Stage 4
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Yeah, but I dare someone to say something about our calloused hands! Knock 'em out! ;o)
One more workout and Stage 4 is kaput. I've had a cold and only managed two workouts/week for the past two weeks, which really stinks because I feel like I'm just maintaining instead of making progress. I'm toying with the idea of spending an extra week in Stage 4 because the week before xmas I'm going out of town and it'll be a pain to hunt down a gym. So that may be a scheduled week off between stages, or if I go ahead and start Stage 5 next week, it'll be smack in the middle of Stage 5.
Decisions, decisions...0 -
Yeah, but I dare someone to say something about our calloused hands! Knock 'em out! ;o)
One more workout and Stage 4 is kaput. I've had a cold and only managed two workouts/week for the past two weeks, which really stinks because I feel like I'm just maintaining instead of making progress. I'm toying with the idea of spending an extra week in Stage 4 because the week before xmas I'm going out of town and it'll be a pain to hunt down a gym. So that may be a scheduled week off between stages, or if I go ahead and start Stage 5 next week, it'll be smack in the middle of Stage 5.
Decisions, decisions...
I bought a pair of gloves today. I'll see tomorrow if they make a difference or if they're even comfortable to wear. They were only $10 so if I don't like them I don't feel like I've wasted a lot of money. They had some that were $25 and $30.
If I were in your shoes I would probably opt for spending another week in stage 4 so you don't have to take a break during stage 5, especially since you've been sick and only have done a couple of workouts the past few weeks. It couldn't hurt to linger a bit longer, build your strength back up and then take a break. I am in the middle of stage 4 right now. I think I'll be done next wednesday. Then I'll take the 4 days off and start the next stage the following Monday, the 19th. I am going away Dec 23 and returning Dec 26 so I will miss those two workouts. I'll jump back in when I get home and continue on as planned.0 -
Yeah, but I dare someone to say something about our calloused hands! Knock 'em out! ;o)
One more workout and Stage 4 is kaput. I've had a cold and only managed two workouts/week for the past two weeks, which really stinks because I feel like I'm just maintaining instead of making progress. I'm toying with the idea of spending an extra week in Stage 4 because the week before xmas I'm going out of town and it'll be a pain to hunt down a gym. So that may be a scheduled week off between stages, or if I go ahead and start Stage 5 next week, it'll be smack in the middle of Stage 5.
Decisions, decisions...
I am adding 2 sessions of body pump to my stage 4 in order to have my rest week at Christmas. Lately I really feel stuck, like I am making no improvements.:frown: I still cant deadlift more than 80-90 pounds and I have been stuck at that weight for a long time. :sad:0 -
Yeah, but I dare someone to say something about our calloused hands! Knock 'em out! ;o)
One more workout and Stage 4 is kaput. I've had a cold and only managed two workouts/week for the past two weeks, which really stinks because I feel like I'm just maintaining instead of making progress. I'm toying with the idea of spending an extra week in Stage 4 because the week before xmas I'm going out of town and it'll be a pain to hunt down a gym. So that may be a scheduled week off between stages, or if I go ahead and start Stage 5 next week, it'll be smack in the middle of Stage 5.
Decisions, decisions...
I am adding 2 sessions of body pump to my stage 4 in order to have my rest week at Christmas. Lately I really feel stuck, like I am making no improvements.:frown: I still cant deadlift more than 80-90 pounds and I have been stuck at that weight for a long time. :sad:
80-90lb deadlifts are nothing to sneeze at! Right now I can only do 65-70. Just keep at it until you feel comfortable enough to increase weight. I have been stuck at 45lbs for the squat push/press since stage 2. I just for the first time the other day completed 3 full sets of 8. I will try to increase tomorrow. Those are killer!0 -
Yeah, I think that's what I'll do - throw a few more Stage 4 workouts in there and try to increase my strength before taking the break.
Yanicka - I've been feeling the same way, but yesterday I bumped up the weight by 5 lbs (found the mini plates!) on the front squat push press and just pushed through it. I'm sore today, which could be because of the reduced frequency in lifting, but I'm sure it's also from those extra 5 lbs.
I am feeling so fat today. :sad: Just having one of those days I guess.0 -
Yeah, I think that's what I'll do - throw a few more Stage 4 workouts in there and try to increase my strength before taking the break.
Yanicka - I've been feeling the same way, but yesterday I bumped up the weight by 5 lbs (found the mini plates!) on the front squat push press and just pushed through it. I'm sore today, which could be because of the reduced frequency in lifting, but I'm sure it's also from those extra 5 lbs.
I am feeling so fat today. :sad: Just having one of those days I guess.
I'm feeling pretty fat right now I can tell you that! I was doing good but then it went all downhill this afternoon. I didn't eat lunch and ended up eating at the Golden Corral with my parents at 3pm. I was starving and wasn't as judicious as I should have been. But honestly it is really hard to eat well there. I honestly didn't eat too much food, it's the dessert that gets me every time. I had one small serving of chocolate lava cake. I swore that was going to be it but nooo, I had to back for a piece of fudge and some apple cobbler. Plus a taste of my dd's mint chocolate chip ice cream. Normally I wouldn't be freaking out so much but since Thanksgiving I've been eating more sugar/desserts than I'd like to. No wonder why I can't lose my belly fat! The worst part is that since I was out all day I didn't get a chance to workout today. I feel like a whale right now!0 -
I hear ya. I wonder if I was too tough on folks freaking out about Thanksgiving. It does seem like a slippery slope - the more I have sugar, the more I want it.
Measured myself this morning and I haven't lost even a fraction of an inch in the past month. At least - not in the places I measure. But I am wearing a smaller size pant and I think I lost off my upper thighs, which I don't measure. I don't know. I'm trying not to get discouraged and do anything rash. I need to stick with the program, be happy to maintain through the rest of the month, and hit the diet super hard come January. Do the best I can until then, but really go all out in January.
Thinking too about what program to do after NR. Getting Starting Strength for xmas, and considering a 5x5 type of program, gonna google it and see what it entails.0 -
I hear ya. I wonder if I was too tough on folks freaking out about Thanksgiving. It does seem like a slippery slope - the more I have sugar, the more I want it.
Measured myself this morning and I haven't lost even a fraction of an inch in the past month. At least - not in the places I measure. But I am wearing a smaller size pant and I think I lost off my upper thighs, which I don't measure. I don't know. I'm trying not to get discouraged and do anything rash. I need to stick with the program, be happy to maintain through the rest of the month, and hit the diet super hard come January. Do the best I can until then, but really go all out in January.
Thinking too about what program to do after NR. Getting Starting Strength for xmas, and considering a 5x5 type of program, gonna google it and see what it entails.
I do not know if you have seen my 3rd month update but between all 3 pictures, I have not lost one single inch and one single pound but there is a visible difference. Do not get discouraged0 -
I don't think I've lost any inches since I started this program. But some of my older pants are fitting me better. I just can't stand the belly flab that just doesn't want to move.
I'm thinking ahead to the next program as well I'd like to do another strength training one but am not familiar with any. I have heard of the stronglifts 5x5, but I am not sure what that entails. Are any of you familiar with that? Is it similar to what we are doing now?0 -
I am adding 2 sessions of body pump to my stage 4 in order to have my rest week at Christmas. Lately I really feel stuck, like I am making no improvements.:frown: I still cant deadlift more than 80-90 pounds and I have been stuck at that weight for a long time. :sad:
What is body pump?0 -
I finished Stage 4 workout A today. Here are my stats:
Front squat/push press 55lbs
Step Up 70lbs
Dumbbell one point row 22.5lbs(each hand)
Static Lunge 22.5 lbseach hand
Push-Ups Swiss ball pushups, 3 sets of 8
Planks - I was finally able to do 3 sets of 120 seconds today
horizontal woodchops using a dumbbell 15 lbs
I wish I was stronger and could hold more weight in my hands but the 22.5s are killing me. I'll finish stage B on Friday and then I won't start stage 5 until after Christmas. I'm going to try and do cardio only next week, we'll see how that works out.0 -
I finished Stage 4 workout A today. Here are my stats:
Front squat/push press 55lbs
Step Up 70lbs
Dumbbell one point row 22.5lbs(each hand)
Static Lunge 22.5 lbseach hand
Push-Ups Swiss ball pushups, 3 sets of 8
Planks - I was finally able to do 3 sets of 120 seconds today
horizontal woodchops using a dumbbell 15 lbs
Awesome job!!! those planks are a B!!
I wish I was stronger and could hold more weight in my hands but the 22.5s are killing me. I'll finish stage B on Friday and then I won't start stage 5 until after Christmas. I'm going to try and do cardio only next week, we'll see how that works out.0 -
awesome job!!! those planks are a B!!!0
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awesome job!!! those planks are a B!!!
I know! My whole body was shaking and my shoulders were burning but I swore I was going to make it for the entire 2 minutes today! Boy was I glad when it was over and I was proud of myself for not giving up after the 90 second mark.0 -
I finished Stage 4 workout A today. Here are my stats:
Front squat/push press 55lbs
Step Up 70lbs
Dumbbell one point row 22.5lbs(each hand)
Static Lunge 22.5 lbseach hand
Push-Ups Swiss ball pushups, 3 sets of 8
Planks - I was finally able to do 3 sets of 120 seconds today
horizontal woodchops using a dumbbell 15 lbs
I wish I was stronger and could hold more weight in my hands but the 22.5s are killing me. I'll finish stage B on Friday and then I won't start stage 5 until after Christmas. I'm going to try and do cardio only next week, we'll see how that works out.
Way to go! The planks are the 2 min. planks are not happening for me right now-I started stage 4 yesterday. My legs are screaming again.
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I finished Stage 4 workout A today. Here are my stats:
Front squat/push press 55lbs
Step Up 70lbs
Dumbbell one point row 22.5lbs(each hand)
Static Lunge 22.5 lbseach hand
Push-Ups Swiss ball pushups, 3 sets of 8
Planks - I was finally able to do 3 sets of 120 seconds today
horizontal woodchops using a dumbbell 15 lbs
I wish I was stronger and could hold more weight in my hands but the 22.5s are killing me. I'll finish stage B on Friday and then I won't start stage 5 until after Christmas. I'm going to try and do cardio only next week, we'll see how that works out.
Way to go! The planks are the 2 min. planks are not happening for me right now-I started stage 4 yesterday. My legs are screaming again.
Yup, they are brutal. The 2 min prone cobras are no picnic either, lol. You just have to work your way up to it. You'll get there!0 -
I just started stage 4 and it's been exciting to see the increases in what I can lift since stage 2. I increased my deadlift to 110 lbs and my lat pulldowns are at 125! The push press is awkward for me - I tried 50 pounds and i think I can do more, but it makes me nervous pushing it up over my head like that. While doing workout B yesterday I was pleased to see that the Bulgarian Split squats were much easier now and I could comfortably increase the weight. The one thing I still haven't been able to do are the planks - I can get to 60 seconds, but not much past that. My whole body starts to shake and i collapse in a puddle after those. The cobras are no problem, though - I wonder what that's about.
I've worked out a schedule and I should be done with the entire program (I don't plan to do stage 6) by the end of February. I haven't seen any changes in my weight or measurements, but I can see a number of changes throughout my body and I'm looking for ways to maintain the muscle I've gained in this program and cut the weight that is stubbornly hanging on. What are you planning to do when you're all done?0 -
Yanicka, I've reviewed your pictures and find it VERY HARD TO BELIEVE that you haven't lost "inches" at your waistline. Seriously.
And, ruststar, I'm sad to read that you haven't seen any changes in measurements, either!!
I don't care about the "scale"....but, I am changing my BFL program into Nrol4W, and I DEFINITELY want to see changes with the tape measure!!
Are you all eating enough calories??0 -
Yanicka, I've reviewed your pictures and find it VERY HARD TO BELIEVE that you haven't lost "inches" at your waistline. Seriously.
And, ruststar, I'm sad to read that you haven't seen any changes in measurements, either!!
I don't care about the "scale"....but, I am changing my BFL program into Nrol4W, and I DEFINITELY want to see changes with the tape measure!!
Are you all eating enough calories??
Before this program I was already eating more than the book recommended. Now that I'm not doing anywhere near as much cardio I cut it back to the amounts the book recommends, but it can be hard sometimes (especially right now). The numbers suggested in the book were for just maintaining your weight, and when I'm in my rest week and the excess fluid from lifting heavy has passed, I can see that I have maintained my lowest weight. This morning I measured myself and found I lost an inch off my calves and my waist, and I can definitely see all the muscle in my shoulders and chest. After the holidays I'm going to try the suggested calories from the book minus 300 extra and see what happens. If nothing happens then I'll just finish the program, say thank you for all the extra muscles, and go back to a more cardo heavy workout with an increased knowledge of how to make my strength workouts beneficial.0 -
Thank you, ruststar....I hope your journey continues in a very positive manner!0
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Almost done with stage 4! I have been not so strict with my eating lately and that shows up on the scale, but after the new year I'll cutting back and hope to get down a bit. Last night I wanted to see how much I can pull on deadlifts -right now I do 175 lbs. for 8 reps, 3 sets.,and I pulled 205 for 3 reps. YAY!0
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Holy cow, denine!!! that is CRAZY how STRONG you are!!
Congratulations!!0 -
Thanks, Beeps!
Last workout in stage 4 today!0 -
I love stage 4! I love having these exercises back, started back 10 pounds heavier than I left them!0
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Step up/ step back. so did workout A of Stage 4 and initially thought I could start off where I left off in stage 2 but had to decrease a little on all of them. I'm hoping this was all TOM related and overall having a pretty low energy day. You know I didn't take a week off between Stage 3 and this because I thought it would cause me to lose strength/progress but maybe I should have. In any case think I will lift again Saturday and hope that will be better. hats off to those of you who said you are using a 20" + step. My new one is 14 and that feels like a stretch with just the bar today. Anyway, still really enjoying it. even when it's hard. maybe especially when it's hard:drinker:0
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I started a "daily chat thread" here at NROL4W group....so, it doesn't have to be specifically related to NROL4W. It's just that we've built such a LARGE community, here, I'm finding it TOUGH to follow everyone around the threads and keep up.
So, thought this "daily chat thread" would be an easy way to keep in touch with all mfp-NROL4W friends!
Come post!0 -
Resting up for stage 4 this week. Doing a little here and there, but I felt like I hit the wall on the final workout of 3; I believe I need the rest.
Checked my calendar, and I'm starting C25K in about 3 weeks! Getting a little nervous now about fitting it all in time-wise, and not sabotaging myself, progress-wise. Nothing is set in stone; we'll see how it goes. Anyone else doubling up and managing it?0 -
I'm not training for any running events, but I've been running or spinning on my non lifting days. I've been fine, but I usually worked out 6 times a week anyway.
I'm half way through stage 4 if you want to keep in contact. I think we should be pretty close to the same point.0 -
Hello ladies! Tagging the stage 4 thread; I'm on my rest week between 3 and 4 and will do my first stage 4 workout on the 27th! Looking forward to getting back to deadlifts, split squat, front squat/push press, and underhand pulldowns. Not looking forward to lunges and 2-minute planks!!0
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Hi Ladies!
I'll be starting Stage 4 this week. Not sure if I'll start the 26th or 28th yet. I've been fighting a chest cold...so I guess I'll just see how I'm feeling tomorrow.
I'll be lurking around this thread for the next few weeks! 0
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