New Rules of Lifting for Life Update

bioklutz

I started New Rules of Lifting for Life on January 10th. I followed everyone's advice and have been doing 3 strength training days a week (instead of 2). On the other 3-4 days I kept my 30 minutes of cardio. I am not going to lie - the first week or two really sucked!

The exercise I hate the most is a plank with a pull. The one that I struggle the most with is pushups. I am still doing elevated pushups. Every Sunday I try a normal pushup to see where I am at. The first pushup I tried, I could not push myself back up. Last Sunday I got to 5 normal pushups!

My primary goal is maintaining muscle mass and bone density. I am adding to that goal and want to improve my upper body strength.

On to the fun stuff! I increased my calories (Yay! I love to eat!). I started to see 100 on the scale a little too often. I absolutely do not want to get under 100 lbs. Before you get worried - I am 5 feet no inches. For my physical appearance - I am seeing more definition in my arms. I also noticed what looks like a 2 pack coming in. The funny thing is it is on the left side. I'm sure the right side will catch up at some point

I wanted to share what sparked my interest in strength training. I was watching Dylan Moran's Like Totally comedy routine. This part of the routine struck a chord:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wlLpCh-lE54

The phrase lift the heavy thing seemed so profound. Any time there was something I didn't want to do or seems really annoying to do - lift the heavy thing ran through my head. Eventually I thought maybe I should physically lift some heavy things too! I started reading about strength training. I read that it helps maintain and improve bone density.

Unfortunately there is a lot of information about strength training. Not knowing much about it, sifting through what is good information and what is bad information is difficult. I want to thank everyone for pointing me in the direction of reputable programs. I also appreciate the advice you all have offered!

rckeeper22

Sounds like you're doing awesome!

You're right, strength training has a ton of benefits. Also, the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even when it's completely at rest.

It's great to see progress when you're working hard.

I know what you mean about all the information out there- it takes time to get used to all of it, but as you progress through different workout programs, read different articles, and get to know your body's strengths/weaknesses, you'll start to gain confidence and knowledge before you know it.

Keep kicking *kitten*; consistency breeds results. One quote I've always told myself when I'm starting on a run or workout after being out of shape is, "No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everyone on the couch."

surfergal9988

Did you look at the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women??It has more reviews on amazon than the new rules of lifting for life.

Im sorta the same as you in that i want to tone up and Im 5'0 and 105, so i don't want to lose weight.

For the program your doing did you have to buy many weights? Is it stuff you can do at home?

bioklutz

New Rules of Lifting for Women seems popular and I have seen it referenced often. I briefly thought of getting it but New Rules of Lifting for Life was written for middle aged folks. I guess I fit into that category now. I don’t feel older until I sleep wrong and wake up with something aching!

I did get a few exercise bands but have not used them yet. My husband has a few old dumbbells that I am using. He also has an old bowflex that I use for cable pulls. I have been keeping an eye out on craigslist for weights and a barbell. I am probably going to need those within a month or two to continue making progress.

It is exciting as it is to see changes in my physical appearance. Honestly though I was more ecstatic the first time I did the 2 x 15 elevated push ups that I was supposed to do. Or the first time my glutes were sore after doing squats (Yay! I think I finally got the form down right!).