I have to write about training legs yesterday. It was the most intense and grueling workout I have had in at least a year and a half, if not ever. Yet, somehow, it was empowering and wonderful. For the first time in a long time, my emotions got involved.
Leg day has been very frustrating for me since my knee surgery 6 month ago. My left thigh is 1.5 inches smaller than my right (according to my physical therapist).
Rob, from Fit By Design started me on hamstrings. After 3 exercises, 6 sets with my right leg,
8 sets on my left, and then another 4 more with both, I had trouble walking. Next, to the 45 degree STEEP leg press. First, a tough 20 reps, 3 sets with both legs, then iso-lateral, with extra sets on lefty. This is where I had to dig deep. I mean really deep. I was weak so on the left side. I wasn't sure if I was going to cry or scream! All of my frustrations, anger, sadness...every emotion I've had since my surgery was fueling me through these sets.
Then AFTER my complete exhaustion, he took me to machine squats, left leg ONLY. I felt so tired, worn out, even helpless. I was ready to crumble to the floor and burst into tears. I don't know how, or what happened, but with Rob's help I completed 4 sets of 10 reps.
Now, I'm tired. Really tired. My legs are shaking and the rest of my body is trembling. Sweat is blinding me. But, we aren't done. Of course we're not done!
Reverse hack squats. DEEP squats. 4 sets of 15. Can you imagine how I was feeling, what I was thinking? I don't know where my brain went, on the last set, when I'm no longer ready to cry or fall down, I did an extra 6 reps because ...because..I could still stand. I did 21 reps on the 4th set.
I somehow realized I didn't have anything to do the rest of the day. If I didn't leave every drop of energy I had on the floor right now, I would be wasting my time. So I did. I finished the sets dizzy and terribly weak. But, I pulled myself out of the machine, caught my breath and confidently hobbled away.
Now today, I keep thinking about how this is how I should train. This is why there are Olympic athletes, champions and the best of the best. This is how people become great. You get over all the emotional road blocks and TRAIN YOUR ASS OFF!!
