Gym 2022

Ol’ Lavahead at the Gym

Gym workouts are proceeding as best as can be desired. So far, there have been no setbacks or downgrades. Thus, the workouts are back to the way they were prior to the “super-duper corona” plan-demic and “lockdowns.” Of course, the workouts are not even close to that during the “heyday” period of the younger years.

Pain has unfortunately become a permanent feature and affects both elbow joints, the right forearm, and the left knee. This is a geriatric issue for certain. The only mitigation would be to take time off from the weights and only do cardio workouts. The option is unacceptable. As demonstrated during the “lockdowns,” only one month of inactivity results in severe atrophy. All muscle definition disappears. Recovery was fortunately possible. However, being two years older now, reduces the likelihood of a similar recovery. Yes, these are the last of the “good years.”

Coffee time is extended into the weight workouts, by the way. The remainder of the morning cup of coffee is sipped between sets. Caffeine seems to increase stamina and reduce pain.

Two pieces of fruit, usually a Fuji apple and a banana, are purchased each morning and consumed for lunch. The lunch break occurs between the weight and cardio workouts. The consumption of fruit has become a priority, that is, while the latter are still available. Fruit appears to have lots of vital nutrients.

Cooldown

The main cardio workout is accomplished on the elliptical machine for 30 minutes with the incline set at maximum and the resistance set about halfway. The cooldown is accomplished on the recumbent bicycle, which is mostly a farce. The time is mostly used for reading multiple Web sites on the iPhone while exploiting the gym’s wireless Net access. After that, a long shower is taken to “freshen up.”

So far, the gym regimen has prevented any musculoskeletal deformations and any other physical idiosyncrasies. Every attempt is made to maintain good posture, so there is no “hunchback” phenomenon. There are no asymmetric deformations. The goal remains the same … to stay as fit as possible for as long as possible.