#What is cardio and its benefits?

[solar-wing]

⚣ Protective Lover 🥰

⚣✋🏻 A/N → Another idea partly inspired off one of my previous Jason posts. Dude is the definition of scary dog privilege. "and my man, thank you to my man." WARNINGS: Jealous/Possessive Behavior. Minor Swearing and Threats of Violence. Cute Fluff.

⚣✋🏻 Summary → It's no secret: Jason is a jealous and possessive boyfriend. But, many don't think about the benefit that comes along with that. He's hella protective. Sometimes it's overbearing, other times, it's very helpful.

⚣✋🏻 Words → 1.4k

REBLOGS and replies are greatly appreciated, please! 💛

⚣ ENJOY 🥰

At some point, Y/N had gotten used to it. Was it annoying? Yes. Did it feel overbearing at times? Countless. Did he secretly love it and felt the world’s most (concerning) validation from it? Absolutely.

But, when looking at the situation and its circumstances as a whole, it made sense.

When he and Jason first started dating, there was definitely a vibe of him being a gruff but soft teddy bear who was clingy and needy for love and attention when with his chosen lover. But, when around literally anyone else who was not said lover or other people were in the same room as his chosen mate, he’d turn into the world’s scariest guard dog.

It was the general rule of Scary Boyfriend Privilege. Only the designated boyfriend could see their boyfriend’s soft and needy side. Anyone outside that got the ‘murderous if you get too close’ grizzly bear side.

Extremely hot and sexy, but it could be a bit (a lot) much at times. 

Y/N tried to get Jason to calm down, always showing that he could take care of himself and there was no reason for him to worry. But, living in a city like Gotham and given the vigilante’s past (hence the aforementioned situation and circumstances), there really was no calming him down.

But let’s look on the bright side here. With said privilege and the kind of boyfriend Jason was, Y/N never felt more safe and secure in his life. It was like walking around a video game world with the most overpowered gear on. He was basically untouchable.

Examples? Why, of course!

When it came to school, Y/N always preferred studying and doing his homework with Jason since he would help him stay focused and assist him with subjects that he struggled with. 

Y/N was not the first but certainly the loudest to say that Jason did not get enough credit for how smart he was. Yeah, he typically lived by street smarts, but he was big on book smarts as well. He just had to learn how to communicate the information in ways where it wasn’t confusing for both him and his boyfriend.

Plus, in dating Y/N, he learned the art and benefits of positive reinforcement which anyone could probably imagine taking a magnifying glass to their relationship, it was something the Y/N had to use a lot for Jason. Now, the vigilante was doing the same for his boyfriend by giving him little rewards for finishing his work and getting good grades like take-out dates, letting him play in his hair, and more often than not, a good dic-

PAUSE

Oh for fucks sake, are we doing this again? Why does it have to be PG-13? Well, no one said– Ugh…Fine.

A good fitness workout that involved lots of cardio, sweating, and soreness, but the good kind.

Happy?

But, the week of midterms turned out to be an equally busy week for Jason as well. He was knee-deep in a big crime plot and was getting closer and closer to solving the case. Y/N understood and didn’t want to get in the way of his boyfriend's duties. It still sucked though because it meant he wouldn’t be able to study in his apartment as he’d find way too many ways to get distracted. So, he had no choice but to study on campus, and figured what better place than the library?

Turns out there could have been better places.

Y/N was sitting at a large table by himself with various books in front of him along with his tablet and laptop reviewing his notes for a huge test he had the next morning. He wasn’t the only one who had the idea of going to the library to study as it was packed full of students trying to do last-minute cramming and studying.

Jason, as usual, called him to make sure he was okay and that he had gotten to the library safely even though Y/N was well aware his boyfriend had many different ways of tracking him and making sure he was where he was supposed to be. At first, he found it creepy, but when he got to know Jason’s family, he understood.

When Jason didn’t hang up the phone long after Y/N had already sat down and began reviewing, he decided he wasn’t going to hang up either, feeling more relaxed and calm while hearing his boyfriend’s voice and breathing through his earphones.

Now and then, Jason would call his name and check to make sure he was focusing and not slacking off or scrolling on social media and Y/N would turn and scold him for trying to check him when he should have been focused on fighting criminals.

“That’s the thing, babe. I can focus on more than two tasks at the same time. You, on the other hand, still can’t manage to focus on one task for more than 10 minutes without getting distracted by something else like your favorite song and flooding our apartment.”

“I told you to let the bathtub thing go!” Y/N whispered loudly into his earbud mic with a goofy smile on his face still.

“I will never let the bathtub thing go.”

They continued their playful back and forth while Y/N continued studying until he was interrupted by another student, a guy from one of his history classes. This guy was more or less a bit annoying and creepy and had been bothering Y/N for a while with his persistent quest to ask him out.

No matter how many times he rejected him, the guy always tried again and again. He never got forceful, or at least he never had the chance since Y/N always made sure there were people around or that he got to an area where other people were nearby just in case he tried something.

He wasn’t judging him, but he took Jason’s words and lessons very seriously when it came to his safety. He’d seen enough of his boyfriend’s cases where people didn’t take the necessary steps to keep themselves protected and safe because they didn’t imagine it would ‘go that far.’

The creep only left him alone when he saw Jason was with him. Truthfully, many people tended to steer clear of Y/N and his massively scary boyfriend whenever he was with them on campus besides his friends. They were even put off by Jason at times whenever they hung out with their friend cause they’d catch him at times giving them weird looks and glares if they touched or just got too close to his boyfriend for his liking.

Plus, after the one incident of the guy who tried to pick a fight with Y/N and pushed him, thus having to deal with Jason in the aftermath, everyone learned it was just better to steer clear.

So, when Jason wasn’t anywhere in sight, Y/N’s creepy stalker saw it as a perfect moment for him to try and make a move on his classmate, not expecting the very person he was hoping to avoid being on the phone the entire time.

It wasn’t until he saw Y/N unplug his earphones and hand him his phone that he realized he was indeed on a call, and after receiving possibly the most violently worded threat he had ever heard he decided there were plenty of other fish in the sea.

He handed the phone over to its owner before scurrying off like a scared mouse, Y/N watching with a confused but also amused and relieved look.

“Hi baby,” Jason immediately responded to Y/N’s ‘hello’ in his little delightful and excited tone whenever he heard his boyfriend’s voice.

“Jason, what did you say to him?” Y/N immediately asked.

“Hey! It’s babe, baby, sexy, honey, or Jay at the slightest to you, mister. Only my family calls me that.”

“Jason…”

“Babeee, stop it! I don’t consent to this treatment. No means no!” Jason protested in a whiny voice.

“You’re such a baby,” Y/N chuckled.

“Only for you, hot stuff. But we’ll be having a long talk when I get home about you not telling me about creepy guys bothering you.”

“How did you know?”

“Babe, you know who you’re dating, right? There never will be something that bothers you that I won’t know about. I’m always gonna protect you, even if it annoys the hell out of you.”

Y/N couldn’t stop the big smile spreading across his face at his boyfriend’s words, knowing he meant every single one. Jason would always be his protective lover.

☀️ | Jason Todd/Red Hood | ☀️

☀️ | Masterlists | ☀️

[snarltoothed]

My mother has PCOS, I was put on birth control at 16 for ovarian cysts, tried the bar (implant) and had to go back on the pill because a year and 3/4 in I started bleeding and did not stop (a sign my ovarian cysts had reappeared — though they didn’t even offer an ultrasound this time. the last one they scheduled for six months after prescribing the pill to me so they were gone by then and there’s no proof i’ve ever had them aside from symptoms) even after asking if I SHOULD have a hormone panel done, I have never had a hormone panel done. Because I’m thin and likely have very little insulin resistance, and I’m already on the pill, and (extremely doubtful this is true and next year i’m demanding a hormone panel!!) apparently even if I have excess androgens I guess that’s fine and not a possible cause of any of the quality-of-life-lessening symptoms I have 🙃

Something that absolutely makes me want to tear people to shreds with my teeth is thinking about how women's health is just not a priority in medicine.

1 in 10 women of childbearing age have PCOS.

Yet it's not considered important at all. It's hardly researched. Many women who suffer from this go undiagnosed for years. They are brushed off, ignored, not heard, or just put on birth control as if that's a cure-all. Even if someone with PCOS does get diagnosed the doctors don't even know everything there is to know about it.

Did you know that more than half of women with PCOS develop Type 2 Diabetes by the age of 40? Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant. Furthermore, many women with PCOS also have trouble with vitamin deficiencies, like vitamin D. And did you know that many women with PCOS also suffer from crippling fatigue?

Heart disease?

High blood pressure?

Again, one in ten women.

Can you imagine if one in ten men had PCOS? It would be the most well-researched condition on earth. Going to the doctor would mean that testing for PCOS is one of the first things they do. There would be awareness for PCOS. Treatments would be readily available and covered by health insurance. And so on.

But women are left to suffer because, why? The female body is just not considered important in medicine, yet it's the one people want to control the most. Almost half of the earth's population is female, yet our health is not a priority. If that doesn't make anyone want to go crazy, then I don't know what will.

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Temporary Custody"

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Steve x ofc x Bucky; Steve x Bucky

Word Count: 4861

Tags: Dom/sub, bdsm au, dom Bucky, sub reader, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, gay sex'n'stuff, straight sex'n'stuff, Steve being a literal Golden Retriever, mental health issues, dub-con, forced submission, referenced childhood abuse and resultant mental health issues, bakery au, m/f/m, gentle domination, total power exchange

Summary: The stigma and shame of being a submissive has kept Mary unfulfilled and in the closet her whole life, until an inciting incident leads to Bucky and Steve taking her in and giving her everything she was always too afraid to ask for.

Trigger warnings: This story contains themes of eating disordered behavior, body image issues, childhood abuse, self-harm, mental illness, and alcohol abuse.

Wait! I haven't read an earlier chapter of this fic! Story Masterpost

10. S'mores

It’s the “sex play” (God, that term is so cringe) thing being on the table that builds the tension in the apartment, all of them knowing about it but none of them talking about it. Mary sure as shit doesn’t have the guts to break that ice, and now Bucky’s always deep in thought and quiet around her. And Steve, well.

Steve is like a big, mopey golden retriever who knows its humans are upset but doesn’t know how to help besides headbutting things affectionately.

Mary’s feelings for him only grow when she realizes that he really hasn’t told Bucky about that night in the kitchen: the things she’d confided about the razor and her nightmares and sneaking out to the gym. Knowing that Steve’s stuck by his word like that makes her like him and trust him a whole heck of a lot more. 

But it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. 

There’s a court hearing in front of a judge next month to revisit the custody arrangement—Next month. And one afternoon while Bucky’s out of the apartment, Steve gently informs Mary that Dr. Linda is recommending the order be extended. Jesus fucking Christ. 

And then the results to that test Linda made her take, the “Submissive Sexual Interests and Tendencies Assessment”, arrive in the mail (addressed to Bucky, because of course they would be), and Mary gets her hands on them after Bucky and Steve read them, and she’s mortified at what it says about her.

Tendencies: Passive aggression (reactive aggression in lieu of submission), emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, impulsive sexual promiscuity, self-harm, alcohol use disorder, possible co-morbidity (OCD, EDNOS, BDD). Dynamic Preferences: single dominant authority figure, structured domestic routine, service, discipline, monogamous relationship, emotional bonding. Recommendations: Following assessment review, patient is most likely to benefit from continued domestic control in a consistent (24/7) environment. Transfer of custody not recommended. Continued therapy sessions and educational courses at CDP highly recommended. Most beneficial therapeutic modalities include limited corporal discipline, sex play, and reward-based service routine.

There’s a ton of infuriating psycho babble bullshit packed into those results that she could get upset about, and she does, but Mary’s eyes track over that one, most-horrible phrase over and over again: 

“Transfer of custody not recommended.”

Fuck.

She loses sleep over it, sneaks out of the apartment in the middle of the night and does cardio at the gym until she’s exhausted enough to head back home and pass out. It pisses her off that this is such a thing now. She doesn’t want to be special needs, she should have the right to choose whether she even wants treatment or not! She resents the hell out of Bucky and Steve for having custody of her the way that they do. They’re clearly expecting her to blow up or something, after the news from Linda and the SSITA results come in. It’s so obvious that they’re walking on eggshells around her, Mary halfway wishes they’d just do something. One way or the other, it’d be better than this.

Linda claims that they’ve expressed “positive feelings” about a sexual dynamic, but if they have, they sure aren’t expressing it to Mary. She suspects that most of that positivity has come from Steve, and probably only because he’s a golden retriever in human form who just wants to do what’s right and good, not because he or Bucky are particularly attracted to her.

While she has managed to clean herself up quite a bit since moving in with them, Mary isn’t delusional: she realizes that Steve and Bucky are very attractive men, whereas she’s just average. She tries to tell herself she’s fine with that. She knows Bucky and Steve could probably get like, a supermodel to sleep with them if they really wanted to. Mary’s not in their league, and that’s okay. 

But if they’re not attracted to her that way then they should at least have the decency to just say so! At least then she could find someone else, get back on Tinder, or even sign up for one of those ProDoms that the CDP has. Darcy said Thor was good, so maybe Mary could request him? The way that Darcy had described the guy, he sounds like he's a hunka hunka burning Nordic god. Mary could go for that.

She brings it up casually over dinner, framing it lightheartedly, and Bucky literally crushes his water glass in his prosthetic hand. “What?” he snaps, frowning down at the mess he’s just made. “No.”

Mary huffs and goes to fetch the desserts while Steve gets the waste bin and begins scraping the broken pieces of glass into it like it’s just another Tuesday. “I don’t see why not,” Mary complains from over at the counter. She’s pulled the plates out from the fridge and grabs the butane torch for the meringue.

“Jesus,” Bucky exclaims when he sees the industrial sized torch she's wielding. “Where’d you get that?”

Mary purses her lips as she focuses on achieving the perfect amount of toastedness. “Hardware store,” she mutters. “So why can’t I go see one of the ProDom’s again?” She purposefully over-torches Bucky’s meringue, because she can tell that this isn’t going to go her way. “Sounds like a win-win. You don’t have to deal with me, I can meet new people, and insurance pays for it. What exactly is the problem?” She’s trying to force him to admit that he doesn’t want to Dom her sexually, trying to get him to see that something’s gotta give and he’ll have to let her use one of the ProDoms eventually if that’s what the severity of her “condition” requires (gigantic ‘Ew’). 

But frustratingly, he refuses to engage with her on the topic. “It’s a no, Mare,” he tells her sternly. “Pros are for people who have more experience. You don’t.”

Mary seriously doubts that. “Linda didn’t say that,” she argues, carrying the plates over to the table and handing the nice one to Steve and the burnt one to Bucky. 

He pulls it closer to himself and raises an eyebrow at it. “Linda’s being diplomatic,” he mutters. “I thought you said you were making s’mores?” 

Yesterday, Bucky had been talking with Steve about how much they both missed their old camping trips they used to take. The two of them must’ve waxed poetic over campfire s’mores for ten whole minutes. So Mary thought this would be an excellent way to butter them up. Apparently not.

She sniffs and picks up her fork. “They are s’mores. It’s a plated dessert, Bucky. An interpretation. It’s not literal.”

He grunts and peers at his portion, poking it dubiously with his fork. “What’s it made of?”

Mary heaves a sigh and snottily recites: “Honey Sablé, 70% Valrhona cremeux, cold-smoked Italian meringue, torched ‘mallow, Graham crumb streusel, and tempered chocolate stick for garnish." Both Bucky and Steve stop poking at their plates and just stare at her for a second. 

“Sounds good,” Steve chirps, and digs into his.

Mary stares Bucky down, until he too, deigns to eat the apparently too fancy for him version of a  s’more. “Oh, damn,” he says after the first bite, looking taken-aback. “I can taste the smoke.”

Mary preens, then asks again about the ProDom. “Well if I’m not getting it there then who the heck’s supposed to fuck me?” she winds up blurting out of frustration.

When that direct reference doesn’t elicit any response from Bucky besides a barrage of bossy instructions for after-dinner cleanup, Mary loses a bit of the hope she’d been holding onto that maybe Linda was right about them being attracted to her. She just gave him the perfect fucking opening, and he didn’t take it. She gets the kitchen cleaned up from dinner, resigning herself to another evening of platonic domination that doesn’t quite hit the spot. 

Nightly drops are nice. Not as nice as they were in the beginning, the effects having waned quite a bit from what they once were, but still better than no drops at all. 

Mary sits on her pillow on the floor, head on the couch cushion next to Bucky’s thigh, listening vaguely to the sound of the television while she enjoys the feeling of his fingers carding through her hair, lightly massaging her scalp. It’s been a while now, and she doesn’t think she’s going to get any deeper. It’s late, already they’ve watched two full episodes of their show, and Mary’s got work tomorrow. It’ll be bedtime soon. 

A big yawn works its way up in her throat, and Bucky chuckles when it finally breaks free. “Tired?” he asks.

“Mmhm.” She inhales deeply and sits up, sleepy and squinting. It takes a moment before her eyes adjust to the darkness of the room and Bucky’s form sitting right in front of her. Wow, she’d been really close to him, hadn’t realized just how close. Had she been … hugging his shin? God, she hopes not. Not like she hasn’t spent whole evenings fantasizing about rubbing her face all over his thighs and his— Nope. Not gonna think about that when he’s sitting right there. She tears her eyes away and forces that train of thought to stop right in its metaphorical tracks. 

“You good, Hon?” Bucky asks, his soft voice drawing her attention back from her own head. She looks up and sees his fond expression, his relaxed posture. Wonders if he’s in Domspace at all. Probably not.

Then her eyes land on the line of his cock at the front of his pants. 

He’s hard. Not very, but some. Underneath his sweats his dick is chubbed up enough that it creates a slight bulge against the fabric. Mary freezes, staring for too long before she’s able to tear her eyes away. When she does, and she looks up, Bucky’s watching her with an inscrutable expression. Her breath catches and her mind goes absolutely dumb.

Does he want ..? Should she ..?

She looks back down at it, at the relaxed splay of his thighs. She wets her lips and thinks about reaching forward and sliding her hand over it, what it would feel like, if it would twitch, if Bucky would shiver or make a sound. She wants to touch it, and seriously considers doing so, but when she looks up at Bucky again, he doesn’t look like he’s excited, or anticipating her touching him. He looks … resigned. 

“Tired?” he asks kindly. "Do you maybe ... Do you need anything else tonight? From me?"

Mary's lips part, heart leaping at what that might mean ... but then Bucky looks over at Steve with visible yearning in his eyes, and the two of them share one of their silent conversations, brows pinched and expectant. 

Oh. Right. Bucky’s just horny and eager to get Steve into bed, wants to wrap this up. Mary wonders if he really can’t tell that she's not far down like she used to get. Maybe he thinks this is all she needs and he really isn’t going to take Linda’s advice seriously. Mary should be happy about that. After all, it’s what she wanted. Isn’t it?

She balls up the hand that she’d been imagining touching Bucky with and nods. “Yeah,” she says. “Yeah, I’m tired. Think I’m gonna … go get ready for bed.”

She glances over at Steve, but he looks mopey and eager to get out of the room just like his husband does, cementing the notion in Mary’s mind that they don’t want to be with her that way. No doubt they will if push comes to shove, because Linda’s told them Mary needs a sexual dynamic, but it’s not something they’re excited about. Mary knows men: They’re not the sort to sit around and wait for a girl they like to make the first move. And certainly not a man like Bucky, of all people. 

She tries not to be hurt by it, but still gets a little weepy while brushing her teeth, the unintended rejection stinging more when she’s down in the tingly, vulnerable throes of subspace. She spits, rinses, flosses, rinses. Grabs the mouthwash that she hates to use but that Bucky has ordered her to always use after brushing her teeth at night. 

She says goodnight to Steve and Bucky through the safety of her closed bedroom door, and despite her voice being warbly, neither one of them knocks on the door to see what’s up. That drives the point home, and Mary tucks herself into bed with the mindset that she’ll let them know they don’t have to sleep with her just to be nice or to help her or whatever. She’ll just find a way to convince them that she really is fine with going to one of the ProDoms, and that it really is a better arrangement.

Better than a pity fuck, at least.

It’s disappointing to know that Mary prefers the ProDom, that she doesn’t want to make their relationship sexual, but Bucky gets it, and he knows that he shouldn’t be surprised. He’s not exactly an easy person to get along with, after all. He’s prickly as fuck, grumpy, bossy, selfish. And aside from her natural submission, Mary’s personality clashes with his horribly. Steve is essential, but he just isn’t enough to successfully buffer between the two of them—not enough to make her want them that way, at least. 

Bucky can see the profound disappointment in Steve’s eyes that night, as Mary doesn’t react the way they were both hoping, doesn’t take the offerings Bucky puts out.

They have to let it be her choice, of course, having planned it out and discussed it between just the two of them. It's all anybody ever talks about in the D/s community these days: making sure subs are the initiators at key moments like this, not letting domination creep in and become manipulation-so easy to do with how naturally vulnerable and people pleasing submissives are. Gone are the days when Doms like Bucky were encouraged to guide new partners in the "right" direction. That leads to too much trauma, too many subs in situations they don't really want. Mary has to be left to make the choice on her own, it's her right.

But it's still the hardest fucking thing for him to do, to just sit there and wait passively. And it still stings when she looks straight at his erection and declares that she’s ready for bed. Well, if it wasn’t clear before.

Steve looks like a friggin’ kicked puppy, as he stands outside of Mary’s closed bedroom door and bids her goodnight. Bucky nudges him in the direction of their own room and murmurs, “Come on, Sweetheart.” 

In their bedroom, they each get undressed. Steve continues to mope, so Bucky goes up to him and places a hand on his shoulder and rubs. “Hey. Don’t sulk. You’ve still got me.” Steve’s mouth twitches in a small smile and Bucky’s heart flares with fondness for him. “You wanna play a game?” he offers, leaning in and kissing him once on the lips. “Mm?” He looks down pointedly to both of their boners that haven’t completely lagged since tv time ended.

“Okay.” 

Bucky hums and turns, putting his left shoulder out. “Lend a guy a hand?” Steve obliges. He removes the prosthetic arm with practiced motions. Bucky moans quietly at how good it feels to get the heavy weight off. “Fuck.” He rolls his shoulders, cracks his neck each way with a blissed out groan. “Yes.”

“You’ve been wearing it more than usual, lately,” Steve points out, going over to set it on the table at Bucky’s side of the bed. “Why?”

He already knows: Bucky can tell from the way he asks it. He grunts and looks away, refraining from answering. He normally only wears the arm to work and to the gym, skipping it around the house or when he’s just got simple errands to run. There’s a surprising amount he can do just fine without the use of two arms, and he’s been confident about being seen in public without it for a long time now, thanks to Steve and their friends at the V.A. Being self conscious about it again after all these years isn’t something Bucky wants to admit out loud or think about, but Steve isn’t stupid. He can put two and two together. 

“Babe,” he says softly, walking back over to stand behind him. He wraps his arms around Bucky’s waist and noses into his neck. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Bucky inhales deeply. “I know. I’m not.” Steve makes a sound that clearly says he doesn’t believe that. But Bucky doesn’t want to talk about it, so he reaches back with the only arm he has to grab playfully at the side of Steve’s ass. “Go in the bathroom. Get the water going how I like.”

Steve groans and thunks his forehead against the back of Bucky’s neck. “Not that game,” he complains, though there’s no conviction to it. He slinks off towards the bathroom to go do as he’s been told. “I hate that game.”

“Fuck you. You love that game.” 

Steve shoots him the finger from over his shoulder, but something about his naked body and tight little ass being on display strips the gesture of its animosity. He disappears into the bathroom and Bucky walks over to their bedroom dresser to grab a hair tie, still snickering. He sobers when he takes one from the valet tray and realizes that he’ll have to have Steve tie his hair back. That’s one thing he never could figure out how to do one handed. He stands there and looks in the mirror above the dresser, studying the left side of his body in a way that he rarely does anymore. 

He’s gotten so used to it: his life with Steve, whom he knows down to his bones accepts him unconditionally. He’s almost forgotten what it feels like to be self conscious about his body. Bucky hasn’t known how to talk about it, and Mary hasn’t asked. She’s seen him with his sleeves rolled up to the elbow, or in tee shirts at the gym, but that’s all so far. Sometimes he’ll catch her looking, but he’s got no clue what she’s thinking. He considers his reflection, looks at the scars and puckered skin, the implanted base of the arm where his stump used to be. He doesn’t like the uncomfortability of being critical of his body again. In a way, he almost resents Mary for it, for making that feeling come back after all these years. Silly, he knows. 

“Babe?” Steve’s voice calls out from the bathroom. Bucky’s ears register the sound of rushing water. “You coming?” 

Bucky inhales deeply and decides it doesn’t matter anyway. Mary wants a ProDom, not them, so he doesn’t have to stress over what she thinks about any part of his body, let alone the one part he doesn’t have.

“Yeah.” He turns his back to the judgmental mirror and heads towards his very non-judgmental best guy.

“Okay. Stop clenching.”

Steve exhales shakily, but he does obey, body slumping back against the end of the tub as he relaxes his muscles. “Fuck,” he breathes, overwhelmed.

“Hand too, Baby.”

His hand abandons his dick in the bathwater. “Ungh.”

Bucky smiles lazily and rubs the side of his foot against Steve’s hip in praise. “Good boy.”

They’re in the bathtub together, opposite ends, legs tangled. Their combined bulk displaces the water all the way up to above their shoulders, but that’s part of the game: they’re not allowed to splash on the floor, so they can’t jerk off very hard or fast. First one to splash water on the floor is the automatic loser and has to bottom the next time they fuck (Bucky added that little caveat because he’s very good at not splashing, whereas Steve is hopelessly clumsy and overeager ). “How you doing, Sweetheart?” he asks, drinking in the sight of Steve with his lips parted, chest heaving, squirming. He’s pink from temple to tits, flushed from the bathwater and arousal both, and Bucky loves it. “You’re not close already, are you?” he tuts, grinning. “So sensitive.”

“Buck,” Steve croaks, heated eyes dragging over Bucky’s body at the other end of the tub where he’s still gently jerking himself off. “Please.”

Bucky affords himself another toe-curlingly good swipe over the head of his dick before he nods. “Okay. Slow. Just like me”

Steve huffs and wraps his hand back around himself, stroking his dick in slow, measured strokes, just like Bucky said. Bucky’s guts warm and another heady rush of dominance swirls low in his belly at watching Steve do exactly as he says. “You can start workin’ it again, too,” he says.

Steve moans gratefully. “Thank you. Fuck.” His abs start clenching, his body straining again with visible tension as he works the Aneros that’s seated up inside him. Under the water, his knees move in and out in that instinctive motion as he tries to rock it just right. But it’s hard to do it with the water so high, and more than once he catches himself and holds back at the sight of the bathwater sloshing precariously close to the lip of the tub. At one point he gasps and his eyes slam shut, and Bucky figures the toy must’ve shifted to press even more directly against his prostate. 

“Ooh, does that feel good, Stevie?”

Steve peeks his eyes open, glaring across the way at him. “You know it does.”

Bucky does, in fact, know exactly how good it feels—because he’s got another of the exact same toy inside of himself, right now. “I don’t know why you still agree to play this game,” he taunts, grunting from the effort of holding back his own moan as his prostate gets a firm prod from the head of the toy. “You—nngh—you always wind up losing.”

“Yeah, well …” Steve’s throat bobs as he swallows heavily. “Maybe I don’t mind you coming out on top, sometimes.”

“Sometimes,” Bucky scoffs, but he’s breathing heavier than he was thirty minutes ago, his composure slipping the longer he works the toy inside himself and jerks himself off agonizingly slowly underneath the water. In fact, he’s not even sure it even counts as jerking off at this slow a pace.

Edging is something he’d introduced Steve to early on in their relationship, as soon as he’d realized how delightfully sensitive his new boyfriend was. And Steve, the big idiot, had worried Bucky wouldn’t like it, had actually thought of it as a negative! An absurd notion that Bucky promptly disabused him of. Watching his ungodly sexy blond behemoth of a husband whine and squirm and struggle to hold himself in check is one of the fucking hottest things Bucky’s ever seen—and he’s seen a lot. He’d been a bit of a manwhore back in his heyday, racking up the bodies as he fought to find himself as a Dom and accept the body an IED had left him with.

Steve, his overly-sensitive, glorious hunk of a then-boyfriend, had helped him to do both. And it’s times like this where Bucky remembers just how goddamn lucky he is. Having Steve to love and fuck around with feels like the best gift in the world. 

At the other end of the tub, the water sloshes as something he’s done to himself makes Steve’s breath hitch in another helpless moan. He tosses his head back for a moment, eyes clamped shut as his expression crumples beautifully and he whimpers. Bucky’s ass clenches down hard in arousal at the sight, which only makes the toy in his ass rub over his prostate that much better. His cock throbs as his pleasure flares dangerously high. Fuck, he wants to come. 

Licking his lips, he decides it's time to end this. His balls are pulled up too close to his body, taut and full and aching for release. Trying to school his breathing into something resembling nonchalance is a lost cause, and his face feels almost as flushed as Steve’s looks right now. Bucky decides to call it, because even though he’s the automatic favorite to win this game every time, he is capable of losing, if he gets too caught up in ogling Steve’s body and reactions and doesn’t focus enough on playing his cards right. “Okay,” he finally says, smirking when Steve’s head jerks back to attention, his irises visibly flaring in excitement. “Yeah, Baby. It’s time.”

“Fuck.”

“You ready for the home stretch?” He waggles his eyebrows and lets his head rest back against the tub, spreading his legs wider and keeping his eyes on Steve. “Gotta keep up,” he instructs, even though Steve already knows how this goes. When Bucky tightens his hand and speeds up the pace of how fast he’s jerking himself off, Steve copies him. That’s how it is at the end of this—totally-rigged-in-Bucky’s-favor—game. They both jerk off at the pace that Bucky sets, and the first one to splash water on the floor or come is the loser. It’s not very fair, but Bucky never claimed he was a fair guy. He is, in fact, selfish as fuck. 

Lucky for him, Steve’s into that.

“Fuck,” Steve pants from his end of the tub. He slides down lower, keeping more of his body under the water in an attempt to prevent splashing. It’s a futile effort, though, because he’s doomed to lose anyway with the faster pace that Bucky’s set. Already, he’s going lobster red in the face, brow pinched and desperate, knees knocking the sides of the tub as he compulsively works the toy in his ass. 

The arousal in Bucky’s gut coils tighter at the sight. “Watch my hand,” he warns, when he notices Steve slacking off. “Gotta match it, Baby.”

“I am.”

“Tighter,” he says, eyes gleaming. “And stop avoiding the head. I can see you cheatin’ over there, Punk.”

Steve whimpers, and Bucky knows that he really wasn’t going as tight as he is, because Steve’s hand changes its hold and he starts getting the head of his dick with the same intensity that Bucky is. Bucky grins open mouthed, panting. “Atta boy.”

“You should—ugn.” Steve grimaces. “Should get a penalty, for being cut. I should get an extra, nnnh, th-thirty seconds, at least.”

Bucky laughs, because trust Steve to think of a sportsman’s solution to the inequity of their dicks. Steve being uncut means that it takes less intense stimulation for him to come. They both know this, Bucky loves this, and again: he never claimed the game was fair. “No penalty,” he grunts, speeding up his pace even further. Steve’s eyes widen but he matches it. Bucky grits his teeth. He can hold out long enough. Steve’ll blow in seconds at this pace. 

And sure enough, it’s not even twenty seconds later when Steve is crying out, body tensing and muscles straining gorgeously as he seizes up and starts to come. “Agh!” His knees fling out hard and hit the sides of the tub, splashing water over the lip to the floor below. But he hasn’t even noticed, he’s so lost to his orgasm. His asshole is twitching, sucking on the Aneros as the contractions of his body pull the toy up against his prostate again and again, drawing the pleasure out. He shoves down hard in the water and shouts louder, as though he’s getting a second orgasm on top of the first. “Ohnfuck …” 

Bucky groans as he watches it happen: Steve’s gorgeous face and juddering hips, big hand wringing up hard underneath the head the whole way through. The fucking sounds he makes, Jesus wept. It’s leagues better than any porn Bucky’s ever seen. “Fuck, Baby,” he praises. “Yes. Fuck that’s so hot …” 

Steve’s hand keeps working the whole way through, only abandoning his cock once it’s fully spent and softening, the cloudy ribbons of his cum floating away in the bathwater. “Fuck,” he exhales hugely once it’s done, letting his body go lax and slump so far down that only his face is above the waterline.

Bucky grunts and spreads his legs wider, not heeding the splashing rule now that he’s already won. The water splashes precariously as he shoves his hips down and down and down, squeezing the shape of the toy inside so fucking perfectly. Fuck, it feels fucking good working over his spot like that. “Oghnnn,” he pants, grunting and groaning and jerking his cock hard. “Fuck, Baby. You’re so fucking pretty. Fuck. M’gonna cum …” 

Steve gives a sated hum from his end of the tub. Bucky can sense him shifting in the water, and then gasps when he feels the ball of Steve’s foot gently press up on his balls. His eyes fly open and he looks down. “Oh, shit,” he whispers. “Fuck, fuck.”

Steve grins and rubs his foot against him. And Bucky doesn’t have that fetish, but there’s something so fucking perverse about seeing Steve’s toes up against his balls that it turns his brain to mush anyway and pushes him right on over into orgasm. He shoots off beneath the water, stroking and thrusting and moaning—and probably splashing water all over the floor just as badly as Steve ever has.

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[freeonlineworkouts]

HIIT Workout: Should I Start with HIIT or Cardio?

HIIT vs. Cardio: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to achieving fitness goals, many people find themselves debating between High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio. Both forms of exercise offer unique benefits, but which one is better depends on your goals, fitness level, and preferences. This article will explore the differences, benefits, and when to choose each method to help you decide.

What is HIIT?

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves alternating short bursts of intense exercise with brief periods of rest or low-intensity activity. For example, you might sprint for 30 seconds, then walk for 60 seconds, repeating this cycle for 20-30 minutes.

Benefits of HIIT:

Time-Efficient: HIIT delivers significant results in less time compared to steady cardio.

Boosts Metabolism: It elevates your metabolic rate for hours after a workout, promoting fat burning.

Preserves Muscle Mass: HIIT primarily targets fat while maintaining lean muscle tissue.

Improves Cardiovascular Fitness: It increases both anaerobic and aerobic endurance.

Citation: A 2011 study in the Journal of Obesity found that HIIT is highly effective in reducing abdominal fat and improving overall cardiovascular health.

What is Cardio?

Steady-state cardio involves maintaining a consistent pace and intensity for a prolonged period, such as jogging, cycling, or swimming. Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes and keep your heart rate at a moderate level.

Benefits of Cardio:

Improves Endurance: It's ideal for building long-term stamina and aerobic capacity.

Supports Heart Health: Cardio strengthens the heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Burns Calories: While not as intense as HIIT, cardio is effective for weight management.

Stress Relief: It can lower stress and improve mental health through steady, rhythmic activity.

Citation: According to the American Heart Association, steady-state cardio reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall cardiovascular function.

HIIT vs. Cardio: A Comparison

Feature HIIT Cardio Time Commitment Short (15-30 minutes) Longer (30-60 minutes) Calorie Burn Higher in less time Lower but steady Fat Loss Highly effective, especially post-workout Effective over time Muscle Preservation Preserves lean muscle May lead to muscle loss with excessive duration Fitness Level Intermediate to advanced Beginner-friendly Impact on Joints High impact, can strain joints Lower impact, joint-friendly options available

Which is Better for Your Goals?

Weight Loss:

HIIT is more efficient for burning calories and boosting metabolism, especially if you’re short on time. However, combining both methods can offer sustained fat loss.

Improving Stamina:

Cardio is better suited for building endurance and improving aerobic capacity over time.

Building Muscle:

HIIT preserves and may even help build muscle due to its high-intensity nature, whereas excessive cardio might lead to muscle loss.

Overall Health:

Both forms are beneficial for cardiovascular health, but cardio is generally more accessible and less stressful for beginners or those with joint concerns.

When to Choose HIIT or Cardio

Choose HIIT if:

You’re short on time.

You want to burn fat quickly.

You’re looking to improve strength and power.

Choose Cardio if:

You prefer a low-intensity, steady workout.

You’re training for endurance events like a marathon.

You’re a beginner or have joint issues.

Can You Combine HIIT and Cardio?

Absolutely! Incorporating both methods into your routine provides variety and balances endurance with strength. For example:

Do 2-3 HIIT sessions per week for fat-burning and metabolic benefits.

Include 1-2 steady-state cardio sessions for endurance and recovery.

Conclusion

HIIT and cardio both have their place in a well-rounded fitness program. HIIT is excellent for those seeking quick, efficient results, while steady-state cardio offers endurance and long-term health benefits. Understanding your goals, fitness level, and preferences will help you choose the best approach—or combine the two for optimal results.

References:

Journal of Obesity, 2011 – Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training.

American Heart Association – Cardiovascular benefits of steady-state cardio.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2015 – Comparing calorie burn between HIIT and cardio.

[liesmyth]

Hi ❤️ I was wondering, do you have some recs/advices for light cardio HIIT sessions? I follow a weight lifting program online split on 3 days, i'd like to do some type of cardio on a fourth day but online there is.. TOO MUCH infos, i'm basically a beginner still and i'm getting so confused 😭

hi hi thank you for asking I LOVE these questions ❤️ I totally get what you mean about Too Much Information, fitness internet is chockfull of info but it can and does get overwhelming (and contact story!) especially if you're a beginner.

On cardio: I'm a big cardio fan, and could yap about the benefits all day. However! I feel very strongly that the best kind of cardio is the one that you actually like doing. If you're "just" looking to add "do more cardio" to your schedule, without any specific goals, the type of cardio matters a lot less than whether it's going to be fun for you to do. It can be as simple as doing 15/20 mins on an exercise bike after you're done at the gym, or dancing to kpop videos in your bedroom, or going on a moderate hike on Saturdays. If you want to add some more structured workouts, that's also great — more on that below — but IME, finding a form of cardio that you actually enjoy is a lot more important in the long run than trying to find THE perfect cardio workout.

this is the part where I yap. sorry.

SAMPLE CARDIO ROUTINE FOR LIFTERS from this amazing (very insightful!) r/fitness post by a lifting coach who's very solid

Something like this is IMO ideal if you don't have time or inclination to do much else. If it looks good to you, stop here! No need to read on. If you want more info and resources, go on

What's HIIT anyway?

sorry to be pedantic BUT I think it's important when exploring online fitness resources to know this: "light HIIT" is a misnomer. HIIT has become kind of a buzzword that's overused in fitness circles for marketing / SEO reasons, and I understand why (visibility!) but I wanted to clarify this just so you know what to look for going forward. HIIT = "High-intensity interval training": short bursts of exercise that have your heart literally jumping in your throat, followed by recovery. You're meant to give it your absolute all and flop dead like a fish on the grass when you're done. The upside is that HIIT workouts are very short; the downside is that they're very intense, and it can be kind of mentally daunting to psyche yourself up to do it.

So maybe I don't want to do the mentally daunting workout. What else is there?

NON-HIIT WORKOUTS THAT FUCK

Just because something is branded as "HIIT" when it's not, it doesn't mean it's not a damn good workout in its own right. Here is a youtube playlist from a "follow along workouts" fitness influencer who I LOVED during the pandemic (Caroline Girvan, I've yapped about her before). I used to do one of her cardio-heavy workouts once a week as an integration to an at-home fitness routine. That playlist I linked includes 92 (NINETY TWO) workouts. Some are bodyweight, some use dumbells for resistance; pick and choose.

LIGHT CARDIO

Maybe this is what you were looking for in the first place! LISS = Low-Intensity Steady Cardio. As the name implies, instead of "high-intensity bursts + recovery" style of workout, LISS workout means that you constantly keep moving at a steady rate. The downside is that LISS workouts are much longer, and maybe more dull, and you're better off doing them multiple times a week to see benefits. The upside is that they're less taxing on your body and require less recovery time, and they can be paired up with lifting days. Something like 15 mins on an exercise bike as a cooldown after lifting + one longer session (40+ min) on a day you don't lift would be what I think of as "integrating cardio into a lifting schedule" if you don't want to do anything high intensity. Replace exercise bike with walking up an incline or jogging or swimming or dancing or whatever. You can mix and match. You can take a brisk half hour walk 3 times a week and go on a hike every other weekend. Just find something that you enjoy and can stick to ( <- personally I have an audiobook I save to listen to ONLY when I'm doing chill-ish cardio to entertain me during)

Nevermind those alternatives. I want to do HIIT anyway. What do I do?

resources: introduction to HIIT writeup from r/HIIT (not famliar with the sub but the guide looks pretty solid) + some examples of HIIT workouts that you can do anywhere depending on your preferences (bodyweight training, exercise bike or rowing machine, kettlebell swings etc)

Here's an example of a follow-along HIIT workout from an influencer I think is very solid: ONE, TWO. They're 15 minutes long and pretty much what I mean when I say that HIIT is meant to be short and deadly; you do something like this, you recover, you're done.

BIG disclaimer: Don't start with any moves that are too fancy at first. Because HIIT = high intensity, that mostly translates into "doing some moves very fast to try and get your heart rate up within the interval window" and some people interpret that as trying to get in as many reps as possible. this goes extra hard for "follow along" workouts but also in general. If you're not very familiar with those moves, you can risk injury. Some HIIT routines are very dynamic, and if you don't have the movements nailed down, you're better off focusing on maintaining form rather than doing them really fast.

Other disclaimer: I would still pair up HIIT once a week with some more chill cardio on lifting days. If it's possible. But if you're doing HIIT in an intense way, that's already a lot!

TLDR

Summing up. Example of HIIT workouts. Follow alongs: one, two, three. I'd recommend doing one of these once a week if you like them, on a non-lifting day. If these aren't your speed, then a longer session of moderate cardio on a non-lifting day would be good, depending on what you have access to and enjoy. You can also do moderate cardio on lifting days if you're feeling extra motivated.

long-ass science-y article on benefits of cardio for weightlifters because I just really love this blogger

[that-girl-lyra]

A (long) Rant About Fitness & Personal Health

So if you're new to my blog, hi, Im Lyra and I am a 27 y/o who is very passionate about fitness and physical health. A few years back I was 165lbs and very unhappy, so I decided to start working out and then boom, currently 116lbs and 18% body fat. (Im 5ft2)

I didnt do that through some wacko diet, restricting my food, keto, whatever. No. Simply put, I ate food, and lifted heavy shit over, and over and over. And whoda thunk?! I lost body fat, gained muscle, as well as mental clarity, improved my sleep health, and physical health as a whole. And another fun fact, I still ate "bad food". Oooo, scary. Pizza, beer, burgers, cake, cookies, if its food, I want to eat it, and I did (and do).

It irks me on a cellular level that some people try to convince others that the only and or best way to lose weight, is to follow some weird ass diet that likely has more health risks than benefits, and the people theyre trying to convince, are already pretty vulnerable and are ready to try pretty much anything to get results and FAST!

Whilst I more than understand wanting results asap, fitness and physical health is not something you will see results and progress with in a short span of time. Sure, you might start feeling a little better after a month of implementing a fitness routine, but you'll look the same, and more or less still be the same. Fitness above all else teaches patience, and discipline. The muscles, slimmer figure, or whatever your original goal was is just a bonus.

Let me break a few things down for you;

Food is fuel, so fuckin EAT

You dont need to be keto, or follow the carnivore diet, vegetarian, vegan, nada. Nothing. Zilch. Zero, to be able to lose weight and gain muscle effectively, efficiently, safely, and be able to maintain a healthy body.

The best thing that I have ever heard regarding food (and it helped change my own relationship with food) is a quote from personal trainer and fitness coach Alex Tima from Hybrid Wellness. Alex said "There is no such thing as bad/unhealthy food. There is only more nutritious food, and less nutritious food".

Too much of anything isnt good, and too little of anything is also not good. Thats why we call it a "balanced" diet.

A lot of fitness influencers and whoever now days are trying to convince their followers to follow a strict diet of only animal products and maybe some fruit, all while eating one meal a day because "thats what our ancestors did!". Yeah, and our ancestors died at the ripe old age of 30.

True, we are/were hunter gatherers, but evolution is a thing as well. Just because back then we could survive off of only one meal a day, doesnt mean we have too now. More so, the biggest and strongest of our ancestors, still ate more/the most!

Bottom line, eat food when youre hungry. Eat good food. Meats, fruits, veggies, grains, fats, etc.

Dont let anyone tell you that youre undisciplined because you dont subscribe to any particular diet.

2. If You Wanna Look "Toned", You've Gotta Put in the Work

After becoming more fit and healthy myself, I have had quite a few people approach me and ask how they can do the same. However, nine times out of ten, they all say the same thing, or at least some variation of "I just wanna look more toned".

Well guess what? You will not look more toned, if there is nothing to tone.

Cardio alone will not help you achieve your goals. Sure, walking is fantastic and jogging is a great way to increase cardiovascular health and stamina, but it will not make you look more "toned". For that, you will need to build muscle. And how do we build muscle?

WE LIFT HEAVY SHIT WE EAT LOTS OF PROTEIN AND THEN WE LIFT HEAVIER SHIT

Unless you are literally training like Sam Sulek, you will not look like Sam Sulek. Lifting weights will NOT make you look "big" or "bulky" if you're not trying to become big or bulky. Just lift a good amount to where its a bit of a struggle, and increase the weight gradually overtime as you become stronger.

That with a little bit of cardio works wonders. Not just cardio or weights by themselves.

Again...balance

3. FUCK THE SCALE

Sooooo many people are obsessed with the scale, being skinny, having the smallest BMI they could possibly get but let me tell you something.

My own mother has been obsessed with not only her weight (shes an almond mom with the exception of booze), but mine for as long as I can remember. Shes done so many diets, taken god knows what concoctions of...whatever, pills, etc all for the sake of being skiiinniiiiiiiii!!!!!

Guess where she is now? I mean sure, shes super fuckin skinny, but shes got diareah 24/7, liver damage, blood problems, thyroid issues, she had fuckin scurvey, and various brain issues and pretty much, delusions. But so long as her weight is low along with her waistline, she does not give a fuuuuuckk.

Guys, its not worth it. Do NOT stress over the numbers you see on the scale or any BMI calculator. Its okay if you want to drop a few pounds, but I highly HIGHLY encourage you to just simply take progress pics instead. Your eyes may lie to you, but the camera will not.

I could go on and on and on about this topic, but this is already a long enough post, and I don't want to info overload you lol.

To wrap up, fitness and personal health is all about balance. Nothing more, nothing less. Balanced diet, balanced sleep, balanced workout plan, etc.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel more than free to drop into my asks! Ill be more than happy to answer them when I can :)

[fitnessnirvana]

UPPER BODY AND ARM HIIT WORKOUT

Do you think spending hours at the gym daily was the only way to increase upper body strength and muscle? Think again. While strength training and progressive overload are important components of gaining strength and size, upper-body HIIT exercises are excellent for raising the load on your back, chest, shoulders, and arms without requiring a significant amount of time.

What Are The Benefits of Upper Body HIIT Workouts?

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a training method that alternates between times of all-out exercise and periods of low-intensity exercise or rest, with a maximum workout duration of 30 minutes. While HIIT workouts do not normally generate as much muscle as weight training, they can still be beneficial, especially if you choose regimens that include various compound movements to keep the muscles engaged.

While HIIT workouts may be less effective in building muscle, they make up for it in other ways. When compared to weight training, HIIT workouts have a greater ability to improve muscle endurance, speed, and power, which can aid in sports performance and even weight lifting. HIIT also increases cardiovascular endurance and burns a large number of calories in a short period.

Are HIIT Workouts Enough For The Upper Body And Arms?

There are numerous advantages to incorporating upper body and arm HIIT workouts into your weekly workout, but depending on your aim, this may not be sufficient on its own. Upper body and arm HIIT workouts can suffice if you want to develop strength, power, and speed while also maintaining a leaner physique. If you can only devote 30-40 minutes to your workouts each day, HIIT workouts are ideal for getting a strong upper-body workout.

If you want to acquire significant upper body and arm bulk, you need also to incorporate weight training. Weightlifting challenges and fatigues the muscles to the point that they must be regenerated, and this process increases muscle size. Combining the two types of exercise is an effective strategy to increase general strength and fitness while also improving body composition. An upper-lower body training split could look like this:

Day 1: upper body workout – weightlifting

Day 2: lower body workout – weightlifting

Day 3: upper body workout – HIIT

Day 4: lower body workout - HIIT

Tips For Creating An Upper Body HIIT Workout:

We've given an upper body and arm HIIT routine to try below, but if you want to create your own workout, here are some pointers to get you started:

Choose complementing exercises. Choose a combination of complex workouts to build strength and cardio activities to improve speed and endurance. Choosing workouts that require the same pieces of gym equipment will make it easier to complete the exercises fast. Push-ups, clean and press, tricep dips, battle ropes, and renegade rows are some of the best upper body HIIT workouts you can do.

2. Begin with something small. Aim for 4-6 exercises with multiple circuits rather than 1-2 rounds of a variety of exercises. This will make it easy to follow, allowing you to focus all of your attention on the exercises and take advantage of the rest intervals rather than having to remember what to do next.

3. Try different times. There are numerous ways to structure your HIIT workout, so experiment with various intervals to determine what works best. For more strength-based exercises, longer intervals may be beneficial to get more reps in, whereas a more cardio-focused workout may benefit from shorter but higher intensity times of exercise and rest.

[historicalfightingguide]

"The Historical Fencing Channel is an organization that disparate historical fencing groups come together and, through agreement, to collectively validate and recognize the efforts of their individual members. In doing so a "common ground" and sense of community is created within, through which ideas, methods, and knowledge may be shared in order to promote the growth of both groups and their members beyond what would otherwise be separately achievable. This Channel is a common ground for members to submit videos of their interpretations, to create a library of techniques from differing groups"

More specifically we can see Adam Franti of the Lansing Longsword Guild in all the videos of this playlist - covering a lot of the basic strikes, guards and concepts of Meyer Dussack(effectively a form of medieval/renaissance central-european saber that usually had a (semi)complex hilt but was often practiced with leather and wooden practice weapons with simpler guards).

On that note here’s a masterpost of sorts of Meyer content on this blog

You may also remember Adam from the earlier methodology and murderhobos posts.

The provoker-taker-hitter tactical concept and its uses are quite relevant to dussack as a weapon.

You may also enjoy this general one-handed sword according to Meyer video as well

(and keep in mind the dussack is used by Meyer within his 1571 book as a basis for all one-handed weapons).

As well as these videos on how to apply the Meyer square to a dussack, and some other dussack-handling drills.

Lastly you might find the dussack tag of the blog relevant too.

For anyone who hasn’t yet seen the following links:

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Some advice on how to start studying the sources generally can be found in these older posts

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Remember to check out  A Guide to Starting a Liberation Martial Arts Gym as it may help with your own club/gym/dojo/school culture and approach.Check out their curriculum too.

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Fear is the Mind Killer: How to Build a Training Culture that Fosters Strength and Resilience by   Kajetan Sadowski   may be relevant as well.

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“How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills”  by Rob Gray  as well as this post that goes over the basics of his constraints lead, ecological approach.

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Another useful book to check out is  The Theory and Practice of Historical European Martial Arts (while about HEMA, a lot of it is applicable to other historical martial arts clubs dealing with research and recreation of old fighting systems).

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Trauma informed coaching and why it matters

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Look at the previous posts in relation to running and cardio to learn how that relates to historical fencing.

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Why having a systematic approach to training can be beneficial

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Why we may not want one attack 10 000 times, nor 10 000 attacks done once, but a third option.

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How consent and opting in function and why it matters.

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More on tactics in fencing

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Types of fencers

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Open vs closed skills

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The three primary factors to safety within historical fencing

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Worth checking out are this blogs tags on pedagogy and teaching for other related useful posts.

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And if you train any weapon based form of historical fencing check out the ‘HEMA game archive’ where you can find a plethora of different drills, focused sparring and game options to use for effective, useful and fun training.

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Check out the cool hemabookshelf facsimile project.

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For more on how to use youtube content for learning historical fencing I suggest checking out these older posts on the concept of video study of sparring and tournament footage.

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The provoker-taker-hitter tactical concept and its uses

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Approaches to goals and methodology in historical fencing

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A short article on why learning about other sports and activities can benefit folks in combat sports

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Consider getting some patches of this sort or these cool rashguards to show support for good causes or a t-shirt like to send a good message while at training.

[leothecloud]

Dieting and Working Out As A Trans Individual~

—BEFORE— I begin I want to say that this post is for those who are considering it/don't know where to start. For those who may need weight loss for a surgery (some surgeons suggest it) and health reasons. For those who are thinking about trying it out. For the many many reasons someone may want to~

This is not me giving medical advice—This is all based on my personal journey/experience and to help give ideas on things. Please consult with a doctor about a huge amount of weight loss/your diet.

Where to start—

Do not start with goals immediately. Start with writing down reasonable ideas on what type of weight loss you want to achieve. If you want fast weight loss and to lose a huge amount a doctor is needed. If you want to find a specific diet such as Keto please inform your doctor and get their suggestions as they know your body's medical history and can alert you to any risks with specific diets. If you want to slowly lose weight and ease into things try to write down a reasonable number you want to lose every week to two weeks. Example: 1 or 2 pounds a week/two weeks. Do you want less fat, more muscle, more defined curves, etc? Write down what can be achievable for you right now in this present moment. Example: I want more muscle and less fat so beginner weight lifting/cardio may be the best bet.

Write down different ideas you may be interested in regarding workouts. Some like sports, some prefer a gym, or maybe you want to workout at home. What types of workouts do you feel your body can handle and benefit from?

Dieting is similar. Write down different diets you know you have an easier time with. Ones that you can work on and do. Do not start off strict immediately.

When you diet slowly cut out/down things. It can be hard to stop certain foods like carbs or sugar cold turkey. Lower the amount or intake you can have over time. You can have something here and there but lower how much of it you eat.

Look into what type of workouts are out there and available for you. I put together a workout playlist with yoga first for stretching, beginner weight lifting second, and cardio third. Altogether its an hour and a half of workout and its beginner friendly and things I am currently physically capable of doing.

Your body will be sore for a while at first so make sure you have access to ibuprofen. That specific drug is also anti-inflammatory.

IF scales trigger you I would suggest finding a way you don't have to weigh yourself often or you don't have to weigh yourself at all. I never do. Scales make my self-esteem plummet. Its okay not to pressure yourself with numbers or weigh yourself every week.

If you don't know how much you want to lose but you still want to lose weight that's okay too! You don't need a goal. You can take it at your own pace and just learn as you go.

[enformasockss]

Buy Coolmax Compression Stockings and Athletic Socks In NL

When it comes to optimizing performance and comfort, athletes and everyday users alike turn to innovative apparel like Coolmax compression stockings. Whether you're battling pronation issues, preparing for a CrossFit challenge, or searching for the best socks for running, understanding the value of advanced sock technology is critical. This blog explores everything you need to know what is Coolmax, compression socks, and their benefits for an active lifestyle.

What Are Coolmax Compression Stockings?

Coolmax compression stockings are specially designed to combine the benefits of compression technology with the moisture-wicking capabilities of Coolmax fabric. They are ideal for improving circulation, reducing swelling, and keeping your feet dry during intense activities.

What is Coolmax?Coolmax is a high-performance polyester fabric engineered to wick moisture away from the skin. This technology keeps your feet cool, dry, and comfortable, even during the most strenuous workouts.

The Benefits of Compression Running Socks

Compression running socks are not just for athletes—they're beneficial for anyone who wants to enhance blood flow and reduce fatigue. Here's why they’re essential:

Enhanced Circulation: These socks use graduated compression to promote blood flow, helping reduce muscle soreness and speeding up recovery.

Moisture Control: Incorporating Coolmax technology ensures your feet stay dry during long runs or workouts.

Injury Prevention: Compression socks provide added support to prevent issues like shin splints and cramps.

How Coolmax Socks Help with Pronation Control

Pronation refers to the natural inward roll of the foot while walking or running. Excessive pronation can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or injuries. Coolmax compression socks for walking all day are designed to stabilize your feet and reduce the risks associated with overpronation. With arch support and targeted compression zones, they improve alignment and overall performance.

CrossFit Socks: A Must-Have for High-Intensity Workouts

CrossFit is one of the most demanding fitness regimens, requiring gear that can keep up with its intensity. CrossFit socks made with Coolmax fabric are a perfect choice for the following reasons:

Durability: Built to withstand tough conditions and frequent movements.

Comfort: Prevents blisters and keeps feet dry even during prolonged workouts.

Compression Benefits: Supports muscles and reduces fatigue during heavy lifting and cardio intervals.

Key Features to Look for in Compression Socks

When selecting Coolmax compression stockings or athletic socks, look for the following features:

Material: Ensure the socks are made with Coolmax fabric for optimal moisture-wicking and comfort.

Fit: A snug fit ensures better compression and prevents the socks from slipping.

Cushioning: Extra cushioning can add comfort during high-impact activities like running or CrossFit.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of compression running socks?

Compression running socks enhance blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery after workouts.

2. How does Coolmax fabric work?

Coolmax fabric wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and cool during physical activity.

3. Can Coolmax socks help with overpronation?

Yes, Coolmax compression socks are designed with targeted support to stabilize your feet and reduce excessive pronation.

4. Are CrossFit socks different from regular socks?

Absolutely. CrossFit socks are made to withstand the high-intensity and durability demands of CrossFit workouts, often incorporating features like moisture control and arch support.

Conclusion

Choosing the right socks is an investment in your performance and comfort. Whether you’re addressing pronation issues, preparing for a CrossFit session, or hitting the trails with compression running socks, products made with Coolmax fabric deliver unmatched benefits. Their ability to wick moisture, provide targeted compression, and support foot health makes them a must-have for athletes and casual users alike.

[astrojaxsaga]

Long Time No See...

Happy new year ! New year's is my favorite holiday if I'm honest. Christmas and Thanksgiving tend to be overblown and very materialistic in my family and so I've never been particularly fond of them. But New Years is all about goal-setting and looking ahead to the future, and making plans, while also appreciating the good things from the year prior.

In 2024, I did a lot (although at times it didn't feel like it). I went abroad for 3 weeks to the UK and Ireland. I went to Italy with my husband for his best friend's wedding. I turned 30 and started my astrophysics/ocean tattoo sleeve. I was interviewed for an article in my local news about the Rubin Observatory and what I hope to use its data for. I applied for 11 post-doc positions and fellowships; I've already had an interview that went really well for one in Copenhagen, I have a good shot of getting an offer from Edinburgh, I have been shortlisted for MIT in Boston, and I have a strong application for a fellowship at UW in Seattle. I think that there is a good shot I will at least have some options available to me.(:

Some of my Resolutions are fitness-based, but a lot of them are for general well-being. I really want to try to knit a sweater this year. I want to wrap up my professional website (which I started last winter break and haven't gotten back to since, lol). I want to make a list of things I should do and see on the Island before we leave Victoria in the Fall. I'd like to get back to getting up early in the morning to have an hour or two to myself, and get back into journaling at night.

Besides these, I have some general fitness/diet-type goals for January. For one, I wasn't drinking much at all while applying for jobs, but after Thanksgiving I stopped being mindful about it, and I definitely drank more than I should have during Christmas break. So I am doing dry January. It's good enough timing too, because I do have weight-loss related goals and need to remind myself how good it feels to see the scale decrease. I haven't used a scale in a long time because it wasn't really important to my goals, but before we move in the Fall I wan't to feel healthier and better in my clothes. The second part of this January goal is that I have decided to kick-start the weight loss with a month of keto dieting, which I have done before and had good results with. The hardest part about keto is not eating fruit, but I am also trying to be cost-effective and eat veggies that are in-season now anyways, so it's not the worst to put it on the back burner for a bit. The last part of this January goal is 30 days of yoga, which is a good activity that I can do while still being very low-carb. You do not want to push your body when in keto.

Once I get through 4 weeks of yoga, no drinking, and a keto diet, I'll transition slowly to higher carbs and try to add back in weightlifting (possibly running 1x a week so I can maintain my cardio, but I will take it easy at first to adjust). The point of this combined method is to hopefully lose ~12 lbs in a relatively short time to motivate myself (this happened last time and I was about the same weight), and then I can focus on doing basically a cutting diet to lean down and maintain muscle. Especially after a month of keto, I think it will be possible to keep my meals high in protein and lower in carbs, which I usually struggle with because I do drink alcohol weekly, and often to excess. But I think this period of isolation with job apps has really helped me reframe where I want to put my energy these days.

It's the 4th now which means I've been doing keto for 4 days, and I've had decent success so far. A big benefit of keto for me is that I am not usually craving anything and I don't really eat unless I'm hungry. Also there weirdly seems to be a part of low-carb that enhances my focus ? I am not sure what that is. (Food sleepies due to carbs I understand, but I don't understand additional focus...)

Anyways, I will post some meals if they look delicious enough in the coming weeks. My SW for 2024 is 190 lbs and I am currently at 187 (water weight). We will see how this changes by next week.

[hologramcowboy]

You've mentioned working out before, I'd love to hear more about your workout routine!

I am always looking at new routines/excerises to keep me motivated and from being stagnant. Also, if you have any tips for eating well to help aide in the working out process and getting results. Like I said, I'm always looking for new avenues to go down and try

Hi! 🧡 Seems like you are deeply committed to staying healthy and that is a beautiful, powerful thing.

I switch up my work out routine based on my mood and status during the day. Usually, I’ll do a 5-10 minute warm up routine and then I’ll just go for the treadmill (can be easily replaced with a brisk walk or run). After that I will do one of my routine workouts which incorporate exercises from Steve Zim (used to sign up to his program so I picked up his routine), Christine Bullock (she has some amazing free work outs online and her MindValley one is also amazing for people who don’t have a lot of time to exercise) and many more. Finally, I do 10-30 minutes wind down where I stretch and incorporate yoga here and there. Since I easily get bored, I always switch up my routine meaning one day I’ll focus on body weight exercises, the next cardio and so on.

Here’s an example:

Day 1:

Cardio

Day 2:

Bodyweight training

Day 3:

HIIT

Day 4:

Core Training

Day 5:

Foundation Training (mostly Pilates but it varies)

I try to push the limit each workout to ensure steady progress.

The biggest advice I could give is pick your music carefully right down to its energy, lyrics and rhythm. Remember that what you feed your mind affects your body so choose songs that energize you and support your wellbeing. Be as intentional about your music as you are about your moves.

Also, some days you will be tired or sad or won’t feel like it, so you have two choices: do it anyway but adjust. Meaning maybe you wanna spend an hour stretching and meditating instead of a full blown work out or have another physical activity that can provide you with relief. Go with your flow, respect your body. Or you might even end up skipping a day or two, remember your body also needs to rest. Those days off are an investment in your wellbeing and while it may appear as if you are doing nothing your body is benefitting. I find that the more I respect my body and move the better my body feels from posture to energy, the way we move or don’t affects it all. Your confidence will soar if you stay disciplined while also respecting your body.

As for eating, conscious eating is key. You can have a bit of everything if you do it with care. Minimise distractions while you are eating and chew consciously paying attention to each flavour. Choose healthy alternatives whenever you can and also have moments where you indulge. It goes back to listening to your body to avoid overeating. Emotional eating can also come into play at times so inner work is also important. 🧡

I know it sounds weird but making healthy choices and working out all stem from Mindset so working on your self belief, value and love must come first if you want to be someone who easily makes those healthy choices and works out pleasantly. Basically, you have to shift your identity to your desired outcome and persevere until you reach that outcome. There will be challenging days and that’s perfect, it means you are steadily making progress.

I am sure you already know all of this and so much more so feel free to share your perspective on things, you never know who it will help. Thank you for the beautiful question and energy! 🧡

[lifestylebybf]

Since I really want to hit all my goals this year, for accountability I think a monthly check is needed. Let's see:

In January:

-Started drinking a green smoothie 2x a week. I chose its ingredients (spinach, kiwi, oats) for their vitamins that are supposed to benefit my hair. I want a 90s model hair and won't stop until I'm there

-Picked up extra pilates classes. When possible I now take 2 classes a week. This is to help my posture and back pains. Also I'm chasing the pink pilates princess lifestyle.

-Started hitting the gym on wednesdays. Exercising on the weekend has never been an issue for me, but I couldn't be bothered after a long day at work. So going that extra day feels like such a win. Even if it's just for some cardio while watching my favourite youtube vlogs. It almost feels like a treat now.

-Consistency. Haven't skipped a belly dancing or pilates class in the whole month.

-Started using anti aging eye cream

-Picked up my french books again

For february I want to focus on:

- French. A minimun of a couple hours of study every week.

- Gua sha in the mornings

- Improving the variety of the food I eat and its quality. I have PCOS and used to have a terrible habit of ordering fast food once or twice a week. In order to not feel restricted while quitting the habit I gave myself permission to eat whatever I fancied as long as I was preparing it at home. I've lost 9-11 lbs this way since september but I have hit a plateau now. Now that my brain isn't screaming at me to order burger king every night I want to take it further really focusing on nutritious food. I love cooking and trying new recipes so it's just a matter of beating my laziness

-Reducing my tiktok hours

-Flushing my gums everyday and making a dental appointment

Xxx

What are your february goals? Would love to hear them!

[harvinder909]

Black Ox: A Natural Boost for My Performance and Wellbeing

For the past few months, I've been using Black Ox, an all-natural testosterone booster supplement, and I've been thoroughly impressed with the results. As a man in my late thirties, I started noticing a natural decline in energy levels and muscle mass. While I wasn't looking for a miracle cure, I was interested in finding a safe and effective way to support my overall health and fitness.

Revitalised Energy Levels

Before starting Black Ox, I often felt sluggish throughout the day, especially after work. Hitting the gym after a long day felt like a chore, and my workouts lacked their usual intensity. Black Ox has made a significant difference. Within a couple of weeks, I noticed a noticeable improvement in my energy levels. I felt more awake and focused throughout the day, and that renewed energy translated into my workouts. I started pushing myself harder in the gym, leading to better results and a more fulfilling workout experience.

Enhanced Strength and Stamina

The increased energy translated directly into improved strength and stamina. I could lift heavier weights for more reps, and my overall endurance during cardio sessions went up significantly. This newfound strength and stamina not only benefited my gym performance but also carried over into my daily activities. Simple tasks like carrying groceries or climbing stairs felt easier.

Natural and Safe Ingredients

One of the things that initially drew me to Black Ox was its focus on natural ingredients. The supplement contains a blend of herbs and extracts with a long history of use in promoting men's health, including ashwagandha, tongkat ali, and fenugreek. I appreciate that the ingredients are clearly listed on the label, allowing me to research them and feel confident about what I'm putting into my body.

Improved Overall Wellbeing

Beyond the physical benefits, I've also noticed a positive impact on my overall well-being. Black Ox seems to have helped manage stress levels, leading to a more positive and focused mindset. Additionally, I've experienced better sleep quality, which further contributes to feeling refreshed and energized.

Not a Magic Bullet

It's important to note that Black Ox isn't a magic bullet. I've seen the best results when I combine it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. However, Black Ox has definitely been a valuable addition to my routine, helping me achieve my fitness goals and feel my best overall.

Would I Recommend Black Ox?

Absolutely! If you're a man looking for a safe and natural way to support your testosterone levels, improve energy levels, and enhance your overall health and fitness, I highly recommend giving Black Ox a try. Just remember, for optimal results, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside the supplement.

[sentimental-apathy]

Man, if I just had the physical healthiness it takes to physically get things done, my life would be so much better.

Like the economic circumstances would still be shitty but goddammit if I wasn't chronically uncomfortable and in pain so much and doing one simple physical task didn't diminish my entire stamina... my room would be clean, my laundry would be done, my bedroom would actually be the sanctuary space I've got designed in my mind and I could work extra shifts if my body could physically handle it. So much of what's wrong with my life is physical discomfort ALL the time and not having the stamina to deal with the discomfort and physical pain that comes with exertion. Not to mention not having access to genuinely good Healthcare that isn't designed to do bare minimum for high profits...

I just wanna have more energy. But so much of my energy is spent on simply dealing with pain and discomfort due to chronic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain.

About 5 months ago I bought an elliptical machine real cheap on sale. It's sitting in a box in my parents garage because I am not capable of moving it upstairs. Nor am I physically capable of rearranging the furniture in my bedroom to make space for it. I need another family member's help moving big things. I am barely able to lift a 40lb bag of cat litter because of how much my body physically sucks. It sucks when you're slightly disabled and you get a piece of equipment that could potentially help better your condition (losing a bit of weight and getting some cardio exercise would lessen my chronic pain) but you need so much help from others to even get the equipment set up in the first place. I've deep cleaned my room a few times since I've gotten that elliptical but I often work weekends and my brother, the one who can help me rearrange furniture, works the days I'm off. And on the days off we have had allign, we've both been too physically exhausted from work that we procrastinate and put off what needs done (my brother works a very physically demanding factory job and I hate to ask for his physical help on his only 2 days off per week).

I've been applying to other jobs here and there but so far haven't had anything worthwhile. I'm certainly not going to leave 1 part time job for another when the one I have not only pays more but pays for my lunch and I love and get along well with all my colleagues and managers.

The thing is, I could work full time, IF I could PHYSICALLY get through a 8-10 hour shift 4 or 5 days at a time. I've made the unfortunate discovery, time and time again, that when I force my body to work past its breaking point, I end up hospitalized because I have lyme disease which flares up when I stress my body out too much. I inevitably stop sleeping, the chronic pain gets unbearable, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up in a psych ward because I stopped sleeping again due to too much physical and mental stress. It's extremely debilitating to deal with both physical AND mental illness that go hand in hand.

I honestly don't know what the answers or solutions to my problems are. I know losing some weight will help lessen the arthritic pain and so I've convinced myself this elliptical machine will change my life for the better. And I'm sure it will. But on the other hand, I also live in a society that, if I was ACTUALLY completely disabled, would not give me disability benefits without me literally hiring a lawyer to prove I'm "disabled enough" to qualify for help. One of my closest friends is on disability and gets less than $800/month. How does one survive on that?? How does anybody working 50+ hours/week just to pay for BASIC necessities like housing, food, and basic Healthcare NOT SEE HOW FUCKED THIS ALL IS? WHY ARE WE LIVING LIKE THIS????

I'm extremely privileged in that, for now, with my parents still alive and well off enough, I have housing. The truth is, I'd be homeless if it weren't for my family. I see so many people struggling constantly just to make ends meet. And I wish I could help. I wish we all had more. Just more in this life. I'm barely scraping by paying my bills monthly and I don't even have kids. If you're reading this and you're working yourself to the bone just to afford basics like housing and food... I'm so sorry that this society has failed us. I implore you though. Please vote in November. I know Biden is not our first choice by a looooong mile. But the alternative to him is literally a nightmare beyond comprehension for disabled people. Let alone disabled lgbtq people. Project 25 would mean no more almost free Healthcare for someone like me who's barely hanging on economically by a thread. Another 4 years of Biden gives us all time to continue recuperating from Trumps administration and hopefully pushes the left into more progressive stances. And 4 more years give us more time to find an even BETTER left candidate to take his place. Please vote. And vote blue.

[crunchybees]

goal setting for projectors:

instead of setting goals for physical, external things and burning yourself out or beating yourself up because you gave up before the finish line, try to set goals for ways of being. we've all come across something interesting that has improved the way we live, whether its for efficiency, health, understanding, or literally anything that makes life more enjoyable for us. i say, work on those things that will make your personal life better. i am a splenic projector, and recently i have found success in improving my bodily health. this has been in the works for several years (im also heavily saturn ruled and saturn rules the channel connecting to my throat center!). it started with a simple intention -i want to be healthier. but there was a lot of trying with no sticking to it. the main issue was that i could not find the right type of excercise. projectors are really iffy with excercise - we cant do it too often or too much or we get tired, and splenic projectors can get sick. i also did not have any generator to excercise with! and wow, trying to consistently exercise by yourself as a projector feels like seppuku. i have my heart and root centers defined so i could do any routine i had for about a month or so but after that i just completely lost interest and ended up feeling bad about it. like damn why cant i do that? well. thats just not how i work and thats okay. at that time i had a lot of other stuff going on, stuff that was more important than gainz, like going through the motions of being a high schooler who lives in her aunts crumbling basement. and yes i was trying to excercise in this crumbling basement - me, with taste cognition, crazy. so it wasnt the right time. but now it is. now i do have the energy to focus on directly improving myself and my life. it all started when i graduated. i immediately had a weight lifted off of my chest and i could function properly. well rested and able to focus on whatever came my way. i am a 1/3 profile as well, which means that the way i reach these goals is by first doing research (1 line), and then using my authority to choose what to take into my life and go through that trial and error process with (3 line). so from the beginning, i knew that the three things i wanted to work on, the three things that i knew were the most important, were sleep, food, and excercise. so here comes the research. and sometimes its unintentional. i didnt google search "poisons in food". but the state of food in the us led me to wonder what exactly these ingredients are doing, what effect are they having on my body? also saw stuff on twitter that triggered me to do research. i just get twinges to look further sometimes. and i saw a documentary last year about the effects of sugar and its substitutes. over time the knowledge builds up. i became pescatarian. i know what the nutritional content of almost every food i eat is. i found a partner to go to the gym with, just about once a week (i have wet kitchens environment as well). im still finding a good way for me to do reps and sets, cardio and strength, without me being absolutely obliterated by the end, but i am pretty close to finding that sweet spot. and rest has been so, so important to me over these last few months. ive been putting my foot down and saying NO if im tired, if i know something will wear me out. and my bed... after a long time of sleeping on a futon i now sleep on a beautiful cloud that begs me to stay. this is an indicator of success to me, as a projector. i didnt have a tangible thing that told me ive completed my goal. and its still not over - there is much, much more to life. but now i am able to take on the responsibilities and benefits that come with being this type of person and knowing this type of knowledge. master what you know is good for you. what benefits you, will benefit anyone who seeks your guidance. youre the one who is teaching people right from wrong here. youre the one giving them the map youve drawn from the lessons youve learned.