Day 26 - When Grueling is Good

Today was a cardio day at the Gym and my cardio of choice is the Elliptical machine. On this machine I get the most bang for my buck. It, by far, burns the most calories and is easier on my knees than the treadmill. However, today's workout seem extra arduous.

I use the Cardio setting on the machine to make sure that I get a good workout. I use a heart rate monitor to make sure I am working out in the cardio zone (though the machine does have a monitor on the handles). By using the monitor I am able to set the machine so that it keeps my heart rate at 163 beats per minute. I set the clock for a 45 minute workout which is immediately followed by a 5 minute cool down. I am able to tell how hard I am working by the number of rows that are lit up on the display panel as well as how many calories I am burning. For the first time today I made it over 1000 calories in my 50 minutes of working out, it was also the first time the resistance meter got to 5 bars and I definitely felt.

Though the workout seemed extra hard I take it as encouragement that my endurance and strength is increasing. I have to work that much hard to get and keep my heart at a 163 beats per minute. The distance and amount of time I could go at that pace is greater today than it was a couple of weeks ago and also the recovery time after the work out has shortened. Though I am no where close to running a marathon I feel good that I am making progress towards building up my strength.

TODAY'S STATS

Calories: 2450

Weight: 256.6 lbs

Mood: Wishing I had not eaten so much yesterday.

Total Weight Lost: 8.5 lbs since 1/1/09