New Member.

[Guest guest]

Do you mean that machines are easier than free weights, using the

same amount of weight? That's because when you use free weights,

you're working more muscles. It's called " stabilizing. " For example,

when you're using dumbbells to do the bench press, you're using a lot

of other muscles to keep the dumbbells from wandering all over the

place. Whereas if you're using a machine, the trajectory is

determined by the machine itself. All you have to do is push in one

direction. With free weights, you have to push AND keep the weight on

course. Does that make sense? So it's not at all unusual to be able

to lift heavier weight when using machines.

The key is the intensity. With any given exercise, your level 5 on

the machine is likely to be at a higher weight than a level 5 with

free weights. Correspondingly, the weight at which you achieve

failure is going to be higher with a machine. For example, with the

machine bench press, I could lift in the 50-70 range. With dumbbells,

forget it -- more like 15-25.

So yes, with machines, you should be using more weight. That's normal.

> Hello Everyone,

>

> I am a new B4L'er and I just started the challenge today. when I

> was in the gym I had trouble distinguishing the difference between

> intensity level and weight. it seemed as though when i lowered the

> weight the intensity level was lower,so on the very last exercise

> for the muscle group you are working on, is it okay to increase the

> weight rather than using the weight yoiu use on the first set? i

> was kind of confused, because I am not very strong and i'm using

> weights ranging from 3-15 pounds, but when I use machines in the

> workout it seems a bit easier, and ot seems as though I should be

> using more weight.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have just recently joined the Forum, and have been reading through all of the

wonderful and extremely helpful information.

I was diagnosed Hypothyroid around 12 months ago and was started on 25mcg Levo,

which has now been increased to 50 and 75 on alternate days.

My first bloods included the T3, antibodies etc but the last 2 sets were just

the usual TSH and T4. My last test was on 23/01/12 with the following results:

TSH 4.60 and T4 22.

I wasn't due to have the bloods taken until March 2012 but had hit a complete

brick wall, the usual Hypo symptoms but absolutely zero energy at all, so much

so that I am in my 2nd week of sickness from work.

I arranged an appointment with my GP for a sick note and despite my obvious

symptoms, he said " Your results are 'Normal', you are 'Normal'.

After much tooing and froing, he agreed to give me a sick note for this week, on

the understanding that I commence work next Monday. He would not listen to any

of the clinical symptoms at all.

I am considering reporting this particular GP, either to the Practice Manager or

directly to the GMC for his dismissive attitude. Needless to say, there would be

no chance of him considering NDT as he thinks I am back to 'Normal'.

I have already ordered the 'Thiroyd' brand of 1 grain 60mg NDT and am quite

willing and ready to self-medicate, thanks to the help and support of this

Forum.

Before I go down this path, does anyone know of a GP in the Lancashire area that

would be willing to prescribe NDT?

Thanks in advance

.