week one wrap

My second training session this week pushed me to the limits and had me turning to my mental yoga practice also known as mindfulness yoga, to keep going. I completed one and a half sets of my workout and started to feel the room spin, sat down to catch my breath, keep my eyes open and then it happened... I felt like I had just pounded back four patron XOs on Christmas eve and puked out my breakfast as T.S. escorted me to the ladies.  

Why did this happen?

First, let's look at my nutrition-  I ate one meal at 9:30 am (6 oz steak, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cup of broccoli salad with cashew dressing, one bullet proof coffee) before heading to the gym for my session at 1145. I didn’t have enough protein in my body to keep going. According to trainer, T.S. "The protein goal is 50g before noon. Approximately 20g to replenish the fuel used while sleeping and stimulate neurotransmitters. Approximately 20g to help detoxify the body and taking a little extra is better than falling short." If this is true, then I definitely didn't have enough fuel to keep me going.

Secondly, lactic acid is a compound that forms when glucose, a carbohydrate is broken down in the body to form energy. You know that burning sensation you feel after an intense set? That’s lactic acid screaming in your muscles because it hasn't flushed out fast enough and if you have too much – like I did- it can cause nausea called, lactic acidosis. Want to know what’s interesting? Lactic acidosis can also be caused by alcohol poisoning! If I had a choice to puke by weight lifting or drinking, pass me the dumbbells.

"When lactic acid cannot be flushed from the muscle fast enough you feel the pump, the acidity of the muscle rising and the glucose to energy conversion ceases. This is the point of failure in a set" T.S

Lastly, cortisol is released from the adrenal cortex in response to physical and mental stress. When you have too much it can lead to an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar levels and a decrease in immune response. Put the two together and my body's response to the stress of too much lactic acid and cortisol resulted in the dizzies and up chuck or as T.S. calls it, "The Situation".

I spent the afternoon on the sofa trying to muster up energy to teach at The HK Football Club that night. It was tough and as a teacher, I am in service to my students and I turned to a mental practice to get present for my students. I took the next rest day to write, read and see my acupuncturist Peter at Balance Health to release some of the pain in my shoulders and back. It's amazing how effective it can be in healing the body. 

On the way to my last session of the week, I had to blast Nicki Minaj- Beez In the Trap to keep my anxiety down as I did not feel like going to the gym because my mind was telling me "I'm getting hurt, I'm tired and this is not right!". I felt pain in my right neck from the last session, low back pain and overall felt like puking again when I set foot into the elevator. 

Once I warmed up with my mobility exercises my trainers, T.S., A.V., and Coach G. heard me out as I told them what I was feeling. I did not sign up to be pushed to the breaking point every single session and I did not want to get injured. I was about to burst into tears telling three qualified trainers in the middle of a gym at the start of my session. I kept them down as Coach immediately said, "Well you're not going to do that workout again are you? (being injured) Is not the intention of the program. We will have to change some of it." I immediately felt heard, the anxiety dissipated and ready to work hard again. Coach really worked with my injuries by testing to see where I was imbalanced in my neck, shoulder, back and glutes.  

Looking back on my first week, it has been quite the ride and I am one week closer to that sweet chin up. My body aches from the work I have done and yoga has been my mental release this week. I had three gentle practices for my muscles, my mind and one headstand to bring fresh blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands and a smile to my face before teaching. I have learned where my pain threshold is and that I can leg press one 20KG set, even if I puked after and I have the power to keep going when I am at my weakest. Most importantly, a great trainer hears you when you have serious concerns about your training, they are there to push you and heal you. I feel in great hands for the remaining 5 weeks training at UP, even if I have another situation!  

Some of you have been asking and I haven't revealed team deeselUP yet because they deserve a post of their own and it's coming next week. It'll be a good one and ladies- half the team is available for some one on one time! 

girl crush tip- "You have to respect your body. It's tough though when you have a strong mind that tries to over ride it." Asha Hibbert. Personal Trainer at RAW Personal Training

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