Another week, another update!

Let's see, I met with the trainer last Saturday (the 19th) and set me up on a circuit program - a series of nine Nautilus machines to work different muscle groups. He also said I should hit the gym three times per week. Well, I'm getting there a bit more often than that - been every day except this past Thursday and Friday when I was in Cleveland. I'm alternating strength training (the "circuit") with cardio training (life cycle)... at least I had been. Yesterday, I did the circuit plus 45 minutes of cycling and today I did the circuit twice plus 30 minutes of cycling. Tomorrow will be a rest day because I have an appointment in Crownsville (near Annapolis) and won't be able to get to the gym before they close.

Oh, and my visit to the endodontist resulted in him actually doing the root canal - I thought he'd only be determining whether or not I needed one (or rather, another one - he performed the procedure on a tooth that has already been root canal'd; basically, just cleaned it out and repacked it). I go in Tuesday morning for the follow up and then see my dentist on the 19th of Feb for the crown (plus some other work). That's the same week as my endoscopy so at least it's convenient with the medication stopping (I have to halt the aspirin and the Plavix for 5+ days prior to either procedure).

Guess that's it for this week. Have yet to make my appointment with the cardiologist but I figure that will wait until after the endoscopy so I can report the results to her. (However, I may need to chat with her prior to that to determine what other, if any, meds I need to be cautious of.)

Quick update

I've joined a gym (Healthtrax in Germantown) and have an appointment with a trainer tomorrow afternoon (1st hour is included in the membership; after that, it's extra - but I'm thinking I don't need a trainer right now and my visit tomorrow will just be to get me started in the right direction).

I *am* becoming a bit better on the diet side - instead of cookies, I'm going for nuts (and since I'm already there... bada bing!). Still the occasional sweet, but with exercising, I haven't gained any weight (in fact, maybe even lost a couple of pounds).

Other health related notes: going to see the endodontist on Tuesday - will probably need a root canal repeated; visited my gastroenterologist last week and am scheduled for an endoscopy next month; finally, need to set up an appointment for my 6-month check up with the cardiologist.

Oh the forgotten joys...

... of crotchular numbness. Those of you who have ridden a bike, especially one with a skinny seat, know of what I speak. I've rediscovered this loveliness in the last several days while using my "stationary bike" (it's a Trek 7300 mounted on rollers so that I can "ride" indoors). But I know it will pass, once my back side is a bit more accustomed to the fit. (And, if I recall correctly, the issue is certainly more pronounced on my stationary bike than when riding outdoors; I think that's mainly due to positioning - the Trek, which is a hybrid, is more upright than either of my road bikes. Also, when outdoors, the opportunity to stand and get out of the seat, giving the derriere a break, comes frequently; standing indoors, especially on my setup, is sort of counter-productive.)

Still working on getting a bit more disciplined on the nutritional side - had a salad for lunch on Wednesday... followed by several sugar cookies. Grilled chicken sandwich on Thursday... with a side of fries and a root beer. Baby steps, right? :-)

Found an interesting website for anyone interested (and will get it up in the links section shortly) - Crossfit.com. I've only looked at it briefly but it looks like there might be some decent information available, as well as providing the ability to keep an exercise journal. YMMV.

Have a great weekend!