repkin
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Posted by u/the_caffeine_chaser·

One year post-amputation: where's my progress photo at?

TL;DR: One year post-amputation, made decent lifting gains but struggling to track progress. How do I stay motivated and keep energy up?

So, it's been a year since my amputation, and I've been lifting consistently through it all. I'm tracking everything, but I feel like I might be losing sight of how far I've come. I've gone from struggling to bench press 95 lbs to hitting 135 lbs for reps. My weight is stable at 180 lbs, but body comp is a bit hard to gauge without a full leg. How do you all keep track of progress in a situation like this? Should I still be snapping those progress pics?

I'm just a coffee addict trying to power through. Any tips on maintaining energy levels while managing this? Coffee is life, but I might need a new strategy to avoid crashes.

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u/grandma_gains·

First off, congratulations on your progress! It's incredible to see you hitting those numbers after such a significant life change. When I was getting back into lifting in my late 50s, I made it a point to take progress photos regularly, even when I felt like I wasn't making big strides. It really helped me to see how far I had come over time. Tracking strength is just as important as tracking body comp, so keep that up! You might even consider using a workout app to log your lifts consistently. Apps like Hevy or Strong have made a big difference for me.

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u/eating_for_endurance·

This is a solid point! As an endurance athlete, I've learned that fueling for your workouts makes a huge difference. You might consider adding in some complex carbs before your sessions, like oatmeal or sweet potatoes, to keep your energy consistent throughout the day. And don't underestimate the power of post-workout nutrition; a good protein source helps with recovery and overall energy levels. You want to feel good going into the next session.

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u/tired_and_toned·

I totally get the struggle with energy levels. As a working mom, I often feel drained after a long day. I found that prepping my meals in advance has helped a lot. I also try to mix in some green smoothies with spinach and fruits for an energy boost. Sometimes I even throw in some protein powder. It helps keep my energy stable, so I can hit the gym without feeling like a zombie. Plus, it's a nice way to sneak in those extra nutrients!

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u/gym_noob·

Ngl, I'm a total noob, but what do you mean by tracking body comp? Is it just weight or something else? I thought I'd just track the weights I'm lifting, but now I'm confused. Should I be doing more?

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u/the_caffeine_chaser·
  1. Energy management is key, especially if you're coffee-addicted like me. I switched to using a mix of coffee and BCAAs during my workouts to help stave off those crashes. Also, try to stay hydrated and maybe add in some snacks with healthy fats and carbs, like nut butter and fruit, for sustained energy. Gotta fuel the grind, you know?
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