noKTdidnt Member

I'd agree with jwdieter - It sounds like the trainer you're using is not comfortable enough with barbells to work with them properly. My overall feeling is that your trainer is try to get by putting you on their basic programming rather than doing any work to help you with your goals. I've had similar experiences with…

I'm another one who did StrongLifts 5x5. So very basic. Starts you off light to get used to form and then you just add to it on every work out.

30 day Shred, Insanity, and P90X all three have some strength training to them, but they're more centered on muscle retention and fat loss than really building muscle and adding strength. I agree on the Nerd Fitness routines! The beginner routine is good to get you going and then you can cycle right into the more advanced…

Most that I've read is that the best thing to do is never go lower than your BMR. So, for you, I would eat around 1,600 calories daily and just add in more activity to your day to create that calorie deficit. You'll likely be happier, have more energy, and be easier to sustain over a longer period of time. Hopefully that…

I agree on the previous poster commenting on squats at a higher weight. I've gotten the best muscle definition in my life just purely from doing heavy squats, 5 reps at a time. Not to mention what it's done for my butt... On the topic of rest, typically muscle grows during your rest period. If you're constantly working the…

I started off with just the bar at the end of June 2013 with StrongLifts 5x5. When I max tested in November 2013, I did the following: Squat: 255lb (116kg) Deadlift: 285lb (130kg) Bench: 150lb (68kg) And I'm doing my first competition in February. :)

As light as you are, it may just be that your body prefers to be at that "higher" weight. On top of that, if you're doing any sort of resistance work such as weights, swimming, sprinting, climbing stairs... you're going to be building muscle. And that muscle translates to a higher number on the scale when your pants size…

I used this to help me figure out my protein number: http://www.gnclivewell.com/proteinnumber/ I knew I wanted to keep my carbs under 100 grams. So fat was just the missing piece.

Barbells - Squat, Overhead Press and Deadlift.

*whimper* I'm feeling weak in my knees...

I eat 2 - 3 a day... depending on if I'm eating them with meat. Some days it's scrambled with veggies. Or baked with cereal on top (sometimes wrapped in bacon). I quick-scramble in the microwave. I've done a breakfast casserole with broccoli and bell peppers. Or scrambled with leftover shredded beef/chicken to put in a…

White bread versus whole wheat bread: Anything using "enriched flour" means that they've broken down the grain of the wheat to refine that grain which ends up removing any of the nutritional value of that grain. So, the grain is then "enriched" with more nutrients. The problem comes with the body goes to break down this…

I also have PCOS and have had a hard time losing weight using cardio. I'd cut calories and I'd do cardio - never eating back what I was burning and the weight loss would stay flat. I'm 5'2" and weigh around the same amount as you do. I finally went to the doctor to talk to her and see if maybe an insulin resistance med…

I've ate a couple please I'm on a low(er) carb diet but every single time I have one, I feel sick to my stomach. I don't think they agree with me at all. Instead, I've been getting Special K protein bars and shakes, GNC Lean protein shakes and Quest protein bars. They probably have their fair share of chemicals but at…

I calculated my body fat percentage and then calculated my goal body fat percentage to determine how much fat I want to lose. The result is that I'll still be out of the healthy range for BMI but exactly where I need to be for body fat!

I also have a long commute and get 2 - 3 hours of time with my kids at night. I started splitting my work outs between mornings and evenings. So, 2 - 3 times a week, I get up an hour early and get in a work out and then 2 nights a week, I go to the gym. Usually, my kids go to the gym as well to do their own thing. Then we…

Thank you, Kim!

I realized my face difference yesterday as I was looking down at my ID badge. (Tried to show the image but couldn't figure it out.) http://dakd0cjsv8wfa.cloudfront.net/images/photos/400/501/9400501_8717.jpg

Calories are more important to hit than macros but having a group balance is helpful to maintain those calories. I would recommend focusing on the protein and trying to make that work. Think lean proteins: egg whites, turkey, chicken, fish. Everything else should fall into order.

I had a little pooch even before I got pregnant but it just got worse after having a c-section. I swear, I could be happy with whatever weight I was at if that damn pooch just went away! Here's hoping all this zumba and heavy weight lifting will help me out!

This was something I've been struggling with as well. However, I've noticed that my workouts are not as good and I'm severally hungry on lifting days if I do not fuel my body. Short term, I'm eating at my TDEE with a minor deficit of 10% without eating my calories back. I'm testing this out for the first month and then…

I have the same problem during the mornings which is usually worse when I haven't gotten enough sleep (typical) or when I'm doing heavy work outs. I usually eat a small granola bar or banana before my work out at 6am. Then I eat eggs or a protein shake when I'm back home. It usually keeps my stomach settled enough to focus…

Hey! I recognize that paper. You're local to me!! I just got started on lifting, starting with the stronglifts 5x5 for 12 weeks. Thanks for giving me some inspiration!

I have a closet of my before-kids clothes I've been trying to fit into. As I've lost weight, they've started fitting again. Only problem? All this working out and having kids has changed my body shape. Those perfect jeans 5 years ago are now too big around the waist when they're too small around the butt. So, if you're…

This!! You can eat it by itself as a chili. You can eat it as a taco salad. Or over brown rice. Or if you're feeling naughty, as nachos. Super yummy. Super easy. Super flexible. :) http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/02/crock-pot-santa-fe-chicken-425-pts.html

I took a family member for this procedure 4 weeks ago. She is STILL in pain whenever she so much as lifts her arms above her head. It may not seem like a serious surgery but it's much more than you think. Wait the 6 weeks. Ease yourself in.

Look for the JNL exercise on bodybuilding.com - She has a couple of exercises MADE for busy moms. And seeing her before and afters are really inspiring! Some of my mom friends wake up early to get in their exercise. Some wait until the kids are in bed. Find what works for you! Try it out for about 2-3 weeks before deciding…

I'm getting pretty good results from changing my diet to only 40% carbs and limiting myself to one serving of a carb-heavy item a day. Then I work out with strength training for weight loss and zumba/running for cardio/fun. The only issue I'm finding if that the extra testosterone in our bodies mean that my body responds…

Just use the word "tone". People get too worked up over semantics. In the meantime, we'll be celebrating that we're actually appreciating the impact of our efforts! :-D

I use both as well! I just MFP more for my weight loss and fitocracy is great to challenge me to keep up my fitness level with my friends. MFP is my drill sergent. Fitocracy is my cheerleader. :)