Aeryn's can't help FALLing challenge

[Aeryn]

Hey there, fellow assassins! Having taken a pretty casual approach to challenges for the last few rounds, I decided that's not actually working so well for me, so I'm trying the opposite technique - 4 tough goals that will take some serious work to achieve.

 

My main quest is general AWESOMENESS. I want to be able to do anything I decide I want to do. I want to be strong, and flexible, and try new things with confidence. And all of that? Means I'm going to fail. I'm going to fall on my head while learning to do new things. I'm going to drop juggling props constantly. I'm going to fall off the climbing wall in new and different ways every week. I'm going to fail, and keep failing, until I succeed.

 

Goals:

1. Backbend! Not something I've worked on before, but my flexibility will only increase if I push it. Right now I can hold it for about 2 seconds. I want to get a full minute by the end of this, and improve my form.

 

2. Pull-ups. I want to do 5 in a set. So far my best ever is 2, and that's on a good day - a not-good day means I can't do any. This requires a 3x a week pull workout, starting by using the 20 pull-up plan.

 

3. Climbing! There's a particular route at my gym that I really want to defeat - I can only go climbing once a week, so it may take me all six weeks (or longer!) to get there, but I'm going to do it.

 

4. Juggle 5 clubs. This is a long-term goal, but it starts here. I started doing four clubs last fall (during my second challenge here), and now that it's vaguely stable, it's time to work on five. These practices will likely involve more time picking up clubs than actually throwing them, but just getting the five in the air is a start.

 

I'm still swimming regularly, doing a full bodyweight workout 3x a week, limiting non-water drinks to 3 a week, and eating for a very slow bulk. Looking forward to the next 6 weeks!

[Kishi]

Well, that's kind of how it works, though, right? Growing in capability is ultimately the thing that makes us stronger and gets us the results we want. It means risk and it means daring to burn out, but better to burn out trying something hard than to live in a dull place of ease.

 

Life is better outside the comfort zone.

 

Saw your tags and thought I'd stop by. I'll be rooting for you!

[Nymeria]

Awesome!  You're hitting some of the things I love most with this challenge.    Good luck with the climbing.  It's a bummer that you can only make it once/week, though.  On the flip side, that should make it easier to do the pull-up workouts.  If you ever need help or advice with backbends, let me know. 

[JuiceeTarget]

Nice challenge Aeryn.

Watch out for those pull-ups. When I had a "n pullups by the end" challenge, I found that I needed to do a few days of build up, followed by one or two days of rest and then one really good all out attempt. It wasn't until the last few weeks I figured that out, but it was the only way to really increase the number I could do in one go. I got so I went from 2 at a go to 3 or 4 at a go. But unless I gave myself a few days to rest and then did an all out attempt, I wasn't seeing any gains. I was able to go from max 3 to 10 in one go. (the tenth wasn't pretty and there was a lot of grunting, but I got it)

 

For example, I'd spend 2 days doing 2 or 3 pullups every time I could (when I walked past the door with the pullup bar). Then I would take a day off, and make only one attempt that dat at all out (getting 5). The next day I would start the 2 or 3 (or 4) attempts every time I walked by the bar... and so on. Before that, I would do a few every time I walked by and felt I was never getting better. I'm not sure if it was the rest, or the mental thing of knowing "This is my one big attempt!" that got me to do more but it worked for me.

 

Best of luck!

[TheBeesKnees]

Nice quest! I'm also working on backbends. Specifically I'm trying to get over a fear of dropping into one from standing. If only I could turn my pre-frontal off for a few minutes at a time.

 

The fact that you've done two pull-ups is huge. I've only ever trained for them for a few weeks. My progress was so slow I got frustrated and gave up. But you're inspiring me to try it out one of these challenges.

[sammiejune29]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you do this challenge!! I like the attitude this time around and I can't wait to see you rock it once again

[Aeryn]

Well, that's kind of how it works, though, right? Growing in capability is ultimately the thing that makes us stronger and gets us the results we want. It means risk and it means daring to burn out, but better to burn out trying something hard than to live in a dull place of ease.

 

Life is better outside the comfort zone.

 

Saw your tags and thought I'd stop by. I'll be rooting for you!

 

Thanks! I'd started settling into a routine where I wasn't really working that hard - lots of sweating, not much real improvement. This challenge I'm going to be doing things I know I can't, so I'll hopefully make some real progress.

 

Awesome!  You're hitting some of the things I love most with this challenge.    Good luck with the climbing.  It's a bummer that you can only make it once/week, though.  On the flip side, that should make it easier to do the pull-up workouts.  If you ever need help or advice with backbends, let me know.

Yeah, the climbing gym hours are messing with my planned schedule, but you're right that the pull-up workouts will benefit. And I will totally take you up on backbend advice!

Nice challenge Aeryn.

Watch out for those pull-ups. When I had a "n pullups by the end" challenge, I found that I needed to do a few days of build up, followed by one or two days of rest and then one really good all out attempt.

  Thanks for the advice! The training plan I'm using is 3x a week, so I'll get good rest days - and I'll definitely rest before my max attempts!

Nice quest! I'm also working on backbends. Specifically I'm trying to get over a fear of dropping into one from standing. If only I could turn my pre-frontal off for a few minutes at a time.

 

The fact that you've done two pull-ups is huge. I've only ever trained for them for a few weeks. My progress was so slow I got frustrated and gave up. But you're inspiring me to try it out one of these challenges.

 Haha, that terrified little part of your brain is so unhelpful, isn't it? I've only just gotten it to hush while I do handstands - backbends are a whole nother category. Pull-ups are one of those things I've been working on all year - they're just so impressive!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you do this challenge!! I like the attitude this time around and I can't wait to see you rock it once again

Thanks! I'm looking forward to doing some awesome stuff.

[Elastigirl]

Nice challenge Aeryn.

Watch out for those pull-ups. When I had a "n pullups by the end" challenge, I found that I needed to do a few days of build up, followed by one or two days of rest and then one really good all out attempt. It wasn't until the last few weeks I figured that out, but it was the only way to really increase the number I could do in one go. I got so I went from 2 at a go to 3 or 4 at a go. But unless I gave myself a few days to rest and then did an all out attempt, I wasn't seeing any gains. I was able to go from max 3 to 10 in one go. (the tenth wasn't pretty and there was a lot of grunting, but I got it)

 

For example, I'd spend 2 days doing 2 or 3 pullups every time I could (when I walked past the door with the pullup bar). Then I would take a day off, and make only one attempt that dat at all out (getting 5). The next day I would start the 2 or 3 (or 4) attempts every time I walked by the bar... and so on. Before that, I would do a few every time I walked by and felt I was never getting better. I'm not sure if it was the rest, or the mental thing of knowing "This is my one big attempt!" that got me to do more but it worked for me.

 

Best of luck!

I'm going to try this. I've been stuck at 1.5 pull ups for stinkin' ever.

[Elastigirl]

Cool challenge. Can't wait for the video of the 5 club juggling. Looking forward to the pull up too. I've been plateaued forever, so I will be watching all your tricks for progression 

[obax]

I can feel your excitement and determination right through my computer screen. This looks like one heck of a challenge (in a good way). Can't wait to see how it goes!

[Nuala]

Battlemode engaged! Go Aeryn, this is a hellish challenge but you will crush it!

[chris_de_maas]

You are so going to crush this challenge Aeryn! Your goals are awesome and you have the perfect mindset for it! Go you!!!

[KB Girl]

Nice, its ON for this challenge I approve of the main quest of awesomeness, and you've got the perfect attitude to get there! 

After my competitions I will follow in your footsteps with getting 5 pullups in a row, but first I'll let you show me how it's done

 

Oh and I really want to see that juggling video, epic.

[Aeryn]

Cool challenge. Can't wait for the video of the 5 club juggling. Looking forward to the pull up too. I've been plateaued forever, so I will be watching all your tricks for progression

Haha, that video may take a while - I'll definitely take a "before" video, though, so you can see the craziness that is my current 5-club practice. I'm with you on the pull-up plateau, so I'm really hoping this plan with break me out of that.

 

I can feel your excitement and determination right through my computer screen. This looks like one heck of a challenge (in a good way). Can't wait to see how it goes!

Thanks! Looking forward to it!

 

Battlemode engaged! Go Aeryn, this is a hellish challenge but you will crush it!

Heck yeah!

 

You are so going to crush this challenge Aeryn! Your goals are awesome and you have the perfect mindset for it! Go you!!!

Thanks! And I'm so glad you're back on the forums - we've missed you!

 

Nice, its ON for this challenge I approve of the main quest of awesomeness, and you've got the perfect attitude to get there! 

After my competitions I will follow in your footsteps with getting 5 pullups in a row, but first I'll let you show me how it's done

 

Oh and I really want to see that juggling video, epic.

Heck yeah, we're going to defeat those pull-ups. And the juggling video may be a while from now, but it will definitely happen.

[chris_de_maas]

Thanks! And I'm so glad you're back on the forums - we've missed you!

I've missed you all too!

 

And juggling video has to happen!!

[rybo]

Checking in to follow along! Great goals

[OrangeJorwell]

Whew, that's a heck of a challenge. I'm looking forward to you wrecking it.

[Aeryn]

First workout of the challenge - already trying to decide whether I'm actually going to follow the 20 pull-up plan, or do my own thing - I kinda modified it today, we'll see what happens Thursday. Anyhow:

Pull-ups (neutral grip): 2/1/3negatives/1+2negatives/2negatives
Push-ups: 10/10/8/8/8
Leg raises: 8/8/8/8/8 (height on these got noticeably lower by the last set...)

Dips: 4/4/4
Quad extensions, 90 lb: 6/6/6
Lower back extensions, 110 lb: 5/6/7/6

 

I have got to get to the gym when it's not so crowded - I'm not willing to go try out weighted deadlifts and squats when there are lots of people using the rack already, and I haven't found a good spot to do assisted pistol squats, so I end up on machines - bleh. Though I do love that lower back extension - feels so good! May need to do my pistol squats tonight to make up for the lack of real leg work today.
 

I've missed you all too!

And juggling video has to happen!!

It will, most definitely.
 

Checking in to follow along! Great goals

Thanks!

 

 

Whew, that's a heck of a challenge. I'm looking forward to you wrecking it.

Thanks! I'll sure try!

[chris_de_maas]

First workout of the challenge - already trying to decide whether I'm actually going to follow the 20 pull-up plan, or do my own thing - I kinda modified it today, we'll see what happens Thursday. Anyhow:

Pull-ups (neutral grip): 2/1/3negatives/1+2negatives/2negatives

Push-ups: 10/10/8/8/8

Leg raises: 8/8/8/8/8 (height on these got noticeably lower by the last set...)

Dips: 4/4/4

Quad extensions, 90 lb: 6/6/6

Lower back extensions, 110 lb: 5/6/7/6

 

I have got to get to the gym when it's not so crowded - I'm not willing to go try out weighted deadlifts and squats when there are lots of people using the rack already, and I haven't found a good spot to do assisted pistol squats, so I end up on machines - bleh. Though I do love that lower back extension - feels so good! May need to do my pistol squats tonight to make up for the lack of real leg work today.

Wow! Awesome workout! Well done!! Are you doing regular push ups?

[Aeryn]

Wow! Awesome workout! Well done!! Are you doing regular push ups?

I am indeed - at home, I'm doing declines (feet on the 4th stair) pretty regularly, but there's not a good place for them at the gym.

[chris_de_maas]

I am indeed - at home, I'm doing declines (feet on the 4th stair) pretty regularly, but there's not a good place for them at the gym.

Really?! That sucks! I used to use the benches at the gym, you know, those people sit on when lifting weights. Wouldn't that be an option for you?

[lyranedara]

So have you decided to pass on the coworker sessions to get in your targeted training?

 

I just had to tell you that I'm finally getting decent at the basic 3-ball juggling you shared in that tutorial. Thanks!

[Aeryn]

Really?! That sucks! I used to use the benches at the gym, you know, those people sit on when lifting weights. Wouldn't that be an option for you?

Yeah, I could do that, if it weren't so crowded that all of the benches are occupied.

 

So have you decided to pass on the coworker sessions to get in your targeted training?

 

I just had to tell you that I'm finally getting decent at the basic 3-ball juggling you shared in that tutorial. Thanks!

Yup, I've decided for the near future, at least, that I'd rather have more sleep and do my own, focused workouts - I'll miss the social aspects of the coworker workout, but I can't do both successfully (as I learned last challenge).

 

Yay for learning to juggle! Let me know if you want pointers to tricks to learn - there's a lot on youtube, but I know that can be hard to sort through!

[chris_de_maas]

Yeah, I could do that, if it weren't so crowded that all of the benches are occupied.

That sucks! Well you did mention that you want to go to the gym when there are fewer people around so that problem should hopefully kind of sort itself

[lyranedara]

 

Yay for learning to juggle! Let me know if you want pointers to tricks to learn - there's a lot on youtube, but I know that can be hard to sort through!

 

I'd love to get some input on where to go next, if you're sure you don't mind.