Josiereside: I don't know that I call myself a runner perse but I do enjoy it and typically get a 3-6 mile run at least once a week on the weekends. I enjoy races and mud runs as well and am trying to continue running through out winter, I live in the midwest, so I can continue to participate in those come spring and summer. I feel like I run better and have better stamina because of lifting honestly. I think the two, for me, go together quite well.

I would consider you a runner for sure! :flowerforyou:

The point goes to me this week! My planks have all increased by 5 seconds each time (front/side/elevated plank/elevated side) . I think now it will be time to switch it up and start doing it with a leg elevated or feet on a Swiss ball to increase the challenge.

7-WEEK CHALLENGERS:

TODAY starts the beginning of WEEK 5. That's right, there are only 3 WEEKS UNTIL 2013!!

So, get me your results for WEEK 4 - did your point go to "ME" or did your point go to "NEW"?

I'll post results tomorrow.

Point to ME!!!

I am DONE with Stage 2. I felt somewhat better with B, but still discouraged about the wussy weights especially on the prone snatch (2.5) and especially the reverse lunge. I did them slightly differently that the book, My trainer had me reach out more than the book shows and I really couldn't move more than 10#

I made it to 75# with the wide grip deadlifts, but I think I could have done more, honestly. But I did improve on the split squats, I started with body weight, and made it up to 15# dbs. My best was the underhand pull downs, I could do 3 sets 75#. The rest were fine, I had no problems with the swissball and reverse crunches, and I ended up the flexions standing side to side with 35#. The prone cobra just was nice. I easily do 90.

Bleh. Not happy, and I'm up a few pounds too so I'm even less happy. I will start Stage 3 on Monday. This week, I'm meeting with the trainer on Wednesday and probably Friday and do workouts his way, just for a change.

Hi Jody and Josie, and Km I wondered what happened to you!

Liv - keep it up. Your calorie burn will increase as your strength increases ... muscle burns more cals than fat!!!

Excited to get into these challenges in January ... I need a little extra motivation. I'm looking at Stage 2 and realizing I'm going to have to modify a few of the exercises so I don't re-injure/tweak my rotator cuff. Like splitting up the squats/presses and possibly exchanging the cuban snatch for something entirely different - or only using 1lb weights.

Sue - I've been thinking about working with a trainer at my gym. I was going to get hubby training sessions for xmas because he (finally) decided he wants to work out, but now he's down for the count with a rotator cuff injury - from tossing a football with our boys LOL

Sigh, another total fail week. I've been totally sick and unable to work out since last Wednesday - and all my lifting last week sucked because I felt AWFUL! Feeling a bit better today, may get in some cardio tomorrow. But won't be able to lift until Friday. December has been FULL of sickness for me so Stage 2 is taking FOREVER!

You guys all sound like you are ROCKING IT!

O, and I am a runner! I do 1-2 1/2 marathons a year, one 10 milers, and usually some smaller races. I started NROL4W when my shin splints got so bad I could barely walk. Now that they are fairly healed my goal is to get running 2-3 times a week again!...you know, once I can breathe.

That's ok. My fault with a sick little one this week and me last week, I haven't been on here as much.

Sue - I love my gym. I was a little intimidated the first couple of weeks in the weight room, but by the time I made it to full on floor pushups, I felt beast and now I walk in with serious swag You'll be doing the same in no time, even when the meatheads are there!

Josie - great job! Have you done any PT for your knee? It sounds like you just might need more strengthening exercises.

As to everyone else - amazing job on the stats! Jen - I seriously can't wait to be able to do an unassisted pull up!!!!

When doing an elevated split squat or even a lunge, which leg should bear the weight when pushing back up for greatest benefit?

Hey everyone - sounds like the week is going well so far.

I was out of town yesterday and in a meeting all morning. It's been a crazy week and it's only Wed!

Slept in Monday

SL on Tuesday - but hips were really sore so didn't squat as much as I should have.

Intervals and extra "stuff" today - had to cut it short since I needed to be at work early today but got some neg pullups, pushups and burpees in after the intervals.

Colleen - I can't wait until I can do an usassisted pullup either! Still working on it.

Unassisted pullup? eek, what stage is that?!? I'm scurred! Congrats to all you ladies rocking it out though.

I'm in Stage 4. My front squat push press was not pretty today. Remember I talked about possibly using the barbell for step ups? Well I still haven't. I don't know what has happened, but I am KILLING the step ups now. I could do them before, but now they feel almost easy? And I used 27.5 DBs in each hand today. Yes! Now I'm feeling that a BB would totally throw off my balance and work different muscles. I dunno. I'm gonna keep going with the DBs until I can't hold 'em anymore.

I also did both of my planks for 120 sec today!! It was BRUTAL. I was shaking. But I talked myself through the last 45 seconds (you can do it, 5 more seconds, etc.). I can't imagine doing "more" with planks like I hear some of you ladies talking about with New Rules for Abs.

Btw, I've only done 3 Stage 4 workouts, and it gives you a choice of 2 or 3 sets. I'd love to do 3, but am always pressed for time. Plus I'm trying to get in a run after each workout. If I did 3 sets plus a run, I'd be there for 2 hours; and I just can't do that. As it is, I'm usually there for 75 minutes.

REST WEEKS - do you do them? I think they are crucial. I always come back stronger. I usually take about 4-5 days (never an entire week). I'm simply amazed at how much stronger I am doing these Stage 4 workouts (ok minus my FSPPs - the bar isn't heavy and I could lift more if my wrists didn't hurt). Also my balance is a lot better.

Kathy I am beyond impressed at 120sec planks! that.is.awesome! I am still struggling to get through 60sec. I get to 40 and drop. :noway:

Welcome Mommyred! go you!

unassisted pull-ups sound like something I can only dream about! :laugh: I cannot imagine getting there. My shoulders are so weak. Off to the gym for stage two workout B. I have been sick most of this week, with my youngest daughter, so I am looking forward to getting back at it. I only missed one day in the gym technically but my motivation is seriously suffering.

For those of you are close to doing pull-up/chin-ups, that's awesome! I think I'll do Stage 6 so that I can work on that.
Sue, I don't find the cobra challenging at all. I don't mind it, but I get more benefit from the back extensions with weight. Maybe I'm not doing them as aggressively as I should.

I've lifted twice this week, a huge improvement from the past 6 weeks. I've put on 1-2 lbs since I started lifting again and I don't like it. I know it will probably take me a few more weeks to start losing again, but any gain freaks me out at this point. I've still go so much to lose!

Have a good weekend everyone!

So glad we don;t do anything holds longer than 90 secs in ABS but they do find way to make them harder. I just find the long holds so BORING!! It's amazing how far you come when doing this program. I could barely pick up 20 lbs in the beginning last January. By the time I finished stage 7 a 120 sec plank and an unassisted pull up were NO PROBLEM. I've lost some strength now, but its slowly coming back. Use it or loose it ladies. lol

Skipped the gym last night. I just needed to be with my boys.

OK so Thursday I over extended my knee - on a dog walk! so it was walking through the deep snow but still that does seem utterly ridiculous to me. Anyway, after the weekend resting it - ish (well still had to ride my horse) I am going to go to the gym at lunch time. I don't think I will do the BWM but the rest should be ok if I don't push it too much. But I have only one A and B left of Stage 3 then I can have a well deserved week off over christmas.

But apart from my knee all my joints feel a littly ify at the mo. Is anyone else feeling join aches or are you taking anything like fish oil tablets or joint ace or anything like that. i wonder if I should. Never had joint problems in the past tho.