Good morning everyone,
I started my second attempt at this program a few weeks ago, and am now up to Stage 1, workout 6B today and feeling good.

Last time I got halfway through Stage II and then stopped for what was, for a change, a very good reason.

Now I'm back at it and I actually am stronger than last time, and last time I felt great. I started at the beginning again.

I recently went back through my MFP records to see some of the differences in what I did then (starting April or May) and now. I was following the -300 calorie fat loss diet and was not seeing the improvements in size and physique I did last time.
That really helped because I learned that I had been actually eating even less the previous time, and that I had been going a little heavier on the lunges and step-ups, although I'm going heavier now on everything else. This seems really significant because I am a pear-shaped lady, and while my upper body is coming along beautifully, my hips and thighs aren't showing the same definition they did last time. So I'm jumping up a lot on the step-ups and lunges and so far it's been fine.

The other thing I decided to do was start doing the cardio intervals after every other workout now instead of waiting for stage 2.

Anyway, happy Friday to you all and good luck!

hmmm.... I wrote a lovely little post yesterday....

Hope it tasted good MFP :laugh:

Anyway I have done 2nd workouts in Stage 3 and I love this stage! I am lifting more weight, even on the single leg DLs. I haven't put weight to the single leg partial squats yet, though I think I might next time. My only issue is getting through the BWM. OMG! I have yet to do the full 2 reps without totally collapsing and having to rest and catch my breath!

I will confess that despite loving this stage, today's workout was a huge struggle. I woke up with no energy and it carried right on through the workout. I didn't give up, but I really struggled, I have to say. Planks seemed ridiculously difficult today, much more so than other days, and my balance on the squats and sntach was really crappy. Not my best workout by any strecth of the imagination.

...and I'm doing more of the shoulder/back exercises so I am going to get the point again this week Beeps - I know I'm early but I really like doing them! The swiss ball ones have to be done when I"m home but all the others I do all day long and as the vid says "I sit on my sits bone" (she cracks me up every time she says that!) instead of slouching as much as I used to!

Welcome back Nadia! Glad to meet you!

Jennie in my last message (that was eaten by MFP) I said the same thing everyone else has said. You'll get back to it. You're not doing nothing, you're just not doing this program. So what? You'll either decide you want to do it again or you'll move onto something new to challenge yourself. The fact that you are still working out, even while not feeling motivated speaks volumes about your commitment to yourself. I your dedication!

Sending Merry holiday wishes to you all. When I get home tonight after work, I am headed out to Ohio for a fun long holiday weekend. I'll try to stop in here and say hello ho ho ho! Doubtful that I'll get any lifting in, but I will use the elliptical at the kids home so all won't be lost!

Have fun!

Jennie - I forgot to comment on your weight loss (congrats!) despite being in a funk. I totally agree with what everyone is saying. Take a break. I'm impressed you actually did the elliptical for an hour. But don't stress if you don't get a workout in. I think that's the tough part -- stressing and feeling guilty when we miss a workout or have a bad eating day. I'm totally guilty of that. Enjoy the holidays with your family!

Sue - Glad you're loving Stage 3. I had a love/hate relationship with it. And I think I only did both BWMs maybe 3 times. Oops!! Like Beeps, I'm ALWAYS on a time crunch with my workouts due to work/family/etc.

Beeps - .2 lbs away from your goal weight is incredible! Now you're getting me pumped up for 2013! I have to mull over my fitness goals.

Nadia - welcome back!

I had a bad day yesterday. Didn't run, which means I will not get my point this week (needed to run yesterday, today, and Sunday). Ate a bunch of junk that I didn't even log I was so embarassed. And I was just feeling down about various things in my life.... But I'm feeling MUCH MUCH better today. I got in a good lifting session AND a run afterward. It is truly amazing how exercise affects my mood.

And an NSV: 15lb Cuban snatches! The last few reps were tough, but I eeked them out. I think I started with 5 or 8 lbs back in Stage 2. I can really tell I'm stronger in everything. It's pretty awesome.

-Kathy

Is Christmas over yet???


This is awful, but I'll be so glad when it is! I'm ready to start this new way of eating and get back on a program.

Welp, point goes to NEW this week. I did my long run today, but not enough running during the week. That's OK though...happy to have at least completed the long run.

Debating on doing Stage 4A tomorrow. I have two more workouts, then on to Stage 5!

NEW unfortunately last week. Final push so will make a real effort this week.

Did my first 10km race yesterday in mud and driving rain and an ascent of 200m over the route! Was thrilled we both came in together and bang in the middle of our age class. 60.15 mins!! Woop woop. My legs hurt today tho. x

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Point to ME!

Got a small lifting session and some HIIT in yesterday. Just squats (120 lbs! Yay!) and some pushups. Eating everything "bad" today and tomorrow. Not going to stress.