Hi all I lifted today- I felt good after even though it was not the best workout ever-// I am glad to get the week started.

We tried to check out a farmers market but this year they are not allowing pets -- so my kids and I took turns holding the dog across the street. Different rules from last year and hard- as I am trying to come up with activities that don leave my dog alone at home.

My protein was decent but not good enough.

My eleven year old has gotten really difficult lately- rude and apathetic- she didn't want to go for frozen yogurt today- very weird.

Tomorrow I might go for a run / walk- my swim partner cancelled so I might try some running.

Lifted only two times last week. It's been so going after my back injury. I haven't really been able to add much weight. My back was mildly sore last week. And I was super exhausted. Been eating like crazy (TOM) and drinking a fair amount of wine and beer. Not sure why. Everything just tastes good. TOM never used to affect me like this--exhaustion, ravenous hunger, crazy/angry attitude. WTH?

I've been working my booty off in the yard, garden and around the house. Maybe it will counter some of the calories.

Bought 3 new dresses while only really needing one for an upcoming wedding I am going to--however, I NEVER find anything I like, so finding 3 is like hitting the jackpot. Although, I should return at least one because I am finally getting my hair cut and highlighted this week--and it's like the most expensive thing ever.

One dress a black and white maxi with chevron stripes. Makes me feel super lean although I know it's an optical illusion. Makes a statement. I love it...just used to not making a statement...I am just use to blending in. It's my comfort zone.

Your mom is jealous - you look amazing and you are so strong-- show her some t push-ups

DNA, I don't know what "sooky-la-la" means but your post looked fine to me :laugh: I would be crazy mad if someone said that to me :mad:

Marieann, my PMS/TOM varies from month to month. Sometimes, I don't notice it at all. Other times, I feel the need to check into the psychiatric hospital- hungry, crying, and cramping... Yay for the dress score! I love dresses.

I'm going to be kind and give myself a 3/3 for last week. I traveled for four days and it was a week off from lifting so... it's impossible to track accurately when traveling So, I just enjoyed myself :drinker:

This week, however, is already not going very well :grumble: My protein is low. I start Stage 4 tomorrow.

I messed around with my diary some more and managed to squeeze out 82 g of protein. Not great but meets my bare minimum.

I just started stage 3. wow that BMW is hard!! I don't like high reps so even the 24 squats were a little difficult but when I got to the lunge jumps and the squat jumps I nearly died. I had to keep stopping to prevent my legs from just collapsing under me!

I got 2/3 last week. I lifted 3 times and hit my protein but went over on my calories.

Sam, that video is great. it really makes you think about what the purpose is and what we are really trying to achieve. If we are not already happy with ourselves then having a perfect body is not going to change anything. Its good to keep that in mind.
Also, your weekend sounds like loads of fun!

Bschoo, welcome! I don't know the answer to your question because I started after losing most of my weight but from reading the forums here I think that most people would recommend starting lifting as early as possible. From what I understand you are more likely to gain muscle at a deficit the more overweight you are and even if you don't, lifting with help you hold onto the muscle that you already have making sure that you will have an awesome body when you do lose the weight. I would imagine it would slow down the progress on the scale though so make sure to take photos and measurements.

Jamacian, i know what you mean about losing motivation when its hard to see results. I took my post stage 2 measurements at the weekend and my waist actually went up!! I'm hoping i was just bloated! Its probably a good idea eating at maintenance for a while just to give your body a break. Then when you do go back to a deficit hopefully it will be easier to do, i find i get very bored of eating at a deficit for long periods and just need to take a break!

Dna, I would be so mad at my mother if she said anything like that! Luckily she doesn't comment on my weight apart from the occasional comments like 'a piece of cake won't make you fat'. That annoys me because if I wanted the damn cake i'd eat it! The reason I'm not eating it is because I don't want it!:explode:

Red, I can't wait to hear how you get on in stage 7. I'm going through the whole programme as it is laid out so it will take me ages to get there!

I will give myself 2/3 for last week.

I did my first round of Workout B in stage 3 and it was okay. I much prefer A, except for the BWM. I just don't like a lot of the moves in B (back extensions, the ab stuff) and feel like I am not making any progress on the lat pull downs. I am still stuck at 75lbs being too easy and 90 as too hard to do too many reps. Even 6 reps today were hard at that weight.

Just having a grumpy day I think :P

I just ate a stupid amount of cereal for dinner :sick:

I just ate a stupid amount of cereal for dinner :sick:

I'm with you . I had two breakfast biscuits because I didn't feel like cooking lol Therefore, I'm a little low on protein today.

I really loved the video I posted especially when they were talking about the breast cancer survivors, like my mom. She is so uncomfortable with her body since her mastectomy. Her boyfriend doesn't seem to mind though DNA, sounds like your mom has mastered the art of passive aggressive. Sorry about that. I have to go call mine now and tell her how awesome she is.

Sue, ugh I hate driving into the city. but enjoy your time with your friend.

go red, go red, go red, go red!!

Jamaica, I know what you're talking about with losing motivation. Happens to me all the time. Just keep lifiting, just keep lifting just keep lifting (in my best Dori voice) Hell I wore a damn spank today under my dress.

Thanks all :flowerforyou:
A new day is always better (and I'll just avoid Mum for a bit - not hard as she lives 3hrs away )

Today I did 4B - didn't bother with the box and just did straight dead lifts. Bumped up the weights each time and now I may need to go find more plates for my set as I've almost reached the limit. Which means I'm almost dead lifting my body weight :bigsmile:

I'm not doing intervals at the moment, work is nuts and my time is limited. So just focusing on lifting for now. Which is all good because I want to do a little bulk anyway so I'll start cutting just before Spring hits here in September and ramp up the cardio then. I wonder if I can talk the husband into a treamill.... you can't run outside here in Spring because of divebombing magpies. Unless you run at night, and that's not the safest option.