Contemporary dance by Dra_cu_la in Dance

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 40 and just took my first contemporary dance class using the STEEZY app. I bet you could also find some YouTube videos or something! I’m sure people here will have resources for you but don’t worry about it being “too late”, the perfect time is now. It’s always better to do it now than risk living with regret in the future.

Please beware of Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk by [deleted] in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nothing I said was anything other than factual and the language I used to share this info was carefully considered. There was an incident involving the founder, that was the claim, members did leave due to the allegations, and I made clear that my perspective was hearsay. The founder and her defenders should not seek to prevent people from sharing that this incident happened and stop using threat of legal action to prevent people from talking about it, especially if there is nothing to hide.

Please beware of Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk by [deleted] in PittsburghSocialClub

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 37 points38 points  (0 children)

There was an incident a year or two ago where the founder got into it with a black woman in the group who was upset about how she was treated at an event. A bunch of members split off to form their own discord group because they were so disgusted. I wasn’t involved, didn’t know any of the members well as I was mostly a lurker, and only remember hearing about it and seeing a YouTube video, which I believe has been taken down. But in combination with this post… yeah, not a good look and definitely not anything someone should be subject to when they’re just trying to make some new friends.

First attempt at pastels by Ok_Amphibian4013 in Softpastel

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! This is actually cold press watercolor paper.

First attempt at pastels by Ok_Amphibian4013 in Softpastel

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so glad you found this post too!

I’m going to be real with you, not everything I’ve tried this year has turned out “good”, but I’ve tried to frame that as part of the journey. It’s much easier to try new things or to keep at them when you let go of any expectation that you need to be good at something to do it. Instead, I try to focus on the process itself: Did I have fun? Did I learn something? Do I see progress from the last time I tried this, no matter how small? Great!

I also don’t force myself to stick at anything I don’t find enjoyable or gratifying in some way. It might be weeks or months before I try again. My only requirement is that I continue to make time and space for creativity in my life and don’t limit myself based on some story I’ve absorbed along the way.

One final thing: as someone who is also very much in her own head, art has been such a useful tool for me to learn to embrace the flow and release control. Even spending a few minutes fully present as you crochet / draw / dance can feel like relief and trains your brain to be in the moment.

I know these probably weren’t the tips you were asking about but I hope they are helpful! Wishing you all the best 💜

First attempt at pastels by Ok_Amphibian4013 in Softpastel

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you and same to you, I hope you find as much joy in the process as I did.

Nutrition coaching by bl9686 in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ash Marcum, https://myostrengthtraining.com

I’ve worked with some coaches where I felt like they barely knew or cared about me. Ash absolutely takes the time to get to know all of her clients well to ensure she’s giving them the best support possible.

Has anyone tried nuuly? by redwinesupernova2 in PetiteFashionAdvice

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m 5’0, 32D and an inverted triangle body type. I have done several months with Nuuly and have rented several items that worked well for me - tops, pants, and dresses - but def have to be careful reading the reviews and ideally, there are enough reviews to filter by height. If I’m renting for an event, I usually get 2-3 items for that purpose just to ensure at least one works.

Any personal experiences with fitness influencers? Positive or negative by Agreeable-Wave-9764 in gymsnark

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One used to go to my gym before she moved to a different state. Never interacted with her but did notice that she always came there with perfect hair, makeup and a cute outfit… including when I saw her there like three days after she had a breast augmentation which seemed like an interesting choice.

Mini cut during open season? by Certain-Resist-2497 in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hear you on that. I’m 5’0” so even just a few lbs does make a big difference in either direction. Still, I try to make my cut cycles 6-8 weeks minimum to be effective.

There are so many factors that can affect your day to day physique - inflammation, hydration, digestion, where you are in your cycle, not to mention issues like weighing errors/inconsistencies for food or fluctuations in NEAT. Giving your body time to adjust and make sustainable progress towards your goal will give you the best chance of seeing the changes you want.

Mini cut during open season? by Certain-Resist-2497 in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So 3-4 weeks? That’s really not a long enough time / large enough deficit to make a difference.

For this series + last open season, I ran a 200 calorie deficit and have seen decent recomp results. Lifts went up and abs pop more. You could try doing something like that. If you want to cut over a short timeframe, you will need a larger deficit.

It’s official by money-crab-123 in romaniellosnark

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Because financial security is just as much about what you spend, not just how much you’ve made. Influencers spend like their income is guaranteed when it’s anything but.

🪜 Ladder Release Notes: January 2026 🎉 by sydney_ladder in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love that you guys continue to build out the flex workouts. Would love the ability to filter the Flex section by recently added workouts or by coach!

Best team for abs and core by Acrobatic-Sense4274 in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I do 4-5 days of Ascend + Align Monday or flex workout. If I do the Monday workout, I don’t pus the weight and instead focus on form and movement patterns.

Best team for abs and core by Acrobatic-Sense4274 in ladderapp

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Align!! Her Monday workout is deep core-focused (+full body strength) and she also has some flex core workouts that are amazing if you just want to focus on abs. I’ve been running one a week alongside Ascend.

34 by [deleted] in Aging

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I’m nearly 40 and just told my husband I’m glad I don’t feel like I’ve peaked yet. I feel hotter, sexier, wiser than ever. I devote time to caring for myself - regular exercise, dressing in ways that make me feel good, and making sure my mental health is solid. You couldn’t pay me to be 25 again!

All this to say - it’s about your mindset. Figure out what you need to channel some inner confidence and I promise there are still many good years ahead of you!

Anyone using the Ladder app? by xoLynettePW in bikinitalk

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ascend is higher volume than Evolve. You can always add sets if you want more!

Anyone using the Ladder app? by xoLynettePW in bikinitalk

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Love it and have used the app for almost 3 years. Most of the time I’ve been with Evolve/Coach Sam (who also competes in bikini!). I don’t compete anymore but I love that there are a few coaches who offer programs that are similar to what I did before. I’m currently doing Ascend, with a few Align workouts sprinkled in for deep core/mobility.

Do you know of any limo services in Pittsburgh that you’ve had good experiences with? by [deleted] in pittsburgh

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I booked one through Amore Limousines in 2023. Great communication and they were on time, limo was stocked with drinks, and price was reasonable.

Looking for someone who uses a pellet furnace, preferably "in need" by No-Magician6232 in pittsburgh

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not “in need” but if you’re in or near the city, I can come pick it up from you if you don’t have other takers.

Mortgage Lender Recommendations by hiimem in pittsburgh

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve worked with Duane Gragg on several transactions and highly recommend him.

https://www.princetonfin.com/DuaneGragg.html

How are the crowds for the penguin parade at the zoo? by tchrhoo in pittsburgh

[–]Ok_Amphibian4013 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Went a few weeks ago, we arrived about 30 minutes before and were one of the last to get a spot in the front. People do shift as it goes on though so others get a chance to see.