I just have to say this ...

[SteelWeaver]

I LOVE BODYBUILDING!

Just called my trainer (yeah, from the AIRPORT, where I'm still sitting, waiting for my sister) to set up my first "growth" (heh heh) session with her. I can't believe how excited I am.

Training feels so good. And I know with a trainer I'll be able to push myself that much harder. She'll help my body keep up with my mind, and the other way, too.

When I look over the years I have ahead of me ... wow ... what a huge thrill, thinking about how I will be able to work on this physique, hone my mental focus - thinking about where I've come from, and what I can still do - feeling all the time strong and healthy, brimming with life. And how every time I reach a goal, I'll have a new one, and just keep learning, and getting better and better.

I feel so LUCKY to have this choice.

It's so much the journey, isn't it?

Wow








(OK, now everybody hold hands around the circle ... bwaa ha haa)

 

[JJFigure]

I recognize these posts - must mean Steel is really back! Missed you.

And ditto on loving the whole bodybuilding/weight training thing. You've really gotta try some of the PL type training - I'm having a blast and learning new stuff every day. Who knew Military Presses worked your triceps when done properly? LOL

 

[Puddles]

JJ, I did some push-ups tonight for the first time in years. It's gonna be fun adding them in every week...I won't admit to how few I did, but I'll figure a goal and have fun getting there.

Steelweaver, nice to meet you. And yes, you are fortunate to have this choice. Enjoy it!

 

[valerie]

Hey Girl we be happy now right? Yes it is a journey that starts with you and ends with you. A trip where you never reach the end so go for it-Valerie

 

[SteelWeaver]

I recognize these posts - must mean Steel is really back! Missed you.

Yo! I missed me too, lol Thank you, sweetie. I haven't told you this in a while, but I think you're super cool, and I'm really glad you're here on this board

Do you mean the last portion of the ROM on MP's, near lockout? Are you doing them standing or seated? How wide is your grip? How far do you bring the bar down - to your collar bone? Do you keep your elbows aligned with your hands? How about on db presses? How far do you bring the db's down?

Hi Mrs Puddles - you don't know this, but I did see a post of yours way back when you explained your handle - I near fell off my chair, lol! And your progress pics are truly LOVELY

Valerie, yes, yes, I'm so much a happy girl now. Fat & happy Thank you so much for your support and encouragement in the last few weeks before my comp - it made me feel so much less crazy - really really helped me. And JJ too, thank you.

This road of life is so fantastic - some people think I'm weird, but I just can't help waking each day with a huge lust for the new time that's been given me on this big old, crazy ol', gorgeous, fucked up, wild and exquisite, confused and tumultuous planet. I feel like I'm in a permanent shower of glittering lucky blessings. There is so MUCH out there, so many lessons, so many challenges, and wow, rather a lot of wonderful people (THIS, from not a people person)

Aaahhh!

Doing chest and bi's tonight with trainer - I can hardly sit still I'm so excited - it'll be the first really really intense training I've done since my comp - I've just been doing somewhat lighter full body workouts for a few weeks, nothing forced, no eccentrics, nothing to failure, no drop sets. Tons of heavy pack carrying though

Train like mofos girls, we have so much.

 

[JJFigure]

Hey Mrs Puddles - I love pushups too. And there are so many variations - guarantees you'll never get bored.

Ok Steel, let's talk about REAL military presses. Standing, hands slightly shoulder width. Picture this - stand in front of the bar and raise your hands to shoulder width w/ elbows tucked in at the side. That's how you approach the bar and that's your grip position. You pull the bar off the rack and hold at collar bone level. You tuck your head back and push the bar in a straight line directly above your head - arms in line w/ your ears. You will definitely feel the triceps kick in when the bar gets above your head.

I've always done military presses standing, but I'd press the bar so it would end in front of me, not directly above me. This tended to bother my rotator cuff; after my PL friend revamped my form, they are pain free and they work my tris.

 

[fitmedic]

welcome home steel!!

 

[SteelWeaver]

Thanks fm! I'm poised to be handin' out lovin' and good vibes, so if you're in need of either anytime soon, just give a holler

"Ok Steel, let's talk about REAL military presses." lol - yeah, LET'S! You GO baby! Ooh, just picturing it makes my hands itch to lift - I love the cool roughness of the bar. Heave ho! I wish I could train every day - pity there's this whole recovery thing we have to consider.

I did only standing military presses for the whole first half of this year - I really liked them, but finally I got a bit bored and started doing seated bb or standing or seated db versions for variation. It sounds like your hands are spaced more narrowly than I'm used to - does that push your elbows more out to the front than the side? I could see how that could really work the long head of the tris. Your upper arms are thus not in the same plane as your body? I normally butt my pinkies up to the ... second ?? ring - you know - normal bench width - but my arms are fairly long.

I'm kinda in two minds about what to do for my programme now. I was intending to go with a full-body cross bb/pl style routine, but I have this trainer now .... who incidentally I'm completely in love with - my god she looks so friggin' GOOD when she shows me certain moves - she looks so normal til she picks up a weight, then she looks like a goddess - such perfect form, you can see EXACTLY what she's targeting as soon as she performs the move. She seems to know exactly my limits, by intuition, and always pushes me just enough past them that it's incredibly intense, but not so far that I fall off the edge. We seem to have a really good connection. Anyway, it's all strictly BB style - not much in the way of PL at all. I think I just need to go with whatever she suggests til the end of Jan, have her teach me everything I can absorb about straightforward bb training, then start playing with all the PL stuff and WSB and so on when I get home and can access my tool trunk

I'm pretty sure just about anything I do right now will make me grow - I'm just so into it. I wonder if really focussing on growing, along with the eating and traiing, makes it happen faster - you know - power of positive thinking ... lol

 

[JJFigure]

"my god she looks so friggin' GOOD when she shows me certain moves" - that's exactly how I feel about my PL friend. He was doing plyometrics during one of our first workouts; I just couldn't quit watching. There's something sexy about a man who can carry on a conversation while doing plyometric pushups. He's another one with perfect form - while moving some significant weight. It's very motivating getting to train with someone like that. Speaking of, he just finished his World competition in Slovakia - gold in the squat and 3rd overall. Hopefully, I'll be following his footsteps onto a platform in Germany.

 

[fitmedic]

lovin' and good vibes huh?!!

 

[Puddles]

OK...so I thought military presses were some kind of push-up. LOL Another lesson learned here.

And on this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful for the knowledge and motivation you've all shared with newbies to bb like me.

I wish I could meet more people in my daily life that are as open, down to earth, and caring as the people on EF, this board especially.

I'm printing out this part of what SteelWeaver said and will stick it on my bathroom mirror to remind me every morning how good it is to be ALIVE:

This road of life is so fantastic - some people think I'm weird, but I just can't help waking each day with a huge lust for the new time that's been given me on this big old, crazy ol', gorgeous, fucked up, wild and exquisite, confused and tumultuous planet. I feel like I'm in a permanent shower of glittering lucky blessings. There is so MUCH out there, so many lessons, so many challenges, and wow, rather a lot of wonderful people (THIS, from not a people person)

I'm not a morning or people person, but this will make me smile when I don't feel like it. Thanks!

 

[SteelWeaver]

lovin' and good vibes huh?!!

Yup! I have spare to go around nowadays Wanna get that feel-good factor happening all around me, sending out the charm vibes, la la lah! Just say the word

Here's some for Mrs Puddles Glad I could inspire some of what I'm feeling in you

It feels so good. Ha ha - I was doing deadlifts this morning, and I swear, even as my whole body strained on each of the final few reps, I was grinning like a madwoman (well, I felt I was - maybe just looked like a grimace he heh). The gym staff must think I'm psycho or something - I've done a complete character flip flop since last month, lol.

 

[fitmedic]

Originally posted by SteelWeaver


The gym staff must think I'm psycho or something - I've done a complete character flip flop since last month, lol

steel, maybe i missed something so what happened to you?

 

[JJFigure]

Steel finally gets to eat more than 1000 kcals/day now that she's finished her comp...

And she's rubbing it in, left and right.

 

[Puddles]

And she's rubbing it in, left and right.

That comment...makes me want a massage...and other things.

Unfortunately, I'm heading into work in a few minutes. I work in retail and with today being the day after Thanksgiving, it's biggest shopping day of the year...I will NEED a massage tonight!

 

[Ceebs]

...oh yeah, it's Green Friday.

"Green Friday" sounds like the title of a karma thread on the chat board.

I'm a basket case when I'm dieting, but when the pressure is off - like it is now - I can totally relate to what Steel is saying. Working out is simply not work, it's sheer pleasure. It's so amazing to be able to transmute our bodies into whatever we put our minds to - like organic alchemy - and it makes me feel downright invincible every time I add 10 pounds to my squat, or shave a few seconds off my mile run time. It's such a blessing to be ALIVE, and I've never felt more alive than I do during and after a great workout.

Speaking of, the rain let up, it's a gorgeous day, and my running shoes are beckoning. Bye!

 

[SteelWeaver]

And she's rubbing it in, left and right.

Ooops, I'm so sorry JJ - I posted the pancake recipe so thoughtlessly - but you have less than 2 weeks now - not long and you can join me in the ecstasy or living life fully in ALL areas (and watching the chub around your middle grow with a strange brooding life all of its own, lol!).

MrsPuddles, I'm sure I'd LOVE to give you a massage - gosh, I can hardly remember the last time I indulged in any kind of rubbing except the nasty uncomfortable kind that happens from too much cardio in the wrong workout gear, lol.

fm - inexperience and pig-headedness led me to mess up my comp timing rather badly - did one of those "emergency competition crash diets". An unpleasantly interesting learning experience that I intend never to repeat

Ceebs - what a lovely expression - "organic alchemy". I love the way I can wrap that around my tongue. Aaah, English can be so lyrical, so expressive.

La la lah!

 

[Puddles]

MrsPuddles, I'm sure I'd LOVE to give you a massage - gosh, I can hardly remember the last time I indulged in any kind of rubbing except the nasty uncomfortable kind that happens from too much cardio in the wrong workout gear, lol.

You (and any of the other women from this board who want a little escape) have an open invitation to come down to Tampa and we'll indulge! I enjoy training at the gym, but I love to be papmered and to pamper someone else as well. I've got a small jacuzzi tub and some sweet almond massage oil ready to share!

I usually go for deep tissue or relaxation massage twice a month (this woman's hands are magical) but it's always fun when it's at home with a friend too! I'm a Tarus...not afraid to work hard, but I also appreciate the luxuries life has to offer.

My favorite local spa is an absolute pleasure.

http://www.safetyharborspa.com (you may have to cut and paste this link.)

It's 15 minutes from my home. Spending a day there with a friend is one of my favorite things to do on a day off! The 1 indoor pool, 2 outside pools, two jacuzzi's, and punch pools use mineral springs waters, no icky clorine. The steam room has a punch pool to jump into afterwards, if you dare! Lunches there are awesome, we can eat either inside or out by the fountain. They offer all kinds of massages, body wraps, aromatherapy, etc. They have hammocks out in the distance overlooking the bay surrounded by palm trees...just so wonderfully peaceful (I've fallen asleep out there)! The neighborhood is also filled with wonderful little shops, botiques and (dare I mention) bakeries, with little gourmet cheesecakes and other sinful treats.

We could head over to my favorite place to eat and drink at the Bonefish Grill. http://www.bonefishgrill.com (another cut and paste link) where I'll insist that you try a raspberry martini or two.

So, when you're tired of dealing with the snow and ice this winter, let me know and we can have some fun here in sunny Tampa!

You ladies have all been so sweet and helpful to me, making me smile when I don't really want to, and giving me the inspiration to push on when I'm stuck...I'd enjoy sharing a good time with you in Tampa! It'd be fun to make it a group thing if anyone's interested.

 

[SteelWeaver]

Wow, that sounds incredible! My body could sure do with some serious pampering after what I've put it through this year (and after the leg workout I did on Sat - my most intense ever. What a thrill, but the DOMS is pretty intense too!)

Don't laugh, but I've never been to a real spa sort of place - not the type dedicated to pampering and pleasure ... Dunno if it's a Catholic thing or not (I was raised Catholic), but I'm kind of spartan, better at driving myself through hardship than accepting pleasure for pleasure's sake. It sounds like fun

I've been to lots of hot spring resorts - they're dime a dozen here, but "here" is, unfortunately, Japan! And I'm finally going home to South Africa after 8 years here to return to university in February. So I can't come to Florida right now I love the US though, so it's fairly certain I WILL be there sometime - I'll be sure to look you up

In the meantime, I could give you a cyber-massage, lol


(Oh, and I have to agree - there are a bunch of AWESOME women (and men) on these boards, and they've given me, simply out of a common love of bodybuilding/fitness, and just pure generosity of spirit, an amazing amount of help, support, encouragement, information, and, heh heh, amusement)

 

[Puddles]

I love the US though, so it's fairly certain I WILL be there sometime - I'll be sure to look you up

Japan! I used to work for a Japanese bank in the WTC before I moved to Florida. They were a pleasure to deal with and I enjoyed their food. They had lunches catered daily and the menu was written in Japanese...after a while I began to recognize the characters for the foods I enjoyed although I never learned their names or what was in them...I think it was best that way. hehehe

My brother-in-law just returned from working in Japan for a year. It's certainly a different way of life than we're used to. His toilet had the sink over the fill tank...the water he washed his hands in would fill the toilet for the next flush...not a bad way to save water, but I prefer my American luxuries, especially a comfy bathroom! He was teaching spoken English in a school in the mountains...no heat, no car, but he was with his fiance so he was happy enough.

What brought you to Japan?

I was raised Catholic too and although my daughter was baptised, we don't practice the religion. I'm spiritual but not religious...maybe that's why I've learned to accept the pleasures of the human flesh so well. LOL

Cyber-massage...I'm willing to try anything once! We hit bi's and tri's tonight and I'm feelin it already. I think it's about time for me to fill the jacuzzi and submerge myself for a bit. Have a wonderful day!

 

[SteelWeaver]

Spatts, you are SO the BOMB! An airport party! Cool - a novel way to reach new heights, lol! To what do I owe the great honour? Can we have oatmeal pumpkin protein pancakes? And optimum whey tipplers? Then toss my luggage on some sleds for some dragging practice? (Yeah, I travel heavy - gotta take my tent wherever I go, heh heh)

Even if it's not soon, or for long-term, I WILL make it there - for a vacation or something. Then I would humbly request that I be allowed to visit the asylum

MrsPuddles - lol - quite right - it's pretty different here. My toilet also has the hand-washer over the top of the tank, and I have pretty little shells in the basin part there. They have some really funky space-saving devices here. You should see the double decker parking spots!

There's also a LOT of interesting and weird and yummy food - I'm going to miss it when I go - their tofu is amazing. There are a lot of food names I've never learnt, either, mostly because I'm vegetarian, and the majority of food here isn't. The first Japanese I learnt afer "hello" and "thank you" was "please leave the meat out", lol.

I came here with my partner. I was young and didn't have much else planned after university. She went home several years ago, and I stayed because I still liked it at the time. That's lucky, because eventually my frustration with the space and rules drove me into hiking, then bodybuilding. And now I'm as happy as happy can be

I've never given a cyber-massage, but I guess I could start by massaging your ego

 

[Puddles]

JFK Airport...SteelWeaver sets up her tent at the end of the runway, Spatts gets her crew together and they have airplane pulling contests while Steel constructs new double decker hangers for the planes to go into after the contests are over, and I'll be hanging out by the tent cookin some oatmeal pumpkin protein pancakes and optimum whey tipplers with sides of tofu and setting up the massage area for sore muscles. Think JFK would mind? We'd only stay a week or so.

Steel, you already massaged my ego a few posts ago. I'm easy to please!

Wish I could stay, but the grill is heated up and it's time for me to get cookin!

 

[SteelWeaver]

LMAO! Cool - now THERE'S something I'd love to see - spatts pulling a jumbo.

Tra la laa ... Friday, and leg training with awesome thrilling trainer tonight. Whoo hoo!

"Steel, you already massaged my ego a few posts ago. I'm easy to please! "

Cool! Well, I'd better start using my tongue then ...


(For more SWEET TALKING that is )

 

[Puddles]

We were talkin about NYC gyro's on Thanksgiving! There was a place near where I grew up (I'm from NYC originally, lived on Staten Island, worked downtown) that had the BEST gyro's and my dad said when he goes home for a visit this winter he's gonna fed-ex us a few! Extra white sauce on the side please! When we went to NY in Sept. we stayed in midtown, theater district, and didn't have any gyro's, but we had pizza about 4 times in 3 days. LOL

Steel, the thought of you using your tongue for more than sweet talk has me weak in the knees...and it's not from doing legs yesterday! Mmmmmmmmmmm....what a nice thing to be imagining so early in the morning! I'm wakin up quickly here.

 

[valerie]

This is a little off topic but MrsPuddles brought up spas--ahs. Anyhow my hubby got me a 1/2 day "spa experience" for our anniversary last week which included a facial, a pedicure and a swedish massage. My first time ever! I can't believe I've lived this long and had never had any of that. I too, tend to be very sparten and rarely pamper myself-but that facial was sweet! I don't believe that the gal who gave me the massage had ever seen a back quite like mine!

Say MrsP I used to live in St Pete before moving out to the wild blue yonder here in the NW. Met my hubby in a bar in St Pete where I used to-oh never mind-that was many years ago.-Valerie

 

[Puddles]

I met my hubby in a bar too...my dad's place. It was hubby's 18th birthday and he was drinking mellon balls and I served him. I can't believe he's gonna be 39 next month!

I wanna hear about what you used to do in that bar in St. Pete, Valerie! Gimme a hint at least! LOL

I don't do the "treat" stuff at the spa much...then it wouldn't be special. But when I do, I truly enjoy it. I mostly enjoy the spa for it's pools, hot tubs, sun, fresh air, hammocks with the ocean breezes, steam room and the food. My regular massage woman is mainly theraputic deep tissue massage, especially when I'm PMSing and in pain.