Well, I’m stuck here recovering so I thought I should try out MarsEdit and write about my recent exercise related mistakes. I refused to believe common sense yet again. Apparently, abdominal muscles are hidden behind a layer of fat (on the average person). For several months I have been focusing on a variety of ab strengthening techniques. This had two side effects; one expected and one a surprise. I definitely got stronger. However, simultaneously, my stomach got bigger and my pants tightened up slightly. This was a result of my abs getting bigger and pushing the existing fat outward. I assumed some fat would be burned and there would be some kind of equilibrium. WRONG.

This is one of the reasons why I love exercising. It’s a constant battle and there’s always more to learn. Now, instead of focusing on abs, I have begun a new type of cardio that I have nicknamed “conversational.” Instead of doing a 5 or 10K on the ergometer at level 5+ (out of 10) after my lifting routine, I’m going to do it at level 3. This keeps my heart rate in the fat-burning range instead of the cardiovascular range. Since it’s slightly less challenging I can also focus on my form. Instead of throwing my body around trying to maintain a 2:20 split, I can make every stroke identical. At the end of the workout my abs feel completely destroyed instead of my entire body. I love it.

I wonder what I’ll learn next. Too bad I have to wait 12 more days before I can walk back into Equinox. Sigh.