I just finished Push this week and I loved it!!!!! I actually really enjoyed being able to focus on individual muscle groups, as opposed to combined. I felt like I could go much heavier in this phase.

During burn, I used mostly 10-15 lb weights, depending on the move. But during Push, I was able to use 30 lbs for most of the lower body moves and 20 lbs for most of the upper body moves. Some of the upper body I had to go with 10's and work my way up.

Be prepared for your forearms and wrists to feel a little strained in the beginning due to lifting heavier. Try to pay attention to not gripping the weights too tightly.

Push was my favorite too. I saw a difference in my legs because I could lift so much heavier for them. Upper body was a more gradual increase.

Is it just me, or did anyone else's not have their heart rate go up much except during the squats?

This was my first Push Circuit today and I am figuring the weight situation out.

Hello,

I am also in the first week of the push phase. I did notice that I burned less calories. I am not seeing near as much results as I thought I would. I can tell I am gaining muscle etc.

Is it just me, or did anyone else's not have their heart rate go up much except during the squats?

This was my first Push Circuit today and I am figuring the weight situation out.

Started Push phase today and I noticed the same thing. Hopefully it will increase with time..

My heart is pounding during Push! According to my HRM, I also have a slightly higher calorie burn now in Push. I'm halfway through Push and really looking forward to Lean, where the real results are supposed to happen.

Did Push circuit 2 for the first time last night and LOVED it. I am not getting DOMS, but damn, I feel it while I am working out.

I would highly recommend weight-lifting gloves for Push. As soon as I started using them my hands were so much more comfortable and I could grip better. Just thought I'd mention it

Hi ladies, I'm into my first week of Push (just did Burn Intervals & Ab Circuit) today. So far I am loving Push phase, I got myself a 10lbs dumbbells and my arms really screamed and can only go to 6 reps (some I managed to do 8) but I'm so excited about it.

Fuzzybunny, thanks for the tip. I do have a weight-lift glove but didn't think about using it hah. Thanks again!

Good morning!

Tomorrow is my last day of "Burn", so I'll be starting Push soon.

I have a question though---on the "track results" day before starting a new phase, do you take rest day? Wasn't sure what the thought was on this. With P90x you have a recovery week between phases, that is still tough, but gives your arms a break from the weights. On the Chalene schedule, it just shows 1 day it looks like, to take a break (and take your pics), and then start.

I'm wondering if a few days between would be appropriate here too? Or just continue on?

What approach did you all take?

Thanks for your help!

Good morning!

Tomorrow is my last day of "Burn", so I'll be starting Push soon.

I have a question though---on the "track results" day before starting a new phase, do you take rest day? Wasn't sure what the thought was on this. With P90x you have a recovery week between phases, that is still tough, but gives your arms a break from the weights. On the Chalene schedule, it just shows 1 day it looks like, to take a break (and take your pics), and then start.

I'm wondering if a few days between would be appropriate here too? Or just continue on?

What approach did you all take?

Thanks for your help!

I am just copying my post from the other thread where this was discussed:

ok, so I checked and it doesn't have a specified break, but flslp87 is right in that it has a weird transition from one phase to the next. If you don't take the week's break, you end up starting the new phase on a different day of the week than you started the phase before and that would put your schedule out of whack (at least for me it would). So I interpreted it the same way as flslp87 and assumed it meant a week break. I double checked with a friend of mine who is a personal trainer and she also recommended the week break between phases. She said it's standard procedure to take a break between phases and healthy to have that rest. I know for myself I am TOTALLY taking a week break next week between PUSH and LEAN.

Hope that helps a little.

Is anyone not impressed with this program?

I think any exercise program's effectiveness (unless fundamentally flawed) is going to subjective to the individual. Depending on your goals, the types of exercise you enjoy, your fitness level, etc, you will find that some programs are better than others for your unique situation. I personally find that with most programs/dvd's that I have, I use what suits me at the time for the goals I have.

I did not really take a break & dont feel like it really hurt me at all...I just follwed normal rest day schedule regardless of day of week I started on.
sometimes my schedule is off since I occasionally do an extra cardio day if I have a class.

Cool thank you! I'm leaning towards starting right up....it's good to know you felt fine doing that too.

oh, and jyska--perfect answer to that question: this is great for my goals right now, but if I was in a different place, I have no idea! I love it now because I have been maintaining my weight for a few yeras and I'm just looking for different workouts that will give me the ability to mix-it-up, keep the strength I've gained from past programs, and do this in a little more condensed schedule.....so far so good!

If I was using this as my first program, and to lose weight, I would have no ability to judge the effects on that.....my criterion for success is not metric anymore, purely based on how I feel, the way I look in clothes, etc....