ups, in between each set there’s not much to do except lie there on the mat waiting to begin the next set. Same with sit-ups, except I’m staring at the ceiling instead of at the floor.
I think the most shocking thing was how difficult this is when compared to isolating muscle groups with a machine. Push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and a few other exercises I’m doing require the entire system works together. I need to focus much more than when on a machine, where I’m only thinking about my form when I curl or press. I need to focus on form from head-to-toe.
Interesting stuff…
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For a while I was doing situps while holding weights on my shoulders. Enough weight so I could’t do more than about 20 reps. But then I fell off the wagon.
These days I’m getting along well with the exercise bike, but I haven’t worked upper body exercises into my day.
I’m getting more and more on a ‘holistic’ kick when it comes to exercise. So while I’m doing the aerobic stuff – running, elliptical, biks – I also want to do the resistance training to keep everything balanced.
It’s been a challenge because it means changing habits and getting into new workout routines, but it’s also fascinating to see how each different set of exercises has an effect on my overall shape/fitness level.
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