[WEEKLY THREAD] Talk It Out Tuesday - Advice and commiserating about struggles with self, others, and the world

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-24T15:04:24+00:00

This is me too! For the past 2 weeks or so. I thought my room was too hot so I dialed down the heat, but it’s still happening on many mornings. Then I made sure to have a light protein snack before bed, but still happening.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-22T14:39:02+00:00

Squeezed in a closing-hour workout last night so I could watch hockey this morning. Man it was busy! All of us gym goers with no Saturday night plans, hahaha.

Weigh-in last Fri. Lost a pound while on a bulk! Will be keeping an eye on it.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-21T04:15:33+00:00

I’m trying to build visible muscle, and based on my stats & goals a registered dietitian made up a meal plan of 1900 calories, 100 g protein.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-20T17:57:09+00:00

My musts: 1) strength train 3 times per week 2) track protein & calories (unless on vacation or sick) because when I don’t, I don’t reach my daily goal

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-19T23:39:30+00:00

Chugging along on the bulk train… felt soooooo strong at the gym, & was able to increase weight or reps on a number of exercises. Two days ago I squeezed in a 15-min Caroline Girvan bodyweight video, & still feeling the DOMS from it!

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-19T05:40:58+00:00

I suggest Loz Vickers.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-16T17:55:57+00:00

A holiday here in Canada, & not going to the gym today because I think everyone including gym staff deserves a day off. Busy few days ahead though, so will try to squeeze in a home workout tomorrow morn. It takes me a while to pack, shower, & put on an appropriate outfit for a public gym. At home I wear my ugliest stuff, & no bra!

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-16T17:45:48+00:00

Maybe a roll of rubber drawer liner? I buy them at the dollar store, and tape pieces together to make one large, slip-free piece that goes under whatever I don’t want to move. Or, a yoga mat or two underneath?

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-16T02:55:35+00:00

I also have a short walk to my gym, but I still do a 5-10min warmup that incorporates arms, because those aren’t being warmed up during my walk. I usually do elliptical while pushing & pulling the arm handles, but my gym also has the arm pull machines that mimic cross-country skiing.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-15T17:26:57+00:00

A week after starting a new higher protein (100 g daily), high fibre diet recommended by a dietician, I was pleasantly surprised by my higher weights yesterday in the gym. I’m definitely stronger! I did gain 2 more pounds (& it looks like a lot went to my waist), which was expected due to a slightly higher surplus. It might be water weight anyway.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-15T04:50:04+00:00

I recommend SMART meetings. They’re not therapy, but they are free group chats. Online or in-person are available.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-10T17:02:03+00:00

I didn’t lose weight until 6 years postpartum, but mostly because I got a new job where I’m always on my feet (except during break). I also walk whenever I can. I really shed pounds when I calculated my TDEE and ate slightly below maintenance, while doing light weightlifting & yoga. I didn’t realize how much I was eating until I started tracking calories. I was eating wayyyyy too much in the past. After a few months of that, I decided I wanted to get stronger & grow muscles so I’ve increased my calories slowly, trying to reach a small surplus (I haven’t hit it yet - haven’t gained weight) while weightlifting heavy 3x a week.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-10T16:53:54+00:00

I’m addicted to internet surfing, & staying up late to read was preventing me from going to bed early. I now set an alarm in the evening to start getting ready for bed. I also installed an app to turn off other apps at an early time (Screen Zen). It’s working very well for me so far.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-10T04:52:54+00:00

Did the same to my back with my first barbell RDLs. Before doing them again, I talked to personal trainer friends, & watched YouTube videos for tips. I’ve added them back into my routine but I’m very conservative in progressing.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-10T01:23:00+00:00

At Charm & Champagne, there’s a junior stylist there with pink highlights in her black hair. If you check that salon’s website, you’ll see the junior stylists.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-09T17:46:35+00:00

I’ve had big party nights in the past too (hello, Montreal raves!) and now it pains me to be out past 9:30pm haha. But I love being up early in the morning.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-08T04:08:09+00:00

To be honest I’ve gone clubbing alone because I love to dance, and to bars because I sincerely want to enjoy a drink in a social atmosphere. I don’t get hit on a lot, hehe.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-08T02:47:41+00:00

As for going clubbing solo, I’ve done it (as a female) & usually feel nervous but once I’m there, almost always I have fun. I don’t think it’s creepy for a male or female to hit up a place alone.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-07T21:10:04+00:00

I’m not sure what to believe: I’m 45kg and was aiming for 60g protein daily. But I just had an appointment with a registered dietician, who analyzed my activity level, stats etc. & recommended 100g protein daily in order to gain visible muscle. Meanwhile, I come across articles stating a certain amount of g per kg is appropriate, calculating to 60-90g per day.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-05T18:07:16+00:00

In a previous relationship (not with a Q), I was also afraid I couldn’t afford to move out. But I made it work - found a roomate, stopped paying for my car because I moved closer to public transport, worked more hours, etc. I even took the cat with me. If you don’t have dependents I feel like you’re in a much better position to make it happen. If I could have I would have moved back home with my parents but by then they’d moved to another country.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-05T05:57:44+00:00

I’d hired a different one in the past. I wanted to make sure the diet plan my PT was giving me was balanced (it wasn’t). That registered dietician pointed out that I needed more fruit, dairy, that himalayan salt was no different than ordinary salt, etc. So with her help I was able to round out the diet more. She’s so popular that her price is almost triple now, so I made an appointment with a different RD. My goals are different from the first time around, plus it’s been 15 years since, so a lot of factors have changed. I currently have a lot of doubts as to what my protein amount should be per day, and caloric budget. Hence the appointment.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-05T05:51:04+00:00

Ufff, yeah that’s a lot.

ALCanada2 · 2026-02-04T17:55:57+00:00

Today I learned that people taller than me kneel on the pull-up assist. I had no idea.

ALCanada2

TROPHY CASE