Wanting your thoughts on training - time to mix it up?
lwoodroff
Posts: 1,431 Member
Hi Sara and SideSteel
So, I've been exclusively lifting (loathe cardio) since March. The first few months were on stronglifts, but fairly quickly dropped to 3x5, and starting strength. I haven't pendlay rowed since October (when something went 'ping', thankfully without major damage).
I've still not had the balls to learn power cleans (meaning I'm not fully 'doing the programme'), and I have some limitations..
1. I can't get to the gym more than 3x/week
2. I can't spend more than 90 minutes at the gym.
this is a combination of work/family/marriage/life stuff, and are mostly self-imposed limitations which I'm not willing to go beyond at this point (I'd prioritise my marriage over an extra gym session!).
After 10 months, I'm sure I haven't squeezed the last drops of LP. However I've had to deload several times for failures/form/etc and I'm (finally!) getting a little bored.
I'm rubbish at not following a programme but if it's in black and white I do it religiously.
I have a few things I'd like to add in.. a little conditioning (there's a prowler at the gym, it kills me, I assume that's a good thing..). I'd love to be able to do a pull up, a chin up, and proper full ROM press ups (and I know only doing them will improve them.. but they weren't in the programme so I'm a slacker).. and I've had 2 c-sections so I'm sure one of my limiting factors is core strength, so something like planks should help.
Should I keep going with LP and see how far I can push it (currently maxes of 1x70kg squat, 2x90kg dead, 5x32.5kg bench, 1x37.5kg press), or mix it up.. and if I mix it up is there something that won't kill me for time or sacrifice strength (I'd love to keep getting stronger!) but keep me focused and interested?
the stats.. female, 37yo, 6' tall, 188lbs on New Year's Day.. ugh.. that's about a stone more than I got to on diet and cardio alone. I need to address the food alongside the strength!
I know you are super duper busy, and I'm not asking you to create an entire programme for me, just some thoughts to point me in the right direction
thanks!
So, I've been exclusively lifting (loathe cardio) since March. The first few months were on stronglifts, but fairly quickly dropped to 3x5, and starting strength. I haven't pendlay rowed since October (when something went 'ping', thankfully without major damage).
I've still not had the balls to learn power cleans (meaning I'm not fully 'doing the programme'), and I have some limitations..
1. I can't get to the gym more than 3x/week
2. I can't spend more than 90 minutes at the gym.
this is a combination of work/family/marriage/life stuff, and are mostly self-imposed limitations which I'm not willing to go beyond at this point (I'd prioritise my marriage over an extra gym session!).
After 10 months, I'm sure I haven't squeezed the last drops of LP. However I've had to deload several times for failures/form/etc and I'm (finally!) getting a little bored.
I'm rubbish at not following a programme but if it's in black and white I do it religiously.
I have a few things I'd like to add in.. a little conditioning (there's a prowler at the gym, it kills me, I assume that's a good thing..). I'd love to be able to do a pull up, a chin up, and proper full ROM press ups (and I know only doing them will improve them.. but they weren't in the programme so I'm a slacker).. and I've had 2 c-sections so I'm sure one of my limiting factors is core strength, so something like planks should help.
Should I keep going with LP and see how far I can push it (currently maxes of 1x70kg squat, 2x90kg dead, 5x32.5kg bench, 1x37.5kg press), or mix it up.. and if I mix it up is there something that won't kill me for time or sacrifice strength (I'd love to keep getting stronger!) but keep me focused and interested?
the stats.. female, 37yo, 6' tall, 188lbs on New Year's Day.. ugh.. that's about a stone more than I got to on diet and cardio alone. I need to address the food alongside the strength!
I know you are super duper busy, and I'm not asking you to create an entire programme for me, just some thoughts to point me in the right direction
thanks!
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Replies
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Hi!
What are your main goals? Are you looking to gain strength primarily (seems like you may be from your comment, but I don't want to assume)? Are there any lifts you enjoy more than others and any areas you think are lagging (other than your core that you mentioned), either from a strength or musculature perspective?
Sorry for the barrage of questions.0 -
You have hit the nail on the head Sara, I don't think I have defined goals! Strength definitely, but it has always been to be a good example to my kids, to enjoy an active life, and strength seems a more fun way to get there than cardio... Sadly my love of food and dropped fitness levels mean some cardio is inevitable!
OHPs are the most frustrating lift simply because upper body stuff is slower. Squats are getting there though with my height it is always hard fought. Deadlift I like but I stall out, and bench is a grind but fun.. so I "enjoy" them all really. But I don't do any accessory work, I've never done a front squat for example. Core and conditioning are probably my weakest and least enjoyable areas!0 -
Tagging.
Are you enjoying your training?0 -
Yes I love lifting, but suspect after ten months of 4ish lifts it isn't challenging my body enough. Not being a gluttonous slug is a perpetual challenge, you see!0
