MissMaggie3 Member

Not so smug tonight - did Workout B for the second time and had to go down on the weights in the 3rd sets. And @steph, I re-read the book on the reverse lunges, and it seemed to say the dumbbell should be ABOVE the shoulder. So I lowered the weight for that too.

OK, tonight I managed lots of assisted pull-ups with legs stretched out and resting on a bench in front of me. I learnt that the further away the bench is, and the straighter the legs therefore, the harder the pull-ups are. So the plan is to keep moving that bench. Also managed 3 x 20 second negative chin-ups (in NROLFW),…

2nd Workout A done this evening. I need a drum roll for this .... I did 20 second negative chin ups!!! I couldn't believe it myself - so proud, lol! I then tried to do a (positive?) chin up, and managed one, but not starting with straight arms, so really only a half (I started from a bench which already had me raised a…

Re; reverse lunge, that was exactly my dilemma. Because I felt I should be holding the weight up (it looks like that in the picture, doesn't it?), I stayed low on the weight. When I thought about it afterwards, I decided that as it is mainly designed to work the legs, it is more important to have a higher weight so I'm…

First of all, sorry to hear about your sore badonkadonk! (I love that word - first time I've come across it; I'm British, you see ;-) ) Yes, the workout seemed really short to me too, and even though it looks like a lot more, workout B didn't seem to last much longer either. Maybe we've been led to expect long, long…

Heh heh! There are more split squats in Stage 6. but don't let that put you off - it's a great stage, honestly!

Just in case anyone else is thinking of dropping out, changing to another programme etc, hang on in there because Stage 6 is great! It's definitely my favourite of them all. Much more upper body work, and perversely enjoyable!

Just did workout B. I'm SO glad I decided to do this stage - it's my favourite. I actively enjoyed this evening's workout; I guess it must be the greater upper body emphasis. The DB push press was the most difficult for me. I managed 24.5lb dumbbells (approximately - I'm translating from kilos), but couldn't do the full…

That's impressive work Samantha. You're going to have great arms with those YTWLs! I missed a lot of cobras & intervals too, but figured I was getting plenty of similar exercises elsewhere.

I didn't understand the true meaning of the word 'hunger' until I started lifting heavy. I'm trying to work to a weekly rather than daily calorie goal, but I often go over when 'The Hunger' strikes. I'm taking it as an unmistakable message from my body that it needs the calories (protein?) to build the muscle, so I go with…

I've just met someone new in the Stage 6 thread. Yippee!!!

Wow! 20lbs, then extra weight - I'm SO impressed! Yes, I agree about the length of the workout, but B looks long in comparison.

Found a great page, just for us: http://experiencelife.com/article/clear-the-bar/

I had the same problem with the bench press - no spotter. It was really frustrating as I knew I could go higher. In my case it was because partner was always out when I was working out, but at the gym could you ask a member of staff?

I'm 54 and have been on here every day for well over a year. It has worked really well for me, initially for weight loss, but now I have fitness goals and am currently lifting using the New Rules of Lifting for Women book (and am approaching the end). New friends welcome.

Thank you Deninevi. Trouble is, I'm working out at home and don't have access to machines; I put the bar across the top of my squat stands to do the negative chin ups, but can't do lat pull downs. I'm going to try solution 1 on this link, but was also thinking of the bands as in solution 2:…

Jumping in here late, but please can I join in? I decided today that doing one pull up is my current life ambition. I'm doing negative chin ups with no serious difficulty, and assisted pull ups, but I'm a long way from doing them (or even one) unassisted. Can anyone advise about which kind of bands (i.e. light, medium etc)…

Just did my first workout A, and I'm so excited as I managed the negative chin-ups. Didn't think I would be able to cope with them at all, so was delighted to be able to do 3 straight off. Lasted 12 seconds on each one, hoping to build up to 20 seconds. Not so sure about doing them with weights though. I'm working out at…

OK, I'm starting Stage 6 tomorrow, and just dropping in to say 'hello', but I'm getting a loud echo in this big, empty room! Is there anybody there....?

Tell me about it! Don't think there's anyone else doing Stage 6 now :(

I had the same problem with the bench press. I think I need a strong servant of some kind to stand next to me and help me just with the bench press. Partner, alas, was normally asleep or watching something riveting on tV! I gave up in the end and just stayed with manageable weights. I didn't do 2 minutes rest either; it…

Wow! This post almost made me cry! I would so love to hear something like that, but working out in my spare room at home, I don't think it's likely somehow, LOL! Very well done for representing us so well - you are an ambassador for women's lifting.

Most of you are in your 40s. I'm 54 - is that too old? :cry:

Done with Stage 5 - phew! Here's my progress (or lack of): BB Romanian DL / Bent over row: From 33.5kg to 37kg Partial single-leg squat: From 13.7kg DBs to 16.2kg Rows (sub for lat pulldown): From 13.7kg DBs to 16.2kg Back extension: Just on swiss ball, but did 12 each set YTWL: Started at 3kg, went up to 5kg, then back…

JNH17 - Wow! You are looking SO good! Thank you for posting your pics - it gives me evidence that this can work; there is hope!

Oh, don't worry - I'll pop back in to keep you company if you like - don't think there will be anyone in Stage 6 so I'll be glad of someone to talk to!

I can hardly believe you are asking this question, but on the basis that you really may not know, here are some links: http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=10771 http://www.nutramed.com/environment/cars.htm http://planetsave.com/2011/05/18/environmental-impact-of-cars-infographic/

Would you mind considering the impact your addiction is having on the rest of us? There is so much environmental damage being done by cars, that I for one would be grateful if you could try to limit your excursions to more essential journeys.

I'm so glad you said that! When I started heavy lifting, plenty of people advised me to stop cardio. For me this isn't just about appearance or weight loss - surely we need to be thinking of our general health and fitness too? I do lifting and cardio, and feel good on it. Edited to add: Let's not forget though that lifting…

Yeah, I started light with the Romanian thingies, but didn't feel like they were doing anything so increased to the point where I could feel it. I'll try the assisted chin ups - thanks for that. Can't wait for Monday night!