Wednesday, 4 January 2012

Powders & Tablets & an Inferiority Complex

Maybe you'll believe me, maybe you won't - but it's true. I often feel intimidated when walking into a gym, sports shop, sports shoe shop or anything remotely similar! Why? Because the monkey on my shoulder whispers things like, "You're getting a bit old for this!" or "You don't look like you belong here" or "You're absolutely crap at sports so you don't really fit in". When I was on the heavier side I was convinced that everyone in the gym or shop was snickering about me, saying things like, "What the hell is she doing here?! Obviously it isn't working!"

What shitty things to say to yourself. But it's common, especially among women. Men seem to have a bit more confidence in themselves physically - even if they aren't in perfect shape. I see it all the time. They wander into the gym and give anything a go. Meanwhile the ladies are often too intimidated to even enter the weights section.

I feel that a very large part of my job at the gym is to help those who are unconfident to fight their fear and "do it anyway".

So what the hell does this have to do with my training you ask? Well, I went to a supplements shop in Darwin and all of those old feelings came flooding back as the fit young staff mmember strolled over asked me if I needed help. There's nothing that makes you feel like an amateur more than when you have to admit that you have absolutely no idea what you need to buy!! Man I felt silly. I felt really silly. Amateur with a capital 'A'!

Never mind. I got through and walked out with a selection of bottles containing;

- BCAA (branch chain amino acids) that are supposed to ..... aid recovery and .... shit I don't know! But they are supposed to be good. I take them in a powder form that tastes like nasty orange cordial, 30mins before and 30mins after exercise.

- Glucamine - is supposed to promote muscle growth, reduce muscle breakdown, aid recovery blah blah blah - it all starts sounding the same but they are supposed to be good so I have a little bit of powder that I pop in some water and gulp down before bed

- Creatine - is supposed to aid in energy for explosive exercise such as heavy lifting. It is a very common supplement for body builders but apparantely needs to be cycled so as you're not on it for extended periods of time. I was sold it in tablet form and take a couple before and after workouts. Again - I'm trusting the experts on this stuff!!

- Protein Powder - I'm sure everyone knows about protein powder and it's benefits. I've got a yummy chocolate flavoured powder and, secretly, it's scrumptuous!! I have one shake as soon as I wake up, another immediately after workout and could easily sneak another one in somewhere but am trying to use whole foods as a better protein source.

So I'm not exactly a wealth of secure information on this lot! I'm more flying by the seat of pants and hoping the 'experts' are right. If I start getting facial hair or my voice gets deeper - please feel free to let me know!!

Just kidding Mum!!! These are all standard supps!


1 comment:

  1. Good on you Kirsten! You are an absolute Superstar! :)
    You've inspired me to take on a healthier life, but I'm only one of many, think of all the awesome boot camp chicks!
    I hope we can be the monkey on the other shoulder yelling " you CAN do it!"

    Behind you all the way :)
    Peta

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