40mpw Member

My MIL, typically a sensitive and thoughtful woman, unsolicited brought up my weight and gave me the backhanded compliment that "men like real women like us." She is medically morbidly obese and I am of normal weight, but I was already feeling fat and it hurt to hear that I looked fat too.

About 10 years ago I dieted myself down to a BMI of 21. I wasn't crazy about the way I looked -- it's just a personal preference to look a little softer.

My post-workout go-to's: stretching, walking, Epsom salt soaking, foam rolling, lacrosse ball massaging. None of these will eliminate soreness, but they all reduce soreness to some degree.

That I'm not that bad, I'm close enough to a healthy weight, and I could always be worse off. That I am healthy in spite of my weight. That this is not a good time to start watching what I eat because I have plans this week and it would just be too hard to go to happy hour and count calories.

I ride a Trek 7.1FX, an entry level lightweight hybrid. I ride primarily in the city and on paved trails. I have owned cooler bikes, but this one is a workhorse and I keep coming back to it.

If they are close to zipping, maybe the zipper makes it an inch or two from the top, you can take it to a cobbler and see if they can help. Mine was able to stretch the boot shaft and insert a piece of elastic to get me that last inch. The only other options that work for me are buying wide-calf boots or cutting calories…

Another thing to experiment with -- maybe give yourself a little more time to digest before you start working out. For most workouts (cardio, strength training), I like to work out two hours after a small meal. For other workouts (yoga), I like to work out four hours after a small meal. I figured it out through trial and a…

I'd probably wait until she opens the door, then say, "I work out [in the mornings/ every day/ by taking classes/ by lifting weights/ with a personal trainer/ with some friends]. If you ever want to join me, I'd love your company." Then I wouldn't mention it again unless she brings it up. I'd rather be offered a standing…

For a three-mile commute, the type of bike you get is not important. Just find something that suits your price range, your aesthetics, and comfort. Consider a bike that already has fenders and a rack, because as a commuter you'll eventually want those things too. These things can be added to any other bike, so don't sweat…

I hated the first 45 minutes of yoga X and nearly gave up my first time through. Glad I stuck with it, because I LOVED the last 45 minutes. It's more balance poses and stretching, less flow.

If I'm around food when I'm drinking, I'll graze for no reason, and when I'm buzzed, I crave fatty foods. Instead of planning to fight the urges, I aim for damage control. *I keep a Nalgene bottle of water with me. It's not elegant, but it helps if I can say I'll have the next drink or order something after I've had xx…

When the devil on one shoulder starts whispering reasons I should skip my workout, the angel on the other shoulder says, "It's not optional."* Taking the choice out of it is all I need sometimes. *Except when it is optional, like when I need a rest day more than I need a 7th workout that week. In order for this one to…

Are you familiar with the term "mansplainer?" from: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mansplainer

Stage 4 is ovah! Gains from the end of Stage 2 to the end of Stage 4: front press/ push press, 30 lbs to 50 lbs db 1-pt row, 22.5 lbs to 27.5 lbs cable horizontal wood chop, 25 lbs to 27.5 lbs dl, 110 lbs to 115 lbs underhand-grip lat pull-down, 75 lbs to 85 lbs reverse lunge w/ forward reach, 5 lbs to 8 lbs db prone cuban…

Last A workout of Stage 4. It had the dubious distinction of being the first WO I couldn't complete! Got through all the lifts but could only squeak out one 45 second plank. Rested, tried again, and just collapsed after 15 seconds. Good grief! Skipped the horizontal wood chops and hit the shower. I have an aerial silks…

If you are being chased, you can jump in a dumpster. Your attacker will not be able to distinguish you from your surroundings. Running in a garbage bag could save your life.

Checking in after doing A3 today. Had my best PR yet -- I was able to do all three 120 second planks! Due to some general life circumstances, I have had a few weeks in a row where I've done 2 workouts instead of 3. This week will be another 2-workout week. It makes me feel like such a slacker, since NROL is the only formal…

What do you mean by "based upon TDEE?" It is my understanding that when you go by TDEE, like TDEE minus xx%, you should not eat back your exercise calories.

I tried to find a bigger copy of this poster, but this is the best I can do: http://shop.cherryblossomcreative.com/know-your-ethiopian-print When I go, I share the vegetarian platter and some tibs. Always tasty, but I have no idea if anything is actually healthy. Enjoy!

What weight are you guys using for this one? I have gotten up to 40 but I think my form must be pretty bad, as I nearly topple forward at the top of the move. I don't know if my fingers are strong enough to hold the barbell if I let it roll back from my palms.

I'm doing 3 sets, but I'm curious what everyone else is choosing. On some of the lifts I don't care for (backward lunge w/ shoulder raise, cobras), I am tempted to cut it to 2 sets. Then I think that if I don't like that lift, it's probably because I suck at it, and if I suck at it then it's something I need to practice…

I used to not wear makeup to the gym before work, but I recently started putting on a little lip tint. If I'm going to spend 45 minutes staring at myself in the mirror, I might as well like what I see.

Did 4B1 today. Nothing exciting to report and I am still experiencing some DOMS in my legs from Wednesday's workout. So glad today is Friday, my brain is fried.

Please get this book and read it asap: http://www.amazon.com/The-Gift-Fear-Gavin-Becker/dp/0440226198 Even if you do not fear violence from this man, this book will teach you how to deal with him (cliff's notes: Do not engage. Only tell someone ONCE to leave you alone. ANY communication from you will fuel him.) and end his…

Anybody in here? Just finished Stage 4, A1. Whoa. I really busted my butt and by the time I got to the planks I had run out of fight. The best I could muster was three rounds of 40 seconds for each of the 3 sets. Even though I didn't do the exercise as written, I'm proud of my effort and looking forward to the remaining 7…

SS, you have never estimated my bf%, but here is why I would be bummed: I have seen that picture that floats around, with women's bodies at various bf%. I think my body looks closest to the 30% lady, but I have this sneaking suspicion that my perception of my body is off -- that I am actually bigger in reality than I think…

Last Stage 3 workout finished! Here are the improvements I made, from Workout 1 to Workout 4: 1-armed db snatch: 10 lbs to 20 lbs db single-leg romanian dl: 10 lbs to 32.5 lbs bb bent-over row: 35 lbs to 70 lbs db single-arm oh squat: 5 & 10 lbs to 10 & 20 lbs db incline bp: 15 lbs to 25 lbs reverse wood chop: 15 lbs to…

You aren't alone! I'm one workout from wrapping up Stage 3 and I've only officially lost 6 lbs. My diet has been, uh, a little less than perfect, so I attribute it to that. I'm going to stay the course, though. For one, I think lifting is good for my body and for another, I want to lose weight the same way I want to…

Regarding "bless your heart," I am a Southerner and I use that as intended. It's sympathetic if someone has just told me a tale of woe, and it's an expression of gratitude if someone has done something thoughtful. The only time I would use it in a negative connotation would be behind someone's back, and then it would be…

Last A workout of Stage 3 today! A guy at the gym asked if I was doing Crossfit. I am so misunderstood.