Daily Chat Thread

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  • rocky503
    rocky503 Posts: 430 Member
    Pmagnanifit I just got done with my session and noted that it took about 11.5 minutes to complete the RAMP as described in the life edition. I don't have to check the book anymore for how to perform the moves so that cuts out some time. :wink:

    I feel like I am stuck in regards to increasing weight. So this is something I need to work on.
    Today:
    DL at 95#
    Bench press 65#
    reverse lunge with 25# DB pair
    standing cable rows 110#

    I get stuck at 25 or 30# DBs, mostly cause there isn't a way to add a fraction up to the next 5 pound increment.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    what are the ******** masking?!?!?

    can you write out the letters in t-h-i-s f-o-r-m-a-t so that I understand??

    This totally made me laugh :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    I was trying to say "p u s s y footing"

    I did my first AMRAP and I think I totally suck :laugh: Oh, well. I ended up bypassing the wine and making protein ice cream. I still have room in my macros for wine, but I'm stuffed :frown:

    DNA, post the pics!
  • samntha14
    samntha14 Posts: 2,084 Member
    Capri are cool. They are very spring.
    I am having a hard weekend work wise - lots of tough situations and stress. It was my birthday but not fun. My kids tried hard - they made lots of colorful paper animals and a zebra striped cake. I ate cake and chocolate chocolate chip muffins this weekend. So I'm not meeting my protein goals this week.

    I lifted last night at ten pm because I couldn't sleep. The gym is fairly empty..
    Not my best workout but another one is in the can.

    Does Ramp take twenty minutes for anyone else? I still have to look at the book. And I add in some of hip flexor strengthening pt moves.
    Tomorrow I am off but working anyway.
    Sorry about the stress :( and happy belated birthday fellow aries.
    I cut my ramp down to 10. I skip all the jumping and just focus on the stretching.
  • samntha14
    samntha14 Posts: 2,084 Member
    ha ha ha p u s s y footing. Really MFP?!. I can't believe I haven't checked in since Saturday. I got suckered into working test prep Saturday Morning. Which I DESPISE!!! However, at least by doing it on Saturday, we don't sacrifice instructional time, and I really do feel like I taught them something of value. I had a lot of seventh graders nodding. My kids had to come with me, and to reward them for such awesome behavior we spent the afternoon in the sun at the park. Enter NSV: my newly minted 10yo banged his knee and couldn't walk to the car. This lifter mama picked up his 90+lb tush and cradle carried him about 100 feet to the car.

    Got back to the gym tonight (It would be SO EASY to just be lazy, but lifting does LIFT my mood) Ran into Stan the man whose profuse compliments always make my day and are my small reward for working hard. Did my last 6A
    2x10@30 reverse lunge with DB on shoulder
    2x10@30 two point row
    2x10@25dbs squat push press
    2x10 reverse inclined crunches (steepest setting)
    2x10 @ 45 back extension
    The last 2 of each set damn near killed me and I was wiped out at the finish and absolutely dripping in sweat, ROAR!!!
    CAme home to a sleeping house. Now I am enjoying a nice cupa green tea and the peace and quiet. ahhhhhhhh
  • dnamouse
    dnamouse Posts: 612 Member
    Okay, hoping this works. It's very low-res though and I'm having issues with Photobucket at the moment lol

    ugh!! stupid photobucket. gimme a minute

    ejj7f5.jpg


    Yay! That worked :laugh:
    Not quite as impressive as some, but it's a start :happy:
  • Pmagnanifit
    Pmagnanifit Posts: 665 Member
    Wow dnamouse your back looks great!

    Thanks all for telling me how long your ramp takes-- I cut it back a little this evening. My workout was decent- but I probably should switch out the goblet squats for something else. My arms get a workout but not my legs.

    Sam sounds like you had a good day after work. Lifting and carrying you ten year old is impressive.

    Runzalot nice job working out. I was glad you posted the ***** meaning because I had no clue.

    Hope all are well.
  • bepeejaye
    bepeejaye Posts: 775 Member
    Dnamouse..looking good!!!
  • redlipsticklyfe
    redlipsticklyfe Posts: 164 Member
    willift4tat-thanks! I'm really trying to stick to my goals and this challenge is really helping
    dnamouse- your back looks AMAZING!

    Did A3 last night. For whatever reason I can't get out of those 60 degree pushups. Oh well. I'm going for a run tonight. Hopefully incorporating runs back into my routine will help me get more results in my tummy and lower back. I'm seeing positive changes everywhere else and it's really frustrating that this one stubborn place is hanging on. I'm going to do a week of runs and lifting and then do some measurements to see where I'm at. Happy lifting today everyone!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,191 Member
    dnamouse - I think that is VERY impressive!! Not sure *who* counts as having a "more impressive", but who the h*ll cares?!?!??! Comparison is the thief of joy.

    YOU LOOK AWESOME!

    BOOM!
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    Hey ladies, thought you'd enjoy this article, from Bret C's newsletter, re: "Strength trumps conditioning" --->>>

    http://bretcontreras.com/strength-trumps-conditioning-for-body-improvements/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bretcontreras&utm_content=Guess+Who+Finally+Deadlifted+600+lbs,+Overhead+Exercises,+Strength+Trumps+Conditioning+for+Body+Improvements,+and+Do+You+Really+Need+a+Post-Workout+Protein+Shake

    While this was a "good (Bret C.) read", today, here are some data-points that I wish the author had touched on: a) how old she is; b) how tall she is; c) how she tracked calories before "get glutes", during "get glutes", and now; and d) what she chose to "manage stress" now that she wasn't cardio-bunny-ing all the time.

    Beeps, I agree with your questions. And while I love Bret C's lower body stuff, it seems most of his "success" stories (in his book) don't have great looking arms/shoulders. The girl in the article is no exception. She has very little definition in her arms for what appears to be a good BF%. Or maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.

    Alwyn wrote this article on t-nation and it echos the same basic things that the Bret C article hits on:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/the_hierarchy_of_fat_loss .

    It's a long article with lots of research referenced, so for those of you short on time, to summarize:

    For fat loss, prioritize in the following order:
    1) nutrition
    2) strength training
    3) HIIT
    4) intense steady state cardio
    5) lighter steady state cardio

    Oh and this one by Rachel Cosgrove from 2008 is good too- some of you have probably already seen it:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_final_nail_in_the_cardio_coffin
    This one has pics of Rachel as she was training for an Ironman and the crazy things it did for her BF%. In spite of training 20+ hours a week, her body changed in a very negative way while doing so much cardio. She was still eating the same amount that she ate while doing 5 hours of strength training. It's a very interesting read.
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    dna, that is one very lean, strong back! Way to go- your hard work shows!

    redlipstickly, it took me many months to do proper pushups on the floor. Just keep at it!

    runz, that's impressive you were able to do so well despite being so sick, good for you!

    pmag, I have the same issue with goblet squats. Zercher squats are a good step-up from the goblet squats.

    I'm baking cookies today for a "thank you" basket for a friend. It's killing me. M&M, Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road, and Cherry & White Chocolate....they're all soft and chewy and my house smells so good.
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    8 Week Challenge ladies:

    Samntha14, if you reported your challenge results for the week, I missed them- or are you planning to report monthly?
    dodiem29, I still don't have yours yet either.

    Looks like most of us have some room for improvement! Keep up the great work!
  • WillLift4Tats
    WillLift4Tats Posts: 1,699 Member
    Rocky, I had no idea what marionberry was, so I had to look it up. I don't think I'd be able to keep my hands off either, yum!

    Runz, bahaha I'm glad you clarified, I was also wondering what the secret was!

    Dnamouse....I have no words but :love: WOWZA! I can't wait til I have a pic-worthy back. Nice!

    Redlipstickly, it will come with time, patience :)

    Barbell, those cookies sound delish. What a nice gesture!

    Okay, it's *supposed* to be another lifting day, however, my DOMS is even worse than it was yesterday and I'm wondering how effective any workout might be lol. I feel like I'd have to sit in the sauna for an hour just to get into a half squat. It's seriously like my legs are just one ginormous bruise! This, my friends, is what happens when you take WAY too much time off and then go gung-ho your first day back. But...I regret nothing :devil:

    How do you all deal with extreme DOMS and do you take an extra day (REALLY REALLY don't want to do this), or do you just do your best with what you can? I've been drinking tons of water, even popped some ibuprofen with no relief. I don't want to sit it out or do another w/o, because I could be done with this stage on Friday if I go on ahead. On the other hand, I'm waddling and have no idea how I can pull off squats, raised leg lunges, etc in this state...help :frown:
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    DNA, your back is super hot!

    WillLift, I'd just go for a walk and call it good :ohwell:

    I'm running at the park tonight and, apparently, I'm taking all the neighbor's kids with me :huh:
  • jo_marnes
    jo_marnes Posts: 1,601 Member
    Okay, it's *supposed* to be another lifting day, however, my DOMS is even worse than it was yesterday and I'm wondering how effective any workout might be lol. I feel like I'd have to sit in the sauna for an hour just to get into a half squat. It's seriously like my legs are just one ginormous bruise! This, my friends, is what happens when you take WAY too much time off and then go gung-ho your first day back. But...I regret nothing :devil:

    How do you all deal with extreme DOMS and do you take an extra day (REALLY REALLY don't want to do this), or do you just do your best with what you can? I've been drinking tons of water, even popped some ibuprofen with no relief. I don't want to sit it out or do another w/o, because I could be done with this stage on Friday if I go on ahead. On the other hand, I'm waddling and have no idea how I can pull off squats, raised leg lunges, etc in this state...help :frown:

    For me, exercise always improves DOMS. Getting those muscles warm again is key to my recovery.

    I'm keen to get to the gym today. Haven't been since the weekend and have hated it! Had 3 long days at Uni and it has played havoc with my digestion - am so bloated. I really don't know why that happens when I change my routine but my belly sure is resistant to change. So dreading the scales!

    Sounds like you've all been busy - well done. Can't wait to have more time!

    Jo xx
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    Okay, it's *supposed* to be another lifting day, however, my DOMS is even worse than it was yesterday and I'm wondering how effective any workout might be lol. I feel like I'd have to sit in the sauna for an hour just to get into a half squat. It's seriously like my legs are just one ginormous bruise! This, my friends, is what happens when you take WAY too much time off and then go gung-ho your first day back. But...I regret nothing :devil:

    How do you all deal with extreme DOMS and do you take an extra day (REALLY REALLY don't want to do this), or do you just do your best with what you can? I've been drinking tons of water, even popped some ibuprofen with no relief. I don't want to sit it out or do another w/o, because I could be done with this stage on Friday if I go on ahead. On the other hand, I'm waddling and have no idea how I can pull off squats, raised leg lunges, etc in this state...help :frown:

    I'm like Jo. I actually feel better if I go ahead and lift. Usually by the time I do some foam rolling and warm-up, the soreness abates enough that I can lift without too much discomfort.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    What did you decide, Will?

    Running helps shake out my sore muscles.

    Yesterday, I said my AMRAPs sucked. Today, my run sucked. Is this whole week gonna suck?
  • dnamouse
    dnamouse Posts: 612 Member
    It's really lovely waking up and hearing such sweet words, thanks :heart:

    I have a habit of talking myself down :ohwell: , and as I work out by myself and no-one else is really into exactly what I am, it's a little difficult to gauge where I am at.

    So I'm loving this little chatty group :love:

    With DOMS, it really depends on the day. If it's a scheduled workout day, I just get on with it, maybe a little slower and more careful and do a really good warm up.

    I have about 14 kids rocking around today. There are 3 extras here already in the pool with my 2. This could be a long day LOL
  • samntha14
    samntha14 Posts: 2,084 Member
    Spring break and you have the pool. Good luck I remember those days. Looking forward to mine next week. Boy do we need it. I'm enjoying my glute DOMS today. Tonight I'm off to Zumba. WHen I'm in too much pain to walk upstairs, I take another day off. If the pain is not so bad, exercise is the way to beat it.

    DNA, the back looks great. Keep up the good work.

    Cowgirl, I don't even remember what I wrote down. I remember saying pull up by the end of month. Everything else is a blur.
  • Pmagnanifit
    Pmagnanifit Posts: 665 Member
    Willlift-When I workout three times a week I don't get DOMs- I think I do best with going ahead and working out - sometimes swimming feels great. I also foam roll almost everyday but I might be addicted.
    Beeps I read lots of t- nation articles today- it is pretty interesting. I did a marathon way back in 1995 and had body fat tested .it was horrible like 28%( I weighed 100 lbs then - fairly demoralizing when you think you are in the best shape of your life..
    I still like cardio- runner's high( or swimmer or biker). There is a point when I feel amazing light and free and it is like nothing else. I enjoy weightlifting and love feeling strong. I even like the intense tired feeling after weight lifting. I want to be healthy and fit.

    Rocky your bench press is awesome.

    Dnamouse - I am jealous of your pool- but I hope you have swimsuit that shows off your back.

    Runza - maybe you are still recuperating from your gi bug? I was amazed how long it took my lifts to getup to speed like 2 weeks after food poisoning--so for about six hours of vomiting I lost two weeks worth of weight increases.

    Thanks for all the ramp info- I might check out limber 11

    Any advice on the cable pull through? It seems challenging for my balance and my arms but not my back.

    I have an early meeting tomorrow and I am trying to get in a very early workout.
  • Pudding1980
    Pudding1980 Posts: 1,264 Member
    Can I ask what DOM stands for?
  • bepeejaye
    bepeejaye Posts: 775 Member
    I think it stands for Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness - soreness often felt after "heavy" lfting.....
    Can I ask what DOM stands for?

    I have been down for two days now and looking forward to cardio today and lifting tomorrow!!
  • redlipsticklyfe
    redlipsticklyfe Posts: 164 Member
    Hey ladies, thought you'd enjoy this article, from Bret C's newsletter, re: "Strength trumps conditioning" --->>>

    http://bretcontreras.com/strength-trumps-conditioning-for-body-improvements/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bretcontreras&utm_content=Guess+Who+Finally+Deadlifted+600+lbs,+Overhead+Exercises,+Strength+Trumps+Conditioning+for+Body+Improvements,+and+Do+You+Really+Need+a+Post-Workout+Protein+Shake

    While this was a "good (Bret C.) read", today, here are some data-points that I wish the author had touched on: a) how old she is; b) how tall she is; c) how she tracked calories before "get glutes", during "get glutes", and now; and d) what she chose to "manage stress" now that she wasn't cardio-bunny-ing all the time.

    Beeps, I agree with your questions. And while I love Bret C's lower body stuff, it seems most of his "success" stories (in his book) don't have great looking arms/shoulders. The girl in the article is no exception. She has very little definition in her arms for what appears to be a good BF%. Or maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.

    Alwyn wrote this article on t-nation and it echos the same basic things that the Bret C article hits on:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/the_hierarchy_of_fat_loss .

    It's a long article with lots of research referenced, so for those of you short on time, to summarize:

    For fat loss, prioritize in the following order:
    1) nutrition
    2) strength training
    3) HIIT
    4) intense steady state cardio
    5) lighter steady state cardio

    Oh and this one by Rachel Cosgrove from 2008 is good too- some of you have probably already seen it:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_final_nail_in_the_cardio_coffin
    This one has pics of Rachel as she was training for an Ironman and the crazy things it did for her BF%. In spite of training 20+ hours a week, her body changed in a very negative way while doing so much cardio. She was still eating the same amount that she ate while doing 5 hours of strength training. It's a very interesting read.

    BarbellCowgirl this was EXACTLY what I needed! I went on a 2 mile run and hated every single second of it and couldn't imagine doing that run 3-4 days a week. This article really helped me get my priorities in order. The link didn't take me straight to the article and I ended up finding a great body weight tabata workout I can do during the week and just save my runs for the weekend when I go to the trail with my boyfriend. Thanks so much for posting!
    1B4 tonight and I'm excited to get to work. Getting a 3/3 for the challenge this week is doing a lot to spur me forward and keep me focused on my goals. My hair is a mess and my nails look like trash but I'm working out and meeting my macros so everything is okay with me! Have a great day ladies
  • manic4titans
    manic4titans Posts: 1,214 Member
    I haven't been reading this thread faithfully (like before). Life has been busy. So I can't comment to anyone. Sorry.

    BUT welcome to all the new people! I see a LOT of new names.

    Still trucking along. I am at a point where I am only maintaining. I am not motivated nor have the desire. It is so hard to get that drive back!
  • WillLift4Tats
    WillLift4Tats Posts: 1,699 Member
    Well, I still don't know if I'm proud of myself or if I dug a deeper grave, but I did it. I lifted! Sat and stretched in the sauna for about 10 min before and after the session, and today, I'm feeling...sore, but not as much as I thought I'd be. I just hope it doesn't get worse as the day goes on, like it sometimes does.

    Runz, I agree that maybe you're just still recouping from the illness? I would LOVE to run out some tension, but the last few times i have, I get this terrible pain on the outside of my right knee, with all google searches leading to Iliotibial Band Syndrome. I'm begrudgingly taking more time off from running :(

    Dnamouse, terribly jealous of your pool :)

    Redlipstickly, sounds like you're killing it!
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,191 Member
    manic - I'm too tired to keep up with all the threads....lame excuse, i know, but that's what I'm stickin' to.

    No lifting today.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,191 Member
    I enjoyed this read, today! (....and I don't own a dog....)

    http://summertomato.com/5-lessons-about-exercise-you-can-learn-from-your-dog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/summertomato+(Summer+Tomato)

    5 Lessons About Exercise You Can Learn From Your Dog

    Posted: 09 Apr 2014 06:00 AM PDT

    The same thing happens every day. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining. Whether we had a late night encounter with raccoons or we’re well-rested. Shortly after lunch every afternoon my dog Toaster wanders into my office and puts his little head on my lap.

    It’s time to go to the park.

    While it’s clear that Mother Nature plays a roll in his timing (potty time is a an excellent trigger), it doesn’t take more than a glance to realize that there is a deeper motivation under all that fluffy fur.

    Our daily park trip is the best part of Toaster’s day. Nothing makes him happier than running full speed after his frisbee and hurling himself into the air to catch it, then triumphantly prancing back to me and dropping it at my feet.

    He’s so adorable. And to be honest, going to the park has become one of the best parts of my day too.

    A few weeks ago when Toaster and I were playing our familiar game of fetch I couldn’t help but notice not only the pure joy he was experiencing, but also how hard he was working.

    We played until his tongue was hanging out the side of his mouth and he was panting so hard he just flopped over. I realized that I rarely feel so contented, or so exhausted after my own workouts at the gym.

    It struck me then and there that Toaster has something figured out that the rest of us still struggle with.

    For Toaster, exercise isn’t a chore. It’s play.

    Dogs have a fundamentally different outlook on physical activity than us hominids, and it got me thinking about all the lessons we can learn from their ability to find motivation where we can’t.
    5 Lessons About Exercise You Can Learn From Your Dog

    1. It’s play, not punishment

    I’ve been taking Toaster out to exercise for over three years now, and not once has he just jogged boring laps around the park. Instead he chases things, runs through puddles, makes new friends, and generally causes a ruckus. Basically, he uses it as an opportunity to do all the things he enjoys, but can’t do at home.

    We humans can harness similar powers by incorporating fun activities into our workouts. You can rock out to your favorite 90s bands you’re embarrassed about (no one judges me for liking No Doubt on the elliptical machine), listen to podcasts and audiobooks (I read over 15 books last year, how about you?), or just having a friendly fitness competition with a friend via social apps like Fitbit.

    2. It’s social

    Toaster might be the friendliest dog in the world, and few things make him happier than meeting new people and stealing their attention and affection.

    He especially loves children, and whenever a new kid comes out onto the grass he wiggles over to it, puts his ears down so he isn’t threatening, and licks it’s hand. The child invariably squeals in delight, and if Toaster can get away with it he’ll go in for a cheek lick at that point.

    Though I generally don’t lick people I’m happy to see, I know firsthand how motivating it can be to have a workout partner. I’ve been working out with the same friend for over five years, and I always get a better workout when we’re together than when I’m alone. Making it social makes it more fun.

    3. They aren’t self-conscious

    Even though he is adorable, Toaster isn’t the most coordinated dog on the planet. It took him years to be able to catch a frisbee mid-air, and even now he can be seen making enthusiastic bounds into the air that are completely off target. I laugh at him every time, and he just picks up the dropped toy and runs it back to me to try again.

    I know that many people feel intimidated by the gym, because they feel they look fat or stupid, or are too self-conscious to try anything new. This is a huge tragedy, and it exists entirely in your own head.

    Almost no one is born with an innate ability to use fitness equipment or do proper pushups. Even the most avid gym rat had to learn somewhere at sometime. If you can put your ego aside you’ll see there is far more shame in not trying, then trying and not getting it right the first time.

    If you really feel like you need help, don’t be afraid to hire a trainer for a few sessions to get you comfortable using the equipment.

    You can also take comfort in the knowledge that most people are far more concerned about themselves while working out, and probably aren’t paying attention to you or anyone else.

    4. It makes them better citizens

    To be perfectly honest, it isn’t Toaster’s desire to go to the park that gives me the discipline to take him every day. I love him to pieces, but I’m also very busy and have other things to do, just like everyone else. But I learned early on in puppy training that if Toaster doesn’t get enough exercise outside of the house, we’ll have trouble inside the house.

    I lost many pairs of shoes and cleaned up more than my fair share of shredded books and toilet paper rolls before I learned that it is almost impossible for Toaster to behave at home unless he is able to get some of his energy out through exercise.

    I also should have figured this out sooner, because I’m the same way. Not that I tear up shoes and books, but that I’m far more likely to get lost in meaningless minutia and dumb Facebook posts if I don’t clear my mind with a solid workout several times a week. Making time for exercise actually makes me more effective in the rest of my life.

    5. It’s part of their identity

    There isn’t a cell in Toaster’s body that wonders whether or not it is appropriate to go to the park every day. Of course we’re going to the park. That’s what we do. Playing at the park is part of his dog-identity.

    People who already exercise regularly and have been doing it for years or decades likely already feel that their fitness routine is part of who they are.

    But if you haven’t yet built an exercise habit you might tell yourself you can’t exercise because, “I run a startup,” or “I’m a working mom,” or “I’m French.” (I’ve heard all these and more). While any of these facts may pose unique challenges to building a new habit, we often rest on these identities as reasons to do nothing.

    On the flip side, someone who already has a self-identity that includes being “a healthy and active person” will likely stay that way even if they start a company or a family. In other words, our actions often originate from how we see ourselves.

    The important thing to remember is that your self-identity can always be changed or expanded, especially if you truly do care about your health and quality of life. If you believe you are capable of enjoying physical activity on a regular basis, then you can.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    Beeps, I've been working on my fitness for 11+ years and it is definitely part of who I am. Work and home can get pretty wild. Exercise gives me a very satisfying sense of control.

    I have another AMRAP today. Maybe it won't suck?

    I probably am still recovering from strep. I did have to go the ER because my temp was 105 and I didn't eat food for three days :sick: I didn't want to make excuses. So, I'll carry on and give myself a little more credit.

    Will, if you think it's your IT band, you can use the foam roller on it. It hurts so good!
  • BarbellCowgirl
    BarbellCowgirl Posts: 1,271 Member
    Hey ladies, thought you'd enjoy this article, from Bret C's newsletter, re: "Strength trumps conditioning" --->>>

    http://bretcontreras.com/strength-trumps-conditioning-for-body-improvements/?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bretcontreras&utm_content=Guess+Who+Finally+Deadlifted+600+lbs,+Overhead+Exercises,+Strength+Trumps+Conditioning+for+Body+Improvements,+and+Do+You+Really+Need+a+Post-Workout+Protein+Shake

    While this was a "good (Bret C.) read", today, here are some data-points that I wish the author had touched on: a) how old she is; b) how tall she is; c) how she tracked calories before "get glutes", during "get glutes", and now; and d) what she chose to "manage stress" now that she wasn't cardio-bunny-ing all the time.

    Beeps, I agree with your questions. And while I love Bret C's lower body stuff, it seems most of his "success" stories (in his book) don't have great looking arms/shoulders. The girl in the article is no exception. She has very little definition in her arms for what appears to be a good BF%. Or maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.

    Alwyn wrote this article on t-nation and it echos the same basic things that the Bret C article hits on:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/the_hierarchy_of_fat_loss .

    It's a long article with lots of research referenced, so for those of you short on time, to summarize:

    For fat loss, prioritize in the following order:
    1) nutrition
    2) strength training
    3) HIIT
    4) intense steady state cardio
    5) lighter steady state cardio

    Oh and this one by Rachel Cosgrove from 2008 is good too- some of you have probably already seen it:
    http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_final_nail_in_the_cardio_coffin
    This one has pics of Rachel as she was training for an Ironman and the crazy things it did for her BF%. In spite of training 20+ hours a week, her body changed in a very negative way while doing so much cardio. She was still eating the same amount that she ate while doing 5 hours of strength training. It's a very interesting read.

    BarbellCowgirl this was EXACTLY what I needed! I went on a 2 mile run and hated every single second of it and couldn't imagine doing that run 3-4 days a week. This article really helped me get my priorities in order. The link didn't take me straight to the article and I ended up finding a great body weight tabata workout I can do during the week and just save my runs for the weekend when I go to the trail with my boyfriend. Thanks so much for posting!
    1B4 tonight and I'm excited to get to work. Getting a 3/3 for the challenge this week is doing a lot to spur me forward and keep me focused on my goals. My hair is a mess and my nails look like trash but I'm working out and meeting my macros so everything is okay with me! Have a great day ladies

    Well, darn, I must've posted it wrong. Yep, no need to make yourself do steady cardio if you don't enjoy it!

    Pmag, you're probably at the point that fat loss isn't much of a concern. I liked Rachel Cosgroves follow-up to her "nail in the cardio coffin" article. Basically, she says if your goal isn't fat loss and you enjoy cardio, by all means do it.
    http://www.t-nation.com/training/death-of-steady-state-cardio

    Beeps, that's a great article. And very true. So many people think that exercise is something we force ourselves to do.

    Runz, definitely give yourself some slack!

    Manic, we all go through periods like that. Maintenance is progress. Hang in there and I'm sure you will find your motivation soon. Give yourself some small goals to work towards.

    I spent the day fishing with the hubs. We had some extra time and went to eat without kids. Macros are blown, but it was worth it.
  • RawTasha
    RawTasha Posts: 23
    Hi ladies, I just wanted to pop in and say hi and hopefully keep up with the chat.
    I'm surrounded by cardio friends and know no one that lifts. Sometimes it feels a bit lonely haha
    I've completed the third week, looking forward to the next.
    I also walk 3 days a week.

    I look forward to getting to know you all better :o)
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