So, the other day I wandered into the nasty ol’ gym with a like-minded workout pal.

Since I had all this equipment available to me that was heavier than I have at home, I thought I’d do a little experiment to see how heavy I could go for a 2-3 rep max set.

HOLY MACKERAL!!

I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was.

That’s what you get for assuming.

I’ve been limiting my own progress with my preconceived notions about my abilities.

DANG IT !!!

I wonder where I’d be right now if I hadn’t done that? It’s anyone’s guess, really.

How about you? Are you holding yourself back with assumptions?

So, um… YAH!!

Off to FitnessTown I go, to get myself stocked up on stuff that actually CHALLENGES me the way it SHOULD!

I’ll not be catching myself making THAT mistake again!

By the way, if you’re in the market for some new fitness equipment for your own home workouts, I HIGHLY recommend checking out FitnessTown.

It’s where I buy ALL my home fitness equipment. All of it!!

And the coolest thing is that they SHIP!! So YOU can buy their awesome equipment, too!

FitnessTown – Your Fitness Equipment Experts

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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On my foray into that commercial gym last week (have you seen this: RANT: Why Are Some People Such IDIOTS In The Gym?) I saw something else that made me stop and scratch my head in bewilderment.

Listen, I know that some cardio is boring.

But so boring that you must read a magazine in the process? And therefore, let your workout suffer?

Can you really get your upper body working hard if you’re reading a magazine?

Um. No. You can’t.

So why is this gym now SUPPLYING magazines for it’s members to read on the cardio equipment?

And why are people still doing cardio they find THAT boring, when there are SO MANY other options available?

Keep your mind on your game.

If you’re so bored you have to resort to reading magazines, it’s time to change it up and go do something more interesting.

Things that spring immediately to mind include: HIIT (interval training), Weight Training SuperCircuits*, swimming, team sports like soccer …

… heck, even playing with the dog is fun and interesting, and if you’re doing lots of running and chasing games you’re definitely getting a good cardio workout.

So, don’t tune out in the pages of some time-wasting gossip magazine.

Get the MOST out of your workout by keeping your head AND your upper body in the game.

You’re there anyway, right? You may as well get as much out of it as possible!!

*At a loss when it comes to those Weight Training SuperCircuits I mentioned?

Craig Ballantyne has everything you’re looking for in his Turbulence Training Fat Burning Circuits Manual.

It has great and effective Weight Training Circuit Routines especially designed to burn fat that will get your heart racing and your blood pumping, and keep you motivated and interested for a long time to come.

Take a look at it here ==> Fat Burning Circuits

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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I admit it.

I was getting complacent.

I let myself fall into a rut with my workouts.

I’m human. I’m habitual.

Oops.

I’m glad I wised up in a hurry tho.

What made me clue in is that lately I haven’t been getting that feeling of “DOMS” (stands for “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness”) from my workouts that I crave so much (which also tells me I’m doing good things and progressing myself).

And NOT progressing is just NOT in the plan.

I refuse to be stagnant.

What’s the point of kidding yourself that you’re doing something that will get you closer to your goals when in reality you’ve hit a plateau and are just working towards … well, nothing? Or, just maintaining what you’ve already got, at the very least?

I want PROGRESSION. In every facet of my life, not just my physical self.

So, I needed an easy and fast way to change up my workouts asap.

Let’s just say I’ve welcomed DOMS back into my life again!

Yippee … I’m back on the road of progression!

Here’s what I did. It was a total no-brainer and is something anyone can do easily:

Don’t forget to head over to my interview with Scott Tousignant for some more awesome (and free) lean body tips and tricks: Scott Tousignant Rocks That Body

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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Phew. I’m pooped.

I’ve been working out hard all week.

… and when I say “HARD” I mean that during any spare time I have at all, I’m moving … with intensity … somehow …

Weight Training, Running, Swimming …

More Weight Training … More Swimming … More Running …

That’s Summer for you.

But, my body seems to be fighting back all of a sudden.

Dang it.

I might be “Over-Training”.

What do you think?

So, even though I think you’ll agree that I DO need a rest, since I have a little holiday coming up in a week, I’ll still continue to work out this week.

But I’m going to dial down the intensity so I don’t burn out completely … or heaven forbid … hurt myself.

Then, next week I’m gonna try to get some good recovery under my belt.

And the week after that, once I’m refreshed and (let’s face it) once I’m climbing the walls from TOO MUCH inactivity (which I surely will be doing after a whole week of ‘chill-axing’), I’ll be back to kick it HARD again (like I so love to do).

… cuz by then, I’ll be (more than) ready … and so will my brain and body.

I can hardly wait!

See ya soon!

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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545 451 (viddler dimensions)

Ok, here’s the final update on my latest traumam, which was having dropped a 35 lb plate on my foot over a week ago while working out (see “No Whiners, No Excuses … Just Get ‘er Done!“).

The truth of the matter is that it’s all very well and good to be mentally tough and a charter member of the “No Whiners Club” and not let every stupid little boo boo get you down …

… but it’s a completely other thing to NOT be STUPID about it, if you really do have an injury that needs time to heal.

So, I’ve decided that as much as I WANT to be stupid and go running anyway, it’s going to be better for me in the long run if I just let the damn thing heal …

So, all that being said, I’m gonna be smart and heal …

but while being smart, I’m ALSO gonna find ways that I can still get my good cardio burn in, bum foot and everything!!

After all, I don’t want a ‘bum foot’ FOREVER now, do I?

… and with that, I’m done talking about the foot. It will heal on its own good time and then I’ll be back to pounding that seawall into submission.

But until then, alternates WILL be found …

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname

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Yeeeah … so, um …

… further to my LAST post “No Whiners, No Excuses … Just Get ‘er Done!” where I confessed to having dropped a 35lb barbell plate on my foot during my last weight training workout (but not letting it stop me from finishing my workout) …

… here’s how the NEXT day went, when it was time to figure out what I was gonna do about getting my usual cardio session in (seeing as I usually go running, which requires healthy feet) …

So, here’s the deal …

If you DO screw up and wind up with an injury, it’s fine to experiment with what you think you can continue with …

… but if it becomes obvious that you’re gonna have to give it some down time to repair, then DO IT!

Don’t make things worse by being stubborn.

But, still find ways AROUND the problem so you can still get your sweat on, okay?

Seriously.

An injury really is NO EXCUSE.

Lower body injury? Work your upper body that much harder.

Upper body injury? Get it going on with an intense lower body workout.

And however you decide to work out, JUST MAKE SURE YOU GET SWEATY!

GOT IT?

GOOD!

I’m certainly not going to let the fact that I have to take a break from running interfere with getting my “cardio burn” in on schedule. Heck if I can’t replace my run with stairwell climbs either then I’ll be out swimming or even using the rowing machine if I have to …

So, I’ll see you out there workin’ it … no matter what.

Have a fit, fun and fantastic day!
Girlwithnoname

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Hey everyone. Guess what? I’m still working out!! LOL. Just joking, I know you all know I’m still working out. However, that computer trauma we all thought would be done with by the time HP did the right thing and sent me a new computer? Nope, not over yet. I don’t even want to try to describe for you what’s going on NOW (with the BRAND NEW TOP OF THE LINE UNIT) so you really must watch the vid to hear the latest. HP, SHAME ON YOU. This is beyond ridiculous.

I also wrap up about my Summer workouts and what I really must concentrate on with my workouts now that the Summer heat is over. I also really have to watch myself when it comes to distractions working out at home (as must you if you work out at home like I do).

Watch here for details:

(oh, and note to self: the lighting is different at night!!) LOL. Sorry for the dark lighting, I stood where I always stand just because it’s habit (and the lighting is the best there… DURING THE DAY! duh!!) … when I record video at night in the future I’ll try to remember that and find better lighting. Bear with me on this one please!!

Oh, also have you noticed? I’ve figured out how to add fade outs and titles to my videos!! Gee, how long have I been video blogging now? Too long to admit, given I only learned how to do this last week!!

HAHA!! See? Proves how bloody busy I am on a daily basis right? I can’t even find the time to learn something THIS basic!! OMG!!

But anyway, here’s my chance to point out the neat little title at the end of the video that promotes the cool new review that I wrote over on my FlabLabs site.

So go check out an awesome product and what I have to say about it here:

Girlwithnoname’s Review of Rob Poulos’ Fat Burning Furnace

… And as usual, I’m getting all smartypants with my Workout Song of the Day… don’t you think by now HP should be feeling just a little bit of Shame about what they’ve been putting me through? Well, here ya go HP, a song dedicated just to you. Shame on you!!

Besides being a good song to dedicate to HP and the Shame they should be feeling, the song is GREAT for weight training… all sorts of angsty emotion in this one. Give it a go, it will crank you up hard!!

STABBING WESTWARD – Shame

Don’t forget, if you love it and want it for your own collection, all you have to do it click on the “Buy” button on the player widget and you’ll be whisked over to Amazon where you can grab it for yourself.

That’s it for today everyone!! Hope your week has been fabulous so far. Weekend coming up!! Woo Hoo!! For anyone in Canada, LONG weekend coming up! It’s our Thanksgiving!!

mmm… turkey!!

So if you’re having Thanksgiving like I am, ENJOY … but be careful with the whole overindulgence thing… if you must, make sure you schedule it as your ONE cheat meal this week (otherwise known as “metabolism jack-up day”) and go for it, otherwise BEHAVE YOURSELF at the table, do you hear?!?

Have a great fit and fun day!! See you soon!
Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/10/yes-i-am-working-out/feed/ 2 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/computers-new-programs-and-coaching-oh-my/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/computers-new-programs-and-coaching-oh-my/#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:58:31 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2423

Hey everyone… how’s it going? Summer’s back in Vancouver and I’m racing to the beach for an unexpected hot sunny beach day!! Yippeeeeeee!!!

But, before I head out I thought I’d better catch you up on me a bit. Been super busy with a lot of computer work on a new venture I can’t wait to show you guys (soon… soon… very soon!!), as well as doing a whole bunch of training with clients, both offline here in Vancouver as well as online. If you’re new here and haven’t checked out that banner at the top of the page yet, I invite you to pop in there and check out what I’ve got on offer on my Online Fitness Coaching page! Would love to hear from you.

I’ve changed up my routine again and finally… its OFFICIAL!! I can now chest press my 35lb dumbbells!! Woo Hoo!!! It only took me months to be able to get those babies up 3 sets in a row, for all my reps!! I’m very proud of myself!

…and finally… what’s going on with my computer that’s never worked right since I bought it in April? Don’t get me started… but feel free to check out my latest diatribe below!!

Oh, and today’s Workout Song of the Day has been chosen in honour of the (damn) computer. The thing is Trash, and I want HP to replace it. Seriously. Do not ever buy an HP… you’ll regret it. I know I will never, ever buy another HP. Not so much because the computer is garbage but because while their service is fine… the guy is polite and trying to be helpful, although failing miserably), their PROBLEM RESOLUTION procedures suck like nobody’s business…

So, because the computer is Trash, here’s a SONG called “Trash”… its a great song for weight training OR cardio… it’s full of angst and has a great beat too… enjoy!!

THE WHIP – Trash

Don’t forget, if you love it you can buy it fast by clicking on the “Buy” button on the player widget above.

That’s it for today. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for just… one… more… beach… day… tomorrow!! eeeeeeee!!!! A girl can hope, can’t she??

See ya soon!
Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/09/computers-new-programs-and-coaching-oh-my/feed/ 4 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/08/forward-head-and-rounded-shoulders/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/08/forward-head-and-rounded-shoulders/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:21:01 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2249

Hey everyone. I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about a couple of physical syndromes that seem to be more prevalent in today’s society than ever: Forward Head Syndrome and Rounded Shoulders (also known as Kyphosis). My airplane ride a couple of weeks ago really got me focused on these physical issues and the more I remain aware of them the more I see them every where I go. Please watch this video, its an important one:

and oh, sorry, I had a mind-stall while I was recording and couldn’t remember the name of the back muscles in the middle of your back: those are your Trapezius muscles, and Rhomboids. So, yep, work your Latissimus Dorsi (sides of your back) and work your Traps and Rhomboids too, ok? Lots of Dumbbell, Barbell or Cable Rows and Reverse Flyes!! Lets get our shoulders back where they belong by strengthening the muscles that hold them back there. While you’re at it do some stretching for your chest so your chest muscles aren’t too tight and holding your shoulders forward. Stretching the front of your neck and strengthening the back of your neck can’t hurt either!!

Here’s today’s Workout Song of the Day… as usual I do my best to keep the song in line with the post. Anyone I’ve ever seen marching, in a parade or half-time at a football game or wherever, always seem to have great posture. Don’t they? Therefore, today’s song is called “The Marching Song” and its GREAT for cardio. It has a great driving beat to drive you forward!! Enjoy!

THE POINTED STICKS – The Marching Song

Don’t forget: if you love it, go get it. Just click on the Buy button on the player widget and it whisks you off to Amazon’s music area. Super easy!

That’s it for today gang!! Hope you have a great week planned. My computer is getting dissected again tomorrow so I have no idea when I’ll be back, but I hope its soon! Wish me luck!

Girlwithnoname



]]> http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/08/forward-head-and-rounded-shoulders/feed/ 6 http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/08/blame-the-computer/ http://www.girlwithnoname.com/2009/08/blame-the-computer/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:20:05 +0000 Girlwithnoname http://www.girlwithnoname.com/?p=2235

Hey everyone… sorry I’ve been gone as long as I have… as you can read in the Title: you can BLAME THE COMPUTER!!! I’m traumatized really.

Plus I catch you all up on what I’ve been up to with workouts and how my forehead is healing since I banged into the barrier at the pool last week! D’oh!! I also touch on when is an appropriate time to be changing up an average weight-training routine… cuz I’m way overdue to change up my own.

Here’s today’s Workout Song of the Day. While I was running today it came on my mp3 player and while its not a hard driving beat or angst-ridden, its still a good running song for me, just because its so moody it takes my head to places unknown, which seems to have an effect on how hard I run. Plus the title is apropo for working out … if YOU think the minutes drag while you’re working out, they won’t drag as slowly with this awesome song playing! I’ve never met a Love and Rockets song I didn’t love.

LOVE AND ROCKETS – Haunted (When The Minutes Drag)

Don’t forget, if you love it too, you can go get it for yourself by clicking on the buy button on the player widget.

That’s it for today. I’m lucky I got this one out, no thanks to this fabulous (not) computer of mine.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Girlwithnoname



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