CJ_Holmes Member

I recommend deadlifts, hip raises, glute bridges, reverse hyperextensions, and lunges in addition to the squats. Check out Strong Curves for sure! And you have to eat to build a booty.

I agree with folks above- both are important and you need to be in a deficit to see the weight loss. I would suggest adding more movement on a daily basis- walking, cycling, jogging, if you're able. Don't log them as extra calories, just add the extra cardio as part of your lifestyle and that will increase your daily burn.

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/cost-of-getting-lean This article is always good food for thought! Getting visible abs may involve way more than you want to do. Maybe not, but I always go back to reading this when I feel like I should be able to "do it all."

This is around 2 years of crossfit, extra squats, and eating a little over maintenance. I wasn't trying to bulk in any organized fashion. I gained about 10 lb but lowered my body fat (hydrostatic).

That sounds great! Time to change my program.

If I just gain fat, it does. Luckily, when I gained muscle most of it went to my *kitten* and thighs. :) You'll probably like the results of weight gain a lot better if you do a structured lifting program and gain slowly.

Piling on- you really don't want to learn them wrong. It's hard to fix. If you want big, full-body lifts on your own, maybe do power lifts instead, and do Olympic when you can get on a course or with a coach?

All of the above, plus TAKE PICTURES!! My waist and hip measurements didn't change very much at all when my body fat changed significantly over a few years. Stuff just moved around or something. I look different in pictures.

The fact that you call yourself "addicted" makes me think you're worried about it. Two hours of cardio in itself isn't a problem. I guess I just wonder if it's the best use of your time. I can't imagine spending 2 hours a day doing something that builds no skills, doesn't make me stronger, and has me stuck in one indoor…

I really like this idea. Like OP, I can see it coming and wonder what would happen if I per-empt it with a formal greeting? It pisses me off that we all have to deal with this *kitten*.

Congrats on your success! Weight can vary significantly depending on your body composition- I am 5'7 and have been a size 8/10 at 150 lb, and a size 4/6 at 150 lb. Why not focus on your goal size, and aim to maintain within a 5-lb range around that weight when it arrives?

Take pictures.

Can you get a couple of friends to join you?

This is the right place, but folks will probably need more details about your diet and training.

I need a proper warmup in order to lift with good form, and feel better if I do stretching after. But a lot of the "after" part feels like it has more to do with tension/nervous system than my muscles.

CrossFit changed my relationship with my body and the scale. I'm more confident at 38 than I ever was in my 20's, and look way better. Like Gloriam said, it's hard to estimate a burn and I stopped counting exercise calories- I just eat a set amount each day. One of the best things about CrossFit is you do become more…

I took a peek at your diary, and you look pretty low in fat and protein. You might want to try adjusting those levels. Some people feel much more satisfied and balanced with higher fat or protein.

I totally disagree with that whole line of thinking. CrossFit is scaleable and adaptable, and if you're in a box doing it, you're doing it. You're doing CrossFit if you're taking part in a program at a box that has paid to use the name CrossFit. There's no magical point where you're "doing CrossFit" based on your skill or…

You won't be able to get an accurate calorie count for WODS, so don't bother. I would suggest just going with a conservative estimate- when I was counting exercise I would put 250 calories for a typical lifting/WOD hour, and 350 for a long slog or Hero WOD. Some of my pals just log the metcon part- like "7 min metcon" and…

Yes, follow a program! Strong Curves is probably your best bet. It's very hard to be effective going by feel.

Hi OP! If you want to do CrossFit, you absolutely can! Find a good coach who ramps you up with a structured beginner program and helps you scale the workouts. My box has folks of all sizes who started from all places, and everyone gets stronger and faster! One of my favorite things about CF is that there is endless room…

If it makes you feel more confident, go for it! If you're bodybuilding, hair might obscure the details when you are staring in the mirror.

^^^ This! Main thing is to start a progressive lifting program. For now, get accurate about logging your food and you can try eating at a SMALL deficit. If you have never lifted before you may have the potential to change your body composition quite a bit and so you don't want to cut down on calories very much. My body…

Congrats! What a great feeling to see your own progress. Are you following a program? Also, you should take regular pictures. Even if you aren't working on bodybuilding, it can be fun to see the changes in your physique as you build muscles. You might be surprised!

I take creatine (helps prevent blood sugars spikes- I'm diabetic), vitamin b complex, curcumin ( hoping it will help w/inflammation) and calicium-magnesium. Don't take pre-workout, it's mostly garbage and you'll end up feeling like you need it to have energy during workouts. Sufficient sleep and organic coffee is simpler.

Yes, how? If that's your current self in the avatar, 30% seems wrong.

It sometimes feels like it takes forever. If can come up with some other goals you can shoot for short-term, it might help. Set some targets- lifting a certain amount of weight, learning a skill, or entering some kind of contest can pump you up. Also take photos regularly so you can see your progress.

If I have a special occasion or huge eating day with unfamiliar foods, I often just "quick add" 1000 or 2000 calories, a rough estimate of how much it was. The main function of logging for me is to have an accurate idea of my calorie needs so if I want to gain or lose weight I know what adjustment will probably give me the…

So, I am now getting non-stop banner ads and pop-ups about high-end men's suits.

No, but I do usually need help with my zipper.