Summary of October 2022’s 30 Day Experiment
October’s 30 Day Experiment was fun. The gist was to do three exercises daily of 30 reps each. I was able to substitute the exercises for other bigger exercise sessions such as hikes, gym workouts, physical projects. Also, like always, I gave myself a 10% pass.
Takeaways and awareness gained from the experiment:
Reactivated Forgotten Muscles
I worked a bigger variety of muscle groups than I have in quite a while. It made me realize that I’ve been pretty passive about my workouts in that I always do the standard stuff — a few chest exercises, pull-ups, leg presses, treadmill or exercise bike, and done. After this experiment, I’ve reactivated my hamstrings and full back, and I used my stomach and shoulders more than usual.
It Makes a Difference
For all intents and purposes, this is kind of an old man’s workout routine. 3 exercises a day? Not exactly how Schwarzenegger won the Olympia.
Whatever man, I could feel the difference when I went for hikes and did little things around. Even bending down, I do less of the old man grunt that’s easy to get into the habit of when you get lazy for a while.
Consistent, or even occasional, use of ALL your muscle groups makes you feel better. Heck, it makes life easier.
Oh Yeah. My Knees Still Suck
My knees are big pieces of crap that should probably be replaced one day. Too much soccer and too many hyper extensions, too much heavy lifting when I was a kid. I don’t know. The x-rays and MRI’s are clear that my knees suck. Squats and lunges are great for leg muscles and balance but my knees creak/crunch more than they have in a while.
Any Good Habit is Good
Like with most 30 Day Experiments, a major benefit is simply that having a daily ritual that’s healthy… is good. It keeps me present, reminds of something I believe is important, and even sets a good example for my boys.
Changes Made Going Foward…
I often do a handful of pushups if I haven’t worked out or hiked in a while but I can definitely see throwing in a few “toe-to-skies”, supermans, and maybe even some lunges.
I MIGHT also change my 10% pass to a 20% pass for some items. October was a busier-than-usual month. It’s not that 3 exercises are a big deal, it’s more that it’s easy to forget about them when you’re traveling, have company in town (we had various family visitors the entire month; literally, almost every night of the month).
Either way, I’m not going to stress myself about the daily task. I’m doing this for enrichment and fun, definitely not to add another freaking stressor in my life.