© 2021 by Ralph F. Couey
It's a rare member of the male gender who doesn't at one point look in the mirror and get the urge to pump iron. For some, that desire strikes in adolesence while for others it may hit during adulthood. The motivation generally sources from competition. For the most part, (andthis may be a hazardous generalization) girls dig muscles. But there's also the desire to berespected by other men, especially in a business environment where a lean, taut appearance ispart of what is expected. You know, survival of the fittest.
I've never been a part of that. Up until a year ago, I was always...um...large. But I did three things. I had a lap band put in, I lost 200 pounds, and then had the excess skin removed. While I'm far from model material, I am way leaner now. I've been exercising regularly since 2012, running, and then out of respect for my joints, briskly walking. My mileage is down this year because I just don't have the time like I used to. Still, I'm managing between 10 and 15 miles each week. Point being, my legs are in great shape. But I've done next to nothing with any other part.
I asked around and got some valuable opinions on dumbbells vs. kettlebells, and after searching and researching, I decided on a set of adjustable dumbbells by the fitness giant Bowflex. They'll adjust up to 60 lbs each, using a dial system. The box was delivered, and getting them in the house was a challenge. Once inside, I read the instruction manual, and then turned to a workout program I downloaded.
Since I had never done upper body work, I took things easy for the first three weeks. Once I was comfortable that those muscles were better toned, I upped the weight and intensity. I've been at this for about two months, and I'm beginning to see results. Not that I'm getting all bulgy, but when I have to lift or move things, its much easier. When I'm doing any kind of arm work, I have way more stamina. This really show up when I'm practicing my bodhran, that Irish frame drum. Playing a long set of fast jigs requires the ability not only to last, but to play accurately. I can do that better now.
The most surprising thing is that after all this time, my enthusiasm hasn't waned. Not only do I do the lifting 6 days out of seven, I still look forward to the challenge. This is a healthy thing for me, and if I'm faithful to my regimen, the long term benefits will be very good, and may add a year or two to my stay on this little planet.
If I can manage my time better, I'll add things like planks and crunches to the routine. I can then realize a better affect on the whole carcass. Like a lot of journeys, I'm not exactly sure where this will end up. But the greatest value is always in the journey.
Of course, there are the other things. The other evening, we were sitting on the couch watching TV. Cheryl distractedly wrapped her hand around my bicep. Suddenly she stopped, and squeezed the muscle. She then looked up, smiled, and said, "Wow!"
Like I said. Chicks dig muscles.
I've never been a part of that. Up until a year ago, I was always...um...large. But I did three things. I had a lap band put in, I lost 200 pounds, and then had the excess skin removed. While I'm far from model material, I am way leaner now. I've been exercising regularly since 2012, running, and then out of respect for my joints, briskly walking. My mileage is down this year because I just don't have the time like I used to. Still, I'm managing between 10 and 15 miles each week. Point being, my legs are in great shape. But I've done next to nothing with any other part.
I asked around and got some valuable opinions on dumbbells vs. kettlebells, and after searching and researching, I decided on a set of adjustable dumbbells by the fitness giant Bowflex. They'll adjust up to 60 lbs each, using a dial system. The box was delivered, and getting them in the house was a challenge. Once inside, I read the instruction manual, and then turned to a workout program I downloaded.
Since I had never done upper body work, I took things easy for the first three weeks. Once I was comfortable that those muscles were better toned, I upped the weight and intensity. I've been at this for about two months, and I'm beginning to see results. Not that I'm getting all bulgy, but when I have to lift or move things, its much easier. When I'm doing any kind of arm work, I have way more stamina. This really show up when I'm practicing my bodhran, that Irish frame drum. Playing a long set of fast jigs requires the ability not only to last, but to play accurately. I can do that better now.
The most surprising thing is that after all this time, my enthusiasm hasn't waned. Not only do I do the lifting 6 days out of seven, I still look forward to the challenge. This is a healthy thing for me, and if I'm faithful to my regimen, the long term benefits will be very good, and may add a year or two to my stay on this little planet.
If I can manage my time better, I'll add things like planks and crunches to the routine. I can then realize a better affect on the whole carcass. Like a lot of journeys, I'm not exactly sure where this will end up. But the greatest value is always in the journey.
Of course, there are the other things. The other evening, we were sitting on the couch watching TV. Cheryl distractedly wrapped her hand around my bicep. Suddenly she stopped, and squeezed the muscle. She then looked up, smiled, and said, "Wow!"
Like I said. Chicks dig muscles.
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