Things have definitely changed for me over the last few months. By that, I specifically mean my effort levels in training.
I’m writing this today, still with the buzz from last nights session at David Fairlamb Fitness.
I must admit that I’d been looking forward to it since I left the gym on Tuesday. By the time I got there yesterday, I was totally up for giving absolutely everything and having absolutely nothing left to give.
The thing with Dave’s sessions are they are all varied. You never know what you are going to get. There is always a mixture of cardio, strength, plyometrics and so on. A whole manner of equipment is used including ropes, hammer and tyres (my personal favourite pictured below), Watt Bikes, ski machines, Versaclimbers (2nd favourite also pictured below), traditional weights, slam balls and much more.
There is very little rest across the 45 minute session. You always feel like you’re constantly on the go. As a result, I always feel very focussed and the session tends to fly over.
I do two back to back sessions on a Monday and Thursday. If the first session sees an above average amount of effort given (and it has the last few weeks) then I know I’m in for a torrid time during that second session. Last night was a perfect example.
As I have seen many times during the run around the world and particularly across the USA, when I’m very fatigued I can dig in and start to perform at an unexpected higher level. I’ve not often seen this in any training I’ve ever done until this year at Dave’s gym.
The image below shows heart rate (a good sign of the effort I’m putting in across the 2 circled sessions).
The yellow lines are where my heart rate is 80% - 90% of max and red is above 90%.
The next image below is something I use from the Athlytic app which shows effort levels compared to the average for this type of session. Last night was a pleasing 18.6% higher than average. This figure should come down over time when I put in consistently higher than average levels of effort.
These kinds of stats have really helped to give me focus over recent months. While Dave provides a perfect platform to train, it’s up to me to grasp that opportunity, give my all and continue to improve.
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of getting fitter and stronger there is another side to this. It’s something that I’ve mentioned many times over the last 14 months. The mental health benefit that I’ve seen has been massive. You will have seen me say things like “I come away from the gym feeling like a world beater” or “I feel like I could take on the world” or "I feel like a million dollars".
The effect a session like last night has on me stays with me for days. Or at least until the next session which is Beach Bootcamp at Tynemouth tomorrow!
There is still a very long way to go on this journey. The foundations that have been built over the last 14 months are beyond pleasing. It’s now down to me to take this to the next level. I tell you what though, I’m bloody enjoying myself right now.
