DR2501 Member

I agree definition is your best bet, but don't waste your time with exercises like bicep curls. Exercises like pull ups, dips, presses, rows, power cleans, deadlifts, high pulls etc will be much more beneficial for your arms and have a better overall effect on your strength level, fitness and metabolism. Look at a good…

Haha definitely. You've had great advice so I have nothing to add except try not to be too self-conscious, I don't think there's anything wrong with your arms at all (but I know we all have our little issues, so its good you're prepared to do the right things to counteract it). Good luck :)

To answer the question in your title, yes - I always say you can't outrun your mouth!

A lot of 'Ana' sites use this quote so I think that's where the controversy comes from. As someone said its a banner for the ED brigade unfortunately. That being said, I've heard this quote before and remind myself of it sometimes when I fancy a treat that I can't fit within my numbers for the day. Sometimes it helps,…

Whenever I have stopped and then restarted and get the initial DOMS, I always work through it. I find it makes it go away quicker, and helps your body to adapt quicker. If you rest longer you'll just get sore again. Swimming can be a big help too. You won't get this sore every time, yes there'll be DOMS but you won't look…

Also, I would ignore the scale and go by how you look/your clothes feel.

I actually found less foot pain the second time when I did Insanity barefoot. Running shoes/cross trainers hurt my feet when jumping. When I moved on to KB workouts I also preferred to do it in bare feet. Now I go to the gym i have to wear shoes but have minimalist trainers to mimic the correct movement of my feet as I…

I don't - if I drink I write the rest of that day off, plus why take the fun out of drinking by measuring etc? Lol. I generally drink after I've logged all my food anyway. I read that if you drink alcohol your body switches to using it for fuel before anything else anyway since its so easy for your body to 'burn' it, so…

I've had golf elbow, which is the opposite of tennis elbow (I don't play golf, I also got it from weightlifting). Exercises and stretching worked for me, although the kinesiology tape is supposed to work very well at allowing you to use your arm whilst resting the affected area (because it gets assistance).

Interesting article I found yesterday which is on topic here - wonder what people's thoughts are? http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet

If you really hate traditional forms of cardio, you could always use supersets, circuits or complexes for their CV benefits.

Its easier to create a deficit in your diet, but you can contribute to your deficit with cardio so it lets you eat more. I also do it (HIIT only, never steady state - its too boring to me) because whilst I love lifting weights, I wouldn't want to be one of those people that lifts but can't even walk up a hill without…

OP read this http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/ I think a recomp is what you're after. The website someone posted above (on body recomposition) would be a good place for you to find more information. There's also a thread on here somewhere.

I think that's a fair point, as I don't plan on changing my food types when I start, although I accept I may have to increase calories/carbs dependent on energy needs etc. I guess the answer is each to their own as with everything!

I'm starting Crossfit in October (next available beginner's course) so I don't have detailed knowledge yet, but from what i've read the majority of CFers follow the Zone or a modified Zone/Paleo hybrid. Here's a link to a PDF: http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/cfjissue21_May04.pdf

Snatch grip deadlifts are my fave DL's - great for the lats. I would say overall though DL's are my third favourite exercise - power cleans are where its at ;)

I just read lots of fitness articles on different topics (mainly fat loss), and its a common theme in all of them. Although again I will point out my surprise was that that particular poster had never read this before, rather than being a comment on the SUBSTANCE of the post:…

Sorry, I just meant that it's surprising that the person hadn't read it anywhere else, I wasn't commenting on the accuracy of the statement :)

Really? That's really surprising because if you do a quick search online, every article says the same thing.

OK sorry, but the OP said 'unflattering' which suggests they care what other people think hence my suggestion to ignore them and be comfortable :)

Do you think anyone in the gym really cares about your panty line? Just wear what's comfortable.

Strange you guys are sometimes the only ones there, I've been in a few gyms in the past 12 months and I find there are now loads of women squatting or deadlifting etc in the free weights area whenever I go!

Thanks for this, brilliant article that struck a chord with me!

I agree, no one cares or judges and they will actually be impressed. I bet you find they even help you with form/spotting if you ask them! I know I would. I also agree that a split isn't the best choice for a newbie - the 3 options above are the ones most used and they have produced results for countless people (me…

I do similar, but 30/30 secs work/rest ratio at 13.8-14kmh 6% incline repeated 10x. Great workout.

I use myprotein impact whey - I only need to shake it for 10 seconds and there are never any lumps! Buy better quality powder.

The only thing I'd say is you would get a larger initial water weight loss with a low carb diet as a result of glycogen and associated water depletion. Probably the only thing that will help in 2 weeks!

Lift weights - great fun and being strong is awesome.

Diet is the only thing that will help in 2 weeks. Too late for exercise to have much of an effect really.

As others have said, you can't spot reduce. That being said, I always had huge calves until I did Insanity - all the jumping was the only thing thats ever made my calves slimmer!