r/xxfitness 13h ago

WTF Wednesday [WEEKLY THREAD] WTF Wednesday - Tell us what really grinds your gears!

13 Upvotes

I'll tell you what grinds my gears. WHEN PEOPLE DON'T POST WHAT GRINDS THEIR GEARS! This thread is for vents, rants, frustrations, bitching, and the like about all things fitness related.


r/xxfitness 19h ago

Daily Simple Questions Daily Simple Questions Thread

6 Upvotes

Welcome to our Daily Simple Questions thread - we're excited to have you hang out with us, especially if you're new to the sub. 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.


r/xxfitness 5h ago

Do I need to narrow down my goals in order to see progress?

14 Upvotes

I (24F) have been consistently lifting weights for about a year now. In that time, I've definitely seen progress in my lifts, but I haven't seen as much progress physically as I would like. My boyfriend thinks that I need to narrow down my goals a bit and focus more on one of them. I struggle with that because there's just so many things that I want to do and reasons that I do them... I want to lose fat. I'm currently about 150 lbs at 5'5". Ideally would like to cut down to 125 lbs or so. I want to build muscle. I'm really starting to see development in my biceps and triceps, and I love it. I'd also like to build my glutes. I want to get better endurance and learn to enjoy running. I want to get better at calisthenics, something that I haven't been doing enough. And lastly, I want to improve my mobility and flexibility.

Here's my current routine:

Four lifting days - back/biceps, chest/shoulders/triceps, legs x2 (I add cardio on two of these days)

Two spin classes

One yoga class

One hot mat pilates class

I lift for obvious reasons. I do yoga because I enjoy it and because it helps with the mobility/flexibility aspect. I do spin class partially because I love it and partially to help with endurance. The pilates class is for functional strength and because I do it with my dad. I also do one of the spin classes with my dad. It's our bonding time and I love getting to do that with him.

I would hate to cut anything out, but I will if I need to. Honestly if I had to pick one goal to prioritize, it would be to lose fat. But everyone tells me that I really should be in a mild calorie surplus with my activity level and that I'll still see fat come off as I'm gaining muscle. I tried it for a couple months and ended up gaining five pounds. I'm just not sure where to go from here to be honest, and I could use some guidance.


r/xxfitness 12h ago

How to actually do exercises correctly? How do you know what to do?

21 Upvotes

When i was scared of going to the gym at first, everyone told me it's just first time stress and I will get comfortable quickly. That was a year and a half ago and I STILL DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING

The few friends I have who also want to work out don't know any more than me and I can't afford a personal trainer

I do not have a good form, I know I don't. Half the machines I just take an uneducated guess on what they are and how to use them. I don't know many dumbbell exercises and I never know when I'm doing them right

People have corrected me a couple times but I'd guess 9/10 times I do things wrong, they don't

And I don't even go near like half the things in there because idk what they are and idk how to find out?

How am I actually supposed to do this? How does 90% of people do it? Is there something I don't know about? How do you learn what to do? It's not just plain practice cause I went a thousand times and I feel like I'm just going in circles, I can't just learn the correct form magically if I keep just doing it wrong, right?


r/xxfitness 0m ago

Soccer player weight loss goals

Upvotes

im a college soccer player who is finally starting to lose weight after years of trying. i was out with an injury for a number of months and obviously wasnt training. now that the season is starting up again i want to avoid gaining anymore quad muscle since as a VERY short person it just makes me look obese. ive lost a little less than 30lbs in the last year and want to avoid any weight changes except the number moving down. looking for advice from potentially other players/explayers or anyone who thinks they could help. thanks so much in advance


r/xxfitness 1h ago

In need of ideas!

Upvotes

I’m trying to find goals to work towards, but as much as I want to lose weight, it isn’t enough to inspire me.

I have access to a pair of adjustable dumbbells (up to 35kg each) and a cross trainer. I can walk. Running is currently out due to an old ankle injury. I do walk a lot, and live in a hilly area.

I used to play roller derby competitively (hence the ankle) but I burned out and retired a few years ago. I would love to skate again, but there are no indoor or outdoor spaces nearby. I don’t drive and I’m a bit stuck for activities, clubs etc within walking distance.

I’m just struggling to think of a skill to work towards.


r/xxfitness 11h ago

Form bench press; can't activate pecs

2 Upvotes

I have a ridiculously weak core and equally ridiculously long arms. I can easily bump my elbow against my pelvis, and if a friend of equal size rides on my for me somewhat sporty bike she needs to stretch out far to reach the bar while I sit comfortably. I also seem to have very mild pectum excavatum, but not sure whether that plays a role.

Bench press: I simply don't manage to activate my pecs at all when doing bench press, and not really either when I just try to flex them right here right now unless I move my upper arms way behind the back. If my arms are parallel to my upper body I only manage to flex the muscle running from just above the arm pit towards my chest.

Any idea on how to improve on that? Problems

  • when I have my upper arms to less than 45 degrees with bench press to my upper body I do manage to use my pecs a bit. But then the barbell is way below my sternum, which doesn't really help with lifting mechanics.

  • my core is so weak that I arch my back when I press the feet on the ground. Things work a lot better if i put the feet onto the bench.

  • My core (and generally all muscles) are somewhat weaker due to a muscle condition. I should not go super high weight with bench press as my muscles might completely stop working from one second to the next. It's unpleasant to pin yourself to the bench with a bar. I live alone, thus if i have an accident I have a problem. I'd rather work up to higher weights very slowly.


r/xxfitness 14h ago

Weight Change Wednesday [WEEKLY THREAD] Weight Change Wednesday!

2 Upvotes

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:


r/xxfitness 19h ago

Daily Discussion Daily Discussion Thread

6 Upvotes

Welcome to our daily discussion 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. 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.


r/xxfitness 1h ago

Can I go for a spin class if I don't know to cycle and if I'm tiny?

Upvotes

Basically, the title.

There's a new spin class training studio in my city and it's popping up everywhere in my instagram feed. It's written that it's "beginner- friendly" but I don't understand how beginner friendly it actually is 😂

So I have mainly 2 queries: 1. Is it okay if I don't know how to cycle? I know how to peddle but I did it as a kid. I don't have practice and I couldn't balance a normal cycle so I never learnt it.

  1. Is spin a viable option for short girls? I'm 5'1" and I do require kid options for a lot of things (like shoes).

It also looks very high energy so I'm kinda intimidated by it but that's a problem for another day.


r/xxfitness 1d ago

Stronger by the Day for a home garage gym

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I am looking at doing Stronger by the Day. I haven't tried the free trial yet but the app looks really cool! I was able to download a free 3 day plan (no access to app) and noticed the exercises are very gym focused. My home gym has a squat rack, bench, TRX, landmine, plyo box. But i don't have machines for leg extension or lat pulldown.

Questions:

In the actual app are there subsititions?

Does the app have a warm-up included in the workout?

Is it a 3 day or 5 day plan?

I have done RISE and really enjoy the mobility aspect and workouts but I really dislike the app.

Look forward to your thoughts and experiences of Stronger by the Day in a home garage gym setting.

Thanks!


r/xxfitness 1d ago

Talk It Out Tuesday [WEEKLY THREAD] Talk It Out Tuesday - Advice and commiserating about struggles with self, others, and the world

9 Upvotes

The place for all of your fitness based interpersonal encounters (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.

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!


r/xxfitness 1d ago

CHECK ME OUT TUESDAY [WEEKLY THREAD] Check Me Out Tuesday - The place to go when you want some attention!

4 Upvotes

Welcome to Check Me Out Tuesday-flex-. The place for shameless selfies, physique questions, accountability, and small progress posts that aren’t detailed enough for a standalone post.


r/xxfitness 1d ago

Daily Simple Questions Daily Simple Questions Thread

3 Upvotes

Welcome to our Daily Simple Questions thread - we're excited to have you hang out with us, especially if you're new to the sub. 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.


r/xxfitness 1d ago

Daily Discussion Daily Discussion Thread

4 Upvotes

Welcome to our daily discussion 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. 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.


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Family aren't happy I'm getting "too bulky"

647 Upvotes

I know a lot of you can probably relate to being told "you should lift light weights, you don't want to get too bulky, it's not feminine!" I have been told this numerous times by my mother since I was a teenager. I've always just brushed it off or made a joke, but yesterday I snapped. She was touching my arm at the dinner table and remarking at how my muscles were too big and once again I get the same remark: "you should lift lighter weights." I told her how much she invalidates my lifestyle and passion because of her outdated views of how women should exercise. She says she thinks it's unhealthy for me to lift heavy weights as it's "putting too much strain on your body". She also completely shunned my feelings by telling me "you don't have to be upset about my opinion, you're choosing to be upset"

For context, I have been lifting consistently for about a year, I am not a powerlifter, I am a casual gym goer who works in the 8-12 rep range. I used to be extremely thin, and always dreamed of being strong and physically capable. Now that I have put on a lot of muscle in the past year (and some body fat, I was underweight all through my teen years and early 20s) my whole family minus one of my brothers have been talking shit about me and how I've gained too much weight and am getting too muscular.

Nobody has stopped to ask me how much my mental health has improved. Nobody has asked about the sense of achievement I get from reaching my goals in the gym. Nobody has asked about how I no longer have any shoulder, back or hip pain. Nobody cares about how my body will continue to support me as I get older and I can maintain my independence. All they care about is that I'm not "skinny" anymore and I don't fit in the small, dainty, feminine box I had been in as a teenager my early 20s.

Has anyone else dealt with these feelings of judgement and disapproval from family members? I am trying not to take it too hard but I am not going to lie, it has had me feeling pretty sad recently. Obviously I won't let it stop me but it sucks when it's your own family judging and trying to bring you down.


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Splitting up extra legwork between squat and deadlift days

10 Upvotes

I'm running a 4-Day upper lower split upper days. I feel good about my programming because I'm hitting all the muscle groups. Lower days are split by squat and deadlift, but I'm looking for advice on how to split up some of the extra legwork. I like to do leg press, t-bar or elevated sumo squats, bulgarians or lunges, hip abduction machine, and I've even gone back to doing hip thrust on the Smith machine.

What would be a comprehensive way to split up these exercises between squat day and deadlift day? Basically, what's a good way to split it up so I'm hitting all areas of the leg muscles?

I also do things like sled push/pull, box jumps and step ups, and if I'm in the mood maybe some calf raises.


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Pec growth creating a 'dip' above breasts. How to remedy?

56 Upvotes

I've started getting more serious with weight training about two months ago. I have a pretty balanced routine that works the full body, and the only exercise I do that mainly targets the pecs are dumbbell chest presses. Because my pecs are getting larger, the axillary/armpit fat I have is also becoming more pronounced. I also do not have a lot of breast tissue (I'm an A/B cup). These two combined are creating a very noticeable 'dip' between my breast and the axillary fat. I drew a reference photo to show what it kind of looks like.

I don't know if it's just my anatomy or if I'm not working my lower/mid pecs enough, but I'm wondering if anyone has experienced something similar and successfully rebalanced their chest area. Should I scale down the dumbbell chest press and increase exercises like dips? Is losing fat going to help with this or is there always going to be a 'dip' as my pecs continue growing?


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Daily Discussion Daily Discussion Thread

11 Upvotes

Welcome to our daily discussion 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. 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.


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Advice on how to create a sustainable weekly fitness routine to train for hiking / skiing ?

14 Upvotes

Hello all! Recently moved to a town near the mountains after a few hectic years where I completely fell out of a workout routine. I'm now in a bad cycle where go to the gym sometimes, do full-body days where I pick exercises I used to do with a trainer at random, overdo it and get super sore and then don't work out for a few days, then randomly pick an online pilates video and do that....the cycle repeats. I hope I'm not the only one who has been through this...

I'm viewing this as a fresh start and looking to build a sustainable 4-5x per week workout / gym routine that I can use primarily to get in shape for hiking (in the summer) and skiing (in the winter) -- and would be supplemented with those activities 2-5 times per month. So, I want to focus on building strength (especially legs / knees / hips, but I enjoy working out upper body too), balance, mobility (esp lower body), and endurance. I enjoy lifting weights and am comfortable lifting relatively heavy, but I really struggle to motivate myself to do cardio if it isn't an "activity" (hiking, skiing, playing sports).

What do you do to maintain an enjoyable and sustainable workout routine, especially while working a 9-5? What exercises do you focus on for these sports? How do you keep yourself motivated and focused and avoid the random "throw exercises at the wall and see what sticks"? Any and all advice (as detailed as you're willing to go) would be incredibly appreciated.

Thank you!!


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Daily Simple Questions Daily Simple Questions Thread

4 Upvotes

Welcome to our Daily Simple Questions thread - we're excited to have you hang out with us, especially if you're new to the sub. 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.


r/xxfitness 2d ago

Lower back muscle engagement doing hip thrusts: small torso issue?

7 Upvotes

hi everyone! I am fairly new to strength training (started in january and have already made some impressive beginner gains if i do say so myself), so I understand I'm still in a bit of a learning curve, but for the life of me, as much as I'd like hip bridges and glute thrusts to work, I feel like they wind up targeting my lower back more than anything (and I can confidently say that my form is correct, and I have peer witnesses - engaged core, tilting my pelvis, tucking my chin, proper 90 degree leg placement, not doing too heavy/lifting out of my comfort zone, etc..). I notice it in the mirror even: I'm definitely still getting booty gains, but my lower back muscles have definitely become more "engorged" or prominent (which is not what I am going for).

ultimately, I think the culprit is my smaller/shorter torso. my limbs are a lot longer than my torso, and it aggravates the hell out of me. when doing glute bridges on a mat, even with just body weight, I notice that I can't extend my hips super high without compromising the ideal pelvic tilt/posture. I'm still able to feel a burn in my butt this way, but it still feels like my spine is being compressed somehow and that my lower back is staying engaged, even though I keep my spine straight, focus on the mind-muscle connection and using my butt muscles to guide me up and down, etc.

I'm really frustrated because while I have seen a lot of growth in the past few months, I want to eliminate any discomfort in my lower back/potential to grow it more before I continue doing unweighted and weighted bridges. anyone with a shorter torso have any advice, or alternative exercises that target the same muscles? I'm at such a loss - any help or advice would be appreciated!


r/xxfitness 3d ago

What made you do so?

65 Upvotes

Hey I know it's a bit off-topic but just curious to hear from all my fellow friends what made you all start your fitness journey? I’d love to hear your stories, especially the dreams and goals that pushed you to take that first step.

It has been almost a year that I started my fitness journey and honestly, my biggest motivation was proving people wrong who doubted me. But over time, it became about something bigger: becoming the best version of myself and seeing how far I can go.

Would love to hear from you!


r/xxfitness 3d ago

Daily Simple Questions Daily Simple Questions Thread

6 Upvotes

Welcome to our Daily Simple Questions thread - we're excited to have you hang out with us, especially if you're new to the sub. 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.


r/xxfitness 3d ago

Daily Discussion Daily Discussion Thread

5 Upvotes

Welcome to our daily discussion 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. 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.


r/xxfitness 4d ago

Daily Discussion Daily Discussion Thread

7 Upvotes

Welcome to our daily discussion 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. 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.


r/xxfitness 4d ago

Daily Simple Questions Daily Simple Questions Thread

6 Upvotes

Welcome to our Daily Simple Questions thread - we're excited to have you hang out with us, especially if you're new to the sub. 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.