chocolatecroissant Member

Many thanks :-)

I'm very jealous of 2600. As an older woman, my TDEE is lower (around 2100) so 1800 is reasonable for a deficit but it's great that you listened to your body and adjusted calories accordingly. :-)

I'm curious what the OP decided to do here - did you still with 2000 or increase a little? I've started a cut before and hunger got the better of me (I lift heavy 4 times a week and run 2 times) but I'm aiming to increase my protein and try to minimise my chocolate treats this time around as they were taking up too many of…

I'm also about to start a -15% deficit after stabilising and then doing the opposite of you blynnblair and overeating on calories. I'm short with about 10lbs to lose so my deficit is around 1800. This includes my calculation of activities so I assume that I don't eat back exercise calories?

I must admit I far preferred Stage 1 routines to the other stages which I also find a little over complicated. However I HATE YTWLSs and do like some of the single leg stuff. I think that if you're doing plenty of compound moves you're working your core all the time so I think that the additional abs are a bit of a waste…

No gloves for me. My husband and I have fun comparing callouses! :-D

I'd recommend putting the bar on a step so that you can start at the right height (and avoid arching your back to bend over to lift it)

Evedroid - very impressive results! Some heavy lifting going on there! Sim0257 - don't be disheartened as it looks as if you're lifting pretty heavy already - you're starting with some weights that I've not reached having practically completed this stage! DB single arm overhead squat - I've worked out what my problem is…

I did order it but am not likely to use it verbatim - more likely to use some of the exercises. I have used the RAMP warm up which is quite good - though long! The exercises are interesting - the focus seems to be on many reps and lower weight, but it should be adaptable to heavier weight work. However it is focused on…

I had the same experience. Really struggled through Stage 2 and then took a week off (doing other stuff but no weights) and felt much better prepared for Stage 3.

Great idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that as I always do HIIT on the stationary bike we have. I will check out those You Tube links too.

Great advice. HIIT tends to burn more calories overall due to the intensity. Running is a great calorie burner if you are comfortable with it but tends to make me hungry! I read an interesting article about running and calorie burn recently - apologies if it's already been posted -…

JDubbs - I too have that problem with the lopsided squat exercise and have grown to loath it! My best attempts are when I get in position when in a squat and starting by pushing up but my squats are really shallow, my arm hurts and I wobble all over the place! Sorry - not much help!

I have a love/hate relationship with this Stage. I have also made adaptations as I'm working out from home. And I hate the YTWLs! I feel as if I'm barely moving and they hurt the back of my shoulder! My favourite is the bench press which I've made gains on and far prefer to press ups when my shoulders tire before my chest…

Please be very gentle with yourself. You are burning muscle as well as fat so you don't want to put additional strain on your body with much calorie burning exercise or the body will start to implode! (not the technical term!) Pilates or yoga seems sensible - minimal calorie burn and good for flexibility and posture.

Bump. Anyone tried this so far? Results?

I'd recommend the New Rules of Lifting for Women book as a guide to start strength training. Don't be afraid of weights. Plus there are lots of tips for home exercisers.

Here's a selection of videos that might help: Prone Jacknife - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=prone+jackknife+video&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enGB440GB440&oq=prone+jacknife+video&aqs=chrome.1.57j0.9563j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Swissball crunches -…

The arm has several different muscles - some work for pushing, some for pulling. The alternating sets alternate between pushing moves and pulling moves.

I found it so difficult to clean the Olympic bar I dropped down to dumbbells for this move so I don't see why you can't substitute these.

Just ordered this. I'm currently doing New Rules but fancy another option if I continue to get minimal results from the former.

Wow - a jog and a long walk AFTER the BWM? You are hard core!

Well I just ordered Drop Two Sizes but want to complete New Rules first if I can. I've been disappointed with changes to my body in New Rules although it has given my training more structure. I've gained a couple of pounds though (fat not muscle!) so that also affects how my body looks. But no sign of the bingo wings going…

Great - will give that a go :-)

Great results. I must admit I am preferring this stage to stage 2 but it does take ages - I didn't even do the intervals today (did intervals on the bike yesterday and ran out of time today) and it took 1.5 hours again for workout B. I'm curious about what the "decline sit ups" are - I've been using a 10kg weight with ball…

I've been wondering the same thing - the only reason that I can think of that it is placed at the end is to ensure you get your cardio (including intervals) in but not to let it interfere with the weights workout. Any other thoughts?

I'm still at Stage 3 but loved this comment as I find these and the YWTLs so painful due to a squished chest! :-D I am full of admiration for those of you doing 3 x 2 min planks! Wow!

Finished workout A last night. Took me 1.5 hours! Is this normal?? I much preferred it to Stage 2. I hate push ups as my shoulders and triceps tire before my chest so I don't get any chest work (with the narrower arms in New Rules) so loved the bench presses. I didn't like the squats with uneven weights - found it really…

I've just had a break week and focused on doing stuff that I never have the energy or time for usually - some aerobics, running. Back to it today!

Inspirational! Just goes to prove that the scales are not an accurate measure and other measurements give a much better idea of improvements. Well done.