The Gym

So, I finally went to the gym today for the first time in like 6 months. I'm lucky right now because I can go to University of Washington's amazing gym for free while I am a student there... so I thought it was about time I started taking advantage of that again over the next year and trim down for my wedding (and my own physical and emotional health!).

But, of course, when I get there I realize I have forgotten my headphones. Now, this almost caused me to turn around and leave because exercising can be a bit boring without some music, or, television (yes, this gym has an individual tv connected to each machine... awesome.)

But I had committed, so I went in. And I am glad I did because the hardest part is just starting. I started pretty easy today. Here is what I did:

Warm-up - simple stretching of my legs, and then walked for 5 minutes at a pace of 3 on the treadmill.
Workout - Picked up the speed on the treadmill: power-walked/slow jogged at a pace of 4.5 for 1.5 minutes, then increased to a pace of 5 and an incline of 3 for 4 minutes, then repeated this for 30 minutes. I have to admit that by the third repeat, I had decreased by pace to 4 and 4.5 respectively. I didn't want to overdo on my first day back, and my heart was pumping pretty hard.
Some tips on walking/running - Posture is everything here! If you focus on keeping your back straight, with shoulders slightly back, arms bent and pumping at sides (with your hands relaxed) you will be working all of your muscles better (especially that core!)
Cool-down - walked at pace 3.5 for 5 minutes, then laid on the mat for 50 crunches, and stretching.

I wanted to stay a little longer, but all I really had was 45 minutes to devote to everything. And I felt pretty good after, but I hadn't taken my own advise and had enough water to drink! I need to remember for next time how much easier working out is if you are hydrated enough.