Pilates

I woke up this morning with very little pain in my neck, so I decided to do pilates again today to see if it would continue to help.

I asked Luke if he wanted to join me. I don't know if he accepted because he wants to become more flexible, or if it's because it's our anniversary and thought it would be a nice gesture, or who knows. Whatever the reason, it was fun exercising with someone for a change.

At right is a picture of Luke doing a twist exercise from the Pilates for Dummies DVD. My chiropractor says I should NOT twist at the waist, so I had the opportunity to snap this picture.

Pilates

Or as my aunt says, "Pilots."

Because I am still having some pain in my neck and shoulders, I decided to do some pilates today, instead of running or strength training, in order to help stretch out and loosen those tight muscles. It seemed to help.

At right is my go-to DVD for Pilates, and a picture of me doing one of the Pilates for Dummies moves. I also have some "express" Gaiam pilates DVD that was included in my cereal box once.

Luke watched me do the Gaiam DVD pilates routine, and said he was amazed at how flexible I am (which, I didn't think I was). He shared this when I did an exercise while lying on my back; one leg is outstretched straight on the floor, the other is outstretched straight above me and I'm holding that leg's calf in my hands; then I alternate my legs, grabbing the other leg's calf as I alternate. (Although it looks similar, the picture at right is not the exercise I just described.)

Luke was determined to show me how flexible I am compared to him, so he did the 10-minute Gaiam routine.
Ok...I'm convinced!

Pain Tracker

So last night, my neck and right shoulder area was feeling sore. I woke up this morning and it was stiff and painful.

After icing it (which seemed to help the most) and then putting heat on it while I worked (which didn't help at all), I decided to go to my chiropractor. My bones definitely moved around, but the muscular pain didn't go away.

I think carrying Baxter the 3 or 4 blocks yesterday caused the "injury."

It wasn't until I smeared some "Tylenol Extra Strength Precise," pain relieving cream (Tylenol's version of Icy Hot, I think) that I finally was able to move around and help Luke hang more pictures in our new place.

I was meant to do strength training today, but I best give my body some time to heal.

Pounding Concrete

So after work today, I went on a 3-mile run with Baxter. It was cooler today when we ran than the time before, which helped him get through it, I think.

And when we got to the hill leading back into downtown Saint Paul, I decided to walk it, to avoid stirring up a heel injury, and because it seemed as if Baxter really needed it.

After we got up the hill, and I tried running again, Baxter refused to pick up the pace again. After the nice walk up the hill, I expected him to be game for running again. And then I noticed that Baxter was limping slightly.

I had him roll over so I could see the bottom of his paws, and sure enough, Baxter was injured. Running on concrete had rubbed the pads on his paws down to the skin, and he winced when I touched them.

I decided to carry him the 3 to 4 blocks to a park where he could walk on the grass. And then he was able to walk the rest of the way home. Poor guy. I guess I will need to find a different running partner.

As a result of all the walking, I gave up on timing my mile pace. I'm just glad Baxter and I got through it.

Bounce Back

For those of you who do not follow my boring "Flash Food" blog (really, you're not missing out on anything), then know that I was really sick Thursday night. The cause has yet to be determined. But as a result, I decided to give my body a break on Friday and Saturday.

Today, I got back to strength training. Same routine as before, only this time I did push ups on a ball instead of just regular push ups. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted:

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs
• Push Up on Ball
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• I did these correctly this time. I even called my former trainer to be certain.
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs
• Although torture for my thighs, not very challenging for the biceps. Thinking about increasing reps or finding heavier dumbbells (not the best selection in our fitness room)
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball

At right are some pictures of me doing the push ups and the side lying crunch on ball. Thank you, Luke, for taking these! The side lying crunch looks way harder than it actually is.