stationarily at the gym.
healthily, healthily, healthily
you will always be … trim.
See, that’s why I leave the poetry to my mother. Though, it’s much better than my original ending of … you will always have flexible hips. That doesn’t rhyme. Furthermore, is stationarily even a word? Ugh! I think I’ll just stick with blog posting.
background:
I have bad hips, especially on my left side. It’s a familial issue. My younger sister had both hips done at age forty. My younger brother has similar difficulties. But, shit, I can barely tie my shoe some mornings. And, it’s not a motor skills impairment, okay. Damn joint just won’t budge. It really is bothersome. So, I decided to take back my hips. Actually, I’ve been working on it for the last few months, trying different exercises to see what route would be most beneficial. And, the Black Concept 2 rowing machine seems to fit my lifestyle the best.
I have never been a stationary anything, especially the treadmill – so fucking boring as far as I’m concerned. Physical Therapy can be quite expensive. I have tried yoga – you know, that Bikram ‘hot’ yoga shit. Well, that didn’t agree with my body either. Besides, each session was a two hour commitment AND there were sweaty, half-naked people with open sores on their backs. Gross. That’s a post in itself. Lastly, changing things up at the gym takes both time and creative energy. I’m not that patient, considering I usually only have 39 to 43 minutes to workout.
One day, I overheard some dude bragging about the rowing machine. I tried it on my next visit and … . I liked it.
Benefits:
- burns two to three times the amount of calories than Spinning,
- works 9 major muscle groups: quads, hamstrings, glutes, lats, core, shoulders, triceps, back and biceps.
- an amazing cardio workout.
- great for injury prevention, rehab and runners
- low impact alternative to other activities.
sequence:
legs, hips, arms – arms, hips, legs ( NOTE: if you reorganize this list, it DOESN’T work )
technique:
- don’t grip too hard – the handle should travel in sync with your seat for the initial leg drive portion of the stroke.
- drive with your legs
- hinge at the hips – sit up tall, and wait
- focus on a consistent, steady movement – feel the flow as you row (that last part was all me – I should really abandon all attempts of rhyming. I think it’s best.)
- breathe properly – easier said than done. Yet the key to, like, everything.
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/17-tips-for-getting-better-at-rowing
afterthought:
Seems easy enough, eh? Umm, NO! This is hard work. The next day I just ache. But, it’s a good ache. Yes, I know I’m fifty-one. Believe me, even a twenty-five year old would ache. Hopefully, with patience, the end product will be achieved. I will once again be able to tie my shoe. Now if I could master that whole using a fork and spoon thing. Hmm … .