You're right about there being nothing for the back, Trusylver. Thanks.
I used to do some type of rows, but for some reason I've been forgetting them (more focus on the biceps and triceps presses, I guess.)
I found one row workout that, when I tried it, I felt like it could get results: the Dumbbell Plank Row. I used 10-lb weights and managed 8 reps on each side.
Don't really have access to anywhere to do chinups or pullups. Any ideas on alternate exercises that might work the same muscle groups?
On the deadlifts and squats, I've been doing quite a bit of them, but I've been trying to mix it up a lot, trying different exercises, weights, and # of reps to try to find what's going to work. (I get confused because there's so much conflicting information out there!) On the deadlifts/squats, I add 20 lbs these days.
One thing I noticed is that I've been eating way less, but I now weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 lbs more depending on the time of day I weigh myself. I'm actually thinking about never getting on the scale any more because it depresses me so much.
I started working out what I would call "seriously" last spring. BUT I was so inconsistent (sometimes missing whole weeks) that I'd lose any momentum I'd made and have to start all over again. Regardless, by July I'd dropped from a size 12 to a size 10 jean. I drank protein smoothies every day at work for lunch, but I pretty much ate whatever I wanted the rest of the day (within reason). Didn't do much else, but I figured I must be doing something right.
When my husband went in the hospital in August, I ate really bad (hospital cafeteria and vending machine food, and too much of it.) That's probably where I went wrong. I had no time to work out either.
While he was in the hospital, they laid me off at my job. (Talk about a bunch of crap to deal with!) Then he had another surgery in October. All throughout, I was trying to pay attention to my diet and exercise, but I got so down I didn't stay consistent. He's back to work now, and I'm ready to get serious.
I would seriously love any input you (or anyone) can give me on my workouts and/or diet. I want to put a program together that I can
stick with, that will help me lose weight and be stronger. I have questions like: how much weight should I be lifting for results (especially in my trouble areas like the abs, triceps, and glutes). How many reps? How often do I increase weight and how much is "too much" weight? How much protein do I need and how many calories? When's the best time to get my protein in relation to my workouts? Is walking/jogging in the morning 5 days a week (my goal right now) + 3-4 days of weight training enough to lose 40+ lbs in a fairly rapid manner?
Four years ago, I weighed 269 lbs and my heart would pound walking up a hill! I lost 80 lbs, gained 40 back, and lost it again 2 years ago. When I went down a pants size, I'd lost about another 10 lbs. But inconsistency is costing me and I need to get back to my pre-baby weight (or as close to it as I can) which is 130 lbs. Realistically, if I can get to 140-145 lbs, I'd be happy.
I just want to figure out: if I went from 184-185 lbs (in June) to over 190 lbs now, and I watch what I eat and have been trying to weight train anywhere from 2-4 days per week over the past 6 months, is the weight muscle -- or am I just kidding myself?
The main thing is I don't want to get discouraged and I want to see quick results. I'm really happy that you hold me accountable -- please hold me accountable.
I'm so sorry for the long post and all the questions. But I'm really excited that I found RWF and I've got a feeling this time I'm going to succeed.
Thanks so much for all your great input. I really appreciate it.
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