Julie- Those push presses are so hard! I couldn't believe it, I know it's different but it was still very humbling to see my squat weight go down like that. I did 4x5 at 60lbs, I already had that on there and just figured I would get as much out of it doing more sets with lower reps. I'll try to work up to 10.

I feel like I am not quite getting all of these lunges; so many slight variations. Maybe as I get used to them I will notice what they should be working, or I will get the form down and not be so clumsy. A lot of my attention is spent trying not to fall over. In stage one I found the prone jack knife got a lot more difficult when I figured out how to do it without feeling like a fool, and could really focus on the movement.


I miss my back squats, I really felt comfortable with stage one so it is sort of a shock to the system to change now, probably good for the program to force me to change!

Wow! I totally agree...I miss stage 1. Lol! I like regular squats! But, you know what? I was able to do all 10 reps of the FSPPs this time! With 65lbs...10lb plates on the Olympic bar. It felt so good to achieve it!!
I am up to 40 sec on my planks and the full 60 sec on the cobra. I'll add some weight to the crunches next time...they're not doing much. Not surer like the hip flexion thing either, but I'll stick with it,

The different lunge variations baffled me, and truthfully still do a little. The ones in B are supposed to have your foot flat on the bench...that was nearly impossible for me on the step. I tried the padded benches used for lifting and was able to keep that form better this time. It seems to really isolate that front bent leg to bear the load completely. I need to go recheck that other forward reach lunge one...didn't feel quite right this time, but I didn't bring my book.

And I too am a bit balance challenged! I feel like I'm going to fall over on that bent over thing in A, and during most of those lunges too! But, I'm sure there is a reason for the series and progression...so I'll follow the plan and see where it leads. It'll be short at least!

Not much going on in this one but I'm going to do a little post anyways. Going to officially start Stage 2 tonight after work. We'll see how it goes once I have to do all of workout A and in mostly correct order as long as I can access the equipment I will need.

I've only done workout A as I then had my two day rest since my schedule is a bit weird. Workout B will be tomorrow but I'm still feeling it in my shoulders from the first one (plus shoulder shrugs and attempts at assisted chin-up machine).

Before starting the stage, when I tried the deadlift, I ended up dropping the weights below 135 and still felt kind of weird not letting it touch the ground. I use a set of plates to stack it a little higher for reach purposes but they barely fit as the step from the aerobics class is longish. Will be interesting to see how B goes tomorrow since I practiced some of them but skipped all the crunches when I was in between stages.

Finished 3/4 of my stage 2 workouts today. I hate bulgarian split squats and their counterpart lunges. Weights on these haven't really increased much, but I did an extra 5 reps at 80 lbs just to see how it would go. It left me pretty tired for the remainder of the workout.

The only issue I really have with workout B is how long it takes! Thankfully I only have one more go of it before switching to Stage 3 though. I like that this section is only 3 weeks long as I don't love the moves in it, but at the same time I feel like I didn't have enough time to actually master any of them and start increasing my weights. I'm glad it will come back in Stage 4 so I can hopefully FSPP more weight. I'd love to get the oly bar out while doing those.

I actually eliminated the hip flexion completely because I didn't think it was doing much. I added in bench presses at the end of my workout instead. Whoops...

I like your idea of doing a hip thrust with this workout. I may steal that for next time. The only issue with time for me is when I'm on third shift I usually wake up around 5 or 6 and make it to the gym around 7:30-7:45 and the gym closes at 9:30 so I feel rushed. That's a personal problem though. It just seems like an hour to an hour 15 when I've eliminated the flexions and don't do the HIIT is really long. Maybe I'm doing too many warmups though.

The cuban snatches are really awkward. I'm thankful we have a women's only are where there are at most 3 other people there so when I struggle or slide off the bench few people are watching. I'm glad the workouts are only 8 weeks from here on out because if I don't like something it will pass quickly.

You can get the book for less than $10 on amazon. I would send your co-worker the link so she can mark up the book as she goes. That way you get to keep it as well since you're only 2 stages in. Just my opinion though - my sister asked to borrow mine and I sent her the amazon link. She was a bit dismayed but then she saw the price and was just fine with it. She's actually happier having her own copy now. I know i put sticky notes and highlighted sections just because that's what I do.

I'm actually excited about Stage 6 as I really do want to do a pull-up, it's one of my goals this year, but I might end up moving it to the end after stage 7 or modifying it a bit with other exercises. Idk yet... I actually decided that I would take this one stage at a time so I haven't even read stage 3 and on yet. I'll do that this weekend though since I only have to lifting sessions left in stage 2. Good luck with your lifting this coming week!

2 days left. I'll post start to finish stats after the last B day as there is a little increase even though it was just 8 sessions. Verdict so far is pretty much not going to change though. Like anything lat pull down related. Don't mind some of the lunges and like them more than the ones from stage 1 oddly enough though not sure on the split squat as I don't know if the step is high enough but the benches are too high for me. Don't like db cuban snatch, one point row is just eh but I wanna make it all sets without falling and really part of my issue with row is a never feel them working even if it is. Meh to all crunches and I gave up on the flexion thing but the reverse crunch isn't so bad. Maybe the other types that come up will be better. I do look forward to stage 3 though cause bench, bar rows and some different variations of things.

Stage 2 wasn't too bad but a few things I won't look forward to in Stage 4, for sure, though the different rep range might be nice.

Interesting, though we already go planks during the stage so I probably wouldn't switch something out for that. The jack knife wasn't too bad in stage 1. Then again, I'm not a strict program follower so I'm okay with just adding a weight plate to crunch and doing glute bridges instead of flexion. I don't actually time my rests as prescribed either.

Last day of Stage 2 is tonight. Will post in here and the check-in spot afterwards.

I have started Stage 4. It's nice to get back to some of the lifts like front squat and such. Though, I ended up sore after the first day A. It wasn't until after my run the next day but my butt ended up sore, lol. I'm blaming the lunges.

Tonight will be day B. Back to deadlift from a box and such. Prone cobra should be easier since it's less motion than YTWL.

Starting Stage 2 next week, I'm really looking forward to it! Love reading about other experiences, thank you all for sharing!

Having read through all the "original" stage 2 thread, I was a bit disappointed to see that this one has sort of ground to a halt!

So, even if I end up talking to myself, I shall post on here throughout my stage 2 journey!

So far, I've done one each of A & B. I usually do SL5x5 first, then do my NR workout, but having seen some of the comments, particularly about the length of time for these workouts, I have made provision in my diary to do some of my SL as a separate session.

So....workout A. I DID do SL first, then went to the FSPP - quite happy with my form on this one, but was only using a 25kg barbell so hoping to increase the weight next time. Step ups were fine - although I reduced the weight a little to concentrate on form as I think I may have been "cheating" a little in stage 1.

Dumbell 1pt row - with 7kg handweights - was ok - must remember to focus on my spot. reminds me of yoga moves I did MANY years ago, so I think I will enjoy this one. Static lunges - ouch. Used 9kg handweights. Will be pleased if I can improve on this.

Press ups, planks, woodchops - all ok....my core is my "best" bit, so I probably need to up the ante a bit to get the best out of it.

Then 15 mins of intervals on the rowing machine - quite enjoyed this little foray back into cardio!

didn't ache too much after, but did feel it a little in my quads.

Workout B - didn't do SL first as I was conscious of the time.

Deadlift from box - hmm, need to concentrate on this one - very different to my previous deadlifts! Used 30kg barbell first set and 35kg second set. Want to improve somewhat in both weight and form.

BSS - Oh. My. Word. Used a 12kg kettlebell. Quite enjoyed this, and will be practising at home.

Underhand lat pull downs - 33kg first set, 40kgs second set. These seemed a bit too easy compared with the wide lat pull downs I have been doing.

Rev lunge from box - 6kg hand weights - I think these were ok. Perhaps I need to go a bit further back for each movement.

Cuban snatch - was worried about this after reading all the comments, but did ok, with 4kg weights. I tore rotator cuff muscles 18 months ago after going over the handlebars of my bike, so was a bit wary of this exercise, but all the rehab has worked and I didn't find it nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Will up this one next time.

Crunches, etc, cobra - all ok. Again, abs and yoga type stuff is alright with me. Did 2 x sets of the hanna thingies, need to check the book for diagrams again as I'm not sure I was doing them right.

15 mins intervals on the rowing machine again.

I expected to ache more this morning, and tbh am a bit disappointed that I don't - as it is always a sign to me that I have worked hard! I will revisit the book at lunchtime to check diagrams and see if I am actually doing things right.

SL and A2 tomorrow.....