[realcdn]

So this morning I started Stage 2. I warmed up with a 15-min walk around the pool, with just enough jogging to get, and keep, my heart rate up. Then I did:

A: Front Squat/Push Press - 25t/10, 35t/10
B1: Step-up (12") - BW/10, 5e/10
B2: Dumbbell One-point Row - 10e/10, 15e/10
C1: Static Lunge, Rear Foot Elevated - 10e/10, BW/10
C2: Push-up (full) - 10, 10
D1: Plank - 60sec, 60sec (these were more like 15,15,15,15)
D2: Horizontal Wood Chop (on floor) - 20t/10, 25t/10

I followed with making up the workout to 60 mins with more walking around the pool.

HRM: 634cals, Max: 160(90%), Avg: 142(80%)

Okay, it's official, I truly suck at the planks. I kind of figured I would. I've got a lot of bodyweight to hold up for 60 seconds. It was really more like 15, fall down, another 15, fall down, etc. I'm not sure in 4 sessions how much better I'm going to get, but I understand it comes back in another phase. Oh joy.

I went to the highest option I have for a step today - 12". I know for some that's not a high step, but for me it's a killer. Although, like before, adding even a little weight to the second set helped with my balance a little bit. The one-point row I felt fairly wobbly, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. The lunge with the rear foot elevated surprised me, in a bad way. I had planned to start with 10lb dumbbells and go to 15 for the second set. I barely managed the first set, and with really poor form, so I went back to bodyweight only for the second set. Next time I'll start with bodyweight and see if I've got the hang of it.

The horizontal wood chop, meant to be done with a cable machine, I did on the floor. I saw another alternate (on the swiss ball) that was mentioned but I suspect my balance on the ball isn't good enough to attempt that. I did all the push-ups on my toes, although I know my form still needs a lot of work. The one surprise was the front squat/push press, which I like. I heard a lot of people talk about how hard it was, so I dropped the weight way back to 25lbs. It was far too easy, so I went to 35lbs on the next set. I felt that one a little more, so it should probably have been my starting weight. Next time I'll maybe do 35 and 45, then start slowly bumping it up.

The weather has also cleared up a little. I was surprised I didn't get rained on when I was outside. Although now it looks like it might turn out to be a nice day. I'll sneak another 30 mins of cardio in somewhere in the afternoon as well, but I'll post that info later with my food for the day.