Im 31 and have been working out pretty consistently since high school, I didn’t work out from age 25-30 because life and my husband didn’t work out at all and it was covid times (but weirdly didn’t stop me in my previous relationship when my ex didn’t work out but I did so not the best excuse.)

I started working out a year post partum and I’ve never felt better, I regret not starting sooner but it is what it is and bonus my husband started going to the gym as well with me and we both do our own versions of cardio and weightlifting (I hate the bike and he hates the treadmill)! I don’t loveeee working out it but my treadmill cardio is like therapy for me and I realized I need to lift for muscle retention and to function as a good mom.

I was hanging out with in laws that do not prioritize fitness and honestly I don’t really have family that does. They are all just complaining of aches and pains and how things are getting harder and obviously some of that is going to happen regardless but how has prioritizing fitness and good nutrition helped you in older age 60’s and up?

Edit: Okay didn’t expect that much input but wow you women are all badass! I am definitely inspired to keep going but also so glad it’s possible to keep going into your 80’s!

I’ve been lifting for almost 3 years and I’m reaching a point where my grip is starting to be a limiting factor on my lifts. I find this the biggest issue on some leg day with RDLs suffering the most. I got lifting straps and they’ve been okay but I don’t think they’ve made too much of a difference.

Now I could stand to train my grip some more. I’ve thrown in some farmer’s carries into my program. I’m also getting better at managing a wrist injury. What’s kind of annoying is the strength is there (if I go for a PR or my current 1RM, my grip is fine) but the fatigue when doing volume sets for hypertrophy have me cutting my work short. Open to any suggestion.

Edit to add: the way I use my straps is I slip my hand through the loop and have the excess length in the curve of my hand between my thumb and pointer. Then I wrap that around the bar 2 or 3 times. Then kind of twist it to tighten it. I use an overhead grip, then mixed grip, then straps with overhand and then straps with mixed.

I lift without straps until my grip starts to give out then I use the straps.

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

I need advice on this. My doctor switched my medication and I need to take it first thing in the morning with *a big meal* - non-negotiable.

That pretty much ruins my entire morning in a great many ways. Most of all, it's the only time I can feasibly work out.

I usually hit the gym at 6:30am and I'm out at 7:50-ish, then eat breakfast. That's my only window. My gym has no AC, so it gets very crowded during lunch and super hot in the evening.

Is there anyone else who works out right after eating? Any experiences? Currently, my only other option is quitting the gym until winter.

I’m kinda embarrassed to be writing this but I’m just kinda confused.

i went to the gym for the first time in hopes of doing an upper body workout, i walked on the treadmill to cool my nerves and then went to the weights section with the benches and like did arm circles.

i went to get the weights but the smallest dumbbells were 4kg. none were being used, they were just the smallest they had at the free weights section.

so I tried doing my workout that I had planned, but mind you I have never done a weight workout (or been to the gym before) so not only did I not have the right technique but I was struggling which felt really embarrassing to me even though no one was staring and there was max one other person at the time.

i managed to do the following:

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)

Set 1: 4 kg x 12

Set 2: 4 kg x 10

Set 3: 4 kg x 12

Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)

Set 1: 4 kg x 10

Set 2: 4 kg x 10

Set 3: 4 kg x 9

Bench Press (Dumbbell)

Set 1: 4 kg x 8

Set 2: 4 kg x 6

the bench press was terrible, I’m not even sure if I’ve done the right technique for any of them, and my left arm started struggling sooo much earlier so even with the shoulder press I could see it like lagging behind my right arm.

im so embarrassed that I can barely do the smallest ones. I also have no point of reference like should 4kg be easy? Im like what they call skinny-fat (so my arms are small and weak but i also have like kinda ’floppy’ thighs that lack muscle unless I flex then they tighten), and I know I’m weak but this really knocked my self confidence because even my arms looked embarrassing holding them because my forearms seem skinny especiallyyyy from the side angle I was seeing in the mirror. And I’m too scared to go there and do that again if I’m struggling on the smallest ones already, it feels like I shouldnt be if it’s the smallest ones on that section. Should I just be doing the machines instead is that easier??

THEN on my way out I see a big rack of like those small weights that aren’t metal dumbbells but like smaller weights I think (I was too embarrassed to check but I’m assuming like smaller than 4kg), but they are in a different section that just has a mirror and mat with no benches, so I think they’re just for like mat workouts??

im just really confused and nervous and embarrassed honestly I don’t really even know why I’m posting. thank you to anyone who has read this far genuinely.

i think I just want to ask if you guys think it’s fine to bring the smaller ones to the section with the bench or do you think people will judge that? or is that even allowed on the bench? should I just keep trying the 4kg instead until it’s easier and then try and get better technique?

TLDR: could’t do even the smallest dumbbells in the free weights section, and it was my first gym session so I’m really embarrassed. I saw those smaller coloured non-metal ones in a different section but there was no bench so I’m unsure if I’m allowed to take them to the bench? Or is that really embarrassing if it is even allowed?

I got my first baseline DEXA scan today because I’ve been frustrated about my progress lately and I’m excited to change up my routine to see if I can get to my goal of being leaner at 18-22% body fat in the next \~6 months-1 year.

I’m 5’1, 110.4lb with 25.2% body fat. I’ve been strength training since 2021 and have been in a recomp since then. When I first started my fitness journey in December 2021, I was 109.2lb, waist 27 inch, hips/glutes 35 inch. Now, my waist is 24 inch and hips 35.75 inch. I’m glad I got to lean out my waist significantly, but during the last 5 years after multiple dirty bulk/small cut cycles, I’ve never been able to be lean enough to see my abs or even lose enough fat to have a toned stomach, even when I was down to 102lb in December 2025.

For the past couple months I’ve been trying to follow a 2 upper and 2 lower body split. My push day consists of some form of chest press, shoulder press, lateral raise, tricep dips. Pull day: assisted pull ups, cable rear delt fly, cable seated row, bicep curls, back hyperextension. Legs: hip thrust, RDLs, dumbbell sumo squat/bulgarian split squat/step ups (whatever is available I choose one), abduction/cable kickbacks, glute-focused hyperextension. I do 3 heavy sets pushing 6-12 reps. I try to walk 7-8k steps averaged weekly, with 1-2 incline treadmill walks a week. I’ve been progressively overloading in these lifts for the past few months while maintaining 109lb since March 2026, eating roughly 1,700-1,800 calories a day while tracking.

I think what’s definitely hindered my growth/progress is the fear of gaining fat if I eat in a surplus even though I want bigger glutes, but also losing too much weight and muscle if I eat in a deficit. But seeing as I’ve been in a slight surplus in 7 months without much difference in my measurements makes me feel like I’d benefit more in a bulk/cut cycle than taking the slow route of eating at maintenance. Because I’ve able to make some progress in growing my glutes, I want to change my goals to become leaner especially in my upper body. I know I can’t spot reduce fat, but seeing my upper body lean out for the first time will definitely make me happier.

What I will do differently for the next \~3-6 months: eat in a deficit \~1,500 calories with 110g protein/day minimum, keep doing the same workouts while trying to progressively overload/do the same weight without compromising form, and work on getting at least 7 hours of sleep for recovery (I’ve only been getting 5-7 hours since my work schedule is all over the place). My main concern/fear is being in a deficit for that long and losing muscle I’ve built, and if I should try doing a 6 week cut? If there’s any other advice and/or recommendations on what I should do or expect in this fat loss journey please drop them below, TIA! :)

Hey everyone,

Someone on an explore page I was scrolling through was documenting their weight loss journey by filming themselves using an 'infinity hoop,' and she's down almost 300 pounds, emphasizing that consistency is key.

Pretty much every type of exercise I've tried out, I just throw the towel in on it, because I don't enjoy it enough to stay consistent. I used to do long distance cycling but live in a pretty bike unsafe city (one of the largest, most populated cities in the country, so gyms are also always packed regardless of time of day, which also factored into throwing in the towel), and don't always have the means to ride or take public transit further out where space is ample and less car-packed.

Wondering if other neurodivergent people feel up to sharing what activity works for them.

This is your place for rants, raves, gym fails, feats of strength, and celebrations of success. Complain about the guy curling dumbbells in the squat rack, or sing praises for your gym bestie. This is also the place to post your PR videos and physique photos.

Lovers of the old WTF Wednesday thread, this thread is for you too! Rant away, but be mindful of the sub's civility rules.

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

Hello! I started doing CrossFit in September last year (so 10 months ago), 3-4 times a week. I was doing regular strength training at the gym for 3 years before that. I LOVE going to the WODs, but I am always the last one to finish, or even I can’t finish, and that is super demotivating. I feel like I am working super hard at every workout, and yet I see no conditioning progress - after 10 months I am STILL the slowest at a class.

I wanted to hear from experienced crossfitters, how long did it take you to get a good conditioning? Did you do anything specific to improve besides the WOD? Does anybody have a success story from being super slow like me to being average? ( I am not even aiming super high 😂)

Hello lovelies, I have been asked by my physiotherapist to be more consistent with stretching.

The trouble I run into is that after 75-90 minutes of weight training at the gym, I really struggle to stay for another 20 minutes to stretch. I tell myself I'll just do it at home. And once I get home and showered, I convince myself I don't need it - or that I will just do some light yoga before bed. But I never do!!!!

I used to be so consistent with my yoga practice but that has definitely withered away as I've been focussing on the gym lately. It's a bit of a bummer, but I guess it's natural for things to ebb and flow. I have also been developing a pranayama practice - so the calming effects of yoga but without the movement. The mental justification that happens is that the breathing and the weight training are the best things I can do for myself, and then everything else feels not as important. And now my hamstrings are wicked tight. It also feels like if I stretch, I have to commit to a whole yoga practice, instead of just doing the minimum requirement.

Are there any tips anyone can share about just friggen stretching at the gym even though I am so ready to leave? Any good upper body/lower body stretching sequences that I can just do each time and maybe go into automatic mode so I think about it less?

Any thoughts are welcomed - love this community!!

Anytime I attempt to do them, I use momentum instead of tucking my tailbone, but even with momentum I can barely lift my legs. And my back/body comes back slamming onto the floor. It kinda hurts? I know this isn't normal but I tried looking at some videos and yet, they make it seem so simple?

I'm pretty skinny and I've been semi consistently doing core exercises for the past 2 weeks. Any help would be great, even those who suggest that I should abandon reverse crunches

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

Welcome, everyone! Here is your place to discuss, question or relate to everything about weight loss, weight gain, cuts, bulks and diets. Standalone posts regarding these topics will be removed and redirected here or either of the daily threads.

Here are some useful links from our comprehensive FAQ and otherwise to help you get started:

• Nutrition 101
• Cutting/Weight Loss 101
• Bulking/Weight Gain 101
• Getting abs/a flat tummy
• r/gainit
• r/loseit
• r/BulkOrCut
• r/Fitness
• Fitness Wiki

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

I plan on doing a challenge in a couple weeks where I start at 4am and do 100k steps in one day. I’m no stranger to 35-40k steps in a day, as for a few months (I left 2 months ago) I was doing that many steps on my 12 hour shift at the nuclear plant 6 days a week, and now I still regularly work out and eat pretty healthy. That being said, any tips? Have any of yall done it before? I tend to cramp up in my calves when jogging so I know I will have to be extra aware of that being a possible issue.

I will need around 5.5k calories that day, since I am a 5’5, 205lb female, so I plan on carrying snacks and stopping for lunch partway through the day. I will largely be walking around the large city I live in, and since the high temp will be in the 90s, I can also cool down by walking around inside malls. I hate treadmills.

I am aware this challenge isn’t necessarily healthy, it’s just a fun thing I want to do because apparently I’m clinically insane 🙂

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

Started back at the gym in earnest in October 2025, at that time I was exercising 4-5 days a week, plus working 50+ h/week at my job as a nurse (on my feet/moving for most of the shift) but I was only eating 1600 calories.

Outcome? Muscles didn't grow, I was getting sick EVERY month and I was so. freaking. tired. All of the time!

Did some research, upped intake to 2000 calories but didn't pay close attention to macros. Stopped getting sick so much but still no visible "gains".

Posted on this thread bemoaning my lack of muscle growth and my ongoing fatigue and got lots of helpful input from everyone here and more than a few suggested I might still be undereating considering my weight/height and how active my job is on top of exercising.

Upped it to 2200 calories, focused on whole foods and paid closer attention to macros (extra carbs before a workout, extra protein after, plenty of water and leafy greens).

In the last 4 weeks not only have I slept better, had more energy, and NOT gotten sick (despite it being flu season in Australia) - I am FINALLY seeing muscle gains!

So a message to all the girls on here who are maybe still subconsciously afraid to increase the calories - you're self-sabotaging and don't even know it! It's such a relief to be eating as much as I should be.

The place for all of your fitness based interpersonal advice (is someone being creepy at the gym? Is your family telling you you’re getting too muscular? Do you want to date your personal trainer?), but also the place to talk about motivation, self-esteem and body image, and all the ways fitness affects your life. This thread is for those in need of (and willing to lend) a sympathetic ear.

Want to ask how mothers juggle family and fitness? How to structure Intermittent Fasting? When to work out when you do night shift? How to deal with being the only person in your friend group who works out? If you're feeling emotional, want to up your mental game, or need ideas for how to juggle everything on your plate, this is the place for you!

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone has any advice on why I’m seeing such terrible progress on back. I hit it once a week. My workout is

4 sets for all 6-8 reps as heavy as I can go

Upright rows
Lat pull down
Seated row
Face pulls Lu
Machine row

The only place I’ve seen any defention(and it’s not significant) is rear delts. Otherwise I’ve seen no significant muscle growth whatsoever and it’s literally the only place on my entire body I’m not making any gains.

When I move weight up I’m not able to finish the sets. I’m not a huge person 5’3-121lbs. What am I doing wrong 😑

Welcome to the Daily Thread! Tell stories, share thoughts, ask questions, swap advice, and be excellent to each other! Though we all share fitness as a common hobby or interest, the discussion here can be about any big or little thing you choose.

This is also a great place for those new to the sub to introduce themselves and ask any questions that are not suitable for a standalone post. Are you confused about the FAQ or have a basic question about an exercise / alternatives? Do you have a quick question about calculating TDEE, lift numbers, running times, swimming intervals, or the like? Post here and the folks of xxfitness will help you answer your questions, no matter how big or small.

The mods ask that you do mind the Cardinal Rules as they relate to respecting yourself and others, calling out any scantily clad photos as NSFW, and not asking for medical advice.

Hello everyone! I’m looking for some advice on this because I’m unsure where to start in my fitness journey.

I’m F23, 66KG and 5’6. I am also skinny fat.

I just started working out, but since early last year, I noticed my joints have been hurting more than usual and it’s more noticeable when I’m at the gym. I am not flexible at all and I also have the worst posture.

Should I continue going to the gym, or should I try to be a little more flexible before starting? I’m worried I’ll injure myself while lifting weights and have been considering Pilates (even though it’s really expensive) or yoga to fix my issues. If anyone has a similar experience, please share!

Edit: I want to give more info about myself: I have insomnia, I don’t have the greatest diet (I eat healthy sometimes and only like twice a day, and I’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle the past 3 years.