>U Mom Knows Best: Fitness Update: Exercises That Have Helped Me See Results

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Fitness Update: Exercises That Have Helped Me See Results

Six months ago, I made changes in my fitness routine and I am here to update you on what exercises helped me see results.


 Six months ago, I decided that I wanted to make the muscles in my back more toned. I was tired of looking at my back in photos and I decided to try some different exercises to see if I could make my back muscles stronger. So I did some research on the best exercises for stronger back muscles to see which exercise machines at the gym would work the back muscles. I also looked up the best weightlifting exercises for back muscles.

To understand my why for wanting to transform my back muscles, I will fill you in on some information about my fitness journey.

 It was the year 2019 that I decided to take my fitness to a new level. At the age of 54, my muscles were weak and flabby. I think being over 50 and the change of life thing may have had something to get my body getting weak or it may have been due to the simple fact that as I runner, I never made time for strength exercises. Take my advice and while you are young make sure to include some exercises for your muscles in your workout schedule. Strength exercises make a huge difference as you age.

 When I turned 54 my arms started to get flabby and looked like "BINGO arms" like my middle son said. After attending a fitness conference in July 2019, I noticed that I did not have the arm strength to do most of the floor exercises. As a person who had a need for speed, I only did running and fast walking for my exercise time. I knew that I had to do something to make my arms stronger. The fitness event gave me the needed motivation to make some changes to my body. When I returned home I started lifting weights and in 6 months, I was amazed at how weightlifting helped with body toning. Check out my before and after body photos.

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 In these 4 years, I have seen my body transform from weak to strong. 

 Of course in the year 2020, due to dumb covid, I had plenty of time on my hands to do more at-home weight exercises and I made some huge body changes that year. So I stuck with my workout routine for several years, working out at home on my Nordictrack equipment.  I got stuck in a fitness routine and I became displeased with the way my back looked in photos. 


 It was a photo of me using the WeGym Rally X fitness equipment that made me want to strengthen my back muscles. 

 Then in the fall of 2022, my husband made the decision to commit to fitness at the gym and I started going to the gym 5 days a week. I now had more options for fitness equipment to work out on and decided to do some research on which exercise machine does what for the body's muscles. I made sure to focus on the back muscles and I discovered that the rowing machine was a gym machine that worked all the muscles in the body. 

 I also discovered that I could do certain exercises with the TRX Bands to build the back muscles. I know that there are other strength training machines in the gym that could build the muscles in my back but they are always in use by the weightlifting lunks.


 So I made a commitment to use the rower machine for 6 months ~ 5 days a week along with the TRX bands for 6 months to see if they made a difference to my back muscles. I also added the LIT AXIS resistance bands to my 3X-a-week strength training exercise routine.

I was amazed at my body transformation after 6 months

 My husband decided that we should do our gym time before he went to work. That meant getting to the gym at 6:30 AM! I quickly learned to become a morning person as he wanted to go to the gym and I was happy to support him. So every morning, I started my gym routine on the Concept 2 indoor rowing machine. I listened to my music and rowed for 20 minutes.


 I discovered that the rower machine did work the whole body as I was using my legs, arms, and abs to exercise. My technique to best row on the rowing machine was to alternate my row at 30 strokes per minute for 2 minutes and then speed up for a minute at 35 strokes per minute. Using the ifit program that came with my studio cycle helped me come up with this rower exercise method.

I also used the treadmill and the elliptical at the gym

 I used to not like working out at a gym but receiving allergy shots means that I can't run outside. Now that I have been attending the gym for almost a year, I have learned to enjoy my gym workouts. It is having a variety of gym cardio equipment that helps. So I tend to do 20 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes on the elliptical after I row.

 I also have added in 10 minutes of daily strength exercises to my fitness routine and have been using the TRX bands to do squats, pushups, and pull-ups. I also have been using a 20-pound kettlebell to do 50 squats a day.

It takes showing up and doing the work to see changes

 I have been exercising for health benefits for a long time so I have no problem with a fitness plan. It takes commitment and work to see results, so be patient. Your body did not get out of shape overnight. It took years of unhealthy habits. So don't expect to see body and health changes right away. Show up at least 3-5 days a week for 30-60 minutes of exercise. Treat your body right and give it what it needs to be healthy. Think of your body as a car. If you put bad gas in your car and don't do regular maintenance, it does not work right. 


 I am that person who enjoys exercise because I have been doing it for many many years. Good music helps too! I feel better after I exercise and just in the past year with my asthma issues, exercise has made my lungs stronger. Stronger lungs have helped me recover faster after an asthma issue. 

You choose ~ excuses or a healthy body

 You may feel healthy right now but a lack of healthy habits will catch up to you when you get older. It was high blood pressure and being pre-diabetic that finally got my husband to see the importance of exercise. I am almost 58 and other than allergy-induced asthma, I have no health problems, thanks to a healthy diet and fitness. 

 Yes, fitness can be a pain, and finding time can be hard. I get it, as I have raised 5 kids. I remember the days of turning on music and dancing in the house for 20 minutes for my exercise time. You can even break up your fitness and sneak exercise into the day with these fitness tips.

My teen boys have discovered the benefits of weights 

 My teen boys have decided to lift weights to help with their track events. Parents, your kids do notice your healthy habits. The older teen is a fast runner and the other one throws a discus and javelins for their track events. I just love seeing my older teen talking to his younger brother about the benefits of weights.

Enough talking and time for photos

April 2023                                          October 2022


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looking good with your workout routine! I admire your dedication - also would love to learn how to use the TRX. Stephanie

AiringMyLaundry said...

You are looking great! I need to start exercising more. I do try to jog daily but I have areas that need to be toned.

Lisa said...

Wow, you really look amazing! You really put a lot of work into your results, no short-cuts, just showing up and doing the work like you say! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Monica said...

Job well done! It's so hard for me to remain consistent. I want to try those bands out.

Lavanda of Appetizers & Entrées said...

Thank you so much for sharing your fitness journey and the exercises that have helped you see results! It's so inspiring to see the progress you've made and the dedication you've shown to your fitness routine. Your transformation is amazing, and it's clear that hard work and commitment really do pay off. I'm definitely going to take your advice and start incorporating more strength exercises into my routine. Thank you again for sharing, and keep up the great work!



Joline said...

Way to go! I personally love kettlebells. Simple moves but they work out so many muscle groups.

Richelle Milar said...

Wow! You really are looking great! I think I also need to start exercising and do some working. Thanks for sharing this with us

Tami Creates said...

You're looking great! :) I need to do better about doing my workouts more regularly and consistently!

Marysa said...

That's great that you were able to use these tools for success. I would like to give some of these a try, as I am getting back into a fitness routine.

Beautiful Touches said...

It's always so satisfying when there are visible results to our fitness efforts! Thanks for sharing your best practices with us!

Gust si Aroma said...

I can see the difference! Thanks for sharing these secret tips with us.

Zab Zaria said...

My exercise routine needs to be more consistent and regular so that I can progress in my fitness journey.

Rub Md said...

Thank you for creating a space where individuals can find motivation, learn new techniques, and discover the exercises that can genuinely make a difference. Your passion for fitness is contagious, and it's evident that you're making a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of your audience. Here's to another year of growth, achievement, and inspiring even more people to prioritize their health and fitness. Keep up the fantastic work, and may your blog continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the years to come! đŸŒŸđŸ’ª

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