"We have a Pullup machine"

Sunday, December 3

I did Saturday's workout at my favorite big box gym (it's actually just the one I belong to at the moment). Have had several interesting experiences during my little 30 minute workout (warmup and workout combined). Not quite pleased with my time, but very pleased with some technical improvements.

Warmup:
6 Rounds of:
3 Chin
6 Pushup
9 Squat
12 Situp
(I didn't write down the time before I went to the gym, so I just did 6 rounds)

Workout:
1,000 meter row (4:42)
45 rep Barbell Thrusters - 45lb
40 rep Kettlebell high pull - 55lb (didn't have a Kettlebell, so I just used barbell w/ 5lb weights on either side)
35 rep Dumbbell push press - 20lb
30 rep Chinup
Total: 19:09

As I said earlier this was a very interesting workout. So, I got all setup with the barbells and weights and all, and headed upstairs to the row machines. I started out with my old, poor rowing technique and I again was not doing well. Then I decided to tweak what I was doing. I focusing on using a really forceful leg thrust, and then the pull with my body and arms was much shorter. I was able to increase my time, not by much, but every little bit helps. My 400 meter was about 1:46 and my 500 meter was 2:15 (my 500 meter improved by 5 seconds). Baby steps I guess.

Next, I went back to the barbells. There was this guy getting ready to hop into the leg press machine. He glared at me with my stopwatch and my "Rest Later" t-shirt. He then asked me "What are you timing?" It was like I had four heads or something. So, between my heaving I responded, "my workout." Then I picked up my 45lb barbell and continued. The thrusters were a whole lot more difficult than I was expecting. I had to sub in a barbell with two 5lb weights, because I didn't have a kettlebell. Doing the high pull with a barbell is really strange. I was worried about my technique, but I was able to make sure my back was curving in one of the dozens of mirrors that are hanging up all around sed favorite box gym. I finished up my push presses and the guy was still sitting there in his leg press machine.. resting.

Went to the pull up bar. Unfortunately, someone had attached arm straps to it, so I had to do my pullups with nasty smelling arm straps in my face. I was on pullup #22 when a female trainer said to me, "You know.. we have a pullup machine in the corner." I paused a second to make sure I had heard her correctly. Then I responded, "I know." She then continued saying that the pullup machine was much easier. To that I responded, "That's why I don't use it." I finished up my workout and went home.

I think my pullup on the stationary bar is improving. I am able to do about 8 or 9 before stopping. I think the kip is getting stronger, and I'm becoming more confident with it.

Here's to progress!