You Guys Are The Only One's Who'll Understand!

[Lydia]

I had a mini breakthrough at the gym today....I've been doing pull-ups as part of my routine, but I always use the "Gravitron" - the machine that you can add weight to assist you. Even when you take the pin out entirely, you still get a minimum assistance of 10 or 15lbs. I've always been too afraid to just grab the chin up bar and try unassisted - mostly because I didn't want to feel like an idiot just hanging there struggling. Well this morning before I did my workout I figured what the hell, grabbed on and did 3 completely unassisted, from full hang - no momentum used pull-ups!! (Just to be clear - over hand!!) And I think I may have been able to do 4, but I was so shocked I think I just stopped!! I was running on the track after that little breakthrough with this big stupid grin on my face....people probably thought I was a big weirdo - don't care!! Can't wait to try again tomorrow! (I tried again after my workout but I was much more tired and could only do 2). I told a few people today and just got odd, slightly patronizing looks....they just don't get it. This may not seem like much to many of you, but for me it's a big deal and a huge motivator. As of last fall I couldn't come close to doing even 1. Yeah me!!

[JivaGirl]

Hell Yeah!!! :woohoo: :yahoo: Awesome job!! :thumb:

[TheDeliverator]

Weeee!

[Patricia]

Same story here....
Long ago I was using the gravitron 'thinking' that if I tried to do a regular pull/chin up I'd dangle there like an idiot.
For some reason on the 'tron it was impossible for me to do an assisted chin w/ even 50lbs assistance.
One day, I decided 'what the hell'.....
walked over to the chinning station....
stepped up....
and did 6.
All by myself :yippee:
I do not get that gravitron thing at all. I can even do pull ups now, but only about 5 on the first set, and then 3, then 2, then none...:lol3:
It irks me to think how long ago I could have been chinning the real way.
Plus, I like to embarass all the guys that are in there and can't do one (pull up).

[Lydia]

Same story here....
Long ago I was using the gravitron 'thinking' that if I tried to do a regular pull/chin up I'd dangle there like an idiot.
For some reason on the 'tron it was impossible for me to do an assisted chin w/ even 50lbs assistance.
One day, I decided 'what the hell'.....
walked over to the chinning station....
stepped up....
and did 6.
All by myself :yippee:
I do not get that gravitron thing at all.
It irks me to think how long ago I could have been chinning the real way.
I'll probably still use it...I don't use much weight - 20-30 lbs max - just so I can actually do all of my reps/sets (which I would not be able to do without a little help!). I didn't try chin ups...that's supposed to be easier isn't it? I'll try that tomorrow too!

[Lydia]

Plus, I like to embarass all the guys that are in there and can't do one (pull up).

That would be fun too!!

[radgirl]

Congrats Lydia! I hope I have courage to do the same one of these days.

[Marcelo]

Nice job. Stick with it and they will continue to improve.

[RaideretteAli]

Congrats Lydia!! What an accomplishment, I am proud of you!! :yahoo: And we DO understand here, a breakthrough is a breakthrough, no matter what!

-Ali-

[Fitwolf]

Great job!!! That's Huge!

:chinup: :chinup: :chinup:

:clap:

[Christine_99]

:clap: Awesome!!!

[smuggie]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/ellis/yaynesssign.gif

[PnW]

:omg: You're awesome!

I'm still trying to get the courage to do this myself... :oops: Good for you! :thumb:

[KaPow]

:thumb: good job!

[Cass]

:yahoo: :woohoo:

[jackieleigh]

:woohoo: :lifter:

[nutka]

Rock on! You've inspired me to try :)

[Caramom]

You've inspired me to ask what do I have to train to do this?

I use the Gravitron too, and I suck.

It is my dream to be able to do unassisted pull ups.

[Jeff Rage]

Good job!

[mich56]

Wicked! :thumb: One day, I too, will be able to do a chin unassisted!

[chicca]

:thumb: AWESOME!
next time have some :coffee: and then see how many you can do! i swear it makes a difference LOL

[JJ29]

Nice job!:thumb:

[Bunny]

awesome stuff!!

[thefuture]

:yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

I'm still using the gravitron thingy, but one day I'll be able to do one.

[MuscleMama]

Great job! I remember the same excitement when I did my first unassisted chin! :banana:

For those saying you'd like to try it, I found it helpful to start with just the negatives at first. Jump up to the top position and slooooooooowly lower yourself taking as long as possible. I would do a few at the end of each workout and the gains came quickly.

(PS: delurking a little :hi: )

[fit_girlFL]

YAY!!! You totally rock!!! Awesome!!!

[MaiCarInMtl]

I'll have to see if the Y I go to even has a gravitron. I'd love to be able to even just do 1!

Funny enough, I typed in gravitron into google photos just to see what the machine looks like and all I could find was the spinning ride they have at carnivals.

[Lydia]

Thanks everyone - I knew you guys would get it! This morning I did 4 pull-ups - although I really had to fight for the last one! It feels so good to improve, and for me it was like a big surprise! Do chin-ups and pull-ups work different muscles? I think from now on I will do a few unassisted, then move to the gravitron to get more reps in. Also, I noticed that pull-ups were always late in my training (after I had already done bi's and tri's) so it makes sense I guess to switch that around and do them earlier since that exercise is the most challenging and I'll be fresh. Anyway, thanks for all the support! :chinup:

CaraMom...I do upper body twice a week and as I said have been using the gravitron steadily since last fall, decreasing the weight til I could take the pin out altogether (only for 5-6 reps max). I would do 10 reps at 30lbs assistance, 8 @ 20, 6@20, then pull the pin and do it to fatigue. Keep trying! If I can do it anyone can!!

[smuggie]

Do chin-ups and pull-ups work different muscles?
Chin-ups engage the biceps more.

[liberty]

You are now considered "above average" for fitness. Most women cannot do what you have done!!!! I can't wait to be able to pull-up again. I am back doing negatives after having a baby grrrrr.
C

[Ana]

Saweet I can't do those yet :clap:
Good going

[Kim2006]

:thumb: Thats awesome!

I've never seen women do them at the gym I go to-maybe I'll be the first. lol.

[Lydia]

You are now considered "above average" for fitness. Most women cannot do what you have done!!!! I can't wait to be able to pull-up again. I am back doing negatives after having a baby grrrrr.
C

That made my day! :hug:

[pavermama]

awesome accomplishment!!1

[Robben]

I had a mini breakthrough at the gym today....I've been doing pull-ups as part of my routine, but I always use the "Gravitron" - the machine that you can add weight to assist you. Even when you take the pin out entirely, you still get a minimum assistance of 10 or 15lbs. Well this morning before I did my workout I figured what the hell, grabbed on and did 3 completely unassisted, from full hang - no momentum used pull-ups!!

Lydia, congrats on the pullups... Keep up the pump!! - Robben...

[Ali]

:clap: