Daily Chat Thread
Replies
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OK I'll have to read through this thread later when I have more time. Skipping workout today because I'm asleep on my feet. There just aren't enough hours in the day.
ME;1
NEP:20 -
Last night I took half of a pill I slept. I actually slept. I went to bed at 11, and I woke up on my own at 6:30. I dozed back off and got up at 7:30. (The kids are on fall break, so I get to sleep in some.) I don't know if I woke up any in between those time; if I did, I don't remember it, and I was still wearing socks this morning. I almost always wake up at some point and throw them in floor. Lol!
I totally forgot what it was like to sleep.
I have a big test on Monday, and Friday is my dd's bday. So most of this week is getting ready for the bday and studying. Tomorrow though, I will lift. I'm completely off my schedule, but...0 -
I took a nap today for 45 minutes. It was lovely. I still consider myself new to motherhood and familyhood and I MISS MY SLEEP. Last year I did not sleep well at all (I think my weight contributed to it). My system was all out of whack. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea early this year -- again, I think mainly due to my weight. So I sucked it up and got the CPAP machine and it made such a difference. I started feeling 1000% better. Sleep is a wonder drug!
Jessica, I'm glad you got some much needed rest.
Beeps, I'm LOL at your assessment of the B workout. But the prone jackknives are back?! Nooooooooooooooooo! I eeked out 3 sets of 10 today and realized it should have been 3 sets of 12. oops.
OK, so I found a 73-calorie chocolate cupcake recipe and cool whip frosting (additional cals) that I figured would add up to 100-120 cals. Um 203 calories later.... And I calculated it all after I had eaten one of course.
that's still better than a real one from the bakery that would probably be 400-500 I suppose. 0 -
"Booooooooo" on debilitating headaches - HOW AWFUL!!
kmsa - I say if you have the time for a nap - GO FOR IT! My daughter was sick all through the night last night, too. Alas, I'm a working mom - no rest for the weary!
jennie - we are losing our tax accountant at the end of december - don't know what we'll do without him - he's IRREPLACEABLE! Yay for the donut - now, back on track, right??
I did my first "B" work-out in Phase 2, NROL4Abs. Here are my comments:
1. The ab-work with the pulley is just D-U-M-B. As in, I'm not capable of balancing on 3 points (rather than 4), without somehow moving my elbow more central to my body....so, the front plank was lame - and that was with a WHOPPING 5 lbs on the cable. ULTIMATE FAIL.
2. The swiss-ball jack-knife is back. LOVE THIS.
3. Aaaaggghhh, the reappearance of 'step-ups'. HATE THIS.
4. And, I can unequivocally say that, even though I have not TRIED a 'chin-up', I am now 100% confident that I CANNOT do one! Mixed-grip chin-ups appeared for this "B" phase 2 and I had to add 75 lbs (that's right 75 POUNDS) of assisted to do the 8 reps. Another ULTIMATE FAIL.
5. I did have time to add a big-lift to the end of the work-out. I chose shoulder-press because my shoulders are THE BOMB and after all the other ULTIMATE FAILS of this work-out, I needed SOMETHING to save my poor, fragile ego!!!!!!
The. End.
NO!! Not the step ups!! Ugh, I hate them with a passion. I completely feel your pain, literally and physically there. Yippeee for saving your ego with something fun! Even with "ultimate fails" at least you can say you accomplished something. And "failure" only means you have lots of room for improvement. Enjoy the journey!0 -
FunBun - Before joining MFP, I was convinced my hormones were preventing me from losing. The few times I tried to exercise and eat better, the scale didn't move. It is definitely possible it's hormonal. But for me, the weight training seems to be working. It was definitely a jolt to my very sedentary system. Here I go again, but have you talked to your doc? You never know...
Oh, we're working on it. My doctor is pretty useless. He likes to do selective blood testing, vaguely shrug his shoulders, suggest various things like, "Cut out wheat." or "Increase your activity level" The increase your activity level happened when I was doing 1.5 hour workouts daily at the minimum. He also believes weight training "does nothing but tone, if you like that kind of look". If you can imagine my horrified expression... Luckily my hair is also breaking off pretty short, when it used to grow fairly fast.. that, along with my fatigue and joint pain has caused him to finally agree to send me to an endochrinologist instead of saying "I don't really know what you can do to lose weight. It's hard. You got me!" which was the last thing I heard.
Before anyone says I should switch doctors, he's literally been the BEST I've had in this area. I've switched a few times and this is the devil I know... much better than the devils I knew.
BEEPS, at least you are a shoulder beast. I can't agree as I LOVE THE STEP UPS. I do mine with a barbell though, so mine feel like triumph rather than trudging through suck.. You'll have the chin ups soon! When you do them regularly you do use your body a lot to get up there, and it's not as easy with your legs supported assisted. You'll have it soon!
Today was good for me, cardio like a boss... splits like a boss.
I'm going out of town tomorrow - for Miss Texas Pole Star. Going to support my best friend in her first competition! Yayyyy. I'm going to eat a ton of vegan food, so you can probably assume the next four days will be NEP.0 -
Ok so I'm new to this thread. What is NEP???0
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Ok so I'm new to this thread. What is NEP???
Not enough protein!
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NEP: Not enough Protein
Me:2
NEP: 1
I was able to get 100grams of protein in today!!!
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Yay for all the women who slept and a BIG YAY for manic getting her protein in, lol.
Me: 3
NEP: 00 -
October 3rd Protein Challenge
Me: 3
NEP: 0
This is motivating! I've been awesome about it the past few days because of the challenge.
It's a non workout day, but I think I will do something simple like some wii fit during Sloane's nap and use my HRM to motivate me a bit more.0 -
:sad:
Last night was horrible. Took the same dose, but my mind raced all night. I was doped up, but didn't sleep much. WTH???
Just shoot me, please.0 -
:sad:
Last night was horrible. Took the same dose, but my mind raced all night. I was doped up, but didn't sleep much. WTH???
Just shoot me, please.
What type of pills are you taking?
I take seroquel and I find it helps my mind shut off so I can sleep, but it's also an anti psychotic.0 -
Jessica - sorry you didn't sleep again!!! :-(
Beeps - I agree - at least you got one win. I'm sure you'll do much better next time! I also love/hate the step ups. I love what they do for me, but really don't like doing them. I use a barbell as well.
FunBun - glad you finally got a recommendation for a specialist! Can't even imagine how frustrating that must be.
I would have gotten up this morning, but I won't be able to get my workout in on Saturday, so I decided to sleep in and do it tomorrow instead. I probably should have gotten up anyway so I could have gotten some cardio in, but, eh.
Me - 3
NEP - 0
Gonna have a few days of trying to make good decisions with whatever is offered - this afternoon we are having a "End of 2011 Tax Return" party, tomorrow night and Saturday morning is a Women's event at our church. I'm honestly surprised that I'm getting anything done. I feel like I'm going in a hundred different directions all the time.0 -
Me: 3
NEP:0
I've recently cut my calories by another 100, so my goals are just at or above lean muscle mass. Probably not as high as some of you.
Jessica, I'm sorry about the sleep issues. I am sure the stress you're experiencing is making it hard. Have you already tried melatonin? It's what I use when I'm having trouble. Hugs!
FB, I am pretty sure something crazy is going on with my hormones too. Long story, but basically my body is so totally out of whack and I'm not sure how to make it better. By all calorie calculations, I should be losing weight much faster. My periods are ALL over the place (which has NEVER been and issue for me). And my hair is weird too. I need to go in and get blood drawn, but I had my thyroid checked recently and it was fine. I'm afraid my doctor will just give me the "eat less, exercise more" speech like hubby does (he's a doctor).
Found out yesterday that the seller is delaying the closing on the house we are buying. Apparently the realtors have known for two weeks but didn't bother to tell us. Grrrr. So totally bummed. I ate chocolate chip pancakes with the kids this morning and that made it better 0 -
SteAnn - yep, I find *little* challenges, like the protein challenge, can REALLY help along the way!
Jessica - oh NO! Gosh, that sucks. I hope you can make it through your day and get some zzzzzzzzzzzz's tonight.
jennie - you're getting your protein in - that's awesome! How come you ladies are using BB's for step-ups?? I don't remember that even being an OPTION in NROL4W?? I'm wondering if I should switch to that....although, even in NROL4Abs, it's DB's that they use. (I have to REALLY concentrate to make sure I'm not SWINGING my DB's on the "up" part of the motion.)
chubby - I wouldn't worry too much about how FAST the weight is coming off....just make sure that it is moving in a downward direction and then stay committed. I don't think you need MORE exercise, maybe more rest, actually. And, I think *stress* plays a big, bad part in some of the symptoms you are suffering from. You do sound like you have a bit of *extra* stress going on right now. So, pay attention to the ways that help you to reduce/manage your stress!!0 -
Me: 1
NEP: 2
Went out to dinner last night so I couldn't pack in the protein.
Jessica: Sorry you're dealing with sleep issues—it's just the worst!
Maybe I'll try a BB for step ups tonight. I switched to a BB for lunges and I love it so much more than DB's.
Headed to Portland tomorrow to spend the weekend with my aunt. We are hitting the gym one of those days, so I can keep on track, woot! Can't wait for trees, cool weather and good coffee!0 -
Beeps - I'm pretty sure it was an option in NROL4W. I don't have the book with me, so I can't look at it right now. Honestly, I use the barbell where ever I can because my dumbbells at home only go to 25 lbs and I can usually go much heavier than that. Plus, I think it uses more core muscles to balance with the barbell as opposed to dumbbells.
Megan - have a great time in Portland. One of my favorite cities! Bring a coat - It's getting cold!
Edit for spelling (pet peeve!!)0 -
Me 2
NEP 1
Love this protein challenge! It's really making me focus on my macros. Beeps, I do high protein, low carb mostly. My dailys without adding in exercise is P=168, F=65, C=105. I seldom max on my carbs - I dont eat breads, potato, pasta or rice except in very small portion, but I'm always pretty close to the protein.
I still haven't started Stage 2. It's just been one of those weeks, arguments, meetings, sick kitty, grocery shopping... my time is so compressed as it is, and one little thing and I have nothing left, and I have been stressing about getting started. Last night I had to take the cat to the vet - she's been crying nearly non-stop since we got home, and even hubby was concerned that she was in pain. But there appears to be nothing wrong, thankfully though I could have easily done without the $300 vet bill - XRays and other tests. But, I didn't get to work out, didnt get home until nearly 9.
I've decided not to stress about this, I'm just going to wait until Saturday. The unfortunate thing for me is that next Wednesday, I'm off for another week, to Maine. My only niece is getting married and we are doing an impromptu family reunion the day after the wedding. I hope I'll be able to lift, but I'm not staying with the sister who has the weights.
I'm just not going to fret, I'll do what I can do and pick up where I left off when I return the following week.
Jessica, hun, I so relate. I don't know if you have eliminated caffeine from your diet, but that was the culprit for me. If I drink colas or coffee even decaf coffee after noon, I'm awake all night long. Watch chocolates too!! The other thing that seems to help me is the calcium that I take. I noticed while on vacation that I wasn't as careful about the caffein AND I didn't take the calcium daily and had sleep issues most nights. I can fall asleep easily, but I wake up and can't go back to sleep. I'm not a milk drinker, but I've heard drinking warm milk before bed can help relax you.
CC - I agaree with Beeps. I know you want to be down faster, but I hope you're getting enough food so you don't lose the muscles your working to build
Beeps, somewhere in "The Right Moves" Lou talks about using BBs instead of DBs - he even describes the way he racks and approaches the BB. I had to switch. My grip sux and I couldn't hold anymore weight in my hands. I rack the BB the same way he does. I'm still at the lower level, but I have increased the weight substantially!
Hope you all have a great day!0 -
Hey Guys, I'm back after a 3 week Hiatus, and wish to share a discovery I made.
Water = amazing phenomenon.
No-brainer, right? Lol, Well I started school at the beginning of September and since I was traveling (I commute to the city to go to the university), and started noticing I was feeling Lethargic and unfocused all the time. I thought I needed more sleep or that the commute was already wearing on me, but when I was skipping the gym to get extra sleep and it still wasn't helping I got to thinking and decided to conduct an experiment. Yesterday, I forced myself to drink at least 10 glasses of water. Today, I have more energy than I've had since summer, even though I went to bed later than usual! I'm making myself drink more water again today, and aim to return to the gym tomorrow.
Conclusion? Its pretty obvious, and you've heard it from everyone, but its interesting to see it at work. "Don't forget to DRINK MORE WATER!"
Happy Thursday, NR Gals! ;D0 -
merme - have a great time away - I'm glad you are lifting, even while away!!
jennie - seriously?? How have *I* missed this! Hmmmmmmmmm, BB, huh?? I'll have to think about that. I *do* like using DB's because I think they do help with grip strength (which I'm trying to increase). But, if BB's make the movement a bit easier, I'd REALLY like that, too! My muscle-mind connection is NOT THAT GREAT.
sue - I thought I read somewhere that you were only getting 80g of protein....but, what you have just reported looks just fine! Yippee! I am also very glad to read that you are letting yourself deal with things as they come. Remember how HYPER-SENSITIVE you used to be if you didn't get your work-outs in?? Now, with your newfound confidence, you KNOW you will return to it as your life opens up with some time - and I KNOW you'll HIT IT HARD!!
mercury - I'm a total water drinker. Always have been. Sooooooooooooo, that didn't need any improvement when I started NROL4W. I am *glad* that you can report SUCH a success with something as easy as "water". YAY!0 -
No work-out for me, today. A rest day to be had. I'm suffering some pretty good DOMs, anyway. I'll lift tomorrow. I hope I sleep better, tonight. I keep waking up at 4 or 5 am for NO DAMN REASON! (Usually it's because I have to pee, but the last few nights THAT was NOT IT!)0
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No work-out for me, today. A rest day to be had. I'm suffering some pretty good DOMs, anyway. I'll lift tomorrow. I hope I sleep better, tonight. I keep waking up at 4 or 5 am for NO DAMN REASON! (Usually it's because I have to pee, but the last few nights THAT was NOT IT!)
You must be feeling me starting my day!0 -
OK I just tried to catch up and all I remember reading about is donuts and chocolate chip pancakes. Yes that is where my mind is today. I'm always so hungry the day after lifting. But I'm also feeling emotional and munchy. Not good. I'm still within my cals for today, so let me chug some more water before I make a choice I can't take back!
Mercury - you are so right. Water is pretty miraculous.
Sue - vet bills are crazy, but at least you have peace of mind that your kitty is OK. Sorry your Stage 2 is getting delayed (is it wrong of me to secretly hope yours coincides with when I start - which will be soon? sorry
Step ups. I remember reading something about it. I may have to get it a try as the weights get heavier. Also: I'm sorry if I've asked this before (can't remember which thread it was) - what are you all stepping on? I use the weight bench. I used steps (like step class steps) on the first day, but only used like 2 of them, so it wasn't hard AT ALL. lol Then I went to the NR website and found a forum about it and they recommended the weight bench or anything where you're knee has to go up higher than your hip. Lemme just say, with the 20-lb dumbbells, it's a serious workout. Also - this question came up on that same forum was how to do them properly. So like Beeps mentioned, you push off from the leg on the bench. Do you LEAVE that leg on the bench the whole time? I do. I come down with my other foot and try (with all my might) not to push off again with that foot. Anyway, whatever I'm doing I'm getting a workout. Just wondered what everyone else was doing.
So excited to lift tomorrow!! It's a deadlift day!0 -
I'm present today. not really here.
hope yall the best this coming weekend.0 -
Please go see the endo!!! and maybe get a new doctor too. I went to a new GO 2 years ago and she didn't "guess" at anything. She took a VERY detailed family history and tested EVERYTHING then referred me to 2 specialists to get second opinions. Took some time but I got my diagnoses and was finally able to take the steps needed to get healthy.FunBun - Before joining MFP, I was convinced my hormones were preventing me from losing. The few times I tried to exercise and eat better, the scale didn't move. It is definitely possible it's hormonal. But for me, the weight training seems to be working. It was definitely a jolt to my very sedentary system. Here I go again, but have you talked to your doc? You never know...
Oh, we're working on it. My doctor is pretty useless. He likes to do selective blood testing, vaguely shrug his shoulders, suggest various things like, "Cut out wheat." or "Increase your activity level" The increase your activity level happened when I was doing 1.5 hour workouts daily at the minimum. He also believes weight training "does nothing but tone, if you like that kind of look". If you can imagine my horrified expression... Luckily my hair is also breaking off pretty short, when it used to grow fairly fast.. that, along with my fatigue and joint pain has caused him to finally agree to send me to an endochrinologist instead of saying "I don't really know what you can do to lose weight. It's hard. You got me!" which was the last thing I heard.
Before anyone says I should switch doctors, he's literally been the BEST I've had in this area. I've switched a few times and this is the devil I know... much better than the devils I knew.
BEEPS, at least you are a shoulder beast. I can't agree as I LOVE THE STEP UPS. I do mine with a barbell though, so mine feel like triumph rather than trudging through suck.. You'll have the chin ups soon! When you do them regularly you do use your body a lot to get up there, and it's not as easy with your legs supported assisted. You'll have it soon!
Today was good for me, cardio like a boss... splits like a boss.
I'm going out of town tomorrow - for Miss Texas Pole Star. Going to support my best friend in her first competition! Yayyyy. I'm going to eat a ton of vegan food, so you can probably assume the next four days will be NEP.
Jessica, I really don't know how you do and I 'm so glad you slept well, because if anybody needs a good night sleep for energy reasons, it's you.0 -
sue - why the hell are you being MY ROOSTER?????????
kmsai - I'm REALLY glad to read you are using a weight bench for your step-ups. 100% AWESOME! The "working" leg is the leg on the step....the other leg, really, should be dangling, and THAT IS IT! Two correct ways: 1) leave your non-dominant foot on the weight bench for the entire set of 8 reps - then put your dominant foot on the weight bench and repeat the entire set of 8 reps with that foot; or 2) re-set yourself each and every time - meaning: put your non-dominant foot on the bench, do a step -up and take the foot off. Re-set with the non-dominant leg again, do the rep. Finish all 8 reps on the non-dominant foot and then repeat on the other side.
The REASON many people do NOT keep "re-setting" has to do with BALANCE. Once you have a good set-up, it seems riDONKulous to keep re-setting because it becomes pretty easy to get out of BALANCE and feel like you are focusing MORE on re-setting your balance everytime than on the purpose of the exercise, which is glutes/legs.
What you are doing is fine....it is important to do ALL the reps on one leg, before changing and doing the reps on the other leg.0 -
I don't have a LOT of DB weight on my step-ups....which makes me sad.
But, one of the BEST tips that I ever got was to TRY and do your step-ups by starting ON the bench. Then, go DOWN-AND-UP, with your down foot just grazing the floor before the UP movement. The reason for this style? It eliminates, period, any "push-off" from the rear leg (the non-working leg)!!
Every time I try step-ups that way, I cannot do them. CANNOT. And that REALLY means that I am CHEATING! If I drop my weight all the way back, i.e. NO dumbbells, I can *barely* squeak out my step-ups in this way.
If you REALLY want to KICK *kitten* at step-ups, and know, 100% that you are NOT cheating (with your back-leg), give it a whirl!!
Report back you strong beasts!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will cry for me, but I will CHEER FOR YOU!!!0 -
LMAO Beeps! You're cracking me up.
I'm scared, but I will definitely try my step-ups that way. EEK0 -
How come you ladies are using BB's for step-ups?? I don't remember that even being an OPTION in NROL4W?? I'm wondering if I should switch to that....although, even in NROL4Abs, it's DB's that they use. (I have to REALLY concentrate to make sure I'm not SWINGING my DB's on the "up" part of the motion.)
chubby - I wouldn't worry too much about how FAST the weight is coming off....just make sure that it is moving in a downward direction and then stay committed. I don't think you need MORE exercise, maybe more rest, actually. And, I think *stress* plays a big, bad part in some of the symptoms you are suffering from. You do sound like you have a bit of *extra* stress going on right now. So, pay attention to the ways that help you to reduce/manage your stress!!
Beeps I used BB for Step ups. I can't hold the DB's over 25lbs for more than say 10 reps at best. Since step ups ar a LEG exercise, I use the BB for stability and lack of grip strength.
And I agree with Beeps Chubby. What she said.
I'm really having trouble keeping up with the thread lol0 -
I don't have a LOT of DB weight on my step-ups....which makes me sad.
But, one of the BEST tips that I ever got was to TRY and do your step-ups by starting ON the bench. Then, go DOWN-AND-UP, with your down foot just grazing the floor before the UP movement. The reason for this style? It eliminates, period, any "push-off" from the rear leg (the non-working leg)!!
Every time I try step-ups that way, I cannot do them. CANNOT. And that REALLY means that I am CHEATING! If I drop my weight all the way back, i.e. NO dumbbells, I can *barely* squeak out my step-ups in this way.
If you REALLY want to KICK *kitten* at step-ups, and know, 100% that you are NOT cheating (with your back-leg), give it a whirl!!
Report back you strong beasts!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will cry for me, but I will CHEER FOR YOU!!!
That is FREAKING GENIUS!!!! I hope I can remember this come Stage 4 when step ups come back to haunt me again! Thanks, Beeps!0
