ErinRibbens Member

Perfect, thank you!

I just started StrongLifts over again Jan 2 after a long hiatus of crazy schedule, surgery and hip pain. So, right now my goal is just to stick with it 3x a week, being careful of my form to avoid injury and be consistent. The numbers will get higher with that consistency. I've made the mistake before of reaching for…

Thank you!!

Yum! Do you freeze them for later?

usmcmp knows what she's talking about. It's not easy! I had a flat stomach pre-pregnancy. Post 2 babies (and way too much weight gain) and c-sections, I found that I have to be about 5 lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight to have a flat tummy (I still have really loose skin & stretch marks- no bikini for me!) and lifting…

At that age I had a carrier (a Beco), my son would ride in on my back while I cooked. Otherwise doing as much as you can ahead while the baby is sleeping.

Make a big batch of soup, freeze in individual containers. Then all you have to do is pull out your soup for the day & reheat. Chili, stews and veggie soups all freeze really well and are healthy choices.

I started with Stronglifts, after 12 weeks tried NROLFW for awhile (I think I made it through session 5) and switched back to SL for that exact reason. It is so much simpler if you are trying to get in and out of the gym. However, New Rules IS a good program, that's not the issue. I quit Strong Curves after a month for the…

hmmm trying to post a pic but not getting it to work!

Amazing progress! I kind of regret I never took a before picture, and I have very few pictures of myself since my kids were born, I'm always behind the camera!

I walk, or at least pace around. I find it helps my soreness/stiffness. I've learned what NOT to do, which is exercise in between sets, I've tried doing ab work in between then I found out how much you actually use your abs for those big lifts, lol. whoops!

Hi & welcome! No need to be shy here, everyone is super friendly and helpful.

Hi, I'd love some advice on my squat. I've been doing this for almost 2 years but the squat is by far my weakest lift (doesn't help that I have an old lower back injury- though it's tons better than before I started lifting plus a small hernia from my pregnancies). I can't figure out what to change to help it. I try to…

I'd rather HAVE a big *kitten* than BE a big *kitten* like that guy.

Normal, and you have to be careful with your tracking. I was at maintenance calories when I started SL and managed to put on about 10 lbs in a year and then had to go back to a deficit with careful tracking to lose it. Lots of protein and fiber really helps and just knowing it's normal to be hungry and you will get used to…

Oh wow...just seeing this and it's different from the videos I've seen. Guess he changed his method, I learned the old way where you breathe at the top, and bounce off the chest on the way down. We'll see if I can change my ways!!! Very interesting!

You'd probably be able to sense if you were overdoing the OHP, say you weren't making lifts you had previously completed. Personally I find it hard to burn out on that exercise, I tend to fail on it and yet 2 days later not be sore at all. what has helped me progress finally is after doing the barbell, doing one arm…

Yeah, we'll see how long I can put up with the long workouts in Strong Curves. I had this trouble when I tried NROL4W. I love the simplicity of Strong Lifts and 5/3/1. And the SL app is great! Eventually I will probably switch back to 5/3/1 or a 3x5 and do hip thrusts and glute bridges for accessory work because I do feel…

Happy Monday all! :bigsmile: @Fittree, I use a step for my hip thrusts rather than the bench, I'm a bit too short for the bench to be comfortable. Jealous of all the horse talk, I want one (or 2!) but DH hates horses. Oh well, they are out of my budget anyway! My chickens at least help with the grocery bill. Week 3 of…

Welcome! Glad to hear you are feeling better and hopefully this will lead to a healthy pregnancy soon.

If you like the target stuff, I recently got a pair of loose capris and a loose fitting tank top of quick dry fabric that I really like. I'm pretty sure they were the Champion brand too. I like the looser fitting pants, more air flow but still have coverage for modesty! If I wear shorts I wear longer compression shorts…

dldoddy, congrats on your deadlift! Awesome! Fittree...that deadlift...you continue to amaze me! Was not really happy with my lifts today, I'm tired from working outside so...that's my excuse anyway. :sick: Week 2 of Strong Curves: Barbell Hip Thrusts 3x20 75 lbs Barbell rows 3x8 75 lbs Barbell Squats (low): 3x5 120 lbs…

Strong Curves from Bret Contreras is a great program. I just switched to that and am enjoying it. I am pear shaped as well, you will definitely want to work your upper body as it will give you better symmetry with a little muscle on top!

Myles, welcome! those are excellent weights, have you lifted before? rps67- sorry about the not so helpful guy at the gym, I hate that!!! I've only had it happen 2x but it is not fun.

Welcome to you! I also started MFP after having my last baby. She's 3 now! I did Stronglifts 2 years ago and last fall switched to 5/3/1, and just recently started Strong Curves, but I still hang out here for the excellent advice & inspiring ladies. Oh! I also use a Bodymedia and not afraid to eat, though I'm only 5'2" so…

@Stef, hip thrusts are a lot about aesthetics, but can improve your squat and deadlift too. My poor bum has gotten a little flat since cutting my squats back to once a week for 5/3/1 and getting to my goal weight. Not cool! @suremeansyes, no wonder you are tired! That is a long day of teaching swim! Here's my Strong Curves…

I know I need to invest in some bumper plates, that would help with the hip thrust. Hopefully I'll be using the 45's before too long too! :) I did get the Hampton bar pad after the first session wanting to die with the barbell straight on my hips. :sad: Thanks for the helpful tips, ladies, you're the best!:flowerforyou:

willrun- congrats on your engagement!!! Awesome! Guess I was one of the few with no hangover this weekend. :drinker: <<< that's me with my coffee, lol! I just can't seem to fit booze into my calories now that I'm trying to lose the last couple pounds. I'm on week 2 of my new Strong Curves program. It is rough doing so many…

I checked your diary and can tell you those Fiber One bars can be rough. If you're having trouble with gas and constipation I'd cut those out. Otherwise I'm not seeing so many fruits and veggies that should be causing any issues.

Agree with the person that said water. If you increase your fiber intake, you have to drink more water as well. Also, fat is important. If you have cut back on your fat intake that can constipate you as well.