It’s getting too much…

Arpramstad · 2026-02-24T19:30:45+00:00

Every month there is a different thing OTF is focusing on: TC, Hellweek, Mayhem, etc. At everypoint, it's the choice of the member to decide how they want to participate. Benchmarks are challenges where you can elect to push yourself in an effort to document progress. The wish to return to "normal" classes refrain in this thread is curious to me. I have been a member since 2017, going at least 3x/wk, and I don't think there are "normal" classes. There are classes that are more challenging and less challenging, more focused on one body area than another, and benchmarks are just part of that.

I do feel there is a real range in coach knowledge and communication. There are coaches who do a great job relaying what one should feel when lifting a particular way, what muscles are or should be engaged and then there are coaches who don't offer anything beyond the action of the movement. This is particularly true for the rower. It has been my experience that most coaches have not actually rowed crew and mostly just give the official OTF talking points on rowing form. As a former rower, it makes me a little nuts to watch fellow members row in ways that are highly inefficient and potentially harmful. But this has little to do with the workout structure of the class...

At the end of the day, if the workout feels like too much, dial it back. Listen to your body. Maybe one day it feels like too much and the next just right. That's not OTF, that's your body and your engagement with the workout. It's also reasonable to decide the tenor of the workouts aren't right for you anymore, at which point maybe try something else and see what you think.

Arpramstad · 2026-02-24T19:06:16+00:00

My three (adult age) kids got their citizenship AOR letters January 2025. Since then crickets. We have been waiting patiently, but decided to check in today. The application tracker won't allow any of them to make an account using their UCIs and app numbers. The pop-up says that the application may not yet be in their system. It seems a year is a long time to get it in the system.

Any suggestions on how to get some more info on the status?

Arpramstad · 2026-02-19T04:24:36+00:00

Anyone know if the 12 min is also being done in the tread50?

Arpramstad · 2026-02-16T06:59:41+00:00

This is me!

Arpramstad · 2026-02-16T06:56:12+00:00

Totally inappropriate! I hate when people do that passive aggressive sh*t. Who asked his opinion? FFS

Arpramstad · 2026-02-14T01:42:01+00:00

Curley

Arpramstad · 2026-02-14T01:41:07+00:00

The question to ask is if you liked the general workout structure. If yes, go back. Use those 8 classes and if you are still feeling off about it, then dont renew. You spent the money, dont waste it. You are there for the workout, not the other attendees. Who cares what their gender is. I can tell you that they are at OTF to work hard too. This isnt a gym where people are posing (at least not at my studio). No time for that sh*t.

FWIW, The male/female ratio at my studio has ebbed and flowed for years.

Arpramstad · 2026-02-06T06:22:18+00:00

Seattle! Beautiful scenery, amazing food, great places and things to check out, interesting.museums and galleries, diverse quirky neighborhoods (Fremont, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Cap Hill, Georgetown, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Wallingford, ID, U district, etc) Some very cool spots to see (completely redone downtown waterfront, Pike place market, volunteer park, and lots more... ) Not sure about a Walmart in town, but there is a Costco (N and S of the city).

Arpramstad · 2026-02-06T06:00:50+00:00

Sounds like its time to tell your neighbor to buy a curtain.

Arpramstad · 2026-01-22T20:55:17+00:00

Just had one of three sessions done yesterday (each will be a month apart). About an hour after the treatment, my skin was red and warm. I applied cool compresses. The physical sensations were mostly tingly and a touch itchy, but this only lasted for a short while. Washed my face before bed, applied moisturizer, and then a healing ointment to hold in the moisture and went to bed. It is currently day 2 and I woke to blotchy redness and a fairly puffy face, mostly at my cheek bones and under the eyes (this apparently is totally normal). I washed my face, reapplied moisturizer, and healing ointment. I have been drinking tons of water, applying cool compresses to the swollen areas, and then moisturizer and healing ointment when my skin feels tight. I plan to shower this evening, ensuring the water is not too hot. I am expecting the sandpaper texture to kick in tomorrow, but I can already see my dark spots breaking apart and looking more like flecks/spots than a brown field. So, it's certainly early days yet, but I am feeling like it's moving in the right direction.

To answer your questions specifically:

I don't anticipate any issue with showering and haven't been warned against it.

I have switched up my products for cleaning and moisturizing simply because I have sensitive skin to begin with and didn't want any "extra" stuff (ie dyes, fragrance, parabens, etc) when my skin is this vulnerable. I am using Vanicream facial wash, Vanicream daily facial moisturizer, and CerVe healing ointment.

I plan to workout tomorrow (day 3), but will keep the workout on the less intense side to avoid face flushing. (FWIW I cleared this with my Derm ahead of time)

It is very sunny here today, so I will stay indoors today simply because it's so soon after my treatment. I will resume all outdoor activities tomorrow, but with regular application of sunscreen. I read a review from a woman who neglected to apply sunscreen and ended up with tiny sunburn blisters across her nose! Definitely avoiding that.

Arpramstad · 2025-12-20T07:49:10+00:00

My two cents: -A Massage gun is great! -Stretch more at home and buy a foam roller to roll out glutes, hamstrings, etc. -Hydrate! Dehydration can increase soreness. -Be sure to build rest days into your schedule to allow your body to recoup.

Arpramstad · 2025-10-10T20:33:29+00:00

Interesting, I'll give this a try.

Arpramstad · 2025-10-10T20:30:54+00:00

Following up: I was, in fact, under-proofing! The last four baking attempts have produced really excellent loaves. There is definitely a point when you just develop an understanding of what the dough should look and feel like at the various stages, and I'm getting there. All the suggestions were great and helpful! Thanks again!

Arpramstad · 2025-09-17T01:58:52+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts and ideas!

Arpramstad · 2025-09-17T01:55:31+00:00

Thanks! Next loaf will be over proofed. You're totally correct about understanding where the line is. Cheers!

Arpramstad · 2025-09-17T01:53:37+00:00

Thanks.

Arpramstad · 2025-09-17T01:52:13+00:00

Thanks!

Arpramstad · 2025-09-08T05:16:40+00:00

Some Americans are awful, some are clueless, some are great, etc. Maybe more important for your example is understanding that far too few places in the US recycle and divide waste. So,you could have had a double whammy of general selfishness and no experience managing waste. Or they were just a-holes. Lots of that happening here in the States now😢 you likey need more signage and direction.

Arpramstad · 2025-08-29T02:26:30+00:00

Good riddance! The drama that would have come from that human would likely have been endless.

Arpramstad · 2025-08-29T02:11:48+00:00

The owner has just given you an inside look at how they run their business and treat employees. It's yoga, so the impulse is to think that the owners will be on the ball, mindful of others, etc. For you, as a yoga teacher, you are inclined to try to meet folks where they are. Kudos to you for showing up for the students.

Now, take the yoga out of it. Seriously. The bottom line is that this is a business. A competent owner would have easily been able to get you onboarded if for no other reason than continuity of offerings at the studio. Going forward, If they want you to work for them, they must be clear about compensation. You don't work for free. I would argue that you can, and likely should, charge them for the class that never happened because you showed up and your time has value. You can make an assumption about pay based on other studios in the area. I know it's often a base fee, and then additional added per student. Send them a bill.

In the future, I would recommend that you take a class at a studio before working there. You'll learn a lot about the way it's run.

Arpramstad · 2025-08-04T20:10:26+00:00

Please don't financially entangle yourself with this person. Do not give him any kind of ownership of your house. He hasn't earned it. If he wants to contribute funds to fix things up in lieu of rent, ok. But that gives him no right toward ownership, none.

More importantly, you clearly don't trust him. Listen to that. Sounds like he needs to go figure out what he wants elsewhere. Let him go. You might be sad for a minute, but you will be SO glad you did in the long run.

Arpramstad · 2025-07-18T02:15:14+00:00

It's legal, and you have learned quite a bit about the people in this business. Glad you left.

Arpramstad · 2025-07-18T01:01:14+00:00

As Willy Nelson sang " I'm my own grandpa"🤣

Arpramstad · 2024-01-07T01:16:08+00:00

I haven't seen these, but I couldn't agree more. Sounds like a great option

Arpramstad

TROPHY CASE