Stronger But Very Sore

Let’s just go ahead and get it out of the way. I know what most of you are wondering. Did I throw up yet? I’m very happy to say that despite coming very close during some sprints on Monday, my bootcamp adventure is still throw up free. Yeah for me.

So, I’m now halfway into week two of bootcamp and we have had a completely different workout every day. I’m liking that aspect of the program. I certainly never feel bored and while it stinks to be sore after every workout (and sore in totally different places every time) it does make me feel like I’m accomplishing something. Sore means I’m working hard and that’s what this is all about.

Rather than go into great detail about the day to day, I figured I would share a few things I have learned through this experience.

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1. I get more done by getting up early

   Yes, I am tired when I first get up and I’m far from accustomed to the schedule yet. However, I LOVE being wide-awake with a workout behind me by 6:45 a.m. It kind of changes your whole mindset and I definitely needed that.

2. I understand the term bootcamp now

   Being in this together with what is basically a group of complete strangers was awkward on day one but has now become fun. The fact that the camp is just for women is a huge part of it. I don’t feel any competition just camaraderie and even though there are some women who are very obviously in better shape, I never feel bad about myself during the workout. In fact, the workouts are specifically designed to “leave no woman behind” and I really like that.

3. I am stronger than I thought

   Everyday, Keisha asks us to do more and more that I honestly thought I wouldn’t be capable of doing. Each time, I do it, or some version of it, and am glad I tried. I still can’t do more than one good push up (yet) but I feel confident I’ll get there by the end of the camp.

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[box type=”error”] I want to admit to a bit of stupidity on my part only because if you can’t laugh at yourself, well, then you shouldn’t laugh at anyone else. Right? Last Tuesday (the day after my first bootcamp) I was very pumped about getting up early and staying on schedule and working out again. I know from experience that the easiest way to get over sore muscles is to exercise and I figured, why not go to a yoga class and get a great stretch in. So, I get up and go to the 5:30 yoga class at the Hogan Y. I should have known something was up when about half the class was men. I’ve been to quite a few yoga and pilates classes in my day and I have almost never seen a man in any of them. Still, I think to myself, “maybe all the men are going to the really early classes,” and shake it off. Then the class starts. Ten minutes into the class I was about to cry. Twenty-minutes in I was almost hysterical with laughter. I am obviously an idiot. I thought going to a class that would be a great “day-off” from bootcamp. Turns out I was in POWER YOGA ! All I have to say is I will not be returning anytime soon. Good class but not for beginners. LESSON LEARNED: Read the class descriptions.
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