beesknees NROL4W log - Page 6 - JP Fitness Forums

Celestialmom · 08-06-2008, 10:01 PM

...and narcissistic!

beesknees · 08-07-2008, 08:11 AM

LOL - usually I confuse my husband with big words like that. Turns out I could just make this stuff up and he would have no idea!

So I was going to lift this morning - workout 2 of stage 7 - but my legs will just not quit. I can honestly say I have never felt this level of fatigue and soreness in my life. I have had plenty of DOMS but this time takes the cake. So I am going to give it about 12 hours more and do it after work. Normally the soreness doesn't bother me and I just lift anyway, but its so bad I am afraid of doing more damage. I tried stretching more last night but it still hurts to walk today.

My husband and I were going to ride bikes last night. I made it about 15 minutes and had to go back giving us a total of about 30. My legs just wouldn't go! I felt like such a loser having to go back. I HATE not finishing a workout that I set out to do. I felt so bad I kept apologizing to him. I told him I owe him a bike ride this weekend.

Well I just got done reading the womens's challange sign up thread with all the pics. Man, do I feel like a loser. I feel like the only one who didn't go for it. Everyone is so motivating! I guess one of the main reasons is I am not sure what my goals are and deep down and probably afraid of failing. The truth hurts! Lately though I have felt so much better about myself. I feel more in control of my diet which is the biggest problem for me. I have never actually been on a "diet" while most of my friends have at some point. I never really had to. I am no where near figuring all this stuff out but I seem to be getting a better grasp each day.

Yesterday eats were good. We had chicken breast on the grill and corn on the cob. I was actually under my goal calories. I am still feeling quite bloated though. Could it still be from this weekend?

TMI warning ahead: I am on BCP's and have always noticed the second week is the worst for bloating. The first seems to be the best and that is when I got my low weight last week. I kind of hate being on them - not sure how much longer I want to be. I wonder if anyone else has any experience with this? I would never blame the pills for weight gain but when I started them is when I gained about 5 pounds 6 years ago. I always wonder if I went off would I lose anything? And I wonder how they affect fat loss. Probably very little to none and I haven't ever found any studies that say one way or another. Hmmmm just something to think about I guess.

I really like Beach Plums aka Christina's listing of good things each post in her log. Positive attitude can go a long way. So here I am copying this idea

Good things:
1. Even though I am sore and hobbling around like an old woman, its a constant reminder of my hard work.
2. Its getting so much easier to avoid buying junk at the grocery store. We were at Target last night and it always amazes me how much junk is there. Every time we go I swear there are new 100 calorie packs and other gimmicks. What a waste of time to spend 100 calories on 3 mini chips ahoy cookies when you can eat something better that will fill you up!

Amblus · 08-07-2008, 08:21 AM

Don't be too hard on yourself! I took my first Stage 7 workout pretty light last night and I still have mad DOMS. It's a crazy, crazy workout.

Bytsi · 08-07-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beesknees

Well I just got done reading the womens's challange sign up thread with all the pics. Man, do I feel like a loser. I feel like the only one who didn't go for it. Everyone is so motivating! I guess one of the main reasons is I am not sure what my goals are and deep down and probably afraid of failing. The truth hurts! Lately though I have felt so much better about myself. I feel more in control of my diet which is the biggest problem for me. I have never actually been on a "diet" while most of my friends have at some point. I never really had to. I am no where near figuring all this stuff out but I seem to be getting a better grasp each day.

Hey. Knock it off. Yes - you - Bree. Knock it off.

You aren't a loser. You're figuring out your goals - that's a good thing. Making sure you know where you're going is a GOOD thing. Otherwise you could spin your wheels forever and not go in the right direction cuz you don't know WHAT direction to go in!

Fear of failing is universal. Some hide it better than others, but everyone has it. I have it. For some, the challenge is a way to force ourselves to face it. Others might not benefit in that way. Or might not be ready YET to do a challenge in public. It's all good.

You are definitely getting a better grasp on things and you'll figure it out eventually. It's your journey - don't let anyone else dictate the pace or the direction for you.

beach_plums · 08-07-2008, 09:38 AM

I have to agree with Bytsi. You're figuring out your goals, and that's great. So what if you didn't join the challenge. It doesn't mean you're going to stop all of your hard work. And I'm guessing that even though you're not in the challenge, you're still going to get motivation from other people and continue to motivate and support others as well.

On the TMI topic. I feel like I gained when I started my BCP, and I talked to my doctor about it. She said that there is no evidence of a relationship between the two.

Bytsi · 08-07-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach_plums

On the TMI topic. I feel like I gained when I started my BCP, and I talked to my doctor about it. She said that there is no evidence of a relationship between the two.

BULLSH*T.
Ok, this was more than 20 years ago, so the pill has come a long way... but... I was 105# and ate crap all the time (McD's and whatever junk I wanted) and never did any formal exercise. I was one of those people I hate now, who just seem naturally destined to be thin no matter what. Then I got engaged to DH and went on BCPs. In 3 months I gained over 30# - NO other change in my life (food, activity) except BCP. I continued to slowly gain... my doc said I was "sensitive" to the hormones in the BCP's (gee, thanks). I have NEVER been able to get back that old metabolism (for lack of better term) even though I've been off BCP's for about 18 years.
My mom was the kind of person who had to force herself to eat extra dessert just to maintain her 100# weight (even after she had me)... she was in her 30's and went on BCP's (MANY years ago, I'm sure pills were even less sophisticated then)) - gained a ton of weight, she struggles to this day (in her 70's) with weight.

Mom and I are probably at the more extreme end of reacting to BCPs but - BULL to what your doc said. It definitely can cause weight gain. My doc agrees with this, as do most I've spoken to. MOST people lose the weight again when they go off, but... it just makes me mad

when docs lie.

missjane · 08-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Doctor's aren't lying....many major published studies done point to this fact. Doctors are going by the research.

HBNS: Birth Control Pills Do Not Lead to Major Weight Gain, Studies Find

Bytsi · 08-07-2008, 01:36 PM

It's not that cut and dried... I could find studies that say BC does (some listed below) or doesn't cause weight gain... but I also know quite a few people that gained weight (and I know some who didn't) and plenty of doctors who have seen it happen to multiple patients. It's not just coincidence. ALL (or even most) women might NOT gain weight from BCPs - but when it happens to you, then it doesn't matter if you're in the minority. It sucks.

Controversies in contraception. [Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008] - PubMed Result

Changes in blood pressure, BMI and ECG Patterns in...[J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2008] - PubMed Result

Effects of low-dose oral contraceptives on body we...[J Reprod Med. 2007] - PubMed Result

missjane · 08-07-2008, 01:38 PM

Well, we can agree to disagree on this -- those links don't really prove anything, from what I read, and I'm not going to hijack the thread or turn this into a link war.

/hijack

Bytsi · 08-07-2008, 01:45 PM

No prob - agree to disagree and yes, let's give Bree back her log

beesknees · 08-07-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Don't be too hard on yourself! I took my first Stage 7 workout pretty light last night and I still have mad DOMS. It's a crazy, crazy workout.

Quote:

Hey. Knock it off. Yes - you - Bree. Knock it off.

You aren't a loser. You're figuring out your goals - that's a good thing. Making sure you know where you're going is a GOOD thing. Otherwise you could spin your wheels forever and not go in the right direction cuz you don't know WHAT direction to go in!

Quote:

I have to agree with Bytsi. You're figuring out your goals, and that's great. So what if you didn't join the challenge. It doesn't mean you're going to stop all of your hard work. And I'm guessing that even though you're not in the challenge, you're still going to get motivation from other people and continue to motivate and support others as well.

Thanks guys. I didn't mean to sound whiny. I am so excited for everyone in the challenge! I considered it, but then was gone for a week and wasn't around a camera or computer (lots of mosquitoes though - maybe my loss last week was BLOOD!) and just let it slide. I will continue what I am doing and hopefully be able to encourage everyone here as much as they have me!

Onto TMI:

I knew it was a topic of controversy. Most things I have read say there is no relationship. But I wonder if its just a matter of it affecting everyone differently. For me, it coincided with starting a new serving job and school getting harder aka less time to be my former cardio junkie self. Whether it was that or the pills (or both) I will never know. I guess my biggest problem with them is the cycle of bloating. Its been a long time so I don't remember my t.o.m. well enough to remember if it was as bad. Another thing I have wondered is what their effects are on gaining muscle. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go into kinesiology, nutrition, sports medicine etc, because it really is a passion of mine! I would have loved to research stuff like this.

Thanks for sharing your experiences Bytsi. I know a few people who gained a lot on Depo Provera. But I think that is more widely known than when on pills. I stumbled across a post (on someone's log I think) about a woman who has made training programs for women based on their cycles. I wonder if the same protocols would be followed with the pill? Probably not because there is less fluctuation. These are things I ponder....

Oh I forgot to say how excited I am for my latest purchase - A Swigg water bottle! Its so much more fun to drink water out of

beach_plums · 08-07-2008, 02:30 PM

I think you can make an argument for it either way. I know I gained weight, but I can't be 100% that it was because of BCPs. I was in the midst of a whole life change as well. And I've been up and down ever since. But you're right on it affecting everyone differently. If you're concerned about the bloating, I'd say talk to your doctor and maybe try a different pill? I have minimal bloating and cramping, and get headachey the day before my TOM, but otherwise, I have no PMS symptoms at all. And Advil usually takes care of the day before issues. On other pills, though, I've been misearable.
Get to researching! And let us know the answers to your muscle questions...

beesknees · 08-08-2008, 07:51 AM

Here are some things I found: credibility is questionable.

Hormonal contraceptives: Do they affect muscle or weight gain? | The Diet Channel

THE PILL & THE FEMALE ATHLETE - Printer Friendly - Muscle & Fitness Hers

The Valley Hospital

Anyway, I will be seeing my lady doctor soon and am going to ask her about this.

So this week I had been a little bloated - more than usual. Either from the weekend or the pills. Well when I got home yesterday I was thinking hmmm, my stomach seems to have returned to its flatter state. I should weigh myself! BIG MISTAKE

I was up 3 pounds in exactly a week. I was all pumped up last week after being at my lowest in years. Now I know the scale is dumb but I can't help but get a little down about it. Here is my theory: I am retaining water somewhere. I have extreme DOMS and am hoping that my legs are retaining water after a return to lifting. 3 pounds seems extreme though. I drink water like a banshee, very little sodium, and just coffee for caffeine in the morning. I guess my body is really holding onto that water. On a good note, I was looking through some old photos last night from about 2 years ago and can definitely see a difference in my face. It looks much thinner these days. I am going to take pictures when I finish stage 7 and if I get enough guts will post them with my starting photos from March. Eeeek!

Well after the grim discovery on the scale I was mad so I did my workout.

Stage 7 Workout 2

Alternating Sets:

Incline Bench
8 x 50
8 x 50

Bent over row (subbed for cable row)
8 x 55
8 x 55

Alternating Sets: (I took it a little easier this time, esp. on the legs)

Dumbbell squat w/feet on plates
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30

Shoulder Press:
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30
15 x 30

Step up: (ouch!)
15 x 20
15 x 20
15 x 20
15 x 20

Negative Chin Up (in lieu of lat pulldown)
1 x BW each held as long as I could! First one was best of course
1 x BW
1 x BW
1 x BW

I was tired after this workout, but not even close to what I felt on Tuesday. So I was feeling tough again and though I would go for a run. BIG MISTAKE. I made it about two blocks and my legs would still not go. They still need some time to recover I guess. But husband and I went on a nice walk around the neighborhood. Probably about 45 minutes. Slow though. It was such a nice night we had to be outside.

Today is a complete rest day. I will either lift tomorrow or Sunday. I plan to get lots of NEAT in this weekend, too. We are going to go golfing and probably on a long bike ride. Going to keep the food in check since I will have zero temptations and will be home for once!

Amblus · 08-08-2008, 08:32 AM

Good job! Is the weight you're listing the total weigh or per dumbbell? Because if you're shoulder pressing 30lb dbs you are my freaking hero. But either way, that sounds like a great workout. I am still dealing with mad DOMS from my first Stage 7 two days ago.

And listen, do not worry about that 3 pounds. I fluctuate that much in a week just from water retention etc. You know you didn't just magically gain 3 pounds of fat so don't stress about it.

Celestialmom · 08-08-2008, 08:33 AM

Good workout--Stage 7 seems scary!

I'm with you on the weight gain, though it's not close to TOM for me and I'm not on the pill...though it's only 1.5# for me, I was thinking some of it could be fluid retention from DOMS also. I am still very sore from my workout 2 days ago. Well, let's hope that's what it is, right?!