May check in and chat - May all your weights go up
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Side note: I'm afraid my c25k experiement may be over. Did day 1 of week 2 on Saturday and my left knee screamed at me the rest of the day. I think its my old IT band issues re-surfacing. Sigh. Anyone else have issues with IT bands?
I'm still following the program, but I speed walk it instead. We can still be buddies if you want. Just adjust. Who cares? I can't do high impact either (as I found out last week), but I can damn well get some cardiovascular fitness going and build endurance along with strength.
Week 2 Day 1 today for me. Took one of our dogs along. Forgot to stretch though and so my knee was bugging me.
Also, I'm currently losing my ability to think cuz hot flashes have started and are making me toss and turn at night and crazy during the day. So awesome. Not. Urgh. Going to spend the next few weeks researching and finding a remedy that works for me, because I can't live like this for months and years. Not happening. I hear exercise is great for those, so I'm definitely sticking with it! Glad I quit smoking too. Jeez. If any of you have gotten help with non-prescription meds but have chosen more natural remedies, I'm all ears ...0 -
I just wanted to check in and say that everyone is looking FINE...a couple of pics stood out DaniH826 and jstout365 I think those are your profile names...man those are some gorgeous legs and great squats ladies...oh and lwoodroff your action shots are shexay! (so is your huz's baking man oh man!!!)
I am not logging food until Weds or so after a bout of severe fatigue again (actually think it is all down to a pesky sinus infection which also came long with a runny tummy as well ugh!)...am still lifting heavy (or was trying to last week, but feeling pretty low about not getting my max lifts up and away as usual) Hoping the carbing up and loosening up on food will help beat the blues this week. I feel a lot better already.
I hope everyone is staying strong and being bada$$...you are all inspiring ladies : )0 -
I did my first stronglifts workout A today and I feel great! I had some issues on my last set of squats but I got through the bench and rows really well. I'm shocked and proud that I did it! Excited for workout B now.0
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May goals -
Squat 150 current - 140
Bench 105 - current 110
Row 110 - current 105
OHP 90 for at least one set- current-I've squeaked out 5x5 @ 85, but haven't made the jump to 9-0 yet.
Deadlift 185 - did this at least two workouts. I did 3 reps at 190 last week, but it was too heavy.
-keep up with cardio 2x a week
-do yoga once a week
-drink more water
Spotty on the other goals, but they are still on my mind.
I think I'm switching to 3x5 while I research my next step. I'm on session 31 (starting week 11, OMG) 5x5 just takes so long now. The weights are heavy and I rest 3 or 4 or even 5 minutes between sets. Plus I want to start doing some accessory stuff or finishers at the end. I already get up by 5:45. To get 5x5 in plus other stuff, I'd be getting up much earlier than I want to.
If you still like the overall program then just start to run 3x5 instead of 5x5 and spend a little more time on each weight.....that's what I did for my second cycle (tomorrow will be the start of week 12 of cycle 2 for me so week 24 overall) and I really liked it plus I do have time for a finisher at the end of every lifting session. I lift every other day (not 3x/week) and still do cardio on non-lifting days. I will say though that I'm ready for it to be over.....6 months of heavy lifting like this has taken it's toll on me. I was going to run Madcow as my intermediate program as I do love the big compound lifts, but I have decided to go the Nia Shanks route 0 -
Nex - Thanks! I hope you start to feel better and get back to the Amazing lifting soon!
Cleo - I'm just wrapping up the 12 weeks and I am going to deload while I work out the next plan. I have an idea of what I'm looking at doing, but I need some time to finalize it and figure out my accessory lifts.
Adasmom - Welcome! Good to hear that you had a great first session!0 -
Nex - thanks! too good sadly, I am eating ALL the BAKING! and it's his 40th next Friday so I need to plan a cake.. lemon syrup or carrot? any votes?
I hear ya girls on the time it takes, with 3 minute pauses and no stretching at the end or any other exercise it took me nearly an hour and 20 yesterday, which seems a bit crazy, but with 3 weeks left to go on this cycle and only being brand new to lifting I'm very aware that there hasn't been much change yet (there has, plenty of it, but not body recomp type, which I suspect takes a couple of years??).
I know I need to add some cardio back in too (boooo!) but 3 days a week is ample for juggling Real Life (TM) as well as working out, so something is going to have to give eventually.
Just thinking out loud, ignore me! 0 -
I did my first stronglifts workout A today and I feel great! I had some issues on my last set of squats but I got through the bench and rows really well. I'm shocked and proud that I did it! Excited for workout B now.
well done! hope you fall in love with it too! now you've got a feel for it I strongly recommend going back over some of the videos to check form etc, it will give you confidence 0 -
lwoodroff - I hear ya, this late in the program it takes a loooong time to get through, especially on A days. I've actually been thinking that I might drop down to 3 x 5 anyway to help manage overall stress and time. . .
Nex - sorry you've been ill - here's to more food = better lifts and a healthy body!
Cleo - I'm almost done, too. Haven't decided if I'm going in for more SL, or if I want to switch it up. . . oh, the choices!
aidasmom -welcome!
I had a rough, rough day in the gym today. Rough. But you know what, I stuck it out, so there's that.
Squats - I am definitely feeling my hip flexor. It doesn't feel injured, just sore. I probably bumped too fast last week. Oh well, I've been stretching it, and worked up very slowly to a 5 x5 at 115, about a 20% deload for me. It doesn't feel any WORSE, but it also doesn't feel any better. Maybe I should just not squat for a while? I was super duper careful about form, and had a lifter I trust watch me today -nothing there that either of us can pinpoint, so that's why I'm thinking going from 130-145 in the space of a week was not a good idea, even if technically I could lift the weight. Any ideas?
Bench - Had to do my first roll(head bonk) of shame today. Tried to start with my regular increase at 100, did 3, knew I should stop, then tried for 4 anyhow. Head NOT in the game, apparently. My roll of shame went all wonky and I conked my left eyebrow, so I'm gonna look a little funny for a few days. Blargh. I finished out at 95 just fine, so I think next time I'll go for 5x6 at 95, then try 100 again.
Row - repeated 105 and concentrated on keeping my back level. Going to do 5x6 on this again, as I can tell I am at my upper limit here and need to go more slowly.
I wanted to do a complex, but felt like more squatting was probably not a good idea. Sad face.
Ah, well, Wednesday will be better. 0 -
Day1 week3 workout A
Squat:65x5x5 (5lb increase)
Bench:60x5x5 (5lb increase)
Row:75x5x5 (same as last time)
I am starting to realize I have a weak upper back and need to go slow. I think rows and OHP(50) will stay the same till I can get 5x6.
Just want to say I love that I am competing with myself and not anyone else. I think I have refound my love for my body and can't wate to see what it can do.0 -
I did my first stronglifts workout A today and I feel great! I had some issues on my last set of squats but I got through the bench and rows really well. I'm shocked and proud that I did it! Excited for workout B now.
Way To Go!! I only started a month ago and I love lifting!0 -
WO B Week 4
I added weight for the first time. It has taken me almost four weeks to get confident enough about my form and to start to feel stronger in my everyday life to add weight.
S still 45 because of lack of small increments at gym. This is getting fixed Wed.
OHP 25 My cranky shoulder did not protest in the slightest.
DL 60 And it wasn't hard. I thought about doing another set, but refrained.0 -
Squats - I am definitely feeling my hip flexor. It doesn't feel injured, just sore. I probably bumped too fast last week. Oh well, I've been stretching it, and worked up very slowly to a 5 x5 at 115, about a 20% deload for me. It doesn't feel any WORSE, but it also doesn't feel any better. Maybe I should just not squat for a while? I was super duper careful about form, and had a lifter I trust watch me today -nothing there that either of us can pinpoint, so that's why I'm thinking going from 130-145 in the space of a week was not a good idea, even if technically I could lift the weight. Any ideas?
I wanted to do a complex, but felt like more squatting was probably not a good idea. Sad face.
I've switched to a 1x5 progressive lift for squats. So if my target weight is 135, I'll start at 95 then add 10 lbs for each set. It gives me a chance to get in work without the pressure of the heaviest weight for 5 sets. That seemed to make my hip flexor get sore and not recover well. Mine has been acting up a bit more this past week with the extra squatting with the barbell complex, but I know I have been zoning out on form for them (which is bad). I do a lot that calls on the hip flexor so I tend to get it tired quickly and go through the don't push it, let it feel better, push it, get it tired, don't push it......etc. cycle every few weeks.
I had to drop back to the bar for a bit or even just skip the squat if my warm up reps didn't feel good. You may want to drop to 3x5 with about a 50% deload based on last week's numbers. See how it goes this next week and then if things are feeling better, start bumping up again. Also, in one of my posts I linked in a few form videos. My squats are not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but I've adapted a little for the hip flexor. You may be able to pick out some differences.0 -
Squats - I am definitely feeling my hip flexor. It doesn't feel injured, just sore. I probably bumped too fast last week. Oh well, I've been stretching it, and worked up very slowly to a 5 x5 at 115, about a 20% deload for me. It doesn't feel any WORSE, but it also doesn't feel any better. Maybe I should just not squat for a while? I was super duper careful about form, and had a lifter I trust watch me today -nothing there that either of us can pinpoint, so that's why I'm thinking going from 130-145 in the space of a week was not a good idea, even if technically I could lift the weight. Any ideas?
I wanted to do a complex, but felt like more squatting was probably not a good idea. Sad face.
I've switched to a 1x5 progressive lift for squats. So if my target weight is 135, I'll start at 95 then add 10 lbs for each set. It gives me a chance to get in work without the pressure of the heaviest weight for 5 sets. That seemed to make my hip flexor get sore and not recover well. Mine has been acting up a bit more this past week with the extra squatting with the barbell complex, but I know I have been zoning out on form for them (which is bad). I do a lot that calls on the hip flexor so I tend to get it tired quickly and go through the don't push it, let it feel better, push it, get it tired, don't push it......etc. cycle every few weeks.
I had to drop back to the bar for a bit or even just skip the squat if my warm up reps didn't feel good. You may want to drop to 3x5 with about a 50% deload based on last week's numbers. See how it goes this next week and then if things are feeling better, start bumping up again. Also, in one of my posts I linked in a few form videos. My squats are not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but I've adapted a little for the hip flexor. You may be able to pick out some differences.
That 10lb progressive load to work weight is a great idea....thanks I left a message for Nia Shanks on her FB page because I am uncertain of where to start for one of her programs but this could totally work for one area if I don't hear back from her! 0 -
Did session 'B' today.
After 4 sessions being stuck at 30# on squats, I am gong up slowly each time! Even on days when everything else is stalled. But I am only increasing about 3 pounds each session. It's better than nothing.
Actually I often increase on most lifts by only ~3 pounds.
Today squats went from 55# to 58#. Considering how slowly I started I am pleased.
OHP dropped from 45-40#. This seems to be a pattern for my OHP. They are "2 steps forward- 1.5 steps back"
DL increased from 108# to 118#. They are the only thing I seem to increase well on, for now.
My 18 yr old did session "A" for the second time, but wanted to try to DL his bodyweight after I did 118#. Connor DL 95# last time. His bodyweight is 120#. I. Watched to make sure he had extra good form and he did 2, then I had him stop.
I wonder what hos body fat percentage is, he didn't want to use the calipers. ...
By husband was "too busy"....again. Sigh.0 -
Side note: I'm afraid my c25k experiement may be over. Did day 1 of week 2 on Saturday and my left knee screamed at me the rest of the day. I think its my old IT band issues re-surfacing. Sigh. Anyone else have issues with IT bands?
I'm still following the program, but I speed walk it instead. We can still be buddies if you want. Just adjust. Who cares? I can't do high impact either (as I found out last week), but I can damn well get some cardiovascular fitness going and build endurance along with strength.
Week 2 Day 1 today for me. Took one of our dogs along. Forgot to stretch though and so my knee was bugging me.
Also, I'm currently losing my ability to think cuz hot flashes have started and are making me toss and turn at night and crazy during the day. So awesome. Not. Urgh. Going to spend the next few weeks researching and finding a remedy that works for me, because I can't live like this for months and years. Not happening. I hear exercise is great for those, so I'm definitely sticking with it! Glad I quit smoking too. Jeez. If any of you have gotten help with non-prescription meds but have chosen more natural remedies, I'm all ears ...0 -
Completed session 12 tonight. Consistently increasing squat (115) and deadlift (135), feeling really pumped with lower body. OHP(45) is driving me crazy, I am making no progress with this exercise except my form is better, I suppose that is something. My goal for the remainder of May is to hit 50lbs on OHP.0
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I will be doing session 11 on Wednesday. Work is ticking me off - 14 hour days with no breaks, meals, and increased stress are not good for me. I can't wait for a break.
I am trying not to get too bummed- after all, I wasn't sure I'd hit 100 on squat in May, but I'm well ahead of that.
Session 10 was not bad, but I fear too much time will pass before I get back....
Squat - 110 pounds - previously failed, so that felt gooood.
Bench - 75 pounds - thought i was going to fail, but the hubby showed up at the gym and the security of knowing he could rescue/spot me got me through. I did 4,4,5,5,5 - Yay.
Row - 85 pounds - I decided to do hanging rows until I get big plates on to go to ground.
Just posting to help me focus and not lose sight of my goal when 'life' gets busy.0 -
Completed session 12 tonight. Consistently increasing squat (115) and deadlift (135), feeling really pumped with lower body. OHP(45) is driving me crazy, I am making no progress with this exercise except my form is better, I suppose that is something. My goal for the remainder of May is to hit 50lbs on OHP.
My OHP is the same I stay at the same weight for awhile, finally increase 2 pounds at a time for a few sessions, then drop back down 5 pounds!!0 -
Dani, as for the flashes, it's a process of elimination. I found reducing bread (wheat products) soft drinks (don't do those except when I must have a shot of Crown Royal and can't do it straight I need that Pepsi) sugar and coffee helps me tremendously. I no longer (very seldom) have the night sweats. I do drink coffee sometimes and when I do it daily it's just a half cup with my protein smoothie in the morning. I have cut back on these things and some days have none of them and have found that has cut my flashes back a lot. When I do have them they are no where near as intense as they used to be.Also, I'm currently losing my ability to think cuz hot flashes have started and are making me toss and turn at night and crazy during the day. So awesome. Not. Urgh. Going to spend the next few weeks researching and finding a remedy that works for me, because I can't live like this for months and years. Not happening. I hear exercise is great for those, so I'm definitely sticking with it! Glad I quit smoking too. Jeez. If any of you have gotten help with non-prescription meds but have chosen more natural remedies, I'm all ears ...
There are other foods that can increase or decrease them, you just have to research and find which works best for you. Good luck to you.0 -
I'm still following the program, but I speed walk it instead. We can still be buddies if you want. Just adjust. Who cares? I can't do high impact either (as I found out last week), but I can damn well get some cardiovascular fitness going and build endurance along with strength.
I tried to run last night and my knee informed me it did not like that at all. So back to walking it is. Kinda bummed but I'm certainly not going to hurt myself. That's just dumb.
Sorry about the hot flashes. Wish I had some advice for you.0 -
Good morning friends!
So I have to give a big shout out to my friend jstout regarding her advice on working up to work weight using 10lb increments....did that this morning and I loved it. Given that I am now officially in my 24th week of SL, I am starting to feel the effects of 6 months of heavy lifting plus I did start lifting every other day, rather than 3x/week at week 13. I have holidays in a few weeks and I really didn't know how I was going to get through another few weeks of SL until that point as I really didn't want to start a new program before I go. Now I know that I will be able to push through
My left shoulder did something funny during my barbell complex so I ended up stopping 7 minutes in which really sucks.....but I think I am being unreasonably hard on myself. It didn't feel right and I know I made the right decision.....but I love those damn complexes lol0 -
Also, I'm currently losing my ability to think cuz hot flashes have started and are making me toss and turn at night and crazy during the day. So awesome. Not. Urgh. Going to spend the next few weeks researching and finding a remedy that works for me, because I can't live like this for months and years. Not happening. I hear exercise is great for those, so I'm definitely sticking with it! Glad I quit smoking too. Jeez. If any of you have gotten help with non-prescription meds but have chosen more natural remedies, I'm all ears ...
Sucks you're going through this. I had to be on birth control pills for awhile, and experienced them. The first pills I was on made me hormonally crazy. Like crying at cat pictures on the internet one minute to blind-rage for spilling water the next. The 2nd type of pills caused hot flashes and night sweats to the point where I would have to get up and change the sheets in the middle of the night because they were soaked. I don't have any tips or tricks to lessen them other than to buy a commercial grade, walk-in freezer and sleep in there. :flowerforyou: **hugs**0 -
Wooooo.... I am REALLY far behind. Been sick for the last 2 days.
Everyone should read this though -- actually, anything this blogger does is good but I liked todays.
http://gokaleo.com/2013/05/20/i-am-overweight/0 -
Sucks you're going through this. I had to be on birth control pills for awhile, and experienced them. The first pills I was on made me hormonally crazy. Like crying at cat pictures on the internet one minute to blind-rage for spilling water the next. The 2nd type of pills caused hot flashes and night sweats to the point where I would have to get up and change the sheets in the middle of the night because they were soaked. I don't have any tips or tricks to lessen them other than to buy a commercial grade, walk-in freezer and sleep in there. :flowerforyou: **hugs**
Hey, thanks for the encouragement (not just yours but others' also). I went out and got a bunch of supplements and also a fan for my side of the bed. Slept much better last night. I'm going to just try everything and toss out whatever doesn't work.
Lifting went okay today, going back to 3x5 rather than staggered 5x5 since the added cardio from the walking is sucking my lifting mojo a bit and I struggled really hard today, so I'm deloading a little and going from there. Adapt and overcome, right? Right. Onward! :flowerforyou:0 -
Wooooo.... I am REALLY far behind. Been sick for the last 2 days.
Everyone should read this though -- actually, anything this blogger does is good but I liked todays.
http://gokaleo.com/2013/05/20/i-am-overweight/
Tameko, do you know how tall she is? I'm reading it now and I am sorta juggling at the office...0 -
Wooooo.... I am REALLY far behind. Been sick for the last 2 days.
Everyone should read this though -- actually, anything this blogger does is good but I liked todays.
http://gokaleo.com/2013/05/20/i-am-overweight/
Oh tameko, hope you are on the mend...was wondering where you had got to...
Those articles (there are a few linked in the blogs) are excellent...thank you for this...I find that when I get to around 140 lbs or so (not that low of a bodyfat percentage either) my ED symptoms begin to flare up again, so I am doing the losing of the body fat slow but sure and also plan to do a bulk at the end of this year. I like being able to loosen the reigns and be flexible now.0 -
Thanks for link, fascinating. Hope you feel better soon...0
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Wooooo.... I am REALLY far behind. Been sick for the last 2 days.
Everyone should read this though -- actually, anything this blogger does is good but I liked todays.
http://gokaleo.com/2013/05/20/i-am-overweight/
Tameko, do you know how tall she is? I'm reading it now and I am sorta juggling at the office...
She's 5'9" -- she's literally JUST over the line of overweight (like a BMI of 25.1)
I also weigh 169-170 and my BMI is 27.4 which is 14 lbs over a 25.2 BMI (I'm 5'6") and I'd say I look about her level of leanness + that 14lbs. So, it makes me feel a little better.
Also -- I don't know if she mentions it in that article but she's been lifting heavy for 4.5 years or so.0 -
Wooooo.... I am REALLY far behind. Been sick for the last 2 days.
Everyone should read this though -- actually, anything this blogger does is good but I liked todays.
http://gokaleo.com/2013/05/20/i-am-overweight/
Tameko, do you know how tall she is? I'm reading it now and I am sorta juggling at the office...
She's 5'9" -- she's literally JUST over the line of overweight (like a BMI of 25.1)
I also weigh 169-170 and my BMI is 27.4 which is 14 lbs over a 25.2 BMI (I'm 5'6") and I'd say I look about her level of leanness + that 14lbs. So, it makes me feel a little better.
Also -- I don't know if she mentions it in that article but she's been lifting heavy for 4.5 years or so.
At 5'7", I'm hovering between 163 & 164, and I would "ideally" like to get down to 155 (I've kinda blown 145 out of the water as being unrealistic), because I want muscle. I want to eat all the food and lift all the weight, and she has REALLY put a realistic spin on the whole subject, which I appreciate.0 -
I want to eat all the food and lift all the weight
That makes 2 of us.
If I stay overweight for the rest of my years, why should that keep me from all the living I have to do in the meantime, and enjoying myself? I find it rather laughable, this push for some "ideal weight" in a world that's anything but ideal in every other area there is! Ridiculous and ludicrous, and shame on me for ever buying into such nonsense. Bah.
My BMI hovers anywhere between 28 and 29 ... if it drops a couple more points, then yay, if not ... long as my body is functional and allows me to do the things I enjoy, then who cares? Feel free to install Photoshop in your brain and airbrush me if you have to. :laugh:0
