Arms like it has been under a steamroller...

Had this little conversation on MSN with a gym buddy last week:

Buddy: I think you better stop doing your cardio *(cardiovascular exercises).

Me: Huh? Stop cardio? Why????!!!???

Buddy: Err… Let’s just say that I noticed something.

Me: What?

Buddy: Just stop, k…

Me: But if I stop, I’ll get FAT!

Buddy: I can see you are losing weight. But you are doing cardio excessively.

Me: Excessively? So….????

Buddy: Sigh… excessive cardio will make you lose muscle. Causes flabbiness…

Me: Me? Flabby muscles???

Buddy: No… you got NO MUSCLES!!!! :P

As a result of this conversation, he has worked out an exercise regime for me. Firstly, to tighten muscle by lifting weights, then continue with cardio exercise to burn fats. With the muscle built-up, the muscles will be burning fat during sleep *smiles*. Would be sticking to this training schedule for at least 3-4 months, and then he’ll come up with a new regime. Apparently, we’ve got to keep changing our regimes so that our body do not adapt to the exercises. Then, our workout time can continue to be effective.

Did you know that our bodies will burn carbohydrates the first 20-25 minutes during cardio, and whatever after that is burning protein? That’s why excessive cardio will lead to muscle loss *Ooooooo…*. It’s better to do 5 minutes of cardio to warm-up, then 30 minutes of weights to tighten muscles, then the body should be a bit tired by now and another 20-25 minutes of cardio to burn fat would be good.

I started weight training last Sunday coached by my *ahem* unpaid gym buddy *giggle*. Very nice of him indeed to show me the proper techniques to weight lifting and to man the gym equipments. So, its:

Day 1: Work on chest and triceps; do the forward crunch; cardio.
Day 2: Cardio.
Day 3: Work on back and biceps; do the reverse crunch; cardio.
Day 4: Cardio
Day 5: Work on shoulders; do the forward crunch; cardio.
Day 6: (optional) Work on legs
Day 7: Rest

Actually, it’s really kind of fun going to gym regularly. Apart from feeling and looking better with the weight loss, I feel as if I’ve got more energy as I go about my daily routine. Using my apartment’s gym, I can afford to go daily cause it’s just a “lift” away… it’s so convenient *smiles*.

Today, I’m on Day 4 supposed to be doing simple cardio. So, am checking out Fitness First at The Curve this evening. Boss at work just joined as a member, and he invited me using one of his ‘free visitor passes’ *grin*. Just thought it would be great to check out the newest Fitness First center, just to see how much better the layout and environment is, compared to the one at Uptown. Not to join as a member of course, since now I have my gym buddy as a personal trainer… *giggle* ;)

From all the biceps and triceps training, my arms feel like it has been under a steamroller… *urgh!*