Trainer Workout
Thom had the day off so he came to the gym with me to take photos while I worked out with my trainer, Shawna. We decided we could spend the hour doing some “fun” stuff since I have two more sessions scheduled this week. We started off with some plyometrics (explosive jumps) and then moved on to boxing. I really like the high energy of this kind of workout. These are a few of the things we did during the hour.
Click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger picture or to go to the full gallery.
Here I am working on my cheerleader routine while doing jumping lunges. This wasn’t too bad until Shawna decided to double the length of the last set. I guess I was making it look too easy. 
In this exercise I’m holding an 18 pound bar at shoulder height and I have an elastic around my ankles. I had to jump in and out for a minute while continuing to keep the bar at shoulder height. The first 30 seconds were pretty easy. The next 15 seconds hurt and the final 15 seconds seemed interminable. By the third set the entire minute was pretty tough.
I love jumping. When I first started working with Shawna I hated it. I felt very uncoordinated and like I was jumping and not getting anywhere. But I really see the benefit of plyometrics when I’m running up short, steep hills. My legs just don’t get as tired and I seem to have more power. The first set was on the lower bench and then we moved to the higher bench for sets two and three. For these I stand in front of the bench and jump straight up onto the bench, step down and repeat.
No, I’m not break dancing! Start on all fours, lift opposite leg and arm, twist to the arm side, control as you come down and repeat on the other side. One side is always easier than the other. The picture is of the good side.
Boxing is SO much fun! We did a bunch of different things, some just straight on punching, some sit ups with punches at the top and some kicking. Of course there’s also a little chitchat in there too.
Incline push-ups with the gloves on, not so much fun.
Okay, I’m wiped out, but it’s a good feeling.
January 4th I start my “serious” training for my first Half Ironman this year on May 23. I’m pretty excited about it and my knee seems to be nearly recovered.