2 week challenge
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Happy Monday everyone!
Amy, I read back a little and heard about your doggie. Sorry to hear that. We just put our 14 year old Aussie down the week before I came back to work. It was rough, but it was a long time coming and she's in a better place now.
Chloe, I'm there with you. I didn't eat terribly (although I didn't log a thing Saturday), but I drank like a fish Saturday. (It was a pump and dump kind of night
). I live in Louisville KY and this is the biggest party place in the country right now with Derby coming up. The big kick off fireworks show was Saturday so we had some friends over so the bottles of wine just kept getting opened. Sunday morning I felt pretty crappy when the baby wanted to eat at 7 and then I felt all guilty for getting so drunk the night before. Weird what kiddos will do to mindset. Anyways, we took a little morning nap and then walked to teh coffee shop and walked 30 minutes after. I was semi-productive yesterday and stayed within my self set target of 1800-2000 but I kind of grazed on random foods all day. It just reiterates that I need to keep myself in check on weekends too with eating and drinking. If for nothing else so I can catch up on sleep. I am drained at the end of work days and have to wake up an hour earlier than I did pre-baby so I need the weekend to refuel. Today I feel a little bloated and yucky. I'm hoping to get a run or walk in tonight. I've got Thursday and Friday off this week so I will definitely be getting some good workouts in those days.
Question - do you all consider your week to begin on Sunday or Monday?0 -
Good morning ladies!
Beeps- That would be awesome to have your hubby hold you accountable, mine tends to be the bad influence!
Shan- Yes you need to convince your mom that you are trying to look HOT with muscles! Not super skinny and wasting away! Great job on getting into weightlifting!
Ashley- weekends are rough I know! My weeks go Monday-Sunday bc I plan my for Sunday to be rest day, but if I have to miss a workout through the week I make up for it on Sunday. My weigh in day is Saturday morning, but I should make it Monday morning, then maybe I would do better on the weekends!
So my new 3 week program starts today and I am excited and well rested from last week. I will be taking my before pics tonight after work, I promise
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Ashley - for "challenge" purposes, my week begins Monday.
Shan - it sounds like you had a fun weekend - so be it! (Your seamstress class sounds amazing!! I have never even heard of such a thing - but it sounds creative, a good outlet - and unique! Good for you.)
Chloe - I'm very glad to read that you are doing "pictures"....you won't regret it!
mfp says that I have logged in for 120 days in a row. That's pretty awesome for me! My next 120 days I'm going to be stricter with my diet and see what happens. Why not??
Today, actually, will probably also mark about the 1/2 way point in my NROL4W program....so, in lots of ways it seems like a good time to kick things up a notch. Obviously the "lifting heavy" thing is not just a "fad", for me, but a permanent change - which is GREAT - and I'm proud of that.
Now, I'll just focus on my nutrtion plan - and, I hate to say it, but for me that means the "D" word....I'm going to treat it like a DIET. i.e. - I can't have this and I can't have that - and that's just the way it has to be. If I just cut them out of my "able to eat" list, like a cancer, I tend to have better results than if I do the: "I can have 3 of those, but only 1 of those..." strategy. For me, to engage my "discipline", it has to be a "yes" or "no" piece of food. So, for example, candy is a "no". Veggies are a "yes". Alcohol is a "no". Lots of carbs are "no" (i.e. anything white, I just eliminate it from my diet).
I have to take photos/measurements again, next week, anyway....so, I'll be happier if I've dumped a bunch of water weight before that - and then I'm just going to carry this forward.
Where's jen when I need her to say: "Beeps - go for it!"0 -
Jen's not here! But, Go for it, Beeps!
Everyone sounds like they have some good plans, and had good weekends. My weekend was bit too lushy but I got my workout in on Saturday and it went well. Brought my bag to workout tonight. I do not think I am going to go up on squats but I am looking forward to going up on deadlifts.
So, I read that I should not be lifting in running shoes but I always have. I can see how they sort of make me go forward on my toes for the squat. I wonder if I should try lifting in socks? My gym is unattended so no one is going to yell at me or anything.
chloe-what's your three week program? that is cool about the "before" pics.
Ashley, sorry to hear about your beloved Aussie. We do have to do the right thing for our pets, even though it is so hard for us.
Shan, that is so cool and the sewing. A swimsuit! that will be hard, I bet. I asked my mom if she could make my bikini bottoms smaller and she said it would be easier for me to grow a bigger butt;) I bought them too big though because they were the only matching set left and they were on sale.0 -
Sorry I meant 3 month program. I am just starting a new workout program since finishing P90X. I am doing Chalean Extreme and upping my running speed/miles. I wish I could think of a good food/nutrition challenge to go along with this next 3 months. But, the only thing I can think of is to not drink, which I really don't think I am ready to commit to. Although I am trying to keep it down to 1 day a week, or 2 at the most.0
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Small world, I'm a tax attorney as well. Tax people are everywhere I guess.
Chloe--that's exciting that you're starting Chalean Extreme! If you're starting a new exercise program and starting to push yourself more when you run I don't know that you need (or want) to completely revamp your food/nutrition at the same time, but I think that keeping the drinks to a minimum and keeping up the good habits you've been developing is a good place to start.
Amy--good luck on the deadlifts! I've always lifted in my running shoes so I don't know what to tell you about that, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say. It makes sense though, obviously running shoes are made for running and not lifting. I'll have to check out what others are lifting in next time I go to my "weekend" gym where there are always a good number of people lifting.
Beeps--good luck with the diet! I think people are against the "D" word because it implies that what you're doing is temporary, and often people go overboard when they start reincorporating the "off limits" foods. If cutting out certain foods works for you and you can sustain it for the long term, more power to you!
Ashley--welcome back! Louisville must be an exciting time right now!
Well my 2 week challenge, isn't going to be very "challenging," there's just too much else going on right now that has to take priority. My husband and I are TTC, and it's not going very well. I always thought of myself as pretty healthy, at least compared to the general population, but apparently I'm not, at least as far as my reproductive system. But I'm going to try to log everything at least during the week and to exercise at least every other day (but hopefully more).0 -
Oops double post. Sorry!0
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Amy - go and get flat sneakers (like converse). I did that about 3 weeks into lifting and it CHANGED MY FORM (for the better!) completely. Best $$ I have spent, thus far (well, and the PT...). I ended up getting nike brand, but there's TONS of flat-soled shoes, for not very much money (canvas-style). I'd skip the barefeet and just spend on proper (flat!) footwear for lifting.
Chloe - I think you're doing great. And, if the alcohol calories are fitting in your daily budget, then I wouldn't worry TOO much. (For me, because of temp nanny's arrival, we've just put social occasions, etc., mostly on hold, so it is a MUCH easier time for me to be dry, that's all.)
RisonTheRun - TTC - yeesh....I have no words of wisdom, here. I do know people who are in the TTC pool, and they don't seem to be enjoying it (much). I don't think everyone here needs to be in the midst of a CHALLENGE all the time....it isn't practical all the time.
We are here for you, in any event!0 -
I think one of the reasons I keep finding *NEW* challenges to participate in is that, truly, I'm trying to wrestle some "control" into my life. There are other parts of my life that feel "out of control" - or "beyond my control" - and one way, for me, to deal with that (psychologically), is to batten down the hatches where I *do* have control. And, frankly, the truth is I have 100% control over what I put in my mouth.
So, that's where the "D" word has come from. I know that if I diet, the weight comes off, and I feel VERY self-righteous. The *next* trick will be how to maintain the loss once it's gone....that is (always) the trickier part, and probably even more tricky, just now, as I'm still categorized as a new lifter!0 -
Ris, sometimes it can be a challenge to stop challenging. Take it easy. You are healthier than most. Wishing you lots of luck.
Now that you have more muscle, the fat should melt right off, Beeps:happy:
I will get some keds or converse but I haven't yet, I work out at the gym here at work, so no chance to do that today, but I will.0 -
Socks for today, then, Amy.....or barefeet (so no slippage) is probably even better.0
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Well, I took the pictures....yuck! Totally depressed right now, this better be worth it! Got in a good workout with Chalean and had a healthy day and met my protein goal, so I'm happy about that 0
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Wow, yep, we be smart wymym alright! I TOOK the LSAT and scored in the 99th percentile. Does that count? I decided I didn't want to be a lawyer so didn't even go to law school (though I used to study at the law school library - does that count, too? Ha ha ha). Now I WISH I had J.D. after my name. People are a lot less likely to try to take advantage of you when you have a JD.
Amy-- Sorry to hear about the little doggie.
I've always lifted in my running shoes, too, though I can see how they would tilt you ever so slightly forward and also be less stable than a flat-bottomed shoe.
Ashley - welcome (back)!
Beeps--Thanks for the feedback on the shoes for lifting! No more lifting in my Sauconies! 3 LNS nights in one month isn't bad, but you also know that if you really want to cut it back to less than that you can.
Chloe--what, in a nutshell, is Chalean Extreme?Well my 2 week challenge, isn't going to be very "challenging," there's just too much else going on right now that has to take priority. My husband and I are TTC, and it's not going very well. I always thought of myself as pretty healthy, at least compared to the general population, but apparently I'm not, at least as far as my reproductive system. But I'm going to try to log everything at least during the week and to exercise at least every other day (but hopefully more).
Ris - I just read an article on how much certain aspects of nutrition (and rest) affect you when TTC. I only remember the fact that a little dark (70 per cent cocoa or more) chocolate is helpful as are lots of leafy greens... I'll have to find it again (I'm STILL unpacking in the new house) and then I can send you the nutshell version. you're probably already doing all the nutrition stuff, but a few things in there were surprising.
My weekend didn't go as planned - I ate something Saturday that triggered an allergic response (NOT anaphyllactic) so lost Saturday evening and all of Sunday zonked out on the couch. Today I'm so sore and stiff I feel like an old lady, but I took my EPA to combat the inflammation, am lifting with my 16 lb dumbbells while reading this thread, and am going to go for a 4 mile walk (or run, if my hip feels that good after warming up).
My new 2-wk challenge is mostly the same as the last one: no more Larabars,stop going over my calories and lift 3x / wk. Oh, and log everything.0 -
Beeps, if it's not too nosy (you can message me if you prefer) to ask, Where did you find your nanny? Did you go through others before you found her? How long did the process take? 9.5 years is the longest I've heard of any nanny staying with one family - congrats all around!0
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Solar- Chalean Extreme is through the Beachbody workouts, its basically like 10 DVDs I only do the weight lifting portion of it bc I like to run for my cardio. So you do 3 different phases each one is a month and every week you have 3 different workouts working different muscles. Most of the workouts are about 45 minutes. Her motto is "lift HEAVY", which I like....lower reps and higher weights and its is really geared towards women.0
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Hmmmmm, Chalean extreme sounds good. (Is it a "do at home" program??) Do you get to do back squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups, push-ups?? (Chloe, my "before" pictures still make me cry....it was an AWFUL experience. But, my "after" pictures will be GREAT and I'll be glad to see *proof* of all the hard work and efforts I am making!)
solar - no, it doesn't count that you got 99% on your LSAT....I have a *beef* about this!! My sister took the LSAT, got some super-high score, never went to law school and EVERY family function she does the, "I coulda been a lawyer...but chose not to...." routine. Well, sister, law school is about a LOT more than the LSAT. A school has to actually ADMIT you. You actually have to DO the lessons. You actually have to STUDY. You actually have to pass BAR EXAMS. And then, maybe, you find a job in some male-dominated kingdom and schlep around until you are a worn out piece of your former self. THEN you can call yourself a "lawyer". Until then, nope-y.
[by the way, this is all said "tongue-in-cheek" - but my OLDER sister DOES drive me crazy with her "wanna-be" crap....]
I've actually BEEN a lawyer for nearly 20 years (it will be 20 years in 2013), so, I've EARNED my stripes, baby!
Anyhoooooo.....re: nanny. We were advertising in the newspaper (this is before kijiji day, folks!) for a nanny in the city we planned to move to (and now reside in). 10 years ago. Our first 3 nannies were busts (for various reasons). Our 4th nanny was an AWESOME choice. A French-speaking Jamaicaan (sp?) native who was trapped on some farm an hour outside town taking care of 6 kids. Our offer, in the city, with a community of her heritage/ethnicity, was what she wanted. We extended the offer.
And then, the next morning, my husband went away on business and I was reading the newspaper and saw this teeny-tiny ad saying, "are you looking for a nanny? call ____________" Not sure why I called - since we'd extended an offer to French-language nanny - but I called.
Lady arrived for an interview at 3:00 pm and by 3:30, I was calling my husband saying, "I know you haven't met her and I know we've extended an offer to someone else, but I'm telling you, this lady is the RIGHT ONE."
So, we cancelled our offer to French-language nanny. Chose the nanny whose last gig (in Signapore) had been with one family for 11 years....and, she is still with us (not live-in) and I expect we will keep her until we die. We love her and she loves us and life has been EXTREMELY good since she arrived in my life!0 -
I lifted in my socks last night and it went alright.
I am lacking motivation in the nutrition arena, though, I didn't even go to the store. I need to get it together, plan some meals...0 -
Hello ladies!
Just checking in. New week! Down a bit more weight before it balloons up again from traveling, c'est la vie! Life remains hectic through mid May so I need to wrap my mind around some good challenges but can't quite bring myself to do it now. I decided that starting in June i want to try IF/leangains/ESE, who here has done it again?
Week off to rough start, so much to do so little time and yesterday I just DGAF about my food/workout so I didn't do my usual (ate potato chips, skipped intervals
) but it's one day, I have to brush myself off and do better tomorrow. ALSO - I am FINALLY getting a standing desk! Woo hoo! This should help with aches and back problems as well as just add to my daily "activity"
Beeps - that made me laugh. You go girl. Lawyering is hardly easy...plus people give you so much trouble! Goodness. (PS this is re a post a while ago...I hope you didn't think I was saying YOU had a perfect life I was referring to the article. I'm sure your life is great but it always irritates me when people act like I, or anyone really, has it easy when they can't really know. So yeah, just wanted to clarify in case it was offputting)
Solar - good challenges! Sorry about the allergic response, so irritating when things out of control ruin our control.
Chloe - I know the feeling too! Just remember: this is to see your progress. There is no point in not taking the picture only to not face the facts, you body is the same with or without a picture but with one you can see what's working. (That's what I tell myself!)
Shander - yay with your mom! That is such a challenge for you and I hope it gets easier!
Amy - nicely done with not really gaining on more cals!!!
Countdown to the 14 hour drive to New Orleans and JAZZ FEST. Beach boys, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen....sigh...just so much to do first!0 -
Solar--That is a good point about how certain nutritional stuff is different when you're TTC, I have read some of that but I can't remember what's supposed to be good (other than the non-surprising stuff like veggies) it so it's probably a good idea for me to read that again and start following it.
And scoring in the 99th percentile of the LSAT may not make you a lawyer, but it definitely makes you smart, that test was not easy! But if you don't want to be a lawyer I think you did the right thing. Going to law school is super expensive and kind of hard to justify unless it will qualify you for a super high pay increase.
Amy--For motivation, just remember how hard you're working in the exercise arena! You need to fuel your body with healthy food if you want to get results from all of you lifting, otherwise it will all go to waste. If that doesn't do the trick, remember how hot you want to look in a bathing suit in Vegas! That always works for me.
Kate--I'm so jealous you're going to Jazz Fest! NOLA's one of my favorite places, and Jazz Fest is always a good time. Lot's of booze and tempting unhealthy food though too, so it's good you're starting out with your weight down :drinker:0 -
have a great time n'orleans, Kate! I would like to go back there someday...0
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Beeps- yes its a do at home program, I haven't done it in awhile, so I don't remember everything, but in the workout I did yesterday there was push ups, chest press, deadlifts, and squats...among other things. But, if you google the workout I know there are sites out there that give a a review of each disc and tells you all the workouts that are on them.
And yes I know the pictures are for my own good. The only thing I cannot stand seeing pics of are my *kitten*, maybe cause I don't see it often, but I just wish I could make it smaller. And it tends to get bigger when I am running, sooooo its hopeless.0 -
Hey ladies. Life's been getting in the way of checking in-between work stress and home life stress things are just array. Been staying on top of working out and trying to eat well. Started NROLfW this weekend. Finally gave in to paying for a month of gym membership until DH's gym workdays kick in to equate to free summer gym membership. Just needed to break out of the home workout routine for a bit. With the house being in disarray with the remodel and all of life's other to dos, DH agreed that getting out of the house for an hour or two to hit the weights was needed. Started on Saturday with Workout A, hit up intervals on Sunday, a light walk Monday, and then Workout B today. Got a super light workout planned tomorrow morning to rest up for my Workout A on Thursday. As much as home workouts are necessary and effective, I feel a sense of 'ah' just getting that little break. I am an advocate for both sides of the spectrum given each of our situations. I'm just glad to have the opportunity to switch both back and forth because it keeps me motivated to keep moving forward.
Chloe- I've heard awesome things about Chalean's program for strength training. A bunch of my MFP friends have done it, and if I hadn't gotten P90x off a friend I would have splurged on that. I think she does a great job of motivating you (at least what I see in Turbo Fire) and makes the workouts effective but also upbeat. Which at 5am, can be helpful! I love Tony, but don't always enjoy him bright and early!!
Ris-Good luck on your research, I know I've heard similar things. But like Solar said, it feels like forever ago that I read it.
Kate- Just saw another drop from you on the face page. You are doing amazing. Love your balance for life and fitness. Enjoy your trip, long but so going to be worth it I'm sure!!
Amy- I'm with you on needing to go to the store for groceries. I opened the produce drawer this AM and saw nothing but wilted lettuce. Clean eating tastes and feels great but I think I'm BFF's with the grocery store cashiers lately!!
Keep it up ladies. I feel like I'm hit or miss on the boards lately so hopefully things will slow down and I can get back to being active. I've been trying to make sure I prelog my foods since I fail to get in here as much during the day lately. But it's going ok. Chloe- that sugar thing drives me nuts. I ate like 18 sour patch kids and threw my sugar out the window. Darn you DH for having those in your gym bag!! :laugh:0 -
Holy moly, chui - that concert sounds *awesome*....yes, go have fun. (fun enough for me, okay? Plus more...)
Chloe, my "behind" pictures are the ones that make me cry....and, i don't have *running* to blame for making my butt bigger....i have genetics for that one. Blech.
mama - I'm really glad to read you have started NROL4W. Can't wait to hear what you think!! (and, yes, I think getting out and "to the gym" can be a breather for all SORTS of reasons!)
gack - I'm supposed to work out after work, but my energy is waning and I can see me driving straight home and spending time with my kids. (this is *why* I do my work-outs at lunch....too much distraction if I wait until after work).
PS - it's raining. And, I had to work through my lunch.0 -
I just joined up with MFP over the past few days, and I discovered these groups today. I saw one discussion in the "Not That Heavy Girls" and almost left this group. I am frustrated with these stubborn 10-11 lbs. and this new-found bloating that has arrived with the onset of perimenopause over the past 2 years. It is crazy! Of course, I know it's my fault, too. I stopped competing in triathlons 2 years ago, and that must have been the trigger. Now, I work and come home. The trackers on MFP have really helped hold me accountable. Reading your inspiring stories and great support for each other is SO INSPIRING! Any one want to invite friendship to help along the way?? Lost a few lbs. but so easy for the scale to jump up 3-4 lbs. Hope this group can help. People at work just don't understand why I want to lose weight. Because I don't just want my clothes to fit! I want to feel good in my body and my clothes!
Oh--2 week goals:
Just try to stick to my goal of 45 min. of exercise per day, and log in each day to MFP. Try to keep counting my calories (some days it is challenging, and depressing! Time to face the music!!)0 -
Hey ladies. Man yesterday kicked my @ss at work. I worked through lunch and was busy up until right around when it was time to go home. Back to the grind..... I really didn't want to work out after work for several reasons. I really wanted to just go out, get some dinner out and have a few drinks to blow the day off. But my husband and I are trying to go out less to spend less money so we stayed home and had leftovers and I had A glass of red. I also feel guilty that I get about 4 hours to spedn with my daughter on days I work by the time she gets home from day care and before she goes to sleep. But, I got on the treadmill for about half an hour and did speed intervals which I haven't done in FOREVER. I just started back running about 7 weeks ago and this is the first time on the mill since about then; (weather has been so nice I've been running outside). I must say I was very excited to see how much progress I've made in such a short time. I was struggling those first few times and last night felt so good. Anyways, that was my first "real" workout of the week. We all went for a walk Monday night to hang up fliers for my bro-in-law's concert this weekend but I didn't really get my heart rate up. Still, it was fun to walk around the neighborhood (we live in a neighborhood with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, etc.) with the fam and got a little burn in. I have the next 2 days off so I plan on getting some runs in and my strength session.
Looks like you all are rockig it. BTW, what is NROL? I see it on here all the time. Hope you're all having a great week!0 -
Welcome, SD2bfit, I am not going to guess which thread you are talking about but there are some that would make me leave this group, as well, I just ignore them and hope they go away
I have a friend who is almost 50 and she was always thin, active, former gymnast with a lot of muscle tone, but she has recently gained a bit of layer, and looks softer, so it might be part of aging. I know I don't look as good as I used to, even at the same weight, so I am trying to build muscle now...
Ashley, NROL is New Rules of Lifting (for Women). That is cool you live in a fun, walkable area. Mine is almost walkable, there is a lake and some stuff on one side of that. I am hopeful that the nearby hospital, which was just vacated will be redeveloped into a cool area of shopping and eating, I can hope!
Kate, I have not tried IF. I think I could try the 8-hr window thing, but it would be hard for me to do on most days...0 -
Welcome newbie!! This is a great thread to be a part of we are all super supportive, but also tell it like it is!
I would like to know more about the IF too Kate and more so if you try it how it works for you.
I would love to try NROL but, I like working out at home. The convenience is key for me. I know my husband has some weights in the basement, but he agrees to stay out of my workout room and I stay out of his But, I could venture down there and see what he's got and if it would be doable to lift that heavy at home. For Chalean I only have up to 25 lb dumbells. 0 -
Kate- quick drop in on the IF thing. I did IF with the eat from 12pm-8pm rule. When I was lifting weights, this worked well for me. I didn't use a BCAA like it is suggested on the website. I tried one and didn't like the taste and didn't want to spend the money on trying another. I've read they come in pill form too, if that's something you are interested in. I considered going back to IF with lifting weights again. At this point, I'm just trying to keep my head above water!! So I've not put much thought into it. But I did find it relatively easy to transition into since breakfast is not one of my favorite meals of the day and mornings are already busy enough without trying to squeeze in a meal.0
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Reese - thanks! I think it would take some getting used to but that I would end up liking it (if I saw drops!). I'll keep you all updated. I am definitely going to give it a try but I need to research more on how exactly I'll do it. I'm not sure how it would work on "nights out" though! I might have to break it for that.
Ashley - well done on the running!
I am going to ahead and say bye for a few days! I might pop in but not promises! I'm going to put my workout tonight in the "optional" category...I don't feel great about it but I don't have 90 minutes to spend from door to door on a workout tonight...we'll see! I will ready to get back on it next week.
Have a great rest of your week!!!0 -
Kate- ENJOY YOURSELF!! Have a blast!!
Chloe- I completely understand what you are saying. I think we all can find effective programs for ourselves where ever they need to be. I'm a 9 months home/3 months gym girl. :laugh: The little break is great for keeping me going, but between convenience of home and snow 6-7months a year- I'm good with lots of home workouts. I had to laugh at your 'he stays, I stay out..' comment. That would be DH and I if we both worked out at home!!
Amy- I caught some of that the other day when I went through the 'group' part to get to our board. Not exactly what I think you meant when you set up the group. Glad we can hid out in here though!! :drinker:
Ashley- Saw your loss pop up on my face page. Great job. All your efforts to get movin' and groovin' again post-adorable little one have been effective keep it up girl!! :flowerforyou:
I just want to say that I am enjoying NROL. It's been kicking my butt and I love it. I have a question for you all though. Squats and Deadlifts. I've been checking and rechecking my form. Watching myself in the mirror and really thinking I'm getting it correct. But all the soreness is in my quads, no soreness in glutes or hamstrings. Not even with step ups and lunges. Am I missing something?!?!?0
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