Something Something Dangerzone

[anandagirl]

OOHHH those boys! At LEAST they could have said "don't worry about it, I got it covered!" Gah.

Nice work on squats!

[LunaLifts]

OOHHH those boys! At LEAST they could have said "don't worry about it, I got it covered!" Gah.

That's what I would have said, had Jay not told me right before I left giving me no time to scold him about it. :P It's an acceptable lie, but I can still be mad. I was awfully cranky yesterday (thanks hormones) too, and he just had to drag it out.
He should consider it really flattering that I trust him so much, I did ask once if he was fluffing with me, but he played it off well. I can't complain too much, he reserved a room at the Turning Stone, and it's going to be a great time. (If you guys recall, we've been there once before, but it was a weekday in Dec so it was more chilled out at the time). We're hoping to get more familiar with it this time, and my brother has been there a bunch so when he stops in he can point us to anything we missed.

Didn't even know they had a smoking room, we dealt with the cold going outside last time (I smoke tobacco (mostly cigarillos) when I drink sometimes, special occasions 'n such, don't tell me what to do you're not my mom, lol :P).

He may still want to see The Nun too, he said something about it during the week, but kinda hope not. I'd rather he not spend anymore than he is, it's too much already. I'll get him too buzzed to drive anywhere, we'll have enough to do without going elsewhere anyway.

Nice work on squats!

Thanks!

[phoenix4444]

Digging to food pics.

Don't lose heart with the slow bulk. Just think of those sweet booty gains.

[LunaLifts]

Digging to food pics.

Don't lose heart with the slow bulk. Just think of those sweet booty gains.

I know, just impatient. It seems like it's paying off though.

---
So birthday fun was fun. Didn't win moneys, but I did have the most awesome tofu tacos ever. Tofu was grilled, and seasoned, and they had avocado relish, roasted tomato salsa, and cabbage slaw, and I wasn't too sure of any of that, but they were soooo good.
Little rant though, Jay and I went up to one of the bars there, and I got a drink, Jay got two, and after we asked for one more in plastic cups to go. Keep in mind, we've had like one drink so far today before here (with dinner earlier, we're sober). The bartender says "I just served you doubles, you have to wait an hour." Like, wtf? First of all I had one less, so I should in theory get a second, no? How many bars cut you off temporarily after 1-2 drinks? And we're staying at the hotel ffs, we could have just shown the room cards to prove we weren't driving. I'd understand if we were clearly obnoxiously intoxicated, but wth? Not to mention, it's a casino filled with bars! We can walk less than 100 feet to the next one. Even random bar guy next to us asked "did he just cut you off? that's f*cked up."
He didn't get a tip.


I did get way off track, Jay had the last two days off of work, and I ended up not getting my workouts in yet. In kind of a weird mood, so I may just wing it with my workouts this week, since I'm off anyway. Stupid weather, and trees acting like it's fall already has me a bit fluffed up I think. It happens. :P

[thehobbes]

So birthday fun was fun. Didn't win moneys, but I did have the most awesome tofu tacos ever. Tofu was grilled, and seasoned, and they had avocado relish, roasted tomato salsa, and cabbage slaw, and I wasn't too sure of any of that, but they were soooo good.

Sound delicious! But my god I can't even imagine the epic gas that would ensue after that combo.

Little rant though, Jay and I went up to one of the bars there, and I got a drink, Jay got two, and after we asked for one more in plastic cups to go. Keep in mind, we've had like one drink so far today before here (with dinner earlier, we're sober). The bartender says "I just served you doubles, you have to wait an hour." Like, wtf? First of all I had one less, so I should in theory get a second, no? How many bars cut you off temporarily after 1-2 drinks? And we're staying at the hotel ffs, we could have just shown the room cards to prove we weren't driving. I'd understand if we were clearly obnoxiously intoxicated, but wth? Not to mention, it's a casino filled with bars! We can walk less than 100 feet to the next one. Even random bar guy next to us asked "did he just cut you off? that's f*cked up."
He didn't get a tip.

WTF, after only 1 or 2 drinks? :/ That guy is going to piss some people off big time and have a fight on his hands, srs.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Usual Chit

Sumo Deadlifts
117lbs x 3
137lbs x 3
147lbs x 2
147lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
87lbs x 6
97lbs x 3
97lbs x 3

Front Squats
47lbs x 10
47lbs x 8
47lbs x 8
47lbs x 8

SuperSet With

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 13
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 9

Core
75 Reps

Post: Stretching

Woo, had a real can-do attitude this morning. Got at it early, did my usual deadlift routine (instead of winging it this week like I thought I would yesterday), very happy with my mindset today. Back didn't like me after deads today, I didn't think I'd be able to do FS, but they actually felt good, and sorta helped.

Yesterday I didn't workout. I had moved stuff from Jay's trunk to my room before the weekend (he doesn't like traveling further than errands with that much chit in the car), which was more or less the camping stuff we have no room for over there. I had already gotten to it late, but seeing the stuff I was like "meh, I don't even wanna deal." I did want to do something productive though, and since I've been on a decluttering kick I decided to clear out some other stuff, sort out old clothes I'll donate, etc.

Ended up with room to put the camping stuff in my closet this morning, so it's tidy again. At least tidy enough to workout, I hate feeling cramped, and having too much chit out of place just makes my head feel cluttered too, like lazy and apathetic, and "meh." If that makes sense.

Sound delicious! But my god I can't even imagine the epic gas that would ensue after that combo.

Lol, fortunately I don't get as gassy as I've heard other plant-based eaters complain about (I'll be honest though, according to Jay this may not be the case at night >.>). Maybe because I manage to still eat like crap most of the time, but even with a diet of 50% black beans, I'm alright. >.<

WTF, after only 1 or 2 drinks? :/ That guy is going to piss some people off big time and have a fight on his hands, srs.

Seriously, we also brought our own booze so if we wanted to get **** faced that early, we'd do it cheaper. We just wanted a couple more tasty cocktails since we weren't drinking to get hammered at the time. Such a turd.

[shesprints]

I see a lot of people pairing front squats and deadlifts, so maybe there's something to that theory. I think it has something to do with core bracing. Is this you "winging it" with your workouts?

Happy birthday!!! I'm sorry I missed that, I'm glad you had a good time and tofu tacos. <3 Was it that bad for Jay to surprise you? I know my mom, for example, doesn't like surprises, but maybe you were joking.

[Partyrocking]

Glad you had an awesome birthday.

I've never had a bartender cut me off, even when I was trashed. Weird.

[thehobbes]

I see a lot of people pairing front squats and deadlifts, so maybe there's something to that theory. I think it has something to do with core bracing. Is this you "winging it" with your workouts?

Seems efficient, get the whole leg region worked in one day, BOOM now you only have one day of DOMS when you would've had two. The Back/Chest people on the same day are the crazy ones, it's so much damn everything at once.

[FallenAngel80]

What a random bar guy! Glad you had a nice birthday despite him!

[LunaLifts]

I see a lot of people pairing front squats and deadlifts, so maybe there's something to that theory. I think it has something to do with core bracing. Is this you "winging it" with your workouts?

Happy birthday!!! I'm sorry I missed that, I'm glad you had a good time and tofu tacos. <3 Was it that bad for Jay to surprise you? I know my mom, for example, doesn't like surprises, but maybe you were joking.

Nah, me winging it usually doesn't even get posted, lol. I just did my typical deadlift routine, since I was feeling much better mentally. I pair FS with deads, because one's more glute-ham focused the other is more quad focused. I typically have one heavy lift for one part of my legs, then do a higher volume accessory for the other (on squat day it's squat and rdls). This way all the leg muscles get some work those days, but I'm doing just one heavy lift per session (otherwise I get too pooped to want to do anything else).

It wasn't so much the surprise, he's done it before without messing with me so bad. It's that he kept telling me it was up to me to figure everything out, and wouldn't cooperate with me when I was trying to do so. >.< Plus I was hormonal, and moody, for a couple days and that just made me super frustrated.

Glad you had an awesome birthday.

I've never had a bartender cut me off, even when I was trashed. Weird.

Thanks! And right? People stumble out of bars/clubs/etc all the time, and I can't have a second margarita?

Seems efficient, get the whole leg region worked in one day, BOOM now you only have one day of DOMS when you would've had two. The Back/Chest people on the same day are the crazy ones, it's so much damn everything at once.

Lol, yeah, it's a good way to hit everything 2-3x a week, but without being too time consuming. A couple compounds, and my upper work, and I'm gold.

What a random bar guy! Glad you had a nice birthday despite him!

Lol, yeah, fortunately there was no shortage of booze there so bartender guy wasn't chitting on our parade. :P


So weighed in this morning, and looks like I've been steady so far this month. I'm a bit surprised because of the higher calorie birthday stuff, but to be fair I eat a lot less the next day or two after drinking (not on purpose, drinking liquor just messes with my stomach), and I ate lighter foods than I would as an omni (which means less alcohol too). So I guess it balanced out, that and trying to cut down on evening cereal munching. Going to nudge up my calories today to make sure I trend upward again. Still have four more planned months of this (including this month), and on track to follow through with it.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

Pre: Band work, clamshells, back stretches, BW squats

Squats
77lbs x 8
87lbs x 5
87lbs x 5
87lbs x 5

OHP
57lbs x 6
57lbs x 3
57lbs x 3

BB Rows
67lbs x 12
67lbs x 11
67lbs x 10

RDLs
82lbs x 12
82lbs x 12
82lbs x 10
82lbs x 10

Core:
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs, and Stretching

On fi-yah!
Man, doing squat day right after dead day was killer. I know me though, if I want to get in at least two workout this week, gotta get them before the weekend. Usually the workout after deadlift day is accessories, but I figure these two are the most important, and not only am I more likely to do accessories over the weekend, even if I don't it's not a big deal.

I went heavier on squats for the first time in awhile, I was really feelin' a heavy squat day, and I'm quite pleased. Nothing super impressive by number, but I'm glad to have done that many at that weight.

[shesprints]

Yeah! I was going to say it looks like your numbers have really gone up (especially on squats) and I'm impressed. Good job!

[thehobbes]

Awesome squat progress! Oooo squats day right after DL day? Power scooter goals.

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Accessories - Home

Glute Bridges + Thrusts
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps

Split Squats
52lbs x 8 & 8
52lbs x 8 & 8
52lbs x 8 & 8

DB Curls
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 7

Superset With:

Tri Overhead Ext
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 7

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching.

Ok, so had an off morning today. Estoy muy mal. I almost didn't workout at all, if I hadn't accidentally forgotten my warm up, and went straight to getting set for my first lift I probably would have said fluff it. I was under the bar already though, so I figured I may as well do it. Did accessories, because I figured that'd be a better choice for a bad morning.

Upped the split squat weight, didn't expect just 5 more lbs to feel that much harder, but it may have been in my head a bit. Either way it went well, and I feel better for having done it.

On a positive note, I got to pick up some fun food stuff this weekend. Just a couple things, including some avocados, and two things I haven't tried yet: Quorn spicy chik'n patties (haven't tried any of their brand, but I've heard these are good), and Daiya's "mozz" shreds (heard mixed things, so this is a gamble). My grocery store started carrying a lot more of Daiya's selection, and Chao cheese, it's crazy and awesome how much they've expanded their plant-based options in a short time.

Yeah! I was going to say it looks like your numbers have really gone up (especially on squats) and I'm impressed. Good job!

Thanks! I'm hoping they keep going back up, so long as my form/depth stays solid.

Awesome squat progress! Oooo squats day right after DL day? Power scooter goals.

Pssh, says the one doing both in the same day. :P
It was pretty killer though, legs were definitely feeling it over the weekend.

[shesprints]

Daiya is one of the better vegan cheeses, actually. I had it a few years ago and it's probably gotten even better by now. Hope you like it.

I hate those "off" days. I know the mantra with a lot of lifters is "how you feel is a lie," because you can often perform fine despite not feelign great at first.

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Deads/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Clamshells, back stretches, bw squats, band stuff

Sumo Deadlifts
117lbs x 1
117lbs x 1
117lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
87lbs x 6
97lbs x 5
97lbs x 4

Front Squats
47lbs x 10
47lbs x 10
47lbs x 10

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 13
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs, and Stretching

Well, my head was good today. Unfortunately I have a twinge in the left side of my lower back, which messed with me a bit. Mostly with deadlifts, so I just did a few light singles. Pendlay rows were surprisingly awesome though. FS were solid too, depth was good,a nd actually whacked a safety on one rep. >.<

Yesterday was not a good day, thankfully it was a rest day, because I woke up and just cried for awhile. No globdamn reason, just one of those days. Jay had off though, and was really sweet tryin' to help me feel better however he could. It's also becoming very autumn-like outside, and I love autumn for everything but the weird mental funk I get from it.
In the afternoon we got our driveway marked out, because the guy doing it is finally done with his brother's driveway. It may still be a bit of time, he kinda takes his time, lol. At least we'll be able to stop parking on the side of the road soon, hopefully.

I tried the Quorn patty, and Daiya cheese together, and it was so bomb! Chicken patty sandwiches were such a comfort food when I was a kid, and I rarely ate them as an adult, but when I do it just gives me good vibes. This is a bit different in taste (mostly because I used to use the processed American cheese slices), but still gives me that same comfort feeling. Still not the best option nutritionally, but they're convenient, and I'd definitely have them once in awhile.

Makin' black bean burgers today, because I cannot miss the opportunity to try them with some avocado on top.

Daiya is one of the better vegan cheeses, actually. I had it a few years ago and it's probably gotten even better by now. Hope you like it.

I heard a lot of bad about it until recently, I heard it's the best melting, but a lot of people hated the taste. Chao cheese, and Follow Your Heart tend to be the favorites from what I've seen others say. They must have come a long way, because I though it was awesome (which is good, because that chit's like $5 a bag lol).

I hate those "off" days. I know the mantra with a lot of lifters is "how you feel is a lie," because you can often perform fine despite not feelign great at first.

Ended up even worse yesterday, thankfully it was a rest day, because that would not have been happening. Feeling better today though, mentally anyway.

[shesprints]

You really are lifting some serious weight these days. 97 for Pendlay rows and 47 for multiple reps on front squat is really no joke. That's awesome.

Bleh @ back tweak. I have a left-side back thing all the time... ice/heat/ice sometimes helps, and so does foam rolling and stretching. Maybe a massage if that's possible (or get Jay to give you one if that's something you guys do).

[viccles007]

Away for a few days, come back and see you smashing out all those deadlifts and squats! I'm glad you had a nice birthday. I really hope that twinge passes quickly.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

Pre: Clamshells, BW Squats, Back Stretches

Squats
77lbs x 8
77lbs x 8
77lbs x 6

OHP
57lbs x 7
57lbs x 4
57lbs x 4

BB Rows
67lbs x 12
67lbs x 12
67lbs x 10

RDLs
82lbs x 12
82lbs x 12
82lbs x 12

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs, and Stretching

Back twinge was gone, just my usual back f*ckary today. Still managed everything just cut a set off my lower stuff. Good workout despite it. Somehow I tweaked my hand, because two of my knuckles on my right hand are hurty. *Shrugs* Guess I'm just getting old. :P

You really are lifting some serious weight these days. 97 for Pendlay rows and 47 for multiple reps on front squat is really no joke. That's awesome.

Bleh @ back tweak. I have a left-side back thing all the time... ice/heat/ice sometimes helps, and so does foam rolling and stretching. Maybe a massage if that's possible (or get Jay to give you one if that's something you guys do).

Thanks! I was kinda wondering if my FS sucked or not, given the issues I have with my back squats. I appreciate the reassurance.

He's usually the one who gets the massages, every time he suggests giving me one I say no, because I'm so sensitive when I'm sore. Like, he tries not too be too rough, but even his lighter pressure is too much pressure, lol. I'm a baby. >.<

Away for a few days, come back and see you smashing out all those deadlifts and squats! I'm glad you had a nice birthday. I really hope that twinge passes quickly.

Thanks, and fortunately it did. It's always something with me, but few problems actually stick.

[shesprints]

Yeah, front squats are never going to be as heavy as your back squat, and it looks like you're really getting up there considering how demanding it is on core, back, and legs... everything really. Plus you're doing high reps; I'm sure your 1RM is much higher than the range you're in. Question about the reps you're getting per set. They seem to decrease as you go on--are you working to failure or do you think you might want to drop the weight or what?

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Clamshells, back stretches, bw squats, band stuff

Sumo Deadlifts
117lbs x 2
117lbs x 1
117lbs x 3
137lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
87lbs x 7
97lbs x 4
102lbs x 2

Front Squats
47lbs x 12
47lbs x 10
47lbs x 10
47lbs x 10

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 13
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 6

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs, and Stretching

So, I'm switching back to how I set up for deads before. I just don't like the "squats down" cue, and don't do as well as when I grasp the bar, then set into start position. I think if I had proportionally strong quads that cue would be ok, but as is I don't find it as effective. Switched after my second set today, but my back was still stiff/sore this morning, so hopefully I can better compare next week.

Rows felt good, so tried a set at 102. Felt good, but heavy, of course. I want to see if I can start at 97 next week, since the first set always feels rough I try to keep it at a weight I can handle. We'll see.

Question about the reps you're getting per set. They seem to decrease as you go on--are you working to failure or do you think you might want to drop the weight or what?

I usually work until "one in the tank" i.e. I'd likely fail or lose form if I tried one more. I stick to a 8-12 range for accessories (generally, I only have one set of DBs so sometimes that just is what it is), and the goal is to aim for 12 even if I can't every set, as long as it's at least 8 per set the weight is alright. Ex: I could do less reps on my first set of DB shoulder presses to get more reps on my other sets, but I'd rather get 12-10-8 and have them all be pretty burny vs 10-10-10 but have the first set be easier.

Though once I get to at least 10 per set is when I start considering going up in weight instead. I want 8+, but 10 per set gives room for some sets to hit 12, but not be getting the bare minimum on the last. If that makes sense. Depends on the lift too, BB rows I let get up in volume because sometimes it just annoys my back, and my grip sucks. FS has four sets, and 12 each would be more volume than I care for, so I'm more likely to increase weight before 4x12. I feel like setting the bar at a specific number for all sets may make me not push as hard as having a range to fall inbetween.
I don't know if that's a weird method, but I still focus on trying to get weights/reps up over time.

[shesprints]

That makes sense to me. It's interesting--I'm not sure I could even always figure out when I have exactly one left in the tank. I tend to go by % of my max and then just sticking to reps in my program.

That's some sick weight on rows, you're practically rowing what you deadlift. Also DB OHP--that's a lot of reps with some decent weight.

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Accessories - Home

Pre: Clamshells, band work, bw squats, back stretches.

Glute Bridges + Thrusts
117lbs x 10sec + 10 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 10 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 8 reps

Split Squats
52lbs x 8/8
52lbs x 8/8
52lbs x 8/8

Bridge Press
57lbs x 8

DB Curls
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 7

Superset With:

Tri Overhead Ext
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 8

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching.

This was supposed to be yesterday, but I didn't feel like switching things in my routine in order to do the workout at Jay's, so I just put it off until today. Went well enough, fortunately this is a routine I can manage regardless of how my back feels. Only thing that went up was thrust reps, I was hoping split squats would be better, but they just kicked my arse. Didn't help that I didn't take my socks off for the first set, and I was so scared of slipping, lol.

Gave bridge press another go, my shoulder seemed alright with it. I don't love setting up (I gotta scoot the bar over my knees, rolling over them with that much weight hurts), it's a little annoying. It felt much better with more weight though, as far as feeling my chest working. Not sure if I'll do it as an amrap for convenience, or if I'll just make it a typical 3 x 8-12, but I wouldn't mind keeping it in, and having a chest exercise.

And on a non-lifting note: I ordered Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal the other day, and I'm waiting on that to show up. It may take me forever to read, but I'm sure it'll be fun practice. There's graded books (graded by levels of knowledge), but they're expensive or for kindle only, and I don't have an e-reader and don't have my own computer to spend that much time reading on it (plus I'd be distracted). Anyway, HP just seemed like a more fun, if a bit less practical, idea.

That makes sense to me. It's interesting--I'm not sure I could even always figure out when I have exactly one left in the tank. I tend to go by % of my max and then just sticking to reps in my program.

That's some sick weight on rows, you're practically rowing what you deadlift. Also DB OHP--that's a lot of reps with some decent weight.

I'm probably wrong sometimes, lol. I just go by my perceived exertion/how solid the last rep was.

Yeah, chit, I didn't realize how much my rows have come up in relation to my other lifts. Really hoping that switching back to my previous DL setup helps bring that number back up again, because I'm not sure how I feel about my upper back being near as strong as my entire posterior chain. :/

[shesprints]

I think reading Harry Potter is a GREAT way to practice a foreign language. You may learn some slightly unusual vocabulary, but yeah, reading books was always my practice method of choice for languages--even Latin, for which I read the Aeneid. (Well, I think I only made it through 5 books of it).

I don't know if your rowing improvement means you have a muscle imbalance. If you video some lifts people could comment on form (I should do this too) and see if that comes into play. I know you talk about dancing but did you ever do a sport when you were younger? If not, your posterior chain really might be a little weaker but it'll catch up I bet.

[gobbles23]

Trying to play catch up and just read about your anxiety! I have that too, ever since my ex messed me up lol. I had to take meds I was so bad, and it's hell trying to come off them. I get it all so much though. I don't deal with social anxiety as much as the feeling that I'm never good enough. It's so bad!!!!

Nice job bulking!!! It takes a long time to build muscle. Years of cut and bulk cycles are required to gain an appreciable amount of muscle Just keep trucking!!!

[thehobbes]

Hell yeah for row strength, great job Luna! You can never be too strong on rows IMO, protects your shoulders and improves posture. BACK > EVERYTHING ELSE (even chicken wings, yes really. )

That makes sense to me. It's interesting--I'm not sure I could even always figure out when I have exactly one left in the tank. I tend to go by % of my max and then just sticking to reps in my program.

It is hard to tell sometimes. Usually for heavy sets I go in planning out I'm going to do 2 for example. Could I get 3? Maybe, but all I need to do is get in there and hit 2. For lighter stuff I'll go to failure and end up at weird amounts like 11 reps because it's so light might as well.

[LunaLifts]

I think reading Harry Potter is a GREAT way to practice a foreign language. You may learn some slightly unusual vocabulary, but yeah, reading books was always my practice method of choice for languages--even Latin, for which I read the Aeneid. (Well, I think I only made it through 5 books of it).

Yeah I imagine I'll have to look up a lot, lol. Fortunately the made up words will be the same in every language. In general I like having non-computer resources, so I don't need a device to practice. I can do duolingo on the comp, in the afternoon or when Jay's off work I can read a book in Spanish, and/or watch some of the Spanish programming I've found (was watching a "Dancing with the Stars" inspired show that just wrapped up, and now I'm watching a pageant type show, but more for everyday women not just the pageant standard we have. One girl I felt so bad for, she had a premature baby who died soon after he was born, but she didn't have the talent for the competition. I'm not that good, I get a lot from context, or I just pick out what words I can).

I don't know if your rowing improvement means you have a muscle imbalance. If you video some lifts people could comment on form (I should do this too) and see if that comes into play. I know you talk about dancing but did you ever do a sport when you were younger? If not, your posterior chain really might be a little weaker but it'll catch up I bet.

I've sent videos to kimm, and PR before for my lower body lifts, and filmed some for myself since to make sure I was consistent. It's mostly because my back issues effect my lower body lifts the most. Hard to make progress when every other week your back is b*tchy.

That and I was trying different DL cues, and experimenting with what works, and the way I've been setting up just doesn't work for me I think. It's been so hard to progress that way, even on good days. My max is way higher than where I'm at, and I'm hoping now that I've switched back I'll see more progress again.

I didn't play sports, but I did used to help out at the barn my dad works at. Mostly haying, which was basically like rowing every hay bale that came off the elevator, so I like to assume that there's some muscle memory contributing too.

Hell yeah for row strength, great job Luna! You can never be too strong on rows IMO, protects your shoulders and improves posture. BACK > EVERYTHING ELSE (even chicken wings, yes really. )
.

Well good, because my shoulder has enough working against it, lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of my back strength, just want more leg strength... and all the strengths.

Trying to play catch up and just read about your anxiety! I have that too, ever since my ex messed me up lol. I had to take meds I was so bad, and it's hell trying to come off them. I get it all so much though. I don't deal with social anxiety as much as the feeling that I'm never good enough. It's so bad!!!!

Nice job bulking!!! It takes a long time to build muscle. Years of cut and bulk cycles are required to gain an appreciable amount of muscle Just keep trucking!!!

Hi! Long time no see!

I've had mine since childhood, my mom messed me up, then both parents were difficult to deal with once my mom lost custody. It was a mess. I also have bipolar II so getting that treated made the biggest difference in my anxiety. I still have anxiety meds for really bad days/instances, but the amount was cut by a third, and they last a whole lot longer. I know it's still bad when it comes to some chit, but at least it's better, especially in a day-today basis.

And thanks. Yeah it takes too damn long, lol. I envy all the girls coming here complaining about their amazing muscle gain in just one to two months. >.< This one's on track to go better than my other bulks have, so I'm hoping for good things when I'm ready to cut down.

----
I took my measurements, and did my squat workout today. Might not have time to post it yet, so I'm going to make it a separate post in case I get kicked off before I get to type it all.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

Pre: Clamshells, BW Squats, Back Stretches, Band

Squats
77lbs x 8
87lbs x 5
97lbs x 3
102lbs x 3

OHP
57lbs x 5
57lbs x 5
57lbs x 5

BB Rows
67lbs x 12
67lbs x 12
67lbs x 12

RDLs
87lbs x 10
87lbs x 8
87lbs x 8
87lbs x 8

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs, and Stretching

I was not playing with squats today boiiiii.
My back was pretty cooperative today, and I was pretty globdamn determined to move some chit with my legs given my rows being so high. Result = getting a three digit squat in... I have no idea how long.

OHP wasn't so great, shoulder was sore af after sleeping on it last night. Rows will go up next week, RDLs went up today, I was a little bleh by then because I was kinda crampy, but they went well enough.

I weighed in this morning, I wish I had thought to first thing instead of after breakfast/before workout, but what the hell. I'm at about ~144 (I say approx because my scale is inaccurate, and I didn't feel like going through a whole thing with weighing weights to check it), so that's fine for where I'm at/where I plan to be.

The comparisons in parenthesis are based on my measurements from Aug 6th:
Shoulders: 41" (+.25)
Chest: 31" (+.5)
Bicep: 11.75" (+.25)
Waist: 28" (No Change, I don't get it, but I don't mind either. :P)
Hips: 38.25"(+.5)
Thigh: 22.25" (+.5)

So that's all cool. I carry more fat on my lower half so those going up a little more make sense. My chest measurement has to be back gains, and I'd like to think that's right, because when I weighed this morning and caught a view of my back in the mirror I was like "hotdamn!" It's looking pretty fierce back there.
Oh, and weight is up about 3lbs in that time which is about right. Doing good on this bulk, on track to make it at least through Nov, though through the end of Dec is still the goal. I've been doing well not to over bulk so far, but holiday season is coming. Either way I'll be past the 6 month point I never quite managed to reach before, so I'm quite satisfied with how this is going.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Crushin' It - Home

Pre: Clamshells, back stretches, BW squats, band work

Sumo Deadlifts
117lbs x 3
137lbs x 3
147lbs x 3
157lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 4
97lbs x 4
102lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 8
52lbs x 8
52lbs x 8
52lbs x 8

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 13
20lbs x 9
20lbs x 9

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching


Estoy muy feliz! I set up the way I felt more comfortable/strong with, and deadlifts felt way better. Got up to 157, with 3 reps on 147 as well. Hoping to keep progressing from here.

Also, my globdamn rows! I managed to start with 97lbs with no problem, and next time I'll probably still start with 97lbs to be safe, but jump to triple digits on the second set instead.

Upped my FS weight, and that felt killer, but good. Depth has been good lately so I'm pretty happy with them overall.

And I checked my tracking info, and my book will be here today! So far it's not too bad for a Monday, lol.
Seriously though, with some ups and downs with my mood lately, it's nice to have a win.