| OldGreyBob
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I have been doing Body Pump, (strength), for over a year and a half when last November, went from 3 days a week of BodyPump to 6 day a week at the gym doing 3 of BodyPump 2 of BodyStep (aerobics), and 1 of BodyFlow (a mix of yoga Tai Chi, and Pilates.) At the end of April I felt I was not getting enough so I added 2 classes of BodyCombat (mega-aerobics) and another BodyFlow. In all my classes, I try to keep it at a high level. I now feel that I an excelling in BodyStep and am very surprised how quickly I picked up BodyCombat. With this little history I have some general observations:
1. I must be addicted to Endorphins for I still love going to the gym as much as ever.
2. I am usually the oldest person in any of these classes. I do not find them trying, but challenging and rejuvenating. It seems that many people of my age, 60, seem to think that you should take life easy.
3. Often in BodyStep I am the only male. Maybe I am old enough now that this does not bother me, (or maybe it is like people at work say – I am in secret a dirty old man!). The other males at the gym do not seem to care to know what a fine aerobics class they are missing.
4. I find that after the super hard workout of BodyCombat I am much more relaxed and calm than after BodyFlow. I think that is amazing!
5. In BodyPump. I am pushing more weights with good form than anyone else in the class with the exception of one person, a friend who is into Ironman competitions. I am wondering are most people in the classes for maintenance and not to add challenge and vigor to their lives?
6. Last August when I celebrated my 60th birthday, I felt that I was at a physical peak. Now I am so far past that, that feeling now seems ridiculous
7. I have found that this insanely intense exercise program has relieved most of the osteoarthritis pain in my lower back, shoulders and neck. That alone is golden.
8. There are times I find BodyFlow to be boring because it only challenges me on balance. I have to work on this!
9. Last comment, when ever I hear the music from any of the classes, I swear that I become more physically alert without even thinking about it. I am an Endorphin Junkie! (And my Shrink says that’s good!) |
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Sun May 27, 2007 2:06 am |
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| maltby_gardner
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That's cool, Bob, good for you.
Now, can you pass a little of your enthusiasm over my way? I'm struggling right now. :wink: |
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Sun May 27, 2007 7:32 pm |
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| OldGreyBob
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maltby_gardner wrote: That's cool, Bob, good for you.
Now, can you pass a little of your enthusiasm over my way? I'm struggling right now. :wink: The enthusiasm came with group exercise. Here I got into a group of people that exercise not because they have to but because they want to. It rubs off. And I owe so very much to the instructors that not only lead you in exercise but 'mother-hen' you through form. Injury, a big turn off, is very rare and is seldom related to the class exercise. To me the instructors walk on water for they led me to a new life. |
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Sun May 27, 2007 9:14 pm |
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| maltby_gardner
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That's interesting that you find the group exercise so motivating. To me, going to a class has two aspects that make me less likely to want to exercise. First, you have to get in a car and go some place, which is a lot less convenient that going to the treadmill in my basement. Second, you have to exercise in a big crowd of people. Now, intellectually, I know that no one is going to be watching me thinking, wow, she is really fat/uncoordinated/ugly or whatever, but thinking about it emotionally, it feels like junior high P.E. class, where I was always the last one picked, could never run a whole lap, couldn't hit/catch the ball, etc.
That being said, however, I think I want to take a yoga class. I may not be coordinated, but I am, at least, flexible, so I might not feel so out of place.
I love your enthusiasm, Bob, please keep posting! You make me wish we had those classes available in Washington. |
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Mon May 28, 2007 1:58 am |
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| justright
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OldGreyBob...you are truly an inspiration! I try to read all of your posts because they are great. I live in very rural America so the nearest gym is 35 miles round trip and in the opposite direction of my workplace :roll:
I do love to excercise, but have to rely on DVD's and biking on my country roads. I manage a good workout 3 days a week, the rest of the week time is my enemy...I know, I know, every one is short on time so I won't bore you with my life's details. oops, I'm rambling!
Keep up the great work Bob! |
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Sat Jun 02, 2007 12:01 pm |
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