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Old 07-03-2009, 12:08 AM   #9 (permalink)
clevagirl73
Couch to 5K Grad!!
 
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South Bay Los Angeles, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phoenix View Post
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!
Phoenix,

Thanks for bringing up this question. I got through 4 weeks of OPT and then stopped for the very same reasons you outlined in your original post. Extending OPT for another 2 weeks to accommodate 3x/week of lifting would help me with my consistency as well. Good luck to you.
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