De-Flab Me

I missed yesterday with menstrual cramps from hell (sorry for the TMI, but it’s true). They’re also invariably accompanied by severe lower back soreness. I’ve been told that getting in shape will help reduce cramp pain — is that true?

Anyhow, today I did arms / torso to make up for it. Still having issues with the abs vs. back thing. Even in those machines that are supposed to stabilize you, (I don’t know if they just don’t adjust to my size, or what), I find my back moves a lot in relation to the pads that are supposed to hold it steady.

Today’s workout:

Tricep dip: 40/15 x 3
Arm Extension: 20/10, 15/10, 10/10
Bicep Curl: 10/10, 10/12, 10/10
Seated Row: 20/15, 25/10, 25/10
Lat Raise: 10/10 x 3
Overhead Press: 10/10, 10/8, 10/8
Chest Press: 10/10, 10/10, 10/8
Torso Rotation: 10/10 x 3 (each side)
Ab Crunch: 30/15 x 3
Back Extension: 50/20, 55/15, 60/10
Plank: 15 sec x 3

Today was my first core / arms day.  The arms and shoulders are pretty straightforward, but core is really an issue for me.  Situps or even crunches or planks tend to make my back hurt; and ditto for the various ab machines.  I need to find a way to strengthen my core enough that I can actually work my abs instead of my back when I’m trying to work my abs instead of my back!

It probably doesn’t help that I tend to overdo it a bit on the actual back exercises.  I can move a whole lot of weight in that back machine without feeling any discomfort at the time, or even feeling like it’s difficult; but I know that come this evening, I’m going to be very, very sore.

This afternoon, one of my projects is to find some sort of worksheet so I can start keeping track of weights, reps, and progress.  Woohoo!