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Bending the Spoon. Enter the "Shred" Matrix...

Doesn't everyone weigh more in the evening than in the morning? I think most people gain a pound or two from eating/water etc... then you fast at night and you should drop some of that. I believe that is way you are supposed to weigh yourself in the morning for your "true" weight. At least that is what everyone has told me to do when I am posting my weight on these boards. I don't know about 4 lbs... but my weight fluctuates a few lbs and I don't even blink... One day I'll be 198, the next I might be 195, the next I might be back to 197... it really depends on how strict I am with my diet and exercise. The stricter I am the less it fluctuates... but it still fluctuates.
 
Doesn't everyone weigh more in the evening than in the morning? I think most people gain a pound or two from eating/water etc... then you fast at night and you should drop some of that. I believe that is way you are supposed to weigh yourself in the morning for your "true" weight. At least that is what everyone has told me to do when I am posting my weight on these boards. I don't know about 4 lbs... but my weight fluctuates a few lbs and I don't even blink... One day I'll be 198, the next I might be 195, the next I might be back to 197... it really depends on how strict I am with my diet and exercise. The stricter I am the less it fluctuates... but it still fluctuates.

Weigh yourself in the morning after you drop the kids off at the superbowl. :thumbsup:
 
Doesn't everyone weigh more in the evening than in the morning? I think most people gain a pound or two from eating/water etc... then you fast at night and you should drop some of that. I believe that is way you are supposed to weigh yourself in the morning for your "true" weight. At least that is what everyone has told me to do when I am posting my weight on these boards. I don't know about 4 lbs... but my weight fluctuates a few lbs and I don't even blink... One day I'll be 198, the next I might be 195, the next I might be back to 197... it really depends on how strict I am with my diet and exercise. The stricter I am the less it fluctuates... but it still fluctuates.

Yes, I am almost always lighter in the morning. But I don't generally loose 4 lbs in one night- it's usually more like 2.
 
Shred Matrix: Day 21


I took Shred Matrix 30 minutes before hitting the gym. I got in a great workout am workout and all morning I felt very energetic. I cleaned the house for an hour. I began feeling a little tired around 1pm, so I laid down for an hour nap. :thumbsup: now I'm back up feeling refreshed and on the roll again.

Morning Workout:

6x3

DB Swiss Ball Squats: 45 lbs
w/ Rear Delt Raises: 25lbs

BB Cleans: 90lbs
w/ DB Bench Press: 45lbs

8x3

DB Lunges: 35lbs
w/ Hammer Curls: 27.5 lbs

I really like the swiss ball squats. I get amazing range of motion when I do them, therefore a great leg/butt workout. I was surprised by my bench strength. I originally grabbed the 35 pounders thinking that they'd be heavy, but they turned out to be a warmup set- it was too easy to press them up. This is a good thing.
 
Shred Matrix: Evening Workout

I took my second SM pack along with a half scoop of Assault 30 minutes before working out. My other half scoop of A I put in my Intra-workout shake to give me some steady energy. It seemed to work very well. I did a very tiring workout. :)

3x14

Leg Press: 190
w/ Cable Press: 45 lbs

Leg Press Calf Raises: 140lbs
w/ Bent BB Rows: 30lbs

NG Decline Bench: 60lbs
Cable Bicep Curls: 60lbs
 
I like them too! I get a huge pump. I don't workout for the purpose of getting a pump, but it is a nice addition, especially now that I am losing fat and gaining muscle in my arms. I can actually see the different muscles and the their definition when I am working out! :woohoo:
 
I like them too! I get a huge pump. I don't workout for the purpose of getting a pump, but it is a nice addition, especially now that I am losing fat and gaining muscle in my arms. I can actually see the different muscles and the their definition when I am working out! :woohoo:
That is pretty sweet. I love getting a pump and walking around the gym with my arms swingin'!
 
Shred Matrix: Day 22


Around 2pm I took one pack of Shred Matrix. I was feeling pretty warm this afternoon, perhaps it was partially due to SM. So far things are going well, nothing new to note.

I did take a 30 minute fasted walk this morning and I also did a body weight circuit this evening. The circuit made me particularly nauseous- I don't think I ate enough veggies today, perhaps not even enough calories. :( Better go get some healthy food in me!
 
I don't know anyone who doesn't.
I honestly hate getting a pump now, it just gets in my way. Anytime I do reps over like 8-10 I shut it down early because I get a pump, not because I don't have the strength to push through. The worst part is that I don't even eat carbs during the week so I have no idea on how to stop it other than taking a bunch of vasoconstrictors....
 
I honestly hate getting a pump now, it just gets in my way. Anytime I do reps over like 8-10 I shut it down early because I get a pump, not because I don't have the strength to push through. The worst part is that I don't even eat carbs during the week so I have no idea on how to stop it other than taking a bunch of vasoconstrictors....

Ya, I guess it can be bad for strength-training exercises. I can see how that would be frustrating...But I'm sure you agree that it FEELS good to be pumped and solid...How it effects your performance is a different story.
 
I honestly hate getting a pump now, it just gets in my way. Anytime I do reps over like 8-10 I shut it down early because I get a pump, not because I don't have the strength to push through. The worst part is that I don't even eat carbs during the week so I have no idea on how to stop it other than taking a bunch of vasoconstrictors....

Hmm. You're just weird. :p
 
Shred Matrix: Day 23

Took SM about 20 minutes before working out. I've had some steady energy this morning. I sweat a lot while lifting, partially due to Shred Matrix, but I also pushed myself very hard.

4x6

BB Romanian Deadlifts: 165lbs, 175, 185
w/ Standing BB Military Press: 75 lbs

Chin-Ups: Body Weight
w/ Cable Pull Throughs: 70lbs, 80, 90

BB Bicep Curls: 50lbs
w/ Lat Raises: 25lbs, 22.5

This workout felt good. I am physically very tired, but I'm mentally feeling quite fresh. :) It is nice.

I think I did well on my RDLs. Considering that last week I did
5x5 for regular Deads, lifting 190 for my last 2 reps. I'm looking forward to maxing out on my Deadlifts Monday. I Really hoping that I'll be able to make it to 225 for 2 or 3 reps. It will be difficult.
 
Shred Matrix: Evening Workout

Second pack of SM was dosed 30 minutes prior to working out. All day I've been feeling sick to my stomach. I didn't sleep well last night or the night before and I may have caught some small stomach flu. :( Tonight's workout was rough, but I got through it and even set a PR. Shred Matrix is still doing a great job- I'm glad to be taking it!

4x10

DB Straight Leg Deadlifts: 55lb DBs (PR)
w/ DB Incline Press: 35lb DBs

Cross Cable Pulls: 45 lbs
w/ Seated Calves: 115lbs

Overhead Cable Tricep Extensions: 60lbs
w/ Reverse Cable Curls: 60lbs
 
Go for the 225! You'll get it. Just remember, shoulders back and push through your heels, let your legs do the work.

How do you grip your dead lifts? Safety or overhand?
 
One hand pronated, the other supinated. I suppose it would be "safety"? also known as alternate grip.

Well, that is what my high school gym teacher called it at least. Yes, that is what I mean.
 
I didn't make 405 on squats this week, BW. :( - Maybe next week. I don't even think I'll be able to do Good Mornings today; my back is sooo stiff. I feel like an 80yo that's been beaten by a nursing home staff. Owwww! :p
 
I didn't make 405 on squats this week, BW. :( - Maybe next week. I don't even think I'll be able to do Good Mornings today; my back is sooo stiff. I feel like an 80yo that's been beaten by a nursing home staff. Owwww! :p

405 is some serious weight to squat, especially at your bodyweight. No shame in a work in progress. Heck, 315 ends my day for me usually.
 
I didn't make 405 on squats this week, BW. :( - Maybe next week. I don't even think I'll be able to do Good Mornings today; my back is sooo stiff. I feel like an 80yo that's been beaten by a nursing home staff. Owwww! :p


That's okay! I'm not planning to try out 225 for my Deads till Monday. Perhaps you'll be able to make it next week, like you said. :thumbsup:
 
I didn't end up taking Shred Matrix today. The past couple of nights I have had the most difficult time falling asleep (its taken me around 2 hours), and I'm wondering if dosing SM in the afternoon is contributing to this. I'm going to see how tonight goes without SM.

Tomorrow I will be back on a couple packs, as well as lifting in the gym twice. :)
 
Shred Matrix: Day 23


Last night I slept very well. I think that dosing SM after 3:30 makes it difficult for me to fall asleep. I didn't have this problem until I stopped taking the sleeping aid, X-Dream, last weekend. At least I know why I was having trouble getting to sleep! :) I will still be taking two packs of Shred Matrix, but I will be taking my second dose earlier in the afternoon.

Shred Matrix really helped me wake up this morning for the gym. I usually have about 30-45 minutes before I leave for the gym, and during that period of time I am sleepy. Once I actually start lifting, SM is beginning to travel through my body, supplying that extra bit of energy that helps me lift heavy. It is very good!

5x5

Squats: 165lbs for all sets!
w/ Supinated Cable Bent Rows: 105, 120

Dips: Body Weight
w/ Unilateral Leg extensions: 60,75lbs

5x7

Hammer Curls: 30lbs
w/ DB Flies: 25 lbs

I believe that I set a PR with my Squats. I've done 165 before, but not for 5X5. Also my Hammer Curls have gone up quite a bit too.
 
Oh, yeah! :D All of my pants are fitting me lose in the hips/waist. I think I'm between 17-18 percent at this point. :woohoo:
Awesome! Glad to hear it. I'm coming along myself. It's a good thing I started dropping my weight in January; it seems to take me a little while longer than most.
 
Awesome! Glad to hear it. I'm coming along myself. It's a good thing I started dropping my weight in January; it seems to take me a little while longer than most.

Better to go slow and steady than rush things and lose LBM in the process.

There are "Success Stories" of the personal trainers' clients posted by the drinking fountains at our gym, and the only guy on there lost 30lb in 8wks, but 13 of it was LBM. I was like, "Success? Really?" I mean 43% of your weight loss coming from muscle and lean tissue is hardly anything to brag about!
 
Shred Matrix: Evening Workout

I took my second dose of SM at around 2:30 yesterday. I didn't have any problem with falling asleep last night, so I will stick to taking the second pack in the early afternoon.

4x12

Decline Cable Press: 60lbs per arm
W/ Leg Press: 180 lbs

Rotary Calf Raises: 170 lbs
w/ DB Pull Over: 32.5 lbs

Cable Skull Crushers: 50lbs
w/ Cable Bicep Curls: 60lbs
 
Off Day: Notes:

Today and tomorrow I'm off of Shred Matrix. If you haven't noticed already, the two days that I take off of SM are Saturday and Sunday- the weekend.

I was so tired this afternoon that I took a nap for a couple of hours. SM does really provide good, long lasting energy. When I am not taking it, I realize how much it does for me during my heavy lifting days. I'm glad that I chose the weekend for my break from SM, because I am not as active as the rest of the week.

This morning I went for a 45 minute walk, and I just completed a body weight circuit for exercise. :thumbsup: I am making great fat loss progress! About once or twice a week I'll take the time to analyze my body and look for any fat loss signs. I'm very satisfied with the way I am beginning to look! I never thought I'd be as fit as I am now, and I still have 1 or 2 percent body fat to rid of. Things are going very well. :)
 
Off Day: Notes:

Today and tomorrow I'm off of Shred Matrix. If you haven't noticed already, the two days that I take off of SM are Saturday and Sunday- the weekend.

I was so tired this afternoon that I took a nap for a couple of hours. SM does really provide good, long lasting energy. When I am not taking it, I realize how much it does for me during my heavy lifting days. I'm glad that I chose the weekend for my break from

This morning I went for a 45 minute walk, and I just completed a body weight circuit for exercise. :thumbsup: I am making great fat loss progress! About once or twice a week I'll take the time to analyze my body and look for any fat loss signs. I'm very satisfied with the way I am beginning to look! I never thought I'd be as fit as I am now, and I still have 1 or 2 percent body fat to rid of. Things are going very well. :)

How much BF% do you think you have dropped so far with SM?
 
How much cardio have you been focusing on, and what types? HIIT or SSCV?
 
Shred Matrix: Day 24

I took one pack of Shred an hour before lifting, along with a cup of coffee. I had such amazing energy going this morning! I was pumping the heavy weights quite easily, and did better than I had expected. I had a great amount of stamina, and my heart rate was through the roof. I really love this feeling! :D

Morning Workout:

Deadlift Max Out

3 reps

Warmup: 135 lbs
1st Set: 175 lbs
2nd Set 195 lbs
3rd Set: 210 lbs
4th Set: 225 lbs
Final Set (Max Weight): 230 lbs

6x3
Push Presses: 85lbs, 90lbs
supersetted w/ 3x8 Leg Curls: 115 lbs

3x8
DB Lat Raises: 22.5
w/ Cable Reverse Curls: 60lbs

As some of you may already may know, Irish Cannon challenged me to lift 225 lbs for my Deads. At first I was apprehensive about trying 225, but as you can see I shouldn't have been. I lifted even more: 230 lbs! I was honestly shocked- in a very good way! I'm certainly gaining strength. That is a 20lb increasen in my max, as of last month.

The rest of my workout was so-so, in my opinion. Deads were what I was focusing primarily on. I thought I did pretty well on my push presses though.
 
Nice job! Congrats, that is a BIG number you put up. I can remember a time when I struggled with 225. Keep breakin' those records!
 
Nice job! Congrats, that is a BIG number you put up. I can remember a time when I struggled with 225. Keep breakin' those records!

I keep setting the bar higher and higher for myself. I HAVE to lift more than 230 next time I max. :( Hopefully I will gain the strength to do so.
 
She psyched herself out a bit when she hit 225, so her form began to slip with the last rep.
But, having proved to herself that she was capable of pulling that much, her confidence came back with a vengeance - her 230lb set was much better than the 225 by a longshot!
:clap2:
 
Right on! Makes me wonder how my form really is when I hit my "max"... I am pretty sure my 485 is pretty ugly. But I finished standing up straight with the bar in my hands, so screw it. :lol:
 
Right on! Makes me wonder how my form really is when I hit my "max"... I am pretty sure my 485 is pretty ugly. But I finished standing up straight with the bar in my hands, so screw it. :lol:

It's a real advantage for BW and I to have each other, because we are constantly critiquing each other's form for each lift: "Shoulders back" "Don't turn your head" "You've got to go lower!"

Keeps us accountable and safe.
 
It's a real advantage for BW and I to have each other, because we are constantly critiquing each other's form for each lift: "Shoulders back" "Don't turn your head" "You've got to go lower!"

Keeps us accountable and safe.


I agree. :) It is great that we have the opportunity to workout together all the time. We don't have to sacrifice time with one another to make our bodies feel, look and function better. Thanks for helping me out all the time, R. ;)
 
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