Author: Imran

Some days passed and I was onto my second circuit training with the supervision of Joey, certified trainer, and physiotherapist.

Even though I had no muscle pain, neither did I have a lack of energy, but boy do the muscles hurt as I am typing this article today reflecting upon the exercises done yesterday. Yes, you are right! The next few days hurt the most.

If you missed out on my Day 1 post, have a look at it: Fitness Program for Muscle Strength – Day 1

The exercises looked easy while doing them but there were certain ones that challenged me (i.e. Chest Fly with an increased weight than the last time). At that moment, it was tough and surely stimulated some muscles to grow, which I like the most. [Pain = It’s Working]

What were the exercises?

Day 2 – a circuit similar to my first day but with some added challenges.

Remember those 9 types of exercises that I did in my Day 1?

Yes, exactly the same but with a slight touch of progression:

1. Jumping Jacks – 35 reps x2
2. Squat – 15 reps x1
3. Dumbbells Side-raise then press forward then drop slowly to the original position – 2.5 KG each hand – 10 reps x1
4. Alternate Lunges – 16 reps x1
5. One-Dumbbell raise overhead – start upfront keeping your elbows straight then raise it overhead then return to the starting position – single 2.5 KG dumbbell only – keep your palms facing up – 15 reps x1
6. Alternate Leg Step-up to an elevated position upfront then – step up using your right leg then use that to return to the original position; now do the same with the left one (that’s 2 reps – 1 leg = 1 rep) – 16 reps x1
7. Chest Fly – 2.5 KG Dumbbells held with each hand – start with a raised sideways position then press it forward then back to the original position – 10 reps x1
   Thoughts: Boy, was it tough! I had to rest for a few seconds between every 5 reps. No matter how hard it looks, keep going! Bingo! Instant motivation.
8. Side-squat stand with both feet together, widen your right leg to the right side and squat then return and do the same towards the left – 16 reps altogether x1
9. Chest push forward – One 2.5 KG Dumbbell – hold with each hand standing up with elbows bent, palms facing down – 15 reps x1

Those exact types of exercises continued for two rounds only that this time, I had a Round 3 on Jumping Jacks of 35 reps done twice.

Core Exercises (they help to grow your Abs!):

If you want abs, you gotta think about doing core exercises!

1. Planks 20 counts x3
2. Pelvic raise with heel down and toes up – you have to push your heel down when you are doing it – 20 counts x3

No Stretches done this time!

Yes! It’s okay not to do them.

Advice From the Trainer

Drink a lot of water!

I had a bowl of Kellogg’s Chocos, that always tastes great!

Thank you for reading my write-up on this fitness program.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with others! Also check out my Day 1 workout on this fitness program!

And remember! No workout is small!

Remember, the workouts are almost always the same, at least with hitting a certain muscle area. With each week, you need to increase the muscle tension and intensity by varying weights. Once you are confident enough, explore the nearest gym around you. After you become used to the basic exercises, go for intermediate and then advanced workouts. One day, doing these at the gym would become second nature to you. 😀

Goodnight, Workout Enthusiasts!

Since the injury…

Years passed by…

Months of physiotherapy passed by…

I wanted so much to just return to my workout life.

That I felt so empty inside says a lot about my passion for staying fit. The period came to a halt when my physiotherapist felt I am ready to start taking some pain to strengthen muscles which need to grow. Having a trainer beside you is one of the most important things when you are starting something intense. After all, your body should be perfectly aligned when you are working out.

Day 1 – a circuit that kept me going on doing all 9 types of exercises. TWICE!I felt it! And, I know my next day will feel worse.

I felt it.

The 9 Exercises That Certainly Stimulated My Muscle Growth:

1. Jumping Jacks – 30 reps x2
2. Squat – 15 reps x1
3. Dumbbell 1.25 KG each hand raise sideways together then press forward then return downwards to original position – 15 reps x1
4. Alternate Lunges – 16 reps x1
5. 2.5 KG single Dumbbell hold with both hands, start from upfront then raise it overhead then return to the starting position – 15 reps x1
6. Alternate Leg Step-up to an elevated position upfront – 16 reps x1
7. Chest Fly 1.25 KG Dumbbell hold with each hand start with a raised sideways position then press it forward then back to the original position – 15 reps x1
8. Side-squat stand with both feet together, widen your right leg to the right side and squat then return and do the same towards the left – 16 reps altogether x1
9. Chest push forward with 1.25 KG Dumbbell hold with each hand standing up with elbows bent, palms facing down – 15 reps x1

Finishing-up with Abdominal Muscle Contraction and More Workout:

1. Planks 20 counts x2
2. Pelvic raise with heel down and toes up – 20 counts x2

Stretches that Help Just Any Workout:

1. Stand and bend your right knee backward holding it with your right hand and balance yourself and then do the same with the other leg – 10 counts x2
2. Place right foot on an elevated position forward with toes facing up and push down your right thigh slightly using both hands and then do the same with the other leg – 10 counts x1

The post-workout feeling is magical as it did always back in the days. I am really looking forward to the next session as I need to rest my body for the muscles to heal.

The energy needed to work out is the investment that I felt like going for. It’s hard to stay active. But once you get past that stage, it’s a whole different scenario. You get addicted to the “ACTIVE YOU”.

Day ended with a bowl of cereal and a German Herb Slimming tea taken with cold water that I am experimenting with so that I do not develop extra layers of fat.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with others! Also, check out my Day 2 workout on this fitness program!

Goodnight, Workout Enthusiasts! 😀