[Lisa~]

Lou clarifies these issues in Chapter 10. Now that you've gotten to the actual programs, a thorough reread of Chapter 10 should clear up any confusion that arises when you're looking at the workout charts. If anything is still unclear, ask away.

Stage 1 (the break-in program) takes six weeks to complete if you train three times per week (which he recommends).

Stages 2, 3, 4, and 5 take three weeks each (training three times per week).

When to rest, how to alternate the sets, and how to chose an appropriate load are also covered. It's a chapter with a lot of information, especially if you're new to training.