Friday Blues

I got to the gym finally albeit later than I expected. It wasn't that crowded considering the bad weather (fog, rain, maybe ice). All the elliptical machines were free, but 12 of the 15 treadmills were occupied. And one of those was out of service. That's a lot of walking and running. Fully half the cross-trainers were in use as well (3 out of 6). I can't imagine that these folks would be doing their exercises outdoors, but maybe I'm wrong.

After my 35 minutes, while I'm fully warmed-up, I get a good set of pull-ups and then wander over to the free weight area. One of the Nautilus benches is free so I can knock out my DB Shoulder routine. Then off to the Aerobics Room to finish with core movements and eventually, Walking Lunges. I'm probably gonna feel those tomorrow if nothing else.

At home, I was rummaging through my tea cabinet and found an old box of Yogi brand Cocoa Spice Tea, from 2002. There's 4 tea bags inside and I don't know if they have any flavor left. Sadly, Yogi doesn't make this anymore. An online search did reveal a few other cocoa tea brands so I ordered a sampler box from Adagio Teas. All their teas are loose so I have to find my strainers. I have tea balls, but it's been said that they don't allow the tea to expand fully and thus limit the full experience of a properly bloomed tea. 

Today I try the well-regarded chocolate chai pu erh flavor. It's okay but too much ginger and cinnamon and not enough chocolate flavor for me. It is a black tea so it contains caffeine. I hope that doesn't mess with my sleep too much. Tomorrow I'll try a different flavor. I also ordered from a different company, one that offers actual tea bags. Now, there is some controversy about the amount of microplastics being consumed and specifically in tea bags! But I could always just cut the bag open and steep as loose tea...

before straining

I've been trying to increase my consumption of anthocyanins aka blueberries. It takes too much planning to add them to oatmeal or other hot foods. Instead, I've decided to go the way of the candy bowl by washing a large quantity of blueberries and blackberries and leaving them in a big bowl in the living room. Every time I walk by, I grab a handful to snack on. The husband and kid (when home from college) also snack this way. 

The berries are never there for more than a few days, and any undesirable leftovers (mushy) get tossed out under the bird feeder. The house is a chilly 63F so they won't go bad too quickly. Win win. I've also been sticking with taking 500 mg of niacinamide twice daily. It's hard to explain but I know I've taken it because I feel it in my face, but it hasn't been unbearable, so I'll continue until my next eye appointment, see what the exams tell us and decide from there.

31 January 2025 12:15-2:02

Friday — Cardio and More

Rainy & Cold & Crowded

Precor elliptical #1

Program 1

Time: 30 + 5 (5610)

Distance: 2.81

Cal: 310

Avg Hr: 142, 187-80

New FB: 45-129?

HGPU 17

Incl DB Press s/s Lateral Raises s/s Rev Incline Flys

10 lbs x 25/15/25 reps

15 lbs x 25/15/25 

20/15/20 x 25/15/25 x 3 sets

20 Hip Bridges

Piriformis/Hip/Pencil Stretch

DeadBugs 20 x 5

Piriformis stretches

Child’s Pose

Cat/Cow stretch 12

Child’s Pose

Fire Hydrants 30 x 2

Bird Dog Planks 60s x 2

Push-Ups 25

Arm rotations 20

Air Squats 25

Neck stretch / Eye yoga

Walking Lunges (42 steps)