Huskychemist Member

Woohoo! Where's the "LIKE" Button! Fantastic.

I agree. I'm lucky in that my gym is actually at the high school where I teach, so I've got people that are friends that can video. But for mine I actually just set my video camera up on a tripod and filmed that way, without even having to ask anybody. Just a thought...

The advice above has all been spot-on. My one addition would be to video yourself with the light weight recommended above. Then post to Youtube (you can do it relatively privately...with a link required, for example) and post the link here for people to offer criticism of your form. The advice I got from doing this was…

Thank you again to all of the responses, and to the new responses since my last reply. I don't mind at all that you took a screenshot. VERY HELPFUL! I went and watched the video again and definitely noticed that the bar is too far forward. I think I have more weight on the balls of my feet. I seem to recall Mark Rippetoe…

Thanks for the tip about warming up. Mehdi says don't do a cardio warmup, but I actually have been doing 6 minutes - very easy - on the stationary bike to get the blood going, then I'll do one set with the bar before going to my weight (I'm still only a few cycles in, so the weights aren't heavy enough for more steps). I…

Thank you both for the feedback. I meant to add that I thought the bar was too high - and you caught that too - and it's because I still need more flexibility in my shoulders. I'm doing the shoulder dislocation stretch that Mehdi suggests to work on it. It's getting better. Thanks for the tips on the…

I've got Starting Strength, but I"m having trouble finding this section. I read the squat section a few weeks ago. Do you happen to know the page number (or Kindle location)? Thanks. Lowell

I do cardio throughout the week (mostly stationary bike, but ice skating on weekends during the weekend), but I'm still early in SL and the weights (except for OHP) aren't challenging yet. I'm not sure how things will work out for me once I get to heavier weights. Some of my bike rides are relatively easy, though...almost…

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your thoughts. I did my workout yesterday (I'm at 27.5 kg for the squat) and the knee seemed to do OK. Contrary to Mehdi's suggestion, I do a short - but very low intensity - bike ride just to get the blood moving. My knee felt a bit weird on the bike, but after walking to the weight room…

Shameless bump to see if anybody else is using an "Unloader" knee brace...I didn't get much response the first time I posted. Thanks.

I just finished workout B of week one and I am loving the program. I'm not sure my body can handle three days per week, so I'm just going to do lift as often as I can, with a minimum of two days per week. I love getting to do the squats with each workout. It feels like such a great workout because of it. Good luck with the…

Thanks for that feedback, I appreciate it. I did my workout B today, and while doing squats I took time to do the dislocation stretches during my rest periods. I started with a band, and when I got over the mental roadblock you mentioned, I went to a 'broomstick' that was in our weight room. I had to go way out (probably…

Thanks to both of you for your feedback. I need to look for a band at my gym (I workout at my school gym where I teach). I don't think I have enough flexibility right now to use a broomstick for that maneuver, even with my hands way out. Any other exercises besides Mehdi's dislocations would be helpful too. Thanks. Lowell

Day 1 was yesterday, so I'm at 20 kg for each lift for now. I'm starting with the bar for all of them to work on form and work my way up, and I think it's a great decision based on Workout A. But I am posting to thank all of you for the updates, as it shows me the potential of the program. Thanks. Lowell

Thank you both very much for the replies. I really appreciate your time and input. Workout A is tomorrow for me. Woohoo! (And I'm going to start with just the barbell, like Mehdi suggests and work on form first. I think this is critical, especially for the deadlift and squat.)

Cool. Thanks for the great ideas! I appreciate it.

I'm not a success story yet (14 pounds down, many more to go), but I 'only' use MFP. I track calories here, I interact with my friends offering and receiving support, and I workout 5-7 times per week most weeks. I'm not using WW, South Beach, Atkins, or some other type of diet. I'm simply eating healthier choices with…

I loved reading "Which Comes First? Cardio or Weights" by Alex Hutchinson. I learned a TON about fitness and nutrition. Have a great trip.

I agree. It is amazing how much food you can get all while keeping it within good limits. What I've noticed, though, more than anything, is that it has to be the RIGHT kind of food...hehehe.

I'd suggest keeping more fresh fruits around, and even some vegetables that make good snacks (carrots, celery with cream cheese, etc.). Just a thought...as for the actual meals, I like some of the ideas that have already been put out there. Good luck!

SSI-Certified, lots of dives in amazing locations. (Puget Sound, California, Caribbean, Belize, Thailand, Lembeh Straight, and others.) Neophyte underwater photographer, marine biology nerd, and addicted to diving, but not living in a diving-friendly place right now. (Bucharest, Romania) I'd love to get in better shape so…

Rockieschick, I love the summit pose. It'll be you this summer on Rainier!

+1 for walking. Start with a walk around the block, or some other small distance. If you're not too winded at the end, do another 'lap.' Then work your way up, adding distance over time. As your fitness increases and the pounds start coming off, you can work into more intense workouts. I would also suggest timing yourself.…

No problem. Another great resource for hiking is to check in on the Los Angeles section of the Sierra Club. Many people think the Sierra Club is just a 'save the environment' organization. But the LA section is very active with bike rides, hikes, etc. You don't have to be a member to go on the hikes. I used to get the…

I've been there. It's kind of fun to see it. Griffith Park has a TON of great hikes that are close, depending on where you live.

A comfort food for me (although mostly for day hikes) has always been summer sausage, cheddar cheese and Ritz crackers, along with a crisp apple. This was the lunch my dad and I always shared on our hikes when I was a kid. Nothing but great memories! And I'm stealing your recipe for pudding also. My only problem is it will…

One thing I just thought of while looking in my cabinet. I take some powdered Gatorade to add to the treated water. I don't really load it up like a full-on Gatorate for a long hike, but just enough to take away the iodine taste from my water purifier. You could use Crystal Light or any other powder drink instead.

Cut up the ham and add it to a salad packed with other vegetables (carrots, celery, peppers, etc.).

Something I haven't seen mentioned is a sleeping bag liner. I love using my liner, as it makes my bag just a few degrees warmer, which can make a difference on a cold night. And it's washable, so my sleeping bag doesn't get as smelly! Also, if you keep a water bottle in your tent overnight (hydration is incredibly…

Awesome group! And I love the pictures. I'm originally from the Pacific Northwest and grew up hiking/backpacking around Chinook Pass and Mount Rainier. I've also lived in California and done some rock climbing at Joshua Tree and some backpacking in the Sierra Nevada range, along with climbing my first 14'er, Mount Langley.…