Daily Chat Thread
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DawnEmbers wrote: »Okay, question: What is the appeal of the pull-up?
I know some programs focus on trying to do them and many people have it as their goals. I just never cared about doing them. Well, so far all they really do is remind me that I'm short. lol I look up at the pull up spot on the power cage on occasion when I'm bored during a rest set and just think "nope." Most of the spots for pull-ups I can't reach without a chair or tall step.
It's really the big daddy of upper body strength moves, especially for women. Pulling your body weight from a dead hang = serious arm, shoulder, back strength. Not that many women can do them and it's a good goal for most of us to work toward if your overall goal is to be crazy strong. Which mine is
http://www.muscleclass.com/6-benefits-of-pullups/0 -
Having trouble keeping up with everyone this week, but good job on all the lifting!
Pudding, I wouldn't worry about some lighter weeks here and there. Sometimes it's good to do different things.
Sam, you totally need to be an instructor.
Julie, I'm so jealous of your trip!
dna, with all your knowledge of nutrition, you've probably got a head start on the degree!
Ali, you will find your new routine soon! Hope you're loving the new job!
Dawn, impressive numbers!
Our modified version of 5/3/1 is going well. This is the second week and I'm seeing an increase already. I Think I will be able to do a chin-up by the time we are finished. I can do one if I start on a step, but not from hanging.
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Good afternoon and happy Friday!
I am officially a graduate of NROLFW. It only took me eight months but the fact that I finished is what matters. I've never been this dedicated to a program ever (outside of Zumba). Phew. I'll do SL5x5 for a little while until I get my Supercharged book. Can't wait!0 -
Woot! Awesome Love!!! It took me a while to get through too - slow and steady, always get there in the end
I'm watching my boy swim with his older sister this morning. He's not quite at squad level yet, but I asked if he could do his makeup lesson this morning instead of me having to drag them back after school twice in the one week. 20 minutes into it and he's going okay so far
He wasn't so bright and perky being the one woken up this morning though lol
DH was putting new clips on my barbells last night (he bought them for me, aaawww) and he went to lift the one I'm using for my Romanian deadlifts.... I couldn't watch, his form was terrible and all I could think of was that he was going to bust his back (he has scoliosis and a carbon fibre rod). He thought I only had the 5kg plates on it, so was a little shocked that it was heavier. I was like, yeah, those are 10kg each and that's my lighter weight for 10 reps
With the uni degree, we have a fee help program that delays payment, so I just have to work that all out. Unless of course I can somehow pull $45k out of thin air lol The degree I've chosen has both online and face-to-face components and the uni is easy enough to get to on the train, so hopefully I should be able to fit it in around work and family commitments.
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I think there is GREAT allure to the pull-up! Actual, functional ALLURE!
The # of muscles used is impressive! I still cannot perform even one pull-up....and I am tall....but, this is regrettable given how long I have been weight-lifting, now. Still, I really like that core is engaged, muscles are working, blah, blah, blah.
I classify pull-ups as a BIG LIFT.
I classify push-ups as a BIG LIFT.
Squats (for me - WHT) and deadlifts for sure are BIG LIFTS.
And then there is bench....
All 5 of these moves, to me, are necessary to perform. Perform well (i.e. excellent form). And perform often (i.e. at least one time per week, preferrably 2)0 -
....anyway, NO gym for me yesterday. BOO.
NO gym for me today. BOO x 2.
NO gym for me tomorrow. BOO x 3.
And, I SHOULD be at the gym on Sunday, while all the dudes are watching the superbowl....but, I likely will be on my period by then and might crash the GIGANTIC FOOD PARTY that is going to be going on in my home living room.
As such, with 4- or 5- days AWAY from the gym, MONDAY IN GYM will be KEY.
Meanwhile, to ALL YOU LADY-LIFTERS: BOOM!!!0 -
I classify pull-ups as a BIG LIFT.
I classify push-ups as a BIG LIFT.
Squats (for me - WHT) and deadlifts for sure are BIG LIFTS.
And then there is bench....
All 5 of these moves, to me, are necessary to perform. Perform well (i.e. excellent form). And perform often (i.e. at least one time per week, preferrably 2)
Yup, I agree Beeps. While the pull up is not a part of my routine right now, the others all are. I love leg work but am keen to improve upper body. My upper body lifts focus on the SL lifts of OHP, bench and rows. I do push ups all the time. I'm not doing pull ups as I am generally sore from OHP - and my combat classes don't help my shoulders recover too well (but I love 'em).
I have my first PT session next week and I have to go with some goals....most of which are a bit insane and prob unachievable. They are thus far:
To have more visible muscle on my upper body (so I look as strong as I feel! LOL)
DL 2 x bodyweight (PR is 1.5 x)
Squat HEAVY with good form
Bench 30kg
OHP 30kg
Visible abs ( I know this is unlikely to ever happen)
and now I'll add increase pull ups to the mix too.....
Don't want much do I?
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Jo, your goals are like mine. I really want visible abs and to be able to do pull ups. Although I'm not convinced that I will ever get there. I think being tall is a disadvantage for doing pull ups and chin ups because I am heavier than shorter people and so have more weight to pull. At least that is my excuse and I am sticking to it!
Pudding, I definitely wouldn't worry about taking it easy while you are on holidays. as long as you are doing something you will be fine. The first workout when you get back will be hard but then you will be straight back to where you were before. It is only two weeks.
Love, congratulations on finishing the programme. I had the same feeling of accomplishment after sticking to it the whole way through, normally I get bored and give up on things really quickly.
dna, that is great news about going back to Uni. And the course sounds really interesting. I don't envy you going back to studying though, after just finishing that I never ever want to do it again.
Beeps, i feel your pain on the lack of gym time. I made it once this week and once last week. Today the owner of the gym came up to me to welcome me back because he hadn't seen me in so long! I need to get out of this rut. I am finding it really hard to fit working out in with my new job and long commute. When I go to the gym I don't get home till so late and then have no time to do anything with my evening which I hate. Next week I will be better though. I am starting BT3 so at least I have that to motivate me.0 -
Everyone is doing great. I went to the gym tonight and it went pretty well except some cramping that midol didn't help much with but oh well. Got my lifting done for tonight.
Workout A
Squat - 5x5 @ 145 - Kept to the weight but doesn't feel too bad. Will do 150 next time.
Bench - 5x5 @ 80 - de-load, so was easy enough.
Row - 5x5 @ 105 - I was going to do 100 but couldn't find another 2.5 so instead of going all the way to other side of gym for one, I used 5's. It actually went pretty well.
3x8 @ 27.5 DB bench and 3x8 22.5 DB row then 35 minutes treadmill with 5 minutes of that where I tried jogging.0 -
You guys are doing great!!
Bbc-thanks! In hoping this trip comes together, my BFFs are in limbo which leaves us in limbo. I want a plan!youre doing great! I like a 5/3/1 plan and toyed with wendler's. it's good to hear you're liking it!
Beeps-sorry you're missing the gym, but that rest will give you a killer workout Monday!
Dou-lol at the owner welcoming you back! You'll figure out a new routine soon,.
Love-CONGRATS!!!! Way to finish strong!! Good for you!! I look forward to hearing how you like supercharged.
DNA-cut about dh! That's an ambitious plan ahead! Good for you! Keeping it all balanced is tough, but you've got this!
Jo-nice goals. Hope the PT works out well. Did you go to the dr?
Dawn-great job! Your bench deload is still WAY heavier than my bench pr!
I'm doing well. Got in some good workouts this week despite being sick and caring for my mom who's out of the hospital but still ill. Adding back more cardio, mostly HIIT, will take some adjusting. I'm also trying for chin ups, and thankfully they're part of the strong curves plan I'm following. Thankful for the assist machine on those!
I also ordered a new bar pad as the bruising on my hips is bad. Sigh.
And I did box squats this week for the first time. Wish that had been how NR started me out. I definitely need to get lower and will need to deload while I build up better form. Really eye opening and I nearly fell a few times! Here I thought I was getting low enough, but I guess I've been cheating it all this time
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Happy weekend. We've been invited to a friends house for Super Bowl on Sunday. I hate the Super Bowl, and am not overly thrilled by the guest list (sorry, that doesn't sound very nice, just a few families going who don't mix well with my fam). I live in AZ where the Super Bowl is this year too. I just don't care who wins, and don't want to spend my day awkwardly making "nice" with a few families I don't enjoy. So, I think I'll hit the gym instead, should be empty! 0 -
Oh gosh, I have been missing for 2 full pages of posts!
Sam, a 95 lbs squat is great. I had to back off my weight and start from the bar when I got sick the other day. I'm so looking forward to getting to 95 lbs. Soon I hope.
pudding, enjoy your cruise!
girlstrionce, congrats on the loss!
beeps, your gym sounds totally awesome!
pmag, <hugs>
julie, when is the Maui trip? Sounds nice! I need to start planning a vacation so I have something to motivate me.
love, congrats on finishing NROLFW!
AFM, nothing much to report. Except I was sick for a few days and wondered if I was pregnant (but really really hoped I wasn't). Anyway, guess it was just a bug, I feel much much better today. Looking forward to the gym later. Squat and DL day. Need I say more?0 -
Wow you all are doing great! I completed week 2 today of Stage 1. Loving it. Lost another 1.1 lbs.
Today has been a bit stressful afternoon as got my study guide for first nursing exam next friday today so spent all afternoon/evening completing it. It is 10 pages long. Hope I do well. Lookig forward to next weekend already as i will have a semi break from studies.0 -
Superbowl = go Seattle!
And....my inner chowhound is in FULL swing!!
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Dawn, your numbers are amazing!
I'm on my cruise and won't likely have wifi after today, but I hit the ship gym this morning and got compliments from an older man in the weight room. I was doing some three point rows and he said I was doing some serious lifting, and that he doesn't usually see women going hag heavy. I joked that I have two little boys who I need to be able to wrangle I should have just told him the truth....that I like to eat :P 0 -
Pudding-go girl! Have a blast!
Lol beeps! Looks good for your team right now!
Girls-great job on the loss! Hope you do well on your exam!
JL-I'm de loading my squat as I work on going deeper, box squats are tough! I thought I was going low enough but I wasn't. You'll get it back. Glad you're feeling better! Still waiting on our friends for Maui, not sure when we'll know...but I'm getting impatient!
Got some cardio in on Friday and went for a walk today during half time. Better on the cardio already! Dropping cals a bit further this week, hoping for some fat loss. Hoping this chest cold leaves! It's getting in my way, kinda making me tired and feels heavy on my lungs. Kind of burning. More annoying than painful...but really hope I can go lift tomorrow. 0 -
Hey all I had a rough week but next week will be better.
Dawn your rows are awesome.
Love-- CONGRATULATIONS
DNa nutrition is so important0 -
Another night lifting after work for me.
Julie - You'll get there.
Pudding - aww thanks.
Pmag - Row was the hardest for me to figure out but doing pendlay from floor has helped as I was doing just bent over rows before. Don't think I could pick up from the low rack on the platform, moved back, get into position, then do the set like I was doing before I gave in and went to stacking plates to get the height needed.
Workout B
Squat 5x5 @ 150 - bit of a struggle and my back bothered me a little afterwards
OHP 1x4 @ 70, 1x4@ 65, 3x5 @ 60 - might try again next time after some rest and with a lighter squat but technically should de-load
Deadlift 1x5 warmup @ 135, 1x5 @ 195 Almost there and oddly didn't feel as hard as 190 so next time, going for 200.
35 minutes treadmill walking.0 -
I too aspire to do one unassisted pull up someday! I practice with negative pull ups like on Scooby's video.
Puppy Bowl XI was great as always! But I thought the MVP would be Henry, not Cara! Fixed! Fixed!
The goat cheerleaders were as good as ever...meep the bird that tweets, Katty Furry halftime show...aaahhhh.....
Today, I lift!0 -
You all are doing so well!
Beeps, I totally agree on the 5 lifts. I HATE squats and BP, but I do them because I know they are excellent compound lifts.
Pmag, feel better this week!
Julie, I've decided that I wish I would've done SC before I did NROL4W. It's actually a more gradual introduction to heavy lifting. I think that NROL4W should be required reading, but I think SC focuses on form more (i.e., box squats, goblet squats, body weight movements, etc).
JL, you will get back up to 95lbs in no time. I've really had to back off the weight in the past several months on my squats too simply because of form issues, but I've worked back up to almost body weight.
Pudding, enjoy the cruise! How awesome to get a compliment from a stranger.
Jo, you're so close to having visible abs- I have no doubt you will be able to accomplish it!
dna, I bet your hubs has no idea how very strong you really are! I tell my hubs how much I can lift and he (never lifted in his life) always asks, "Is that a lot?", LOL.
Upper body today. My back is a little achy from overdoing it on hang cleans last week. I need to either learn to keep the weight low or just quit doing them. I'm still learning the form. On a good note, I did 255lbs X 2 on hip thrusts Saturday.0 -
http://www.niashanks.com/women-cant-do-pull-ups-guest-post/
Just to add to the pull-up discussion. This article has some good stuff in it.0 -
Bbc-dude! That's a heavy WHT! What pad do you use? I just ordered a new one to help with bruising. Lol at dh! You are a strong lady, he should be proud!
BP-I wanted to see the puppy bowl. Sounded so cute! Maybe next year we'll figure out where to find it!
Dawn-go girl!
Pmag-((hugs))
I'm sick. Drat. Gonna skip the gym today and rest. Drank a gallon of hot tea yesterday and went to bed early, but not better yet. Low grade fever and night sweats...not good . I'm never sick! Too many visits to my mom in the hospital and nursing home I guess. Sigh. What's the general option on lifting lightly if you feel up to it? I don't want to spread it, but I don't want to miss a whole week either...:( 0 -
BarbellCowgirl wrote: »Jo, you're so close to having visible abs- I have no doubt you will be able to accomplish it!
Hahaha, so far from the truth! And I have gained since my pics were taken (both muscle and fat). So, my lifts are almost back up to pre holiday weight - hurrah. Pretty sure I've identified my injury as being an issue with my periformis - it's improving but taking a while. Have started doing Body Balance and yoga stretches in efforts to loosen my hips up - they are shocking!
Someone asked if I went to the Doctor - yes! 5 tubes of blood later and am going back for results at the end of the week.
Feel better Julie.
Dawn - amazing!
dna - nice decision re: uni
girlstrionce - good luck!
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Barbell, thanks for the link!
Julie, the Puppy Bowl is always so much fun to watch! Oh, no! Sorry you are not feeling well...hope you get better soon.0 -
Hey all! I haven't posted much but I read through the thread daily for tips and inspiration. I just wanted to share a couple small victories from the gym last night!
1: I did my first 90 second plank! I was so thrilled when I made it that I looked around for someone I knew to tell, but couldn't find anyone lol.
2: Last night was my second stage 3 A workout of New Rules, and at the end is the dreaded body weight matrix. My first time I couldn't do the lunge jumps hardly at all and my time was around 4 minutes. Last night I was able to do all the lunge jumps and my second round was finished in 3 1/2 minutes! Again , I looked around for a high five but found no one...
You all are such awesome ladies and
great inspiration! Keep up the great work !0 -
HIGH FIVE to tauny78 :-)
I have my first PT session today.... and am crippled by ovulation pain
FFS. Panadol and Ibuprofen for breakfast then....... 0 -
Ovulation pain?!?!?
Good grief!
I, myself, feel bloated and terrible but my period is not showing up. F*c* peri-menopause....this is for the birds!0 -
Lower weight tonight because my back off to the right side is still achy.
Workout A
Squat - 5x5 @ 115 - nice and low, didn't feel bad though my left hip aches a little when I squat.
Bench - 5x5 @ 85 - managed okay but did feel heavy at the end.
leg press - 3x8 @ 140 - while i waited to do rows. Also did leg extension at an easy wait.
front squat - 1x5, 2x8 @ 45 - waiting still to row.
Row - 5x5 @ 95 - to be safe with the back, went lighter than last time.
35 minute walk on treadmill.0 -
Ovulation pain?!?!?
Good grief!
Yep, it's complete BS. As if period pain every month was not enough, no, I am one of the (un)lucky few who experience 12 hours of one sided agony (think knife through your side) every other fortnight :-/ It's *kitten*. It's worse than my actual period.
PT session today - we are going to work out my 1 rep max on all the big lifts to set some goals. Bench (feeble) and rows today - squats and OHP next Monday. I have been instructed to increase cals, now at 2200. Adjusted macro ratios to 40:30:30 - now 160g protein! Eeeek.0 -
I started BT3 on Monday and my abs are aching today! Which is unfortunate because I have a cough and every time I cough I am in agony! Ah well, workout B tonight should help with that...
Dawn, you continue to amaze me with your numbers. I am enjoying supercharged but I can't wait to get back into some HEAVY lifting!
I have added negative chin ups into my routine to try to get me to my goal of being able to do chin ups and pull ups. I have another random fitness goal though that I am not sure how to go about training for and welcome any suggestions. For years I have wanted to be able to get from lying on my back to standing on my feet by flipping myself up without using my hands (like Buffy the vampire slayer does!). I know its random but I would feel so bad *kitten* if I could do it. Anyone know if there is anything (other than lots of core work) that I could do to build up to this?
what is a puppy bowl? Is this sport related or something completely different?
Jo, i hope the results come back with good information (i.e. tell you want is wrong and how easy it is to fix it!)
Julie, I hope you feel better soon. I think if you are ill you should probably just rest until you feel better. I know it is hard to take a week off (or in my case, incredibly easy to take a week off!) but you will get better quicker if you rest.
Barbell, thanks for the link on the pull ups. There were some good suggestions in there.0 -
Dou...might you picture America's annual Super Bowl (American Football)? Puppy Bowl is the same, save it is all about puppies! Very refreshing!!This past Sunday was Puppy Bowl XI. Oh wait, let me just add the link to explain
http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/puppy-bowl/
Yester I lagged a little bit behind at Zumba, but I think it is because I had a lot of carbs - lesson learnt! Today, I lift!!
Lift on ladies!!
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