Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Still going strong.

I've been faithfully working out at Curves since I joined. I try to go three times a week. Although, last week I only made it twice because of the jewelry show I was getting ready for. But, I've already gone on Monday and Tuesday this week. And I am finally feeling sore in my muscles, which means I am working harder than when I first started.

The difference came when I received my Curves Smart Card last Thursday. It's a small card that you insert into every resistance machine during your workout. It is specifically programmed for each person based on age, weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, range of motion on each machine, and muscular strength. It knows, on each machine, what my maximum potential is (based on # of reps, and how hard I'm pushing). If I'm doing what I should, the display will light up green. If not, it will flash orange. The goal is to keep the light green for the whole time at each station. It is HARD! I'm not exaggerating. I've done pretty well so far at keeping it green on most of the machines. The only one I seem to have difficulty with is the inner thigh press. I can not make that one go green to save my life! My adductors need some work, apparently.

At the end of the workout, you then insert the card into the main computer to see instant results. It tells you how hard (by percent) you worked each machine, and also breaks it down by muscle group. It tells you how many calories you burned, and all sorts of other useful info. And if you come in two days in a row, it automatically adjusts your workout to be more of a cardio workout (i.e. the green light comes on easier), as to give your muscles a recovery day.

I really love this new technology. No more counting reps or putting weight plates on as I have done in past weight training programs. I love the challenge to push myself harder at each workout. And I'm really feeling the difference.

No comments: