De-fatify

I am sore all over.  I just recently signed up at the local Gold’s Gym and, so far, my workout has been kinda like a buffet.  I’d try one machine for a few minutes, then I’d jumped up and try the next one.  If I can provide one tip to anybody going to a gym it would be, don’t do that! =)

Today, I spent about 10mins on this machine that was kinda like the elliptical machine, but was similiar to having to climb up excessively large steps/stairs that would randomly change the degree of incline every so often.  I guess it was supposed to simulate hiking in the woods, but after a short while I gave it up and went back to the trusty treadmill.

On a technology note, one thing I thought was neat was the heart monitors built into the handles of some of the equipment.  Depending on the rate of speed I’m going, my heart rate was usually between 130-165bpm.  According to the charts, I was in the “Cardio Zone” which was right above the “Fat Burning Zone” and not too far away from the “Twilight Zone.”  But not only did the displays give me information about my heart rate, they also displayed calories burned, watts generated, and something called METs.  (Just did a quick lookup on METs and it stands for metabolic equivalent units….or how much oxygen I’m consuming. 1 MET = 3.5milliliters of oxygen).

I also noticed something in regards to the use of my inhaler.  I used to use a prescription inhaler that contained albuterol, however, lately I’ve been using an OTC inhaler that contains epinephrine.  After having used the OTC once in between the treadmill and bike-like machine I noticed that my heart rate was up to 180bpm while pedaling!  I suppose it’s no wonder though, considering epinephrine is also known as adrenaline.  However, according to the maximal heart rate formula, 180bpm is well below my max at my current age. 

Anyways, I think I’m gonna take a break in between workout days so my body has time to heal.