Daily Chat Thread
Replies
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phew, all that massaging and rolling has helped so much! I think I'll be ok to lift tomorrow (or maybe TRX).
Sam, you sound like a Zumba queen!! It's never inspired me, first because I am so uncoordinated when it comes to dancing and I am VERY self conscious about making goofy looking moves in a group class. But I am excited for you, I really think you will make an excellent instructor! ..and I'll be in and out all weekend, so I'll be stopping by too,
Hi Pearl! Bet those kiddos loved that mom was playing with them! How cool to sling 'em up on your hips and run!! Great NSV!!
I know that losing weight seems like the most important thing but remember that cutting cals also means you won't gain muscle. Think about that before you really decide to cut. I bet the increase is small AND based on everyone else's results here, your size will change even if the scale doesn't!
Beeps you would love to be me, my glutes are sore all the time, firing is not an issue!0 -
breezedaze - congrats on smaller-size clothing!! Yay!
samntha - sounds like you really got a work-out in. Yay! (zumba isn't my thing - but I am addicted to cardio-step!)
pearlmullet - recognize that strength gains in Phase 1 are AWESOME! Your "weight" gain might just be water, due to all the 'healing process' of stressed muscles. Don't panic (yet).
sue - it's true I'd love to be anyone who knows they are hitting the RIGHT body parts with the exercises they are performing. So glad to read the massaging and rolling helped - BECAUSE IT DOES!
Today, I lift!0 -
Thanks Beeps and sue. I know I build muscle easily, so trying to keep that in mind. (I once got hot biceps from frisbee. A lot of frisbee, granted, but I was in university, so diet...um, wha? :ohwell: )
Almost forgot my NSV: out of the blue compliment from a coworker. So needed it, because I was feeling kinda down, watching the scale go up.0 -
Pearl, have you lifted before? You could definitely be getting some newb gains if you have never lifted or it's been a long time since you lifted. However, that's only going to be 1/2 lb-1lb a month at the very most. Like Beeps said, the rest is probably water weight. Give yourself a rest week at the end of the Stage and THEN weigh. How are your clothes fitting? You can decrease body fat without losing lbs(I know you already know this, but sometimes it helps to be reminded!).
Someone on MFP friends list posted this yesterday and I found it inspiring. This lady weighs 170lbs, is 5'5" and has a BF% in the TEENS. She's a competitor, so personally I find her a bit too bulky, but, gosh, she's amazing! Ignore the scale and focus on how you look and FEEL ladies:)
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/community/progress-photos/LadyFirefighter#
Last workout of basic training today! Looking forward to fewer reps in Hypertrophy!0 -
pearl - how do you know you build muscle easily??
chubby - I'm always wary of the "bf %" numbers people post. If they don't have a DXA to back it up, then, for me, it isn't "real" - it's just a guestimate.
Which reminds me - I am going to get a DXA scan done this summer. I'm trying to get <140 and then I'll schedule it.0 -
Pearl, have you lifted before? You could definitely be getting some newb gains if you have never lifted or it's been a long time since you lifted. However, that's only going to be 1/2 lb-1lb a month at the very most. Like Beeps said, the rest is probably water weight. Give yourself a rest week at the end of the Stage and THEN weigh. How are your clothes fitting? You can decrease body fat without losing lbs(I know you already know this, but sometimes it helps to be reminded!).
I haven't lifted in years, and I've never lifted heavy. I used to do BodyPump but it was high reps, lower weights. I don't know that I knew I could reduce body fat without losing lbs...I assumed if I was gaining/not losing it meant I was hanging onto fat. My clothes are definitely fitting better! Thanks!
Ok, so I'm guessing - but I tend to notice muscle definition relatively quickly after starting a new fitness routine or amping up intensity of regular activity. I got the 'inverted v' above my knees after a summer of biking around on a junker with no gears, for example.pearl - how do you know you build muscle easily??0 -
pearl - that's really interesting. I just keep reading how totally TOUGH it is for women to "build muscle", so it's nice to hear that some women can!!
I got in a good lifting session. Will do cardio tomorrow.
That's it - I'm outta here! Have a good weekend - I'll be in-and-out at son's baseball play-offs and daughter's dance recital, so not sure I'll be back before Monday!0 -
Beeps, I agree- anyone can claim they are a certain % and I've seen some pretty crazy claims. This girl was definitely in the teens- supposedly 15%. She has competition photos posted- visible abs, major definition, etc. I think a DEXA scan is a great tool for anyone wanting to monitor their health. Enjoy your weekend!
Oh, I'm in the 150's for the first time since 2008! Hubby told me tonight he thought I was smaller than I was when we got married. Nope, I'm 15lbs heavier, but in much better shape.0 -
Pearl, have you lifted before? You could definitely be getting some newb gains if you have never lifted or it's been a long time since you lifted. However, that's only going to be 1/2 lb-1lb a month at the very most. Like Beeps said, the rest is probably water weight. Give yourself a rest week at the end of the Stage and THEN weigh. How are your clothes fitting? You can decrease body fat without losing lbs(I know you already know this, but sometimes it helps to be reminded!).
I haven't lifted in years, and I've never lifted heavy. I used to do BodyPump but it was high reps, lower weights. I don't know that I knew I could reduce body fat without losing lbs...I assumed if I was gaining/not losing it meant I was hanging onto fat. My clothes are definitely fitting better! Thanks!
Ok, so I'm guessing - but I tend to notice muscle definition relatively quickly after starting a new fitness routine or amping up intensity of regular activity. I got the 'inverted v' above my knees after a summer of biking around on a junker with no gears, for example.pearl - how do you know you build muscle easily??
I think most of us fall into the newb category. We are trading fat for new muscle so we tend to equalize as far as "weight". 18 months into this and now I'm at a point where it is harder to develop new muscle, but I'm still burning fat. I had this conversation with someone today. CArdio doesn't love me because I can't get my Heart rate up high enough to be in "fat burning". I burn calories, but NOT fat. When I strength train, it's so strenuous on my body that my muscles just chew up the fat. The little zapper thing is just an estimate, but I need to get zapped again, since I've been behaving myself...more than I was. I know I haven't worked hard enough the last few months to really burn fat or really build any new muscle. Truly just maintaining where I'm at.
My food really did turn out to be as bad as I thought it would. Celebrations are like that...and we have a wedding tomorrow. :ohwell:0 -
HI All.
I've been running nonstop for the past 4 days. I've tried to read/catch up on yall but no such luck.
So THUMBS UP to all the awesome work or pick yourself up, dust off, and start tomorrow. :bigsmile:
I managed to workout twice this week amidst the constant errands. Another Saturday workout tomorrow. :grumble: I love my weekends off. Stage 2 just about killed me yesterday. I forgot how much cardio it was for me! The one point dumbbell rows (???) have my hamstrings and glutes sore today. My balance is horrible.0 -
Way to go Maniac!!0
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Sam, you should send pics to Sarauk and SideSteel for a BF estimate. They'd probably be as accurate as the zapper. Try not to go too overboard at the wedding (although I would totally use that as an excuse to "cheat"). Wedding cake...mmmm....
Manic, did you get your workout in this morning? I don't like to workout on Saturdays either. Good job fitting your gym time in!
I found out yesterday that the girl that works in the office at my gym does some sort of body building competitions or power lifting competitions. I don't know what kind, but she gave me same great tips on glute exercises. I think she's currently in "bulking" mode. Her BF% is probably as high as mine right now, but she's got some MAJOR muscle underneath and her hamstrings and glutes are incredible (that sounded weird, but you know what I mean). Lol.
I told hubby about this and he said a girl that he works with does figure competitions. He made the comment that her body changes DRASTICALLY throughout the year and he thought it odd. I explained the bulking and extreme cutting that many of them do. I admire their discipline and dedication, but no way I could ever do that. I'd probably develop a binging habit.
Ok, enough random chat. I need to go outside and do something useful in this ridiculous heat.0 -
I couldn't do it either Cowgirl. I just want to be in my best shape all the time. Powerlifting though I think would be different because you have maintain your muscle and strength. I recently learned you have to be lifting over 250lbs to even be remotely competitive and 300 tends to win.
Ok, I'm going to say something that will probably not go over to well. I want to talk about the importance of proper foundational garments. Such as, if you are wearing a 20-30lb strapless wedding gown, you should be properly corseted, and wearing some kind of body shaper or at least a decent bra under form fitting dresses. I can also say bad things about going barefoot. They sell party shoes and even flipflops for a $1 so there's no reason to be barefoot when you are wearing a dress that probably costs a couple hundred dollars. I never take my shoes off. I can dance all night in my sexy strappy sandals with three inch square heel. I'm old fashioned maybe.
Must get to the gym today!!0 -
Sam, I completely agree with you, but your rant made me laugh. Don't forget the importance of making sure your dress FITS and is not 2 sizes too small. Just going to church, I'm surprised at how the girls younger than me dress (slipless, braless). The most recent formal wedding I went to, some were wearing dresses that I would consider casual beach wear. I think some people simply don't have a grasp of what is considered "formal" or "chic" or even "appropriate" anymore. Not saying we should all go back to the Downton Abbey days of ball gowns and dinner jackets, but putting effort into your personal appearance at a formal event never hurts.0
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Thank you Cowgirl. It's nice to know I'm not crazy. No gym but I'm under by 400. Tomorrow is a Beach day Woo hoo!0
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I did my third Stage 1 workout yesterday and was surprised to find myself not sore at all today. The first two workouts gave me a lot of sore muscles in the butt and quads though no real soreness in the upper body. Also, the prone jackknives were a lot easier to do this time around. Looking forward to the next workout.0
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My daughter is getting ready in less than 3 weeks..in another province..I do not have a dress..these boobs do not make dresses work...now my shape has changed again..sigh. Oh well..I'll look like a blob for a night and move on. No pics of that on fb..lol0
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I have had a totally repulsive food weekend and a totally awesome workout weekend.
Worked with the trainer yesterday - Beeps, I did single leg inverted leg presses and let me tell you, they hit GLUTES!!!! Try them. I used 50# plus whatever the rest of the apparatus weighs and my glutes are screaming!! RDLs tomorrow are going to be torture. We have some new equipment which is like using free weights but designed so you can use heavy weights without the danger of dropping them. He had me work pecs, shoulders and then I did assisted pullups - lower weight than ever before and I really am feeling them(assist machine you want to lower weights which means you are pulling more of your body weight)
But I had no willpower and I am over both days and macros just suck. I am really having a hard time eating well right now! I don't know why either. Usually I am very satisfied with a big salad and protein but recently I've just gone overboard with carbs!! :frown:0 -
1. I can't imagine the 'bulk-cut' cycles, either - I don't want them in my life. I really just want a SHAPE that I can hold onto, relatively easily, with 3 x per week weight-training and proper calorie-control.
2. sue - what are single leg inverted leg presses?? sounds like I want to do some....are they in Bret C's latest book, "Strong Curves" (which is sitting on my night-stand - that damn book is WAY too HEAVY to lug around the gym, frankly - so either I have to photocopy and figure out what I want, or somebody else - like SUE - has to do it for me!)
3. Weekend was terrible on the calorie front. Hilarious because I am SO UBER-CONTROLLED all day long - and the binge-blowback, in the evenings, is simply becoming unmanageable. I have to come up with a different "long-term" strategy because this isn't the solution. I've got one week until end-of-month reporting, so I'm going to be VERY controlled this week, but come July, I have to figure out a balance at higher calories more often (the low, low, low, SUPER-HIGH, low, low, SUPERHIGH thing is NOT working for me, anymore).
Today, i lift!0 -
Where the heck is everybody??
My lifting session went great - was a little bit long, but that's because there was quite a bit of single-leg work in it. So, I'm fine with it running long once in awhile.
The sun was out - was tough coming back to work, knowing it's supposed to thunder-and-rain every evening this week (but be sunny and warm every working day - DRAT!).
Despite my eating debacle this weekend, my body is still looking pretty good. I think skin is definitely shrinking around some of the areas that have lost the MOST body fat. Well, that and the lighting at the gym is pretty forgiving....0 -
Sue, sounds like a great workout! Your food diary is always wonderful- I'm sure a weekend isn't going to hurt you.
Beeps, I've gone through that calorie struggle myself. You're right- you have to find a balance that will work for you. And speaking of maintaining a shape, I had an interesting conversation today with a girl at the gym who does bodybuilding figure competitions. She made the comment that for her last show, it took her 16 weeks to lose 40ish lbs on a "prep" diet. 2 weeks after the show she had gained it back. THAT would wreak havoc on my mental health.
Started Supercharged Hypertrophy today. I've missed doing regular DLs. I'm going to have to work back up to my PR of 165lbs since it's been so long. Today I did 155 X 4 sets X 6 reps and I can already feel the DOMs setting in.0 -
I'm hiding it in here, but I put up a new photo in my profile from today... wearing a (sporty) two-piece bathing suit. I'm comfortable with it, and know that it'll get better as the summer goes on! Mostly I'll stick with a tankini, but it's nice to know I have the option. Well, in MY opinion, I have the option! Maybe others won't think so, but I can't believe how far I've come since January. I need smaller swim bottoms. They are all too big now. I thought I still had 14s and 16s, but they're all 18s! Oops.
Today I started week 2 of D2S. RDLs and step-ups were the main thing. It was nice using a barbell again! My husband is doing Starting Strength and spewing such high weights to me after every workout. I'm jealous that's he's progressing so quickly! And not jealous, because it also means we've been adding great equipment to our home gym. He wants bumper plates now.
I've been SO HUNGRY for the past week. I'm not following the D2S diet but am eating very similarly to what's in the book. It's actually what I've already been eating for months, no difference there. I just suddenly want another 200 calories a day. UGH.
I'm dreading summer trips. We always pig out and the wine flows freely. Husband is in gaining mode, trying for 3K a day. Good news is that my MIL has also been working on getting healthy, so maybe this trip to their house won't be so full of temptation. It's usually wine, cheese, crackers, and PIE all the time. I don't want to undo all the good habits I've developed re: food and eating. I still have another month to come up with a game plan for that trip. The trip to my parents' won't be too difficult; their fridge is always sparse, LOL.0 -
My daughter is getting ready in less than 3 weeks..in another province..I do not have a dress..these boobs do not make dresses work...now my shape has changed again..sigh. Oh well..I'll look like a blob for a night and move on. No pics of that on fb..lol
Breeze you have a hot little body. I'm telling you, a decent body shaper just smooths out ALL the rough edges. My philosophy is cheap dress, expensive underwear :laugh: The dress I may only get to wear a couple times. but good foundational garments I wear EVERY time.0 -
Had our first summer family day. Hubby had to do a training ride today, so he decided to take the fat bike down to the beach. We met him there and spent the day. I was hot but the water was so cool, It felt good. I even got in my first lifting session for Phase three of Life in the early morning. Perfect day!!
`CP: Wore my new suit in public for the first time today. I didn't realize how little my "extra large" bottoms were lol. I love your two piece. Very sporty like you said and classy. Your abs are ROCKIN'. Luckily my new suit has either tank or haulter top. I can change it up according to wear I'm going.I'm hiding it in here, but I put up a new photo in my profile from today... wearing a (sporty) two-piece bathing suit. I'm comfortable with it, and know that it'll get better as the summer goes on! Mostly I'll stick with a tankini, but it's nice to know I have the option. Well, in MY opinion, I have the option! Maybe others won't think so, but I can't believe how far I've come since January. I need smaller swim bottoms. They are all too big now. I thought I still had 14s and 16s, but they're all 18s! Oops.
Sue, were you using the leg press machine? That was my favorite in high school. I couldn't lift as heavy as the boys, with my hands, but I could life way more than them with my legs.0 -
chubby - yep, some bodybuilding competitors can REALLY have big swings - up and down - but, since I'm not a competitor, I guess that doesn't matter! And, I'm not a fitness model, either - so I forgive myself for doing the best I can with what I have to work with!
cphaneuf - CONGRATS on the bikini - and the smaller swimwear in general - THAT has to feel AWESOME!
samntha - I've never really thought of my philosophy, re: dressing - but your approach ("cheap dress/expensive undergarments") actually makes TONS of sense, to me! I'm such a terrible shopper (as in "I HATE SHOPPING") that I don't really own many awesome dresses, nor awesome undergarments. I do have one pair of spanx-type bottoms that I used to wear all the time - now, I actually don't have to!
Also, samntha - congrats on "first summer family day" - hope you have plenty more of those to enjoy!
We have a long weekend coming up - I'm looking forward to that!0 -
You are too sweet Beeps. I have two workshops this week, but I picked them and I'm really looking forward to them. I hope you all have a great long weekend. If we aren't having fun, then why do we do it?0
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CP, you look fabulous!
Sam, you're very right.
Beeps, you LOOK like a fitness model....0 -
Beeps, seriously, you look amazing! I can't believe that I never knew (until earlier this year) that lifting weights could change a body so much. Why is it kept such a secret? I also wish I knew how I found out. I can't remember AT ALL what brought me to NROL4W.
samntha, thanks! I'd been wondering if a glimpse of abs has been only in my head, so I took a pic to see. Glad you got to premier a new suit!
chubby, thank you!0 -
Beeps -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV1zmSvWGNY it's a machine press, but you do it like a single leg squat, pressing out of the heel and squeezing glutes. This guy seems not to have very good form.
Sam so glad you had a great family day. What program are you doing now? I agree with you and others about the clothing choices young people make these days.
CP love all your pics! But you are really rockin that swim suit!
Cowgirl, I agree, Beeps you do look like a fitness model!
I am laying low this week. I'm off for a short vacation and was home today not feeling great. I think I won't spin tomorrow. I am not sure whether I'll lift on Wednesday, will depend on how I'm feeling. Have a rockin' week!0 -
I'm here. Just in a funk, don't have anything inspiring to say, or upbeat posts.
Stage 2 is kicking my butt all over again. My bootie is feeling the workout. I hate those front lunges from a box??? sorry forgot the correct term. So I just did an extra set of Bulgarian split squat and regular lunges. Last time around, I substituted too. I feel so awkward doing them :ohwell: and not sure what group of muscles I should be focusing on especially when I reach forward with the weights.0
