Really I should have just called this the Doing Whatever I Want Experiment. It was fun. Truly. After the Primal Debacle, I needed a bit of a break so, to paraphrase Adam Sandler (which every self-respecting blogger must do at least once a year – it’s a rule somewhere), I went back to my home.
To refresh your memory, this month’s experiment consisted of lots o’ cardio (5 days of running), two days of full-body weight lifting, pilates, yoga, hip-hop, Zumba, spin and whatever else I felt like throwing in.
The Pros
Hmm… the pros of doing whatever I want? Well, I enjoyed myself which in and of itself made it worth it. The other thing I was looking for, if you recall, was to de-bulk my thighs. I gained two inches on each leg during June/July on CrossFit. Yeah, yeah, girls can’t bulk out blah, blah, blah. But the truth is that girls can get bigger than they like. One of you astute commenters pointed out that it would be highly unlikely for anyone to gain 2 inches of muscle in that time frame. And of course you are correct. I do think a lot of it was fat.
I was surprised by how sore running made me, not having done a lot of it for several months, which also lends credence to the fat-not-muscle theory. This was a strange thought for me though since CrossFit does such an awesome job of building my upper body, it doesn’t make a lot of sense that it would do the opposite for my lower body. Any of you CrossFitters have any ideas on why this was?
Back to my thighs – I lost a half inch on each leg doing all my running. I didn’t debulk (shut UP spell check, I know it isn’t a word.) as much as I’d hoped but I’ll take the half inch.
The other pros involved getting to enjoy the outdoors more and mixing up my weight routine more than what CrossFit allows.
Cons
Oh. My. Shins. People. After reading the previous few paragraphs, one might say, “Well Charlotte, if you are so happy, why not just stick with it?” Because if it were up to me I would do cardio until all my bones shattered and I’d be left a pile of formless goo. Not exactly the look I’m going for, you know?
A year ago exactly I started the Great Fitness Experiment because I got a stress fracture in my right shin from too many high-impact activities. That experience has led to a year of totally entertaining Experiments but I have not forgotten the original lesson I learned: too much cardio hurts me.
I also learned that when left to my own devices I probably exercise too much. I ended up dong a lot of double workouts. We already know I’m thisclose to being a compulsive exerciser so not having a set plan was probably a con. Although I loved it. Which makes it even sicker, doesn’t it? Don’t answer that.
My Results
Weight: -2 lbs (yay! although you’d think it would have been more given how much we worked out.)
Arm: -1 in
Waist: -1 in
Hips: no change (what up, hips?!?)
Thigh: – 1/2 in
Calf: +1/2 in
Conclusions
I might as well be Veruca from Charlie and the Chocolate factory because doing what I want is fabulous. Love it. I had a great August. Gym Buddy Allison, when asked for her comments about August, said simply, “Yeah, what you said.” So I’m ready to try something new. How about you guys?
September’s Great Fitness Experiment will be…. KETTLEBELLS! More details tomorrow:) Have a great holiday if you’re in the States!
Ooh kettlebells…!
If your shins are feeling anything like mine have been they’ll be weeping with joy that August is over!
I think running will always be my favourite though.
Running = Funning.
Very intrigued to see how the kettlebells go!
TA x
oh weeee kettlebells, yay!!
IM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR KETTLE BELL EXPERIMENT (she yells :))
Im joining you if youre gonna instruct us along the way?
yes?
I need a little kettleguidance.
EXCEPT for the still legged dead lifts with the bells.
Im already smitten there.
M.
“Because if it were up to me I would do cardio until all my bones shattered and I’d be left a pile of formless goo.”
You totally crack me up. I do NOT have this problem myself, but I love that you have learned some hard lessons but can also laugh about it.
All good Charlotte!!
Why don’t you learn to hit the speed bag? It’s like running for your arms 🙂
Check out “Million Dollar Baby.”
Just don’t watch the ending 🙁
Have one at your gym?
Yes, doing whatever you want is nice and indulgent! Although, it might have been better to follow a set running plan to help avoid the shin splints. Nothing brings those on like trying to run too much too quickly!
Yea for kettlebells! I’m interested to see how you like them, since so many people are raving about them.
It’s a great tension release to do whatcha want!!!
I think you/we should incorporate this in our everyday life.
kettlebells? i’m intrigued. i so want to try them, but i’m broke (and therefore can’t buy them) and my stupid gym doesn’t have any. boo.
oh, I brought my kettlebell with me to college! Totally will be joining in on this-
could you possibly post where you find your routines?? The dvd’s are starting to get boring.
So sorry about the shins. Did you go to Phil’s running store to get good runners? Because if you were wearing department store sneakers for this experiment, well, that would be it’s own experiment! I hold steadfast to the belief that my shoes will save me from injury. Knees hurt? I need more stability. Hips hurt? It’s time for a new pair. Head hurts? Must get same shoe in different color. It’s all about the shoes… but you’re on to kettlebells. I gotta get me some of those.
Is this anecdotal evidence that more cardio is not better (for fat/weight loss)? I’m interested to see whether the kettlebells actually produce better results for you (although I know you’ll still do your cardio).
Ooo..the ever-mysterious kettlebells. I will be watching intently.
(and a year ago exactly you started this blog? Congratulations! )
I loved the non-stop cardio too! Now, it is back to the weights, which I notoriously trudge through so I am not looking forward to it. 🙁
Side Note: Have you ever tried one of the pole dancing classes? I have a free one this week, which looks interesting.
I’m intrigued about your results from your two months of CrossFit and then how your last month (which was different) didn’t significantly decrease your measurements, at least the one you didn’t care for.
I’ll be checking in on your kettlebell experiment, they are a part of my workout almost daily, and you won’t need to do cardio afterwards. They are a great strength and conditioning tool.
Where will you be getting your workouts from?
Hey Pamela – I too am intrigued by those results. I wish someone could explain my body to me. Seriously, I have no idea what goes on with it sometimes.
As for the KBs, yes we will be doing them daily. So far I've pulled a workout from bodybuilding.com, Fitness magazine & a personal trainer friend is making one up for me but I'd love more suggestions so if you know of a good one, please send it to me! Also, any tips are greatly appreciated:)