Taylor Martinez

Solid plan. One tweak: sprinkle 2–3 tiny “movement snacks” on workdays (1–3 minutes) like 10 calf raises, 10 sit-to-stands or a quick hallway walk; they keep you loose and make the scheduled sessions feel easier. Since stairs gas you, add one easy stair lap after a walk each week and grow it slowly, stopping while you can still talk. If you feel beat up, hold the same weights and reps for an extra week - consistency beats progression.

Awful grinding on a new unit usually means either a bad jar bearing or a stripped drive coupler. tbh Both are manufacturing defects more than user error. Quick tests. With power off & rotate the blade by hand. Smooth is good and scratchy or loose is bad. With the jar seated and empty, do a single tap of the power. If it screams even with no load, stop. Do not try to lubricate anything or open the base. Oil does not reach sealed bearings and can contaminate food. Use the warranty and ask for a replacement jar or base after sharing a short video and the serial. That is typically resolved fast. Not worth risking.

I go by cost versus utility. If I can replace it cheaply and haven't touched it in months, it's out. Fix what I can with stuff I already have instead of buying organizers. Keeps things simple without extra spending.