GIFt us your lifts! (or other achievements!)

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Replies

  • kinetixtrainer2
    kinetixtrainer2 Posts: 9,272 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    Had to look up the PSMF diet, never heard of it before. (BTW, it's a single "r" in sparing, which likely contributed to my initial confusion over a "combat diet" lol.)

    Looks like that'd take a huge degree of will power I'm not sure I can give for more than a couple days, lol. I'll just stick to the "eat 250 fewer calories than maintenance" idea, see how far that gets me between now and November.

    Yes sir it is a tough one. I enjoyed it though. If you’re fairly low already it’s a great way to push the limits.
  • Minion_training_program
    Minion_training_program Posts: 13,437 Member
    I miss MFP the way it was. I haven't been here in quite a while and even though I joined a different site, it's just not the same.

    I was doing really well with the lifting up til about late July. Then life got hard (dad was in hospital a number of times, baseball tourneys and games, and son was in crisis unit). I haven't lifted since Jul 22. (And that was my new Deadlift 1rm PR of 320.

    I plan to start back at the gym, slowly, so it'll be a while before I have anything interesting to contribute again. How's everyone else doing?

    Take it slow and steady again Sandy.
    I am just glad you took a break from lifting when all that was happening in your life (if i recall correctly in the past you would still try to manage lifting, and just wore yourself out)

    I myself have had some time off as well, some stuff in personal life made me didn't wanna go, my mind was elsewhere.
    But started again last week, and going to the gym in 30 minuts.
    Trying to get my routine back of 3 day's a week, next to all the bowling and training for that Nijmeegse 4daagse next year (4x50km walking)

    I miss you people, miss the regular posts here.
    @nossmf How are you doing sir? PS if you have IG as well, i would like to follow you there, since i am more active on that platform
    nossmf wrote: »
    I noticed you didn't give an update on your status and activities, sir @kinetixtrainer2 ...

    Still chugging along brother. Nothing much new to report. Same ole same ole for me. Some of my lifts dipped a bit due to leaning out this last month. I ran the PSMF ( protein sparring modified fast) for 10 days. It was very effective.

    That sounds like a tough thing to do Chris, respect!
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    Sorry, no IG (that's short for Instagram, right?). This is my only active social platform. I still technically have a Facebook account, but the only reason I haven't closed it is so I can play "Words with Friends" against an old school buddy, lol.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too. Not with the magnitude of complications that it seems others are facing, which I try to find gratitude in. Generally, I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Work and home are both fine, just insanely busy. I feel like such an imposter or at least that it's all a house of cards. My favorite of the three cats was diagnosed with Lymphoma and it's starting to really show... her weight and energy are down considerably, she's only 10 but I know we don't have much time with her left, I'm guessing six months if we're lucky.

    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. I keep short changing my sleep, which is just having the expected detrimental effect on all aspects of my days. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too. Not with the magnitude of complications that it seems others are facing, which I try to find gratitude in. Generally, I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Work and home are both fine, just insanely busy. I feel like such an imposter or at least that it's all a house of cards. My favorite of the three cats was diagnosed with Lymphoma and it's starting to really show... her weight and energy are down considerably, she's only 10 but I know we don't have much time with her left, I'm guessing six months if we're lucky.

    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. I keep short changing my sleep, which is just having the expected detrimental effect on all aspects of my days. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.

    Struggles are struggles, regardless of how they dress themselves. I feel for you. I understand the feeling of barely treading water and it's hard. You need to care for yourself in whatever way helps you make it through. Sometimes, for me, that's making sure that I go to the gym. Other times, it's allowing myself to spend 10 hours on the couch over the weekend building a log cabin tutorial on minecraft.

    I'm really sad to hear about your kitty. It's so hard to lose someone who's been such a big part of your life (and pre-grief is exhausting too).

    Give yourself grace. You're doing the best you can, and that's awesome!

    Big hugs to you!
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Well... I managed to get to the gym last night! It was humbling, but I know it'll come back quickly enough. I chose to go for 5x5 at about 50-70% of my 1rm. I did bench, squats, deads, ohp, leg extensions, leg curls, calf raises and a shoulder exercise.

    Then I used my fancy hot tub at home. My GAWD DO I LOVE THAT THING!
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Well... I managed to get to the gym last night! It was humbling, but I know it'll come back quickly enough. I chose to go for 5x5 at about 50-70% of my 1rm. I did bench, squats, deads, ohp, leg extensions, leg curls, calf raises and a shoulder exercise.

    Then I used my fancy hot tub at home. My GAWD DO I LOVE THAT THING!
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Still working on pullups. Band assisted and not really progressing. Some days I go with more assistance, some days less.

    7wn04cu2p3qk.gif
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Still working on pullups. Band assisted and not really progressing. Some days I go with more assistance, some days less.

    7wn04cu2p3qk.gif

    Note... The gif sped them up. Lol. I'm not that fast in real life.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too. Not with the magnitude of complications that it seems others are facing, which I try to find gratitude in. Generally, I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Work and home are both fine, just insanely busy. I feel like such an imposter or at least that it's all a house of cards. My favorite of the three cats was diagnosed with Lymphoma and it's starting to really show... her weight and energy are down considerably, she's only 10 but I know we don't have much time with her left, I'm guessing six months if we're lucky.

    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. I keep short changing my sleep, which is just having the expected detrimental effect on all aspects of my days. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.

    Struggles are struggles, regardless of how they dress themselves. I feel for you. I understand the feeling of barely treading water and it's hard. You need to care for yourself in whatever way helps you make it through. Sometimes, for me, that's making sure that I go to the gym. Other times, it's allowing myself to spend 10 hours on the couch over the weekend building a log cabin tutorial on minecraft.

    I'm really sad to hear about your kitty. It's so hard to lose someone who's been such a big part of your life (and pre-grief is exhausting too).

    Give yourself grace. You're doing the best you can, and that's awesome!

    Big hugs to you!

    Thanks, Sandy. Even just putting that in text was cathartic.

    This is the cat that found me on the golf course. It's been really hard to see her decline from a 14 lb playful snugglebug to a very bony 7 lb morose little thing. She's still eating and generally functioning ok. We're taking her to see a specialist next week with the hope that some treatment gives her comfort and maybe gets us a few extra months with her. What's been a little interesting is I took the diagnosis really hard and have gotten to some degree of acceptance. My wife didn't seem to take the diagnosis as hard but is really struggling to see the tangible degradation.
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    We've lost two cats due to cancer, had both for about 15 years (twins from same litter).

    We right now have six cats, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years. Every time my wife talks about bringing home yet another, I always caution my wife about how we'll have to say goodbye to any cats who join us. I'm all for having cats, grew up with one, but the more you have the more chances for something to happen, insane veterinary bills to destroy your budget, and eventually saying goodbye.
  • amorfati601070
    amorfati601070 Posts: 2,890 Member
    edited September 8
    This is a weird one but I consider it a win. Starting a one handed IV on myself during downtime. Skills.
    jn90p8nvn6kb.gif


    x26mc6pghlyf.jpeg
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too. Not with the magnitude of complications that it seems others are facing, which I try to find gratitude in. Generally, I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Work and home are both fine, just insanely busy. I feel like such an imposter or at least that it's all a house of cards. My favorite of the three cats was diagnosed with Lymphoma and it's starting to really show... her weight and energy are down considerably, she's only 10 but I know we don't have much time with her left, I'm guessing six months if we're lucky.

    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. I keep short changing my sleep, which is just having the expected detrimental effect on all aspects of my days. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.

    Struggles are struggles, regardless of how they dress themselves. I feel for you. I understand the feeling of barely treading water and it's hard. You need to care for yourself in whatever way helps you make it through. Sometimes, for me, that's making sure that I go to the gym. Other times, it's allowing myself to spend 10 hours on the couch over the weekend building a log cabin tutorial on minecraft.

    I'm really sad to hear about your kitty. It's so hard to lose someone who's been such a big part of your life (and pre-grief is exhausting too).

    Give yourself grace. You're doing the best you can, and that's awesome!

    Big hugs to you!

    Thanks, Sandy. Even just putting that in text was cathartic.

    This is the cat that found me on the golf course. It's been really hard to see her decline from a 14 lb playful snugglebug to a very bony 7 lb morose little thing. She's still eating and generally functioning ok. We're taking her to see a specialist next week with the hope that some treatment gives her comfort and maybe gets us a few extra months with her. What's been a little interesting is I took the diagnosis really hard and have gotten to some degree of acceptance. My wife didn't seem to take the diagnosis as hard but is really struggling to see the tangible degradation.

    Our sweet girl passed away this morning. She had gone to hide under my recliner and I found her while Lauren was taking Matthew to school this morning. As hard as it was to find her like that I hope she felt safe at home and I'm glad she doesn't have to be sick anymore. She came and snuggled for a bit right at bedtime last night, something she would always do; I think she knew it was coming.
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    She came and snuggled for a bit right at bedtime last night, something she would always do; I think she knew it was coming.

    I personally believe most animals know when it's their time, yet they do not struggle against it like a human would. In many ways, they show far more grace.
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    Long wondered how well my lifting form stands up. On my last set of bench press I asked a guy at the next station to spot me for safety as I went for max reps, banged them out, didn't think twice about it. Later saw my spotter in a different shirt accompanying somebody else, turns out he is one of the new personal trainers at the gym.

    After my workout I went to the front desk for a pen to make notes in my lifting log, and that trainer was there. When he commented, unsolicited, to the other people how smooth my bench was, that just made my day!
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    steveko89 wrote: »
    She came and snuggled for a bit right at bedtime last night, something she would always do; I think she knew it was coming.

    I personally believe most animals know when it's their time, yet they do not struggle against it like a human would. In many ways, they show far more grace.

    I think so, too. She was the type of cat that if she felt like she needed out help she would've come to find us; she used to basically yell for us whenever she had a hairball. I'm choosing to believe that her coming to snuggle with us Sunday night was her way of saying goodbye.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    steveko89 wrote: »
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too. Not with the magnitude of complications that it seems others are facing, which I try to find gratitude in. Generally, I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Work and home are both fine, just insanely busy. I feel like such an imposter or at least that it's all a house of cards. My favorite of the three cats was diagnosed with Lymphoma and it's starting to really show... her weight and energy are down considerably, she's only 10 but I know we don't have much time with her left, I'm guessing six months if we're lucky.

    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. I keep short changing my sleep, which is just having the expected detrimental effect on all aspects of my days. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.

    Struggles are struggles, regardless of how they dress themselves. I feel for you. I understand the feeling of barely treading water and it's hard. You need to care for yourself in whatever way helps you make it through. Sometimes, for me, that's making sure that I go to the gym. Other times, it's allowing myself to spend 10 hours on the couch over the weekend building a log cabin tutorial on minecraft.

    I'm really sad to hear about your kitty. It's so hard to lose someone who's been such a big part of your life (and pre-grief is exhausting too).

    Give yourself grace. You're doing the best you can, and that's awesome!

    Big hugs to you!

    Thanks, Sandy. Even just putting that in text was cathartic.

    This is the cat that found me on the golf course. It's been really hard to see her decline from a 14 lb playful snugglebug to a very bony 7 lb morose little thing. She's still eating and generally functioning ok. We're taking her to see a specialist next week with the hope that some treatment gives her comfort and maybe gets us a few extra months with her. What's been a little interesting is I took the diagnosis really hard and have gotten to some degree of acceptance. My wife didn't seem to take the diagnosis as hard but is really struggling to see the tangible degradation.

    Our sweet girl passed away this morning. She had gone to hide under my recliner and I found her while Lauren was taking Matthew to school this morning. As hard as it was to find her like that I hope she felt safe at home and I'm glad she doesn't have to be sick anymore. She came and snuggled for a bit right at bedtime last night, something she would always do; I think she knew it was coming.

    Oh Steve, I'm so very sad to hear that she's gone. Big hugs to you. She was blessed to have been loved by you and your family.
  • Minion_training_program
    Minion_training_program Posts: 13,437 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    nossmf wrote: »
    steveko89 wrote: »
    She came and snuggled for a bit right at bedtime last night, something she would always do; I think she knew it was coming.

    I personally believe most animals know when it's their time, yet they do not struggle against it like a human would. In many ways, they show far more grace.

    I think so, too. She was the type of cat that if she felt like she needed out help she would've come to find us; she used to basically yell for us whenever she had a hairball. I'm choosing to believe that her coming to snuggle with us Sunday night was her way of saying goodbye.

    So sad to hear she's gone, but indeed cats tend to say goodbye when they feel their end coming
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Back at the gym. Man it's humbling to be starting back so low, but I'm going to be keeping my squat weight low so that I can focus on my form and depth.

    This is only 135lb (5x5), but it felt pretty good.

    zxbj4txnk88w.gif
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    My gym has strict rules about wearing shoes at all times, so seeing guys in the background in only socks is a little odd at first...
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    My gym has strict rules about wearing shoes at all times, so seeing guys in the background in only socks is a little odd at first...

    I've found this kind of silly... Most of the shoes that are used in the gym will do little to nothing to protect your feet from a loaded barbell or even a plate falling.

    Typically most people wear their shoes to their station, but often go in socks for deadlifts /squats or leg press
  • DiscusTank5
    DiscusTank5 Posts: 459 Member
    edited September 14
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey all. I know I've been quiet here, too, but still keeping up with updates and hope everyone is doing well and getting what they need.

    Candidly, I've been struggling, too.
    I'm wrestling with procrastination and self-sabotage left and right. My mental health is taking a hit. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm just complaining but I'm not truly happy with just about anything.

    As my teens would say, "REAL." I don't know you, but you had me at "favorite of the three cats." I'm so sorry! I also have three, and one is really old and on 4 different types of medicine.

    Like Sandy said, I've been off here too since late July. Sandy--I'm sorry to hear your son was in a crisis unit. I don't know your struggle, but my 17 year old son is severely autistic and non-verbal, and at times that's been really tough. {hugs}

    My good news: I finished my 6 months of preventative oral chemo two weeks ago (surgery for colon cancer back in Dec). The bad: I'm up 20 lbs since mid-summer, and unlike some of you guys on here, it isn't from working out in the weight room. Apparently with the drug I was on, women either lose 20 lbs (less likely) or gain 20 (more likely). The silver lining is that weight gain tends to indicate that the chemo worked. Aaaand I'm 48 and couldn't dye my hair while on chemo, and it is coming in WHITE. Kinda cool, kinda not. So I feel like an old granny, esp. when I got a look at my (fatter) self on Zoom today.

    On the exercise front: I've only been going on really short walks and eating too much. And I've started teaching again. Hard to feel motivated to do extra beyond household chores. I miss the days (was it just last summer?) of triathlon brick workouts. This starting from scratch business is hard.
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    It is hard. But the alternative (cancer treatment failed and you're only a memory) is out of the question, so rejoice in the hard!
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    I've found this kind of silly... Most of the shoes that are used in the gym will do little to nothing to protect your feet from a loaded barbell or even a plate falling.

    I'm guessing the rule is less a matter of saving the foot from what falls on top, and more hoping to maintain better traction on the bottom of the foot to minimize people slipping in the middle of a crowded weight area.

    Of course, it could also just be part of the whole "family atmosphere" the gym is trying to promote, requiring non-provocative clothing, men must wear shirts at all times (yet half the women are only wearing a sports bra), that kind of thing.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    Last night was a great session. Humbling still in that it's taking me time to get back to feeling full strength, but still. The lifts moved well and felt stable and controlled.

    Thought this was a neat compilation...
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    yiljcwgfqv59.jpg

  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    A two-hour marathon, doing all three Big Lifts in a single workout, and you're disappointed...you never cease to amaze me, my lady!
  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,513 Member
    I'm about 7 weeks into my cut, lost just over 5 lbs, was really worried I was going to see my lifting numbers suffer.

    Looks like I need not have worried, as my lifts are either staying strong or even in several cases increasing! True, I've backed off trying for a 1RM, but otherwise life remains good in the gym. I've noticed my arms look slightly smaller (or maybe that's just my brain thinking so), but starting to see the striations in a few spots, and my pants have stopped being snug at the waistline. If I can keep up for another 6-8 weeks, can't wait to see what the mirror looks like!

    (But man, after 18 months of bulking and eating anytime I felt hungry, this having hunger thing sux! lol)
  • kinetixtrainer2
    kinetixtrainer2 Posts: 9,272 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    I'm about 7 weeks into my cut, lost just over 5 lbs, was really worried I was going to see my lifting numbers suffer.

    Looks like I need not have worried, as my lifts are either staying strong or even in several cases increasing! True, I've backed off trying for a 1RM, but otherwise life remains good in the gym. I've noticed my arms look slightly smaller (or maybe that's just my brain thinking so), but starting to see the striations in a few spots, and my pants have stopped being snug at the waistline. If I can keep up for another 6-8 weeks, can't wait to see what the mirror looks like!

    (But man, after 18 months of bulking and eating anytime I felt hungry, this having hunger thing sux! lol)

    Stick with it. When you finish your cut you should post an update in the dadbod thread. I look forward to seeing your results.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    A two-hour marathon, doing all three Big Lifts in a single workout, and you're disappointed...you never cease to amaze me, my lady!

    Thank you very much!!
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    I'm about 7 weeks into my cut, lost just over 5 lbs, was really worried I was going to see my lifting numbers suffer.

    Looks like I need not have worried, as my lifts are either staying strong or even in several cases increasing! True, I've backed off trying for a 1RM, but otherwise life remains good in the gym. I've noticed my arms look slightly smaller (or maybe that's just my brain thinking so), but starting to see the striations in a few spots, and my pants have stopped being snug at the waistline. If I can keep up for another 6-8 weeks, can't wait to see what the mirror looks like!

    (But man, after 18 months of bulking and eating anytime I felt hungry, this having hunger thing sux! lol)

    Great job and yay for the lifts not suffering! It's so awesome to see the changes coming through for you!