Questioning whether I am trying hard enough?

littlemegzz

So I just completed day 3 of the 30DS. It's weird though, while I am doing the exercise, I do feel like I am getting a work out, but afterwards, I feel like it doesn't take me long to go back to normalish heartrate. Basically, afterwards, I don't feel like I have worked that hard. Does that mean I am not working hard enough during it (even though I am sweating a lot and stuff). I just feel like the feeling of being tired after exercising lasts much longer after I have gone for a 30min walk/jog than the DVD level 1.

Sorry about all the rambling. Maybe it is just because I am on level one (but as I said, I am sweating and working during)....?

I just don't know...

chazbo35

Sounds to me like you already have your answer. I dont think you can measure your workout by sweat alone. If you dont feel like your challenging yourself enough then simply kick it into the next gear. No use to wonder just go harder

annabellj

ok some people sweat, but are you sweating pouring buckets? i dont get a good workout unless there is sweat on the floor of the gym or on the elliptical, gross but true. and i usually know if i am hiking outdoors and there is a breeze if i am not pushing myself hard enough by how much i can talk to whomever i am hiking with, if i am not out of breath, then i need to pump it up a notch. also, i never get as good of a workout at home as i do at the gym. i just dont push myself hard at home. lots of people motivating me to work harder at the gym. i dont know any of them, but i see how hard they are working and it makes me push myself

littlemegzz

Thanks for the quick replies guys. When I am actually doing the strength parts and cardio parts to the workout, I do feel like I am working quite a bit. I guess I don't feel it so much for the abs at the moment, but I don't know if I can do them any better (unless I have the wrong form). The first day I did the workout I felt it worked my abs better because I had already done some circuit work that morning.

In regards to sweating - I am sweating more than when I go to the gym. But then, I guess it is always warmer in a house.

The only other thing is that maybe it is working and my abs are getting stronger. I guess I should just make sure I do some planks afterwards to really work them (I suck at planks. I also suck at push-ups, but I think they have gotten a little better).

appleseeds

Are you using weights? If you are, maybe you should use heavier ones

littlemegzz

I only have drink bottles filled with water at the moment. They are only too light for bicep curls and that one that you do in set three where you are on the ground taking your arms out to the sides and back. They are a good weight for the others I think.

littlemegzz

Maybe could be a little heavier, I guess. It would make me struggle more.

appleseeds

That said actually, I go to a lot of different classes at the gym, Zumba, Tummy Hips and Thighs, Abs Blaster, Body Balance, Yoga, Pilates...and apart from the first week, I do recover very quickly. Maybe it just means your fitness is better these days?

annabellj

trainer always said if you cant feel your abs hurting the next day you are not working hard enough. if i am pushing with weights, i will feel it a couple days after. that is how i know it is working. you are doing great, good that you are asking for ideas on how to push harder, that is how we improve! lol

littlemegzz

So maybe I should grab a few books to use on my upper chest while doing the crunches?

I just did a plank and held it for longer than I have held it for in ages - I struggled to get to 20 counts in my head before monday and I just got to 35 counts.

appleseeds

trainer always said if you cant feel your abs hurting the next day you are not working hard enough. if i am pushing with weights, i will feel it a couple days after. that is how i know it is working. you are doing great, good that you are asking for ideas on how to push harder, that is how we improve! lol

I must do something wrong, my abs have never hurt the day after and class with crunches, but I always try as hard as I can.

salxtai

Up the weight, feel the burn


I don't feel overly tired with mine either, but I get amazing cramps during the workout - but that's normal for me whenever I do sustained repetitive exercise anyways.