Today is a weight training day! I've also decided to incorporate a daily WoD that I have sent to me as a "warm up." I've decided to do a mud run in June so I need to start upping the training in that aspect a bit. I'm slightly concerned about calories. I know based off of the book (and yes I know not everyone is the same yadda yadda yadda) that generally one would consume about 300 cals more on a lifting day. When I mix in these WoDs I'm not sure how to track it. The WoDs are anything from sprints, thrust ups, burpees, jumping chin-ups, wall balls, etc. that I know are burning SOMETHING, even though not as much as straight cardio. I'm debating whether or not to stick with what I have or just listen to my body and eat when I feel like it and keep my fingers crossed I don't gain too much. Oh the joys of figuring out how to have a workout plan ... work!

Also, today is a deadlift day and I need to increase the weights. I am thinking of switching to the Olympic barbell today. It's time.

Wow, I'm really behind now. So much going on in here

Welcome to all the newbies!!

My hip is finally starting to feel better (I was a little worried after my last chiro appt when it hurt even more afterward for the next few days). I tried some light lifting this morning, just to test it out (65 lb squat plus BP and rows). It's still not quite right, but I have another appt today, so hope to be back to normal soon. Now I'm off to yoga.

Great job ladies on all the determination and PRs. You all are doing so great!!

Chubby, I am thinking about getting one. My main issue is that from what I've read they aren't very accurate for weight lifting and tend to overshoot unless the weight lifting includes circuits. So I guess, in my case it would be worth it since my WoDs are more circuit based.

Basically I'm a very indecisive person and too new lol!

LBLL - do it. I wish I had started heavier on my deadlift. I started with just the Olympic Bar, but I held back. I'm up to 115 now for DL's but know I can probably lift 135. Push yourself!

Agreed. I'm in the same boat, but I've stalled at 115 for my dl because of my grip . Any suggestions for that?

I tend to find my own little patch. Just starting out there is absolutely no competition for 10-20kg weights so I take them to another part of the gym out of the central weights area.

I also believe with the money I'm paying for the membership I have just as much right to be there as them and ask questions of the owner on lifting advice and the best place to complete the exercise.
It's worth talking to the guys because anyone I have asked advice of has been immensely helpful and even when I'm doing push ups at a 60 degree angle or lifting 2kg dumbbells they will tell me I'm doing well.

I'm not making any judgements about you but for a long time I was away from the gym and heard this voice in my head blaming the loud horrible music for why I didn't like going. I knew it was one of those evil 'excuse demons' and so went back. Now that I'm enjoying myself the music doesn't bother me. Just be careful your fear of the weight room isn't an excuse demon. I know I've had thousands of them and it's taken me years just imagine I could ever be strong.

Another tip is to try a 24 hour gym. Lots of times I go at odd hours and there is no-one there.

Good luck (and yes getting started at home is a good move too - I have a back up home workout when I don't want to go near the gym)

I live in a small town with a small gym, Nothing fancy. We have a ladies side that has older weight machines and cardio equipment and up to 15lb. dumb bells. Have been reading on the net and some say it is better to use the free weights instead of the machines. And weights are better than cardio. Would love any input. Thanks

I tend to find my own little patch. Just starting out there is absolutely no competition for 10-20kg weights so I take them to another part of the gym out of the central weights area.

I also believe with the money I'm paying for the membership I have just as much right to be there as them and ask questions of the owner on lifting advice and the best place to complete the exercise.
It's worth talking to the guys because anyone I have asked advice of has been immensely helpful and even when I'm doing push ups at a 60 degree angle or lifting 2kg dumbbells they will tell me I'm doing well.

I'm not making any judgements about you but for a long time I was away from the gym and heard this voice in my head blaming the loud horrible music for why I didn't like going. I knew it was one of those evil 'excuse demons' and so went back. Now that I'm enjoying myself the music doesn't bother me. Just be careful your fear of the weight room isn't an excuse demon. I know I've had thousands of them and it's taken me years just imagine I could ever be strong.

Another tip is to try a 24 hour gym. Lots of times I go at odd hours and there is no-one there.

Good luck (and yes getting started at home is a good move too - I have a back up home workout when I don't want to go near the gym)

ditto to this! I was very intimidated when I started - despite knowing that I paid the same and get the same privileges. 2 things helped me - a trainer (you can go anywhere when you're with a trainer and no one looks twice) and working out at 5AM. The people there at that time are there to work and generally only pay passing attention to new folks.