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Think what you like about how I train, I was simply explaining to the OP the changes I've made and how I feel because of them. I never told them what to do just simply gave my views :smile:

I used to drink a LOT of Diet Coke thinking it was fine. Granted it's better than full fat Coca Cola but Diet has lots of stuff added to it to make up for the taste lost due to lack of sugar (think sweeteners and aspartame). I stopped drinking it when I joined my gym in August, only have one glass as a 'treat' when I go…

I'm just over 5'2 and for well over a year (Nov 2011 til Nov 2012) I recorded all of my calories, I would only eat 1350 or so a day. Did my research and started exercising a hell of a lot more, introducing weights, and eating whenever I wanted providing it was the right foods.. I cut out bread, white pasta and white rice…

Bumping for later! :smile:

I've got two, they are 7.5kg each, but I'd prefer dumbbells purely because they're easier to hold! Can't sling a kettlebell above your head for a triceps extension! :laugh:

Someone posted in a similar thread that they have an unflattering photo of themselves and when they look at it, it motivates them to get into shape. Alternatively, keep a photo of a celebrity who is the same sort of shape you would like to be when you reach your goal? That could give you the inspiration you need. Sometimes…

I make sure I have a protein-rich meal before exercise, keep hydrated with water during my workout and then I drink Alpro Chocolate Milk afterwards :) it's lovely! Although sometimes I'll prepare my meal and eat half before exercise and half after. Thinking of getting some protein powder though.

Thanks for your reply Stephanie, I appreciate it! I calculated my maintenance at around 2030. Have upped to 1650, consuming that on rest days too and have been eating calories back that I've burnt at the gym. Still not sure if that's enough of an increase but I know I need to up cals steadily.. What type of lifting do you…

Me too! And even when I don't exercise.. :(

Oh I love graze boxes. I got a Groupon deal, 4 for £5, but I cancelled my subscription. I miss getting them delivered every Saturday and finding out what I'd been sent! Yummy. Might have to go on their website now....... :love:

Can definitely see that there's a difference. Keep up the hard work! And it will pay off even more!! :happy:

This sounds beautiful! Bumping for tomorrow's dinner.

Who cares? Ladies should have a make up routine for them and their self-esteem, not to impress a man. If he doesn't accept you for who you are, make-up free or not, he isn't worth it :smile: Confidence and belief in yourself is the best thing you can have.. THAT'S what makes you look attractive.

I think everyone goes through that initial feeling of not fitting in when they first start. I've been at mine just over a month now and at first I was like 'oh god everyone will look at me', reality is they're that busy doing their own thing they don't acknowledge you. The best thing to do is just walk in there with your…

Never go to the gym without my mascara on! Otherwise I just feel eye-bald. Don't bother with anything else though.. I often see a few women with their hair down, which I don't understand one bit, my hair is either in a plait or tied back well out of my face. But we're there to just do our thing not look our best! And we're…

I'm English and use kgs.. but 2.2lb is a kilo, meaning the barbell is around 9kg. I can very easily lift/squat with a 10kg (so just a little more than the Target barbell) and I only weigh 50kg myself. I would purchase the 20.. if you can easily do the 15 then you need to aim higher and push yourself. Alternatively you…

I don't bother! I know I'm eating the right things and doing the right amount of training. Used to be awful for it and weigh myself a couple of times a week but got myself out of that mindset and decided I would focus on how I look rather than what the scales say.

I would definitely change things around! When your body is used to a routine I think that after a while the training you're doing isn't having as big an impact as it used to. Also incorporating a rest day into your week will really help! Just as important as weight training itself. Maybe after another two months you'll…

I made this last night. Amazing. Provides four decent-sized servings.. I reckon it can be frozen, but I've put the leftovers in my fridge. Obviously it's lamb mince because its moussaka.. but suppose you could opt for turkey mince instead. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-moussaka/#axzz28WmUKTRf

Nandos and chocolate fudge cake. Every single day. Oh if only.. :heart:

I click loads when I'm at the gym! Usually my ankles when I'm doing squats, but my hips and elbows click too. Doesn't hurt, it's just annoying! I'd like to know why it occurs as well.

I love eggs! They're so versatile. Have omelettes and poached eggs most days, yummy!

Hi kwied90, I wouldn't worry about the aches you are experiencing! You are working out muscles which aren't used to that type of exercise so they are bound to hurt. I ache a day or maybe two days after training my legs (squatting and lunging with free weights and using weight machines) and as much as it's a discomfort, I…

I have both versions of Zumba for the Wii.. I loved it because I could prance around like an idiot in the comfort of my room, but it didn't really do anything for me physically. It's fun but I wouldn't really class it as full-on exercise!

What do you guys class as heavy? What percentage of your body weight do you lift?

I still eat pasta and rice but have changed to brown rice and wholewheat pasta. I love broccoli which is a good protein source. Though I always eat fresh broccoli I doubt frozen would differ much.. Also eggs! Fairly cheap to buy and really versatile - poached, scrambled, omelettes.. Ooh and I love cheese, I eat feta and I…

My gym is pretty much male dominated which initially really bothered me! I just put my iPod on and get on with my workout in my own little bubble. We're all there for the same thing and the fact that I'm usually the only girl in the gym doesn't cross my mind now. Others are that focused on what they do that they probably…

You can't go wrong going over your recommended protein intake. I changed my goals to custom and I aim for 100g of protein each day..

Not entirely sure why you wouldn't be seeing some sort of difference by now, but Captain_Apollo might be right in what he is saying about underestimating food and overestimating exercise. My advice to you would be to weigh yourself/calculate your body fat much less often than you are doing. If you are doing this daily then…

Welcome back! And I wish you the very best of luck this time around :smile: