Session #7

[lynn]

I might have made a mistake opening my big, fat mouth when Mr. W. reached for the jump rope.

"I've been practising with the jump rope mornings after I run- I can often go nearly a minute before tripping over it."

"In that case," he responded and reached for something that looked like a mountain bike inner tube and handed it to me. It was heavy and the length of a jump rope...

"You're kidding me!"

He warned me that I'd have to jump higher because there's more rope to clear and to make sure I was careful when swinging it- if it hit me on the back of the head, I'd definitely feel it.

I did 20 jumps with no problems then he handed me the normal jump rope for a minute- it was so light in comparison, it made it harder to get used to. Then back to the heavyrope for 30 seconds. Twice I hit myself in the back of the head *BOOM* it didn't hurt but it nearly knocked me off my feet. Then back to the normal jump rope. I actually liked the heavyrope and looked into buying one, but they're all around $50.

Some other things that we did that were different was to throw a medicine ball to Mr. W. while I lay flat on the floor and he stood over me on a stand. First time with him directly over my head (yes, I was sure my face might get smashed), and that worked my arms. Later he stood on the stand over my feet. He'd toss me the ball to catch over my head and I'd use my abs to kind of crunch up and throw the ball back up at him.

Shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep curls, and other things I don't know the names of all conspired to give me very sore abs and arms today. Looking forward to tomorrow's session. And going to bed early tonight. I've been really sleepy this week- don't know why.

Comments

[aislingfaye]

That thing looks like something you'd buy at an auto parts store... heheh!

Sounds like another great workout! I'm looking forward to feeling a little better so I can get back to workouts, too. You reminded me that our new gym has medicine balls, too. Not sure what I'd do with them, but it's nice to know they're there if I do need them!

Have a great weekend! *hugs*

[lynn]

Oo. I can help you with the medicine ball- there are two things we've done with it now that don't require two people. One is to slam it on the ground as hard as you can, catching it on the way back up and doing it over again- maybe 20, 25 times in succession.

You can also hold it to your chest as you do crunches on a stability ball- or on an incline board.

[aislingfaye]

Hmmm, I wonder how they would be about slamming one of those on the floor... I'll be sure to ask about them when we get our orientation. That sounds great! I just don't know if they'd allow it in that room (maybe they'd let me take it to another room). I'd probably scare the crap out of one of the cardio machine people (they have their backs to the rest of the fitness room).

Now, the crunches sound great! I'll also have to see if they have a stability ball -- I've been dying to get one of those. I have wanted to kick my bellydance crunches up a notch (loved what those did to my abs).

[lynn]

Also, I didn't mention this one because I didn't know what the bench is called. I asked Mr. W. today and it's called a hyperextension bench.

Hold a medicine ball close to chest while you pull yourself up, or or lift holding the ball straight out in front of you (today we used it and he'd roll the medicine ball to me, I'd lift it and throw it back to him with extended arms- owie).

Well, rats. It's not letting me post an image for some reason. Google "hyperextension bench" to see what I'm talking about.

[aislingfaye]

Oh yes! I'm familiar with those. On one of the fitness Games DVDs someone loaned me once, there was something similar with one of those benches and a medicine ball. It was for the hammer throw, I think. Crazy stuff. Made my back/waist hurt just watching it. LOL!

http://www.vp-prod.com/video/vphammerabs.mpg

I never bothered with that exercise (especially since at the time we didn't have access to either of those things). LOL!

I think our gym has some of those benches. Can't wait to get a better look.

[lynn]

PS. If your gym allowed guests, I would totally come with you and Christopher sometime and show you some things that Mr. W. is showing me....

[aislingfaye]

I was wanting to ask about that (another thing to ask the gym when I go... hope I remember!)... see if we can bring guests in w/out doing orientation stuff etc... it would be nice to have you out there so you can see the machines and make any recommendations and join us when you're in the mood :D

Thanks so much!