The Year of Magical Lifting

[missjane]

Hi Tracy! Off to a great start, I see. Keep up the good work. I'm sure we will have lots of fun during the next 6 months!

[Victoria]

Hi Jane!

NROL4W
Stage 1
Workout B1

Warm-up: 5 mins. on tready plus a bunch of mobility and activation stuff.

Strength Workout:

Straight Set w/ 60 sec. rest
A) DB Deadlift (2x15x15#dbs)

Superset w/ 60 sec. rest
2A) DB Shoulder Press (2x15x15#dbs)
2B) Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown (kneeling) (2x15x60#)

Superset w/ 60 sec. rest
3A) Lunge (2x15x15#dbs)
3B) Swiss Ball Crunch (2x8x25#plate)

Jammin' Music: Melissa Etheridge "The Awakening." I really like this CD, not to mention I am really inspired by her strength and courage. A class act!

Notes:
For the love of everything holy! What began as a rather enjoyable, yet taxing workout turned into the evil lunges from hell! Ugh....I'm still shaking...Anyway, I sub'd the DLs for DB DLs and I kept the weights rather low to check my form. I haven't done DLs of any kind in a while so I need to be extra careful with my back. I sub'd the pulldowns for the kneeling version. I don't have that leg thingy on my bench, so I think this is an acceptable sub. Otherwise a great workout.

Nutrition: I've been keeping a detailed log since the challenge started. I just haven't had a chance to enter it into Fitday. That is my goal for this weekend so I'll know how I'm doing on my numbers. But, I've been really good about increasing my veggies, a typical tough spot for me, and I'm assuming my calories are on target since my energy has remained high. But, only the numbers will tell.

Energy Level: 1 (bonk) 2 3 4 5 (bionic) = 5

[stingo]

Yup including veggies is a big blind spot in my diet too - I too have resolved to correct that this weekend. (In fact I was/am looking up vegetarian recipes for the purpose...)

[LisaS]

I messed up the supersets and paired the lunges with the pulldowns right after the DLs - I never appreciated the extra rest that putting the 2nd leg in the last superset gives you.

[kfisherx]

Alright! Another bionic graded workout! How cool is that? I had one of those on Monday and loved it. Way to be.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by stingo

Yup including veggies is a big blind spot in my diet too - I too have resolved to correct that this weekend. (In fact I was/am looking up vegetarian recipes for the purpose...)

Oooh....do share some recipes. I always have a hard time getting creative with just veggies. Plus, it's so hard to get the protein up there.

Originally Posted by LisaS

I messed up the supersets and paired the lunges with the pulldowns right after the DLs - I never appreciated the extra rest that putting the 2nd leg in the last superset gives you.

The crunches were downright easy after the lunges. I can't imagine doing them with the pulldowns. You crazy lady!

Originally Posted by kfisherx

Alright! Another bionic graded workout! How cool is that? I had one of those on Monday and loved it. Way to be.

Probably because you've been getting your calories up there, haven't you, missy!

[kfisherx]

Originally Posted by Victoria

Probably because you've been getting your calories up there, haven't you, missy!

You got that right. I am averaging around 1700 a day now which is about 300 up from where I was. I think that is good for me. Or at least good for me for now. I am feeling amazing in comparison. Even more is that I no longer hate to eat. In fact I feel hunger now and eating is more pleasurable because of my hunger. It is such a cool thing. I cannot believe how screwed up I was. Thanks for helping me through it. I will get there with all your support.

[Victoria]

I experienced the very same changes. I started seeing food as the ally and not the enemy. Feed the workouts, don't starve the fat! And, I actually enjoy the feeling of hunger again. Of course, eating every 2-3 hours it never gets out of hand, but it is nice to feel it again. I actually enjoy eating now. And, the best reward is how much better I feel energy-wise. I'll never let that happen again. I'm proud of you, Karla! I know it was a tough transition for you, but I'm so glad to see you embracing it now! You go girl!

[tkinsley]

Originally Posted by Victoria

Hi Jane!

NROL4W
Stage 1
Workout B1

Warm-up: 5 mins. on tready plus a bunch of mobility and activation stuff.

Strength Workout:

Straight Set w/ 60 sec. rest
A) DB Deadlift (2x15x15#dbs)

Superset w/ 60 sec. rest
2A) DB Shoulder Press (2x15x15#dbs)
2B) Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown (kneeling) (2x15x60#)

Superset w/ 60 sec. rest
3A) Lunge (2x15x15#dbs)
3B) Swiss Ball Crunch (2x8x25#plate)

Jammin' Music: Melissa Etheridge "The Awakening." I really like this CD, not to mention I am really inspired by her strength and courage. A class act!

Notes:
For the love of everything holy! What began as a rather enjoyable, yet taxing workout turned into the evil lunges from hell! Ugh....I'm still shaking...Anyway, I sub'd the DLs for DB DLs and I kept the weights rather low to check my form. I haven't done DLs of any kind in a while so I need to be extra careful with my back. I sub'd the pulldowns for the kneeling version. I don't have that leg thingy on my bench, so I think this is an acceptable sub. Otherwise a great workout.

Nutrition: I've been keeping a detailed log since the challenge started. I just haven't had a chance to enter it into Fitday. That is my goal for this weekend so I'll know how I'm doing on my numbers. But, I've been really good about increasing my veggies, a typical tough spot for me, and I'm assuming my calories are on target since my energy has remained high. But, only the numbers will tell.

Energy Level: 1 (bonk) 2 3 4 5 (bionic) = 5

I was going to ask you about your back... doing OK?

[Victoria]

Actually, my back feels really good lately...and strong. I just am so freakin' nervous to try anything too heavy and, god forbid, hurt it again. Just like Mexican food....can't eat it even after all these years. One good bout of food poisoning and it's all over for Mexican food! Adios amigos!

[Lost Dog]

Good workout, Tracy.

Have you ever tried making lasagna with zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage leaves, and/or eggplant instead of noodles?

[Victoria]

I have not, but I did think of trying it with a veggie like eggplant or squash...long thing strips, kinda like the noodles...

I think I would have to put a lot of meat in it to really fill me up. Hmmmm...how to sub egg noodles?

[Lost Dog]

There's really no good sub for egg noodles. Small strips of yellow summer/crookneck squash (we have these year round out here), maybe? Won't be the same, but still good. A dish unto it's own.

I've done the lasagna with eggplant, too. Usually, it's a mix of eggplant, zucchini (sliced thin, the long way), and yellow summer/crookneck squash (also sliced thin, the long way). and, yes. Lots of meat (and cheese) is a nice touch.

[Mahler]

Originally Posted by Victoria

Actually, my back feels really good lately...and strong. I just am so freakin' nervous to try anything too heavy and, god forbid, hurt it again. Just like Mexican food....can't eat it even after all these years. One good bout of food poisoning and it's all over for Mexican food! Adios amigos!

I know what you mean. I tend to be super cautious for a few sessions after I have had a pain or strain. Take it easy and work back into it.

[dillytl]

Originally Posted by Victoria

I have not, but I did think of trying it with a veggie like eggplant or squash...long thing strips, kinda like the noodles...

I think I would have to put a lot of meat in it to really fill me up. Hmmmm...how to sub egg noodles?

Hubby is going to put together a Portabello Mushroom lasagna this weekend - and instead of the ricotta cheese, he'll use cottage cheese to help get the protein level up a bit. He tends to "throw stuff together" and not follow a recipe, but I can keep track of what he does and let you know what he does if you want!

And yes, I'm spoiled - my DH does ALL the cookin!!

[fengshway]

tracyvictoria, welcome to the challenge, and may we both mistress the chinup by challenge end!

[lance02]

Tracy, it's a pleasure making your acquaintance! Now, just make sure this new gal pushes you just like Victoria did!