u/Pinewoodgreen

Just a quick reminder. I have been on a calorie deficit for the last 8months, and I have had my bloodwork checked every 3months since I got an overly cautious doctor who helps me keep on track.

First time, low iron, easy fix. This time? Vit D is supposed to be in a range of 50-150. Mine was 23.

I started doing supplements, and the plateu I had been on? Immediately went away. I am also lifting better in the gym.

So if you feel stuck? Check that you are actually getting all you need. So far 45lbs down and 15 to go :)

My shoulder muscles are pathetic! like, hilariously so.

Also first post in this sub after I have been observing for a bit. so quick introduction;

F. 35. 193lbs (down 40 lbs since oct 2025). I used to work in construction until late last year, and while I was always a little undermuscled for the job - I was also stuck in a loop of being too exhausted to exercise - and too weak so I got easily exhausted at work. So when I switched jobs to more service work vs new builds, I started taking my health more seriously.

First I lost weight, and now I am focusing on strength. I have obviously lost even more strength as my current job is a lot of walking, but no heavy lifting at all. But that also let me heal the chronic inflammation I had in my shoulder due to the previous job. So with encouragement from my GP, I decided to join one of the better gyms near me.

First visit was on wednesday this week. Only doing basic back and arm exercises. I tried a bit on one machine that was supposed to exercise the deltoid - but I couldn't make it work. like the machine moved but it just felt wrong. So today, I did cardio and legs - but also wanted to do some mild arm exercises as my arms and shoulders are my big weak spot. And I tried the shoulder press - and holy f I am weak! On all the other machines I could do 15reps, x 3. (or 4). on the shoulderpress, I had to have it on the absolute lowest weight (5lbs), and I could only do 5 reps x 3 times. This did not discourage me tho - it showed me that I really need to work out, because I do not want to be weak. I have no desire to win any competitions, but like - I want to do stuff like kayaking, hiking, climbing and ziplining etc. without feeling like my body doesn't keep up. And I do not want to be the weak coworker who needs help if anything heavy needs lifting.

Also, I rather do higher reps on a lower weight, vs fewer heavier ones. This is not because I want "slim" muscles or some bs. I know you do not get bulky overnight - and tbh I wouldn't mind that. But I am, as said 35, I am weak from not exercising most my life, and I have previous injuries. So I much rather be careful and gently build up my strength vs going all in and straining something.

Oh and the gym is super nice. it got a sauna too, which I love - and access to a pool + free group lessons. I usually go for the cheapest one, but those have gotten so so expensive so I rather pay $70 pr month (vs $50) and get all the benefits. Looking forward to making progress and keeping some tabs here :)