Cardioconvert - Office chick with pipes

[DieselsMom]

wow! You look great - that's what I am aiming to look like. This cycle has seemed to get along well with your body, if your not bored you may as well give it another shot.

[gobbles23]

Nice! You look awesome!

[jjeane]

CC you look great. Love them quads!!!!
I agree, taking self pics is HARD!

[marathonmom262]

Progress pics look fantastic CC! You're definitely doing things right!

[Cardioconvert]

wow! You look great - that's what I am aiming to look like. This cycle has seemed to get along well with your body, if your not bored you may as well give it another shot.

Thanks - that is quite possibly one of the greatest compliments I've ever received

I think I am going to stick w/ it - maybe tweak one of the day's workouts (it is too long) - seems to still be creating responses.

Nice! You look awesome!

Thanks Lori - right back at you kiddo!

CC you look great. Love them quads!!!!
I agree, taking self pics is HARD!

Thanks jjeane - it is so hard - I deleted way more than I kept!

Progress pics look fantastic CC! You're definitely doing things right!

Thanks MM! I am feeling good - gotta keep at it as I want to enter the new year as optimally as possible!

[Cardioconvert]

Journal entry - yesterday (arms) and today (chest/back)

Had a bit of a harried weekend so didn't get to the gym until yesterday. Then we made the mistake of going to Costco. That is the best place to go if you want to witness our society's lack of manners and patience I tell you! 'nough said.

Had my MIL and hub's aunt for a belated Thanksgiving dinner last night (we were in the States shopping for Cdn. Thanksgiving). It was really nice but my tummy is telling me today that I wasn't too careful with my gluten foods

Yesterday's workout - arms

BB Curls - preloaded EZ curl bar
3x10@50

DB Curls
10@22.5, 10@25, 10@25

BB 21s
3 sets @ 30

Push downs (@ single pulley station)
3x10@50

Skulls + CG Bench (same weight, same reps, no rest)
10@40,40, 10@50,50, 10@40,40

Today's workout - chest + back

Chest work somewhat compromised by tris being worked yesterday, but not too bad.

Bench
3x10@95

DB Flys
3x10@22.5

Incline DB Press
10@30, 8@35, 10@30

Assited Pull ups (counter weight shown)
6@16.5, 6@16.5, 5@16.5

Seated rows (someone was using the lat pull downs - I usually do those first)
3x10@95 - time to up the weight

WG Lat pull downs
10@110, 10@110, 10@100

T-Bar rows
10@45. 10@55. 10@55

Interestingly enough, someone has put some tape on each of our 5 oly bars with the weight written on it. I always suspected that certain bars are not the std. 45lb but wondered if it was all in my head. Turns out my favourite bar (known as the dirty bar) is actually 47.5lb nice. At least I am not going crazy

Have a super day!

CC

[DieselsMom]

Another couple of good ones in the books. I have the same issue with the bars - they all weigh something different so how do you know if your doing more/less than before. Drives my anal rententive self nuts!

I had the same issue on my shoulder day that my chest/tris day before affected some performance and tired out sooner - guess that is why they are usually split a few days apart.

[jjeane]

Nice work as always CC! So jealous of the lat pull downs and bench!!!

[Luvdogs]

Quads look great! someone was using the lat pull downs - I usually do those first I hate not being able to do them in the order I want!!! At least pull downs vs rows aren't too bad of a switch, but I hate having to do a much smaller movement first, then the biggie. Sometimes I'll wait if I have the time. My gym only has one sled leg press (used to have two, not sure what they did with the other one) and as you know, I hate it when I have to wait for that! I change up my isolation movement more than the big compounds. That more of how I judge my progress.

[swooshie]

Awesome workouts, CC! Weird about the oly bars. I'm curious if they are a bit different in my gym. There are days where some things feel more difficult then usual. I'll have to pay attention next time I'm using one.

I have a problem with gluten too. I stay away from it as much as possible, but today a coworker brought in this fresh apple cake that looked great ... and tasted great ... but, wow, did I pay the price for eating a piece of that!

[rickiecoombs]

Need to post two days' worth of workouts - I hate missing an entry

^^ Sounds like me. Type A personality? It's good in some ways, not so good in others.

Holy cow, woman - you look freakin' amazing! Keep posting those photos - it's great motivation for those of us out there who have a long way to go!

Hope your knee feels better soon.

[DieselsMom]

So checked my gloves they are harbinger - still like them find nothing is 100% because of my hands are really narrow but long so small is always to short in the palm.

[PunkyCindy]

You look great...so jelly

[CharliC]

Consider me in, CC!

Wow, looking awesome in your pics - check out those calves!

[Cardioconvert]

^^ Sounds like me. Type A personality? It's good in some ways, not so good in others.

Holy cow, woman - you look freakin' amazing! Keep posting those photos - it's great motivation for those of us out there who have a long way to go!

Hope your knee feels better soon.

Thanks Ricki! Knee is much better - did legs today (did skip Tuesday's leg day) just to be safe

So checked my gloves they are harbinger - still like them find nothing is 100% because of my hands are really narrow but long so small is always to short in the palm.

Thanks DM!

You look great...so jelly

Thanks PC!

Consider me in, CC!

Wow, looking awesome in your pics - check out those calves!

Welome ChaliC! Thanks for dropping in!

[Cardioconvert]

Thursday October 25 - 2 months until Christmas!!!!

Well, my knee is much better - did skip leg day on Tuesday just to make sure it was all good to go.

So glad that DS's football is almost over - I am kinda getting worn down from all the games and practices and he is starting to find it a bit much (seems to happen at the end of the season every time he plays) That, plus other lessons, getting homework done and everything else seems to have lead to a scenario in which I am doing almost all my housework on the weekend. I guess everyone ends up doing this to an extent, just seems like I get nothing done these days on weeknights. By 10 o/clock I am just shutting down (I guess this is one drawback of working out so early) Oh well, at least I am getting my workouts in

Yesterday I hit back and shoulders and today I did leg day #2. Will do shoulders and traps tomorrow (early workout) and then have to do arms/glutes again on Sunday (Sat we'll be out all day at the final Ticat game at our stadium). I am supposed to be having an old friend visit to have me show her some stuff around the gym - I had better call her to see if she is still coming.

Back + Shoulders

Horizontal Bar Lat Pull downs
3x10@110

BO BB Rows - using EZ curl
3x10@80

Seated Rows
3x10@95

Cable face pulls
3x15@70

DB OH Press
3x10@30

Lateral Raises
3x10@17.5

BO Lateral Raises
3x10@15

Push downs (single pulley)
10@40, 10@50, 10@50

Dips
15, 15, 15

Leg Day

Leg Press
3x10@270

Hamstring curls
10@90, 10@85, 10@80

Single Leg Extensions
3x10@30

Standing Calf raises
3x15@200

Cybex Glute machine
3x15@110

Have a super night everyone!

CC

[swooshie]

Hi CC Nice shoulder and leg workout! I'm kind of in the same boat as far as cleaning the house on the weekend. It kind of sucks because by the time I finish all of the cleaning, yard work, chores, the weekend is over I think a 3-day weekend would be perfect.

[DieselsMom]

Totally agree on the cleaning thing, my guilty pleasure is I have a cleaning lady come in every second week to do the big clean and then we maintenance clean on the week inbetween. Made so much more time and less stress for the family on weekends.

[marathonmom262]

Awesome workouts CC! I, too, am glad the fall sports season is wrapping up. My daughter has her last soccer game tomorrow and then we have nothing dance class one night a week until gymnastics starts up in January. It will be nice to take a breather on the running around for things!

PS - thanks for the Christmas reminder - yikes I need to start some planning! Although I really enjoy sitting on my laptop on Thanksgiving night and Black Friday taking advantage of great deals and free shipping online. It's become my annual "thing"

Have a wonderful weekend!

[jjeane]

Nice workouts CC!
I hope you get your cleaning done, one of my least favorite things to do.

[Cardioconvert]

Hello~

No, I didn't disappear - just a really crazy weekend! Froze our butts off at the last game at our beloved stadium on Saturday and then had the crew back to our house for some dinner afterwards. We'll get to see them at Grey cup but most years, we don't get together as a group until the season kicks off again - we'll have to plan better as our 'season' won't kick off now for two years (while our stadium gets built)

I am going to do something really out of character and not try to post my workouts since Friday (Friday - shoulders/traps, Monday - Back/Chest/Bi) as there wasn't much new or exciting in those workouts. Just that they got done

I did have the chance to try some lifting hooks last night. I was complaining that my grip strength is deteriorating extremely quickly and one of the guys offered his (stinky) pair up for me to try. Seriously going to consider getting a pair. If I could spend more time lifting and less time worried about the bar slipping out of my grip, I'd be good-to-go.

Diet is okay - haven't gained or lost weight but clothes are fitting differently - loose in the waist and a bit tight through the thigh. Quite tight in the shoulders I am still disappointed that I don't look anything like I have a taper going on in my back - maybe it will look marginally bettter when I lose the fluff around my waist?

I will likely run the same program again for another six weeks (I am in my sixth week currently). I won't take a week off next week as I don't feel I need it. That way, I can take some time off over Grey cup w/out feeling totally guilty.

Will post leg workout (today's) later - have a great one everyone!

CC

[DieselsMom]

I was watching the game and thinking about you before I cursed the Riders out! LOL Bet you can't wait to see the new stadium that is big news in our little sports world.

Hard to tell with your shirts etc if you have the taper going on - maybe do some dreaded sports bra or bikini pics to see if you notice. I am guessing you have more of a taper than you think esp. with those lovely numbers you put up on your back workouts.

[Cardioconvert]

Thanks DM - I am hoping you're right - but I do have a really boxy torso. When I went to consult w/ the coach in the summer she said something like - you have a really big back, we just gotta build it even wider to give the illusion of a waist! oh well, can't change it (unless I want to get some of my ribs removed I guess!)

Here are the dets of my leg workout today - someone was hogging the squat rack so I did press today instead (I usually do squates Tuesday and press on Thursday)

Leg Press
15@90, 15@180, 15@270, 15@270

Ham curls (lying)
10@85, 10@80, 10@80

Standing Calf press
15@200, 15@200, 15@190

Single leg ext
3x10@30

SLDL
10@115, 10@135, 10@135

Cybex Glute machine
2x15@100

That's all she wrote!

CC

[Luvdogs]

Sounds like you're expanding in all the right places (shoulders & thighs).

So someone's been playing with your toy too! Nice job on those presses! And to answer your question in my journal regarding lying vs seated leg curls: I have tried lying a few times, but feel it too much in my calves. I've even tried pointing my toes to help that, but it just doesn't feel right. I have to lightened the weight so much to take out the calves that it flies up! My gym only has a lever/plate weight one. Don't know if that matters or not. It took me a few times to get over the feeling of looking like I was about to be spanked too With the seated curl, I can really put the lap bar down tight to get the leverage I need to go heavy. I use that on my power days and on hypertrophy days I like to do RDL's for hams.

[CharliC]

I hear your rib cage woes - mine is big compared to the rest of me as well! When 'skinny' was my primary goal, I always used to get upset that I could never have a wafer thin side view...

Solid leg workout there, CC!

[jjeane]

I think you have a nice taper to your back. Your old avi in black and white. I was so jealous of your back. But DM is right, maybe get someone to take the pic. The back pic you posted last looked great. I think your arms and shoulders help widen your look up top.

[rickiecoombs]

Big-boned girlie checkin' in! I'm frickin' WIDE. Haha.

I'm casting my vote for hooks! I think they'd be a great investment for you. AND I think (but I don't know - 'cause everyone's different) that your hands/wrists would feel much happier because you'd be taking strain off of them. So two positives: 1. You don't have to worry about your grip failing and 2. Your body will thank you.

That's just my vote. It makes me really sad when I hear about young people with illnesses that will only deteriorate, not get better. I know that sounds morbid and pessimistic. I don't mean it that way. I just think that you people are awesome for not throwing in the towel and saying, "Aw, frig it, my body's falling apart anyway." Breaks my heart at night when my twenty-something year old hubby begs me to rub his hands/feet because they hurt so much from rheumatoid. You're strong and you're spunky! Go you!

Let us know what you decide on the "To Hook or Not to Hook" front.

[Cardioconvert]

Thanks ladies - helps to know I am not the only one who has this challenge I am hoping once my trainer shows me how to pose, I'll see something different. Only time will tell!

Today's workout was wonderful - the stars and moons must have been aligned b/c I felt great. It helped that about half way into my workout, one of the trainers (who I see around the gym 4/5 times a week) said she could really see some significant growth on me - made my day! I felt particularly happy as change sometimes isn't evident when you see someone regularly - so I am thinking I've grown at least a noticeable amount, even in the eyes of those who see me often

Details of workout:

Horizontal bar lat pull downs
10@110, 8@120, 8@120 -

Assisted WG Pull ups
3 w/ 8.5lb counter weight - hey, if I can do three w/ only 8.5lb of counter weight, maybe the guys are right - maybe I can do one w/o the weight. So I tried - and yes - I did 2 unassisted WG pull ups!! I felt so good, I immediately switched up my grip and hand placement and did 3 chin ups NO MORE EXCUSES!

BO BB Rows
3x10@90

Cable Face Pulls
15@80, 15@90, 13@90

It was about this time that I started to ask why it was so damn hot in the gym today!!

DB OH Press
10@35, 8@35, 10@30

Superset - Lateral raises followed by Shrugs @ Smith (weight is weight added per side)
10@17.5 + 15@55ps, 10@15 + 15@55ps[/I]

BO One Arm Cable Cross over lateral Raises
15@10, 5@20+10@10, 15@10 - I will try to do some @ 20 at the beginning of the first set going forward and aim to keep trying to increase the number I can do @ 20 before having to drop down to 10

Tri Press Downs - @ double pulley machine - single was in use
10@85, 10@85

Superset - skulls + CG press - same weight, same reps
10, 10@50, 8,8@50

Now I am tired.

Going to try to not have any candy - chocolate is one of those things - once I have one piece I am rooked. Other indulgences (i.e. baked goods or chips) I can walk away - sugar seems to trigger something in me I lose all restraint.

Happy Halloween!

CC

[CharliC]

Big congrats on the WG pull-ups! Such a good feeling!

Awesome workout all round, CC! Happy Halloween to you too

[DieselsMom]

Horizontal bar lat pull downs
10@110, 8@120, 8@120 -

Assisted WG Pull ups
3 w/ 8.5lb counter weight - hey, if I can do three w/ only 8.5lb of counter weight, maybe the guys are right - maybe I can do one w/o the weight. So I tried - and yes - I did 2 unassisted WG pull ups!! I felt so good, I immediately switched up my grip and hand placement and did 3 chin ups NO MORE EXCUSES!

Sweet happy dance happy dance happy dance!!!!