April Progress

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Replies

  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    Until I get more of a handle on my new running routine, I am going to hold my weights progression for awhile. I will stay at 100 lbs on squat and just refine form, play with low bar/high bar/etc. I am actually looking forward to it. I will stay at 70-75 lbs in bench/rows and 50-55 in OHP. Deads, after much mulling over because I feel like I *could* keep going up in weight but I think the same thing applies. My body is needing more rest and I have stuff I want to do in addition to lifting (for once!) so I am going to put myself in a holding pattern for about a month, I think.

    I could change my mind about it all tomorrow, mind you!

    I'm considering the same thing. I'm at a point where everything is really ****ing hard, I'm failing on every move. But part of me hates to stop progressing especially since my lifting partner won't (and doesn't have to, stupid boy).
  • Carolyn_79
    Carolyn_79 Posts: 935 Member

    Thanks! I was doing 5x5 and then saw it mentioned in another thread or earlier in this one that we were suppose to do only 1 set. I went down to one set but was curious as to why. Thanks again :)
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    Until I get more of a handle on my new running routine, I am going to hold my weights progression for awhile. I will stay at 100 lbs on squat and just refine form, play with low bar/high bar/etc. I am actually looking forward to it. I will stay at 70-75 lbs in bench/rows and 50-55 in OHP. Deads, after much mulling over because I feel like I *could* keep going up in weight but I think the same thing applies. My body is needing more rest and I have stuff I want to do in addition to lifting (for once!) so I am going to put myself in a holding pattern for about a month, I think.

    I could change my mind about it all tomorrow, mind you!

    I'm considering the same thing. I'm at a point where everything is really ****ing hard, I'm failing on every move. But part of me hates to stop progressing especially since my lifting partner won't (and doesn't have to, stupid boy).

    *cries* Boys suck. My husband feels terrible that he's benching less than me right now because he started the program so much later, so he'll do stuff like "Im going to do my last set with 95 lbs just to prove I can" and he'll pump it out, and then try to console me that no, no, it was super hard, honestly! and I'm like WAAAAAH I couldn't do 95 for my FIRST set let alone my LAST set.

    The sad thing is he's like "no this is getting really strenuous, I don't think I'll get up very high on this" but its just because he hasn't actually lifted anything HEAVY yet, he has no idea what strenuous is, he just thinks I'm some kind of crazy grunty strainy lady that needs to learn not to vocalize when she is lifting weights. (ok I mean I AM some kind of crazy grunty strainy lady but he thinks that the fact that his face starts to flush a bit red shows how hard he's working)
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    Yeah, my partner had never lifted weights in his life and started lower than me on everything (really couldn't do my weights) and now he's past me on everything but deadlifts and I think that's just because he can't get his form down.
  • Doreen_Murray
    Doreen_Murray Posts: 396 Member
    I've never had that issue with the app on deads - it shows 1 set of 5 for me. I wish it had warmups built in frankly, but I tend to just do a set of romanian deadlifts with a curl bar for a warm up.
    [/quote]

    It was me! I was saying lift when I meant to say REP. I'm a hot mess, but anyways, the app is fine it was just me and my awesome communication skills! I'm back in business. Thanks for following up with my crazy *kitten* ladies! :glasses:
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    Ouch, deadlifts today were hard. I was really rushing because I was late to a call with India (sigh) and I don't think my form was the best. Lower back isnt' PAINFUL but it feels a little stressed and that's wrong. Then again it was feeling a little stressed at the end of squats too so maybe not.

    I was an idiot today and wore the shoes that looked BEST with my outfit even though they are the shoes that put a lot of strain on my back and knees and THEN I went for a walk in them and THEN I went to the gym and squatted heavy and THEN I deadlifted soooooo yeah.

    Now I remember why I haven't' worn those shoes in a month.

    But the GOOD news is that today was the first day in ages I a) felt strong b) had that feeling reflected in my lifts. I broke through the 130 squat (which is where I'd stalled) and the 145 lb deadlift.

    I just need to insist on later calls with India so I don't have to rush.
  • Doreen_Murray
    Doreen_Murray Posts: 396 Member
    But the GOOD news is that today was the first day in ages I a) felt strong b) had that feeling reflected in my lifts. I broke through the 130 squat (which is where I'd stalled) and the 145 lb deadlift.

    I just need to insist on later calls with India so I don't have to rush.
    [/quote]

    Congrats on your breakthrough! Awesome. I had that stiff lower back on my deads last week and it went away. I did a lot of back stretches just to keep it loose. I also did what you did (ran to and from gym before and after) so I'm sure that didn't help! Sometimes I just need to tell myself to slow down.

    Looking forward to my workout today. Overhead Press is my fave!
  • jkuhn71
    jkuhn71 Posts: 199
    I've never had that issue with the app on deads - it shows 1 set of 5 for me. I wish it had warmups built in frankly, but I tend to just do a set of romanian deadlifts with a curl bar for a warm up.

    I agree - I wish the iPhone app had warm-ups built in! I always have a little sticky note that I carry down to the basement with my phone that breaks down my warm-ups. It would be SO nice if those were in the app, too - one less thing to think about! :wink:
  • jkuhn71
    jkuhn71 Posts: 199
    But the GOOD news is that today was the first day in ages I a) felt strong b) had that feeling reflected in my lifts. I broke through the 130 squat (which is where I'd stalled) and the 145 lb deadlift.

    Great job! I'm so excited for you - after following your news updates, it's so awesome to see you break through!!! I'd high five you if I was there. :wink:

    Way to continue in your bad-assness! Yes - that IS a word. OK - maybe not, but it SHOULD be!
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    I don't have an iphone so I use Jefit and I do program my warm ups into that. :D
  • dianacannon89
    dianacannon89 Posts: 235 Member
    I use the app called strong log is that the ones you guys use? I am on android BTW! & going to concur those squats right now!! :happy: Yes I can, Yes I can Yes I can!!
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    I use the app called strong log is that the ones you guys use? I am on android BTW! & going to concur those squats right now!! :happy: Yes I can, Yes I can Yes I can!!

    I'm using the iphone app but my husband is using something on android - probably what you're using.

    PS my back feels fine this morning so I was right that it was probably just the general strain.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    I use the app called strong log is that the ones you guys use? I am on android BTW! & going to concur those squats right now!! :happy: Yes I can, Yes I can Yes I can!!

    Really? Is it more similar to the Iphone strong lifts ap? I must get this.
  • mandasimba
    mandasimba Posts: 782 Member
    That sucks the ap isn't available for andriod!


    I have a question and hopefully a guru can help... I've been having troubles with DLs as of late. I feel like I'm in good position, but I keep whacking myself in the shins with the bar. I'm guessing it is something must be wrong with my form so I'm going to try to record myself today if I can figure out how. I don't feel like asking anybody to do it so it would require getting the spot in the corner where the mirrors meet and balancing my phone in my armband just right :tongue: Also thinking of trying a switch grip... anybody experienced and overcome this?
  • dianacannon89
    dianacannon89 Posts: 235 Member
    That sucks the ap isn't available for andriod!

    Check out the one I use called strong logs its pretty cool!
  • mandasimba
    mandasimba Posts: 782 Member
    That sucks the ap isn't available for andriod!

    Check out the one I use called strong logs its pretty cool!

    I've got the iphone so I've got the ap, just sucks for others... showing off my empathy :wink: Though I will still check it out!
  • dianacannon89
    dianacannon89 Posts: 235 Member
    April 9th
    Squat 85LBS
    OHP 60LBS
    Deads75LBS

    April 11th
    Squat - BW -
    Bench- 70LBS
    Pendelay row-75LBS

    April 13th
    Squats- BW- could not hit paralell with the bar I can do them with BW great im hitting below parallel but I put the bar on and I am leaning forward ...
    OHP- 65LBS
    Deads-95LBS

    This was my 6th workout I gotta get over this squat issue it is SERIOUSLY dissapointing

    Does anyone add in exercises? My problem areas are obviously every where LMAO but I am thinking of adding in lat pull downs with the rope to get a good extension.. what do you guys think? And what do you add?
  • dianacannon89
    dianacannon89 Posts: 235 Member
    That sucks the ap isn't available for andriod!

    Check out the one I use called strong logs its pretty cool!

    I've got the iphone so I've got the ap, just sucks for others... showing off my empathy :wink: Though I will still check it out!

    lolololol I completely missed that!!
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    That sucks the ap isn't available for andriod!


    I have a question and hopefully a guru can help... I've been having troubles with DLs as of late. I feel like I'm in good position, but I keep whacking myself in the shins with the bar. I'm guessing it is something must be wrong with my form so I'm going to try to record myself today if I can figure out how. I don't feel like asking anybody to do it so it would require getting the spot in the corner where the mirrors meet and balancing my phone in my armband just right :tongue: Also thinking of trying a switch grip... anybody experienced and overcome this?

    It sounds like you're pulling your shoulders back before you lift your hips. IT should happen at the same time. I think this article is the most helpful there:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/training/clean-style-deadlift-technique.html --there's a series of 4 shots next to each other showing thye progression of standing up.
  • _GlaDOS_
    _GlaDOS_ Posts: 1,520 Member
    Excellent article on deadlifts, tameko! I needed that too.
  • kensky
    kensky Posts: 472 Member
    I had my first lifting day in what seems like forever but it was only about a week. It felt so good!

    I log my warmups on the notes section of the stronglifts app. I warmed up a lot today because all of these minor strains and pulls are a bummer, man.

    Squats:
    Warmup with low bar back squats--5 reps of 45 lb (justthebar)
    Goblet squats--10 reps of 20lb
    Box squats--5x45

    then onto worksets...
    Squats--5 sets of 5 reps of 100 lbs. It took me awhile to get low enough honestly.

    Bench!
    warmed up with 5 reps of justhebar then another 5 of 50 lbs
    5x5x65 lbs. which felt good and just heavy enough

    Pendlay rows
    warmed up with 5x55
    5x5x75

    Some dude was doing curls and crunches on a bench stationed pretty close to the power cage. It was a little awkward during the rows since I arch my back and stick my butt out like a cat in heat in order to have good form. Free show!
  • mandasimba
    mandasimba Posts: 782 Member
    I'm sure he enjoyed the show ;) Way to go Kensky :) Hope all your strains pains are gone!

    Thanks for the article Tam.

    I tried to use the video on the iphone as it was strapped to my arm, but that didn't work at all. I was probably 10 feet from the mirror and it looked like I was on the other side of the gym. So small. Can't even get the lazy boyfriend to come to the gym for a few minutes just to record me :\

    Failed miserably on the shoulder press. I have ridiculously weak shoulders :( For the last year or so I always get really bad pain in my left shoulder whenever I work it. If I can guess where the area is on a picture, google images tells me it is a teres muscle. Getting my learn on today. I could be way off. I barely have the heads shoulders knees and toes song down. I still have to sneak a peak to see what others are doing. One day if I ever get health insurance that I don't have to pay everything out of pocket, I might get it checked out... so perhaps in another decade :tongue:

    Sorry for the ramblyness, I'm sugared up and there is nobody here to talk to at the moment!
  • jenniejengin
    jenniejengin Posts: 784 Member
    bump
  • _HeathBar_
    _HeathBar_ Posts: 902 Member
    Did Workout B for the first time last night. I was (and am) still super sore from the first workout A, but I went to the gym anyways.

    I upped by Squats to 50. It was really hard to keep form with my legs hurting so bad but I tried my best. I have no bruises and marks on my back from the bar this time so that's good. Apparently I was doing a high bar squat the first time and resting it right on my spine. Opps!

    Overhead Press - dang these were hard. Again my whole upper body was already sore from the Benching and at the end of set 5 I was getting really wobbly. I think my form was really good, Rippetoe's video's were a life saver here.

    Deadlifts. I did the recommended 95lbs to start. It felt good. I wanted to do more but I restrained myself. My form on this needs some adjusting, I think my back was rounding too much.
  • Carolyn_79
    Carolyn_79 Posts: 935 Member
    Did workout 5 last night.

    Squats-120 lbs

    Bench Press-70 lbs for first 3 sets before I realized I hadn't increased by 5 pounds this week. Oops. Upped it to 75 and set 4 was fine but failed after 3rd rep on set 5.

    Barbell Row-75 lbs
  • Doreen_Murray
    Doreen_Murray Posts: 396 Member
    Did workout 5 last night.

    Squats-120 lbs

    Bench Press-70 lbs for first 3 sets before I realized I hadn't increased by 5 pounds this week. Oops. Upped it to 75 and set 4 was fine but failed after 3rd rep on set 5.

    Barbell Row-75 lbs

    Rock on sister!!! Great workout and I feel like I'm turning into a SL junky! lol...wish I could do it every day.
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    I am deloading the barbell rows now and I am relieved, I probably should have deloaded on my own sooner but I figured I'd try it.

    They're just...weird. Video really helped - my husband noticed that I tend to lean down further into the bar when I'm struggling and he tends to pull back a bit. (like I think rae was saying she feels like she stands up a little?) So yeah video + another person watching was useful, but even with it I just don't feel like I am getting it right. I do maybe 3 I feel good abotu and the rest suck, which just means its too heavy IMO.

    But I hit an awesome milestone on squats- 45 lb plates today!! Like a BOSS. That was a new record for me, 135, because I'd previously deloaded from 130. Its still tough, I'm probably going to deload in another add or two. I *might* start using my fractional plates - I can't decide what I want to do there.

    I failed the bench press at 80 last week so I used my new fractional plates to deload to 72.5 and that went well. I'm going to do 2.5lb increments for that now.
  • mamamudbug
    mamamudbug Posts: 572 Member


    But I hit an awesome milestone on squats- 45 lb plates today!! Like a BOSS.


    Awesome! I keep eyeballing mine, thinking to myself "I WILL get to you"
  • mamamudbug
    mamamudbug Posts: 572 Member
    Did workout 5 last night.

    Squats-120 lbs

    Bench Press-70 lbs for first 3 sets before I realized I hadn't increased by 5 pounds this week. Oops. Upped it to 75 and set 4 was fine but failed after 3rd rep on set 5.

    Barbell Row-75 lbs

    Rock on sister!!! Great workout and I feel like I'm turning into a SL junky! lol...wish I could do it every day.

    I feel that way, too. Been kind of bummed that I'm not doing anything this weekend (I do need the rest)
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    So my workout tonight went good-ish -- I failed on rep 5 of set 5 of my squats and I think I literally said "FOR F*CKS SAKE" as my butt hit the ground. Because I mean, COME ON. That was 140 though which is 10 lbs heavier than last time I failed so I mean, that's good.

    Tonight was also deadlifts night, so we put the 45s on the bar and then my husband handed me a 10 and I was like "oh no, surely not" and he said "yep" and I was like "no, no way" and he was like "....are you deadlifting 155? then put the 10 on there". So I put the 10 on there and was like "HA. HA. HA..... Not gonna happen but what the hell I can at least tug ineffectually at the bar for a few seconds."

    Pulled it TWICE (double overhand too) but the third was not happening so I deloaded to 145 lbs to finish out my set of 5. I believe the first time I pulled it I said "Holy *kitten*" at the time because I really really did not think it was going to happen.