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Challenges and Strategies with Bodybuilding

 It's been 4 months of a solid push 1-2x week in the gym weights to max with my buddy. A few weeks ago I wrote this blog post on the challenges of recovering from the workouts. I am doing my best to keep up with demands of calories and rest to support this program. I am not suffering the extreme symptoms as I was a few weeks ago, although the post workout fatigue on the following day is pretty noticeable.


I have noticed some tendon soreness post workout. My elbows feel as if they have been struck- tender to the touch. I mentioned it to a body building client of mine and she suggested wrapping to provide support as the tendons strengthen with the muscle growth. The only way to make these big improvements is to push the envelope, but I want to train smart, as always! Here is my gimpy exhibition in the gym- wrapped and pushing hard.

I've been able to max at 100lbs once. 90lbs is my new consistent max, with increasing ROM. I tend to cheat to get the reps, and form nazi that I am I intend to plateau until I can complete my sets with full ROM. Considering I was benching 30lbs at the start of the year I am pretty happy with my progress. My buddy likes to push me because he says it's the only way I will shred and bulk up, but he has been understanding about my concerns with functional form, my tendon soreness, and my injured radialis (which by the way I am training steadily through and it is getting stronger and less sore with each passing week/workout).

I think there can be a nice balance between strong and feminine. I am certainly not looking to be an overly muscular lady ;) but some more definition would be nice. As lanky as I am I will never be able to bulk up that much.

People keep asking me why I am body building- do I want to compete or have other tangible aspirations? I answer that I just want to rock being a 41-year old mom. Rocking my age demographic is goal enough; feeling strong and fit and leading by example. Aging with grace and feeling good is my goal; that and getting ripped.

I call these "me pips soon to be pipes" but honestly I'm happy with where I am with my strength. I will work hard to continue to make improvements but it's all gravy from here.


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