jhgreer

I would start with bodyweight and add weight as you can. Advice I've been given from the veterans on this board is always to get your form right first then add weight. If bodyweight is the only way you can do it for now, start with bodyweight.

I wouldn't recommend deadlifts or squats on the smith machine. You won't get the same range of motion. I had the same problem when I started and was given the advice that even dumbbells would be better than the smith machine. Also for those concerned that the workouts are too short, enjoy it while it lasts! Starting in…

New Rules of LIfting for Women is a book with a workout plan suitable for beginners as well as more experienced lifters. There are 7 stages that get progressively harder. I'm currently in stage 4 and love it! Have never done any heavy lifting before but I'm seeing amazing results in strength and my body is changing. I…

It's usually OK to work through soreness, but if this is more than typical, I would take the extra day of rest. In stage 1 I was able to do 3 workouts a week like you, but I've noticed in the next stages sometimes I have to have those 2 rest days in between. It sounds like your body is telling you to take the extra day -…

What is SS? Starting Strength? I do not know anything about that program. This forum is for New Rules of Lifting for Women (although I'm sure there are others here who can answer your questions...didn't want it to sound like I was saying you aren't welcome here!) :) I know for New Rules, the author recommends not doing…

Sue, glad to see you back! I did notice my balance was a little better with the one-point rows. Maybe from those one-leg deadlifts in stage 3? I feel like those helped me stabilize my core and hamstrings a little. MissSifaka, I like the callouses too! Luckily mine aren't painful or I would probably invest in gloves.…

Welcome back Holley! Hope you're feeling better!

I wish I only had 2 workouts in this stage - I'm with you - not my fave. I'm super impressed with your push-up ability! I'm not good at those either. Slightly better at planks. Do you guys do planks from your elbows or on your hands?

I haven't used them but thought about it. The callouses are so bad now that I'm used to them. But the barbell I use has grips so that could be why they aren't so bad.

Started Stage 4 today! I forgot to take my log sheets from Stage 2 so I couldn't remember where I left off on some of the weights but it wasn't so bad. I felt like an idiot when I realized after doing 16 reps on the one-point row that I was supposed to switch feet half way through instead of doing 8 on each side. My arms…

Put $1 in a jar every time you work out...or for every x number of calories burned. Buy fun new workout gear or something cute to wear.

You aren't taking the 500 from your BMR, the 500 should come off your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). BMR is the absolute minimum you should net daily. Otherwise you are training your body to live on less. Which means when the weight all comes off, you'll have a much lower maintenance calorie goal.

bumping because i want to read the comments later. Great post! Loved it all!

Try using skim milk for your protein shake - more calories and protein (if regular milk is an option for you). Try other calorie dense foods - nuts, cheese, etc Do you have other ways of getting your protein in besides shakes? More lean meats, beans, avocado, etc?

Tennessee, can I assume you're from Tennessee? I'm in Nashville - just wanted to say Hi and Welcome! :)

Thanks ladies! Not sure why but my lat pulldowns have always been strong. I'm starting to think I'm not doing them right or maybe the machine is helping too much? This forum is a little slow...I think everybody kind of drops off after the first stage or 2. Sad, though...I like hearing how everyone else is doing!

There is a New Rules of Lifting for Abs and a brand new New Rules Supercharged. I've heard great things about both. I believe Supercharged gives you options and flexibility for creating your own workouts.

YES!

FINALLY finished Stage 3. I think it took me about as long as Stage 1 due to sickness, holidays, etc. Stats: One Arm Dumbbell Snatch - 15 --> 25 Dumbbell Single Leg Romanian Deadlift - 30 --> 50 (total) Barbell bent-over row - 40 --> 80 Dumbbell single arm overhead squat - 12/6 --> 15/7 Dumbbell incline bench press - 40…

Check out the book New Rules of Lifting for Women. There is a group here as well.

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From a quick glance it looks like you have a lot of the 100 calorie snacks or low cal yogurts. If the quantity of food is what makes you sick, try eating more calorie dense foods. Try greek yogurt, almonds or other nuts, cheese, etc. Your body needs the fuel! Good luck!

How did you calculate your daily calories? From the book? I believe I remember the first 4 weeks he recommends eating at TDEE to give your body time to adjust. Maybe you aren't fueling your body enough. I typically work out in the mornings or around lunchtime so it's no problem to have the additional calories that day.…

I will be finished after next week - then Chicago trip for the long weekend and starting stage four Tues 1/22 - so I won't be too far behind you!

Maybe try the pushups using dumbbells (preferably ones that have a flat edge so they don't roll around with you!). So your wrists will be straight? I had a cyst removed from my wrist right after stage one of nrol4w so I feel your pain - I just stayed away from pushups for a while. Good luck!

Thanks ladies - I may try that! 2 minute planks...riiiiiiiiiiight. At least not yet. :noway:

There is no way I could have done the BWM after my workout today. After trying it after the first A workout and failing miserably, I've starting doing the BWM and HIIT together as a 3rd separate workout. It's taking me forever to get through this stage, but it's the only way I feel like I can give 100% to the BWM and the…

I don't know what my problem is lately with planks. I was able to do 60 seconds on elbows at the end of stage 3 and now can barely do 45! I can handle it on my hands better, even easier with my shins balanced on a ball hands on floor. But even then can only get 60 secs before I give out. I know they should be harder for me…

Add in some weight training. The muscles will burn additional calories long after your workout. Also try eating cleaner - less processed foods, more fruits & veggies, lean protein.

If you're willing to go at a slower rate, eat at least your BMR. Why do you want to ruin what is a pretty great metabolism by training your body to run on fewer calories? When you do finally hit your goal weight, your maintenance calories will be so much lower than they would have been otherwise, and you'll have to be very…