Biting the bullet, but don't shoot me.......

[Coll76]

I have been doing some research online for a few days now and I'm SO confused. This is something that you guys are going to read and say "another newbie with no clue" but I'm not really a newbie per say. I've been lifting for almost a year. But with a friend. Her routine works great for her, but I'm starting to think it may not be for me. She does a split routine. I'm going to try the Full Body routine.

I've been working out for a few years in regards to cardio.

I've improved my diet over the years, but am just now realizing that if I want the results I'm NOT seeing, my diet is contributing to that. So I am cutting back on refined sugars and processed foods.

I don't eat red meat or fish. I do eat chicken and some turkey and pork.

Here's my question. I know I need to eat before my workout. I wake up at 4:30 am to get to the gym at 5:00. I can't get up earlier than that. So, when I get up, I have a banana. Then workout, (lifting first then on Mon/Wed do cardio after).

When I would come home before I wouldn't eat until I got to work around 9:00. Now I understand this is BAD. So I've been eating a 4oz cottage cheese when I get home from the gym. Then have my "normal" breakfast of one egg, cheese on an english muffin once I get to work.

Basically, I try to eat every 3 hours. I eat lots of fruit and veggies.

I'm trying to get protein with each meal now too. So for example today I had a salad for lunch but added chicken and cheese to it.

I'm not a competitor and don't ever plan to be. I'm 5'9 and weigh 140. I'm not really looking to lose weight, more, wanting to gain strength, understand that while doing this I could potentially GAIN weight, and that's fine.

I don't have protein powder, and really, would like to stick to whole foods. But, if it's something that looks like would really fit into my morning routine, I can purchase some whey protein.

In the past I've had problems with counting calories, leading me to probably not be eating enough.

Here is what my routines look like:

Mon: Full body/ 1/2 hour cardio
Tue: Spin class
Wed: Full body 1/2 hour cardio
Thur: spin class
Fri: full body no cardio
Sat: OFF
Sun: spin class

Sometimes on spin days I do some ab work but I don't freak out if I don't.

I know the saying abs are made in the kitchen and genetics have a lot to do with it (thanks for both sides of my family having larger ladies). But I KNOW I can see better results. This is where this board comes in.

So, any suggestions, help, or if you just want to :laughatyou: it's all good.

I was told "Thunder really knows his shit" and that's the full body routine I'm following and why I came here.

:)

[ritzgal]

Just wanted to say Welcome! :hi:

[smuggie]

Here's my question. I know I need to eat before my workout. I wake up at 4:30 am to get to the gym at 5:00. I can't get up earlier than that. So, when I get up, I have a banana. Then workout, (lifting first then on Mon/Wed do cardio after).
I think it would be a good idea to add some protein here. You may want to consider protein powder, since you're eating so close to working out and PP is easily digested.

When I would come home before I wouldn't eat until I got to work around 9:00. Now I understand this is BAD. So I've been eating a 4oz cottage cheese when I get home from the gym. Then have my "normal" breakfast of one egg, cheese on an english muffin once I get to work.
It's a good idea to eat carbs during the PWO period. Add some to your cottage cheese. You may want to consider protein powder here instead of CC, since PP is easily digested and is ideal for the PWO meal.

You might want to consider keeping the fat out of your PPWO meal, as you're still in an anabolic state at that time.

In the past I've had problems with counting calories, leading me to probably not be eating enough.
Start tracking your intake, for a while at the very least, to give you an idea of how many cals you're eating.

Mon: Full body/ 1/2 hour cardio
Tue: Spin class
Wed: Full body 1/2 hour cardio
Thur: spin class
Fri: full body no cardio
Sat: OFF
Sun: spin class
Why so much cardio?

I was told "Thunder really knows his shit" and that's the full body routine I'm following and why I came here.:)
That he does. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/smiles%20and%20laughter%20smilies/hamsterazn.gif

Welcome aboard.

[MichelleS]

:hi: welcome!

and :yeahthat: what she said. protein powder is your friend

[smuggie]

and :yeahthat: what she said. protein powder is your friend
Just ask Ana. :lol:

[Coll76]

I used to be a cardio queen and never lifted until my friend told me she'd help me. I just feel like if I don't do cardio, I'm not going to benefit. But in the research I'm doing, cardio seems to be overrated. I can't give up spin though. I LOVE IT!

So PP is the way to go huh??

And please, help me out: PWO is pre and PPWO is post?

Thank you for the responses and the warm welcome. I'm determined to figure this all out and get in the shape I really want be in!

Oh, and if it makes a difference, I'm 31 Female :)

[smuggie]

I used to be a cardio queen and never lifted until my friend told me she'd help me. I just feel like if I don't do cardio, I'm not going to benefit. But in the research I'm doing, cardio seems to be overrated. I can't give up spin though. I LOVE IT!
Cardio is highly overrated. Diet is the most important factor in getting lean.

And please, help me out: PWO is pre and PPWO is post?
PWO = post workout
PPWO = post post workout

Oh, and if it makes a difference, I'm 31 Female :)
Age is irrelevant. You can be in shape at any age and you can be out of shape at any age.

There are plenty of "mature" women on this board who are in stupendous shape.

[MichelleS]

Oh way do you only eat one egg?

[Coll76]

Ok, thanks for all the answers ladies. I'm so embarrassed by asking, but I won't learn unless I ask.

So, maybe I should quit the cardio on lifting days and just stick with spin 3 times a week (which I would have no problems with, as I'd get out of the gym earlier!)

And ummmmmm, yes, I only eat one egg. But it's the whole egg and a jumbo size one if that makes a difference.

Again, I'm trying to overcome my obsessiveness with counting calories. I don't do it like I used to, but I add up in my head each day probably eating between 1500-1800 a day (If that). I'm learning ladies! :) I'm learning that calories are not the enemy, it's just how you eat them.

And, I'm glad to hear that about age, because I look better now and am in better shape at 31 than I was at 21!

[Alicrmt]

Welcome to the board. Yes, Thunder knows his stuff and so does Mo. Lots of good knowledge from many people around here.

I dont' know anything, I just do what they tell me :lol:

[Coll76]

Well, my post has prompted me to contact Erik and see what he has to say. I've never worked with a trainer, let alone one online. So we'll see.

PP is on my list to purchase!

My decision now is which one!

[smuggie]

So, maybe I should quit the cardio on lifting days and just stick with spin 3 times a week (which I would have no problems with, as I'd get out of the gym earlier!)
I think cardio three times a week is better.

Again, I'm trying to overcome my obsessiveness with counting calories. I don't do it like I used to, but I add up in my head each day probably eating between 1500-1800 a day (If that). I'm learning ladies! :) I'm learning that calories are not the enemy, it's just how you eat them.
How much do you weigh?

[smuggie]

Welcome to the board. Yes, Thunder knows his stuff and so does Mo. Lots of good knowledge from many people around here.

I dont' know anything, I just do what they tell me :lol:
And that's a very smart policy.

[smuggie]

Well, my post has prompted me to contact Erik and see what he has to say. I've never worked with a trainer, let alone one online. So we'll see.

PP is on my list to purchase!

My decision now is which one!
I'm sure Ana (Snoopygrl) would be happy to give you some recommendations. She's our resident protein powder freak. :lol:

[Coll76]

Smuggie, I'm 5'9 and the last time I checked (about 3 days ago) I was 140.5

[MichelleS]

I'm sure Ana (Snoopygrl) would be happy to give you some recommendations. She's our resident protein powder freak. :lol:
yeah but she like weird flavors like graham cracker

[Coll76]

I saw some EAS Whey PP today. 5lbs for 25.00. They only had Vanilla flavor though. I may go back and get it.

[smuggie]

Smuggie, I'm 5'9 and the last time I checked (about 3 days ago) I was 140.5
:oops: You did mention that already. :grin:

You also said you didn't want to lose weight, so I think you need to bump up your calories to at least maintenance level (BWx15), which would give you 2100 cals per day.

1500-1800 per day puts you at a deficit.

[Coll76]

Well, I wouldn't be upset if I lost weight. But I understand being tall with a large frame, I'm never going to be 120's.

I want to look better and I know I can't rely on the scale to tell me that!

[smuggie]

Well, I wouldn't be upset if I lost weight. But I understand being tall with a large frame, I'm never going to be 120's.

I want to look better and I know I can't rely on the scale to tell me that!
You're right on both counts.

I'm 5'9" as well and hover around in the 135-137 range. I can't imagine going lower than that.

[straitshooter]

I'm 5 foot 9 and have you both beat in the poundage! :( Welcome Coll76!

[Liza608]

I saw some EAS Whey PP today. 5lbs for 25.00. They only had Vanilla flavor though. I may go back and get it.

Dymatize is really good, and decently cheap. Check out supplementmarket.com.

[Coll76]

I'm 5 foot 9 and have you both beat in the poundage! :( Welcome Coll76!


I don't think there is anything wrong with that. The scale can't tell between muscle and fat! :wink:

I'm thinking I should start a journal here. I really love the feedback from you guys and you've been so welcoming! I'm glad I posted. Thanks so much for all of your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way.

Oh, and this board has kiss ass smilies! :bunny:

[Coll76]

One more post so I can start my journal??

[Coll76]

One more post so I can start my journal??

apparently not. :(

Oh well, once I see the section for Journals I'll start it so people can respond to it.

[smuggie]

We journal whores will be all over it. :D

[MichelleS]

wow you sure did post whore fast.

:cardio: off to see if you started a journal yet.

[Coll76]

I have a job with A LOT of down time on many days.

[smuggie]

Is there an opening for another job like it in the company you work for? :D