Fun of a different kind!

[Catrin]

That's great, Catrin. This becomes more reinforcing as you get older, believe me. A big part of this is knowing when to rest and how to modify, just as you have. I've had pressure from some of my fellow boot camp people and a sly comment from the instructor I like, that I should use another riser when we use the step, whether it's for jump ups or just any step move. But I know that I'd probably trip and kill myself and also that my achilles would be screaming. Maybe eventually, but right now I'm happy with what I am doing.

I agree, it pays to know what is going on with our body. My coach isn't pushing me to use the next higher box for box jumps, even though I am only using the 14-incher. He pays attention at how far we clear the current height and I don't think I clear it by much. I am short It gets humbling when he puts me on a lower height than the others for step-ups (especially weighted), but I know it is for my own good. The way he pushes us, I know he isn't just trying to be easy on me. I've been focusing on trying to keep my ego out of things when I do have to modify, and that in itself can be a challenge...

[Crankin]

Well, one thing that makes me chuckle is when people (we are all regulars and the others all seem to be tri-athletes or runners) start out with heavier weights for certain sets. I, on the other hand, start out with the ones that I know will let me complete all of the reps, with good form. By the end, the others have put the heavy ones down and switched out to what I use. Of course, I vary the weight by type of exercise and who is teaching. I try not to let my ego get in the way, because I know I am at least 15 years older than most of them. So, they are not babies, but in their 40s, a few are 50-ish and occasionally, we have a young one come in (they can't stick it out!). I often, though, can outlast them in all things cardio, and end up running with 2 of the super fit tri-athletes, who are also the oldest next to me. But, one of them, who I really like, is a bit of an exercise bulimic (new diagnosis), as I have seen her going off to do more on the eliiptical, or run outside after class. And, she's always fighting injuries. It is hard not to compare, but even when I was in my early 30s and teaching at the gym, I could not do what others did... like teach back to back classes a few days a week. As it was, I was sick all of the time from no rest and 7-8 classes a week.

[Irulan]

Today was the annual mile lunge day.
Right.
I opted for the 1/2 mile option; that's more than enough. Anytime you paused for any sort of a break, you had to pcik one of the following and do it to failure: bridge, side bridge, push through, curls, presses, skydivers, single leg extensions.... I added burpees to the list since I've been doing my friends' "30 Burpees a Day Holiday Challenge" on Facebook.

[Catrin]

Today was the annual mile lunge day.
Right.
I opted for the 1/2 mile option; that's more than enough. Anytime you paused for any sort of a break, you had to pick one of the following and do it to failure: bridge, side bridge, push through, curls, presses, skydivers, single leg extensions.... I added burpees to the list since I've been doing my friends' "30 Burpees a Day Holiday Challenge" on Facebook.

I LIKE this one, and I agree that 1/2 mile of lunges done properly is quite sufficient. I had group training today (and will Thursday), and we are having a special group "Funday" workout tomorrow morning. I know he is going to kick our azzes in an epic way, so there will be a good brekkie in the morning. Great way to get in your burpees for the day! I am going to remember your 1/2 mile lunge challenge for when I am working solo.