chocolatecroissant Member

I do these on the swiss ball with a 10kg weight held out and they do work though I tend to do 15 each side and no rest between my abs exercises. I agree with others about the balance challenges in these workouts - I don't feel I can lift much as balance is such a challenge! Start Stage 3 next week...

Respect! That has got to be tough!

I found the AMRAP a killer workout - absolutely shattered both times! I'd recommend it. My question - is AMRAP just for Stage 1 or are you meant to do it after each stage?

Great thread. I wish I was brave enough to leave off the cardio - although I have toned it down as I have less time to fit in cardio and New Rules. I am such a pig that I use the cardio to justify my food over indulgence. Of course it would make more sense to eat less and rest more!

Ouch! That sounds quite scary. Take it easy and maybe get someone in to spot you if you're nervous? The rows aren't too bad as, although I wobble, I don't lift much so it's less frightening than the heavy barbell.

They are nasty! My partner is a personal trainer and tried to help me with these but eventually suggested I do the front squat (which chokes me too) and overhead press separately for now. He said that you need to be able to get the upper arms parallel to the ground at the start of the move which I can't do. He also said…

This is quiet! (Mind you - so is stage 2 as I've been off the boards for a week and my last post is still on the page!) Quite looking forward to this stage as less reps (though more sets) and more diversity. Don't fancy those prone exercises though (YW...) and may abandon them as the similar one in stage 2 gives me pain in…

I do the push ups as prescribed. But just push ups for chest in all the workouts so far means I have a much more developed back than chest! Really not enjoying this stage. Looking forward to stage 3! By the way - I never do deadlifts from the box as I fear falling off it!!

I did my first stage B workout last night - very tough! There's not much for chest in this programme is there? Just a few push ups which I am rubbish at! Looking forward to bench presses in stage 3. And whoever designed that strange prone press thingie doesn't have a chest as that was distinctly uncomfortable! I'm on count…

Thanks for the reassurance - I've had to miss a couple of days due to work commitments so trying workout B tomorrow and a bit nervous as it looks tough (and I'm still struggling to understand the differences between all the lunges/single leg squats despite explanations here!). About the AMRAPs - I thought this was only…

Great increases and I envy your squat and deadlift weights!

Just finished workout A for the first time. I felt like a total beginner again - experimenting with weights like at the start of Stage 1! The squat/push press (thrusters) was just too tough for me with the olympic bar and I had to drop the weight to 15kg, but my shoulders have always been weak. Strange though as I was…

Inspiring results posted here. Nefetete - thanks for asking those questions - I was thinking the same! Luvs Rage Phi - thanks for the responses - how did you get on with the prone cuban snatch as that one looks complicated and I have no idea what weight to use!

That doesn't sound good! Assuming your form is good (can you see the toes of your front leg when you're lunging, are you feet parallel?) I'd get it checked out by a physio to avoid doing further damage.

Thanks for the advice - I start Workout 2 at the weekend.

Well I've done Workout B - struggled with the upper body again (shoulder lifts) similar to Workout A - but had great improvements for legs and back. Has anyone else experienced this imbalance?

I've been away from the forums (and from logging food :-() for a few days but still training. I did my first AMRAP yesterday - what a killer! I might post AMRAPs as a separate topic but thought I'd post my progress as I'm almost ready to move onto Stage 2. Workout A: Squat - 20kg to 40kg Push ups - high step to floor (but…

Impressive increases Jo - and deadlifting more than body weight is awesome! Luvs Rage Pi - I was thinking the same thing - 2 more Stage 1 workouts, AMRAP then onto Stage 2!

That video is awesome! Great technique. I'll watch again when I get to this stage as that is really useful - thanks for posting.

Nearly at the end of Stage 1. My other half commented on tone in abs and arms :-) And today's A workout went much better than the last one with some weight increases and better form.

Nofetete - I had problems with lower back pain on the deadlifts initially - it seemed to be a form issue - my other half watched me and the key is straight back and abs held tight - at least it was for me. Good luck with the programme.

Fantastic results. Great lifting! I was interested that you're squatting heavier than deadlifting while I find it's the other way around. I'd be interested in others' experiences. Good luck with Stage 2.

Fantastic results rduhlir. I should have specified - my maintenance calories according the book are 1800. Weight loss are 1500.

It's fascinating to read the different calorie intakes that people are eating. I am not being very strict with eating to be honest and focusing more on fitness. I don't have much to lose although I'm shorter (5'4) and heavier (135 lbs) than you and my calorie goal according to the book is around 1800. I was pleased to…

Thanks - I think it was just an off day - over tired at the moment. I'll get back into it next time.

Dreadful workout tonight. Struggled with everything and finally managed to find a higher step (simple really - two steps of the steps to the next floor - took my other half to think of that!) and only managed to hold a 5kg plate! Feel a bit deflated after that!

I use the TRX for mountain climbers instead of the prone jacknives as I don't have a Swiss Ball (or I do - but I've lost the pump!) - these seem to work well and are tough! I do 15 each leg, alternating. It'll be a while before/if I get to 100lb lifts!

Inspiring results. You were pretty strong to start with but great increases (weights) and decreases (body weight!) Good luck with Stage 2.

Great idea about the lat pulldown alternative - I work out at home and at the gym. So sometimes I have all the right equipment (although I prefer my home weights as the gym ones are poorly labelled and in demand!) but have to be creative at times. I am lucky that my other half has a squat rack - I'm just a bit scared of it!

Many thanks - that is really helpful - and I'm reassured that the bench on the video is a little high although it has prompted me to be much more aware of my form on step ups as I think I'm being a little slap dash! Good advice on the squats and deadlifts/rows. Most Smith machines have the weights specified - just don't…