After sitting down and figuring out my schedule vs. the OPT program, I decided to go with something similar to what you suggested, Dianas.
The original OPT is written so that you alternate A1 and A2 4x/week for 3 weeks, then rest for a week. You do the same thing with B1 and B2 (4x/week for 3 weeks, then a rest week). C1 and C2 are only to be done 2-3 times a week for 3 weeks, and that's the end of the program. -- A total of 33 lifting workouts for the program.
I'm going to work out 3x/week (Mon/Wed/Fri), still alternating A1, A2, A1, A2, etc. However, I'm going to tack on a 4th week onto the A and B workout periods before the rest weeks. That way, I'm still getting the same total of 33 lifting workouts in the program. It's extending the program by 2 extra weeks, but I think that will ultimately work better for my lifestyle.
I've always lacked consistency when it comes to workout programs. I knew that 4x/week involving Saturdays wouldn't work, and I'm sure after several weeks, lifting 4 times in 5 days would begin to wear on me.
I'm sure that altering the program in this way isn't the OPTimal way to do it, but for me I think it is the way that will keep me the most sane and consistent. I can work with my life schedule AND still get all my workouts done. My goal is to FINISH A PROGRAM for the first time ever. It should put me VERY close to my ultimate goal weight, too.
Thanks again for tossing out ideas/opinions for me--I appreciate it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dianas
There's no way to do the 4 weight workouts in 3 days. Your second schedule looks good although fairly busy and not a lot of recovery time. I couldn't lift 4 out of 5 days without getting hurt or over trained although it may be fine for you. With the softball you've also making this 8 activity/exercise sessions not 7 all together. I'd drop the cardio on Wednesday and just play softball. Also with OPT Leigh recommended that you should split up the cardio and weight training on the double up day ie weights am/ cardio pm etc. Can you do that M-Fri?
Another option would be to drop one of the lifting days and limit the lifting to 3 times weekly. Perhaps something like this...
M A1
W A2
Fr B1
M B2
W A1
Fr A2 And so forth
Your cardio could be done on Tu, Thu, and Sat and the recovery whenever. That may work better in the long run for you. With the softball you're actually still getting a total of 7 activity/exercise sessions in a week also. I followed this schedule when I was doing OPT training and couldn't fit it a double workout day. It worked really well for me.
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