Grey Matters

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Thought I'd have a go at a journal, they seem like fun :)

Its also maybe a good way for me to remain accountable to myself. I chose the title because the grey of life is what I seek. I guess some people would describe it as a disorder of sorts but all my life everything in my world has been black or white, no grey in the middle. Whatever it is, its either perfect and therefore acceptable, or imperfect in some way and therefore unacceptable. (In my eyes of course, not others'!) Its resulted in some crappy ways of living that I won't bore people with but one of the things I very much want to conquer is my tendency to yo-yo with my weight.

I've trained consistently for many years but continued to yo-yo. I now want to commit to finding that comfortable middle road where so many other people seem content, and embrace that grey area between perfection and unacceptable.

I'm seeking a place where I can be lean and muscular (but not ripped to bits); where I can have a little treat occasionally and not have it develop into 6 months off the wagon diet-wise.

I further confess to being an over-analyst so if anyone catches me doing this, please do prod me with a blunt stick. I'll thank you for it in the end ;)

I'm also very grey in the hair dept but that's one bit of grey that I like a lot :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I've started on the Rippetoe prog by way of re-introducing myself to barbell work. (5 years of attending a machine-ridden chainstore gym and I've lost touch with real lifting!) I've joined a 'proper' gym again now :)

Today was my 2nd run of Workout A.

Squats - 3 x 5 @ 35kg + bar. Had intended to do 30+bar but felt good. It hurt!

Bench - 3 x 5 @ 25kg + bar. This is going to suck for a while until I get back into it :rolleyes:

Deadlift - 1 x 5 @ 45kg + bar. O M G :eek:

I was absolutely trashed aftewards. I lurve that trashed feeling :D

[Hibiscus09]

Welcome!! :)

Your hair doesn't appear to be grey in your avatar. :D

Nice job on the workout!

[mom24boys]

Hiyas and welcome :)

[ChocoChick]

Welcome SoN. Hmmm, that doesn't read well. I will have to come up with a better nickname for you.

Meantime, nice workout! Hope you are successful in finding a grey diet... without this, it's hard to meet your goals, imo.

[SeaSiren]

Hello :)

[chrisbute]

Welcome!

It is true, these journals hold you more accountable to yourself.

We are in 2007. Life is no longer Black and White. Life is varying shades of Grey. :-)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Welcome!! :)

Your hair doesn't appear to be grey in your avatar. :D

Nice job on the workout!

Thanks. Very true on the hair though in my time it has been both blue and pink. Ahhh, happy times! One day I might have the guts to reveal myself. So to speak ;)


Welcome SoN. Hmmm, that doesn't read well. I will have to come up with a better nickname for you.

Meantime, nice workout! Hope you are successful in finding a grey diet... without this, it's hard to meet your goals, imo.

Thanks, and you're quite right, the grey is what matters and at my age, I ought to be more familiar with it than I am. Time to lead a sensible life I reckon.


Welcome!

It is true, these journals hold you more accountable to yourself.

We are in 2007. Life is no longer Black and White. Life is varying shades of Grey. :-)

Right also, my plan is to find some grey that I'm happy with and I do think I'm making progress.


Thanks everyone for your hellos, I appreciate it :D

Well its a glorious day here in the North of England, sunniest and warmest of the year so far and it feels like spring has properly sprung. I've been pottering round my garden making plans. I really want to grow some food this year and I reckon some peppers will do well in the sunniest spot.

Tonight is cardio - racketball. Its a league game so I have to put my winning head on. I've beaten this person a few times but you can never take anything for granted. In the end though, I'm in this for the laughs and the social aspect. Sure, its a great outlet for my competitive streak but its also a humbler because I get whooped regularly :D

Right now, a giant iced coffee is on the go and I'm chilling nicely. I have time off from work - don't go back til a week on Monday so HURRAH for that :)

[ChocoChick]

Well, what the heck am I to call you?

Anyway, are you on holiday this week? What do you do? Good luck with the racketball.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Well, what the heck am I to call you?

Anyway, are you on holiday this week? What do you do? Good luck with the racketball.

Well, I guess if I'm gonna join in properly I'll have to give my real name away, so call me Annie :)

Yep, I'm taking holidays from today until next Friday. Main plan is to tidy up the garden and prepare it for the coming good weather. Also have a HEAP of chores to do ....... GAK :(

Also, I have lost a bit of flab these last few weeks so it might be time for a little reward by way of something to wear, maybe some new jeans ..... shoes ...... nice top ...... mmmmmmmmm, shopping :D

[SeaSiren]

Also, I have lost a bit of flab these last few weeks so it might be time for a little reward by way of something to wear, maybe some new jeans ..... shoes ...... nice top ...... mmmmmmmmm, shopping :D

Big yes to the shoes! I LOVE shoes!! :D

[ChocoChick]

I hate shopping. I must be lacking some vital piece of girl DNA. I only like shopping at places like home improvement stores and gourmet food shops. Can't wear lumber, though!

Sounds like you have a nice week planned. Enjoy it. And congrats on the need for new clothes. :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Big yes to the shoes! I LOVE shoes!! :D

Yay! As a new season unfolds, its a whole new shoe-shopping opportunity :D


...... I must be lacking some vital piece of girl DNA.........

No way, your DNA is programmed to love choc, therefore it is in no way deficient ;)

Great racketball cardio tonight and I won my game which is even better. I need to keep racking the points up as I want to go up to the next league. I was watching 2 guys in the top league playing tonight. Man .... I wish I could hit the ball as hard as they do! :eek:

[SeaSiren]

No way, your DNA is programmed to love choc, therefore it is in no way deficient ;)


Funny you should mention that! I actually lack the chocolate gene, and don't crave or want it. :eek: *ducks and runs*

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Funny you should mention that! I actually lack the chocolate gene, and don't crave or want it. :eek: *ducks and runs*

Ah, but you do have the shoe gene so again, not deficient ;)


So here's today's workout ....

Squats 3 x 5 @ 40kg + bar

Military Press 3 x 5 (that was the plan) @ 12.5kg + bar ..... managed sets of 5,4,4

Pendlay Row 3 x 5 @ 22.5 + bar ........ Ouch ... oh no ... :eek:

Wierd workout today. I dunno if my head wasn't screwed on right or my form sucked but I struggled. Mil Press is a weak exercise for me so I have to be patient .... yes, just keep saying that to myself over and over ...... :) Problems with the rows tho. I only added 2.5kg in total but it felt like it was a ton heavier than last time when I lifted the weight fairly comfortably. Then a horrible pain in my left upper glute/lower back :(

I've been resting up since I got home and feel like m glutes/low back have been trampled by a rhino. So, see how it feels tomorrow before deciding on racketball game. Its days like this when I start wondering why I do this to myself .... ;)

For now, I'm going to believe that my low back/glute area is just a bit tight and messed up to be doing this stuff and all that's required is to keep at it and it'll free itself up. Although back/glute pain has bugged me for ages I refuse to give in to it, I'm sure its just muscular. I do also wonder if maybe my core strength isn't all I thought it was but tra-li-lah, tomorrow is another day and a sleep might just be all I need.

[ChocoChick]

How much does your bar weigh? Looks to me like you are moving some serious weight.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

How much does your bar weigh? Looks to me like you are moving some serious weight.

They're Olympic bars so 20kg. Turn the clock back 10 years or so and I was lifting a good bit more than this especially on squats and deadlifts. I refuse to accept I'm any older now and would love to crack my old deadlift one rep PB of a shade over 200lbs. I intend to creep towards it a few lbs at a time and see how it goes but at the end of the day, preserving my back is the No1 priority.

Bought some 85% Lindt today :D

[SumthinOrNuthin]

A glorious, warm sunny day here today. <sighs a happy sigh> :D

Back update = the bit that I actually pulled yesterday - upper left glute - is absolutely fine. No problem at all. The bit that usually bugs me - same thing, other side - is irrritating but it didn't stop me having a fast & furious game of racketball this afternoon. I was royally whooped :D

The guy I played is tons better than me and it always works out whereby I do all the running and he gets all the points. D'OH! He's another example of those people we like to aspire to - 63 years old and still playing like a young 'un. He recovered from a mild heart attack last year and you'd never guess his age. He's been active all his life so yet more proof that we are all doing a good thing for ourselves :)

[Hibiscus09]

Hi Annie! :) Cool about your racquetball partner coming back from his heart attack so well. I've never played racquetball as I could see myself running into the wall a lot. :D It looks like great exercise.

I do, however, engage in shoe shopping (and clothes shopping) quite often. :D

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Oh, and my son likes to do his hair in exciting colors at times. I love to do it for him as I get to play hairdresser. We've done bright blue, hot pink, woody woodpecker red, turquoise and a pretty shade of green. (Not all at the same time, although once he did go with two shades at once.)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Thanks for dropping by Hibby :)

Weekend has been lovely thanks. Today has been my rest day and I visited family. My little niece has been telling me all about their trip to Eurodisney. She's 5 in a couple of months and she just loved the place. Awwww :)

Your son sounds like a guy after my own heart when it comes to hair. I still struggle sometimes to let go of my inner 1970s/80s punk - here's what I had summer before last. I was worried that they might say something at work but people though it was OK .... well, they never said anything to my face ;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I like not being at work :)

Here's today's workout;

Squat 3 x 5 @ 42.5kg + bar

Bench Press 3 x 5 @ 27.5kg + bar

Deadlift 1 x 5 @ 50kg + bar - - - planned 5 reps, did 4

I'm re-familiarising myself with the fear factor now. I'm having those OMG feelings when I stand with the bar across my traps ready to squat ........ what if I can't get back up ...... lol :rolleyes: I do need to focus really hard on form with these because I still don't think I'm as stable as I could be when returning to vertical from the squat position. I'm still trying to find the best position for my feet and width of stance, and learning to suck my core and gut in properly. It will come in time.

Very pleased with the bench press, I think I was more focussed this time and feel like I can add a little next time.

Deads .... I had a false start with my working set after a few warmup sets. Just couldn't get it off the floor but I know its a mind trick because it was only a tad heavier than last time. So, stood up, took a few breaths, had a word with myself and peeled 4 reps off. Very pleased now :)

As my back has been getting a little troublesome again I did a lot more warmups today and it definitely helped me. Its undoubtedly my weak link but so far so good.

Food is a challenge just now. What with the family meal yesterday, then I'm out for a meal and theatre with my best friend tomorrow, then Thursday I'm meeting up with my sis-in-law and oldest niece for shopping and Starbucks. Then Friday is Club Championship finals night at my racquets club which includes a buffet table full of completely awful food choices :eek: And then Saturday, I'm scheduled to take measurements and BF etc. That should be interesting!

Did I mention I like not being at work?

[tatdawg]

hey annie, i just found your journal, welcome. ah man i loved the mohawk picture. i have had several in my life. i got my first mohawk in 75 when i was a senior in highschool. i ran around with skinheads and punkrockers in atlanta in the 70's and early 80's. everybody either had wild mohawks or no hair at all. you will fit in well with this crew.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Hiya Tat, thanks for dropping by my journal :) So glad that you're an exponent of the mohawk, its a fine style even in our 40s ;) I feel a little more at home now I know there are more ex-punks here .... heehee :)

Did my cardio in the gym today - 40 mins on the treadmill. 20 of not-too-taxing intervals and 20 of walking on the incline. Followed by lots of stretching. No racketball tonight as I've been to the theatre and for a lovely cheat meal :D

Sadly, there were no shirtless rugby players at the gym today :( ;)

[tatdawg]

your in good company baby. i have been somewhat less than normal my whole life.:D

[ChocoChick]

Hi Annie, sounds as though you have a challenging food week coming up. ;)

[Hibiscus09]

Hi Annie! :) Nice job on the cardio and yesterday's workout. I understand the squat fear. I've never liked to do it without spotter, even when I'm in a cage. Safety bars just don't do it for me -- I want a person. :p

Have you tried box squats? They make me feel much less antsy about squatting on my own. I guess it's because I have somewhere to land. :D Of course, you don't want to get stuck doing those either and I have a ProSpot, so I can just release my hands and crawl out from under it.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

your in good company baby. i have been somewhat less than normal my whole life.:D

That's very re-assuring .... lol


Hi Annie, sounds as though you have a challenging food week coming up. ;)

lol, yes, this is where my ability to accept the grey is challenged but so far so good. I tried to log last night's meal out on Fitday as best I could and I reckon I stayed within maintenance which is HOOORAH! And there's still the best part of a Lindt 85% bar lurking in my fridge. Yum.


Hi Annie! :) Nice job on the cardio and yesterday's workout. I understand the squat fear. I've never liked to do it without spotter, even when I'm in a cage. Safety bars just don't do it for me -- I want a person. :p

Have you tried box squats? They make me feel much less antsy about squatting on my own. I guess it's because I have somewhere to land. :D Of course, you don't want to get stuck doing those either and I have a ProSpot, so I can just release my hands and crawl out from under it.

Hibby, you are a sensible person. There's a part of me that sort of likes the mental challenge. I mean, the human body is an amazing machine, capable of more than we give it credit for. Its the mind that stops us from pushing our physical boundaries. But you're right, safety is important and I may well switch to box squats in time, I just want to try and go A2G whilst I can as I've never actually done them like that before. My gym has racks but not cages. I've only been a member there 2 weeks so am studying people, looking to see who I might be able to trust to spot properly for me in the future.

All this talk of gym ... time I moved my butt and got myself down there.

Ahhhhhhhh, not being at work. I wish I could not be there permanently rather than just for a week. Anyone know any unattached millionnaires who might like to keep me in the style to which I'd like to be accustomed? :D

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Well I'm happy now. Workout went quite nicely as follows;

Squats 3 x 5 @ 42.5kg + bar.

Military Press 3 x 5 (5,4,4 in reality) @ 12.5kg + bar

Pendlay Row 3 x 5 @22.5kg + bar.

Squats were better than last time - I altered my stance again to a wider one. Also a minor revelation in that I realised I'm not engaing my glutes properly which has been forcing some of the stress onto my back. So, I felt more comfortable this time. Still room for improvement tho so onwards and upwards.

Mil Press is like my nemesis. Whenever I get stuck with these, I get proper stuck. I want boulder shoulders! Again, its probably an issue of sucky form so I have to keep on trying.

Pendlay row is a strange thing. They feel odd but seem to hit the spot. My only prob is that having short legs, my range of movement is compromised a little so I plan to experiment with a slightly wider grip on the bar.

Finally today, there was another woman in the weights room :D She looked like she meant business as she stacked 30kg straight onto the bar for bench press. I should've gone and said hi but .... well I'm a bit shy, so next time ... :o

I am very excited this evening ........ my seeds are growing ..... I'm talking gardening here ;) I know, its a little thing but it makes me happy. I planted some sweet peppers and chilli peppers a few days ago and they're in a little propagator on my window ledge. I haven't grown stuff from seed for years and years. Oooooh, I'm imagining Summer, picking a sweet pepper from the patio and slapping it straight into a Tortilla Espanola :D

Ahhhhhh. Another day NOT spent at work. Life is good :D

[ChocoChick]

Annie, just FYI, box squats are in no way easier than back squats ATG -- just different. They are quite challenging in their own right. :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Annie, just FYI, box squats are in no way easier than back squats ATG -- just different. They are quite challenging in their own right. :)

I just checked out a vid I found on here - barbell squat to a bench http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.php?Real_New=%3C%3D+7&Name=&MainMuscle=Quadriceps&Equip=Barbell&Isolation=&order=Name

are these the ones?

[ChocoChick]

That's it, but the explanation is all wrong.

Here, read these
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/box-squat.htm
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1675569
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCDVPV1avpk

You might also want to try single lege squats (aka bulgarian squats) if you don't mind crying as you work out.

[tatdawg]

hey annie, how was hump day?

[SumthinOrNuthin]

That's it, but the explanation is all wrong.

Here, read these
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/box-squat.htm
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1675569
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCDVPV1avpk

You might also want to try single lege squats (aka bulgarian squats) if you don't mind crying as you work out.

Ahhh, you know, there's no substitute for actually seeing someone do it. That youtube link has answered my questions and kinda reassured me. I would say my technique is like that guy only I'm doing full squats. There really is a lot to be said for widening the stance isn't there? I can also see the benefits of 'unloading' the hips it the seated position - rather like returning a deadlift to the floor and 'unloading' your shoulder joints between reps.

The Bulgarian squats look very interesting, I can see how they would help my racketball because that includes a lot of explosive lunging movements. They are definitely on my list of things I want to try :D

Thanks so much for all your help, and also to Hibby who posted one of those links in my squat thread on the main O35 forum :D



hey annie, how was hump day?

It was good thanks, very chilled out. Mind you, any day I don't have to go to that hellhole of an office is a good day :) Right now, I'm planning on spending what's left of the morning in my garden. There are some weeds that must die today :D

[SeaSiren]

Right now, I'm planning on spending what's left of the morning in my garden. There are some weeds that must die today :D

My yard's next! :D

Hope your day went well!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

SeaSiren, did you get your yard work done? Its funny, but here, a yard is a paved area at the back/front of a house. When I first started reading US-based forums such as this and saw people talking about doing yard work, I used to think, why don't they have gardens? I had visions of people just sweeping dust/dirt off pavings all day!

Last night I played racketball like a complete idiot. About the worst I've played in a long while and I got whooped 3-0. Note to self - when out shopping with family for the afternoon, do make sure you have more than just 2 gigantic coffees, especially if you're intending to run around a lot later. ACK! How dim, I just lost track of time and was having fun with the girls so never ate properly. Then I got on court, started running around, got the shakes and felt nauseous. I cannot believe that at my advanced age, I did something so negligent! And you know the worst thing ........ all afernoon in a shoping mall and I didn't buy anything :rolleyes: :)

Anyway ..... another day and I took measurements this morning. Hurrah because everything is still going in the right direction. In 8 weeks I've lost 8lb of lard and my measurements are going down. Wuhoo :D

Tonight is going to be interesting. Its finals night for the end of season racketball comps at my club. We have regular singles, doubles, and handicapped singles. We're also having a social round-robin tournament for those not playing in the finals. Anyway, I lost my semi-final in the handicapped singles, but nobody has been able to contact the guy who beat me and we think he might be on holiday. As of yesterday, I have been bye-d through to the final becuase of this! So, today I'm chilling, eating well and preparing for the possibility of a great victory/humiliation ;)

[SeaSiren]

SeaSiren, did you get your yard work done? Its funny, but here, a yard is a paved area at the back/front of a house. When I first started reading US-based forums such as this and saw people talking about doing yard work, I used to think, why don't they have gardens? I had visions of people just sweeping dust/dirt off pavings all day!

No, I don't actually do yard work :D

I live in a very large planned beach community. I have a wooded lot and have never planted grass, so I don't have to mow it. The front yard is ivy covered and all the bushes are native to the area with the exception of a few hastas (spelling?) which come up every year. The most I have to do is trim the bushes near the house a few times per year. Since I run my own company, I'm not home much and don't want to spend my free time doing yard work, so I keep it really low maintenance. :)


And you know the worst thing ........ all afernoon in a shoping mall and I didn't buy anything :rolleyes: :)

*gasps in hushed tone* No Way!!!

Congratulations on the weight loss! Cool on the Racket Ball, I have no hand eye coordination and envy those that do :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Woohoooooo, I won the singles handicapped tournament at my racketball club and I have a small, cheap trophy to prove it :D

Also played in the round robin and am now proper knackered so beddybyes time for me :D

[tatdawg]

congrats on the victory and the small, cheap trophy to prove it.:D

[SeaSiren]

Woohoooooo, I won the singles handicapped tournament at my racketball club and I have a small, cheap trophy to prove it :D

Also played in the round robin and am now proper knackered so beddybyes time for me :D


wooohoo on the trophy! Have no idea on te round robin, but I think knackered is tired :D One of the people helping me is from the UK, so I continue to learn all types of thing, lol

Night!

[ChocoChick]

Congrats on your measurements and weight loss. Is it back to work for you come Monday?

[tatdawg]

let me get my translation book out.
knackered=plum tuckered out. ok i got it.;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

congrats on the victory and the small, cheap trophy to prove it.:D

Thanks my southern drawling friend ... may I call you that?


wooohoo on the trophy! Have no idea on te round robin, but I think knackered is tired :D One of the people helping me is from the UK, so I continue to learn all types of thing, lol

Night!

Correct - knackered = very tired. Round robin - we get maybe 20 people turn up to play and divide off into teams. All the teams play each other once and whichever team comes out alive, and with the most points, wins.


Congrats on your measurements and weight loss. Is it back to work for you come Monday?

Thanks Elsie, its nice when things go right. ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK! yes.


let me get my translation book out.
knackered=plum tuckered out. ok i got it.;)

Plum tuckered out ....... I think in Oz, that might mean you've run out of food. I hope that never happens to any of us :D

Man alive, my little pudgy body has been suffering today. It should've been a gym day but not a hope. I've been aching after last night so decided to take my rest day and the gym can wait til tomorrow. My recovery plan has been to spend the afternoon lying in the sun. I can recommed it :D

[SeaSiren]

let me get my translation book out.
knackered=plum tuckered out. ok i got it.;)


Now if she had just said plum tuckered I would have got it first time round :D

[tatdawg]

Now if she had just said plum tuckered I would have got it first time round :D

dang girl you must be from south MD.:D

[SeaSiren]

dang girl you must be from south MD.:D

Why Sir, yes I am, south of the Mason Dixon ;) (Of course I didn't live here all my life either.) So I am familiar with your use of terms such as "plum" and "tuckered". :D

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Why Sir, yes I am, south of the Mason Dixon ;) (Of course I didn't live here all my life either.) So I am familiar with your use of terms such as "plum" and "tuckered". :D

I think we need to set up a language school here ;)

Here's todays workout;

Squats - couldn't even get half way down in a regular squat due to stupid back problem. So, I tried the one-leg Bulgarian thingies that Elise recommended. Now they are not easy! I'll need to practise some more at them to get a fuller range of motion but, they didn't cause me any back pain at all and they absolutely steam that glute/ham tie-in area :D Also did some wide-stance squats - they were OK to about halfway to parallel. Then did some thigh extensions.

Bench - 3 sets (5,4,4) @ 30kg + bar. Nice. I needed a spotter which is fine, he only helped minimally right at the end of the set.

Deadlift - in my dreams! Not today I'm afraid. So, did a little more chest work in the form of DB flyes.

Finished off with some ab and oblique work and a lot of stretching.

My back feels a little easier now but I was pretty upset earlier! I think my plan for the coming week has to be to see what happens. If I can manage any squats, deads or pendlay rows then great. If I can't then I think Mr Rippetoe's fine prog will have to go into the file marked 'tried that, it hurt too much'.

Its been like the middle of Summer here today. After my workout I just crashed in the garden and soaked up some rays and read a little.

Back to work tomorrow ACK :( I'm all prepared food-wise but sleep is going to be tricky. When I'm not working I slip right into my natural body-clock zone which is about 3 hours different from what I have to stick to when I'm working. So tonight I expect to still be awake at 1.00am. In the morning I'll be very unhappy when my alarm goes at 6.30 :D

[SeaSiren]

You're right we may need a language school, lol

Great job working around your back. Hope it feels better soon :)

I heard it was a gorgeous day over there, glad you had time to enjoy it.

[tatdawg]

you already know this but it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the back issue.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

you already know this but it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the back issue.

You are quite right, and very sensible :)

Here's today's workout. I don't ordinarily lift 2 days in a row but scheduling got the better of me over the last few days so ....

Squats - back was feeling easier today and I managed to get up to 30kg + bar after starting out with just the bar and adding 10kg at a time. But it was a bridge too far at 40kg + bar so I did plie squats as far down as I could get with that and then 50kg. Topped it off with some leg presses.

Mil Press - decided to try pressing behind the neck this time as I've been stuck with Mil Press. I know its not advised but I used to do them years ago and they never caused me any problems before. I started with just the bar and kept adding 2.5kg til I got to 12.5kg + bar and it was OK. I think I feel it better on my middle delt which is the one I really want to improve :)

Pendlay Row - 3 sets of 5 @ 25kg + bar. Cool :cool:

On the subject of squats yet again, I looked at the box squat really hard today and considered doing them. Only when I tried it with just my bodyweight, did I realise that THAT is precisely the movement I can't do, and that causes me so much aggro. Its like I can't flex my pelvis/hips properly (oo-err ! :o ). Something for me to think about there I reckon.

Back to work today. BLECH :( However, I may have an interview for something else later in the week. Its a long and bizarre story but I'll know more tomorrow :)

[tatdawg]

glad you got a workout in pain free. good luck with the job issue.

[SeaSiren]

Good the back was some better today. Hope the interview pans out! :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Thanks Tat and SeaSiren :)

Racketball cardio today, a league game. I normally go all out to win these but today's opponent is known for reckless play. He's always catching people with his racquet and crashing into them. Also, he's tall, like maybe 6'3'' and has this enormous racquet swing that could take your head off, so I usually set out just with the intention of not getting hurt when I have to play him!

3rd rally of the game and he went piling into me from behind and almost knocked me over the great oaf! I lost 3-0 but still had a good run around and have survived with no bruises :D

I was chatting with some of the guys after (and whining about my back) and they told me about this fella they know who is supposed to be a healer - laying on hands and all that. Nothing religious, he belongs to a spiritualist group. They recon he truly has a gift and I have enough info to track him down. I'm very tempted.

I went for an informal chat about this job today and really like the sound of it. Interview is Thursday but it will then be a little while before I know the outcome. Something to look forward to, YAY :D

[tatdawg]

good luck on the interview sweetie. :)

[SeaSiren]

Thanks Tat and SeaSiren :)

Racketball cardio today, a league game. I normally go all out to win these but today's opponent is known for reckless play. He's always catching people with his racquet and crashing into them. Also, he's tall, like maybe 6'3'' and has this enormous racquet swing that could take your head off, so I usually set out just with the intention of not getting hurt when I have to play him!

3rd rally of the game and he went piling into me from behind and almost knocked me over the great oaf! I lost 3-0 but still had a good run around and have survived with no bruises :D


eek! Glad you made it through!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

good luck on the interview sweetie. :)

Thanks mate, I'm actually looking forward to it in a sick kind of way :D


eek! Glad you made it through!

lol - the guy is a fool!

OK, todays workout;

Squat - I know I have to take these easy so I worked up from 10kg to 30kg + bar for 5 reps. Then did wide stance squats for 2 sets at 40kg and 50 kg + bar. Couldn't really get down far enough on those but it did the job. Finished off with some leg presses. I need to experiment with this contraption to fnd the best position for my feet but I managed 120kg for 8 reps.

Bench press - 3 sets of 5 (5,5,4) @ 30kg + bar. I'm really into these just now :D

Deadlift - no hope of lifting anything off the floor from in front of me right now so I tried this with DBs to day, starting with them on the floor at the side of me. Managed to get up to 27.5kg dumbells with no back problems. I like these, they could be my new fave exercise :D

I see my prog evolving this week into something new due to having to acknowledge my back limitations. Over the weekend I'll be setting out a new 3-way split to start with next week.

Had torturous fun ordering some stuff for my best friend's b'day online today. When I say stuff, I mean a PILE of chocolate. Had to throw in an 88% dark choc bar for myself just to make the process more bearable :D :D

[SeaSiren]

Had to throw in an 88% dark choc bar for myself just to make the process more bearable :D :D

I think it's only fair ;)

[ChocoChick]

Had torturous fun ordering some stuff for my best friend's b'day online today. When I say stuff, I mean a PILE of chocolate. Had to throw in an 88% dark choc bar for myself just to make the process more bearable :D :D

This sounds like my kind of torture. ;)

[mom24boys]

*waves* hi..mmmmm choc and shopping..I think I like it in here :D

[tatdawg]

hey annie, i was trying to figure your weights in pounds. what is the scale? something like 2.2 kgs = 1 pound

[SeaSiren]

hey annie, i was trying to figure your weights in pounds. what is the scale? something like 2.2 kgs = 1 pound

Opposite 1kg = 2.2lbs

[tatdawg]

Opposite 1kg = 2.2lbs

thanks i typed that wrong. it scares me that there are some surviving brain cells in my head after all. they musta been hiding good.;)

[Hibiscus09]

Morning, Annie! :) You're welcome about the squats. I love box squats! I prefer to call Bulgarian squats "Spawns of Satan." :p Those things are tough. :D

You sure play a lot of racquetball. I wish I had leaned how to do that when I was at the gym with the courts. It does look like close quarters and I figured someone clumsy would run me over. :p

Good luck on your job interview!!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Hiya and thanks to all my journal visitors over the last couple of days. Nice people here, I like this :)

Workouts n stuff;

Racketball last night. A regular game with one of the really good players. He runs me stoopid and I always lose 3-0 :D Just great fun. Hibby - I do play quite a bit, you're right, but its my only cardio - I droped all my post WO cardio as I felt I was maybe overdoing things.

Weights today - played this by ear and did some plie squats and leg presses for quads. No more regular heavy squats for me ..... ack, it kills me to say that but it just ain't happening unless a miracle occurs with my back.

Did press behind neck for delts - I do like these but am going to review my entire prog - they might stay and if they do, I'll prob do them seated instead of standing.

Pendlay rows are also going to have to go - too much stress on my back. Again it kills me because I know I could go a lot heavier were it not for this problem. However, I did some single arm DB rows today and can go nice and heavy with no pain, so they will be in :) Also had a go on the assisted pull-up machine. Jeez, its like something out of the ark but I'd like to conquer doing these at my bodyweight so they will be in the new routine as well.

So, all a bit suck-it-and see this week but I know where I'm going next which is good.

On the job front, my interview seemed to go OK but I won't hear anything til at least the middle of next week so its business as usual til then.

[tatdawg]

hey annie, i am in the no heavy squat club myself so i know exactly what you mean.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

hey annie, i am in the no heavy squat club myself so i know exactly what you mean.

Yeah I know mate, in fact I'm following your sensible lead by recognising the situation and not pushing myself into a nasty injury :) See what a good influence you have on me :)

[tatdawg]

Yeah I know mate, in fact I'm following your sensible lead by recognising the situation and not pushing myself into a nasty injury :) See what a good influence you have on me :)

thanks sweetie, you know i look at it this way. with my back problems it is better for me to do light weight squats or even just body weight squats for high rep than to do heavy and agg. my disc and can't work out at all. i don't even worry about massive legs i am more than satisfied with having legs that are lean, strong and good for high endurance. ;)

[ChocoChick]

Good morning, Annie. What sort of position did you interview for? What do you do now?

[Hibiscus09]

Hiya and thanks to all my journal visitors over the last couple of days. Nice people here, I like this :)

Workouts n stuff;

Racketball last night. A regular game with one of the really good players. He runs me stoopid and I always lose 3-0 :D Just great fun. Hibby - I do play quite a bit, you're right, but its my only cardio - I droped all my post WO cardio as I felt I was maybe overdoing things.

On the job front, my interview seemed to go OK but I won't hear anything til at least the middle of next week so its business as usual til then.

I'm envious of your racquetball playing! It sounds like tons of fun and much better than just doing cardio on a machine.

I hope everything works out for you on the job front!

Happy weekend!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

thanks sweetie, you know i look at it this way. with my back problems it is better for me to do light weight squats or even just body weight squats for high rep than to do heavy and agg. my disc and can't work out at all. i don't even worry about massive legs i am more than satisfied with having legs that are lean, strong and good for high endurance. ;)

Wise words. I'm imaging your legs right now ..... if I was Choco I'd be saying its about time you posted pix but I can't throw any stones there ;)


Good morning, Annie. What sort of position did you interview for? What do you do now?

I've worked for the Government all my life and am currently involved in Education and Skills policy. The job is with a different Dept that deals with Immigration issues, working on a project to establish some systems (electronic and organisational) for the introduction of a set of new policies governing who can come from overseas to work in the UK. Sounds very fancy but believe me, it isn't ;)


I'm envious of your racquetball playing! It sounds like tons of fun and much better than just doing cardio on a machine.

I hope everything works out for you on the job front!

Happy weekend!

Thanks Hibby. I live in eternal gratitude to a lady I used to work with about 8 years ago. She used to come in and talk about the squash games she'd played and when I started asking about it she invied me to have a go. I had a few lessons from the club coach and have never looked back. I switched to racketball about 18 months ago because it seems to be what everyone does as the years advance. Squash is more explosive and harder on the knees and hips ;) Its a great social thing as well.

Rest day today ........ sigh ......... lovely, I was ready for one.

Finished off buying pressies for my friend's birthday and I also went to see some friends who I haven't seen before Christmas. A fab couple who are both trainers and run a small shop selling fitness tuff as well. They have a gym in the back of the shop where they train clients but also go to clients' homes. They're awesome people. I was there an hour just talking about training and nutrition, they are the most knowledgeable people I've ever met in the fitness world - he's like a walking encyclopaedia when it comes to nutrition and the way the body processes food. We had a big dsicussion about creatine and glutamine :D

I would trust these guys with my life - it was them who helped me train for my show a few years ago. We did it as a mutual experiment because although they're both into BB, neither of them had ever got into contest dieting. It was a good arrangement because all I wanted to do was step on stage and not look like I shouldn't be there. They were my rock, and the only people who came to my show - she was my 'backstage beetch' ;)

Friends - so important and too often neglected.

[ChocoChick]

I've worked for the Government all my life and am currently involved in Education and Skills policy. The job is with a different Dept that deals with Immigration issues, working on a project to establish some systems (electronic and organisational) for the introduction of a set of new policies governing who can come from overseas to work in the UK. Sounds very fancy but believe me, it isn't ;)


Ooooh... pick me, pick me! :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Ooooh... pick me, pick me! :)

You wouldn't believe the number of discussions I've had with friends over the years about how to posibly emigrate to the USA!! I guess the grass is always greener ;)

[mom24boys]

Hi Annie, Happy Saturday :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Cardio and cooking day today :)

Cardio was 20 mins of HIIT on the treadmill and 20 mins moderate on the eliptical thingy. And some abs. And some stretching :)

Cooking - big tray of roasted potaoes and some low-fat pork mince burgers. Yum.

I'm really enjoying eating quite a bit of beef at the mo and will be having pork too this week. Tuna is still in favour as well. I've also been having fish portions in breadcrumbs but have decided to switch them for just fresh fish - less processed and less calories so I can have more :)

I've also put my new prog up on the main forum for comments. Think I will go with it from tomorrow.

Right ...... its almost Lindt 85% time ...... :D

[Spitfire-1]

Jeesss! had to go back FOUR pages to find you!!

"Right ...... its almost Lindt 85% time" ...... :eek: thats chocolate isn't it?

Do you ever chuck in some rosemary and garlic cloves with your roast potatoes?

Couldn't find your new prog/routine on the main page................but i am a man, so I probably wasn't looking properly or in the right place! :confused:

[Nikonguy]

Jeesss! had to go back FOUR pages to find you!:

True that! (God help me, I'm talking like my students) It's time for a massive 2 week update....A tidy journal is a happy journal. :D

[Hibiscus09]

I looked for Annie's thread yesterday and couldn't find it, so you're doing better than me. :)

I also couldn't find the new plan. She's making us work for it. LOL

Morning, Annie!! Happy Friday!!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

OK, you all shamed me into picking up my journal again. I've been having time management issues. (In other words journalling and trawling the forums when I should be in my cot, asleep.)

General updates then ........

I had my annual review at work and was told I get a tiddy biddy bonus. Cool, better than a poke in the eye and it'll buy me a bucket load of whey. Also had the interview I mentioned, was offered the job and start on June 4th :D

Training .....

I've binned off Rippetoe. I have no problem with it as a programme but my ongoing back/pelvis problems make it impossible right now. So ... back on my fave 3-way split as follows ..... everything is 3 sets of 8

Monday
Back - DB rows, assisted wide-grip pull-ups, deadlift. I've been a bit nervy about the deads as the action from floor to knee is aggravating my back. next Mon, I'm gonna experiment with rack deads. Will be fun as there is no power rack in my gym but I reckon I can do them another way. Watch this space ... !

Shoulders - Military press, DB Raises, barbell shrugs - not done DB raises for a while so having fun with those :)

Weds
Chest - Flat bench press, decline DB press, inc DB Flye. I haven't done any incline work for ages so am enjoying it a lot. Decline is always a trial because all the man-sized benches are too big for me but I always manage to find some way of not sliding off ;)

Biceps - Straight bar curl, DB hammer curl

Fri
Legs - V wide stance squats (I go as far as I can so no back pain, but not quite to parallel), leg press, calf raise (on the leg press) lying hammie curl, lunges. Believe it or not I've never done lunges in my life. I intended to do the one-leg bulgarian thingies that Elise recommended - where you rest one leg behind you on a bench. Tried it and failed miserably. Partly due to the benches being too high, and partly due to my having zero sense of balance :eek: For lunges, all I can do right now balance-wise is to just set my feet in the finish position and dip down. Stepping into it will end in calamity. Its brought home to me that I do have an imbalance in my bod tho. Racketball is all lunging forward on my right leg and I'm stronger and more flexible on that side.

Triceps - Assisted dips, pushdowns. I only do 2 sets of 8 for tris as I'm lucky - they grow easily.

Cardio is still racketball twice a week but I'll go in the gym for some treadmill/eliptical work on Sundays.

Been doing some core/ab work after each weights session. I'm being v focussed on improving my core strength and just learning to hold my posture right and move my body correctly. I think my ongoing problems are all about lagging core strength and the fact that I just don't engage my core when doing every day things. Some neural pathways to reprogram and its going to take a while. I'm also working on stretching and stengthening my hip flexors which I also think are contributing to the problems.

Soooooooooooooooo ............... life is good, gym is great. All I need to do now is start getting a human amount of sleep ;)

Actually, I'm still a total newbie at my gym. Been there 6-7 weeks now and in all that time I've only seen another woman in the free weights area once. I'm trying slowly to say hi to people and just make myself known but I do feel very conspicuous sometimes. I'm having a lot of fun just listening in (nosey parker) to some of the conversations though ....... remember that thread about all the stupid things your hear and see in a gym ..... lolol ;)

[Nikonguy]

Sombody tell me why the chicks...I mean babes....I mean ladies always have the most interesting, well thought out programs?? Huh, huh? Tell me. :D

Guys are always "I'll shall lift this midsize car 6-8 times inspite of my hernia"

Glad to see you found your own journal again Annie. ;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

lol Nikonguy :D

As I'm started with this again here's this evening's workout;

Legs
V wide stance squats - 3 x 8 @ 121 lbs
Leg Press - 3 x 8 @ 242 lbs
BB Lunges - 3 x 8 @ 88 lbs
Hammie Curl - 3 x 8 @ no idea, the plates are just numbered and the pin was on No7.

Tris
Assisted dips - 2 x 8 ..... pin was on 35kg :confused:
Pushdowns - 2 x 8 .... another 'No7'

That's 2 weeks of this prog down and I'm really enjoying it. I'm at my limit with the squats for now but I feel I have plenty of room to progress on the leg press. I tried 'proper' lunges tonight - stepping into the move and managed to keep my balance so yahoo to that :D I also think I have room to progress with the assisted dips, I've never done dips before and hadn't realisd how strong I am on them. Don't think it'll be long before they're unassisted.

I'm absolutely trashed now which is good in a sicko kind of way :)

Sooooooooooooooo ...... its a long weekend here as there's a public holiday on Monday. I'm hoping to get some work done in my garden or at least go and buy stuff I need. I've grown some sweet peppers and chilli peppers. They're not ready for outdoors yet but I'm quite excited, I've not grown anything to eat for about 20 years. My lovely palm tree is flowering like crazy. I've had it 4.5 years and last year it threw out a couple of flower spikes but this year its gone crazy. They're only insignificant flowers but huge.

Hmmm .... I guess some of you lovely people out there consider these to be almost like weeds cos you live in hot places where they occur naturally but in my little northern corner of England, its bordering on exotic! Here's pics :)

Okay, well almost done rambling. Just to say that politically, the next week here is going to be very interesting. I'm interested in domestic politics cos I've worked so close to it for a long time. Anyway, the money is on for Tony Blair to announce next week when he will step down. It'll be a media frenzy for sure and there'll be an interesting period of posturing and shifting allegiances. Great stuff :)

[tatdawg]

mornin annie, hope you have a great weekend. :)

[SeaSiren]

Been there 6-7 weeks now and in all that time I've only seen another woman in the free weights area once.

When I attended a gym, mine was the same way. All the women were on the cardio machines or doing aerobics, lol

Beautiful pictures :)

[ChocoChick]

You wouldn't believe the number of discussions I've had with friends over the years about how to posibly emigrate to the USA!! I guess the grass is always greener ;)

How about we swap? :D

[mom24boys]

How about we swap? :D

ditto for me :D

[SeaSiren]

I guess the grass is always greener ;)

But, have you ever turned it over to find out?? :D (sorry couldn't resist)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

mornin annie, hope you have a great weekend. :)

Hiya tat, how are you mate, not seen much of you on the main forum lately. I guess you stuck to your guns and are limiting your internet time :)


When I attended a gym, mine was the same way. All the women were on the cardio machines or doing aerobics, lol ...

In a way I'm getting all territorial now. If another woman did wander in I'd be like OI, what you doin in my weights room? ..... Maybe I need therapy ....


How about we swap? :D


ditto for me :D

Now, that would be interesting! My impression of USA is that my quality of life would improve cos everything is sooooooo much cheaper there. But then how much could I earn I wonder? lol. Probably enough to live exactly like I do now! There are positives and negatives and I suppose home is where the heart is. But I'd not complain if I woke up one morning in one of the sunnier States, by the ocean ......


But, have you ever turned it over to find out?? :D (sorry couldn't resist)

lol .... not in terms of moving to another country. But the green grass of the single life has been far better than when I was married ;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I'm having a v chilled weekend :cool:

Rest day yesterday and a slick 40 mins cardio today - 20 mins HIIT on the treadmill followed by 20 mins moderate work on the eliptical (I'll never be able to spell that ......).

My HIIT bit is to run for 1 min at a fast pace til I'm breathing pretty hard, then 3 mins at a slower pace as active recovery. I'm about ready to go up a gear and can't decide whether to shorten the active recovery phase or make the fast pace work a little faster.

Tomorrow will be a swine because the gym is closing at 2.00pm due to the Holiday. I reaaaaaly don't like AM workouts but needs must. I'm planning a shoping trip afterwards by way of consolation. Well, for every dark cloud we must have a little sunshine ;)

[mom24boys]

Hi Annie, what are you going shopping for..or is this just mindless fun?

[Nikonguy]

Keep up the good work Annie, and remember: If you shop till you drop it counts as a workout. :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Hi Annie, what are you going shopping for..or is this just mindless fun?

In my dreams it would be new jeans, shoes, handbag and a stop at Starbucks for a giant Mocha and the biggest cake they have. In reality it'll be mindless window shopping, maybe a t-shirt and an iced Americano with food from home that I've smuggled in ;) :D


Keep up the good work Annie, and remember: If you shop till you drop it counts as a workout. :)

Yes, I like your logic there - extended cardio as in 3 hours trudging round shops and trying loads of stuff on ..... I hereby appoint you as my personal trainer ;)

[Nikonguy]

Yes, I like your logic there - extended cardio as in 3 hours trudging round shops and trying loads of stuff on ..... I hereby appoint you as my personal trainer ;)

I'm honored and I accept! Please be advised though, I consider Guinness a suitable post workout protien drink.....3g. per 12oz. ;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Guinness = food of the Gods :D

Here's today's workout;

Back
DB row - 3 x 8 @ 55lbs
Assisted pull-up - 3 x 8 @ ... pin was on 35kg :confused:
Rack Deads - 3 x 8 @ 165lbs

Shoulders
Military Press - 3 x 8 @ 55lbs
Lat Raise - 3 x 8 @ 15.4lbs
BB Shrug - 3 x 8 @ 154lbs

1st attempt at rack deads today. I found a way to position the bar at a starting point about 2cm above my knees. That's the best its going to get I think. Dunno .... need to practise .... when lowering I was lowering it right onto my knes rather than just in front, which is no good. But the further forward I try to lower it, the more it bugs my back. Practise, practise I guess :rolleyes:

I feel like having a little pity party today. It bugs the hell out of me that I struggle so bad with deads when other people reel them off. It was busy at the gym and lo and behold, 2 other ladies came in. One was with a guy and they were both doing Olympic lifts together. I only saw them doing power cleans and she did really well - 110lbs no problem at all. Shortly after a huge lady came in and I mean huge as in I've never seen quads like that on a woman before. She has to be into power lifting, olympic lifting or both. I wondered if she does field event cos lots of amateur athletes train there. Anyhow, single rep power cleans with 198lbs. She looked like a real powerhouse. Some BF - not loads, but massively powerful looking. Very impressive :D

That was kinda humbling seeing her lift such big stuff. Add that to my sulking and well, I've been sulking :rolleyes:

I've also been craving all kinds of stupid food but mostly I've been wanting cake. All day. Just cake, and some more cake. Cakey Cakey cake.

BAH .... time for an omelette ;)

[Nikonguy]

Forget about the workout info Annie...what did ya buy (besides cake)? :D

I'll bring the refreshments to the pity party since all my "power" lifts are weak-azz. :(

I'm seriously considering making this summer all about strength and letting the muscles worry about themselves. I'm not sure I can actually pull 165lbs. 3x8. I shall try it this week and report back (possibly from hospital):rolleyes:

[Daimozz]

mind if i share some of cake with ya? lol after reading ur thread i feel terribly hungry:| but really a good workout and i know i been struggling with deadlifts form...... i started using the mirror and asking people to help me....improved it greatly...hope u figure out what works for u

[Spitfire-1]

Hmmmm.....a guinness drinker eeehh!


Nice job with the back! Thats some strong deads girl :)

Nice one

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Forget about the workout info Annie...what did ya buy (besides cake)? ........... I'm seriously considering making this summer all about strength and letting the muscles worry about themselves. I'm not sure I can actually pull 165lbs. 3x8. I shall try it this week and report back (possibly from hospital):rolleyes:

Nikon, I was so pre-occupied with sulking that all I bought was a coffee. So now I've let the entire female race down! Oh don't end up in the Hossie ... they don't allow Guinness in there so I believe ;)


mind if i share some of cake with ya? lol after reading ur thread i feel terribly hungry:| but really a good workout and i know i been struggling with deadlifts form...... i started using the mirror and asking people to help me....improved it greatly...hope u figure out what works for u

Sorry, the cake infection got to you ..... cake, cake, cakey cakey cake .... I still want some. Its a big ask, for me to share .... but seeing as its you ..... :) Yeah, I should stop being so reclusive and just ask someone to critique my form. D'OH!


Hmmmm.....a guinness drinker eeehh!


Nice job with the back! Thats some strong deads girl :)

Nice one

Aye lad, but only once in a while. My current beer of choice is Hoegaarden. The fashion seems to be to serve it with a slice of lemon - that has to be some fancy southern idea ;)

Beer story - bear in mind that I only ever have 1 drink and 2 is my absolute maximum before it all goes wrong. And I have that maybe once every 2-3 weeks. So, in Sainsburys at the weekend and decided I'd have a Hoegaarden (yes, I'm the person who goes to the supermarket and gets just 1 bottle of beer). Then I spy on the shelf Hoegaarden Premier Cru. Well that has to be like an even better version right? So in the trolley it went, then into the fridge at home. Later that day, cooked the steak and the sweet potatoes, popped the Hoegaarden and took a swig ......... nearly blew my teeth out .... checked the bottle .... its 8.5% :eek: Never one to turn down a challenge I finished the bottle but Lordy, it wasn't the best idea I ever had!

[tatdawg]

Aye lad, but only once in a while. My current beer of choice is Hoegaarden. The fashion seems to be to serve it with a slice of lemon - that has to be some fancy southern idea ;)

Beer story - bear in mind that I only ever have 1 drink and 2 is my absolute maximum before it all goes wrong. And I have that maybe once every 2-3 weeks. So, in Sainsburys at the weekend and decided I'd have a Hoegaarden (yes, I'm the person who goes to the supermarket and gets just 1 bottle of beer). Then I spy on the shelf Hoegaarden Premier Cru. Well that has to be like an even better version right? So in the trolley it went, then into the fridge at home. Later that day, cooked the steak and the sweet potatoes, popped the Hoegaarden and took a swig ......... nearly blew my teeth out .... checked the bottle .... its 8.5% :eek: Never one to turn down a challenge I finished the bottle but Lordy, it wasn't the best idea I ever had!

funny story annie, the idea of drinking 1 or 2 is so beyond me. i was a hardcore binge drinker so if i had 1 or 2 i could not stop till i was blind drunk, usually a day or two later.

[Nikonguy]

LMAO @ The Beer Story! :D

Couple of years ago Nikongal was preparing a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner for company. She was enjoying a glass of wine (which is rare for her) but managed to burn the gravy. No worries, another glass of wine to cheer her up and start more gravy, right? Then the second pan almost goes up in flames :eek: I realized we needed more wine in the gravy and less in Nikongal so I benched her and took over. Disaster averted :)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

tat - my usual state is to not drink at all tho if there's food involved I'll have one. I dunno if you find this but socialising with people who do drink can be a nightmare, like, I suddenly become the one with a problem because I don't want to get hammered and make an idiot of myself. Are you free of this from friends because they know your past, or do you just stay away from the whole scene?

After a while, like, many many months, most people get the hang of it but there's always one or two who persist :rolleyes:

Nikon - funny story :D Good you were there to rescue Nikongal, I hope your gravy was up to standard ;)

Y'know, it never ceases to amaze me how many people still think they can have a few drinks and then drive home. I see it all the time and have to bite my lip else risk alienating myself. And I'm talking 3 or 4 pints here. I truly can't relate to that level of arrogance and irresponsibility :mad:

OK, off my soap box now ..... lol

Cardio racketball last night. Great fun, I love that game and the whole social thing afterwards. Great friends and lots of fun :)

Tonight after work will be chest & biceps.

[tatdawg]

a lot of my old friends have died from drug and alcohol abuse. my best friend has liver failure and dying yet is still drinking to the bitter end.most of us that is left and still in pretty good shape are the ones who have done a lot of time in prison and had to stay clean for years at a time. i don't get around parties or bars to much anymore but when i do i keep distance from drunks or other assorted fools. most people that know me don't push the issue on drinking anymore as they have seen the outcome and don't want to get hurt. i absolutely refuse to touch the stuff these days so there is no talking me into it and they know it.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Hey tat, if only we believed in our 20s that the more we abuse our body, the more it really will come back to haunt us later in life. You've been through, and seen a lot, and its really heartening to know that there are people in the world who can change lanes and take a better road for themselves and their loved ones :)

[tatdawg]

the lord has shown mercy on me. :)

[SeaSiren]

Hey tat, if only we believed in our 20s that the more we abuse our body, the more it really will come back to haunt us later in life. You've been through, and seen a lot, and its really heartening to know that there are people in the world who can change lanes and take a better road for themselves and their loved ones :)

Ahhh yes, so true! I learned MANY life lessons in my 20's.

Funny bear story, lol.....we have several high octane brews in the microbrews here. I have to pay attentions, since I have been doing this, I'm a cheap drunk. That's no good, lol :D

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Well here is tonights workout and assorted whines ;)

Chest
Barbell bench press - 3 x 8 @ 93.5lbs
Decline DB Press - 3 x 8 @ 33lbs
Incline DB Flye - 3 x 8 @ 33lbs

Was feeling a bit mardy about doing chest today as my right shoulder has been a little sensitive all day. Had a hard racketball game last night tho so probably upset it by swinging my racquet without enough proper control. Anyhow, it actually went OK. My current annoyance is trying to find a way of doing declines that isn't precarious! There are 2 decent benches but the bits that you hook your feet under are too low down for my little short legs unless I arch my back which would be bad news. So, I tend to just cling on with my hammies as best I can :eek: Its annoying because I feel I can go a lot heavier ..... I need to overcome being such a girlie about feeling like I might slide down the bench. I'm already over myself at not being able to get off the thing without basically sliding into a heap so ..... lol ..... it musty be funny for anyone watching :rolleyes: lol

Biceps
Barbell curl - 3 x 8 @ 54lbs
DB alternate hammer curl - 3 x 8 @ 19.8lbs

Been trying to focus hard on form with bicep work as its something I feel is a bit rubbish. But today I was spot on. The lbs aren't that impressive but nailing the form is more important to me right now.

Soooooo, actually a pretty good workout, I was pleased :D

Work sucks but I'm just marking the days off now til I start my new job. 12 working days to go, then a week off before I become the brand new girl yet again. This will be my 4th job in just over 2 years so I'm hoping this one will be a keeper. I have this bad habit of starting a job, identifying how things could be done differently (better), thus proving that the post I'm occupying is unneccessary! Hell they should pay me extra for all the efficiency savings I find for them but no, I just end up having to find me another job!

[Nikonguy]

The "decline bench dismount" is the #1 reason I never did them when I belonged to a gym :D

Sore shoulders are epidemic, I have one from a series of DB laterals I don't usually do. :(

Congrats on the job change, that's always an adventure!

[IronIc]

S.O.N. I really enjoy reading your journal :)

Good luck w/the new job. That IS an adventure :)

Awesome job on the workouts too! :D


~I

[SumthinOrNuthin]

The "decline bench dismount" is the #1 reason I never did them when I belonged to a gym :D

Sore shoulders are epidemic, I have one from a series of DB laterals I don't usually do. :( ........

Dismount ..... lol ..... pity I can't do a grand gymnastic thing with a back flip double twist. Now that would be impressive!

Thankfully I think my shoulder is OK now. Tonight's racketball will prove it one way or the other ;)


S.O.N. I really enjoy reading your journal :)

Good luck w/the new job. That IS an adventure :)

Awesome job on the workouts too! :D


~I
Thanks IronIc, I noticed you started a journal too so I'll drop by to say hi. New job should be good. I've had an unsettled couple of years but on taking this job I had to kind of promise to stay for 2 years. They can't actually force me but I take it as a welcome sign there'll be plenty to do and the post isn't about to be 'disappeared'!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Racketball tonight. Bit annoyed at myself as I lost 3-0 and it was a league game. In the second game I was 14-10 up and somehow managed to still lose it even tho its first to 15 points! I was soundly told off by my pretendy-coach ;) Still great fun tho. I don't have any illusions of spending much time outside of the bottom league - I generally bounce between that and the one above :D

Big day in the UK today - Prime Minister has finally announced he is stepping down so lots of interesting politics will follow. I find it all fascinating and the next few weeks will see where the MPs' allegiances lie as Blair's sucessor proceeds, seemingly unchallenged, to the top job in a few weeks time. There'll be a few casualties in the Cabinet and the press will be slavering over every little move and every word said. Crazy but compelling!

[IronIc]

S.O.N. it is indeed going to be interesting in the UK after Blair steps down.

That's going to change things here a little as well. We will have to wait and see.


~I

[SeaSiren]

Big day in the UK today - Prime Minister has finally announced he is stepping down

It's been all over the news here as well.

[Nikonguy]

Very interesting turn of events going on over there. Will it be a free for all or a smooth transition? BTW, I'd much rather watch Parliament on TV than the US Congress. :D

[IronIc]

Very interesting turn of events going on over there. Will it be a free for all or a smooth transition? BTW, I'd much rather watch Parliament on TV than the US Congress. :D


Hee hee :D


~I

[Spitfire-1]

Hey sweety :D

So Annie are you a tory or a labour follower then ?

As far as the raquet ball goes....play dirty and win.

Whats the new job then?

Nice job on the chest and biceps 54lb on curls is quite impressive

[SumthinOrNuthin]

S.O.N. it is indeed going to be interesting in the UK after Blair steps down.

That's going to change things here a little as well. We will have to wait and see.


~I

I wonder if it will change anything that much. Gordon Brown hasn't had much of a public profile at all and the voters don't really know that much about him other than seeing how he's run the economy and what we read in the press ... and we all know how reliable the press is right? lol He seems to come across as a bit dour, but some would interpret that as businesslike.


It's been all over the news here as well.

Hmmm, I wonder if your media is as speculative and alarmist as ours? Probably is ;)


Very interesting turn of events going on over there. Will it be a free for all or a smooth transition? BTW, I'd much rather watch Parliament on TV than the US Congress. :D

I've never seen Congress on TV, I would think its quite interesting. Watching our lot braying at each other is sometimes like playtime in the school yard :rolleyes:


Hey sweety :D

So Annie are you a tory or a labour follower then ?

As far as the raquet ball goes....play dirty and win.

Whats the new job then?

Nice job on the chest and biceps 54lb on curls is quite impressive

Whoah, never reveal political leanings on a web forum, it could spell the end of many friendships! As a Govt pen-pusher I'm obliged to support their policies on a daily basis, whoever they are ;) Speaking of which, the new job is to be a cog in the Home Office machine for the forseeable. Its on one of the many projects working to introduce new policies for people wanting to come and work or study here.

Hell, 54lbs would be impressive were that what I'd actually done. Now I've done my metric conversions again I realise I've grossly exaggerated my own strength! 17kg x 2.2 = 37.4lbs. I can't be trusted with maths :rolleyes: Not too shabby tho and 54lbs will come one day.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

OK, I've got my calculator primed and my metric conversions will be right for todays workout :o ......

Legs

Very wide stance squat - 3 x 8 @ 121lbs
Barbell lunges - 3 x 8 @ 88lbs
Leg Press (and calf raise) - 3 x 8 @ 240lbs
Lying leg curl - 3 x 8 @ .... pin on '8'

Triceps

Assisted Dip - 2 x 8 ... pin on '30'
Straight bar pushdown - 2 x 8 ..... pin on '7'

Well this doesn't look like much I guess but believe me, I was wrecked afterwards :eek: Did a 5 minute walk on the treadmill to compose myelf before my usual stretching and ab work. I couldn't get in the change room fast enough to guzzle down my PWO shake :D

A lovely thing today in the gym - saw an old gym-buddy from when I was a member there 5 years back. I was wondering where he and his brother had disappeared to but it turns out they train different days to me and Friday workout was an exception for him. Good to see an old buddy tho :)

[Nikonguy]

A very good days work! :)

As far as political entertainment, at least your lot puts on a good show...watching Congress is like watching grass grow :cool:

[IronIc]

Great workout S.O.N.! :cool:

I hope to approach those numbers SOMEDAY ;)

Nikie is right about Congress, sigh .... :o


~I

[Daimozz]

good workout......more doesn't always mean better....... and kewl about runnin into an old buddy.......always nice to meet people u haven't seen in a while.....

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I think I'm sulking :( In fact, I'm doing that thing I always tell people not to do ........ BEING IMPATIENT!

So did my stats today and everything but my BF% tells me good stories. But I'll get over myself on that score because I think its more a case of ineptitude with the calipers than having actually lost lean tissue ;)

The last 4 weeks I did a little experiment. I quit my post-workout cardio as I was concerned that maybe I was doing too much. I incresed my cals by 50 per day cos everytime I read too many threads about how much other people eat, I convince myself I'm not eating enough. Result = my previous 3-5lb loss over the same period of time reduced to 2lbs. (This I where the impatience kicks in ...... lol)

So, I think I'll go back to what I was doing before = re-set my cals and put back the 20 mins post workout eliptical-based sweating :)

[IronIc]

I think I'm sulking :( In fact, I'm doing that thing I always tell people not to do ........ BEING IMPATIENT!

So did my stats today and everything but my BF% tells me good stories. But I'll get over myself on that score because I think its more a case of ineptitude with the calipers than having actually lost lean tissue ;)

The last 4 weeks I did a little experiment. I quit my post-workout cardio as I was concerned that maybe I was doing too much. I incresed my cals by 50 per day cos everytime I read too many threads about how much other people eat, I convince myself I'm not eating enough. Result = my previous 3-5lb loss over the same period of time reduced to 2lbs. (This I where the impatience kicks in ...... lol)

So, I think I'll go back to what I was doing before = re-set my cals and put back the 20 mins post workout eliptical-based sweating :)


It seems that your original plan works best ... :)

I think we need to use our intuition as well as scientific basis to consider how much to eat. Congrats on the weight loss! :)

How much cardio in a week do you do S.O.N.? I just do 2 20 minute sessions a week on the elliptical (which is killer) and then 1 30-to-40 minute session here at home with a DVD.

I'm afraid to measure my bodyfat, lol :p


~I

[SumthinOrNuthin]

It seems that your original plan works best ... :)

I think we need to use our intuition as well as scientific basis to consider how much to eat. Congrats on the weight loss! :)

How much cardio in a week do you do S.O.N.? I just do 2 20 minute sessions a week on the elliptical (which is killer) and then 1 30-to-40 minute session here at home with a DVD.

I'm afraid to measure my bodyfat, lol :p


~I

Thanks IronIc, I play racketball twice a week and do 1 x 20 mins HIIT on the treadmill followed by 20 mins on the eliptical - so that's 40 mins of something 3 times a week. I had been doing 20 mins after each weights session and that's the bit I cut out.

lol .... I almost didn't start measuring mine cos I know how impatient the numbers can make me but I'm on the merry-go-round now :rolleyes:

[SeaSiren]

Always trial and error on what we find works for our individual bodies. But if we don't try, we won't know, right? :)

[BigTank3400]

Just found your journal, great read. I will be in your beautiful country for work in July or August. I love going and hearing proper english spoken!!

[Spitfire-1]

Hey Annie

bigtank3400.....LOL, he won't find many people over here speaking engish properly. Most other countries speak it better than we do. :D

who won the raquet ball ?????

Have a good one

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Always trial and error on what we find works for our individual bodies. But if we don't try, we won't know, right?

You're so right there. I'm reading your journal and interesed in seeing how all your new routines and nutrition are going to pan out. Also looking forward to sharing your trip to the stage - I'm taking the easy road tho, you're doing all the hard work ;)


Just found your journal, great read. I will be in your beautiful country for work in July or August. I love going and hearing proper english spoken!!

Wow, is it a sercret spying mission ..... or should I check which politicians or bands are touring then .... ? Happy to give you lessons in speaking 'Yorkshire' if needed ;)


Hey Annie

bigtank3400.....LOL, he won't find many people over here speaking engish properly. Most other countries speak it better than we do. :D

who won the raquet ball ?????

Have a good one

lol Paul, I'll teach him Yorkshire, you can teach him proper Queens English. Now all we need is a scouser and a geordie ;)

I lost the racketball but that's the usual way of things!

Cardio today Quite enjoyed it as well - 20 mins HIIT on the tready followed by 20 mins on the eliptical. Also did a bunch of ab stuff that I haven't done in a while and I can feel them now complaining a little bit :)

Last week or so I've been feeling a bit bugged out - tired and utterly bored of the endless round of chicken, tuna and .... you know the score. So last night, I mapped out a new nutrition plan in which I've focussed a little more on pre and post workout feeds. I've kept everything very simple up til this point but think its now time to just ramp things up a little. Still got plently of tricks in reserve but this will be a tad more strict than the last 12 weeks.

I've also had niggling cravings for about 2-3 weeks now as well, so today I've satisfied them all. First day I haven't counted cals in 3 months and I've just eaten whatever I thought would make me happy. And I am happy, I've also cured all those cravings and am now happy to get back on the tuna and chicken bandwagon once again :D

[Nikonguy]

Cardio today Quite enjoyed it as well - 20 mins HIIT on the tready followed by 20 mins on the eliptical. Also did a bunch of ab stuff that I haven't done in a while and I can feel them now complaining a little bit :)

Last week or so I've been feeling a bit bugged out - tired and utterly bored of the endless round of chicken, tuna and .... you know the score. So last night, I mapped out a new nutrition plan in which I've focussed a little more on pre and post workout feeds. I've kept everything very simple up til this point but think its now time to just ramp things up a little. Still got plently of tricks in reserve but this will be a tad more strict than the last 12 weeks.

I've also had niggling cravings for about 2-3 weeks now as well, so today I've satisfied them all. First day I haven't counted cals in 3 months and I've just eaten whatever I thought would make me happy. And I am happy, I've also cured all those cravings and am now happy to get back on the tuna and chicken bandwagon once again :D

Please tell me you had cake, cake, cakey cake! I just need to be aquainted with some one who has reciently had cake. Even if you didn't just lie!

I had 98% fat free ice cream last night. It tasted like.....well, like it had no fat in it, YUKK!

Mmmmmmm...cake!:D

[IronIc]

Please tell me you had cake, cake, cakey cake! I just need to be aquainted with some one who has reciently had cake. Even if you didn't just lie!

I had 98% fat free ice cream last night. It tasted like.....well, like it had no fat in it, YUKK!

Mmmmmmm...cake!:D


I had a brownie last night :p

Fat free ice cream, ewwww .... :barf:

I threw away some ff cottage cheese I got the other day :barf: It was horrible - I replaced it with lowfat.

S.O.N. great job on the cardio. Raquetball sounds like so much fun! :D


~I

[SumthinOrNuthin]

LOLOL, Nikon, the wierd thing was that when it came to it, I wanted ice cream and chocolate and a tuna melt pannini ! So the cakey cakey cake lived to see another day, or someone else's intestines :)

I also had a big bowl of stewed rhubarb with plain yoghurt and honey. Obviously, it would've been far better made into a rhubarb crumble and served with custard but even I know when things are getting out of hand ;)

Being the somewhat obsessive control freak that I am, I've enjoyed spending far too much time on meal planning over the last 2 days. When I get access to a printer I'll have a lovely, multi-coloured sheet with everything mapped out to the last gramme ....... it could be worse, I could be one of those people who has all the tins in my cupboard facing forward and in alphabetical order :eek: ;)

IronIc, there are very few ff or sf products available here. Lots of low fat but sugar-free things are rare as rocking horse poop unless they're being sold as 'diabetic' products. But you know, there really is no substitute for Ben & Jerry's. Having said that I had Baskin Robbins today. Ben & Jerrys would've meant buying a half litre tub and that would have gone totally wrong :eek: This way I could just have 2 scoops and walk away ;)

[tatdawg]

hey annie, from trying to translate what you said i gather you had some ice cream and some type of root i think with honey. the ice cream sounded great i am not so sure about the other. lol

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Oh tat, you sweetie ..... let me explain .....

Rhubarb - traditional English fruit grown by many in their gardens. You can pull sticks of it from the plant, peel the skin off then you can eat it raw,
http://www.ourohio.org/food_fam/imagesff/rhubarb.jpg

or cook it in a pan with or without a little sugar and add cream or yoghurt etc,

http://www.kraftfoods.com/images/recipe_images/Stewed_Rhubarb.jpg

Or make a pie .....

http://i.ivillage.com/HH/072505/pies/HF_Rhubarb_366.jpg

Or, possibly the most traditional English pudding ..... rhubarb crumble (you might call it 'cobbler' I think) ...
http://www.thebeststuffintheworld.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/rhubarb-crumble-18511.jpg

we also mix in other fruits like apple or berries ...

Hungry yet ?????? ;)

[IronIc]

Yum!


~I

[tatdawg]

ok sweetie i know what it is now. it slipped my mind for a minute. gettin old i reckon.

[Nikonguy]

Yummy stuff right there! I'm over the cakey thing but that crumble is calling to me. ;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

ok sweetie i know what it is now. it slipped my mind for a minute. gettin old i reckon.

I forgive you :) How's the new workouts going tat?


Yummy stuff right there! I'm over the cakey thing but that crumble is calling to me. ;)

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Crumble :D

Well after yesterday's indulgence my mouth felt like the shrivelled remains of a bird cage liner this morning :eek: S'funny how just 2 or 3 treat in one day can wreak so much havoc on your body. And to think, most of us used to feel like that every single morning. Crazy.

Nice workout today;

Back
Single arm DB rows - 3 sets - 8, 7, 6 @ 60.5lbs. Hell, I moved up one DB weight and it feels like I added a ton rather than 5.5lbs!

Rack Deads - 3 x 8 @ 154 - these are now my new favourite thing - form is improving and I have wild aspirations of 200lbs .... well I can dream.

Assisted med grip pull-ups - 3 x 8 @ ... pin on '35'.

Shoulders
Mil Press - 3 sets - 8, 7, 7 @ 59.4 lbs. Becoming annoying due to being basically stuck on or around this weight for way too long!

Lat Raises - 3 x 8 @ 15.4 lbs. At my limit with these for now due to non-specific right shoulder niggle. Not going to push it until I feel confident.

Shrug - 3 x 8 @ 165 lbs. Liking this too ..... there's a pattern forming ... big show-off weights are my fave things just now .... lol.

Saw a guy doing squats today - sets of 10 with 364lbs. Very impressive, all to parallel. I think that's the most I've seen anyone squat in this gym so far. In fact, I don't see many of the guys doing anything for legs but I'm prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they do them on the days I'm not there .......... maybe ...... ;)

[Nikonguy]

What a disturbing development this is, you are closing in on my numbers. All righty then, the vacations over the crumble will have to wait....back to the iron :D

[IronIc]

LOL Nikon, I feel totally like butter muscles here! ;) Despite the fact that I am totally a noob ... :p


GREAT workout S.O.N. :)


~I

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Hey, don't forget you guys that I've been at this on and off for about 25 years! Consistant for probably the last 7 years or so but over my lifetime, the diet has been to hell in a hand cart and back again several times :eek: This time tho, its for keeps :)

[Hibiscus09]

Hey, don't forget you guys that I've been at this on and off for about 25 years! Consistant for probably the last 7 years or so but over my lifetime, the diet has been to hell in a hand cart and back again several times :eek: This time tho, its for keeps :)

Ha,ha -- sounds familiar. :) I consider myself in the on and off stage right now, unless golf counts. :D

Happy Tuesday, Annie!!

[IronIc]

Hey, don't forget you guys that I've been at this on and off for about 25 years! Consistant for probably the last 7 years or so but over my lifetime, the diet has been to hell in a hand cart and back again several times :eek: This time tho, its for keeps :)


Yes! That damn diet deal is 80% of it ... and it's the HARDEST to keep consistent. Viligence, viligence, viligence! :)

Actually I've been working out off and on for 25 years but never got to the point where it was REALLY serious. It is now! :)

I would have a really hard time w/diet if I was tempted by that crumble ... *yum* ;)


~I

[Nikonguy]

SumthinOrNothinHey, don't forget you guys that I've been at this on and off for about 25 years! Consistant for probably the last 7 years or so but over my lifetime, the diet has been to hell in a hand cart and back again several times This time tho, its for keeps


IronIcActually I've been working out off and on for 25 years but never got to the point where it was REALLY serious. It is now! :)


How odd? It appears we have all been living the same life ;)

I was thinking just the other day that I used to view my past attempts as abject failures. Now I know they were all just practice ........and now it's game day! :)

[Daimozz]

nice shoulder/back day..........very impressive keep up the hard work......i remember hating squats......now they are my favourite thing tho i am no where near 365x10 lol 275 @ 5x5 maybe lol....... anyways good workout

[Spitfire-1]

Hey Annie

LOL no one trains legs in my gym either. But that means the equipment is always free :D


25 years :eek: I want some progress pic's :D

[SeaSiren]

Nice workout and numbers :)

I hear you on the dieting end of it. That seems to be the hardest part.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

SumthinOrNothinHey, don't forget you guys that I've been at this on and off for about 25 years! Consistant for probably the last 7 years or so but over my lifetime, the diet has been to hell in a hand cart and back again several times This time tho, its for keeps


IronIcActually I've been working out off and on for 25 years but never got to the point where it was REALLY serious. It is now!


How odd? It appears we have all been living the same life

I was thinking just the other day that I used to view my past attempts as abject failures. Now I know they were all just practice ........and now it's game day!

Well that's the 3 of us living in a parallel universe. Perhaps we were all seperated at birth ???!!!


nice shoulder/back day..........very impressive keep up the hard work......i remember hating squats......now they are my favourite thing tho i am no where near 365x10 lol 275 @ 5x5 maybe lol....... anyways good workout

Thanks mate :) Yeah, he was a big guy but totally unassuming if you know what I mean. Body of a powerlifter with a back as wide as my garage. I'll be watching out for him cos I'm curious to see his other lifts now.


Hey Annie

LOL no one trains legs in my gym either. But that means the equipment is always free


25 years :eek: I want some progress pic's :D

Yes that is one benefit, I can usually get a squat rack without having to wait. As for pics, that ain't gonna happen. Maybe in a few months when I've recovered my past self. I could put some pics up of me 3.5 years ago and some of me now and it'd be like before and after, but the wrong way round :eek: Maybe I should do that as a lesson to everyone ;)


Nice workout and numbers :)

I hear you on the dieting end of it. That seems to be the hardest part.

Ain't that the truth. I can hit the gym and lift myself stupid and love every moment, its never a chore to me. Resisting daily cookies and choc is far harder for me than any lifting!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Cardio tonight - racketball. Just a friendly with one of the guys. He's been a really good player but is currently a victim of ageing and knackered knees. Still gave me the runaround and whooped me tho ;)

Food is going really well so far this week. I'm definitely reaping the benefits of having obsesessively worked out a whole bunch of meal plans at the weekend. All that brain work means I don't have to think so hard on a daily basis now ;)

Off to do a little training for the new job tomorrow even tho I haven't started yet. I have to learn a new computer package that I've never seen before. I did one session last week and it was OK but I guess the difficult stuff is being saved for later ..... I dunno, by the time I actually start I'll have forgotten 50% of it :rolleyes:

[tatdawg]

my workouts are going real good. i forgot how good a pump i get with this.

[ChocoChick]

Hey Annie

LOL no one trains legs in my gym either. But that means the equipment is always free :D


Mine either... but there is usually someone doing curls in the squat rack. :rolleyes:

Annie - 200 on rack pulls is definitely do-able. Go for it!

[SumthinOrNuthin]

my workouts are going real good. i forgot how good a pump i get with this.

Good stuff :) I've never done a bodyweight routine .... not sure I could!


Mine either... but there is usually someone doing curls in the squat rack. :rolleyes:

Annie - 200 on rack pulls is definitely do-able. Go for it!

Cheers Elise, 200 is what I'm going to shoot for. Hey you got a new avatar - nice too, I like that skirt :)

Had a great workout today, one of those where you walk away and grin because it kicked :)

Chest
Barbell Bench Press - 3 x 8 @ 93.5 lbs
Decline DB Press - 3 x 8 @ 38.5 lbs
Incline DB Flye - 3 x 8 @ 38.5

Those presses and flyes are strong just now. Its quite a jump from 17.5kg (38.5 lbs) to the next ones up at 20kg (44 lbs) ..... actually, maybe it isn't now I've seen it written down. Hmmm .....

Still need to work on my 'decline bench dismount' ..... lol ..... right now I look like a seal flopping off a rock :eek:

Biceps
Straight Bar Curls - 3 x 8 @ 44 lbs
DB Hammer Curls - 3 x 8 @ 19.8 lbs - will shoot for more next time.

That was the best bicep workout I've managed for a long time. I've always had problems getting the form right and kinda feeling it too much in my front delts but today .... spot on, loved it.

Confession ........ my biceps felt so pumped I had to skip to the ladies room to have a peek in the mirror :o

[Hibiscus09]

Ha,ha -- I love it when my shoulders and bis get pumped up also and ogle them in the mirror! :D

Great workout, Annie!! :)

[IronIc]

Great workout Annie! :D

I ogle my bis in the mirror when I know no body is looking (I can see them peeking under the fat! :p )

It sounds like you had a great time getting smeared at raquetball ;)


~I

[Nikonguy]

confession: I always peek at mine in the mirror but I rarely skip on the way there.;)

[SumthinOrNuthin]

So ...... we are all secret self-oglers ....... that makes me feel a lot better about my own habit ;)

Racketball last night, won 3-0 wuhoo :D

Tonights workout was ......

Legs
Sumo Squats - 3 x 8 @ 121 lbs ... never in my life has anything tortured my glutes like these :eek:
Barbell Lunges - 3 x 8 @ 88 lbs .... still working on my form - getting there!
Leg Press - 3 x 8 @ 286 lbs ...... loving this and hitting weekly increases for now.
Lying Hammie Curl - 3 x 8 @ ... pin on 9 ..... grrrr, I wish I knew how much these things weight ... should ask.

Triceps
Assisted Dips - 2 x 8 @ ... pin on 30kg
Straight bar cable pushdown - 2 x 8 ..... pin on 8

Didn't have it in me to do 20 mins cardio afterwards like I did Mon and Weds. Leg workouts seem to completely trash me physically and mentally, I'm taking that as a good sign! Did manage some weighted ab work instead though.

Really chuffed with my workouts at the moment and this week a small revelation with my PWO shake. I've re-jigged my cals etc through the day so I can increase my PWO shake content by 50% and its been excellent. Before, I'd be clawing at the fridge within an hour of downing it but this week I've been fine for a couple of hours, until the next scheduled meal time.

I'm currently seriously contemplating a week's rest. Its annoying cos my lifting is going really well, but I'm feeling tired and achey and the bod probably needs a breather. I read on the forums this week a very wise comment - if you're thinking about a rest then you most likely need one! Grrrrr, its so annoying when people are right ;)

[tatdawg]

go ahead and chill for a few days after rome wasn't built in a day. ;)

[IronIc]

Annie, awesome weight on the BB lunges. I bet those were a bugger! :eek: :)

I wasn't too energetic today, either. Must be in the water (here and in the UK ;) )

Sometimes rest is exactly what we need. Then, when it's workout time again we crush through it ;)


~I

[Nikonguy]

As your personal trainer I recomend you switch to HIS* training next week.

* High Intensity Shopping :D

[Nikonguy]

Where, oh where has sweet Annie gone?

Has she taken a week off from training?
Is her new job keeping her busy?
Is there someone special taking up all of her free time?
Has she been recruited by Her Majesties Secret Service as top, top secret spy? ( or a top and bottom spy? :eek: )
Has the high pressure world of BB.com journaling become too much for her?

Helloooooo? We miss you :D

[IronIc]

Ed, I've been wondering the same. I've seen a couple of posts from her in the Female BB section so she has not totally fallen off the planet ;)

~I

[SumthinOrNuthin]

OK, Nikon's progress update on the main forum has prompted me to come here and do the decent thing. And that is to officially close my journal.

Its been fun and all of you lovely people have been very supportive but the reality is I don't have time to go to the main forums AND to keep a journal. In fact, I've been stressing out along the lines of 'oh, I must keep my journal up to date and then visit all those other journals that I like as well because I don't want to offend anyone by not repaying the compliments left in MY journal ....... etc etc'. To the point where I've been sitting here an hour after I should have gone to bed :rolleyes:

Its a tough decision because I love the journals, but for my own sanity I have to keep my time here on bb.com to a reasonable level so something has to give.

I start my new job on June 4 and I want to head out with a good sleep pattern - I have to be fresh every day as there'll be so much to learn and I need to make a good impression ;)

Thanks all :)

[tatdawg]

i understand completely. i was in the same position as you and had to close mine also. i'll still hollar at you in the main forum annie. :)

[Nikonguy]

:eek:....Seriously, as long as you are not giving up journaling to eat caky cake it's all good. :D
Congrats and best wishes on the new J-O-B, that's important. Lord knows the only reason any of us work is to pay for gym fees, workout equipment and good eats. :)

[IronIc]

Annie, I am saddened that you're closing your journal but it's understandable.

Good luck on the new job, and fer cryin out loud get some decent SLEEP! :D

See you on the main boards :)



~Penney

[DouglassDoubles]

Awwww man! Did I read correctly? Closing your journal? I just got over here to say hi. Just call me Miss. Day-late-dollar-short. :(

Good luck with the job Annie, keep in touch.