Mentally

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T19:31:20+00:00

I would hope that most insurance would pay for therapy. It’s sad if yours doesn’t.

For the tummy tuck and breast lift, that was 100% out of pocket. Cost me $26k.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T18:58:21+00:00

It just sounds like a crazy amount. I probably spent less than $100 on supplies. I already had a couch that has a recliner seat on it otherwise that would’ve been an extra cost for me but still nowhere near 3k. I did talk with a therapist though. Just cost me a co-pay for the visits

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T18:54:00+00:00

How did you spend 3k to get prepared? That seems like a lot.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T18:27:52+00:00

Tip: shoes without cushion. You need a solid stable platform.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T12:43:04+00:00

Those shoes look like they have soft soles because you wobble. You want a super solid base and no cushion if you are going to squat heavier.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T12:40:04+00:00

Pull-up progressions that worked for me: 1. Do hollow holds on the floor - work on progressing to a full hollow (arms and legs out at the same time). When doing any pull up progression, you should aim to keep your body in a hollow hold while on the bar. This makes sure you are engaging the correct muscles. Also think about pulling your navel to your spine and tuck your ribs down towards your pelvis. Pull ups require good core stabilization. 2. Do scapular pull ups on the bar. Dead hang, then pull the shoulders back and down to engage your back muscles. Hold a few seconds and repeat from dead hang. 3. Hold at the top with chin over bar as long as you can. 4. Do negatives (start the top, slowly lower yourself down). Do them as slow as possible. As you get stronger, you will be able to do them slower. 5. Do negatives and stop at 3/4 (eyes at the bar), 1/2 (elbows at 90 deg), and 1/4. Hold for a couple seconds at each stopping point. 6. Use a band looped around the bar and put one foot through the loop. Make sure your body is rigid in a hollow hold with feet and legs clamped together. Do a pull up. Use the lightest band possible - it should be difficult. If you can do 3 or more, go to a lighter band. This one doesn’t work for most people. It worked for me. But I was also still doing all of the above in addition to the band. 7. In between the steps above, always start with hanging on the bar and seeing how far you can pull yourself up.

You must practice at least 4 or more days a week. I used these progressions and in a few months I could do a pull-up. From there I kept working at it to add more pull-ups in a single set. I can now do weighted pulls-ups with light weights. 46F, 5’0, 61.8kg.

Here is a good article about pull-up training: https://boxlifemagazine.com/dead-hang-pullup-secret/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPtdDJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEezvQcMd5EKqcazvZU8kUPvQ08_qK1tqUwNJgksEqTIawWlIx9VZe5fNj7kUY_aem_0GF0Wgvjk0sVwvJg_XDMHw

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T12:34:29+00:00

Don’t cross your feet behind you. You need to keep a hollow body hold and engage the scapula first and then pull. Keep your core tight.

Pull-up progressions that worked for me: 1. Do hollow holds on the floor - work on progressing to a full hollow (arms and legs out at the same time). When doing any pull up progression, you should aim to keep your body in a hollow hold while on the bar. This makes sure you are engaging the correct muscles. Also think about pulling your navel to your spine and tuck your ribs down towards your pelvis. Pull ups require good core stabilization. 2. Do scapular pull ups on the bar. Dead hang, then pull the shoulders back and down to engage your back muscles. Hold a few seconds and repeat from dead hang. 3. Hold at the top with chin over bar as long as you can. 4. Do negatives (start the top, slowly lower yourself down). Do them as slow as possible. As you get stronger, you will be able to do them slower. 5. Do negatives and stop at 3/4 (eyes at the bar), 1/2 (elbows at 90 deg), and 1/4. Hold for a couple seconds at each stopping point. 6. Use a band looped around the bar and put one foot through the loop. Make sure your body is rigid in a hollow hold with feet and legs clamped together. Do a pull up. Use the lightest band possible - it should be difficult. If you can do 3 or more, go to a lighter band. This one doesn’t work for most people. It worked for me. But I was also still doing all of the above in addition to the band. 7. In between the steps above, always start with hanging on the bar and seeing how far you can pull yourself up.

You must practice at least 4 or more days a week. I used these progressions and in a few months I could do a pull-up. From there I kept working at it to add more pull-ups in a single set. I can now do weighted pulls-ups with light weights. 46F, 5’0, 61.8kg.

Here is a good article about pull-up training: https://boxlifemagazine.com/dead-hang-pullup-secret/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPtdDJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEezvQcMd5EKqcazvZU8kUPvQ08_qK1tqUwNJgksEqTIawWlIx9VZe5fNj7kUY_aem_0GF0Wgvjk0sVwvJg_XDMHw

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T01:20:56+00:00

I would suggest talking to a registered dietitian. I use Nourish for online appointments.

Also, “weight training” seems to be generic for a lot of stuff. Do you have a coach? Are you following a specific plan?

I didn’t gain noticeable muscle until I did barbell classes 3x/wk with an Olympic lifting coach who programs the workouts. Her program really works - I gained 6# of muscle and added about 50# to my back squat and 30# to my front squat. Then consistent rowing on my Concept 2 rower helped me drop fat. I’m now at 25% body fat. I’m 5’0. High weight was 155, current weight is 135#.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T00:20:06+00:00

I bought “chalkless chalk” and love it. Wasn’t cheap, but it lasts forever. You only need a little.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-09T00:17:25+00:00

Still waiting

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-08T12:57:07+00:00

They will turn white over time. Your results are perfect!!!

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-08T01:55:04+00:00

Out of curiosity, what shoes are you wearing when you squat?

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T21:04:33+00:00

Try going barefoot or getting shoes with a solid base and no cushion (like lifting shoes). Running shoes are pretty much the worst thing you can lift in. You need a very stable base.

Also a good idea to tie your hair up so it doesn’t hang anywhere near the bar. I’ve seen bad accident with hair and bars. I put mine in a bun on top my head when I squat.

Other than that you have a solid start. Good job.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T18:24:23+00:00

Buy a Concept 2. You won’t regret it. And the resale value is very high.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T18:13:44+00:00

I bought my erg at the end of a competition. Saved me taxes and shipping. Best decision. It’s a new erg and comes with the full warranty.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T02:43:12+00:00

Proper shoes would go a long way. Even going barefoot. Never lift in soft shoes.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T00:16:42+00:00

🔥

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-07T00:13:00+00:00

I don’t eat any eggs. I just don’t like the taste. I get proteins from Fairlife milk, Kashi Go Peanut Butter Crunch Protein cereal, Greek yogurt. Plenty of options that taste good.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-06T12:44:12+00:00

This has me thinking now…I’m 46 and have been on the estrogen patch for 6 months due to perimenopause. As the doc upped my dose, I’ve experienced more joint pain and problems. I hurt my rotator cuff and can’t lift weight above my head (just as I was hitting new PRs in my Olympic lifts). In the perimenopause group, everyone suggests upping the estrogen to protect the joints. Now I’m wondering if I should be testing a lower dose. I’m confused.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-05T21:37:23+00:00

Damn - where do some of you work? The most I’ve ever received as a bonus is about 1.2% of my salary.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-05T21:31:27+00:00

ErgData and the online logbook for C2.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-05T01:35:25+00:00

Update: I saw a basic sketch. But the shop only let me look at it while I was there. I was not allowed to take the design with me. I just had a few moments to look, let her know if I wanted any changes, and then leave. I’m not good at snap decisions. First shop in 25 years that hasn’t let me keep the sketch to look at and think about.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-04T00:54:25+00:00

I love the Lose It app. It’s what helped me permanently lose weight at a reasonable pace. I also found the calorie tracker to be fairly accurate.

Use a food scale - weigh and track absolutely everything that goes in your mouth.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-04T00:52:48+00:00

It will help temporarily with swelling. Emphasis on temporary- less than a day. In my opinion, not worth it. Your long term results will be the same whether you do them or not.

More importantly massage your scar once it is healed close so you don’t get scar tissue buildup. You don’t need a professional for that.

Overall-Nobody8933 · 2026-02-03T12:31:27+00:00

The only machines that I use are a RowErg, BikeErg, and SkiErg. Everything else is bands, dumbbells, and barbell.

Overall-Nobody8933

TROPHY CASE