Stage 2
Replies
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just read back on this topic, and have to say, i might be the odd one here but i absolutely love this stage! i might not think im working hard/dont feel the burn straight when im working out but am constantly sore and it feels damn good!
i agree! just finished workout A2 and i love it!0 -
Hi, Everyone. I've been reading the threads in this group for a while now and am finally posting.
I finished stage one last week and am up to workout 2B in stage two. Boy, do I get more of a sweat going with stage 2! It's definitely more of a challenge than stage one, that's for sure. But, I'm enjoying it.
I'm loving the progress that I'm making and am constantly reminding myself not to sell myself short by doubting my capabilities. It's such a process! For example, when I first tried the dumbbell one point row, I could barely get one row in before losing my balance. But, last night, I was able to do four rows in a row before needing to re-balance myself. Felt pretty good!
Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps....0 -
Something happened to my thigh today! I did A3 and after my first set of rear foot elevated lunges it felt like my thigh was going to tear itself from my leg. I don't remember losing my balance or anything! That kinda put the squash on the rest of the workout. BOOO! I couldn't do any more with the legs so moved on. Sitting with ice on it.0
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oooh, athena, sorry to hear you got hurt! ice and rest are best...ibuprofen, too!0
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athena: deep heat cream or muscle rub!
just popped in to say ive got 2 more workouts so ill be done with this stage by the weekend. goes bare quick comparing to stage1. still loving it, although these split squats are evil! so as the lunges. my balance is still pathetic, even with that slight improvement im having on them.0 -
Hello folks!
I am SO GLAD to FINALLY be done with Stage 1!! It seemed like it took for-EVER to finish!
I will be starting Stage 2 tomorrow
Any words of advice/ tips before I start?0 -
Hey everyone I'm starting Stage 2 tomorrow as well!
Not happy to see step-ups are back... I was always confused by the number of reps. Did you do (e.g.) 10 reps PER LEG for each set? Or did you basically do one set per leg? Also: what do you focus more on; increasing the weights in your hand, or the steps/height?
ty :flowerforyou:0 -
Hey everyone I'm starting Stage 2 tomorrow as well!
Not happy to see step-ups are back... I was always confused by the number of reps. Did you do (e.g.) 10 reps PER LEG for each set? Or did you basically do one set per leg? Also: what do you focus more on; increasing the weights in your hand, or the steps/height?
ty :flowerforyou:
10 reps PER LEG for a total of 20 each set technically. Are you up to knee height in your step ups? I use a bench at the gym (not the step bench, but the actual softish bench). If not, work your way to that height then focus on weight. 0 -
Hey everyone I'm starting Stage 2 tomorrow as well!
Not happy to see step-ups are back... I was always confused by the number of reps. Did you do (e.g.) 10 reps PER LEG for each set? Or did you basically do one set per leg? Also: what do you focus more on; increasing the weights in your hand, or the steps/height?
ty :flowerforyou:
10 reps PER LEG for each set if I'm not wrong
I focused more on increasing the weight as I also wanted to work on my grip strength 0 -
Thanks ladies! Ugh, glad I was doing it right (10 reps per leg), but also disappointing haha!
Great tip about knee height. I think I am probably just above that actually (5 -6 risers on the step), so I'll check tomorrow and see! I find if it's get too high, I end up wobbling too much... I blame my long legs for that
Also good tip for the grip/wrist strength! I need to work on that for sure. 0 -
Hey everyone I'm starting Stage 2 tomorrow as well!
Not happy to see step-ups are back... I was always confused by the number of reps. Did you do (e.g.) 10 reps PER LEG for each set? Or did you basically do one set per leg? Also: what do you focus more on; increasing the weights in your hand, or the steps/height?
ty :flowerforyou:
10 reps PER LEG for each set if I'm not wrong
I focused more on increasing the weight as I also wanted to work on my grip strength
Yeah 10 reps per leg for each set...I too started with the softish bench at my gym. And I feel like my grip strength is what prevents me from using more weight. This is something I need to work on too...but HOW?0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
Yep pretty much the same thing 0 -
Hey folks!
I did my first workout of Stage 2 this morning.
I struggled with the squat push press thingies for a while, but then I remembered to *KEEP THE 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH MY ARM AND TORSO* and then the pain I previously experienced in my wrists was eliminated!!! Magic
I also had a hard time with the split lunges with the elevated back leg. I used the aerobics step just like in the book. If I recall correctly, the book says after we lunge forward we are supposed to push back to the starting position....is that correct? ( I don't have the book in front of me at the moment) If so, does anyone have any tips on how to do this without swinging the dumbbells too much and without losing balance???? It was awful! I felt like an idiot doing this move. Or you know what...on second thought...does anyone have an alternative??0 -
Hey folks!
I did my first workout of Stage 2 this morning.
I struggled with the squat push press thingies for a while, but then I remembered to *KEEP THE 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH MY ARM AND TORSO* and then the pain I previously experienced in my wrists was eliminated!!! Magic
I also had a hard time with the split lunges with the elevated back leg. I used the aerobics step just like in the book. If I recall correctly, the book says after we lunge forward we are supposed to push back to the starting position....is that correct? ( I don't have the book in front of me at the moment) If so, does anyone have any tips on how to do this without swinging the dumbbells too much and without losing balance???? It was awful! I felt like an idiot doing this move. Or you know what...on second thought...does anyone have an alternative??
No it is a static lunge on workout A0 -
Hey folks!
I did my first workout of Stage 2 this morning.
I struggled with the squat push press thingies for a while, but then I remembered to *KEEP THE 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH MY ARM AND TORSO* and then the pain I previously experienced in my wrists was eliminated!!! Magic
I also had a hard time with the split lunges with the elevated back leg. I used the aerobics step just like in the book. If I recall correctly, the book says after we lunge forward we are supposed to push back to the starting position....is that correct? ( I don't have the book in front of me at the moment) If so, does anyone have any tips on how to do this without swinging the dumbbells too much and without losing balance???? It was awful! I felt like an idiot doing this move. Or you know what...on second thought...does anyone have an alternative??
No it is a static lunge on workout A
Yeah that's what I meant...any tips for that move?0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
No, not the same thing!
This is a Bulgarian split squat....notice the position of his back foot: http://gregcorso.com/blog/how-to-do-a-bulgarian-split-squat-bss/
This is the static lunge....again, notice the position of the back leg and foot: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=MMtUYs2rIP8&desktop_uri=/watch?v=MMtUYs2rIP8
Different movements for the both of them. 0 -
I did B3 today and sucked *kitten*! Man. I ran out of eggs this morning so I had to have oatmeal. I jazzed it up with butter, almond butter, heavy cream, coconut, and egg whites but man, I could totally tell a difference in energy levels. I thought I was gonna puke a couple times and couldn't even do my HIIT after for fear of passing out..l.lesson learned. NEVER run out of eggs again!0
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i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
No, not the same thing!
This is a Bulgarian split squat....notice the position of his back foot: http://gregcorso.com/blog/how-to-do-a-bulgarian-split-squat-bss/
This is the static lunge....again, notice the position of the back leg and foot: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=MMtUYs2rIP8&desktop_uri=/watch?v=MMtUYs2rIP8
Different movements for the both of them.
Thanks for posting this! Looks like the only difference is the placement of the rear foot and the use of a aerobic step vs. bench.
ANNNDD now I see that I my efforts to push the extended leg back to the step was in error...and really difficult, might I add. GREAT! Now I can defintiely use more weight with this!!0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
Different movements for the both of them.
Thanks for posting this! Looks like the only difference is the placement of the rear foot and the use of a aerobic step vs. bench.
you are right about the differences. the next move in the progression is the single leg squat. for me, the impact is that the balance is harder and the working leg is more isolated in the BSS.
also, you will need to use dumbbells or a bar once you progress past 45 pounds on the BSS.0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
Different movements for the both of them.
Thanks for posting this! Looks like the only difference is the placement of the rear foot and the use of a aerobic step vs. bench.
you are right about the differences. the next move in the progression is the single leg squat. for me, the impact is that the balance is harder and the working leg is more isolated in the BSS.
also, you will need to use dumbbells or a bar once you progress past 45 pounds on the BSS.
i can throw more weight on my back if i use a bar for the BSS instead of holding a plate (im holding a 45, which is big and awkward!) but i never know how much i should deviate from the "rules"0 -
i have the same issue with grip- anything more than 25 lbs in each hand gets hard. ive used 30 lb dumbbells on a few things towards the end of stage 1- but its hard. sometimes ive used a 35 lb plate in each hand- and it gives the same kind of benefit without hurting my hands, but because they are big, i cant use them for everything.
also- are bulgarian split squats and static lunges almost the same thing? to me, the only difference if that my back leg is on a bench for the BSS instead of a low step during the SL. and im holding a giant plate (45 lb plate) for the BSS instead of DBs in each hand like i do for the SL. right?
Different movements for the both of them.
Thanks for posting this! Looks like the only difference is the placement of the rear foot and the use of a aerobic step vs. bench.
you are right about the differences. the next move in the progression is the single leg squat. for me, the impact is that the balance is harder and the working leg is more isolated in the BSS.
also, you will need to use dumbbells or a bar once you progress past 45 pounds on the BSS.
i can throw more weight on my back if i use a bar for the BSS instead of holding a plate (im holding a 45, which is big and awkward!) but i never know how much i should deviate from the "rules"
surely the authors did not intend getting to 45 pounds and then stopping...0 -
DONE!
phew! this stage has challenged my balance on some serious levels! that, and my grip.
will be starting stage3 on monday but i might pop back here next weekend with some measurements, i only weigh-in/measure once a month, on the 1st.0 -
hey guys! for the interval training... do you do all 15 or so minutes at the end, or are you supposed to break it up in between the other sets? ty 0
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^^ all at the end! and its a damn hard workout if u gave your all during the lifting! whew!
finished Stage 2 as of yesterday! i loved it- looking forward to starting stage 3 later this week0 -
Only two more workouts of stage 2 left, so I'll be moving on to Stage 3 next week! Kind of sad because I have enjoyed Stage 2
I have really started to notice some changes in my arms and legs. The most noticeable change has been strength, I was at the pool this weekend and was able to toss my friend's 7 yr old boy and 8 year old girl around the pool like they were nothing! Didn't realize lifting would have the added benefit of making me strong enough to become a jungle gym! 0 -
Hey folks!
I did my first workout of Stage 2 this morning.
I struggled with the squat push press thingies for a while, but then I remembered to *KEEP THE 90 DEGREE ANGLE WITH MY ARM AND TORSO* and then the pain I previously experienced in my wrists was eliminated!!! Magic
I also had a hard time with the split lunges with the elevated back leg. I used the aerobics step just like in the book. If I recall correctly, the book says after we lunge forward we are supposed to push back to the starting position....is that correct? ( I don't have the book in front of me at the moment) If so, does anyone have any tips on how to do this without swinging the dumbbells too much and without losing balance???? It was awful! I felt like an idiot doing this move. Or you know what...on second thought...does anyone have an alternative??
No it is a static lunge on workout A
Yeah that's what I meant...any tips for that move?
You don't push back to the step with your lead foot. Both feet stay where they are the entire time and you just move up and down (basically)0 -
I did NR's last year and ALWAYS struggled with planking. GAH do I hate planking. My internal monologue is ridiculous - "I wonder how much longer, probably like 20 seconds. 40 SECONDS! OMG I can't do it. Okay, you're under 30 now...etc, etc." It's terrible.
Anyways, I did the full 60 seconds BOTH sets. HUZZAH!0 -
I did my 3rd Workout A workout this morning...those 30lb dumbbells are not getting any easier to hold. When I do the step ups on the bench I keep having to stop in between the 10 with my right leg before I do the other 10 with my left leg...so annoying!
I uped my weight for the squat push press from 55 on the 2nd workout A i did to 60lbs (including bar weight of 45lbs)...i feel so WEAK i would love to do more...am I the only one having to use such a light weight for these squats???
I know Workout A doesn't have intervals in it, but I did seated bike for intervals after lifting and boy my quads were ON FIYAH!...and my quads are the things I'm least pleased with right now. So...I will definitely do more bike intervals in the future.
I haven't been losing weight as much as I would like, or drinking enough water...so my goals are to hit 64oz of water each day and do 5 days of cardio in one week.0 -
I did NR's last year and ALWAYS struggled with planking. GAH do I hate planking. My internal monologue is ridiculous - "I wonder how much longer, probably like 20 seconds. 40 SECONDS! OMG I can't do it. Okay, you're under 30 now...etc, etc." It's terrible.
Anyways, I did the full 60 seconds BOTH sets. HUZZAH!
hahaha they're pretty tough...i find myself making little girly screech noises as I approach the 60 secs. lol0
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