MonsterToBe Member

I totally wrote that backwards -- if anyone actually wants to use this, Fat-to-Carbs should have -2.25g carbs (so carbs get added to your goal) and 1g fat (so fat goal is reduced). Likewise, Protein-to-Carbs should have -1g carbs and 1g protein.

First of all, this thread is full of awesome -- thanks SideSteel!! I don't know of a way to do it automatically -- that would be fabulous -- but there is a (clumsy) workaround you can use based on the fact that, last I checked, MFP allows you to assign negative values to a food. Create two foods, "Fat-to-Carbs" and…

When it happens to me, I do intense daily mobility work (mostly lots of painful foam rolling) and only keep doing any lifts that use that muscle if the rolling restores full, pain-free range of motion (which it typically does if it's just slightly pulled, overused, etc.). If the pain is worse later on, I rest it a day or…

I'm a strong advocate for singles only for deadlift. To lift maximal weights, you need both strength and skill. Skill comes from practicing a motor pattern consistently and correctly many, many times. Since deadlifts are done for much less volume than the other lifts due to their taxing nature, you get less practice. If…

Congrats! Good for you for putting the work in -- now go get stronger! :oD

This group should be right up your alley: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/12919-girls-who-lift-the-guys-who-spot-them :o)

Dude, you're an inch taller than me, about the same weight as I am now, and you're MALE. And 1500-1700/day is too few calories for ME! Echoing the advice to go to Eat Train Progress. How sound is the advice they give? Judge for yourself: http://i.imgur.com/AsO6xJ7.jpg In the left column, I was 205 lbs. Same in the middle…

GET IT, GIRL!!!!! XD XD XD

Thanks so much, everyone! Reading through the responses put the biggest smile on my face, and I love that there are other people losing slowly while lifting who got a bit of reassurance from the pictures. As for my goals... well, the progress shown from the second column to the third was the result of a very slow cut to…

@DavPul: If form is the limiting factor, her tested 1RM isn't anywhere near her actual 1RM and the percentages are off.

For good form, however, the best resource I've ever found is this: http://train.elitefts.com/instructional/so-you-think-you-can-bench-parts1-7/ In particular, having your elbows flared out and perpendicular to your chest puts you at risk of shoulder impingement. Tucking the elbows is important.

Are you training for strength or hypertrophy? If your goal is increasing size, keep doing what you're doing but go up 5 lbs instead of 10. If you just want to be able to bench heavier, let me know and I'll give you resources. The optimal approach for that goal is very different from what you're doing.

How long those lovely, oh-so-fun beginner gains lasts will vary from person to person, in part depending on things like how often, consistently, and intelligently you train. (Intelligent training involves following a program of well-designed progressive overload and eating enough to support training and recovery, not…

Also, whether it's a trainer or a random person on the internet, feel free to ignore anyone who gives you blanket advice that doesn't take into consideration what your specific goals are. Pyramid sets are an ok way for intermediate to advanced lifters to add more volume (calculated by weight x reps x sets), and volume has…

Oh, and Sarauk2sf and I are both over 40, and neandermagnon is nearing 40. It's always great to see another woman around this age lifting heavy!! :oD

If he's asking you that, it's quite possible he wanted to start you out with lower reps/heavier weights but didn't want to scare you off. I suggest discussing your goals with him (if you're not sure exactly what they are, this is a great opportunity to clarify them) and once you have them nailed down, then ask him which…

I'll have something to say about elbows and shoulders later when I've got a bit more time, but I wanted to throw this thought out there before I forget about it: Feeling the strain in your quads first doesn't necessarily mean they're your weak point. What it does mean is that they're doing a lot of work -- and if your…

Do you have the ability to video (even crappy phone video) and post it for a form check? Apologies in advance if I say a bunch of stuff you already know, because I've never seen you squat. :o) First, I agree with Amazing123213405743whatevertherestofhisnameis. Your first description of squat technique sounds good -- you…

What a great thread, and I'm so flattered by the shout outs (and thanks to BikerGirlElaine for telling me about the thread)! My vote also has to go to Sara, and I'm thrilled she's finally going to get out there and compete!! Since I'm only a few years younger than she is, she's an immense inspiration to me of what can be…

http://www.nsca.com/uploadedFiles/NSCA/Inactive_Content/Program_Books/PTC_2013_Program_Book/Aragon.pdf This is specifically addressing the claims of paleo proponents from a scientific standpoint, but as grains-as-devil is part of the paleo stance I thought it appropriate to post here.

Maybe this is the beginning of a whoosh! ... Also, barbell math is harder than regular calculus. :oP

I am... beyond words. Thank you.

OP, be my frieeend! Same goes for every other woman on this thread who loves to squat! I think my profile pic tells you what I think of them. <3

Januvia for me -- metformin after awhile made me feel like I had the flu. And you're right! It was awesome to read on my lab report, "Patient is at elevated risk for diabetes." Elevated risk! lol I happydanced.

And you know that while controlling the diabetes is the most important long-term goal here, nothing comes close to the visceral thrill of succeeding under the bar!!

This. I'd just add that the rep range matters -- for building strength, you want to barely be able to finish a set of less than 8 reps. Three sets of 5 reps is a good place to aim for when you're beginning. A lot of the early progress people make as beginners comes from your nerves and muscles learning how to do the…

I'm also 5'8", and at my heaviest was 247. I just now created a pic-heavy post with my story and pics... I'm down to 205 and still making progress! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/958287-partway-there-diabetes-and-lifting-progress-pic

I actually just created a success post: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/958287-partway-there-diabetes-and-lifting-progress-pics I've only been lifting for 3 months but it's made a tremendous difference. Current lifts: bench 125 (paused), squat 230, deadlift 285

Congratulations! Way to stick with it! :oD

Very clear and helpful -- thank you again. :o)