Pain. The Good Kind.
On Monday, I wanted to do legs. I know, I know – it sounds ridiculous. Nobody wants to do legs, it’s just something you have to do.
Well, not this time. I actually really did want to do some legs work at the gym, because of my up-coming half-marathon and insane bike-ride from Helheimr. Although I accept that I need to develop my cardio endurance more than anything, I am also very aware that my legs (ankles and knees) have always given me issues.
I’m therefore keen to develop some decent strength around those joints, before I subject them to a pummelling. Perhaps this isn’t wise – who knows? Who cares! Bring on the pain!
Alas, however, the gym was – as ever – busy to the point of uselessness. In the end, I resorted to doing a triceps workout instead, to see if my elbow is back up to strength…
Routine of 16/05/2011:
Triceps:
Bench presses at 90kg
Close grip bench presses at 70kg
Triceps Pull-downs at 35kg
Triceps extensions at 27kg
Kick-backs at 12kg
Tricep dips
Press-ups
I’m pleased to report that everything went swimmingly and even now – 48 hours later – my arms ache and burn like the very sword of Surtr.
The next day, I decided to swap over and do back and biceps – the old classic. I had no other plans for the evening, so I took my time and did a nice mix of work.
Routine of 17/05/2011:
Back:
Chin-ups
Bent-barbell rows at 60kg
Lat Pull-downs at 70kg
Straight-arm lat pull-downs at 35kgBiceps:
Barbell curls at 27kg
Preacher curls at 25kg (or there abouts)
Dumbbell curls at 18, 12 and 8kg (final drop set)Abs:
Sit-ups, crunches and leg raises.
This one was a real killer. Towards the end, I was having real trouble with my grip strength.
On the one hand, it’s very frustrating, as I can’t seem to work hard enough without my grip giving out. On the other hand, it should mean that I develop my grip strength as quickly as possible, to make sure I develop well-rounded strength and endurance.
This is important, as I’ll only ever be as tough as the weakest part of me. Sounds like an Elbow lyric. I hate Elbow, so I’m done writing for today.