Gym is Open (Monday 3/31)

My exercise this weekend consisted of lifting boxes and cleaning windows - not exactly the way I prefer to workout. But I am all moved (thank god!) and just joined 24 Hour Fitness, so tonight will be my 1 hour with a trainer. I'm hoping he will go through the weight machines with me because those looked really complicated! After today it's back on track to my 4 days of running and 2 days of cross training - I have an adventure race in 3 weeks and I want to be somewhat prepared! Have I mentioned that life kind of sucks right now? This funk is just not going away and it's derailing my exercise plans. Not sure how to get over it and move on - any suggestions would be welcome (especially since this is kind of abnormal for me - I usually have a funk for a few days and get over it, this has lasted 2 weeks and I see no end in sight) Grumpy Pam (my new signature line, I think it's catchy)

You've moved already?  What kind of friend am I, I didn't have a chance tp offer to help you pack and clean.  I could have used the hard labor after my evil Friday in Greenwood Village, and I was on your side of town.... After three days off, I went back to Bally's today.  It was so cold and gloomy outside that even though I would have preferred an outdoor walk, it just wasn't going to happen. You aren't the only one in a funk right now, I think it's endemic.  People are bummed over a number of things.  At least we weren't involved in that 70-car pileup in Vail.  Yikes! When I'm depressed, what I have to do is just take things one day at a time.  If I can manage to have a semi-decent day, then I try to have a semi-decent day the next day.  Eventually, each day adds up.  Let me know how you like 24 Hr Fitness, I'm always comparing gyms. Kix

Going to the gym tonight when hubby gets home - with or without him.  I plan to warm up on the bike for 10 minutes, then 20 on the treadmill, fat burning program, 2.8mph, then a 5 minute cool down at about 2mph.  I'm curious, where do you ladies try to keep your heart rate?  I usually slow down a little if it reaches 150 - try to keep it in the 140s.  Is that too low?  On the elliptical it went way too high (170+) - another reason I need to stay away from ellipticals, if motion sickness and horrendous muscle soreness weren't enough.

When I do killer treadmill, the treadmill computes my speed and advanced fossilage (age), and then tells me what my target heart rate should be.  It works out to 111, and it takes anywhere from 6-10 minutes to get my heart rate pumping that hard -- some days, the treadmill cranks up the incline to 11 or 12 to raise my heart rate. I don't know if your heart rate is supposed to be slower or faster when you are younger.  Take a look at the treadmill at your gym, it should have a chart with target heart rate ranges/age. Kix

I looked it up - I should aim for 140-150.  I just got back from the gym - I did 27 minutes at between 2.7 and 3.0mph at varying inclines 8%-12% - I got up to 3!  I burned just under 300 calories.  Yay!  I'm about to go out to the pool/hot tub too.  I think I'll swim a lap or two and then chill out :)  It felt really good tonight, but I did have to slow myself down a few times when the heart rate was pushing 165.  Its amazing how quickly its getting easier.  I am thrilled, I had a stupid grin on my face while I was pouring sweat.

Just swimming laps in the pool - back and forth, back and forth.  Did my standard 900 yards; just a tad over 1/2 mile. Just keep swimming! Jana