Something Something Dangerzone

[FallenAngel80]

Nice work on the front squats! I remember finding them so challenging when I first started, but I really like them now

[Fiction2Fitness]

Nice work. Looks like you're doing great, at least to me. I always struggle with rows and the lack of progress as it's so slow for me. Probably doesn't help I'm inconsistent with them. Same with FS so it still feels a bit awkward. Just gotta keep working on them, I suppose.

[LunaLifts]

Nice work on the front squats! I remember finding them so challenging when I first started, but I really like them now

Thanks! I wouldn't say I really like them, but I hate them less than I used to. I'm sure once I can't get away with crossed grip anymore, I'll hate them a bit more again, lol.

Nice work. Looks like you're doing great, at least to me. I always struggle with rows and the lack of progress as it's so slow for me. Probably doesn't help I'm inconsistent with them. Same with FS so it still feels a bit awkward. Just gotta keep working on them, I suppose.

Yeah, any lift I'm not consistent with tends to suck. Expect LPD, as long as I'm doing my rows every week, that seems to stay good whenever I do them.
FS definitely gets better with practice, some of it is a matter of getting used to it (like dealing with the grip, or the bar sitting on you that way).

Rest day today. Finishing up HP 7 so I can start reading the first in Spanish. Had a look at it yesterday, and all excited, but also realized exactly how in over my head I am with this, lol. Omg though, the cover art is so nice (I prefer it to the American version), and it has a little map of the Hogwarts' grounds in the beginning pages, I adore it. (The Chinese covers are nice too, they showed in recommended when I bought this one).
Now I really have to learn Spanish, because I'd hate to have such a pretty book, and not be able to read it a dozen times. I do plan to get the whole set as I go.

Back cover is just the station continued with the sign for platform 9 3/4.

[shesprints]

Dang, I don't know if you could even convince me to reread all the Harry Potter books in English at this point. However, that's because I'm somewhat troubled by JK Rowling's interactions with fans and some disturbing overtones of racism in her post-series new canon reveals. You know, like how she made Nagini into a cursed Asian woman and so on. And the whole Dumbledore-is-gay-because-I-said-so-but-we-show-none-of-his-orientation-in-the-movies. Like even in the NEW movies since the series itself! Which have Dumbledore and Grindelwald in them as characters! So queer-bait-y it kind of lost me as a fan.

However, I definitely do still love the original 7-book series. It's kind of like Star Wars that way, started off as something wonderful and the creator then went too far mucking about with it. So don't let me ruin your Spanish reread... the first book as I remember it was really great.

[LunaLifts]

I try to keep the art separate form the artist, because otherwise there wouldn't be much to enjoy, (I'm sure most of the classics would be out) lol. I didn't care for her starting a prequel series, and that "Cursed Child" play-book disaster as it was, so I told myself, screw it, money grubbing, or arsehole, or whatever, this was a great series alone and I can enjoy it separate from everything else.
At least it's better than a seemingly nice person who butchered the end of a series you were heavily invested in, and tops of with a god awful novela that destroys every character you loved. T_T (Still bitter af towards Sarah J Maas, obviously).

Besides, if you want to read something, but don't want to give her money, there's always libraries.

In her defense though, she claimed that she based Nagini off of Asian lore, so that's why the casting fits. No one but her would know if that's true, but she did do quite a good amount of research for the HP series, so it could be. Or it could just be a token casting. I don't know for sure, so I put it in the category of "I don't give a chit, I'm not interested in prequels anyway."

I agree with the way she's acted towards some people online though. There's no grey in that, she's been flatout pretty b*itchy.

I did read the first in English before, like a month or so ago, because my mom had one around the house. It actually makes this one easier in that I'm not expecting to follow a long like it's the movie, I have a better idea of what happens along the way.

---
Accessories later.

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Accessories - Home

Glute Bridges + Thrusts
117lbs x 10sec + 11 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 9 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 9 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 9 reps

Split Squats
52lbs x 10 & 10
52lbs x 10 & 10
52lbs x 9 & 9

Bridge Press
57lbs x 10 (amrap)

Core
110 Reps

Post: YWTLS and Stretching.

Just one set on BP again, I figure I'll probably do one amrap with those so I only have to deal with set up once, and because my shoulder seems to protest when I start,b ut chills out after the first couple reps.

Glute bridge/thrusts killed. The short rests really do me in. Added quite a bit to SS, remembered to take my socks off before I started so I didn't feel like I was going to slip and die the first set this time, lol.

Skipped bis/tris. Got a late start, and figured I'd get the important stuff done.

[shesprints]

Luna, that's a very fair analysis and I don't really disagree, re: Harry Potter. How's the Spanish read going?

Also, sick workout! Your split squats are very heavy--I tried 65lb the other week and found it tough. So I am impressed.

But SMH at not doing bis and tris. ANY gym bro can tell you those are the most important muscles to work! BRO.

[gobbles23]

I'm gonna go google bridge press!!! Never heard of that one

That's so cool you're learning Spanish! We just came back from Dominican and we know the very basics but we want to be able to understand it better!!! Its on our to do list lol

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

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

Squats
77lbs x 8
87lbs x 5
97lbs x Nope
xx

OHP
62lbs x 3
57lbs x 5
57lbs x 3

BB Rows
72lbs x 8
72lbs x 8
72lbs x 8

RDLs
87lbs x 10
87lbs x 10
87lbs x 9
87lbs x 8

Core:
100 Reps

Post: Stretching

So for a good squat day, I get a bad one I guess. Lol (I say lol, but I'm not actually lol).
Thought my back was up for it today, but got twingy on 97, so *shrugs* maybe next time.

Made up for it with OHP, since my first set is always best with OHP (my shoulders tap out pretty quick after that), and though "fluff it, I want to try to get 62, so I'm doing it first." SO that was good, increased rows, RDL went swell.

Luna, that's a very fair analysis and I don't really disagree, re: Harry Potter. How's the Spanish read going?

Also, sick workout! Your split squats are very heavy--I tried 65lb the other week and found it tough. So I am impressed.

But SMH at not doing bis and tris. ANY gym bro can tell you those are the most important muscles to work! BRO.

It's going sloooowly. Omg. I suspect it's a bit harder in the beginning with all the exposition/background stuff, but there's just a lot I still don't know. I need to at least get my basic conjugations down better (and ALL conjugations for the most common verbs, i.e. the ones I run into 3+ times on one page). I'm trying different methods, first being skim ahead and look up works I see I don't know, then try to read with those as a reference. Second method is read through it first, then find the words, then reread it. I don't always have a phone/comp to look these up, so I either translate a bunch then read when I don't have anything available, or just write down words as I run into them.
It's challenging, pero está divertido.

Oh, and yesterday I noticed I'm almost at the first bit of dialogue, and there are no quotation marks! It just has this "-" when someone's going to speak.
-Like this would be someone talking.
-And this would be someone replying.
Learned something new.

And thanks! You seriously made my day with these compliments! I feel so "behind" sometimes, but it's those comments that make me think, maybe I don't give myself enough credit.
My bi/tri will be ok, I'm sure, with the killer rows and pressing, they're not getting skipped, bro.

I'm gonna go google bridge press!!! Never heard of that one

That's so cool you're learning Spanish! We just came back from Dominican and we know the very basics but we want to be able to understand it better!!! Its on our to do list lol

I believe it was Sprints who told me about them, they're a little pita, but kinda fun. Like floor press + glute bridge

Yeah, I've wanted to for awhile, but somehow it popped back into my head while I was on reddit, so I looked for a spanish subreddit, and found duolingo from there. So now I actually have resources. Duo keeps me accountable for general practice, and more slowly building vocab, but I looked into most common verbs, and words too, Spanishdict is a great resource for words (and content), and their conjugation pages are thorough. I also found two youtubers I like for Spanish stuff.

Oh, and if you can find out what you're graded as, you can find resources specifically for your level. Like I'm between A1-A2, peopel who are pretty decent would be around C, etc.

[viccles007]

Nice workout Luna! Good idea backing off if you were feeling twingy. Hoping the back heals up soon.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Back stretches, clamshells, bw squats

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

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 5
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 9
52lbs x 8
52lbs x 8

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 14
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 10

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLS & Stretching

Ok, so today wasn't a win for deadlifts. I decided I'd eat breakfast after muy workout, so I could get it out of the way sooner. Energy is never the issue with fasted workouts, but holy chit was I lightheaded on deads this week. -_- My back wasn't playing this morning either, but I don't even think it bothered me much when DLing. Oh well, lesson learned, at least have a quick breakfast on DL day.

Heavier rows were a bit sloppy I think, but overall felt alright. FS went great. DB shoulder press went well, but my rest varies so I dunno if I was just taking a bit of extra time, or whatever.

Gotta say I'm kicking a lot of ass for someone who's been mentally chit since end of Aug/beginning of Sept-ish. It's mostly been bad lately, couple days of having to take my anxiety meds so I don't cry all groddamn day. Today's alright so far, some days are ok, some days aren't. That's why I thought I'd try to get my workouts done sooner, in case I start thinking too much, and get to a point where it's harder to do anything.

As you can imagine, bulking is the last thing I want to be doing right now, but I'm still determined to get to six months, because I haven't so far. It's an important goal, and I know I gotta keep moving forward, regardless of feeling chit. Just white-knuckling it, and for now just telling myself "just see it through to the end of Oct" (the plan was/is to go through Nov at least, but for the moment this is what I'm telling myself).

I don't want anyone to worry, this is pretty functional for me as far as depressions go, and I have an appt with my psych this month so he'll probably want me to get my meds tested to make sure they're still at therapeutic levels. Last time they needed an increase I could tell, this time I can't. The things I'm stressed/depressed/angry about are very real, legitimate issues. *shrugs* Can't know until I know, right? In the meantime, just determined to take it day by day, and stick to my routines.

Nice workout Luna! Good idea backing off if you were feeling twingy. Hoping the back heals up soon.

It doesn't, it just comes and goes. You'd think I'd just get used to the off days by now, but they still aggravate the hell out of me. >.<

[thehobbes]

Awesome workout with some strong rows Luna! You sound very focused and determined. That is how you overcome problems, identify the issue, take action to fix it, and keep going strong! You're taking things on with a level headed approach, keep going and keep kicking ass!

[LunaLifts]

Awesome workout with some strong rows Luna! You sound very focused and determined. That is how you overcome problems, identify the issue, take action to fix it, and keep going strong! You're taking things on with a level headed approach, keep going and keep kicking ass!

Thanks, my back is really feeling it today.
And thanks, I'm trying. Just keep reminding myself, regardless of how it feels sometimes, it'll pass and I can't put everything on hold while I wait for it to.

[gobbles23]

Oooh I can't lift on an empty tummy! I can do cardio on an empty stomach but I'm an evening lifter so I'm used to having a few meals in me first hahaha. I could never do fasted deads, that's hardcore lol

Thanks for the info on the spanish stuff! Going to look into that for sure. I think we are doing Jamaica now in April Do they speak spanish? lol

Those bridge presses look insane haha

I hear you on the meds, I'm weaning myself off mine and some days I'm bad. With them I'm great,but I don't like the side effects. Hormones and my cycle don't help. Ovulation week is way worse now.

You're doing so great!!!! Just keep focusing on your end goal!!

[LunaLifts]

Oooh I can't lift on an empty tummy! I can do cardio on an empty stomach but I'm an evening lifter so I'm used to having a few meals in me first hahaha. I could never do fasted deads, that's hardcore lol

Thanks for the info on the spanish stuff! Going to look into that for sure. I think we are doing Jamaica now in April Do they speak spanish? lol

Those bridge presses look insane haha

I hear you on the meds, I'm weaning myself off mine and some days I'm bad. With them I'm great,but I don't like the side effects. Hormones and my cycle don't help. Ovulation week is way worse now.

You're doing so great!!!! Just keep focusing on your end goal!!

I can lift fasted if it's early enough. I mean, not with deads, apparently, lol, but other stuff. Fasted cardio is a nope, I tried and I was dying, it was only LISS cardio too. >.<

I think many people in Jamaica would, Spanish is a common language in general, not sure the official language though... oh, the official language is "Jamaican English" which is supposed to be like a combination of American English, and British English dialects, with some Irish intonation. themoreyouknow* >.<

I like my meds, I was the one who insisted on them when my psych finally believed me about my diagnosis (yeah, yeah self-diagnosing, whatever, but I was fluffing right). I heard good things about it from a bunch of other BP sufferers, so I didn't want to fluff with anything else. The only time I had a problem was when my body got used to the dosage, and it needed to be bumped up. Other than that, no side effects, no blunted emotion, just no more extreme highs and lows.
Hormones get me though, fluff's sake PMS can make it feel like I'm on nothing at all. My anxiety gets so high, and I get fatigued, and apathetic, and "meh." I love my IUD for that extra no baby sureness, but it's messed with the emotional PMS symptoms in the worst way. I'm so determined to never get pregnant that this thing could put me in a psych lock down for a week each month, and I'd still use it over the pill though. *shrugs*

Sorry, got rambly again. Anyway, the bridge press isn't too bad, it's much like the floor press, but I feel like the rom doesn't feel so incomplete, like I do with FP. I think that's just in my head though.

[FallenAngel80]

Sorry you're struggling Luna. I think you're doing the right thing by getting in your workouts and trying to kick the chitty-ness into touch. I think I would be so much worse without training each morning.

[shesprints]

Awwwww Luna. I know what you mean about depression and anxiety. TRULY. TRULY I do. This past week has been very rough for me as well. You've lived with yourself for awhile and you seem to know how to handle it, but that doesn't mean you aren't suffering. Sometimes, being a functional depressive is harder than collapsing for me, because I can go through all the same motions but not get the same amount of joy from them. Like being followed around with a bad smell so I can't focus on anything else. Anyway, I hope it improves for you soon <3 and that you've found the right meds.

Nice lifting indeed! Maybe it's easier to lift fasted during a bulk when you are generally less hungry, but man I can't do it in a cut for sure and probably never just in general. Big fan of preworkout meals or I feel about 10x weaker.

[thehobbes]

I love my IUD for that extra no baby sureness,

Heehee, this is great! But yeah our entire gender got really screwed over by nature, srs, sucks that stuff like BC can mess up your body in the worst way. :/

[LunaLifts]

Sorry you're struggling Luna. I think you're doing the right thing by getting in your workouts and trying to kick the chitty-ness into touch. I think I would be so much worse without training each morning.

Thanks. I just try to make it long enough without thinking about anything heavy, so I can get my workout done.

Awwwww Luna. I know what you mean about depression and anxiety. TRULY. TRULY I do. This past week has been very rough for me as well. You've lived with yourself for awhile and you seem to know how to handle it, but that doesn't mean you aren't suffering. Sometimes, being a functional depressive is harder than collapsing for me, because I can go through all the same motions but not get the same amount of joy from them. Like being followed around with a bad smell so I can't focus on anything else. Anyway, I hope it improves for you soon <3 and that you've found the right meds.

Nice lifting indeed! Maybe it's easier to lift fasted during a bulk when you are generally less hungry, but man I can't do it in a cut for sure and probably never just in general. Big fan of preworkout meals or I feel about 10x weaker.

I've been comparing it to a really dark cloud that sits over my head, sometimes I just some distance from it, so I'm alright for a bit, but it lingers back over when I'm not expecting it. Oh the bright side, I make some interesting art when I'm like this, and it's the only time I write poems.

I have a weird amount of energy when I'm cutting, the first time I tried fasted working out I was on a cut, because I figured it'd be easier to manage meal times (I don't get hungry in the morning). Though I had pre at the time.

Speaking of, I have preworkout again! Turned out Kaged Muscle's In-Kaged is vegan friendly too, and Jay ended up buying some. It's an intra technically, but the label reads more like a pre (energy, and pumps) with a couple amino acids. So I'm going to try that out today, and I realized my Smart Shaker lid fits my big 25oz Champion Performance shaker so now I can use my big one again! (And the black lid looks better than the red anyway!)

Heehee, this is great! But yeah our entire gender got really screwed over by nature, srs, sucks that stuff like BC can mess up your body in the worst way. :/

I wish humans would have evolved by this point to have an on/off switch for our reproductive organs, instead you gotta get an "off" switch crammed up your turkey hole, or take a pill at the exact. same. time. every. fluffing. day.
Why can't my insurance cover 100% of a bi-salp (tube removal), so I can just "nope" to all of it? T_T

---
Oh, and just a brief side rant: One of the roads between mine and Jay's place is just loaded with arseholes who think they live there, so they have the right to whip out of their driveway whenever they want, without stopping, regardless of people driving on that road. This bitch today, does the usual pull-right-out-without-even-slowing-down BS as I'm approaching. So that's strike one, strike two is doing this chit, and not hitting the damn gas to get up to speed immediately (it's good for her I'm used to containing my rage, I wanted to get right on bitch's ass), strike three is just driving like an ass (slow af, braking at weird places).
I actually kinda enjoy road raging though, passenger or driver, unless it's nearly/actually accident causing of course. Like, I cannot explain why I feel chill after yelling at some asshat to put their lights on in the rain, or get the fluff outta the fast lane.

[LunaLifts]

FullBody - Accessories - Home

Pre: Back stretching, clamshell, bw squats

Glute Bridges + Thrusts
117lbs x 10sec + 12 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 10 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 10 reps
117lbs x 10sec + 10 reps

Split Squats
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 8/8

Bridge Press AMRAP
62lbs x 12

Alt Bicep Curls
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 7

Tricep Overhead Ext
20lbs x 12
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8

Core
110 Reps

Post: Stretching.

Everything went well, glute bridge/thrusts damn near killed me. Added a set to split squats since I got to 10 on the first three. BP felt really good.

In-Kaged is a bit heavy, even in my big shaker it wasn't watered down enough. Tastes great, like candy. I'd just need a globdamn gallon jug to make it not hurt my tummy so much (especially with bulking making my legging's waist band a bit tight lol). I think next time I'll drink half a scoop in the big shaker 30-40mins pre workout, then mix the rest again for sipping right before/during.

I'm feeling good so far today, and I'm going to try to keep it that way. If I can have a good day to break up the "meh" to awful days I think it'll be a good "reset" so-to-speak. Like maybe I'll be able to handle my issues better if I just have a clear brain for a day, you know? Maybe play some games, read more HP, and just try to not bottle up anything, but simply set it aside for the moment. *shrugs* We'll see.

Speaking of, I've got a new way of tackling Harry Potter. Just plowing through it! Seriously. Just reading, translating what I know, marking words that do pop up frequently, noting conjugations, and verbs. I mean, it's just my first read through, and I've read it in English already, so why bother trying to translate every little thing the first time? Plus it's so pleasing to be reading along not knowing what it says, then reading/knowing a whole sentence about a cat reading a map of the city, and tells me exactly where I am in the story.

¡Feliz miércoles!

[shesprints]

I think you have the right idea with the Harry Potter. I tell my students that reading--either difficult texts or in unfamiliar languages--is a bit like riding a bike. If you slow down too much you lose the rhythm. I'm happy that's working out for you.

Also, great workout. You're at a higher bicep curl weight than I am, girl.

[thehobbes]

I wish humans would have evolved by this point to have an on/off switch for our reproductive organs, instead you gotta get an "off" switch crammed up your turkey hole, or take a pill at the exact. same. time. every. fluffing. day.
Why can't my insurance cover 100% of a bi-salp (tube removal), so I can just "nope" to all of it? T_T

LMFAO!!

x2 on road rage, I find it therapeutic to yell at people who do that chit, they probably don't even realize I'm raging, but it legit makes me feel better. I know a few people who seemingly don't get mad about that and go oh it's alright, I don't mind. The ones that claim they don't get pissed off are surely psychopaths in the making, srs.

[LunaLifts]

Jezus Chrisps, usually I come straight to this section, but ended up checking out the front page. Forums is so dead, and sad compared to when I joined. Of course there were two eight year old thread bumps, someone freaking out over gaining a week into training, and someone who sounds a bit disordered. Never fails, lol, anyway, on to the workout:

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

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

Squats
77lbs x 9
97lbs x 4
97lbs x 3
97lbs x 2

OHP
62lbs x 4
67lbs x Nope
62lbs x 2

BB Rows
72lbs x 10
72lbs x 9
72lbs x 8

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

Core:
120 Reps

Post: YWTLs + Stretching

Man, those squats @97 felt heeeeavy. Maybe because I skipped 87, but I think I would have gotten over that after the first set of them. Oh well, went better than last week.

Started at 62 again on OHP, but wish I started with the 67, because I'm positive if it was first I would have had it. I got stuck half way, and I really tried to grind it out, but it just wouldn't budge. Happy to get another 2 @62 after that struggle though.

Rows felt good, RDLs felt good, added v-sits to my core work, and almost died.

Got a deload coming up, but I think I'm going to try to wait it out until the last week of the month, so I can enjoy my Halloween without having to worry about fitting my workout in, or moving it. Feeling good still physically, so I think I can manage a couple more weeks. Plus with the mental stuff it kinda helps, and I'd like to keep it up through my psych appt.

I think you have the right idea with the Harry Potter. I tell my students that reading--either difficult texts or in unfamiliar languages--is a bit like riding a bike. If you slow down too much you lose the rhythm. I'm happy that's working out for you.

Also, great workout. You're at a higher bicep curl weight than I am, girl.

Good point with the bike analogy. I definitely prefer it more to read it through, and have fun picking what I know, and learning common stuff instead of trying to translate every little word (especially when the word is something not common that I can wait to learn).

Thanks. I've been at the same weight forever, which is kinda alright, because once I only have 20s reach my DB limit I have to switch to bar. I haven't always been consistent with them, or trained them a lot, so I don't see much progress. Plus they're a small muscle, so they aren't going to get the big numbers, lol.
I'd think you could do 20lbs though, at least!

LMFAO!!

x2 on road rage, I find it therapeutic to yell at people who do that chit, they probably don't even realize I'm raging, but it legit makes me feel better. I know a few people who seemingly don't get mad about that and go oh it's alright, I don't mind. The ones that claim they don't get pissed off are surely psychopaths in the making, srs.

Lol, I've also referred to it as "the thing that disables my uterus." It's a real pain in my ass, but it does it's job so I appreciate the little chit.

And yes, totally with you on it being therapeutic. I think it's just a good way to blow off steam at someone who really is a blowhole. I don't lay on the horn (unless it was something serious) or tailgate, or otherwise get aggressive. I just yell at them, and explain with many swear words why they're a terrible driver (and maybe make a bunch of assumptions of other things they probably suck at). I'm non-confrontational so yelling "at them" into the empty car is perfect for me.

[shesprints]

Sometimes squats feel heavier before you go up in weight. I think if you felt 125 on your back you'd go "this isn't so bad, actually." That's just my experience, though.

As for bicep curls, I'm not sure why they've always been my weakest exercise. I have rather long arms and the head of the muscle is quite long, and I also focus more on the intregity of the move and maintaining slow contraction. But yeah, the trainer I'm working with is also surprised I can only do 17.5 for sets of ten, given that my strength in other exercises would indicate I should curl a lot more. I think you and I have different body proportions and relative strengths and weaknesses and that's probably what it is. You're catching up to me in strength on a lot of lifts, though, like bent over rows and ohp! It's so cool to see you get measurably stronger so fast.

[gobbles23]

I was using the Nuvaring for bc, and I found it really heightened my anxiety. I stopped using bc of any kind months ago (my boyfriend is convinced he can't have babies, but if it happened we would be happy) and it actually really improved how anxious I felt. I get bad around ovulation because progesterone is at its highest and that is known to increase anxiety, but other than that I'm pretty good these days! BC and hormones can be brutal for messing with your system

When I first started journaling it was so busy lol. I miss all the old loggers!!! Was a fun time watching everyone's progress.

[risingstarl96a1]

Inn

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Back stretches, clamshells, bw squats, band

Sumo Deadlifts
117lbs x 5
137lbs x 5
157lbs x 3
167lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 5
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 8
52lbs x 8

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 14
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8

Core
110 Reps

Post: YWTLs & Stretching

Haha! Tired af this morning (had to finish watching the Packers barely win against a team they should be easily squashing *eyeroll*), so I hoped it'd be one of those days where somehow it manages to be the best workout I've had in awhile despite it. 117, and 137 both felt pretty easy, so I was really hoping for a 167, and got it. It's been awhile, I nearly roared with triumph after, but I was lightheaded, lol.

Everything else went well, second set of rows was still a bit sloppy, but the last felt good. FS felt great. DB shoulder presses weren't as good as last week, but I don't even give a damn, today was a win. (And they're a picky lift)

Day behind, I just didn't feel up to doing any of my lower work at Jay's yesterday, and ended up putting it off. Worked out for the best, I suppose.

Sometimes squats feel heavier before you go up in weight. I think if you felt 125 on your back you'd go "this isn't so bad, actually." That's just my experience, though.

As for bicep curls, I'm not sure why they've always been my weakest exercise. I have rather long arms and the head of the muscle is quite long, and I also focus more on the intregity of the move and maintaining slow contraction. But yeah, the trainer I'm working with is also surprised I can only do 17.5 for sets of ten, given that my strength in other exercises would indicate I should curl a lot more. I think you and I have different body proportions and relative strengths and weaknesses and that's probably what it is. You're catching up to me in strength on a lot of lifts, though, like bent over rows and ohp! It's so cool to see you get measurably stronger so fast.

I wish, squats typically feel heavy for anything over 100 with me. I chalk it up to my back issues most of the time, but there may be a psychological effect regarding my flimsy rack situation, and a part of me being scared to put too much weight on it.

I do my curls kinda fast, so that's probably part of it. Plus it's just three sets, and usually the reps drop pretty quick. It's not going to be the same as doing slower, focused curls for set of ten. Slowing down will give me a way to make it challenging again if I get my reps up on this weight though.

I was using the Nuvaring for bc, and I found it really heightened my anxiety. I stopped using bc of any kind months ago (my boyfriend is convinced he can't have babies, but if it happened we would be happy) and it actually really improved how anxious I felt. I get bad around ovulation because progesterone is at its highest and that is known to increase anxiety, but other than that I'm pretty good these days! BC and hormones can be brutal for messing with your system

When I first started journaling it was so busy lol. I miss all the old loggers!!! Was a fun time watching everyone's progress.

I want to get off BC, but won't until I get my tubes removed. I'm sure I'd be so much better off, but in the meantime I have to be protected, because children are not a part of my future even under the best of circumstances. What hormones do to me would be nothing compared to having to deal with termination, or what I'd do if that wasn't an option. Given my fear of pregnancy, Jay's lucky we have a sex life. >.<

I miss a few members that haven't been around in awhile. Mtnlioness comes and goes, Ichoward has been gone for a long time, Terar had a baby and left. I'm kinda glad it's slowed down a bit though, as it is it's hard to keep up sometimes as it is. I feel bad that I don't keep up better, but I just don't spend as much time on BB as I used to.

[thehobbes]

Great job on the sumo DL!

There were a lot of awesome posters when I first started on here, always wonder if they're still lifting and competing. Have met lots of new awesome ones here along the way too, but there are a couple of my favorites I really miss.

[shesprints]

One I've kept in touch with on other platforms is Becki, aka V02Maxima. She's still killing it powerlifting, just got an 1,055-pound total in a recent competition. I think she's just training with a group now and doesn't do her own workouts or anything.

I like posting here, I hope it doesn't go dark. It's great that we can support each other.

Also, Luna, why doesn't Jay get a vasectomy? I remember when I tried to be straight and the pregnancy paranoia was SO STRONG, *shudder*. I know it's asking a lot of someone else's body but.... isn't he asking a lot of yours?

[LunaLifts]

Yesterday - FullBody - Accessories - Home

Pre: Back stretching, bw squats

RDLs
86lbs x 12
86lbs x 12
86lbs x 11
86lbs x 10

Split Squats
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 10/10
52lbs x 8/8

Bicep Curls
20lbs x 12/12
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 7/7

Tricep Pulldown
37.5lbs x 8
25lbs x 10
25lbs x 8

Core
120 Reps

Post: Stretching & Facepulls.

Worked out at Jay's, yesterday. I wanted to get my accessory work done so I could have a rest day before squats. I figure it's better to get it done, and get my days back on track sooner anyway. Swapped RDLs for the glute bridges, because I can't do them over there. So yeah, not looking forward to adding them to squat day tomorrow. :P

Split squats felt so hard, I think the fluffier carpet he has really made my legs work harder to stay balanced (though it was great at keeping my feet from slipping).

Great job on the sumo DL!

There were a lot of awesome posters when I first started on here, always wonder if they're still lifting and competing. Have met lots of new awesome ones here along the way too, but there are a couple of my favorites I really miss.

Yeah I hope no matter what they're doing, they're all doing alright. Some I worry about because of issues they've dealt with before, and I hope that things are ok for them.

One I've kept in touch with on other platforms is Becki, aka V02Maxima. She's still killing it powerlifting, just got an 1,055-pound total in a recent competition. I think she's just training with a group now and doesn't do her own workouts or anything.

I like posting here, I hope it doesn't go dark. It's great that we can support each other.

Also, Luna, why doesn't Jay get a vasectomy? I remember when I tried to be straight and the pregnancy paranoia was SO STRONG, *shudder*. I know it's asking a lot of someone else's body but.... isn't he asking a lot of yours?

Yeah I follow her on IG, and saw those lifts. She's so fluffin' awesome, being in the 1000lb club is so impressive.

I like posting here for the meantime, but have wondered how long I'll keep my own log for. At some point, I'd like to take a break from bulking and cutting, and just maintain without tracking for awhile, but keep lifting. I was thinking about doing a journal break in that time too. I want to get to a certain spot before then though (maybe not at my muscle goal, but lean enough to feel comfortable taking a break from actively building/cutting). Even if I did take a log break, I'd still be popping in other. Plus a bunch of you have me on FB.

Well, he asked me once if I wanted him too, and I told him that it's his body, his choice, and that I'd still want to get my own procedure done for my state of mind. But, I know he was asking out of curiosity of what I'd say, he wouldn't get it done. I guess I'll drop the bomb here, but he kinda does want kids. So yeah, you guys know what that means, I know what it means, and I think he knows but is probably in denial, but I haven't been ready for the really serious talk yet. Dec is our 10th anniversary, and I told him at the beginning of the year that "probably never" was actually "never" when it comes to kids, so I kinda just wanted to put it off and just enjoy this year in case it's the last time we have, you know? I know it's just putting off something important, and painful, but it's hard. We've been together since I was 18, and so much has happened in that time, and taking two lives that have come together like ours, and pulling them apart again feels impossible.
If he wants kids as much as I don't want them, then I want him to have that, but it can't be with me. I wish I knew before we got so attached, but we had different issues at the time, and the thought of kids was way off in the distance.

I haven't really talked to anyone about this yet, because I just imagine most people would say "well you shouldn't out it off" but like, fluff off, you have no idea. And I didn't want to have people know, you know? Like, if I mention us doing something fun a month from now, I don't want people thinking "that's sweet, but too bad they're doomed." Between now, and that conversation, I don't want people to think I'm just being an idiot for not yet being ready to start a talk that would likely end a decade long relationship.

So... yeah. This feels unfair, and it sucks, but that's how it is. I do plan to have that talk, just not right now.