The HCGers exercise thread

[nola baxter]

[QUOTE=C'Marie;14937011]I'm still in hip therapy and working on hamstring strengthening and stretching hip flexors more. I'm very quad dominant, and can walk backwards with a more normal gait than forwards! LOL very funny. I seem to be having a little longer "good" than "bad" painwise now, after each time I workout and the hip is stressed and sore, then it relaxes and I feel good. Weight is holding steady at just less than 4 pounds above LIW even with the soreness factor and all. Have discovered that the si joint has too much lax and so am working on activating the glutes to help hold it steady.

Slightly more flexibility in inward rotation of the left hip, but not enough yet to get excited. Apparently that is the motion quickest to lose an all but impossible to regain. I'm hoping to beat those odds.[/QUOTE

Its good to hear that there are some improvements Marie ,
and your weight holding steady must help too!

[minimonkey]

I'm toying with a cardio interval workout tonight... could use a break from the lifting, but am jonesing to do something.... I've been doing housework all day, but still feeling a bit like moving.

Definitely hungrier now that I am eating more carbs -- but still finding it pretty easy to stick to the IFing, and I think I may be eating at a very slight deficit, though I am just guessing on that one.

[julieboolie]

Hey girls!! You're going STRONG (pun intended!!)

Mini-love your new avi!! you look ripped girl!! Do you have more pics somewhere I missed? you should do a before and after thread to inspire the rest of the peeps here. WTG!!

Nola-you're a strong rockstar!! Heavy is the way to go!!

Marie-hope your hip continues to improve. You're doing great!!

I am finally getting back to working out. I missed a good week or so there. Even took the fam to the gym on Sat. Dh even worked out for the first time in ages (had collar bone surgery, then rotator cuff/labram repair). He starts P/T tomorrow, but then he'll be back into working out which is good! He was very impressed w. my strength and complimentary to my shape on Sat. Fun workout!

I went again today and loved the weights!! Didn't do any cardio, not a huge fan of that anyway, but will probably do it occasionally. Chatted w/ a lady who had her Schuler - "New Rules of Lifting" book w/ her. Gonna' bring my book next time.

Feels good to be back into it. Just really need to make it a higher priority.

Getting my hair done Wed. too. Looks like a good week!!

Doing a steak CD tomorrow. Haven't tried one yet. Got grass fed NY Strip steak for $5.99/lb today . I've been a bit out of my window the past 2 days, and suspect I'll still be up tomorrow (although coming in low on cals today). I will probaby do one even if I am back in my window. I want to see if it'll still help me get back to my LDW. I'm nearly done P3, then get to dabble w. more carbs. I expect I'll still wrestle w. my weight as I try to improve my metabolism, but it'll be worth it. Gonna' try the calorie cycling soon too. 3 more weeks to finish up.

Thanks for being so inspirational ladies!! I know I have miles to go before I sleep, but it's very encouraging to know where I can end up if I stick w/ it!!

[nola baxter]

Hi Mini
You are looking fantastic. I cant believe how you have muscled up.
You are also looking very lean-wherever that scale weight went, it definitely doesnt look like fat!


I am glad your IF is good so far!

[minimonkey]

Julie -- thanks! -- No other new pics yet -- but I will have more soon. Roommate was kind enough to snap this one for me, because I was tired of looking so scrappy in my avatar...lol.

I still have some fat to lose in the lower body, but it's coming off pretty quickly now.

I didn't do a "before" pic exactly, but I do have some old ones that show me at my heaviest, as well as shortly before beginning hcg/serious working out.

When I do another progress post, I'll put the old ones up too.

[minimonkey]

Thank you Nola! You have been the biggest inspiration to me with the workouts... I can't begin to thank you enough for that!!!

When do we get some more of your pics?

I really do think the hcg/p3/bulking experiment was helpful in muscle building... I did definitely gain some fat with it, but most of the fat has come off now, without me losing a single pound... so there has been a continual muscle gain along the way. I'm just so ridiculously delighted every time a new muscle starts to surface or grow, or when I can lift heavier, or whatnot.... it is so incredibly satisfying.

[minimonkey]

Right on Julie for getting back into the gym!!! I still want to get the New Rules book at some point I think, but I actually love my Cathe Friedrich lifting tapes... they are great for where I am at the moment, and they help a lot in terms of demonstrating form, pacing, etc. I want more of them!

I don't love her cardio workouts so much, but the strength ones are great.

[minimonkey]

Rebounding complete MUCH better than the last time, when I tanked.... adequate nutrition goes a long way! I'm definitely feeling a lot stronger in general, and endurance was surprisingly good given that I worked out really hard yesterday, and did physical work all day today, too.

Lovin' the IF so far.... it is definitely a pleasant way for me to regulate my food intake.

[shelbyla]

Hi gals! (and Stampe if you're still lurking!) Mini, just wanted to pop in and say...HOLY GUACAMOLE girl! You look freakin' AMAZING!!! Wow...just wow! You are CUT and your chest...! Oh and btw, I would LOVE to look as "scrappy" as you did in your last avi! Great work.

Just got off the treadclimber and I am just dripping sweat. I feel like lately I am sweating more than usual. It's good clean sweat when I exercise but there sure is a lot of it...

to everyone else. Gotta eat. Skipped dinner last night and I am STARVING!

[nola baxter]

Your new pic is stunning shelby
definitely no need for collagen lips...

[nola baxter]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Thank you Nola! You have been the biggest inspiration to me with the workouts... I can't begin to thank you enough for that!!!

When do we get some more of your pics?

I really do think the hcg/p3/bulking experiment was helpful in muscle building... I did definitely gain some fat with it, but most of the fat has come off now, without me losing a single pound... so there has been a continual muscle gain along the way. I'm just so ridiculously delighted every time a new muscle starts to surface or grow, or when I can lift heavier, or whatnot.... it is so incredibly satisfying.

Hi Mini

I actually got my son to take a few pics the afternoon before you posted your new one. However they were foggy and sucked ..
So the plan is to do a few more.

I am glad to have been an inspiration to you- but it is true;
you will far outgrow me on the muscle front!!


I dont get the same look of hard muscle and definition that you have-
In fact when I saw your picture yesterday I had a bit of a crisis, and thought- why am I trying to do what I am trying to do?!
I will always have the strength- if I train..
but so far , never get the harder ripped look, no matter what diet or training I do.
My physique has a certain softness to it..

It is exciting to see muscle growth and change! Especially at the speed you have managed..lol

[minimonkey]

Oh no! No crises Nola!!!! That's the last thing I'd ever want to inspire in anyone... but particularly in you, since you are my total bodybuilding hero!!!!

Based on your last set of pictures, I don't see the softness that you see in yourself... what I see is pure, wonderful strength and power. Having an eight year old as a cameraman is a bit of a drawback, too, in terms of really showing your body to its best advantage

I am fortunate, genetically, that my body cuts up well if I train hard (it also rounds and softens out very well, and very quickly, if I don't... lol!)

In that funny-but-sad category -- I've been lurking a lot on the bodybuilding boards, but I feel really insecure about joining any of them.... I look at the weights that these women can squat, deadlift, etc. and I feel totally inadequate in comparison.... and I feel insecure about even putting "bodybuilding" in a sentence that includes me -- I feel like I need to earn the right to do that...

I keep reminding myself that I am only competing against myself, and that as long as I am making progress, that is the victory that matters.

[minimonkey]

In the victories that matter category... I seriously hope I can declare victory over my own butt one of these days! Adding the weight training has really made me aware how relatively weak my glutes and hamstrings are by comparison to much of the rest of my body -- I think I have been doing the majority of my leg work with my quads for much of my life.

I'm on an all out mission to firm up the "whole backyard" as it were!

[julieboolie]

Lol mini at the "backyard". LOL!! I am the queen of the flat butt challenge. I so wish for a nice round tushie one day. Squats, although miserable, are very effective! I need to start adding more weight to them, but I am getting stronger.

Mini-I think you're doing great and would qualify as a "body builder" in anyone's book. Look at your body. You built that!!

Nola-I've seen your pics and you're wrong to even use the term "soft". Maybe you're less "cut" than you'd like to be, but you're far from soft! LOL! You're strong, and buff girl!! Own it and be proud!!

Bernice is making up for lost time, TOM is here w. a vengeance and I'm doing my first steak day. not my favorite day ever!! But there's always tomorrow.

[minimonkey]

Julie -- I've finally learned to love squats! I used to have a terrible time getting my glutes to engage in them -- the quads would take over -- but having learned to really put my weight in my heels and some adjustments in position have FINALLY taught me to fire up those glutes and hamstrings.

I learned a trick in one of my Cathe videos... put a small dummbell under each toe (assuming you are wearning sneakers) when squatting -- that really helps me get the position right.

I've got some nice leg muscle happening, but they are still obscured by lower body fat... the upper body has leaned out nicely, and the abs are getting there... but the lower body is far more stubborn. It's a lot better than it was a few weeks ago, but I have yet to see the muscles really start to show.

I do think the fat on the butt and the backs of the legs is getting squishier again, and it looks lumpy (ick!) -- so hoping that bodes well.

Did a pretty hearty meal late this morning, and am hoping for a good, strong leg workout here in a few hours. My appetite seems to be much more under control with the IF -- I don't feel the need to power-eat nearly as much now, which is a relief.

I'm not sure if there's a connection, but I actually seem to be less hungry without the hhcg...??? That may be a total coincidence, and maybe the hhcg has nothing to do with it.

I do get a bit hungry at night sometimes with the higher carbs, but it is transient hunger that passes very quickly.

Wishing you all a good day!!

[beachagain]

I know it's probably not a great idea, but I'm going to climb a 14er on protocol...I'll bring extra protein in case because it uses an enormous amount of energy and calories to climb these things...but I'm running out of time and want to bag at least one more before the snow flies here

[minimonkey]

Beachagain -- I actually have no idea what that means, but it sounds impressive...lol! Rockclimbing?

[beachagain]

opps...yes...sorry about that lack of explaination:blush:...in Colorado, we have some 57 peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level. Many like to climb them for the challenge...(the lack of oxygen, the splendor of the wilderness, and the thrill of being on top of the world)...it truly works every muscle and fiber of your being...and I'm addicted! It will be a challenge...hope I'm up for it...the last time I was doing hcg and climbed a 14er...I was in phase 3 or 4 (can't remember which), so it wasn't horrible...but unfortunatly, I gained a few pounds recently and couldn't get my body to cooperate with steak days and made the decision last week to do another round. I'm extremely active, and usually hike or walk my dog at the very least on hcg, but this will be a little different...hoping I don't get altitude sickness...but I'll bring food just in case...(chicken and an apple, that sort of thing)

[minimonkey]

Wow, best of luck to you!!! Definitely bring extra food, and also make sure you are well hydrated with lots of electrolyte solution. I've tanked out pretty badly trying to exercise hard on protcol, and the only danger involved in my doing that was a bad day at the gym...lol. I do know that some people can do it, though.

I've always thought rockclimbing sounded like a tremendous lot of fun, and it looks very challenging too. I was always a bit intimidated by the arm and upper body strength involved -- but I am finally making a lot of progress in that arena, so perhaps I will be able to take some baby-rockclimber lessons at some point We have a couple of gyms around here with indoor walls and many good classes available.... money permitting, that may be an endeavour for me next year.

I've definitely enjoyed the hiking I've done at altitute (used to hike the smaller mountains around Lake Tahoe in the summer) -- but I've never scaled anything vertical!!

[minimonkey]

Bar Method Super Sculpting 1 tonight... my arms did NOT want to be worked (they're fatigued), but I bullied them through it. The rest of the workout felt good, and I am finally able to hold an abs-exercise position that has taken me most of a year to achieve -- so that felt good.

I think I ate a bit more than usual today -- and extended the eating window by about an hour, too... but I will rein it in a bit more tomorrow.

[C'Marie]

ARG pain. I worked my hip out today, he put 2x the leads on me on the one leg and I got sore very fast. And THEN I had to go sit for 4 hours in a class. Not good to do that on one day with literally nothing in between. I am so stiff. I hope sleeping and re-working it tomorrow morning helps.

[julieboolie]

Marie-hope your hip feels well today. I agree that much work on it then sitting for 4 hours probably left you w/ some pain today. Stretch it all out!!

Mini-you go girl. Way to keep track of your progress too. I know I've added weight to my lifting, but haven't really kept any written record. I wish I had. I kinda' know where I started, but wish I could "see" the progress. Very motivational.

Beach-ooh, rock climbing sounds good to me. My fam is visiting CO (denver mostly) in a few weeks and we like to hike. I'm shooting for some good water fall hikes in RMP, but maybe a bit of rock scrambling (dd's are 11 and 8) would be a fun addition. Any suggestions for kids and old ladies ?

I'm hoping to hit the gym today. I'm finally getting my hair done, so that may be al the "me" time I can get today. I'll do weights at home tonight - squats, lunges, biceps, triceps, shoulders are all pretty easy to do at home w/ some free weights we have here.

My Steak CD went well yesterday. I was a bit hungrier than on GYCD's but they got me a 2.4lb drop, so I'll def add that to my repertoire. Especially when I'm away and can't do a GYCD.

[beachagain]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Beach-ooh, rock climbing sounds good to me. My fam is visiting CO (denver mostly) in a few weeks and we like to hike. I'm shooting for some good water fall hikes in RMP, but maybe a bit of rock scrambling (dd's are 11 and 8) would be a fun addition. Any suggestions for kids and old ladies ?

In Golden (very near Denver) there is Lookout Mountain...If you drive up the scenic road (Lookout Mountain Rd...towards Buffalo Bills grave) there is an awesome hike on Beaver Brook Trail from the parking lot of Windy Saddle (this is a trail I hike several times a week for exercise) this trail gives you magnificant views of the foothills and mountain peaks, boulders and minor rock scrambling...not extremely steep and definitely a cooler hike for those of us who hate the heat (that would be me) You can go as far as you want and turn around when you get tired...the trail goes on for many miles (and no, I've never made it to the end 10 miles out) but it does not disappoint...lots of forest, views, one small creek about 3 miles in, and some rocks and cliffs throughout to enjoy the views. I'm 46, so you can take the word of this old lady on this trail!
I have not been to RMNP to be honest (however Longs Peak is on my to do list) but I know it is pretty awesome throughout the park...Longs Peak is a very difficult peak and one I'm trying to get conditioned for...but as RMNP is huge, I know there are miles of scenic hikes throughout...I just haven't been very far in.

BTW....I must say you arre doing amazing!!

[minimonkey]

Rock on with the steak day drop Julie!!!!!!!

I'm doing a one-meal-day today -- ate my power breakfast, and am fasting for the duration. My lower body is feeling way squishy today... and my abs are puffy...oh, joy. Hoping the squishiness is a sign of good things to come.

I noticed last night that there is a hint of definition starting to show in my legs... not much, mind you, but its something.

I'm fighting the urge to freak out and try p2 again.... which would be a terrible idea overall, for many reasons. I think, at this point, the best I could hope for with p2 would be to make myself miserable... and at worst I think I might lose muscle.

Instead, I am planning to hit the lower body hard with a workout later, assuming my roommate is up for it and can spot me on the squats/lunges (I need a spotter when I lift the barbell to my shoulders.)

[minimonkey]

Added a second meal in my window after all -- roommate wants to do Butts and Guts, which is an hour and a half of pure torture...lol. I love that workout, but it is genuinely hard... so , I fueled up.

Grow, glutes and hamstrings and abs....grow!


Julie -- I love working out at home.. eliminates 90% of the excuses I can come up with as to why I can't fit a workout in....

[nola baxter]

Hi Mini

Short on time so can only write this- dont freak out and go back to P2

You can achieve what you want by going more slowly- and the change is more likely to be permanent and sustainable then

and ,
you have tried that P2 thing twice now, and your body couldnt happily sustain it!

Just relax, you are obviously already very lean, ..you dont have to be instantaneously perfect..
besides- from an outside perspective you already look very good!

[minimonkey]

Nola -- you are absolutely, 100% right.... and thank you for the reminder! I know better than to try p2 again....

I'm just having one of my insecure days, where it feels like dieting might fix everything else that's wrong in my life (yeah, we have a term for that in psychology...lol).

I ate well, though, and am going to go blast the glutes and hams as soon as roommate gets home... hoping I can add some weight to both the deads and squats today. I'll need my roommate to spot me lifting the barbell, but I know I can go heavier on the squats.

As soon as my fall student loan check comes in, squat stands will be mine....heh, heh, heh....

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by beachagain

In Golden (very near Denver) there is Lookout Mountain...If you drive up the scenic road (Lookout Mountain Rd...towards Buffalo Bills grave) there is an awesome hike on Beaver Brook Trail from the parking lot of Windy Saddle (this is a trail I hike several times a week for exercise) this trail gives you magnificant views of the foothills and mountain peaks, boulders and minor rock scrambling...not extremely steep and definitely a cooler hike for those of us who hate the heat (that would be me) You can go as far as you want and turn around when you get tired...the trail goes on for many miles (and no, I've never made it to the end 10 miles out) but it does not disappoint...lots of forest, views, one small creek about 3 miles in, and some rocks and cliffs throughout to enjoy the views. I'm 46, so you can take the word of this old lady on this trail!
I have not been to RMNP to be honest (however Longs Peak is on my to do list) but I know it is pretty awesome throughout the park...Longs Peak is a very difficult peak and one I'm trying to get conditioned for...but as RMNP is huge, I know there are miles of scenic hikes throughout...I just haven't been very far in.

BTW....I must say you arre doing amazing!!

Thanks!! I'll add that to our "to do" list!! Cooler sounds lovely to this AZ girl! And I'm all about pics, so I'll be taking loads of photos while there. And I'm 42 myself, so don't discount us fabulous and 40 chicks . I wanted to see Bridal Veil Falls in RM, but dh wants to do the shorter ones - Alberta Falls, Adams Falls and Horseshoe Falls - they're all about a 5-10 min hike from their trail heads. I'd like to push for Calypso Cascades, then on to Ouzel Falls - about 3.8mi each way. We'll like compromise and do a few of the shorter ones, then probably a longer one like West Creek Falls (about 2 mi each way). Trying to pack a lot into a week, and dh will be working M-F, so I may just take my dd's on a few hikes mid-week w/o him. Depends on how long/hard they are.
How cool do you think it'll be around Sept. 11? Leaning toward long pants and layers for the top, maybe a vest too? We're sissies!!

Originally Posted by nola baxter

Hi Mini

Short on time so can only write this- dont freak out and go back to P2

You can achieve what you want by going more slowly- and the change is more likely to be permanent and sustainable then

and ,
you have tried that P2 thing twice now, and your body couldnt happily sustain it!

Just relax, you are obviously already very lean, ..you dont have to be instantaneously perfect..
besides- from an outside perspective you already look very good!

^^I totally agree ^^ Mini-Don't go back to the hcg. You did well while it was working for you, but you're looking for different things and you know, from experience, that it won't work for you. (I'm kinda' reminding myself this too!). I also would love to drop a quick 5-10lbs, but don't see hcg being the answer for me. It, with the VLC diet and lots of work on my part, got me a -30lbs from where I was last year, and I'm thankful for that. I have accepted that it will not help me go any lower at this point. (just like when I realized and accepted that Atkins wouldn't get me any smaller than my 12's). Ride out the squishies and hopefully it'll lean you right back out!

I'm re-reading the "New Rules" book and gonna' add some dead lifts and different types of lunges to my workout. I may try them at home w/ lighter weights first so as to prevent injury and humiliation at the gym!

[minimonkey]

Ok -- glutes and hams worked -- ouch! Will definitely be feeling that tomorrow!

[minimonkey]

Julie -- deadlifts are among my favorite exercises. I can't lift very much yet... but that will come in time. I wasn't feeling any too strong tonight (still fatigued from yesterday) so I didn't push upping the weight... I bet by next week I'll be able to go higher though.