I am sold. Elliptical machines are outstanding. The bike will now likely be a last resort. I still don't like Smith machines however. I went to Gold's today and had them show me around just so I could get away later and get on a bench. This was the first time I've lifted free weights in literally years. Over 5 years.

It felt really good to throw around the weights again. And I was very surprised at how easy I could knock out reps with 135. I know it's just a warm-up weight, but still, I haven't lifted in so long, and this was done after I had benched on the Smith in my apartment gym. I'm seriously thinking of getting a six-month membership, but they want $39 to sign up and then $39.99 a month. That's too much.

I haven't been slacking off. In fact, today (Monday) is my first off-day in four days. It's just that on Saturday I went to our apartment complex fitness center and lifted weights for the first time in years. I did the same thing yesterday and am pretty sore today-especially back and biceps. Not my chest so much--I think I was in pretty good shape from all those push-ups.

Plus, what they have is a Smith machine, and even back when I lifted weights regularly I never did like them for bench press work--thought they were kind of gimmicky--you think you have 150 pounds on there, but the machine helps out so much that you're likely lifting 20% less. But it went well, and I even enjoyed tossing around the barbells again--never thought I would see the day.

What I'm really going to focus on down there are the elliptical machines. Again, this is another piece of equipment that I always thought was more gimmick than reality. But I'm willing to give it a try--as noted, I've been busting my hump on my cycle for five months, and I really can't see any noticeable difference.

I did a 40 minute session on the elliptical and at the 30 minute mark, I was actually ahead in calories burned than at the same point riding. And for the 40 minutes (plus 5 minute cooldown), I burned 560.1 calories. I guess it's because you nominally use the upper body--which means more calories burned--it makes sense.

So I think for the next three months or so, I'm going to stress elliptical, with a split-routine using the Smith and dumb bells (and chinning machine) they have down there. I'll try to make a progress report each week.

Level 10
25 minutes
27 February (345 cal)

Level 10
25 minutes
26 February (341 cal)

My back is not improving, so I've decided to cease push-ups until next Monday. Today's ride was tough. It was a very discouraging day. I don't think my body shape has changed much for the better, even after hundreds of push-ups, and busting my ass each ride. At least I think I am--I sweat bucket loads.

I may have to shake things up significantly. I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Level 10 25 pushups x4
25 minutes
24 February (346 cal)

4x30 at FSI.

Level 10 25x25x25x23
25 minutes
23 February (344 cal)

Have a slightly sore muscle, upper back, right side. This may be affecting push-ups. 4x30 at FSI.

Level 10 24 pushupsx4
25 minutes
21 February (343 cal)

Had a protein shake and whole foods vitamin pill about 1.5 hours before ride. Felt tired and a bit heavy, but energy ok. Had no idea I was on record pace until after final hills.