Lifting Gloves

Today was back day at the gym. Back day used to be one of my favorite days when I first started working out. Now it's probably my third favorite, but it's creeping its way back up into my likes. I think I switch my favorites around more than most people. I don't know if most people even have a favorite?

But yes, it was back day. Chris and I stopped deadlifting a while back because our gym floor is uneven and switching the weights for deadlifting just became a really aggravating task. Well, not for me, but for Mr. Temper, it was annoying. And while watching him get angry at the weights and the floor is hilarious, I would like to keep our gym membership. So, we started doing rack pulls instead of deadlifts. I personally prefer rack pulls over deadlifts anyway if we're trying to target the lower back.

During my last set of 5 today, my hands were seriously hurting. I have lifting gloves but I never wear them. Ever. And today I remembered why. Chris uses straps because he obviously lifts waaay more than me (and looks so good doing it). I also hate using straps. I managed to get through my last set of 5 but not without a break in between for my hands.

As we moved through the rest of the workout I decided to get my gloves because:
1. My hands just couldn't take touching another barbell or handle that would scrape them
2. I spent good money on them
3. They're pink

I put my gloves on expecting to feel relieved, and I was for about 2 minutes until I tried to do another exercise! Wearing the gloves hurt my hands way more than not wearing them. I was quickly reminded why I dislike them and why I never wear them. This is to remind me to never be lured by appeal of lifting gloves. I will just continue to tear up my hands like any true lifter should. I hear it builds character.

Cheat Meal Friday!

It's almost Friday, so that means Cheat meal night! I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to some delicious fried food that makes you feel sick after stuffing your face. The thing that always amazes me after I do eat a cheat meal and feel so super full is that, I always used to eat like that. I was always eating the greasy, fried foods. I was always stopping by fast food places and washing it down with a (gasp!) regular soda.

For the most part my diet is pretty balanced. I follow IIFYM so I do eat a lot of food that is not considered "clean" or "healthy." I actually just finished eating a big bowl of easy mac with extra lean ground chicken breast seasoned in taco seasoning topped with hot sauce and avocado. (ugh so good!) I eat that exact meal almost every single day and guess what? I am no where near over weight and I am still leaner than I was when I was eating fast food every day. I still have way more muscle mass than I did when I was eating fast food every day.

I am a junk food lover. And I will gladly admit that I indulge in junk food mostly every day. The thing I have learned over the past few years is that moderation is key. Yes, we have all heard that, but I am here to attest that it is in fact true! You can still eat oreos, and mac and cheese, and chips, and chocolate, and ice cream and still lose weight and build muscle!

I do this by following macros and I love it. It takes some dedication to track everything and for some people, this is not the best option for them. But for me, a junk food lover, it is! I am able to enjoy all my treats and ensure that I am meeting my macronutrients to reach my goals.

So then why do I have a cheat meal if I indulge everyday?
Although I am able to fit in my daily treats, I do still have to be mindful and practical about what I eat. I may have mac and cheese for one meal, but my other meals are not like that. I do eat classic "diet" meals as well, and they are just as delicious. Eating a healthy diet does NOT have to be boring.

I love eating a balanced diet. My body feels so much better when I give it proper nutrients. I do not feel bloated all the time, or tired, or weak! I am able to life heavy weights and then fuel my body with what it needs. And my body needs both "clean" and "dirty" foods. I don't believe in deprivation. I think that it's torture and completely unnecessary.

So, while I have my daily treat, I also have my weekly cheat meal. I don't track my cheat meal, and I always work out the day of my cheat meal and the day after. I don't actually know if that has anything to do with anything but it makes me feel better. I track my macros all week long to ensure I am eating for my goals and enjoying my food. One night (or two) a week, Chris and I take a mental break and just enjoy some good food. It keeps us sane and on track.

One meal (or two) a week has not at all hindered any type of progress. In fact, it has done the opposite. For me, cheat meals give me the extra push to stay on track. I don't feel the need to eat junky all day everyday anymore. I love how my body and mind feel after a week of eating according to my goals. I love my cheat meals and I do not ever feel guilty for them.

So, what cheat meal will tomorrow bring? Who knows, but I am looking forward to it! Maybe a little bit of taco bell, with crab waffle fries and a pizza?

Support Systems

We have all heard that fitness is a lifestyle. We have all heard that it’s not always easy and it requires a ton of sacrifices and time. We have all heard that it is worth it.

I was the poster child for a typical young adult who goes to college and eats whatever they want, when they want. I survived on coffee, energy drinks, and fast food. I was guilty of letting a gym take my money month after month while I stayed far away. I even worked at a gym and didn't go! Every now and then I would get a wild hair and go for a week straight. During that week, I would pay attention to my diet, my water intake, and getting enough rest. I would feel so good! So then how come after that week, I went right back to neglecting my health?

I used to wonder why I was stuck in this vicious cycle. It was like I knew what I was doing and I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn’t seem to figure out why I kept letting myself slip back into my unhealthy habits.  That is, until Chris, came into my life. He was the epitome of a gym-goer. He was an avid runner, and he was so passionate about eating well and working out. I was so impressed and inspired by his knowledge and commitment. He showed me the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your goals.

Surprisingly enough, I was the most “athletic” person in my friend group (which is not saying much at all). I was the one who was interested in fitness and eating well, at least in theory. I often talked about how I wanted to make a change and I was always so envious of people who actually went through with it. I could occasionally get someone to go to the gym with me or go running with me, but it never lasted. None of my friends had the passion or interest like I did. And that was okay, for them. I wasn’t okay with that.

Fast forward, and fitness is a huge part of my life. It has been a little over two years since I began really prioritizing my health. I have lost friends, and I have changed my life completely. Knowing that I have a heart condition, I knew I needed to take care of myself. I was allowing other people to determine my priorities, but they aren’t the ones who have to live in this body. They aren’t the ones who have to deal with health concerns.

I didn’t know the sacrifices that came along with living this lifestyle. I had no idea that I would lose my best friends because I chose to stay away from bars and drinking.  Living this lifestyle does require sacrifices and hard work. Sometimes you will have to squeeze in a workout early in the morning when it’s freezing cold outside and your bed is saying no. Sometimes you will have to turn down that second slice of pizza when your mouth is telling you yes. But, I can tell you that the sacrifices start to not feel like sacrifices when you’re finally happy. When you finally feel like you are reaching your goals that you set for yourself so many years ago.

I believe whole-heartedly that making fitness your lifestyle is worth it. I believe whole-heartedly that having fitness as your lifestyle is not always easy and it does require a ton of sacrifices and time. And I know, that fitness is a lifestyle, and it is one that I will continue to share with Chris.

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Lets talk about plateaus

One of my goals for the last year has been to increase my bench press and my squat. I wrote down these specific goals. I wanted them so badly and I felt like I have been working really hard towards accomplishing these goals. Last week, I finally achieved my long- term squat goal that has taken me a year to reach. And let me tell you, I am still on cloud nine about that. It was a huge mental barrier for me and I finally broke through it. I can’t help but smile now just thinking about it  :)

My bench press on the other hand… I can’t really believe how much progress I have made towards my squat but not my bench? It completely baffles me. Every chest day I leave the gym feeling defeated and it just sucks. Chest used to be my favorite body part to work and now it makes me feel the worst about my progress and myself.

Leaving the gym today I thought about my goals. I thought about why is it that I cannot seem to reach this specific goal that I set for myself over a year ago. I sorted through a checklist in my head:

▪   Is my diet where it needs to be? Check.

▪   Are my workouts intense? Check.

▪   Am I tracking my progress? Check.

▪   Am I hitting my macros (specifically protein?) Check.

▪   Are my goals realistic? No.

When I first began squatting, I had a huge mental barrier. I was terrified of barbell squats for whatever reason and that was something I just had to overcome. I never doubted my strength for that. I knew my legs were strong. When I finally let go of my fear, my progress skyrocketed and I was through the moon. Chris even told me that I could have been doing that weight all along but I was just too afraid.

Bench press was something that I have always struggled with strength wise. My upper body needed a lot of work which I have worked hard on over the past two years. I have continued to progress and it has been hard work but it has been amazing. The past few weeks I have been stuck at the same spot. Today, I realized that I was setting myself up for failure with unrealistic goals. I have been comparing myself to someone else. I was using their goals as my own. I believe in having high expectations for yourself. But, I also believe that your expectations need to be set by you and you only. Your progress is your progress and I have come a looong way from barely being able to do a tricep extension with 5lbs to doing it with 50lbs. I needed to remember that my journey is MY journey.

So, here and now I am making a vow that I will not compare my progress to someone else’s progress anymore. Comparison really is the thief of joy!