after 20+ years, I'm back!

Well, it's done. I won't pretend it was a massive success or a major athletic feat, but I now officially belong to AND PARTICIPATE IN a gym. I didn't have instructions so I just pushed buttons on the treadmill. it made me do a 30 minute cardio workout @ 3mph and a 6 incline to target a 145 heart rate. I have no idea what a 6 incline is, but I'm going to ask the next sherpa I see. I also have no clue if 145 is a good heart rate, but the machine liked it and 40 minutes + 1 very cold shower later I'm still dewey.

Fortunately my legs are entirely numb from the waist down, so I don't feel what is likely a blend of shock, fear, pain, and abject horror they are emanating at this point.

Bonus! I only tripped once- on a yoga ball as I walked in. Landed on a kettlebell and fortunately my shin took all the force, so my face is still as sexy as ever. Score one for my face and numb legs!

You cracked me up!!!  Good for you!

Hey Michael, that is a great start at the gym, way to go. I think it would be a great idea for you to talk with someone who works at the gym before your next workout. You want to make sure you get the maximum workout possible without hurting yourself. Keep it up, your legs will eventually get used to it and watch out for those yoga balls.

Haha! Good job! I can't wait to get into the gym. I'm thinking of using my tax refund for a few lessons with a personal trainer.

So happy you saved your sexy face! Lol

Great job Michael! I was like you..OMG..I am sweating from exercise, not just from getting up and walking around LOL 

Keep up the good work and the sexy face 

Michael - you want to eventually shoot for exercising at 65-75% of your maximum heart rate.   Take 220 minus your age = maximum heart rate.  Multiply this by .65 and .75.  That's the range you want to stay in.  And if it proves too exhausting you can certainly shoot for a little lower and still be burning fat.  

For me this looks like:  220-52 = 168; 168 x .75 = 126 bpm.   I shoot for 126-130 bpm.  I do a quick 6-second count and then multiply it by 10.  So if I get to 12-13 beats in that 6-second count I'm on track.  

Hope that makes sense!  Not sure how old you are but 145 bpm could be a little high for you.  

That's great info..I was wondering what my rate should be while I was on the elliptical the other day. Thanks!

I haven't figured your what my resting heart rate is yet, but I'm 38 so, I need to keep it between 118 and 136.  So looks like 145 is a bit high for me

AWE YEAH!