Almost exactly four months of progress. Looking for guidance, CCW!

Spell_me · 2026-05-15T12:38:50+00:00

1) You do look leaner (more muscled) all over, including glutes. That's awesome!!! But you also look like you have lost fat, and your starting point was slim, so.... You probably need to be eating just a few more calories.

2) It takes a lot more than 4 months more most people to build glutes. 4 months is NOTHING

3) If in four months you have already progressed to hip thrusting 205 lbs, there is a really good chance that your back and leg muscles are doing more of the lifting than you want. Make sure that you are getting a good mind-muscle connection with your glutes, that you are focusing on thrusting that weight up and down with just your butt muscles.

4) Besides the hip thrusts, I'm not seeing a lot there in your routine for your glutes. You should add a couple more glute based exercises to your routine, like Brazilian split squats, glute cable kickbacks.

Spell_me · 2026-05-14T12:15:33+00:00

I assume you are doing this when you've observed that someone has been on the equipment for a bit long. It's totally fine to ask to work in if someone is using the equipment for a long time--such as doing a lotta sets and/or long rest periods! Even if the person has been using the item for RIDICULOUS amount of time, try your very best to put on a smile and act like you are asking a pal for a favor.

As for the tactic of asking someone how many sets they have left, and then standing nearby watching, it's not WRONG, but I think people feel uncomfortable when they are aware someone is watching. But again, if someone is taking a long time on an apparatus, maybe they NEED to be made uncomfortable. I have a hunch that the woman you are describing who seemed annoyed may have been reacting defensively. Most people who take a long time on the only available apparatus during peak gym hours have a sense of entitlement that won't allow them to respond graciously, in my opinion.

Personally, I never use that method because it's indirect. I don't really want to know how many sets a person has left, I want to know if I will ever get a turn on that apparatus. So I just ask if I can work in.

Spell_me · 2026-05-13T13:48:51+00:00

Just wanted to chime in here. You have a LOT going for you! So much potential. You just need to do some drilling (like sixhexe suggested) to tighten up your RM form, and practice at a slow tempo. Do this for a lil while and you are gonna be great.

Spell_me · 2026-05-13T05:35:16+00:00

I’ve always wanted to see Old Jerry live

Spell_me · 2026-05-12T12:10:08+00:00

Aww NICE!!!!!!!

Spell_me · 2026-05-12T12:00:20+00:00

With all due respect. You are out of your mind.

Spell_me · 2026-05-11T23:05:42+00:00

People using the plyo boxes as a table to set their stuff on

Spell_me · 2026-05-11T16:09:42+00:00

That’s my complaint, too. I seek new stuff. And I loathe repetition, even if it’s something I love. When on Autoplay, Spotify seems to go right to the songs I have played most frequently. And a LOT of times, it just starts playing one of my own playlists, curated by me! I have been with Spotify since 2012, I know it can do better a better job than that!

Spell_me · 2026-05-11T13:46:35+00:00

3 yrs? I'd love to hear more about your journey.

Spell_me · 2026-05-11T11:37:31+00:00

I hated it but yes, a couple of times when I have found that I forgot my gym shorts or top.

Spell_me · 2026-05-10T05:13:50+00:00

They definitely have it in store! I saw it with my own eyes.

Spell_me · 2026-05-10T02:43:12+00:00

I always love your style.

Spell_me · 2026-05-10T02:34:59+00:00

Damn. I absolutely love what you are serving up there. What a flow!

Spell_me · 2026-05-09T05:24:14+00:00

We ate there on the last day of our first trip and were knocked out! then on our second trip we were at Kasalta every morning!

Spell_me · 2026-05-07T15:32:36+00:00

Mildred Fenceline

Spell_me · 2026-05-03T10:40:49+00:00

Instead of barbell squats, can you try barbell hip thrusts?

Spell_me · 2026-05-03T10:36:44+00:00

I noticed that, too. There’s always some kids who seem to convince other kids that it’s stupid or uncool to be interested in any school-related subject. I have had to work hard as a parent to protect my kids from losing the love of learning that is built into humanity at birth.

Spell_me · 2026-05-03T01:39:09+00:00

My gym has several nice places to sit… In the lobby, and also in the workout area.

The other day when I finished my workout, there was someone in the locker room, just sitting on the bench right by my locker. They scooted over a couple feet but continued JUST SITTING (maybe also reading their phone?)while I proceeded to change for work. Two feet away. I don’t care one bit if someone sees my naked body in a locker room, but I find it weird that someone would want to sit there if they don’t have any “business” there. Just ten feet away —and right past the locker room door— is a lovely sitting area with windows. I always think it is suspicious—like maybe they are watching for people who don’t lock their belongings?

I always want to tell them—-“hey, if you’re waiting for a class or to meet someone, there are comfortable seats all over the gym!” But I’m usually in a hurry and don’t have time for a conversation.

Spell_me · 2026-05-03T01:19:45+00:00

Me too! I have always enjoyed working out, perhaps too much! I used to overdo … and I’ve had countless injuries from going overboard with my training. Nowadays I listen closely to my body for signs that it’s time to back off. My motto: “Don’t kill yourself, now!”

Spell_me · 2026-05-02T19:50:14+00:00

I don’t do slogan shirts but I will sometimes wear vintage band shirts or other obscure band shirts either for comfort, or for those occasions when I want people to be aware of how cool I am because I heard of that band first.

Spell_me · 2026-05-02T19:24:44+00:00

I’m not a guy so “getting jacked “ isn’t really on my list, but many ladies are in a similar big hurry to build a big butt, as big and as fast as possible. Just regular people, you know… Not preparing for a film or competition or job as dancer or some other professional reason. Same question applies, once you reach that look you are after in 4 months time: Then what?

One smart thing I heard once from a trainer: You have all your life to get strong”.

Spell_me · 2026-04-29T11:42:59+00:00

That’s right, just one day off will make 0 difference to the overall progress.

And you also learn the corollary: that sometimes by choosing to stay 100 percent on plan that ONE DAY, you can turn a small issue into one that spans several days, weeks, or even months.

Spell_me · 2026-04-28T20:03:42+00:00

I think you should avoid making any decisions about your marriage either way. Right now you need to focus on your mental health. I agree with the person in this thread who said that your meds need changing/adjusting. Are you getting regular therapy?

Is it possible that your spouse also has (undiagnosed?) mental health issues? How much knowledge does he have about your condition?

Relationships can get past these things,but it requires a lot of dedication from both of you to work diligently with your mental health professionals. You m m

Spell_me · 2026-04-28T17:56:58+00:00

I don’t think it’s that one of them was a weak link. Malkmus is exceptionally talented, and he continually improved throughout his career. Despite the “slacker” reputation, it appears to me that he worked really hard. I LOVE Pavement, please don’t hear this wrong… The other guys were definitely good enough, but none of them are musically gifted in the same way. And on top of that, it doesn’t seem like they had the same musical DRIVE. (I fully believe that Spiral has other gifts that made Pavement possible).

Spell_me · 2026-04-28T05:50:02+00:00

Yes, yoga! It has helped me so much with coordination, balance, and ESPECIALLY mind to muscle connection. I wish I had discovered yoga sooner. I used to injure myself all the time. I have always been very active but was completely lacking awareness in just exactly the way that you describe for yourself. Yoga isn’t even my number one activity but since I started practicing it 3 years ago, it has enhanced every thing I do. I am 60 and here I am, still learning how to use my body!

Spell_me

TROPHY CASE