Jaxster92708 Member

I do cardio on my non-lifting days and just warm up on the elliptical for 5-10 minutes at low-moderate intensity prior to lifting. When I first started, I had energy to do cardio after lifting. Now that I am lifting a little heavier, I don't have the energy. I take one full rest day off per week, and one day per week my…

Me, too. My hubby gets up at 4 AM for work. For years, I never got up, but my sleep was not great after he got up because he is busy bustling around the house. So I decided just to get up with him. Now I am at the gym by 4:30-4:45, home by 6 and done for the day. Took some adjusting, but I love it now. Jackie

Got mine from Amazon: Set of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 lb weights. Nifty little mix 'n match set. I use them primarily for bench and OHP.

This morning I completed my second workout of week 8. Row was the first stall for me, week 2 at 70 lbs, then actually had to deload. Finally I have progressed past that stall, adding 1.5-2 lbs per workout, not the recommended 5. Overhead press was next: Week 4 at 52.5 lbs. I advance VERY slowly on this one: I am up to 59…

Yep, another nurse here and I feel the same when doing deadlifts. Not pain exactly, but a definite increased awareness of my lower back. I also get dizzy. I don't want to substitute any other move, but have deloaded and will do this weight until I feel stronger and more confident in this lift. Ten pounds is a lot to add at…

Good point: I hadn't thought of that. Yes, very dry lately and no, not drinking enough water. Could definitely be part of the problem. Also, I take a beta blocker for my heart, but don't take that until AFTER my workout because it lowers my HR too much if I take it before. Hmm...will have to try hydrating better before…

Oh, I wish I could lift at home!! I try not to go over 2 minutes rest because I don't want to hog the power rack. I think I probably would rest longer if I didn't feel rushed.

Thanks so much: From what I have been reading, what you are saying about the decreased gains and reduced involvement of stabilizers is true. On further reading, some state they have injured their knees, as the plane of movement is still unnatural (as is true with the Smith machine). I have decided to forgo the MaxRack and…

I bring them with me, too. I painted my initials on them although really no need to: I have never seen anyone else with them.

I am progressing SUPER slow on my upper body lifts (OHP and row), so purchased the set from Amazon that includes 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 lb fractionals. Little pricey at a little under $60, but I am very happy with them so far and getting my money's worth. Good luck! Jackie

I'm thinking it's better to attempt to get all the 5 reps out. Don't count the sloppy ones and then deload if you have to after 3 workouts if you can't get all 5 reps. I was SO excited that I could do 50 lbs (started at 30 I think-I couldn't even do the bar initially). But, I HATE this lift and it scares me, so I did not…

I got a set of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 lb plates from Amazon and I bring them to the gym with me. Had to start using them when I deloaded for rows. :grumble:

Alright by Janet Jackson.

Welcome and keep us posted on your progress! I am new here, too and there is such a wealth of information! Hope you find it helpful. Jackie

^^^This! I took a break from the gym for about a year and did DVDs at home. Lost a lot of strength, and while I do have some weights at home, I do not have (and do not have the means or space to get) a power rack, Olympic barbell, and weight plates for home. So, my goal being to build strength, back to the gym I went and…

@jackie/re: cardio/converse: I do SL just 2 days per week. One of those days, (the days I do OHP and deads) I usually wear my converse, do 10 min on elliptical, and then lift, then 10 min on elliptical. I do notice the difference with the converse. no pain in feet, but not nec. comfortable. On the other day when i do…

I tried NROLFW...liked it at first, but the later workouts were complicated and time consuming. I personally want to gain strength and think that 5x5 is a more efficient way to do it for me: Same basic, time-proven multijoint movements, same reps, same sets with the only variable being the weight. I, too, like the…

Whoot! Whoot! You go girl! Thank you for sharing this: Very motivating indeed!

Wow! So motivating to read everyone's posts. I was so excited at the gym yesterday because there are two power racks and the two women who were lifting were using the racks (myself and another lady). What were the guys using? The Smith machine. And, they were there before us. I am pretty new (think I am starting my third…

LOL-Must have room for the hiney, for sure. I am going to go back to lifting straight from the floor. I figured it out...the space between the barbell and my feet is too small and it makes it feel awkward. Can't wait to get up to 45 lb. plates, but it will be a L O N G time before that happens!

Just started a little over a week ago, so have completed only 4 workouts. Squats: 60# 5x5 (still pretty easy, but working on form, form, form) Bench: 50# 5x5 (very manageable so far) Rows: 70# 5, 5, 4, 4, 4 (can tell this will be a slow-going one!) OHP: 40# 5x5 (had to start at 30#-so weak in my upper body!) Deadlifts:…

^This! I was working out at home because it seemed easier and I didn't have to wake up AS early, but noticed I lost a lot of strength. So, started back to the gym to have more access to challenging weights, getting up at around 4-4:30 AM. My husband gets up that early, too, so it makes it easier. But, I noticed that if I…

Stronglifts 5x5 workout B. Warmed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical and finished with 20 minutes of intervals on the stairmaster.

I have started the Stronglifts 5x5 program (available on the Internet) for strength training 3 days per week. I do cardio either at home or the gym on 2-3 days per week. On days when I do strength training, I do 20-30 minutes of cardio (10 minutes before weights and 20 minutes after).

So far I have been lifting alone but barely just started so the weights are manageable. Think the only one I'm afraid of is bench because I always use the power rack at the gym. Lots of good suggestions here for staying safe, though! I also ordered fractional plates in preparation for those tougher weights so I don't feel…

I am a newbie at this (just completed my first week) and am already failing at OHP and Pendlay rows. I just plan on not increasing the weight next workout. I do not count reps done with poor form as completed, I am counting it as a fail.

There is also an app called "Daily ______ Workout" (fill in the blank with whichever workout). They have cardio, arms, legs, butt, ball...can't remember all of them. I have it on my Nook/Droid. I agree with the resistance bands: bring them with the little anchor that goes under or in the door and attachments for your…

Great job on the workout! I have always used mixed grip for deadlifts, keeps the bar from slipping. And, instead of gloves try chalk on your hands. Works like a charm! Jackie

Amazing! I have just started and finished my second workout today. Motivated to continue and keep getting to the gym at 5 AM after seeing your pics. Thanks for sharing wiyh everyone! Jackie

I had great success on Nutrisystem. Foods weren't that great, but I think there are more options available now. One thing I did was examine the food labels and find grocery store equivalents with similar macronutient content. Then, buy the grocery store items to transition over. I am not a big fan of cooking and I am…