Daily Chat Thread
Replies
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About the plank - I'm not sure doing a plank for 2 minutes proves ANYTHING....I'd rather go back to the 60-sec planks and make them tougher (i.e. doing them on a bench/swiss ball, or one leg raised, or whatever). And, I'm thinking I'll enjoy the 2-minute prone cobra even LESS.
Definitely have to agree with this.0 -
I've been using the squat bar pad but I find it puts the bar in an odd position that makes my arms slightly uncomfortable instead, but I think its probably just because my muscles are tight (I'm in desperate need of a massage!).
Looking for opinions-I'm planning to run a 10K at the end of May and I would like to time it with the break between my stages but it looks to do that I will have to take a 2 week bread between 2 and 3. Is that too long? I'm just finishing up stage 1 so I could take on more 8A and B workouts to stretch it out and shorten the break time, I'm already planning to do one extra set in place of the AMRAPs. I just don't want to lose any of the progress I have made!0 -
Hello everyone! Still listening in.. Today is week 7 of stage 1. Hope I show better strength today than on Monday!0
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Good morning ladies - today I will be half way through stage 1! Kinda silly - but I feel really accomplished! I am going to get gloves this weekend as my hands are getting all nasty. Today is my deadlift day. Deadlifts are NOT my favorite thing. I am very long in the torso but quite short waisted so my form suffers. A friend from karate who is a power lifter suggested that I sink into a low sumo squat to get better form. I am gonna try it today and see if it works better.
@Beeps - a 110 sec plank is fantastic!!!0 -
ellie - can you pop-off one strength work-out in each of the "break weeks"?? I think that should suffice to help you maintain the work you've been doing??
Hoosier - I'm sure you're going to KILL IT today - good for you!
donna - somewhere on these boards I posted a link to deadlift form for lanky folks - you might be able to find it on youtube.com - I've got really long legs and am really short-waisted, so I thought I might use some of their "form" recommendations. But, as it turned out (after working with my PT), it really was MORE about pushing my butt BACK that helped me maintain good form.
Form is so, sooooooooooo important, ladies!! It is so very important!0 -
I'll have to look into it. Thanks for telling me about it. I have no idea either. as far as I know he NEVER hits his protein OR calorie goals. He was tracking for a while but gave it up. I'm going to finish reading the Feed Zone and see what changes we can make here at home.
Check out Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life! Brazier is a vegan ultramarathoner. He also sells a bunch of supplements (I haven't tried them, but I'm curious).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738212547?ie=UTF8&tag=nomeaath-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0738212547
Also this guy: http://www.richroll.com/
And this: http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/other/raw-deal-can-guy-build-muscle-vegan-diet?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Store List for M&F&utm_campaign=April Editorial Newsletter
And this: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/0 -
I'm taking a week off between stage 1 and 2. Anyone else do this? I'm trying to heal from some severe allergy issues and I'm eating an elimination diet to try to figure out what I'm having trouble with, so this is a needed rest week. That said, I feel so nervous about resting! I think I'm addicted to working out!!0
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New here . . . just started NROL on Monday.
I'm Abbie. I'm short but solid - 5'1" & 123 lbs. Hoping to slim down in the thigh/bum/hip area, mostly.
I've been lifting heavy-ish for about a month, at the urging on my little brother who is in his fourth year of an exercise science/nutrition degree. He was kind enough to drive three hours on his spring break to introduce me to the "real" weights so that I would feel less intimidated . . . I still feel a little awkward in the weight room, but as I am a little awkward in real life, I'm not too flustered by it.
Anyway . . . I ramble.
I'm doing awesome with the squats and weights. No problem there. I actually added 10 lbs to my squat today, which made me smile. HOWEVER . . . not so much on the abs. I'm an editor at a magazine and those muscles don't get a lot of work done for me.
On Monday, I confidently moved through the free weight of the Workout A, and then got to the Prone Jackknife (PJK). I have never used an exercise ball before. I grabbed the smaller size for my smaller person, and then found a less cluttered area of the gym (i.e. less people there to see my plant it on my face). I did all 8 reps, albeit awkwardly, for both sets, no problem. But Tuesday, my abs HURT HURT HURT. No biggie - soreness is good, it means repairing, right?
Wednesday's Swiss Ball Crunches were no problem - much easier than the PJK for me. But then today, I attempted the PJK again.
Didn't even happen.
I rolled those hips forward and ducked my head TWICE before melting into the floor in agony. I could NOT use those muscles this morning.
Did I just REALLY overwork those abs on Monday? Should I just chill today (not attempt them again), do the crunches on Monday in workout B, and then try again on Wednesday? Anyone else experience this one?0 -
i have nothing helpful to add, but will say that i am also a newbie and am so happy that someone else struggles with PJKs! i had my husband and kids rolling with laughter when they watched me attempt them for the first time, and my lower abs were definitely sore the next day. like you, was fine on the rest of the weights, just couldn't do the teeny tiny ab moves and felt silly!0
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Welcome Abbie! You can try the reverse crunch if the PJK is killing you and then work up to it as you build strength in the abs
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I think I am toooo old for this. My body is killing me today. I can't imagine what tomorrow will be like.
I found several exercises on the Lou Schuler channel on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/louminator?ob=0&feature=results_main
It has the jacknife and pike. He says the exercises are different than the book. Much easier to do the jackknife that is shown in the video.0 -
i have nothing helpful to add, but will say that i am also a newbie and am so happy that someone else struggles with PJKs! i had my husband and kids rolling with laughter when they watched me attempt them for the first time, and my lower abs were definitely sore the next day. like you, was fine on the rest of the weights, just couldn't do the teeny tiny ab moves and felt silly!
So glad I'm not alone!
@Samntha14 - thanks for the idea substitute. I was wondering why the exercises father along looked easier than the current ones - it never occurred to me to swap them out and see if I got different results!
@Manic - Thanks for the video! I will have to check it out!0 -
alright newbies, here's the truth - This. Program. WILL. Work. For. You.
Period.
That's it. That's all. This program will work for you. Does that mean you are going to be perfect princess doing ALL the moves with 500 LB. WEIGHTS in the first month??? Um, no, you are not.
Your body will hurt. You will gain (water) weight. Your muscles will BEG you to leave them alone. Your mouth will tell you to swallow BAD THINGS.
And, you WON'T quit this program because, first and foremost, you are a SMART woman and SOMETHING brought you to NROL4W. (That something, for me, was KNOWING that I was NOT getting the results I wanted with ANY previous programs!!!!!!!!!!!!)
So, just do NROL4W. Just do it. From start. To finish. As written.
The end.0 -
You are not too old. Your abs are not too weak. You can make the time (somewhere) in your busy schedule.
And, no, you are NOT alone.0 -
Okay, now that "lecture Beeps" has let off her steam, here's my NROL4W report:
- I think I REALLY love the push-press. I *thought* I loved it in Stage 2, but now in Stage 4, it is confirmed. I LOVE IT.
- My hip flexors felt REALLY tight on my lunges, today. Bummer - because I KNOW the back leg is NOT supposed to be the "working" leg...but, I had to flex that muscle just to be able to complete my 8 reps.
- I think my step-ups are getting better - my one hip doesn't seem to be swinging out as FAR as it used to try to swing. (I spend the ENTIRE time I'm doing step-ups REALLY focusing on my stupid non-firing glutes!).
- my DB one-point rows are DEFINITELY improving.
- and, my push-ups, always the pickle for me, remain my vlasis dill, for sure. Darn-it.
But, because I've moved abs to my non-weight-training day, I *did* have time to get my stretching in at the end and I *think* that will make a difference in my recovery.0 -
What Beeps said. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
That's a beachbody slogan so no credit to me.0 -
What Beeps said. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
I read that as. Decide. Commit. Suicide.
That's how tired I am after that workout.0 -
What Beeps said. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
I read that as. Decide. Commit. Suicide.
That's how tired I am after that workout.
Lol! I feel you.0 -
This is why I *love* kcfaber!!
And, frankly, some days after a particular tough (or particularly rotten, I guess) work-out, it might actually BE Decide. Commit. Suicide.
lol
I like that beachbody mantra, though. A LOT.
Either you are in or you are out. But, if you are out, then you just go back to the "you" you didn't even like (all that much) in the first place. But, if you are in, then you need to be ALL THE WAY IN.
And, enjoy the journey. It's a journey, people - not a destination!0 -
Right back at you Beeps. In any case, the beauty of this group is that it a place to come for support, questions, feedback and occasionally a swift kick in the butt if that is what is needed to keep you going. We live in a world that cherishes the quick results of postpartum celebrities losing their baby weight in 2 weeks etc etc. And unfortunately a lot of the postings on this site support the same kind of things. But the truth is that lasting change in body weight/body fat/body appearance takes time. A long time. But the amazing thing is that you have to just keep showing up for it and recommitting yourself to this lifestyle each day even when it sucks. And some days it does/will. That is all. Keep up all the amazing hard work you are doing. I look to this thread daily for motivation and inspiration and when I see how much everyone is lifting, and doing, and the stressors we are fighting against I am in awe.0
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Decide. Commit. Suicide.
LOVE IT! :laugh:
The thing that helps me the most when I get frustrated is this - I never get to go back to the way things were before. So really, there's no reason to rush through it. It's not a race that I can hurry up and get to the finish line quicker so I can stop - there IS no finish line.
Beeps - glad to hear the push press is back in Stage 4!
Hoosiermomma - glad you're still pushing through!
donnavj - halfway through Stage 1 IS an accomplishment! It's a loooong stage. And the proper deadlift form for me totally feels like I'm sticking my butt way out.
barefoot - I know how you feel about taking a break... I'm always afraid that I will lose momentum. But taking a week off to heal and figure out what is going on with the allergies sounds like the wise choice.
aekriebs - Welcome! :flowerforyou: The first time I did the jackknives I hurt like that. The fact that you stayed on the ball and didn't wipe out is an accomplishment in and of itself.
I think that's everyone.
I finished Stage 3! Woo hoo! Running late with field trips and what not today, so I really pushed through the workout with little rest, and I'm feeling some fatigue that hasn't been there before. Looking forward to a nice restful weekend, and then hitting Stage 4 Monday! I joined this 11 week challenge group that has all sorts of goals to avoid elimination, so maybe it will help me get the scale moving again.0 -
I read through the threads of all stages. The ladies didn't seem too thrilled with the program or any major changes. Would yall please chime in and let me know if things have changed?0
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I don't know bout anybody else, but I'm loving the program and I feel I can safely assume that the ladies I see here everyday do too. My body composition is indeed changing and I've received numerous compliments beside that I feel WONDERFUL. Sore after lifting of course, by I feel stronger and healthier. I can pick up my kids again :happy:0
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I read through the threads of all stages. The ladies didn't seem too thrilled with the program or any major changes. Would yall please chime in and let me know if things have changed?
I went thru that phase, but now i'm totally seeing good changes. No compliments yet, but i haven't been trying to lose weight, so i think it'll be harder for others to see the changes in my body composition until i throw on a bikini!0 -
I read through the threads of all stages. The ladies didn't seem too thrilled with the program or any major changes. Would yall please chime in and let me know if things have changed?
I'm only on Stage 2, but I'm brimming with a new level of self-confidence and I have a waist for the first time in my life. Does that count?0 -
As a newbie it is really good to read the results of others who have been doing this program for a while. The increase in calories alone has been very scary for me. Today I actually got on the scale for the first time since starting the program. I gained 1 pound but my body fat dropped by 1% and I lost an inch in my measurements. I was trying to gear myself up for a gain of at least 3-5 lbs so when I got on the scale and the gain was only 1 I was thrilled lol and very pleased with the drop in body fat.
I still want to lose the 8 (now 9) lbs but the fact that I am actually eating real food again (I have been on 1200 cals or less for the last 2-3 years) and feeling stronger is wonderful to me. I also realize that as I gain muscle my actual weight goals will probably change. I have not read through all of the boards and I know so many of you are dropping inches and looking great but are there any of you who are doing all that AND actually losing pounds on the scale? Too much to ask?0 -
I've seen some changes, nothing significant so far, but I just finished the first stage and am taking a week to rest. The main difference was that I could lift a LOT more after a few weeks, more than I ever thought I could possibly lift! That felt great. Also, I feel stronger overall. My posture has improved, I have more stamina when I go for a run or a bike ride. And my skin is totally clear for the first time!0
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I'm fine with the subtle changes I've seen and felt. I don't pay much attention to what others' progress has been because I don't think it's a good idea to compare myself to anyone else. I'm enjoying the program, love lifting and love feeling strong! I'm four workouts shy of completing Stage 1, still motivated to go to the gym and looking forward to moving to Stage 2.0
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I read through the threads of all stages. The ladies didn't seem too thrilled with the program or any major changes. Would yall please chime in and let me know if things have changed?
I went thru that phase, but now i'm totally seeing good changes. No compliments yet, but i haven't been trying to lose weight, so i think it'll be harder for others to see the changes in my body composition until i throw on a bikini!
I can't remember what stage you are on. Which one please? So, feeling better about the program what brought that on? the changes in your body? or feeling burnt out?
Please, no one think I am comparing myself . If the program doesn't produce fat loss or GREAT results in body change then I don't want to waste my time "getting stronger". I am not doing the program to get stronger (nice to be) but I want to change my body.0 -
I read through the threads of all stages. The ladies didn't seem too thrilled with the program or any major changes. Would yall please chime in and let me know if things have changed?
I went thru that phase, but now i'm totally seeing good changes. No compliments yet, but i haven't been trying to lose weight, so i think it'll be harder for others to see the changes in my body composition until i throw on a bikini!
I can't remember what stage you are on. Which one please? So, feeling better about the program what brought that on? the changes in your body? or feeling burnt out?
Please, no one think I am comparing myself . If the program doesn't produce fat loss or GREAT results in body change then I don't want to waste my time "getting stronger". I am not doing the program to get stronger (nice to be) but I want to change my body.
I'm about to start stage 3. My problem area is my middle, i store all my fat on my belly, and it's smaller now. Took a while tho, i've been at it since mid jan. Now I keep admiring my shoulders in the mirror as i brush my teeth too! I would say at the moment it's only small changes that i can see, others aren't noticing yet. I woudn't have thought stage 2 would make a difference because it mainly consists of smaller moves, but wow, it worked. I'm ending my first full week off which i really needed, i was definitely burned out, but now i'm ready to go again.
I'm also in in more for the body changes than the strength gains, but i imagine my goals might change. I def want to deadlift my body weight!
You're right about not making too many comparisons, some people see changes sooner than this or later. Some see muscles in stage 1, others seem disheartened even at later stages. It's good that you know your goals.0
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