Emilyrobin

That is so funny, Christina!

Hi Chrystal, I wanted to let you know how entertaining I found your training log. Love your photos, too. I'm a beginner, but it seems like you are super strong! Great inspiration. Thanks, Emily

The first time I went to the weight room on my own, no trainer, it was way more crowded than I was used to, and I was feeling a bit lost! I thought all the guys were staring at me. I'd sometimes smile a little back, and just nothing in return. (I thought, "These guys must want to help this beginner, and she's the only female here"!) I came home and told my husband, "Gee, the guys weren't very friendly." He said, "What did you do? Walk around saying 'Hi!'? They're 'in the zone', they're there to do a serious workout!" So I try not to take it personally, but I also don't feel like I could ask for help!

Hey zinzen, I wanted to say I've been reading your journal and following your progress. I hope you'll be back in top form in no time!

MAN! Our smith machine was delivered and built today. One of the delivery guys said, "I love this machine. I use it everytime I go to the gym." Well, in that case, you think he would've noticed he put it together wrong! They hung the swinging-things that attach to the bar and catch on the hooks are upside down. And they won't spin around, so they have to come back and dis-assemble/re-assemble. I did a better job putting the flat/incline/decline bench! Emily

Congrats on your fashion show, SeaSiren! Your daughter is gorgeous; I love her haircut!

Gorgeous gorgeous pictures, VP! What beautiful eyes you have, too. I hope your feeling better soon. Emily

Hey violetti! Welcome!

Hi Paul! Welcome to the community!

Great new profiles! I especially enjoyed reading Marcina's story!

L&G, sorry you are so sick! Drink lots of water. We all got the flu last January. My kids got hot first and they were so sick, but I thought they were just dogging it. Then I caught it, and never felt worse. Lots of aplogies all around.

Thanks for the welcome, Amy and Lean and Green! Lean and Green, you did a juice feast, right? I did a 37 day juice feast last Feb/Mar. I was so hngry at that point I thought I might eat my arm! Emily

Thanks xveganjoshx. We did go with the smith. I'll let you know how it works out!

Thanks xveganjoshx, nice photos in the "what do you weigh" thread, btw. I was leaning towards the smith as it seems a bit safer than a rack, since I'll be working without a spotter. Of course, the rack was on sale too, and considerably cheaper. We'll decide today. My husband called his brother for some advice and he said, "I'll sell you my Smith machine." I love it when you tell people about an expensive piece of equipment you are going to buy, and they reply with: Buy mine, I never use it! Emily

Thanks for your advice, chrisjs. But my husband just commented on what a great deal he thinks that is! He'll be using it, too. I like to go to the gym, but he hates it and would rather workout at home. And my time isn't always mine since I have three kids under 12, so having something here would ensure that I could be consistent. I was just in the basement, and my husband already has an Olympic barbell. Score!

Thanks again, everybody! I've been reading the forums 'old posts' for a few; so much great info.

Thanks SeaSiren! My husband and I went to look today; he likes a Smith machine, as do I, and I wanted an incline/decline bench. All together about $1300.00. So we are thinking about it overnight. My kids were playing on the Power Plate machines, and my 8 year-old son said, "you should ask Dad for a vibrating thing for your birthday", which of course made us laugh!

Hi Everybody, G&G Fitness is having a two-day sale, and I would like to set up a home gym, so today might be the day! (I was frustrated the Y was closed yesterday, when my husband generously offered to watch the kids so I could go workout.) I'm a beginner, so I was thinking of a set of DBs; does anyone have any preferences: adjustable plates or fixed? I have a stability ball, but do I also need a bench? I'd like to get a bar for squats, lunges, etc., but can I get by with just DBs? My husband is a competitive road cyclist, and he bought a leg press machine and a leg extension machine a few years ago, so we have a little start there! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Emily

Thanks everyone for your kind words and encouragement. Emily

I've been lurking here for a few weeks, and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a vegan who's wanted to e super-fit for as long as I can remember and this is the year I'm going to do it! I started working with a personal trainer, free weights, about three weeks ago, 3-4 days a week, 1 1/2- 2 hours a session. I really want to get lean and muscular; I feel like I have muscle growth going on, but not body fat loss, yet! I love this forum, and look forward to being an active member! Emily