Next I used the ab machine (I'll try to get the name of the actual machine next time I go to the gym) for about 15 minutes. It's a rather interesting machine: It's kinda "banana" shaped, you place your calf's on this sliding pad, tilt it to the side for obliques or straight for regular ab workout. The idea is to use your hips to lift your lower body up the machine, to perform a crunch. I did 4 sets of 10 regular crunches and 4 sets of oblique crunches. 10 regular, 5 left oblique, 5 right oblique, then repeat the process. I'll admit that while I can usually do many reps of regular ab crunches, I don't tend to, as no matter what I try it always seems to hurt my lower back (I have a slight issue with my lower back, and ab workouts usually triggers it).
Next I tried out another machine for the first time, that focuses on your thighs, butt, and waist (definitely a zone I have the most trouble with), the Hip Abduction/Adduction machine.
Next I hopped on the bike for 30 minutes, again using the "hills" mode, this time at a higher range of intensities. I "biked" for 7.27 miles. I will note that shortly after I hoped on the bike, this younger guy came in, maybe 20 - 25 (tops), and hoped on the bike next to me. It was rather humerus, because the bike he was on was at an angle, unlike mine which pointed straight. The back wall is a giant mirror. He spent the entire time he was on the bike (maybe 10 minutes) checking himself out in the mirror and trying to make is hair look good. It was pretty difficult not to burst out laughing (anyone that know me, knows that it takes very little for me to laugh, so any level of control is quite the feat). After he hopped off the bike he walked over to one of the machines and rather than using it, continued checking himself out. In my defense, I was not staring at him, I was able to see what he was doing via peripheral vision and the reflection in the window.
After the bike ride, I used the multi-function arms & chest machine (can't recall what it's called, but I'll try to get the names of the different machines and maybe the pictures too, tomorrow). I did 3 sets of 10 reps of chest presses at 40 pounds. Between sets I 10 reps of arm raises at 40 pounds, as well.
I made sure to take the exercises at a moderate pace, and spent just over 30 minutes doing non-cardio exercises. In total, I spent just over 90 minutes at the gym, and slowly jogged back to my apartment (about 5 minutes, because I took the long way). It dawned on me that I haven't picked up protein powder, so in the interim I made a "smoothie" with 4 tablespoons of chia seeds, a banana, a few ice cubes, and 8 ounces of unsweetened organic almond milk. Overall, I feel pretty good about todays workout.
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