-
Bulking Log (cmeirun)
Looking back on my numbers it seems that I've been unofficially bulking since about mid-August when I raised my intake goal to 2500 (in reality, though, between holiday and other extra snacking my average intake has been closer to 2700!). Other than intake and weights I haven't been doing any other measurements. Today…
-
I ate, I trained, I progressed (w/ pics)
In January 2012 I was around 175 lbs, feeling heavy, severely out of shape, really uncomfortable in my own skin and determined to make some changes in a healthy way. To improve my fitness, I started jogging a couple of days a week. To improve my eating, I searched for online calorie counters, which led me here to MFP. Over…
-
Ok, let's see your stats!
I am a true "beginner" in that I haven't lifted weights for probably 4-5 years (!) I'm pretty intimidated/awed by so many of the people on MFP who are lifting hundreds of pounds, but I know I'll get there eventually! So, here are the max lifts I've set up for myself for this first round (again, I'm using dumbbells, but…
-
Creamy avocado pasta with roasted tomatoes and shrimp
I just ate this and I'm dead of deliciousness. link: http://pinterest.com/pin/559290847444232857/ The original recipe as written: prep time: 10 minutes cook time:1 hour 10 minutes INGREDIENTS 10 - 12 small Campari tomatoes, quartered 3 - 4 tbsp olive oil 4 servings of fettuccine noodles 2 ripe avocados, seed and skin…
-
When you're finished bulking
So, I'm only about 3.5 weeks away from the planned end of my bulk. :drinker: I'm going to stick with that date because it'll have been a solid 5 months and I'm happy with my weight gain. The question that's been on my mind lately is: "how do I un-bulk?" What's the best process for ending and coming down from one? My…
-
Triceps bench dip alternative?
I've been doing weighed bench dips during my workouts at home (wearing a weighted backpack). I am now working out a gym and I hoped they'd have a weight vest but no joy. What's a good alternative with free weights?
-
Thoughts on new lifting program?
I'm finishing up my 8th cycle of All Pro Beginner's routine. It's been good to me, but I think I'm ready to try something new and I'll have better access to a gym in January. I am currently bulking and will be until the end of January. I will have access to a gym (with cage, free weights and assorted machines) on Monday,…
-
OK, AP-ers, need some advice
So on Wednesday this week I started week 3 of my 7th cycle; I decided to take a week off after week 2 - just feeling super-tired. Usually after a break I feel rejuvenated and kill subsequent workouts, but this week's can only be described as painful. It felt terrible, it kicked my *kitten* all over the place (especially…
-
Advice needed re: weight training, intake (esp. macros)
I've been reading everything here, and stalking this group for some time, and I'm ready to ask for some assistance, please. About me: I'm 33, female, 5'9, 138lbs. According to my recent measurements (neck 12.5, waist 29.25, hips 35.5) and the F2F site military BF calculator, I have 22.4% BF (which seems really low to me,…
-
Meal timing...
Just curious if anybody is paying attention to the timing of their meals or macronutrient intake on their bulk? If so, in what way, and why? I came across some articles about this, and might adopt a few ideas but I'm generally happy getting a mix of protein, carbs and fat at most meals, having large breakfasts and dinners,…
-
"The problem with sugar is your problem with sugar"
I've seen a lot of topics posted lately regarding sugar, and thought I'd share this article I just read. It's long, but it's a very good read and provides a science- and evidence-based discussion of the carbohydrate that causes such consternation:…
-
NSV - Thank you All Pro!
So I mentioned that I'm adding pull-ups to the end of my routine for the next cycle. Doing three consecutive pull-ups is a goal I set for myself earlier this year. This afternoon my partner installed our old pull-up bar. t's been sitting in the closet unused for probably a couple of years, and I never did anything with it…
-
Micro-weight hack for hex dumbbells
So we all know that one of the limitations of training with dumbbells is that once you get above 15 lbs or so, the weight increments are pretty much set at 5lbs unless you've got an adjustable set (which cost a pretty penny - unaffordable if you're me). These 5 lb increments can eventually become unmanageable for some…
-
100 Pushup Challenge
Ok folks! I've set up this thread so we can check in and encourage each other as we complete our six week 100 Pushup Challenge! There are no obligations, but feel free to report your accomplishments (trust me, every pushup I manage will be a MAJOR personal victory) by telling us what week/day you're on and how many pushups…
-
Bent-over rows - halp!
I've been doing the All Pro Beginner's lifting routine for two cycles now (10 weeks, with dumbbells). In that time I've progressed on all the lifts - EXCEPT the bent-over rows. :angry: They are just as hard now as they were 10 weeks ago - when I'm at my max reps (12) there's a lot of body english going to get the last few…
-
Talk to me about "breaks"...
As in, taking a break from eating at a deficit and eating at or near maintenance for a short while? Do you do them? How often do you do them? How long do they last? Do you change your workout habits during them? Do you adjust your macro goals? WHY do you do them; under what circumstances would they be recommended? I guess…
-
"If you want to recomp..."
"If you want to recomp you have to eat at a surplus on lifting days and at a deficit on non lifting days." So I just read this response from Sara in another thread - how does this work? Do you still have a deficit overall (i.e. over the course of a week or month), or a surplus, or maintenance? Why does it matter whether…
-
Opinions re: when to do "other" exercise?
Specifically, pushups. I've been doing the 100 pushup challenge for about 6 weeks now and have made awesome progress. Although I'm just doing modified (knee) pushups now, I've gone from barely being able to eke out the 15 total reps required in 5 sets, to knocking out just shy of 200 in 5 sets. Completing the challenge on…
-
Turkey Breakfast Sausage
I'm making a second (massive) batch of these right now - the first didn't last long because they're so delicious! http://www.theyummylife.com/turkey_breakfast_sausage (recipe below for those who can't see the link) I followed the recipe almost exactly as written; I only decreased the salt by half, doubled the onion and…
-
"Broccomole"
Make this: http://pinterest.com/pin/559290847443917223/ Seriously, make it right now. One serving (half the recipe) is the size of my head (ok, not quite - but somewhere around 1.5-2 cups I think - 200g, anyways) and 135 calories, 7g of fat and SO FREAKING DELICIOUS. Also, re: mandatory accompanying tortilla chips. I did…
-
If I posted a very short video of my form...
Would y'all mind telling me if things look ok? I did my first week of the All Pro beginner's routine, and I'm pretty sure everything is more or less ok, but straight-legged deadlifts in particular feel awkward (granted, I have long legs and stupidly-tight hamstrings and calves and I've never done anything like it before).…
-
Light coconut milk ice cream - no ice cream maker
Is this a thing? I want to make ice cream using light (or half and half) coconut milk as a base, with no ice cream maker (that's not an appliance that I'm willing to purchase). I'm determined to find a recipe but not having any luck. Does anybody have anything up their sleeve?
-
Effective exercises with dumbbells/bands/chinup bar?
I've lost about 30 lbs in the last year; about ten with jogging and more mindful eating, and the other twenty with even MORE mindful (tracking) eating and exercise consisting mostly of cardio and HIIT and some jogging (I'm doing Turbo Fire videos - which I love -and starting to incorporate Insanity videos). I'm thinking…
-
I have half a butternut squash...
...and I don't want to waste it. Any healthy ideas for this lovely veg? Something sort of lunchy maybe?
