Start The Holidays Off with High-Intensity Interval Training stress reduction techniques
When I say that visiting Ngo at Iconoclast fitness is the highlight of my week I also mean that it's the most challenging part of my week. Before Ngo, I was in a revolving door of various group exercise classes and they were excellent. However, nothing is a substitution for the veracity of the high-intensity interval training that Ngo is getting me familiar with.
Mindful Movement
After taking a week off because of my schedule, I was worried that my body would not be able to handle three iterations of the circuit. Low and behold I powered through a set of 20 leg extensions, heating and hitting my quadriceps with the intensity of a hammer. While I was engaged in the motion, feeling the weight impacting my legs, I remembered my meditations sessions. All of the bodily sensations that are in your body become components that can be observed. For example, If I'm meditating and my nose starts to itch I just focus on the itch and then eventually it will dissipate. Similarly when you exercise you can mindfully provide the sensation of repetitions space in your mind and observe it, rather than just feel it. It felt that way when I did this with my leg extensions. I was able to give that extra push that took me to my goal of 20 repetitions. Lastly, weighted leg raises and weighted seated-leg presses took my legs from lightly warmed to the wobbly feeling you get after an intense legs day. But I wasn't even partway finished.
The core, obliques, upper and lower belly areas are the bane of many people's existence. Some people have a hard time keeping that extra weight off that region, especially men. Ngo was keen on having me perform sit-ups and leg raises to target those stubborn bellies. This is a region that you should work on every day if possible. In between the circuit Ngo put me on the lateral elliptical, which feels much different than a normal elliptical. First of all your inner legs are activated as you push to hit the target, which is designed to get your heart pumping.
Getting Stronger Gets You Happier
This little trans-girl, who could barely finish one and half of the circuit when she started in October, was able to plow through the circuit three times last week. Excuse me for feeling proud of myself. Nothing is a substitution for the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes over you when you realized that you've gotten stronger in such a short amount of time. This is more than just exercise, this is stress-reduction techniques.
Can you imagine yourself becoming stronger and more fit by the day? As I have written before, Ngo's book 28-days-Greater is a great way to get started on your transformation even if you're not in NYC.
In closing, I would like to mention how wonderful it was to meet Ngo's young son and gorgeous wife while I was working out. Iconoclast Gym is truly a place where the essence of a close-knit family is felt in a very real and welcoming way.
Make your appointment today!
Writer Edwina Ulises (she-her-hers)
Edwina Ulises is a motivated transgender web-developer, blogger, and entrepreneur based in NYC. Her passions include code, technology, fitness, writing, music, meditation.