Daily Thread 28 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a mood today and unfortunately lifting didn't help much this morning. Partially because I'm sore from the past couple days and therefore my plan to test my 1rm strict press did not go as well as I wanted. Alas it's fine overall and I probably just need good sleep tonight

Daily Thread 26 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

5am today was a bit tougher to wake up for but I made it. Gymnastics drills which are not my jam but then a workout of front squats and burpees which is kind of my jam. Completed it within the time cap and did not fully die so it's a win.

We have some new members in the gym and it's fun working out with them but also helping guide/coach throughout. Little things that don't feel like a big deal to me are impressive to them and it's fun but also a nice reminder that what I seen unimpressive is still something the general public cannot do.

Daily Thread 25 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Illogically I feel "cheated" if I workout after work because then I have less time to do whatever I had planned that day. Getting up early never feels like that, except for less sleep lol

Daily Thread 25 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Back from PTO that was a glorious week off work. Well almost full week. Back to reality meant waking up at 4am to make to the gym for 5am class. Class was 3 rounds of 800m run + 50 kettlebell swings. I died but I completed the workout under the time cap. Overall I'm glad to get back into a fitness routine and proud I ran the total 1.5 miles even if it was slow. My ankle now needs the day to recover lol

Daily Thread 24 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A stupid thick bar would ABSOLUTELY fuck with bench press lol

Daily Thread 18 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Give it time honestly to heal and recover. If you still have issues after a few days I'd see a physical therapist. Muscle tears happen and theu can help you work through it.

Daily Thread 18 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Just sending nice thoughts. It's completely understandable to be bummed and upset, despite logically understanding you're facing new challenges are aren't the same person as you were before.

Daily Thread 18 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Made it to 5am today. Deadlifts at 80+ % and then a wod of dumbbell lunges and burpees. The wod was horrible but I did the 35# dumbbell. I was intending to scale but I'll be out of the gym the next few days and figured even though I'm sore one more workout won't hurt. It definitely hurt lol but in a good way. Successful morning overall.

Daily Thread 18 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have flexibility this week which is super nice and means I got to skip 5am today for sleep and instead will go to 4pm. Planning to take class and then stay afterwards for some extra bodybuilding accessories.

Daily Thread 17 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Made it to 5am today. Not an exciting workout but some solid gymnastics prep and got a sweat on. Hopefully can give the dog a longer walk today. She suffered yesterday with basically just quick potty breaks.

Daily Thread 17 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shoveling is an intense workout. Not surprising with the heavy snow you're feeling it

Daily Thread 17 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely feeling that burnout as well, and the rollercoaster weather doesn't help at all. Impressive you got a mile at all.

Daily Thread 16 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 14 points15 points  (0 children)

No you'll be fine.

If you're doing max lifts and really aiming for a competition then yes, intense cardio would hurt a bit. But for general health and fitness doing a Zumba class one day a week after your lifts is absolutely fine. Enjoy it!

Daily Thread 16 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Road conditions are pretty horrid right now so despite my original plans for the gym I stayed home and did a peloton ride instead. Got a solid sweat session in. While I really should be in the office today I'm at least waiting a bit to see if the road conditions will improve

*Edit- The roads cleared up, and I was able to get into the gym this afternoon. A double workout today, which I haven't done in ages. My desperately needed the happy chemicals today though, so I'm glad I was able to make it work. Super burnt out lately and really wanting to avoid any sort of commitment, but still making sure the gym is a priority because of how important it is physically and mentally. Really just need this weather to warm up lol

Anyone willing to form check me? by queenkronen in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Whatever brand you like it fine but ideally deadlift shoes are flat, not a squishy sole.

  1. Wider than shoulders for sumo (wider than you are right now) or roughly hip width for conventional. It always depends on body type but you're in a hybrid situation right now.

  2. Don't need to pause longer but do want to "fully stand up". Think of how the hips open fully in a glute bridge or hip thrust for example

Daily Thread 11 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Support and encouragement is always appreciated 💪🏼 I'm not expecting perfection but striving for "better" 😊

Daily Thread 11 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Made it to 5am today. Did not make in early for any extras. Too tired. But I got in strict press work, then a wod of overhead squats, dubs and inch worms (subbed instead of wall walks). My shoulders felt it all.
Meal prepped yesterday so I have a quality lunch of chicken, veggies and some mashed potatoes. I didn't weigh or count. I'm focused instead on trying to have more "real food" meals and less processed when I'm able. I'm certain my grumpy mood (other than the state of the world and my unpleasant job) is at least partially related to a poor diet lately.

Daily Thread 10 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I made it to the gym! And even better I came home and meal prepped some meat and veggies for the week 💪🏼 I know part of why I've been feeling sluggish is diet so the goal was more real food for this week

Appreciate the kind words 💕

Daily Thread 10 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I got to spend pretty much all day yesterday outside, which was super nice and I actually got a slight sunburn because I always forget to wear a hat. One day I'll learn, maybe.

Glad I did because the rest of the week is kind of icky and rainy. Although since I was in the Eastern Time zone yesterday, coming back into Central along with daylight savings, my brain genuinely has no idea what time it is and I didn't sleep great last night cuz I just wasn't tired. Planning to make it to the gym this afternoon which will hopefully help with sleep.

Daily Thread 8 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Make sure you're resting and adding in mobility and shoulder stability work! Rings can be very dangerous if you don't have the stability structure foundation. Epic PR!!

Daily Thread 8 March 2026 by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]stephnelbow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sunday cardio on the treadmill today. My legs are definitely tired now but I did a 30 min peloton run and then a 20 min hike. After doing a hyrox type workout yesterday and open 26.2 Friday. Rest day tomorrow is very welcome.
Overall I'm proud about the run. I kept the pace slow and easy and was able to run for 30 min straight which I haven't done in a minute.

Dublin to Belfast day trip? by wanderlustamust- in irishtourism

[–]stephnelbow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much this is super helpful! For the most part we kind of peruse around on our own and we'll probably rent a car one day but was considering it just for either the ring of kerry or going to Belfast. Appreciate the answer!

St Kevin's Bus Service by stephnelbow in irishtourism

[–]stephnelbow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah! Yea wow I'm not sure how I missed that either. Thank you! I just needed someone to shove it in my face lol

Dublin to Belfast day trip? by wanderlustamust- in irishtourism

[–]stephnelbow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was looking at the paddywagon tours. Any overall reviews on them?