Female Transformation Contest Sept to Jan for fun!

[Jrsbaby58]

BirdieFu~ Your not suppose to join me lol! Your suppose to tell me how bad I was and that you know I can do better. Now I want more brownies! Hahaha thanks so much and I hope you have a great week!

[birdiefu]

BirdieFu~ Your not suppose to join me lol! Your suppose to tell me how bad I was and that you know I can do better. Now I want more brownies! Hahaha thanks so much and I hope you have a great week!

Aww, you have to treat yourself sometime, I say! Even when cutting I had some piece of "junk" every so often, even if just a few crumbles of chocolate bar mixed in my cottage cheese. If you can fit it in your macros/cals and it's just a small portion of your daily intake, I see no problems there. You can look into "protein brownie" recipes too, if you want to feel like it's a bit healthier, though.

[beatha]

Checking In . . . week 3 summary

On average eating is not too far from where I want it to be over the course of a week but I still have off days.

7 Day average p 140 f 58 c 204
Macro Goals p 153 f 53 c 186

In the gym I spent more time kickboxing than lifting (2 days lifting 3 cardio) and my legs are now thanking me for it. Rearranged my schedule, dropped the mega gym memberships in favor of the boxing gym . . . really going to miss the hammer strength machines especially on back day . . .

Glad to say last week was the end of a endurance building cycle. I’m going to spend this week easing back into heavy lifting and trying to avoid injury. Today's my rest day but the rest of the weeks is alternating days of lifting & kickboxing.

All the best this week to everyone. Congrats to those making progress.

[ABbb]

I've been on a stall weight-wise for about a week, but not too worried. I'm at 1000-1200 calories a day, so there's no way I wouldn't lose weight.

I've tried sweets twice, for the first time since my surgery. I used to have a major sweet tooth, but now I don't care too much. Tried some gooey brownies - they tasted good, but too sweet to have more than one bite. Put down my DQ sundae after eating half a scoop - same thing, too sweet. This is awesome! My sweet fix now is fruit.

[AprilShowers13]

I officially joined a gym and a free consultation with a trainer. He asked me a lot of questions and told me I was on the right track. I told him that I was read nrol4w when he asked me about a training program. He said he has both versions and I believe he is doing the one of the programs.

My form sucks!!! My right foot is always pointing out and it feels out of place when I try to keep it straight. Its from an injury years ago. I also had tons of knots up and down my right leg. I'll be investing in a foam roller ASAP. I told my boyfriend I need daily massages :)

Diet has been good. I was within my carb range today and yesterday. I was little over my fat today, too many nuts, but I was within my calories. I didn't get a chance to workout because I spent my hour of gym time with a trainer. He had me do some of moves that felt like a workout, but I'm not counting it.

[Debbie]

Despite my intentions, I didn't manage to keep up with my "diet" during the visit of my mom and my best friend. I know I should have kept an eye on my meals to avoid exaggerating, but as you can see in my sig, I am even heavier than I was at the beginning of the month.

I will not give it up though. It serves to show my weakness and put more responsibility for my shape and health on my shoulders.

Today, I went to the gym for the first time. In this first phase, I will be working on cardio and see how things evolve. I did 30 minutes on the home trainer and 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.

As I am still on vacation for a week, I will go to the gym every day until September 29th.

Soon, I will be posting positive results again.

Congrats to everyone's hard work!

*cheers*

[discdoggie]

I've been on a stall weight-wise for about a week, but not too worried. I'm at 1000-1200 calories a day, so there's no way I wouldn't lose weight.

.

I'm not a nutrition expert or anything, but I'd say that calorie range is too low for you. You'll likely lose a lot of muscle with that large of deficit. Did you read the thread where it laid out EXACTLY how to calculate the correct calorie range for your goals?


Me, weight-wise I havent seen much of anything yet---a bunch of up-and-down of the same few pounds. My deficit isn't that large, yet, though. The 25th it gets dropped dwon to real Fat Loss Mode, so I expect to see bigger results and YOU all can expect to see me crankier. All that eating I've done the last several months made me really happy. ;) It will be like losing a dear friend <snork!>

[karoline8]

What a week.. since we are in the middle of moving and renovating the house we're moving into I've been a bit behind on my workouts,Monday I got alot in but missed yesturday to sand and stain floors, it took 14hours to do...now I'm sore!!!My arms,shoulders, traps and back all feel like I worked out hard...and today was supposed to be back day :) not so sure if I should do this now....tomarrow more floors to do..lol..maybe today I'll just pack.

[tntbabe]

When are you going to start? I got my copy in about 2 weeks ago and I'm going to start next month.

I will probably start early next month too. I'm excited!

Behind on workouts this week :( Two jobs and prop building have eaten up my workout time, but I'm almost finished with the props and ready to get back to the gym!

[birdiefu]

What a week.. since we are in the middle of moving and renovating the house we're moving into I've been a bit behind on my workouts,Monday I got alot in but missed yesturday to sand and stain floors, it took 14hours to do...now I'm sore!!!My arms,shoulders, traps and back all feel like I worked out hard...and today was supposed to be back day :) not so sure if I should do this now....tomarrow more floors to do..lol..maybe today I'll just pack.

Ack, 14 hours of sanding and staining floors - I'm sure you had a great workout from that! Honestly, I might skip back day if you know those muscles already got a good workout yesterday, especially if you know there is more of that tomorrow! Good luck with the place, renos are a PITA but the end result is wonderful, knowing what your hard work accomplished.

[DrivenAgain]

What a week.. since we are in the middle of moving and renovating the house we're moving into I've been a bit behind on my workouts,Monday I got alot in but missed yesturday to sand and stain floors, it took 14hours to do...now I'm sore!!!My arms,shoulders, traps and back all feel like I worked out hard...and today was supposed to be back day :) not so sure if I should do this now....tomarrow more floors to do..lol..maybe today I'll just pack.

Sounds like quite a workout already. I don't think anyone will give you demerits for skipping a back day. If you're up for it, why not do legs if moving, lifting and carrying boxes around hasn't worn them out too.

[DrivenAgain]

Week 3 Summary: It wasn't a good week either. I was pretty sick for most of it, dealt with back pain issues, missed workouts and didn't eat as well as I should have.... although I didn't go nuts on junk. Sounds like a pile of excuses.... and it is. NO MORE!! I'm feeling much better, back in the gym yesterday, and tracking my macros again, so I expect to see better results this week. At least I'm down 1.2 lbs since last week... and pray that I can prep enough food in advance this time. A whole value pack of chicken breasts barely lasts me 3 days. Maybe I'll cook 2 on my next cooking day and freeze some individual servings for emergency grabs.

Current Weight 151.0. Net Loss 4.4 lbs since Sept 1.... but I have a good feeling I'm putting on some muscle too.

[Qteepiezn]

Hi Girls,

Would love to join, hope I am not too late.

Am 137lbs at the moment, am hoping to get around 120lbs and gain muscle.

Have recently started reading NROLFW, fantastic book! It's motivated me to want to give my all into this. Am planning on starting the workout programme (and attempt the diet) next week.

Please find pics on my bodyspace.

Good luck to all of you!

:)

[Eddiejt]

----

[hieronymous]

This week went well. I adhered to my nutrition plan. My training was only moderately good. Yesterday I was not able to do the volume of DLs that I usually like to. I weigh 1 pound more than I started.

[AprilShowers13]

I decided to lift heavy today and my arms and shoulders are sore. But it feels good!! Nutrition was on point.

Going to bed early tonight.

[Jrsbaby58]

Aww, you have to treat yourself sometime, I say! Even when cutting I had some piece of "junk" every so often, even if just a few crumbles of chocolate bar mixed in my cottage cheese. If you can fit it in your macros/cals and it's just a small portion of your daily intake, I see no problems there. You can look into "protein brownie" recipes too, if you want to feel like it's a bit healthier, though.

I always manage to treat myself lol. I hold out and then break down and eat a lot. I dont know much about macros, im trying to work on cals but i am so busy with baby and three other kids i never seem to have time. my boyfriend has me eating lots of protien small amount of healthy carbs and he says no sugar. As you can see I dont always listen very well...but Im working on it :) Thanks for the advice

[birdiefu]

For some reason the front of my right shoulder is killing me, and I haven't lifted weights since Monday. It only started really hurting today and most acutely this evening. Though I can tell my pecs still have DOMS, the pain feels more shoulder-related though I can't seem to make the offending area hurt by poking it. But it is extremely painful to raise my right arm to the level of about scratching my nose and with internal rotation. I have no idea what I could have done to it, other than swinging my backpack up badly, but I don't remember anything painful occurring. I'm a bit timid to bench tomorrow if it's still hurts this bad.

[felicity79]

So the plan was to do back and biceps and I was looking on some websites to look for some different exercises to do to change up my routine a bit and I noticed this demonstration of bicep barbell curls, and the person had one foot in front of the other. I've always stood with my feet side by side about shoulder width apart, but I thought, maybe that's wrong so I'll try this one foot infront of the other. So I'm on my heaviest/final set of the curls feeling pretty good and have my right foot in front, left in back, and I felt this little twinge in my left butt muscle. It didn't hurt or anything, just a little feeling, so I finished out the set. Well I can't remember if it was the next day or the second day, but I ended up having this pain that starts in my left bum muscle that basically extends down the back of my leg. How do you pull a butt muscle doing barbell curls? Well I say pull a muscle, I'm not sure that's what I did, haven't been to the doc. This happened last Tuesday I think. Pain was consistent all day for a couple days, now it is just off and on throughout the day.

So I haven't done any lower body workouts since then which sucks cause my lower body is what needs the most work. But the good news is that I have been consistently doing upperbody workouts. My nutrition still sucks though. I really don't know how some people have a hard time getting to like 1400 cals, I could do that in half a days eating.

I'm still hovering around 130, give or take a few lbs. so at least I'm not gaining. In a couple days if my bottom isn't bothering me I think I will try to do very high incline on the treadmill, something that will work the lower body but hopefully won't be too strenuous to give myself time to heal from whatever I did to myself.

[felicity79]

That would be me. I got started in the gym as rehab for back problems in my early teens and fell in love with bodybuilding in my latter teens. After 10 years of almost daily back pain, I had back surgery in 2000 and have been dealing with chronic back issues on and off for 20 years now. I can be fine for months at a time, other than stiffness/soreness, and other times, I can be completely incapacitated for 3 days after twisting wrong while trying on a pair of jeans. (That's literally what caused it last time, and it was my worst attack ever. I couldn't sit, stand, or even walk to the bathroom without crutches and it took me almost an hour to get from the couch to the toilet each time.) I have to be super careful about everything that I do because the slightest stupid mistake can leave me in so much pain that I can't even stand over a sink and lift my hands out in front of me without pain while doing dishes.

When I stay in the gym regularly, keep my core strong and stretch often, I can go much longer without issues... and even packing up a full house and moving all day won't cause me pain the next day. I decided to get back into the gym a few weeks ago because my back has been giving me allot more issues lately. I had a DUH moment.... and realized that I need to get back in the gym to get myself stronger again. It's been years since I've lifted regularly and I'm sure that's a big reason why my back has been so sensitive to daily issues. That's the main reason why I'm lifting again... other than the fact that I LOVE it and could stand to lose about another 20 pounds too.

As you are doing, I usually focus on my form more than trying to add weight. When my back feels good, and I'm able to keep perfect form without any pain or discomfort, then I try to add a bit more weight. When it's "ify" I try not to let my ego get in the way and push it too far... or I won't be able to train at all if I cause an injury. Just listen to your body. If you need any pointers or advice about dealing with the pain or working around the pain, let me know. I didn't choose it, but I'm accidentally an expert in that department by default. Occasionally, I do something stupid, like re-rack a bar without lifting it properly, and can hurt myself.... but typically, I'm consciously aware of how to move through life without causing more pain, on purpose.

Recently, I have had the most relief from stretching and deep tissue massages. If it's your low back giving you issues, be careful not to stretch hinged from the waist with your upper body weight pulling down. It can cause more harm than good. You're better off on the floor, on your back, with your knees to your chest for the same stretch effect.

Thanks for the reply and the stretching tip. I have always stretched standing up bent over at the hips, I will start doing it on the floor on my back like you suggested. Been keeping the weight low and working on form, well at least I was before I hurt myself last week, not a back injury, but a glute muscle injury, I posted about it. Hopefully I'll get healed up and get back at it.

[beardymcbeard]

Bleh got all 4 of my wisdom teeth out yesterday, stayed in hospital overnight and now feel like crap.

Hopefully in a few days I can add in some light activity (walking and stuff), cause I'm not allowed to lift for a while. (sad face.. well, sad puffy face)




Anyway, finally figured out how to work the camera. I'm thinking I might get some 'before progress photos' (Proper ones) for the start of October, cause I feel terrible now.


Here's a clothed one that I took yesterday morning (new bb.com shirt!)

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/09/21/13833522/gallerypic/1DzjHjC7oMsTugbOr71zNZaqzzTIUO684e.jpeg





Hope everyone else is going better than I am!
What I'm learning, ladies take note: APPRECIATE BEING HEALTHY! Appreciate not having pain, being able to eat healthy wholesome foods and being able to stay active! I've been like this for a day, I can't imagine what it would be like to have this long term as some people do.

[kimm4]

Sorry, I feel like I haven't been checking in as often as I should. Quick recap of this past weekend and week so far.

Sat - We attended an all day brewfest. I spent most of the day in the beer tent. After that, went to get some coffee and hubby wanted pizza. I don't need to say anything more.

Sun - Had to go train to make up for Sat missed workout. I'm on a new program and back to training 5 days, which sucks. Trained legs after drinking all day Sat...I have no clue how I pulled this off...

Mon - Was fine training/diet spot on

Tues - PMS raging...tried to dig deep but failed miserably. I'm a bloated effin mess...I could easily shatter mirrors and if I attempt to even step on a scale it would politely tell me "to get the eff off"...;)

Today was solid, no complaints.

Have a great day ladies! :)

[Debbie]

Here's a clothed one that I took yesterday morning (new bb.com shirt!)

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/09/21/13833522/gallerypic/1DzjHjC7oMsTugbOr71zNZaqzzTIUO684e.jpeg





Hope everyone else is going better than I am!
What I'm learning, ladies take note: APPRECIATE BEING HEALTHY! Appreciate not having pain, being able to eat healthy wholesome foods and being able to stay active! I've been like this for a day, I can't imagine what it would be like to have this long term as some people do.

Feeling healthy is exactly the best part of it.

I must say that I nagged with mom and my friend about our "diet" during their stay. I felt discomfort most of the time and that is for me now one of the most important reasons for me to return to good eating habits.

Have a prompt recover!


Sorry, I feel like I haven't been checking in as often as I should. Quick recap of this past weekend and week so far.

Sat - We attended an all day brewfest. I spent most of the day in the beer tent. After that, went to get some coffee and hubby wanted pizza. I don't need to say anything more.

Sun - Had to go train to make up for Sat missed workout. I'm on a new program and back to training 5 days, which sucks. Trained legs after drinking all day Sat...I have no clue how I pulled this off...

Mon - Was fine training/diet spot on

Tues - PMS raging...tried to dig deep but failed miserably. I'm a bloated effin mess...I could easily shatter mirrors and if I attempt to even step on a scale it would politely tell me "to get the eff off"...;)

Today was solid, no complaints.

Have a great day ladies! :)
PMS will be hitting me next week or so. I am trying to lose as much as I can now because I generally put up 2 or 3kg (something between 4.5 and 6.6 pounds) during it.

------

I got a cold yesterday. My nose is blocked and I have sore throat. I'll go to the gym anyway though. I only have this week before returning to work and I want to make good use of it. Sweating will help me heal faster too (at least, that is what I am counting on).


Wishing everyone lots of success!!!! <3

[karoline8]

I'm still moving and have not done a workout since Monday but still feel like I have. I have doms everywhere...today I have floors to paint, more cleaning and then packing when I get done that, but am determined that I will get some kind of workout in :) hope everyone has a great day!!!

[ABbb]

Moved on from my stall - lost a pound on Tuesday, another pound today. This puts me at either 8 or 10 lbs down since the start of the contest, so I'm excited for October's progress pictures - should be a visible difference.

[AprilShowers13]

Moved on from my stall - lost a pound on Tuesday, another pound today. This puts me at either 8 or 10 lbs down since the start of the contest, so I'm excited for October's progress pictures - should be a visible difference.

WTG!! Have you been cleared to exercise yet?

[DrivenAgain]

Thanks for the reply and the stretching tip. I have always stretched standing up bent over at the hips, I will start doing it on the floor on my back like you suggested. Been keeping the weight low and working on form, well at least I was before I hurt myself last week, not a back injury, but a glute muscle injury, I posted about it. Hopefully I'll get healed up and get back at it.


I saw your note about your glute pull... or whatever it was. That's the kind of thing I would do. It sounds to me like a potential low-back pull. Be careful. (sciatica can be felt in the glutes and down your legs) Today, I was feeling ify already.... then noticed that I was coming up from my squats unbalanced and twisted, instead of coming up straight and strong, and even did another set after I noticed it. (bad girl) After that, I dropped back to empty bar and did a set, just to make sure I it was the weight/form and not my body. I think I'll be ok.... I hope.

As for the stretching... what I described will help with stretching your low back, but if you're looking to stretch your hamstrings, (since tight hams can cause low back issues), if you have low back pain, it's best to do it standing up, with your leg on top of something in front of you, and bending your back leg to stretch the front, instead of leaning your upper body towards your foot. Does that make sense?

I hope it helps. I hope you feel better soon. *hugs*

[birdiefu]

Ladies, today is not great for me. I'm starting to get a cold (but my handy Zicam may still stave it off) and got hardly any sleep last night doing a lab for school. I am feeling *fat* today, even though when I measured myself only two days ago I wasn't any bigger and my handy fat caliper says my tummy chub hasn't gotten thicker yet. And I think the worst is that my shoulder does have some sort of issue that will need rest to resolve.

I hate that it seems like my body can't stay injury-free for more than a few weeks at a time, well I've gone like 2 months maybe. I don't have any one part that is prone to injury more than any other, but I've had muscle and/or ligament problems in my ankle, both glutes (at different times), wrists (both at different times), and both shoulders (different times and sides, last was the back of the left shoulder). The annoying part is that there never seems to be an *event* to make my body part go bad, or at least if there is, I don't feel it at the time. The positive is that after a part heals, it never seems to give me any problems anymore.

My last bench press on Monday was fine and great, feeling good, I was lifting heavy but not near failure. Had some DOMS but it seemed fine. Then yesterday out of nowhere it seemed like I pulled something in my front shoulder, near the front deltoids. Did some cautious stretching before my workout today and after my squats the shoulder felt a bit tight but pretty okay. Did a set of 5 with just the bar to test it out bench pressing, and not only did my front shoulder get twingy, but my right pec near the armpit seemed to join in on the fun and get a slight pull. So I called it a day with arm work and decided I won't do any push exercises till this is resolved, just gentle stretching. But it's pretty sore, can't drive with my right arm either, as turning the wheel up and inward is the exact motion that makes it twinge in pain.

I'm pretty bummed, as I was *just* finally staring my first real week on Madcow, I feel lost on my bulk, feeling fat doesn't help. I guess I can at least still do my squats, maybe deads - I will see how it is with that and start light but I think pulling will be okay. I sorta feel like I shouldn't be bulking if I can't actually do full body work and that I will just put fat on. But at the same time think I want to keep my cals a little up so my body can heal properly. I also didn't feel any stronger on my squats today (doing lighter than my max as per the program, but it didn't seem as easy as I had expected), which makes me wonder if I'm even gaining any muscle.

[karoline8]

I just weighed in today, I was a bit afraid as all week my food intake has been lousey...lots of icecream and burgers here...but I'm down another pound, the home reno work I've been doing is an intense workout in it's self so I figure that's where the pound went :)...this weekend we move into our new home so hopefully I'll be able to get back on track soon as all this crappy food is starting to make me feel gross...

[beardymcbeard]

Feeling healthy is exactly the best part of it.

I must say that I nagged with mom and my friend about our "diet" during their stay. I felt discomfort most of the time and that is for me now one of the most important reasons for me to return to good eating habits.

Have a prompt recover!



I agree! Thank you, I hope it is indeed swift.


Moved on from my stall - lost a pound on Tuesday, another pound today. This puts me at either 8 or 10 lbs down since the start of the contest, so I'm excited for October's progress pictures - should be a visible difference.


Nice work!

[ananke]

Ladies, today is not great for me. I'm starting to get a cold (but my handy Zicam may still stave it off) and got hardly any sleep last night doing a lab for school. I am feeling *fat* today, even though when I measured myself only two days ago I wasn't any bigger and my handy fat caliper says my tummy chub hasn't gotten thicker yet. And I think the worst is that my shoulder does have some sort of issue that will need rest to resolve. I hate that it seems like my body can't stay injury-free for more than a few weeks at a time, well I've gone like 2 months maybe. I don't have any one part that is prone to injury more than any other, but I've had muscle and/or ligament problems in my ankle, both glutes (at different times), wrists (both at different times), and both shoulders (different times and sides, last was the back of the left shoulder). The annoying part is that there never seems to be an *event* to make my body part go bad, or at least if there is, I don't feel it at the time. The positive is that after a part heals, it never seems to give me any problems anymore. My last bench press on Monday was fine and great, feeling good, I was lifting heavy but not near failure. Had some DOMS but it seemed fine. Then yesterday out of nowhere it seemed like I pulled something in my front shoulder, near the front deltoids. Did some cautious stretching before my workout today and after my squats the shoulder felt a bit tight but pretty okay. Did a set of 5 with just the bar to test it out bench pressing, and not only did my front shoulder get twingy, but my right pec near the armpit seemed to join in on the fun and get a slight pull. So I called it a day with arm work and decided I won't do any push exercises till this is resolved, just gentle stretching. But it's pretty sore, can't drive with my right arm either, as turning the wheel up and inward is the exact motion that makes it twinge in pain. I'm pretty bummed, as I was *just* finally staring my first real week on Madcow, I feel lost on my bulk, feeling fat doesn't help. I guess I can at least still do my squats, maybe deads - I will see how it is with that and start light but I think pulling will be okay. I sorta feel like I shouldn't be bulking if I can't actually do full body work and that I will just put fat on. But at the same time think I want to keep my cals a little up so my body can heal properly. I also didn't feel any stronger on my squats today (doing lighter than my max as per the program, but it didn't seem as easy as I had expected), which makes me wonder if I'm even gaining any muscle.

Hi fellow 5'6 er!! Faith, have faith! A bulk should last at least a year, why would you throw it down the drain if you happen to not be able to train for say, a few weeks due to injury? Hang in there, you've done some GREAT work. You could always eat at maintenance while you're injured and then go back up to bulk status. Do you take glucosamine and stuff??? As long as you keep lifting HEAVY and lifting consistently and eating well there's no way you're not gaining muscle so keep the faith! you can do this and more!!!

[SurelyFunky]

I've had a good few weeks since this started. Getting to the gym regularly and eating fairly consistently. I was rewarded today when the scale finally dipped below 200 on my weekly weigh-in - @ 198!

[Echo814]

I hope that everyone who is having issues with injury or sickness gets better soon!

I have been MIA for a few days, getting used to full time work and school is a challenge but I think I am getting in the groove. I took a peek at my weight back on Wed and down to 136lbs so I think my body is getting used to the higher cals. Not going to weigh in again until beginning of October, when the check in is. Workouts are going good, I am a little frustrated with my back squat, can't seem to get past 90-95lbs without going parallel.

[birdiefu]

Hi fellow 5'6 er!! Faith, have faith! A bulk should last at least a year, why would you throw it down the drain if you happen to not be able to train for say, a few weeks due to injury? Hang in there, you've done some GREAT work. You could always eat at maintenance while you're injured and then go back up to bulk status. Do you take glucosamine and stuff??? As long as you keep lifting HEAVY and lifting consistently and eating well there's no way you're not gaining muscle so keep the faith! you can do this and more!!!

Thanks, Anna! I think the sleep deprivation got the better of me, I usually am good about rationalizing away doubts, but apparently things got to bothering me. I only take fish oil and multivits, I've taken glucosamine and MSM in the past without noticeable results, but might add them back in. I *know* I want to bulk until I'm at 24% BF or more if I can take it, hopefully 9 months or so.

I've noticed that my body has seemed to adapt to the increase in lifestyle activity since the beginning of the month. I'm not quite burning as much per my GoWear from the same walking around at school, and I have noticed with my HIIT (only once a week) that I have had to up the intensity higher than expected to get the same HR for the high intensity part. While I have been eating on average abut 175 cals above maintenance, I do feel quite fat/bloaty. I think part of the problem may be that I have been eating out more lately, and though it technically fits in my macros/cals, I go off of the resturant's nutrition facts on their websites and wonder if it's all that accurate to what I'm actually eating. And the salt, too!

As of today I am at 134 pounds from 126 my lowest at the start of the month, 8 pounds yeah that sucks. I did eat pizza last night and am salt bloated right now, but that still seems like a ton. I am going to just try to eat at my GoWear maintenance for a week, with only home-prepared foods so I am absolutely sure of my cals and also to regain my usual water balance. I will re-weigh next week where I should be at my lowest baseline weight for my monthly cycle and compare to the previous 126 to see how much I have truly gained and then adjust from there.

Workout today was pretty good! My shoulder is feeling better, I have been giving it light massages and stretches and hopefully it will just need a week and everything will be good. My DLs weren't affected by it. I was very happy with my DLs today, still below my max weight as per the program and they were feeling light. Wanted to slap a 45 on each side, but held my ego in check and topped out my last set at 130 like a good girl. :D

[sonti]

I haven't been training at all for the past few weeks. I'm too exhausted. I never really posted a birth story about my son (who I had in June) but even with my perfect healthy pregnancy the labour did not go well and he was injured at the birth. I did a lot of working out in the first few weeks, perhaps just to take my mind off of it, but now I'm sort of burned out. Today we drove into the city (1hr drive) to go to some physical therapy sessions for him so I hope things start cheering up. I'm still in the transformation here but I'm not as active as the rest of you might be. Just trying to get through it!!!

I have lost over 10lbs though since this thing started! Whoo hoo. One day I'll adjust my stats... I'm now 130

[ABbb]

WTG!! Have you been cleared to exercise yet?

Yeah, except for high-impact stuff like running and weighted ab work. I just started some dance classes, which left me debilitatingly sore. Tomorrow I'm going horseback riding, tentatively planning some weights on Monday, assuming I feel fine after riding.

[dragonfly411]

Would it be too late for me to join in with you ladies? I had tried one of these back earlier this year, but dropped off the face of the earth due to some personal problems. I'm trying to get myself re-motivated. I am within healthy weight ranges at 5foot1 111lbs, but my fat to muscle ratio is where I need some work, especially in my stomach. I'd like to get a go ahead from someone as to whether it's too late to join before I start posting away, so until then I'll catch up on how you ladies have been doing :)

[DrivenAgain]

Ladies, today is not great for me. I'm starting to get a cold (but my handy Zicam may still stave it off) and got hardly any sleep last night doing a lab for school. I am feeling *fat* today, even though when I measured myself only two days ago I wasn't any bigger and my handy fat caliper says my tummy chub hasn't gotten thicker yet. And I think the worst is that my shoulder does have some sort of issue that will need rest to resolve.

I hate that it seems like my body can't stay injury-free for more than a few weeks at a time, well I've gone like 2 months maybe. I don't have any one part that is prone to injury more than any other, but I've had muscle and/or ligament problems in my ankle, both glutes (at different times), wrists (both at different times), and both shoulders (different times and sides, last was the back of the left shoulder). The annoying part is that there never seems to be an *event* to make my body part go bad, or at least if there is, I don't feel it at the time. The positive is that after a part heals, it never seems to give me any problems anymore.

My last bench press on Monday was fine and great, feeling good, I was lifting heavy but not near failure. Had some DOMS but it seemed fine. Then yesterday out of nowhere it seemed like I pulled something in my front shoulder, near the front deltoids. Did some cautious stretching before my workout today and after my squats the shoulder felt a bit tight but pretty okay. Did a set of 5 with just the bar to test it out bench pressing, and not only did my front shoulder get twingy, but my right pec near the armpit seemed to join in on the fun and get a slight pull. So I called it a day with arm work and decided I won't do any push exercises till this is resolved, just gentle stretching. But it's pretty sore, can't drive with my right arm either, as turning the wheel up and inward is the exact motion that makes it twinge in pain.

I'm pretty bummed, as I was *just* finally staring my first real week on Madcow, I feel lost on my bulk, feeling fat doesn't help. I guess I can at least still do my squats, maybe deads - I will see how it is with that and start light but I think pulling will be okay. I sorta feel like I shouldn't be bulking if I can't actually do full body work and that I will just put fat on. But at the same time think I want to keep my cals a little up so my body can heal properly. I also didn't feel any stronger on my squats today (doing lighter than my max as per the program, but it didn't seem as easy as I had expected), which makes me wonder if I'm even gaining any muscle.



Hang in there Girl!! It sounds like we have the same annoying issues. I'm still dealing with some cold issues from last week. I woke up this morning with a twinge in my neck and shoulder out of nowhere.... trained through it, stretching it in lots of ways until I could get some relief. I was surprised to have a great day of PR's at the gym. Thank God the pain disappeared during my workout and post-training stretch and I felt great all over. Fast forward a few hours later and after slowly and carefully unloading/setting up/tearing down/reloading my car full of items for an event, I couldn't even turn around to look over my shoulder to reverse park without my lower back hurting so much that I had to do my best with my mirrors and lift myself up with my arms to turn my body so I could get out of the car when I got home. I don't even remember pulling it out. I've been sitting/stretching/rolling on an exercise ball at my desk for the past couple hours... and I'm finally feeling loose enough to get to bed. I pray that I wake up pain free in the morning.

Women like us... work around the pain, work through the pain, work other body parts and might sometimes just get frustrated and want to toss in the towel.... but when it comes down to it, we are driven to succeed, and a couple days or a couple weeks of recuperation won't hold us down for long.

Keep your chin up Sweetie... you can do this!!

Also... I agree.... most of that bloat is probably just from your sodium intake. If it fits into your macros, you can counteract that with some potassium. The most potent form of it with the least amount of calories and bang for the buck is pure coconut water. (the kind from green coconuts, not the milk from brown ones) One serving has about 60 calories and somewhere close to 750mg of Potassium. It will help you balance out from the Sodium you had and release the extra water you're holding onto naturally.

BTW.... I miss my GoWear. I used to have one, but I sold it a long time ago. It's awesome data to have.

[AprilShowers13]

Would it be too late for me to join in with you ladies? I had tried one of these back earlier this year, but dropped off the face of the earth due to some personal problems. I'm trying to get myself re-motivated. I am within healthy weight ranges at 5foot1 111lbs, but my fat to muscle ratio is where I need some work, especially in my stomach. I'd like to get a go ahead from someone as to whether it's too late to join before I start posting away, so until then I'll catch up on how you ladies have been doing :)

I don't see a problem. It's a transformation contest for fun.

[kademrulz]

Hi ladies. Been sick this week but made it to the gym twice. Eating is so so. I could be a lot stricter on my diet and lose the weight faster but I am afraid that if I did that I would have a tendency to cheat more or get tired of it and quit all together. This slow and steady pace allows me some freedom but also lets me keep seeing results.

No progress pics for a few weeks but I did see this this morning.
http://i53.tinypic.com/1zbquf4.jpg


I am happy. That is still a 1.2 lb drop this week.

[lovelygiraffe]

I haven't posted in here much because I have been busy with school and stuff but I'm still doing the transformation :-) I still can't lift weights because of my cough :-( but my waist seems to be getting smaller, hula hooping is great lol. Have a great week everyone :-)

[CarliAlice]

Took this week off due to a horrible cold and my stomach pain being so severe (I have stomach issues). My eating was ok, I use the Eating for Life cookbook and my whole family eats it. I drank some soda's that I'm not supposed to have because of my stomach and which probably increased my pain. But oddly, weight is down. Tomorrow I'm going to start a new workout program which lasts 12 weeks so I'll be ditching the soda's. I'm going to try to stain off the pain meds next week and just workout through the pain. I've done it before!

[equestrian]

Okay...long time in coming but I finally got some new pics. Some improvement...but I have a long way to go.

[Debbie]

Hi ladies. Been sick this week but made it to the gym twice. Eating is so so. I could be a lot stricter on my diet and lose the weight faster but I am afraid that if I did that I would have a tendency to cheat more or get tired of it and quit all together. This slow and steady pace allows me some freedom but also lets me keep seeing results.

No progress pics for a few weeks but I did see this this morning.
http://i53.tinypic.com/1zbquf4.jpg


I am happy. That is still a 1.2 lb drop this week.
I am happy for you too. I hope you recover soon so that you restart with your program normally.


I haven't posted in here much because I have been busy with school and stuff but I'm still doing the transformation :-) I still can't lift weights because of my cough :-( but my waist seems to be getting smaller, hula hooping is great lol. Have a great week everyone :-)
I am also wondering how I will make after returning to work, sewing and Japanese lessons.
It is cool that you found a workout to do during the recovery. Take the most out of it!


Took this week off due to a horrible cold and my stomach pain being so severe (I have stomach issues). My eating was ok, I use the Eating for Life cookbook and my whole family eats it. I drank some soda's that I'm not supposed to have because of my stomach and which probably increased my pain. But oddly, weight is down. Tomorrow I'm going to start a new workout program which lasts 12 weeks so I'll be ditching the soda's. I'm going to try to stain off the pain meds next week and just workout through the pain. I've done it before!
I read about your stomach here and I got concerned. I have had ulcers at about 10 years ago and after that, I sort of got a sensitive stomach. I cut my diary to minimum and if stress catches me by surprise, the pain returns.
I wish you a fast recovery! And try to overwork with your routine. Stomach problems can influence the whole body.


Okay...long time in coming but I finally got some new pics. Some improvement...but I have a long way to go.
Congratulations on your progress!!!

*have a great time everyone*

[CarliAlice]

[QUOTE=Debbie;553192213]
I read about your stomach here and I got concerned. I have had ulcers at about 10 years ago and after that, I sort of got a sensitive stomach. I cut my diary to minimum and if stress catches me by surprise, the pain returns.
I wish you a fast recovery! And try to overwork with your routine. Stomach problems can influence the whole body.
[QUOTE]

Thank you for your concern! I have a severe hiatal hernia but the real issue is that I have chronic inflammation of the stomach. The doctors don’t know the cause but have ruled out anything serious. I just switched doctors who is willing to try more aggress of treatment for me…the last doctor just wanted me to have a surgery to repair the hernia but that wouldn’t solve the problem. The treatment is slowly making a difference.

Watch the ulcers...I've eliminated dairy entirely because when I was younger it used to make break out in hives. The doctor feels like one possibility is that I'm still having an allergic reaction.

[equestrian]

Congratulations on your progress!!!

*have a great time everyone*

Thanks Debbie!

[dragonfly411]

Now that I have an ok I'll jump in :)

Age 24
Weight 112.2 as of this morning (stupid weekend)
I don't know my body fat percentage but will find out
height 5 ft 1 in.

My goal is to tone up, especially around my stomach and my legs but essentially an all over tone up. I don't necessarily want to bulk but want to have some defined muscles. I'm planning to do cardio 4-5 times a week with strength 3-5 times a week depending on how I'm feeling. I'll also be doing at least a half hour of yoga daily. Diet wise I plan on getting more lean proteins in, less junk, more fruit, veggies and whole grains. I'll get starting pictures up in just a bit.

[dragonfly411]

Starting pics

[Debbie]

Thank you for your concern! I have a severe hiatal hernia but the real issue is that I have chronic inflammation of the stomach. The doctors don’t know the cause but have ruled out anything serious. I just switched doctors who is willing to try more aggress of treatment for me…the last doctor just wanted me to have a surgery to repair the hernia but that wouldn’t solve the problem. The treatment is slowly making a difference.

Watch the ulcers...I've eliminated dairy entirely because when I was younger it used to make break out in hives. The doctor feels like one possibility is that I'm still having an allergic reaction.
I had to go through a very strict diet back then and it helped me a lot.
By avoiding all the diary I can, I manage to have some cheese here and there, or some yogurt. In my case, I just can't start a day with milk, or it is done right there.
At least, I never liker it anyway and I am a major soya fan... (^_^*)



Now that I have an ok I'll jump in :)

Age 24
Weight 112.2 as of this morning (stupid weekend)
I don't know my body fat percentage but will find out
height 5 ft 1 in.

My goal is to tone up, especially around my stomach and my legs but essentially an all over tone up. I don't necessarily want to bulk but want to have some defined muscles. I'm planning to do cardio 4-5 times a week with strength 3-5 times a week depending on how I'm feeling. I'll also be doing at least a half hour of yoga daily. Diet wise I plan on getting more lean proteins in, less junk, more fruit, veggies and whole grains. I'll get starting pictures up in just a bit.
Welcome to the group and good luck!

[AprilShowers13]

I decided to start NROL4W last night. For some reason I thought stage 1 would be simple, but I'm really feeling it this morning.

[michpc]

Hola, ladies! This thread moves fast! I've been fairly MIA lately, so apologies. I've been totally swamped at work (the whole company is busy, so good for us, but bad for my online time :-D ), and in less than 3 weeks I'm taking the GREs so I've been trying to dedicate spare time to studying. Therefore, I won't be around here much till mid October, and after that I need to start on applications. But hopefully things will settle down here as we get closer to the holidays and I'll have some more spare time to stop in.

In the meantime, keep up the hard work, everyone!

[Qteepiezn]

Have just done my 1st workout of stage 1 in NROLFW. I assumed it was going to be child's play, until I got to the last exercise; the prone jacknife. Does anyone have any advice on perfecting this exercise?

My "before" pics:

[birdiefu]

Have just done my 1st workout of stage 1 in NROLFW. I assumed it was going to be child's play, until I got to the last exercise; the prone jacknife. Does anyone have any advice on perfecting this exercise?

My "before" pics:

New Rules is great, I'm sure you will see some great results! And I like your kitty, I have one that looks just like yours, named Mini Me. :)

[beatha]

checking in . . . still working toward my goals w/ varying degree of success, I posted my training/food log in my bodyblog as usually . . . I worked out pretty hard, notable my overall fitness level is up. I've been pushing myself really hard in kickboxing class even got a complement from the one trainer who's a hard ass most of the time. I'm back to fewer reps & lifting heavier and it felt really good . . . nutrition wise I let my beer consumption ruin any potential deficits . . . so calories in vs calories out was a wash . . . other than that it was a good week.

[MNCurves]

Checking in quick! Unsure if I was realisitic with the amount of weight I want to cut- seems I may have been off on that a little with the muscle gain. Will evaluate and figure it out:) Lifting and eating is going pretty well!! Hope everyone is doing well!!

[BDancer]

Hi ladies, would you mind if I joined you at this late date?
My goal is to change my body composition from 30% to 20%, by my Birthday in January, not to lose a lot of weight. But if I do lose a few pounds that would be nice. :)

[DrivenAgain]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

[aintevenmad]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

Not about your training, but I hope your mom recovers better with you at her side. Good luck and you're doing a wonderful thing.

[Debbie]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom and I fully understand your decision.
Mine is an ocean away and there is always the possibility of she needing me. I'm her only child and she doesn't have any family alive anymore.

Do what you have to do and even though you might not be able to proceed with this challenge, please drop us a line when you have the chance.

Wishing you lots of success on your path and looking forward seeing you back soon!

[Qteepiezn]

New Rules is great, I'm sure you will see some great results! And I like your kitty, I have one that looks just like yours, named Mini Me. :)

Thank you, I hope to see atleast some results by the end of it :)

He is lovely, his name is Ollie :)

[Barnewolt]

Hello Ladies! Greeting from Hollywood, FL.

I have been offline for a few days & need to get caught up on posts.

My exercise had been great, but enjoying the fine cuisine here in FL. along w/beverages while on holiday. Back to reality tomorrow.

Hope that you are all doing well!

[AprilShowers13]

Have just done my 1st workout of stage 1 in NROLFW. I assumed it was going to be child's play, until I got to the last exercise; the prone jacknife. Does anyone have any advice on perfecting this exercise?

My "before" pics:


I did my first workout Sunday night. I thought it was going to be easy too, until I realized I can't do any push-ups. I was able to do 5 sets of 3 "real" pushups.

I decided not to do the jacknife because I didn't want to make a fool of myself at the gym. I subbed them for some planks.

[AprilShowers13]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

I hope your mother has a speedy recovery. I truely understand your decision to be with her at this time.

[DrivenAgain]

Not about your training, but I hope your mom recovers better with you at her side. Good luck and you're doing a wonderful thing.

Thank you. I hope to return to CA soon... but I'm praying that it's WITH my Mom, after she makes lots of progress, once I'm back there again.


I'm sorry to hear about your mom and I fully understand your decision.
Mine is an ocean away and there is always the possibility of she needing me. I'm her only child and she doesn't have any family alive anymore.

Do what you have to do and even though you might not be able to proceed with this challenge, please drop us a line when you have the chance.

Wishing you lots of success on your path and looking forward seeing you back soon!

Thank you for your kind words. I'm one of 3 children, but we are all thousands of miles away and she doesn't really have anyone there who knows how to fight for her needs. I will make sure to drop in as often as I can.


I hope your mother has a speedy recovery. I truely understand your decision to be with her at this time.

Thank you. I'm hoping to help speed it up. It's already been a year and progress has been way too slow. I will keep you ladies informed about my training progress and my Mom's progress in my journal as often as I can.

[Debbie]

I'm almost done catching up with the extra pounds I got during my two weeks cheat.
This morning, I had 121lb and it makes me feel really happy.

The major difference between now and 3 weeks ago is that now I am also building muscles. There is already some little changes on the abdominal area. That is very exciting!

Tomorrow I return to work, so I may not be that much online anymore. However, I will keep my workout routine 5 times a week (I need two days break because I also follow sewing and Japanese lessons, each one evening per week) and I will be updating my status and learning from your experience.

Have a great time everyone and lots of success!!!!

<3

[Qteepiezn]

I did my first workout Sunday night. I thought it was going to be easy too, until I realized I can't do any push-ups. I was able to do 5 sets of 3 "real" pushups.

I decided not to do the jacknife because I didn't want to make a fool of myself at the gym. I subbed them for some planks.

I, myself, am useless at push-ups :( Alwyn does however give you different push-up variations, depending on your fitness levels and how many reps you are doing. I decided on settling for the 45 degree push-up, it’s not as difficult. You should give it a try :)

Lol, I can imagine! I fell over quite a few times, whilst just attempting to stabilize myself on the ball, before even starting the exercise. After many attempts, I was only able to do 1 and a half sets. They were no were near perfect though!

Today is my 1st session of Workout B, fingers crossed I do better at this one :)

Keep us posted on your progress!

[aintevenmad]

I benched 22.5 today! Couldn't even do the bar a few days ago.. So happy!

Squatting with perfect form, about to start adding weights AAAAAAND feel so good with the Pendlay rows. First day doing Starting Strength and I'm rowing 35 kg.

Strength here I come!

[Abscynthe]

Checking in myself...haven't been visiting this thread as much. Scale read 163.5 this morning after having gone up to 167 last week, so I'm heading in the right direction! I've been trying to fight the "tired and it's getting dark and I just want to go home" feeling after work / class and so far it's won the last 2 nights. It's not going to win tonight, though!

Heading to the SNBF Atlanta show this weekend - I'm thinking that seeing mega fit people on stage will help motivate me into working harder.

[AprilShowers13]

I, myself, am useless at push-ups :( Alwyn does however give you different push-up variations, depending on your fitness levels and how many reps you are doing. I decided on settling for the 45 degree push-up, it’s not as difficult. You should give it a try :)

Lol, I can imagine! I fell over quite a few times, whilst just attempting to stabilize myself on the ball, before even starting the exercise. After many attempts, I was only able to do 1 and a half sets. They were no were near perfect though!

Today is my 1st session of Workout B, fingers crossed I do better at this one :)

Keep us posted on your progress!

I do the modified pushups at home off my couch by lifting the pillows up. I tried to be superwoman the other night and do the real ones. Come Friday, I will do the modified ones at the gym.

Last night was workout B for me. I not sore, but I do feel some tightness in my thighs and butt. I did deadlifts for the first time!! My 60 sec rest was spent in the bathroom pulling out wedgies from DLs.

Are you following the nutrition and calorie plan?

[birdiefu]

I do the modified pushups at home off my couch by lifting the pillows up. I tried to be superwoman the other night and do the real ones. Come Friday, I will do the modified ones at the gym.

Last night was workout B for me. I not sore, but I do feel some tightness in my thighs and butt. I did deadlifts for the first time!! My 60 sec rest was spent in the bathroom pulling out wedgies from DLs.

Are you following the nutrition and calorie plan?

LOL @ the wediges! I am now an unabashed public wedgie-puller at the gym. I get them from squatting and don't want to abandon the rack so just make it as quick as possible. Workout B in stage 1 was always my hammy killer, love the DLs and dreaded the lunges!

[Barnewolt]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

I am sorry to hear about your Mom. My Mom had a stroke last November & it sucked and I wasn't even the patient. I definatetly understand & admire you for your decision. You will have no regrets. Keep in touch.

[CarliAlice]

I had to go through a very strict diet back then and it helped me a lot.
By avoiding all the diary I can, I manage to have some cheese here and there, or some yogurt. In my case, I just can't start a day with milk, or it is done right there.
At least, I never liker it anyway and I am a major soya fan... (^_^*)



Welcome to the group and good luck!

I tink if I put any dairy in my mouth I wouldn't be able to stop...it's so yummy it's like a drug for me! I switched to almond milk on my Kashi which I like. Haven't tried it for anything else though.

[CarliAlice]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.

I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

You're not a party pooper! Your mom needs you right now. I hope that you're able to work things out with your mom and she sees some progress.

[Barnewolt]

Hello Ladies!
Back in the Land of Lincoln!
Eats were great yesterday - it is all a mindset isn't it? I was on vacation and felt that I should/could let my guard down food-wise-which imho, is a o.k. Gotta splurge every now & then! :)

Workout done for today. Question for the group-Today I deadlifted 145 x 8, 8, & 6, BUT I could only manage 3 reps, then rest 30 seconds to regroup, then 2 reps-rest, etc. until I finished. I should NOT decrease weights right? as I am able to do 140 x 8, 8, & 6 reps w/out a break. Did I increase too much too soon? Live & Learn.

Make it a great day!
BEAUTIFAL FALL DAY in Central Illinois.

[ABbb]

Just took some new pix. Seems to be some decent progress in there, but my question is: how can I put them up side-by-side so the difference is easier to see? I don't have Photoshop, just Paint and Microsoft Photo Editor. Thanks.

[birdiefu]

Just took some new pix. Seems to be some decent progress in there, but my question is: how can I put them up side-by-side so the difference is easier to see? I don't have Photoshop, just Paint and Microsoft Photo Editor. Thanks.

I use GIMP - it's a free download.

[Barnewolt]

Just took some new pix. Seems to be some decent progress in there, but my question is: how can I put them up side-by-side so the difference is easier to see? I don't have Photoshop, just Paint and Microsoft Photo Editor. Thanks.

The only way that I know to do it, is to use the free service at
http://www.picnik.com/
do a side by side comparision & then move & save in your pictures.

Sorry that I couldn't be of more help, someone more knowledge will be able to tell you, I'm sure. :) Good luck!

[discdoggie]

My abs are back. :)

[Qteepiezn]

I do the modified pushups at home off my couch by lifting the pillows up. I tried to be superwoman the other night and do the real ones. Come Friday, I will do the modified ones at the gym.

Last night was workout B for me. I not sore, but I do feel some tightness in my thighs and butt. I did deadlifts for the first time!! My 60 sec rest was spent in the bathroom pulling out wedgies from DLs.

Are you following the nutrition and calorie plan?

I did my 1st Workout B last night, thought that it was much easier than Workout A. I do feel it today a bit though :( I never noticed having as much wedgies with deadlifts, but now that you have mentioned it I am sure I will be more aware of them. lol.

I have been using the nutrition plan as a guideline but not following it entirely. I have just been preparing meals that are high in protein but not in calories. In fact, my consumption of calories is less than the book suggests, but I still try to acheive the recommended percentage of protein, carbs, fat etc.

Are you following it?


LOL @ the wediges! I am now an unabashed public wedgie-puller at the gym. I get them from squatting and don't want to abandon the rack so just make it as quick as possible. Workout B in stage 1 was always my hammy killer, love the DLs and dreaded the lunges!

I dreaded the lunges myself, but found that they were not as bad as I expected them to be. I feel it today in my quads and glutes.

[Debbie]

My abs are back. :)
Congrats!!!


I have been using the nutrition plan as a guideline but not following it entirely. I have just been preparing meals that are high in protein but not in calories. In fact, my consumption of calories is less than the book suggests, but I still try to acheive the recommended percentage of protein, carbs, fat etc.

Are you following it?
I do follow my intake. In my case, I noticed that I was eating way too much than I should (if I wanted to lose any kg) and worst of all, I was not getting enough macros.

If you feel like checking further information on nutrition, I would highly recommend you the following threads:
* Calculating Calorie Needs and Macronutrients (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703921)
* Spreadsheet to Calculate Calories and Macros (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126705923)
* Calorie Counting Websites (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=119482931)

***

An update from me...
I have been oscillating these days, but it might have been PMS and/or end of vacation (= readapting myself to the working schedule). So, I will watch closely how things will evolve the next days and I will share with you.

*nice weekend everyone*

[CarliAlice]

My abs are back. :)

Awesome!!

Weird question...due to health reasons I didn't get all my workouts in (although I did do a little something as far as cardio in the morning other than yesterday) has anyone ever "made up" their workouts by having a kind of marathon workout over the weekend? I wasn't sure if this could help, hurt, or didn't matter.

I'm going to try to take some new pics tomorrow...after I get some sleep :)!

[karoline8]

Good morning everyone...I'm finally moved into my new home! It's been a very tiring week, I didn't really expect it to be this strenious but it's all starting to come together now as I almost have my weight room setup (which, along with the kitchen, has to be the most important room in the house)...today will be the day I get a workout in :) I haven't been able to lift for a week and am definetly missing it, I managed a nice long run on Wednesday and yoga yesturday but haven't had time or the room to lift all week, so I'm happy things are finally comming together. The funny thing is that with all the moving furniture and boxes around I feel like I've been working out hard as every muscle is sore and tired (even my legs from lots of stair climbing...so now in a strange way I'm loving thwe stairs here...lol), so I don't feel too bad about not being able to lift, I just miss it :).
I hope everyone is having a great weekend....

[sonti]

Ergh, I'm stalling!! I need to tighten up the diet even more now. It was a lot easier to get lean the first time around (I was 21) then it is at 26 with a kid! Hah. Gotta stick to my guns.

[kademrulz]

Hi ladies. I am weighing in a little higher today 243 than last week. Yesterday was my son's 4th bday party so too much sweet stuff and carbs. Holding water for sure. But exercise is ok and diet is pretty good the rest of the week. My cold went away only to be replaced with an upper respiratory infection. I have been doing LISS cardio all week instead of alternating with HIIT and my lifts suck. I am as week as a kitten right now. But still plugging away. Hopefully next week will be even better.

[AprilShowers13]

I did my 1st Workout B last night, thought that it was much easier than Workout A. I do feel it today a bit though :( I never noticed having as much wedgies with deadlifts, but now that you have mentioned it I am sure I will be more aware of them. lol.

I have been using the nutrition plan as a guideline but not following it entirely. I have just been preparing meals that are high in protein but not in calories. In fact, my consumption of calories is less than the book suggests, but I still try to acheive the recommended percentage of protein, carbs, fat etc.

Are you following it?


I'm trying to follow the nutrition plan. My plan is to eat around 1900 calories. I know he wants you to eat at maintenance but I want to lose weight also so I lowered my cals. My biggest issue is getting in enough protein.

[birdiefu]

Awesome!!

Weird question...due to health reasons I didn't get all my workouts in (although I did do a little something as far as cardio in the morning other than yesterday) has anyone ever "made up" their workouts by having a kind of marathon workout over the weekend? I wasn't sure if this could help, hurt, or didn't matter.

I'm going to try to take some new pics tomorrow...after I get some sleep :)!

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, and what type of workout you would be thinking of. For example, I would not put two days of full body lifting back-to-back. I would also not push my body too much, especially if you had a medical problem. Maybe just one regular workout on a weekend day that you don't usually workout, then get back on schedule. Or just rest and get back on track your next scheduled day.

The idea of a "marathon" workout - something extreme that your body is probably not conditioned for, and especially after you had a medical issue, just screams bad ju-ju to me.

[Debbie]

Hi my dears,

I was dying to see how I was progressing (just major curiosity) and I added them to my BodySpace (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Debbie/).
Despite the two weeks cheat I had in September, there is a slightly difference already.

For our half way point, I am hoping to be able to share a much shaper progression.

[birdiefu]

Hi my dears,

I was dying to see how I was progressing (just major curiosity) and I added them to my BodySpace (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Debbie/).
Despite the two weeks cheat I had in September, there is a slightly difference already.

For our half way point, I am hoping to be able to share a much shaper progression.

I definitely see a difference, slight but there, congrats! :D

[CarliAlice]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, and what type of workout you would be thinking of. For example, I would not put two days of full body lifting back-to-back. I would also not push my body too much, especially if you had a medical problem. Maybe just one regular workout on a weekend day that you don't usually workout, then get back on schedule. Or just rest and get back on track your next scheduled day.

The idea of a "marathon" workout - something extreme that your body is probably not conditioned for, and especially after you had a medical issue, just screams bad ju-ju to me.


You're right! Sometimes I don't know what I'm thinking that early in the morning. I did about 45 min of Zumba and back and biceps workout that I missed. That's good...I can only do so much!

******
Great progress, Debbie!!!
******

Good morning everyone...I'm finally moved into my new home! It's been a very tiring week, I didn't really expect it to be this strenious but it's all starting to come together now as I almost have my weight room setup (which, along with the kitchen, has to be the most important room in the house)...today will be the day I get a workout in :) I haven't been able to lift for a week and am definetly missing it,

The first thing I thought when I read this is moving is a workout! ;)

[birdiefu]

So, I am pretty happy with my progress at one month. :D My bloatiness receded as I went back to eating my usual foods (and Taco Bell on Thursdays is usual, LOL) and at my weigh-in today I was surprised to see myself at 128 pounds. So, 6 pounds down from last week (!) (I averaged 140 cals above maintenance during the week) and a net gain of 2 pounds in a month, which I am perfectly happy with!

My measurements are the same except for my waist, which is up 1/2". However, my stomach is a great improvement from the ginormous bloated bongo drum of a stomach it was last week. I have come to realize that obsessing about stomach size in a bulk is useless - it is an area that can fluctuate so much on a number of variables that I will just ignore tummy size and go off of the size of the rest of me and my growing new muscles and strength. :)

My husband was impressed with the firmness of my relaxed arms, and I noticed today the sides of my calves seem more defined - which is a big deal to me as I carry a lot of fat on my calves! My lifts are going great, I haven't gotten to my old PRs yet in my program, but everything feels wonderful. Today was DL day and I was able to pull 135 with a double overhand grip without my left grip threatening to loosen, yay! I have been having issues with weak grip and had to use a combination or hook grip to pull anything 135+ before.

I'm planning to stick to around 150 cals above maintenance and shooting for another 1-2 pound gain by next month.

[Echo814]

Good weekend everyone! Glad to see that many of us are still here :D Sorry that some of you had to drop out, I hope everything works out for you guys :)

The past three weeks have been hectic for me. Started working full time again, and with three classes thrown, in it makes for busy times. Last week wasn't so great, got in only one workout, so now I have and extra week with stage one for New Rules. Been progressing with deadlifts I plan on one set of 135lbs tonight :D

My squat is starting to peeve me off, I can barely squeak out 85lbs, me thinks something is off with my form. Every squat video that I watch confuses me because the foot placement is different in each one :rolleyes:

I have also started dabbling in supplements, bought a bunch of samples from GNC. So far I like N.O.-Xplode, its tasty and gives me enough of a push for my workouts. Superpump was ok, the orange flavor wasn't bad. With my schedule I am finding it hard to get the energy up to workout.

Haven't weighed myself for a while and I plan not to, clothes are fitting a bit tight so I think I might back down the cals a couple hundred for a couple of weeks.

[hieronymous]

Things are going great. I am really liking how my butt is shaping up. Am looking forward to more good changes in the coming weeks.

[Debbie]

I definitely see a difference, slight but there, congrats! :D


Great progress, Debbie!!!
Thanks for the support, girls!

I am really looking forward showing a much better progress next time.



EDITING: As I have been having problems adding my workout to the BodySpace, I will be posting them on my Journal (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=127002423).

[ellepink85]

Hey Rowan,

I've just stumbled upon this thread and I'm gutted that I didn't find it earlier! I've just moved to the UK from Australia for my partners work for 18 months, I've joined a gym and have a plan I've worked out, I started 3 days ago. I have no friends or support network here so its really hard.

Am I able to tag on to this thread group for support or can you recommend somewhere else I should head? I'm 25 about 5'8" and I weigh about 171 pounds. I've trained before but just want to transform my body! any help would be awesome! :)

[discdoggie]

Hey Rowan,

I've just stumbled upon this thread and I'm gutted that I didn't find it earlier! I've just moved to the UK from Australia for my partners work for 18 months, I've joined a gym and have a plan I've worked out, I started 3 days ago. I have no friends or support network here so its really hard.

Am I able to tag on to this thread group for support or can you recommend somewhere else I should head? I'm 25 about 5'8" and I weigh about 171 pounds. I've trained before but just want to transform my body! any help would be awesome! :)

Not Rowyn (she is uber-busy right now with personal, kid, and family stuff) but come on in. There's still 12 weeks to go. :)

[ellepink85]

Thanks sooooo much! Just what I need, you chicks are pretty inspirational, reading through the posts on the forum.

I will take my measurements and take the dearded before pics today. Thanks again :)

[karoline8]

Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I'm going to bow out of this challenge. I just made a HUGE decision to move myself across the country, (from CA to NY), to take care of my Mom who had a massive stroke last year and hasn't made very much progress in her recovery at the nursing home. She really needs me there to be more of an advocate for her because the level of care that she needs is too great for us to handle at home, and she can't fight for herself.

How does that effect my program? For the next 30-60 days, I'll be selling almost everything that I own, working as often as I can, running all over the place to spend time with friends I may not see again for many years, and trying to do all the things that I wanted to do and see before I leave CA, that I haven't done over the last 15 years I've been here. I PLAN to come back, but I don't know if I'll be back in 6 months or 5 years... or ever return.


I will keep up on my lifting 3x/week and expect to add some hiking once it cools off again, (since I will really miss all the mountain terrain here). I just know that I will get frustrated and depressed every time I cheat, if I try to stay on any kind of cutting diet when everyone is inviting me out to eat or over for dinner and such... and watching the scale go up and down from all the sodium and excess calories from all the socializing. I don't know how long I'm saying goodbye for... so I don't want to turn down their invitations because of some diet I'm on.

Once I'm settled into NY and get a few things taken care of there, I may join another challenge... but for now, the only thing I can commit to doing is lifting and staying active. I think that this is the smartest thing that I can do for myself right now. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone who was rooting for me.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, I know how you feel mine has had 2 heart attacks and is only 58yrs old, it's such a scarry thing to have to deal with. I truely hope she recovers and that your move goes well. :)

[karoline8]

I haven't weighed myself yet this week but did do measurements today and have lost 0.5' off my waist and 1' off my butt...I'm really liking my stairs now...lol...
I finally got that workout in last night, felt so good...did upper body...tonight I'll do a lower body workout, then next week get back to my usual routine(which I miss very much)..I may even go for a run today :) The weather is finally good here and I'm anxious to get out.
HaVE A great Sunday everyone!

[CarliAlice]

So completely thrilled with my triceps today...now if I could just get to where I’m happy with my abs and inner thighs.

[ABbb]

The only way that I know to do it, is to use the free service at

do a side by side comparision & then move & save in your pictures.

Sorry that I couldn't be of more help, someone more knowledge will be able to tell you, I'm sure. :) Good luck!

Can you elaborate on how to do that side-by-side comparison? There right now and have no idea what I'm doing. Gave up on GIMP after like 2 hours of struggling. Technology is not my area of expertise.

[Barnewolt]

Can you elaborate on how to do that side-by-side comparison? There right now and have no idea what I'm doing. Gave up on GIMP after like 2 hours of struggling. Technology is not my area of expertise.

I'm pm'ing you!

[dragonfly411]

Hey ladies, just a quick check in. This weekend was definitely off the fitness trail haha. I had the best Alligator chili last night though, let me just tell you now. Today I made lentil and bean soup for the week and pumpkin bread for the whiners at work who like my baking. I am starting up my food and workout journal and waking up bright and early to hit the at home weights.

[wantfirmcurves]

Just a quick update...I've been off the plan for a couple of weeks. First a cold, then a back/hip issue. Feeling back to near full strength again. Back at it this week. Hope everyone's doing well! :)

[rockangel]

Hey ladies, just a quick check in. This weekend was definitely off the fitness trail haha. I had the best Alligator chili last night though, let me just tell you now. Today I made lentil and bean soup for the week and pumpkin bread for the whiners at work who like my baking. I am starting up my food and workout journal and waking up bright and early to hit the at home weights.

MMMMM....ALLIGATOR...*drools*. I soooo miss that.

Anyways, Havent been too good last week or so. been pretty sick and I see that some others have been too. hope everyone else is getting better. I am on the way to recovery. Still have a cough that kicks up when i do cardio so am just doing light cardio, nothing intense yet.

I have seen some progress in my legs. They are beginning to lean down just a bit. I am hoping to get pics up soon. I like to at least get one a month in.

My goal is to cut until my legs look close to what I want, since i am holding the most fat there and in my bottom abs and hips. Then i would like to do a nice long bulk to build.

If i havent been able to work out I am at least been pretty decent on my diet. Little slip ups here and there but ultimately hitting what i need to be.

Today is rest day for me. Im about to go to meditation and then tommorow I plan to get back on track and hopefully can do some heavier cardio. I really am ichin for a good run!

Hope everyone else is doing and feeling better!!

[tntbabe]

Checking in. Last week I stalled a little, but no biggie. I am now down 13lbs since we started. Happy with the progress so far. I even got to pig out on crab and shrimp Saturday night.

I will be starting NROL4W this week. YAY! Sounds like everyone is doing a great job with their goals, and a lot of people are getting sick :( Keep it up everybody!

[AprilShowers13]

Checking in. Last week I stalled a little, but no biggie. I am now down 13lbs since we started. Happy with the progress so far. I even got to pig out on crab and shrimp Saturday night.

I will be starting NROL4W this week. YAY! Sounds like everyone is doing a great job with their goals, and a lot of people are getting sick :( Keep it up everybody!

Good job on your weightloss!!

[laurengirly09]

i would love to be in. i just joined bodybuilding.com. i know im a little late so technically i wont be in the contest bc this will motivate me to get going! my before pic is on my page. its about 3 weeks old. i wanna shed about 15 poudns by christmas. just lose the fat and gain muscle

[Qteepiezn]

Congrats!!!


I do follow my intake. In my case, I noticed that I was eating way too much than I should (if I wanted to lose any kg) and worst of all, I was not getting enough macros.

If you feel like checking further information on nutrition, I would highly recommend you the following threads:


***

An update from me...
I have been oscillating these days, but it might have been PMS and/or end of vacation (= readapting myself to the working schedule). So, I will watch closely how things will evolve the next days and I will share with you.

*nice weekend everyone*

Thank you Debbie, I will have a look through them. :)

[beatha]

checking in . . . summary of last week . . . did better w/ the protein consumption that is to say added an extra scoop to pwo smoothies but carbs are still a bit high some days . . . last week lifted 3 days and kickboxing 3 days . . . also took measurements/pictures friday morning

hips down .25″ to 39.75″
waist down .5″ to 35.5″
biceps down .25″ to 14.75″
forearms down some 16ths of an inch to what I'm calling 11.85"
thighs down .75″ to 27.25″
chest & calves unchanged

Not horrible progress slowly but steadily I'm losing bf and it's actually not too difficult sticking to the plan . . . looking forward to some visible results in November.

[Qteepiezn]

I'm trying to follow the nutrition plan. My plan is to eat around 1900 calories. I know he wants you to eat at maintenance but I want to lose weight also so I lowered my cals. My biggest issue is getting in enough protein.

I have also lowered my calories, as I myself want to lose alot of weight.

I find eating tuna to be the easiest source of protein. I tend to eat alot of it, as well as eggs. I prefer to eat alot of protein enriched foods than drink as many protein shakes as the nutrition plan suggests.

[Qteepiezn]

Checking in. Last week I stalled a little, but no biggie. I am now down 13lbs since we started. Happy with the progress so far. I even got to pig out on crab and shrimp Saturday night.

I will be starting NROL4W this week. YAY! Sounds like everyone is doing a great job with their goals, and a lot of people are getting sick :( Keep it up everybody!

Well done on the weight loss!

I started NROL4W last week, am really enjoying it and I am sure you will too :)

[karoline8]

I weighed in yesturday and am down 1lb more, though I've been eating 2200 or more cals a day...went back to my regular lifting routine last night and haven't lost any strength(some lifts went up a bit :))even though I haven't been working out regularly for a couple of weeks (I have been lifting alot of boxes though ...so I guess I have been doing some kind of excercise). The funny thing here is that I've started getting leaner after I stopped trying to lose weight, so I'm going to just keep going with this and see what happens.
Today is back and bicepts...and painting cabinets, and unpacking, and God knows what else...lol...I'm loving every moment to tell the truth:) I hope everyone has a great day!!!

[wantfirmcurves]

I was in the dumps yesterday and the day before about falling off track, but I've been piecing things back together...starting with nutrition. Was about 80% compliance with my eating yesterday and so far 100% on track today. Small victories but footings to build back up on!

An observation: I'm nowhere near ripped but I am amazed at how much softer and bloated I look and feel when I've been off track - almost night and day difference!

I'm sure others here have noticed the same thing, but for some reason, this time around it's really struck me! Should be added motivation to NOT fall off the plan and to get right the heck back on it if I do! :)

[tina722]

Update for me:
I saw 135 on the scale last week (down from 142). This really surprised me as I haven't been following my plan very closely.

I decided today to start eating at maintenence despite not losing as much as I'd hope. I'm tired of being exhausted and spending so much time thinking about food. :) Most of all I'm tired of not enjoying my lifting anymore... I'll take a slower recomp over quick changes. Who knows...perhaps I'll get some enthusiam to continue this cut in a week or so.

Still in this challenges for motivation though!

[britt4]

i would love to do this! i'm just getting back in the gym and need some motivation!!!

[Debbie]

After my two rest days, I think that my weight loss is more due to muscles.
It is exciting because it is my lowest since I started, but only by the end of the week is that I will be able to assess my progress.

I am really looking forward buying a dishwasher so that I have enough time to cook. The meals at work are a no-no for my diet.

[tlam12]

i would love to do this! i'm just getting back in the gym and need some motivation!!!

You're trying to transform by how? Your page says "Its about definition, not power"
I think if you don't value strength enough, you won't get definition.

[AprilShowers13]

Hey ladies. My weight loss has slowed down a bit. But that is ok for know. I lost 5lbs since we started.

How is everyone elses progress coming along?

[beardymcbeard]

FINALLY got some photos. School's been busy, plus I'm lazy.


http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639752
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639742
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639732
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639712
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639722
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639712


I'm not good at posing or photography..

Still getting over wisdom teeth op, but I'm back at the gym hitting it hard. Set a PR yesterday for deadlifts- 100kg x2 (220lbs)



Have a good weekend everyone!

[Debbie]

Hey ladies. My weight loss has slowed down a bit. But that is ok for know. I lost 5lbs since we started.

How is everyone elses progress coming along?
I didn't do well this week, April.
It was such a busy week at work and at home. I slept little, had some muscle pain and probably made some mistakes with my diet.

I really need to rethink what I have been doing in terms of nutrition.


FINALLY got some photos. School's been busy, plus I'm lazy.


http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639752
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639742
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639732
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639712
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639722
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/photos/view-user-photo/6639712


I'm not good at posing or photography..

Still getting over wisdom teeth op, but I'm back at the gym hitting it hard. Set a PR yesterday for deadlifts- 100kg x2 (220lbs)



Have a good weekend everyone!
Great progress! Congratulations.

[SurelyFunky]

Hey ladies. My weight loss has slowed down a bit. But that is ok for know. I lost 5lbs since we started.

How is everyone elses progress coming along?

Congrats!

I am down about three pounds. Staying below 200, which is huge for me. :)

My biggest food issue was lunches at work, but I think I have come up with a setup that wll let me clean things up a lot.

[birdiefu]

Hey all! :) I love my Saturday workouts, DLs are my favorite. Lifts are going great, I should be hitting my PRs next week. They were feeling heavy today but like I could get a few more reps out if I tried without too much trouble.

Bonus was that I was doing chins today - well, I am alternating chins and lat pulldowns each Sat, so last time I did chins was 2 weeks ago. I could only do almost one (a tad bit of an angle in the elbow) and then negative for each set then. Today surprised myself by being able to do my "almost one" plus a whole one! Whoo-hoo, huge improvement to me. :D

On Thursday night my knee was killing me after I did what feels like eons of canter in two-point in the same direction for riding. My inside knee had to do a ton of shock absorption and I was gimpy Thur night and most of yesterday. Thankfully it seemed to get better toward the end of yesterday and is almost 100% today. Lifting didn't seem to affect it (thankfully today was light squats), and I cut out my HIIT today to let it rest some more and not get pounded again from sprints.

[dragonfly411]

Hey everyone, just a quick check in. I've been keeping up with my yoga and getting weights in, but I have to get myself more on the ball with cardio. I am trying to incorperate some cardio in my indoor workouts, with jump rope, and moves that require movement. I am going to try to slowly get back into jogging. I don't know if I mentioned this but I am just getting fully recovered from a back injury back in March. It tends to flare up when I jog, so I'm going to take baby steps with that one. I of course am trying to incorperate lots of core and upper back strengthening exercises to help support my lower back which is where the injury occurred.

[beatha]

checking in . . . managed to get some exercise in (3 days lifting 1 day did 1hr cardio) simply not sure how effective all that was but it's over and done with . . . I log that stuff in the body blog over the course of the week some days being ocd about it and others simply not caring . . . this week's going to be a struggle I can already tell . . . I'm feeling the urge to whine

Good luck to everyone in the coming week may you make progress toward whatever your goals are.

[ExclusiveStarr]

Hey everyone, just popping in for a quick update. My program is going pretty well- haven't lost weight scale-wise because my diet hasn't been on point as it needs to be, but I have gained some strength and I'm starting to notice more definition in my arms and legs that wasn't there before. Now if only I could get the same results in my midsection I'd be all set, lol. . . luckily the summer birthday party/baby shower/wedding every weekend season is finally over for me so I only have to contend with the holidays, which should be much easy since it's only one day out of each month rather than every single weekend. I took a week off of exercise last week because a mind-boggling amount of 'family events' and I was beatting myself up mentally because of it, but I felt great my first day back (yesterday) and stronger than ever. I also switched my training from a 4-day body part split to a 4-day full body routine, so we'll see how it goes.

I'm glad to see that everyone is still going strong- there really is strength in numbers. Keep up the good work ladies!

[karoline8]

This week is already getting off to a great start for me. I ran 15k today in 71mins, 2k of that was up a series of hills called Mount Pleasant...it was crazy hard running up but pretty awesome running down :). Still got in my chest/tri's workout tonight, already feeling that so I must have hit the muscles good enough for them to be sore already, normally I don't do running and lifting on the same day, but I was just feeling it tonight. My weight is still showing at 145lbs, which is good for me, especially since I'm really not out to lose right now(if I lose a bit of fat that's ok though), I have lost a little but it's not a priority at the moment...I'm still just working on eating and training hard and seeing where that takes me.
Tomarrow is yoga in the morning and legs at night...so I'm off to bed now to rest up for that...have a good night everyone :)

[Debbie]

Hi everyone!!

I am sorry for not being that active lately, but work is really sucking life away from me. So far, I have been managing to keep up with my fitness schedule, but that is pretty much it.

My nutrition plan is work smoothly. Today's weighing was 118.6lb.

Keep up with the great work, girls!!!

<3

[Debbie]

A nice note to share with you girls: FINALLY someone noticed I have lost weight.
Yes!!!

I am so happy and I wanted to share it with you.

(^_^*)

[AprilShowers13]

A nice note to share with you girls: FINALLY someone noticed I have lost weight.
Yes!!!

I am so happy and I wanted to share it with you.

(^_^*)

Good job

[CarliAlice]

A nice note to share with you girls: FINALLY someone noticed I have lost weight.
Yes!!!

I am so happy and I wanted to share it with you.

(^_^*)

Congratulations, Debbie! It's such a good feeling when others notice your work!

****

I have to get my hiatal hernia repaired on the 26th so I won't be able to lift for awhile. Right now I'm too exhausted to do anyting and between now and the 26th I'm having some sort of procedure done almost every day because I also have some other health issues going on and they need to double check that I'll be ok for the surgery.

On the flip side that doesn't mean I'm dropping out...it just means that I won't make as much progress as I'd hoped and once I get the ok I'll just need to rethink my plan. Surgeon says that after a week I should be able to get back on the treadmill and after a month some light lifting but feels that I could be back to lifting fairly heavy before the end of the year.

So let's just wait and see :).

[Debbie]

Good job
Thanks for the support, April!


Congratulations, Debbie! It's such a good feeling when others notice your work!

****

I have to get my hiatal hernia repaired on the 26th so I won't be able to lift for awhile. Right now I'm too exhausted to do anyting and between now and the 26th I'm having some sort of procedure done almost every day because I also have some other health issues going on and they need to double check that I'll be ok for the surgery.

On the flip side that doesn't mean I'm dropping out...it just means that I won't make as much progress as I'd hoped and once I get the ok I'll just need to rethink my plan. Surgeon says that after a week I should be able to get back on the treadmill and after a month some light lifting but feels that I could be back to lifting fairly heavy before the end of the year.

So let's just wait and see :).
Thanks Carli! I was so excited that it was hard for me to play it cool. hihihi

I am glad to hear from you. I am sure that you will be able to sort everything out.
I wish you a smooth recovery.

[]s

[sonti]

No change in the past month unfortunately due to me being too lazy to cook or do anything. Will need to step up my game as obviously I'm off the wagon

[rockangel]

Update:

Training and diet have been pretty much on spot for the last week.

Been pretty tired this week, but i think its from the hard training and adjusting to the nutrition.
Plus have been having a hard time sleeping.
Been soo busy and trying to get everything crammed into my days probably isnt helping much.

But otherwise, feeling good. I havent lost any weight but i feel like i am losing fat. Hopefully pictures will agree.

[Echo814]

I have gotten back into the groove of getting my workouts back in. I think I may have been eating a bit to much with NRL4W, going to scale them down a bit. I feel like I am getting firmer but weights been dancing between 138-142lbs so not sure.

Keep up the great work everyone! And to those who have faltered a bit, tomorrows a new day :D.

[MuscleMom]

So many fabulous women in here! I wish you all the best on your transformation road!!

[birdiefu]

Hi everyone, hope you all are doing great! Today was yet another fabulous Saturday workout. I've hit my maxes this week and will be going past them on Monday. But my military press was great and my DL was awesome (I think it's now officially my favorite lift) with no grip slippage at 140. I felt a little flattered today, there was an older guy (50s) who was DL 135 right next to me during my DLs, and when he was done he came over to ask me about grip position. He used a combination grip all the way from warmup, and he was wondering why I didn't use it (in a nice, conversational way). I told him that I don't use it all the time as it can put a lot of stress on the the biceps tendon, I only use it at heavy weights where my grip is starting to fail with a double overhand grip. I also mentioned the hook grip, and as he didn't know about it, I demonstrated for him. It was just a great conversation and made me feel more like one of "those serious lifting chicks" in the gym, LOL.

I am getting slightly paranoid about my squats ever since my knee got sore two Thursdays ago (after riding, not gym-related). My knee is tons better and doesn't get sore after lifting, but for some reason it made me really think about my squat form. I think my form may need work and that I am torquing, with my stronger side taking over more on the way up. I am not sure what to do about this, for now I am just really really concentrating on form and staying even all the way up from pre-workout stretches (in squat position, pushing legs out) and warmups with the bar. Doing heavy weight, my left hip (stronger side) wants to tilt further in and lower, and my right knee (weaker and less flexible side) wants to collapse in a bit. I have noticed that any DOMS I get after heavy squats seems to involve the upper/back of the thigh on the left side, and the inner/front on the thigh (like hip flexors) on the right, but I don't know if I can use DOMS to tell if I worked certain areas more than others. Anyway, I probably should do a video for form check one of these workouts.

[hobbit468]

Hi Ladies

Is it too late to join?

I am due to get my most recent stats in tomorrow and I'll post them up if it's ok?

[Jrsbaby58]

I hope everyone is doing well, I just went back to work a couple of weeks ago and I haven't been able to lift like I want to. I can fit in running and push ups at work but when I get home there just isn't time. My eating has gone bad too, I have been skipping a lot of meals because I am trying to make quick meals and I can't eat what everyone else is having. I'm getting discouraged, I was so excited and working out feels so good. I have to get the baby to sleep earlier, all he wants is for me to hold him and i love holding him, but it leaves me with no time for myself :(

[ABbb]

Lost a few more pounds over the last week; this put me at around 16 lbs down since we started in September! I think I'll be in the 160s come November 1st. Went through my wardrobe and separated all the size 12s I have to make sure I get maximum mileage out of them before they start sagging in another 2 weeks or so.

[Qteepiezn]

Hi ladies,

I had a disastrous last week, with ALOT going on, and only managed to train once :(

I am in better spirits today, and hoping to get myself back into gear.

On looking back at my records, from when I have started, I have lost just over 2 kgs (5 lbs)

There have been many people compliment me on my weight loss recently, which has certainly motivated me to stay focused :)

Well done to all of you on your progress.

Have a great week!

:)

[tntbabe]

Lost a few more pounds over the last week; this put me at around 16 lbs down since we started in September! I think I'll be in the 160s come November 1st. Went through my wardrobe and separated all the size 12s I have to make sure I get maximum mileage out of them before they start sagging in another 2 weeks or so.

Awesome! Great Job! I am sorting my clothes now too :)

On a side note, I wasn't able to workout at all last week and I did not eat very clean so I am very motivated to get back on track this week!

When is our half way point again?

[tlam12]

I demonstrated for him. It was just a great conversation and made me feel more like one of "those serious lifting chicks" in the gym, LOL.

LOLx2
Nice!

I, on the contrary, did not have a nice encounter with another gym member. I was actually irked because this guy came up to me (while I was "in the zone" jamming out to my iPod") and said "can I show you something?". So without reluctance, I obliged thinking perhaps he can teach me something I don't know. Well, he looks at the stack I was lifting and says, "here is the problem... You are simply doing too much weight." He then adjusts the pin to half of what my original stack was while I just looked at him with an emotionless face. He then proceeds to tell me "if you do *points to adjusted stack* this with higher repetitions, I guarantee you will have better results". Really? Guarantee?!?! I may be a woman, but come on.

This is not to say that I have not had nice encounters. I've had a pleasant conversation with one of the PTs at my gym who commented on my training routine.

Anyways, I hope everyone has been doing extremely well with their own training. I actually haven't logged back on here in awhile due to (here comes excuses...) school, extracurriculars, and interviews. Phew.

Oh, and what the heck have I been doing in the meantime? I've still been lifting. My weight actually increased, which made me wary, however, clothes still fit, but goodness...my glutes have certainly been growing into my jeans...lol I actually recently had some "down" time because I was ill for a couple days. I took a few days off, then back to my routine. However, I'm having six teeth taken out on Thursday so I won't be able to train for another few days around that time. Braces the third time around. I really hope my future kids will not have the same oral genes :)

Happy lifting!

[ExclusiveStarr]

I, on the contrary, did not have a nice encounter with another gym member. I was actually irked because this guy came up to me (while I was "in the zone" jamming out to my iPod") and said "can I show you something?". So without reluctance, I obliged thinking perhaps he can teach me something I don't know. Well, he looks at the stack I was lifting and says, "here is the problem... You are simply doing too much weight." He then adjusts the pin to half of what my original stack was while I just looked at him with an emotionless face. He then proceeds to tell me "if you do *points to adjusted stack* this with higher repetitions, I guarantee you will have better results". Really? Guarantee?!?! I may be a woman, but come on.




Wow, that was pretty ballsy (and rude) of him. I really can't stand unsolicited advice, especially when it's coming from an "I know better than you" place. Not cool at all.


I've had pretty good week this week, had two off days eating wise, but I managed to stay within my calorie range the entire rest of the week and I'm staying on target with my lifting. I haven't weighed myself but I'm hoping by midway the results will speak for themselves.

[leigh92]

I'm pretty late, but would I be able to join?

I have pics of me in the beginning of Sept (Sept 1st actually) and pics of me now attached :) (20 lb weight gain)

[beardymcbeard]

I'm pretty late, but would I be able to join?

I have pics of me in the beginning of Sept (Sept 1st actually) and pics of me now attached :) (20 lb weight gain)

I'd say welcome along!


Wow, you look so much better now. What's your story? What are your goals?

[leigh92]

I'd say welcome along!


Wow, you look so much better now. What's your story? What are your goals?

Thank you :) I had disordered eating on and off for a couple years, since I was 15. In Spring it turned into all out anorexia, and by August I had gotten to the point of going days without eating and only nibbling on something when I did eat, and overexercising. I'd also have episodes of convulsing and then passing out 1-2 times a day. At the beginning of September (I was 86 lbs and technically emaciated at this point) this turned into binging (to the point of unintentionally throwing up and being in too much pain to walk) and then fasting, overexercising, and coming close to killing myself over it until I binged again.

So I knew I was going to die soon if I kept it up, and I went to therapy and forced myself to eat a healthy amount of food (tracking my intake on livestrong). I started gaining weight very rapidly because my metabolism was so shot, so I started weightlifting a couple weeks into September to make it easier on my mind, since it's much easier for me to eat more and see the scale go up when I know I'm gaining muscle. I definitely would've relapsed by now if I didn't start lifting. Don't have specific goals right now - just to become stronger, healthier, and gain muscle

[beardymcbeard]

Thank you :) I had disordered eating on and off for a couple years, since I was 15. In Spring it turned into all out anorexia, and by August I had gotten to the point of going days without eating and only nibbling on something when I did eat, and overexercising. I'd also have episodes of convulsing and then passing out 1-2 times a day. At the beginning of September (I was 86 lbs and technically emaciated at this point) this turned into binging (to the point of unintentionally throwing up and being in too much pain to walk) and then fasting, overexercising, and coming close to killing myself over it until I binged again.

So I knew I was going to die soon if I kept it up, and I went to therapy and forced myself to eat a healthy amount of food (tracking my intake on livestrong). I started gaining weight very rapidly because my metabolism was so shot, so I started weightlifting a couple weeks into September to make it easier on my mind, since it's much easier for me to eat more and see the scale go up when I know I'm gaining muscle. I definitely would've relapsed by now if I didn't start lifting. Don't have specific goals right now - just to become stronger, healthier, and gain muscle

You look like you've made heaps of progress!
Congrats on the improvements, and well done on working hard to get there. All the best with getting stronger and healthier!

[dragonfly411]

Hey everyone, just checking back in. I'm about the same on the scale, but am now getting in the workouts I said I would through the week, so that is good. I REALLY gotta work on my abs, back and bum. Last night I did a half hour of yoga. Tonight it's back to weights and I'll be doing some cardio after, and then just some bedtime yoga. I'm trying to get to where I am eating healthy, but my family is not very helpful. Although we did grill swordfish Sunday night, last night they ordered meatlovers pizza. And tonight is my sister's birthday dinner, and after that they've requested that I make pumpkin bread. Sigh.

Sonti- Hang in there! Sometimes it takes seeing something motivating, or hearing something before it really kicks in.

Birdie - do you have someone who could spot you?

Leigh - your story and your photos are very encouraging! You look like you are doing great!!! Doing weights while eating healthy has really helped you to build in new muscle! I hope you'll continue to update us!

[tlam12]

I'm trying to get to where I am eating healthy, but my family is not very helpful. Although we did grill swordfish Sunday night, last night they ordered meatlovers pizza. And tonight is my sister's birthday dinner, and after that they've requested that I make pumpkin bread. Sigh.

I'm the only person in my household that weighs everything, cooks for myself and attends the gym. I don't preach what I eat, nor do I pest them about what they cook for dinner. It's all about will power; if you want it badly enough, you'll do something about it.

Hang in there, soldier!

[cb_tallchick]

Just following up - it's been a while since a post from me. I am down about 4lbs only - still on track although I did take a few days hiatus for a mini vacation! Way too much wine and yummy food...but I am back now on a mission.

I am going to Vegas the 2nd week in December and turning 32 the week after. So..................I am bringing my A game to the table - hopeing for 8-10lbs in the next 8 weeks. I plan on giving the 20 somethings a run for their money in VEGAS! Watch Out!

I will try to report back with you guys every Thursday when I weigh in!

Good luck everyone! Keep it up!
C

[Debbie]

This week I got some extras for the first time since the start of the challenge on my "official" weighting.

I haven't been eating "correctly" since the end of last week because work (just grabbing something and eating at my desk, irregular hours and lots of stress) and a busy weekend. Besides, hormones are also shouting out loud. So there is no reason to lose faith.

Since last Friday, I couldn't go to the gym (Saturday: running; Sunday: they were closed this week; Monday: sewing lesson; and Tuesday: Japanese lesson), but my come-back was not as bad as I thought it would be.

Looking forward working harder to get in shape and wishing you all tonz of success!!!

[Foxyladie]

Hi Ladies,

So I haven't been around much. I've been dealing with a lot since I came home, stress, depression, flashbacks, anxiety, sleepless nights, etc. Last week was especially hard for after working on this french Noir film set in the 1920's after one of the cars (model T Ford w/crank) backfired. Now on top of all of that I've had surgery not allowing me to do upper body activities and after seeing the doc today about my hip I'm prohibited from lower body excercies for 6wks while i've been told to take anti inflamitory twice a day as well as flexeral for the spasms and alternate hot and cold packs.

My diet needless to say has been crap and usually way under as half the time I don't eat, stress/anxiety to blame i guess i just don't remember to eat half the time.

But congratulations to all of you ladies who are hitting your goals. I'll be on the sidelines cheering you on. =)

[dragonfly411]

Hi ladies! Just checking back in. I promise I'm going to be more regular at posting. I've just been struggling to get back on the ball. This week was really productive for me with lots of yoga, walking, and weights. My big thing is to get myself to be on target with my diet. I tend to start the day out great, but I am having a horrible time at keeping on track. Any advice? I am hoping to start journaling tomorrow, but I find some of the tracking time consuming as well. OY lol.

[Barnewolt]

First of all, thanks for serving our country!

Rest & take care of yourself.

[beatha]

Hey all seems we are near the 1/2 way mark . . . I'm just checking in . . . I'm seeing continued progress in the mirror and by the fit of my cloths . . . surprisingly my lifts have not declined although the weights are not as heavy as I want to them to be especially when I look at others journals but I digress . . .

I'm loving the not tracking food down to the ounce and then looking up the nutritional data all the time . . . frees up more time to lurk here on the forums :-) . . . but for those struggling with diet to be honest that time spent writing everything down really helped with self discipline and as a bonus I've memorized enough nutritional numbers to have the ability to keep a running tally in my head most days. I've not doubt at some point in the future when the progress stalls I'll have to go back to logging the food but I'm ok with that.

[ShayShay43]

You guys are just what I'm looking for to help keep me motivated and accountable.

I'm not necessarily interested in competing by any means but would like somewhere to collaborate with like-minded women in our collective efforts to become fit goddesses :)

My pics are in my bodyspace gallery!

Good luck to everyone here!

[ABbb]

160s, baby!

[dragonfly411]

I'm the only person in my household that weighs everything, cooks for myself and attends the gym. I don't preach what I eat, nor do I pest them about what they cook for dinner. It's all about will power; if you want it badly enough, you'll do something about it.

Hang in there, soldier!



Thank you for that, great inspiration! I did make positive progress last night. I went and got all of my own groceries from the store. Today I'm eating chicken breast and feta over salad, with some fruit and cheese to snack on later. So I know I can do this. Off to journal.

I shifted my weight routine last night a bit. I find that on nights I"m not doing heavier lifts, if I rotate different sculpting moves it really helps to tone my body overall. Last night was weighted lunge, weighted one legged squats (10lb weights for this one to reduce strain), floor chest presses, mountain climber, seated twist with a weight (works abs), then some curls and a move that was in the challenges on the mytrainerbob website. I'm feeling it today and walked this morning on an incline at 3.5mph.

[Debbie]

Just dropping by...
My weight is OK, but I must say that my diet is really messed up because of work. I barely have time to eat and therefore, I am not really losing much.

It is a pity that I will not reach my goal, but I am not stopping. I am not having time to post my workouts, but I am still going to fitness at least 4 times a week.

Congratulations to everyone.

[Rowyn]

Hey ladies, oh I mean strangers lol! Sorry girls, my real life was intruding on my imaginary internet one. I hope everyone is doing well, we are coming down to the halfway point (yikes!) Sounds like many of you are still on track, for those that are discouraged, dust yourselves off and get back up!

That is exactly what I am doing myself:) Have been having some unpleasant marital issues, ugh, so have fluctuated between not eating enough and eating too much. Still lifting, though for a bit when the stress was highest my strength was low. I wasn't sleeping alot nor eating what I should. I refuse to let this crap completely sabotage my progress, especially in strength/muscle. If I put on a few pounds, meh, not so bad.

So I was planning to decide a new program to start up soon, worked on finding proper starting weights for the rep ranges last week. Just finished the first week of a Lange Norton style program, with 2 heavy low rep compound days, 3 volume days. I really like it so far, at first it felt too "easy" since I had just come from a much higher volume type of workout. So to do a 5X5 day with 3 exercises seemed like a piece of cake.....until I felt the aftershock of squatting and deadlifting close to my max weight on the same day, lol. First time I got that truly queasy thing going on, gag. I like having the heavy/light days, it mixes things up a bit, and 2 days off in a row after the heavy days feels like a mini-vacation.

I am hoping to have just maintained my muscle and size by Nov 1st given my challenges of late, but will be kicking it up a notch here shortly and starting a cut in a few weeks once I get this program under my belt.

So only about a week until midway progress pics, looking forward to seeing them all ladies!!

[karoline8]

Hey, it's good to see you back Rowyn...sorry to hear about the issues at home, life does seem to get in the way sometimes...I hope you get it all sorted out.

I'm still managing to stuff my face...lol...sometimes it can be hard to eat enough, I keep track of my food just to make sure I get enough as too much time spent dieting lead me to become an undereater. My workouts are going great and my running is awesome, I'm just having a fun time with everything right now.
I've been keeping up on my progress pics fairly well and think I look leaner, I know I definetly feel leaner and my clothes are fitting looser as well, even though I'm still weighing in at 145lbs as of Monday...this is fine with me however, as I still don't want to lose weight..the fat can go if it likes but it's not a huge consern at the moment. I think I'm just going to run with it and call this a bulk until March or April, then I'll worry about fat loss before summer.
I hope you ladies are feeling great and going strong....have a good night :)

[Debbie]

Hey ladies, oh I mean strangers lol! Sorry girls, my real life was intruding on my imaginary internet one. I hope everyone is doing well, we are coming down to the halfway point (yikes!) Sounds like many of you are still on track, for those that are discouraged, dust yourselves off and get back up!

That is exactly what I am doing myself:) Have been having some unpleasant marital issues, ugh, so have fluctuated between not eating enough and eating too much. Still lifting, though for a bit when the stress was highest my strength was low. I wasn't sleeping alot nor eating what I should. I refuse to let this crap completely sabotage my progress, especially in strength/muscle. If I put on a few pounds, meh, not so bad.

So I was planning to decide a new program to start up soon, worked on finding proper starting weights for the rep ranges last week. Just finished the first week of a Lange Norton style program, with 2 heavy low rep compound days, 3 volume days. I really like it so far, at first it felt too "easy" since I had just come from a much higher volume type of workout. So to do a 5X5 day with 3 exercises seemed like a piece of cake.....until I felt the aftershock of squatting and deadlifting close to my max weight on the same day, lol. First time I got that truly queasy thing going on, gag. I like having the heavy/light days, it mixes things up a bit, and 2 days off in a row after the heavy days feels like a mini-vacation.

I am hoping to have just maintained my muscle and size by Nov 1st given my challenges of late, but will be kicking it up a notch here shortly and starting a cut in a few weeks once I get this program under my belt.

So only about a week until midway progress pics, looking forward to seeing them all ladies!!
Nice to see you around, Rowyn.
3D life catches all of us sometimes and I hope you can sort things out the best way possible.

*much <3*


Hey, it's good to see you back Rowyn...sorry to hear about the issues at home, life does seem to get in the way sometimes...I hope you get it all sorted out.

I'm still managing to stuff my face...lol...sometimes it can be hard to eat enough, I keep track of my food just to make sure I get enough as too much time spent dieting lead me to become an undereater. My workouts are going great and my running is awesome, I'm just having a fun time with everything right now.
I've been keeping up on my progress pics fairly well and think I look leaner, I know I definetly feel leaner and my clothes are fitting looser as well, even though I'm still weighing in at 145lbs as of Monday...this is fine with me however, as I still don't want to lose weight..the fat can go if it likes but it's not a huge consern at the moment. I think I'm just going to run with it and call this a bulk until March or April, then I'll worry about fat loss before summer.
I hope you ladies are feeling great and going strong....have a good night :)
Karoline, I have a question for you as a runner.

How do you plan your workouts? I am looking forward restart training for a 10km. It is going to be only in March (no date set yet though) and I would like to start my training on time to avoid gassing out in the middle of it like last year (let's say: January, 2011).
However, I am a little lost....

Thanks in advance and congrats on your progress!

[karoline8]

Nice to see you around, Rowyn.
3D life catches all of us sometimes and I hope you can sort things out the best way possible.

*much <3*


Karoline, I have a question for you as a runner.

How do you plan your workouts? I am looking forward restart training for a 10km. It is going to be only in March (no date set yet though) and I would like to start my training on time to avoid gassing out in the middle of it like last year (let's say: January, 2011).
However, I am a little lost....

Thanks in advance and congrats on your progress!

Right now I'm lifting heavy 4 days a week (mon,tues,thurs,friday), I train each muscle group directly once a week. On 2 of my off days I run 15-20k, and do alot of hill work (I'm strange in that I love to run up hills)...this is what I'm doing at the moment...to get to this point I started running outdoors with with 3 runs a week, 8k,10k,10k as my running got stronger I added in more hill work. To be fair though, I had been running for years on my treadmill and worked my way up to this even though I really didn't know I'd be doing longer distances.
You could get a plan on runners world but basically all I do is push myself a bit further when I want to stop, it seems that doing this has enabled me to run that much further each time.
One of the big things I do know is that if I do a long run I make sure not to lift the same day now, in the beginning I had been doing this and nearly burnt myself out. Also that training for long distance running and losing weight do not mix well, I suffered trying to do this...lost speed and strength and was really miserable, now I eat to perform and have never been happier. I hope this helps somewhat :) sorry if I rambled on a bit...

[Debbie]

Right now I'm lifting heavy 4 days a week (mon,tues,thurs,friday), I train each muscle group directly once a week. On 2 of my off days I run 15-20k, and do alot of hill work (I'm strange in that I love to run up hills)...this is what I'm doing at the moment...to get to this point I started running outdoors with with 3 runs a week, 8k,10k,10k as my running got stronger I added in more hill work. To be fair though, I had been running for years on my treadmill and worked my way up to this even though I really didn't know I'd be doing longer distances.
You could get a plan on runners world but basically all I do is push myself a bit further when I want to stop, it seems that doing this has enabled me to run that much further each time.
One of the big things I do know is that if I do a long run I make sure not to lift the same day now, in the beginning I had been doing this and nearly burnt myself out. Also that training for long distance running and losing weight do not mix well, I suffered trying to do this...lost speed and strength and was really miserable, now I eat to perform and have never been happier. I hope this helps somewhat :) sorry if I rambled on a bit...
Thanks a lot, Karoline!!!
I have never combine running and lifting and I was wondering whether it could be done.

As I still have some major fat to lose, I may keep up with my training as it is now for awhile, but I will surely use your tips for later this year. (^_^*)

[Debbie]

Sorry for the double posting, but I have a question/concern about my "progress".

I must say that even though I have been losing something, I am totally off track when it comes to my initial goal for January... On one hand, I find it a pity because I really wanted to achieve it. On the other hand, I wonder whether my goal was really attainable to start with.

Anyways, my major concern so far is the fat on my belly. I see changes everywhere, except around my waist. My intake must play a role there because on the past weeks I haven't even been able to track it at all, but still... Why does it seem that nothing is changing in that region? Any ideas, please?

*nice weekend everyone*

[kademrulz]

Hi ladies :)

Had a horrible month tracking my cals in Oct. Too much snacking off the kids' plates that I wasn't even thinking about. So now that I have that under control I am back to making progress. New weight is 237.6 :) Downward we goooooo LOL

[karoline8]

Sorry for the double posting, but I have a question/concern about my "progress".

I must say that even though I have been losing something, I am totally off track when it comes to my initial goal for January... On one hand, I find it a pity because I really wanted to achieve it. On the other hand, I wonder whether my goal was really attainable to start with.

Anyways, my major concern so far is the fat on my belly. I see changes everywhere, except around my waist. My intake must play a role there because on the past weeks I haven't even been able to track it at all, but still... Why does it seem that nothing is changing in that region? Any ideas, please?

*nice weekend everyone*

I could be that your stomach is that hard spot for you to lose fat (Just like the backs of my legs is for me)or that you may need to introduce direct core work into your workouts (if you are not already). Personally I've always lost around my waist first but though it would get smaller it didn't begin to gain any definition until I started weighted ab work.

[Debbie]

I could be that your stomach is that hard spot for you to lose fat (Just like the backs of my legs is for me)or that you may need to introduce direct core work into your workouts (if you are not already). Personally I've always lost around my waist first but though it would get smaller it didn't begin to gain any definition until I started weighted ab work.
My major pain point is my lower abs...

After reading your message, I did some "homework" and searched on exercises to improve it.

I must say that my routine is not bad at all, but I learned that I could do some tune-ups to improve the results. Today it was my first try and I am going to work out this way for the next month. Let's see how things evolve.

Now it is wait for tomorrow's progress pictures....

Thanks for all the tips, Karoline!

[ABbb]

So I guess we're at the 2-month mark....I'm 21 lbs down. Took some new pix this morning - will attach the old and the new back pictures to this post, as I think you can see the most difference in those. Feel free to check out my Bodyspace for the front and side views. There's definitely a huge (no pun intended) difference, most notably, the fact that my back rolls are gone and my stomach is basically flat. I'm due to start my period today, so I'm sure I'm retaining some water, which explains the fact that I've only lost a pound this week. I've been losing about 2 lbs/week lately. Hitting 160 by end of December should be a breeze - I'll need to drop less than a pound a week.

Clothing has become an issue. I'm gonna have to part with some beloved size 12 and 14 items that cannot be tailored into a smaller size (cry me a river, right?). I'll try and take in things like slacks and skirts, but more complex stuff like wrap dresses and blazers is heading to Ebay. I've got a similar issue when it comes to buying stuff - I have to resist buying things that are not stretchy or with a stretchy waistband, because I probably won't be able to wear them 2 months later. Got a size 8 skirt with an elastic waistband at H&M - it fits me now (at 10) and will probably fit when I'm a size 6, as well. But it's hard to find nice items like that.

[karoline8]

So I guess we're at the 2-month mark....I'm 21 lbs down. Took some new pix this morning - will attach the old and the new back pictures to this post, as I think you can see the most difference in those. Feel free to check out my Bodyspace for the front and side views. There's definitely a huge (no pun intended) difference, most notably, the fact that my back rolls are gone and my stomach is basically flat. I'm due to start my period today, so I'm sure I'm retaining some water, which explains the fact that I've only lost a pound this week. I've been losing about 2 lbs/week lately. Hitting 160 by end of December should be a breeze - I'll need to drop less than a pound a week.

Clothing has become an issue. I'm gonna have to part with some beloved size 12 and 14 items that cannot be tailored into a smaller size (cry me a river, right?). I'll try and take in things like slacks and skirts, but more complex stuff like wrap dresses and blazers is heading to Ebay. I've got a similar issue when it comes to buying stuff - I have to resist buying things that are not stretchy or with a stretchy waistband, because I probably won't be able to wear them 2 months later. Got a size 8 skirt with an elastic waistband at H&M - it fits me now (at 10) and will probably fit when I'm a size 6, as well. But it's hard to find nice items like that.

parting with clothes you love is always full of mixed emotions isen't it...I know that pain and joy all to well...lol...good for you, 21lbs in 2 months is awesome :) congrats!!!

[Debbie]

So I guess we're at the 2-month mark....I'm 21 lbs down. Took some new pix this morning - will attach the old and the new back pictures to this post, as I think you can see the most difference in those. Feel free to check out my Bodyspace for the front and side views. There's definitely a huge (no pun intended) difference, most notably, the fact that my back rolls are gone and my stomach is basically flat. I'm due to start my period today, so I'm sure I'm retaining some water, which explains the fact that I've only lost a pound this week. I've been losing about 2 lbs/week lately. Hitting 160 by end of December should be a breeze - I'll need to drop less than a pound a week.

Clothing has become an issue. I'm gonna have to part with some beloved size 12 and 14 items that cannot be tailored into a smaller size (cry me a river, right?). I'll try and take in things like slacks and skirts, but more complex stuff like wrap dresses and blazers is heading to Ebay. I've got a similar issue when it comes to buying stuff - I have to resist buying things that are not stretchy or with a stretchy waistband, because I probably won't be able to wear them 2 months later. Got a size 8 skirt with an elastic waistband at H&M - it fits me now (at 10) and will probably fit when I'm a size 6, as well. But it's hard to find nice items like that.

Great progress!!

*congratulations*

[birdiefu]

ABbb - Wonderful progress in only 2 months, congrats! :D

[Echo814]

ABbb- Congrats on the weight loss so far!!! You're doing great!

I will have pics at the end of next week. I am coming of of TOM and want to get as much bloat gone to see if I managed to do anything these past two months. I have decided to work on a slow cut/recomp instead of New Rules. The weight gain gave me to much of a mind phuk, I went up to 142 lbs a couple of weeks ago. Anytime I go over 140lbs its a red flag to me, last time I allowed it to get to 173lbs :(

My new plan is 1600-1800 cals a day, one free meal a week not totaling over 2200 for the day. I will be doing T-Nations War Room strategies which two heavy days of lifting with split chest/back and quad/hammies days and then two circuit style full body workouts. There will be 3-4 days of cardio following the weight sessions and two days off a week.

I hope to drop close to 10lbs by the end of the challenge, this was an eye opener for sure and now I know where my comfort zone lies. I have no issues with gaining to my current weight from a lower one, I am still size 4-7 at 138ish lbs. For sanity's sake I need to have less BF% before I attempt this again :/ I can't afford to buy bigger clothes.

[Debbie]

I must admit that I was dying for to take these progress pictures. It was only when I took my very first ones that I realized how "bad" was my shape.

I added the individual pictures to my BodySpace and here I attached the comparisons.

My abs look better than I was expecting. There is still A LOT OF work to do, but on picture I could see some improvement and it was fun. My back however looks pretty much the same to me and it was a surprise.

Let's see how things go the next month.

*cheers*

[hieronymous]

Great progress ABbb and Debbie!

I am maintaining on the calorie level that I am at, I guess my maintenance is lower than I thought or my measuring really sucks. I have switched up my training a bit. My legs are slowly starting to change to look more balanced. I do not want to be able to put my hand through the gap in my thighs any more. Ass is also growing (in the way that I want it to).

Lowers thigh area and biceps/forearms are a little leaner.

[birdiefu]

I must admit that I was dying for to take these progress pictures. It was only when I took my very first ones that I realized how "bad" was my shape.

I added the individual pictures to my BodySpace and here I attached the comparisons.

My abs look better than I was expecting. There is still A LOT OF work to do, but on picture I could see some improvement and it was fun. My back however looks pretty much the same to me and it was a surprise.

Let's see how things go the next month.

*cheers*

Nice progress, and I do see changes in your back shot. :D I think it's easier for "others" to see changes in oneself than for us to analyze our own photos. Slow and steady wins the race, can't wait to see further changes in time!

I took my 2 month photos yesterday, but haven't put them up yet - not sure if I see changes but when I put them side-by-side I hope to see something going on. I should have taken flexed photos to start to see if I have more muscle!

Anyway, I haven't really updated much here lately - I have been having realizations on just how imbalanced my strength is between my two legs. My right is visually smaller and I finally measured that leg (usually I measure my left during my measure-ins to make things consistent), and my right leg is a whole 1" smaller around (19.75" vs 20.75")! It is also weaker and less flexible, but I have been adding some unilateral leg work in to address the muscular imbalance part. I have definitely been feeling more in my right quad and butt with the added leg work, so I hope in a couple of months I can even things out a bit.

[Debbie]

Great progress ABbb and Debbie!

I am maintaining on the calorie level that I am at, I guess my maintenance is lower than I thought or my measuring really sucks. I have switched up my training a bit. My legs are slowly starting to change to look more balanced. I do not want to be able to put my hand through the gap in my thighs any more. Ass is also growing (in the way that I want it to).

Lowers thigh area and biceps/forearms are a little leaner.
Thanks for the support!
I was a little concerned about this half-way point pictures because I am not really losing a lot of weight. My stats have been oscillating way too much for my taste. I am glad I made some progress though. (^_^*)


Nice progress, and I do see changes in your back shot. :D I think it's easier for "others" to see changes in oneself than for us to analyze our own photos. Slow and steady wins the race, can't wait to see further changes in time!

I took my 2 month photos yesterday, but haven't put them up yet - not sure if I see changes but when I put them side-by-side I hope to see something going on. I should have taken flexed photos to start to see if I have more muscle!

Anyway, I haven't really updated much here lately - I have been having realizations on just how imbalanced my strength is between my two legs. My right is visually smaller and I finally measured that leg (usually I measure my left during my measure-ins to make things consistent), and my right leg is a whole 1" smaller around (19.75" vs 20.75")! It is also weaker and less flexible, but I have been adding some unilateral leg work in to address the muscular imbalance part. I have definitely been feeling more in my right quad and butt with the added leg work, so I hope in a couple of months I can even things out a bit.

It is indeed hard to see for oneself.

I have been nagging for about 2 weeks at the gym that I am 'not losing any weight', that I am fat, that 'my abs remain the same'. I had heard that it was not true, but I couldn't see it. I needed the pictures, I guess.

I am going to start updating my % bf based on my scale. It is not going to look nice in the beginning, but I have a feeling it is closer to reality than my calculations. (T_T*)

[Barnewolt]

Great job ABbb & Debbie! You ladies are rockin it!

I need to get some updated photos this weekend.

I got a little detoured w/routine surgery, but I am fine. :)

At the 2 month mark, I am thrilled to report that I have lost 6 lbs. - thanks to hiring Kimm4 for a nutritional plan & gained the ability to do a pullup FINALLY. :)

Let's finished the month strong!

[Debbie]

Great job ABbb & Debbie! You ladies are rockin it!

I need to get some updated photos this weekend.

I got a little detoured w/routine surgery, but I am fine. :)

At the 2 month mark, I am thrilled to report that I have lost 6 lbs. - thanks to hiring Kimm4 for a nutritional plan & gained the ability to do a pullup FINALLY. :)

Let's finished the month strong!
Thanks for the support and congratulations on your progress!!

Nutrition is really the key. And it is not only good for the physical transformation, but for our general condition as well.

[AprilShowers13]

So I guess we're at the 2-month mark....I'm 21 lbs down. Took some new pix this morning - will attach the old and the new back pictures to this post, as I think you can see the most difference in those. Feel free to check out my Bodyspace for the front and side views. There's definitely a huge (no pun intended) difference, most notably, the fact that my back rolls are gone and my stomach is basically flat. I'm due to start my period today, so I'm sure I'm retaining some water, which explains the fact that I've only lost a pound this week. I've been losing about 2 lbs/week lately. Hitting 160 by end of December should be a breeze - I'll need to drop less than a pound a week.

Clothing has become an issue. I'm gonna have to part with some beloved size 12 and 14 items that cannot be tailored into a smaller size (cry me a river, right?). I'll try and take in things like slacks and skirts, but more complex stuff like wrap dresses and blazers is heading to Ebay. I've got a similar issue when it comes to buying stuff - I have to resist buying things that are not stretchy or with a stretchy waistband, because I probably won't be able to wear them 2 months later. Got a size 8 skirt with an elastic waistband at H&M - it fits me now (at 10) and will probably fit when I'm a size 6, as well. But it's hard to find nice items like that.

Great progress!!


I must admit that I was dying for to take these progress pictures. It was only when I took my very first ones that I realized how "bad" was my shape.

I added the individual pictures to my BodySpace and here I attached the comparisons.

My abs look better than I was expecting. There is still A LOT OF work to do, but on picture I could see some improvement and it was fun. My back however looks pretty much the same to me and it was a surprise.

Let's see how things go the next month.

*cheers*

Looking good Debbie!

I'll post some progress pics by the weekend.

[rockangel]

Wow!!! ABbb and Debbie, great work guys!! Those are some awesome transformations in just a few short months. Defintely inspiring.

Two months in and I have only dropped 3 pounds. But looking tighter and better i think. So not really paying attention to the scale. but happy to see some progress.

[Debbie]

Looking good Debbie!

I'll post some progress pics by the weekend.
Thanks, April!
Looking forward your pics.


Wow!!! ABbb and Debbie, great work guys!! Those are some awesome transformations in just a few short months. Defintely inspiring.

Two months in and I have only dropped 3 pounds. But looking tighter and better i think. So not really paying attention to the scale. but happy to see some progress.
Thanks, angel!

I started with a weight related goal, but as time passes, I realize that what I need the most now is to lose fat and get clean. The rest will come with time, training and nutrition.

[leigh92]

Haven't put on any weight in about two and a half weeks, I've been a bit afraid (big understatement lol) to eat enough to gain. I think I'm losing fat/gaining muscle though, attached some new pics

[Debbie]

Haven't put on any weight in about two and a half weeks, I've been a bit afraid (big understatement lol) to eat enough to gain. I think I'm losing fat/gaining muscle though, attached some new pics
You are looking great!!!

Did you take "before" pictures? Mine help me "see" my fat loss. (^_~*)

*keep up with the good work*

[leigh92]

You are looking great!!!

Did you take "before" pictures? Mine help me "see" my fat loss. (^_~*)

*keep up with the good work*
Yep, I've posted them a few pages earlier but here they are again - I've actually gained 20 lbs in the past two months :) In these I was 86 lbs...the weird thing is I think I actually look thinner now than when I did at 95-96 lbs (a couple weeks after starting to gain weight) since ALL the weight went to my stomach at first. I looked very skinny fat. I'm very glad it's evened out

You're looking amazing btw! :)

[Debbie]

Yep, I've posted them a few pages earlier but here they are again - I've actually gained 20 lbs in the past two months :) In these I was 86 lbs...the weird thing is I think I actually look thinner now than when I did at 95-96 lbs (a couple weeks after starting to gain weight) since ALL the weight went to my stomach at first. I looked very skinny fat. I'm very glad it's evened out

You're looking amazing btw! :)
Thanks for the support!
I'm not really losing much way, but I am glad that the fat is melting away. I don't think I will achieve my goal from the beginning of the challenge, but every time my clothes fit perfect, I have a blast. \(^_^*)/

[Foregdun]

Eh I still think that's hot. I guess you could say I have a fetish if I'm the only one.

[karoline8]

Yep, I've posted them a few pages earlier but here they are again - I've actually gained 20 lbs in the past two months :) In these I was 86 lbs...the weird thing is I think I actually look thinner now than when I did at 95-96 lbs (a couple weeks after starting to gain weight) since ALL the weight went to my stomach at first. I looked very skinny fat. I'm very glad it's evened out

You're looking amazing btw! :)

Your progress over the past couple of months is amazing,you're looking great...keep it up :)

[karoline8]

Here's some of my recent progress pics...I'm actually bulking at the moment, at least my calorie intake says so...lol...my weight hasen't budged in weeks but I feel leaner, and my clothes fit looser...so this is what is keeping me sane at the moment :)

[Debbie]

Here's some of my recent progress pics...I'm actually bulking at the moment, at least my calorie intake says so...lol...my weight hasen't budged in weeks but I feel leaner, and my clothes fit looser...so this is what is keeping me sane at the moment :)
You are looking awesome, Karoline. Congratulations!!!

[karoline8]

Thank you :), this was good to hear on a feeling bloated, looking puffy sorta day :)...and you're also making some great gaing as well. Every day I remind myself what my goals are so I stick with this...for 2 years I dieted so now I'm trying to grow.

[birdiefu]

Leigh and Karoline, you guys are looking good, yay for bulking! :D I have my pics up on my bodyspace, not sure if I see a difference from my other pics 2 months ago, but I don't have a flexing one from then anyhow. At least I don't think I look fatter. However, I do look better than I did the last time I was at this weight, so yay for that!

[Echo814]

I'm going to bow out of this competition ladies. I haven't been here much and nothing has gone the way that I had planned. Good luck all.

[karoline8]

Leigh and Karoline, you guys are looking good, yay for bulking! :D I have my pics up on my bodyspace, not sure if I see a difference from my other pics 2 months ago, but I don't have a flexing one from then anyhow. At least I don't think I look fatter. However, I do look better than I did the last time I was at this weight, so yay for that!

I'd dare say you may look a bit leaner and stronger :) definetly no fatter...how many cals are you up to now?...just curious as I'm still working at getting my cals up..so far the highest I've gotten to is 2800...

[AprilShowers13]

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0451.jpghttp://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0597-1.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0452.jpghttp://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0593.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0450.jpghttp://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn281/aprils310/GEDC0596-1.jpg

The ones I took in Sept are on the left and the current is on the right. I'm happy with the progress that I made so far. I still have a long way to go. My trouble spots are my gut and fat back but I'm not ready to start back eating at a deficit. I forgot to take measurements but I lost 5lbs and I believe all of it came off in Sept.

[birdiefu]

I'd dare say you may look a bit leaner and stronger :) definetly no fatter...how many cals are you up to now?...just curious as I'm still working at getting my cals up..so far the highest I've gotten to is 2800...

Thanks, I appreciate the comment! :D As far as cals, this past month I have been eating an average of 2778 cals (usually 2500 to 3000+ depending on the day), which is an average surplus of 372 cals/day. The first month I was at an average of 2582, at an average surplus of 159 cals/day. I am going to try to stick closer to 300 over for the rest of this month, I have been getting lax with the freedom of bulking. While I'm not unhappy with my fatness level, I want to be able to stretch the bulk as long as possible before I feel like I'm getting too fat.

I track my numbers with my GoWear and Fitday, I love playing with numbers. :)

[birdiefu]

The ones I took in Sept are on the left and the current is on the right. I'm happy with the progress that I made so far. I still have a long way to go. My trouble spots are my gut and fat back but I'm not ready to start back eating at a deficit. I forgot to take measurements but I lost 5lbs and I believe all of it came off in Sept.

Doing good, April! I can see some changes with your stomach on the side pics and your front pic looks leaner too. Keep it up! :D I would really start measuring, that can give you some great feedback even if the scale doesn't change as much as you would like.

[hieronymous]

The ones I took in Sept are on the left and the current is on the right.

Awesome progress April. I think I am jealous of your posture!

[karoline8]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment! :D As far as cals, this past month I have been eating an average of 2778 cals (usually 2500 to 3000+ depending on the day), which is an average surplus of 372 cals/day. The first month I was at an average of 2582, at an average surplus of 159 cals/day. I am going to try to stick closer to 300 over for the rest of this month, I have been getting lax with the freedom of bulking. While I'm not unhappy with my fatness level, I want to be able to stretch the bulk as long as possible before I feel like I'm getting too fat.

I track my numbers with my GoWear and Fitday, I love playing with numbers. :)

Ty for sharing :)

[Debbie]

The ones I took in Sept are on the left and the current is on the right. I'm happy with the progress that I made so far. I still have a long way to go. My trouble spots are my gut and fat back but I'm not ready to start back eating at a deficit. I forgot to take measurements but I lost 5lbs and I believe all of it came off in Sept.
Great work, April! You have all the reasons to be happy.

*keep it up*



Leigh and Karoline, you guys are looking good, yay for bulking! :D I have my pics up on my bodyspace, not sure if I see a difference from my other pics 2 months ago, but I don't have a flexing one from then anyhow. At least I don't think I look fatter. However, I do look better than I did the last time I was at this weight, so yay for that!
There is a lot of difference between your pictures. You look much leaner and with awesome muscles. Congrats!

[tntbabe]

Everyone that has posted progress pics so far looks great! Awesome job :) As for me I was waiting for my TOM to be over before I posted pics. I am down 18 lbs despite October being a rough month. Lets keep going!!!!!

[AprilShowers13]

Everyone that has posted progress pics so far looks great! Awesome job :) As for me I was waiting for my TOM to be over before I posted pics. I am down 18 lbs despite October being a rough month. Lets keep going!!!!!

Good job!

[Debbie]

Everyone that has posted progress pics so far looks great! Awesome job :) As for me I was waiting for my TOM to be over before I posted pics. I am down 18 lbs despite October being a rough month. Lets keep going!!!!!
All of us have had ups and downs throughout the challenge.

Major congratulations to you!! You are on the right path.

*cheers*

[Jrsbaby58]

I haven't been on here in a while but I wanted everyone to know I am still hanging in there. I have been doing well with my diet most of the time, but a little worried about the holidays. I have posted new pics on body space. Hope everyone is doing well!

[Barnewolt]

Yep, I've posted them a few pages earlier but here they are again - I've actually gained 20 lbs in the past two months :) In these I was 86 lbs...the weird thing is I think I actually look thinner now than when I did at 95-96 lbs (a couple weeks after starting to gain weight) since ALL the weight went to my stomach at first. I looked very skinny fat. I'm very glad it's evened out

You're looking amazing btw! :)

Leigh...Great progress!! Keep it up! :)

[Barnewolt]

Doing good, April! I can see some changes with your stomach on the side pics and your front pic looks leaner too. Keep it up! :D I would really start measuring, that can give you some great feedback even if the scale doesn't change as much as you would like.
^^^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Barnewolt]

Karoline & Tntbabe...you gals look great too!! :)

[Barnewolt]

O.k. as promised I now have new pictures in my profile/progress. I would/will put them on forum if I can figure it out.. Feedback-pros & cons please.

Ladies...a question that I am sure can be answered if I researched this site, but saw a gal today at gym who is buff-upper body anyway. I asked her what was the heaviest weight she used...her response- FIFTEEN lb. dumbbell was as high as she went...her arms looked great. I didn't want to interrupt her w/out w/questions-I will next time..LOL!- but has anyone had success building muscle using no weight higher than 15 lbs.? I did ask if she did high reps & she said no.
Is it genetics?

Also, was wondering if anyone used any supplements that aid in muscle growth other than protein powder.

[hieronymous]

O.k. as promised I now have new pictures in my profile/progress. I would/will put them on forum if I can figure it out.. Feedback-pros & cons please.

Ladies...a question that I am sure can be answered if I researched this site, but saw a gal today at gym who is buff-upper body anyway. I asked her what was the heaviest weight she used...her response- FIFTEEN lb. dumbbell was as high as she went...her arms looked great. I didn't want to interrupt her w/out w/questions-I will next time..LOL!- but has anyone had success building muscle using no weight higher than 15 lbs.? I did ask if she did high reps & she said no.
Is it genetics?

Also, was wondering if anyone used any supplements that aid in muscle growth other than protein powder.

Some possibilities:

Maybe she does pushups, pullups, dips, swims, carries her toddler around, hangs her laundry on a line, does a lot of yard work, works in construction etc. and that makes her arms buff.

Or maybe her muscles are actually not that large and she has low body fat.

The only arm focused work I use a DB for is shoulder press which I do maybe once a month right now - and that is with 20s.

[Debbie]

How is everyone doing?

My training keeps on moving on despite my diet being not at its best. Today, I had a less pleasant experience at the gym and I'll probably be leaving it when my "membership" ends.

It feels sad to realize that women are still treated so differently. I hear people talk a lot about my home-country, Brazil, being of machos, but I was never treated like a looser back home.

I am searching for a place where my individuality and my goals will be taken seriously and that I am not going to be handle as a stupid that doesn't know what to do.

Anyway, my training comes first and no one is going to stop me.

[birdiefu]

How is everyone doing?

My training keeps on moving on despite my diet being not at its best. Today, I had a less pleasant experience at the gym and I'll probably be leaving it when my "membership" ends.

It feels sad to realize that women are still treated so differently. I hear people talk a lot about my home-country, Brazil, being of machos, but I was never treated like a looser back home.

I am searching for a place where my individuality and my goals will be taken seriously and that I am not going to be handle as a stupid that doesn't know what to do.

Anyway, my training comes first and no one is going to stop me.

Ouch, sorry to hear of your troubles! I hope you can find a place where you can work out stress fee and just concentrate on training. The gym is one of my safe havens where I can just be "me" with no other concerns, I would be awful pissed if someone messed with me in my safe place. Did you bring the issue up with the management there?

[Debbie]

Ouch, sorry to hear of your troubles! I hope you can find a place where you can work out stress fee and just concentrate on training. The gym is one of my safe havens where I can just be "me" with no other concerns, I would be awful pissed if someone messed with me in my safe place. Did you bring the issue up with the management there?
Unfortunately, the manager/owner was involved. (T_T*)

Making a long story short...
I was doing a 30"-sprint on the home-trainer and my heart rate went higher (hello!!! it was a sprint...) and there was this old guy by my side who made a whole scene because of my it. He screamed, gesticulated, called the manager.
I explained that I was doing a sprint to optimize my cardio (stubborn fat loss) and my recuperation was perfect and that I was feeling great yesterday.

But not only the manager messed up my settings and turned his back on me, but he let the old fart say nasty things about women (stuff about "hanging breasts", being weak, etc).

I was so embarrassed... I knew I was OK (and the manager could have checked it for himself if he had listened to me); it was a 30-second all-out sprint (I wasn't going to do more than 4x); and he shouldn't let the guy talk shiz over women just like that. And that old guy loves making scenes and he picked on me because I concentrate on my workout and don't give him a lot of attention.

Anyways... I really want to take my training to the next level and I am concerned about what may be said/done when I start to lift heavier (next week I will start this 12-week workout : http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm). It is better to change now to avoid more drama in the future, I guess...

Sorry for venting here... I felt really down because of that...

[karoline8]

Wow, I'm impressed you didn't pop the old guy in the mouth as it sounds as though he deserved no less...I'm sorry to hear you've had to endure people like this, unfortunately these types are everywhere, but just keep going, workout hard and ignore the ass*oles...it will get easier to tune them out and you'll end up stronger for it if you can.

[Debbie]

Wow, I'm impressed you didn't pop the old guy in the mouth as it sounds as though he deserved no less...I'm sorry to hear you've had to endure people like this, unfortunately these types are everywhere, but just keep going, workout hard and ignore the ass*oles...it will get easier to tune them out and you'll end up stronger for it if you can.
Thanks for the support, Karoline.

I just don't want to let this people get on me. Yesterday, I sent an email to a fitness centrum in the city (an European fitness chain, not the cheapest though) and they have already called me. I am seriously thinking about returning the call today and starting even before planned. I don't feel like going to my previous gym anymore, but I can't let this negativity harm my training.

If I want to improve, I need to work hard, use new techniques, adapt what I learn with my body and condition to get better results. I simply don't feel like letting people put me down because I'm a woman or anything of that matter.

[karoline8]

good for you...it's great that you are willing to figure out a way to keep with your program, there are those who would just give up, so you should feel good about that :) good luck to you, I hope this whole thing works out for the better.

[Debbie]

Updates from my side: I did return the call of that gym and started there last Saturday. I am very happy about the change. They have a lot of machines (for the Belgian standards); at the end of the day it is much cheaper than the previous one (I don't have to pay for the water and they have great showers/hairdryers); the hours are flexible enough and they open on holidays; and tomorrow I have the first appointment with the personal trainer.

During this transition period, mainly before talking the interview tomorrow, I am doing mostly cardio. Unfortunately yesterday, a major migraine didn't help me much, and with work has been keeping my mind and time busy (missed both sewing and Japanese classes this week), I haven't been as active as I should.

After not eating really healthy for a couple of days, I'm back to my nutrition plan and thanks to that, my weight is stable.

[sherlinthomas]

This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone. I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be sorted out because it is about the individual but it can be with everyone.
===============================

[rockangel]

Down another pound today!
Took progress pics the other day and they are in my body space.

So far 5 pounds in 5 weeks, so right where i should be. I am def leaning up, which is what i wanted. I just want my thighs to go away!!

[karoline8]

Congrats on the weight loss! :)It's always a great thing when the hard work pays off and things are going as they should.

[MuscleMom]

Great job ladies!

Don't know if any of you are interested in joining a contest for some prizes but if you are interested here is a link (and you don't have to do the workouts)
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2010-quantum-body-method-transformation-challenge.htm

There are tons of great prizes!!!

[Debbie]

Last Friday, I finally had the first interview with my personal trainer.
Everything went very smooth because he wanted to check my "shape" with simple but key balance and stretch exercises.

He found out some lordosis and it will influence his choice of abdominals. And I am getting a lot of them (probably). Next Wednesday, I have my second interview and we will check my cardio better (my heart rate is really low - 73 bpm when we checked yesterday) before deciding how we will work the whole fat burning thing.

The best of all is that he didn't make faces when I said I want to build muscles and have a nice figure. I hope I am on the right path now.

*fingers crossed*


Down another pound today!
Took progress pics the other day and they are in my body space.

So far 5 pounds in 5 weeks, so right where i should be. I am def leaning up, which is what i wanted. I just want my thighs to go away!!
Just saw the pictures. Great progress!

[ABbb]

Hit my goal for end of December today - 160! I guess I'll set my new Dec. 31st goal to be 155.

Lots of fresh snow outside, so I might hit the cross country ski trail today, first time this winter.

[rockangel]

Last Friday, I finally had the first interview with my personal trainer.
Everything went very smooth because he wanted to check my "shape" with simple but key balance and stretch exercises.

He found out some lordosis and it will influence his choice of abdominals. And I am getting a lot of them (probably). Next Wednesday, I have my second interview and we will check my cardio better (my heart rate is really low - 73 bpm when we checked yesterday) before deciding how we will work the whole fat burning thing.

The best of all is that he didn't make faces when I said I want to build muscles and have a nice figure. I hope I am on the right path now.

*fingers crossed*


Just saw the pictures. Great progress!

Thank you!!

Hope this trainer is better for you!

[Debbie]

Hit my goal for end of December today - 160! I guess I'll set my new Dec. 31st goal to be 155.

Lots of fresh snow outside, so I might hit the cross country ski trail today, first time this winter.
Congratulations!!! Enjoy your accomplishment!


Thank you!!

Hope this trainer is better for you!
I hope so too. I am really curious about the routine he is going to prepare for me.

[Barnewolt]

Hit my goal for end of December today - 160! I guess I'll set my new Dec. 31st goal to be 155.

Lots of fresh snow outside, so I might hit the cross country ski trail today, first time this winter.

ABbb!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Barnewolt]

Down another pound today!
Took progress pics the other day and they are in my body space.

So far 5 pounds in 5 weeks, so right where i should be. I am def leaning up, which is what i wanted. I just want my thighs to go away!!

Great job on losing the weight!!

Please tell your husband thanks for serving our country!

[leigh92]

I just got my bf% measured again, so here's some more progress pics. Got measured yesterday with calipers at 16% bf and 110.5-111 lbs. Was at 19.3% and 108 lbs Oct 26th, measured by the same trainer who's trained in using calipers, so while I don't trust the actual numbers, I'll assume I made some progress. Pics posted are from Sept 1st for before pics and yesterday for after pics

[MuscleMom]

Everyone is doing so fantastic!!!!!

[kademrulz]

Down to 234 as of yesterday. Buttoned up the diet before the holidays. I didn't want to be on a "lazy" streak with all that food present. :D

[Barnewolt]

I just got my bf% measured again, so here's some more progress pics. Got measured yesterday with calipers at 16% bf and 110.5-111 lbs. Was at 19.3% and 108 lbs Oct 26th, measured by the same trainer who's trained in using calipers, so while I don't trust the actual numbers, I'll assume I made some progress. Pics posted are from Sept 1st for before pics and yesterday for after pics

Don't assume..you have made progress!!

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I had waaaay too much sugar, so back at regular diet today. Imagine I will be having some withdrawals-was it worth it? Honestly, no. :)
I am feeling fat, full & bloated..too many carbs. Off to the gym I go! :)

[birdiefu]

My update is that as of Thursday morning (my official weigh/measure-in for the month), I am up 1 pound this past month. That is okay, as I am aiming for 1-2/month, though I have been hitting 2 pounds/month pretty regularly before then. So, total weight gain since beginning has been 5 pounds, but I feel awesome. :D Measurements finally went up a bit in places they didn't before this month, but my waist stayed the same. I still have not outgrown my jeans, even though I bought bigger pants more than a month ago! But my shirts are getting tighter in the arms/shoulders.

My lifts have been doing great, and I can now do two chins before I have to resort to the assistance band (before I could do only 3/4 of one), and can do a partial pullup unassisted (elbows starting a bit bent). Yesterday my overhead press got up to 65 pounds for 5 reps, which when figuring my 1RM I am now past lifting 50% BW in that lift. I am also very very excited that I pulled 170 yesterday with my DLs for 5, even though I had to pause after the 3rd rep to switch to a combo grip from DOH. That puts me just shy of pulling 1.5x BW when calculated to my 1RM - I'm at 1.47%!

One of my major goals I think will be with my DL. I want to get to 200 before my bulk ends. If I can keep adding on 20 pounds a month, that will be in February, but I will put my sights at the start of March to reach 200 for 5, as my gains seem to be slowing a bit.

We only have a month left with this transformation, wow! Keep up the good work, ladies, can't wait to see all the before/after 4 month pics and stats. :D

[Debbie]

Hi ladies!!!

I haven't been posting much lately, but I check the forums on a daily basis and am excited with everyone's progress. Congrats!!!

In the past week(s), I haven't been able to keep track of my nutrition, but things seems to be working fine.

The routine set by the personal trainer disappointed me a bit and I decided to go back to basics. I set my mind on workouts I found here on the site and I am sticking to them until further notice. I want to see muscles!!!!

As they have LesMills at the gym I go to now, I decided to give some classes a try. I must say that I am enjoying it. Today it was my first BodyPump; on Mondays and Thursdays I will be doing BodyCombat; and hopefully, BodyBalance on Fridays.

I forgot to check my weight on the past days, but there has been some decrease. And as I am going for new routines, I decided to take more progress pictures to use them as kick-offs. They are on my BodySpace (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Debbie/).

When you see the pictures, probably you will notice that the asymmetry on my waistline is getting more and more visible. I opened a thread on the Training's session about it (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=129493823). If you have hints that can help me out, please let me know them.

Wishing everybody a great week!

[kademrulz]

Saturday I was 233.4 for a 0.8 loss in 4 days. That is over the holiday too so I am happy. Moving forward. :D

[ABbb]

Took some pix this morning, finally broke my 160 plateau and hit 159 today. Felt like I was at 160 forever, but according to my log, it was only 10 days....Attached a back picture from the start of the contest and a back picture from today.

[MuscleMom]

Took some pix this morning, finally broke my 160 plateau and hit 159 today. Felt like I was at 160 forever, but according to my log, it was only 10 days....Attached a back picture from the start of the contest and a back picture from today.

Wow! Great job!!

[Debbie]

Hi sweeties!
How is everyone doing?

Winter has started strong over here, but we will survive.

This week, I have learned the date of a running event I want to participate in. It will be on March 20st, 2011 and I am hoping to try 10km again. Yesterday, I have restarted my training, so keep your fingers for me.

My lifting is not advancing much and I am wondering whether it is me who is taking it too lightly. I am doing it by myself because it seems that women who lifts are aliens here.
I feel quite frustrated about that, but I will not give it up.

How long does it normally take to see "some" results? Just for me to follow up my progress a bit.... (°_°*)

[karoline8]

Hi sweeties!
How is everyone doing?

Winter has started strong over here, but we will survive.

This week, I have learned the date of a running event I want to participate in. It will be on March 20st, 2011 and I am hoping to try 10km again. Yesterday, I have restarted my training, so keep your fingers for me.

My lifting is not advancing much and I am wondering whether it is me who is taking it too lightly. I am doing it by myself because it seems that women who lifts are aliens here.
I feel quite frustrated about that, but I will not give it up.

How long does it normally take to see "some" results? Just for me to follow up my progress a bit.... (°_°*)

Hey there...congrats on the decision to run again :) I too love to run.

When my weight increases seem to stall out I switch up my routine. Up until about 5 weeks ago I had been lifting within the 1-5 rep range to build up my strength but recently have dropped back to lifting between 8-12 range and am now seeing great results again. Initially I had dropped the weight down to where I could lift 8-12 reps and have been increasing 5lbs each major lift and 2.5lbs for each accessory lift each week and now my lifts are actually heavier than when I was lifting 1-5 rep range. When this no longer yeilds results or the weight stalls again I'll change it again, but for now this is what works :)...so I guess what I'm saying here is... maybe you just need to change your routine?

[Debbie]

Hey there...congrats on the decision to run again :) I too love to run.

When my weight increases seem to stall out I switch up my routine. Up until about 5 weeks ago I had been lifting within the 1-5 rep range to build up my strength but recently have dropped back to lifting between 8-12 range and am now seeing great results again. Initially I had dropped the weight down to where I could lift 8-12 reps and have been increasing 5lbs each major lift and 2.5lbs for each accessory lift each week and now my lifts are actually heavier than when I was lifting 1-5 rep range. When this no longer yeilds results or the weight stalls again I'll change it again, but for now this is what works :)...so I guess what I'm saying here is... maybe you just need to change your routine?
Last year, it was the very first edition of this running event, and despite being sick on the day itself, I ran it. My time was horrible though. So the mission this year is to improve my time. If it do it in 1h, I will be more than happy.

I have just started seriously with my lifting, so it is normal that I am not seeing much yet. The thing that is bothering me however is that I don't feel absolutely anything after the training.

Last Sunday, after the Body Pump lesson, the instructor said that I was going to get sore muscles in the beginning etc etc etc, but I felt absolutely nothing on the days afterwards. The same goes for my lifting.

When I'm exercising, I really force myself to do a little bit better every time, but as far as I can see, there hasn't been much of a change. (T_T*)

Patience is something I don't really have, so it might be me rushing a bit...

[kademrulz]

Hey ladies. Doing good so far. After halloween I have finally gotten back on track. Oct was a rough month :/ Down to 231.4 as of this morning. Lifts are all going up so I am happy.

[Rowyn]

Hey girls! Sorry I am the thread-starter that left the thread! However, I am obviously still out and about. Good to hear and see so many of you guys making progress!

For myself, I started a new training program a few weeks ago, also started a journal in the Fem section, the link is in my sig. I did take more pics, so you can see them in my profile. Scroll down to the bottom for the newest ones. I have been sitting at maintenance and trying re-comp. I thought there wouldn't be much visible progress between Aug and now since I slowed down a bit, but I think I have actually made some decent muscle gains here and there. Weight is still the same pretty much, which is fine, because I think I am tighter with more muscle which means a little more lean mass and less fat.

I will promise to peek in here more frequently, looks like a TON of girls have dropped off the face of the earth, lol! Well, the holidays are tough, that's for sure!

[AprilShowers13]

Hey girls! Sorry I am the thread-starter that left the thread! However, I am obviously still out and about. Good to hear and see so many of you guys making progress!

For myself, I started a new training program a few weeks ago, also started a journal in the Fem section, the link is in my sig. I did take more pics, so you can see them in my profile. Scroll down to the bottom for the newest ones. I have been sitting at maintenance and trying re-comp. I thought there wouldn't be much visible progress between Aug and now since I slowed down a bit, but I think I have actually made some decent muscle gains here and there. Weight is still the same pretty much, which is fine, because I think I am tighter with more muscle which means a little more lean mass and less fat.

I will promise to peek in here more frequently, looks like a TON of girls have dropped off the face of the earth, lol! Well, the holidays are tough, that's for sure!

I'm still hanging in, barely.

[beardymcbeard]

I just got my bf% measured again, so here's some more progress pics. Got measured yesterday with calipers at 16% bf and 110.5-111 lbs. Was at 19.3% and 108 lbs Oct 26th, measured by the same trainer who's trained in using calipers, so while I don't trust the actual numbers, I'll assume I made some progress. Pics posted are from Sept 1st for before pics and yesterday for after pics

You look amazing! Seriously, awesome transformation and you look hawt (no homo, haha)

[rockangel]

Hey girls! Sorry I am the thread-starter that left the thread! However, I am obviously still out and about. Good to hear and see so many of you guys making progress!

For myself, I started a new training program a few weeks ago, also started a journal in the Fem section, the link is in my sig. I did take more pics, so you can see them in my profile. Scroll down to the bottom for the newest ones. I have been sitting at maintenance and trying re-comp. I thought there wouldn't be much visible progress between Aug and now since I slowed down a bit, but I think I have actually made some decent muscle gains here and there. Weight is still the same pretty much, which is fine, because I think I am tighter with more muscle which means a little more lean mass and less fat.

I will promise to peek in here more frequently, looks like a TON of girls have dropped off the face of the earth, lol! Well, the holidays are tough, that's for sure!

Well, im still here!! Just been payin attention more to my journal than here (thread title working on a transformation).

You do look amazing!! And i agree, def tighter with some more muscle!! Keep it up!

[birdiefu]

I'm still here too, and read this thread regularly. Though I tend to post more in the bulking thread now since that's what I'm doing, and it seems most in this thread are cutting. But I surely will be adding final photos to the thread come the end of this month (so soon!). :)

So I guess as an update, I had my week off, saw my PL coach/trainer yesterday and it felt soooo good to lift again after that week off! I am starting my new program 5/3/1 this thursday, to lift 4x a week now. I was getting used to eating at my lower non-working out cal amount, then yesterday I had 500 cals at the end of the day I had to figure out how to eat....but it was fun :D. Still at 5 pounds up from starting weight, hope to be up 2 more to 133 by the end of this month.

Thinking of buying some Vibrams for myself for Christmas, too. Or maybe a belt. It's either those or an umbrella swift and ball winder (yes, I'm a knitting lifter, LOL).

Keep at it, girls!

[tntbabe]

I'm still here too! Just trying to balance 2 jobs, holidays, and moving :/ Working out 4-5 times a week has been a challenge, but I'm still watching my diet and on track with my goal. I'm down to 159 now.

Great job Kademrulz and ABbb! You girls look great!

I would also love some Vibrams for Christmas!

[kademrulz]

thanks, TNTBABE :)


I'm still here too. I am also participating in a couple other "contests" and they all have different weigh in days. Brain malfunction :)

I've been working on a TKD diet which fits my schedule really well. As long as I follow it (which I have a tendency to stray) then I lose weight fairly easy. You can see my progression in my sig.

[Jrsbaby58]

I'm here too! I just posted new pics on my profile. Thanksgiving was a little rough but I'm back at it now. I just took my fitness test and passedso I must be doing something right! Hope your all doing great!

[ABbb]

I'm still around, just don't really have much time to post. I still pop in once a week or so.

[beardymcbeard]

My progress so far:

Got pretty lean about October (dunno what %, I guesstimate around 18-22)
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/10/08/13833522/progresspic/1Mnpb9HMQtMTdZu5NRWnZpwZtmPzC142.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/10/08/13833522/progresspic/1tTqAbPEIYCylTqrVQtguP5HVdqyW172.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/10/08/13833522/progresspic/1iY97tGMbYvLsBXpZKTAovIcmAvG916.jpeg
Gained more muscle, still keeping reasonably lean (November)
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/11/05/13833522/progresspic/1lNBPqAMmZWim8DDrGZAc5WVIH9195.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/11/05/13833522/progresspic/1egLSQO99kA7ogMYScpYyRxtoU8H1085.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/11/05/13833522/progresspic/1R2Aq36cyTEVwYHCk9snD0nfrIps1531.jpeg
Gained more muscle and fat (December)
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/12/10/13833522/progresspic/1qKh82uMA6DtbQuS6rRNq9itV6RXLb1571.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/12/10/13833522/progresspic/1109V70FoG4oepZWfbH471uhQTwj7H315.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/12/10/13833522/progresspic/1WHi7CH5vWImpGZ4oyKrMpxOTBVzf1604.jpeg
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/12/10/13833522/progresspic/1g84E5qsRBAyKLtz1maJPeY43ZBos0988.jpeg

Now I think I'm going to try and lean down for the end of the contest. I'd rather gain mass and keep pretty lean, which I can do if I keep my eating better than it has been lately.




thanks, TNTBABE :)


I'm still here too. I am also participating in a couple other "contests" and they all have different weigh in days. Brain malfunction :)

I've been working on a TKD diet which fits my schedule really well. As long as I follow it (which I have a tendency to stray) then I lose weight fairly easy. You can see my progression in my sig.

Wow! Incredible progress! :D

[beardymcbeard]

I'm here too! I just posted new pics on my profile. Thanksgiving was a little rough but I'm back at it now. I just took my fitness test and passedso I must be doing something right! Hope your all doing great!

Lookin' good!



This thread is amazing, so much progress! It's cool how everyone's progressing in different ways too.