Are you stuck in exercise hell?
Have your workouts become hellish? Do you dread the exercise hour? Have you reached the point where you’re willing to trade your soul for eternal fitness if it means you never have to step on a treadmill again?
I was at that point a year ago when I started looking for something new and discovered Orangetheory Fitness.
Thankfully, they did not require my soul, but they did require that I show up and stretch myself time and time again. Just as I was getting a little complacent, Orangetheory Fitness introduced me to Hell Week.
In short, Hell Week consists of participating in five tougher-than-normal workouts in the week leading up to Halloween. In order to entice us, they offer daily fashion fun—things like crazy socks, neon 80s, and animal print—and a free t-shirt. I mean who among us wouldn’t torture ourselves for the chance at a free t-shirt and bragging rights?
As this publishes, I’ve survived four Hell Week workouts. I have one remaining. Assuming I’m alive to tell the tale, I’ll let you know how it goes next week.
The Burpee Ring
This is pretty much what it sounds like—torturous forms of burpees that I’d never even heard of, one after another after another… Never fear, in between, we got to row and run. Don’t let the picture fool you. I was just waiting for the feeling to return to my legs, so I could drive home. The fashion and the Splat Points were orange.
The Final Distance Destination
This was a team workout consisting of rowing for distance, weights, and recovering on the treadmill. (Did I just refer to the treadmill as recovery? Yes, I did.) Oh, and when a skull appeared on the screen, drop and do 13 burpees! By the end of this workout, the socks were not the only thing that was crazy!
The Carnival of Burning Souls
Burning being the operative word for this workout—as in two minutes of non-stop thrusters, recover with some pushups, and then do some more thrusters, just to name one burning example. Two minutes–big deal, you say? Oh, it was a big deal. Two minutes in hell is the equivalent of two hours in normal time. Either that, or the clock stopped midway through.
Paranormal Leg Activity
No false advertising here. The name pretty much says it all–lots of legs! The fashion was crazy hair. I must confess this crazy hair didn’t come until after the workout. Notice the splat points have gradually increased with each workout. I’m a little scared for the final workout–Evil Deadleg.
How can you escape your exercise hell?
So why am I telling you all this? Well, let’s be honest–remember what I said about bragging rights…but also, I am hoping I can serve as an example. If you’ve hit a plateau with your exercise routine or you’re just bored with it, mix things up. Sign up for a class, hire a coach, or download a new routine. I find it also helps to join a challenge or sign up for a race–something to work toward. If that something comes with a medal or a t-shirt, all the better!
Your turn
- What form of physical activity are you loving?
- When was the last time you switched things up?
- What’s your idea of exercise hell?
Our personal trainer used to say that all the time…mix it up. That’s why I joined with another blogger for a yoga challenge until the end of the year. It’s been a great way to try something new!!
And considering what you’ve been going through, I like my choice WAY better…ha ha
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
A yoga challenge sounds delightful, Jodie. Luckily, the Hell Week Challenge is short term. I only have one more session. It has pushed me to work a little harder–that’s for sure!
Hi, Christie – Your Hell Week Workouts are very impressive. So much so I feel like a now need a nap myself!!
Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration.
I won’t likely join Hell Week, but I will continue to push myself to MOVE daily. 🙂
The workouts have definitely stretched me, but to be fair, the coaches don’t push us individually harder than we can go. I haven’t cried during a workout yet. 🙂
I laughed out loud at your crazy hair-I loved it! And I HATE burpees! I haven’t been able to work out hard because of sciatica (at least that’s my excuse) for awhile, but I’m sure impressed with how hard you’ve worked. Nice job!!!
I’m not a fan of full-on burpees either. Most of the time I do a modified version, but I gave it my best shot in honor of Hell Week. I can’t believe your sciatica is still acting up. That’s a drag. Sometimes when I don’t feel like working out, I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to work out.
Wow, Christie, your Hell Week workouts sound impressive. I won’t join Hell Week, however, I do mix up my exercises in the gym, and alternate gym days with yoga, swimming and running 5K. #MLSTL
It sounds like you have a good routine going Natalie. That should keep you from getting bored and give you a well-rounded workout!
Christie — Hell Week sounds crazy! Good for you for taking it on! My workout style changes EVERY day. I walk or bike (never following the same route) or head to my basement, turn on a workout playlist and move however the music makes me. We are fortunate to have gathered equipment over the years to address all the different workout areas – but no two workouts are the same. This keeps it interesting for me.
It sounds like you’ve got a good thing going Janet. I’m impressed with the combination you’ve developed.
Well done you, Christie and I would have loved to have joined you for the week. You are looking healthy and happy and that is the result of hard work. I’ve been mixing it up with running, yoga and workouts depending on what I feel like on any given day. Of course, Saturdays are always running days with my Saturday Sisters but I’m listening to my body more these days and feeling much better for it. Thanks so much for sharing with us at #MLSTL and inspiring us to keep healthy. Have a great week! xx
Thank you Sue. It’s funny, now that I’m closing in on 60, I’m probably in the best shape of my life, as far as fitness. I mean I’m definitely seeing the signs of aging, but I’m taking better care of myself than I ever have. Listening to your body is huge–knowing when to hold back and when to push a little harder. Thank you for the encouragement, as always. I do appreciate it.
Good grief woman you are amazing! All that effort, all those calories burnt! I will applaud from the sidelines because I can’t even begin to imagine how that could be fun. Glad to let you have bragging rights and to cheer you on – you go girl!!
MLST and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement Leanne. It was an intense, short challenge. I am done–with T-shirt in hand. 🙂 Tonight I’m thinking an easy ride on the stationary bike while I read a book–maybe a little yoga.
Well done Christie, you’ve worked really hard! As long as you’re enjoying your workouts and can feel they’re working then you are doing well. I’m happy with my walking and some running through the forest with the kangaroos.
Okay, running through the forest with kangaroos sounds delightful. And you are so right–the key is finding something you enjoy. Physical activity doesn’t have to be formal exercise and it certainly doesn’t have to be miserable.
I absolutely hate all form of exercise, although I do enjoy hiking in nature with my husband and I would love to get some bikes and go on some biking trails with him. I admire people like you who are so committed to exercise. I have tried exercising on and off in my life, but I just don’t enjoy it and I think there are so many other things I’d rather be doing.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be in the form of exercise to be good for you. Hiking and bike riding are both great physical activities and come with the bonus of spending time in nature. It sounds like you’ve found something that works for you, Amy. Enjoy!
Hi Christie
Love the socks. Sounds like a blast. My trainer introduced me to a modified burpee today. Argh!!!! So what are splat points?
Just one more day
Laura
Thanks Laura. I got the socks from a Girls on the Run race, and I so seldom get an opportunity to wear them, I was happy for this chance. Splat points are Orangetheory’s slang for the number of minutes your heart rate is between 84-100% of max. Good luck with those burpees!
Some of my friends have done Orangetheory Fitness and loved it. I must check it out! I am a runner. I just completed the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday and took a few days foo, but I did swim and do yoga, this week. As of today, I’m back to running again, which is my first choice!
Congratulations on your most recent marathon, Laurie! I am a runner too. I’ve run one marathon, back in 2016. Since then I’ve chosen 10Ks and Half-marathons.This year between the winter inversions and the summer fires, the air has not been fit for much outdoor running, which I prefer. Orangetheory is a nice alternative and also mixes in some strength training. I’m so glad we found each other’s blogs.I look forward to getting to know you.
That sounds a bit more energetic than I’m interested in but I do mix up my exercising so I don’t do the same ones, every day.
In my mind, that’s the important thing, Lee. Mixing it up keeps it interesting and works different muscles. Enjoy your weekend!
Wow Christie, you’re amazing!! Congratulations on your hard work and success!! I like the idea of joining a class. That always motivates me. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing and cohosting at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Thanks Lori. I appreciate the encouragement and the chance to cohost with you. Happy Sunday!