Liz's Log

[LizzyLifts]

yeah, the second trainer is the head trainer there...and a powerlifter, and he loves deadlifts. Although i'm not assigned to him, he's usually around and i can ask questions, get a form check, or a spot etc. The trainers there are all great to work with, very professional, but as you say, they can differ quite alot in their approaches to things. They've never given me a hard time about doing SL5x5 either.

Thank goodness for Stronglifts and this forum! It is far more consistent here, and "technical" if that's the right word, in terms of proper form...and more "conservative" in terms of progression. Great for us beginners.

[greasygemo]

Thank goodness for Stronglifts and this forum! It is far more consistent here, and "technical" if that's the right word, in terms of proper form...and more "conservative" in terms of progression. Great for us beginners.

I agree. This has been a nice transition into the world of lifting for me thus far. I feel stronger all the time.

[ksizemore]

Hi Liz! Great to see someone built similarly making good progress! Keep it up!

I really like reading so many posts from people doing SL for themselves and not to impress others. I agree with you and Gem that it's definitely a great place for beginners.

[LizzyLifts]

Ok, just a quick update to the log here.

It has been busier out of the gym than inside it this week. Lots of changes in our routine and lots of distraction...the kids are home on spring break and I have a planned surgery coming up on Monday that will require about a week's worth of rest before getting back to training. I knew this break was coming, but i'm still disappointed to have to stop lifting just as i'm getting started.

I did manage a very abbreviated workout Monday...warm-up and squats only before i had to leave and tend to my 4 year old. I managed 2 sets at 80lbs., but did not reach parallel. I could feel it.

But! i finally brought the video camera to the gym and saw myself squatting!

I discovered that at 75lbs. I wasn't reaching/breaking parallel anymore, yikes. (both trainers i work with there don't see the need to reach/break parallel!)

Also, i was surprised to see how high the bar was on my back. Not on my neck, but cerainly right below it. This is a problem i'm aware of, because of the pain/lack of mobility in the r.shoulder when i grip the bar. I can get a lower bar position with just the bar, but certainly not comfortable with a thumbless grip yet. I'm doing shoulder dislocations and other mobility exercises for the upper body and hips.

So, training this week did not go as well as I had planned. But i'll take the rest i need this next week and work on mobility as i can. HOpefully it's just one week out of the gym!

also, planning on adding calories to my diet...details later.

[LizzyLifts]

Hi K! Thanks for coming by my log! I, too am excited to see that you and I are about the same size!! Speaking about size, i was shopping today and was surprised to have to try on pants a size smaller than usual. amazing. I'm thinking i need to take in more calories.

looking forward to watching your progress! talk with you more about it later...sleepy now

strength is good,

liz

[Nilan666]

Hi Liz! Looking up your log for the first time and its good reading

Also glad to see another woman coming on board We have 3 here if i'm not mistaken...
There could've been 5 if the old SLers hadnt stopped coming though...anyway i digress

and I have a planned surgery coming up on Monday

What for? The shoulder? Is it that bad?


Oh and keep asking those questions. You'll get plenty of rock solid advice here. On any thing! This is one congregation of real knowledgeable people!

And now that you've recorded yourself doing the squats...the next step is simply to upload it over here

Lift Safe!
Take care

[Nilan666]

Ok make that 4 women doing SL currently

[LizzyLifts]

Well Hello Nilan,

Thanks for reading thru my log.

No no, my surgery is not for my shoulder. It's "a simple procedure" (so they tell me), unfortunately necessary, and totally non-training related...still requires general anesthisia though, not thrilled about that.

The way my shoulder is behaving is really quite annoying...i'm hoping it's just my body getting used to the new demands on it and not an actual limit of range of motion. We'll see.

I'm looking forward to some extra time next week to catch up on Forum reading and visit more logs, like yours

best,

liz

[pagangoddess]

The way my shoulder is behaving is really quite annoying...i'm hoping it's just my body getting used to the new demands on it and not an actual limit of range of motion. We'll see.

My shoulders never did adjust to low bar squats. I do high bar squats and still go well below parallel. Just so long as the bar isn't resting on the base of the neck I don't see a problem with doing high bar if your shoulders aren't flexible enough.

I could be wrong but as far as I know high bar squats are ok.

[LizzyLifts]

PaganGoddess, wow, i really appreciate your feedback...helps to clear my mind of that particular challenge anyway. i'll focus on squat depth then, and keeping the shoulder strong/flexible. Do you have any tips on how to help the body "memorize" that bottom squat position?

take care,
and i hope your vacation was restful and enjoyable,

liz

[pagangoddess]

Here are the resources I used in order learn proper squat form. Other than than I just practice a lot. Instead of bending over to pick something up off the floor I squat down to get it. When I'm looking through the bottom of my cupboard I squat down like a toddler does, hamstrings resting on my calves.

http://www.stumptuous.com/dork-diva-squat

You'll see in her pictures that she is doing high bar squats. I prefer a wider stance with my toes pointing out more. I find I can get more depth that way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kawBY5p29fQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yha2XAc2qu8

[greasygemo]

Hello! I'm just spreading the word here.

We should get a "strongest women" thread like the men have!

If you're interested in getting one started please PM JCraig. I already did but haven't heard anything so I'm assuming I was the only one. We have 5 so we need to convince all others to get on board.

I already PM'd him, so if you want to, you should do the same!

[LizzyLifts]

We should get a "strongest women" thread like the men have!

Sounds great to me! But, boy do I have alot of catching up to do!!!! I have to wait till the doctor gives me the all clear before i can lift....till NEXT THURSDAY...i am going crazy here! I feel good, but no working out...arrrrgghh.

So Ladies, please feel free to proceed...I WILL catch up

[pagangoddess]

Liz,

Please PM JCraig and let him know you'd like to participate as soon as you have clearance. We need to have 5 in order to start the contest.

Don't worry about catching up. Remember this is all in fun. But I'm going to win.

[greasygemo]

Don't worry about catching up. Remember this is all in fun. But I'm going to win.

We'll see.. I'm quickly getting the hang of this lift heavy steel, eat chicken and broccoli, sleep, repeat ...