Share your progress !

[USMCHokie]

I am now debating whether I should put on a few pounds...

[tman666]

I am now debating whether I should put on a few pounds...

 

For me, it takes just as much mental toughness to successfully bulk as it does to successfully cut. You have to learn to ignore that little voice in your head that calls you a fatass every five minutes, and learn to embrace eating too much. Just got done eating 12 pork spare ribs? WELL THAT'S NOT ENOUGH, PENCIL NECK! EAT 12 MOAR!!!

 

On the plus side, seeing your strength numbers go through the roof is addicting as hell and (at least for me) the driving catalyst behind going through the rest of it.

 

I just got off of a bulking phase that lasted about 2 months, and during that time I blasted through every one of my lifetime PRs on all lifts. I felt like I found the (fairly obvious) holy grail of strength. Ton of food + low volume + heavy ass weight = big n' strong.

[Surrealist]

Yeah some fat gain is inevitable unless you have great genetics. Hokie is lean currently and I thin the leaner you are the better your body's efficiency to convert extra energy into lean muscle mass, until such time your body fat levels rise to a certain point. Sometimes, in fact just about all the time, it is the only way to get bigger and stronger. Though other things can assist as well such as shocking the muscle with a different routine or exercises. And I'm also wondering about 'de-training' or -de'conditioning' the muscle. I just made them terms up. I say this because I recently had a forced break from training due to a serious injury. When I returned I noticed some of my muscle responded to the training that it hadn't in a long time, despite not being about to exercise that muscle group with heavy compound movements. Just something I thought to add there.

[tman666]

Yeah some fat gain is inevitable unless you have great genetics. Hokie is lean currently and I thin the leaner you are the better your body's efficiency to convert extra energy into lean muscle mass, until such time your body fat levels rise to a certain point. Sometimes, in fact just about all the time, it is the only way to get bigger and stronger. Though other things can assist as well such as shocking the muscle with a different routine or exercises. And I'm also wondering about 'de-training' or -de'conditioning' the muscle. I just made them terms up. I say this because I recently had a forced break from training due to a serious injury. When I returned I noticed some of my muscle responded to the training that it hadn't in a long time, despite not being about to exercise that muscle group with heavy compound movements. Just something I thought to add there.

 

A classic case of the law of diminishing returns. The more advanced one is, the harder it is to progress.

 

You're correct in saying that a detrained muscle (or even lifting movement such as a squat) will advance much more quickly than trained muscles and movements.

 

Sorry to hear about your injury. Boo injuries...

[USMCHokie]

I understand that some fat gain is inherent when you're trying to increase lean muscle mass, and that's not really my main concern. I still have a rather slim build and it's something I've wanted to maintain. I'm only 5' 8" and don't really want to have that stout look...I'm still relatively "skinny" but with decent muscle size for my weight and build. I am currently at a little under 160 lbs and am considering gaining maybe 5 lbs or so just to fill out a little more...I just don't want to cross that line into short n' stout territory...which I'm inching very close to...

[skydiveaddict]

after my last deployment, I was put on some drugs that made me gain 30 lbs. I've lost 20 so far, but it hasn't been easy. I would be wary , Hokie, of trying to put on more weight, It goes on a lot easier than it comes off.

[USMCHokie]

after my last deployment, I was put on some drugs that made me gain 30 lbs. I've lost 20 so far, but it hasn't been easy. I would be wary , Hokie, of trying to put on more weight, It goes on a lot easier than it comes off.

 

I agree. With my genetics and age, it is relatively easy for me to control my weight now, but I don't want to gain so much that it starts a snowball effect that I won't be able to return from...

[skydiveaddict]

I agree. With my genetics and age, it is relatively easy for me to control my weight now, but I don't want to gain so much that it starts a snowball effect that I won't be able to return from...

 

 

True. Then you'll look like me. But I am making progress. Two more months and I should be back down where I should be. I've got plenty of muscle, just too much fat to go along with it.

Plus, it hampers my skydiving, which bothers me worst of all.

Edited November 11, 2010 by skydiveaddict

[Leigh 87]

It is very interesting for me to read about how people actually want to GAIN weight. For me, I battle tremendously with a strong desire to want to be as thin as possible ( but without looking unhealthy).

 

Unfortunately, I do not have the genetics to be super slim, but I have found a diet and fitness regieme that makes my body in the best shape it can be - in fact, there are MANY thinner built women, with smaller bones than me, who are bigger than I am, because I have dedicated years to researching what foods and exercises work for me, and avoid any chemicals in food. Or in products in general. I am very healthy.

 

LATEST PROGRESS: I took the scale to work and locked in it my locker. I have not weighed myseld in days; I previously weighted myself several times every day, and my mood was dictated by what I weighed.

 

 

I even had to go in to work today, yet I resisted the urge to take the scales home. The inexorable drive to weigh myself simply had to be overcome. I won today.

 

 

I am sure I have gained a little. I would be at least 118 ish lbs. Sucks when I had previously been 110 - 114 lbs for the past 4 years. And yes, my entirity HAS been based on what I weigh so it is not a desire that is easily relinquished.

 

 

WHen can I pick up my scales? The logical answer would be: when I feel better about myself, and when I start to actually achieve things outside of maintaining a certain weight.

 

When I am feeling good, and have been feeling good about things WITHOUT knowing my weight, then I suppose it would be okay to start weighing myself again.

 

 

Of course, I do not trust myself to resist the scale, so I am bringing it to my psychologist to our next apppointment, and she has agreed to keep them for me, until the day I learn to ignore my resentment for my body size.

 

 

I will never stop hating my natural bone size ( yes, I simply will simply think smaller boned women have the portential to be more attractive), but I can learn how to at least feel good about what I have, both my body and outside of the superficial.

 

 

 

 

Stopping weighing myself is HARD!!!!!! @*#(&

 

 

There is that instant gratification of always being at OR below a certain number, however; until I have more going for me in terms of my studies ( which start early 11') and until I actually make any friends ny the new town I moved to recently, I KNOW that I WILL rely too much on my weight in order to attain contentment in my daily life.

[Leigh 87]

Women: go to utube, and type in " Tracey Andersons method". She may sound blonde and ditzy, but she has designed her own bands and equipment, and her own dance cardio and own movements.

 

Her method is based on the idea that it is better to work the smaller, accessory muscles, so that they pull the larger muscles in, and in turn, pull them in and make your body into a slim, small shape.

 

At the very least, her method is a great addition to women who like large, comound, heavy lifting exercises, as it is SO DIFFERENT from anything out there; it will give your muscles some variety, and every one who tries her method says that it DEFINITLY causes their muscles to wake up and take notice to the new movements she introduces.

 

We can only do her DVD'S, her dance cardio and matt workout. These are not as good as getting to train at her actual studio's, which have her equitment and her additional help ( from her instructors that are trained in her method).

 

 

I have tried liftining heavy weights, and other methods of exercise ove the past 4 - 5 years, and so far I look my best doing Traceys matt workout 6 days per week, in addition to injecting variety with other activities, such as running, Pilates, and walking a lot.

 

Clean eating also gave me the best results. I have observed more of traceys method on UTUBE, and I strongly feel that if you learn her dance cardio moves, and do it 5 days a week virgorously, then you will get a LOT of variety due to her varied moves.

 

Traceys style looks like it will suit me best. I have a threshhold as for how heavy I can lift; I can lift an average healthy amount, but if I was the type to want to lift very heavy and " improve", I have to actually gain weight and eat more.

 

I have tried to lift as heavy as I can for my current weight, which is at least average or above for my size, however, I do not like the hard look I get from heavy weights.

[denise_xo]

I've FINALLY made it back to the gym after a longish dry spell. Today felt so good. 3x/week is the routine I want to get back into. Wish me luck.

 

Day two today. Still felt great I'm going to keep counting loud until I get to twelve or so - by then it should be routine.

[Star Gazer]

Women: go to utube, and type in " Tracey Andersons method". She may sound blonde and ditzy, but she has designed her own bands and equipment, and her own dance cardio and own movements.

 

Her method is based on the idea that it is better to work the smaller, accessory muscles, so that they pull the larger muscles in, and in turn, pull them in and make your body into a slim, small shape.

 

At the very least, her method is a great addition to women who like large, comound, heavy lifting exercises, as it is SO DIFFERENT from anything out there; it will give your muscles some variety, and every one who tries her method says that it DEFINITLY causes their muscles to wake up and take notice to the new movements she introduces.

 

We can only do her DVD'S, her dance cardio and matt workout. These are not as good as getting to train at her actual studio's, which have her equitment and her additional help ( from her instructors that are trained in her method).

 

 

I have tried liftining heavy weights, and other methods of exercise ove the past 4 - 5 years, and so far I look my best doing Traceys matt workout 6 days per week, in addition to injecting variety with other activities, such as running, Pilates, and walking a lot.

 

Clean eating also gave me the best results. I have observed more of traceys method on UTUBE, and I strongly feel that if you learn her dance cardio moves, and do it 5 days a week virgorously, then you will get a LOT of variety due to her varied moves.

 

Traceys style looks like it will suit me best. I have a threshhold as for how heavy I can lift; I can lift an average healthy amount, but if I was the type to want to lift very heavy and " improve", I have to actually gain weight and eat more.

 

I have tried to lift as heavy as I can for my current weight, which is at least average or above for my size, however, I do not like the hard look I get from heavy weights.

 

I have watched several of her videos. I am having an incredibly difficult time understanding how what she does can be considered a workout.

[Lauriebell82]

I am back on track. I lost the 5 pounds that I gained since my wedding 2 months ago! I was running hardcore up until my wedding to look good in my wedding dress. I upped my routine pretty quick and on my honeymoon I started having shoulder pain. I think I pulled a muscle in my shoulder, so I had to take several weeks off from working out. It was horrible! I lost some endurance pretty quickly. I have been back to running 5 times per week in the past 2-3 weeks and am getting my endurance back again. It feels great!

 

I have decided that I am NOT going to fall into the "my husband loves me so I can skip working out today" trap. I think it's just hard to get back into a workout routine after being out for a period of time.

 

I do not feel like I need to lose anymore weight, I do not want to work out harder because I do not want to re-injure myself. And if I cut down on my food intake then I would be pretty much starving myself, as I don't eat a ton of food as it is (I am only 5'2). Right now I run 5 miles three times per week, 4 miles once per week, and 3.5 miles once per week. That seems to be doing the job and I feel good!

 

YAY!!!

[tman666]

I am back on track. I lost the 5 pounds that I gained since my wedding 2 months ago! I was running hardcore up until my wedding to look good in my wedding dress. I upped my routine pretty quick and on my honeymoon I started having shoulder pain. I think I pulled a muscle in my shoulder, so I had to take several weeks off from working out. It was horrible! I lost some endurance pretty quickly. I have been back to running 5 times per week in the past 2-3 weeks and am getting my endurance back again. It feels great!

 

I have decided that I am NOT going to fall into the "my husband loves me so I can skip working out today" trap. I think it's just hard to get back into a workout routine after being out for a period of time.

 

I do not feel like I need to lose anymore weight, I do not want to work out harder because I do not want to re-injure myself. And if I cut down on my food intake then I would be pretty much starving myself, as I don't eat a ton of food as it is (I am only 5'2). Right now I run 5 miles three times per week, 4 miles once per week, and 3.5 miles once per week. That seems to be doing the job and I feel good!

 

YAY!!!

 

Nice. Keep cruising for a while until you start stagnating or getting bored, then switch it up.

[tman666]

I have watched several of her videos. I am having an incredibly difficult time understanding how what she does can be considered a workout.

 

Agreed. In addition to looking like she's had massive amounts of plastic surgery, her "training methods" are laughable with regards to actual functionality in any sense of the word. This seems great for Hollywood types and those who don't actually want to work hard in the gym (possibly geriatrics).

 

I apologize for ruffling anyone's feathers, but I don't know how else to say it...

Edited November 12, 2010 by tman666

[redmelon]

Hi everyone! Congrats to those who have worked hard this week!

 

Apparently I have one more day of learning basic technique before I go in with "the general population". I am scared. I guess I am just afraid that I will be judged by the others who have perfected their form. It's more than that, I don't want to be categorized as a slow learner. Am I being irrational? - absolutely.

 

I am so glad that I didn't let this insecurity stop me from going in the first place, and I am optimistic that I will get through the fear just fine. It's the anticipating that sucks.

 

I've had great workouts all week - went 4 out of 5 days (and only because the trainer had a last minute emergency and couldn't come) Learned wall ball, cleans, one armed kettle bells, box jumps, and thrusters. It was soooo hard, and I loved it.

 

I am in the limbo period right now - the place where it's too soon for any visual results and so you have to gain your motivation elsewhere. This is often hard for people and I am just trying to keep pushing through. I really do enjoy it - I get a weird pleasure from that pain now. I see differently now why it's so addictive for people, CrossFit, that is...

[Star Gazer]

Hi everyone! Congrats to those who have worked hard this week!

 

Apparently I have one more day of learning basic technique before I go in with "the general population". I am scared. I guess I am just afraid that I will be judged by the others who have perfected their form. It's more than that, I don't want to be categorized as a slow learner. Am I being irrational? - absolutely.

 

I am so glad that I didn't let this insecurity stop me from going in the first place, and I am optimistic that I will get through the fear just fine. It's the anticipating that sucks.

 

I've had great workouts all week - went 4 out of 5 days (and only because the trainer had a last minute emergency and couldn't come) Learned wall ball, cleans, one armed kettle bells, box jumps, and thrusters. It was soooo hard, and I loved it.

 

I am in the limbo period right now - the place where it's too soon for any visual results and so you have to gain your motivation elsewhere. This is often hard for people and I am just trying to keep pushing through. I really do enjoy it - I get a weird pleasure from that pain now. I see differently now why it's so addictive for people, CrossFit, that is...

 

Girl... Keep at it!! I deadlifted 190 tonight. I'm so proud of myself... I've improved so much in just 2.5 months, it's insane. It's addicting!!

 

Just going to CF is an accomplishment in and of itself. Once you see results in your strength and fitness you'll never stop.

 

Now, if only I could actually do a real pullup. Haha

[redmelon]

Girl... Keep at it!! I deadlifted 190 tonight. I'm so proud of myself... I've improved so much in just 2.5 months, it's insane. It's addicting!!

 

Just going to CF is an accomplishment in and of itself. Once you see results in your strength and fitness you'll never stop.

 

Now, if only I could actually do a real pullup. Haha

 

190?! VERY impressive! Nice work! It's funny, but I can tell in small ways that I am improving. For example, carrying groceries in from the car is so much easier now - less trips = JOY!

[Star Gazer]

190?! VERY impressive! Nice work! It's funny, but I can tell in small ways that I am improving. For example, carrying groceries in from the car is so much easier now - less trips = JOY!

 

Totally! I climb 3 flights of stairs, and the groceries thing is the best part so far - haha!

 

My girlfriend, who's brand new to CF, did 220. EVERYONE was in awe.

[Leigh 87]

Lots of women look great through doing Traceys method - It is just different to aiming to be able to go and lift the most heaviest weight as you can possible lift, with a given body part.

 

Look - dancing around HARD, and doing her dance cardio VIGOROUSLY, has the advantage over standard aerobics, in that it has dance style moves.

 

As a dancer, she probably has a better idea than you think about what it takes to maintain a good body ( seeing as her standards of what her body is is based on being able to dance for hours a day) - and she happens to find that incorportating certain dance moves - she includes the ones that make the MOST different, really works.

 

 

Her matt DVD has moves that are hard to repeat many time, and they are at angles that increase your range of motion whilst doing them.

 

 

Look, I just do not personally like the idea of striving to lift the heaviest weight possible. I do not think we are as designed to LIFT heavy loads, as we are to move and dance around.

 

I tried lifting heavy weights and I tend to look overly developed and stocky; I have muscular legs that look BIGGER when I do leg pressed or seated leg extensions,at high weights. My legs look more slender and feminine and HOW I LIKE THEM TO LOOK, when I do any pilate's, yoga, or dance orientated moves regularly.

 

I really do not see how dancing vigorously is a BAD thing? How is it any less valid than some aerobics class? Furthermore, Tracey is a former dancer, so the dance movies encourage better flexbiility than standard aerobics.

 

Her matt moves really are hard, to be able to do them in propper form, for as many reps as she does them in. HER AB work is also hard, and would not be a walk in the park if you are doing load sof reps, and doing them well.

 

 

I agree with her - I simply do not like the 6 pack look on MY body. It does not suit ME. I prefer dancers bodies to gym honed ones. I have some nice " lines" on my stomach, rather than a full on 6 pack now a days.

 

 

Besides, I am also combining her dane moves and matt moves with walking, running for 30 - 45 mins, and also doing basic pilates daily.

 

You guys really have to respect what works for some women; a lot of women achieve fabulous bodies with Traceys method, where as a lot of women ALSO LOVE their bodies doing crossfit, and lifting heavy. I ro respect that a lot of women prefer lifting heavy, but you also have the respect that it is not what attains MY optimal body, and gets MY dsires results.

 

 

Not all women will like their bodies when they develop their muscles too much; they do best with Pilates, yoga, and dance style cardio. I am one of those women. I like my body better when I do not lift heavy.

 

And Star, you allude to the fact that I am some unfit wanker that would not know how to lift heavy; um, I have spent the last 4 years exerpimenting at the gym, and I did lift heavy, and I do not like my body that way. I will not give you the weights I lifted because I do not need to justify to you that I meet your criteria for " heavy lifting". I did my cert 3 and 4 in fitness just to gain the knowledge, and I lifted what is considerede heavy.It was not for me.

 

 

I AM SICK of STAR and others who ASSUME that lifting heavy is THE ONLY way for women to attain their BEST possible bodies! SERIOUSLY! it is not what ALL women find works best for THEIR bodies, lol!

 

 

 

 

I really do not appreciate the deameaning tone from STAR - I am sure you are nice and we would get along in person fine, however, online you often treat me like I just do not have a clue about fitness.

 

 

I actually have spent 4 years seeing what works best for me in terms of diet and nutrition, and have maintained my bodies ideal weight throughout my experiemtation, without fail, for years; without relapsing from my eating disorder, even though I have had no professional help. I have remained a constant, slim, and healthy weight.

 

I have eaten the correct amount for years, maintained my bodies best weight for years, and I have found what exercise and foods work well for me. SO please stop with the attitude. I have found what works very well for me, and have a good knowledge about how to attain MY optimal body.

[Leigh 87]

STAR and others - what is the balance of cardio and lifting you prefer? I am just curious as to what works best for you.

 

 

I feel healthier when I do more cardio. I am assuming that during cross fit and other weight related activities, you perhaps do cardio in between, and become aerobically fit through that?

 

 

I actually do not mind doing squats for my butt with heavy weights. Also, doing basic body pump MAINTAINS, and only slightl to lift increase my muscle mass. It is only when I want HEAVIER that this happens;

 

I am at a slender weight for my build, in which I can happily maintain my current muscle to fat ratio, and even increase the muscle slightly and still look okay.

 

However, if I adopt the mentality of " always aim to lift higher" and if I try to increase my strength past a certain point, my body needs to get BIGGER all around to allow for it; I need eat more, gain more fat in order to turn into muscle, and I do not become " heavier but smaller", the way muscle is supposed to be more dense than fat.

 

 

So I can lift heavy weights up to a limit, but at a certain point, if I really wanted to be competative and always aim to go further, I do look more stocky, and do not leaner; by body demane larger all around, for me to be ABLE to lift even heavier.

 

 

I can lift an average load to begin with, so I have no desire to lift heavier and heavier and heavier. I do not like the shape of my body when I develop my muscles too much through heavy lifting.

 

It suits some women, but it does not suit me. I have tried it. I really like my body better with lots of Pilates, yoga, and traceys moves.

[Leigh 87]

STAR - I am not having a go at you, I just sense that you do not appreciate what I have gone through with my body, and what I have achieved with it - I hear you love cross fit; the thing is, I DO push myself to my own limits, within my chosen exercise.

 

Moreover, I also think it is a good skill to have, to be able to know how much you need to eat to maintain a weight that you feel best at - I am aware of what weight I look and feel good at, and I know how to go about maintaining it, and I have done sucessfully for years.

 

I really admire your progress in crossfit, but I think you put my efforts down.

[eerie_reverie]

Ran 8 miles Friday but didn't do my long run today, which was supposed to be 13 miles, because it was raining. :sick:

 

Hopefully I'll be able to wake up at 4:30 tomorrow morning to do it then.

 

I am pissed off about how I am still not at my ideal size. Where is the flat stomach I feel like I deserve?

 

Not looking for advice, as I know to get there, I should incorporate weights into my routine, which I don't have time for. The marathon is my goal right now. But still, I was really hoping with all the running and the watching of my diet, I'd washboard abs pretty quick. I estimate I'm about 10 pounds of fat away, which don't appear to be melting.

Edited November 15, 2010 by eerie_reverie

[sb129]

I think you achieve abs through controlling your diet as well as your cardio Spook. My stomach always looks better when I give up drinking and cut my carbs down, but I have never had a six pack.

 

You need to really watch what you eat- no alcohol, high protein, low carbs.

[sb129]

PS I just wanted to share that I am finally back at my prepregnancy weight (64kg, I am 175cm tall) its taken ages! (over a year) Also running and doing great weights classes (bodypump) and boxing, am enjoying my workouts. Can now do 2km on the rowing machine in less than 9 minutes which isn't going to break any records but is a decent time.

 

Yay! Feeling good now that summer is coming. My body shape is a little different post baby, but all the hard work has finally paid off. I will never be thin thin, but I look healthy and I think I look good. I feel great!