I need help...
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Guest
Hi Ivan:
I'm sorry you are not feeling well now. How did you get to the point of feeling better 6 months ago. Are you doing the program? I've learned that with anxiety it is 2 steps forward and one step back. Unfortunatly it is not a straight path to recovery. When you say you are depressed about your health, are you talking about anxiety symptoms or do you have health problems? If you do have the program, maybe it would be benifical to you if you restart the program from session one. I've heard many people on the forum say that they learned that much more the second time around. I myself am on session 13 and am looking forward to doing this whole program over again once I'm finished with session 15. I think for me, I will work with this program for a very long time because I'v already forgotten some important information. Good luck to you...please keep coming to this forum and seeking out support. There are many wonderful people here that have great advice and are amazingly supportive.
Lynn
I'm sorry you are not feeling well now. How did you get to the point of feeling better 6 months ago. Are you doing the program? I've learned that with anxiety it is 2 steps forward and one step back. Unfortunatly it is not a straight path to recovery. When you say you are depressed about your health, are you talking about anxiety symptoms or do you have health problems? If you do have the program, maybe it would be benifical to you if you restart the program from session one. I've heard many people on the forum say that they learned that much more the second time around. I myself am on session 13 and am looking forward to doing this whole program over again once I'm finished with session 15. I think for me, I will work with this program for a very long time because I'v already forgotten some important information. Good luck to you...please keep coming to this forum and seeking out support. There are many wonderful people here that have great advice and are amazingly supportive.
Lynn
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Guest
Thanks Lynn...
I just am paranoid about my body and changes that occur... It seems like a never-ending struggle daily... I competed in 5 bodybuilding shows and was enjoying it for 6-months... Now im kinda dragging things out and want to compete in 2 more shows before I take my 4-6 month break... Things that concern me...
The cracks in various joints, grinding feeling in my left knee when I pedal on a seated bike... etc etc... I am very knowledgeable and train smart, I don't lift heavy anymore... I noticed my left AC joint is pretty much bigger than my right... It doesnt hurt, but my left shoulder clicks when i circle my arms... I could have some kind of degenerative processes occuring in various spots in my body..
And i hate this... I need exercise to be "normal"... Without exercise, I struggle big-time with anxiety... Exercise is my release...
I just want to compete in these next 2 shows, then I will take a year or more off IF I have to... Or maybe just compete in the summers ONLY... So 3 months of intense training, then 9 months of Physical therapy based training on myself to reverse any degenerative changes that may be occurring...
I'm only 29...
I've seen various PT's and Dr's and all don't worry about my concerns... Which means maybe it's just ME... And if I have to modify my training, I shouldnt feel guilty or lesser by it.. I shouldnt compare myself to when i was 18 and ask myself, why cant i do the things i did when i was that age? It makes me feel like im breaking down.. but i do everything right..
Eat very healthy, etc etc.. Never had surgeries before and never want any...
I just am paranoid about my body and changes that occur... It seems like a never-ending struggle daily... I competed in 5 bodybuilding shows and was enjoying it for 6-months... Now im kinda dragging things out and want to compete in 2 more shows before I take my 4-6 month break... Things that concern me...
The cracks in various joints, grinding feeling in my left knee when I pedal on a seated bike... etc etc... I am very knowledgeable and train smart, I don't lift heavy anymore... I noticed my left AC joint is pretty much bigger than my right... It doesnt hurt, but my left shoulder clicks when i circle my arms... I could have some kind of degenerative processes occuring in various spots in my body..
And i hate this... I need exercise to be "normal"... Without exercise, I struggle big-time with anxiety... Exercise is my release...
I just want to compete in these next 2 shows, then I will take a year or more off IF I have to... Or maybe just compete in the summers ONLY... So 3 months of intense training, then 9 months of Physical therapy based training on myself to reverse any degenerative changes that may be occurring...
I'm only 29...
I've seen various PT's and Dr's and all don't worry about my concerns... Which means maybe it's just ME... And if I have to modify my training, I shouldnt feel guilty or lesser by it.. I shouldnt compare myself to when i was 18 and ask myself, why cant i do the things i did when i was that age? It makes me feel like im breaking down.. but i do everything right..
Eat very healthy, etc etc.. Never had surgeries before and never want any...
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Guest
I am brand new to this website and the program but I would love to help. I have stuggled with anxiety and depression for many years and have felt better at times and worse at times. I understand what it is like to bounce between feeling like you are making progress and then completely discouraged. I want to feel better too. I know one certain technique that always helps me is called "grounding", it ia a method to calm one's self. If you are interested please let me know. I would like to know more specifically what you are stuggling with, so that we can talk it out. Hope to hear from you!
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Guest
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Guest
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Guest
Hi Ivan, all the replies here are so good, I don't have much to add. I began the program in June, and haven't seen your posts before. I will look for them so that I can offer support where possible. The body building stuff is way past my pay grade 
but I do understand depression. I am happy to know you, and I do hope you stay with the program. Like Lynn, I will be a repeater when I complete the program. So many things have helped me, I imagine two, maybe three times around will be the key for me.
As for arthritis when you get older, we all have joints, and they wear and tear with use. Certain joints wear more, as you know. If you can use a swimming pool for some of your exercise, that minimizes joint destruction. I have an 84 year old aunt who has always walked when she could have driven. She has very minimal arthritis. Just good long walks in good comfortable shoes. And, she has a very sharp mind, maybe from all that walking? I hope this program helps you put these things in perspective.
but I do understand depression. I am happy to know you, and I do hope you stay with the program. Like Lynn, I will be a repeater when I complete the program. So many things have helped me, I imagine two, maybe three times around will be the key for me.As for arthritis when you get older, we all have joints, and they wear and tear with use. Certain joints wear more, as you know. If you can use a swimming pool for some of your exercise, that minimizes joint destruction. I have an 84 year old aunt who has always walked when she could have driven. She has very minimal arthritis. Just good long walks in good comfortable shoes. And, she has a very sharp mind, maybe from all that walking? I hope this program helps you put these things in perspective.
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Guest
Ivan,
I've seen your posts about this. It sounds like you like what you are doing, but know that in many ways it isn't healthy. Then, at the same time don't want to give it up because of the goals you have regarding this as well as it being so much of a part of you.
I know that making these life decisions can be very difficult.
You are obviously having so much anxiety about what it's doing to you, but torn about taking time off now because of the upcoming events.
My personal opinion, and really only you can answer this because you are the one with experience, is that if you have been training your body this hard...what is a few more months? Is it really going to hurt you that badly to continue for a few more months to meet your goals? You are seeing some physical symptoms from what you have been doing, and you are afraid of continuing to push yourself.
Well, you have come this far...perhaps if you look realistically at what a few more months would do you wouldn't feel so anxious about making the decision to hang in there? It sounds like that is what you really WANT to do.
Please let us know how you are doing with your decision.
Also, could you give me some advice? I have had many people tell me to drink protien shakes several times a day when I posted before. (Because of the anxiety I can't eat much and can't afford to lose anymore weight...I like all natural products if possible.) What do you think would be the best product to take?
Thanks, and I pray you meet your goals in the upcoming months...and if you decide not to compete, I pray that you have peace and are content with that decision!!
I've seen your posts about this. It sounds like you like what you are doing, but know that in many ways it isn't healthy. Then, at the same time don't want to give it up because of the goals you have regarding this as well as it being so much of a part of you.
I know that making these life decisions can be very difficult.
You are obviously having so much anxiety about what it's doing to you, but torn about taking time off now because of the upcoming events.
My personal opinion, and really only you can answer this because you are the one with experience, is that if you have been training your body this hard...what is a few more months? Is it really going to hurt you that badly to continue for a few more months to meet your goals? You are seeing some physical symptoms from what you have been doing, and you are afraid of continuing to push yourself.
Well, you have come this far...perhaps if you look realistically at what a few more months would do you wouldn't feel so anxious about making the decision to hang in there? It sounds like that is what you really WANT to do.
Please let us know how you are doing with your decision.
Also, could you give me some advice? I have had many people tell me to drink protien shakes several times a day when I posted before. (Because of the anxiety I can't eat much and can't afford to lose anymore weight...I like all natural products if possible.) What do you think would be the best product to take?
Thanks, and I pray you meet your goals in the upcoming months...and if you decide not to compete, I pray that you have peace and are content with that decision!!
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Guest
Thanks for the replies Frances and Pesos... I am doing something completely different... I'm not sure where this will lead, but I am learning as I go... I only did chest and UB on Monday, the rest of the week I will continue eating healthy, not do as much cardio (from 5 days/week, to 3-4)... I am around 7-8% bodyfat right now, I get down to 5-6% for a show...
However, I am going to continue with my training, but do more prehab-therapuetic exercises like I did earlier this year...
The bodybuilding is not as serious as many think for me... In natural bodybuilding, it is easier than many think.. Not many compete in shows b/c of the misconception of believing one has to look like a monster... In natural shows, most of the men look like guys in Men's health magazine.. It's a sexier more aesthetic look... I got caught into believing I had to kill myself to even be on stage.. This is not true, there have been guys around 15-20% body fat on-stage finishing in last place, but just doing it made them feel like a winner... Many would celebrate more than the actual winner of the show!!!!
So for me, the 1st 5 shows I was around 5-6% bodyfat and did very well, 4 1st place finishes and 1 2nd place finish!!!
But I'm thinking I will just take this next show easy.. I am going to start my recovery training and just maintain a good shape 7-8% body fat and just compete for FUN... I will look good enough to get exposure... It's not as hard as many think.. The 4 things that the judges at this show will look for are:
1) Symmetry 25%
2) Muscle Mass 25%
3) Conditioning 25%
4) Posing Presentation 25%
For me, this is not that hard... I have 75% of these down cold already... My symmetry is good, my conditioning is good (7-8%) and my posing is also very good.. In terms of muscle mass, it's a matter of opinion.. I am strong for my weight, so my muscle's are dense and proportional...
So for me, I may or may not compete... But this will be the 1st time I don't take the contest that serious, but just train to heal and recover and just show up ripped... 9/10, I will leave with a trophy and place well...
It's my own personal belief system that limits me and depresses me.. I think I have to be my best everytime.. And you want to be in life, but there are circumstances that are exceptions for good reason... To be at 5% or less body fat for 6-months straight is probably not healthy... Like in the movie Rocky, he gets in peak condition for a fight, but once it's over, he stays in good shape, but just doesn't stay in peak condition year round... What I'm trying to say is, I don't have to be perfect everytime I step on stage... There are more ways to reach a goal, more than one way to skin a cat... My goal could be different this time..
For me, I'm motivated when I train to heal my body, b/c like with anxiety, it gives US control.. We feel we are doing something good for our body... So, I will just train easy and stay in good enough shape and make the decision to compete last-minute... Last-minute to keep the pressure off... If I compete I compete, great, and it would be a learning experience for to compete without having the mindset of thinking I have to be in peak condition... Bodybuilding is so subjective anyway, there is more than 1 way to win.. If I pose very well and show my strengthes very well, I could upset someone with a better physique and still win...
Bottomline: I'm being open-minded about this and looking at this as NO FAILURE... Just personal choice of an ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION... Right now, I'm feeling so good writing this, b/c I believe in it and I am very comfortable with letting this be a last minute decision... In other words, I will be anxiety free for the next 4-weeks, and continue staying lean and fit... But once the show comes around, I will decide if I feel like doing it or not... It's only a 1-hour drive, it's fairly cheap and convenient for me... So thanks for the advice you guys, I am feeling so much better now...
As far as natural products, tell me more.. What are your goals? What motivates you?
For me the training and nutrition are motivated by 2 things...
When I'm doing shows, I train and eat for vanity...
When I'm not doing shows, I train and eat for sanity...
Protein shakes are great, but they should be health-promoting vitality shakes... Change your mindset to making them to restore or build health and longevity...
I use banana, almonds, soy milk, soy or whey protein, blueberries in my shakes...
I vary them weekly...
Pesos: You are right... Moderation is key... Too much of 1 thing is bad... Doing things in moderation is good...
So for me, I feel you.. I do use the pool, and for the next 15-20 weeks, I will devote time to work my muscles in the pool, do light weight training focusing on strengthening my rotator cuff, I will use balance balls to stand on and work on knee stability and I will continue taking Yoga...
For me, it just feels good to know I'm training therapuetically for my body... Is bodybuilding unhealthy? No... If done with balance in training and knowing when it's time to back off, I believe it is very healthy... Does it cause wear n tear? Not anymore than any other kind of physical activity... Some physical activity causes more wear n tear than others, but the key is to change things up when you feel it is more counterproductive than productive...
In other words, listening to your body... Most ppl don't know how to do this, but for me, this is what I do and have studied so I know how to quite well... Great example of the 84-year old woman... Everything has a upside and downside.. The key is to find a balance that has more upside... Exercise is great for the body and mind.. It will do one of two things or perhaps both..
1) Help one live longer (Quantity of life)...
AND/OR
2) Help one live better (Quality of life)...
For me, I'm feeling these body symptoms b/c it's time for change to create balance... Remember, moderation... After 4-months of doing cardio 4-5 days/week, weights 2-3 days/week, my body probably wants to recharge and recover...
However, I am going to continue with my training, but do more prehab-therapuetic exercises like I did earlier this year...
The bodybuilding is not as serious as many think for me... In natural bodybuilding, it is easier than many think.. Not many compete in shows b/c of the misconception of believing one has to look like a monster... In natural shows, most of the men look like guys in Men's health magazine.. It's a sexier more aesthetic look... I got caught into believing I had to kill myself to even be on stage.. This is not true, there have been guys around 15-20% body fat on-stage finishing in last place, but just doing it made them feel like a winner... Many would celebrate more than the actual winner of the show!!!!
So for me, the 1st 5 shows I was around 5-6% bodyfat and did very well, 4 1st place finishes and 1 2nd place finish!!!
But I'm thinking I will just take this next show easy.. I am going to start my recovery training and just maintain a good shape 7-8% body fat and just compete for FUN... I will look good enough to get exposure... It's not as hard as many think.. The 4 things that the judges at this show will look for are:
1) Symmetry 25%
2) Muscle Mass 25%
3) Conditioning 25%
4) Posing Presentation 25%
For me, this is not that hard... I have 75% of these down cold already... My symmetry is good, my conditioning is good (7-8%) and my posing is also very good.. In terms of muscle mass, it's a matter of opinion.. I am strong for my weight, so my muscle's are dense and proportional...
So for me, I may or may not compete... But this will be the 1st time I don't take the contest that serious, but just train to heal and recover and just show up ripped... 9/10, I will leave with a trophy and place well...
It's my own personal belief system that limits me and depresses me.. I think I have to be my best everytime.. And you want to be in life, but there are circumstances that are exceptions for good reason... To be at 5% or less body fat for 6-months straight is probably not healthy... Like in the movie Rocky, he gets in peak condition for a fight, but once it's over, he stays in good shape, but just doesn't stay in peak condition year round... What I'm trying to say is, I don't have to be perfect everytime I step on stage... There are more ways to reach a goal, more than one way to skin a cat... My goal could be different this time..
For me, I'm motivated when I train to heal my body, b/c like with anxiety, it gives US control.. We feel we are doing something good for our body... So, I will just train easy and stay in good enough shape and make the decision to compete last-minute... Last-minute to keep the pressure off... If I compete I compete, great, and it would be a learning experience for to compete without having the mindset of thinking I have to be in peak condition... Bodybuilding is so subjective anyway, there is more than 1 way to win.. If I pose very well and show my strengthes very well, I could upset someone with a better physique and still win...
Bottomline: I'm being open-minded about this and looking at this as NO FAILURE... Just personal choice of an ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION... Right now, I'm feeling so good writing this, b/c I believe in it and I am very comfortable with letting this be a last minute decision... In other words, I will be anxiety free for the next 4-weeks, and continue staying lean and fit... But once the show comes around, I will decide if I feel like doing it or not... It's only a 1-hour drive, it's fairly cheap and convenient for me... So thanks for the advice you guys, I am feeling so much better now...
As far as natural products, tell me more.. What are your goals? What motivates you?
For me the training and nutrition are motivated by 2 things...
When I'm doing shows, I train and eat for vanity...
When I'm not doing shows, I train and eat for sanity...
Protein shakes are great, but they should be health-promoting vitality shakes... Change your mindset to making them to restore or build health and longevity...
I use banana, almonds, soy milk, soy or whey protein, blueberries in my shakes...
I vary them weekly...
Pesos: You are right... Moderation is key... Too much of 1 thing is bad... Doing things in moderation is good...
So for me, I feel you.. I do use the pool, and for the next 15-20 weeks, I will devote time to work my muscles in the pool, do light weight training focusing on strengthening my rotator cuff, I will use balance balls to stand on and work on knee stability and I will continue taking Yoga...
For me, it just feels good to know I'm training therapuetically for my body... Is bodybuilding unhealthy? No... If done with balance in training and knowing when it's time to back off, I believe it is very healthy... Does it cause wear n tear? Not anymore than any other kind of physical activity... Some physical activity causes more wear n tear than others, but the key is to change things up when you feel it is more counterproductive than productive...
In other words, listening to your body... Most ppl don't know how to do this, but for me, this is what I do and have studied so I know how to quite well... Great example of the 84-year old woman... Everything has a upside and downside.. The key is to find a balance that has more upside... Exercise is great for the body and mind.. It will do one of two things or perhaps both..
1) Help one live longer (Quantity of life)...
AND/OR
2) Help one live better (Quality of life)...
For me, I'm feeling these body symptoms b/c it's time for change to create balance... Remember, moderation... After 4-months of doing cardio 4-5 days/week, weights 2-3 days/week, my body probably wants to recharge and recover...
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Miss Katie
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2007 3:33 pm
Excellent attitude Ivan! Good luck with the competition!Bottomline: I'm being open-minded about this and looking at this as NO FAILURE... Just personal choice of an ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION... Right now, I'm feeling so good writing this, b/c I believe in it and I am very comfortable with letting this be a last minute decision... In other words, I will be anxiety free for the next 4-weeks, and continue staying lean and fit... But once the show comes around, I will decide if I feel like doing it or not... It's only a 1-hour drive, it's fairly cheap and convenient for me... So thanks for the advice you guys, I am feeling so much better now...
Lynn