WOMEN'S CHALLENGE - Weekly Support/Motivation/Whatever Thread - Week 2/26

[Morkai]

I feel exactly the same way Nutbar! Last week I was so sore I could barely walk. This week all I've got is a twinge in my calf from horse riding. I felt my deadlifts and my glutes were a bit sore from the lunges but that was all I got this week.

On a good note I appear to have lost an inch off my waist *cheer* Still not sure I completely believe it as I have a love hate relationship with my tape measure but it didn't matter where I adjusted it to I couldn't get it so show less than an inch lost

[Bluefever]

Originally Posted by nutbar

We're almost at the end of week 2 and I'm wondering how everyone's soreness is doing?

I was sore for the first week, a good, deep soreness. This week, I've really worked on increasing my weights as much as proper form will allow and... nada. I'm not sore. That is a new one to me. Last year, I was constantly sore when I increased weights. Is it because I'm really being anal about form? Or is it the new-to-me high protein eats? I feel guilty because I'm not sore, like I'm wussing out. But I really am working hard so I don't understand it.

I am feeling the same way. I leave the gym feeling spent. Like I couldn't possibly do anymore yet the next day, I don't feel a thing. This too is new to me.

Also, today I did a quick warm up on the treadmill, went about my workout (stage 1 B) then hopped back on the treadmill for my intervals. Big muscel guy comes up to me and says "thats it?" I replied "thats it" he then says "thats all?" and I reply " it's enough" and he says "thats enough eh? (yaya canada we do say "eh" alot). What the hell was that????

[AnnetteW]

I for one am really enjoying the short weight training sessions. I know some people love to lift weights and probably think it could be longer (I think it gets longer, doesn't it? I haven't read ahead,) but for me, doing 20-25 min of weights is wonderful.

I'm actually finally cutting back on my cardio. I've gone from doing 60 min workouts to 30 min. And I'm aiming for 4-5 30 min workouts per week.

I had gotten so stuck on the 60 min cardio routine because I had made a great playlist that was 60 min long. Instead I added a bunch of new songs, I shuffle the playlist in itunes, and now just go for 30 min.

I also made a 30 min stepmill playlist of slow songs, so I need to find some more good slow songs to add to that. I'm actually enjoying that crazy machine.

I'm just home from a massage at a lovely spa here. I'm treating myself to a weekly massage. The therapist knows what I'm doing as far as weights, and I'm getting a wonderful massage that is relaxing for some of it, and healing for some too.

Even t hough I haven't been great on my diet, I am darn proud of the exercise I've been doing lately. And my body feels good. It doesn't hurt, but it gets tired. My joints feel comfortable.

[jhardy]

Bluefever, your explanation was very funny. While the workouts are short, they are intense. I can't believe how long some people work out at the gym. My boss and I were talking and she said that her trainer said that she needs to get there a half hour earlier so that she can get at least an hour of moderately paced cardio and at 1/2-1 hour of weights. Of course, I said she needed to increase her intensity and spend less time in the gym, but she probably won't listen because her trainer set it up this way.

The main reason I am doing this challenge is 1) so that I can be healthy and live a long life full of energy, 2) be a role model to my boys and to my students and show them that eating well and exercise is important and you don't just do it when you are participating in sports or if you are trying to lose weight (which I currently seem to do) 3) to feel confident in my body and not continue to "live" for the day that I will weigh a certain weight or look a certain way.

[UConnJulie]

You might not be sore because you are allowing your body to recover sufficiently in between workouts, and you are fueling your body for optimal recovery!! I find my soreness increases when I am tired and eating poorly ...

[Natalia]

Originally Posted by kfisherx

The gaining thing weirds me out a little bit. I don't really like eating so much (it is only 1800-1900 cals a day). It makes me feel really bloated and makes running harder. I don't think my month pics will look any better at all. In fact I might look worse. I don't know at this point. It is all new to me.

Great story and pics btw Tracy.

That's not what most women would like to achieve, I agree. But that's where I am right now, too. It's the time to put some meat on, ladies! Then we'll get all ripped to shreds by July!!!

I was sore for the first week, a good, deep soreness. This week, I've really worked on increasing my weights as much as proper form will allow and... nada. I'm not sore. That is a new one to me. Last year, I was constantly sore when I increased weights. Is it because I'm really being anal about form? Or is it the new-to-me high protein eats? I feel guilty because I'm not sore, like I'm wussing out. But I really am working hard so I don't understand it

The same here. When I isolate muscle groups, I hurt more after.


And thanks, Tracy, for sharing the story.

[Susan4]

I haven't been sore either and have been expecting to be at the level I'm working at, so I'm glad to hear this.

[kfisherx]

Guys, when I started with my trainer I wasn't sore at all either. I thought that perhaps I just didn't get DOMs. Then I started lifting and doing it in a more serious way with fairly big weights. My whole body is sore today. I feel my pecs, my triceps, my abs and my quads and hamstrings have been aching non-stop since my run on Sunday. It is a good possibility that I am suffering from not enough cals and rest right now but it is also the case that I am working harder than I ever have before.

My suspicion is that as the workouts get harder the DOMs will set in for some of you too.

[kfisherx]

Originally Posted by Natalia

That's not what most women would like to achieve, I agree. But that's where I am right now, too. It's the time to put some meat on, ladies! Then we'll get all ripped to shreds by July!!!

It does me so much good to hear that you are taking this same route. I am not hearing the "bulking" phase thing from anyone else at this time. I know you have some experience with this so I will look to you for comfort and guidance. This is really weird for me. The first time I have ever tried to put ON weight instead of take it off.

Do you tend to gain much fat when you do this?

[Natalia]

Originally Posted by kfisherx

Do you tend to gain much fat when you do this?

No, not too much. I usually stay at about 15-17% BF (10-12% bf is when cut). Mainly, because I don't believe I need to eat everything and anything that's within my sight when bulking. Neither do I see the reason behind eating a lot more above my maintenance. My goal is not to be the next Ms. Olympia (now those girls need to put on some serious mass and fat will surely come with that), but simply to be healthy and to project that health with my looks.

[LisaS]

would someone please bring me a piece of chocolate? just a small one would be fine. please?

[kfisherx]

Lisa!!! I haven't touched chocolate for months... (sigh...)

Natalie.. I am eating very healthy and lower in fat right now. Just pumping up the cals. I feel bloated all the same and I swear my gut hangs out even more now. My goal is to stay within 2% or so of my current bf which I managed to get down to 18% on my recent cut. Then I will cut like a BIG DAWG and try to see you down at 10% in July.

[GinnyLou]

I am still getting sore, but not to the extreme that I was. I have to go with Julie's theory on this and believe it is because I am not overtraining. It's nice to have such confidence in this program and I am willing to roll with it and see what the results will be.

I love this thread and I also really think it's cool that so many of us are doing this together and the powers that be gave us this forum. Too cool.
You girls are rocking this challenge! You are all so motivating to me.

would someone please bring me a piece of chocolate? just a small one would be fine. please?

Ahh, I would if I could find any around here. LOL

Natalia,
I went to your blog and WOW, you have the ideal body! I love your story and I also think it is cool that you are 5'8. I'm 5'9 and have had people tell me that how much harder it is for taller people to show muscle, because our muscles are longer. Now, I know you work hard for that body, but seeing your results gives me a kick in the pants.

I for one am really enjoying the short weight training sessions.

Me too! I love it and love how exhausted I am after. Love. It.

Big muscel guy comes up to me and says "thats it?" I replied "thats it" he then says "thats all?" and I reply " it's enough" and he says "thats enough eh? (yaya canada we do say "eh" alot). What the hell was that????

Bluefever - Oh, geez! Just wait until the results start showing. That'll teach 'em!

On a good note I appear to have lost an inch off my waist *cheer* Still not sure I completely believe it as I have a love hate relationship with my tape measure but it didn't matter where I adjusted it to I couldn't get it so show less than an inch lost

Go on with your bad self! That rocks!

So, my main motivation since then has been to heal my back and to continue maintaining a healthy, active, and mobile body so I will never have to "sit out" again.

Greatm, great, story! Thanks for sharing that, Tracy! Good stuff.

[Natalia]

Originally Posted by kfisherx

Then I will cut like a BIG DAWG and try to see you down at 10% in July.

Alright, You're on!

Originally Posted by @GinnyLou

Natalia,
I went to your blog and WOW, you have the ideal body! I love your story and I also think it is cool that you are 5'8. I'm 5'9 and have had people tell me that how much harder it is for taller people to show muscle, because our muscles are longer. Now, I know you work hard for that body, but seeing your results gives me a kick in the pants.

Another tall gal, eh? Cool !

'Kick in the pants' is what Russian parents do best. I got plenty of that growing up. Now I am passing down the experience

[Jodi]

I'm another one who is enjoying the shorter weight workouts and less cardio. I was one of those overdueing it at the gym...and seeing little result.

I, too, was really sore after the first couple of workouts, but this week not much at all!

I haven't posted in this thread too much...but, am really enjoying all the conversation you guys have going!



Jodi