Saturday Share: My 30 Day Total Gym Challenge

On August 1, I started a 30 day Total Gym Challenge. I'm not competing with anyone but myself, and I'm not doing this for anyone but myself.

I decided to challenge myself because I've had difficulty regaining the muscle mass I lost two years ago when I was felled by an "unknown pathogen" according to my labs.

Getting stronger and regaining muscle was one of my 24 for 2024 goals. I lost patience with how slow the process was going and decided to give it my full attention this month.

HARD? OMG YES!

I decided to use the Total Gym my Darling Hubby works out on every week. The one he has is almost identical to the one pictured above. That man can do a workout routine I'll probably never match.

I started with the Beginner Startup Program of 19 exercises. The first day I managed 4 of those exercises with 3 sets of 15 reps each. I was shaking by the time I finished and showered. I could do nothing else the rest of the day due to complete exhaustion.

I guess my will power is stronger than I thought because it was sheer will power that got me through the next few days. In that first week. Every muscle in my body ached. I worked out, showered, and collapsed each day. BUT, I persevered. Well, I also broke down and bought something that helped more than I believed possible.

ELECTRIC VIBRATION PLATE

I was thinking about skipping a few days because I had so much muscle soreness, aching joints, etc. One morning I saw a YouTube video about electric vibration plates that were touted to help everything from toning muscles to relieving fibromyalgia pain to lymph drainage, etc.

When I read that it helped athletes overcome injuries and deal with sore muscles, I decided to try one so I did a lot of research. I needed one that would allow my husband and his size 12 feet to stand on it comfortably.

I also wanted one with 3D vibration, not just vertical vibration, as well as one powered by electricity but with a remote to operate it without having to use the buttons on the unit.

I wanted a unit with enough positive reviews to know it wouldn't fall apart in a few weeks. Cost was another consideration. The one I'd seen in the YouTube was nearly $500.00.  The one I settled on was $99.00. It was the Blue Fin Fitness Ultra Slim 3D Vibration Plate that fit all of my requirements.

Amazon delivered it a week later, and I was relieved to find that it wasn't flimsy plastic but something that felt substantial. It's easy to use and light enough to pick it up and move it easily. I parked it in front of the TV and watched music videos while I vibrated from head to toe for 10 minutes. When the cycle was finished, I stepped off and was stunned. The muscle aches were gone. Gone!

WINNER, WINNER

I feel as if I hit the jackpot and won big. A few days ago, I started using my desktop computer again instead of my laptop in the recliner. 

Now I use the Blue Fin for a few minutes each hour when I take a break from sitting. I use it a half hour before bedtime, and I sleep better. 

Gone is the knee pain I had. Gone is the sciatic pain in my left leg. I don't know if it was from the Total Gym or the vibration plate or both. I'll keep doing both.

When I went to Amazon to get a picture of the Blue Fin, I discovered the price had increased from $99 to $330! Talk about sticker shock! I'm sure there are other less expensive units. If you're interested,  shop around and compare according to the factors important for you. If still too expensive, put it in your Wish List so you'll be notified if the price drops.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Now, 15 days later, I enjoy exercising on the Total Gym. I don't have to exercise will power to do it. I love, love, love the electric vibration plate which was the biggest surprise of all. I'm thankful to be feeling better than I've felt in 2 years.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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