Celeste.........Not only do we share the emotional eating due to PMS.......we share knee pain!!!
My knees always give me problems. Leigh had me do a ton of IT Band stretches and that really, really helped. Julie gave me some ideas too. So just don't skimp on those stretches if you want it to get better.
__________________
"Become better than you used to be, not better than someone else." ~ Leigh Peele
Sorry about the knee pain!
Lots of red numbers up there, though, so that's a thing to be happy about for sure!
mel
Thanks Mel--that's true about the red #s. I had a great workout last week, so I should focus on the good stuff, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bytsi
Sorry you're sore... I had a crappy workout this morning, for whatever that's worth... some days you just have to be glad you did anything and got your butt off the couch, ya know?
Bytsi, I can't say I'm glad you had a crappy workout but I do know what you mean about getting your butt off the couch. I had a fine time walking around the parking lot while my little guys rode their bikes and got to get updates and funny stories every time my older kids and my brother came down off the mountain. I don't think I walked too far (maybe a mile if you stretch it), but we'll just count it as extra NEAT!
Quote:
Originally Posted by realcdn
Sorry you're having a grumpy day, although we are all allowed to have them. I replied to your post in my log, but thought I'd put the tree stuff here for you as well (since halloween decorations and balloons are really not required).
Anne, thanks so much for the tree advice! I am an absolute novice at gardening, so any help given is appreciated. Several years ago I bought a ton of flowers, bulbs, bushes, etc from Gurney's and planted, watered, and fertilized them faithfully, only to move at the end of the next year, just when they were starting to actually be noticeable. We now have tenants renting that house who don't even mow the yard, much less weed or take care of any of the landscaping. They even managed to kill a beautiful azalea bush that dh had gotten me for mother's day a couple years before... oh well, but anyway I haven't tried anything at the new house until now because of discouragement, lack of knowledge, and babies
In response to your grumpy comment, thanks for understanding. I did manage to get over it pretty quickly and have a great day anyway, but it was nice to be able to vent
Quote:
Originally Posted by beach_plums
I'm sorry to hear about your knees, but am glad that you're taking care of them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by foodfromafar
Celeste, hope the stretches help! I know what a pain it is to want to exercise and be limited by body frailties.
Thanks both of you, I have decided to officially take my rest week for after Stage 2 (I think I'm supposed to take one after each stage?) and work on the stretches and glute activation exercises I found over in the injury forum. I only have the 4A and 4B workouts to go in stage 2. Right now the knees hurt doing practically anything so I know I need to take care of them.
So update on eating--it's getting back under control. Saturday was okay until dinner (Whole wheat toast and egg for breakfast, yogurt and nectarine for snack, and turkey sandwich and carrots for lunch. Then I had a bag of chips for a late snack (jalapeno kettle cooked chips, the ONLY chips I LOVE, I just couldn't resist!!!) and then dh ordered PIZZA for dinner. I had something healthy all planned, but again, resistance was futile...
Yesterday I finally got back on track, even resisted donuts at church! Salad and chicken breast for lunch and dinner and a protein shake with strawberries for a snack. I intentionally went pretty lo-cal (1246) but just for one day. Sometimes I have to get extreme to get back in the "mode". DD and I went for a 60min walk after dinner (2 miles uphill and then back down), then I did my stretches and glute activation exercises.
Here's what I've been doing:
Celeste.........Not only do we share the emotional eating due to PMS.......we share knee pain!!!
My knees always give me problems. Leigh had me do a ton of IT Band stretches and that really, really helped. Julie gave me some ideas too. So just don't skimp on those stretches if you want it to get better.
LOL!!! Here's the funny thing--I looked at the calendar wrong and I definitely can't blame the eating on PMS, I was about a week early!
Anyway, it was in your log that I realized that my knee pain was probably due to glute problems, so that's when I started searching the injury forum. Do you have any links to IT Band stretches? I googled it and came up with this site: iliotibialstretches
But if anything is missing or if you have a better link, I'd love to see it.
How long did it take your knees to recover? Mine are bad enough that getting from standing to sitting (or vice versa) is very uncomfortable, as is picking something up off the floor, etc. I REALLY REALLY don't want to take a break from lifting right now, it's so much fun and I love that I'm seeing results, so it's extremely hard to stay home. But realistically I don't want to damage something so I'm trying to be good.
"Shell, keep working on those pushups, they seem to improve pretty steadily for most people. BTW, I tried the FSPP with a broom (a la Pauline!) and felt more comfortable with it when I started. It actually seemed ok, although I think I still need to work on being more explosive. Mine is one steady movement, which isn't the point..."
I don't know how to insert quotes the way you ladies do, do I just cut and pasted.....
I'm tried the FSPP with a broom..... excellent advise...I feel more comfortabl and confident to try it in the gym for real on Wednesday!
LOL!!! Here's the funny thing--I looked at the calendar wrong and I definitely can't blame the eating on PMS, I was about a week early!
Anyway, it was in your log that I realized that my knee pain was probably due to glute problems, so that's when I started searching the injury forum. Do you have any links to IT Band stretches? I googled it and came up with this site: iliotibialstretches
But if anything is missing or if you have a better link, I'd love to see it.
How long did it take your knees to recover? Mine are bad enough that getting from standing to sitting (or vice versa) is very uncomfortable, as is picking something up off the floor, etc. I REALLY REALLY don't want to take a break from lifting right now, it's so much fun and I love that I'm seeing results, so it's extremely hard to stay home. But realistically I don't want to damage something so I'm trying to be good.
I was able to do lifting.......just no squats or lunges because I had to strengthen those glute muscles. Leigh had me doing wide standing deadlifts, band hip adduction and single leg bridges (these babies work the glutes, for sure) for the lower body work and insisted on doing treadmill work always on a 3.5% incline.
As for stretches........If you have a foam roller, rolling over that IT Band hurts like hell, but it really helped.
This may help, too!
Here are some of the links of other stretches. Sorry if there aren't pictures.
Just be very diligent with your stretching. You have to do it daily to loosen it up. For me it hurt to walk down steps and downhill, going up was fine. I also dreaded getting up out of a chair......that's when my knees hurt the worst.
I hope you get some relief, soon, Celeste!
__________________
"Become better than you used to be, not better than someone else." ~ Leigh Peele
Celeste, so sorry your knees are bothering you. Hope the stretches help! I've taken a mini break the last 2 days. I'm feeling a little drained, too. Probably need to take my vitamins and eat a little better and a little more... But the couple of days off have helped, too.
I'm tried the FSPP with a broom..... excellent advise...I feel more comfortabl and confident to try it in the gym for real on Wednesday!
I copied Pauline on that one--hope your workout went well yesterday! Keep us posted, ok?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bytsi
Just a side comment - rest week doesn't have to happen after every stage. Every 8-12 weeks... but taking one to pre-hab is a good idea too!
That makes more sense--the book actually says between stages (I think), but Stage 2 is so short it seems silly to rest in between. I've been walking a lot anyway, and as it worked out, b/c of travelling, etc, I would have had to miss one or two workouts anyway, so I suppose it's all good...
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephanie932
I was able to do lifting.......just no squats or lunges because I had to strengthen those glute muscles. Leigh had me doing wide standing deadlifts, band hip adduction and single leg bridges (these babies work the glutes, for sure) for the lower body work and insisted on doing treadmill work always on a 3.5% incline.
As for stretches........If you have a foam roller, rolling over that IT Band hurts like hell, but it really helped.
Just be very diligent with your stretching. You have to do it daily to loosen it up. For me it hurt to walk down steps and downhill, going up was fine. I also dreaded getting up out of a chair......that's when my knees hurt the worst.
I hope you get some relief, soon, Celeste!
Stephanie, thanks so much for your input and encouragement. I got over being mad that I can't do everything I want to do and I'm just working at that stretching and glute activation. The foam rolling is helping also (I've been foam rolling, but not in the area shown in that video you sent me--OWWW!) I've been trying to stretch at least twice a day, holding for 90sec, and same with the exercises, aiming for 2x and doing 25 reps. Yesterday I spent the entire day in the car so my stretching was limited and exercises nil, except for the 45 min walk I insisted on in the middle of the day!
My knees hurt going down stairs and downhill also, even squatting down to pick something up off the floor, and I learned a new term from GinnyLou's log--"potty flopping"! I hadn't mentioned it before, but the single most uncomfortable movement is getting down on that toilet!!! Now I know I'm in good company, so the official term is potty flopping!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by foodfromafar
Celeste, so sorry your knees are bothering you. Hope the stretches help! I've taken a mini break the last 2 days. I'm feeling a little drained, too. Probably need to take my vitamins and eat a little better and a little more... But the couple of days off have helped, too.
Pauline, thanks for the encouragement. The progress report is that I believe they are improving slowly, but one week won't be enough. (The potty flopping is much less pronounced, though!) I'm going to continue with NROL4W and either try the squats etc at body weight or substitute other exercises in. I'm just such a perfectionist that I don't want to continue unless I can do everything RIGHT!!!
I felt that way about the Front Squat Push Press in Stage 2. I couldn't do one. Had to substitute regular squats because of the shoulder issue. I'm hoping to be able to use the bar for the FSPP in Stage 4 because the shoulder is a little better but not at 100%. So I may have to sub again. Who cares? I'm still getting a really good workout in!!
Hey Celeste. How's the knee doing?
You've got me cracking up with the "potty flopping" thing. I had that when I first started lifting weights just because of DOMs. I can't imagine it from knee pain. Ouch!
Hey Celeste. How's the knee doing?
You've got me cracking up with the "potty flopping" thing. I had that when I first started lifting weights just because of DOMs. I can't imagine it from knee pain. Ouch!
Hey thanks for checking up on me...I haven't had a second to get online in the past week (feels like weeks!). Actually I tried to post an update of my activities on Monday, but I must have forgotten to hit post or something, b/c it disappeared into internet heaven. I've been working round the clock to list a bunch of books and homeschool stuff on ebay AND get ready for a yard sale for this weekend (that's where I am now). So I haven't been on the forums at all. Anyway, here's the update:
Friday, I took my daughter on a "date" with a friend and her daughter--we pampered them and treated them to a fancy tea party to begin a "Secret Keeper Girls" series of mother-daghter dates. It was lots of fun (and I was moderate with my dessert consumption!)
Then my kids, a friend of my daughter's, and I went for the weekend to Ski Sawmill's archery shoot. We stayed in their bunkhouse and had a great time hiking, shooting, and hanging out.
My eating was horrible though--there really were no good food choices since everything was fast food and I didn't have room in my car to pack a cooler, but I was planning on good portion control. THAT didn't happen! It's actually very frustrating because whenever I hit 135# I seem to go crazy and stuff myself even when I'm not hungry. Why do I sabatoge myself like that? I get so close to my goal and then, BOOM, I start eating chips (which I don't like), 5 pieces of pizza for dinner--no joke , late night snacks (which I never do anyway), etc etc etc. What is the stinkin deal?! From counting calories I know I probably gained at least 2-3 lbs (the scale showed 5# but 2-3 of water weight went away after a few days. Anyway, after that 4 or 5 days of trying like crazy to get fat again I managed to get back on track and I'm just trying to keep going without letting myself get too discouraged. Maybe I learned a lesson?...
Almost every day I haven't been lifting I've managed to walk a few miles or use my elliptical as well as doing the stretching and hamstring/glute exercises. My knees have been improving, so Wednesday I decided to get my butt back in the gym before I managed to lose ALL the progress I've made so far!!! I don't have my notes right here, but I did Stage 2, 4A, and my goal since I took so long off was just to do the exact same workout I did for 3A. Can anyone say dumb?! Today is Saturday and I'm STILL very sore, although the good news is that my knees aren't too bad. The day after that workout I actually thought for the first time that I really had lifted too much (and it wasn't that impressive or anything, just my body wasn't used to it)...I was SO sore I actually felt physically sick several times during the day. Of course I stretched and foam rolled etc, but still...I am too all or nothing.
The gym is closed Friday-Sunday, so I'll try to do something weight-like today at home and then 4B on Monday.
Hi, Celeste! How did the yard sale go? Are you recovering from the 4A workout? I was really sore after my last 2 Stage 3 workouts. I guess I was pushing myself more than usual. I did 4-1A today and I'm just a teensy sore. Glad to hear your knees are doing better. I could actually do the FSPP today! My shoulder only complained a teeny tiny bit.
Pauline, we ended up with about $250 from it, but after taking out for what belonged to my children AND paying them a commission (for helping set up, sort stuff, and babysit the younger kids) we ended up with about $160. Not bad, but I always tell myself that I'm done having yard sales--a full day of setting up and two full days of selling for $160?! Of course, my kids really loved the idea that they could declutter and actually see some monetary return, and they REALLY dig the whole "commission" thing. We usually give away our "clutter" or outgrown clothes, so I suppose this was a fun alternative. Last night I posted on freecycle that we were having a free yard sale through this afternoon, so we'll see what ends up left over...
So about the workouts, I'm glad to hear you could do the FSPP finally! They're fun once you get the hang of them, aren't they? I'm not sure I do them completely right, but I still like them. And, yes, I'm even a little sore today... I am looking forward to getting back in there tomorrow though.
Hi Celeste. The "date" sounds like such a great idea! I bet it's a blast. You do so many fun things with your kids. I love reading about them.
I hear you on the eating thing. I find myself doing the same thing. I won't even get into what I've been eating for the last two weeks. I'm glad to hear that you're back on track though. I think the important thing is to recognize it and move to fix it. I can't imagine I'm going to be a terribly good mood for the next week or so while I get my food/calories back in check.
Again, this weekend was a bust nutrition wise; however, lots of fun, like it sounds like you had with the kids. As beachplums says it's most important to recognize where we're falling off track and trouble shooting to fix it. I was actually thinking about all the changes I've made in the past year or so such as cutting out soda, eating less processed foods and more fresh foods, as well as getting to the gym at least 3 times per week. It's funny how I seem to get caught up in the moment and forget how far I've come! Now I'm rambling.......
Hi Celeste. The "date" sounds like such a great idea! I bet it's a blast. You do so many fun things with your kids. I love reading about them.
I hear you on the eating thing. I find myself doing the same thing. I won't even get into what I've been eating for the last two weeks. I'm glad to hear that you're back on track though. I think the important thing is to recognize it and move to fix it. I can't imagine I'm going to be a terribly good mood for the next week or so while I get my food/calories back in check.
Christina, thanks for the encouragement. Believe it or not, I really needed to hear that--I think we moms always suffer from the "not enough" syndrome. I always feel like I'm not doing enough for or with them, and sometimes it's valid (like during ski season), but other times we do create some pretty great memories.
(sorry for the long link, I can't figure out how to change the way it displays anymore!) It's basically helping preteens with their self esteem and "inner beauty", focusing on how each of us is special. The first date was really fun, and the next one is already planned (a hairdresser friend is going to give the girls facials and do their hair and teach them how to care for their skin and hair). I think this will really be something special for us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shell81
Again, this weekend was a bust nutrition wise; however, lots of fun, like it sounds like you had with the kids. As beachplums says it's most important to recognize where we're falling off track and trouble shooting to fix it. I was actually thinking about all the changes I've made in the past year or so such as cutting out soda, eating less processed foods and more fresh foods, as well as getting to the gym at least 3 times per week. It's funny how I seem to get caught up in the moment and forget how far I've come! Now I'm rambling.......
That's true--I did get back on track even though it took me longer than it should have. And my off track's don't come as frequently, I think. Oh well, I'll just keep on plugging away. It's great to look back and see how different we are, isn't it? I never even wanted to break a sweat until a couple years ago, and now physical activity is just a part of my life.
So on other notes, I did go to the gym this morning for my last Stage 2 workout, but it's taken me all day to post this, so I'll post this now and get to logging the workout as soon as I can.
Celeste, the Secret Keeper Girl Kit sounds like a great idea! I think I'll do that with my 2! I read Gresh's book a couple of years ago and didn't know there was a kit, too!
I think many of us are going through the food slump. Getting lax. I buckled down and began logging again. I was quite surprised to see that while my choices weren't the greatest, my calories were low. No wonder I've been dragging around like an old lady...
Celeste, the Secret Keeper Girl Kit sounds like a great idea! I think I'll do that with my 2! I read Gresh's book a couple of years ago and didn't know there was a kit, too!
I think many of us are going through the food slump. Getting lax. I buckled down and began logging again. I was quite surprised to see that while my choices weren't the greatest, my calories were low. No wonder I've been dragging around like an old lady...
Pauline, I didn't know she had a book as well as the kit. Actually my friend and business partner recommended it to me. We started with the idea of keeping each other accountable for "training" and praying for our daughters (who are 10 and 11), and it kind of morphed into this date series. It's helpful for me as a mom b/c I tend to read lots of books on parenting, bringing up kids, great family ideas, etc, but have a hard time finding time to implement them. This has a cd that you play on the way to and the way home from the date, and gives lots of ideas for how to do each one with any kind of budget. Our budget is low right now, but we used an empty cabin at Ski Denton (for free) decorated with nice tablecloths and candles, and made our own desserts and cappucino. Hopefully I didn't just repeat myself...anyway, I hope you have fun with them! How old are your daughters?
Finally, I'm going to post my last two Stage 2 workouts:
Stage 2 4A (7/2/08)
(This is the one that made me so sore!! Of course it was exactly the same as the last A...)
FSPP: 2x10 @ 60#
One Legged Bridges: 2x25
Step Ups: 1x10/BW, 2x10 @ 25e (on high step, not bench, in order to go easy on the knees)
Dumbbell 1 pt row: 2x10 @ 30e
SHELC: 2x25
Static Lunge, Rear Foot Elevated: 2x10 @ 30e
Pushups: 3x10 (1 set close hands, 1 set feet on swiss ball, 1 set w/alternating hands on med ball, alternating feet raised)
Plank: 2x60 sec
Cable Horizonal Wood Chop: 2x10 @ 40#
Did my clamshells, stretches and foam rolling at home later.
Stage 2, Workout 4B (7-8-08) I did this as sort of a giant super set since I didn't have much time (darn the babysitters--dd and ds--are at camp this week!), and I was adding some "easier" exercises in between the prescribed ones. I didn't add any specific rest times, but didn't hurry between sets either.
1 Legged Bridges: 2x25
Wide Grip Deadlift: Didn't get to do this b/c another NROL4 woman was working out in the ONE and only spot that is available for barbell stuff and lunges that require steps. I tried to work in at one pt, but she's on stage 7 and had such a short rest that she needed the mat the whole time.
Pushups: added 2x10 of very close hands while waiting for the mat
BSS: 2x10 @ 30e (this didn't seem to bother my knees at all. I think it's the lunges that are worst)
Underhand grip lat pulldown: 2x10 @ 80# My rt shoulder CRUNCHED on one of the last of the set--OW!!!
Hamstring Machine: 1x10 @55#, 1x10 @60#, 1x10 @65#
Reverse lunge: couldn't get to the mat
DB Prone Cuban Snatch: 2x10 @ 10e
Had to get home so I did the ab stuff there:
Swiss ball crunch: 2x30
Reverse Crunch: 2x20 (these were really hard b/c dh was encouraging my sons (4 and 6) to whack and tickle me while I was doing them)
Lateral Flexion: from 224--2x12
Prone Cobra: 2x90sec
Never got to the HIIT but I did some this morning:
15 min on elliptical trainer: warmup at level 3, 6mph, intervals at level 10, 7mph, recovery at level 6, 6mph. Burned 186cal according to machine.
A little later I tried to do 40min more on the elliptical, but the boys were getting too demanding and it was already like 9:00, so I really needed to start my day. I managed about 10 minutes for 100 cal. Did do a lot of stretching, so I just need to do the hamstring/glute exercises and foam rolling later.
Goals for today:
1. Get the house clean (still recovering from yard sale and packing for camp )
2. Balance the checkbook
3. Start organizing the schoolroom for the fall.
We'll see how that goes since yesterday my goals also included getting the house clean! It did improve somewhat though.
Christina, thanks for the encouragement. Believe it or not, I really needed to hear that--I think we moms always suffer from the "not enough" syndrome. I always feel like I'm not doing enough for or with them, and sometimes it's valid (like during ski season), but other times we do create some pretty great memories.
(sorry for the long link, I can't figure out how to change the way it displays anymore!) It's basically helping preteens with their self esteem and "inner beauty", focusing on how each of us is special. The first date was really fun, and the next one is already planned (a hairdresser friend is going to give the girls facials and do their hair and teach them how to care for their skin and hair). I think this will really be something special for us.
That's so great! There seems to be so little focus on self esteem and inner beauty these days, especially in the media, which, unfortunately, is where a lot of kids (and adults) start forming ideas on what's beautiful and what's not. I can't wait to hear about the facials!
Congratulations on finishing up stage 2! And good luck with cleaning the house. That's always the last thing I do--it's so easy to put it off
Diane, if you read this, you are in good company! I had my youngest when I was 40, too! Everyone thinks I'm at least 10 years younger than I am because they always see me with the 10 and 8 year old. Then they about have a heart attack when they see me with my grown children or my grandson!
That's so great! There seems to be so little focus on self esteem and inner beauty these days, especially in the media, which, unfortunately, is where a lot of kids (and adults) start forming ideas on what's beautiful and what's not. I can't wait to hear about the facials!
Congratulations on finishing up stage 2! And good luck with cleaning the house. That's always the last thing I do--it's so easy to put it off
I'll keep you posted on the facials Thanks for the congrats and good luck--I did manage to get the downstairs clean yesterday (not perfect, but you know it's an ongoing project anyway). Floors and surfaces picked up, some reorganization done, dishes washed, and everything swept. I even started organizing that school room, but no success on balancing the checkbook. I did have to run to town for dentist appt and errands though, so I'm satisfied.
Quote:
Originally Posted by foodfromafar
Celeste, my 2 youngest are 10 and 8.
Diane, if you read this, you are in good company! I had my youngest when I was 40, too! Everyone thinks I'm at least 10 years younger than I am because they always see me with the 10 and 8 year old. Then they about have a heart attack when they see me with my grown children or my grandson!
I wouldn't have guessed you for a grandma either...you're only as old as you act right?
I almost forgot to post my progress on Stage 2. Not so impressive, but it's short and I took 2 wks off in the middle, so it's fine.
FSPP: from 55# (hard) to 60#(easier)
Step-up: from 25e on bench to 25e on high step
DB 1 pt row: from 20e to 30e
Static Lunge rear foot elevated: from 25e to 30e
Pushup: played around finding harder versions, no "measurable" progression
Plank: 60s
Wood Chop: 40# (started out probably too hard, it seems just right now)
Wide Grip Deadlift from box: from 105# to 110# (could go heavier if I could just HOLD it!)
BSS: from 25e to 30e
Underhand grip lat pulldown: from 70# to 80#
Reverse Lunge from Box: from 15e to 25e
DB Prone Cuban Snatch: from 8e to 10e
Swiss Ball Crunch: from 25 to 30
Reverse Crunch: from 15 to 30
Lateral Flexion (p224): from 10 to 12
Prone Cobra: from 60s to 90s
I'm happy with this although I do wish I could just hold on to that barbell better!
I lifted 95# for the deadlifts yesterday and it was my HANDS that killed....I'm reluctant to lift more because of it. Let me know if you find anything that helps with that prob!
I am not a mother, so I can't relate completely but I know my mom really struggled with the "not enough" thing. She worked a lot while we were growing up so she somehow felt guilty. I always try to reassure her. Looking back I wouldn't have it any other way! And it sounds like your kids get to do a lot of cool stuff
Ha ha I knew that wouldn't come out right. I mean that 55# was really hard at first, but by the time I moved up to 60#, it was easy enough that I could have moved up again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shell81
I lifted 95# for the deadlifts yesterday and it was my HANDS that killed....I'm reluctant to lift more because of it. Let me know if you find anything that helps with that prob!
Actually I've been wanting to post a question about using ?straps? to help with grip in the NROL4W forum, or the main training forum. The book actually recommends to use them but I've seen other people make comments about how you just need to let your grip strength catch up to the rest of you. I do use the cheapie walmart weightlifting gloves though to help with the blisters/soreness.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beesknees
Wow - looks like you have been busy!
And the progress on stage 2 is awesome
I am not a mother, so I can't relate completely but I know my mom really struggled with the "not enough" thing. She worked a lot while we were growing up so she somehow felt guilty. I always try to reassure her. Looking back I wouldn't have it any other way! And it sounds like your kids get to do a lot of cool stuff
I think you're right. I've gone from being a stay at home, homeschooling mom to a part time and then full time working mother after we purchased a business with some friends (still homeschooling since the work is variable and seasonal). It is guilt producing because when I'm working, I'm feeling like my kids, home, laundry etc are getting neglected, and when I'm doing something fun with the kids I get behind on work stuff! But I think I'm adjusting now and getting to a happy medium, and not stressing too much about juggling work and home. (Of course it's not ski season either!)
Actually I've been wanting to post a question about using ?straps? to help with grip in the NROL4W forum, or the main training forum. The book actually recommends to use them but I've seen other people make comments about how you just need to let your grip strength catch up to the rest of you. I do use the cheapie walmart weightlifting gloves though to help with the blisters/soreness.
Well, I know Jane and I disagree here... I use versa gripps (google 'em - they're a glove/grip combo that you just leave on your wrist and only use when you want/need to), and I love 'em. I do work on grip strength and try to NOT use them (I use them less and less often now). But for heavy pulls, like DL, I use 'em. I would rather really get my back and legs strong, and my grip (for now) limits that. So... not a perfect world, but I prefer to get heavy and if the only thing stopping me is grip, why let that stop me?
Thanks Jane and Bytsi for your opinions--Jane, I had read one of those threads before but couldn't seem to locate it recently. I'm working through all the info, so we'll see what I end up deciding. On another note, I managed to lose my walmart cheapie lifting gloves anyway so I haven't used them for the last 3-4 workouts. Yes, I GUESS I can handle callouses...
ANYWAY, I started stage 3 today!!! Took a while to find my log sheet and my computer and the time to post all at once, so here goes!
Stage 3, Workout 1A (7/10/08)
(I'm doing this the same as the last few of Stage 2--using my "rest" time to slip in hamstring/glute exercises. I know that's not really rest, but these exercises aren't as taxing as New Rules exercises either and time is an issue.)
SHELC: 2x25 1 Armed DB Snatch: 1x6 @ 20, 2x6 @ 25
(Loved this, it was fun!) One Legged Bridge: 2x25 DB Single Leg Romanian DL: 3x6 @ 25e
*At the end of set 3, my right hamstring said HEY OWWW!!! and now it REALLY hurts. Not rolling on the floor pain, but more than regular DOMS. Maybe it was too much to do the bridges right before this exercise, I don't know. BUT, I hope it improves and I didn't actually injure something. Barbell Bent Over Row: Okay, I must think I'm she-woman (or at least some hamster I know) I started out with 95#, which was ridiculous, so for the last two sets I did 85#. I think even that was too hard b/c I didn't feel I was raising the bar as high as I should, and my shoulders seemed rounded. So I'll be going to 75# next time. DB Single Arm Overhead Squat: Same thing. Started out w/10 and 20 DBs but switched over to 5 and 10 for the last two sets. I really didn't feel like my squat form was correct--leaning forward and I think my knees were going forward. So for my knees' sake I sacrificed and went to purple barbie weights!!! Seated Leg Curl Machine: 2 x 10 @ 65# DB Incline Bench Press: 3x6 @ 30e Plank: These were really hard today! 60sec, 75sec, 60sec Reverse Wood Chop: HUH? I guess these are harder than the horizontal? I started at 40#, went to 30#, then to 20#. I tried for 25 but the 5# plate is MIA BWM: 3:10, 3:50
This was really funny b/c I had to get home, so my rest was driving home really quick, running in the house, and doing this body weight matrix that my family thought was crazy! Wow was it hard though. You ladies who can do this in less than 3 minutes totally impress me!
Stretched and foam rolled at home after my PWO Shake.
Thoughts: I really liked the Overhead DB Snatch and the Bench Press, enjoyed the Romanian DL even though I wobbled until the last set, and even the BWM was--empowering? It was totally hard and I looked like an idiot, but I was so impressed with myself for even finishing it!
Okay, here goes, before I lose my nerve, I'm going to post my progress pics that I've been keeping since I started NROL4W.fficeffice" />
Here's the stats so far:
Age: 34
Height: 5'5" border="0" alt="" />
Date
Weight
Fat %
Fat Mass
Lean Mass
Waist
Belly
Thigh
Hips
4/20/2008
139.60
27.8%
38.80
100.80
29.5
32.5
22.0
37.5
5/22/2008
137.80
28.5%
39.20
98.60
28
32
23
37
6/24/2008
138.00
29.1%
40.20
97.80
27.0
31.0
22.5
36.5
6/24/2008
135?
25?
"-4.6#"
"+- who knows?"
-2.5"
-1.5"
+.5"
-1"
So here's the weird thing. The weight/fat% etc are from the gym's tanita scale. I consistently drink at least a gallon of water a day, eat the same thing before I work out, and get measured before I work out at the same time each day. I KNOW I got stronger during NROL4W (so I should have built some muscle, right?), and I know my weight dropped 5# by my home scale, which I weigh myself on every day. I know these things are supposed to be unreliable, so would you guys just scrap the bf% and stick with your home scale readings. Also, my dd and I did caliper measurements 3 separate times (13 sites) and came up with 24.7-25% bf each time. Of course I like that better but I'm not interested in better, just something I can feel is consistent. I know calipers can be tricky also, which is why we did them 3x.
Da da da DUM...here's the pics: (I guess I can only do a few at once so I'l have to make three posts)
(jalapeno kettle cooked chips, the ONLY chips I LOVE, I just couldn't resist!!!) and then dh ordered PIZZA for dinner. I had something healthy all planned, but again, resistance was futile... 
, late night snacks (which I never do anyway), etc etc etc. What is the stinkin deal?! From counting calories I know I probably gained at least 2-3 lbs (the scale showed 5# but 2-3 of water weight went away after a few days. Anyway, after that 4 or 5 days of trying like crazy to get fat again 
I managed to get back on track and I'm just trying to keep going without letting myself get too discouraged. Maybe I learned a lesson?...
Let me know if you find anything that helps with that prob!
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