Nat is back at strength training

Somewhere along the way strength training fell off my routine over the last six months.

I injured my lower back in the winter. Part of my recovery was limiting some types of movement. I had to be very careful with what activities I did to not further aggravate my lower back.

While strength training helps recover from and prevent lower back injuries I found myself sticking to my physio but not much else.

Michel and I started back with a Peloton 30 minute full body class on Sunday. He loves Andy as an instructor and I love heavy metal music. Thankfully Andy has a few heavy metal workouts so we were both pumped to get back at it.

The first class I used three pound dumbbells to warm up and five pounds for the core movements. I focused on form.

Two days later my pecs were tender. What? Even with that light of weights?

Last night we did the same class again right after work. I bumped up to 10 lb weights for some exercises but stuck with fives for the rest.

I caught sight of my reflection during a suitcase squat. I appreciated how strong I felt and how quickly my body was responding to training.

Michel looked at me. “I love you so much. Thank you for doing this with me.”

He is starting to hate strength training a bit less. He credits that to us making it a date. I love that we can modify moves, swear and complain in our basement without bothering anyone else.

It is no small feat, to regularly carve out time for strength training. I had thought with me being retired I would feel an abundance of time. It is surprising how many demands are on my time. My expectations have also changed. I suffer from being an optimist and underestimate how long a given task will take.

Our goal is to lift weights three times a week. I do love it. I feel badass and the heavy metal music makes my heart sing.

Metal is working class opera. I love the big feelings, intense vocals and shredding guitar. The music gives a place for my effort filled grunts and complex thoughts about my fitness to go. It’s a winner.