assessing the PF change

I should have taken some body measurements when I joined Planet Fitness.
Should have, would have, could have... but did not.
So, for the moment, I'll consider the changes in the mass moved, changes in the number of repetitions performed at a machine, and changes in the time and distance traveled.

How about looking first at the treadmill?
That's the machine I begin with every time I perform my program at PF.
The farthest I can look back is January 29, as that is the date I began tracking in my little black book.
The entire reason I started taking notes was to remember what I had done from one day to the next, and to record special settings on the machines.
On January 29, I used the machine twice for 25 minutes, traveled 0.91 miles each time, and had a maximum speed of 2.6 mph.
Today, I traveled 1.08 miles during my 25-minute program, with a top speed of 2.8 mph.
Also, I began at 2.4 mph today, still dancing to the music as I walk.
(smile)

For the Hammer Strength MTS Row, I began with 20 lbs for a total of 40 reps.
In Kevinese, that equated to moving 800 pounds during each session.
(smile)
Today, the mass setting was a total of 40 lbs and I completed 60 reps.
That means I am now moving 2400 pounds per session!
No wonder my bra now fastens on the far left setting instead of the far right!
Those back muscles are shaping up quite nicely!
(smile)
I should note that I have discontinued the regular Row machine.
This MTS Row is definitely smoother to use.

What about the hand weights?
Those were begun with the 3 lb masses in each hand; by mid-February, I had graduated to the 5 lb masses.
When I had first begun, doing ten reps was my upper limit.
I have two types of movement that I perform with these weights.
The first is a mimic of schussing on a ski slope, hands at waist level and driving the invisible ski poles behind me as I ply the fresh powder.
The second maneuver involves using both hands to lift an invisible box from shoulder level to a higher shelf above my head.
(Imagination is a powerful ally in my program.)
Both were learned from the trainer, Elton, in a January class.
By January 29, I was able to complete 30 box lifts and 30 schussing with the 3 lb weights.
That means I was moving 180 pounds with each arm.
Today, with the 5 lb masses, I had 60 box lifts and 60 schussing.
My grand total for each arm was 600 pounds!!!
I'd like to say the arm wings are gone, but that would be a lie.
I can say that my arms are much more toned and shirt sleeves are loose on me.
Definite progress!
(smile)

Moving down to the lower body, I have had excellent progress on the hip adduction and hip abduction machines.
The first is toning those inner thighs; the second tones the derriere and outer thighs.
Looking at the first recorded date of 29 January, I moved 25 lbs for 40 reps and 30 lbs for 40 reps, respectively.
That meant my hips were adducting 1000 pounds and abducting 1200 pounds, respectively.
By February 5, I had increased the mass on each machine to 35 lbs, for 60 reps on each.
So, just a week later, I was moving more than a ton on each machine!
But wait - it gets much more impressive.
Today, the hip adduction mass was 60 lbs and I performed 60 reps at that mass.
Plus, the hip abduction mas was 60 lbs, with me doing 60 reps on that machine, too.
So, on each machine, I moved 3600 pounds - like, wow!!!
For the two machines, my hips had to juggle 7200 pounds...
that's more than three tons!!!
No wonder my panties are a bit loose and my butt is so much smaller!
Sure, my inner thighs are still not ready for beach season -
but just look at how much better my pants are fitting!
(smile)

As for the leg extension and the seated leg curl, progress has been slow.
I'm thinking I need another Lower Body class to work out why.
I've only been able to change the masses by ten pounds, from 20 to 30, and I'm still only able to complete 20 reps on each machine... and that's quite a struggle.
I think I have the seat at the wrong setting or something.
I'll sign up for a class this week to address that.
Perhaps I'll start cycling, as that will work those same muscles.
(smile)

The Shoulder Press and the Chest Press have also been problematic.
So, for now, I have them off my program.
But I've added in some abdominal work, ever since the Core Class on February 6.
I tried three machines, but the one that has become a regular component of my program is Abdominal #5 in the 12-minute Abs Room.
It's a lot like doing sit-ups, but in a somewhat standing position.
I had started at 30 lbs, doing 40 reps, and felt the change right away.
Today, I set the machine at 50 lbs and did 60 reps!
That means I went from bending 1200 pounds to crunching a ton and a half!
(The Kevinese really does make it sound more imressive!)
I'm definitely liking the new side view in the mirror.
(smile)

What about my attendance at the purple planet?
Well, that is up to at least 7 days out of 10.
I had started at 3 days per week.
I keep my shoes, pants, a shirt, and my ponytail holder in the car.
That way, I never have an excuse to not go because I don't have my gear.
I guess I must be liking it.
Plus, I make sure to take a Tootsie Roll when I leave...
or one of those purple-ink pens!
Hooray for rewards!
(smile)