Fitness and Language Learning Goals

This week has been the week to put my New Years resolutions into action. I joined a gym called Panatta and it has two locations.  The location near where I work is fully equipped with stretching space, machines, free-weights, dumb bells and benches, cardio equipment, and even an indoor pool.  Their second location is at the Hilton by my apartment building and is also very well equipped. They have less machines but still have plenty of equipment, an outdoor pool which opens in April, and a steam room and hot tub.  Both locations offer classes which is included in my membership. 

On my first day of working out I stepped on a scale and was surprised,  ashamed, and disappointed to see that I have gained 10.9kg (24 lbs) since terminating my membership at my previous, Philadelphia based, gym and dojo in June of 2022.  That is a lot of weight gain in a short period of time and I can bet you that it will not be lost easily.  I have committed to working out at the gym at least three days a week and getting a full workout including a stretch, a targeted lifting session, and cardio.  The 25-30 minutes I was getting three days a week in the weight room at my work and it was not enough.  I will now be at an actual gym for at least two hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  I also plan to start running more regularly.  I was so sore this week that I could not fully bend or extend my arms.

Other health related developments this week include quitting cigarettes (again).  I switched to vaping.  This is not a safe alternative by any means but it is not as damaging as smoke. While I will enjoy wine with dinner once in a while my beer and cocktail consumption will be restricted to light intake on Saturdays and I will only drink if I also run or hike on that weekend. 

I started Mandarin lessons this week. So far it is going well.  I only had two lessons but because I had been learning on duolingo for a while it came pretty easily.  

I hashed on Saturday.  I have signed up to lay trail on March 18th with Faye and a mutual friend of ours named Anna (Sheewee Herman).  We will be planning a St. Patrick's Day Green Dress Run.  So I scouted a trail for the runners on Sunday.  I also did my Mandarin homework, prepped meals, and dropped off some dry cleaning. 

Faye surprised me with a visit Sunday evening.  I was not expecting to see her this weekend but she graced me with her lovely presence and stayed the night.  Seeing her was a great way to end one week and start the next.