Sept Goals - Sessions 2
Middle Splits Challenge
Similar to Session 1, I was excited to start session 2.
I went to the gym this morning and was unable to quickly complete this session in the morning.
So, once I found a break during work, I quickly took it to complete the session.
The Training
At this point, the warm-up drills are the same:
- Favorite drills
- Straddle leg lifts
- Butterfly pose (with dumbbells on thighs)
- Standing hamstring stretch
Once done, I started the stretching session.
The Experience
As expected, the first set was the worst; however, with my support setup, the thighs quickly opened up by the 2nd set.
Sets 3 through 6 went quickly with 60-second rest in between.
Took a 2-min rest prior to the 7th set.
After the 8th set, I realized that I could spend more than 60 seconds on each set; this is because it seems that my legs are getting stronger and I'm more stable.
So, I took a 2-min rest prior to the 10th set and on the 10th set, I decided to stay longer than 60 seconds.
I wanted to stay for 2 mins, but I could only do 90 seconds.
For the next session, I'll try a different approach: rather than complete 10 sets of 60 seconds each, I will make these changes
- Sets 1 and 2 will be 60 seconds each
- Sets 3 - 6 will be 90 seconds each
- Set 7 will be 60 seconds
Sets 8 - 10 will be eliminated.
I'll see how well my body react to these extended stretches.
Informal Sessions
Horse stance while brushing and whenever I'm standing still; butterfly poses while sitting as well as any available stretches.
My legs aren't there yet, but there's progress in the right direction.
Water Treading Challenge
As part of my water treading researches, I came across this video:
So, I decided to focus on my arms first.
While swimming today, I plunged (jumped) 3 times into the pool to get comfortable to being under water; I will eventually learn to dive into the pool (a future goal).
From there, I completed one lap of breast stroke and a half-lap back stroke.
Then, I spent some time working on my arms for treading.
I tried to keep my shoulders from moving, but somehow, I can't stop the shoulders from moving.
I felt my arms were moving as they should, but I couldn't really tell.
I also tried to include the leg kicks, but quickly realized the lack of co-ordination of both arms and legs.
I took a break from the arms training and went for two laps of breast stroke; I also completed one lap of back stroke.
I also worked on my core as well as additional plunging into the deep (no jumping this time).
I completed a lap of freestyle swimming (with arms behind my head and paddling only with the legs - to strengthen the legs).
I also practised additional arm treading.
Before I know it, it was already 30 mins and time to exit the pool.
I can't gauge my performance yet, but will continue to research and practise what I've learnt.
See you next time.