a_vettestingray Member

Completed my first SL workout for December. I am still trying to fix my squat form, so I stayed a 90 and I think I will stay there next workout too. Failed at OHP 60lbs, and dead lifted 140 again, trying to focus on pushing through my feet and keeping my back from rounding. I didn't do any SL workouts last week, but I did…

You get away with front squats or goblet squats for a couple of weeks, but the weight progresses very quickly in this program. I think I was able to do it at home, using my husband to load the weights on my shoulder until we got to 75lbs. He has a bum shoulder and couldn't load it for me anymore. I also maxed out on my…

Just pick a program, learn the form, and have it it. You won't regret it! I was intimidated by the free weight section of the gym, but after I ran through my routine on a couple of visits, I felt a lot more comfortable. Now I walk around like I own the place, lol.

Stack some plates on each side and pull from there. Someone mentioned that in the Check-in thread and it has made a world of difference for me.

Whoot! I kicked the 55lb overhead press' butt! I am a little scared to see how 60lbs will look though! I need to go to the hardware store and find those 1.1lb 2 inch washers people keep mentioning. I also pulled 140lb on the deadlift. I did will till the last rep and felt like I might have rounded my back some. I plan to…

I got duped by the "buttwink" too. I am having a hard time with squats at the higher weight...like my back is overarched when I start, then the lower I move into the squat and try to fight the arch; I tuck it under. But I really thought I read somewhere that you were supposed to keep the pelvis tucked. Looks like it will…

That's awesome!

I thought the program specifically called for cleaning the weight each set; at least I thought I read that somewhere - and that's what I have been doing. extraordinary - what yoga poses do you find that helps?

Soo...I have been doing a lot of googling to try to figure out what's up with my back. I have come to the less than scientific conclusion that it is a combination of a (diagnosed by physical therapist some months ago) anterior pelvic tilt and aggravation of my si joint (based on the "spark" I feel when I move a certain way…

It looks like everyone is countinuing to rock it! I went up to 100lbs for squats yesteday morning and did 5x5, but my form suffered something fierce. I believe that poor form is what kinked my back up a couple workouts ago - and I was blaming the deadlift, but I am pretty sure it was the squats. I feel like I am rounding…

Great Job! I can't wait to through up 70lbs!

It is my off day; wish it wasn't. Just wanted to pop in and add that I did use plates to raise the bar up for rows yesterday and it felt less awkward. Still felt awkward as they are hard to get used to, but felt much better than without the extra lift. Thanks for the advice! Libby - Welcome and good luck/have fun with your…

I get cramps after working out (and relations, too). I have had nothing but ill effects from the Mirena for the last 2.5 years (moody, depressed, no sex drive, cramps, spotting, etc.). I went to get it removed last week, but they couldn't see the strings. I had to take another day off work for an internal ultrasound and…

Today is in the books. Failed at 65lb bench press.

No, we go to 45lb plates here, which I will be finally using on dead lifts (yay!). However, the 25's are a big deal for my squats, since I don't feel like I am putting dinky 10's, 5's, and 2.5's on the bar. Speaking of deads; I didn't put plates under to raise it at 125, and I think I was pulling from too low and kind of…

I can't wait to get to the gym in a couple of hours (even though I will have been awake for 24 hrs...stupid shift change :grumble: ). I am just so excited though, because today is the day I have been dreaming about since I started lifting. I get to use the 25 lb plates on squats. I refer to them as the "big girl plates"…

@Justanumber85 - Watch out for all the processed foods, like cereal. Oatmeal with fruit would be more nutritious and less sugary. Also, get your calories from eating them not drinking them (i.e. eat an orange rather than drink a glass of orange juice). The fruit has more fiber to help satisfy you, while costing less…

I was in your position not long ago. I was at 140 and wanted to get to 120-125. My story in a nutshell: Started eating 1200 cals and doing cardio. Cut out full calorie soda and only had alcohol on the weekends. Lost 10 lbs in about 6 weeks but felt like crap. Then I was stuck at 130 for moooooonths! Tried Weight Watchers…

Some of the ladies have bought their own at a local sporting goods store of Amazon and take them in their gym bag. My gym doesn't have them either, but I just bump up 5 lbs each work out for now. Maybe in the future I might get some fractionals. They would really help on the OHP so I don't feel like I fail everytime I do…

Just made it home from the gym....and kind of kicking myself for only going twice this week instead of three times. Oh well, its better than not going at all :wink: . I was able to squat 90 (PR)! I am moved to 55 on the OHP and had a couple fails; looking at others' numbers - I think I will be stuck here for a while. Then…

I second this. Also, check with a doctor a physical therapist to make sure you can proceed without further injury. When you do start lifting, start light and really key in on form to prevent injuries down the road. I am doing SL 5x5 right now and love it. I started with New Rules of Lifting for Women, but found it to have…

You are rocking it Lorina! Your updates are really what keep me motivated to get my butt into the gym and push hard. You look so fit and healthy!

I am also 5'6.5 with a small frame (wrists are 6"). My SW: 140 CW: 127, 20.5% BF GW: Around 120 to 125 - with 17-18% BF I am also built like a 2x4, so no curves.

I have my maintenance set at 1850. I only lift 3x a week...sometimes walk the dog. At work, I am extremely sedentary, as I am strapped to a chair for 8 to 12 hours. Then I go home and vegetate since I am mentally burned out. I have been eating at 1850 for a month and have maintained my weight, so I am working off that…

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/bulking-for-natural-bodybuilders.html I am hoping to cycle calorie surpluses and deficits to gain lean body mass while minimizing fat gain, as well as increase my stength. Seems way less intimidating than a longer bulk cycle. Especially when I have such a hard time cutting.

Live in the U.S., been to most if the states, except the Northeast and AK. I have been to Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany and Canada. My lucky husband has been to Belize, Mongolia, Morocco, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Iraq, Portugal,…

I want to try out (and make) the local LFL (lingerie football league) team. The boys won't let me play on their flag football team, so I figure that would be one way to shut them up about playing like a girl. Hubby thinks I am joking everytime I mention it.

Straight....sigh. I wish I had a defined waist. I always look so big and blocky from the front.

@Buffcupcake - How did your deadlift go? @Lorina - 85! That's awesome! I went to the gym after work and squatted 80x5x5 and finally completed 50x5x5 on OHP. I had been looking forward to dead lifting my body weight all week, as that was my next progression - only to do my math wrong and dead lift 115x5 again. BUMMER! Guess…

I think I am going to have to watch the Ripptoe video tonight too. I know everything about my OHP is wrong. I would like to make it through all of my sets tomorrow, so hopefully this will help.