chocolatecroissant Member

I'm just about to start this programme (I think! Think I'm about to abandon Stronglifts 5x5!) and am a Fitocracy member so I'll have a look for you. I'm CombatKitten.

Thanks for the feedback. I doubt I'm over training as I find I need at least 2 days rest between sessions and just do some cardio then. Maybe it's diet. I suspect it might be a combination of not being very good at the lifts (poor form) and the programme just not suiting me, as I've lifted for years and never had this…

Does anyone else get an endorphin low after 5x5?! I'm seriously considering stopping as I'm dreading every session and feel like **** afterwards. I'm not sure it's worth doing if it's having such a negative effect. I'd be interested if anyone else experiences this too?

As others have suggested - invest in good socks and get fitted for running shoes. I've had tingling toes, black toenails and other delights through running - and I rarely trained up to beyond half marathons! Sometimes it is just genetics!

I used to teach it and love it. You get a good mix of aerobics with some coordination needed. It finishes off with some light toning and (all too brief) a stretch. Ideally try an introductory class initially, if one is on offer. Otherwise, stay at the back/on the edge of the group initially and allow yourself some mistakes…

They can be great - but I'd recommend checking out qualifications and experience and you might need to try out a couple to find which one "fits" with you. Good luck.

Great stretch. I'll definitely add that into my warm up. Incidentally did anyone else think it was a bit creepy that the key in the video was surreptitiously recording himself with that girl in the background - and then there are lots of comments slagging her off! (I was envying her physique!)

Not a silly question! I did the same thing - used a Smith machine thinking it was a squat rack. And then I spotted the squat rack! I've never even heard of power racks until reading this thread!

I've been various weights/sizes during my life! At my thinnest (in adult life) I still had big thighs - but at least they were firm thighs! Thanks for that link - it led me to this great video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6x4DPRrulA&NR=1 - which I think says it all. Body shapes are different but I guess that makes us…

I couldn't find fractionals in the gym yesterday so went too heavy on the overhead presses and could only complete 3-4 each set. The app told me to wait 5 mins between sets - but I'm so impatient - it seemed like ages so I didn't wait so long! I guess I'm the only loser in this scenario! What do you guys do when you're…

I can't squat low either and am doing a lot of work on form. I've had an assessment from a personal trainer and mine is mainly down to (in)flexibility - probably through poor form over the years, lots of running and not enough stretching. So I'm focusing on form over weight at the moment for squats. I'm finding that I'm…

Thanks. Just embarking on eating more and adding more strength work. Today I calculated my TDEE as 1946 and this is about the same as my maintenance calories plus usual exercise with MFP so it won't work out too different for me. Now I've got to get the exercise sorted!

I wondered why WW wasn't working for me and then joined MFP and realised how many calories those fruit and veg had in them! They're great for your body but they're not calorie free! So, unless you're still following WW (in which case I'd used their tools to log food) you do need to add them.

Please seek professional help for your eating disorder. The advice given on this thread is sound but you are only listening to a fraction of it. You have taken the first step in recognising that you have an eating disorder. The next step is to get some professional help. Addressing your unhealthy relationship with your…

Mine only took 20 mins today and I thought it seemed a bit quick so would be interested in other people's responses. (Mind you I'm still pretty light and focusing on form so minimal rest times between sets)

Great link - many thanks. I am someone who uses MFP to calculate my calories and, as it only gives me 1200, need to add exercise calories or I'm starving! Even in maintenance I only get just over 1500! I wondered what TDEE was and will look into this as an alternative option as I tend to exercise 5-6 days a week.

Running is such an individual thing that I would echo the thoughts of others and suggest just going for it. The c25k programme sounds a great way to start. Play around with times to run to see what works best for you. And - very important - make sure you invest in decent running trainers and a sports bra! Good luck.

I'm saving that quote. Great! Very inspirational. :-)

This is so inspiring. Thank you. :-)

Well I was supervised during my workout B today - second time through - and realised that my form has been rubbish and so it's back to basics! Squats are really tough for me as I seem to have very poor flexibility and can't get down low enough. The bar is also hurting my back.. I'm trying a variation suggested for me so…

Coffee is my main indulgence! Strong, black and lots of it.

Omelette (1 egg, 1 egg white) with lots of fruit. And lots of coffee. It's usually this (if I'm home) or porridge and protein shake (if I'm at work)

The trouble with anxiety is that it leads to a build up of energy and the feeling that I'm going to explode! I have found exercise (to release the energy) and meditation (to calm the feelings and address the root of the anxiety) effective. And this is a good reminder that I need to meditate more! Sometimes even a few…

Or dark chocolate covered rice cakes? I love these. But find it difficult to stop at one!

Definitely. Someone is having a field-day! :-D But AblazeRiver's post is my favourite - beautifully informative and tongue in cheek all together. :-D

Just discovered I'm already a member! :-)

I prefer to run outside but it is difficult where I live so I generally do the dreadmill running! Usually 30-45 mins. My body could go on for longer but my mind couldn't! I do mix it up a lot though - intervals, playing around with the speed and incline, etc. Incidentally I did my first 5k (outside) for ages this weekend…

That is really helpful advice. Many thanks. How do I join the group?

^^^ all good advice. I ran halves from a starting point of not being able to run for more than a couple of minutes - I went from my first 5k in the July to my first half in December so having done 7 miles you are well on your way. A good goal for a first half is getting round and not worrying about time. You're likely to…

I'm a newbie to 5x5 too and don't want to lose my cardio fitness. I tend to do cardio either before or on separate days to weights. However I know that some people suggest dropping cardio when starting out on doing 5x5. What do you do?