Hi...my name is betty and i'm a newbie!

betty rocker · 02-07-2008, 02:10 AM

hi everyone! i'm excited to introduce myself. i'm 39, and i started lifting last year.
i find it strange that not many women do it, NONE of the women i know lift weights.
there aren't many women in the weight room.
when the NROL4W came out, i did the happy dance. i'm in stage one, maybe a month in. i have zero free time, so this workout works for me. i didn't take measurements or photos...but am making big improvements in strength and seems like my belt needs tightening. i've never lifted this heavy before. i feel like a superhero!

Deadlift was 35lbs, now 65lbs
Dumbell Shoulder Press, was 10lbs, now 17.5lbs
Widegrip Lat Pulldown 40lbs, now 80lbs
Lunge, started at BW, now at 20lbs
Squat started at BW, now 55lbs

Part of the weight progression is that I have more courage to lift heavier. It was in my mind that I couldn't. AND I'm getting stronger.
i'm curious to see what happens next!

betty

Cynic · 02-07-2008, 03:14 AM

I wish more women would lift, but I also wish they would lift intelligently. That is, to not doubt self, not spend so much time doing isolation work, etc.

Good luck Betty (I saw you registered a few days ago). I like the play on the name.

You're a late nighter.

Littlemermaidklb · 02-07-2008, 06:25 AM

There's so many new people on here just in the last day or two, I think it's great! Good luck with your workouts... our numbers are fairly similar :-)

AnnetteW · 02-07-2008, 07:20 AM

Hi Betty, and welcome. The gym I go to is full of females that lift, and lift hard. There are quite a few pros and fitness competitors that work out here. It's actually a very motivating place.

Good luck on your workouts. I'm enjoy them myself.

GinnyLou · 02-07-2008, 08:04 AM

Hi Betty!
Welcome!
Take pictures and take your measurements and jot them down. I don't mean to sound bossy, but I think you'll wish you had.
Congrats on the strengths and lifting. I was just like you and underestimated myself and the confidence that comes with this program, just ROCKS!

beach_plums · 02-07-2008, 09:58 AM

Hi Betty. GinnyLou is right. I originally didn't take pictures or measurements. I'm now several weeks into stage 1 and wish that I had. I've noticed changes in my strength and legs, but have nothing to measure that against. I finally took my measurements and pictures yesterday. I'm actually looking forward to next month when I take everything again.

betty rocker · 02-07-2008, 12:31 PM

not looking forward to taking "before" photos...but you're right...it would be horrifying, yet strangely motivating...or just horrifying. : )

LisaS · 02-07-2008, 12:34 PM

well - it's not like you have to post them anywhere - just taking them can be very good for you - measurements too -

betty rocker · 02-07-2008, 12:52 PM

thanks everyone for your warm welcome and encouraging posts! that would be so awesome to go to a gym full of women that lift heavy. for now, i'll rely on all of you for encouragement.
keeping a notebook of my weight progress at the gym has been soooo enlightening and encouraging. it's cool to see improvements. this week, i took 3 days off in a row, and thought I'd feel weak at the gym. But I was shocked that some weights felt so light. yay!