Mirror Check :: Glutes ✔️

It has been 1.5 months of getting back into the groove of a consistent gym routine. To do something 5 days a week, instead of just twice a week. It isn't a chore to me. It's honestly quite fun. 

It only took three months to tumble down the slippery slope, and 1.5 months to get off of my butt to workout every day.

Mirror check. Glutes? ✔️ Existent. Heh!

Glutes are my weakest group of muscles. They oddly result in tight hip flexors, and the occasional twinge in the knees. Ugh. These are just going to get worse with age. Hip joint replacements? No thanks. I understand that lower back pain is also caused by weak glute muscles. I don't have any sort of back pain just yet since my stronger core makes up for it. Still. So I really needed to get the glutes fired up properly via loaded squats and the right amount of work and rest. 

At least I don't feel as bloated these days. The pants are fitting properly on the waist and hips. A few months ago, it was horrifying to discover a muffin-top when I wore a pair of button-closure pants. Now, it's back to being comfortable without spilling over at the sides. There was definitely a difference of about an inch. WTF. No clearly defined abs yet because I'm not cutting down enough on carbs and alcohol! LOL Never mind. I"ll get that sorted soon enough. 

The week is evenly spread out between anaerobic and aerobic workouts. Weights, squats, strength training; stretches on the Reformer and the most hated cardio. I get to dictate my pace because I know my options. The usual classes of Gyrotonic and Pilates go on to work on the core and pelvic stability. All my muscles are being oiled and used. Excellent.

I'll check my stats via the Evolt magnetic resonance analysis next month. I'm not obsessed over my weight; I don't bother to weigh myself weekly. I doubt I've gone down that much in body fat percentage. I lost like... a kg, maybe. Dunno. I don't really want to lose 3kg even. If I lose weight, I can't lift heavier. My muscles are back in action, and I feel less sluggish. I'm able to lift heavy and move faster. The tight hip flexors feel more nimble now, and the gluteus muscles are definitely stronger. Hurrah!