Stage 3
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Workout B done. Honestly felt like the biggest waste of my time. Couldn't they have written a better routine than THIS!??! WTH?! Seriously, I'm miffed.
*Barbell Romanian DL/Bent Over Row - 85# each set (odd, but one of the more credible moves this workout)
*Partial single-let squat - as written (ridiculously easy - this is a time waster!)
*Wide-grip lat pulldown - 93# (one of the only exercises I *felt*)
*No back extension so did prone cobra x 90secs x 3 times
*YTWL - the most awkward exercise EVER...I only used 5 lbs because I wasn't sure if I was even doing all the movements right (in terms of how to flow from one to the next). And it started burning by the 5th rep of each set. I have 8s next but not I'm ready to do those until I get this movement down confidently.
*Crunches - I'm sick of the swiss ball, I have a commercial ab bench so I loaded that up with weight and did crunches off that - 60x
*Did incline reverse crunch for the hip flexion exercise 6x each set, felt weird on my bench
*Did prone jack knife for the lateral flexion exercise 30x (I really like this move)
I didn't do yet another 3 sets of prone cobras since I had already done them - was I supposed to? They don't do much for me so I figured why waste another 90 secs x3 plus "rests" in between. Think I'll go do some hip hop abs or something, LOL.
Overall VERY disappointed in this workout and I think I might sub out some stuff so I can get a better "burn" (as in FEEL the burn) next time.0 -
Yes, I did the YTWL standing up with my 3lb wimpy weights. My left arm could easily hold 10-15 pounds . I had months of P/T with no improvement with the right shoulder so I doubt if I will ever get to increase that weight. Once a nerve is damaged (or fried in my case) there's no coming back .
I was not happy with Workout B. Anyone else? I perspired some but I wasn't heaving.
I tried 95 pounds on the deadlift. Boy, was that hysterical. I strained so much I almost peed on myself. Picking it up was fine but when I bent over to pull up....... :laugh: I backed it down to just the OLY bar for the 1st set, added 10 more pounds for the 2nd set, and added 5 for the last set. Next time I will add 5-10 more on the sets.
I got nothing out of the single leg squat. maybe hold weights next time?
Lat pull down 72 pounds. I tried 84 pounds . I never mastered that weight on stage 1 but a few pulls. Hopefully by the end of stage 3 I can pull 84.
My gym doesn't have the back extension.
No problem with the other exercises. I even managed to increase the weight over my head (Swiss ball crunch) from 8 lb ball to 15 pound weight. Definitely will hold 20 pound next time.
I tried doing my last set of the YTWL standing up last night and it was MUCH better. For some reason being on the incline bench or the swiss ball compresses my chest to the point where I can't breathe when doing the exercise. It's not fun, so I'm doing it standing up from now on. I never did the Cuban Snatch on an inclined bench, I always just did it with my back tilted down about 30 degrees.
For the single leg squat, I hold a 25lb kettlebell in each hand to make it more challenging and do the version where you dip your foot off a bench.
I've never been a big fan of Workout B, I don't like how it doesn't really work up a sweat. I also skip the prone cobras because they're kind of a waste of my time. I also skip the lateral flexion or whatever that annoying one is and I do the reverse crunch or the prone jacknife for the hip one. I just go right into the HIIT workout (either run/walk on the treadmill or varying the levels on the stairmaster). Workout A I definitely like, that one kicks my butt.0 -
I did the single leg squat on a bench. 00trayn, I am impressed you used kettlebells. I will fall flat on my face trying to keep balance. My plan next week is to use a plate so I can hold it in from of me.
I really dislike the cobra but after reading it thoroughly I realized I was not pulling my shoulder blades together. On my last one I squeezed really tight. Guess what? My shoulder blade area is tender.0 -
I did the single leg squat on a bench. 00trayn, I am impressed you used kettlebells. I will fall flat on my face trying to keep balance. My plan next week is to use a plate so I can hold it in from of me.
I really dislike the cobra but after reading it thoroughly I realized I was not pulling my shoulder blades together. On my last one I squeezed really tight. Guess what? My shoulder blade area is tender.
I'll admit, it takes all my concentration not to fall off the bench, hahaha. I have to tap my foot down sometimes to steady myself.
I'm doing my last Workout A today! Phase 3 has gone quickly, but it is only 8 workouts total. I'll redo measurements sometime next week, but I'm saving a progress photo update for after phase 4 (i'm doing them every 2 phases). Not sure if I've lost any inches from this phase. I'm currently up 4 lbs on the scale from 2 Friday's ago!!! Ughhh, bad combo of a travel weekend, TOM bloating and somewhat sore muscles. Hopefully I can get that number back to normal before I have to take measurements and such.0 -
Hey everyone, I did WOB1 on Wed (eh...don't think I got the deadlift/row quite right--have to look at the instructions for that again, and the single-legged squats are stupid and there's too much back flexion) and WOA2 today. Still found A hard, still hated the motherf-ing BWM, but managed to shave 1:30 off my (slow) time from Monday. I skipped the planks because I was running out of time--I think I'm going to sub them in for the prone cobra in B, since that really seems to do nothing for me and there's already back flexion in that workout. Thoughts?
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@dandelion - I was trying to think what I could substitute for the cobra because I agree that there is already the back extensions, why do the cobra as well (and it's not really a challenge for me). The plank sounds like a good substitute! I'm considering substituting back squats for the partial single leg squat as well. Though, I may try it one more time on a step with some weights.0
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@dandelion - I was trying to think what I could substitute for the cobra because I agree that there is already the back extensions, why do the cobra as well (and it's not really a challenge for me). The plank sounds like a good substitute! I'm considering substituting back squats for the partial single leg squat as well. Though, I may try it one more time on a step with some weights.
I do the partial squats on a high step with now 30lbs db and it definitely works that quad and core with stabilizing.
Final weights for stage 3 are a little disappointing in some areas.
WOA
DB snatch 10-25
1 leg Romanian 30-60
Bent-Over Row 50-80
1 arm squat: no change 10/20
Incline BP: 30-50
Plank 90 sec all sets
Reverse wood chop 25-60
BWM Times are all over the damn place but average 4 min.
WOB
dead/row: 45-80
Partial leg squat: BW-30
Wide-lat Pull: 80-90
Back ext: 10-25 (not sure how to make this one difficult)
ytwl: 10-10 no change
I need more challenging ab work, was doing pikes instead of jack-knives and the hardest flexions.0 -
Great numbers, Sam.
I think I need to repeat this stage even though I dread WOA and find WOB LAME! It seems like I started to low in the weights. I have done 2 WOA and 1 WOB. What do yall think? Just start over with a heavier weight or really increase the weights on the last 5 workouts?0 -
Great numbers, Sam.
I think I need to repeat this stage even though I dread WOA and find WOB LAME! It seems like I started to low in the weights. I have done 2 WOA and 1 WOB. What do yall think? Just start over with a heavier weight or really increase the weights on the last 5 workouts?
Mary - why would you need to start over? You've only done 3 workouts so far, big deal. Increase your weights if you can, if you can't oh well. Everyone is able to tolerate different weights due to difference in background/training/body and strength so no comparing and calling anything too light. If it's heavy for you, that's all that matters. If you can push it harder - push it! Nothing will hold you back!!
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oh no, not comparing numbers. I wasn't happy with my lifting the first workout and it seems the 2nd time around was where I should have started out and increase from there. I am not happy with how low I started out.0
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I wouldn't start over. I started with low weights for me too. I usually do the first workouts of every stage because you need to adapt to the movement and figure out your form. Maybe do an extra workout or 2, he does say to feel free to add a week. Just realize you will be coming back to these exercises again in Stage 5.0
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Just did my second B workout. Think I may try to up my weight from 5 to 8 on the YTWL next time. Only the last rep felt impossible so I could probably struggle through at least a few. I actually don't really mid B, I was happy to have a workout that was more focused on the upper body as I felt like the prior stages, and workout A of course, were very leg heavy.
I don't feel like I'm getting much out of the one legged squat as I can't really go own far without knee pain. I've watched myself in the mirror to make sure my form is right and it seems good and my stability is fine so I guess I just have to blame it on my joints. I'm not sure what adjustments I should make to this to make it more effective, any ideas?0 -
I wouldn't start over. I started with low weights for me too. I usually do the first workouts of every stage because you need to adapt to the movement and figure out your form. Maybe do an extra workout or 2, he does say to feel free to add a week. Just realize you will be coming back to these exercises again in Stage 5.
Mary, I agree with Sam and Jen. No need to start over, but you can always add a couple workouts on the end.0 -
Sam, those are great numbers!0
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Just did my second B workout. Think I may try to up my weight from 5 to 8 on the YTWL next time. Only the last rep felt impossible so I could probably struggle through at least a few. I actually don't really mid B, I was happy to have a workout that was more focused on the upper body as I felt like the prior stages, and workout A of course, were very leg heavy.
I don't feel like I'm getting much out of the one legged squat as I can't really go own far without knee pain. I've watched myself in the mirror to make sure my form is right and it seems good and my stability is fine so I guess I just have to blame it on my joints. I'm not sure what adjustments I should make to this to make it more effective, any ideas?
Ellie, have you tried the one legged squat on a box? I admit, though, I am not getting much out of it either. I will add a plate Monday when I work out to see how it goes.
Ok, ladies, I won't repeat this stage. I say that today after bwm yesterday. :bigsmile:0 -
Can't wait to join you all next week!0
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I'll be starting Stage 3 on Thursday! I'm excited! Meanwhile....twiddling my thumbs.0
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Finish Stage 3 last night! WHOOT WHOOT!!! I'll do measurements again in a day or two, I'm kinda of inflated like a balloon today (not as bad as yesterday tho). Here's my final results for weights and such:
WOA
One Arm Dumbbell Snatch - 30 lbs to 35 lbs
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift - 30 lbs in each hand to 35 lbs (60 to 70 lbs total)
Barbell Bent Over Row - 60 lbs to 85 lbs
Single Arm Overhead Squat - 15 lbs above, 30 lbs below to 20 above, 30 below
Incline Bench Press - 25 lbs each arm to 30 lbs each arm (50 to 60 lbs total)
Plank - Holding it for 70 seconds to holding it for 90 seconds, whoot!
Reverse Wood Chop - 50 lbs to 60 lbs
BWM - Slowest time was 2m 24sec, fastest time was 1m 25sec!
WOB
Deadlift/Bent Over Row - 65 lbs to 80 lbs
Single Leg Squat (used the box) - 15 lbs in each hand to 25 lbs
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown - 100lbs to 115 lbs
Back Extension - Holding a 12 lb medicine ball to a 25 lb plate
YTWL (bane of my existance) - Stuck with 8lbs the whole time
Swiss Ball Crunch - Held a 25 lbs plate over my head the whole time
Definitely happy with the increase in weights for most exercises, I only really stayed the same on crunches and YTWL (and crunches we don't have a 30 lb plate so I'm limited, haha)
Moving on to Phase 4 probably this week! I'll likely start it tomorrow if I can.0 -
I am so tired this week. Could not get up yesterday or today, I've got to get up tomorrow to get 3A done. It's been a crazy couple of weeks and it's just going to get worse with my boys starting baseball.
00trayn - great job!! Those are great improvements.0 -
2B done! I really and I mean really pushed myself to make this workout work for me:bigsmile: I realized I was not pushing myself like I should have been. I thought the muscle would appear with little effort plus I didn't think I was that strong.
I do not like the single leg squat so I substituted back squat. The wide grip lat pull I have wanted to do 84 pounds. Today I did EVERY time . The first time I could do 5 of the 6. 2nd time 4 out of 6 . 3rd set only 2 out of 6 but I would finish the set out with 72 pounds.
I kept pushing the weight up with each set , and I am feeling the muscles tightening up.
I WILL get strong and leaner!0 -
Great job, Mary!! A lot of times we are stronger than we think we are and don't push hard enough. Good for you for pushing yourself harder!! You'll definitely start to see a difference if you continue pushing!!
I have 4 workouts left and really want to get them done before leaving for vacation in 1.5 weeks. My kids are draining all my energy though!0 -
Jen, you should be able to get the workouts completed but I don't think that's what you mean. :bigsmile: It's the "getting ready for vacation" that will take up time. Where you going? We aren't going on vacation until September. I hope to be finished with the program . I don't plan on doing stage 6.0
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We are going to Glacier National Forest in Montana the last week of June. I am planning on doing Stage 6 and if I can stick to my plan I should finish mid-September then I'm starting Stronglifts in October. That will make it one year since I started on MFP - that's hard to believe.
As for the kids, we have 3 of them playing baseball right now and 2 of the 3 are finishing soccer as well. They both have soccer tournaments this weekend, in different locations of course. Baseball is M-TH from 6-8 and since hubby is coaching, I get to chase the 1 year old around for 2 hours while trying to watch the games. It's all good, just really tires me out. I'm not young enough for this anymore.
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GREAT JOB!!Finish Stage 3 last night! WHOOT WHOOT!!! I'll do measurements again in a day or two, I'm kinda of inflated like a balloon today (not as bad as yesterday tho). Here's my final results for weights and such:
WOA
One Arm Dumbbell Snatch - 30 lbs to 35 lbs
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift - 30 lbs in each hand to 35 lbs (60 to 70 lbs total)
Barbell Bent Over Row - 60 lbs to 85 lbs
Single Arm Overhead Squat - 15 lbs above, 30 lbs below to 20 above, 30 below
Incline Bench Press - 25 lbs each arm to 30 lbs each arm (50 to 60 lbs total)
Plank - Holding it for 70 seconds to holding it for 90 seconds, whoot!
Reverse Wood Chop - 50 lbs to 60 lbs
BWM - Slowest time was 2m 24sec, fastest time was 1m 25sec!
WOB
Deadlift/Bent Over Row - 65 lbs to 80 lbs
Single Leg Squat (used the box) - 15 lbs in each hand to 25 lbs
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown - 100lbs to 115 lbs
Back Extension - Holding a 12 lb medicine ball to a 25 lb plate
YTWL (bane of my existance) - Stuck with 8lbs the whole time
Swiss Ball Crunch - Held a 25 lbs plate over my head the whole time
Definitely happy with the increase in weights for most exercises, I only really stayed the same on crunches and YTWL (and crunches we don't have a 30 lb plate so I'm limited, haha)
Moving on to Phase 4 probably this week! I'll likely start it tomorrow if I can.0 -
I worked hard today! halfway through this stage and I doubled most of my weights! Yes, I was not pushing at first because I thought my shoulder just would not allow it.
For my own excitement, I wanted to share some beginning weights and today's lift. :bigsmile:
sorry if the names aren't correct. I don't have my book near me.
bent over row 45>75
one dumbbell deadlift 10 >20 (each hand)
I can not do the single arm squats because I can NOT hold the weight over my head so I do squats with shoulder presses 3>8 I really want to increase this weight but I am limited on what I can lift above my head and HOLD there.
the squat and throw the arm??? LOL sorry I can't think of the name 5>15
incline bench press 10>22.5 (each hand) I attempted 25 lbs each hand but my arms were jelly at this point.
Just so happy to be really pushing myself now. What was I thinking before now?0 -
I worked hard today! halfway through this stage and I doubled most of my weights! Yes, I was not pushing at first because I thought my shoulder just would not allow it.
For my own excitement, I wanted to share some beginning weights and today's lift. :bigsmile:
sorry if the names aren't correct. I don't have my book near me.
bent over row 45>75
one dumbbell deadlift 10 >20 (each hand)
I can not do the single arm squats because I can NOT hold the weight over my head so I do squats with shoulder presses 3>8 I really want to increase this weight but I am limited on what I can lift above my head and HOLD there.
the squat and throw the arm??? LOL sorry I can't think of the name 5>15
incline bench press 10>22.5 (each hand) I attempted 25 lbs each hand but my arms were jelly at this point.
Just so happy to be really pushing myself now. What was I thinking before now?
Great job!!0 -
Tomorrow I will be doing my first B workout. I am looking forward to it because I wont have to modify much, if any. I really didn't enjoy A, because of having to modify so much. I was only able to do half of the BWM, once. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised I was able to even do the first set of 24 squats.0
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3B is done. Was able to up weight on everything but the dreaded YTWL. I still hate the back extension. I feel like I am going to vomit from being upside down. :ohwell:
I have also substituted a different an workout because I am not getting anything out of D and E. Biggest achievement last night though was going the full minute at 7.0 on the dreadmill!0 -
Hello Stage 3!
Did workout 1A today, i like it more than stage 2 already lol. was a bit hard to figure the weights out but got there in the end these are my weights for today:
One Arm Dumbbell Snatch - 22lb
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift -22lb each hand
Barbell Bent Over Row - 38lb
Single Arm Overhead Squat - 16.5 above
Incline Bench Press - 17lb each hand
Plank - Hold for 60 seconds (really looking forward to increasing this!)
Reverse Wood Chop - 22lb (had to do it with a ball as the cable machine was taken)
BWM - forgot to time myself, oopps lol
I also did (just for fun) widegrip lat pull downs - 77lb
underhand lat pulldowns - 92lb (i want to be able to do this with my body weight!)0 -
Lu, excellent starting out weights!
I was feeling skinny this am and not sure why . It's a week before TOM and usually I am bloated for days. Anyway! i took measurements. I've lost 1/2 inch off belly button area and hip!!! I measure right at the groin so I know I am getting the same place each time.
I am so happy. I haven't lost a doggone pound but for now the measurements are showing fat loss. I know next week those numbers will be back up. UGH. Sometimes I hate my ovaries.0
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