Ta-da! Videos…
Friday night at the Oly gym is aptly referred to as “The Lonely Hearts Club”. As you will see the only people training are the three female lifters and Coach Jer Jer who has to be there by law. Apparently Jerry hasn’t been alone with 3 women since the 70s wink, wink, nudge, nudge, so it was a real treat for him.
Thus commences ladies night…
Ps. 100 internet points if for anyone who can guess what the background noise is 
I start out my Oly sessions warming up with a snatch progression. Snatch → OH squat → Drop snatch.
I usually do just a couple sets of these. I suck at dropping under the bar and this is basically as close as I get to it ever actually ‘dropping’ under the bar.
Edit: Actually, I do also warm up with just the bar, doing some shrugging and going through the snatch motion. Thought that was worth a mention.
From there I do a couple sets of power snatching from a dead hang, and then I start pulling from the floor.
Here’s what I think are my weak points:
-Shoulders need to be in front of bar
-Not using my hips enough in the 2nd pull
-Need to extend more
-MUST LAND ON HEELS!
-dropping under the bar (obviously)
The working set went like this: 3x20, 25, 27.5 (failed on all 3 - FML), 2x25, 5x25
And finally I do some cleans.
I have some prettier looking clean and jerks, but I figure I might was well show you guys the worst of it. That way we can better pinpoint where everything breaks down.
Weak points:
-Grip needs to be closer together
-I keep leaning forward when I catch! Not sure if this is because I’m landing on my toes or what…
-Need to be lower down in the split jerk
Working set:
3x25, 30, 30 (1 fail)
So yeah, that’s it!
I’m sure I’ve missed a bunch of things I need to correct, so if anyone has any recs or feedback its very much welcome!
Also, somewhat related (and I know I said I wouldn’t hate on myself but…) after watching these vids I’m not very happy with the way my body looks, especially my upper body - i just feel like my arms are too big! I checked the scale and I’m clocking in at 133, so since I started lifting I’ve put on 5lbs - some muscle, some fat I’m sure. Anyways, I’m not sure what I want to do, but perhaps getting the calories below maintenance might be a good start. At least then I won’t be putting on any more weight…we’ll see.
Anyways, I’m off to chill and hopefully hit the hay soon. Tomorrow is my lower body day - deadlifts await!
Have a good night chickadees 
[quote]Mascherano wrote:
So yeah, that’s it!
I’m sure I’ve missed a bunch of things I need to correct, so if anyone has any recs or feedback its very much welcome!
Also, somewhat related (and I know I said I wouldn’t hate on myself but…) after watching these vids I’m not very happy with the way my body looks, especially my upper body - i just feel like my arms are too big! I checked the scale and I’m clocking in at 133, so since I started lifting I’ve put on 5lbs - some muscle, some fat I’m sure. Anyways, I’m not sure what I want to do, but perhaps getting the calories below maintenance might be a good start. At least then I won’t be putting on any more weight…we’ll see.
Anyways, I’m off to chill and hopefully hit the hay soon. Tomorrow is my lower body day - deadlifts await!
Have a good night chickadees ;)[/quote]
You sound just like me! My boyfriend just gave me a tune-up for saying that about my arms. I did a workout in a public gym instead of my basement for the first time last week and I caught a couple of skinny young guys mock flexing behind my back after I was doing snatches 
But then my trainer (a woman) is giggly about my muscles even my ‘cute little traps’
But it was pointed to me that my arms will always look bigger and fuller while working out AND that they’re nice. Anyhow, your arms are nice! Don’t worry. You have great proportions and sexy arms. You know that I’m sure but sometimes it’s nice to hear.
It is quite silly to be fussing about arm size with the stuff we’re doing, but I do it still anyhow. My guy thinks I’m nuts because I train so hard and then complain when it works lol.
Anyhow, you look awesome doing snatches! Snatches are beautiful to watch 
Of course you look GRRREAT to me!!!
We’re our own worse critiques…
If you can maintain what you have, more or less, while eating as much, then your a lucky duck!!! If your truly concerned, maybe just clean up the cals a bit?
But with work and training, I would think you would need all the energy you can get!
And fantastic vids…that stuff looks HARD, but FUN!
you GO GIRL!
[quote]Mascherano wrote:
[quote]giterdone wrote:
I saw those too.
Maschy, the only thing I noticed was that the bar wasn’t resting on your shoulders and against your throat in the front squats. It’s uncomfortable until you get used to it, but it makes it much easier in the long run. It will keep the weight over your centre of gravity and avoid having the weight get out in front of you as you fatigue.
[/quote]
Hi GIT!!
Oh, i didn’t know that the bar should rest closer to the throat. I thought it should sit squarely on the delts. Thanks for looking out! I will definitely incorporate that.
And as for the pics of the wedding dress…here it is! (and my mug for all to see - gussied up, i’m wearing fake eyelashes fyi)
Anyways, I’m sorry I haven’t been logging. I’m tired, and over worked. But its good!
I’m still lurking your logs bitches! (and gentlemen) So keep killing it! You’re all my inspiration
Stay warm y’alls!
[/quote]
Holy shit. That’s all I got.
the noise sounds like a game of ping pong…
I think you look ravishing Masch - guns and legs, all nom.
Those cleans and jerks looked really solid to me, sorry I don’t have much else to add in terms of advice for this sport so i’ll just say
“Go Maschy!”
shakes pom poms
Thanks Deb! I know we share the same sentiments regarding our aesthetics, which is silly because I also think you look great! But your words always bring me back to reality, so I really appreciate when you talk me off the ledge. And its true, my guy thinks I’m beautiful the way I am! what more can i ask?
MiM! You’re the best! I do feel lucky that I’ve been able to make strength gains while staying relatively lean just eating healthfully and balanced (and my cardio helps, just sayin’) - so again, why should I complain? Especially when there are people who don’t gain weight or muscle very easily.
And I totally agree - with work and training and everything I do feel I need to be mindful. According to Fitday, my average calories are 1870 and my macro breakdown is (P) 19% (C) 32% (F) 45% - so i do think I can make some dietary changes. I do eat a lot of veg and fruit and nuts and generally this comes to about 100g of carbs a day - but the carbs make me feel so good! Anyways, this is why I think I just need to eat less…
Hi Beastie! HAHAH! Thanks for stopping in
Ding, ding, ding!! You got it Mainy! We share the gym with ping-pongers a.k.a old Asian people with serious dexterity!
And um, Frenchie? You in a cheer leader outfit shaking pom poms…yeah, that’s pretty much perfect
Yay for videos!
Since, as we both know, I don’t know shit about O lifting I can’t give you any anything on that. I do like seing how much fun you are having though.
As for body image, you need to be happy with yourself but, as a not completely impartial but fully red-blooded male, I think you should be thrilled with how you look. I know, that’s a shocker
On a smaller frame any muscle gain will be more obvious. And, a lot of it is relative proportion of muscles. So-called “big arms” can be visually off-set with shoulder and upper back development. Kinda like me trying to bring up my upper body so my waist looks smaller…sigh.
From a planning standpint, you can also make some choices around exercises…example, switch to pullups from chins…that target the muscles that you want to grow and de-emphasize those that you don’t.
So, in closing, send me nekkid PMs and we’ll analyze this issue and work on a plan.
Sincerly,
Git
[quote]Mascherano wrote:
And finally I do some cleans.
Weak points:
-Grip needs to be closer together
[/quote]
Yes. Looks like a lot of strain on the wrists in that position. Plus, I believe a closer grip will make you more stable.
[quote]Mascherano wrote:
-Need to be lower down in the split jerk
[/quote]
That will naturally happen as the weight gets heavier.
[quote]giterdone wrote:
So, in closing, send me nekkid PMs and we’ll analyze this issue and work on a plan.
Sincerly,
Git[/quote]
What a guy. He’s so generous.
yay maschy oly vids! made my weekend.
Masch: I can offer no OLY advice either. But, your movements look fluid and beautiful to me.
I understand the body image issues that you’re struggling with. I’m in the same boat. I’m not sure what I expected doing a program entitled boring but big. But, it is proving to be aptly named. I’ve become boring–if it’s not past 9 pm I have wonderful stories to tell you about what part of my body is hurting. As far as the big part–my jackets and pants are getting tight–and I hate getting dressed in the morning.
But, for now, I’m still choosing performance over aesthetics. To quiet my body image angst, my strategy has been to weigh in only 1x a month (after my deload) and to eat at a deficit during my deload. This has proved to be a clever way to manipulate the number on the scale.
I tell myself at a time when my peers are losing lean mass; I’m gaining it and that at 40 whatever lean mass (and the fat that comes with it) that I can put on I would be a fool not to hold on to and carry. Of course, I also want to look fab and rock the pullups, so as the summer draws nearer I may find my priorities shifting. But for now, I’m going to be boring and big, well at least what is big for me.
Wow V, that was fucking awesome. You are seriously on your way, no joke. I’m not even going to give advice because it is clear whoever is teaching you knows what they’re doing.
In the amount of time you’ve been lifting, you have improved so much that it astounding. I am seriously impressed.
Now I’m motivated to train. Later, will have vids up.
as for the body image stuff, I personally think your arms balance out the rest of your body, but of course it is not up to me to judge how you want to look :). Regardless, you still look freakin’ amazing.
So Git, basically you’re saying icksnay on the weighted chinupsay 
And yes, thank you so much for your generous offer. HAHAHA!
And thanks for the feedback Snap! I’m glad you concur. I’ll just keep moving along and fixing thins as I go.
YAY Deja! Glad you enjoyed the vids
Nadia, i’m glad you feel me. It means a lot to me when I hear other PWers express the same concerns re: athletics vs. aesthetics. And FTR, you are absolutely beautiful with your big muscles Plus, having just come from your log, you’re getting silly strong, woman! So its whatever you’re doing, however you’re convincing yourself, its definitely working. And you know what? Imma follow suite bitch!
That said, todays DLs were a little unconvincing.
Conv 5x110, 135, 165, 180 < thanks again for the cues Git!
Sumo 5x135, 155, 175, 200
I got em all, but, I don’t know…On top of that, I didn’t have the will to do my accessory work. Oh well…
I think I’m going to switch up my training a bit and see if I can find better ways to recover in between everything. I know its bull headed but I don’t want to stop training 6 days a week. I mean, the conditioning is almost like recovery to me, if that makes sense…
Anyways, I might scrap DLing for a bit and just hit some full body days, concentrating on squatting back and front, plus practicing my Oly stuff. I do like my upper day b/c its high volume and I get to squat and do my pullups and DB presses. So maybe I’ll do something similar on my lower body day but do squats instead of DLs…I’ll have to mull it over.
Alrighty, its wet and cold here in NYC. I’m going to cuddle up with my man and order in
Have a great weekend everyone!
I was watching the videos and thinking two things…(1) that your arms and especially your triceps were looking awesome and (2) those pants looked great on you.
Then I read your commentary regarding your body issues. I still think what I think, but I understand your feelings about your body size and I sympathize. git makes a good point: if you are gaining muscle in places you don’t want, then switch up your training to work those areas less. Definitely mull this over. Life is too short for unhappiness with your body shape, if changing that shape is within your control.
Uhm, I’m just going to cheer with N.
I mean, everything to me looked awesome. And you’re really down on yourself for those powersnatches, but they were so fast! You’re a pro.
Oh well here I am thinking that you look all types of delicious, and you want to lose weight. Makes me feel like a fatass ;D
I’ve got a slightly weird question. What’re you thinking about when you do the snatch? (Ok that sounds totally horrible, but I’m going to pretend I’m not 12.) Are you thinking about each step as you do them, or do you just do it? I’m going through a exploring meta-cognition phase and am curious. If it’s an odd question, you can ignore it.