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Posted by u/sweaty_sis··Progress

From ER doc to lifting like a boss - check out my 2-year progress!

TL;DR: ER doc lifting for 2 years, gained 20 lbs and hit some solid PRs!

So I've been juggling my ER doc shifts and gym life for 2 years now, and I finally got around to taking some progress pics. Started at 130 lbs, now im rocking 150 lbs and benching 135 lbs for 5 reps, which is a 30 lb increase! Not too shabby, right? 🏋️‍♀️ Honestly, the gym is my therapy between shifts, and I love seeing my gains while still being proud of my body no matter what. Remember, it's not just about the numbers!

28 comments

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u/gym_noob·

Honestly, does anyone have tips for finding a good lifting routine? I need something that doesn't take forever, but still gets results

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u/keto_kingpin·

Honestly, benching 135 lbs is impressive for only 2 years in! I started lifting a few years back and it took me a while to get there. Just be cautious with your form as you increase weights. Have you thought about tracking your macros?

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u/grindovermatter·

That's super inspiring! I've been lifting for a few months now and feel like I'm not making enough progress. It's hard to stay motivated sometimes

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u/sweaty_sis·

Facts! Sometimes I just wanna lift heavy, but then I remember I can't walk the next day! 😂 But seriously, lifting is a grind, and I'm proud of you for making it part of your life

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Great progress! Your weight gain and increase in bench press show you are really putting in the work. A 30 lb increase in your bench is impressive, especially given your busy schedule. Make sure you are following a structured program to continue building strength, perhaps something like a 5/3/1 or a PPL routine. It can help you stay consistent even with a demanding job.

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u/aerobic_anomaly·

Not trying to hate, but lifting isn't the only way to feel good. Cardio can provide those endorphins too, plus it's easier to recover from in a busy life. Just saying, mixing it up can be beneficial

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u/aerobic_anomaly·

Honestly, lifting might not be for everyone. Cardio can be incredibly effective for staying fit and relieving stress too. I've been doing long runs for years, and my mental health has improved significantly. Just because someone can lift heavier doesn't mean they're healthier. It's about finding what works for you.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

If you're serious about progressing in strength, consider a deload week every 4-6 weeks. It's crucial to allow your body to recover, especially since you have a demanding job. You don't want to burn out or risk injury.

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist·

I appreciate your emphasis on body positivity! It's easy to get caught up in numbers, but it's vital to celebrate how your body feels and performs. When I'm working with clients, I always encourage them to focus on progress rather than just scale weight. Balance your nutrition with enough protein and healthy fats, and you'll continue seeing those gains.

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u/zucchini_zapper·

Bro, if you're looking for a quick meal, try this veggie stir-fry with tofu and some quinoa. It's quick, filling, and packed with nutrients! I'm all about keeping things simple and tasty.

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u/sneaky_fiber·

Congrats on the progress! Just a heads up, you might want to make sure you're getting enough fiber in your diet. It's crucial for overall health and can aid in muscle recovery. Include fruits, veggies, or whole grains for that fiber boost.

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u/grindovermatter·

I didn't know about deload weeks! Sounds like something I need to implement. Thanks for the tip!

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u/sneaky_fiber·

Proud of you for making fitness a priority! Along with lifting, ensure you're fueling your body with enough nutrients. Fiber is key for recovery; consider incorporating fruits, veggies, and whole grains. This will keep your energy levels up during those long shifts.

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u/sweaty_sis·

Yup, this is a vibe! Lifting like a boss while working in the ER? That's some superhero shit right there. I struggle to keep my motivation up some days. How do you keep yourself pumped to hit the gym?

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

This is inspiring. Balancing a demanding job like yours with fitness is no small feat. I remember when I started running during my grad school days just to cope with stress. It's amazing how much mental clarity I got from it. Keep pushing!

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u/gym_noob·

I'm still figuring out my diet. Do you all think tracking calories is worth it? Like, should I really stress about it or just eat healthy?

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u/sweaty_sis·

100% true! I tried running, and I just couldn't get into it. Lifting feels more rewarding for me, so I stick to it. Everyone has their jam.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

You make a fair point about cardio. I just think it's all about finding what you enjoy. If lifting is your outlet, then that's what matters most. Just don't neglect overall fitness

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

You mentioned ur weight and lifts, but what about your endurance? Do you ever incorporate any cardio into your routine? I think it's essential to have a well-rounded fitness approach.

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u/sneaky_fiber·

Exactly! The best routine is the one that you actually stick with. Whatever keeps you motivated is what you should focus on.

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u/gym_noob·

Dude, that's awesome! What kind of workout routine are you following? I'm trying to figure out my own.

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u/sneaky_fiber·

It's all about balance! Tracking doesn't have to be a chore. You can use apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to simplify things. They make it easier to log meals and keep an eye on macros. i find they help with accountability without being overly restrictive.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Tracking can be useful, but I think it depends on your goals. If you want to gain muscle, knowing your macros helps, but some people thrive on intuitive eating. Have you tried both methods? It's good to experiment and find what fits your lifestyle.

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u/keto_kingpin·

Nice gains! Have you been tracking your macros? I'm on keto, and I've found that counting my protein helps a ton with my muscle gains. I started at 135 lbs and made solid progress too, but those carbs can be tricky sometimes.

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u/gym_noob·

Facts! Balancing everything seems tough, but you're crushing it. I just started lifting, and I'm still figuring out how to fit workouts around my school schedule. Any tips on how to manage that?

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u/runningfrommyproblems·

I love how you described the gym as your therapy. Running has been my outlet for years, and I can relate to that feeling of relief after a tough shift. Finding that balance between work and fitness is so important. Have you thought about how your workouts might help you deal with stress from the ER? I've noticed a huge difference in my mental clarity post-run.

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u/grindovermatter·

Bro got cooked when he said it's all about the numbers. It's way more than that! Lifting has changed my outlook completely; I can't stress the mental benefits enough. You really need to enjoy the journey.

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u/powerlifting_panda·

Great progress! Gaining 20 lbs while maintaining your lifts is impressive. Your bench increase of 30 lbs means you're likely getting stronger across the board. Focus on technique, as it will serve you well. Consider incorporating periodization to keep those gains coming.

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