BalletAndBarbells Member

I have an open diary, log my workouts, post a few fun things here and there and enjoy supporting others and having a bit of banter every now and then.

Hey, you're doing really great! Just stick with it. In two months you've made give progress and I think you are at the point where many of us would stall. I have been doing this a bit longer than you and I can still only do 5x5 OHP at 30kg (66lbs) and my bench is stuck at 40kg (88lbs). I have added some accessory work just…

Another vote for SL5X5!

Really glad you're enjoying it! I would skip the smith machine though - it makes you lift in an unnatural pattern. You can use dumbbells safely at low weights or pull the bench into the squat rack and set up safety rails so that if you have to drop the bar it won't crush you underneath - I don't have a spotter so if I'm…

I started out with SL5X5 and whilst I've mixed it up a bit and added a few extra accessory lifts now to prevent boredom more than anything, I still think it's a great program. Agree with Wolfman though, totally depends on your goals, time commitment, access to equipment etc.

I don't cycle outdoors - scared of the traffic and the UK weather! Love spin though - high energy class and you really know you've worked! It does depend on the group and the instructor though as I have been to some crap classes as well! Not sure what negatives you refer to in your OP? I find it is great for CV health and…

All of the above is great advice. I would also suggest you stop wasting money on an expensive chiropracter - unnecessary and unproven to be clinically effective. Visit a proper doctor for referral to a physio if there is a real issue. Most likely though, as you get fitter and stronger you will have less back and joint…

What are your goals? What do you want from your body? What time and equipment do you have access to? What do you enjoy? The best exercise regime is the one you enjoy and will therefore stick to! I do both lifting and cardio because I want to drop my BF%, get stronger and look leaner. I also want to be cardiovascularly fit.…

Definitely panache ultimate sports bra - I was a 34G and am now a 30E having lost >60lbs. I do alot of HIIT training and don't find burpees or even tuck jumps a problem since getting these bras. I have 8 in all different colours - 1 for each day and a spare! They are so comfortable I can wear them all day at work and then…

Definitely new gym time - Smith machine is only any good for hanging your towel from!!

Definitely agree that you should check out a program. I follow SL5X5 and find it easy to use!

Why is your goal a specific weight goal? I'm not saying it shouldn't be but just wondering. I initially set myself a weight goal but now prefer to focus on fitness, strength and BF% because I think the weight goal is actually pretty irrelevant.

Don't diet! There is no secret to weight loss - it just takes hard work and dedication if you want success! Eat sensibly and log absolutely everything after weighing it all with a food scale. Take progress pictures and measurements and then see how many calories you need to cut in order to see the results you want. I…

https://youtu.be/RAO7OG077Ac Give this a watch - it's a great way to get to handstand push ups! I practice against a wall in my spare room!

Definitely think this is a good idea if you are up for free weights - I've used it as a beginner and seen great results so with your background I would imagine progress will initially be pretty amazing and therefore quite motivating! If you really want to stick to machines initially you could adapt it to use leg press,…

Do what you enjoy as you need to stick to it to make it work for you! However, don't be put off lifting because to have weight to lose - I waited until I'd lost most of my weight before I started lifting and wish I'd started sooner. I now do a mixture of heavy lifting (follow a program - I like SL5x5), pure cardio (such as…

I also found an interest in lifting through body pump but you can only get about 40kg on those bars and even that is tough to lift over your head. If you want to heavy squat then you need to get out of class and into the free weights section of the gym! Use a squat rack and build up slowly. Follow a properly devised…

Get a bar at home in a place where you'll use it - mine is in kitchen so every time kettle is boiling I can pull up, it's also at boron of stairs so everytime I go up or down I have to do a pull up. It's a long term goal but you'll get there, and boy does it feel good when you do! Also, chin ups, negatives, lat pull downs,…

Whilst you could buy accessories as above (and I'm not anti that if it helps), I would try getting it right without first because as you are new to this is might just take some getting used to. You definitely should check out that you are putting the bar in the right place first - do you have access to a trainer who can…

OK, just over 1 year ago I could not do 1 single push up - I can now do 1 handed push ups, handstand push ups and feet elevated push ups and I quite enjoy them! Start with wall push ups, then kitchen counter, then chair, then step, then proper push ups. I am a big advocate of working down to a push up rather than up from…

I'm not into an argument about this as you are clearly hoping for but who said that I don't understand the mechanics? No, I'm not an impressive powerlifter but I do have 2 degrees, one of which is anatomy and physiology, and I lift heavy weights (100kg range which is OK for a 60kg woman not competing in lifting) in the gym…

This. Plus, do what suits your lifestyle and what you enjoy - if you want to see results it needs to be something you can stick to!

Could be shoes but could also be spinal - see a good physio to check this out.

Cardio. If you build up weights is a good intro to resistance training but the rep count is too high so it'll always be restricted on the weight you can use and will always be more cardio.

Thanks SonyaCele, maybe this is where I am going wrong - I always drop back 5kg if my form slips and work hard until I feel ready to build again - is this the wrong thing to do?

Same weight, less reps could work! Certainly work ok form rather than number of reps. The advice I've always been given is that if you do a poor form rep, stop and reset and then try again to show yourself you can do it! I'm not a pro so I would take SonyaCele's advice over mine!!

Sorry to hijack but I might also learn something here - what do others think about this? I've always been told I need to put my shoulderblades in my back pockets and pull tight for Deadlifts (and all lifts in fact) but is this not right? I'm not a professional! SonyaCele, what's your thoughts since you're a pro lifter?

OP, you can deadlift with dumbells if you like and I would also recommend the goblet squat as you'll be able to go pretty heavy with a dumbell and it'll help you get your butt down further.

Personally I'd say OP was struggling with the weight because otherwise his form wouldn't have collapsed! Hence why I advised to practice form with lower weight and I did recognise that he would need to prop up on plates to get the correct height.

Love to lift! Lift, sleep, eat, repeat!