So when I initially started my workout challenge in September, I located a benchmark test online to track my fitness progress. I wasn’t sure there would be much to report. I knew my weight hadn’t really changed much and wasn’t really sure where else I would see results.
But I did the test this morning and so amazed by the progress!
My most impressive (to me) progress was gaining 1 inch of muscle on my biceps!!!
I unfortunately didn’t measure my thighs or calves when I started, so not sure if I gained anything there!
I lost .75 inches in my waist, 1 inch in my hips, and lost .8 lbs (I weighed in after breakfast so might not be accurate).
I can do 28 full push ups in 1 minute (vs 24 but I think I remember I did girly ones the first time, maybe…)
1:45 seconds of plank vs 50 seconds, 35 squats vs 27 squats in a minute.
I did the heart rate test again, but my heart rate increases when I finish up 3 minutes of steps so I’m not really sure what number I’m supposed to use…
Started my next 4 week set today, and I’m really trying to take advantage of the time I have to workout each day and get more gains. My goals with this set are to:
- Focus on eccentric phase of each exercise. For example, I have extended the eccentric phase of a squat that by slowing counting to 5 while lowering into the squat.
- Timing my rest periods. I’m still watching Ultimate Beastmaster while training, and often get distracted as the competitors try to move through the course. I now set a timer during my rest periods for 25 seconds so I can get myself back to working out.
- Keep progressing on exercises. Some of the exercises used in of this set are from the last set. I’m hoping to keep adding weight/reps to make more progress.
