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WEEK 3 / DAY 1 1. Meet prep: Rest day! I slept most of the weekend, which was awesome. I just really needed to balance out the last 10 days I spent with my family. I also did my nails, which may sound silly but I'd been wanting to paint them all week and just never found the time. I'm also back on track for my cut, which feels great. I didn't lose a lot of weight and gained almost half back in bloat because of all the eating out, so it's nice to see it finally drop. [NA] Film each lift once per week (not sure I'll keep this on since I'm now meeting my trainer once a week) [0/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [0/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: NTR [0/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [1/7] Get out of the house/be social [1/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting. [1/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [1/7] Participate on other people's threads

Oh wow, didn't realize I didn't post on Friday! Here's the update for Friday and Saturday. WEEK 2 / DAY 6 & 7 1. Meet prep: Training on Friday, rest on Saturday. Training was ok, I hadn't fully recovered from Thursday's intensity. I am so happy it's deload time, you have no idea. I've just been really tired and not eating / sleeping the way I usually would, so I've been a bit off balance. I only had three workouts instead of four this week, so I didn't get a chance to do the cardio and abs I missed out on. I've also been terrible with mobility. Foodwise, I got back on track over the weekend but snacking at work which needs to stop. [NA] Film each lift once per week [1/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [2/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [7/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: I haven't decided whether writing in my journal should be a daily habit or not. This week, I just wrote when I had something I really wanted to lay down on paper. I don't want it to become a senseless record of every small event, but if I'm honest with myself there was more I could have written about. [3/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [6/7] Get out of the house/be social [5/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting (when I remember to!) [6/7] Daily updates [1/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [5/7] Participate on other people's threads

Friday 31st March 2017 ** Barbell Squat ** - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps - 155.0 lbs x 6 reps ** Overhead Press ** - 55.0 lbs x 4 reps - 55.0 lbs x 4 reps - 55.0 lbs x 5 reps - 55.0 lbs x 5 reps - 55.0 lbs x 2 reps ** Seated Cable Row ** - 90.0 lbs x 8 reps - 90.0 lbs x 8 reps - 90.0 lbs x 10 reps Comments Squats felt heavier than they probably should have ; I don't think I'm fully recovered from yesterday's crazy intense / quick session. Thankfully it's time for DELOAD!!!

I time my rest, usually 3 minutes between heavy sets though I have been known to take 10 full minutes between heavy deadlift singles. I think 2+ hrs workouts are just the deal when you lift heavy!

I have nightmares regularly. I don't know if it qualifies as dream journaling but I've started writing down when they happen, though not what they are (it's always me about to die anyway). The only pattern so far is that I have plans to meet people the next day. I feel like a nerd who just discovered she was allergic to the sun.

WEEK 2 / DAY 5 1. Meet prep: Today was my monthly session with my trainer -- heavy deadlifts followed by heavy squats (was meant to be the other way around but no racks available). Deadlifts moved soooo smoothly, we're both pretty sure I have more in me than the 235 I got when we tested last month. Filming lifts won't happen since I was training 1:1 this week. Also, I'm officially signed up for weekly sessions now! I didn't have time to do mobility after my session but I did sit on a machine and pedal for 15 minutes. The family is currently on a plane back to France and I'm back to going to bed at 10.30pm and eating like a gerbil. I decided to extend my cut by a week given the lapses in calorie intake here and there [NA] Film each lift once per week [1/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [5/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: [3/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [5/7] Get out of the house/be social [4/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [5/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [3/7] Participate on other people's threads

I did this silly thing, only I was in a third world squat for most of it (moar pressure). It's simple enough but once I went a bit slower and moved around EVERYTHING FELT TENDER.

WEEK 2 / DAY 4 1. Meet prep: Rest day! It was my last night with the fam, we went to an awesome Japanese place near my apartment where we ate all the meat and then got some delicious artisan ice cream. [0/3] Film each lift once per week [0/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [4/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: Not gonna lie, I'm feeling pretty drained. Part of it is not eating/sleeping the way I would on my own, the rest is being with people more than I'm used to. I may actually be a cavewoman. It was good though, I'm glad I got to know my cousin and spend some time with my mom and aunt. [2/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [4/7] Get out of the house/be social [3/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [4/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [2/7] Participate on other people's threads

Thursday 30th March 2017 ** Sumo Deadlift ** - 230.0 lbs x 1 rep - 230.0 lbs x 1 rep - 220.0 lbs x 2 reps - 220.0 lbs x 2 reps - 220.0 lbs x 6 reps [PR] ** Barbell Squat ** - 185.0 lbs x 1 rep - 185.0 lbs x 1 rep - 170.0 lbs x 3 reps - 170.0 lbs x 3 reps - 160.0 lbs x 6 reps [PR] - 160.0 lbs x 6 reps Comments Went through this session in an hour ; I was with my trainer and took shorter rests because I wanted to do as much as I could with him around. Went well, though squats were a bit tough after AMRAP deadlifts!

WEEK 2 / DAY 3 1. Meet prep: Heavy squats and bench -- I got confused and missed a set of squats, but bench went really well. Didn't have for cardio, but hope to make up for it later in the weak. Mobility revealed my feet are riddled with trigger points (!) Dinner was steak and truffle fries with wine and a nutella and ricotta calzone. No. Regrets. [0/3] Film each lift once per week [0/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [3/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: Today was tough. My mom "opened up" at dinner about my father being "somewhat difficult", which she's acknowledged before... But it was the first time I ever heard her hint at someone other than me that he bullied my brother and I. It's probably a good thing that she's talking about it, but it was so understated I wanted to jump out and scream. I drank my wine instead. [2/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [3/7] Get out of the house/be social [3/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [3/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [2/7] Participate on other people's threads

$70 (USD), commercial as well... Can't complain though, it has everything I need (for now) and I've never had any issues with people/staff. No SSB though...

What bands do you use for pallof presses? Mine is meant for pull ups and the like (40-80lbs assistance)... it is HARD.

Tuesday 28th March 2017 ** Barbell Squat ** - 185.0 lbs x 2 reps - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps ** Comp Bench Press ** - 87.0 lbs x 2 reps [PR] - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 4 reps [PR] - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 2 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps - 84.0 lbs x 3 reps Comments I was supposed to do 20 total reps for squats and 30 for bench, but messed up on squats and only did16. Skipped cardio because I ran out of time.

I should get into GoodReads. I'm fairly certain I have an account too.

So. Jealous.

WEEK 2 / DAY 2 1. Meet prep: Rest day! It was meant to be a training day, but something went wrong with the shared doc my trainer created for me and I could only see half my numbers. I slept in instead and then took the family to SoHo for a shopping marathon, which I'd say was light cardio / heavy farmer's carry. Food-wise, we stopped for lunch in a tiny Vietnamese place where I had grilled pork chops, rice and all the veggies and later had cheesecake (can't do New York without cheesecake!). Food porn below. [0/3] Film each lift once per week [0/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [1/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: Retail therapy is awesome therapy. I also realized while writing in my journal that at no point today did I feel bad about my body. Everything I tried on didn't fit, but it was ok. I spent more time feeling good about myself or having fun with my cousin, mom and aunt trying on half the inventory than anything else. All in all, a great day [1/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [2/7] Get out of the house/be social [2/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [2/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [1/7] Participate on other people's threads

I did! Every now and then I'll take an afternoon off and do my nails, give myself a facial, etc. but this time I just wanted to do NOTHING. I highly recommend. I'm excited too! I already have tons of ideas on how to use that time after my meet. I heard of it through following Emma Watson and @oursharedshelf on instagram. I actually thought of you when I posted the picture because you mentioned you'd be interested in a feminist book club. I'm in the mood for shorter reads right now, but I'm sure I'll get to it in another challenge. Will post my thoughts then!

Yay for a successful first week! Those falafels looked so good!

WEEK 2 / DAY 1 Spent Sunday out and about. We went for brunch then walked along the high line, browsed books at the Strand and ended the day with tea and pie. 1. Meet prep: Rest day! Brunch was reasonable, I got the vegetable broth with a soft boiled egg and fennel sausage. I did have one mimosa. For tea we shared the pies, so I had a small slice of pecan and another of pumpkin. I ate dinner at home. [0/3] Film each lift once per week [0/2] Cardio [0/2] Do Your Damn Abs [0/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [0/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: I bought books though I just started a new home I had at home. No journaling. [0/7] Write in journal [0/1] Clean one part of apartment [1/7] Get out of the house/be social [1/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [1/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [0/7] Participate on other people's threads

WEEK 1 / DAY 7 1. Meet prep: I made up for the session I didn't wake up for on Friday. Heavy-ish squats and made up for the cardio session I didn't have time for on Thursday. For dinner, I went to the Airbnb my family is staying at and cooked them spaghetti squash (the recipe from the NF blog, actually) so I probably ate less than I was supposed to (workout days = high carbs). It gave my stomach a nice break from all the eating out, and they loved the meal! [2/3] Film each lift once per week [2/2] Cardio [2/2] Do Your Damn Abs [5/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [7/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: Aside from the gym in the morning and dinner in Brooklyn, I spent some much needed time alone at home with no email/forum/phone etc. I didn't read or write in my journal, mostly I just put my brain on pause. [4/7] Write in journal [1/1] Clean one part of apartment [7/7] Get out of the house/be social [4/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [7/7] Daily updates [1/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [6/7] Participate on other people's threads WEEK 1 / RECAP Overall, training went well. The only part I really didn't stick to was mobility. It's easy enough to include post-workout, but on rest days it's been tricky. Really I should do it first thing in the morning or it doesn't get done, which is a shame because what I have done so far has been so beneficial in understanding how my body moves and identifying imbalances and weaknesses. Journaling and reading didn't happen much, mostly because I've been out most evenings this week. I should have more time this week, so I'll try to be better at making time for it. Edit: I also decided to go for the 4 sessions / month offer. I can run it for the three months minimum required and then stop 1:1 training altogether, which was the original plan anyway.

Saturday 25th March 2017 Lifting ** Overhead Press ** - 55.0 lbs x 5 reps - 55.0 lbs x 5 reps - 55.0 lbs x 5 reps ** Barbell Squat ** - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps [PR] - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps - 170.0 lbs x 4 reps ** Seated Cable Row ** - 100.0 lbs x 6 reps - 110.0 lbs x 6 reps [PR] - 110.0 lbs x 6 reps ** Lat Pulldown ** - 90.0 lbs x 6 reps - 100.0 lbs x 6 reps [PR] - 100.0 lbs x 6 reps Do Your Damn Abs Tall Kneeling Pallof Press: 3x10 Superset Foream/Side (L+R) Planks: 3x60/40/40s Hanging Knee Raises: 3x8 Cardio / Erg Drills - 323.0 m in 01:25 - 324.0 m in 01:25 - 327.0 m in 01:28 - 318.0 m in 01:24 - 317.0 m in 01:26

WEEK 1 / DAY 6 1. Meet prep: I was supposed to train today but woke up still tired, so I'll go tomorrow instead, that way I'll have all the time I meed to do abs and cardio. No mobility today -- I need to stop thinking I'll do it in the evening and just do it when I wake up, otherwise it doesn't happen. I was better with food today, mostly because I still felt ill and full from the previous night. We went to a Thai place I like where I had a pad chicken and eggplant with brown rice. [2/3] Film each lift once per week [1/2] Cardio [1/2] Do Your Damn Abs [4/7] Becoming a Supple Leopard [6/7] Log meals off (cut) plan 2. Keep my sanity: No writing in my journal today because I don't have anything I want to write. I finally bought a body pillow which I'm already loving snuggling against on my couch. Can't wait to try it tonight, hopefully I'll sleep better with it than with my current barrage of smaller pillows. [4/7] Write in journal [1/1] Clean one part of apartment [6/7] Get out of the house/be social [4/7] Read and/or language practice 3. Don't shut down: Still here, still posting! [6/7] Daily updates [0/1] Weekly recap [0/0] Challenge recap [6/7] Participate on other people's threads

In other news, my brain is no longer used to switching between French and English every day. I am having the hardest time expressing myself in either language right now!!

Essentially I'm wondering whether I need a program with all the support, guidance and detailed explanations it includes... which I know no one can answer for me but hearing what others say and how they've been using it helps. I likely wouldn't be able to start before the summer, so the money back guarantee will have expired by then.

Just going to preface this by saying I am not an advanced lifter, but I've spent the last few months working on my sumo stance with a trainer. With that being said, here are my 2cts. From what I can tell, most times you are well set up but shift forward right as you are about to pull. Sumo is often described as a two part movement ; lift-off (knee extension) and lockout (hip extension). It looks like you are going straight for the lockout, in more of a conventional style, which might be why you feel pressure in your lower back. First thing is your setup: most pulls start with your body over the bar (conventional setup) rather than behind the bar (sumo setup). Ideally, your head, chest and shoulders should be aligned with the bar rather than ahead of it. Hip position will be different for everyone, but in order to get the proper alignment you may need to drop them a little lower. Here's a a side view of conventional vs. sumo: It would be helpful if you could also show a view from the front to really gauge knee/hip activity, but once you actually pull the first thing is to spread the floor. Squeeze your butt, push your knees out, bring your pelvis to the bar and keep your back stiff. It's not so much your arms/back pulling the bar up as it is your legs/hips pushing it off the floor. Once you have lift off, lock out the hips (i.e. more butt squeezing). Really all your back should be doing is stay nice and stiff, and you should naturally find yourself standing straight and locked out.