In order to start off on the right foot with 4HB, my hub suggested I get an accurate hydrostatic fat test, where they dunk you in a tank. (Not the electrical impedance tester they use at Curves, those are supposedly not always accurate.) There is a mobile test service in our area, and coincidentally it was scheduled to be nearby this morning. So on Monday, I called and made an appointment for today.
So, here are the numbers:
Weight 173.6 (up 10 lbs from my lowest weight this summer...like I said, those last 10 keep creeping back)
Height 5' 8-1/2" (Yikes...this means I've lost a 1/2 inch in height from the last time I checked, which was a few years ago and I was 5'9". In college I used to be 5' 9-1/2", almost 5' 10"! Now according to the dunk-tank man, I am "just barely" 5' 8-1/2". Gravity is not our friend. No wonder my fat level is going up, I'm getting shorter. Ha ha)
Lean 112, Fat 61.6 = Body fat 35.5
According to the chart, my body fat is in the "Poor" range.
Bummer.
So much for working out consistently and thinking I'm in "good shape" for a soon-to-be 58 year old. Bleh. I definitely need to lose and KEEP OFF those 10 lbs. Using a healthy diet and exercise, of course.
So, I bought a kettlebell today. A kettlebell workout is great for your abs and core, and I saw them using kettlebells last night on Biggest Loser. It looked easy enough and I know there are videos on line to help you do it right. I checked in my 4HB book and it suggested starting with a 35 lb one.
So, here are the numbers:
Weight 173.6 (up 10 lbs from my lowest weight this summer...like I said, those last 10 keep creeping back)
Height 5' 8-1/2" (Yikes...this means I've lost a 1/2 inch in height from the last time I checked, which was a few years ago and I was 5'9". In college I used to be 5' 9-1/2", almost 5' 10"! Now according to the dunk-tank man, I am "just barely" 5' 8-1/2". Gravity is not our friend. No wonder my fat level is going up, I'm getting shorter. Ha ha)
Lean 112, Fat 61.6 = Body fat 35.5
According to the chart, my body fat is in the "Poor" range.
Bummer.
So much for working out consistently and thinking I'm in "good shape" for a soon-to-be 58 year old. Bleh. I definitely need to lose and KEEP OFF those 10 lbs. Using a healthy diet and exercise, of course.
So, I bought a kettlebell today. A kettlebell workout is great for your abs and core, and I saw them using kettlebells last night on Biggest Loser. It looked easy enough and I know there are videos on line to help you do it right. I checked in my 4HB book and it suggested starting with a 35 lb one.
So off to Sports Authority I went at lunch. They had several sizes on the floor from 5 to 44 lbs. I picked up the 35 lb one. Well, it would be much more accurate to say I TRIED to pick it up. WHAT??? I could barely lift that thing. Even the 20 lb felt really heavy. I could just imagine hurting myself or someone else swinging it around. Or dropping it on the hardwood floor. 15 lbs seemed about right, but I finally talked to a very fit (female) salesperson and asked whether I should get the 15 or 20 lbs. She said, "I presume you just want to tone up, not bulk up. If so, get the 15 lbs." Which I did. I had almost ordered one on line, and was leaning toward the 35 lb one. I'm glad I checked in person. Whew. Anyway, I'm excited to have this as an exercise option on Fridays when I don't feel like going downstairs on the treadmill with the bookkeeper in the office. I can just workout in my living room and listen to my iPod.
Anyway, onward and upward.
Anyway, onward and upward.
Just thinking about a 35 pound kettlebell makes my shoulder hurt!
ReplyDelete35lbs!? That's crazy heavy! I'm a huge fan of kettlebells - they make for an awesome workout. But 15-20 is much more realistic. I also really like medicine balls. There's some great workouts for both on You Tube.
ReplyDeleteAnd on the 35.5%, I started out my gym challenge at 35.1% (although it wasn't the bod pod, so probably not as accurate). You can get that number down for sure!
Grace, I found a kettlebell recently and bought it - a 10 pounder. I was told that it was too light. However, swinging it around for 50 reps doesn't feel 'light', let me tell you. I have a bad back and have to protect it - and realize that just because someone next to me can swing a 35 pounder doesn't mean it's good for me. Glad you bought the one that meets your requirements, and good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the deal with that 10 lbs that sneaks up and gloms on? Dang it.
ReplyDelete