I am feeling my way through the workout experience on my own.  I don’t have a workout buddy on the days I visit LA Fitness. Even if I did, I would not be able to hold much of a conversation just yet.  My stamina is just now beginning to show signs of actually coming back to life.

But that is ok.  A big guy first and foremost is looking for anonymity during his public appearances, and having a pal around can sometimes lead to more anxiety than is necessary, whether that anxiety is real or perceived doesn’t matter.  Especially to big guys, perception is reality.

While on the elliptical the other day I noticed something.  It seemed to be a bit easier on my legs during the workout when I closed my eyes and just listened to the music on my headphones.  However, all the machines like the elliptical and the stationary cycles all have bio-feedback screens and readouts, what if I missed a bit of information.

Honestly, I thought to myself, at this stage in the drama that is my life, I am only concerned with finishing the 20 minutes of the machine.  I am not vigorously counting calories just yet, or clocking my RPMs on the stationary, or logging distance on the elliptical.  Some nights I can’t get to the end of the 20 minutes, some nights I can.

So I decided to try my entire lower body workout (elliptical and stationary) with my eyes closed.   No watching the televisions, no checking out the hotties strolling around, no staring at the heart rate indicator wondering if it is good or not.  Close my eyes, listen to the music, get to the end.

So far I am two for two using the closed eye focusing method. I am not constantly shifting my focus from this or that, or even getting so distracted that I lose my stride.  I am very pleased thus far.

So, if you want to focus your lower body workout, try closing your eyes (on the equipment that lends itself to this technique).