photo by Hannah Combs
I believe my exact words were, "I know how to lift properly - 50 pounds shouldn't be a problem for me." Well... lifting 50 pounds shouldn't be a problem for me. But it is.
In reality, I am a lightweight, petite woman with low upper body strength. As a dancer, my core strength and flexibility is great, but my upper body is... 'delicately' muscled.
So, in an effort to be a valuable member of the farm crew, I made a plan: Farm Girl Bootcamp.
I have one month to build up those muscles!
My plan: Self-imposed Farm Girl Bootcamp! Upper body strength, here we come...
Monday - Chest and Back
Tuesday - Core
Wednesday - Shoulders and Arms
Thursday - Ashtanga Yoga -or- Cardio
Friday - Back and Biceps
Saturday - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps
Sunday - Stretch -or- Rest!
My tools: Since this is a home workout program (gyms and fitness classes just don't suit my personality), I've had to gather my own resources.
~ My dear brother, a macho former Navy man, gifted me with a series of 'extreme' home workout videos. Of course, always the rebel, I liberally modified their plan for my own needs.
~ I have a pair of gallon water jugs (with handles!) which, when full, equal 7 pound weights.
~ My roommate has a pullup bar, and I plan to hop on for a few pullups whenever I walk by.
~ Since I need to work up to 50 pounds, I'll be scouring Craigslist, FreeCycle, and Goodwill for sets of 10-15 pound weights.
~ Lastly, I have my own room, so I can sweat and struggle in delicious privacy. This is crucial.
And so, to keep myself accountable, I'm telling all y'all. Let me know if you have any tips, and wish me luck!