Thursday Morning Step
I really wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get up this morning and get my cardio in, or get it in at all today. I was so sore yesterday, that I assumed today would end up a rest day. I think the Epsom salt bath did me some good though (or at least temporarily). I was up in time to do my workout and wasn't hobbling around, so I opted for Step Blast and abs from Step, Jump and Pump. It didn't hit me until about halfway into the 50-minute step workout that my legs were indeed still sore. Heavy is an understatement. But, I made it through and started the day full of energy.
Tomorrow I will take my rest day though. Today marked 6 straight days of workouts so a break is in order. I'll be finishing my 8-week Total-Body Training rotation on Saturday. I can't believe it's already over. I am determined to allow myself a week off from weights next week, then I need to find a new rotation. For quite some time, my weight rotations have been mostly muscle building and strength. I have grown to like those types of workouts - lower reps, heavier weights. However, I am wondering if I should go back to muscle endurance for a few weeks before starting another build/strength rotation.
Got any suggestions??? Do your prefer heavy weights with lower reps or lighter weights with higher reps?
Taking it Easy for Dinner
I really wasn't in the mood for cooking tonight. I opted for a quick, easy stir fry. I made a Spicy Peanut Stir Fry using: Quorn Chik'n Tenders, both frozen and fresh veggies, baby portobellos, a spicy szechuan stir-fry sauce mixed with approximately 1 tbsp natural creamy peanut butter over soba noodles.
I really liked the peanut butter flavor combined with the spicy szechuan. This was a nice, satisfying, and super fast meal. Perfect for nights when you just don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Way to get that workout in! I always talk myself out of workouts on days like that!
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like you need a rest.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time I prefer heavier weight and lower reps. But I also use lighter weight and higher reps when I am "resting". So I guess my answer is I use both but enjoy heavier weight more.
Dinner looks good, as always!
Alicia
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg I was already awake & most of the times getting moving helps with the sore muscles. Halfway through, though, I was rethinking that logic. EEK!
ReplyDeleteAlicia @ Vegan Epicurean definitely going to enjoy the rest day I can promise that much. I'll be so much better off for the final weight workout! I think I need to do a few weeks of the muscle endurance. I know I'll be sooo sore too since that's not what I've mostly been doing. Thanks for the dinner compliment! Means a lot coming from you!!
Awww, aren't you sweet! Thank you for the nice compliment.
ReplyDeleteAlicia
6 straight days..I think you deserve a rest! Can I just have your motivation for a week. haha.
ReplyDeleteYour dinner looks great! I am going to have to recreate it at some point.
Have a great weekend!
Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian I typically do workout Sat-Thurs and take Fridays off, unless I'm feeling particularly worn down. I don't know why, but I always feeling Friday is a reward and part of that reward is a rest day! Hope you have a great weekend too!
ReplyDeleteI love taking epsom salt baths, there really is nothing better for sore muscles! I definitely prefer lighter weights with more reps, but that's just because I'm not the strongest and it's way hard for me to do heavy weights.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenna @ Healthy Happy Well ! I'm wishing I could be enjoying an epsom bath right now. Spa day!
ReplyDeleteI love Quorn products because they are one of the few meatless products that is soy free! Now if only it could be gluten-free too! I swear I am hard to please! haha!
ReplyDeleteI generally do a variety of things with weights. Some workouts I will do more endurance, some I will do heavier. Some I'll do a mix of the two. I know my body likes when I keep it guessing ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for a rest day!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly We really like Quorn products too. Have you tried some of the ones that are stuffed? There is a cranberry and goats cheese that's super tasty.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Faith Fitness Fun thanks for sharing your workout thoughts. I didn't know what kind of advice I might get from some of those who've done the competitions.
YES, I LOOOOVE peanut butter with spicy chicken!!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteAs for lifting weights, I definitely prefer heavier weight, lower rep. You will get plenty of endurance from cardio or even HIIT workouts.
And you deserve a day of rest. 6 days in a row is pleeeeenty. :-D
Hey Carrie thanks for the weight advice. I love HIIT workouts too so that works for me!
ReplyDelete