Dear Blog-ary,
The days are getting shorter and there’s a distinct crispness in the air, that nods to the changing of seasons. Autumn is finally upon us. And, although we may face colder, rainier workouts ahead of us at Alter Ego Fitness bootcamps, we will remain strong and committed to our cause! Earlier this week I realized that it’s finally time to put away my shorts until next season (sigh), and garb myself in the proper Fall workout attire. Even though we’re working up a sweat during class, I have an extra warm layer close at hand to keep myself from getting a chill!Tuesdays class started with a hill warm up. Of course the fastest and surest way to warm up in colder weather is quite simple. Run some hills! After our warm up, Loreli led us back to Beckwith Park where a few “treats” were waiting for us. This included, agility ladders, kettle bells, equalizer bars and weighted balls. Before we jumped into our main workout, she had us practicing our double push-up burpies and grabbing a glove to box with a partner. Definitely not a boring workout!
We all pushed ourselves hard and had to really focus on our technique throughout the workout. Near the end of the workout, we pulled out our dewy mats and practiced a few exercises that focused on strengthening our core muscles and stability. This took focus and concentration, and I’m sure looks way easier then it actually is. After all this, of course, we stretched our tired muscles and calmly reflected on what we had just accomplished.
Due to the increase of intensity in the workouts, and the fact that I am now running and training more, I’ve been feeling more strain and tiredness in my back and neck muscles. This is somewhat of a recurring outcome for me when I am pushing myself hard. I spoke to Loreli about this. She strongly encouraged me to keep stretching well after workouts and that I should see a massage therapist and chiropractor as soon as possible. It had been a long time since I had been in for a massage or a chiro appointment, and my body was starting to feel the side effects of my neglect. Loreli’s advice was a good reminder that I need to pace myself in training and seek the right help when it’s needed. Thursday evening I made it a priority to see that my body and muscles got the attention they needed. Just in time for my first 5K race on Sunday, at Goldstream Park! . . . . Kirsten Wolf