Progress in numbers and how my brain is regarding them

[clevermanka]

I haven't made the time to figure out when stuology and I are both available for a photo shoot that will adequately show off my spectacular musculature. So for now, you'll have to settle for mere numbers.

Neck: 12"
Bust: 36"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 40.5"
Right thigh: 23"
Left thigh: 22"
Right calf: 14"
Left calf: 13"
Right bicep: 12.75"
Left bicep: 13.25"

I'm still 5'7" for those of you playing along at home.

On Friday I had an immersion body fat test done at Robinson. My results:

Weight: 143.3 lb
Bodyfat: 19.23%
Fat mass: 27.56 lb
Lean mass: 115.74 lb

So, to my amazement, the previous caliper tests were...pretty accurate. The immersion test has a 1.5% margin of error, but that still puts me at around 20% body fat. Most charts I've found online show 14–20% as the average body fat range for athletes. This kind of blows my mind. Me? Near-athlete level? Weird. Too weird. I don't know what to think of that, so I'm ignoring it.

Before I got tested the first time, I had twenty percent as a really awesome body fat goal (I have no clue how I came up with that number) and I was flummoxed when the caliper test told me I was already there. I figured 4% margin of error, so meh. I was probably a lot higher. But now, no. Even with a 1.5% error upwards, that puts me at the low end of the "Fit" category (21–24% BF).

Since my mind is unable to grasp that concept, I decided to chuck tracking the body fat numbers for a couple months. I'm scheduled for another immersion test in December just to make sure my numbers aren't creeping up. Until then, I'm focusing simply on getting stronger. Boo-ya! The only numbers that matter now are the numbers of reps on my workout sheet.

Which, by the way, were pretty pathetic this morning. Halfway through my workout, I had the thought "Did Trainer Chris D send me someone else's workout?" Because Jesus Christ. I made the minimum reps (eight) for only the first of my three sets of reverse lunges, and I didn't make any of the minimum reps (eight) for a single set of the forward lunges. Did I mention I'm doing the lunges (and squats) with eight pound dumbbells now? Seems pretty puny, but wow. There's a big difference from doing them unweighted. I was getting wobbly near the end of each set of forward lunges and couldn't complete the movement without totally losing my form. I emailed Trainer Chris D about doing a static lunge for the forward lunges until I've got some more strength.

Also, sore glutes are sore. I used to think I had decent glutes. I was wrong. I need to get a tennis ball and do some of this.

Comments

[femfataleatron.livejournal.com]

The thing to remember is that body fat is on top of something. Athletes in general have greater amounts of lean body mass, especially sprinters and vaulters and the like. The "look" is really all about muscle mass, and muscle mass is really all about strength. With the possible exception of pure endurance athletes (marathoners) these people are strong. To put it another way 18% BF at 125lbs represents more overall fat mass but actually looks better than 10%bf at 110. In a perfect situation you would see your weight remain the same (or rise) and only the bf% drop.
On the lunge front: just keep it up, unless there is pain keep doing as many as you can . You will adapt. The fact that its difficult means that it's probbably exactly what you need to be doing. Another strategy for sticking points, is to do less repetitions more times spread throughout your week, e.g. two reps every two hours (daylight) five days a week.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

two reps every two hours

Hm! That would help with afternoon drowsiness at work, too.

18% BF at 125lbs represents more overall fat mass but actually looks better than 10%bf at 110

Good point. This makes me feel better. I worry about my misinterpretations of my actual body vs. what I see in the mirror. It's a problem.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

I want to try that tennis-ball massage thing, too!

Big congrats on your body-fat result. You've been kicking ass!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Target trip tonight for tennis balls, then?

And thanks! Yes, my ass is thoroughly kicked this morning.

Lookit you and your sexxay icon!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Target run! In a re-charged Saab. Hmph, electronics.

Thanks for your support and encouragement re: fitness! I need to make an update post...

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

=/

Thank you!

And you're welcome. The support is reciprocal, you know. It's nice to have a partner who doesn't want to keep nasty non-food in the house.

[renniemom.livejournal.com]

Agreed! Have been wondering about your shoulder. Everything good?

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Thanks for asking! The shoulder's doing well, though it's sore pretty much most of the time. No biggie. The thing that's slowed down my workout schedule is something weird in my left forearm, where the muscle attaches to the elbow. Irritating and a bit disheartening.

But overall, very good!

[renniemom.livejournal.com]

You remain an inspiration. I don't know what you see in the mirror but we all see your shape emerging and I've noticed the difference in the way you look in your dance costumes specifically. Keep up the good work.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That's really good to hear.

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

I have found tennis balls to be a bit too intense for me, but I have these:

http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Ball-Method-Relieve-Included/dp/0761128689

And I LOVE them. If you find tennis balls to be not to your liking, I can definitely recommend the Miracle Balls.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Heh. Heh-heh.

Miracle Balls.

Seriously, though, thanks for the recommendation!