So, this week, I met my personal trainer, Melissa, at 7AM on Wednesday morning. We immediately got to work with pushups first. This time the push-ups are on the weight bench, not the Smith Machine. I figured that would not be much different from using the Smith Machine, but I was totally wrong! It is much harder to do the push ups on the weight bench because it changes the angle of your hands and, thus, the muscles that you use. I was able to do 12, though, which is a number I am very proud of 🙂

Then, on to squats, of course. The weight for the squats this time was a 45lb barbell (no extra weight on the barbell – yet!). I have to do 18 reps and 3 sets. Yes, my butt hurts.

Then an exercise for the shoulders and a fabulous exercise for my hamstrings. Also, 18 reps on all and 3 sets 🙂

Next set – starts at Smith Machine, but this time, I start resting on my elbows and my knees. Then, I put my foot on the bar (pick one – left or right an switch for the next set) and push up. That is it. It is perhaps one of the best glute exercises ever! However, I had difficulty with my left hamstring working instead of the glute. I swore up and down that it was not sciatica, but later that night I had the familiar static-electric feeling in the hamstring/calf muslces. So, it was sciatic. However, Travis gave me another exercise, but I think I can do it on the Smith Machine too (same thing with leg bent at a 90 degree angle). Also, 18 reps. Working on Endurance!

Then onto the weight weight bench where I do one arm flies with my knees off the bench at a 90 degree angle and my opposite arm hugging my stomach. This is a very difficult move because you cannot counterbalance yourself. You must stay centered. 18 reps on each arm at 10lbs. Very challenging – especially for the left side.

BAck to the floor for some skull crushers, which work the triceps. 10lbs in each hand and you start laying down holding the weights xtended straight over your chest. Then you lower on either side of your head (not touching your ears or skull in any way – this is why it is called the skull crusher b/c if you are not careful you can crush your skull). Push back up to the ended position and then lower to where the top of your arms are on the floor and forearm is at a 90 degree angle from the upper arm. Then push up again. Very challenging. Also 10lbs. Also, 18 reps.

Finally, take a 9lb bar weight and lay on a side with under leg bent and upper leg straight. Lay bar weight on top of straight leg and hold slightly in front of hip. Lift top leg 18 reps. Feel the BURN!

Repeat 3 times.

This is not a difficult as last week as far as lifting the weight, but the 18 reps are the kicker. Melissa said that last week was to help build muscle, and this week is to work on giving that new muscle some endurance and speed. So far, I’m very sore on Day 2 after the workout. I’ll be doing the workout again tomorrow.