"Health is Wealth" as the old saying goes. Specially as we age, we should be more conscious about our inner body next to how we look from the outside. For a non-athlete type of person like me, it's never too late to be fit and healthy. So, i did a fitness clothes shopping and hit the gym.
It's my first day so i went at around 8:30 in the morning. I was greeted by their young receptionist and gave my locker key and started to get ready. I was then introduced to my instructor and so my getting fit and healthy goal started. Let me share to you my first experience and the equipments i used during my first day in particular order:
Thread mill
The basic, as i describe it. A cardiovascular equipment used for walking and running while staying in the same place. Features a conveyor-style belt that rotates at varying speed. Before you begin, make sure that the belt is not moving as you might injured yourself from getting dragged out of the machine. Since it's my fist time it is recommended to begin with walking. My instructor set me in 30 minutes time with a minimum speed. I enjoyed the benefit of this machine as i don't have to look out for hazardous elements on the ground such as holes and rocks. Keeping me balanced as i am holding into the handlebars with my eyes looking outside the window. Gradually increasing speed but not to tire myself as i know this is just a warm up to a more sweat releasing routines. I ended up in a 5 minutes slow walk then get off. Taken rest for 2 minutes.
Stretching
Stretching after the work out is important. Standing in an open area, my instructor shows me how to do the Shoulder Stretch. Putting my arm on my chest and grab forearm with the opposite arm, pulling my arm until i can feel that my shoulders are being stretch.
Dumbbells - Front Raise
Standing up and holding a 4 lbs dumbbells on each hand in front of my thighs, palms facing my body. Raising the dumbbells forward then up until my arms are close to being parallel to the ground and lower back down. Again, another first for me and i can feel excitement as i move the dumbbells in an up and down motion. Repetition: 15 counts; 3 sets. Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Chest Press Machine
And then there goes this Seated Chest Press Routine. Looking at this equipment makes me say "Uh-Oh this is it!". This thing is gonna make my whole muscle move! So, "ok" i said as my instructor directed me towards the machine. As a starting position, i sit down in seat and my back is straight and supported on the pad, pressing my feet on the bar below to grip the handles near my chest, elbows are above ankles and pushing the handles forward by strengthening elbows. Repetition: 15 counts; 3 sets. Muscles Worked: Chest
Front Lap Pull Down
And last but not the least... Front Lap Pull Down. At this point in time, i told myself "Enough Already!" as my heart is beating fast like it will jump out of my body. Looks like I'm gonna be needing a lot of water supply here! As I am taking my 1 minute rest, i caught my eyes running around the whole area wondering "what's next huh?" To begin this exercise, I sit down on the padded chair and making sure the knee pad fits my height. Then grabbing the bar attached to the top pulley, as i breathe out bringing the bar down until it touches my chest. Repetition: 15 counts; 3 sets. Muscles Worked: Lats, Biceps, Middle Back & Shoulders.
It's been almost 2 hours already so i decided to end my first session. Had a short talk with my instructor and then hit the shower.
For years of declining friend's invitation to enrol in a gym, I now finally understand the significance it brings to an individual. I now feel stronger, energized, vitalized and most of all, I re-gained my positive outlook in life. As we all know, exercising is one of the best way to combat STRESS, right! So, wherever you are, at home or in the office, anytime of the day, stretch and do exercise!
I cannot wait until my next session! Looking forward for the upcoming days of working out and sweating more! I bet it will be more intense this time!
