May 27 • Introduction
Introduction (+ accountability check-in idea?)
Hi, I'm Riley (they/them), I'm from NY and I'm in my mid twenties. I joined during the summit 5/16 and I'm glad to be here, thank you Alex for the invite. I've been vegetarian since December 2012 and vegan since March 9 2020. I went vegan because a vegan was honest about dairy, and how its hypocritical to be an "intersectional feminist" while abusing the most vulnerable individuals' reproductive systems.
I've worked out for a few months here and there since middle school but didn't really know what I was doing, follow a program, or focus on protein until 2023. I was consistent for 1.5 years but fell off in autumn 2025. I've gradually acquired plenty of secondhand exercise equipment (barbells, curl bar, loadable dumbbells, decline/incline bench, plates, bands, and a "powetec levergym" machine) at home so I dont need to go to the gym but often need physical therapy and have limitations.
During 2021-2022 my health declined, then after a surgery, I declined and was mostly couch bound for 6 months. I got some diagnoses after months, but it didnt explain everything yet. As of now, we're pretty sure i have ME/CFS ("chronic fatigue syndrome " but its so much more than chronic fatigue, crashes lower baseline function longterm) but still have to treat other stuff to see if it goes away. By managing the conditions we're sure of and careful pacing, avoiding PEM (post exertional malaise), and lots of external support, my baseline has improved a little.
My goals are:
- build muscle to stabilize my joints
- work up to heavier lifts safely with my health issues
- relieve dysphoria
- be an example of how vegans are strong and hot, lol.
More specifically:
- lose ~6 points of body fat
- gain ~20lbs muscle, mostly in upper body for a V taper
- get 600+ lbs between big 3 (which is a slow process for me due to my funky connective tissue, dizziness with squatting)
For now I'm:
- easing back into exercise aiming for 6+ sets total of anything at least 2x/week. Working up slowly up to 20-25 sets 3x but listening to my body to avoid crashing
- tracking protein/cals again
- eating at a 500 deficit
- increase protein, at 1.3g/kg now, working up to 1.8 via sustainable tweaks
What I want support with now: enough structure to help w/ motivation, and enough flexibility to prioritize rest. Would any other beginner to novices want to participate in a twice a month check-in post to discuss what we did recently, what we want to keep or change, and do next?
Thanks again for having me, and looking forward to getting to know more strong vegans!
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Introduction (+ accountability check-in idea?)
skool.com/vegan-squad
Lose fat, get stronger, healthier, more muscle & confidence in 90 days, guaranteed. Accountability, vegan meal & training plans, community & coaching.
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