Jka14

Brilliant @Defining That's really helpful, and explains why I thought I was going to throw the 10kg barbell across the room! 

Hi!

I've been doing dumbbell bench presses for a few months and have progressed well up to 10kgx3x8. 

I originally chose to use dumbbells for safety as I work out alone and don't have a spotter. 

Today I tried the barbell, I used the 10kg bar and found it too easy so then moved to the 12.5kg bar. This was still relatively easy and did 3x10 sets. I'm wary of moving up through the weights, again for to safety. However if I stick to dumbbells am I going to reach a point where I struggle? Will I be able to do more with barbells or are they much the same? 

Soooo... It's the start of week 2 and I have to say this is just a confession post. 

I spent a week with partner, kids and friends in center parcs last week. For those not in the know it's a weird holiday park with utopian aspirations. It also has a pool!

The days were spent lounging by the pool and the evenings were spent playing stressful boardgames (pandemic legacy 2 anyone?)  Cue failing at points 1,2 and 3.

I didn't go to the gym at all,  I snacked every night with games and I drank sugary fizzy drinks that were pleasant but definitely not necessary... 

I have however booked some shifts at work, so small tick. 

Obviously holidays are different,  routine is what makes us able to do things we find difficult. I'm hitting back this week with a vengeance. I will go to the gym. I will cut out liquid calories. I will not eat my bodyweight in snacks, no matter how stressful the game! 

Solid D- must try harder

3 hours ago, raptron said:

We feel like we have the extra burden of being an ambassador of all womenkind. And the ambassador of all womankind should not be seen STRUGGLING or FAILING or CONFUSED or just... not confident about every move. Of course, this is not grounded in reality of how people see us in the gym, but it is a hard feeling to shake sometimes.

Oh my days. You've really hit the nail on the head! You've got a brilliant way with words 

Know what? Let's ignore the challenge and just chat tea! 

I'm loving the replies.  Thanks for engaging in the conversation. 

I think it threw me that my confidence just wasn't there. I'm a nurse, when I'm in my uniform I'm empowered, I'm confident. I defend my own and others honour/personal space/dignity etc. I deal with creeps on a daily basis. 

I suppose like I said before that I felt vulnerable doing something I'm not used to and was very much wanting to be invisible. 

This conversation could go so much deeper into the dynamics of men/women, masculinity,  social expectations and feminism.  But for now it's just given me that little boost to call out perving when I see it...

Just now, The budgie smuggler said:

 

Thanks having you directly challenge me to do it was a massive help.

You're very welcome. Sometimes we all need that extra push x

Woooo! Well done 

That's a really big step. I hope you get some good,  useful feedback. 

@"BOT" - BackOnTrack thanks for the support! 

If have to say my favourite is classic English breakfast, closely followed by Assam. I have become partial to a vanilla chai (not latte - eurgh!) if I'm fancying something sweeter. 

On 1/31/2019 at 1:26 PM, The budgie smuggler said:

 

Very well challenge accepted!!

How did you get on? Have you clicked that submit button yet? =)

@Cr.Ash it's good to hear the update even if it wasn't what you hoped. 

I've been using lifesum rather than something like myfitnesspal (I didn't get on with it). Lifesum was really good for me as it was easy to use and you can track water intake too. I've tracked my intake for the past 3 weeks solid. 

BTW, I'm not affiliated! Ha! 

Here's to your next challenge! 

So, coming off the success of my first ever challenge I'm going straight into challenge #2.

My main aim is to get control of my life and health. Easy, it's just 2 things! :-D

I started really nicely with challenge one, found a good rhythm at the gym and learned a lot about my eating habits. 

Therefore... 

1. Go to gym twice per week

2. Don't eat if not meal time.  Ie not in front of telly, not with board games et

3. Attain Level 3 of nerd fitness diet (No liquid calories <I will allow myself milk with tea,  I mean I am British!> Reduce carbohydrates at dinner to none)

4. Book at least one bank shift per month

They are relatively simple yet challenging enough that I will feel stretched. I think I'll have a "soft opening" this week and warm up into the challenge! 

Hi all. 

I thought I'd do a final rundown of how this first challenge has been for me... 

On 1/1/2019 at 11:05 PM, Jka14 said:

1. Go to gym once per week

Doing 15 mins cardio then bodyweight exercises (squats, push-ups).

 

So,  this goal has evolved over the month. I've been to the gym around twice a week and have consistently done 10-15 minutes if cardio followed by some time in the weight room. This one has surprised me. I've enjoyed it and I've been consistent. I've made a habit! Woo! 

On 1/1/2019 at 11:05 PM, Jka14 said:

2. One snack in evenings

As opposed to the usual *cough* several snacks over the course of the evening. 

I'm doing pretty well with snacking.  This has been the most difficult as I am most definitely a "boredom snacker". I've now got a good tracking app (lifesum) that has made me accountable to myself. 

I'm probably having more than one snack of I'm honest but they're much much smaller! 

On 1/1/2019 at 11:05 PM, Jka14 said:

3. No takeaways on a weekday

December has seen us slip in to bad habits, quite often ending in a takeaway if we couldn't decide what to eat. 

I've had 2 takeaways the whole month! 

On 1/1/2019 at 11:05 PM, Jka14 said:

4. Update budget every month

Having finally made a budget, I now have to stick to it and update it on payday every month. 

 

The budget is looking very healthy,  we're able to pay off more of the credit card per month than I previously thought. All in all I'm a much better position. 

This month has really made me look at myself and my habits.  I'm amazed I've changed as quickly and easily as I have. 

I've lost a total of 13 lbs this month! Amazing! 

5 hours ago, roles7 said:

Maybe we can learn together! I don't know how to add you as a friend though

Having just had a look we can find each other through user names or email address.  As my username is just Jess I think we'll need email addresses! I think we can privately message... 

Nice to see how you're getting on! 

Seems like most things are coming along really well

On 1/28/2019 at 9:53 AM, The budgie smuggler said:

 

Goals I didn’t accomplish:

...

- enter the writing competition. (I have completed the second draft but I just need to add the finishing touches and the I will submit it) 

Coming from someone who has an artist sister, I know you will never *truly* be happy with what you have produced.

I challenge you to submit your writing next time you open it to edit.  Once you've finished the edit session just press send!  

On 1/26/2019 at 1:00 AM, Defining said:

For what it's worth, I work out in track pants and a t-shirt, if the tight clothes are making you feel self conscious.

I think I worded it wrong.  More often than not I love the clothes I'm in,  I feel self conscious about not being the "buff" one in the room, what with just starting out and being overweight. 

I'm happy being invisible, I suppose he just made me feel very visible all of a sudden. 

It just makes me sad that creepers are a fact of female life. It shouldn't be that way and it's a shame that it's a success when they don't talk to you.@ladyofthebog I totally get what you mean though, I mean I don't want to engage with them!  Bleurgh! 

Came for the title (Hello Doctor Who Nerd!) stuck around for the goals! 

Hi! It's my first challenge too and I have to say the support of this group is fantastic. It's also made a difference to me by being accountable to someone, even if I don't know them IRL it really helps to tell everyone how I'm getting on. 

Just like @NicTheRugger I was going to suggest a couch to 5k app. There's a lot about.  I'm in the UK and there's an NHS version that I really liked,  I don't know if you can get that. As for other advice, I'm not a runner at all so can't really offer any more! 

I'm currently (slowly) learning Spanish on duolingo, it's really helpful to have bitesize chunks. You can also add people for added competition if that's what you need? 

I'll be following your story with interest. Good luck with your goals! 

@NicTheRugger Really well thanks! 

I've continued to go to the gym.  Adding in the dumbbell bench press as suggested by @RedStone to my routine. I've kept my weights at 6kg so far but already noticed a difference in ease of lifting so will be moving in to 8kg by the end of the week. 

My eating is still within my goals generally.  I just be doing something right,  I've lost 5kg since the beginning of January! 

All in all I'm pretty pleased with myself! 

Hi all! 

I'm finding my rhythm in my first ever challenge quite nicely. I've got a gym routine I'm happy with, and I've found my place in the free weight room (woot!) 

However,  today I was working my way through my routine minding my own business when in  the mirror I see a guy stop in his tracks, watch me squat,  then carry on. *shudder*

Now you could argue he was checking my form, but I didn't ask him to, not did he give me any feedback. 

Has anyone else experienced this? Am I overreacting? I already feel quite vulnerable in tight gym clothes surrounded by buff peeps. 

An update on week 2.

When I came to write about this week I was nervous about what I had achieved as I've had a stomach bug) since Friday. However a week isn't Friday to Sunday so... 

1. I've been to the gym twice this week and have increased my weights. Very very pleased that I've found something I enjoy doing! 

2. Through my food tracking app I've become more aware of what I'm eating. I'm actually turning down food when it's offered. This was unheard of! As in my childhood nickname was Dustbin. That's a whole other story... 

I'm 9/10 having one snack of an evening, if I want another one I boil the kettle and have another cup of tea. 

3. No takeaways at all this week.  Even easier as I've not been well! :p

4. I've been dipping in and out of my budget weekly. It's starting to look healthy as I'm more aware of my day to day spending. Equally helps I've had to cancel a meal out with friends. Sickness has its perks... 

11 minutes ago, The budgie smuggler said:

Otherwise you could end up being lopsided like Quasimodo.

 

That is a legitimate concern

@thebudgiesmuggler I've got duolingo too.  Luckily my friend who is getting married is also a work colleague so I literally see her 4 days a week. I'm building up to a conversation! 

Wow @RedStone Thanks! That's both comprehensive and accessible. 

I could tell that I was missing something, turns out it was a push exercise! I'm going to add it in to my next visit, And most definitely  keep you updated.  

11 minutes ago, The Flower Chick said:

 

I was always taught the correct poundage will be a little tough to do on the first set but you should struggle towards the end of your sets. If you're not breaking a sweat, you ain' working..... that kind o' thing.

 

If you need a direct accountability buddy, hmu. I may be a quarter of the world away from ya, but that's why technology has its perks!

Thanks! That makes total sense.  

As I said I'm my post I've started small, there was no way I was going to go in too hard and hurt myself/scare myself off. 

Next time I'm in the gym I'll be on 8kg weights I think. I've got a feeling they're going to be much harder! 

I don't think I necessarily need an accountability buddy,  but the offer is very much appreciated! However I think I'll be needing a lot of pointers as I go on... 

@Sylvaa thanks.  I think my aim currently is to get into the habit and build up. I suppose as I'm working up it will get more difficult. Currently it feels very easy, probably too easy, which means I can work through it all very quickly. Even if I'm taking my time!