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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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!
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.
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?!
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.
If it IS 30 lbs each, you are a machine -- ROCK ON! If it's not, you might want to start listing your weights one of these ways -- you'll see a variety as you peruse the logs:
Thanks guys and LOL - it was two 15 pound dumbbells. I usually say ea. or db's afterwards, not sure why I forgot. I can do two 30 lb for shoulder press, but definitely not for 15 reps 4 times!
One of my co-workers was just laughing at the way I am walking today. He used the word gingerly - I believe that is appropriate!
My husband was laughing at me last night when I got off the couch after sitting for an hour. He said I was walking like an old lady. That's pretty much how I felt. And yes, gingerly, for sure.
my husband just ignores me, he doesn't quite get my whole obsession...
Sounds familiar. Mine sort of understands but has no interest in doing the things I do. We ride bike together and its fun so at least its something. It would be fun to have a lifting buddy every once in a while though.
Clearly I am trying to waste time at work, hence my over-availability on this board today. I really have nothing to do for the rest of the day. Shhhhh! Don't tell. Usually I am not a slacker, just some Friday's. I don't think I am alone in this, and correct me if I am wrong, but what I do in 8 hours at work most days could probably be condensed into 4 fast paced hours. I know I can do what I do a lot faster because I have had to when there is a deadline.
We are going golfing after work so I am looking forward to that. A lil NEAT for my Friday afternoon.
LOL.
I think you should take that lowest weight on the scale and hold onto it for a week. Forget about the fluke of being up by 3lbs. Definitely water retention, which doesn't count.
BTW - I'm on the mirena IUD and i almost love it. I hated pills - got super emotional for three days before my period, so much so that my spouse and I made a rule: if i felt upset about something for the three days before my period, i was not allowed to talk about it until I started my period. As soon as that blood flowed, I was over it. We're talking to the point of breaking up emotional. It was bad.
Anyway, sure the mirena hurt when they put it in, but it was like 5 minutes of pain for 5 years of 99.5% effectiveness. Oh, plus after I was all crampy and had to go home from work, but that was about 8 hours of pain. If you take all the time worrying about taking the pill, about being emotional, retaining water, the Mirena is way worth it. They say if you haven't had children it hurts more to put it in. The two male doctors I talked to tried to dissuade me (with such reasons as "My ex-girlfriend had it put in and she found it really painful. And she had had two children already." WOW - thanks for your PROFESSIONAL opinion), but when I went to the female gyno, she didn't even question me, simply said "Sounds like a good idea, if you go across the street, get the Rx at the pharmacy, and come back, I'll put it in now."
It cost $450 (in Canada 4 years ago), was all paid for by health care.
I have a pretty light day at work today too. Good day to get into trouble on the boards. LOL! Hey no worries about the challenge. I almost did not join in this one actually. I don't feel like I need it to stay motivated anymore anyway. What is important is what we do in our logs not in the challenge. Keep on keeping on.
__________________
The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
I don't think I am alone in this, and correct me if I am wrong, but what I do in 8 hours at work most days could probably be condensed into 4 fast paced hours. I know I can do what I do a lot faster because I have had to when there is a deadline.
I spend WAY too much time at work on the boards -- I work best in fits and starts and yeah... I could do it in less time. Some days I'm swamped, others I have to spread it out so I still have something to do later! Those "spread it out" days are when I'm here a LOT
Theresa - Thanks for the advice. I have looked into IUD's. Not right for me at the time being but will definitely be getting one after kids.
Karla - Thanks for stopping by and making me feel better about the challenge. You are so right....the point is that we keep doing what we are doing and continue working to improve ourselves. I am so happy I found this board. I have learned so much in the past few months - and received some great support!
We were watching some of the Olympics this morning and USA was carrying women's weightlifting. We saw the 48 kg division of clean and jerk. Sooo if my math is correct (usually it isn't even though I am married to a math teacher - that's what he is for) that means they weight about 106 pounds? These girls were tiny and lifting 237 pounds over their heads! They looked so strong - totally motivating. Most Olympic stuff inspires me though. I also decided that a body I would love to have is that of a beach volleyball player. So lean!
We drove all over the city today. First we stopped at the fancy grocery store. I call it fancy because everything is at least 1.5 times the price at the normal grocery store, and most cars in the parking lot cost more than my life, and I just generally feel out of place. Anyway, they were having a "picnic" where they had tons of free samples. A guy from Caribou coffee forced a sample of an Andes mint cooler in my hand. What a jerk! Then this other guy attacked me with a spoonful sample of gelati. It was the worst thing ever! Annnd finally some other dude threw a big chunk of fudge brownie down my throat. I am never going there again! Then, since we are looking for light fixtures one of the places we went was near a city zoo - its admission is donations. It was a great day to be outside and walk around. Then since we were close, we went to a popular little ice cream place. We each had a scoop - it hit the spot! yummmm Needless to say I have had my share of sweets today. Even though they were small bites - still adds up.
So, today's workout...
Stage 7 Workout 3
Barbell Deadlift:
8 x 85
8 x 85
Alternating Sets
Static lunge rear foot elev:
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
Push Up:
15 x BW
15 x BW
15 x BW
15 x BW
Barbell Romanian Deadlift:
15 x 55
15 x 55
15 x 55
15 x 55
DB bent over row:
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
15 x 15's
And I am spent. My legs are so shaky. I have determined that the static lunge with foot elevated is the cause of my ridiculous shaking. Those are definitely what did me in on workout 1.
Probably going to have something small/light for dinner since I am still a little full from the ice cream and the attack of the treats at the grocery store.
LOL about the attack of the food!!! It took me a minute--I think I'm tired!
How fun to go to a zoo with dh, and a scoop of ice cream sounds like moderation..
I missed the clean & jerk, though I think I can get it on the internet. But I agree with you on those beach volleyball players! Not an ounce of fat on them it seems like...
Have a good rest of your weekend--I'm off to gettysburg and scary restaurants again.
Uggh Monday. I could not fall asleep last night! Worst ever.
Anyway, had a nice weekend. We didn't do a whole lot but it was nice to just be home. Yesterday we got a bike ride in - a little further than usual, but right at an hour. My heart rate was 145-155. Legs were still very fatigued. My DOMS is slowly going away. My hammies are sore from Saturdays workout but other than that my legs are starting to get back to normal.
Still felt bloated this weekend. Hopefully by next week at this time I can say otherwise!
I have really been enjoying watching the Olympics. Last night I watched gymnastics. Always fun to watch but I can't help but wonder what kind of lives these girls have. They give up their entire lives for this one competition. I always wonder what happens to them when they are actually allowed to grow hips and live "normal" lives. It would be interesting to see a follow up on some of the past US gymnasts.
Hoping to get in some cardio after work. 30 minutes or so either walking or biking. I have put HIIT on hold during stage 7. Maybe I will add it back in during the repeat of stage 7. So far I haven't had much energy left after the workouts for it.
I felt the same way, Bree, especially with the Chinese and other communist country gymnasts. I can't even imagine training 8+ hours a day from the time you are 3 or 4. I agree with the commentators that some of the Chinese gymnasts don't look like they could be 16 at all. It's heartbreaking to me because when it really comes down to it, the Olympics are just so unimportant in the big picture...but they loom so large in these little girls' lives.
Legs were still very fatigued. My DOMS is slowly going away. My hammies are sore from Saturdays workout but other than that my legs are starting to get back to normal.
Sounds like we're in the same place! I did a ride yesterday and my legs were so tired they throbbed whenever I stopped to take a break.
when docs lie.
Definitely water retention, which doesn't count.
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