Grace Adams

Solid template. What helped me was building in a deload every fourth week where I cut time by about a third so little aches never piled up. On the circuit I swapped one set for split squats or step-ups to build single-leg strength and on run-walk days I used a slight incline or a quick and light cadence to keep my knees happy.

Snagging can be from dryness or static as much as from the tool. Do the straightening in a room that is not desert dry, but always wait until your that model is fully dry to start. Use smaller sections and a lighter hand, then take a slightly slower pass at a lower setting. If fine hairs near the hairline get grabbed, start a little lower and do a quick second pass for the roots. Easy fix. No yanking. Check alignment too. Close the plates, hold them up to the light, and look for uneven gaps or a corner that sticks out. With the iron unplugged and cool, gently slide a small strand across the closed plates to feel for a snag spot. If you find one, that's a defect and you should swap it while you still can.

Some cars have sloped or cushy seats that fight you. Try reclining the vehicle seatback a few clicks before you tighten the LATCH, get the strap fully snug while pushing down, then bring the seatback upright again and that often takes out the last bit of slack. Keep the LATCH webbing flat with no twists and make sure you are not accidentally sitting on the adjuster. No aftermarket add ons or strap extenders since those are not crash tested with your seat. One inch or less of movement at the belt path is your pass fail.