Think about it after you go to the gym

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the gym, and during my bench press—including warm-ups—it wasn’t until the third set that my muscles finally started to engage. That’s what they call Post-Activation Potentiation. If you walk into the gym and start lifting heavy weights right away, it puts a strain on your joints, which isn’t good.

With the Smith machine squats, I found that pressing down with my entire foot prevented me from pushing back or leaning forward and trying to lift with my back muscles, which was a relief.

I tried doing the front pulldown in two stages, and it was great because there were several moments during the second stage where I could really feel my lats tightening.

Working out is great because it naturally allows me to reflect on work and personal matters during rest intervals. It sometimes feels similar to those moments when inspiration strikes while I’m in the shower or washing dishes.