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I use my University's gym for working out and equipment there is kind of limited. They have some dumbells that go up to 70lb and a smith machine for the barebell. The problem I have is that the smith machine has a safety spring on it that prevents me from putting the barbell any lower than slightly below knee height. This makes it impossible to do a deadlift with proper form. I can't really rely on two 70 lb dumbells because the combined weight is lower than what I usually lift. Would there be any way I can workaround this or any alternatives I can do to cope with this? I talked with another weight lifter about this, and he suggested deficient deadlifts, but I found this is not possible. The gym does not have anything to elevate me high enough other than the bench, but the bench is too wide to squeeze between the smith machine so I can get to the bar. Stacking the maximum plates on top(45 lbs) still does not elevate me high enough to achieve proper form.

I dunno about you guys, but I love this time of year. I especially love the pumpkin flavored everything you get this time of year! But, sadly, eating healthier means that most of those delicious pumpkin treats are great big no-nos! So I thought I'd start a new topic for all of us pumpkin nuts to share our favorite healthy pumpkin recipes! Healthy alternatives to the sugar-loaded pumpkin lattes, donuts, and pies. And of course, my favorite, the IHOP pumpkin pancakes! Whoa! I need some ideas for replacing that badboy! So please share your pumpkin recipes with the rest of us pumpkin lovers! Let me start it off with something I found online: Pumpkin Pie Bars Ingredients: 15 oz. pumpkin puree (1.5 cups) 3/4 cup coconut flour 3/4 cup real maple syrup (may use honey instead) 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt replacement) 2 large eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9 pan with coconut oil, or butter if you are okay with dairy. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour into the pan, smooth it out with the spatula until even. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until firm. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares. Store in refrigerator for up to a week! (Of course, if you want to use a different flour than coconut flour, this recipe is not going to work for you. Very unfortunate results with almond flour! Ew!)

A little under a year ago, my wife and I discovered Soda Stream. The Soda Stream machine is what carbonates our tap water, and the Soda Stream syrups are what add the flavoring. My question is, does anyone know if this stuff is good? Because it really does taste good. And looking at the nutritional label, I see good stuff... 1. No preservatives 2. No high-fructose corn syrup 3. 35 calories per 8 oz glass 4. 8 grams of sugar 5. 8 grams of carbs 6. 10 grams of sodium This seems too good to be true. It tastes better than the brand name stuff, and is relatively cheap. I've gotta know if there's some sort of catch to this thing, because comparing 8 grams of sugar for a cola versus 27 grams of sugar for a Coke seems really good. I really like my soda, and I am trying to cut down, but is this stuff okay to enjoy every so often? You can compare their own nutritional facts to other sodas at http://www.sodastreamusa.com/TasteNutritionInfo.aspx