One Year Down, What Now?

[PeteBDawg]

Hi all,

I bought and read NROL for the first time a couple years ago and started and stopped with it a few times, but about a year ago, I got rolling on it again and have really loved it! For the first time, I've followed a lifting program as prescribed for a whole year (one more week to go!) - I've lost 20 pounds and am a lot stronger; when I went back to pickup basketball this summer, I was a totally different player. I did "the eternal beginner," and it was great to have completing it as something to shoot for.

But now I've finished it, and I need to decide what to do next. I like NROL and would like to keep using the programs, but I really like having something to shoot for and don't think I'd be as excited or confident if I just picked individual 6-week routines on a guess and picked how often I worked out and how as a best guess as well.

As I've mentioned, this is the first time I've worked out consistently for a year, and it feels different from when you're just starting-and-stopping. I am really grateful that force of habit now sends me to the gym rather than serving as an obstacle that gets in the way, but I don't want it to just be habit and not be committed to something positive that is always growing and working toward a goal.

I am managing my diet to lose weight, but I like doing different kinds of lifting, and I enjoy the challenge and activity independently of my weight loss goals, so just doing FLI, FLII, FLIII doesn't sound that exciting over the medium term.

Recommendations? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[missjane]

I moved on to Power Training after NROL and NROL4W and really liked it. Then, back to NROL for a bit again (strength). There's Maximum Strength, Huge in a Hurry, and lots of other programs. Just read thru them and find something you like.

[sg516]

you could always give crossfit a shot. www.crossfit.com

[LiFeIsGoOd]

You can do any of the NROL programs and still lose weight. Obviously the FL ones are more geared towards it, but fat loss is all about diet. If you eat right, you can drop weight on any of the programs. I think you'll find that Schuler mentions that in the book also.

[Hunter]

If you liked the strength programs, try Cressey's Maximum Strength. It's a 16-week program that incorporates some speed and explosive work, so it'll help your b-ball as well. It's a fun program.

[EasyRhino]

Tear up programs, put them into a hat, and pick them at random?

[uberllama]

I've been wondering the same thing. My partner and I have been working through The Eternal Beginner with great results, but only have Strength 1 and FLIII to go. I'm tempted to do a different, maybe shorter cycle including all the strength cycles and a couple others for variety, but it might be good to do something completely different. I personally wouldn't recommend Crossfit. I did it sporadically a couple years back and my impression was that its basically random BS workouts tailored for maniacs. Let us know what you go with!