u/Puzzled_Evening645

Hi friends! I’ve been playing acoustic guitar (casually, self-taught) for about 25 years now, almost exclusively fingerpicking style like in the video. I have an electric and have been messing around on it some, but I would love to learn how to actually play it well. There are about a million tutorials and tons of information and it all kinda feels foreign and overwhelming. I would love some recommendations for where to start - particular YouTube channels that you like, certain exercises or practices that have helped you, is it worth finding an in-person instructor, etc.

I have virtually zero skill with barre chords, using a pick, or music theory. 😅

I like a wide variety of music and my goal is more on the end of like chugging through a song and singing with it, rather than learning super shreddy solos…though that sounds fun too. In no particular order, some bands that I would love to learn how to play: Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, The Strokes, The War on Drugs, Sloan, Local H/Spacehog/Toadies/Fuel…any of those 90s guys, Tom Petty, T. Rex, Boston, Journey, Death From Above 1979…I’ll stop listing but could go on. If anyone knows of good ultra beginner songs from any of those (or similar) bands, please share! Also side note I know that DFA 1979 is all done on bass…if anyone has successfully played that on electric guitar, please DM me and discuss😄.

Thx!! 💛

I have been progressing from knee to bench to now standard (recently🥳) push-ups over the last year. I know that my form is a bit uneven and wobbly, and I’ve been working on my scapular protraction at the top end of the range. The vids are from three different sessions and I think it’s getting better? I included a side view as well because it’s difficult for me to tell if I’m rounding my whole back at the top end.

Also a question - I can only do three good reps at a time…is it better to go back to the bench and continue to focus on better form, or keep going with three sets of three and try to add in a rep in a month or so?

For ref: I’m 5’8”, 165, long torso, athletic on top.

Hannah (the brown one): I usually go for S in bodysuits but ordered a M and I’m glad I did, because it’s fairly snug! I think this particular style has gotten a little flack lately bc it doesn’t feel as feminine or Sézane-y as some pieces in the past, but personally I like it! It feels soft and high quality, and I really love the color. As usual with Sézane bodysuits, the crotch closes with hooks instead of snaps, which is mildly annoying to get into, but not the worst. I prefer thong cuts for bodysuits, but even though this one isn’t, it doesn’t show lines through my pants!

Laura (black): This one is a S and fits nicely! It’s not bra-friendly, but that isn’t a problem for me personally. Even though it’s open back and braless, you can’t see any nips at all through the material, so it’s still modest imo. Also has hooks for closure and a French cut rear. It’s super soft and stretchy! 💕

For context: this is my home gym and what I currently have available. I had been using my two heaviest dumbbells for RDLs and just switched to the trap bar so I can go heavier. Yes I’d like to have a regular barbell someday but this is what I have for now. :)

I felt like I was starting to get the feel for decent RDL form (hinge at the hips, stop lowering the weights as soon as your butt stops going back etc.), and now this feels so weird. I do think I improved some on the second attempt (the hat one), but I would love feedback if there’s anything major before I go even heavier. Thx!! ☺️

Yet another RDL post 😅

I’ve been working on my RDL form, trying to stop the movement as soon as my hips stop going back. Is this pretty much there, or am I still lowering too much?

I recently graduated from knee-assisted push-ups to bench ones, and I’m experiencing (mild) wrist pain now when I do them. I realized after filming that I had been kinda doing them on the edge of the bench (black pants) and switched to flatter on the bench (green pants), but my wrist still feels uncomfortable. Is there anything obvious that I’m doing improperly with my arms/wrists? Wrist pain not present during any other activities. Thx! ☺️

42F, 5’8” 165lbs

Timeline: started strength training somewhat sporadically/inconsistently in July of ‘24, but more consistently since January of ‘25 (minus a bit of a break last summer after throwing out my low back).

Goals: I don’t have any number-based or specific physique goals…my motivation is mostly to feel good and be strong. I have four kids and want to be able to keep playing with the little ones and beating my teenager at arm wrestling for as long as possible 😄. And tbh I’m also driven by a small amount of fear that I’ll turn into a weak, mushy, walking apple after perimenopause/menopause 😅.

I have two questions, and then I’ll explain my routine below.

1. I feel good about where I’m at and proud of what I’ve achieved. If I basically just keep doing this same routine, will that effectively keep me on maintenance, or at some point will my body adapt and I’ll need to change it up?
   Can/should I increase weight and decrease reps on some of these?
2. I’m curious if there are any obvious missing pieces/imbalances in my routine. I pieced it together just from watching random YouTube things and from some of Ben Patrick’s stuff.

Routine:
Notes - strength routine is every third day; on the two rest days in between, I do a 30 min walk or 15 min row if the weather is poor. I have two adjustable dumbbells (52.5 lbs max each) that I use…my husband got a trap/hex bar recently so technically that’s available for me to use, but it’s a bit intimidating to me.

These reps and weight amounts are where I’ve progressed to at this point. Most of the exercises I started with fewer reps and either no weight or ~10 lbs, and then over time have added weight (or in some cases reps bc I’ve maxed out the 52.5 lbs dumbbell weight). Also please forgive me if I’m not naming some of these exercises properly. It might seem like I know what I’m doing but I still feel like I don’t.

- Warm-up: 5 mins backwards walking on treadmill
- Elevated pulse sumo squats x20 @52.5 lbs
- Slant board calf raises x15
- Back extensions x20 @40 lbs
- Banded (heavy) hip thrust+KAS glute bridge pulse x20 @52.5 lbs
- RDLs x20 @80 lbs
- Banded (heavy) lateral walks - 10 Left 10 Right repeat
- Banded (heavy) plié pulse squat? (Not sure what to call this one)
- TRX upright row x15
- TRX W raise x12
- TRX bicep curl x10
- Push-ups x10 (just graduated from knee to bench)
- TRX tricep extension x10
- TRX thoracic spine movement/stretch x however many feel good

Then I repeat that circuit twice for a total of three times through.

I’d love to hear any feedback for what I could do better or anything I could add, within reason. This routine fits really well into my life/schedule, but there is definitely room on my two rest days to add something in here or there.

Also idk if I’m supposed to include my diet but I’m happy to if that’s relevant.

I’m in the process of growing out my curly pixie and really enjoying this Bob Dylan-ish phase (and temporarily a Kramer phase on brush days😂).

I’ve narrowed my routine down to just four products, including washing!

1. ⁠wash with DevaCurl No-Poo Original
2. ⁠comb with wide tooth comb, then apply Goddess Boitech and Maria Nila mousse (while soaking wet)
3. ⁠press dry with CurlyGirl towel
4. ⁠diffuse on hot and low until totally dry
5. ⁠Sexy Hair Powder Play

It usually lasts 3-4 days without touching it up. Some of the photos are after a windy day at the pool and it does get a little wild and frizzy, but I don’t mind that actually.

Question for those of you who have grown your hair out from short: I feel like I’m about to hit a very awkward length. Any advice for keeping it not looking silly would be appreciated!

And also, what are some good clips for volume at the roots? As mine is getting longer it’s not as bouncy as I’d like, so I’m going to try clipping it when it’s wet.