tatasmagik

That makes sense, thank you.

Bump I have tested a few powders and RTDs and I don't like them at all. My weightlift brother recommended this to me, but I was hoping to find out more from the experts here!

Thanks for sharing this, very good stuff for us n00bs! I really like the part about stance because my sorta-trainer friend wants me to keep a very narrow stance and with my long legs, that's damn difficult. I'll be sure to share this link with her, particularly because I aspire to ATG squat.

This is probably a stupid question, but how does it take you over an hour to do three routines 5x5? Do you take a longer recovery in between sets or are you doing other weights in addition to this program? I've only done this once so far, and even with testing different weights out to find my starting weight, it took me…

Hi there, also a newbie to lifting here. Nice to make your acquaintance :)

I agree! I could Planet Fitness for $10/month but instead I swankier gym for $50/month. I dig the community atmosphere and I NEVER wait on equipment.

This thread is funny. WORDS!

"Sometimes I wanna give up but then I remember there's a lot of mother****ers I mean to prove wrong."

I love fitness motivations like many of those listed here :) My favorite, by far, is this: "My body does not define me. I define my body."

Thanks so much! I'm definitely doing a lot more reading and a lot less doing than I should or would like. I got a neighbor to show me how to handle a 45lb barbell and I think I can start with that, though I might need to tweak the sets/reps and work my way up to 5x5. I start today :)

This, exactly.

When I do oblique twists on cable crossover machine, I'm paying attention to NOT swivel my hips. I don't even notice my obliques until DOMS, if at all.

This is timely. I'm starting to lift heavy and want to increase my protein to 30%. The easiest way is via protein shake. Problem is, I HATE shakes. Like, I hate milkshakes, ice cream, smoothies. I can't remember what brands I've tried. Last week I got RTD muscle milk in chocolate and its just so awful. I have to chug all…

Meh, I think for some of us, it doesn't come so naturally to think about the muscles. I tend to think about the weight. This thread was timely.

Calisthenics! Pushups, situps, dips, pullups, squats, etc.

I'm starting heavy lifting this week and am grateful for this thread!

Monthly. Scales are lame.

I'm 5'8" and would look sickly at 140lb. I have an apple shape, so 150-165lb is more my size.

Same here.

I agree with these people. Yes, I like when the numbers on the scale come down, and yes sometimes I'm discouraged when they don't. I'm in 13 long weeks of calorie counting and cardio and weightlifting and only down 10 pounds. But. I'm stronger, I have more endurance, I sleep better. I'm on my way to being a total badass. I…

Omg, I laughed so hard.

Salty - hummus and pita crisps Sweet - chocolate covered almonds

Cardio 6 days per week, usually elliptical on hills for 30-45 minutes. Weights M-W-F on machines (which will be changing as of today to a 4 split with free weights and/or body weight and much heavier).

Forget the scale. Forget the tape measure. These do not define you or your health. Keep eating mindfully, keep moving your body and focus on how far you've come.

Counting calories is a great option for a lot of people. If it doesn't work for you, I guess the graceful thing is to bash the hell out of it.

Great post. I'm also a newcomer to heavy lifting - I start today! I've got a plan all worked out (sort of copied one from bodybuilding.com article about beginner women weightlifting) and intend to keep up with the cardio as well. My goal for the last 13 weeks has been to just move my body and now that I am moving, I want…

I do, too. I have found that I can eat a ton of cooked veggies to satisfy my need to eat hot, cooked meals. Roasted veggies are my favorite (olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic), but also grilled veggies and stirfry (omit rice and pasta).